₦airaland Forum

Integration will change Southwest


Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi spoke with editors of The Nation when he visited the Lagos Corporate Headquarters of Vintage Press Limited on Southwest regional economic integration, the minimum wage debacle, challenge of governance, the proposed constitution amendment and clamour for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC). Excerpts:
Minimum wage
There is no conspiracy against the national minimum wage. It has not received the most necessary critical analysis by the media and politicians. For us in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), we believe that we should pay the National Minimum Wage. But we are also bound by the agreement of the Governors Forum with the Nigeria Labour Congress that it should be paid in a manner that reflects the realities and peculiarities of the state. I think that is what we are trying to achieve.
There are issues. Fourteen governors were not part of the decision that produced the National Minimum Wage that was announced by the President, because we were not part of the negotiation that culminated into it. That does not mean that government is not a continuum or that we cannot inherit assets and liabilities. N18,000 is not too much; it is not up to a living wage. One hundred and twenty dollars is not a living wage; but payment should reflect the reality in the various states and zones.
The minimum wage principle, which was pioneered by United Kingdom, is to protect the interest of workers that are either not tenured or workers in the lowest cadre. The governirs do not have problem with Level one to six. Where it breaks down is where 100 per cent increment is replicated for Levels Nine  to 17. Labour did not want to compromise that.

Our strategy in Ekiti
In Ekiti, I brought NLC chairman to the Fiscal Allocation Committee meeting to see the financial situation of the state. I exposed the comrade chairman of NLC in Ekiti to the financial books; the IGR, the federal allocation. After two meetings, he refused to come again. He said it was not his job to come to that meeting and that I as the governor should look for the money to pay the minimum wage.
I have done much for workers since I assumed the reins. I have restored car loans, housing loans. I was the first to pay relativity wage in the Southwest. I obliged the demands of medical doctors and health workers.
What exactly constitutes minimum wage? In Ekiti, we have the policy of reducing tuition for students, who are children of workers; teachers, civil servants and others.  Before, they paid N150,000 a tuition in the state-owned university. Some have two children, amounting to N300,000.  They now pay N50,000 for each child, thus saving N200,000. Where should that social benefit be reflected? Is that part of the minimum wage or not? How should we classify that?  That aspect is never included in the debate. We provide free health, free education , social security for the elderly. There is 200 per cent cut from tuition. We need a holistic debate on this issue. It is not that governors do not want to pay.  There is a difference between a case of “won’t pay and can’t pay. I need to do everything to make sure that I make life easier for our workers.
In Ekiti, we had settled for relativity wage, which other states in the Southwest have latched on to. In Ekiti, the minimum wage was N9,000. When we did relativity, it came N13,000. From N9,000 to N18,000, that is hundred percent increase.  At that, the implication is that every month, we will be paying N200 million more. Where it breaks down is where you now ask governors to prorate the senior cadre; from Level Seven to 17 and replicate that 100  per cent increase. That is the problem. It is not that governors are opposed to it. Labour, on the other hand, is fighting for the interest of workers. NLC wants it reflected for all the workers.
But we are also confronted with the campaign promises that we made. It is not a zero sum game and not one against the other. but the reality is that we made those promises and we must fulfill them. Infrastructure development is not cheap. Social service is not cheap. But if I use almost 80 percent of the resources of Ekiti State servicing less that a 100,000 workers, it is not sustainable. Apart from  Lagos and Ogun, which are not borrowing money to pay, in the Southwest, I am the only one that is so affected.
I told workers that I wanted to do integrated bio-metric pay roll system, they were up in arms because they know what will come up at the end of the exercise. The salary bill of Ekiti should not be what it is now. Even, if I pay all the minimum wage, it should not be up to that. Something somewhere must be tackled and you need some level of boldness to do what is not popular, but it has to be tackled.

Regional Integration
One of the things we need to do is to come together. Interestingly, Ekiti became the template that others decided to use. Lagos and Ogun are slightly different. But the four of us came together: Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo; and we compared the figures and we reached a level of understanding. We discovered that our labour leaders always played us against one another. They would go to Ondo and say, Ekiti is already paying this or that. We had to agree on a fixed amount, rather than a prorated percentage amount for the rest of workers from Level Seven to 17. But it became a problem in Osun because Osun has not done relativity before the minimum wage debate. Ekiti had done it. Oyo quickly followed. Osun has now done it. That is part of the peer learning that has to happen to strengthen the workforce.  The public service across the board is poor. There is a high level of de-motivation; there is no interest beyond salary. [b]In Ekiti, one of the first things I started was that nobody should be automatically promoted in the service. The practice is that when you spend three years on level seven, you move to the next stage. Once I said the senior permanent secretaries would take examinations to become the Head of Service, everybody woke up. They knew that I was not going to choose anybody that is politically close to me. So, there was examination for the civil service. I called Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun from the World Bank and requested him to do the exam for the senior permanent secretaries. He did it and the person who came first became the Head of Service. Everybody was shocked. By the time we did the examination for the remaining permanent secretaries, those who failed were asked to leave. It was clear that they were leaving because they did not pass the exams. They were not happy, but it became a standard practice. By the time I got to the school principals, they accepted it a ‘Fayemi’s way’ and that they must do exams before they move to the next level. I believe that, gradually, things are going to improve. You cannot make it a one-way traffic. You cannot say people should do exams, if you don’t provide the right incentive to work with. That is part of what we are doing to change the tone and improve governance, including establishing an Institute of Governance for public servants, similar to what we had in Adebayo Adedeji’s Institute of Public Administration in those days for the training of civil servants. So, that is something we have decided to collectively share. [/b]
There are other aspects that are critical to the peer learning process. We have decided to set up a technical committee to look at the mechanics of working together. We also decided that we must have somebody in charge of regional integration in each of our states. We all have things to share with one another, whether it is Abiye Maternal Programme in Ondo or the infrastructural development in Lagos, or job initiatives in Osun and Ekiti. We have things we can share. We decided at that meeting that, if we need to work together, we had to embrace the entire, original Western Region; from Lagos to Delta, rather than from Lagos to Ekiti. The regional economic integration is more concentrated, apart from the institutional development. Areas of cooperation cover power, integrated development, infrastructural development, and agriculture. We can make faster progress in all of those areas, instead of sticking to governance framework alone, though that will not be excluded.

Education
I don’t agree with the suggestion of dramatic consolidation of our tertiary system. Who would like to associate with the three glorified secondary schools, which we called universities? Not even Lagos, with all its resources, has three universities. Lagos has LASU and it is still struggling. Rivers has  University of Science and Technology. It is still struggling. Ondo state had two, but it has to step down the Science and Technology one that started under Agagu. There is Ambrose Ali University in Edo and DELSU in Abraka (Delta). Ogun has two; Tai Solarin University of Education and Olabisi Onabanjo University. Go and look at what is happening to education in Ogun. I am not suggesting that we cannot have many more universities than we have in Ekiti. But, if we do, it should be a conscious effort to turn Ekiti to the Massachusetts of Nigeria and where we actually export qualitative education and people come there for that purpose. Even in the Massachusetts we are talking about, of the 100 or so universities that are there, only about six are state-owned. others are private. They are doing very well, but they are private universities. And we felt that there was no need of keeping three universities, just in name only. It was not our decision per see. The education summit that we put together came up with that.

Secondary education
We did not just do it at the university level, we also consolidated at the secondary level. We are probably the first state that did that in the country. We put together the junior and senior secondary schools in Ekiti. In my own old school (Christ School), we had four principals and they were fighting one another. It is the first school in Ekiti. They were even fighting over who would collect the rent for social events because they rent out the premises for social events every weekend. The junior school principal would say they were using part of his premises in the same school for social events. It became a major impediment. I asked the Minister of Education, when I visited her why we don’t have this artificial division in federal government colleges. She said ‘I don’t know. I don’t know why they do it in the states too, but I think what you have done is right and I will recommend it to other states’. That has necessitated the reduction in the number of principals in those schools, and “demoting” some of them to vice principal status.
Again, this is not unique. When we were in school in the past, somebody could be a Vice Principal in Christ School and become a principal in Ayede Grammar School. It was the grade of the school that determined what you are and the status you carried as a principal. These are the things we just need to make clear to our people, even if they are unhappy about it. No doubt, a lot of people are not happy about the steps I have taken on this issue, but I am convinced this is the right way to go to have quality education.

Infrastructure in the universities
At the same time, we are looking at the question of infrastructure. We just advertised the position of the Vice Chancellor in the University of Ekiti now. And I have literarily handed off beyond the subvention we have increased to the university. I was determined to put together a Governing Council worth its name, not just appointing politicians who would go and collect contracts. So, I chose somebody I have a lot of respect for, not just because he is an old boy of my school, but because he knows much about education as the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof.Jide Osuntokun. Other members are Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr Kole Shetima of the MacArthur Foundation, Prof. Agbede of UNILAG Law Faculty. I know that such people will turn the university around. Even, the university can generate resources, even, with the N50,000 that we reduced the fees to. The first problem is that Ekiti State University does not know the number of students that are in the university. So, how do you plan? I asked the Vice Chancellor: Can you give me the five-year strategic plan for this university? They did not have. This is the university where every money is depleted quickly, but the research fund is never touched because nobody applied for it. So, I believe we really need to do something drastic about it. And that is why we arrived at the  decision to consolidate the university. It will be tough, but with determination, we can turn around the fortune of the university, particularly if we can get a solid academic, not a VC without a CV, into the position of Vice Chancellor to run the place.

Row over federal university
It is one of the impediments resulting from the flawed federalism. The federal government wanted to set up universities in the six zones. They approached the governors to suggest the location. I did not suggest my village as many of my colleagues did. I said, given the spread of educational facilities in the state, it is better to locate it in the northern part of the state, where the largest community is Ikole. That was the town I suggested and that was what the minister, Kenneth Gbagi, took away to the federal government. It was surprising to me to hear that they had taken it to Oye. I refused. I thought it was not just about location,  it was also about the authority of the governor in a federal system. Yes, you can give me a gift, but I should have a say in the way the gift is managed. But this is not a gift. We are also part of this federation. I don’t see it as a gift in that sense. I was put in an invidious situation because where they decided to put the university happens to be my own local government. So, my people felt that I was undermining my local government. I felt one must be fair in whatever he does. At the end of the day, it was resolved that the university, which focuses on agriculture, engineering and bio-technology, should be split between the two communities, Ikole and Oye, in a win-win situation for us in Ekiti.

Local government elections
The question of council poll is a very important one. The election that took place, which they called local government election in Ekiti, ACN did not take part in it in December 2008. We protested. We went to court. We decided that an incohate electoral agency cannot organise a legitimate election. It was also done outside of the time provided for under the electoral law. We won that case eventually. The only reason we have not had local government elections in Ekiti was because we did not have electoral body. Why didn’t we have electoral body? The electoral commission is one of the statutory bodies in the Nigerian constitution. Those who were members of the commission under Mr Oni took me to court, saying that they were statutory appointees and should be allowed to serve out their tenure. There was no way I could have allowed something to be put on nothing. If the person who appointed you had been declared illegal, how can I then concur with the idea that you must stay in office? I would be condoning illegality.   Consequently, there was a decision in their favour and we paid them off for the remaining period they were to remain in office, in order for us to be able to appoint a new set of commissioners. We are in a position to hold the elections within the next couple of months. In fact, the elections won’t be later than January.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/politics/20143-integration-will-change-southwest.html

Boko Haram protesting social injustice, says Yuguda
on SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 · in NEWS
     
BY OLA AJAYI
IBADAN- Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda has taken his respect for the Jama’atu Ahlussunnah lidda’awati wal sect popularly known as Boko Haram to another level saying there is a need for dialogue with the sect who he described as a pressure group protesting social injustice.

He said this in Ibadan where he donated N10million to Oyo State Government to ameliorate effects of the recent flood disaster on the victims.

Boko Haram as a social problem

According to him,  “Boko Haram is a social problem that requires dialogue and at the same time, the government should tighten up security against those that are criminally minded. In doing this, those that are criminally minded will be treated as criminals.  We will criminalise those that are criminals and rehabilitate those that are merely agitating for social justice by creating jobs for them.

“All these killings of policemen, bombing of police stations and shooting of politicians, and so on, are beyond offshoots of religious fanaticism like the Maitatsine of the past.”

The governor in an earlier reaction to statements by the radical Islamic sect that it would hunt him down, publicly appologised for any rights violations suffered during the military crackdown on its leaders in 2009.

