₦airaland Forum

@AUGUSTUS YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER ACCEPT DEFEND THE INDEFENSIBLE....NIGERIA ARMED FORCES ARE ON TRASITION TO A PROFESSIONAL OUTFIT FROM BEING A RAG TAG FORCE. YOUR MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX HAS GOT NOTHING TO OFFER ACCEPT MINOR ARMS FOR YOUR ARMY.

INVENTION AND RESEARCH IS NON EXISTANCE AND YOUR STANDARD IS BELOW NORMAL LEVEL AS GRADED BY INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION. MAYBE YOU THINK A PROFESSIONAL MILITARY OUTFIT IS ONLY ABOUT POSSESSING ARMS AND UNIFORM. YOU MADE A JOKE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA'S CASUALTIES IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC AND TOOK POT SHOTS AND WHEN ITS NIGERIA'S TURN TO BLEED....YOU COMPARE SUCH WITH BRITAIN LOSSES IN IRELAND AND TRY TO BELITTLE THE IMPACT.

NIGERIA IS FAR BELOW TO SOUTH AFRICA NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TRY TO BELIEVE THAT NIGERIA IS SUPERIOR...TO SHOW SUCH PROPAGANDA IS BELIEVED IN NIGERIA...IS SHOWN BY YOUR GENERAL'S COMMENT THAT NIGERIA IS THE FIRST COUNTRY IN AFRICA TO PRODUCE A UAV...A BIG LIE....AND NIGERIANS POSTED AN ARMOURED CAR AS THEIR INVENTION AND YET IT WAS CONCEPT OF THE MALAYSIAN AND FURTHERMORE YOU SHOWED AN OUTDATED BALLON TECHNOLOGY WHICH IS A CONCEPT OF AMAERICANS AND POTRAYED AS NIGERIAN INVENTION....ONLY WHEN NIGERIA SHOW AN INDIGENOUS INNOVATION WOULD NIGERIA GET MY RECOGNITION.

@AGAUGUST Read and learn from what professional military commanders are noting regarding the South African NAVY

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africans-small-but-modern-fleet-attracts-global-interest-2009-12-04

ANOTHER LIE DISGUISE AS A THRUTH BY NIGERIA

The Pf1 is very similar to the Malaysian DEFTEC AV4 that never entered production Source: Proforce Defence

Nigeria's Proforce Defence is currently developing the Pf1 light armoured vehicle aimed at the local military and police markets.

Bimbola Owojori, the head of business development at Proforce, told IHS Jane's that the Pf1 prototype will be launched soon.

According to information provided by Proforce, the LAV features an all-welded steel monocoque hull that in its basic form provides ballistic protection to STANAG 4569 Level 2 standard but can be upgraded to Level 4. Mine protection is to STANAG 4569 Level 2a but can be upgraded to Level 2b.

The baseline Pf1 has a typical combat weight of 7.85 tonnes and can carry eight dismounts and a crew of two.

http://www.janes.com/article/24976/nigeria-s-proforce-expands-armoured-vehicle-range

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY

@AUGUSTUS ARMS DEAL ARE NOW A REALITY IN NIGERIA

Another N1 Billion Scandal trail Danbazzau, other sacked Army Chiefs …Budgeted N55 Billion for Non-Existing Simulation Center

Sacked former COAS, Gen. Danbazzau

Fresh facts have emerged how sacked former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdulrahman Danbazzau and other sacked service chiefs ensured the released of N1 Billion under the pretext of purchasing military equipment that already exist in the military warehouse.

Danbazzau in a letter in May 2011 demanded the immediate release of the N1 Billion for the purchase of parachutes and musical equipment for the last Army Day celebration, Pointblanknews.com has learnt from available documents.

The former Army chief and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral A. I. Ibrahim, Principal General Staff Officer and Rear Admiral Dele Uzoba with the full cooperation of Secretary to the Government, Ahmed Yayale and the Defence Minister, Adetokunboh Kayode had planned a whooping N500 Billion Defense contract for companies believed to be owned by General Ibrahim Babangida and Mr. Yayale as reported exclusively by Pointblanknews.com.

When Pointblanknews.com exposed the scandalous contract which had been previously awarded in 2009 for N178 Billion, the presidency was said to have been miffed and immediately ordered a probe.

Sources within the Military hierarchy informed Pointblanknews.com that former Chief of Defense Staff, Air Marshall Paul Dike was mandated to investigate the N500 Billion contract meant to boost the financial fortunes of General Babangida ahead of his Presidential campaign and also find out how the classified documents leaked out to Pointblanknews.com

But rather than investigate, Air Marshall Dike, treated the high profile corruption with kid glove, attempting to sweep the allegations under the carpet.

Unknown to the Military, sources informed pointblanknews.com that one of the fronts for Yayale’s Doyatechcom, a major Defense contract firm, had already owned up to the contract scam during an interrogation in the Presidency.

It was discovered that most of the items listed in the N500 Billion contract are all fake. For instance, the Nigeria Army School of Infantry, NASI, has no Simulation Center, yet Danbazzau and his colleagues budgeted N55 Billion for “modification of weapons.”

Pointblanknews.com gathered that the only simulation center owned and operated by the Nigeria Army is located that the Command and Staff College, CSC, Jaji and has only four officers and 66 soldiers.

Also, the Armored fighting Vehicle, VBL which was included in the contract proposal for a staggering price of N99 Billion was not necessary according to sources within the military as such equipment was recently rejected by the United nations for peace keeping because they are substandard.

Sources also hinted that the VBL were first purchased by IBB for his dream National Guard before the Army took them over.

However, as the underground investigation went on, officials discovered a recent release of N1 Billion to the Army for the purchases of parachutes, musical equipment and training. Sources told Pointblanknews.com that the N1 Billion was shared by top military brass as the parachutes and musical equipment were never purchased.

“Those stuffs were never purchased I can tell you that for sure. Those people just pocketed the money and that is not the first time they are doing that,” a military source told pointblanknews.com.

In a letter written by the former Chief of Army Staff to the minister for Defense, Dambazzau had specifically requested for the release of N1 Billion for “Nigerian Army Day Celebration and Nigerian Army Activities for Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee Celebration.”

In the letter with reference number AHQDAPP/G1/300/102, signed by Major General A.A. Atofarati on behalf of Danbazzau and dated May 12, 2010, the army chief said “in the above quoted reference, AHQ requested the Honourable Minister to kindly assist in facilitating early release of fund to procure parachutes, musical instrument and commence training for Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2010 and Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee Celebration. The details of these requirements are listed below

“Infantry Weapon/Airbone Display,N47,652,120.00; Nigerian Army Mass Band Requirement,N290,394,750.00; Purchase of Parachutes/Airbone Equipment N752,763,539.00 totaling N1,090,810,409,.00.

“Honourable Minister Sir, Please accept the assurances of the highest esteem of the Chief of Army Staff”, it read.

Sources told Pointblanknews.com that the minister for Defense swiftly authorized the released of the funds.

