if they are truthful to themselves, the will know this is a right step in a right direction...and does not necessarily demand any opposing view..we all saw how things went from bad to worst in those states, even ACN condemned most of the killings, so why the pretence, y stick out their head to show relevence...this is not time for politicking, all hands must be on deck to eradicate this evil from our land

So because the are opposition, they must oppose every thing even when it tends in the right direction...itz really a pity that pple could stl allow their political interest cloud their sensitivity..

this an old pic na...it trend on this same platform and other blogs

plz give us the right time, ur post carries 9pm while on front page it's 7pm...plz make necessary correction[size=20pt]plz give us the right time, ur post carries 9pm while on front page it's 7pm...plz make necessary correction[/size]plz give us the right time, ur post carries 9pm while on front page it's 7pm...plz make necessary correction

The Presidency on Monday rose in stout defence of one of its own, Kingsley Kuku, over a recent purported statement he made to the effect that the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 will be the only guarantee for sustained peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

But Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo was left hung out to dry as the Presidency said his drum beats of war on the 2015 elections “should be ignored by Nigerians who are conversant with his antecedents.”

Political Adviser to the President, Ali Ahmed Gulak, who made the Presidency’s position known on Monday, decried the controversies generated by the statements saying they were “unwarranted and politicised in many respects; hence, there is the need to put the records straight and let Nigerians know that the Presidency does not promote violence.”

“From many quarters, insinuations have come that Mr. President is encouraging his kinsmen to threaten violence; I say without any equivocation that this is absolutely untrue and unduly politicised by those who seek cheap relevance and hide under the opposition to ventilate ignoble comments.

“For purposes of clarification, however, it has become very necessary for us to state that there is the need to separate these two statements allegedly made by the Presidential Adviser and Asari-Dokubo.

“Apart from the fact that both statements are not the same, hence do not deserve the same treatment, it is important to state that Kuku, who oversees the Presidential Amnesty Office was grossly misquoted and deliberately misinterpreted out of context.

“This is said with utmost sincerity because we have cross checked the facts relating to what he said in the United States and we are convinced that he said just what is real and purposeful, that just like other Nigerians, President Jonathan should not be denied the opportunity to run in 2015 if and when he so decides.

The Presidency on Monday rose in stout defence of one of its own, Kingsley Kuku, over a recent purported statement he made to the effect that the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 will be the only guarantee for sustained peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

But Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo was left hung out to dry as the Presidency said his drum beats of war on the 2015 elections “should be ignored by Nigerians who are conversant with his antecedents.”

Political Adviser to the President, Ali Ahmed Gulak, who made the Presidency’s position known on Monday, decried the controversies generated by the statements saying they were “unwarranted and politicised in many respects; hence, there is the need to put the records straight and let Nigerians know that the Presidency does not promote violence.”

“From many quarters, insinuations have come that Mr. President is encouraging his kinsmen to threaten violence; I say without any equivocation that this is absolutely untrue and unduly politicised by those who seek cheap relevance and hide under the opposition to ventilate ignoble comments.

“For purposes of clarification, however, it has become very necessary for us to state that there is the need to separate these two statements allegedly made by the Presidential Adviser and Asari-Dokubo.

“Apart from the fact that both statements are not the same, hence do not deserve the same treatment, it is important to state that Kuku, who oversees the Presidential Amnesty Office was grossly misquoted and deliberately misinterpreted out of context.

“This is said with utmost sincerity because we have cross checked the facts relating to what he said in the United States and we are convinced that he said just what is real and purposeful, that just like other Nigerians, President Jonathan should not be denied the opportunity to run in 2015 if and when he so decides.

]The Presidency on Monday rose in stout defence of one of its own, Kingsley Kuku, over a recent purported statement he made to the effect that the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 will be the only guarantee for sustained peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

But Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo was left hung out to dry as the Presidency said his drum beats of war on the 2015 elections “should be ignored by Nigerians who are conversant with his antecedents.”

Political Adviser to the President, Ali Ahmed Gulak, who made the Presidency’s position known on Monday, decried the controversies generated by the statements saying they were “unwarranted and politicised in many respects; hence, there is the need to put the records straight and let Nigerians know that the Presidency does not promote violence.”

“From many quarters, insinuations have come that Mr. President is encouraging his kinsmen to threaten violence; I say without any equivocation that this is absolutely untrue and unduly politicised by those who seek cheap relevance and hide under the opposition to ventilate ignoble comments.

“For purposes of clarification, however, it has become very necessary for us to state that there is the need to separate these two statements allegedly made by the Presidential Adviser and Asari-Dokubo.

“Apart from the fact that both statements are not the same, hence do not deserve the same treatment, it is important to state that Kuku, who oversees the Presidential Amnesty Office was grossly misquoted and deliberately misinterpreted out of context.