Apologises to Boko Harm

“I apologise to the members of Jama’atu Ahlussunnah lidda’awati wal Jihad for perceived injustices caused them as they have the full rights to be protected by the law,” Yuguda said in a statement  then.

“I hope this will further the healing of the trauma on Jama’atu Ahlussunnah, and open the door to meaningful dialogue that will end hostilities and usher peace for which the religion of Islam is all about,” he was quoted as saying.

Boko Haram like other presure groups

During his visit yesterday, the governor said; The Boko Haram, were like other pressure groups such as the paramilitary arms of political parties or the youth organisations like the Niger Delta militants in the South South; the Odua People’s Congress, OPC in the South West and the Arewa Youth Vanguard in the North.

“They seem to be protesting against social injustice notably mass unemployment.  With the army of unemployed youths that we have in the country, we should be able to know that an idle mind is a devils workshop.”

While commiserating with the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and the people of the state, the visiting governor advised the State Government to work together with the Federal Government to dredge the channels of all the major rivers in Ibadan city. This, he said, would prevent re-occurrence of the flood in the state.

Responding, Senator Ajimobi said was the first Governor from other state to formally visit him over the recent flood incident, aside of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/boko-haram-protesting-social-injustice-says-yuguda/

Boko Haram: Catholic Bishops warn FG against dialogue, amnesty
on SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 · in NEWS

BY PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI – CATHOLIC Bishops in the country, weekend, warned the Federal Government against initiating any form of dialogue or amnesty with the sect identified as Boko Haram, describing such move as “a time bomb in our community”.

They called on government to vigorously address the task of protecting lives and property of Nigerians adding that the problem of security was currently compounded by the escalation of suicide bombing across the nation by Boko Haram sect.

This was part of the communiqué issued at the end of the second plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, held at the Bishop Thomas McGetrick Pastoral Centre, Abakaliki.

According to the Communiqué signed by Archbishop of Ibadan, Bishop Felix Alaba Job and Bishop of Abeokuta, Alfred Wale Martin, the Bishops stated that the sect which had international links with other terrorist groups, demonstrated their mindlessness and impunity by bombing the United Nations building in Abuja in August, among other acts of terrorism.

It read: “we therefore commend government reaching out in dialogue to aggrieved communities to restore justice and promote peace. But we urge government to beware of undertaking any dialogue or amnesty with unrepentant and faceless criminals and murderers of innocent citizens.

This would only be a time bomb in our community.

“The Nigeria Islamic Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has openly disassociated itself from the Boko Haram and condemned their terrorist activities, stating that such violence cannot be justified by the teaching of Islam. We commend this bold and courageous step to summon their members to reason and to order.

“We are very concerned about the return of crisis in Jos and the persistence in Borno state. We call on both the Federal and the State governments to identify and deal comprehensively with such fundamental issues as ownership of land, pastoralists/farmers relationship, youth restiveness, indigeneship, settler problem and failure to implement previous reports of inquiries”

The Bishops also identified selfishness and greed among political office holders as major factors responsible for the current economic melt-down, political upheavals and social dysfunction presently affecting the nation.

They called on leaders to renew their vision for a greater Nigeria even as they observed that through good governance and honest labours as well as peace and unity, the country would be purged of every form of instability and be repositioned for greater productivity.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/boko-haram-catholic-bishops-warn-fg-against-dialogue-amnesty/

Fulani herdsmen kill 3, injure 10 in Kaduna
on SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 · in NEWS

By Luka Binniyat

KADUNA – Soldiers and anti-riot policemen have been drafted to Bitaro, Koi in Jaba Local Government area of Kaduna State following the alleged killing of three of the natives by some Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of Sunday, the police have confirmed.

Ten people were allegedly injured during the incident.

State Police Spokesman, Aminu Mohammed who confirmed the deployment of soldiers and policemen to the area told Vanguard Sunday, however, that the number of those wounded during the incident was not yet known.

“The attack took place around 1:00am this morning. They attacked about four homes. It has been confirmed that three people were killed. They did not use any fire arms. They used only machetes and knives to kill them.

”As I speak, the police and soldiers keeping the peace in the area are combing the bushes for the attackers. They killed two men and a woman. I do not know the number of those injured, but they are being treated at a nearby hospital. We hope to get them from were they are hiding”, he said.

However, a source from the town who spoke to Vanguard on telephone said said that the gunmen numbering about 20 killed the head of a family, Hassan D. Baba, his younger brother, who is married with children and a 13 year old girl.

About 10 injured people, were said to be in the hospital.

“The men are Fulani cattle rearers. They entered the village at about 1:00 am after we have gone to sleep

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/fulani-herdsmen-kill-3-injure-10-in-kaduna/

BREAKING NEWS: Brother-In-Law Of Slain Boko Haram Leader Who Met Former President Obasanjo Is Assasinated
Posted: September 17, 2011 - 17:35

Baba Kura Alhaji Fugu, the eldest son of the late Baba Fugu, who also met with former president Olusegun Obasanjo last Thursday to discuss the plight of the late leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, has been killed in Maiduguri by Boko Haram militants.

SaharaReporters spoke with Baba Kura earlier today to have him speak about his meeting with the former president. He was preparing to appear LIVE on our "SAHARA TV Live" show today, however, when Sahara Reporters began contacting him, his phone was answered by different voices and eventually turned off by his mobile device provider.


http://saharareporters.com/news-page/breaking-news-brother-law-slain-boko-haram-leader-who-met-former-president-obasanjo-assasi

Boko Haram kills 3 in Maiduguri
on SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 · in NEWS

BY NDAHI MARAMA

MAIDUGURI -AS the spate of killings on the streets of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital continues unabated, unknown gunmen, suspected to be Boko Haram sect members, Wednesday, killed three people and injured two during an attack in Bulumkutu ward of the metropolis.

Vanguard gathered that at about 8: 30 pm, yesterday, the gunmen opened fire on the victims who wre sitting on a mat in front of their house and sped off.

Those killed during the attack are Mr. Turumda Malgwi, aged 56, Director of Planning and Statistics, Borno State Civil Service Commission; Mr. Yakubu Iliya, aged 65, a retired staff of Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri and a 22 year old boy whose name could not be ascertained.

Confirming the incident, the Borno state Police Commissioner, Mr. Simeon Midenda said, at about 8: 30pm on Wednesday, some yet to be identified gunmen ambushed some people who were relaxing in front of their house and killed 3 people, while 2 persons sustained injuries as a result of gun shots.

Midenda said that it is unfortunate that residents of the area could not immediately alert the police on the development, and that the corpses of those killed had to remain at the scene throughout that night, adding that, “it was just this morning that we were informed of the incident, as most of the residents had to flee from the area for fear of further attacks”, he lamented.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/boko-haram-kills-3-in-fresh-attack-in-maiduguri/

Okonjo-Iweala disowns twitter account
on SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 · in NEWS

By Nnamdi Ojiego

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economic Team of the federal government of Nigeria, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said that the twitter handle, @NOkonjoIweala does not belong to her and should in no way be associated with her.

The minister who spoke through her Senior Special Assistant on Communications, Paul
Nwabuikwu said though, the account has not been noted for any negativity, it was important to make the clarification for intents of public awareness.

“We have contacted Twitter to make a formal notification and are also calling on the person behind the account to please contact us immediately,” the SSA stated adding that the minister would be interacting with young Nigerians, whom she is passionate about via the handle – @NOIweala.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/okonjo-iweala-disowns-twitter-account/

ÉLAN PERSONALITY: a kaleidoscope of art- Prince Yemisi Shyllon
Kiki Kamanu
June 12, 2011 08:38AM
print email


I was ushered into Prince Yemisi’s office and was told to have a seat. Serenaded by country music in the background, I declined to sit and proceeded to walk around marveling at the art which was crammed into every inch of space in his otherwise large office. A bust precariously placed on the fridge, colourful intricate beaded artwork framed by the door, leather turbaned heads from Turkey, a Warhol inspired pop art piece featuring Soyinka…, …, And this was just the office.

One Stop Collectors Haven

‘…, If you want to see all the pieces without any commentary it will take you several hours; If you want to see the pieces with commentary it will be take three or four visits’. Bronzes, ceramics, Owo art, Igbo Ukwu, Ife art, stone works, acrylics, water colours, tapestries, traditional and contemporary art make up this balanced private collection of over 6,000 pieces which rivals that of many a museum. Everyone of Prince Shyllon’s pieces was hand selected by him and he never shies away from educating about each piece. I am still haunted by the piece by Maduka Egho, a former Biafrian soldier. He came across a women giving birth in the bushes during the war, unable to help at the time he fled. Upon his return hours later she had died and so had her newborn. He immortalized this image in a piece called ‘My Civil War cChild’

Art as Investment

Art collecting in Nigeria was just a joke when he started collecting in the 1970’s. It was merely decorative and a hobby. He tells of a Ben Emonwu piece he purchased in 1994 for about 500 thousand naira by and sold recently for 3.5 million. Now is the best time for art as career in Nigeria. Art auctions taking place now are primary market for artist and secondary market for collectors. This has also helped the process of authenticity for Nigeria art this has thus discouraged forgers from coming forward.

Giving Back

The Omooba Yemisi Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF) hosts scholars from all over the world. They are given lodging and stipends, his library is opened up to them and this enables them to do research around his collection. He notes that he prefers to have female scholars because men do not seem as dedicated and serious. They tend to listen to the negative rumours about foreigners in Nigeria, whilst women are more adventurous. Thus far they have hosted scholars from Austria, Germany, South Africa. Three are expected this year from Princeton and Stanford and OYASAF currently has a Fulbright scholar from Wisconsin. Dr Kpogosun from University of Ibadan who acts as his curator and another partner in Virginia are the trio that handle the selection process.

He holds an entrepreneurship program that gives additional exposure to different methods of art which has attracted the likes of Kathleen Stafford the wife of the American Consulate General and Bruce Onobrakpeya. He speaks to artists on entrepreneurship and about being visionary and having focus…having a life statement. A very principled man he says ‘ I never borrow and I never lend. I give when and what I can’. Successful managers do not always equate to good entrepreneurs. Likewise, a good entrepreneur is not always a good manager. Shyllon shares how he is now able to focus on his art because of the life statement he wrote to himself when he first began his career. He disciplined himself to concentrate on his careers in law and engineering to so he could basically fund his hobby and passion , art. His wife and his children are his support and they accept his love and passion for art even as it has overtaken what they once thought was their personal space. In return Shyllon guards his family and their privacy like a hawk.

Paying It forward

I listen intently as he describes how he has published a book of traditional Yoruba art. His next book is on Nigerian artist Lamidi Fakeye who comes from 5 generations of carvers and Shyllon has the largest collection of Fakeye’s works. On a trip to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., he came across 16,000 photographs of Nigeria. He recalls seeing perfectly preserved photographs of the Alake of Egbaland from 1864. This experience was humiliating as no where in Nigeria do we have a standing national gallery for Nigerian art. This prompted him to embark on a photomapping project. Over the next ten yeas, he along with a photographer who won one of his photography competitions, will be photomapping Nigeria from Obudu Cattle ranch to the Mambila Plateau. ‘We need to capture change in our nation as it occurs. We need to be able to look back and see how far we have come.’

Final Four

1- When was the last time you felt fear? ‘I have no fear nor do I have skeletons. I made my will at the age of 32.’

2- What are the two things you appreciate most about life? 1-‘God has endowed me intellectually. From my degrees in engineering and law to my background in finance, marketing and now art, I have been able to become prodigious.’ 2- Chuckling he says, ‘I am thankful for my height. At 6’2, I do not know would have felt being short!’

3- What 3 things would you have changed? 1.‘ I would have bought more art work, possibly all bronze versus glass fiber as I did when I first began collecting’. 2. ‘I would have visited more art shows around the world like the ACASA (Arts Council of the African Studies Association) in Los Angeles had I not had more competing needs for my resources here in Nigeria.’ 3. ‘I may have gone into politics just to change Nigeria’s attitude towards the visual arts here. Culture and tourism leave a legacy, so Nigeria could have been a tourist and art haven for the art world.’

4- What legacy would you like to leave behind? ‘We don’t come into this life to build houses, marry wives or buy cars. I am a lawyer, but lawyers and doctors abound. One needs to have an eye for the future. It has always been important to me to build up our future generations, and to leave a landmark in areas that people will talk about me when I am dead and gone.’