Efforts to reach the Minister for Defense and the sacked Army Chiefs were abortive as several calls put through by pointblanknews.com did not go through.


http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=another-n1-billion-scandal-trails-danbazzau&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pointblanknews.com%2FNews%2Fos3860.html&ei=6TAKUvOwNIaYhQfmkYDYDg&usg=AFQjCNG7JcUJ-t8DEsnF1ccOv0MltnM4Sg

Mr. Bukola Saraki, a serving senator, and former governor of Kwara State, will on Friday be a guest of crack detectives of the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police in Lagos, who wants him to answer questions relating to an N11 Billion financial scandal at the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc.

SFU officials refused to make comments on their would-be guest when Premium Times telephoned their information desk some minutes ago, but usually reliable sources with deep knowledge on the investigation said Mr. Lekan Alabi, former chief executive at Intercontinental Bank is already in detention over the same case.

Detectives are trying to understand how jumbo loans running over N11 Billion found its way into the subsidiaries of an oil marketing company, Joy Petroleum, owned by one of Saraki’s former aides, now deceased.

The detectives, according to our sources, also want Mr. Saraki to help them understand how choice properties in the up-scale markets of Ikoyi and Victoria Island in Lagos connected to him were used as collaterals in the multiple loan schemes that were not repaid but had been substantially written off and the properties relieved of their collateral status.

“I can tell you that Mr. Alabi is being interrogated for this same reason,” said our source who stated that he also believed the current governor of Kwara State, Mr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, will eventually be invited too since a lot of the money transfer was done under his watch as finance commissioner in the administration of Mr. Saraki.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/4720-senator_saraki_gets_police_call_on_n11_billion_financial_crime.html

HAHAHAHAH NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES ARE THE BEST:

The Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Boniface Egboka, is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for the mismanagement of billions of naira meant for the institution, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Nigeria is reporting.

Mr. Egboka allegedly misappropriated the funds through the award of bogus and inflated contracts to fronts and cronies; selective bidding; and fraudulent contract cost variations.

The University head was recently arrested and questioned by the EFCC and has made statements about his involvement in the alleged fraud. He was thereafter released on administrative bail.

History of Investigation

A group of lecturers of the university, in March this year, petitioned the EFCC, slamming a litany of allegations including fraud, abuse of office, inflation of contract, using fronts to get contracts, and high handedness against Mr. Egboka.

The EFCC confirmed that it was investigating the allegations against the University boss. Wilson Uwujaren, the commission’s spokesman, said that the petition was already being investigated by its Enugu office, adding that the lecturer has already been invited for interrogation and had made statements to investigators.

Independent investigations of the allegations by icirnigeria.org indicate that Egboka might be in deep trouble except he can explain many actions he took which bother on misappropriation of funds.

Violating due process

Our investigations revealed that the vice chancellor spends university funds like his own personal resources without recourse to rules and regulations, awarded contracts without due process and without open tenders, an infraction that earned him a query from the Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP in April.

For example, in October, 2011, on a trip to America with other officials, Mr. Egboka ordered for two 2011 Toyota 4 Runner jeeps worth N27 million for himself and the Pro-chancellor of the university, who was also on the delegation. He made the order without any bidding and without the approval of the tender’s board and in spite of the fact that he already had a Prado jeep as official car while the pro – chancellor used a Toyota Avensis. He also claimed to have committed the institution by making a deposit from his own pocket.

Upon returning to Nigeria, the VC tried to perfect the purchase by causing the registrar of the institution to award a contract for the purchase of the vehicles. Since the contract could not be awarded to a foreign company, Mr. Egboka directed that it be awarded to a local firm, Grech Resources Limited.

Going through the motions of a contract award, the bursar wrote an award letter to the company claiming that the tenders’ board at its 30th meeting held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, approved the award for the supply of the two vehicles.

However, the bursar refused to release funds for the purchase because there was no proof of tender, forcing the V.C. to write an undertaking where he explained the irregularity attending the purchase.

Vice Chancellor exhibited nepotism

Investigations also showed that the vice chancellor, without due process and against regulations, selectively awarded contracts or just merely invited whosoever he wanted and handed contracts out to them.

In many of these cases, the contracts were awarded to family members. Apart from that, variations were illegally granted to the companies, raising costs outrageously.

For example, in August 2011, Porras and Oliva, a company allegedly owned by Mr. Egboka’s son–in–law, got a contract for the renovation and furnishing of the university auditorium for N20 million. The contract was awarded through selective tendering and given to Porras and Oliva which quoted N2million in spite of the facts that there were lower bids.

However, halfway into the job’s execution, the company requested for a variation of N80 million in the contract sum which was granted at the sum of N58 million. In a letter written to the company on December 5, 2011, the registrar of the university stated that the tenders’ board at its 35th meeting of December 2 approved the sum as “completion sum” for the project, thereby granting more than hundred percent variation cost.

A series of violations

Porras and Oliva got several other contracts without going through due process. These include an N8.4 million contract for the reticulation of the university foundry; N5.2 million for furnishing of the VC’s office, and a N5.9 million contract for the fencing of the university auditorium.

Another questionable contract was the one awarded to Regibel Limited, another company which is alleged to be a front for the VC. The company was awarded the contract for the construction of a 676 metre road for N92.6 million. Apart from the suspected inflated contract sum, icirnigeria.org learnt that Mr. Egboka developed a relationship with the company which makes him give directives to it to execute projects running into several millions.

For these projects, there were no tender or agreement between the parties. Acting on the VC’s directive, Regibel executed the projects and sent a bill to the management which is rubberstamped, approved and paid.

On December 14, 2011, the university management got such a bill for the sum of N122 million for the construction of a 7.1 kilometre walkway. No details were provided about the exact location of the walkway.

There was never any tender process, agreement or any other document concerning this walkway contract. But the university approved and paid the company the money it asked for.

In the same manner, on December 16, 2011, Regibel sent another bill of engineering measurements and evaluation for N78 million for the construction of a 412 metre road – the Joy Emordi Road – which it built based on a directive from the VC. There was no bidding or agreement before it got the contract. Again, it was paid the full sum it demanded.

Inflating contact costs

Unilateral variations in contract costs appear to have become the hallmark of project execution in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. There is virtually no contract that does not suffer an upward review in costs.

The contract for the construction of the Art Faculty complex is a good example of this. Initially awarded to Chyfon Limited for N559 million, the cost was later adjusted to N625 million. More upward variations to the contract sum were to follow however.

On December 22, 2011, N7.6 million was granted to the contractor, being variation resulting from “relocation of library”. The same day, another N9.6 million variation was granted for the use of vitrified tiles instead of terrazzo in the construction work.

Yet again, on February 27, 2012 another N73 million variation was granted the contractor for “evaluation and assessment fluctuations”.

The petitioners allege that the amounts approved for variation were siphoned by officials of the university administration. In fact, it is alleged that all kinds of disingenuous methods are employed by the administration in December of every year in order to mop up unspent funds so that money is not returned back into the treasury. Interestingly, as if to prove the petitioners right, many of the approved variations came in December.