“This is said with utmost sincerity because we have cross checked the facts relating to what he said in the United States and we are convinced that he said just what is real and purposeful, that just like other Nigerians, President Jonathan should not be denied the opportunity to run in 2015 if and when he so decides.
“Kuku, unlike Dokubo, did not say there will be crisis if President Jonathan is not re-elected.

“Of course, we all know that the right to accept or reject anyone at the poll rests with the voters who are the ordinary Nigerians.

“However, it is very vital to state with every sense of responsibility that the views expressed by Dokubo do not enjoy the support of the Presidency, neither do such views or comments represent anything near democracy and the rule of law.

“Therefore, Dokubo should be ignored by Nigerians who are conversant with his antecedents. Here is a man, who just a few months ago took the person of the President and high ranking officials to the cleaners for no just cause,” Gulak said.

He added: “Unlike Kuku, who was quoted out of context, Dokubo is an unserious fellow who speaks from both sides of the mouth even from the highest bidder.

“Nigerians are therefore urged to disregard whatever he says and ignore him as not representing the views of the government.”

http://www.informationng.com/2013/05/2015-war-threats-dokubo-asaris-for-sale-to-the-highest-bidder-presidency.html[quote][/quote]

LONG OVER DUE...THEY SHOULD HAVE KICK STARTED THE PROCESS A LONG TIME

Disagreements over how to share the funds received by Islamic extremist groups led to the splitting of the terrorist sect, Boko Haram, a prosecution witness revealed thursday.

The disclosure was made when the suspected mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa's Catholic Church, in Madalla, Niger State, Mr. Kabiru Umar, also known as Kabiru Sokoto, was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Islamic sect had broken into splinter groups, one of which is Ansaru, which has also launched a series of violent attacks and took responsibility for the kidnapping and killing of foreign workers in northern Nigeria.

During the proceedings at Sokoto's trial, the court also learnt that Sokoto could indeed speak the English Language contrary to previous claims by the suspect, which had necessitated the use of a Hausa interpreter at the beginning of the trial.

At the resumed sitting, the court was shocked when one of the prosecution witnesses, named XYZ, who adorned a mask for security reasons, told the court that the suspect willingly wrote his statement upon his arrest in very clear and precise English.

After the revelation, the court proceeded to confirm the veracity of the suspect's statement and subsequently excused the court's interpreter who had been interpreting proceedings in the Hausa language to the suspect.

The witness told the court that the statement, which the suspected terrorist volunteered to the investigators, disclosed that he had worked as a medical laboratory assistant at the Sokoto State Specialist Hospital before he joined the Boko Haram group.

The witness also informed the court that Sokoto included in his statement details of funding received by the insurgents from an Islamic group, Musilimi Yaa'maa, based in Algeria and how the funds led to the fragmentation of Boko Haram, following disagreements over the sharing of the money.

The witness also told the court that in the statement of the accused, which formed part of the evidence against him, Sokoto also stated that the dreaded Islamic sect resorted to attacking and stealing from Christians because it was considered not to be a sin.

The witness told the court that Sokoto voluntarily gave the statement in which he stated that he belonged to the Boko Haram Sect and that he was the governor of the sect in Sokoto State.

Prosecuting counsel, Chioma Onuegbu, sought to tender the statement as evidence but the defence counsel, Adamu Ibrahim, objected.

Ibrahim told the court that the statement was not obtained voluntarily and prayed the court to declare a trial within a trial.

In the trial within a trial, prosecution witness 2, who was identified as ABC, informed the court that Sokoto had asked for someone to take his statement while he was being interrogated because he was not in the right state of mind to do so himself.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201305100844.html?aa_source=slideout

redsun: If the police can not protect itself,it means it is a failed force. Therefore,a failed state.

Who on earth will feel sorry for brutal and oppressive nigerian police force? It is like feeling sorry for the gestapos. Theirs is a typical case of chicken coming home to roost.

do u know what it means to be ambushed by men using african traditional power ''jazz'', do u? just be objective for once, no matter what u say and no matter wot the police has turned into, their presence is stl dreaded by criminals...imagine ur brother or close ally was part of those killed, will u spit this trash u just did? itz just a pity

byrron:




They and the opposition parties has always been silent when security personnels are killed but becomes noisy when security personnels returns the favor when they kill civilian combatants a.k.a boko haram and their accomplice.
The level of hypocrisy by these so called opposition party card carrying members that calls themselves human right groups is just so glaring and annoying!
Now they are dumb and blind because those that were killed are security personnels under the federal goverment therefore they deserve to die because they are not humans and do not have a right to life hence their rights can be trampled upon by any arm carrying civilian and once the security agencies kills such ones it becomes a crime against humanity as defined by our so called human right activists here in nigeria!
Yet to hear nor read from the opposition and merger clowns and their various town criers called spoke-persons condemning this act nor helping out rather issues of this nature goes unnoticed by them!

EXACTLY MY POINT

wirinet: Because this purely a criminal case. There is nothing human rights groups can do with a criminal organizations such as terrorist groups, drug cartels and militants. They are only effective against governments and corporate and organizations that have legal representatives.