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/ArtsandCulture/Elan/Personality/5708126-147/story.csp

Japhet, mother of 2 wins 3 medals for Nigeria
on SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 · in SPORTS

By Jacob Ajom
Nigeria began camping for canoeing in June ahead of the 10th All Africa Games. The camp was in Calabar, Cross River State. It was a quiet venture as the sport is relatively new in the country, despite the enormous coast line and numerous communities that either live near water or are locked in riverine areas.

When the Games started in Maputo, Mozambique on September 3, nobody gave the country’s contingent a chance to win anything in the sport. But Nigeria pulled the biggest surprise at the games when her contingent won one silver and two bronze medals at the end of the competition.

One woman made that possible. Little known Lilian Japhet, from Ondo State was the lone winner who bagged the three medals for Nigeria. She was surprised at her achievement.

Soft spoken and somewhat reserved, Lilian was hesitant when this reporter demanded to speak with her. But she eventually succumbed to the reporter’s persistence on speaking with her. Lilian’s story is as interesting as her present status.

“I am from Ondo State,” she began. “I come from Arogbo, in Ese Odo Local Government Area. I am from the Ijaw speaking part of the state.”

From her background, one would easily associate her with water. Although Lilian had known how to swim from childhood, she never had the opportunity to use her expertise scientifically. “I only knew about canoeing in May, this year when my brother, Gbamire Tunde came to me in May and told me that there was a new sport called canoeing, that he would like to introduce me to the sport. From Ikorodu, where I am based he took me to the national stadium and introduced me to the federation. I was lucky to be picked among those for camping. In June we were taken to Calabar for camping. We stayed there till it was time for us to travel for the Games.”

Was she disappointed by her performance? Lilian said, “No. Never. Some people trained for four years for this event and I trained under six months and won a silver and two bronze medals. I am not disappointed at all. I am happy but I believe with better preparations, I could do better.”

She said she had learnt a lot from the games. “I had a great experience. I am happy with my achievement.” Lilian called on the government to help the sport back home because Nigeria has all it takes to sweep all the medals at future games.

Though she looks like an U-18, Lilian said she is 28 and a mother of two.

Before Tunde’s intervention in her life, Lilian’s business was saw-milling. She said she buys logs, transports them on water to saw mills for sawing. She sells woods. “That is what I do,” she said, adding that she will not stop the trade, even after the games.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/japhet-mother-of-2-wins-3-medals-for-nigeria/

Insecurity forces Arewa govs to relocate meeting from Kaduna
on SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 · in NEWS

By PAUL ODENYI
ABUJA—The 19 Northern Governors are meeting tomorrow for the first time outside Kaduna, the regional headquarters of old Northern Region, due to threat to security in the northern parts of the country.

Malam Danladi Ndayebo, Media Assistant to Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, said the venue of the meeting is being kept secret as a result of insecurity in the country.

He did not explain whether there was any specific threat that required the movement of the venue of the meeting, but simply said: “We deliberately refused to disclose the venue of the meeting because of security.”

The meeting may likely hold in Abuja at an undisclosed location.

Ndayebo had issued a statement saying an emergency meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum NGF, has been convened by Gov. Aliyu who is also Chairman of the group.

He said the emergency meeting is to deliberate on the new outbreak of violence and bombings in parts of Plateau State where no fewer than 20 people are reported to have died in recent attacks. Sunday’s explosion hit locations around West of Mines area of Jos, the state capital.

The governors will use the emergency meeting to deliberate on recommendations of the Chief Solomon Lar Committee which, among other things, sought the establishment of truth and reconciliation Commission to understudy the basis for anger and hostility among the groups in the area.

The Lar Committee had also sought for the creation of new council areas in Plateau state and establishment of new grazing parks to curtail frequent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers.

“The problem in Jos is far from religious. It is socio-economic. Therefore, we will not allow individuals and groups to continue to exploit religion for socio-political and economic gains” Governor Aliyu was quoted in the statement as saying.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors Forum NGF will today fete the former governor of Kwara state, Dr. Bukola Saraki for successfully presiding over the group in the last four years. Saraki was Chairman of the NGF from 2007 till May 2011 when his tenure as governor lapsed.

According to sources, the dinner which is to be attended by all the governors of the 36 states of the federation will feature speeches, traditional dance groups and presentation of gifts.

Saraki was the third Chairman of the Governors Forum since the return of Democracy in 1999. Former governors Abdullahi Adamu of Nassarawa state and Victor Attah of Akwa-Ibom states held the positions in the past.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/insecurity-forces-arewa-govs-to-relocate-meeting-from-kaduna/

SaharaReporters Exclusive: ‘Live Chat’ With Jonathan Was Carefully Scripted And Pre-recorded!
Posted: September 12, 2011 - 22:21

SaharaReporters Exclusive: ‘Live Chat’ With Jonathan Was Carefully Scripted And Pre-recorded!

By SaharaReporters, New York

Nigerians hoping to hear a “live chat” today with President Goodluck Jonathan were instead treated to a warmed-over taped interview with the national leader who reportedly has a phobia about speaking spontaneously to the public, officials in the know have leaked to SaharaReporters.

The media chat was recorded, edited on Saturday and aired today on several television networks with most Nigerian watching and tweeting as though it was relayed live.




SaharaReporters gathered from state house correspondents that the interview was conducted by carefully selected reporters who threw softball questions at the president. Historically, media chats in Nigeria are done live on television, but Mr. Jonathan abhors speaking live on television because of disastrous gaffes that have dogged his presidency.

Last April, he refused to participate in a public debate with other presidential candidates preparatory to the general elections instead opting for a carefully choreographed debate  where he engaged in a monologue , debating himself and state officials behind the scene relaying the debating live but delayed television timing.

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/saharareporters-exclusive-%E2%80%98live-chat%E2%80%99-jonathan-was-carefully-scripted-and-pre-recorded

An open letter from a Beat FM employee

Dear Linda,
This letter had to be written anonymously because we have been ‘instructed’ not to speak to the press. We are appalled by Olisa Adibua’s actions, and feel his physical assault on Dewunmi was barbaric and completely wrong. What’s even more shocking is that he wasn’t removed from the premises immediately. Olisa was his usual self the day after the incident, and was seen chatting and laughing with the GM Deji Awokoya (who was well aware of the assault). He was still permitted to do his show on Thursday, and went on to host the Beat of Lagos on Friday night.


We have no idea why the management at Beat FM has decided to treat this so leniently – he has actually been suspended for 2 months and not 4 weeks like you previously stated. Nevertheless, the majority of us feel 2 months is nowhere near enough, we are certain that anyone else would have faced an instant dismissal and possible legal charges.

To clarify details of the incident, the ‘object’ used in the assault was a brick. Olisa initially attacked Dewunmi with his bare hands then went downstairs to retrieve a brick then came back for part 2. He deliberately smashed his phones and dragged him outside, forcing Dewunmi to recover in a Keke Maruwa parked outside the office till 7am when more staff arrived. The incident was caught on CCTV, but will of course never be released. The GM Deji Awokoya apologized to Dewunmi on Olisa’s behalf, and was given about N16k for his medical bills. Please note it wasn’t a fight – Olisa attacked Dewunmi, and he refused to hit Olisa back because he considers him an oga. Dewunmi refuses to press charges because he’s afraid he’ll lose his job – furthermore since this incident hit the press, he (Dewunmi) has been receiving death threats saying that he’ll be harmed if this incident escalates further.

Olisa has had several run-ins with members of staff at Megalectrics (owners of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM). On numerous occasions he has verbally abused different people – insulting them, swearing at them and threatening to make their life at Megalectrics ‘a living hell’ if they cross him. Management hasn’t reprimanded Olisa once for this.

This incident is sadly just one of many that involves Olisa Adibua bullying employees at Megalectrics.
To summarize, we hope that the MD of Megalectrics reprimands Olisa ‘appropriately’ to show that this kind of action is unacceptable. Likewise MNet/Glo need to seriously think about the messages they are sending out to the public if they decide to keep Olisa on as a judge for ‘Naija Sings’.

http://lindaikeji..com/2011/09/open-letter-from-beat-fm-employee.html#more

Olisa Adibua's Barbaric Attack - An Open Letter From A Beat FM Employee

An open letter from a Beat FM employee

Dear Linda,
This letter had to be written anonymously because we have been ‘instructed’ not to speak to the press. We are appalled by Olisa Adibua’s actions, and feel his physical assault on Dewunmi was barbaric and completely wrong. What’s even more shocking is that he wasn’t removed from the premises immediately. Olisa was his usual self the day after the incident, and was seen chatting and laughing with the GM Deji Awokoya (who was well aware of the assault). He was still permitted to do his show on Thursday, and went on to host the Beat of Lagos on Friday night.


We have no idea why the management at Beat FM has decided to treat this so leniently – he has actually been suspended for 2 months and not 4 weeks like you previously stated. Nevertheless, the majority of us feel 2 months is nowhere near enough, we are certain that anyone else would have faced an instant dismissal and possible legal charges.

To clarify details of the incident, the ‘object’ used in the assault was a brick. Olisa initially attacked Dewunmi with his bare hands then went downstairs to retrieve a brick then came back for part 2. He deliberately smashed his phones and dragged him outside, forcing Dewunmi to recover in a Keke Maruwa parked outside the office till 7am when more staff arrived. The incident was caught on CCTV, but will of course never be released. The GM Deji Awokoya apologized to Dewunmi on Olisa’s behalf, and was given about N16k for his medical bills. Please note it wasn’t a fight – Olisa attacked Dewunmi, and he refused to hit Olisa back because he considers him an oga. Dewunmi refuses to press charges because he’s afraid he’ll lose his job – furthermore since this incident hit the press, he (Dewunmi) has been receiving death threats saying that he’ll be harmed if this incident escalates further.

Olisa has had several run-ins with members of staff at Megalectrics (owners of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM). On numerous occasions he has verbally abused different people – insulting them, swearing at them and threatening to make their life at Megalectrics ‘a living hell’ if they cross him. Management hasn’t reprimanded Olisa once for this.

This incident is sadly just one of many that involves Olisa Adibua bullying employees at Megalectrics. 
To summarize, we hope that the MD of Megalectrics reprimands Olisa ‘appropriately’ to show that this kind of action is unacceptable.  Likewise MNet/Glo need to seriously think about the messages they are sending out to the public if they decide to keep Olisa on as a judge for ‘Naija Sings’.

http://lindaikeji..com/2011/09/open-letter-from-beat-fm-employee.html#more

Lawmakers’ pay still a big secret
By Emmanuel Ogala and Ini Ekott
September 10, 2011 09:43PM
print email


Mid-July this year, the senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba announced with some fanfare that the senate had cut its overhead cost - a budget head that covers members’ quarterly constituency running cost and allowances - by some 40 percent.

That same week, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Media and Publicity also announced with glee that the House had followed suit, reportedly cutting its overhead cost by 67 percent.

Two months after these announcements, officials of both the senate and the House of Representatives agree the cuts have taken effect but neither of the two legislative chambers can show official proof that lawmakers’ emoluments have indeed been reviewed downward.

Officials of both chambers prefer to talk in percentages and would not state categorically what the cuts mean to Nigeria.

When asked, the House of Representatives spokesman, Opeyemi Bamidele, said NEXT should find out what lawmakers earn as a way of establishing if their emoluments had been slashed.

“By the time members receive their next allowance, if there is a way you can find out, you will realise it has been cut by 67 percent,” Mr Bamidele said. But he wouldn’t say how much he and his colleagues currently earn as running costs. He tried very carefully not to mention a figure.

On the other hand, the senate majority leader that doubles as the spokesman of the Senate pending the appointment of one, Victor Ndoma-Egba, also referred NEXT to the office of the Accountant General of the Federations (AGF) where he said records will show that their monthly disbursements have decreased by 40 percent. He also wouldn’t say categorically what the 40 percent reduction translates to in naira.

Other lawmakers who spoke to NEXT on the issue also claim the cuts have set in, but none was willing to discuss exactly how much it was and how much Nigeria will earn as savings from the cuts.

Efforts to get the figures from the AGF’s office - or indeed from the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly - were also not successful as none of the officers spoken to was ready to disclose how much the lawmakers take home every month.

In Nigeria, lawmakers have a penchant for being secretive about their salaries and allowances, especially those not covered by the recommendations of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC). They have, indeed over the years earned huge illegal allowances amorphously tagged as overhead costs and constituency running cost.

Last December, after Central Bank governor, Lamido Sanusi put the National Assembly on the spot over its huge overhead expenditures, the Senate president pledged to review the National Assembly’s recurrent expenditure downwards.

