₦airaland Forum

The Police in Ekiti on Tuesday invited the Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state, Jide Awe, over the murder of one Ayodele Jeje on Saturday night.
The 37-year-old Mr. Jeje was a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
Mr. Jeje was killed in Erinjiyan Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state.

See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127965-police-quiz-ekiti-acn-chairman-over-murder.html

The NYSC Director, Public Relation, Bosede Aribigbe, on Tuesday advised prospective corps members to obtain their JAMB registration numbers, to avoid demobilisation.
Mrs. Aribigbe said in Abuja that one of the requirements for participation in the orientation exercise was the presentation of JAMB registration number by graduates.

See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127902-no-jamb-registration-no-mobilisation-nysc-tells-prospective-corps-members.html

Cardinal Onaiyekan condemns pardon for Alamieyeseigha, Bulama

Cardinal Onaiyekan argues that the infamous pardon has serious political and social fall-out that government cannot afford to ignore.

The infamous presidential pardon granted former Bayelsa State Governor, Depreiye Alamieyeseigha, a political patron of President Goodluck Jonathan may never go down well with most Nigerians as more high profile figures have joined in condemning the pardon.

The latest condemnation was issued by a prominent leader of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, the Cardinal John Oniayekan, in his Easter message.

The Cardinal , troubled by the pardon – like many Nigerians - dedicated his Easter message to condemning the pardon and commenting on a raging argument over whether amnesty should be granted to members of the Boko Haram terrorist sect.
Nigeria’s President Jonathan drew local and international anger after he granted state pardon to his former boss, Mr. Alamieyeseigha. The former governor, wanted in the United Kingdom for money laundering and convicted in Nigeria for embezzling state funds while he was Governor, was pardoned alongside another convict and former head of the Bank of the North, Shettima Bulama.

Mr. Bulama, like Mr. Alamieyeisegha, was investigated and later prosecuted for corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for crimes committed as head of the Bank of the North.

While many Nigerians have described it as the worst setback to the fight against corruption in Nigeria, the controversial pardon granted Messrs Alamieyeseigha and Bulama sparked diplomatic row between Nigeria and the United States, with the Americans threatening to punish Nigeria over Mr. Jonathan’s action.

The president also drew public anger for the pardon of a former army major, Bello Magaji, a homosexual rapist who the Supreme Court of Nigeria jailed for five years for serially sodomising four teenage boys.

Moral issue
The Cardinal said both the pardon and the argument for an amnesty for Boko Haram are “cases where moral issues are at stake, where people are condemned or liable to be condemned for breaking the law and going against moral norms.”

He argued that Messrs. Alamieyeisegha and Bulama, and others ‘unjustly’ pardoned, ought to have shown some form of public repentance “which should be clear to everyone.”

“Furthermore, a sincere effort must be made to pay back as much as possible of what has been stolen. That money belongs to the Nigerian people and it must be given back to them (as a precondition for the pardon), “he added.

The cleric advised the government not to forget that the issue of massive corruption in high places is of major concern to Nigerians who are fast losing confidence in the sincerity of government to turn the tide.

“Pardon for high profile corruption cases will certainly reduce further whatever is left of the confidence of the people. This has serious political and social fall-out that government cannot afford to ignore,” he said. “We must tell the truth that anger is mounting in the land, especially among the youth whose patience is running out. The clock of social tension is dangerously ticking towards explosion. The nation is in danger. What is needed are clear and visible gestures of reassurance that a real change and genuine transformation for the better has started.”

Boko Haram amnesty condition
The Cardinal argued that that the fundamental requirement for forgiveness – amnesty – are admittance of wrongdoing and willingness to amend damages by the wrong actions.

“Before the Boko Haram can be seriously considered for amnesty, they must meet the two conditions for forgiveness, namely repentance and amendment,” he said. “Before they are eligible for any amnesty, they must at least admit that they were wrong to be killing innocent people, whatever may have been their grievances. If this is not done, they could well continue to feel that they did the right thing and perhaps, it is the rest of us who ought to beg them for pardon.”

He said Boko Haram may claim to have grievances that have fuelled the war which have killed at least 1,500 Nigerians.
“The fact is that they have killed innocent people. How does the state forgive murderers? How can the government grant amnesty to people who have killed innocent citizens, some in their places of worship?” he asked.