SO EVEN THE ELDERS, CHIEFS, POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS BOTH IN RULING AND OPPOSITION PARTIES, MEDIA CANT MAKE COME OUT TO CONDEMN THIS...THE SATELLITE AGENCY THAT WAS ABLE TO GIVE ALARMING FIGURES ABOUT BAGA WONT GO TO NASARAWA TO EVEN HELP DISCOVER THIS DEAD OFFICERS, EVERYBODY JUST SEEK FOR NEWS THAT WILL PORTRAY NIGERIA AS A COUNTRY WITH SO MUCH EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS BY MILITARY, NOBODY HELPS TO UNRAVEL INIDIVIDUALS WHO CARRY OUT CRIMINAL ACTS RATHER THEY SHIELD THEM...WE REALLY NEED TO BE FAIR IN OUR DOINGS, WE NEED TO CHECK OUR CONCIENCE, AND BE OBJECTIVE WHEN DITCHING OUT JUDGEMENT ON CERTAIN ISSUES.

emmysenior: 1. Maybe they see it as a trivial issue.

2. Maybe they are afraid to bring home an ant infested wood, so as as to avoid the visit of lizards.

3. Maybe the other over hyped news that we hear about killings were being fueled by opposition to GEJ.

4. Maybe they see it as a normal thing for men in uniform to die.

5. Maybe it's due to the sins of the police in the past that killed the spirit of sympathy people had towards them.

emmysenior: 1. Maybe they see it as a trivial issue.

2. Maybe they are afraid to bring home an ant infested wood, so as as to avoid the visit of lizards.

3. Maybe the other over hyped news that we hear about killings were being fueled by opposition to GEJ.

4. Maybe they see it as a normal thing for men in uniform to die.

5. Maybe it's due to the sins of the police in the past that killed the spirit of sympathy people had towards them.

emmysenior: 1. Maybe they see it as a trivial issue.

2. Maybe they are afraid to bring home an ant infested wood, so as as to avoid the visit of lizards.

3. Maybe the other over hyped news that we hear about killings were being fueled by opposition to GEJ.

4. Maybe they see it as a normal thing for men in uniform to die.

5. Maybe it's due to the sins of the police in the past that killed the spirit of sympathy people had towards them.

MAYBE, JUST MAYBE...ITZ SO SAD...AND I WONT BE SURPRISE THAT SOME NIGERIANS WILL SUPPORT THIS INIMICAL ACT...THIS GOES FUTHER TO SHOW HOW HYPOCRITICAL NIGERIANS ARE, ESPECIALLY THOSE SEEKING FOR POLITICAL RELEVANCE.

I need to know or do the lives of security officers matter less...barely 2 weeks ago the media was replete with killings of civilians.
So many different stories emanated, individuals, human rights and even some international org. issued statements and made some allegations, which was a good step.

However, 2,3 days ago similar incidence occurred in Nasarawa involving security operatives, and up-til now, nobody has said anything, no human right talks, the media is silent over it, why?

Does it mean the lives of this officers don't really matter especially with fact that they were trying to curb an imminent danger and were cut off in the line of duty to their father land...

It is so sad that no one has really come out to seek for justice for this grave men, is it fair?

let us critically look at this issue, please.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.

The board, however, withheld 12,110 results for possible disciplinary action.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, announced this at a news conference on the release of the results in Bwari, FCT, on Friday.

The registrar said after thorough processing of answer scripts of the candidates who sat for the examination, the board discovered some forms of malpractice perpetuated during the conduct of the examination.

“However, the results of 68,309 candidates from various centres are undergoing further screening to ascertain the culpability of 12,110 candidates’ results.“

A total of 1,629,102 candidates applied to sit for the Paper Pencil Test (PPT), while 15,008 candidates applied for the Dual Based Test, bringing the number of candidates to 1,644,110.

“The general performance of candidates in this year’s examination shows remarkable improvement compared with last year.

“Ten candidates scored 300 marks and above, while 127,017 candidates scored between 1-159 marks.

“About 40,692 candidates’ results were invalid due to either multiple shading or no shading at all. After processing all the results, the board also discovered that about 47,974 candidates were absent.“

The registrar assured the candidates that their results could be accessed on the JAMB Website: www.myjambresult.com using their registration numbers.

He said about 40 centres would be screened to ascertain their culpability and warned the public against Internet fraudsters.

“Information reaching JAMB shows Internet fraudsters are already telling candidates that their results could be upgraded in one form or the other. “

This is pure deceit, the public and candidates are hereby advised to disregard these fraudsters since they do not have access to our data.