“Based on realities of our economic situation and the need to channel our scarce resources towards nation building, we must drastically cut down the cost of running government vertically and horizontally in the three arms of government as well as the three tiers of our federating unit,” the Senate president said while receiving the 2011 budget proposal documents in December 2010.

“In this regard, the National Assembly will lead the crusade. We will make the required sacrifice and review downwards our recurrent expenditure. We expect others to make similar sacrifice,” he added.

In the proposal, the National Assembly’s portion in the 2011 budget - including overhead and capital - was N112 billion. But the lawmakers were unimpressed with the figure. So, while passing it, they raised their chunk of the budget by 100 percent, to N224 billion.

In May, President Goodluck Jonathan sought an amendment to the 2011 budget, insisting that it was overbloated. In his amendment, the president proposed a total budget of N120 billion for the National Assembly. That was during the peak of the ex-speaker, Dimeji Bankole’s debacle over unpaid lawmakers’ allowances.

The lawmakers passed the amended budget, pegging their take of the slice of the take to N153 billion.

The announcement of the cut in overhead came after the last amendment of the 2011 budget and Mr Ndoma-Egba, the senate leader, said it kicked in at the beginning of this session. However, and perhaps more significantly, there has been no amendment of the National Assembly budget to reflect the post overhead-cut realities.

“One expects that they would adjust the budget to accommodate the cut since they now run an independent budget,” Dokus Samuel, an analyst said.

Following the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly was put on the first-line charge of the Federation Account, an arrangement that gives parliament financial independence.

Cuts should reflect in budget

Mr Ndoma-Egba, the senate leader argued there is no need for an amendment of the budget to reflect the cut.

He was, however, not willing to disclose how much the overhead-cost cut decision will save the nation even though lawmakers who spoke to NEXT admitted the cut has been applied on their perks.

“They need to be open about these cuts, otherwise if it existed, someone can take advantage of its secrecy and divert the money,” Mr Samuel added.

According to a National Assembly source, the House of Representatives members will now earn N15 million following the 67 percent cut.

That indicates that they were earning N45.45 million quarterly. Possibly, the nation saves N30.45 million on each member quarterly and N121.82 million annually.

There are 360 members of the House of Representatives and collectively, the nation will save N43.8 billion annually by the House of Representatives’ cut.

The senators are 109 and announced a cut of 40 percent. Although they are more discreet about their allowances, on the average, they earned the same quarterly allowance with their House of Representatives counterparts.

At the Senate, the cut means N18 million less the N45 million they earned hitherto. Based on that calculation, the nation is expected to save N72 million on each senator annually. Collectively, the nation is expected to earn N7.8 billion on savings from the senate’s cut.

Estimated total annual savings from the cuts in both chambers is N51.6 billion. This amount is 33 percent of their 2011 budget and, if actually deducted as savings, will significantly affect the National Assembly annual budgets. Yet the

National Assembly leaders say this does not deserve an amendment of the budget.

Kayode Ajulo, an Abuja based lawyer, said the proclamation of both chambers of the National Assembly about overhead cost cuts are mere political statements to score “political sympathy.” “For us to know they have cut, it has to be reflected in the budget,” Mr Ajulo said.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5741654-146/lawmakers_pay_still_a_big_secret.csp

A Wild WikiLeaks Week By Sonala Olumhense
Posted: September 11, 2011 - 02:36

Wikileaks
Columnist: Sonala Olumhense
It is a cruel coincidence that in a week in which awful revelations have been tumbling out from WikiLeaks, much of it about the filthy nature of Nigeria’s political elite, the Goodluck Jonathan government insisted on inserting a 100 Days celebration.

I would have counseled a policy of silence, but perhaps, in their wisdom, they imagined such a celebration would deflect attention from the lamentable revelations.

The Presidency’s statement, 100 Days of Promising Less and Delivering More: The Jonathan Transformational Agenda,” was penned by Reuben Abati, who is President Jonathan’s spokesman. There may be no better omen that this government has a conceptual problem.

The Jonathan government must understand that appointing people to office is not an achievement.

Organizing a seminar is not an achievement.

Receiving a guest, whether he journeyed from Maiduguri or Mars, is not an achievement.

Setting up a committee is not an achievement.

Launching a campaign is not an achievement.

Being recognized by whoever as the second largest oil exporter on earth is not an achievement.
”Approving funds” or “awarding contracts” is not an achievement; demonstrating that a project has been completed, especially ahead of time and under budget, that is.

Assenting to a bill is not an achievement; demonstrating how that bill has had an immediate impact on the fortunes of some citizens, for instance, would be an achievement.
Receiving repatriated funds is not an achievement; immediately using such funds to fulfill a demonstrable public need, would be.

Making “stellar appointments” is not an achievement; using average appointments to accomplish stellar objectives would be.

Generating power at Nigeria’s “highest level ever” would be an achievement, if we knew exactly what that meant, and if its impact can be demonstrated.

“Promising less,” is not is not the equivalent of delivering anything, let alone delivering more of anything. The truth is that, if we are talking about the Jonathan administration, nothing has yet been delivered or achieved.

Did anyone expect Jonathan to “achieve” a lot in 100 days? To rise up and demonstrate seriousness, yes, but to actually accomplish critical targets, not really. The question is whether Mr. Jonathan is prepared to rise to the challenge, or whether he will always attempt to market the aroma as the food.

In 2004, in the Introduction to the book, “The Whole Truth,” a collection of editorials by The Guardian, Mr. Abati noted how the newspaper’s editorials had for 20 years had to deal with the same themes of governance, development and human conduct. “He watches as Nigeria moves, while remaining on the same spot and yet time moves ahead as the people are left behind, ,” he wrote. “But the question, the big question is: do Nigerian leaders read? Do they listen?”
Today, not only is Abati in a position to answer that question, he is in a position to ensure that Nigeria’s ruler works for, and is answerable to the people.

To do that, the first thing that the government of which he is now a part must do is to avoid taking the people for granted through the kind of insulting list of “achievements” he has just published.
If Jonathan wants to be considered an achiever, he must take up the list of promises he made to the Nigerian people in the months he was begging for their votes. If he is not working with that list, he has already let the people down.

If he is working with that list, the ongoing WikiLeaks revelations ought to shock and sadden him, for various reasons. What all the revelations lead to is whether Jonathan believes he can move the nation forward without first clearing the debris, including those being unveiled by WikiLeaks.
Not only do the stories confirm much of what we have always known about the malfeasance in our country’s governance, they also confirm why we continue to be an under-developing country.
[b]All the WikiLeaks stories are, of course, readily deniable, and last week, the denials began to flow. According to Mr. Abati, in one, “, Jonathan has never been on any EFCC list of corrupt governors and we challenge anyone to prove otherwise."

Not true. Although Nigeria is a very forgetful country, in mid-2006 Jonathan was indeed listed and recommended for prosecution, along with several other governors, by a Joint Task Force (JTF) set up by President Obasanjo to fight corruption. The JTF comprised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); the EFCC; the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB); the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Police. Each of those organizations contributed five members to the JTF, and Nuhu Ribadu was its chairman.

As Governor of Bayelsa State, the JTF cited Jonathan for false declaration of assets that included an N18 million Lexus Jeep he claimed to have acquired in 2004 through personal savings, and a BMW 7351 Series bought for N5.5 million in 2005. The JTF established that he had received them as gifts, in violation of the CCB Act of 1990. There were also properties in Abuja and Otuke Ogbia LGA that were reportedly acquired outside his legitimate income.

That was 2006, the same year Jonathan’s wife was cited by the same Ribadu in his report to the Senate on 27 September. That may also have been why, when he became Vice-President, Jonathan released his assets declaration only after intense pressure. Now that he is the President, he has completely refused to do so!

That is simply the short answer to Abati’s question. The more important issue is where Jonathan is going now. Is he going to get things done, or merely compile lists of his staff and the stationery supplied?[/b]

For me, one of the most fascinating of last week’s leaks was Ambassador Campbell’s 2006 cable to the US State Department: “Corruption: Nigeria “Improves” to Sixth-Worst In The World, What Can We Do About It?”

Think about it: “Sixth-Worst.” Read the cable and see how they laughed at Obasanjo’s celebration of our “rise” to sixth-worst in the corruption sweepstakes!

The ambassador proposed using denial of visas to corrupt Nigerian officials as a tool for forcing change, a point which tallies with President Barack Obama’s speech in Accra a couple of years later. Campbell said the US would compile such a list, which I am sure they now have. Imagine if the industrialized nations were to implement such a policy!

But let us begin with the United States being so two-faced. Many of the figures on that list have used Nigeria’s funds to buy expensive property in some of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the US. Unlike in the United Kingdom, unfortunately, the US is taking action against none of them.

Better yet, the US should sponsor a new international development methodology where acceding countries receive development assistance that is channeled directly to projects and schemes agreed with that country. They would then be bilaterally implemented and supervised by the BiNational Commission and the United Nations Development Programme. I am sure that in just a few years, poor Nigerian kids can go to good schools; citizens can avoid dying in routine highway crashes; and powerful Nigerians need not go abroad to find a decent hospital in which to die.

Until then, we must be grateful to WikiLeaks for the new understanding of our land with which we are being empowered. It was somewhat funny last week hearing Abati reject some tumultuous cables, because it was only last January that The Guardian made WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange its “Man of the Year.”

The Assange citation was penned by Abati himself. Among others, he wrote, “Assange is in the eyes of the ordinary man across boundaries more of a hero than villain, more of a champion than a pest, an achiever and flag-bearer for the open society ideal, not an anarchist, but a progressive.”

Despite the questionable 100 days past, I have a feeling these are going to be four remarkable years.

http://saharareporters.com/column/wild-wikileaks-week-sonala-olumhense

Jos erupts again! Pregnant woman, 13 family members wiped out
on SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 · in HEADLINES

* Death toll 52: Upper Friday 21, Sunday 8, Monday 11, Friday 12

By Taye Obateru

The orgy of violence in Plateau State continued yesterday as gunmen snuffed life out of 14 family members, including a heavily pregnant woman and children.

Yesterday’s killings took the death toll in nine days in the state’s intriguing war to 52.

The latest attack on Vwang Fwill village in Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area was again allegedly carried out by assailants aided by men in uniform.

They were said to have stormed the village located about three kilometres off the Vom-Manchok Road at about 11 p.m., attacking the compound of one Dauda Badung, killing him and his pregnant wife, their five children and two grand children.

Not satisfied, the gunmen went to the house of Badung’s brother where they killed five more people. Two others, including a four-year oldm survived the attack with gunshot and matchet wounds and are now hospitalized.

An eyewitness said the attackers spoke Fulfulde (Fulani dialect) throughout the operation, fueling the suspicion that they were Fulani herdsmen.

LITANY OF KILLINGS
Yesterday’s attack, which is a continuation of serial killings that has instilled fear in residents of the state, happened hours after the state Security Council met and assured that measures had been taken to forestall further killings.

The latest killings in the fratricidal war has taken the death toll in nine days to 52.

On Friday, September 2, reports said that the violence in the state claimed 21 lives.

A family of eight, including a four-month old baby, was eliminated by assailants at a village in Heipang District of Barkin Ladi local Government Area of the state last Sunday (September 4).

The Plateau serial killings continued last Monday (September 5) with the cold blooded murder of 11 in separate attacks on villages in Jos North and Jos South LGAs.

Just two days ago (Friday), 12 people were killed in separate attacks on two villages in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.

Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Mr. Moses Dalyop, expressed shock at the bestiality of the serial killers.

He appealed to the state and federal governments to do something about the situation in view of the increasing sophistication of the attackers.

Also reacting, Special Adviser to Governor Jonah Jang on Media Affairs, Mr. Ayuba Pam, said government was doing everything to put an end to the killings assuring that the perpetrators would be fished out and made to face the law.

‘COUNT US OUT’
Meanwhile, the Special Task Force (STF) maintaining security in the state has distanced its personnel from any involvement in the series of attacks on the Plateau villages.

Reacting yesterday to the insinuation of the connivance of his men in the attacks, media officer of the STF, Captain Charles Ekeocha, said they could not turn round to be attacking the same people they were brought to protect.

He spoke while parading a suspected member of the killer gang attacking the villages who, he said, was arrested at Rop village in Barkin Ladi LGA where the STF aborted another attack.

He said the suspect was one of the 30 assailants who wanted to attack the village but beat a retreat on learning of the presence of the STF, adding that the suspect ran out of luck as he was caught and, when searched, a pistol and a knife were found in his bag.

