₦airaland Forum

This IBB will soon start to kill very soon, just for him to become the president. Only God can save us all.

Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has described the release of the four kidnapped journalists and their driver as good news to him.
“I give credit to both the police and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), for their steadfastness. It is good news. Journalists in this country are doing wonderfully. That is why in this family we love journalists, and we appreciate the good work they are doing.”

Babangida disclosed that the love for journalists run through the family, pointing out that few days ago, his daughter, Aisha, dedicated an award she received to the kidnapped journalists. “I think it was very thoughtful of her.”
He said a lot more still needed to be done in the area of security in the country.
“This kidnapping thing borders largely on security which is a three-way traffic. The people, the law enforcement agencies and the law itself.”

According to IBB, the people must be security conscious and be eager to report suspicious people and suspicious movements to the police.
“That is why any crime committed in Britain , the culprits will be fished out within one week and this is because people on their own volunteer information to the police.”
The law enforcement agents, he said, must be well-equipped and well-motivated to enable them discharge their statutory responsibilities very well, adding that the law itself should be dispensed with minimum delay.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/20/national-20-07-2010-024.htm

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have shot itself in the foot by introducing the zoning option in a bid to cater for all sections of the country. A group has threatened to pull out of the party should it insist on the policy which it described as “satanic, unconstitutional and undemocratic.”

The grouse of the group, Coalition for Good Governance, was that the party might use the policy to rob Nigerians of the effective leadership the president, Goodluck Jonathan, had provided by depriving him the presidential ticket for 2011 general elections.

The Director-General of the group, Mr Oliver Ajibo, told Daily Sun in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, that if the party decides to stick to its zoning policy and Jonathan insists on contesting the next presidency, they would pull out all their 37 chapters from PDP and follow Jonathan anywhere he goes:

“We are even afraid that he may choose not to run, knowing the kind of person he is. He may say ‘I don’t want any trouble, let the party have its way so that there would be peace.’ If he does that we will not commit suicide we will support any other candidate that we know can deliver the goods but for now, we don’t see any other person better than he that can take Nigeria to the envisaged height. But if the party denies him the ticket on the basis of zoning, he can contest as an independent candidate and we all will follow him out of PDP”.

Asked whether the former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida or former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari would not be able to take the nation to the promised land, Ajibo, said: “We are not against IBB, but we want him to come and taste the free and fair election that he refused to give to Nigerians. We want him to come out and fail.

“We have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. The time has come to bell the cat. This year is Nigeria’s year of Jubilee and God is about to set us free through Jonathan. The youth, of this country are united in their resolve to reposition this country. We are determined to be in the forefront of the electioneering process that will elect the next leader of this country in 2011.

“The Coalition for Good Governance : The 36+1=1 Forum is a congregation of youths from various walks of life. It is made up of eminent Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones of the country that share the same belief in the workability of this country. We have, therefore, resolved to ensure that the next president that will be elected, no matter the zone, is a person of impeccable qualities, with clear conscience to lead. He will have enough political sagacity to weather the storm of ethnic bickering, and the integrity to accommodate the diverse interests and challenges that the office entails.

“The forum, in its last congress Calabar, Cross River State, assessed the qualities of some of the emerging leaders and emerging aspirants, past and present with the view to ascertain who would provide the right leadership for our dear country, Nigeria.
“Our conclusion afterwards was that given the current political, economic and social situation in the country, and considering those angling for the position of the president, that Jonathan towers above all. We are convinced that he is capable of giving this country the desired political stability, economic progress and social cohesion.”

Jonathan’s antecedent
“We have discovered that the welfare of Nigerians and indeed, the standard of living of the people have improved with the stability of fuel at N65 per litre and the availability of the product. He has set a new and workable framework for economic recovery. He has taken concrete steps to ensure that electricity generation, distribution and transmission is greatly improved by amount of reforms in that sector. Given more time, Nigerians will soon witness an era of uninterrupted electricity supply. We think this greatly leads to a more robust economy for the nation.”

Security of life and property and anti-corruption
With the improved vigour at the implementation of the amnesty programme, the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta and other pockets of insurgence have greatly reduced, thereby giving to Nigerians a sense of hope. If this policy is vigorously sustained, the much-needed peace will be attained. His renewed efforts at checking corruption in the country have been applauded by all and sundry. Stating categorically that the government will not interfere in the activities of the anti-corruption agencies is a demonstration of commitment in this regard We want a sustained campaign against corruption and all negative vices in the country.”
International diplomacy and electoral reform:

“Our wide acceptance by other foreign countries and subsequent visits to the United States of America, France and invitation to the G8 meeting in Canada is a plus for the country. Efforts at re-branding the already battered image of the country should be encouraged.
“The President’s belief and commitment to electoral reform is a major carry-over from the government of the late president. He has pursued this with vigour; in word and in deed. He has shown that he would ensure that Nigerians would vote and their votes counted and be made to count. He has demonstrated this conviction with the appointment of a tested man of integrity, in the person of Prof. Attahiru Jega”.

Verdict:
“After a careful examination of the above, we have come to the conclusion that for now, there can be no better person that will religiously carry out with these programmes except Mr President. It is in the light of the above that the coalition in one accord accepted that he should be encouraged to stay on in office again come 2011.”

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/20/national-20-07-2010-006.htm

The Speaker House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, has accused the Federal High Court judge handling the legal battle between the House and the suspended Representatives of bias.

Mr. Bankole, in a letter written to the chief judge of the court, Dan Abutu, accused Justice Ibrahim Auta of deciding the case without hearing from all the parties involved.