“Let me once again state that candidates are allowed to change their choices of institutions and courses once only, this change has to be effected within two weeks from today. “

Ojerinde said the Computer Based Test (CBT) is scheduled to take place from May 18 to June 1 and appealed to candidates to reprint their e-registration slips afresh to further ascertain their CBT centres

http://www.punchng.com/education/jamb-releases-2013-utme-results-withholds-12110-results/

kross_01:
Ur point bro is that there were no pictures to support the claim of 50hilux trucks, but then our journalists have become wiser ever they too became targets for the boko guys. They'ld rather come after the deed is done than risk their necks reporting live. As for the truth behind the number of trucks, it doesnt change the fact that(even if they came on foot) those guys came as early as 4pm & did the damage they did without anyone challenging them. Infact in the report it was even a police witness that said; they did all they did 'without being challenged by security operatives'.

a policeman wont grant such interview, is he not a security operative? the story is been exergerated, i dnt stl belive it...probably the was an attack in the area but not as deadly as the claim

so? wotz the big deal...who r world leaders? rubbish... r they not only thinking of themselves and countries and what they stand to benefit from other alleged smaller countries...the should park well jooorrrrrr..
Is Nigeria the only country with insecurity probs, it is a global thing, and to an extent it has been reduced to a large extent if we r going to be truthful to ourselves..haba this whateva world leaders should allow us enjoy ,.our country, who knows if the dnt hav a hand in all this dat is happening

Media will always be the ones to manufacture such stories to sell their papers, do u guys know what 30 hilux cars is? let alone 50, haba na...datz not true...the media is suppose to play a vital role in the security of lives and properties in the country, but obviously the have compromised, the now resort to creating fears and magnifying terror for thier own selfish gain.
will the military watch dis guys in 50 hilux carry out such inimical acts without any resistive attack? no it is impossible...i personally i dnt believe dis, i cnt just take wot eva i read to be true, it so absurd for the media to propagate such news, itz so unprofessional.
come to think of it, not even one soul was killed? haba na...will boko boys attack without killing? there is more to this story, i dnt believe it and we Nigerians need to always critically look into issues before accepting and believing, dnt let pple manipulate your thought and sense of reasoning. if really it is true, pics(real, not frm some other disaster o).

when there are more better things to talk about, this two r busy fighting for land and supremacy...mtchewwwwww..abeggi

The State Security Service (SSS) on Friday arraigned an alleged Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Umar aka Kabiru Sokoto, in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Umar is arraigned in connection with the Christmas Day bombing of the St.Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla in Niger in 2011.

`Kabiru Sokoto’ is alleged to have had information about the bombing but failed to inform law enforcement agents.

The accused is charged for allegedly being a member of a terrorist group known as Boko Haram between 2007 and 2012 at Mabira Sokoto in Sokoto State.

He was also allegedly found to have facilitated the execution of a terrorist act within the period.

The charge read that the suspect committed an offence contrary to Section 4(1) (a) of the Terrorism and Prevention Act 2011 and punishable under Section 33(1) (b) of the same Act.

According to the charge, the suspect committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two count-charge attracts life sentence, but the accused pleaded not guilty.

Justice Adetokunbo Ademola ordered that both the prosecution and defence counsel had until April 26 to file all related processes in respect of the case.

Ademola turned down an attempt by the defence counsel, Mr Adamu Ibrahim, to move an oral bail application for ``Sokoto'', but granted his request that the accused be transferred from SSS custody to Kuje Prison.

He advised Ibrahim to reapply for bail by way of a written application, adding ``you reserve the right to seek bail for your client but you have to come formally before the court in view of the nature of the offence''.

NAN reports that hearing in the case has been adjourned to between May 2 and May 9.

NAN recalls that the initial attempt for ``Sokoto'' to be arraigned in court on March 20 was stalled because of the absence of the defence counsel. (NAN)

http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/52430/2013/04/19/sttheresa_catholic_church_bombing_sss_arraigns_kabiru_sokoto.html

The police have gone to the scene of the crime and we could not find any car parked there; no trace of shells on the ground.”

The Commissioner of Police in the Nigerian Capital, Abuja, Olufemi Ogunbayo, has denied that there was an assassination attempt on leading opposition politician, Dino Melaye.

Mr. Ogunbayo stated this in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday.

Mr. Melaye said his vehicle was shot at on Monday night in the Central Business District of Abuja; and the former federal lawmaker described the incident as an assassination attempt.

Speaking to PREMUIM TIMES on Tuesday evening, Mr. Melaye said he has reported the attempted assassination to the Abuja police boss and would further look up to God for more protection.

Mr. Ogunbayo confirmed that Mr. Melaye did actually report the incident, but said it cannot be described as an assassination attempt as there was no evidence of gunshot.

The police boss narrated what Mr. Melaye reported to the police. He said the ex-lawmaker said he was on his way home from the National Hospital, Abuja in his air conditioned car, all windows wound up, and was listening to a cool music when he noticed a range rover sport golf car drive past his.

“The car was said to have parked few meters away from his and the next thing he (Mr. Melaye) heard was a loud sound which he taught was a gunshot. Dino Melaye never said the shot was aimed at him,” the police boss said.

Mr. Ogunbayo said, “The police have gone to the scene of the crime and we could not find any car parked there; no trace of shells on the ground.”