The PPP fraud

Another contract unconventionally awarded by the vice chancellor is the public private partnership, PPP, students’ hostel project. In January 2010, Egboka committed the university to a memorandum of understanding, MOU, with Elmada Consulting Inc., a company purported to be based in Canada, for the building of hostels on the main campus.

The MOU which was signed on behalf of the university by the VC and a Nigerian representative for the company, states that the institution’s equity to the project would be 40 per cent while the company would contribute the remaining 60 percent.

With a total cost of N239, 400,000.00, the institution was expected to contribute N97, 760,000.00.

There are several curious and suspicious developments about this PPP arrangement which has sent tongues wagging. First, the Nigerian representative of Elmada who signed the MOU on behalf of the company is alleged to be another of Egboka’s sons – in – law.

The alleged son – in – law is the sole project manager of the project which is being executed through a joint account managed only by him. The VC never disclosed his relationship or any conflict of interest that might arise, to the university Senate.

What is more, the only document binding the two parties together is the MOU. No binding agreement spelling out details of contractual and legal commitments has been signed.

Besides, the cost has been reviewed upwards to N400 million and there are allegations that the university has solely funded the two – phased project. When our reporter visited the school’s main campus in Awka, it was observed that the project had been nearly completed.

The nail on the coffin

However, the project that has gotten Mr. Egboka into real trouble is the contract for the construction of the bio sciences and physical sciences faculty complex. The university lecturer has already been queried by the BPP over the manner the contract was awarded.

The contract for the construction of the twin identical complex, housing the faculties of biosciences and physical sciences, was awarded by selective bidding to Bechtel Nig. Limited on December 22, 2011 for the sum of N994 million. In a similar fashion, without following due process, on February 27, 2012, the contract for the construction of the central facility linking the two structures was also awarded to the same company for N288 million.

For the project(executed at a total cost of N1.2 billion), the VC abandoned all due process such as open bidding and just called on a contractor of his choice to execute the project. This jettisoning of due process irked some members of the institution’s management who petitioned the BPP, which on April 4, 2012, wrote to the VC demanding that he furnish the bureau with all the original bid documents in respect of the contract.

The letter signed by Emeka Ezeh, the bureau’s director general specifically asked for copies of the advertisement of this procurement; technical and financial tenders of all bidders; bid return sheet; evaluation report of the bid; scope of work; and all other documents relating to the procurement.

Sources in the university and at the BPP confided that no such documents exist and the VC has been unable to provide them to the bureau. Consequent upon this, the school administration has been forced to cancel the previous contract and has now advertised the contract in newspapers, asking for bids from interested companies.

Our reporter observed that the structures which were still in foundation level had since been abandoned by the contractor.

Shady appointments

Mr. Egboka’s sins are not limited to financial mismanagement of the university’s resources as he has also been accused of administrative recklessness, abuse of office and not following due process in appointments; which he allegedly dishes out to family and friends as he wishes.

Two of the VC’s children, Nkechi Egboka and Dr. Egboka Chioma Mmazulu, were employed by the university last year and their names have been on the payroll since then. While Nkechi was employed as an assistant lecturer in the department of geological sciences, Chioma was appointed medical director of the institution’s medical centre.

However, none of them had resumed work when our reporter conducted checks in their departments about two weeks ago.

Also, Uchenna Okeke, wife of the deputy vice chancellor (DVC), administration; and Godwin Orji, alleged to be a friend of the DVC, academics; were employed against laid down rules. Okeke appeared before the governing council’s appointments and promotions committee, A&PC, and was found unqualified for the position of assistant lecturer for which she applied. However, she was still offered an appointment as an assistant lecturer after the council was dissolved.

Orji was interviewed for and appointed to the position of technologist. However, although he never appeared before the A&PC, as is required in the appointment of all academic staff, his employment was unilaterally converted to lecturer by the VC.

Mum is the word

When our reporter visited the main campus of the university and requested to speak to the VC, he was said to be out of station. And when he was reached on the phone to answer questions relating to the petition, Mr. Egboka declined, saying that “the matter is under investigation and I cannot make any comment.” The VC dropped the line and subsequently refused to take calls from our reporter.

No other official of the university was ready to speak on the matter. The office of the registrar referred our reporter to the VC’s office. The couple of lecturers, who spoke to our reporter on the corruption allegations against the VC, did so, on the strictest assurances of confidentiality, as Mr. Egboka is said to be very vindictive.

He is also vindictive

Several academic and non – academic staff of the institution who oppose the University head have been allegedly victimised since the investigations into his management of the school’s resources commenced.

For example, a source told icirnigeria.org of the story of a professor friend of the VC who had written him warning him of the consequences of some high handed actions he took. The professor had questioned why Mr. Egboka employed six consultants for the medical centre when requests for needed staff such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists had been repeatedly denied. The friend also warned that the lack of due process in the employment of the consultant could land the VC in trouble as it had sent tongues wagging on the campus. Rather than listen to his friend, the VC transferred him to the Nnewi campus where he has been rendered virtually redundant.

Sources in the EFCC said that investigations have reached advanced stage on the corruption charges against Mr. Egboka, and that enough evidence might have been obtained to institute a case against him in court soon.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=one%20billion%20naira%20miliatry%20scandal%20in%20nigeria&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CE4QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpremiumtimesng.com%2Fnews%2F5920-unizik-vice-chancellor-in-multi-billion-naira-corruption-scandal.html&ei=ki4KUpLSIoaUhQfphYG4Dw&usg=AFQjCNHTch5wEDms5-8fier1p10eRDnvbg

HAHAHAHAH NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES ARE THE BEST:

The Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Boniface Egboka, is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for the mismanagement of billions of naira meant for the institution, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Nigeria is reporting.

Mr. Egboka allegedly misappropriated the funds through the award of bogus and inflated contracts to fronts and cronies; selective bidding; and fraudulent contract cost variations.

The University head was recently arrested and questioned by the EFCC and has made statements about his involvement in the alleged fraud. He was thereafter released on administrative bail.

History of Investigation

A group of lecturers of the university, in March this year, petitioned the EFCC, slamming a litany of allegations including fraud, abuse of office, inflation of contract, using fronts to get contracts, and high handedness against Mr. Egboka.

The EFCC confirmed that it was investigating the allegations against the University boss. Wilson Uwujaren, the commission’s spokesman, said that the petition was already being investigated by its Enugu office, adding that the lecturer has already been invited for interrogation and had made statements to investigators.

Independent investigations of the allegations by icirnigeria.org indicate that Egboka might be in deep trouble except he can explain many actions he took which bother on misappropriation of funds.

Violating due process

Our investigations revealed that the vice chancellor spends university funds like his own personal resources without recourse to rules and regulations, awarded contracts without due process and without open tenders, an infraction that earned him a query from the Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP in April.

For example, in October, 2011, on a trip to America with other officials, Mr. Egboka ordered for two 2011 Toyota 4 Runner jeeps worth N27 million for himself and the Pro-chancellor of the university, who was also on the delegation. He made the order without any bidding and without the approval of the tender’s board and in spite of the fact that he already had a Prado jeep as official car while the pro – chancellor used a Toyota Avensis. He also claimed to have committed the institution by making a deposit from his own pocket.

