₦airaland Forum

kayc0:
Lies! Where did yu bring all these trash from?

If you are a student of NDU and is afraid of going back to school after hearing the strike has been called off, then something should be done to that shrine in your village compound

kayc0:
Lies! Where did yu bring all these trash from?

When you are not privy to sensitive information, don't try to kill others who are always on top of issues. Your comment above shows you are very far from being current, please try and upgrade!!!

timmy247x:
24-08-2016

As part of our daily routine in bringing out more facts sorrounding juvenile Innocent Kokorifa’s murder, NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM today visited the Police Headquarters in Yenagoa to have an interview with the Commissioner of Police but met his absence.

Also in attendance at the meeting was the legal team representing the Innocent Kokorifa’s family, father of the deceased, Mr. Daniel Kokorifa and other family members.

The Commissioner of Police who spoke through Kekemor E O/C, Homicide at the police headquarters thanked the team for visiting the command pleaded with all parties to be calm and avoid unnecessary publications on papers and online discrediting the Nigeria Police Force as the state command placing premium on the case and ensure thorough investigations are carried out to the best of their abilities

O/C Kekemor also stated that evidences tendered against Innocent Kokorifa by men of the police force who carried out the operations that led to the killing of the juvenile was weighty but assured the legal team and family of unbiased investigation which will clear every doubt surrounding the death of Innocent Kokorifa.

O/C Kekemor who earlier led a team of officers to the crime scene to ascertain more facts on the case said, a ballistic test and autopsy would be carried out on the remains of Innocent Kokorifa which was the most important part of the investigation and called for cooperation to ensure a speedy process as the state Commissioner of Police has issued a deadline to that effect.

The O/C Homicide who expressed sadness said, it was unfortunate for the incident to have happened in the first place but reiterated his readiness in following the matter to a logical conclusion advised both the lawyers and family to tender reasonable facts and evidences to drive home their points.

A member of the legal team who expressed his displeasure informed the O/C Homicide he was not happy seeing the officer (name withheld by the police) who admitted shooting Innocent from behind at the crime scene today for allegedly resisting arrest walk free. He also frowned at the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Butswat Asinim, indicting Innocent Kokorifa when investigations are still on. Mr Butswat said:

“On sighting the police and in a frantic bid to escape, the robbers fired at the police, the Police returned fire.

“One of the suspects sustained a bullet injury, while the others escaped, abandoning one locally made single barrel pistol, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge and wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

“The wounded suspect was arrested and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, for treatment, but died few hours later.

“The deceased suspect was later identified as one Innocent Kokorifa, male.

“Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects. Investigation is ongoing.”

In an address to the police, the lead counsel to the Kokorifa family, Chief Iwolo esq thanked the state command for their efforts in ensuring justice prevail at the end for Innocent Kokorifa, also stated he and his legal team would stop at nothing to bring those who killed the innocent young man to book but would cooperate with the police in all the processes.


WHAT THE WITNESSES SAID

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM after the meeting at the Police Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State had and a chat with few eyewitnesses to get more firsthand information.

First was his Aunt, miss Gbasiemokumor Lucky (Innocent Mother’s sister) who reported, her nephew Innocent Kokorifa visited her at the early hours of 11:AM to deliver N2,000 to her on the orders of her sister (Innocent’s Mother), the young lad couldn’t spend much time with her knowing he was on an errand left back home and all she could hear few minutes later was a gun shot that took Innocent Kokorifa’s life with loads of allegations on him.

Mother who corroborated miss Gbasiemokumor’s account of her son was however left to rest without too much burden by correspondents.

Also a welder from Kalabari, Rivers States, an eye witness at the crime scene who NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM would not want to declare identity due to the nature of the case right now, painted a clear picture of how Innocent Kokorifa was murdered.

The welder said, Innocent Kokorifa was walking back home when a the police van came in their Nigerian usual way to raid people without any offence.

He said, everyone ran except Innocent who was few metres away from them and all they could see and hear from afar was a gun shot with Innocent bowing to his knees and failing down as a prey in the hands of a predator and in a twinkle of an eye, the police van zoomed off with Innocent Kokorifa to an unknown destination and was surprised and shocking to hear they killed him because he resisted arrest by exchanging fire with them.

The eyewitness narrated that Innocent Kokorifa was one teenager he could vouch for at any given time because he was full of respect for elders and constituted authority and short of words on how an harmless boy was murdered in cold blood with so much allegations leveled against him even at death.

The session rounded up once more with the father’s account who has never drifted from previous interviews stated that it was painful for killing his son and more painful to label Innocent with cooked up lies.

The sorrowful Mr. Daniel Kokorifa with tears said: “on 18/8/2016, I (Daniel Kokorifa) received a call from my wife that Police shot our first son, Innocent Kokorifa.

“Confused, I instructed my wife to go to police station at Ekeki to inquire about the condition and whereabout of Innocent Kokorifa.

“My wife called to inform me that on getting to the station, she said ”Police shot my son”, but the Police retorted “do not say Police shot your son, so that Police will investigate the matter for you.

“However, they admonish and doctored her that she should say “bad boys shot her son.

“When my wife told me this, I left Port Harcourt where I was that moment by night bus and arrived Bayelsa around 23:00 hrs. (10:00 pm) thesame day (18/8/2016).

“I arrived Bayelsa and made efforts to locate the whereabout and condition of my son, but most Police station I reported to, claimed ignorance of the case.

“I went to the scene of the incidence at ‘Airforce Road’with my wife later that night and spotted some puddle of blood on the sand at ‘Airforce Road with the help of my torchlight.

“I retired home because of how late it was to continue searching for him the next day.

“On Friday, 19/8/2016 I returned to the place where Innocent was shot and inquired from a woman about the incident that happened the previous day.

“The woman said it was men of the Anti-Vice squad that came out the said day (18/8/2016) and shot at an unarmed boy.

“She told me that “the environment was peaceful and there was no cause for alarm until the Police in Jean and polo shirts came and shot a gun that was aimed at a small boy.

“When the boy fell down, he became lifeless. The Police prevented people from having a close look at the lifeless body.

“They shielded the body of the deceased from onlookers and threw it in their van, then they drove away with it.”

Recall, NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM was the prime publishers of this crime against humanity and has however followed the case till this moment. We promised to furnish the public with every details about this case until justice prevails.

#JusticeForInnocent

http://nextnewslive.com/ballistic-and-autopsy-to-be-carried-out-as-more-witnesses-confirm-innocent-harmless/

Innocent’s Cause Attracts N10,000, As AIG Takes Up Case

The call for justice to prevail over murder of Juvenile Innocent Kokorifa by men of the Nigeria Police Force is gaining more attention as a good Samaritan donates to support efforts in achieving those behind the dastardly act.

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM was briefed of the gesture by the prime mover of the #JusticeForInnocent movement and Human Rights Lawyer, Augustine Ebikebuna Aluzu yesterday while we were on a fact finding mission to the Police Headquarters Yenagoa.

Aluzu who however did not reveal identity of the donor to our reporter said, the sum of thousand naira (N10, 000) was forwarded to his account by a good Samaritan to support the family of deceased Innocent Kokorifa in any little form it may render them help.

Aluzu handed over the ten thousand naira (N10, 000) donations to Mr Daniels Kokorifa in the presence of our correspondent and other family members who expressed profound gratitude to the donor and more especially to a man dear to them, Mr Augustine Ebikebuna Aluzu for standing by them in a heartbreaking moment such as this. They also thanked NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM for being the only online media agency to have placed premium on the case and helped pushed the case to limelight.

In the same vain, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Of Police incharge of zone 5 has accepted to handle the murder case of Innocent Kokorifa personally.

The AIG who approved the petition forwarded to him by family of the deceased and have also ordered for a meeting one-on-one with him at Benin, Edo State capital. The news of the AIG’s interest on the murder of Innocent Kokorifa has risen dead hopes alive as involvement of higher police authority on the matter will help achieve positive result.

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM as usual will follow up and update you with all outcome of the AIG’s involvement.

http://nextnewslive.com/innocents-cause-attracts-n10000-as-aig-takes-up-case/

tobimillar:
Should I start running from the police like I would an armed robber? Something Is not right.. I know say police they mad, but how and why dem go just shoot the poor innocent guy like that. Abi police Don turn assassin?

Innocent’s Cause Attracts N10,000, As AIG Takes Up Case

The call for justice to prevail over murder of Juvenile Innocent Kokorifa by men of the Nigeria Police Force is gaining more attention as a good Samaritan donates to support efforts in achieving those behind the dastardly act.