“There is no benefit for soldiers killing those we were brought to protect; people should stop this rumour that we aid some of the attack. This will not help us or the peace process”, Ekeocha said.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/jos-erupts-again-pregnant-woman-13-family-members-wiped-out/

For those that would want to blast this wicked Olisa to his face here is his facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/olisafanpage

For those that would want to blast this wicked Olisa to his face here is his facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/olisafanpage

For those that would want to blast this wicked Olisa to his face here is his facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/olisafanpage

For those that would want to blast this wicked Olisa to his face here is his facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/olisafanpage

For those that would want to blast this wicked Olisa to his face here is his facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/olisafanpage

Nigerian scientist named in MIT Technology Review list
By Agency reporter
Saturday, 10 Sep 2011

View All (14) Comment(s)
Post Comment
Twitter
Send to friend
Share


A Nigerian, Yemi Adesokan, has been recognised by the Technology Review magazine as one of the TR35 Honoree Award recipients for 2011.


Technology Review is an independent media company owned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.


The TR35 recognises the world’s top innovators under the age of 35, spanning energy, medicine, computing, communications, nanotechnology, and other emerging fields.


Adesokan, who is also the founder of Pathogenica Inc., was selected as a member of the TR35 class of 2011 by a panel of expert judges and the editorial staff of Technology Review, who evaluated more than 300 nominations.


He is being honored for his work in the application of next generation sequencing to clinical diagnostics. He will join other TR35 honorees in discussing their achievements at the Emtech MIT 2011 conference, taking place at the MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, October 18 to 19, 2011.

http://punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109102542515

Fleeing Gaddafi forces, officials stray into Northern Nigeria
By Segun Olatunji, Kaduna
Saturday, 10 Sep 2011

View All (25) Comment(s)
Post Comment
Twitter
Send to friend
Share
Members and security forces of the regime of the ousted Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, may have crossed over to some parts of Northern Nigeria.


The Spanish-owned Hamada Radio International reported on Friday that the Libyans were fleeing from French Special Forces Foreign Legion and their British counterparts.


The report said that some members of the old Libyan regime were heading towards Burkina Faso.


According to the staion, the Libyans entered Nigeria on Thursday night when their convoy of trucks missed their way and headed towards the North-West town of Katsina.


There was a series of security co-coordinating conferences between Nigeria and Niger on how to check a spill-over of the Libyan crisis into the region, especially with the new wave of trans-border crossing by prominent Gaddafi loyalists, including Gen. Houssa Daw, the head of his presidential guard unit.


The report added that some members of the Libyan military, such as the head of Gaddafi’s security service, Gen. Youssef Dbiri, had maintained close family ties with Northern Nigeria.


Dbiri, the report claimed, had his maternal roots in Nguru, Yobe State in North-East Nigeria.


The report said, “According to security service sources in Niger Republic, the fragile ceasefire between the Touareg rebels and Niamey will be tested in the coming weeks if attempts are made to give outright support to the Special Forces from France, UK, USA and Jordan in the Gaddafi hunt.


‘‘Another fear is the solidarity and sympathy, which the fleeing Gaddafi supporters might get from Southern Niger, in the Maradi-Damagaran area, and the outer fringes of Northern Nigeria where al-Qaeda affiliated Boko Haram is lately seen as potent forces,” the report added.


The station further claimed that its sources had stated that more than 200 Nigerians were arrested in Libya by the Transitional National Council, while about 20 of them were executed last week for allegedly working for Gaddafi as mercenaries.

http://punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109102371376

Lagos breaks world record in book reading

By Sesan Olufowobi

Thursday, 8 Sep 2011

View All (22) Comment(s)
Post Comment
Twitter
Send to friend
Share
Lagos State Government on Thursday wrote its name in the World Guinness Book of Records after the state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and some other adults read a book with 4,500 students of Lagos schools.


Upon confirmation from Guinness Book of World Record, the state will hold the record as the world largest literature class where a study session of a story book is jointly read by adults and students.


The state acheived the feat at a programme organised to mark the 2011World Literacy Day Celebration.


The event was organised in conjunction with the United Nations Children Education Fund and Ecole de Desssin.


The record was previously held by the United Kingdom where adults read with 3,423 pupils.


Orelope-Adefulire, who read a story book titled, ‘Time Changes Yesterday’ by Nyengi Koin to the children for 45 minutes, implored the parents to encourage reading culture in their children by buying them books as presents.


She added that doing so would amount to investing in them to enable them become useful to themselves and the society.


The deputy governor observed that the literacy level in the state had improved, noting that investment in education was yielding the desired results.


She said, “Currently, we have about 87.8 per cent literacy level. That is not to say that we are satisfied. We are committed to achieving a 100 per cent literacy rate. We would continue to place education of our children as a priority which will include the implementation of the Child Rights Law that emphasises right to education of every child.”

http://punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20110908116942

Wikileaks: “Goodluck Jonathan Was Part Of The System Of Corruption That Had Impoverished The Niger 
Delta For Decades,” Says Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant, Oronto Douglas

Posted: September 8, 2011 - 16:17

Oronto Douglas Photo:234next
By SaharaReporters, New York

On December 18 , 2006, just after the then Bayelsa State 
Governor, Goodluck Jonathan, had been named PDP presidential running mate to Umaru Yar'Adua,  human rights activist and Jonathan confidante Oronto Douglas described in glowing terms.

Among them, Jonathan was well respected among Ijaw leaders, had built a successful development program in Bayelsa, and had been a good Governor.

A new WikiLeaks cable shows, however, that only the day before, Mr. Douglas’ true feelings about Jonathan had been different.  In a conversation with an American official, Douglas described Jonathan as “part of the system of corruption that had impoverished the Niger 
Delta for decades.”

And that “successful development programme in Bayelsa”?  "Even his development initiative is viewed with skepticism by the populace," Douglas said.

He said that the outstanding corruption charges against Jonathan and his wife were troubling, and that while Jonathan enjoyed the support of the "Ijaw leaders," the "restive youth" had little respect for the "so-called leaders."

Douglas, who is now a Special Presidential Adviser to Jonathan, disclosed how close the corrupt governor of Rivers State, Mr. Peter Odili, came close to being named ahead of Jonathan as Yar'Adua's running mate. 

“It wasn't until Yar'Adua was at the podium and publicly announced Goodluck Jonathan to be his running mate that [Odili] realized he was not the PDP's vice presidential candidate,” the writer learned from Douglas. 

According to the story, a friend of Douglas’ who had had access to Yar'Adua's speech told him that Odili's name was mentioned as the running mate, but just before the convention, it was excised.

Douglas was of the view that Odili had fallen victim of an EFCC which claimed “significant malfeasance” on his part, including an instance where Naira 60 billion was earmarked for a gas plant project that actually cost only naira 20 billion.”

Mr. Douglas also commented on the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa State, whom he thought would be Timi Alaibe, who was then the Executive Director of Finance for the Niger Delta 
Development Commission (NDDC).

Alaibe, Douglas asserted, would be “the worst possible choice." 






C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 000003

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR INR/AA




E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/19/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM NI
SUBJECT: BAYELSA GOVERNOR WINS VICE PRESIDENTIAL BID

LAGOS 00000003  001.2 OF 002

Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)

¶1.  (C) Summary: Oronto Douglas, a confidant of Bayelsa State Governor Goodluck Jonathan, told Poloff early December 18 that Jonathan was chosen to be PDP presidential aspirant Umaru Yar'Adua's running mate because he is well respected among Ijaw leaders such as Chief Edwin Clark, because he has built a successful development program in Bayelsa, and because he has been a good Governor.  His comments to PolCouns the day before were very different, however.  Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, who thought he was going to be Yar'Adua's running mate, was not given the appointment because the EFCC has something on him, Douglas learned from an insider.
End Summary.

--------------------------------------------- ----------
Jonathan has Ijaw Favor & Strong Development Background
--------------------------------------------- ----------


2.   (C) The appointment was made after "long, long meetings" and "was like a coup against other aspirants" Oronto Douglas, a well-connected human rights activist from Bayelsa and confidant of Governor Goodluck, divulged to Poloff December 18.  One reason Governor Jonathan was given the vice presidential appointment, Douglas explained, was because he is supported by Ijaw leaders like Chief Edwin Clark and Ijaw communities throughout the south-south (Bayelsa State is over 95 percent Ijaw, and there are significant Ijaw population in neighboring south-south states).  Ijaws are believed to be Nigeria's fourth largest ethnic group.

3.    (C) It was felt that Ijaw militants in the Delta would give a new administration some breathing room if one of their kith and kin became the country's second citizen, Douglas said.  Also making Jonathan an attractive vice presidential running mate to Yar'Adua is the fact that Jonathan has a strong development program, the Bayelsa Partnership Initiative (BPI), which focuses on community-driven development.  The BPI empowers communities by giving them five to six percent of Bayelsa's 13 percent derivation to spend as the community deems necessary.  Douglas said if elected, Jonathan will expand this development scheme to the Federal Government and then spread it throughout the south-south states.

4.  (C) However, in a conversation with PolCouns the night before, Douglas disparaged Governor Jonathan.  He said that the outstanding corruption charges against him and his wife were troubling.  Douglas then claimed that while Jonathan enjoyed the support of the "Ijaw leaders," the "restive youth" had little respect for the "so-called leaders." Douglas thought that, like the "leaders," Jonathan was part of the system of corruption that had impoverished the Niger Delta for decades.  "Even his development initiative is viewed with skepticism by the populace," he said.

(Comment:
Vast inconsistencies in what Douglas said in these two conversations is hard to square.  Perhaps it says something about the tight-rope act Douglas is trying to maintain as a potential figure in Jonathan's camp but also as a community activist who has a cordial relationship with several militant groups. End comment)

5.  (C) In his conversation with Poloff, Douglas said a new PDP gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa State to take Goodluck Jonathan's place would be chosen soon.  He commented that Executive Director of Finance for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Timi Alaibe might emerge as the replacement for Jonathan on the PDP gubernatorial ticket.
Alaibe, known for misallocating NDDC funds and backing several militant groups, "is the worst possible choice," Douglas averred.

Odili Written Off

-6.  (C) It wasn't until Yar'Adua was at the podium and publicly announced Goodluck Jonathan to be his running mate that Governor Odili of Rivers State realized he was not the PDP's vice presidential candidate, Douglas chuckled to Poloff.  The look on Odili's face and the way he prematurely approached the podium revealed his surprise and disappointment.  A friend of Douglas had access to Yar'Adua's speech and confided to him that Odili's name was mentioned as the running mate.  However, just before the convention, his name was excised, the friend reported.

7.  (C) Apparently, Odili fell victim to an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) report claiming significant malfeasance including an instance where naira 60 billion was earmarked for a gas plant project that actually cost only naira 20 billion, Douglas said.  Concerns that Odili could not be trusted also plagued his bid for the vice presidency.  Douglas recalled that as Rivers State Deputy Governor, Odili connived to chase then Governor Rufus Ada George from office.  This left Yar'Adua and others with a fear that Odili would turn on them as well, Douglas asserted.

However, now that Odili has been written off the PDP presidential/vice presidential ticket, he will need to practice self-preservation, Douglas said.  Odili should heed the EFCC warnings and learn from others who have been jailed, lost access to accounts and financial resources, and have been taken to court, Douglas warned.


Comment
-------
8.  (C) Jonathan on the PDP ticket will provide the clamoring south-south with the Aso Rock representation it has demanded, according to Douglas.  While Jonathan's development efforts in Baylesa have been appreciated by some communities, they have not been able to quell the militant activities in the state.  Given the fractious nature of Ijaw politics, Jonathan's nomination will produce both applause and invectives among the Ijaw.  Overall, most Ijaw will welcome it as a sign that they are finally being taken seriously.

