₦airaland Forum

THE Federal Government has stated that it has commenced a new process aimed at rescuing Chibok Girls, Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed at a press conference today in Abuja announced the new move.

Mohammed said past efforts to bring back the girls were all made impossible due to infighting among the Boko Haram members, as well middle men who were involved in the process just for financial gains.

Speaking further Lai Mohammed also said that fresh demands by the group in the middle of swaping stalled the process, however according to the Minister he said the Federal Government has commenced new moves for the rescuing of the girls.

Read The Full Statement below:

Good afternoon, gentlemen of the press.

Members of the public may recall that when the present administration came on board, Mr. President pledged to Nigerians to ensure the security of lives and property of every Nigerian, provide employment for the nation’s teeming youths and fight corruption. Since that time, the security agencies have been saddled with the responsibility of dealing with the threat of terrorism which has ravaged most parts of the Northern region.

You will also recall that from the physical destruction of communities and strategic institutions, the terrorist elements also engaged in abduction of women and children in the affected parts. Most painful was the abduction of the School girls in Chibok at the twilight of the past administration in 2014. When Mr. President assumed leadership of this country, he immediately directed security agencies to urgently fashion out strategies to trace, locate and ensure the safe and successful release of the Chibok girls. This was the mandate given to security agencies.

Gentlemen, it was consequent upon this directive that the security agencies, comprising of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, Police and the DSS, commenced action in June 2015. To this effect also, the DSS established a special tactical unit to review the gamut of actions so far carried out to secure the release of the Chibok girls, establish why the action has recorded no success as it were and to present a roadmap for possible success.

In this process, the DSS and the other security agencies observed the following:

Many persons or groups posing as negotiators actually had no veritable intelligence nor the reach to facilitate the release of the Chibok girls;

The efforts were clouded by persons with very partisan interests and whose main objective was solely to score cheap political points. It was obvious their approach had no relevance to the release of the girls;

Some informants or persons volunteering to be negotiators or facilitators saw and treated the girls’ fate and indeed the situation as a conduit to enrich themselves, thus making the whole thing  a pecuniary venture; and

As a result of the conflicting and partisan interests, issues were muddled up to the extent that reasonable and fruitful leads either failed or simply came too late for any useful action.

It was therefore found that in the midst of these strong competing interests and unnecessary rivalries, nothing was achieved before the 2015 handover date. It was based on these that the security agencies set out to work for the release of the girls.

First, there was the need to identify those with relevant intelligence on the groups holding the girls, as well as establish sources of contact in touch with the group. This exercise was found not to be an easy task. On those holding the Chibok girls, there was also a high level of mistrust, as they too found many approaches or groups claiming to be in touch with them as false or unreliable.

In this new bid, many offers ranging from credible, not credible to outright off-mark information came to the Government. Some international bodies and countries also provided leads. It was out of this that relevant security agencies were able to strike a chord. By the third week of July 2015, a contact group was in touch with credible assets who had the reach, and who attested to the fact that some of the Chibok girls were alive. Mr. President was then briefed of these assets and intelligence and he gave his assent for further negotiations on the Chibok girls.

Precisely on 17th July, 2015, the DSS opened negotiations process with the group holding the Chibok girls. However, in return for the release of some of these girls, the group also made some demands. These included the release of some of their fighters arrested including some involved in major terrorist actions, resulting in several fatalities, and others who were experts in manufacture of locally assembled explosives. This was difficult to accept, but appropriate security agencies had to again inform Mr. President of these demands, and its viewed implications. Again Mr. President gave his assent believing that the overall release of these girls remains paramount and sacrosanct.

Meanwhile, following the above development, Government and the security agencies had sufficient leverage to work out the modalities of the swap. These included creating the safe haven, or necessary place of swap and working out the logistic details. Based on this, the DSS availed other critical sister agencies of this new situation. Immediately, the Nigerian Army and the Air Force sent some specialists to commence a detailed arrangement for the swap. This was during the last week of July 2015 and 1st week of August 2015. The officers representing the various agencies worked out the logistic details, such as the number of persons to be swapped i.e. number of girls and detainees to be exchanged, the vehicles and aircraft, as well as safeguards, i.e. safety of the persons, including the location of the swap.

When it was finally agreed by all parties, Mr. President was again informed that the preparations were concluded, and the first step for the swap would commence on 1st August, 2015. Mr. President robustly gave his approval.

On 4th August, 2015, the persons who were to be part of the swap arrangements and all others involved in the operation were transported to Maiduguri, Borno State. This team, with the lead facilitator, continued the contact with the group holding the Chibok girls. The Service was able to further prove to the group its sincerity, as it established communication contact between it and its detained members. All things were in place for the swap which was mutually agreed. Expectations were high. Unfortunately, after more than two (2) weeks of negotiation and bargains, the group, just at the dying moments, issued new set of demands, never bargained for or discussed by the group before the movement to Maiduguri. All this while, the security agencies waited patiently. This development stalled what would have been the first release process of the Chibok girls.

It may be important to note that in spite of this setback, the government and the security agencies have not relented in the bid to ensure that the Chibok girls are released safely. By the month of November, precisely 13th November, 2015, another fresh negotiation process with the group was initiated. This time, there was the need to discuss a fresh component in other to avoid issues that had stalled the former arrangement. There were however some problems that many may not discern, but should be expected in this kind of situation. Some critical persons within the group who played such vital role in August, 2015 were discovered to be dead during combat action or as a result of the emerging rift amongst members of the group then. These two factors delayed the process. In spite of these, negotiation continued on new modalities.