Upon returning to Nigeria, the VC tried to perfect the purchase by causing the registrar of the institution to award a contract for the purchase of the vehicles. Since the contract could not be awarded to a foreign company, Mr. Egboka directed that it be awarded to a local firm, Grech Resources Limited.

Going through the motions of a contract award, the bursar wrote an award letter to the company claiming that the tenders’ board at its 30th meeting held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, approved the award for the supply of the two vehicles.

However, the bursar refused to release funds for the purchase because there was no proof of tender, forcing the V.C. to write an undertaking where he explained the irregularity attending the purchase.

Vice Chancellor exhibited nepotism

Investigations also showed that the vice chancellor, without due process and against regulations, selectively awarded contracts or just merely invited whosoever he wanted and handed contracts out to them.

In many of these cases, the contracts were awarded to family members. Apart from that, variations were illegally granted to the companies, raising costs outrageously.

For example, in August 2011, Porras and Oliva, a company allegedly owned by Mr. Egboka’s son–in–law, got a contract for the renovation and furnishing of the university auditorium for N20 million. The contract was awarded through selective tendering and given to Porras and Oliva which quoted N2million in spite of the facts that there were lower bids.

However, halfway into the job’s execution, the company requested for a variation of N80 million in the contract sum which was granted at the sum of N58 million. In a letter written to the company on December 5, 2011, the registrar of the university stated that the tenders’ board at its 35th meeting of December 2 approved the sum as “completion sum” for the project, thereby granting more than hundred percent variation cost.

A series of violations

Porras and Oliva got several other contracts without going through due process. These include an N8.4 million contract for the reticulation of the university foundry; N5.2 million for furnishing of the VC’s office, and a N5.9 million contract for the fencing of the university auditorium.

Another questionable contract was the one awarded to Regibel Limited, another company which is alleged to be a front for the VC. The company was awarded the contract for the construction of a 676 metre road for N92.6 million. Apart from the suspected inflated contract sum, icirnigeria.org learnt that Mr. Egboka developed a relationship with the company which makes him give directives to it to execute projects running into several millions.

For these projects, there were no tender or agreement between the parties. Acting on the VC’s directive, Regibel executed the projects and sent a bill to the management which is rubberstamped, approved and paid.

On December 14, 2011, the university management got such a bill for the sum of N122 million for the construction of a 7.1 kilometre walkway. No details were provided about the exact location of the walkway.

There was never any tender process, agreement or any other document concerning this walkway contract. But the university approved and paid the company the money it asked for.

In the same manner, on December 16, 2011, Regibel sent another bill of engineering measurements and evaluation for N78 million for the construction of a 412 metre road – the Joy Emordi Road – which it built based on a directive from the VC. There was no bidding or agreement before it got the contract. Again, it was paid the full sum it demanded.

Inflating contact costs

Unilateral variations in contract costs appear to have become the hallmark of project execution in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. There is virtually no contract that does not suffer an upward review in costs.

The contract for the construction of the Art Faculty complex is a good example of this. Initially awarded to Chyfon Limited for N559 million, the cost was later adjusted to N625 million. More upward variations to the contract sum were to follow however.

On December 22, 2011, N7.6 million was granted to the contractor, being variation resulting from “relocation of library”. The same day, another N9.6 million variation was granted for the use of vitrified tiles instead of terrazzo in the construction work.

Yet again, on February 27, 2012 another N73 million variation was granted the contractor for “evaluation and assessment fluctuations”.

The petitioners allege that the amounts approved for variation were siphoned by officials of the university administration. In fact, it is alleged that all kinds of disingenuous methods are employed by the administration in December of every year in order to mop up unspent funds so that money is not returned back into the treasury. Interestingly, as if to prove the petitioners right, many of the approved variations came in December.

The PPP fraud

Another contract unconventionally awarded by the vice chancellor is the public private partnership, PPP, students’ hostel project. In January 2010, Egboka committed the university to a memorandum of understanding, MOU, with Elmada Consulting Inc., a company purported to be based in Canada, for the building of hostels on the main campus.

The MOU which was signed on behalf of the university by the VC and a Nigerian representative for the company, states that the institution’s equity to the project would be 40 per cent while the company would contribute the remaining 60 percent.

With a total cost of N239, 400,000.00, the institution was expected to contribute N97, 760,000.00.

There are several curious and suspicious developments about this PPP arrangement which has sent tongues wagging. First, the Nigerian representative of Elmada who signed the MOU on behalf of the company is alleged to be another of Egboka’s sons – in – law.

The alleged son – in – law is the sole project manager of the project which is being executed through a joint account managed only by him. The VC never disclosed his relationship or any conflict of interest that might arise, to the university Senate.

What is more, the only document binding the two parties together is the MOU. No binding agreement spelling out details of contractual and legal commitments has been signed.

Besides, the cost has been reviewed upwards to N400 million and there are allegations that the university has solely funded the two – phased project. When our reporter visited the school’s main campus in Awka, it was observed that the project had been nearly completed.

The nail on the coffin

However, the project that has gotten Mr. Egboka into real trouble is the contract for the construction of the bio sciences and physical sciences faculty complex. The university lecturer has already been queried by the BPP over the manner the contract was awarded.

The contract for the construction of the twin identical complex, housing the faculties of biosciences and physical sciences, was awarded by selective bidding to Bechtel Nig. Limited on December 22, 2011 for the sum of N994 million. In a similar fashion, without following due process, on February 27, 2012, the contract for the construction of the central facility linking the two structures was also awarded to the same company for N288 million.

For the project(executed at a total cost of N1.2 billion), the VC abandoned all due process such as open bidding and just called on a contractor of his choice to execute the project. This jettisoning of due process irked some members of the institution’s management who petitioned the BPP, which on April 4, 2012, wrote to the VC demanding that he furnish the bureau with all the original bid documents in respect of the contract.

The letter signed by Emeka Ezeh, the bureau’s director general specifically asked for copies of the advertisement of this procurement; technical and financial tenders of all bidders; bid return sheet; evaluation report of the bid; scope of work; and all other documents relating to the procurement.

Sources in the university and at the BPP confided that no such documents exist and the VC has been unable to provide them to the bureau. Consequent upon this, the school administration has been forced to cancel the previous contract and has now advertised the contract in newspapers, asking for bids from interested companies.

Our reporter observed that the structures which were still in foundation level had since been abandoned by the contractor.

Shady appointments

Mr. Egboka’s sins are not limited to financial mismanagement of the university’s resources as he has also been accused of administrative recklessness, abuse of office and not following due process in appointments; which he allegedly dishes out to family and friends as he wishes.

Two of the VC’s children, Nkechi Egboka and Dr. Egboka Chioma Mmazulu, were employed by the university last year and their names have been on the payroll since then. While Nkechi was employed as an assistant lecturer in the department of geological sciences, Chioma was appointed medical director of the institution’s medical centre.