The members, led by Dino Melaye, had asked the court to declare their suspension unconstitutional.

You can’t be fair

However, when the matter came up on Monday, the trial judge could not proceed with hearing on the grounds that the Speaker, Mr. Bankole, had written a letter to the chief judge, raising allegations of a likelihood of bias against him.

Specifically, Wole Olanipekun, counsel to the Speaker, said that Justice Abutu was reported to have aired the view that the suspension of the seven members of the House had deprived some sections of the country representation in the House of Representatives; a statement believed by the Speaker to be prejudicial and biased.

“We strongly believe that the respected presiding judge, having made a categorical pronouncement on the merits of the case, is disqualified from adjudicating on it any further and should disqualify himself forthwith.”

On reading the contents of the letter in open court, Justice Abutu said he was inclined to remit the case file to the Chief Judge for re-assignment to another judge.

“In view of this letter, I cannot proceed further with this case,” said the judge.

Last week, Mr. Bankole challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit. At the hearing, one of the Speaker’s lawyers, Sikiru Oke, told the court that he needed time to respond to the originating summons filed by Femi Falana on behalf of the lawmakers.

However, the justice, shortly before adjourning the suit to Monday, stated that both the originating summons and the preliminary objections will be heard on the next date since the suspension of the seven members had shut out a section of the country from being represented in the House.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5596233-146/bankole_accuses_judge_of_bias_.csp

Ibrahim Makama Misau, a member of the House of Representatives yesterday renounced his membership of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) - the platform on which he was elected in 2007.

Mr Misau, representing Misau/Dambam federal constituency of Bauchi State joined the newly formed Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), becoming the

first lawmaker to join the party floated by the former head of state, Muhammadu Buhari and his political associates few months ago.

With the development, there are now five minority parties in the PDP-dominated 360-member House. The others are ANPP, Action Congress, Progressive Peoples Alliance and Labour Party.

Mr Misau attributed his exit from the ANPP to the crises in the party.

He added that efforts to resolve crisis in the Bauchi State branch of the party proved futile, hence his decision to leave the party and join one “where conscience reigns supreme”.

The lawmaker explained that his constituent also influenced his decision to join the CPC since Mr Buhari has been like a father figure to him.

The legislator also disclosed that he intends to contest next year’s gubernatorial election on the platform of the CPC adding that he would accept any decision that may come from the party on his ambition.

So far, 15 members of the Senate and the House have defected from the parties under which they were elected.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5596220-147/lawmaker_defects_to_buharis_new_party.csp

There was drama yesterday as former military president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, General Ibrahim Babangida and Dr Godwin Daboh came face-to-face in Abuja. Daily Sun was reliably informed that the meeting was convened at the instance of Dr Daboh, currently at the vanguard of one the Goodluck Jonathan for President groups. At the meeting, Daboh allegedly pleaded for forgiveness and assured Babangida that he would drop his opposition to the latter‘s ambition.

But Daboh told Daily Sun in an exclusive interview in Abuja that he was tricked into the meeting through former governor of Niger State, Abdulkadir Kure where television cameras were beamed on him to portray him as a double dealer. He also denied begging IBB.

Daboh who is national president of Benue State Elders Forum and Deputy Coordinator of Concerned PDP Elders for Jonathan/Sambo 2011 said the entire scenario was a plot by Babangida to set him up.
The alarm by the PDP chieftain is coming barely 24 hours after the former military president warned President Goodluck Jonathan to beware of Chief Daboh. “He would turn against Jonathan even before the end of this year,” IBB had reportedly warned Jonathan.

Narrating how he was tricked into the meeting with IBB, Daboh told Daily Sun: “This morning (yesterday) at 11:42am, mamman Kolo, someone I regard as a son called me on phone number 08065696524 and asked me to call Kure. The message was that I should please call former governor Kure of Niger State on 08056006010.

“So, I called Kure who has been a long standing friend. He answered and said he would like to see me urgently and that I should met him in his office. He said he has something important to discuss with me. So, I went there, near FERMA office.
“When I got there, Kure was already waiting in a National Assembly car marked Senate. Inside the car were three people with him. One of the three people was a former PDP chairman in Niger State. I do not know the other two persons.
“The two people moved away from the car and entered the car I came with. I went with my friend. Kure now drove me to Attahiru Bafarawa’s house near Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

“As soon as we entered the parlour, Kure said he wants to talk to me. After about two minutes, I heard a voice that sounded like that of Ibrahim Babangida. So, I asked him why he had to do this to me. He said he wants me to talk with Babangida.
“I objected by telling him that he didn’t tell me that I was to meet with Babangida. You just brought me here. Then Babangida emerged and said we are very close and inseparable. He said I am his friend but that he knows I am with Jonathan. We were talking and cracking jokes. Food was now ready and we ate.

“When we finished, I said I am going. Then, an Air Vice Marshal who is retired said let them see me off. So Babangida and the Air Vice Marshal stood up. While we were there, Afegbua, his Publicity Secretary came in and greeted me. On our way out, I suddenly saw a cameraman from television station.
“They started interviewing me. I made my position clear. They now asked me if I have left Jonathan. I said no; I am the chairman of one of Jonathan’s movements and I am still supporting him.