By 30th November, 2015 it was becoming glaring that the division amongst the group was more profound. This affected the swap process. By 10th December, 2015, another negotiation process was in place, but this failed to achieve results because of the varying demands by the group.

Gentlemen of the press, the security agencies since the beginning of 2016 have not only remained committed but have also taken the lead to resolve the Chibok girls’ issue. In spite of the current division amongst members of the terrorist group, which has seriously affected efforts to release the girls, renewed efforts have commenced using our trusted assets and facilitators. However, this job requires diligence and ability to deal with a group that can easily change its demands without notice.

Officers and men have sacrificed their time and energy, and some have already paid the supreme price since the abduction of the Chibok girls, fighting for the safe release of the girls. Many friendly countries and organizations have equally been very forthcoming in providing their human and technological resources to assist in the process. They are still doing so. We cannot as a nation ignore these sacrifices.

The Government and its security agencies remain committed to ensuring that the Chibok girls are safely released in fulfillment of the Presidential mandate. Let me emphasise that Government appreciates the resilience of Nigerians in the fight against insurgency and terrorism, and will continue to call on fellow Nigerians to hold that much is ahead and therefore support Mr. President’s resolve on this matter. I cannot end this without appealing to the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls. We are with you; we feel your pains and shall not relent until we succeed in bringing home our girls and every other citizen abducted by the group. It is important to appeal to all those who have shown concern in resolving this matter to continue to trust the efforts of Government to deal with the situation.

Thank you.

A suit challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of Hameed Ali as the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, has been struck out by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Justice Sale Hassan said the court lacked jurisdiction on the matter.


The case was filed, in November 2015, by a human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. Mr. Adegoruwa challenged the appointment of Mr. Ali, a retired Colonel, as Customs chief saying Nigerian laws were violated in the process.

APPLE, famed for sophisticated phones, is at it again with the launch of the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus which are the mobile phones of the moment. As expected, it was launched by Apple with so much pomp and pageantry and fans are very excited and look forward to laying their hands on this gadget.


https://www.socialtimesng.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/iphone7.jpeg




Some of the key features of the phones are: Capacity- 32 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB, colour-Rose Gold, Gold, Silver, Black, Jet Black, Weight- 138 grams (iPhone 7) 188 grams (iPhone 7 plus), Display 4.7 (iPhone 7) 5.5 (iPhone 7 plus), water and dust resistant and 12 megapixel camera.


In addition, both phones have nifty processors, improved cameras, and durable battery life. However, there are certain things or features that may discourage you from buying these iPhones. Adeniyi Ogunfowoke, a PR associates at Jumia Travel, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking, in an email to Social Times identifies some them.


No radical design changes


If you use the iPhone 6 series, you probably do not need to worry about upgrading to the new iPhones. Why? Because there are no huge differences in design. The only noticeable changes are that iPhone 7 and 7 plus have bottom stereo speakers and 2 back cameras (iPhone 7 plus). Beyond this, there are no major design changes.


No Headphone jack


https://www.socialtimesng.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/iphone72.jpeg





Apple has gotten rid of the headphone jack. Now, you can only use wireless earphones with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Hence, you may be unable to use the earphones for other mobile devices.


Nothing special about water and dust resistant


Thankfully, iPhone is finally water resistant. It may not catch the fancy of Apple fans because water and dust resistant is already a key feature in the Samsung Galaxy S7 for over several models.


It can easily shatter


The iPhone glass screen is very fragile which means it can easily shatter when it drops. Meanwhile, other mobile phones are shatter proof even if iPhones are virus and hack proof.


Cost


The new iPhones cost $649 (approximately N270,000). And considering the economic recession, buying these phones may not be on your priority list. Unfortunately, installment payment options are not available in Nigeria.

babyfaceafrica:
might be the other way round

NIGERIA’S immediate-past President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Tuesday paid an unscheduled visit to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, at their Hilltop residences in Minna, Niger State, Social Times has learnt.



Jonathan arrived first at the residence of General Babangida at about 11am and spent about one hour before going to the residence of General Abdulsalami Abubakar opposite IBB’s house.

He was accompanied to the two Former Nigeria leaders by former Minister of State Finance, Bashar Yuguda from Zamfara state and former Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadome from Edo state.

Babangida unusually received former President Jonathan upstairs at his private living room as against the common area down stairs where he usually received visitors.

The detail of the discussion between the former leaders was not made known but Babangida and Jonathan, it was gathered held a closed door talk for about 40 minutes upstairs as the duo of Bashar Yuguda and Mike Oghiadome waited at the living room down stairs.

Sources hinted that despite the fact that the detail of the meeting with Babangida and Abdulsalami was not disclosed, the discussion may not be unconnected with the postponed Edo governorship election as well as the 2019 general elections election and the state of affairs in the Peoples Democratic Party.

It was also learnt that the duo of BaBangida and Abdulsalami in their separate meetings with Jonathan raised concerns over the spate of bombings going on in the Niger Delta region by the Niger Delta Avengers and the need to curb the situation.

It was observed that all the time the former President was with the former Nigeria Military Leaders, no visitors were allowed into the houses, as he left Minna about 1pm.

THE Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Tuesday said Nigeria’s over-dependence on oil is to blame for the recession the nation’s economy is passing through.


Mr. Mohammed made the assertion at a news briefing at his residence in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area in Kwara State.


He said the prevailing economic situation was not about trading blames,as “those who understand knew that this recession was bound to happen in such circumstance”.