However, none of them had resumed work when our reporter conducted checks in their departments about two weeks ago.

Also, Uchenna Okeke, wife of the deputy vice chancellor (DVC), administration; and Godwin Orji, alleged to be a friend of the DVC, academics; were employed against laid down rules. Okeke appeared before the governing council’s appointments and promotions committee, A&PC, and was found unqualified for the position of assistant lecturer for which she applied. However, she was still offered an appointment as an assistant lecturer after the council was dissolved.

Orji was interviewed for and appointed to the position of technologist. However, although he never appeared before the A&PC, as is required in the appointment of all academic staff, his employment was unilaterally converted to lecturer by the VC.

Mum is the word

When our reporter visited the main campus of the university and requested to speak to the VC, he was said to be out of station. And when he was reached on the phone to answer questions relating to the petition, Mr. Egboka declined, saying that “the matter is under investigation and I cannot make any comment.” The VC dropped the line and subsequently refused to take calls from our reporter.

No other official of the university was ready to speak on the matter. The office of the registrar referred our reporter to the VC’s office. The couple of lecturers, who spoke to our reporter on the corruption allegations against the VC, did so, on the strictest assurances of confidentiality, as Mr. Egboka is said to be very vindictive.

He is also vindictive

Several academic and non – academic staff of the institution who oppose the University head have been allegedly victimised since the investigations into his management of the school’s resources commenced.

For example, a source told icirnigeria.org of the story of a professor friend of the VC who had written him warning him of the consequences of some high handed actions he took. The professor had questioned why Mr. Egboka employed six consultants for the medical centre when requests for needed staff such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists had been repeatedly denied. The friend also warned that the lack of due process in the employment of the consultant could land the VC in trouble as it had sent tongues wagging on the campus. Rather than listen to his friend, the VC transferred him to the Nnewi campus where he has been rendered virtually redundant.

Sources in the EFCC said that investigations have reached advanced stage on the corruption charges against Mr. Egboka, and that enough evidence might have been obtained to institute a case against him in court soon.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=one%20billion%20naira%20miliatry%20scandal%20in%20nigeria&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CE4QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpremiumtimesng.com%2Fnews%2F5920-unizik-vice-chancellor-in-multi-billion-naira-corruption-scandal.html&ei=ki4KUpLSIoaUhQfphYG4Dw&usg=AFQjCNHTch5wEDms5-8fier1p10eRDnvbg

@AUGUSTUS YOU WERE PRETENDING THAT NIGERIAN MILITARY ARE ENGELS WHEN IT COMES TO CORRUPTION.....HERE ARE THE FACTS:

A multi-billion naira scandal is brewing in Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence over failure of the ministry to announce the winner of last year’s tender for the supply of 6 Mi-17SH Military helicopters.

The helicopters are meant to beef up military surveillance against Boko Haram’s menace. So, instead of speeding up this
process, the country is awash with cheap Algerian made bomb detectors which are grossly ineffective against Boko Haram’s
bombs.

In December 2011, the Ministry of Defence invited eight companies to bid for the supply of six brand new Mi-17SH
Military Helicopters.

However, seven months after the completion of the tender’s process, the ministry is yet to announce the winner. Many
believe that the money for the purchase of the helicopters may have been looted. And the delay could have been lack of money in which officials hope to put in 2012 budget.

As the nation endlessly awaits the winner of the bid, Our Reporter conducted a research on the prices of the similar
helicopter and found that Russia has sold to date about 12,000 of these helicopters and recently USA bought 21 units of the same type of helicopter in 2011 for $17,500,000 each.

Also India wants to buy 71 units of the same type of helicopter IN 2012 for a little over $17,000,000 each! It must be noted that these acquisitions are open government tenders by the relevant Ministry of Defence for each country exactly the same as the Nigerian case.

In the tender, our investigation revealed that only two companies out of the eight really have the capabilities to supply the helicopters based on their tract records in the business but the moves going on behind the scene suggest that these companies might lose the bid for a less competent one.

These proxy companies we gathered might be asked to inflate the price but a Russia company that wants to sell these
Helicopters is not likely ready to sell a military product at a grossly inflated price in which the company considers a sale of a $17,500,000 helicopter for more than $20,000,000 as gross profiteering and could be tantamount to scandal.

For the fact that the winner of the tender has not been announced seven months after the completion of the tenders
underscores lack of transparency and the fact that some powerful cabals have hijacked the process.

Our source expressed fear that just like a typical tender process in Nigeria, powerful cabals would eventually use a
proxy company to win the bid, a scandalous move that some military experts believe could erode the image of the country’s military.

“Before the harm is done by these cabals in the purchase of these helicopters, it is important to inform the public on the moves to undermine the purchase of the six new Mi-17SH Military Helicopters.” our source explained.

Our source also said an excuse of lack of money to buy the helicopters could not hold waters because the fund is donated
by the United Nations to support the country's efforts to combat terrorism and other security challenges. The question now is where is this fund? And what is delaying announcement of a tender conducted over seven months ago.?

The following companies tender bid for the purchase of the helicopter. Joint Aviation Services Ltd, Euro,159,765,930;
Solicom ltd, N24,822,952,000; Global Intact & Sons Ltd, N23,893,542,777; Verbetyn Nigeria ltd, N22,553,475,000; Motyn
Nigeria ltd, N18,143,9280,000; Asset Management Corp Ltd. N17,670,000,000; Dalhatu Construction Ltd, N11,280,000,000
and GNY Management & Consulting US$13,594,000.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=one%20billion%20naira%20miliatry%20scandal%20in%20nigeria&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&ved=0CDYQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fafricanexaminer.com%2Fhelicopter0611&ei=ki4KUpLSIoaUhQfphYG4Dw&usg=AFQjCNHiDTa_qiqJfS8OIRwWn3vdTJR1mw

The Nigerian Army has commenced investigation of over 60 of its officers in connection with leakage of the lieutenant to captain promotion examination.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=nigerian%20military%20scandals&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallafrica.com%2Fstories%2F201303251232.html&ei=nC0KUvmeFJOIhQfUrYCoCg&usg=AFQjCNFhsEWunxfp-w8Of_sBPJcTq96XUw

NIGERIA ELECTRICITY PROBLEM ONE OF THE REASONS @AGAUGUST LEFT THE COUNTRY

Nigerians on Monday condemned the poor supply of electricity across the country in the last five days. While some described the development as a setback to the ongoing reforms, others wondered if the Federal Government was ready to address the rot in the system.

This is coming as officials of the Federal Ministry of Power made no comments when newsmen requested to know the amount of electricity currently generated in the country.

Meanwhile, newsmen also gathered that the abysmal power situation in the Federal Capital Territory was due to the 25 per cent drop in the supply of electricity to the Abuja Distribution Company from the national grid.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Cheta Nelson, a trader in Ojo, Lagos, said business in his area had been slow following series of interruptions and outright blackouts witnessed in the last five days.

He said, “Considering the many hiccups in the power sector lately, do you think the government can achieve any tangible reform in this industry?