Others will see it as an attempt to pay of the Ijaw group with one office.  Still other Ijaws just don't like Jonathan and will not want his star to ascend trouble-free.  Thus, while most Ijaws will give him a chance to prove himself as Vice President, his selection will not automatically silence Ijaw militants.  In fact, it probably helped spark some of the most recent eruptions as militants scrambled to assert that they would not be bought off.  End Comment.
BROWNE

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/wikileaks-%E2%80%9Cgoodluck-jonathan-was-part-system-corruption-had-impoverished-niger-

Abia ‘deports’ non indigenous workers
By Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia 16 hours 57 minutes ago
Font size:

NON indigenes on the payroll of the Abia State Government are to be sent back to their different states, no thanks to the implementation of the new minimum wage of N18,000.
Governor Theodore Orji who dropped the hint yesterday also said that arrangements have been concluded by his administration to absorb any Abia indigene affected by a similar policy in other states.
According to him, the step became necessary to enable the state implement the new minimum wage, which has set many state governments against workers under the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) umbrella.
Speaking with reporters in Umuahia, the state capital, as part of the ceremony to mark the 20-year anniversary of the creation of the state and the first 100 days in office of Governor Orji, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Don Ubani, said that the exercise became necessary for obvious reasons.
Ubani said: “The state government has decided to return all non indigenes working in the state civil service back to their states of origin, so that our people who have been displaced in some other states will have a place to work and earn their living.”

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news-update/18677-minimum-wage%3A-abia-%E2%80%98deports%E2%80%99-non-indigenous-workers.html

IBB rekindles war with Obasanjo
on SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 · in NEWS
     
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA: AFTER weeks of recess in the verbal war between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida, the battle appeared to have resumed yesterday with General Babangida insisting that General Obasanjo’s administration was characterized by high level squandering of the nation’s money.

Babangida also said yesterday that he never recanted his earlier statement made on Obasanjo before his birthday, noting that he still stands by the contents of that interview where he made allusion to the squander-mania that characterized Chief Obasanjo’s government with particular reference to the $16 billion dollars reportedly wasted on a fruitless power project, as revealed by the National Assembly power probe panel.

In a statement issued yesterday on behalf of General Babangida by his media spokesperson, Prince Kassim Afegbua, he said, “we have read several news reports suggesting that former President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, recanted his comments on former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.


*IBB and OBJ
He wishes to state very clearly and without fear of contradiction that there is nothing like “recant” on his part. What General IBB stated on the 30th August, 2011 was that the media misquoted him on his earlier interview granted prior to his birthday of 17th August, 2011. The contents of the newspapers’ reports were different from the screaming headlines that were carried. That perhaps informed Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s misplaced outburst to the effect of calling General IBB a fool at 70.

“General IBB still stands by the contents of that interview where he made allusion to the squander-mania that characterized Chief Obasanjo’s government with particular reference to the $16billion dollars reportedly wasted on a fruitless power project, as revealed by the National Assembly power probe panel. There was nothing extra-ordinary in what General IBB said to warrant Chief Obasanjo’s outburst and scathing remarks on the person of General Babangida.

Impression of a recant does not arise

“In the light of the above, he wishes to state unequivocally that the idea or notion or impression of a recant does not arise at all. His response to Chief Obasanjo’s outburst remains in force and valid, hence it will be wrong for anyone to report that “IBB recanted” on his earlier position. He will not allow history to record it for him that he kept mum when someone reportedly called him a fool.

“All the issues raised in his earlier response have not been contradicted by Chief Obasanjo save that he resorted to name-calling and abuse. He still holds the position very strongly that former President Obasanjo’s regime recorded the highest revenue in the history of Nigeria from independence in 1960 till 1999 when his government came into force.

Over N16trillion naira was shared among the three tiers of government during Obasanjo’s government, out of which about N7.4trillion was spent by the Federal Government. This is aside from other non-oil income that accrued to his government within the same period. Needless to state that the government went on a spending spree, which culminated in several sharp practices and abuses particularly in the privatization exercise. The records are gradually becoming glaring for all to see, no thanks to the National Assembly probe panel.

“He will be prepared to offer further clarifications should the need arise but let it be recorded that there was nothing like recantation as previously reported”.

It will be recalled that during the 70th birthday celebration of General Babangida held on August 17 this year, former President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, General Obasanjo, described Babangida as a fool at 70.

Obasanjo’s comments were reactions to General Babangida’s remarks who on the eve of his 70th birthday celebration in Minna, which rated Obasanjo’s achievements as low, just as he said that the BoT chairman failed to improve the power sector in spite of the huge resources that was available to his government.

Obasanjo also in his reply to Babangida had said that Babangida needed to be pitied and not condemned for rubbishing his administration against the backdrop that Babangida’s criticisms were unfortunate and not well thought out.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/ibb-rekindles-war-with-obasanjo/

Benin youth protest abduction and death of musician
By Jethro Ibileke
September 6, 2011 01:48PM
print email


The death of a Benin City-based musician, Omoregbe Okpenyen, popularly known as Bayo Ade and his father, Pa Okpenyen, threw the city into pandemonium on Monday as thousands of youth protested the death of the artiste who was allegedly kidnapped on Sunday morning.

Bayo Ade, who was billed to perform at the 77th birthday ceremony of the Esama of Benin, Gabriel igbinedion, was found dead on Sunday night after his abductors allegedly collected the sum of N500, 000 ransom money from his family. His father allegedly collapsed and died immediately after the news of his son was broken to him.
Youths, numbering over 1000, took to the streets of Benin in a peaceful demonstration, demanding justice for the murder of late Bayo Ade.

His younger brother and manager, Etchie Peter, recalled that his Brother, who was found dead, was shot in both legs and his hands tied before he was released by his abductors. He further said that he visited his late brother who gave him money to buy diesel and fuel for their show at Esama's residence.

He said: "It was while I was going that I was called that Bayo Ade has been kidnapped. The kidnappers called me with his phone and demanded for N10m. We told them we didn't have such money and reminded them that it was on a Sunday. We later told them that we could raise N500, 000.
They didn't call for some time. In the night, they called that we should bring the money to Textile Mill road. We went there and they directed us to Federal Road by Okhoro junction close to the cemetery.

"We went there and they told us to put on our car headlight. After some time they called and threatened to kill us if police were with us. Suddenly they started shooting and asked one of us to bring out the money. They asked us to go and that we should call them in 10 minutes time. I called in 10 minutes and they said I should call again. Later they switched off the phone. They called again and told us to go Ewah Road by Ikpoba Slope and that we should hurry that my brother was shot. I went there, opened the vehicle and didn't see my brother. I opened the booth and discovered that my brother was very cold. He was dead."

But as Bayo Ade's manager was narrating the incident to newsmen on Monday, another information came that the musician's father Pa Ukpenyen died immediately after receiving the news of his son's death. This was later confirmed at the family house on Idahosa Street, off Lagos Street Benin City by newsmen who visited there.

"The musician's body and that of his father have been deposited at the Central Hospital mortuary," a relative said.

Sympathizers, including some members of his band, took to the street protesting his death. They called on the state government and the security agencies to unravel those behind the abduction and killing of the musician as well as the unabated kidnapping incidents in Edo State.

Provost kidnapped

While the dust raised by the news of the kidnap and killing of Byo Ade was still swirling, news of the abduction of the provost of the Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, in Ovia South West local council, Julius Obahayujie was also announced. He was reportedly abducted on Saturday at Ewohinmi, Esan South East local council while attending a marriage ceremony.

More police patrols

The Edo State Commissioner of police, David Omojola however promised to tighten security in the state, particularly the state capital with the introduction of more police officers to patrol the state.

Mr. Omojola, who admitted that the state police command was seriously Challenged, said the command will continue to do its best to bring the situation under control.
He also announced the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, namely, Ouwisi Emmanuel (19) and Oboh Godstime (19), who allegedly kidnapped a woman and demanded for a ransom prize of N25, 000.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5741032-146/benin_youth_protest_abduction_and_death.csp





Kidnapped Edo musician found dead after payment of ransom
By James Azania
Tuesday, 6 Sep 2011
Exactly one week after the abduction of an Edo State-based businessman and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Mr. Tes Soare, in the state capital, Benin, a popular musician, Omoregbe Okpeyen (a.k.a Bayo Ade), was on Sunday kidnapped.


Unlike Sorae who came out alive from the kidnappers’ den, Okpeyen’s body was left in his car boot by the hoodlums after collecting a N500,000 ransom from his family.


Father of the deceased, Elder Okpeyen is currently in a critical condition, having gone into a coma, on hearing about the fate of his son.


This development has sent panic signals to residents of the ancient city, as many politicians, top government functionaries and businessmen and women are reported to have gone into hiding as kidnappers appeared to have laid a siege to the state.


Similarly, the Provost of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, in Ovia South West Local Government Area, Prof. Julius Obahayuijie, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday, while attending a traditional marriage in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government area.


State Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Omojola, in a reaction, described the development in the last week as a challenge which the force would tackle “with all sense of duty.”


Decrying the loss of lives in the series of kidnappings, Omojola, said the force had however not been resting on its oars.


The late Bayo Ade was billed to perform at a pre-77 years birthday celebration of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, on the day he was abducted.


When our correspondent visited the Lagos Street residence of the late musician, sympathisers were seen gathered around the family compound.


The younger brother and manager of the late musician, Peter, told our correspondent that the kidnappers shot his brother in both legs and tied his hands, “leaving his body by Uwa Junction along Ikpoba Slope.”


Narrating his last encounter with the deceased, Peter said his late brother gave him some money to purchase fuel to power the generator to be used at the Igbenedion Government Reservation Area residence only to receive a call shortly after from him that he had been kidnapped on his way to the venue.


He said, “It was while I was going that I got calls that he had been kidnapped. The kidnappers called me with his phone and demanded N10m. We pleaded with the kidnappers that we didn’t have such money and to worsen the situation, it was on Sunday and banks don’t work. We managed to raise N500, 000. They didn’t call for some time.”

http://punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109062472031

Chasing the Ghosts of the Corrupt Abacha Regime: Gilbert Chagoury, Clinton donor and diplomat With A Checkered Past

In July 2004, police lay in wait at an airfield in the far northeastern corner of Nigeria. Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese businessman and one-time adviser to the late dictator Sani Abacha, was set to touch down in his private jet. Nuhu Ribadu, then the country's top anti-corruption prosecutor, says that Chagoury was a kingpin in the corruption that defined Abacha's regime. "You couldn't investigate corruption without looking at Chagoury," Ribadu tells me in a recent interview in California.
Six years after Abacha's death, Ribadu's officers stood ready to take Chagoury down. Ribadu says that Chagoury made it possible for Abacha to steal billions of dollars and lined his own pockets in the process. The prosecutor says he indicted Chagoury and ordered his arrest for relatively minor violations related to Chagoury's businesses so that he could later bring additional charges for his activities in the Abacha era.

But, no sooner had Chagoury's plane hit the ground, than it took off again. Ribadu says it's likely that an airport official tipped him off, and Ribadu's big catch slipped away, literally into thin air.

Chagoury was among the last of the all-powerful middlemen who served the heads of oil-rich African states, says Philippe Vasset, longtime editor of Africa Energy Intelligence, one of a series of influential energy industry newsletters. "He [Chagoury] was the gatekeeper to Abacha's presidency," Vasset says.

In many African countries, a Western entrepreneur might hand over money to a fixer or middleman, who would then pass it on to a political leader in exchange for support for a business venture. In Nigeria, Vasset explains, Chagoury was just such a figure in the mid-1990s, when Abacha ruled the country and held the key to much of the country's oil wealth.

Today, Chagoury is a diplomat representing the tiny island nation of St. Lucia. He is also a friend of former President Bill Clinton and a generous philanthropist, who, since the Abacha years, has used his money to establish respectability. He appeared near the top of the Clinton Foundation donor list in 2008 as a $1 million to $5 million contributor, according to foundation documents. (His name made the list again in 2009.)

Chagoury's contribution to the Louvre in Paris some years back was large enough for the museum to name a gallery for him and his wife. In recent years, he has put up $10 million for the construction of medical and nursing schools in Lebanon, his parents' country of origin, that also bear the Chagoury name.

Unlike his friend, the former president, Chagoury conducts his affairs largely out of public view. He rarely talks to reporters.

But on a cool day in late 2008, I headed up a gently winding road in Beverly Hills, where Chagoury's Moorish-style villa sprawls across the top of a steep canyon. The home once belonged to entertainer Danny Thomas, and Richard Nixon, Raquel Welch, and Michael Caine have all lived in the neighborhood.

After a written request for an interview and many follow-up phone calls, Chagoury invited me to meet him. "We'll see if we can get along," he said. Chagoury's home is packed with art, antiques, and crystal chandeliers, and offers a staggering view across West Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.

As I'm taking it all in, Chagoury climbs a thickly carpeted, winding staircase to the living room to greet me. He's a stout man, dressed in a navy blue sport coat with buttons that strain against a barrel chest. His fingernails are buffed and manicured, and he has a full head of salt-and-pepper hair.