“Then the journalist asked me if I have changed my mind about Jonathan and now supporting Babangida. I am supporting Jonathan. That’s what I said. Babangida then left me and the journalist,” he explained.
Daboh said Kure was unfair to him by taking him to former governor Bafarawa’s house and colluding with Babangida to set him up.
“I am calling on all Nigerians to beware of Babangida because the position here is this; God has made His own will on what is going to happen. Everybody knows that Jonathan is going to be the next elected president of Nigeria, ” he said.

He maintained that he has advised Babangida to steer clear of the 2011 presidential race.
“I want to caution Nigerians that what Babangida did to me should be signal that they have to be careful with the man Babangida. He wants to be president at all cost and I have told him that he cannot be president,” Daboh vowed.


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2010/july/20/newsbreak-20-07-2010-001.htm

Following the persistent cases of kidnapping in the South Eastern part of the country, there are indications that Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, may have ordered the immediate transfer of the larger chunk of policemen serving in the geo-political zone to other parts of the country.

The move may be in response to the clamour by stakeholders and other leaders of thought in the zone for the police leadership to effect a total overhaul of its personnel in the South- East. They had accused the police officers and men of complicity in the seemingly intractable kidnap menace that has held the zone by the jugular for so long now.

Bare three days ago, the leader of Obigbo, a pan- Igbo socio-political group, Chief Charles Ahize, had openly accused policemen in the South-East of being on the payroll of many of the kingpins of kidnapping in the zone. He said the police were hands in glove with the criminals and called on Onovo to take the bull by the horns and effect a mass transfer of the policemen in the East.

Similarly, as the saga of the recent kidnap of four journalists and their driver in the Obingwa area of Abia State raged, there were reports that some of the kidnappers were getting regular intelligence report on the movements of police and other security agents, information which police authorities believed could only have been given out by an insider who was collaborating with the hoodlums.

But in a seeming resolve to battle the insider collaborators and effectively checkmate kidnapping and other violent crimes prevalent in the area which the police in the area were accused of complicity, Daily Sun gathered that Onovo is now set to bit the bullet.
A senior police source told Daily Sun that policemen in the Abia State command are to be transferred to Zamfara and Kebbi states, while those in Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi are likely to be transferred to other parts of Northern and South West states.

Confirming the development in a telephone chat, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, who failed to give all the details, however, said the step was not a punitive one but a crime fighting measure aimed at tackling the spate of violent crimes in the area.
Ojukwu said: “The transfer is a routine thing in the Police that are done regularly and also is another measure aimed at injecting new blood into the system. Let no one see it as a punishment but it’s a crime fighting strategy. When officers and men stay too long in a place, they have to be transfer to give way for new hands”.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday gathered that the transfers affected mainly officers in Anambra and Abia states because of the rampant cases of kidnapping in the areas. A police source, who preferred anonymity told NAN in Awka that policemen, who had stayed long in the states were either abetting crime or sabotaging the efforts of the command.

The source said in Anambra alone, more than 3,000 officers and men were affected by the transfer to other states, including Sokoto and Borno.
“More than 500 senior police officers are also affected.” the source revealed.
“The transfer came after the recent visit of the Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Mr Ogbonna Onovo, to the zone where he directed that all those transferred be given seven days to report to their new commands.”

The source said the IG further charged police officers to rededicate themselves to their duties and to develop new initiatives geared toward combating the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
“He (the IG) particularly called for new approaches toward intelligence gathering,” the source said.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in Anambra, Mr Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed that the transfers had started, but said he could not ascertain the number.

He said, “The exercise is ongoing and involves officers, who have spent five years and above in one location.
Mr. Nnodum Okeke, an Awka-based businessman, expressed hope that the transfers would bring about the desired peace and security needed for businesses to thrive in the zone.
Onovo, who relocated to the South-East since last week, following the kidnap of four journalists, had yet to return to Abuja as at the time of filing this report.
The IG is said to have been dialoguing with community leaders and governments of the region on ways to stop kidnapping in the East.


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/20/national-20-07-2010-001.htm

What were the journalists doing with 3 million naira? Whose money was it? For one, they don't get paid that much to have 3 million in cash on them. Hummnh.

The report allegedly submitted to Mohammed Bello Adoke(SAN), the Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Federation, on investigation of child marriage charges levied against Ahmed Sanni Yerima, is currently receiving the attention of the federal government, Mr. Adoke said.

He said this last Friday in a telephone interview, adding that the report against the senator from Zamfara State was actually received by Abdulahi Yola, the permanent secretary of the ministry of justice and solicitor-general of the federation.

Mr. Adoke said any citizen who wants information on the report could do so at the Office of the Solicitor General:

“As I am talking to you right now, that report is on the table of the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who is looking into it. So, if you need any information, go to him. I am sure he would give you.

“That report is not, and has never been on my table. I do not call for files which report has been conclusive,” Mr. Adoke said.

However, information gathered at the ministry of justice headquarters indicated that the government is currently weighing various options to adopt on the report submitted by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) after its investigation of Mr. Yerima’s alleged marriage to a 14-year old Egyptian girl.

The options being considered, according to a source who spoke under anonymity, include prosecution, and alternate resolution.

A release from NAPTIP last week revealed that Mr. Yerima could not be prosecuted under the NAPTIP Act except under the Child Rights Act, which is effective in Abuja, where the alleged offence was committed.

NAPTIP’s report on the case that has drawn widespread condemnation, is being debated after comments attributed to the chairman of the Senate committee on ethics and privileges, Omar Hambagda, that no prosecution can be initiated under the Child Rights Act, as it was improperly enacted.

The committee said it has concluded its investigation and was currently putting finishing touches before a formal submission this week.