“We have been running our businesses on diesel lately and this is not good for small business owners at all.”

In Abuja, Mr. Tony Philips, a resident of Kubwa, said power supply had been poor in the area since Friday.

He said it was high time the government stopped giving excuses as to why the country repeatedly recorded electricity collapses.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, had on Saturday said power generation fell to as low as 2,628.6 megawatts, a sharp contrast to the over 4,000MW previously generated.

Reacting to the development, the Public Affairs Manager, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Adegoke Adebowale, told newsmen that until the issue of gas leakages as stated by the minister was addressed, the situation might not improve.

The commander of the Military Joint Task Force, JTF, fighting North Eastern Nigeria’s Islamic uprising has admited that 12 soldiers and seven police officers were killed in recent attacks.

The military had earlier said only two soldiers and one police officer were killed when suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist network attacked a military base and police outpost near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon on August 4.

Maj. Gen. Jah Ewansiah made the admission Saturday when he spoke to the Borno State governor and journalists present.

He said despite the losses, the task force “is resolute and committed to ensure that peace is completely restored in Borno state, even if it means losing our lives.”

Thousands more troops were sent into North Eastern Nigeria after a state of emergency was declared mid-May.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/43221.html

95 Per Cent Of Nigerian Police Officers Fail Intelligence Test

Statistics seem to have finally proven what many citizens had suspected all along that many Nigerian police officers are incapable of passing a standard intelligence gathering assessment test.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/33018.html

Commander of the United States Africa Command, Gen. Carter Ham, has confirmed that the US has deployed its intelligence machinery to support Nigeria in fighting the threat posed by violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

Ham, who spoke in an interview session with a Nigerian media delegation in Stuttgart on Friday, said the support followed a request from the Nigerian authorities.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=american%20intelligence%20on%20nigerian%20military%20capacity&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&ved=0CD8QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.punchng.com%2Fnews%2Fboko-haram-us-assists-nigeria-with-intelligence%2F&ei=_A8KUuGTBaeI0AWayoHICw&usg=AFQjCNHx835CnfbeMlwXYr3ayj_DFu2UHQ

@AGAUGUST YOU WERE PROUDLY TELLING US ABOUT NIGERIAN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND A MILITARY FEAT (MILITARY BALLON) BUT WHAT YOU FORGOT WAS TO MENTION THAT IT WAS 19 CENTURY TECHNOLOGY USED BY AMERICANS DURING THE CIVIL WAR.

The Nigeria Army said it has developed intelligent devices that will tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Nigerian Army boasted that it has developed hi-tech devices capable of gathering information and intelligence to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other acts of terrorism across the country.

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Div., Ibadan, Ahmed Tijani, made the disclosure at a lecture held at the Army formations headquarters in Ibadan.

Mr. Tijani, a Major General, said the sophisticated devices, in form of balloons, were unveiled in 2012.

During the American Civil War, from 1861-1865, hot-air balloons – the forerunners of spy planes and today’s satellites – were used by both the Union and the southern Confederacy, in present day United States of America, to monitor troop movements and regiment size, and gather intelligence.

According to Mr. Tijani, the technology has been upgraded and has a 84 kilometer launch into space.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=american%20intelligence%20on%20nigerian%20military%20capacity&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CDcQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpremiumtimesng.com%2Fnews%2F133308-nigerian-army-announces-hi-tech-device-to-tackle-boko-haram.html&ei=_A8KUuGTBaeI0AWayoHICw&usg=AFQjCNGNhCS6VQOS3V6W21WBCodoqu8QLw

@AGAUGUST NIGERIAN MILITARY STILL BELOW INTERNATIONAL STANDARD – PRESIDENT JONATHAN .....NOT ME BUT YOUR PRESIDENT

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday admitted that the Nigerian Armed Forces were still lagging behind when compared with most armed forces globally even as he warned against religious, tribal promotion in the military.

In his address as the reviewing officer of the passing-out parade and commissioning of the Direct Short Service Course 20 (Navy) by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Jonathan noted that the welfare, equipment and professionalism of the nation’s Armed Forces were nothing compared to best international practices.

Represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the President said it was in this regard that his administration was working towards transforming the Armed Forces to meet the world’s best standard. He called on the passing out cadets to shun acts capable of jeopardising the peace and unity of the country.

A total of 85 cadets, among them females, passed out from the nine months direct short service military course with three of them receiving Navy Gold Medal, Navy Silver Medal and Commandant’s awards respectively.

Said Jonathan: “Let me at this juncture reiterate the high premium this administration places on the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces. As commander-in-chief, I have repeatedly assured members of the Armed Forces of my desire to transform them into a modern military institution that the nation can be proud of. The transformation will make it comparable to other Armed Forces in advanced world in terms of welfare, equipment, training and professionalism.

“As the NDA provides equal opportunity for our youths from all over the 36 states and the federal capital territory to train irrespective of their cultural and religious background. I also urge all of you to utilise the friendship you forged while in the Academy to discourage any act of tribalism, promotion of religious or political differences to cause disharmony in our collective unity and peace”.

The President reiterated that, “it is a source of pride that this citadel of military education has continued to live up to its responsibility in training and churning out excellent men and women for the Nigerian Armed Forces.” He said there was no doubt that both the physical and mental training received had prepared them to make meaningful impact on their chosen career.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=standard%20of%20military%20training%20in%20nigeria&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&ved=0CEcQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeegeagle.%2F2012%2F04%2F22%2Fnigerian-military-still-below-international-standard-president-jonathan%2F&ei=ZQIKUsXXO8uFhQfu04DwBQ&usg=AFQjCNF24KFuK7GG901Z_IsThJNdDrPcFg

NIGERIA-SOUTH AFRICA: Military relationship

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=standard%20of%20military%20training%20between%20south%20africa%20and%20nigeria&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&ved=0CFoQFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irinnews.org%2Ffr%2Freport%2F13680%2Fnigeria-south-africa-military-relationship&ei=8AAKUrCYEoyYhQfsnIDoDg&usg=AFQjCNFm3pFnYTT062HRPV5vAoNu3R-a8A

@agaugust AS I SUSPECTED BEFORE YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER POSITIVELLY EXCEPT INSULTS....But gradually you are admitting that nothing and nothing can be show cased eminating from Nigeria.

Your role is now of belittling any posting and reducing any comments into racism, tribalism, crime, HIV and trully implementing PHD Philosophy (PUT HIM DOWN) syndrome. The continent is so backward due to such individuals whose main role and purpose is to drag anything and anyone who shows positive attitude and advancement.

Young HIV-Positive Nigerians Seek Education, Rights

Young people living with HIV in Nigeria still fight stigmatization in their families and society. Nigeria ranks third among the countries with the highest HIV and AIDS burden in the world. HIV-positive young people here are campaigning for the legislature to pass a bill to protect their rights – including making it an offense to deny their admission to universities because of their HIV status.