“And there is car dealer store at the area which we went to ask if they heard any gunshot and they said no they never heard any gunshot,” he added.

The police boss said further investigation showed that Mr. Melaye’s car window is not bullet proof; and if there was a gunshot it would have penetrated straight into the car and he would have been shot dead. He said the window has a sign of a crack on it, which could have been a result of the loud sound.

“If they had wanted to kill Dino, they do not need to drive and park meters away from Dino’s car before shooting, they would have just blocked his car and shoot him at the spot, so that cannot be called an attempted assassination. And how then is it possible for you to be in your car wind up enjoying the air condition and a very cool music and then you hear a gunshot?” he said.

Mr. Ogunbayo said Mr. Melaye’s car has been returned to him and further investigations are ongoing on the matter.

Mr. Melaye, formerly a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party is now one of the most vociferous critics of the federal government. He is now a member of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria and has been at the forefront of the demand for probity and accountability in government.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/129941-there-was-no-assassination-attempt-on-dino-melaye-abuja-police-commissioner-says.html

As the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) appears to grow increasingly fragmented, a faction describing itself as being “under the leadership of Comrade Henry Okah” has disowned the spokesperson named Jomo Gbomo and the activities called “Hurricane Exodus” and “Operation Barbarossa.”



On April 14, MEND, in a statement signed by Jomo Gbomo, announced “Operation Barbarossa,” a crusade it said will begin on May 31 “to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation.” It said the campaign will comprise bombing of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassinations of clerics.”

Gbomo also said that “Hurricane Exodus” would continue, saying it was responsible for the April 13 destruction of Oil Well 62, belonging to Shell Petroleum, in Ewellesuo community,Nembe, Bayelsa State. The police immediately denied that claim.

In today’s statement signed by “Comrade Timi Azizi,” MEND said that neither members of its high command nor loyal foot soldiers of “MEND-OKAH” are associated with the operations referred to by Jomo Gbomo.

“Our primary objectives at present are as follows (a) to secure the release of our leader (Comrade Henry Okah) and other members of our fraction in various detention centers in the country, Compensate families of our members killed by the security agencies, Withdraw all military personnel (JTF) and tanks in the region then hand over the control (total) of our resources back to us.

“As the spokesperson to Comrade Henry Okah, I wish to assure Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large that the operation Barbarossa is an imagination of the “old brigade” trying to gain relevancy hence we strongly advise this so called Jomo Gbomoto desist from this acts and stop using the name of Henry Okah as a reason(s) for their criminal activities or else we will fish them out and hand them over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution,” the statement warned.

Turning to Mujaheed Asari Dokubo, the statement warned that Henry Okah owes him nothing and that he should be grateful for all Okah did for him. “Before you came in contact with him, you were a no-body, we are watching, mind your utterance as we might come for you someday for our pay cheque,” the statement said.

“For those saying that MEND no longer exists, we all know it's not true; MEND is strongly rooted in all the Southern States of the Federation and beyond, soon we will take decisions against those that betrayed the struggle and the region.”

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/hurricane-exodus-operation-barbarossa-mend-denounces-mend

A group, Middle Belt Dialogue, has objected to the planned amnesty for Boko Haram, citing the sect’s alleged atrocities against Christians in the north over the last three years.

In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, the group claimed that Boko Haram torched 200 churches and killed over 1,250 Christians during the period.

This, it said, is enough to deny the sect any reprieve.

In the letter entitled “Please rethink that journey to nowhere with Boko Haram,” and signed by one Emmanuel Alamu, the group said there is no basis for comparing a political/economic, based agitation by Niger Delta militants with a religious/political ideological- based struggle of Boko Haram.

Alamu did not say who he is, neither did he disclose the identity of other members of the group. Nothing was equally said about the group: its objectives, when it was formed, and when it met to take a position on the move by government to grant amnesty to Boko Haram.

The Middle Belt Dialogue which gave its address as Suite 21,Silla Seka Plaza, Adebayo Adedeji Plaza, Utako, Abuja, and its e-mail address as info@middlebeltdialogue.com, said it does not see how the planned amnesty will work in view of Boko Haram’s link with Al-Qaeda.

It, however, said that should President Jonathan decide to go ahead with his plan, Boko Haram must be made to meet 10 conditions.

These are: the leadership of the group(s) must come out of the closet; all factions of the group must be involved in the negotiations; renunciation of violence by Boko Haram; they must undertake to submit to the federal government a register of all their members; they must surrender to the federal government all arms and ammunition in their possession; they must disclose their source(s) of finance and arms; they must sign an undertaking to never revert to violence; they must undertake to repay the assessed cost of damages wreaked on private properties and places of worship; and they must offer unconditional apology to Nigerians for the damage that has been done to their psyche through their activities.

The Middle Belt Dialogue also called for the rebuilding of all churches and houses destroyed by the sect and the resettlement of all displaced communities.