Mr. Hambagda stated that the President assented to the Act before its endorsement by majority of the states, as provided by the 1999 Constitution.

“The passage of the Act by the National Assembly is not for Abuja, but for Nigeria. Unfortunately, the Act was assented by the President before the states were asked to endorse it. So, technically speaking, that law is not yet operational in Nigeria,” he stated.

‘We need a decision’

But in an email reaction, a lawyer and rights activist, Anselm Chidi Odikanlu, disagreed with the lawmaker.

“Importantly, the NAPTIP release says that there is a prima facie case of child marriage made out against Yerima. Curiously, it was silent on the trafficking charge,” Mr. Odikanlu said.

“The point should not be lost on us that an official agency has made out a prima facie case of child marriage/molestation against Yerima. The Attorney General of the federation controls prosecutions in Abuja. Now that the issue is on his table we have to make a direct request of the Federal Attorney-General. What does he intend to do? This is not a case in which the Federal A-G can afford to go under, or allow the file to gather dust or disappear. We need a decision,” he said.

On the statement credited to Mr. Hambagda, Mr. Odikanlu said, “It is not the business of the Senate to pronounce on the validity of a law; that is a judicial function. It brings the important business of law making into spectacular disrepute when lawmakers seek to give themselves impunity to commit paedophilia by picking and choosing which law to obey and which to disobey.”

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5595206-147/government_weighs_options_on_yerimas_report.csp

Former Chairman of the Abia Conference of Nigeria Political Party, Emeka Nwachukwu, has criticized former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu’s return to the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party as a “pure act of cowardice.”

Mr. Nwachukwu told journalists in an interview that “it is cowardice because the PPA board of trustee member has shown that he is not man enough to be on his own.” “How can a man, who has accused a party of not being fit to rule a country after ditching it for the PPA return to the fold,” he said. Mr. Nwachukwu stated that the defection of two of the governors and some elected officials under the PPA to APGA in the case of Abia and PDP in Imo State showed that something was wrong with the leadership of the party.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5595533-146/kalus_return_to_pdp_is_act.csp

President Goodluck Jonathan has, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, sent congratulations to former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Nelson Mandela, and the government and people of South Africa, as the world celebrates his 92nd birthday today.

Mr Jonathan described Mr Mandela as an exemplary statesman and selfless leader, whose invaluable contributions to human endeavour continue to earn him international repute and goodwill. He also praised his leadership vision, strength of character, and noble ideals which saw him overcome the torturous struggle for peace and freedom to become the first President of post-apartheid South Africa. President Jonathan also hailed the United Nations for establishing the Nelson Mandela International Day in honour of the former South African President and his contributions to peace and freedom in South Africa and across the world. “Nelson Mandela remains an example of selflessness and an inspiration to millions all over the world. His legacies continue to inspire people all over the world,” Mr. Jonathan said. He urged all to use the Nelson Mandela International Day to reflect on selfless service to humanity above personal interests, while wishing the celebrant Divine strength and guidance for the years ahead.

Mandela celebrates

Surrounded by members of his family, Nelson Mandela celebrated his 92nd birthday at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg. Mr Mandela started off his day by receiving visits from old friends, including former Zambian Prime Minister, Kenneth Kaunda. Various other invited guests brought him gifts and cards.

He was later serenaded by a large group of his grand-children and great-grandchildren, most of whom wore Nelson Mandela Day T-shirts to mark the first United Nations Nelson Mandela International Day. Many of Mr Mandela’s family had been out volunteering at community projects before they arrived at his private birthday party.

After singing “Happy Birthday dear granddad,” the children were joined in their applause by the man of the moment. After two of his youngest great-granddaughters tried unsuccessfully to blow out the candles themselves, they helped by a group of older ones. Mr Mandela and his wife Graca Machel also marked their 12th wedding anniversary. They were joined at the private celebration by his second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Before the main party got underway in a marquee erected in the garden, prayers were said by various ministers of religion. The occasion also marked a commemoration of the passing away since the 1940s of various members of the family.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5595681-146/jonathan_hails_mandela_at_92_.csp

Seven people were killed on Saturday morning when unknown persons attacked Maza, a village in Jos North Local Government of Plateau State.


The attack on the sleepy and mountainous village, also left 10 others injured, while some houses were burnt.


"We are just coming out of the village; it is a difficult terrain really. There isn't much to say. This incident is just sad,'' Kingsley Umoh, Spokesman for the Military Special Task Force (STF) charged with maintaining peace in Jos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).


Mr. Umoh's figure, however, differs with that of the State Government, who announced that 10 people were killed while another 10 sustained serious injuries.

Some reports said the dead included the family of a Christian priest.

Witnesses said the men attacked the family of Nuhu Dawat in the village of Mazah, 12km (7 miles) from the state capital of Jos, killing his wife, two children and a grandson.

The priest ran for his life, later telling Reuters: "I leave everything to God to judge."

Plateau State Police Commissioner Gregory Anyating told Reuters the authorities were trying to find out "the root causes of the violence", but it had not spread to other villages.

"The attack is nothing unusual; it is just another attempt to destroy the peace Plateau people have been enjoying in the past months,'' Mr. Gregory said.

He said that those injured were being treated at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.


"It is an embarrassing situation. Just when we thought we had found peace, we suddenly have to cope with another ugly situation," he said.


The Commissioner, who appealed to the people to remain calm, and not to take the law into their hands, called for more vigilance from the STF to prevent a recurrence.


http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/5595518-147/sevenkilled_in_fresh_attack_in_jos.csp

Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said the refusal of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to support his 2011 presidential aspiration has not bothered him, saying, “I am used to being betrayed.”