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=POSITIVE%20COMMENTS%20BY%20NIGERIA%20ON%20SOUTH%20AFRICA&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&ved=0CFwQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Finternationalreportingproject.org%2Fstories%2Fview%2Fyoung-hiv-positive-nigerians-seek-education-rights%2Fcomment%2Fread&ei=ve4JUrj-IJCWhQf60IGICA&usg=AFQjCNH_GkRITvoGJ5EmOpSiUcZa8Eo40w

WHAT EXPECTS ARE SAYING ABOUT COMPARISON OF SOUTH AFRICA AGAINST NIGERIA

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=COMAPRISON%20OF%20NIGERIA%20VERSUS%20SOUTH%20AFRICA&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aneki.com%2Fcomparison.php%3Fcountry_1%3DNigeria%26country_2%3DSouth%2BAfrica&ei=_-4JUvntAs-2hAfSlIDwDg&usg=AFQjCNEBWV-GdNgz0TzVLrN4QHNcmoHVQA

Will Nigeria Overtake South Africa as Africa’s Powerhouse?

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=POSITIVE%20COMMENTS%20BY%20NIGERIA%20ON%20SOUTH%20AFRICA&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&ved=0CFEQFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffuturecapetown.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fwill-nigeria-overtake-south-africa-as-africas-powerhouse%2F&ei=ve4JUrj-IJCWhQf60IGICA&usg=AFQjCNGWvnHqPvvep2Ac2jeWMO3YBi00Hw

@AGAUGUST READ THE ATTACHED REPORT FROM A VERY CREDIBLE MILITARY ANALYST REGARDIN THE BULLET PROOF FIASCO IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=Helmoed-R%C3%B6mer%20Heitman%20ON%20cENTRAL%20aFRICAN%20REPUBLIC%20WAR&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&ved=0CGgQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.african-defense.com%2F%3Fp%3D2862&ei=zuwJUqq8C4eShgfFq4CACg&usg=AFQjCNHHsLdbUFC7jw_AzeiuNOIlB9XADw

South Africa has inked a deal with US defence giant Raytheon Company for an undisclosed number of Paveway II laser-guided bomb (LGB) kits for its fleet of Saab Gripen advanced light fighter aircraft. Raytheon, who made the announcement at the Farnborough airshow, did not disclose a value for the deal, which is also not yet visible on the Armscor tender bulletin system.

Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon's Air Warfare Systems product line says the "combat-proven Paveway family of weapons is integrated on more than 22 aircraft and serves 41 nations around the globe, making this weapon the ideal choice for the South African warfighter. Raytheon is the sole provider of the Paveway family of weapons and is committed to providing the warfighter with a reliable direct-attack weapon at a cost-effective price."

It is understood the SAAF chose the Paveway over the similar Denel Dynamics Umbani LGB kit because the former is already integrated onto the Gripen, meaning the acquisition does not incur the SAAF any development and testing costs. The order is therefore in line with the SAAFs stated intention of ordering weapons that have already been cleared for use on the Gripen.

Armscor issued a request for quotation for Paveway last year. The Paveway LGB kit turns a standard Mk 82 500-pound (227kg) general-purpose bomb into a GBU-12 laser-guided air-to-ground "smart" bomb and the Mk 83 1000lb (454kg) bomb into a GBU-16. A high degree of accuracy is achieved when an operator (either airborne or ground-based) illuminates a target with a laser designator. The bomb is then guided to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target. The SAAF has already ordered the Rafael/Zeiss Litening III laser designation pod (LDP) for use on the Gripen C single-seat and D dual-seat fighters.

The weapon will provide the Gripen fleet with a full night-attack/all-weather precision guided munition (PGM) capability. According to Raytheon's fact sheet for the Paveway II, 99 deliveries of guided munitions will yield a circular error probable (CEP) of only 3.6 feet, versus a CEP of 310 feet for the same number of unguided bombs dropped under similar conditions.

Denel Dynamics, the missile and UAV division of South Africa's Denel, has completed the integration of the A-Darter fifth-generation air-to-air missile with the Saab JAS39 Gripen after a series of six launches.

SAAF fighter pilots involved with the project, or with insight into the development, are impressed by the A-Darter and regard it as better in some respects than the IRIS-T and the other missiles in this class. Where it was once speculated that the SAAF might use the A-Darter only on the Hawk, the intention now seems to be to also arm the Gripen with the missile, but retaining the IRIS-T in order to give a dual capability. Since the two missiles have different profiles and features, this will confuse the tactical situation as seen by an opposing pilot,

Specific aspects of the A-Darter mentioned to by SAAF pilots include the absence, under favourable atmospheric conditions, of the tell-tale (aluminium oxide particle based) smoke trail (no aluminium is used in the rocket propellant), giving opposing fighter pilots no visual warning other than a very discrete launch flash.

These features, along with a considerable range advantage over most short-range air-to-air missiles (A-Darter is considered a near-BVR missile) make A-Darter a major threat for opposing pilots.

Other aspects drawing favourable comment include, a 90-degree look angle; the availability of cocpit-selectable seeker scan patterns; quick target acquisition, which "rarely needs a second scan cycle", was told; after-launch scanning for lock-on-after-launch engagements, which is particularly valuable in "over the shoulder" engagements; and the 120-degrees per second track rate.

The Denel Dynamics Umbani precision guided munition (PGM) bomb kit optimised for the NATO Mk 82 gravity bomb has been test dropped from a South African Air Force's BAE Systems Hawk Mk120, making it the first indigenous guided weapon trialled from the lead-in fighter aircraft.

Denel Dynamics CE Jan Wessels last year May said the development of the bomb kit was being funded by the SAAF as a technology project. According to the Armscor Bulletin System some R34 537 231.11 was spent on the kit between 2008 and last year.

He added the tests would also open opportunity for the weapon in the 17 other air forces that operate the light fighter, giving them a precision stand-off attack range of some 40km.

Jane's Defence Weekly earlier this month reported Denel Dynamics and the SAAF recently carried out two successful test launches.

The Umbani (meaning “lightning”) has been long in coming. Initial flight tests were successfully conducted on the Denel Cheetah some years ago. “In the last year we've moved to a Aerosud-owned (Dassault) Mirage F1 test platform because of the non-availability of the Cheetah and the high cost of integration on the new Saab Gripen as test platform,” he told defenceWeb last year May. “The next series of tests will probably be on the Hawk, for us it is significant as it is another step towards the Hawk becoming a workhorse of the SAAF. We see a lot of opportunity to take our Umbani onto that product. … There are many potential export customers but all are looking to the SAAF to adopt it first.”

Wessels says their customer’s major requirement is in the PGM arena for bomb kits for the Mk 82 227kg (500lb) bombs. But Umbani can also be made to fit the 113kg (250lb) Mk 81 and 454kg (1000lb) Mk 83 bombs. “In two years' time this could be a bread and butter product,” says Wessels. “Our bomb-kit design is an optimal trade-off between performance and affordability plus ease of use. We have matured the technology sufficiently to offer Umbani in its basic configuration to the market at stand-off range up to 40km and with great accuracy.”