He said the crash in global price of oil exposed the country’s defective economic policy, with oil accounting for over 60 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).


The minister said the situation was further compounded by inadequate reserve to cushion the effect of oil “misfortunes’’ on the country.


“We have a very defective economic structure, which depended largely on a single platform of crude and fuel.


“Crude oil accounts for between eight and 12 per cent of our GDP and another 53 per cent of the GDP which we call non-oil, unfortunately also depend on the same oil.


“When the price of oil now crashes in the international market, definitely you are bound to have this kind of shock in the economy,” he said.


He decried the citizens’ preference for imported goods to local products, saying that substantial amount of the country’s foreign exchange earnings was being expended on importation of goods and services.


Mr. Mohammed also blamed past administrations’ inability to achieve massive investment on infrastructure to assist manufacturing industries and boost agriculture production for part of current problem.


According to him, such inadequacies are responsible for the socio-economic imbalance being experienced in the country today.


The minister, who acknowledged that there was growth in the nation’s economy between 2010 and 2014, however, said the growth was only fueled by consumption.


“The growth was not fueled by production or fueled by investment, and that explains why it was shortlived,” he said.


He said the present administration’s efforts to correct past anomalies could not be felt immediately because the rots in the system were too enormous for short term remedies.


Mr. Mohammed said the administration inherited a debt of N65 billion on fertilizer procurement alone.


He listed part of the administration’s reforms to include investment in infrastructure and agriculture production.


“People say we should not talk about what happened yesterday but it is pertinent to learn, understand and move away from past mistakes.


“In the whole of 2014 the government then, expended about N18 billion on roads, but spent N35 billion on travels.


“This year alone, we have spent N70 billion on roads.


“People say why are these steps not being felt immediately? It is because the last government refused to pay contractors between 2012 and 2015 even when crude was selling at 100 dollars per barrel.


“Out of the N70 billion being owed Julius Berger, we have paid N14 billion.


“If government was not owing Julius Berger in the past — and we paid N14 billion to them — you would have seen them busy on the roads,” he said.


He said “Change Starts with Me” initiative launched by the Federal Government on Tuesday was to instill discipline and the needed change of attitude in both the leaders and the people.


According to the minister, such remained the basic foundation and the driving force for actualising socio-economic transformation for the country.


“Nigerians have to change their attitude from the past; it is not only about the leaders but also the followers.


“This is the only way we can achieve our desired progress, growth and development,” he said.


(NAN)

KABIRO Sokoto, the mastermind of 2011 Christmas Day bombing, is still in custody, the Nigerian Prisons Service said on Tuesday.

Biyi Jeje, NPS's spokesperson who was quoted by Premium Times reportedly dispelled the rumor.


“Please disregard the rumour. He’s still in prisons custody,” he said Tuesday afternoon, adding that “There’s no truth in it at all”


Kabiru Sokoto, was convicted in December 2013 after being found guilty of plotting the car suicide bombing on St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, near Abuja.


The attack left about 40 people dead.


Various publications and blogs this week reported that Mr. Kabiru, 32, may have been released as part of a purported prisoners swap deal between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram sect.

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of allegedly sponsoring the call for the postponement of Saturday’s governorship election by some students ‎currently sitting the 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state.








It described the call as a alleged ploy by the APC to delay the election because it was afraid of a defeat.


The state Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who spoke on Tuesday in Benin, said, “I think this protest is being organised by the APC. I do not think they are prepared for the election. It is obvious that what is awaiting the APC come Saturday is defeat.


“So, they are now urging people to go to the streets to request the postponement of the election. What I must say hear is that if they hold the election on Saturday, APC will be defeated.


Orbih noted that the affected WASSCE candidates should have asked WAEC to postpone the examination rather than the election, which he said was long overdue.


He added “If through their organised protest, using thugs‎ to demonstrate that they are students that will be affected if we go ahead to do the election and, as a result, they decide to postpone the election, they will only delay the evil day.”


Efforts to reach the leadership of the APC in the state for comments were not successful.


However, the Commissioner ‎for Information, Kassim Afegbua, dismissed the allegation, adding that the APC had nothing to fear as the opposition party had long been decimated


According to Afegbua, the PDP had shown that it was less concerned about the education of the youths and did not understand its value.


The commissioner said, “How can? How possible is it that the ruling party will be afraid of rickety opposition party that has been decimated over the years?


“We pity them (PDP). They do not value education, so the issue of WASSCE does not bother them.”

NIGERIA'S former President Goodluck Jonathan, attracted the most attention Wednesday as he attended his first Council of State meeting as a former president.


The council, which comprises all former presidents and heads of states, as well as vice president, governors, Senate president and House of Representative speaker, is currently meeting.


President Muhammadu Buhari is chairing the meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Former heads of state, Abdusalami Abubakar, and Ernest Shonekan, are also in attendance.


But Mr. Jonathan stole the show as journalists and photographers turned their attention on him while Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors and other officials in attendance remained standing.



This is the first time Mr. Jonathan is attending the Council of State meeting since he left power in 2015. He did not attend October’s meeting.


Wednesday’s meeting is expected to ratify the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris.


The Council is also expected to consider possible nominees for the positions of National and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).


INEC currently has six national commissioners out of 12, while 21 out of 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners are yet to be appointed.

THE Department of State Security Services (DSS) has released Ahmad Salkida, the Nigerian journalist declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for having links with the Boko Haram terrorist group.








Salkida was arrested on Monday by DSS operatives when he arrived Abuja after his visa to the United Arab Emirates expired.


Salkida was released on Tuesday evening after undergoing interrogation by the DSS.