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM was briefed of the gesture by the prime mover of the #JusticeForInnocent movement and Human Rights Lawyer, Augustine Ebikebuna Aluzu yesterday while we were on a fact finding mission to the Police Headquarters Yenagoa.

Aluzu who however did not reveal identity of the donor to our reporter said, the sum of thousand naira (N10, 000) was forwarded to his account by a good Samaritan to support the family of deceased Innocent Kokorifa in any little form it may render them help.

Aluzu handed over the ten thousand naira (N10, 000) donations to Mr Daniels Kokorifa in the presence of our correspondent and other family members who expressed profound gratitude to the donor and more especially to a man dear to them, Mr Augustine Ebikebuna Aluzu for standing by them in a heartbreaking moment such as this. They also thanked NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM for being the only online media agency to have placed premium on the case and helped pushed the case to limelight.

In the same vain, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Of Police incharge of zone 5 has accepted to handle the murder case of Innocent Kokorifa personally.

The AIG who approved the petition forwarded to him by family of the deceased and have also ordered for a meeting one-on-one with him at Benin, Edo State capital. The news of the AIG’s interest on the murder of Innocent Kokorifa has risen dead hopes alive as involvement of higher police authority on the matter will help achieve positive result.

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM as usual will follow up and update you with all outcome of the AIG’s involvement.

http://nextnewslive.com/innocents-cause-attracts-n10000-as-aig-takes-up-case/

tobimillar:
Should I start running from the police like I would an armed robber? Something Is not right.. I know say police they mad, but how and why dem go just shoot the poor innocent guy like that. Abi police Don turn assassin?

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) wasting lives since 1901

The call for justice to prevail over murder of Juvenile Innocent Kokorifa by men of the Nigeria Police Force is gaining more attention as a good Samaritan donates to support efforts in achieving those behind the dastardly act.

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM was briefed of the gesture by the prime mover of the #JusticeForInnocent movement and Human Rights Lawyer, Augustine Ebikebuna Aluzu yesterday while we were on a fact finding mission to the Police Headquarters Yenagoa.

Aluzu who however did not reveal identity of the donor to our reporter said, the sum of thousand naira (N10, 000) was forwarded to his account by a good Samaritan to support the family of deceased Innocent Kokorifa in any little form it may render them help.

Aluzu handed over the ten thousand naira (N10, 000) donations to Mr Daniels Kokorifa in the presence of our correspondent and other family members who expressed profound gratitude to the donor and more especially to a man dear to them, Mr Augustine Ebikebuna Aluzu for standing by them in a heartbreaking moment such as this. They also thanked NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM for being the only online media agency to have placed premium on the case and helped pushed the case to limelight.

In the same vain, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Of Police incharge of zone 5 has accepted to handle the murder case of Innocent Kokorifa personally.

The AIG who approved the petition forwarded to him by family of the deceased and have also ordered for a meeting one-on-one with him at Benin, Edo State capital. The news of the AIG’s interest on the murder of Innocent Kokorifa has risen dead hopes alive as involvement of higher police authority on the matter will help achieve positive result.

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM as usual will follow up and update you with all outcome of the AIG’s involvement.

http://nextnewslive.com/innocents-cause-attracts-n10000-as-aig-takes-up-case/

The long awaited seasonal movie in 2016 between Bayelsa State Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) came to an end yesterday August 24th, 2016 as the Niger Delta University (NDU) finally releases timetable for new academic session.

Series of protests by lecturers, students and other well meaning Bayelsans had taken place in a four-month long strike which was as a result of nonpayment of workers of the Niger Delta University for months in 2016.

Although they were other demands previously made by ASUU, NDU chapter to government of Bayelsa state concerning the total wellbeing of students and workers in the institution which was easily managed by both parties before the epic battle April this year.

Problem started when Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state told the institution (NDU) to free government of its running cost as they can no longer meet up the monthly funding of N450, 000 million allotted them.

Governor Dickson’s withdrawal of financial support to the institution according to him was simply due to paucity of funds accruing to the state from the monthly federal allocation. A decision which didn’t go down well with the management of NDU saw them forfeited salaries for four donkey months before sparking up the fire which was building up its momentum.

No party was ready to swift ground each time on the negotiation table and the strike lasted for sixteen weeks before agreeing on new terms. Henry Dickson has however said, “there was no victor, no vanquish” in the battle between Bayelsa State government and ASUU.

As part of ASUU’s fulfilment of the agreement with government after a two-month start-off pay which workers are smiling to the bank already, the management of Niger Delta University issued an official timetable instructing students to resume Friday, September 2, 2016. See full academic timetable below.



NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY
WILBERFORCE ISLAND,
BAYELSA STATE

ADJUSTED ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2015/2016

FIRST SEMESTER 2015/2016

1. Arrival of Students ,- Friday, September 2, 2016.

2. Lecture/Revision for all students – Monday, September 5, 2016.

3. Lecture/Revision Ends – Friday, September 9, 2016.

4. Matriculation – Saturday, September 10, 2016.

5. Exams for Faculty of Education – Friday, September 16, 2016

6. GST Exams – Monday, September 19 ~ 23rd 2016.

7. Faculty of Engineering/All Faculties Exams – Monday September 26 – Friday October 14, 2016.

8. One week semester break – Monday October 17 – Friday October 21, 2016.

9. Arrival of Sandwich Students – Monday September 2, 2016.

10. Lectures for Sandwich Students – Monday September 5, – Friday September 30, 2016.

11.Exams for Sandwich Students – During Christmas Holiday in December 2016.

SECOND SEMESTER

12. Lectures Begins – Monday, October 24, 2016.

13.Lectures Ends – Friday, December 23, 2016.

14.GST Exams/Exams for all faculties – Monday, January 9, 2017 – January 30, 2017.

15. One Month Second Semester Break – 1st February to the End of February 2017.

16. New Academic Session Commences – 1st Week of March, 2017.

17. Convocation – March, 2017.

http://nextnewslive.com/ndu-starts-lectures-september-5-releases-timetable-for-new-session/

Beamborla:
Nigerian police force...epitome of shame!

They amuses even the devil

24-08-2016

As part of our daily routine in bringing out more facts sorrounding juvenile Innocent Kokorifa’s murder, NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM today visited the Police Headquarters in Yenagoa to have an interview with the Commissioner of Police but met his absence.

Also in attendance at the meeting was the legal team representing the Innocent Kokorifa’s family, father of the deceased, Mr. Daniel Kokorifa and other family members.

The Commissioner of Police who spoke through Kekemor E O/C, Homicide at the police headquarters thanked the team for visiting the command pleaded with all parties to be calm and avoid unnecessary publications on papers and online discrediting the Nigeria Police Force as the state command placing premium on the case and ensure thorough investigations are carried out to the best of their abilities

O/C Kekemor also stated that evidences tendered against Innocent Kokorifa by men of the police force who carried out the operations that led to the killing of the juvenile was weighty but assured the legal team and family of unbiased investigation which will clear every doubt surrounding the death of Innocent Kokorifa.

O/C Kekemor who earlier led a team of officers to the crime scene to ascertain more facts on the case said, a ballistic test and autopsy would be carried out on the remains of Innocent Kokorifa which was the most important part of the investigation and called for cooperation to ensure a speedy process as the state Commissioner of Police has issued a deadline to that effect.

The O/C Homicide who expressed sadness said, it was unfortunate for the incident to have happened in the first place but reiterated his readiness in following the matter to a logical conclusion advised both the lawyers and family to tender reasonable facts and evidences to drive home their points.

A member of the legal team who expressed his displeasure informed the O/C Homicide he was not happy seeing the officer (name withheld by the police) who admitted shooting Innocent from behind at the crime scene today for allegedly resisting arrest walk free. He also frowned at the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Butswat Asinim, indicting Innocent Kokorifa when investigations are still on. Mr Butswat said:

“On sighting the police and in a frantic bid to escape, the robbers fired at the police, the Police returned fire.

“One of the suspects sustained a bullet injury, while the others escaped, abandoning one locally made single barrel pistol, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge and wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

“The wounded suspect was arrested and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, for treatment, but died few hours later.

“The deceased suspect was later identified as one Innocent Kokorifa, male.

“Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects. Investigation is ongoing.”