Fielding questions from journalists at his Hilltop residence in Minna , Niger State, yesterday, Babangida said he had taken it just like any other betrayal he had suffered in the past even from brothers and friends.
“One thing with me is that I was tutored to always believe in you waking up in the morning and things work perfectly for you, it is a bonus.

A friend, a brother, can always betray you. The day I wake up and it doesn’t happen, I rest. If it happens, it does not bother me because my mind has been made.” Babangida recalled that he had known Obasanjo since he (IBB) was a junior officer.

“We were very loyal to our superiors, attached by professional bond. I knew him closely. He was such a guiding light when we were growing up and serving under the late General Murtala Mohammed, up till the time he became Head of State and handed over to Shagari. “When he was sent to prison and later released, some of us felt Nigeria needed a man like him, a man of strong character, experience, commitment, and belief in Nigeria.” Above all, his name was not new to Nigerians.

“That is why we started to mobilize for him because of our belief in him and we did that until he was elected president. “Honestly I don’t want to use the word betrayal because even now we still greet and talk about Nigeria , but it is true as a human being, I have the right to feel betrayed if he does not support me.” Still on betrayal, Babangida described the recent comments by the PDP Assistant National Auditor, Dr. Godwin Daboh as “nothing new, it is vintage Daboh.”

“My only advice is that Jonathan himself should be careful with Daboh. I hope he will not turn against Jonathan even before the end of this year. “Daboh is my friend, I can never get worried or angry with him, he is a man I know so well,” IBB said, going ahead to reveal to journalists certain antics of Daboh which he pleaded were not for publication. “If you know Daboh and his antics the way I do, you will see why I can never feel betrayed by somebody like him. He can still come into this house anytime he wishes to come back.”

Meanwhile Babangida had informed his numerous associates friends and supporters nation-wide that he is irrevocably committed to 2011 presidential aspiration under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the press statement issued on behalf of Babangida by Prince Kassim Afegbua his media spokesman. It stated that at no time did General Babangida contemplate of withdrawing from the race nor change from the party PDP and that who are peddling rumours about his possible withdrawal from the race are at best mischief makers and sycophants who are profiting from the present political scenarios to create unnecessary distraction to the general and his overwhelming supporters.

Babangida said his determination was to pursue his aspiration to a logical conclusion that the country needs an experienced hand to pilot the affairs. He noted that his campaign would dwell more on those issues that could provoke the necessary imperatives and initiatives to confront the developmental challenges that the country face as a nation.

“I hold my supporters in high esteem and I have made a solemn resolve not to disappoint them this time around as the 2011 elections draw near. I have weighed all the options before I took the decision to contest and I will not renege on those assurances which my overwhelming supporters have given me,” he noted.

The presidential aspirant also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to focus attention on the compilation of a voters’ register that would accommodate all would be voters in the coming election. Saying that the credibility of the electoral process would start from the voters’ registration process. While Babangida also reassure all his supporter and followers that he would not disappoint them.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/19/national-19-07-2010-002.htm

The four kidnapped journalists and their driver, who were abducted eight days ago, were released in the early hours of Sunday in Ukpakiri in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

However, before their release, the journalists were robbed of their belongings, including slippers and shoes and the sum of N3 million found on them. They also lost the Toyota Sienna bus in which they travelled, to the kidnappers.

Looking unkempt, the victims expressed happiness that they came out alive to meet their colleagues and reunite with their families.
The Lagos state Chairman of the NUJ, Mr Wahab Oba, who narrated their ordeal said they stayed in the kidnappers den with their hopes rising and falling. Shortly after, they were brought to the Police headquarters in Umuahia by a team of policemen.

According to him, the victims were called up at about 1.30 am on Sunday and informed that they were to be released. “We were dropped in a bush in the area. But we came out of the bush around 6.a.m. and walked into the community. Oba, said “we had to lie down inside the bush untill 6 am when we called the attention of some people in the area who took us to the community leader who later handed us over to the police when we told them that we were the journalists that were kidnapped. He said the abductors collected all they had on shared among themselves there and then.

Even though they were not maltreated by the men who seized them, the Lagos Council Chairman said they were completely blindfolded and kept under trees where they were either drenched by the rain or beaten by the sun, including their abductors. “They kept moving us every two hours due to the pressure from police and security operatives and we were blindfolded each time. So, we did not know where they were taking us to at any point in time.”

The Lagos NUJ boss narrated further, “the youths told us that they were only agitated by the affairs of the state, but not interested in the N250 million ransom they requested for.” They called on the Federal Government to adequately equip the police, to make them battle ready for the kidnappers, considering the sophisticated weapons they had. “All the guns I am seeing with the police here are the least we saw with these boys, who were just in their twenties. Only one of them looked like a 30 year old.”

Also speaking, Abia State NUJ Chairman, Mr Hyacinth Okoli commended the police and government for their efforts in ensuring the release of the journalists. He disagreed that the kidnappers were in crime because they were angry with the government. “This is a case of people who have resolved to commit crime since they failed to key into the state government’s amnesty programme,” Okoli said.

Oba said that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers, but disclosed the hoodlums collected about N3 million they had on them. He said, they also lost wristwatches, laptops and other valuables, which the abductors shared among themselves.


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/19/national-19-07-2010-001.htm

Sections of the former military president, Ibrahim Babangida’s campaign organisation collapsed at the weekend as state coordinators of his campaign in the 2007 general election, at the weekend, dumped him for President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign team.