He denied all allegations that he had links with the Boko Haram sect when quizzed by DSS officials.


Salkida was declared wanted on August 14 alongside two others – Ahmed Umar Bolori and Aisha Wakil.


The Nigerian Army claimed that the trio have links with the Boko Haram sect.


Salkida had on the said day released a video by the sect showing the abducted schoolgirls.


After interrogation, he was released without conditions, and all documents and devices confiscated from him were returned.

THE Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (COHRD) said it's attention has been drawn to the arrest and detention of a 38-year-old blogger and publisher of an online news medium, Abia Facts, Mr. Iroegbu Emenike by the State Security Service (SSS) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.



Convener of the group, Inibehe Effiong quoting the wife of the blogger, Mrs. Ekaette Emenike Iroegbu, said “the blogger was arrested by three (3) SSS operatives who invaded their Uyo residence in a Gestapo style in a black jeep. The operatives took away the two phones of Mrs. Emenike; the bloggers own phones and laptop, etc. After ransacking their apartment, they whisked the blogger away without disclosing the reason for his arrest and their destination.”

Effiong said “Though the Director of SSS, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr. Adesina informed me at about 9:04 pm on Tuesday, September 6, that he was not aware of the blogger’s arrest, the wife of the blogger who went to the SSS office in Uyo has confirmed that her husband is being held by the SSS in Uyo.

“Without prejudice to whatever reason may have motivated the arrest and detention of the blogger, it is very worrisome that the fundamental right to freedom of expression guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is being eroded at an alarming and unprecedented level since the inception of the current dispensation.

“Few examples will suffice.

“Emmanuel Ojo, a blogger, was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command on Saturday, September 26, 2015 on the orders of the Ogun State governor over his publication about the governor’s wife on Facebook. Blogger Seun Oloketuyi was equally arrested in 2015 over an online publication. Mr. Abubakar Sidiq Usman, a popular blogger and political commentator was arrested and detained recently by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged cyberstalking. Mr. Musa Azare from Bauchi State was also arrested recently by the Nigeria Police Force allegedly on the orders of his state governor over his critical publications on social media

“The SSS and other security agencies should resist the emerging capricious proclivities of political office holders to use security agencies to clampdown on Nigerians for exercising their constitutional liberties. Democracy is being threatened in Nigeria by the rising display of intolerance to free speech.

“Will the SSS and other security agencies be willing to arrest, detain and prosecute every Nigerian that is accused of making offensive or derogatory publication and statement? The security agencies should not be seen to be massaging the egos of the influential members of the society.

“Those who believe that their reputation have been lowered in the eyes of right thinking members of the society should explore the legal option by seeking redress in a court of law.

“While we are not yet certain about the person(s) who instigated Emenike’s arrest, it is on record that the Abia State born blogger has been constantly harassed by the agents and officials of the Abia State Government over his publications. It is also on record that some government officials in Akwa Ibom State have been uncomfortable with some of his publications online.

“We hereby call on the SSS to release Mr. Iroegbu Emenike immediately. Injury to one, is injury to all.

Thank you.“

​​THE of the ruling All progressives Congress, APC, in the September 10, 2016 election in Edo State, has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Benin City over forged certificate forgery and perjury.



It was learnt that the suit against Mr. Godwin Obaseki was lodged in the early hours of Tuesday, September 6, 2016 by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A source in the PDP camp said “PDP has advised the electorate in the state not to waste their votes as the APC candidate is not qualified to contest this Saturday’s governorship election.”

Edo State chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, had earlier asked Mr. Obaseki to publicly display to Edo people the original copies of his educational certificates which he said he was expecting from the US city of New York.

In a statement signed by the state publicity secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, in Benin City, Orbih said Obaseki could go on air and use any of the many television stations in the state to publicly display the certificates or do so during his campaigns for the world to see that he actually went to school as he claims.

He said the time between when Obaseki said he got a call from his relative in New York that the documents which were missing in Lagos were in America and now, since over three weeks, the period was enough for him to have received the documents if he actually had them.

He also said Obaseki should come out of his shell and tell the whole truth about his educational certificates, which he said in an affidavit got lost while he was moving from one office to another in Lagos, which certified true copies he now carries about.

Orbih then appealed to Edo voters to read between the lines Obaseki’s claim that he had found his certificates three weeks ago and his refusal to show them publicly at campaign rallies as proof that he has had no plans for Edo people and did not deserve to be elected governor.

THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced Monday, Sept. 12 as the Eid-El-Kabir Day, 1437 AH.



This followed the declaration of Saturday, Sept.3 as the 1st of Zulhijja, 1437 AH.

This is contained in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council of Sokoto.

The statement said, “The committee in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee had received reports from various Moon sighting committees across the country.

”The reports confirmed the sighting of the New Moon of Zulhijja,1437 AH, on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, which was the 29th day of Zulka’ada, 1437 AH.

”The Sultan and President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), accepted the reports and accordingly declared Saturday, Sept. 3, as the first day of Zulhijja, 1437 AH.

”Therefore, Monday, Sept.12, which will be equivalent to 10th Zulhijja, and will be marked as this year’s Eid el-Kabir.”

The statement further quoted the Sultan as felicitating with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance, as well as blessings.

The Sultan also urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country.

He also wished all Muslims happy Eid el-Kabir, and prayed Allah to accept our religious deeds.


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A factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ali Modu Sheriff, is holding a closed-door meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his Abeokuta Presidential Hilltop residence this morning.