In an address to the police, the lead counsel to the Kokorifa family, Chief Iwolo esq thanked the state command for their efforts in ensuring justice prevail at the end for Innocent Kokorifa, also stated he and his legal team would stop at nothing to bring those who killed the innocent young man to book but would cooperate with the police in all the processes.


WHAT THE WITNESSES SAID

NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM after the meeting at the Police Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State had and a chat with few eyewitnesses to get more firsthand information.

First was his Aunt, miss Gbasiemokumor Lucky (Innocent Mother’s sister) who reported, her nephew Innocent Kokorifa visited her at the early hours of 11:AM to deliver N2,000 to her on the orders of her sister (Innocent’s Mother), the young lad couldn’t spend much time with her knowing he was on an errand left back home and all she could hear few minutes later was a gun shot that took Innocent Kokorifa’s life with loads of allegations on him.

Mother who corroborated miss Gbasiemokumor’s account of her son was however left to rest without too much burden by correspondents.

Also a welder from Kalabari, Rivers States, an eye witness at the crime scene who NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM would not want to declare identity due to the nature of the case right now, painted a clear picture of how Innocent Kokorifa was murdered.

The welder said, Innocent Kokorifa was walking back home when a the police van came in their Nigerian usual way to raid people without any offence.

He said, everyone ran except Innocent who was few metres away from them and all they could see and hear from afar was a gun shot with Innocent bowing to his knees and failing down as a prey in the hands of a predator and in a twinkle of an eye, the police van zoomed off with Innocent Kokorifa to an unknown destination and was surprised and shocking to hear they killed him because he resisted arrest by exchanging fire with them.

The eyewitness narrated that Innocent Kokorifa was one teenager he could vouch for at any given time because he was full of respect for elders and constituted authority and short of words on how an harmless boy was murdered in cold blood with so much allegations leveled against him even at death.

The session rounded up once more with the father’s account who has never drifted from previous interviews stated that it was painful for killing his son and more painful to label Innocent with cooked up lies.

The sorrowful Mr. Daniel Kokorifa with tears said: “on 18/8/2016, I (Daniel Kokorifa) received a call from my wife that Police shot our first son, Innocent Kokorifa.

“Confused, I instructed my wife to go to police station at Ekeki to inquire about the condition and whereabout of Innocent Kokorifa.

“My wife called to inform me that on getting to the station, she said ”Police shot my son”, but the Police retorted “do not say Police shot your son, so that Police will investigate the matter for you.

“However, they admonish and doctored her that she should say “bad boys shot her son.

“When my wife told me this, I left Port Harcourt where I was that moment by night bus and arrived Bayelsa around 23:00 hrs. (10:00 pm) thesame day (18/8/2016).

“I arrived Bayelsa and made efforts to locate the whereabout and condition of my son, but most Police station I reported to, claimed ignorance of the case.

“I went to the scene of the incidence at ‘Airforce Road’with my wife later that night and spotted some puddle of blood on the sand at ‘Airforce Road with the help of my torchlight.

“I retired home because of how late it was to continue searching for him the next day.

“On Friday, 19/8/2016 I returned to the place where Innocent was shot and inquired from a woman about the incident that happened the previous day.

“The woman said it was men of the Anti-Vice squad that came out the said day (18/8/2016) and shot at an unarmed boy.

“She told me that “the environment was peaceful and there was no cause for alarm until the Police in Jean and polo shirts came and shot a gun that was aimed at a small boy.

“When the boy fell down, he became lifeless. The Police prevented people from having a close look at the lifeless body.

“They shielded the body of the deceased from onlookers and threw it in their van, then they drove away with it.”

Recall, NEXTNEWSLIVE.COM was the prime publishers of this crime against humanity and has however followed the case till this moment. We promised to furnish the public with every details about this case until justice prevails.

#JusticeForInnocent

http://nextnewslive.com/ballistic-and-autopsy-to-be-carried-out-as-more-witnesses-confirm-innocent-harmless/

rummeh:
Na nawa oh.... Nigerian police

Journalists and team of lawyers are waiting to meet with the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State and the outcome of the meeting will be published here later today.

24/8/2016

– Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine

Last night, my phone line was inundated with calls by concerned citizens concerning the statement made by Asimin Butswat, a Deputy Supretendent of Police and Spokesman of the command in which he branded Innocent Kokorifa an Armed Robber.

The statement reads thus;
“Anti Kidnapping squad on August raided an armed robbers hideout and gunned down a suspected armed robber in a gun duel

“The squad conducted the operation at an uncompleted building along Airforce Road, Okaka, Yenagoa to arrest three man notorious armed robbery squad bases on tip off
“On sighting the Police and in a frantic bid to escape, the robbers fired at the Police, the Police returned fire.

“One of the suspects sustained a bullet injury, while the others escaped, abandoning one locally made Single Barrel pistol, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge and wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
“The wounded suspect was arrested and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, for treatment, but died few hours later.
“The deceased suspect was later identified as one Innocent Kokorifa ‘m’ Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.” He said.

Normally, I would not have concerned myself with the statement made by Asinim Butswat as this has been the police modus operandi overtime and it seems like a strategy taught them in police college, but in order to set the records straight and put the general public on the know, Innocent Kokorifa does not have any criminal record whatsoever, up to the time of his death in the hands of police officers attached to Anti-Vice in the state.

We are urging the Police to provide the late Innocent Kokorifa’s criminal records which has previously been investigated by them.

The said Innocent Kokorifa is a 17 year old ‘m’ returning from his aunt’s house miss Gbasiemokumor Lucky (His Mother’s sister) who lives very close to them before he was shot at by men of the Anti-Vice team at 11:00 AM (IN THE MORNING).

It is our view that the statement issued by Butswat has the propensity of causing tension in the state amongst Youths who have swallowed too much of Police brutality and practices in Bayelsa state. This is in light with the level of indignant reception that met the news of Innocent’s death by policeman when it was aired on a live radio broadcast at exactly 12:20pm 23/8/2016.

It is not out of place to state that this extr-ajudicial killing of unarmed civilians is not novel in Bayelsa, if anything, it is becoming fashionable. It will be recalled that not too long ago, one Mr Bekekeme Oyinemi, Chairman of Kunbowei clan was also unjustifiably shot by men of the Nigerian Police Force in a manner that depicts high level of unprofessionalism and inefficiency by the security operatives. Mr Bekekeme was unarmed at the time he was shot and has since been confined to bed, not sure of ever walking again.

Also, in a young occurence, police shot and killed their own colleague in Bayelsa state. ASP Mathew Akpos, was allegedly killed by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Bayelsa State Command in June, 2016.

This recent killing of unarmed Innocent Kokorifa has again shown that except something is done urgently this trend will continue. And so, there is need to carry out proper investigation into this particular matter by the police as they did, when their contemporary was killed by fellow police officers and the perpetrators have since been detained in Abuja.

We should all rise and condemn in totality any form of human rights violations and police brutality. As we condemned the attack of soldiers in Nembe, we are also condemning with utmost disgust and in strong terms, the taking of the life of Master Innocent Kokorifa (17 year years old) who recently sat for his senior WAEC examination.

We cannot continue to kill our teens in this manner and later, label them Criminals. Innocent Kokorifa is just one of several cases that went unnoticed. We are calling for justice to be done.

Those responsible for the death of this young man should at once be apprehended while investigation is ongoing. This many unprovoked killings by the police must stop.

Justice For Innocent Kokorifa.

http://nextnewslive.com/police-labelling-of-innocent-kokorifa-an-armed-robber-goarding-youths-to-protest/

splenzard:
I hope students still remember the levels they were before the strike.

four months strike fit make me forget my department

I bet most students may forget their matrix numbers and some, faces of their crushes

nwakibe:
Na wa o

No be small ooooo, students don really suffer and I pray they are opening soon

YENAGOA—–All issues leaded to the total shut down of the Niger Delta University, may have been put behind as both Bayelsa State Government and the state chapter of Academic Staff Union Of Universities (ASUU) agreed to put off the four-months old strike which has in no measure destabilized academic and business activities in the state and its environs at large.

Reports coming out from Yenagoa right now indicates students are due back in classes sooner and this is coming barely 24hours the Bayelsa State Government as part fulfilment of its own end of the agreement paid two months salaries to staff of the University.

The two months salaries is the first step taken by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s of Bayelsa State among backlog of salaries owed workers and other things.