It said: “The Boko Haram, even as the champions of this amnesty are on the campaign trail, has in the last seven days attacked and destroyed Middle Belt communities in Southern Kaduna State, Adamawa State (where the village of the Deputy Governor and the house of the deputy Governor, a Christian were targeted and destroyed), Riyom in Plateau State, parts of Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue states.”

The group attributed the Boko Haram attacks to the outcome of 2011 general elections and said: “Indeed, statistics released by international agencies show that more Christians were killed in Nigeria in the year 2012 for their faith than the rest of the world combined. It may be noted that the Boko Haram attacks spiked after the April11, 2011 elections.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/middle-belt-dialogue-lists-10-conditions-for-boko-haram-to-get-amnesty/

The Governor of Akwa Ibom state; Mr Godswill Akpabio has claimed that he was misunderstood for his recent confession that he struck out the name of a Senatorial candidate for Senator Etuk during the 2011 general election.

Mr Akpabio during an exclusive interview with Channels TV breakfast progamme; Sunrise Daily, stated that “I was misunderstood.”

“What happened was, we had a political meeting before the primaries where the list of people were given to me-possible candidates for the Senate in my senatorial district. And I struck off the name of the person that was recommended to me and I said no that, I will prefer another person because the senatorial seat should be zoned to the minority local government.”

The governor emphasised that the name substitution was “before the primaries, long before the general election.”

A 48 seconds video which was uploaded on the internet, went viral as the Governor was seen during a reception for the Good Governance tour in Uyo, admitting that he struck out the name of a candidate in favour of Senator Aloysius Etuk, the current chairman of Senate committee on Pension Reform Task Team; so that his Senatorial district can produce the Senate.

Further explaining the situation around the cancellation of the name, Mr Akpabio described it as a “political meeting.”

“It was a political conglomeration where we converge and discuss the affair of who should contest the Senate within the rank and file of an in-house arrangement before the primaries” he said.

He emphasised that the ‘political conglomeration’ was “before the PDP primaries” and we were trying to decide who we should vote for and what area we should vote.”

“And somebody needs to know, this was not a general elction, not even a primary. It was not even an election we were talking about.”

When asked if the meeting was an internal arrangement, the Governor replied with an emphatic no. “It was before the voting where we were trying to decide who we will vote for at the primaries.”

“I am not INEC, even INEC cannot strike out somebody’s name and put another person’s name after an election result has been announced.”

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/04/12/confession-to-election-rigging-i-was-misunderstood-akpabio/

Air Force Launches Commercial Airline

A new chapter began in the history of the Nigerian Air Force as the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, yesterday commissioned a commercial aircraft purchased by its personnel.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, assured Nigerians of safety in Nigerian air space, saying that their aircraft and personnel were in perfect shape as he expressed satisfaction with the project. At the launching of a United Airline Boeing 737-500, Badeh said the newly acquired aircraft was under a joint partnership between the Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services of the Nigerian Air Force Holding Company (NAFHC) and Solicom Engineering Nigeria Limited, a product of Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

He said, “I am so glad with this aircraft; every Air Force personnel contributed to it and it is the first of the series of aircraft that the force plans for carrying troops.” He said its purchase would not deny the patronage of C-130 and others in its hanger.

Earlier in her speech, the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, who was represented by the new Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila Numa, said that with the coming on board of the Boeing 737-500 series, it was hoped that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would build its airlift very soon since it has the capability to do so.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Group Managing Director, NAFHC, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Kure, said the aircraft would commence operations with the initial client base of mainly Armed Forces, Police and other para-military force. He also said that the aircraft would be available for charter, adding that this will contribute towards personnel motivation since they will be airlifted to reduce fare. In his remark, the managing director, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited (AETSL), Air Vice Marshal Alkali Muhammed Mamu, said the AETSL is solely owned by the officers and men of the NAF.

http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/51928/2013/04/12/air_force_launches_commercial_airline.html

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Thursday, said the salary structure of Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi remains untouched in spite of lean resources of the Federation.

On Wednesday, the NFF had announced it would slash its expenses due to cash crunch and among a series of decisions arrived at was to review appointments of coaches in its employ and a reduction in payments of those retained.

However, Keshi will not be affected in the cost-saving measure as the chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee Chief Emeka Inyama said doing that will amount to a breach of contract.
“The NFF has a contract with coach Stephen Keshi clearly-spelt-out and we intend to respect that contract.

“That contract says Keshi is to get N5million as monthly salary. Nothing has changed.”

Making clarifications, Inyama explained that those to be affected were backroom staff and the national team whose bonuses and allowances were reviewed downwards due to NFF’s poor finances.

“We have talked about auditing of staff of the national teams, especially backroom staff, as well as pegging of bonuses and allowances.

“We are constrained to do this as a result of our poor finances and we believe that Nigerians understand we have to do this in order to continue to fulfill our obligation of presenting the national teams for international competitions,’’ added Inyama.

http://tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/sports/item/9450-keshi-s-salary-intact-nff

A combined team of security agencies in Lagos have arrested 251 suspected aliens, following a raid on the Gatankowa market in Abule-Egba, just before midnight on Tuesday.