The former Babangida state campaign coordinators, led by Ernest Khuemen Okojie, described Mr Jonathan as the “Joshua of this time whom God has ordained to lead the Nigeria to the promise land.” “We were formally working for IBB, but few hours ago we are now wearing Jonathan,” he said. Mr. Okojie, who spoke in Abuja at a meeting with leader of the Niger Delta, Edwin Clark and other leaders of the Ijaw nation, said Mr Jonathan would “free this country from bad rulers to good governance where everyone will feel a sense of inclusiveness, be happy and proud.” “I, E.K. Okojie, the Chairman and National Coordinator of the defunct IBB Presidential Campaign Organisation is here with 35 out of the 37 state coordinators to join hands with all the all the progressives and, the hitherto marginalized people of this country, both north and south to work hard to ensure President Goodluck Jonathan becomes President in 2011,” he said. Mr. Okojie said some of the northerners agitating that Mr Jonathan cannot contest are “unreasonable, greedy and unpatriotic. That Jonathan will be the President of the great country Nigeria come 2010 is God’s decision.”

Momentum behind Jonathan

Mr. Clark said the switch indicates that momentum has now swung behind Jonathan. “Today is one of the happiest days in my life,” he said. “The IBB campaign groups have resolved to work for Jonathan. No section of this country is against Jonathan contesting the election.” Some Northern elders had, during the Northern Political Summit on the Roadmap to 2011 in Kaduna, recently thrown their weight behind a Goodluck Jonathan presidency. They argued that the zoning policy that produced the presidency of Umaru Yar’Adua, and the then Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan was an inseparable ticket and, therefore, the demise of one did not invalidate the privileges of the remaining beneficiary of that agreement.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5595669-146/supporters_dump_ibb_for_jonathan_.csp

Nigerians should consider the parliamentary system as an alternative route to its redemption, a former judge of the International Court of Justice, Bola Ajibola, has declared.


Speaking at the launch of a book titled ‘Leadership Failure and Nigeria's Fading Hope," authored by Femi Okunrounmu, a former senator, Mr. Ajibola suggested that the parliamentary system and its attributes more probably suit the country's needs as a nation.

"We are not as deep into the wilderness as not to be able to retrace our steps," he said.

He described the corruption sleaze and the brawls in the National Assembly as some of the practices of politicians, which are "terribly despairing and despicable."

"It is difficult to imagine that this is the nation that I served conscientiously and meritoriously for six years, without taking any salary or remuneration whatsoever. On the contrary, I also engaged the services of three legal practitioners to work for government being paid for by me," he said.

Mr. Ajibola said that the hope of securing the dividends of democracy from the present crop of leaders was a gradually evaporating dream. He, however, described as not surprising the fact that "thirty percent of the national budget is expended on the political class, which is less than one percent of the total population."

Mr. Okunrounmu accused federal lawmakers of only uniting when they have loot to share.

"The truth is that they are all birds of the same flock, united in the ignoble cause of carting away the people's money, but quarrelling only when one group finds itself at a disadvantage over purely personal issues unrelated to performing their roles as legislators," he said.

"It is an irony that all our rulers are automatically given the highest national award, the GCFR, just for being rulers, regardless of performance. Or is the GCFR to be understood to mean the Grand Corruptor of the Federal Republic?"

Poor judgement

He also described the plan to celebrate the 50 years of Nigeria's independence as a poor judgement to celebrate failure, and that to do so with a whopping N10 billion is criminal.

The book launch was well attended by most Afenifere leaders, Femi Falana, Gani Fawehinmi's wife and his first son, who purchased ten copies of the book for the late lawyer's library.

The former presidential aspirant in the All Peoples's Party, Harry Akande, who was the chief launcher at the event, said the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest for the presidency is not the problem, but the fact of how fair it is going to be when the umpire is also a part of the game.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5585325-147/ajibola_advocates_return_to_parliamentary_system.csp

The choice of Okwesilieze Nwodo, by the Peoples' Democratic Party Board of Trustees, as the next national chairman is an indication that the party now places merit and integrity in the choice of its leaders, a former national publicity secretary of the party, Emmanuel Ibeshi has said.


Mr Ibeshi said in Abuja at the weekend that Mr Nwodo, who was the pioneer secretary of the party, stands out among other contenders for the chairmanship position and (Nwodo) will reposition the party.

"There couldn't have been a better choice of chairman at this redefining moment of our national psyche for the ruling party, he said, adding "It is obvious that the ruling party is on the road to charting a clear road map towards a lasting legacy of making merit and integrity the fulcrum of leadership choice. I congratulate the BOT for this bold step in settling for Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo whose antecedents in medical practice stand him out. His brief reign over Enugu State as governor in the botched Third Republic is another testimony. His pioneering effort as first elected National Secretary of our great party can be attested to by those of us who worked closely with him as colleagues in the Gemade-led National working Committee (NWC)."

Mr Ibeshi noted that the 50th year in the life of a nation, "is too precious to allow for gaffes that mutate mediocrity and produce a hopeless future for our younger generations that are by all means in a hurry for self and national rediscovery."

A new era

The former party spokesperson also said that an the party's current leadership would reposition it in the part to healing, rediscovery, and repositioning for expected democratic deliverables whose dearth, according to him had left voters confidence badly shaken in the political experience that has lasted the nation 10 years with unbroken military support.

He appealed to the supporters of the other contenders to join Mr Nwodo when he eventually assumes office in moving the party forward.