The more cheering news came this evening as ASUU issued official statement regarding long awaited calling of the strike, but however reserved giving out official date on the statement as it was still subject to ratification by congress due to hold soon. The ASUU statement was issued through its state spokesperson and it reads:

“Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) by Government and ASUU-NDU in the presence of ASUU Benin Zonal Coordinator and the Majority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly as witnesses on Monday the 22nd of August, 2016.

“An emergency ASUU-NDU Congress meeting was held on Tuesday the 23rd of August, 2016 at the Faculty of Law campus to suspend the Active Non-Compliance (ANC) action that lasted for 16 weeks with *immediate effect.* Special thanks to all our members for our resolve and steadfastness through out the struggle.”

http://nextnewslive.com/bayelsa-ASUU-issues-official-statement-regarding-strike/

—– Bodmas Kemepadei



YENAGOA: Suspected Materminders of attack on a military post in Nembe, that led to the death of three soldiers, and carting away of military arms, ammunitions and a warboat on August 8th 2016 have been apprehended by the Special security outfit “BAYELSA WATERWAYS SECURITY TASKFORCE” led by ex-militant leader, Master Africanus Ukparasia.

The Identified men were said to have been apprehended at Olugbobiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State based on an intelligence gathering report and have been handed over to the “OPERATION DELTA SAFE COMMAND”. They pleaded guilty to the offence and gave narratives on how they carried out their attacks.

Two of them are reported to have died as a result of injury sustained from Gunshots while trying to escape, meanwhile military security team have moved into the creek to dismantle more of thier camps.

It could be recalled that unknown gunmen deessed as mourners attacked a military base in Nembe-Ogbolomabiri area of Nembe Local Government Council of Bayelsa State, killing 3 soldiers and carting away arms and ammunition including a gun boat.

The incident, which occurred on August 8th at about 10am on a Monday, also claimed some civilian casualties with stray bullets killing two persons around the waterside.

LEADERSHIP gathered that same attack occurred at the same military check point where 5 soldiers were shot dead and heavy guns carted away in November 2015.

Community sources claimed that the soldiers attached to the attacked check point were caught unaware as they could not return fire in the surprised attack.

The killing of these soldiers earlier triggered panic in Nembe communities with indigenes moving out in fear of military reprisal.

Then, the State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah, who is an indigene of Nembe Kingdom was reported to have led some government officials on a fact finding report and to calm the rising tension. Check here for more picture:

http://nextnewslive.com/security-task-force-hands-over-killers-of-solders-in-bayelsa-to-military/

22/8/2016

– Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine



I feel obliged to inform you of the rather troubling incidence that happened to Innocent Kokorifa. He is the first child of a family of five. He is very smart, easy going, hardworking, obedient and full of prospect. Even if he didn’t possess any of the aforementioned qualities, he still did not deserved what happened to him on the 18th day of August, 2016 (18/8/2016).

It all started on Thursday 18/8/2016) morning when Innocent Kokorifa left his house at 10:50AM (in the MORNING) to visit his Aunt, miss Gbasiemokumor Lucky (His Mother’s sister) who lives very close to them. Precisely ‘Airforce Road’, the street adjacent to their house at Okaka estate. If Innocent was clairvoyant enough, he would have said his last prayers, bid his mom ‘goodbye’, gave his little siblings a bear hug, knowing fully well that he was about to make a journey of no return, but he didn’t. How many people can really tell the exact minute, time, or day they are going to be no more?

Innocent was one of such person’s. He didn’t know that it was his last day on mother earth. And so he stepped outside. No cause for alarm as the neighborhood has enjoyed relative peace for a while now, save for few pecuniary motivated police indiscriminate raidings at night. It was a peaceful morning, and such, Police raiding was least expected. On getting to ‘Airforce Street’ Okaka, Innocent met his end. He was gunned down by men of the Anti-Vice team. He was hit by a bullet which perforated his oesophagus. The Police, having known what they have done, precluded passers-by from having a clear look at their victim. They carted away with the body by carefully guarding it from onlookers into their truck.

Police will always be police, and so they labelled Innocent Kokorifa an armed robber. They alleged that they recovered an okah (local made) gun beside him when they picked his lifeless body from the floor and hurled it onto their truck. They also alleged, through the O/C Anti-Vice (CSP Princewill) that his men, upon returning told him that there was a robbery incidence at ‘Airforce Road’ in Okaka. The Anti-Vice squad intervened. In the course of their intervention, there was exchange of gunfire which led to the death of Innocent a suspect. O/C Anti-Vice also went further to state that his men reported the incident to him when they returned back. And that they have taken the deceased to the mortuary at Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Yenagoa. He (O/C Anti-Vice) went to the aforementioned mortuary, searched the deceased and discovered Igbo (Indian hemp) from the deceased pocket.

No record of criminality about Innocent Kokorifa has been found with the Police. No record of investigation successfully carried out by the police which incriminated Innocent can be traced. How did they come up with such disjointed allegations? That is someone’s child lying lifeless in the mortuary. No decency for them to even inform the parents of the deceased whatsoever.

Mr. Daniel Kokorifa (Father of the deceased) said “on 18/8/2016, I (Daniel Kokorifa) received a call from my wife that Police shot our first son, Innocent Kokorifa.”

“Confused, I instructed my wife to go to police station at Ekeki to inquire about the condition and whereabout of Innocent Kokorifa.”

“My wife called to inform me that on getting to the station, she said ”Police shot my son”, but the Police retorted “do not say Police shot your son, so that Police will investigate the matter for you”.

However, they admonish and doctored her that she should say “bad boys shot her son.”

“When my wife told me this, I left Port Harcourt where I was that moment by night bus and arrived Bayelsa around 23:00 hrs. (10:00 pm) thesame day (18/8/2016)”

“I arrived Bayelsa and made efforts to locate the whereabout and condition of my son, but most Police station I reported to, claimed ignorance of the case.”

“I went to the scene of the incidence at ‘Airforce Road’with my wife later that night and spotted some puddle of blood on the sand at ‘Airforce Road with the help of my torchlight’”.

“I retired home because of how late it was to continue searching for him the next day.”

“On Friday, 19/8/2016 I returned to the place where Innocent was shot and inquired from a woman about the incident that happened the previous day.”

“The woman said it was men of the Anti-Vice squad that came out the said day (18/8/2016) and shot at an unarmed boy.”

She told me that “the environment was peaceful and there was no cause for alarm until the Police in Jean and polo shirts came and shot a gun that was aimed at a small boy.”

“When the boy fell down, he became lifeless. The Police prevented people from having a close look at the lifeless body.”

“They shielded the body of the deceased from onlookers and threw it in their van, then they drove away with it”.

Mr. Daniel Kokorifa said it was on the strength of the woman’s statement that led him to FMC mortuary where he confirmed the lifeless body of his son. The mortuary attendant told him the body was brought in by men of the Anti-Vice team who signed the mortuary register and made the initial payment to the mortuary at exactly 11:59 AM (in the MORNING) of 18/8/2016 (the previous day).

Life is a lot of things and sometimes we either look the other way as though nothing has happened or stare tyranny in the face and make our voices be heard. Maybe being a member of the Nigerian Police Force is a powerful intoxicant and what better way to demonstrate this than killing a 17 year old boy in broad daylight? It is even frightening to know that these killer Police officers are still roaming with their rifles, going about their duties. They do not garb themselves in uniforms. Maybe it is easier to look the other way, because Innocent Kokorifa is not your son, cousin, brother, friend and relation. Maybe looking the other way is easier but in this fight I stand with the family of Innocent Kokorifa. This is one police recklesness too many.

#JusticeForInnocentKokorifa



Thank you all,

Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine

ebisko19@gmail.com

http://nextnewslive.com/on-the-demise-of-slain-bayelsa-state-juvenile-innocent-kokorifa-by-police-officers/

PRESS RELEASE: | UPDATE ON DSS OPERATIONS

In furtherance to ongoing tactical and counter-terrorism operations to degrade the capabilities of criminal gangs/syndicates in their hide-outs across the Federation, the Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to apprise the general public of recent successes recorded.

2. Following threat messages against some members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja and Lagos, this Service responded and subsequently apprehended one Aikhoje MOSES, on 19th August 2016, at Azagha by-pass off the Benin–Asaba Expressway in Edo State. Before his arrest, MOSES had threatened the diplomatic community in Nigeria, particularly the Consular-Generals of Switzerland and Denmark and their Embassies in Nigeria, warning them to leave the Country.