The Cardinal said the issue of poverty and unemployment, which is cited as an excuse for the Boko Haram insurgency, and the growing danger of community polarization gradually tearing the nation apart, needs to be addressed as key ingredients of an amnesty for the deadly sect.

“And this boils down to the critical issue of good governance at all levels: Federal, State and Local government,” he said.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127877-archbishop-onaiyekan-condemns-pardon-for-alamieyeseigha-bulama.html

President Goodluck Jonathan says he is committed to bringing transformation to the country by sanitising the electoral process through free and fair elections.
Mr. Jonathan made the promise in Enugu on Monday at the dedication/hand-over ceremony of the All Saints Anglican Church, Mpu, in Aninri Local Government Area, built by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127857-jonathan-vows-to-sanitise-electoral-system.html

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, on Monday said plans were underway to establish a Nigerian Culture and Information Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
A statement signed by Taiwo Oladokun, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister said the centre would be established by the end of the year.

See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/127803-nigeria-to-establish-cultural-centre-in-south-africa-minister.html

The traditional rulers released a communiqué at the end of their meeting in Sokoto.

The Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council has appealed to federal government to reconsider its stand and grant amnesty to insurgents who embraced peace, reformation and reintegration.

The appeal is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council’s meeting in Sokoto on Friday.

According to the monarchs , “this is the norm the world over and there exists a precedent in Nigeria.”

“The unfortunate escalation of the insecurity in the country calls for decisive action by the government in order to contain it .

“The meeting also called on the Federal Government to consider dialogue as the better option in resolving the crises,” the communiqué read.

President Goodluck Jonathan had ruled out the immediate possibility of granting amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents who have claimed responsibility and have been blamed for thousands killed in various attacks in Northern Nigeria. The president, during his last visit to Borno and Yobe, explained that the insurgents must be ready to lay down their arms and make clear their demands before the government would dialogue with them or consider granting them amnesty.

The call by the traditional rulers comes after similar calls by the Sultan of Sokoto and the Jamatu Nasri Islam, the coalition of Northern Nigerian Muslims.

Not targeted at non-Muslims

The traditional rulers also said that the insurgency was not targeted at non-Muslims as majority of the victims were Muslims.

“Attempts on the lives of their Royal Highnesses , the Shehu of Borno , the Emir of Kano and the Emir of Fika and the killing of a number of Muslim scholars are testimonies to this fact,” they said. “The meeting noted with deep concern that the majority of the victims of the various crises are the ordinary citizens.”

Similarly ,the traditional rulers noted with concern the deteriorating rate of unemployment and its tendency to provide militants a potent source of recruits .

They called on all governments to take necessary, positive and tangible steps to create jobs as well as fight poverty in all its ramifications.

“As part of the strategies to fight poverty in addressing the current and potential security and other challenges, the meeting calls for systematic review of the nation’s education system to make its products more skilful, productive , self-reliant and better prepared for life challenges,” the leaders said.

They also called on Nigerians to engage in fervent prayers for God to intervene and relieve Nigeria of the current problems . They called on Nigerians to repent and change their bad habits and practices with good ones.

The traditional rulers also reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work with governments at all levels to entrench peace, security, progress and prosperity.

The meeting reiterated the need for the government and leadership at all levels to have the fear of God , be fair , just and eschew corruption in all its ramifications .

“The meeting condoles and commiserates with the families of all those who lost their lives and or property as a result of the prevailing security crises .

“In order to further cement the bond of friendship and understanding , the meeting resolved to rotate its meetings among the northern states on a quarterly basis ,’’ the communiqué said.

The meeting held for the first time outside the traditional seat, Kaduna, and was attended by the chairmen of the states’ councils of Emirs and chiefs or their representatives.


http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127588-northern-traditional-rulers-back-amnesty-for-boko-haram.html

The Executive Director of the Social and Economic Rights Action Centre, SERAC, has accused the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, of victimization due to his advocacy over the state government’s demolition of slums.
Felix Morka’s accusation came on the heels of the incarceration of his drivers at the Badagry Prison over an alleged traffic offence as well as a “physical rough handling” of his kids by the governor’s police escorts during an incident on Tuesday.
See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127474-fashola-is-persecuting-me-for-defending-lagos-slum-dwellers-activist-claims.html

The United Kingdom has said that it has not given up on its efforts to extradite former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, back to Britain to face trial, the Sun Newspaper is reporting today.
The UK said it had already contacted the Federal Government requesting Mr. Alamieyeseigha’s extradition, and was awaiting a response to the request.
See details ----->http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127349-britain-writes-fg-requests-ex-convict-alamieyeseighas-extradition-to-london.html

World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have dragged the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) expressing “serious concerns about the state pardon granted former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha by President Goodluck Jonathan.”