Umbani has been advertised as an all-weather, day and night system and is fitted with a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System – Inertial Navigation System) capability. According to Denel, the system was designed with ease of use in mind and has low maintenance and life-cycle costs.

A marketing brochure some years ago advertised increased accuracy could be obtained using an imaging infra-red (IIR) sensor with an automatic target recognition capability or a semi-active laser seeker. The system could reportedly also be fitted with a radio frequency proximity fuse for area targeting, using a pre-fragmented warhead. Typical imagined mission sets include offensive counter-air such as demolishing hardened aircraft shelters – and parked aircraft or cratering runways. With the appropriate fuse the bomb can also be turned into a large anti-personnel or anti-material mine. On the battlefield, the weapon could be employed against air defence units or supply columns. Buildings, bridges, refineries, industrial areas and dams would also make useful targets. Accuracy is said to be within 3m circular error probable (CEP) when using laser or IIR. The addition of a rocket motor extends the stand-off range for the mother aircraft or allows low-level launch. Denel says various seekers, fuze and warheads may be fitted. The bomb can manoeuvre during the glide phase.

The Umbani replaces the Raptor 1 and 2 in the state arsenal's inventory. The Raptor was developed in the early 1980s under Project Hanto and integrated on the Dassault Mirage F1AZ and the Blackburn Buccaneer S.50. The Raptor 1, called the H-2 by the SAAF, was first used operationally against a bridge at Cuito Cuanavale during Operations Hooper on December 12, 1987. The H-2, dropped from a 24 Squadron Buccaneer, failed to destroy its target but a second attack on January 3, 1988 proved more successful. The Raptor 2 never entered SAAF service but did achieve export success.

The Raptor programme by the then-Kentron company was followed by the MUPSOW (MUlti-Purpose, Stand-Off Weapon) that was advertised as a multi-purpose, surgical-strike cruise missile, designed to neutralise enemy targets such as airfields, bunkers and command-and-control centres at “stand-off ranges”. Pinpoint accuracy was to be achieved by using an advanced navigation and terminal guidance technology (data link, choice of TV, IIR or MMW seekers). The airframe would be made out of composites, powered by a turbojet. Work reportedly commenced in 1991 with unpowered flight tests commencing in 1997. MUPSOW led to Torgos, another concept long-range, precision-guided strike missile. Neither have yet made the leap from concept to product.

The Denel Dynamics A-Darter 5th generation infra-red guided short range air-to-air missile is a step closer to production following a successful series of undisclosed guided launches in January.

The joint R1 billion missile programme between South Africa and Brazil is in its fifth year of development, and only a hand-full of countries in the world are capable of developing missiles in this class.

"We successfully executed the air launched guided missile firings from the South African Air Force's SAAB Gripen fighter platform at the local Overberg Test Range," said Deon Olivier, Business Development Manager for Air-to-Air missiles. "These launches were completed against (amongst others) the Denel Dynamics high speed Skua aerial target drone which is designed for high subsonic missile testing and evaluation."

The programme has now entered its qualification phase, and is well on its way to completion by next year (2013), with the ultimate goal of being production-ready by the end of that year. The initial fighter aircraft for integration are the Hawk and Gripen for the South African Air Force (SAAF), and the Northrop F-5M for the Brazilian Air Force. It is likely that A-Darter will enter into operational service in both air forces in 2014, Denel Dynamics said in a statement released at the Defence and Security Asia 2012 show in Thailand.

The company says the relationship with the Brazilian Air Force and Brazilian industry on the development programme has strengthened the ties between the two countries and may lead to more cooperation opportunities. "There are also significant export opportunities for this product into further markets, particularly with A-Darter's aircraft integration flexibility across platforms," said Olivier.

The A-Darter was successfully launched in-flight from a Gripen fighter jet for the first time on 17 June 2010. This led to all subsequent firings taking place with clearance for the full carriage and firing envelopes of the Gripen. It ultimately resulted in a successful clearance programme - commended by SAAB as well as South African certification authorities.

@AGAUGUST READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WRITTEN BY A NIGERIAN JOURNALSIT ABOUT THE COMAPARISON ON CORRUPTION BETWEEN NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=what%20nigerian%20journalist%20praised%20for%20south%20africa&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypress.co.za%2Fcolumnists%2Fnigerians-dont-probe-their-nkandlas%2F&ei=jeoJUoDZBYXBhAe8iYHgCA&usg=AFQjCNFX4EUVLlrBzsORbL9ztUaYYXVqBg

@AGAUGUST READY THE ATTACHED LINK AND PLEASE FORWARD A LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT BUYS WEAPONS FROM NIGERIA AND NOTE THAT GERMANY, SAUDI ARABIA, EGYPT AND THE UNITED STATES ALSO BOUGHT FROM SOUTH AFRICA

The South African defence industry sold R1.7 billion worth or armaments in the second quarter of this year, down from R2.8 billion for the same period last year.

The figures were released by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) in its second quarterly report to Parliament on Thursday, the New Age reports. The R1.7 billion worth of military equipment was sold between April and June this year, mostly to the United States and Sweden.

This is down from the R2.8 billion worth of military hardware sold between April 1 and June 30, 2012. Between January and March 2012, the NCACC approved 16 contracts worth R521 million and approved 437 export permits to 42 countries worth R1.56 billion.

The NCACC’s second quarterly report for this year revealed that the biggest sale was worth R555 million and went to Sweden. Thailand bought R505 million worth of equipment and the United States R375 million.

The New Age reported that Azerbaijan spent R131 million on South African military hardware, Finland R129 million, Egypt R17.9 million, the United Arab Emirates R113 million and the United Kingdom R46 million. The equipment the countries bought was not stated, however, the NCACC did say that mine clearance equipment was sold for use in Syria, with hardware worth R26 million sold to the United Nations for demining in that country.

Meanwhile, Germany bought R56 million worth of South African military equipment; Saudi Arabia R61 million and Pakistan R45 million.

The trade in conventional arms and the rendering of foreign military assistance is regulated by the NCACC, which reports to Parliament, as well as the Directorate Conventional Arms Control (DCAC). South African arms traders are required to be registered with the DCAC. Permits are required for weapons development and manufacturing, marketing, contracting, exporting, importing or transferring of conventional arms. This includes; weapons, munitions, vessels designed for war, articles of war, and related systems, components, technologies, dual-use goods or services.

The NCACC said that in 2011 it issued 3 672 export permits to 82 countries and these were worth R9.18 billion. Figures released to Parliament show that South Africa exported R8.329 billion worth of arms to 89 countries in 2010 versus R7.812 billion to 96 nations in 2009 and R5.898 billion to 88 states in 2008.

NOTE
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31511:sa-sold-r17-billion-of-arms-in-second-quarter-of-2013&catid=7:Industry&Itemid=116

IS NIGERIA A FAILED STATE?

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STOP COMPARING NIGERIA TO SOUTH AFRICA READ BELOW

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How flammable is Nigeria? By Ropo Sekoni

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Nigerians who are thinking about South Africa's collapse when Mandela dies.....better read the attached prediction form CIA Nigeria And The 2015 Break-Up Prediction

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