3. The Service also arrested one Mudaisiru JIBRIN aka NAMAKELE/ALARAMA on 17th July, 2016, at Sauna quarters, Yankaba area in Kano. JIBRIN was the spiritual leader to a newly uncovered Boko Haram cell in Kano. Preliminary investigation so far conducted revealed that he was also the mastermind of the shooting of some students at Government Secondary School (GSS), Mamudo village near Potiskum, Yobe State, in 2013.

4. Similarly, on 8th July, 2016, at Kinkinau area in Unguwar Mu’azu of Kaduna metropolis, the Service arrested one Mukhtar TIJANI, a notorious Boko Haram fighter and three (3) of his accomplices namely, Isiaku SALIHU, Abdullahi ISAH and Hindu ISAH. The four suspects were apprehended while perfecting arrangements for major coordinated attacks on selected targets and locations in Kaduna State.

5. In a related development, on 12th August 2016, at Auchi in Edo State, three members of the ANSARU terrorist group hibernating in Kogi State were apprehended by the Service. Usman ABDULLAHI, Abdulmumuni SADIO and Ahmad SALIHU were arrested while making arrangements to launch attacks on some selected targets in Edo and Kogi States, before escaping to join ISIS in Libya.

6. Following recurring attacks by cattle rustlers in Zamfara State, this Service conducted series of operations in collaboration with the military to degrade the criminal network of one “BUHARI General’” in the State. Sequel to these operations, this Service arrested one Abdullahi HARUNA aka DOUGLAS, a bread seller on 13th August, 2016, at Hayin Buba area in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State. HARUNA was intercepted while using the cover of his petty business, to monitor security bases and movement of security agents in the State, in a bid to facilitate counter-attacks against security personnel deployed to the State.

7. Also, on 12th August, 2016, at Aliero town in Aliero LGA of Kebbi State, one Hussaini Alhaji SULE aka YELLOW, was apprehended by the Service. His arrest was facilitated by an earlier operation of 29th July, 2016, when one Hafizu SANI, a spy and criminal associate of “Buhari GENERAL”, was apprehended by this Service. Prior to his arrest, SANI was also spying on the movements of security agents in Zamfara State. SANI in concert with other elements, have been terrorizing local communities in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States respectively, engaging in cattle rustling and kidnap activities.

8. Meanwhile, following the spate of gruesome killing and kidnap incidents in Benue State, on 8th August, 2016, the Service arrested one Terfa JIRGBA and two (2) of his accomplices, namely Terzungee KWAGHAONDO and Mathias AENDE, at Badagry Street off Esther Aka road in Makurdi, Benue State. JIRGBA is an active ally and gang member of Terwase AGWAZA aka GHANA, a notorious kidnapper who runs a kidnapping and criminal network in Benue State.

9. In a follow-up operation, one TERUNGWA ABUR aka was trailed to Port-Harcourt City in Rivers State. He was eventually picked up on 16th August, 2016. ABUR is the second in Command to AGWAZA and a key member of the kidnapping gang of Terwase AGWAZA aka GHANA which operates from Benue State. He acts as a courier for the underworld gang and was the negotiator of the Four Million Naira (N4,000,000.00) ransom paid to the gang for the release of two Indian national staff of Dangote Cement Company, Yander-Gboko, who were kidnapped on 29th July, 2016, in Markudi city. He also participated in the killing of one ORTIN in Gboko township on 1st August, 2016.

10. The arrests of major criminal masterminds in Benue and other adjourning States will continue until these criminal gangs are routed and made to face justice.

11. To address the activities of various criminal syndicates that have in recent months terrorized residents of Calabar and parts of Akwa Ibom State, on 15th August, 2016, along Ukpong Street in Oron LGA, one Benjamin EMOMOTEMI and his accomplices namely Gabriel AMBROSE, Godbless Taliboth MATTIAS, Blessing SUNDAY, Simeon Blessing Sunday, Edet Effiong ASANAGASI and Rose WILLIAMS, were all apprehended by the Service tactical team. The suspects were part of a kidnap ring which masterminded the abduction of one Mr. Rufus AKV on 31st May, 2016 and Senator Patrick ANI on 6th July, 2016 in Cross River State.

12. This Service wishes to urge the general public to remain vigilante and alert to developments in their immediate environs, and to support security and law enforcement agencies, with critical information on suspicious persons and groups, for the sustenance of relative peace across the Federation.



Thank You.

Signed

Tony OPUIYO

Dept. of State Services,

http://nextnewslive.com/dss-releases-update-on-its-operations/

21/8/2016

_ By Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine



A 17 year old juvenile named Innocent Kokorifa was shot and killed by men of the Anti-Vice squad in Bayelsa state on 18/8/2016 at 11:00 AM (in the Morning). Confirming the incident of the killing of Master Kokorifa, the Police through the O/C Anti-Vice labelled Master Kokorifa with ‘Armed Robbery’ related offences and that he was killed in exchange of a gun duel with members of his team (the Anti-Vice squad).



According to the Police:

“They got a rip-off that there is a robbery incident going on at Air Force road, opposite PROSCO around 11:00hrs (11 in the Morning). The men of the Anti-Vice team swung into action and confronted the robbers. This led to a gun duel with the Police and the victim was gunned down.”

The Police alleged to have recovered a locally made gun from the side of the deceased close to his body as he fell down. The O/C Anti-Vice alleged that on getting reports from his men that a criminal was gunned down at ‘Airforce Road’, and the body taken to FMC mortuary, he went there and search the deceased. He alleged to have discovered Igbo (Indian hemp) in the pocket of the deceased.

This however, led me to swing into action as the matter involves Human Right. The Police, as we all know has infamous ways of shaming itself. They are egregious for their incompetence, clumsy approach to issues and their ‘trigger happy officers’ are responsible for the death of innumerable number of citizens they are sworn to protect. I therefore embarked on an investigation in an attempt to unravel the real gist behind the death of Master Kokorifa. I spoke with Mr. Daniel Kokorifa from Okpotuwari Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on phone. He is a Road Safety Officer and father of the deceased. I booked an appointment with him. We eventually met. He was a man well built, in his middle 40’s. It wasn’t a pretty sight to behold, seeing a man in his middle 40 weeping uncontrollably over his loss. He was a father that just lost a son, his first child out of five. Meeting him Inter presentis, I saw a man with a crushed spirit and a teary eye. As we interact, I saw tears sneaked up his eyes and freely rolled down his cheek. He informed me about the following:

1. That Innocent Kokorifa was his first Child in a family of five children.

2. Innocent Kokorifa was a loving son, the kind of child every father would pray to have. Doesn’t smoke, neither does he keep friends or late night.

3. Innocent Kokorifa was 17 year old, and will turn 18, on the 9/9/2016.

4. That his son (Innocent Kokorifa) has no criminal record whatsoever and until his death, he was not of a questionable character.

5. That Innocent Kokorifa lived with him and his family at Okaka Estate until his untimely death.

6. That late Master Innocent Kokorifa, aged 17, recently sat for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and he is awaiting his result before he met his untimely death.

7. That on 18/8/2016, he (Daniel Kokorifa) received a call from his wife that Police shot his first son, Innocent Kokorifa.

8. He instructed his wife to go to police station at Ekeki to inquire about the condition and whereabout of Innocent Kokorifa.

9. That his wife called to inform him that on getting to the station, she said ‘Police shot my son”, but the Police retorted “do not say Police shot your son, so that Police will investigate the matter for you”. However, they admonish and doctored her that if asked, she should say “bad boys shot her son”.

10. On hearing this, Mr Daniel Kokorifa said he left Port Harcourt by night bus and arrived Bayelsa around 23:00 hrs. (10:00 pm) thesame day.

11. He arrived Bayelsa and made efforts to locate the whereabout and condition of his son as most Police station he reported to claimed ignorance of the case.

12. He and his family went to the crime scene late in the night where he spotted some puddle of blood on the sand at ‘Airforce Road’.

13. That he retired home because of how late it was to continue investigation the ensuing day.

14. That on 19/8/2016 he returned to the locus in quo where he inquired from a woman (name withheld) about the incident that happened the previous day.

15. The woman told him it was men of the Anti-Vice squad that came out the said day (18/8/2016) and shot at an unarmed boy.

16. She insisted that the “environment was peaceful and there was no cause for alarm until the Police in Jean and polo shirts came and shot a gun that was aimed at the deceased.”

17. “When the boy fell down, he became lifeless. That the Police prevented people from having a close look at the lifeless body.”