See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127261-churches-activists-drag-jonathan-to-un-over-pardon-for-alamieyeseigha-homosexual-rapist.html

Suspected hired assassins stormed the Ibadan home of former Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Accord Party Chieftain, Ayodele Adigun, Tuesday night killing his guard.
Mr. Adigun, who was away to Ekiti State to open a new office for his party when the incident happened, said he was the target, wondering why people could be after his life.
See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/regional/127257-adigun-ex-oyo-ssg-escapes-assassination-guard-killed.html

The Senate President, David Mark, said on Wednesday that he will readily endorse a penalty of death for perpetrators of oil theft, commonly called bunkering, as four senate committees opened hearings on the Petroleum Industry Bill driving to overhaul the oil sector.
Mr. Mark’s comments came as senators, separately, held a six-hour closed door meeting with the service chiefs over escalating violence that has seen dozens killed within the past weeks, mainly in the northern states.
See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127215-david-mark-seeks-death-sentence-for-oil-thieves.html

The newly-registered United Progressive Party, UPP, wants the Federal Government to invite friendly nations with relevant technology to assist it in combating crimes and terrorism in the country.
“Life has become short and brutish. The Federal and State Governments as well as all the security agencies have not lived up to expectation in this regard,”
See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127221-boko-haram-party-wants-nigeria-to-seek-help-from-friendly-nations.html

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, on Wednesday, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the issues raised by the union, including the continued delay in the re-negotiation of FGN/ASUP agreement, or have all the polytechnics nationwide shut for academic activities.
See details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127146-lecturers-issue-21-day-ultimatum-threaten-to-shut-down-nigerian-polytechnics.html
Lecturers issue 21-day ultimatum, threaten to shut down Nigerian polytechnics
Andrew Ajijah
Published: March 27,2013

The lecturers released a communiqué at the end of their meeting in Jos.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, on Wednesday, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the issues raised by the union, including the continued delay in the re-negotiation of FGN/ASUP agreement, or have all the polytechnics nationwide shut for academic activities.
The group in a communiqué issued in Jos, at the end of the 73rd National Executive Council meeting, and signed by the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Clement Chairman, decried the delay in the review of the Polytechnic Act and the non-release of government white paper on the Visitation Panels to the Polytechnics.
The union warned that failure to address these issues could cause an industrial disharmony that may result in grave disadvantages for Nigerian polytechnics.
ASUP also faulted the non-implementation of the 65-year retirement age in some polytechnics and monotechnics, adding that the implementation of the reviewed Scheme of Service and CONTISS 15 as it affects the lower cadre were among the demands of the union.
The union also frowned at the rising state of insecurity in Nigeria, pardon for ex-convicts, the planned removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, and the appointment of unqualified Rectors in some state-owned institutions.
The communiqué also called on government to direct the management of various institutions to immediately re-instate the wrongfully disengaged academic staff and henceforth desist from such acts. The lecturers also demanded that bureaucratic bottlenecks and discrimination associated with accessing TEF fund’s sponsorships and grants be reduced.

Update of the judgement at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/127011-update-why-south-african-judge-sentenced-henry-okah-to-24-years-in-prison.html

The notorious terrorists den uncovered recently in Lagos belongs to the Bayelsa State Government, the Ojora of Ijora, Fatai Aromire, said on Tuesday.
The monarch who was addressing a delegation from the Hausa community in the area who called on him, said the house where nine suspected terrorists, including a Chadian, were arrested is located in Ijora-Badia in Lagos.
Read details at: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/national/127055-lagos-terrorists-den-belongs-to-bayelsa-government-monarch-says.html

Widows in Plateau State, Tuesday, gathered in six different places of the three geopolitical zones to offer intercessory prayers to God to intervene in the incessant killings in the state.
The Commander of the Special Task-force on Jos crisis, Henry Ayoola, joined the women and went on his knees to pray for the return of peace at the Church of Christ in Nigeria, COCIN, Gigiring, Howshe, Jos South Local Government Area of the State.
See details at: http:///lrnmq