Sheriff arrived at the former president’s residence at 11.04am in a convoy of four Sport Utility vehicles.

He rode in a Mercedez Benz AMG with the number plate AAA 673 BL.

Details later…

THE Two breakaway factions of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have agreed to work together to surrender the Biafran flag to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.








The original plan was to burn the Biafran flag on October 1, 2016, but the groups — Re-branded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB) and Renegade Indigenous People of Biafra (RENIPOB) — have jettisoned that, and will instead surrender “the defunct Republic of Biafra flag on the symbolic date of January 15, 2017″ to the Nigerian government at the Eagle Square Abuja.


The chosen date, January 15, 1970, was the day the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, ended.


The groups in a statement on Friday also chose former militant leader, Henry Okah as the one to surrender the Biafran flag to President Muhammadu Buhari.


The statement read in part: “The Re-branded Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOB), gladly and warmly welcomes into its fold, the Comrade Emma Powerful-led breakaway faction from theNnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who now go by the name Renegade Indigenous People of Biafra, or RENIPOB.


“Following this development, all subsequentTRIPOB/RENIPOB statements shall be jointly signed by Comrade Emma Powerful and the undersigned. Any statements from IPOB using “Emma Powerful” as its signatory are that of an impostor.


“And following appeals by well-meaning Nigerians across the world, especially civil war veterans of the defunct Biafra Republic, TRIPOB ‎shall no longer burn the flag of the defunct Biafra Republic as earlier planned for October 1, 2016, a date which has also been rescheduled.


“Replacing the burning of the flag ceremony shall be the ‘surrender’ ceremony of the defunct Republic of Biafra flag on the symbolic date of January 15, 2017 at the Eagle Square Abuja, FCT. The general public as well as all relevant agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly, the Presidency is please, advised to take note of the date.


“With a view to actualizing the January 15, 2017 “surrender” ceremony, and subject to their acceptance, TRIPOB/RENIPOB hereby wishes to nominate Mr. Charles Okah, an Ijaw from the Niger Delta axis as its Leader, and Dr. Dozie Ikedife as Deputy Leader.


“We strongly believe that the leaders we have nominated shall use their respective offices to help propagate an intense campaign of inclusiveness, love, peace, progress, industry and free enterprise, social justice and democracy within and amongst our compatriots in an indivisible, united and prosperous Nigerian federation.”

Fellow Nairalanders,

We Nigerians are living witness when the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan was in power, the economy was not as bad as it it now.

During the PDP-led Govt., the APC (Then Opposition) Party said Nigeria's Position as the Largest Economy in Africa was mere writings on Papers.

Currently, South Africa have re-taken back it Position from Nigeria while the APC Govt. Is in power.

I want to use this medium to plead the APC Govt to #Bring‎BackNigeriaEconomy as the number 1 in Africa if not atleast on the same papers they criticised the last administration of doing, because the suffering is too much.

Imagine hunger getting to the extend that Nigerians now exchange their children for food? Is it a sin to ask for change in government? 

Recently, APC told us that they were voted to do the impossible, were Nigerians begging them to take over the affairs of this country?‎
‎
Fellow Nairalanders , is one year not enough for the blame game to end?‎

Lalasticlala, I need answers to this question, so please do the needful.‎

YOU are probably already wondering: Why on earth would anyone be scared or have the fear of talking on the phone? The funny truth is that the fear of making and receiving phone calls is so common it has its own name: phone phobia (also telephone phobia or telephobia). A number of Nigerians who have phones and seem to be married to their devices actually struggle with this “ailment”.








Many phone users find it easy to text with their phones, email on them, navigate with them, and then we play Candy Crush on them, but when it comes to picking up the telephone and talking, it becomes a different ball game. Actually, there are quite a number of reasons why a person might be afraid of phone calls. Jumia Travel, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking service tries to quell your curiosity by sharing a few reasons why Nigerians sometimes refuse to talk on their phones.


They feel vulnerable
A majority of Nigerians prefer to communicate via e-mail, texts, voice notes and other forms of communication that do not require impromptu response. These forms of communication presents them with the opportunity to edit whatever they want to say and coin it in the best way possible before they send it in. With phone calls, they have to respond immediately and so, they do not have that option of editing themselves. This makes them feel more vulnerable as most become afraid of saying what they will later regret.


Fear of being recorded


No one likes to be recorded unawares, but for some Nigerians, the fear that they will be recorded while having a conversation on the phone is so great that they try to wriggle themselves out of any situation that involves them having to talk on the phone. Some even pick up the phone and refrain from saying anything else other than “yes” or “No”, while others even disguise their voice so it is not easily recognized.


Wasting credit/airtime


This is the number one reason why Nigerians do not talk on the phone. They buy air time which they mostly refer to as “credit” either by topping up or buying cards from registered vendors, but most of the time, the air time runs out so fast that they have to spend a substantial sum to make a long phone call. As a result, some develop this phone phobia and only feel comfortable when texting or communicating via Social Media chat platforms like Whatsapp, Viber or IMO.


Phone voice


When you ask some Nigerians who do not like to make phone calls why they have a phobia for it, they tell you they do not like the way their voice sounds on the phone. It may seem like a very trivial reason, but a number of Nigerians actually refrain from making calls as a result of this.


Past experience


Some Nigerians develop the fear of talking on the phone after having a negative experience over a call, like a breakup or a bad medical diagnosis. They eventually feel extremely anxious whenever they are on calls and go to great lengths to avoid phone calls (even from friends!).