"May I will use this opportunity to advise our teeming members who had supported other candidates who failed to emerge as Dr. Nwodo to please sheath their swords and rather join hands to support the new spirit being injected by the President, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP Board of Trustees to move our party and nation forward," he said.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/Politicz/5580315-147/nwodos_choice_will_set_pdp_on.csp

The leadership of the Action Congress (AC) has said the party will field a strong candidate against President Goodluck Jonathan if the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fields him as its candidate. The party however refused to comment on whether Nuhu Ribadu, former anti-graft czar, was a primary contender for its presidential ticket.



A guarded affair

The National Chairman of the party, Bisi Akande, who addressed the press in Abuja yesterday, said that the PDP has again foisted another crisis on the country as a result of its zoning arrangement. He also accused Mr. Jonathan of being too "inconsistent." Mr. Akande said that the AC has closely watched as the PDP has tried to elevate the internal problem within the party to the level of national discourse. "It has become an unnecessary distraction," he said. The ruling party, he remarked, is being pushed by a large pool of confusion that may rapidly swell into "the abyss of destabilization, disunity and abject poverty." He added that the PDP has allowed the daunting challenges of unemployment, poverty and security challenges to go unchecked. Instead, he said, it has shifted its focus on where the presidency should be zoned to.

Mr. Akande did not directly address which AC party members are likely to run for office but took another swipe at the PDP by saying that zoning is not an issue. "We have 50 well qualified presidential candidates drawn from various parts of the country, he said. "We are out to encourage and persuade a younger generation of Nigerians to seize the moment and fashion out creative and practicable solutions to the myriads of problems facing the country." Mr. Akande added that good and capable hands abound across the country, irrespective of geo-political location or ethnic background.

According to him, while the ruling party has stolen enough and is presently fighting on sharing formula for the heist, those of them in AC have set up a high level committee to go round the entire country to consult widely on what should be their attitude to the issue of geopolitical, religion and ethnic separateness. On the rumoured merger between the Progressive People's Alliance and PDP, he disclosed that the AC face pressure to merge with other political parties, associations, groups and individuals.

"We are keeping this in view with an aim of expanding membership composition and renewing our thinking horizon about leadership roles that would encompass inspiring a shared vision and keeping hope alive," he said.</

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5594633-147/ac_to_unveil_jonathans_opponent_.csp

Senate President, David Mark, has come under fire for his call on the Federal Government to consider imposing a regime of emergency rule in the states of the South East where kidnapping has become intractable.

Reacting to the Senate President’s position yesterday, Chief Charles Ahize, the leader of Obigbo, a pan-Igbo socio-political group, said Mark was either anti-Igbo or has yet to appreciate the reality on ground as it related to the menace of kidnapping.

Ahize, who spoke in a telephone interview, wondered “why a high-ranking officer of the Federal Republic, as senior as the third citizen of this country, would display such utter lack of sensitivity and total ignorance over an issue that is at the heart of the continued co-existence of the various groups in the country.”

He asked: “On how many states of other zones, where they have made it a habit of wasting lives with gusto, and at regular intervals, has the Senate President called for the imposition of state of emergency?”

Is it not before our very eyes that all manners of religious bigots make several other states ungovernable? How many of those other places did they impose emergency rule? Why must it now be in the South-East that everyone is talking of imposing state of emergency, even as the authorities have yet to offer any sustainable solution to the problem at hand?”

According to Ahize, the solution to the problem of kidnapping in the South East zone, especially in Imo, Anambra and Abia, lies in both men and material. “Although it is a tough decision to make, I think the first step to solving the problem would be for the Inspector General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo, to post out all the policemen in those states”, he said.

The reason for this, he insists, is that the police know the kingpins of this menace and have become a part of the problem. “They are always shielding these people. They wine and dine with them everyday and are even on the payroll of some of them.

Ahize said it was only after the police leadership had addressed this problem of its personnel that it could then take up the issue of equipment and gadgets with which the policemen need to function effectively.
“Hoodlums can’t be roaming over the place with sophisticated weapons and you’ll be expecting the baton-bearing policemen to arrest them with his bare hands, Ahize said.”

He continued: “The whole place is swarming with police checkpoints and roadblocks but you discover that from one checkpoint to the next one – sometimes, just 25 metres away, there is no walkie talkie or any communication gadget to link them.”

He said the Federal Government, rather than consider the “insincere calls for the imposition of emergency rule,” should genuinely try to address the problem.” “Sometimes,” he pointed out, the solution could even lie in just fixing the federal road that cuts through an area.
“The solution can never be emergency rule,” Ahize stressed.


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/16/national-07-16-2010-011.htm

Inspector-General of Police Mr. Ogbonna Onovo yesterday in Enugu said that his men have closed in on the kidnappers who abducted four journalists and a driver last Sunday in Abia State.
The IGP who spoke while addressing members of the Enugu police command said his men have seen the location where the journalists are kept but are cautious not to strike at the hideout because of the fear of having casualties.

He said that there have been positive developments looking for them. “So we are hoping that they will be lucky enough to rescue them today; it has been raining all day and the policemen and members of the other security agencies, are all out there in that location; that’s what we are doing and we are keeping our fingers crossed to see what will happen.
“Like I told you, the essence of the whole effort is to recover these men alive. If there has to be a shoot-out we have to be really very careful because if any one of them is killed in the shootout the essence is defeated.