DSP Ngozi Braide, the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said that the raid was jointly carried out by men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police and the State Security Service.

According to her, those arrested were being screened.

Braide said that the aim was to rid Lagos of aliens who had no justification to be there, as part of efforts to enhance security in the state.

The spokesperson could, however, not confirm whether arms were recovered during the raid.

Braide denied allegations that the operatives were in the habit of forcefully seizing valuables and money from aliens during such raids.

She said that such raids would continue across the state and urged those who were carrying out their legitimate businesses not to panic.

http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/51948/2013/04/12/security_operatives_arrest_251_aliens_lagos.html

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati has said President Goodluck Jonathan, holds the media in high esteem and its freedom sacred hence nothing should be done to abuse it.

In a long press statement titled “Leadership Newspaper, Media Responsibility and the Police”, Abati, insisted, the invitation by the Nigeria Police Force to Leadership newspapers over its story which purported that a presidential directive had been issued to clamp down on opposition parties and its key figures was not an attempt to stifle the press but as part of police responsibilities to ensure that it act in the public interest.

The Presidential Spokesman in response to Leadership newspaper’s position that the invitation of its editors and reporters was part of government plan to abridge the freedom of the press, said rather than view the invitation from this context, it behoves on Leadership and the media to ‘to double check their claims, and where errors had been made, to quickly retract the story”.

He noted that Nigerians fought so hard to end an era whereby serious attempts were made to muzzle the media, hence unfettered contributions, investigations and accountability audit of those holding public office today and tomorrow is welcomed.

The Leadership newspapers had in a banner headline alleged that government had issued a presidential directive to security agencies to truncate the propose merger of opposition parties in order to present a formidable challenge to the Peoples Democratic Party in the coming elections.

Following the disavowal of the presidentcy to the existence of such directive, Leadership newspaper published a bromide of what it said was the directive, prompting the police to invite and subsequently detain some of its editors for a day before they were released.

The newspaper restated that it stood by the authenticity of its story.

The full statement read:



Our attention has been drawn to a statement by the Leadership Newspaper titled “Statement on the Arrest and Detention of LEADERSHIP journalists” (April 10), the latest episode in the matters arising from the same newspaper’s publication of an alleged “Presidential Directive” which we have had cause to disavow because the basis of the story proved to have been a dubious ‘bromide’ containing nothing more than “a mishmash of carefully arranged and concocted lies, presented to the public as evidence of a document emanating from the presidency.” Yet, the Leadership newspaper insisted that “it stood by its story.”

As a responsible government committed to providing good governance and protecting the rule of law, the rebuttal from the presidency was appropriate; yet its symbolism runs far deeper. It ordinarily ought to have motivated all concerned with or related to the process and issues contained therein, particularly the publishers and editors, to double check their claims, and where errors had been made, to quickly retract the story. This would have been in line with the ethics of professionalism, good conduct and unbiased reporting.

This approach reflects the crucial role of a bridge which a best-practice media performs, in the management of the civil engagement between elected officials and the citizenry. Underpinning this social contract is the principle that the freedom of expression goes hand in hand with great responsibility. Given the Leadership Newspaper’s insistence that it stood by its story, questions are automatically raised about professional ethics and the social responsibility of the media, which certainly, by the rules and codes of practice of the various media associations in the country do not accommodate the publication of falsehood, or inciting material, or the abuse of the media’s constitutional mandate.

The circulation of a fictitious ‘presidential directive’ that seeks in the main to cause civil strife, engender a breakdown of law and order, and negate the values of our democracy is a very grievous act indeed that should not be ignored. At its core, such a disruptive act erodes the ethos of governance and professionalism and naturally stirs up those entrusted with the protection of law and order; as it should also, every responsible citizen, interest group and the entire media. In that regard, President Jonathan did not have to issue any orders before those who have as much constitutional responsibility as the media; that is, the police, see the need to act in the public interest.

continue from the link

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/cover/our-case-against-leadership-abati/

Wikileaks, the alarm-blowing online news portal is at it again. It has hit real hard on Nasir El-Rufai, former FCT minister over his rag to riches journey.

Take a good look at the allegation bullets as released by www.facebook.com/ncrmcomments www.ncrmonline.org and spread online.

Homeless before assuming office.
Could not get a loan to import a taxi from the UK.
El-Rufai was at the center of OBJ’s Admin corruption ring.
Out of office ended one of the richest Nigerians.

According to the portals, El-Rufai has been described as brain behind corruption in Nigeria.

This is classified information held by the United States of America Embassy in Lagos, south-west Nigeria.

Wikileaks described El-Rufai who was living as destitute, “well-known to PolCouns eight year ago, when he was homeless and seeking a loan to import a taxi from the UK, al-Rufai is said to have recently purchased seven up-scale properties in a posh Abuja Neighbourhood.