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress (APC) of appropriating the Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge rail line project, which was conceptualised, awarded and constructed by past PDP administrations.








In a statement by Dayo Adeyeye, its spokesman, the party said that the rail project launched by Buhari on Tuesday was “conceptualised by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, and successive PDP administrations of President Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan commenced work and built the project to 99 percent completion”.


“The only work done by President Muhammadu Buhari on the project was yesterday’s commissioning.


“The truth, which history will bear out, is that the PDP in its 16 years of rule successfully completed numerous projects that substantively changed the infrastructural landscape of Nigeria.


“Every one of those 16 years were years of great productivity with remarkable landmark achievements. This is very much unlike the APC which has already wasted one full year without even scratching one square meter of ground anywhere in the country.”

MOHAMMED Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor,  on Wednesday said the All Progressive Congress (APC) governors’ meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari was not designed to intervene in the ongoing trial of Senate president, Bukola Saraki; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and others over alleged forgery of Senate Standing Rules.


Abubakar also said the APC governors have raised a committee to look into the crisis and other problems confronting the party.


He said while the governors will look into party issues in the National Assembly, they will not dabble into either the case in court or the present crisis in the legislature.



Although he was silent on names, it was obvious that he was referring to the ongoing trial of Saraki and others for forgery of Senate rules.


Abubakar, who made the submissions at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, said the APC Governors will not intervene in any criminal matter.


He said: “The APC is a party that has come to power recently and it has come to power from an opposition political party and I must confess that we are experiencing teething problems in the APC because being in government is a new phenomenon for us.


“I cannot say that things are going on smoothly and that is why yesterday (Tuesday) we paid a visit to Mr. President and we expressed the need for governors to be called upon to delve into the problems of the party with a view to reinvigorating the party so that it can continue performing the functions of a party in power. So we are trying to address this issue.”


Asked on the extent to which the APC governors will intervene in the trial of some National Assembly leaders.


Abubakar said: “The question of what aspect of the National Assembly matter we are delving into as APC governors, I assure you that we are not going to tamper with cases that are before courts or tribunals and we are not going to delve into the current issue at the moment.”

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A High Court in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State has issued arrest warrant against the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jide Awe, and three other, namely Faboro John Ojo, Aniramu Basiru and Falayi Busuyi for their alleged involvement in the murder.








The four men are accused of being responsible for the murder of Ayo Jeje and Juliana Adewumi In Erinjiyan-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on March 30, 2013.


The APC chairman and five others are facing trial in Charge No: HIJ/1c/2015.


Justice E. B. Omotoso of the Ijero-Ekiti High Court, who granted the order on Monday said Jide Awe and the three other accused persons must be brought to court by the police on October 5, 2015.


The warrant of arrest dated July 27, 2016, was issued based on the prayer of Counsel to the Ekiti State Government, Yakubu Dauda, who asked the court to invoke Section 94 of the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ekiti State to compel the appearances of the accused person before the court.


“Consequently, I hereby invoke the provisions of Section 94 of the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ekiti State by ordering that Bench Warrants be issued against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants to compel their appearances before this court at the next day of adjournment and subsequently to stand for their trial.


Consequently, this matter is hereby adjourned till 5th of October, 2016 for hearing,” the judge ruled.


The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi, said “the court order will be served on the police with immediate effect, hoping that it will be complied with strictly”.


The Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi, in a letter to the IGP dated July 8, 2016 and copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, National Human Rights Commission and the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police had decried the refusal of the police to arrest the accused persons despite several requests.


“The Ekiti State has requested the Nigeria Police, Ekiti State Command to effect the arrests of these culprits but instead of effecting the arrests, the Police has refused and/or neglected to effect the arrests on the ground that such arrests should not be made except with the approval of the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja,” the Attorney General said.

THE University of Lagos on Tuesday released its Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) admission screening guidelines for the 2016/2017 academic session.



In a statement issued by the institution’s Deputy Registrar (Information), Mr Toyin Adebule, in Lagos, the university said online registration for the screening would hold from Aug. 3 to Aug. 24.

It said only candidates, who made the university their first choice at the 2016 all Computer Based Test mode UTME and scored 200 and above were eligible for the screening.

The university said candidates must possess five credit passes at one sitting in relevant Ordinary Level subjects, including English language and mathematics.

The institution said candidates who would not be 16 years of age by Oct. 31 were not eligible for screening and need not apply.

“Candidates who are awaiting results are eligible to apply for the screening.

“Such candidates will be allowed to upload their results when they are released only if they applied within the specified period.

“Candidates are advised to check the university website for the specified periods and other details,’’

IN a new twist to the recent drama in the House of Representatives, men close the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, have said that Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin was sacked as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation for padding the budget with N250bn.








A senior member in the House of Representatives and one of Dogara’s aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Jibrin was sacked by the Speaker because he had jerked up the budget by the said amount.


The sources said Jibrin’s plan was discovered after he had tabled the final copy of the budget document on a Thursday for passage by the two chambers of the National Assembly.



They said that it was the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Dogara, who blocked Jibrin’s move.


“The Senate President and the Speaker directed Jibrin to not only revert to original figure proposed by the President but also lower it by about N30bn because of expected drop in revenue,” one of the sources said.


“That was why the budget was not passed until the following Tuesday.”


But the fresh information contradicts claims by Jibrin in a statement released on Thursday that he was being victimised by the Speaker because he had objected to a request Dogara made that he (Jibrin) should allocate projects worth N40bn to him in the 2016 budget.


He had also alleged that the projects would have been shared among four principal officers, namely, Dogara; the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Yussuff Lasun; the Whip, Mr. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; and the Minority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor.