Almost immediately, he has a proposal: Do your story, but don't sell your work to a media outlet. "Do it for me," he says, offering me access and contacts -- even the chance to write a book. In exchange, I would get cash, and he would get full control of the product. I politely turn him down, but he brings up the offer several times during the interview.   

As we talk, I learn that much of what Chagoury says about himself is so out of sync with the public record and what others have told me -- even those who are friendly toward him -- that it seems he's not just in the market for positive spin, but for all-out reinvention.
When I bring up his days in Nigeria, he tells me that he detests his reputation as Abacha's middleman. "I am not in that business," he says. Rather, he has worked hard since he was a teenager, building a conglomerate called The Chagoury Group, which employs 20,000 people in Nigeria in construction, real estate development, telecommunications, and other sectors.

"I am an industrialist," he says in lightly accented, near-perfect English. "I spend a lot of time with my family. I don't have time to do all that people say I do."

"I have never bribed anyone," he says, looking me straight in the eye. "I have never had to make a crooked deal." He is absolutely sure of himself, even though he has offered me a bribe of sorts just minutes earlier.

As for Ribadu, the Nigerian investigator who says his officers nearly made that 2004 arrest on corruption charges, Chagoury says, "He's not such hot stuff." He tells me that Ribadu -- who until 2007 headed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, an agency similar to the FBI -- was an attack-dog set against the enemies of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who appointed him.

Ribadu was pushed out of his job after Obasanjo left office, and says he was given the freedom to act independently during his tenure and was ousted because of his zealous prosecution of high-level officials.

Chagoury, who turns 64 this month, was born in Lagos and is the eldest of eight children. He has dual citizenship in Lebanon and the United Kingdom because of his parents' heritage and because he was born in Nigeria while it was still under British rule.

His father came to West Africa in the 1930s from the northern Lebanese town of Miziara. The elder Chagoury followed what was by then a well-worn migrant trail to Nigeria, where he traded in textiles and helped his brother in a small trucking operation.

Chagoury is part of the Lebanese diaspora, which is by some estimates several times larger than the population of Lebanon, and includes such influential members as Mexican businessman Carlos Slim, the world's third richest man, Columbian entertainer Shakira, and American activist Ralph Nader.

Like their Palestinian and Jewish neighbors, the Lebanese have scattered about the world, and Chagoury seems equally at home in Lagos or Beverly Hills. He has also maintained close ties to his parents' home town of Miziara.

Today, Miziara survives -- and even thrives -- because of Chagoury and his brothers, says Gilbert Aoun, who was Lebanon's ambassador to Nigeria during Abacha's rule. Still, nine months of the year, the mountainous settlement of some 15,000 is a ghost town, Aoun says, because most Miziarans old enough to work are employed by the Chagourys in Nigeria.

Chagoury didn't grow up rich, but he says that he always wanted the security and prestige that money brings. He went into business with his father-in-law, and later with his brother. The family established several flour mills in Benin and Nigeria, a construction company in Nigeria, and a club in Lagos.

An Indispensable Adviser
Chagoury says he met Abacha by chance on a flight to the Niger Delta city of Port Harcourt, when the future dictator was a young officer. The two struck up a friendship, and when Abacha seized power in a 1993 coup, Chagoury became the general's indispensable adviser.

General Abacha was an eccentric man and a brutal leader, who consolidated his power by declaring martial law and jailing political rivals. He kept a menagerie of exotic animals and rarely removed his sunglasses. The regime drew worldwide condemnation in 1995, when activist playwright Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other men who had campaigned against the environmental degradation of the oil-rich Niger Delta were executed for what most observers say were trumped-up murder charges.

From his earliest days in power, Abacha set the tone for an administration that would become the most corrupt in Nigeria's history. Today, more than a decade after the dictator's death, investigators from Washington DC to the Nigerian capital of Abuja are still unraveling the web of shady dealings around Abacha's rule.

Within months of taking office in 1993, Abacha began to divert money from Nigeria's central bank to the overseas bank accounts of his family members and associates, including Chagoury's. A lawsuit brought by the Nigerian government against Abacha's heirs and associates in the United Kingdom shows that the dictator fraudulently ordered the bank transfers for national security purposes.

By the time of Abacha's death in 1998, those so-called security payments would total $2 billion, but they would represent less than half the funds that money-laundering investigators around the world estimate that Abacha and his associates stole from their country.
However, Abacha found other ways to pad his bank accounts. A $180 million bribery scheme -- the largest ever discovered as part of a U.S. Justice Department investigation -- was hatched the first year Abacha was in office.

Halliburton's Nigerian Bribes
The scheme began in the early 1990s, when Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR), at the time a subsidiary of the Halliburton Corporation, led a joint venture that bid for a $6 billion contract to build a sprawling liquefied natural gas facility in the Niger Delta.

The group won the bid, but not before Abacha had agreed to accept a $40 million bribe that he would share with other Nigerian officials, according to Department of Justice court papers. It was the first installment of $180 million in bribes that KBR would pay, not only to officials of the Abacha regime, but to officials of the two heads of state who succeeded him.

A few months before I interviewed Chagoury, former KBR CEO Jack Stanley had pleaded guilty in a Texas courtroom to charges related to organizing the bribery scheme that went on for a decade in Nigeria, and to taking millions in kickbacks for himself. Since then, two more KBR contractors have been indicted, and Halliburton entered a guilty plea and paid the government a record fine of more than $500 million.
Chagoury denies any involvement in the bribery case, but his name surfaces in notes taken by one of the indictees, Chodan, who kept detailed records of so-called cultural meetings, where bribes were discussed.

One entry reads, "$250 ,  to IPCO via Chagoury."
When I ask Chagoury about these records, he doesn't dispute that the note refers to a sum of $250 million, but he argues that it refers to a contract, which, he says, was legitimately awarded to one of his companies, IPCO Nigeria Limited, for construction related to the liquefied natural gas plant.

Chagoury has not been named by the Department of Justice or charged with any crime related to the KBR affair.

His work as an intermediary for Abacha went beyond business affairs. He was also deeply involved in diplomacy, even though he held no official government post. In the mid-1990s, when Nigeria came under increasing pressure from Washington to hold elections, Chagoury gained access to high-level U.S. emissaries like Jesse Jackson and Bill Richardson as well as to a number of senior State Department officials, according to Donald McHenry, a former American ambassador to the United Nations, who worked in U.S.-Nigeria diplomacy at the time.

The Clinton Connections
Chagoury, along with his wife and three of his children, were guests at a the Clinton's White House holiday dinner shortly after Chagoury gave nearly half a million dollars to a voter registration committee, Vote Now '96, according to a report in The Washington Post. (Chagoury would have been barred from donating directly to the Clinton campaign because he is not a U.S. citizen.) Since then, Chagoury and Clinton have traveled together and seen each other socially.

"Every one knows I'm friends with the Clintons," Chagoury says.

As Abacha's health began to fail in the late 1990s, Chagoury made major efforts to prop up the dictator. A State Department memo obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, entitled "The Health Watch on the Head of State Continues," shows that Chagoury appeared to have brought medical specialists and sophisticated medical equipment to the presidential residence in Abuja, while publicly downplaying the seriousness of Abacha's condition.

When Abacha died in June 1998, a second State Department memo notes that Chagoury placed an in-flight call from his private plane to the U.S. embassy in Nigeria to report that he was in touch with Nigeria's Provisional Ruling Council, which would be meeting later that day to discuss a successor to Abacha. In the phone call, Chagoury asked what governmental structure would be acceptable to U.S. officials, according to the memo.

Immediately after Abacha's death, Ribadu, then a young police investigator, says he began looking into the dictator's financial affairs. "It wasn't uncommon for Nigerian leaders to put money elsewhere," Ribadu says. "But the magnitude was beyond anybody's comprehension."
The money -- estimated at more than $4 billion -- was stashed in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and the Isle of Jersey in the names of dozens of individuals and companies. Ribadu argues that it was Chagoury who vouched for Abacha's sons at banks where the source of their assets might otherwise have been questioned.

Indeed, Chagoury's Swiss attorney, Luc Argand, told me that his client served as a reference for Abacha's sons at Credit Suisse. The Nigerian government eventually requested help from law enforcement around the world in tracking the stolen assets. In 2000, Chagoury was convicted in Geneva, Switzerland, of laundering money and aiding a criminal organization in connection with the billions of dollars stolen from Nigeria during the Abacha years.

Argand has insisted that Chagoury used the money for diplomatic missions on behalf of Abacha. Asked if he had records to substantiate that claim, Argand said he couldn't produce any. He also conceded that the money was "stolen by Abacha, and had to be returned."
However, Argand says that Chagoury had already decided on his own to return it. In the end, he says, his client agreed to a plea deal: Chagoury would pay a fine of a million Swiss francs and hand over $66 million to the Nigerian government. Swiss authorities promised to expunge the conviction after two years, which they have done.

In 1999, Chagoury won immunity from prosecution in a separate looted-assets case in Nigeria by agreeing to return money that he held in Swiss bank accounts. The precise amount that Chagoury returned is unclear.

Meanwhile, the hunt for Nigeria's stolen treasure continues. A panel appointed by Nigeria's current president, Umaru Yar'Adua, is currently investigating which Nigerian officials took bribes in the Halliburton case and has reportedly requested U.S. Department of Justice cooperation in the probe. However, some Nigeria watchers, including Ribadu, doubt the seriousness of the inquiry.

While the Nigerian government struggles to recoup the losses it suffered under Abacha, Chagoury has prospered and continued to win acceptance from influential people around the world.

Last year, he was knighted by the Catholic Church and inducted into the Order of St. Gregory the Great, an honor bestowed upon those who serve the church, including many who are big donors to the institution. Bob Hope, Ricardo Montalban, and Rupert Murdoch are among past recipients.
The Clinton Foundation did not respond to emailed questions and repeated phone calls about the nature of Bill and Hillary Clinton's relationship with Chagoury. Former Democratic Party chairman Terry McAuliffe, who, according to The Washington Post, was a sponsor of Chagoury's invitation to the White House in 1996, also failed to return phone calls. A spokesman for former Clinton political advisor James Carville, also a Chagoury acquaintance, said that Carville could not comment on the relationship.

And Chagoury hasn't stopped earning his fortune. Knowledgeable sources say that Chagoury controls South Atlantic Petroleum, a company that was awarded a choice oil exploration license before Abacha's death. Three years ago, the company sold a portion of its government-granted concession to the Chinese oil company, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, for $2.7 billion.

In our interview, Chagoury didn't deny that he profited from the deal, but he said rumors that former President Clinton helped make the deal happen were untrue.

Chagoury is unfazed by the crackdown by the U.S. Justice Department on foreign bribery, exemplified by the Halliburton case, and waves off the recent spate of prosecutions like an elder statesman: "You have lobbyists; we have agents," he says.

"You are never going to stop corruption," because it's favoritism, and that's human nature, which laws won't change, he tells me.
It's no wonder he is so confident. He is now free to come and go in Nigeria, while his nemesis, corruption hunter Nuhu Ribadu, left the country last year, he says, after an attempt on his life.

Robin Urevich is a reporter in Monterey County, California. Her work has appeared on NPR, Marketplace, NPR affiliates KQED and KPCC, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Las Vegas Sun. She is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley School of Journalism.

This story was originally published by PBS Frontline.
Copied from Saharareporters.com


http://saharareporters.com/news-page/chasing-ghosts-corrupt-abacha-regime-gilbert-chagoury-clinton-donor-and-diplomat-checkered

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bribe/2010/01/nigeria-chasing-the-ghosts-of-a-corrupt-regime.html

Benin youth protest abduction and death of musician
By Jethro Ibileke
September 6, 2011 01:48PM
print email


The death of a Benin City-based musician, Omoregbe Okpenyen, popularly known as Bayo Ade and his father, Pa Okpenyen, threw the city into pandemonium on Monday as thousands of youth protested the death of the artiste who was allegedly kidnapped on Sunday morning.

Bayo Ade, who was billed to perform at the 77th birthday ceremony of the Esama of Benin, Gabriel igbinedion, was found dead on Sunday night after his abductors allegedly collected the sum of N500, 000 ransom money from his family. His father allegedly collapsed and died immediately after the news of his son was broken to him.
Youths, numbering over 1000, took to the streets of Benin in a peaceful demonstration, demanding justice for the murder of late Bayo Ade.

His younger brother and manager, Etchie Peter, recalled that his Brother, who was found dead, was shot in both legs and his hands tied before he was released by his abductors. He further said that he visited his late brother who gave him money to buy diesel and fuel for their show at Esama's residence.