His demolitions of commercial and residential buildings in the capital have reportedly provided an opportunity for himself and several of his friends.
After demolishing residential properties in Kubwa, the land was
reallocated to several of his friends and to an investment company he allegedly owns.

The community of Chika, where about two square miles of development was demolished in December, has allegedly been allocated to the same group of people. – Wikileaks.

The disgraced former minister was indicted from his various roles in government and is currently being prosecuted in court for his alleged improprieties. - Courtesy of Wikileaks.

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/14387249/content/94013601-nasir-el-rufai-the-2003-2007-minister-in-charge-of-nigeria-s-federal-capital-of-abuja

mikeansy: No insurgence anywhere around the world has been defeated without the local or host community rejecting the insurgents.

I dont know that there is a direct link between Buhari and Boko Haram and will not go as far as suggesting that. But Buhari and the Northern Establishment must take political/moral responsibility for their response to the carnage going on there right now. So long as they lack the courage to condemn the actions of Boko Haram in unequivocal terms, so long as they are not supporting security forces to weed out Boko Haram then they must own up to their own inaction.

The security of lives and properties of all Nigerians is the priority and executive responsibility of Federal Government. But the wider citizenry also have a role to play in helping Government protect us. Buhari as a citizen, an ex leader and leader of the opposition has not shown enough leadership on this issue. Nigerians are getting killed and Buhari can not wait until he gets elected to be helpful.

If Buhari has advised Government and they are not listening then say to Nigerians in clear terms what your position is! Granting interviews on BBC saying "Government knows what to do to get the militants to melow" means absolutely nothing!

well said...it's not all about running to foriegn media platforms to grant interview aimed at maligning the govt, effort has to be made to help eradicate this menace, by spearheading the peace process, or even condemning it and showing some act of sympathy towards the affected ones, but itz a pity that he (Buhari) isnt ready to do such, rather he is hell bent on becoming the President...too bad.

nuclearboy: If truly govt says Buhari is the solution to boko haram, then this is tacit acceptance that he's d man to take Nigeria out of the woods! GEJ promised to do so but now wants Buhari to do his work?

And we are all witnesses that it was his party members that threatened his ascension!

All these excuses and blame-mongering rather than governance is saddening

i believe goverance will be difficult when there is no peace in the land...i think the Presidency is just holding Buhari by his statement during the 2011 election campaign, cos we all no dat was the origin of this problem, the boko haram prob.

The Presidency on Tuesday fell short of attributing the current insurgency in some parts of Northern Nigeria to Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) who it described as a leading protagonist of violence.

Buhari, a former Head of State, while speaking on the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation in London on Monday, said the Federal Government should be blamed for the lingering security challenges in the country.

Reacting to the interview, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said that it was unfortunate that Buhari could make such a statement.

Okupe who described Buhari as a man he holds in high esteem, however added that he had no option but to reply to his accusations against the Federal Government and the President.

Okupe said, “Everybody in this country knows that it was Buhari who vowed that if he did not win the election, he would make the country ungovernable for this President.

“It was this same Buhari, who said during the electioneering period that if the votes were counted and he lost, people should go for blood.

“He is not in any position to apportion blame on the issue of violence in the North or in Nigeria in general.

“He is a protagonist of violence. The only solution he sees to his not being President is to call for violence.

“This government has tried to contain some of the repercussions of the unguarded statements made by Buhari and I don’t think anybody in Nigeria will take him seriously on this allegation.”



Okupe wondered why the Daura State-born general had refused to visit states like Borno and Yobe despite the fact that he hails from the northern part of the country.

He said, “As a former Head of State, have you ever seen him (Buhari) visiting Borno or Yobe State? Have you ever seen him show sympathy to people , either Christians or Muslims that have been killed during these attacks (by Boko Haram)?

“Have you see him as a leader, a man who traversed the entire length and breadth of the North especially to canvass for votes seeking an end to the violence; why is it that he cannot use that same clout that he has to get leaders together and say we must put an end to this carnage?

“He finds it comfortable to shift the blame to other people. What has he done as a leader, who is from that region to help Nigeria and the North out of this unfortunate development?

“Nigerians should ask him, as a former Head of State and stakeholder in the Nigeria project and a man who wants to be President again, if he would want Nigeria to be destroyed up to a point before he can try to wade in? It does not work that way.”

Okupe said as a leader, Buhari should go beyond apportioning and do something crucial to bring the carnage in the country under control.

He reminded the Congress for Progressive Change’s national leader that during the crisis in Niger Delta, leaders from the region went into the creeks and discussed with the militants to lay down their arms.

“Has Buhari done that? When Christians were killed, he kept quiet, when mosques were bombed, he did not say anything. He doesn’t have any other interest in Nigeria but his inordinate ambition to rule,” he added.

http://www.informationng.com/2013/04/insecurity-buhari-should-be-held-responsible-presidency.html

[size=20pt]HAPPY EASTER TO Y'ALL[/size]