A South African Court has sentenced the leader of the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Henry Okah, to 24 years in prison. Read more at: http:///JXgP5

The external auditors appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to audit the political parties in the country have indicted 54 of them for not adhering to the accounting procedures in their operations in 2011.
According to the report, which is the latest by the auditors, while some of the parties ignored the conventional books of accounts, others did not have membership register at their headquarters during the year that the last general elections were conducted. See details at: http:///9i0jW

Nigeria this week began to feel the full impact of the diplomatic row it sparked with the United States after pardoning corrupt ex-convicts and a rapist. And the health of the Nigerian child is the first casualty. Details at: http:///jofWp

The best strategy to contain the Boko Haram insurgency, is a healthy blend of dialogue combined with the use of force, says Nuhu Ribadu, the Presidential Candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, in the last election.
Mr. Ribadu, one of the leaders in the All Progressive Congress, APC, said since the government has many of the Boko Haram insurgents in custody all over the country, and since the group is “continuously setting off bombs and carrying out attacks,” it is unhelpful, from a security perspective, to characterize them as ghosts. Read details at: http:///yoALy

There was serious confusion in the Eastern Bye Pass area of Kano early on Monday when security agents under the Joint Task force, JTF, arrived the area to conduct a house-to-house search.
A resident of the area, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES over the phone, said the security agents were conducting the search ostensibly to fish out members of the Boko Haram sect. See details at: http:///dRKbU

Students of the University of Abuja, who had their courses dis-accredited, will be distributed to other institutions not necessarily of their choice, the Minister of Education, Ruqayyatu Rufai, has said.
Ms. Rufai said this on Thursday in Abuja at a public hearing on the incessant student protest at the University. See details at: http:///pDmG0

The Jonathan presidency got a bloody eye Wednesday in Lagos, when Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, characterized the state pardon granted former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, by President Goodluck Jonathan, as both a corrupt act and an example of state impunity.
See details at: http:///OE47y

A boat heading to a yet unknown destination has capsized in Oron, Akwa Ibom state, a rescue official in Nigeria has said.
The boat is reportedly carrying 166 passengers and only two people have so far been rescued, officials said. See details at: http:///XuLCo

A man, Yemi Odun, was apprehended with human body parts including bones at Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital on Tuesday.
Mr. Odun, 24, was arrested by members of a vigilante group, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, following a tip-off by residents of the community where the suspect lives. The residents thought his movements’ suspicious and dubious, hence alerted the OPC. See details at: http:///b1n0R

The Boko Haram sect, in a new video on Monday, said they would not release the seven French nationals in their custody unless the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon release imprisoned members of their sect.
The sect, in the video by its leader, Abubakar Shekau, also threatened the spokesman of Joint Task Force, JTF, in Borno, Lt Colonel Sagir Musa. It accused Mr. Musa, a Lieutenant Colonel, of misinforming the public about the sect’s attack on Monguno military barracks in Borno State.
See details at: http:///xQf1T

At least 25 people were killed from five explosions that occurred in Kano, Reuters has reported.
The explosions occurred on Monday evening at New Road, Sabon Gari area of the city. See details at:[url] http:///6fgEw[/url]

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, took his famed profligacy to a new high Sunday, openly donating N1million to party chairmen from states in the South-South geopolitical zone who had converged on Port Harcourt for a party reconciliation session. See details at: http:///IrzcK

President Goodluck Jonathan enters the second week of his controversial pardon set to contend with a flurry of new issues and criticism from many who are trying to make sense of his reasoning for letting off former army Major, Bello Magaji, convicted and sentenced to five years jail term for sodomy, another name for homosexuality, by a military Court [General Court Martial] in 1996. See details at: http:///Gc5me

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the operational license of Dana Airlines, weeks after the airline resumed from months of ban over the June 3 air crash that killed more than 150 people. See details at: http:///G82UC

Despite the Boko Haram insurgency that has led to the death of hundreds of people in Borno State and made the state capital virtually barren of formerly existing businesses, officials of the state government still engage in deals that allegedly defraud the state government of millions of naira.
See details at: http:///XXLyH