He said: "It was while I was going that I was called that Bayo Ade has been kidnapped. The kidnappers called me with his phone and demanded for N10m. We told them we didn't have such money and reminded them that it was on a Sunday. We later told them that we could raise N500, 000.
They didn't call for some time. In the night, they called that we should bring the money to Textile Mill road. We went there and they directed us to Federal Road by Okhoro junction close to the cemetery.

"We went there and they told us to put on our car headlight. After some time they called and threatened to kill us if police were with us. Suddenly they started shooting and asked one of us to bring out the money. They asked us to go and that we should call them in 10 minutes time. I called in 10 minutes and they said I should call again. Later they switched off the phone. They called again and told us to go Ewah Road by Ikpoba Slope and that we should hurry that my brother was shot. I went there, opened the vehicle and didn't see my brother. I opened the booth and discovered that my brother was very cold. He was dead."

But as Bayo Ade's manager was narrating the incident to newsmen on Monday, another information came that the musician's father Pa Ukpenyen died immediately after receiving the news of his son's death. This was later confirmed at the family house on Idahosa Street, off Lagos Street Benin City by newsmen who visited there.

"The musician's body and that of his father have been deposited at the Central Hospital mortuary," a relative said.

Sympathizers, including some members of his band, took to the street protesting his death. They called on the state government and the security agencies to unravel those behind the abduction and killing of the musician as well as the unabated kidnapping incidents in Edo State.

Provost kidnapped

While the dust raised by the news of the kidnap and killing of Byo Ade was still swirling, news of the abduction of the provost of the Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, in Ovia South West local council, Julius Obahayujie was also announced. He was reportedly abducted on Saturday at Ewohinmi, Esan South East local council while attending a marriage ceremony.

More police patrols

The Edo State Commissioner of police, David Omojola however promised to tighten security in the state, particularly the state capital with the introduction of more police officers to patrol the state.

Mr. Omojola, who admitted that the state police command was seriously Challenged, said the command will continue to do its best to bring the situation under control.
He also announced the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, namely, Ouwisi Emmanuel (19) and Oboh Godstime (19), who allegedly kidnapped a woman and demanded for a ransom prize of N25, 000.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5741032-146/benin_youth_protest_abduction_and_death.csp

http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/press-releases/100-days-of-promising-less-and-delivering-more-the-jonathan-transformational-agenda.html

100 Days of Promising Less and Delivering More: The Jonathan Transformational Agenda

Monday, 05 September 2011 22:29 Written By The Presidency, Abuja Hits: 376


DOWNLOAD THE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

Introduction

In his inauguration speech of May 29th, 2011 President Jonathan promised  that he will "never, never let " Nigerians down. As his administration clocks 100 days, here are some highlights of the achievements of the President and his team in a continuing fulfillment of Mr. President's promise to "never let" Nigerians down.

Deepening National Cohesiveness & Rule of Law

National Cohesiveness: After his victory at the April polls, President Jonathan was magnanimous in victory, sending emissaries nation-wide to get the buy in from all stake holders in the Nigeria Project. As a result of president Jonathan's commitment to electoral reform, the April Elections were adjudged the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria since the return to civil rule in 1999 as attested to by local and international observers a fact so apparent that all major opposition parties with the exception of one have publicly accepted President Jonathan’s victory.
Reduction in Election Disputes: By close of submission of election petitions it was established they had dropped by almost 80% from the 2007 figures.
Rule of Law: In the last 100 days this administration has obeyed all court judgments and respected the doctrine of Separation of Powers by not interfering in other arms of government.
Trade & Investment

The National Automobile Council established an Automotive Development Fund to provide long term loans to resuscitate the automobile industry and generate jobs.
A machinery is now in place for the establishment of 37 Skills Acquisition Centers nationwide.
Approval for genuine foreign investors to obtain visas at the point of entry to facilitate FDI investments.
Completion of Model Skills Training Centers in Abuja-a collaboration between the Industrial Training Fund and the Institute for Technical Education, Singapore, first of its kind in Nigeria
Establishment of the Nigerian Vehicle Credit Purchase scheme.
Began process of establishing a World Trade & International Business Center in Lagos.
Commencement of the process for backward integration in Sugar & Rice Production to ensure self sufficiency.
Launch of the Campaign Against the Importation of  Sub Standard Products.
The Economy

Expansion of the Oil Sector:
Boosted by the overwhelming success of the Amnesty Programme of the current administration, Nigeria's oil production expanded by 20% and she reclaimed her former position as Africa's largest oil exporter which she had hitherto lost to Angola.
Nigeria set a new record by being recognized by OPEC in the month of July as the second largest oil exporter in the cartel second only to Saudi Arabia. It is the first time Nigeria has recorded such a feat.
Inflation Rate Down:
Inflation rate has been reducing as the administration enforces tighter fiscal policies. In June the Consumer Price Index revealed an inflation rate of 10.2% which dropped to 9.4% in July being the lowest rate in the last four years.
Foreign Reserves Rises by 10% to $34 Billion
GDP Growth Rate Holds Firm: Nigeria's GDP growth rate month over month has continued to grow from 6.7% in May to 6.9% in July of 2011.
Top Investment Destination: Nigeria has been declared one of the top three investment destinations of choice in Africa (number 2) by the independent Africa Business Panel in The Netherlands.
Infrastructure

Power Generation:
The President approved the pioneer board for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NEBT) Plc, in an effort to stabilize power supply by facilitating smooth operations between independent power producers and distribution companies.
Nigeria now generates power at her highest level ever.
Mass Transit Train Services: The Nigerian Railway Corporation has commenced Mass Transit Train Services in five out of the six geo-political zones with the sixth zone coming on stream before the end of the year.
Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority: With the establishment of the NSIA, the President facilitated direct investments into infrastructure with the priority areas being Power and Roads.
Road Projects:
The current administration approved funds for the rehabilitation of the   East – West road in Nigeria in order to facilitate transportation of goods and services around the country.
The Federal Government also awarded contracts for various road projects across the country whose impact will soon be felt nationwide.
Launch of the NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X Satellites:
Nigeria launched two satellites in August 2011. These satellites were designed and built by Nigerian Engineers/Scientists in conjunction with British Scientists and will help expand Internet Bandwidth, monitor the weather and provide early warning to prevent natural disasters like floods, crop monitoring and urban planning.


Access to Justice

Setting up of a 12-man Justice Sector Reform Implementation Committee to ensure the implementation of various reform that have been articulated and widen access to justice.
Mr. President assented to several bills to increase access to justice including; The Human Rights Amendment Act, 2011; Legal Aid Amendment Act, 2011; The Evidence Act (which has simplified the process of collating evidence in our legal system)
Ensured compliance with court judgments, especially with regard to payment of judgment debts.
Repatriation of looted funds to the country. The sum of 22.5 million Pounds sterling were recovered from the Isle of Jersey, U.K.
Increased focus on Legislative Advocacy via a host of pending bills designed to enhance the welfare of Nigerians
Freedom of Information Bill. The President signed the FOI Bill, thereby showing his commitment to lifting the veil covering governance and deepening participatory democracy. Already there have been tangible benefits with the first FOI case instituted in court and the recent declassification of hitherto classified information. The framework for compliance of the FOI Act has been prepared by the Office of the AGF for gazetting, after inputs from critical stakeholders.
Pro-Youth and People Policy

Intervention in Pricing and Distribution.
The President introduced the unique policy of intervening in the pricing of kerosene by engaging with the Private Sector and the price reduced within the first 100 days between May and September, 2011.
He also introduced the KeroDirect policy of selling kerosene direct to end users essentially cutting out the bottlenecks in the distribution system. This successful scheme has reduced the artificial scarcity of the product hitherto faced by the Nigerian masses.
Allowance Increase for Youth Corps Members:
In recognizing the sacrifices of our youth corps members, the President approved the upward review of their allowances from 9,700 Naira to 19,800 Naira.
Minimum Wage Increase for Nigerian Workers:
The President approved an increase in the minimum wage earned by the Nigerian worker to 18,900 Naira monthly. This is in line with his belief that Nigerian workers deserves to earn more as compensation for the efforts they put into advancing our society.
A Positive Gender Agenda

35% Slot For Women
President Jonathan took the unique step of proactively reserving 35% of cabinet positions for women. Despite immense pressures, Mr. President held firm and has so far given women  31% slot as far as Ministerial positions are concerned.  As a man of his words, when you add female Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Assistants to be appointed, that figure will certainly rise to 35%.  This is more than the recommended gender representation ratio of 30% in the Beijing document.
Merit was the yard-stick in filling these slots with President Jonathan appointing only the best.
Security

Deepening Security and expanding Peace in Nigeria
Peace has been sustained in the Niger Delta, Militants are in training or engaging in worthwhile ventures.
Drastic reduction in kidnapping in the South East with the implementation of President Jonathan’s order on the establishment of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian army in Ohafia, Abia state.
Investments in Facilities for an Intelligence-Based Security Approach.
Maritime Safety has been ensured and stabilized in the last 100 days.
Planning

Working Smarter Not Just Harder
Retreats and workshops were organized for the cabinet to rub minds and enhance synergy within the administration.
To give effect to Mr. President’s statement that improving the economy and creating jobs is of the highest priority to this administration, a 15-man Economic Implementation Team was put in place under the Chairmanship of President Jonathan to include a coordinating minister for the economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, two governors including opposition party governor, Peter Obi of Anambra (Honorary Presidential Adviser on Finance) and Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa (Honorary Presidential Adviser on Agriculture). Another innovation was the inclusion of the Private sector with the membership of Captains of Industry including Alh. Aliko Dangote, Mr. Atedo Peterside as well as the President of the Nigerian Economic Society.
Foreign Policy

Review of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: Nigeria’s foreign policy was reviewed to reflect a “citizen-focused” foreign policy designed in the      words of President Jonathan to “accord this vision of defending the dignity of humanity the      highest priority" and link foreign policy to domestic  policy while placing a greater emphasis on         economic diplomacy.
Nigeria Hosts The World:

In the last 100 days, President Jonathan has further cemented Nigeria's position as the regional leader in West Africa as well as in Africa by receiving the British Prime Minister, David Cameron and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
A record number (40) of Foreign Heads of State and Governments attended the inauguration and swearing in ceremony of President Jonathan on May 29th, 2011.
In the same time period President Jonathan has also received the Presidents of Niger, Botswana, Ivory Coast,  Benin Republic and Liberia.
Nigeria Meets the World:

President Jonathan was received at the White House in June 2011 where he had a one on one meeting with the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.
A Strong Team

Although it took some time principally because of the recesses declared by the Senate (President Jonathan respects the doctrine of Separation of Powers) Mr. President came up with a stellar cabinet.
The cabinet includes tested hands like:
Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, immediate past Managing Director of the World Bank and former Finance Minister who superintended Nigeria's exit from the Paris and London Club of debtors.
Dr. Olusegun Aganga, a former Managing Director at Goldman Sachs International.
Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, a former Vice President  at the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (established by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the goal of bringing a green revolution to Africa).
Prof. Bart Nnaji, a former World Bank consultant and professor of Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Robotics amongst others.
Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate, former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA); and
Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Former Chair Person and Country Director Accenture Nigeria.
In the history of Nigerian cabinets from pre-independence to date, no cabinet has had the quantum of stellar appointments as President Jonathan has in his first cabinet post election.
Conclusion

It is early days yet, but with such a team armed with a transformational agenda, Nigeria is set to fulfill the potential in the Morgan Stanley report from last July to the effect that Nigeria is set to overtake South Africa's economy as the largest economy in Africa.

Produced by Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity.

STF ACCUSED OF COMPLACENCY AS MARAUDERS ATTACK MORE VILLAGES IN PLATEAU
September 5, 2011
0


Unknown attackers have once again struck the north central city of Jos as no fewer than eleven persons have been confirmed dead, many others sustained gunshot and knife wounds and houses also burnt in two separate attacks in Jos North and Jos South local government areas of Plateau state.

Attackers suspected to be pastorals raided Dabwak and Farinlamba villages in Jos south, killing four people and injuring over ten others, while another attack was reported at Zakalio Village in Targon District of Jos north where seven persons were killed and three injured.

Residents of both villages have blamed attacks on members of the Special Task Force for complacency in carrying out their responsibilities of safeguarding lives and property in the state considering the nearness of the attacked areas to the securities duty posts without apprehending any of the attackers.

http://www.channelstv.com/global/news_details.php?nid=28935&cat=Local