18. “They shielded the body of the deceased from onlookers and threw it in their van then they carted away with it.”

19. On hearing this, Mr Daniel Kokorifa said he went to the office of Anti-Vice squad at Road Safety road to see the O/C Anti-Vice, but was told the O/C was not on seat and was advised to wait for the O/C

20. That after waiting for almost two hours, he left the premises of Anti-Vice and headed to Federal Medical Center (FMC) Yenagoa, where he confronted one of the Medical Doctors who confirmed that a lifeless body was brought to the Emergency Unit of the Hospital by members of the Anti-Vice team.

21. That the Emergency Unit rejected the body since it was already lifeless.

22. He further went to the mortuary unit, where on enquiry, he was told by the mortuary attendant that a body was brought in by members of the Anti-Vice squad.

23. He was told by the mortuary attendant that the Police paid the first payment of the mortuary bill and signed the mortuary register at exactly 11:59 AM (MORNING) on 18/8/2016 (The previous day).

Note that it almost took the Police one (1) hour to take the body to the mortuary from Okaka to FMC.

24. The lifeless body of the deceased was brought out by the mortuary attendant for identification after he intimated them that he is the father of the deceased.

25. That upon identification of the body, it was noticed that the deceased was hit by a bullet which perforated his oesophagus.

26. He recalled that on the day of the incidence 18/8/2016 according to his wife, Innocent had left the House and went out to visit his Aunt, Miss Gbasiemokumor Lucky (His Mother’s sister) who lives at the street adjacent to their house at 10:50am in the morning of Thursday, 18/8/2016.

26. That Innocent was shot by men of the Anti-Vice squad and was taken to Emergency Unit at Federal Medical Center (FMC) by members of the Anti-Vice squad. He was however, confirmed dead by Doctors and was transferred to the mortuary by men of the Anti-Vice squad.

27. That on inquiry from the O/C Anti-Vice team as to what led to the death of his son, the O/C Anti-Vice informed him that there was a robbery incidence at ‘Airforce Road’ in Okaka. The Anti-Vice squad intervened. In the course, there was exchange of gunfire which led to the death of Master Innocent. A pistol was allegedly recovered from the side of the deceased.

It should be noted that the Police did not mention where or who was being robbed at the time, before the Police intervened.

The locus in quo (Okaka Estate) is purely a residential area. The O/C Anti-Vice did not state who made the distress call and what time the distress call was received by members of his team.

He did not also say who the armed robbers victim was.

28. The O/C Anti-Vice squad also confirmed the incidence by saying that his men reported a case of robbery to him around 15:00 hours (3:00pm) and that one of the suspect was killed while two others fled.

29. That he (the O/C Anti-Vice) visited the mortuary where his boys claimed to have deposed the body, and searched the corpse of which he recovered Indian hemp (Igbo) from the pocket of the corpse.

29. The father also said that the police often come to that environment to harass and raid innocent civilians for monetary reasons who afterwards pay as high as N15,000 for bail.

I have equally been informed by the father of the deceased that a petition has been filed against O/C Anti-Vice and his team to the IG (Abuja), AIG (Zone 5) and COP (Bayelsa state) for justice to be done.

It is alarming that this incident happened in Yenagoa, the Capital city of Bayelsa state where Legal Aids, Child Protection, Human Right Commission, various Activist groups are situated, yet they are motionless about the incident.

It is evident that the life of civilians is of no premium whatsoever to ........….... http://nextnewslive.com/human-rights-activists-call-for-justice-for-innocent-kokorifa-e-a-aluzu/

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

MADE BETWEEN

THE GOVERNMENT OF BAYELSA STATE

(AS REPRESENTED BY THE HON. COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION, BAYELSA STATE)

AND

THE ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES (ASUU), NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY (NDU) CHAPTER

(AS REPRESENTED BY THE CHAIRMAN, ASUU, NDU CHAPTER)

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is made the………..day of…………………..2016



BETWEEN

THE GOVERNMENT OF BAYELSA STATE, as represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education of Bayelsa State, Honourable Deacon Markson Fefegha (hereinafter called “the Government”) of the one part,

AND

THE ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES, NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY CHAPTER, as represented by its Chairman, Dr Stanley Ogoun (hereinafter called “ASUU – NDU”) of the other part.

WHEREAS:

The Government has for a long time failed to fulfil its funding obligations to the Niger Delta University (hereafter called “the University”) particularly as it concerns payment of staff salaries, promotion/step increment differentials and infrastructure development.

In particular, the Government has failed to pay staff salaries for the months of February, March, Apr7il, May, June, July and August 2016.

By reason of the above, ASUU-NDU embarked on a sit-at-home industrial action which continues to this day.

In the interest of peace and the welfare of the students of the University, and in furtherance of the desire of the parties to amicably settle the several issues raised by ASUU-NDU, the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, acting for the Government of Bayelsa State on the one hand, and Representatives of ASUU-NDU acting for the entire membership of ASUU-NDU on the other hand, held series of meetings and resolved to amicably settle the issues raised by ASUU-NDU upon the terms and conditions embodied in this Memorandum of Understanding.



NOW THERFORE, THE PARTIES TO THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AGREE AS FOLLOWS:



OBLIGATIONS OF GOVERNMENT;

PAYMENT OF SALARIES FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2016

The Government shall pay staff salaries for the months of February and March 2016 by the 31st day of August 2016.



PAYMENT OF SALARIES FOR APRIL 2016

The Government shall pay staff salaries for the month of April 2016 by the 30th day of September 2016.



FURTHER AND REGULAR PAYMENT OF SALARIES

The Government shall from the month of October 2016 pay monthly staff salaries on a regular basis.



PAYMENT OF PROMOTION/STEP INCREMENT DIFFERENTIAL

The Government shall from the month of October 2016 take account of promotion/step increment differential of staff and include same in the salaries of affected staff.



PAYMENT OF ARREARS OF SALARIES, AND ARREARS OF PROMOTION/STEP INCREMENT DIFFERENTIAL

The Government shall by the 30th day of September 2016 submit in writing to ASUU-NDU a reasonable proposal for the payment of all arrears of staff salaries, arrears of promotion/step increment differentials and arrears of salaries of all Graduate Assistants (GAs) employed since 2013, within the shortest time possible.



FUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

The Government undertakes to fulfil its funding obligations to the University; accordingly, the Government shall –

Within 30 days from the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding inaugurate an ad hoc Committee made up of representatives of the Government, ASUU-NDU, the Senate and the Governing Council of the University, and the Committee so inaugurated shall be charged with responsibility for producing a Short, Medium and Long Term Development Plan for the University within 60 days of the Committee’s inauguration;

Within a reasonable time from the date of submission of the Short, Medium and Long Term Development Plan for the University, adopt same as its Policy Paper for the development of the University;

Ensure that specific and reasonable budgetary provisions are included in the 2017 Appropriation Law to be passed by the House of Assembly of Bayelsa State, and in subsequent Appropriation Laws, for executing the capital and recurrent projects contained in the Short, Medium and Long Term Development Plan for the University;

Ensure that adequate financial provisions are made to enable the University employ the best graduating students of the University as full-time Graduate Assistants;

Provide grants to the University to enable the University establish and sustain a Staff Development Scheme for the purpose of building up the capacity of staff to the highest international standards.



OBLIGATIONS OF ASUU-NDU

Upon the Government fulfilling its obligation contained in Clause 1 above, ASUU-NDU shall immediately suspend its sit-at-home industrial action and every member of ASUU-NDU shall immediately resume work.

Upon the Government fulfilling its obligation contained in Clause 6(b) above, ASUU-NDU shall fully call off its sit-at-home industrial action.



MISCILANEUOUS PROVISIONS

The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding or their authorised representatives shall meet periodically and carry out joint assessment of the implementation of all or any of the provisions contained in the Memorandum of Understanding.

Where any of the parties to this Memorandum of Understanding is dissatisfied with the implementation of any of the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, the party dissatisfied shall notify the other party in writing, setting out in detail the points of objection and requesting a meeting for the purpose of amicably settling any disagreement that may arise between the parties.

The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding mutually undertake to endeavour to amicably resolve any dispute arising from this Memorandum of Understanding by means of negotiation, conciliation or mediation at the first instance.

Except by mutual agreement in writing between the parties, no provision of this Memorandum of Understanding shall be altered.