However, the source also accused Jibrin of allocating N4.1bn to his constituency – Kiru/Bebeji Federal constituency of Kano State.


The source according to Saturday Punch also alleged that Jibrin tinkered with reports of all standing committees on the budget by cutting10 per cent of all capital votes of all ministries, departments and agencies across board and also taking from the personnel budgets of some MDAs, making it difficult for them to pay workers’ salaries.


Meanwhile, two of the principal officers of the House Representatives indicted by Jibrin, Ado-Doguwa, and Ogor, on Friday also gave reasons why the leadership of the House relieved its former Chairman, Committee on Appropriation of his position.


 Ado-Doguwa, who is the Chief Whip of the House, is an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Kano State like Jibrin.


 Ogor is the Minority Leader of the House, and member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Delta State.


 They were named by Jibrin, along with the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Yussuff Lasun, as the principal officers who demanded that he included projects worth N40bn in the 2016 budget for them.


Jibrin had alleged that his refusal to oblige the request set him on a path of disagreement with Dogara and the other three principal officers, culminating in his sacking on Wednesday.


He also stated that Dogara failed to act on reports he made that some committee heads were distorting the budgets of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.


 Jibrin also alleged that his opposition to the proposal to grant immunity to presiding officers of the National Assembly was used against him by the Speaker.


But Ado-Doguwa claimed that Jibrin was not being truthful, adding that he made the accusations to let off his frustrations for being removed as a chairman.


 Contrary to Jibrin’s allegations, Ado-Doguwa stated that the former committee chairman was largely responsible for the distortions in the 2016 budget, which generated a row between the National Assembly and the Presidency.


 He added that it was “unheard of” that an appropriation committee chairman would work on a N6.06tn budget alone without involving his members.


Ado-Doguwa noted that the end result was “how he thoroughly messed up the budget, incurring the anger of his colleagues, but refusing to admit that he failed.”


In an electronic mail Ado-Doguwa explained further, “For me, as an individual and having been mentioned in the sacked chairman’s claims, I would like to say with all sense of responsibility that what his claims were frivolous and unfounded.


 “As a principal officer, I know that Jibrin was only relieved of his appointment due to widespread outcries and disenchantment among members of his committee for gross anomalies and absolute non-inclusion of members of his committee in the discharge of the duties of his erstwhile committee.


 “His case was further worsened by sheer disrespect to the leadership (of the House) and even the generality of other members in the House. Other issues to do with grievous controversies that set the National Assembly against the Executive Arm (on the budget) were largely generated by Jibrin when he was superintending the affairs of this very vital committee.


“These and so many other reasons warranted a very popular urge amongst members to remove him. Ultimately, the leadership was left with no option but to yield to the members’ demand.


“Other issues he raised on our attempt to ‘selfishly’ allocate funds to ourselves in the 2016- budget were also untrue. And his mischievous claims were borne out of his overzealous attempt to divert the public attention from the fact that he is the first in the history of the National Assembly that has woefully failed as a chairman of such an important committee in the parliament.”


Ado-Doguwa added that but for the fact that the House had already proceeded on recess, members would have taken “decisive actions” against him for bringing the House and its rules to “disrepute and parliamentary contempt” through his latest comments.


 On his part, Ogor described Jibrin’s statement as “laughable.”


Ogor said Nigerians could easily remember that it was the same Jibrin who appeared on several television interviews, attacking the Presidency over the content of the 2016 budget, but in reality, was defending “his own inability to deliver as a committee chairman.”


Ogor asked Jibrin to tell Nigerians why he avoided mentioning the “N4bn” projects he built into the budget for his Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State.


 “Who in the National Assembly has a project of N4bn in the budget? Yet, he got away with it and he is now opening his mouth to accuse the leadership of taking a decision that would have been taken long before now.”


 He added that it would be wasting his time to speak on Jibrin’s “fabricated lies, coming from someone who doesn’t know his left from his right.”


 Ogor challenged Jibrin to release the implicating documents he claimed to have in his possession.


 “At the appropriate time, when we resume on the floor, we will speak, but I can assure you that they are all bunch of lies and there is nothing in it.


 “I am not going to waste my time responding to an issue I consider to be inconsequential,” the minority leader said.


The House began its annual recess on Thursday and members will be away till September 13.


Attempts to get the comments of the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, on the development was not successful.


He also did not respond to text messages sent to him.


Although, Gbajabiamila was not mentioned by Jibrin as having been among those who requested the N40bn projects, the convention since 1999, is that all principal officers get concessions in the budget.


Efforts to get Jibrin for further comments on Friday also failed as his telephone lines were unavailable.

BADAGARY (customarily known as Gbagle), a coastal town situated between the city of Lagos and the border with Benin at Seme in Lagos State, Nigeria, is without doubt one the most serene and historically rich towns in the region; every year thousands of tourists come from around the country and world to admire the relics and mementoes of  slave trade in Nigeria.Bordered on the south by the Gulf of Guinea and surrounded by creeks, islands and a lake; it is the second largest commercial town in Lagos State.

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A town of secrets, Badagry is majorly recognized for its slave trade by foreigners. A trip to the town can be eternally confusing for first-time visitors due to the incalculable immensity of its historical treasures, as well as for the charm of its unique traditions, and the beauty of its panoramic views. Among the most significant resources: plenty of museums -(Badagry Heritage Museum, Seriki Faremi’s Brazilian Baracoon, Vlekete Slave Market, Mobee Royal Family Slave Museum etc.), historical buildings and landmarks along slave routes as well as the slave ports.