The Government undertakes to ensure that no member of ASUU-NDU shall be queried, reprimanded, punished or made to suffer any disadvantage whether by the Government or the University authorities on account of anything done in connection with the sit-at-home industrial action of ASUU-NDU.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties to this Memorandum of Understanding have hereunto set their hands the day and year first above written.



SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT

………………………………………….

Honourable Deacon Markson Fefegha

(Hon. Commissioner for Education)



IN THE PRESENCE OF:

NAME: ………………………………………

ADDRESS: …………………………………..

OCCUPATION: ……………………………..

SIGNATURE: ……………………………….

SIGNED ON BEHALF OF ASUU-NDU

……………………

Dr Stanley Ogoun

(Chairman, ASUU-NDU)



IN THE PRESENCE OF:

NAME: …………………………………………

ADDRESS: ……………………………………

OCCUPATION: ……………………………….

SIGNATURE: …………………………………

http://nextnewslive.com/agreement-between-bayelsa-govt-and-ASUU-to-end-strike/

Students must see themselves as major stakeholders in education and insist to be part of the dialogue between Niger Delta University ASUU and the Bayelsa State Government. No better time to discuss about the fee status of Bayelsans in the only State owned University in Bayelsa.

Reports reaching me is that Government is currently amending the Act establishing the Niger Delta University as a fee paying Institution. This will result in an increase in tuition to at least N150,000.00 per academic session for indigenous students. Are the student leaders aware of this? Are student leaders part of the dialogue between NDU ASUU and the government? Other than calling for ASUU and the government to reopen the varsity, what has been the proposals contributed by those representing the interest of the students thus far? Organizing protests and demanding for the re-opening of the institution is not enough.

Has the commission of inquiry inaugurated by the Governor to look into the matter and make recommendations invite the student community thus far? Rather than making countless plea on Facebook.

With the current economic woes in the country and the non payment of salaries, most parents are struggling to cope with the current fee structure. Let us look at the cost implication of getting an education in NDU.

Tuition – N96,000 (First year) and

N40,000

Accommodation – N90,000.00

Feeding – N20,000 per month

Books and Course Materials – N20,000

Miscellaneous – N9,000.00 per month

Let us assume that Mr A, an employee of the State Government earns N150,000.00 monthly and has two children studying in the NDU and another in primary school. How is he expected to cater for his family and pay the fees of his children? The implication is that he’s morally forced to exploit loopholes in his office. This may just explain why in almost every office in the state they demand for money even for FREE services. It becomes a race for survival of the fittest. We should not play blind to the concomitant social problems this trend poses.

Miss B is a student. What has she got to do to pay her fees and take care of her needs since her parents can no longer afford it? Shameless blessers (sugar daddies mostly political office holders) to the rescue. Yet, we’re failing to address the system that is forcing our young ladies into exchanging their beautiful and precious bodies.

We must understand that education is a fundamental right and not a privilege. Bayelsans must do everything possible to keep the gates of our University open to children from poor home. We must allow children from villages to access education. Students whose insurable interest will likely be affected should be allowed to be part of whatever negotiation NDU ASUU and the state government is entering.

The Institution is paying the price for the disbandment of its Student Union. It can be recalled, the clarion call by the staffs of the University on students to protest against the perceived indifference of the government towards the institution.

The need for an effective Student Union cannot be overemphasized, free from overbearing administrative intermeddling.

However you look at it, the student community is the most affected in this whole imbroglio.

For it is only through dialogue between the three parties can we find a lasting solution to the problem.

http://nextnewslive.com/the-cost-of-education-in-bayelsa-and-need-for-students-ASUU-and-govtgovt-to-dialogue-aluzu/

On May 25th, 2015 the past President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan recorded a milestone when he signed into law the Violence Against Person (Prohibition) Act 2015, bringing to a successful conclusion the long awaited social and legislative advocacy championed by women’s group and gender activist towards the passage of the law that will indeed protect the girl child and women from all sort of abuses. This work seek to ascertain the legal position of the offence of rape, taking into account the various legislative enactments in Nigeria particularly the Violence Against Person’s (Prohibition) Act 2015 vis-a-vis other legislations such as the Penal Code, Criminal Code, Child Right Act, Evidence Act and Decided Cases by taking a look at the legal framework of the offence of rape and its punishment. This work sets out recommendation and suggestions on legislative drafting to be couched in a way the offence of rape will meet up with modern day sexual gratifications without leaving any lacuna and or saving clause for the offenders of rape. It undertakes a critical appraisal of the offence of rape under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

Each year, millions of people are raped or otherwise, sexually abused. Research has shown that young people are prime target. The offence of rape means different things to different people and many have argued as to what the offence entails. The offence however cannot be disputed that it is an occurring event in society. Beforehand, the offence of rape did not enjoy this much attention it is enjoying now, this is because the media does not report the offence of the crime because of the concomitant social stigma attached to the crime.

However, by the Police Records cases of Crime Against Persons, the offence of Rape/Indecent Assault is the third highest offence in Nigeria just after the offence of Assault and grievous bodily harm respectively from 1993 – 2003 with the highest number of recorded cases in 1997. An alarming 2,585 cases being reported that year alone despite the fact that victims of rape cases are reluctant to open up on what they have gone through. There is no gainsaying that the offence of rape has become a reoccurring social problem as well as a legal one.

Rape in Nigeria is on the increase; yet many disquieting issues in our social and political life dominate the front burner of our national dailies – the various corruption scandals, crude oil theft, religious and sectarian violence, kidnappings, electional saga, government policies, etc – most people tend to forget or ignore this horrendous issue that has and is still ruining many lives, dreams, and devastating many homes.

Indeed, with the many reportage on a daily basis about rape cases in social media, it is undisputed that there is a steady increase of this social malady in contemporary Nigeria. This rising incidence has become very alarming and worrying. All over the country, there is a new kind of unheralded harvests of rape case and rapist. The proliferating case of rape in Nigeria remains unfathomable especially now that minors are not spared from its cruel act and there is an increase in novel ways of sexual gratification. This has led our legislators to enact laws to meet up with the modern realities of our time.



LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE OFFENCE OF RAPE

The four letter words RAPE is a form of sexual violence. It is violence perpetrated by the use of threat, intimidation and the use of sexual violence. In discussing the offence of rape, particular reference will be paid to relevant sections of the criminal code, the Penal Code, the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Person’s (Protection) Act 2015.

The offence of rape is provided for in Section 357 of the Criminal Code, which defines rape as:

“Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threat or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm, or by means of false and fraudulent misrepresentation as to the nature of the act, or in the case of a married woman, by personating her husband, is guilty of an offence which is called rape”.

Furthermore, Section 6 states that:

“When the term “carnal knowledge” or the term “carnal connection” is used in defining an offence called, it is implied that the offence, so far as regards that element of it is complete upon penetration”.

The second limb of the aforementioned section goes on to state that:

“Unlawful carnal knowledge” means carnal connection which takes place than between husband and wife”.

It is worthy to note that the provision of the Criminal Code is applicable to the Southern States of Nigeria.

Section 282 of the Penal Codes states that:

(1) “A man is a said to commit rape who, except in the case referred to in subsection (2) of this section has sexual intercourse with a woman in any of the following circumstances –

(a) Against her will;

(b) Without her consent, with her consent, when her consent is obtained by putting her in fear of death or hurt;

(c) With her consent, when the man knows that he is not her husband and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawful married;

(d) With or without her consent, when she is under fourteen years of age or of unsound mind.

“Sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife is not rape, if she has attained to puberty.”

The Child Rights Act under the heading “‘Unlawful Sexual Intercourse” provides in Section 31 that:

(1) No person shall have sexual, intercourse with a child.

(2) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) of this section commits the offence of rape and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

(3) Where a person is charged with an offence under this section it is immaterial that:

(a) The offender believes the person to be of or above the age of eighteen years, or

(b) The sexual intercourse was with the consent of the child.

From the foregoing statutory definitions of rape, it is apposite to stat that by virtue of Sections 357, 16, 30 and 368 of the Criminal Code and Section 282 of the Penal Code as well as well as Section 31 of the Child Right Act, rape is complete where a person above 12 years, have sexual intercourse with a woman, without her consent or a girl of immature age or unsound mind with her consent, will be guilty of rape.

Section 6 of the Criminal Code defines unlawful carnal knowledge as that which takes place otherwise than between husband and wife it is complete upon penetration. Punishment for rape and attempted rape is life imprisonment and fourteen years imprisonment respectively, with or without canning. Non-consent to sexual relations has been defined to include the absence of consent or inability of the victim to indicate assent or dissent or if consent was obtained by means of fraud as to the nature of the act. According to the learned scion of Dr. Aniedi Ikpang, “every consent is a submission, but not every submission is a consent”.

Section 30 of the Criminal Code provides “A male person under the age of twelve years is presumed to be incapable of having carnal knowledge.” He can only be convicted for indecent assault not rape.

The foregoing are what the prosecutor needs to prove for him to succeed in an action for rape.



A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSON (PROHIBITION) ACT 2015

With the introduction of the Violence Against Person (Prohibition) Act 2015, the traditional definitions and elements of rape has come under threat in an attempt to expand the frontiers of the offence of rape, to cover novel ways and methods of sexual gratifications. In discussing the offence of rape under this Act, particular reference will be paid to be provisions of Section 1 and 26 of the Act.

Section 1 provides thus:

(1) A person commit the offence of rape if –

(a) He or she intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with any part of his or her body or anything else;

(b) The other person does not consent to the penetration; or

(c) The consent is obtained by force or means of threat or intimidation of any kind or by fear of harm or by means of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or the use of any substance or additive capable of taking away the will of such person or in the case of a married person by impersonating his or her spouse.

(2) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (1) of this section is liable to imprisonment for life except:

(a) Where the offender is less than 14 years of age, the offender is liable to a maximum of 14 years of imprisonment.

(b) In all other cases, to a minimum of 12 years imprisonment.

(c) In the case of rape by a group of persons, the offenders are liable jointly to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment without an option to pay fine.

(3) The court shall award appropriate compensation to the victim as it may deem fit in the circumstance.

(4) A register for convicted sexual offender shall be maintained and accessible to the public.

Section 26 of the Act goes on to provide for an offence of indecent exposure. The section provides thus:

(1) A person who intentionally exposes his or her genital organs, or a substantial part thereof, with the intention of causing distress to the other party or that another person seeing it may be tempted or induced to commit an offence under this Act, commits an offence termed “indecent exposure”.

(2) A person who intentionally exposes his or her genital organs or a substantial part thereof, and induce another to either massage, or touch with the intention of deriving sexual pleasure from such acts, commits an offence under this section.

(3) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable to upon conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than 1 year or to a five not exceeding N500,000 or both.

The above sections of the Act is reproduced here for clarity sake and to make the critical appraisal stressless without having recourse to make reference to the said section from the hard copy and to make those who do not have a copy of the Act make easy reference.

From the replicated Section 1 above, the following issues have arisen for serious consideration:

(i) A woman is capable of committing the offence of rape.

(ii) The frontiers of what constitute rape have been expanded.

By the spirit and letters of paragraph (C), a new phrase have been included as to what will amount to ‘no-consent’ in the offence of rape and that is ‘the use of any substance or additive capable of taking the will of such person’.

Also, subsection 2 of the above mentioned section, particularly in paragraph (a).

The Act has made a person under 14 years of age criminally liable for the offence of rape.

This is against the letters and spirit of Section 30 of the Criminal Codes which absolves a male below 12 years of Criminal responsibility of the offence of rape. Also, against Section 50 of the Penal Code which absolves a child under 7 years of age of an offence and child above 7 years of age but below 12 years of age but below 12 years of any Criminal possibility unless it can be proved that such child have sufficient maturity of understanding to appreciate the consequence of his action.

Also, the punishment for a commissioned rape under paragraph (a) of subsection 2 of the Violence Against Person (Protection) Act is against the letters of Section 358 of the Criminal Code and Section 283 of the Penal Code respectively.

The Act is not really clear in paragraph (b) of the section under torchlight as to what it means by “in all other cases”.

From issue (i) above, it is pertinent to ask the question, can a woman be capable of rape? The answer to that question hitherto would be an unequivocal “NO”, because going by the definition of rape in the Criminal Code, Penal Code, only a man can be a defendant to a charge of rape. In law, a woman cannot be said to be capable of committing rape. Apart from that, only the males are equipped to achieve penetration by virtue of section 6 of the Criminal Code. But all the same, a woman can be changed with being an accomplice to rape. See R. V Ram (1893) 17 Cox 609, where a wife was convicted for aiding her husband to rape her maid.

By virtue of Section (i) of the Violence Against Person (Protection) Act on issues i, another question that readily comes to mind is can a man be a victim of rape?

In answering this question, I am guided by the statute in order not to veer into the realms of mere semantics. By the wordings of both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, only a woman can be a victim of rape. Though, situations were a man was made to submit to sexual intercourse is described as ‘rape’ by the media, in law it only amounts to ‘assaults’. The Criminal Code is clear on this when it provides in section 357that “any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl…” thereby making the woman the subject of the sexual gratification of a man.

There is a legislative re-echo in the Penal Code when it provides that “a man is said to commit rape… has sexual intercourse with a woman”.

On issue (ii) raised above, under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of ...........http://nextnewslive.com/rape-and-the-provisions-of-section-1-and-26-of-the-violence-against-person-prohibition-act-2015/

zico530:
Long overdued

More than long overdue if there's any word like that.

NATIONALPASTOR:
Even In Lagos and Kaduna, the story is the same under this EVIL APC administration.

Fake government
Fake president
Fake jobs
Fake chibok girls
Fake certificate

haba......

God abeg fastforward the remainin 3 years of this wicked APC tenure.

This is a PDP State with just 8 Local Government Areas receiving Federal Allocation every month yet couldn't pay worker, is it president Buhari's duty to pay Bayelsa workers right

Teachers in Bayelsa State are on the streets of Yenagoa, the state capital over nonpayment of salaries by the state Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson.

The teachers are expressing their grievances over series of .........http://nextnewslive.com/breaking-bayelsa-state-teachers-protest-in-yenagoa/

henchamb:
that's phase 1
phase 2 will include among others : paying him all the money he spent on pdp

Ali Modu-Sheriff, PDP's Greatest nightmare!

saintgp:
Obviously this man is playing out a written script given to him from d ruling party.i mean hw can one person control a whole party d way he likes....

I am coming, let me see Justice Okon Abang first, before I respond to you.

spass101:
PDP can eat rat poison & die.

I am selling the poison oooooooo, bring N50 per one.

richidinho:
“After a clandestine meeting in Otuoke, Bayelsa state in 2014 between the Grand Patron and several unidentified persons ahead of the Presidential election campaign of 2015, it was agreed that the Okah brothers should be contacted to reach out to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan, and work with the group of persons to ensure victory for the PDP and President Jonathan.

I suspect Timipre Sylva in all this, hungerbad what do you think?

sesus!!!!

Anticorruption:
what if i told you this news does not bother gej

better tell the dollard general to achieve something soom before he gets stoned


all these distractions after the dasuki saga failed wont work

Yet he cried out when the first statement came out alleging MEND is trying to assassinate him Just wait and you will hear from him sooner!

fulanmafia:
Since when did MEND turn to APC? Just go and sit down while your ineffectual hero is being roasted on the hot grill by his own brothers.

Loving the show like kilode

I'm also sitted on the show with you and loving your glasses

Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met a brick wall in an effort to calm the nerves down and ensue peace between factional chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and the Caretaker committee chairman of the party.

Reports said Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff met with the caretaker committee, and argued in strong terms that the proposed new convention planned by his faction should be should take place in Abuja and clearly stated that the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike shouldn’t chair convention committee.

Nextnewslive.com gathered that, Modu-Sheriff also argued that the previous ward, local government and state party congresses concluded and approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) is authentic and should stand.

Speaking immediately after the meeting, a joint press briefing with the reconciliation committee chairman, Professor Jerry Gana and Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff all alluded to the fact that, the committee had taken serious note of analysis of problems causing disaffection within the party.

“We are delighted that there have been a clear resolution on the determination and the desire that the problems been resolved, unity be re -established and for PDP to move forward.

‎”Nigerians are waiting for PDP; they are missing the PDP, they are crying and yearning for PDP because the 16 years of democracy cannot be wasted away.”

Among other reconciliation committee members who attended the meeting are; Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Minister of Woman Affairs, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Abodu Olujimi‎, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, his Enugu State counterpart, former Senator Whip, Senator Stella Omu, former Minister of Aviation, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze, AVM Dan Suleiman (rtd) and others.

http://nextnewslive.com/ali-modu-sheriff-gives-pdp-conditions-for-peace/

kossyablaze:
Smh

, don't kill me with laughter this morning.