If you can plan to stay as long as a week, you won’t run out of things to do and you’ll still feel like you’re leaving too soon.

THREE FAMOUS SPOT;

The first story building in Nigeria

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An old missionary storey building in Badagry, overlooking the Marina waterfront, “the first story building in Nigeria” was built in 1842 by Rev Bernard Freeman and other missionaries.

Agiya Tree Monument

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Located beside the Badagry , the  Agiya Tree Monument marks the site where Christianity was first preached in the town and Nigeria.

Attenuation Well

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Located along the footpath leading to the ocean, the Attenuation Well, was a spot where slaves were made to stop and drink as the well had a spell that hallucinated whoever drank from it, ensuring the slaves forget their origin and whatever resentments they harbored against the slave masters. That way, they do not revolt against and attack the few slave merchants on the ship while on transit to South America.



Fun Fact

Christianity was first preached in Nigeria at Badagry in 1842 by Rev Bernard Freeman and he celebrated the first Christmas in Nigeria the following year, 1943.

THE immediate past Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmunin Jibrin, is accusing Speaker Yakubu Dogara and three other principal officers of the House of harassing, monitoring and intimidating him following his allegation that they sought to pad this year’s budget to the tune of N40 billion.








His lawyers dispatched a petition to the Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) yesterday, protesting “subterranean and clandestine efforts” by Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, House Whip Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa and House Minority Leader Hon. Leo Ogor to “obstruct justice.”


Ogor, responding to Jibrin’s claim about involvement in budget padding, dismissed it as cheap blackmail.


Members of the House were divided yesterday on what position to take on the issue.


Some asked the four principal officers to step aside while the matter is investigated while others called for proof from Jibrin, failing which he should be sanctioned.


Jibrin said he stood firmly by his allegations and will prove same at the appropriate time.


Messrs Hammart & Co, Law Bond Solicitors and Doka Chambers, in a petition on behalf of Jibrin to the IGP, said Dogara,Lasun, Doguwa and Ogor “ have resorted to blackmail our client into silence and to further harass his person and family using the instrument of the obstructive coercion and perversion of due process by deploying, albeit illegally some elements of the Nigeria Police.


“We now have it on good authority that these quartet acting in concert are at the moment using some elements within the police to monitor, harass, intimidate and hound our client into an unwarranted detention with the purpose of inhibiting his right to move freely and to express himself as contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).


“The purpose of their antics is to upturn the narrative and paint our client as the black sheep in the flock, and cleverly presenting themselves as transparent angels.”


They advised the police and other security agencies “not to allow themselves (security agencies) to be used to execute the personal objectives of these quartet; more so appropriate legal action has been taken by our client, as a law abiding citizen, to protect his fundamental rights as guaranteed by our laws.”


They also warned the quartet ”not to descend to the narrow aim of dragging the institution of the House of Representatives into their personal fight and to note that by virtue of the institution he leads and as a lawyer, he should act within the confines of the Rule of Law and allow the House of Representatives to institute a special investigation into this matter where our client will have the opportunity earlier denied him by the quartet to testify and provide evidence against them because he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”


Some Representatives who spoke on the condition that their names would not be mentioned branded Jibrin an angry man who wants to pull the establishment down because he was removed as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, while others said the allegation was too heavy to be left uninvestigated.


“There is a need to investigate the allegation because it is a very serious one. We are talking about fighting corruption in line with the policy of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the House has always touted this,” one Representative said.


“This is the time to show the world that we are serious about it. If Jibrin has proof as he said, he should not hesitate to bring it forward.


“In the interim, I think the Speaker should also allow the issue be investigated. He should step aside and allow the Ethics and Privileges Committee, or an adhoc committee investigate.


“It will do him and the other accused principal officers a lot of good to be proven innocent. It should not be waved aside or swept under the carpet,” the member from the South- west said.


Another member from the South- South likened Jibrin’s allegation to that made by the former Ambassador of the United States, Mr.James Entwistle, about sexual misconduct against three members of the House.


He said: ”Because of the seriousness of the allegation and the manner it affects the reputation of the House and Nigeria as a whole, the Speaker constituted a joint committee to investigate. The same thing is expected here.


“The situation is already bad enough as Nigerians believe lawmakers are corrupt. This would make matters worse. It might come to a time when our constituents begin to stone us believing the N40 billion was in cash and shared amongst members. This must be sorted out.


“But if the former Chairman of Appropriations Committee is found to be lying, or does not have proof, then a commensurate punishment in the House Rules should be brought to bear on him accordingly.”


The Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, in his response to the allegation, called Jibrin’s allegation cheap blackmail.


He said: “Those are fabricated stories and the facts are in the budget.


“I think this is coming from somebody who is a little bit upset, who doesn’t know his left from his right. It is unfortunate, but I don’t want to go into altercation with him.


“At the appropriate time, when we resume on the floor, we will speak, but I can assure you that they are all a bunch of lies and there is nothing in it.


“You can read the lines, he has actually lost his committee.


“Why didn’t he make available this allegation all along? Those are the questions you need to answer.


“He was the one that addressed the issue of this budget on Channels and he accused the Presidency and the executive in respect of issues that bother on the budget.


“Today, he is singing a different tune, and I think he is good at singing different tunes anyway. So like I said I am not going to go into any altercation with somebody I consider not a serious person.


“I am not going to waste my time over that issue and what he has said are all lies and this kind of blackmail doesn’t work with the likes of Leo Ogor, so you see he is just wasting his time.”