On the involvement of expatriates in the search Onovo said: “People are getting it very wrong; we have members of the Interpol working with us; the Interpol assist all police forces in the world. Where you have a problem you can ask the Interpol to assist, so there is no question of Israeli out there to assist; if you see a white man there…the world has become a global village and police assist each other in terms of equipment and training.”
He blamed the Igbo’s for the current wave of kidnapping in the country and urged the police in Enugu to rededicate themselves to duty and put in their best in the battle against kidnapping.

“There was a time we had the problem of armed robbery, car snatching, burglary and stealing but today what is happening in the South East is kidnapping. The south east is the only place where I have this problem; all other parts of the country we have taken control and the policemen are doing well.
“The question we must ask ourselves is why the menace has become permanent in the zone and why we are unable to control it. All the kidnappers arrested so far in the South East are Igbos; Igbos killing themselves in Igboland. Is it a political factor, that every person must make money by all means?”

“Even kidnapping in other places have been traced to Igbo boys; in far away Malaysia a Nigerian student was kidnapped and they made call back to the Nigeria demanding money. When the Malaysians arrested the kidnappers they were Igbo boys from Nigeria here. In South Africa it is the same: so is it in our blood? “
While commending the Enugu Command the IG announced that he would withhold the promotions of policemen in some State of the South East who are not living up to expectations in fighting crime especially as it concerns kidnapping.

He vowed to ensure that the affected states which he refused to disclose do not benefit from the recent promotion of over 46,000 policemen between the ranks of Constable and Inspectors across the country.
He promised to ensure that Enugu command receive the list of those promoted immediately and urged them to work hard to improve on the performance assuring them of better encouragement from the police.
Onovo announced that all the roadblocks in the zone would soon be removed having failed to play any positive role in checking the activities of kidnappers in the South East.



http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/16/national-07-16-2010-002.htm

Lets see what interpol will do

Hopes that the kidnapped officials of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) would be freed soon were kindled yesterday, as the abductors slashed the ransom from N250 million to N30 million.
National President of the NUJ, Mohammed Garuba, who spoke with Daily Sun on telephone from Umuahia said the kidnapped journalists are also in good health. He said he spoke with Mr. Wahab Alabi Oba twice yesterday.

To achieve the reduction of the ransom to N30 million, Garuba said intense negotiation was entered into with the kidnappers which finally yielded result as the demand was eventually slashed from N250million to N150 million, then to N100 million, N50 million before finally settling for N30 million.
He said that negotiation is still on to further reduce the ransom but added that the NUJ is ready to give the kidnappers what they demand in other to free the union officials. However, he said the police have placed its searchlight on the NUJ officials to ensure that the ransom is not paid.
Garuba said the NUJ is making effort to ensure that the abducted journalists are released without any incident, adding that the kidnappers are now more friendly with the officials of the union.

He said that the International Police (INTERPOL) have arrived Abia State to join in the effort to secure their release, adding that the state governor, Dr, Theodore Orji has urged the union and the families of the kidnapped persons to remain calm as the government is working towards securing their release. But he declined to stick out his neck on the actual time they would be released. He said the main problem is that the kidnappers are continually changing base.
He, however, called on the Federal Government to sanction the community where the kidnapped persons are being held, explaining that the community according to investigations is notorious for abduction of persons in the state.
He named the community as Umuafo-Ukwu community in Obi-Ngwa area of Abia State, explaining that two youth leaders of the community who wanted to offer assistance to the security agencies with information, were killed by unknown persons.

According to the national president, the two youth leaders were killed on separate dates, with the recent being on Wednesday July 14, 2010. He said the community is not cooperating with the security agencies going by their actions against the youth leaders.
He described the kidnap in the Umuafo-Ukwu community as a ring which would only take the intervention of government to break, especially with investigations showing that it is a community-based business.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/july/16/national-07-16-2010-001.htm

The members of the south-south parliamentary caucus in the House of Representatives have supported the ex-militants who held a protest march in Abuja last week.



They asked that the former militants be included in the post-amnesty programme of the federal government.

The federal lawmakers also canvassed the immediate commencement of remedial works on the bad portions of the East-West Road before the dry seasons sets in.

During a visit to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, in Abuja, on Thursday, the caucus members, led by the chairman, Andrew Uchendu (PDP, Rivers), regretted the protest by the ex-militants to Abuja, and urged the minister to rehabilitate them with a view to re-integrating them into the society.

Those that made the visit, apart from Mr. Uchendu were Daniel Reyenieju (PDP, Delta), Patrick Ikhariale (PDP, Edo), and Patty Etete (PDP, Akwa Ibom).

According to them, the protesting ex-militants should be registered for the ongoing training and rehabilitation programme. They noted that their rehabilitation will not only reduce perennial crisis in the oil-bearing Niger Delta region, but also return the country's oil production level to normal, which in turn would boost the nation's economy.

Carry them along

The lawmakers appealed to Mr. Orubebe to intervene in the disagreement between the special adviser to the president on amnesty programme, Timi Alaibe, and the ex-militants to ensure smooth implementation of the programme, which began under the last president, Umaru Yar'Adua.

On the East-West Road, the caucus members said remedial work should commence, pending the coming of dry season, when the contractors are expected to return to do the main job of constructing the dual carriage way.

Responding, Mr. Orubebe assured that the amnesty programme is not only on course, but will be successfully implemented. He admitted that there were some challenges shortly after the ex-militants surrendered their arms and ammunition, but stated that the challenges were the normal ones associated with the novel ideas in the society.

The minister disclosed that a major component of the post-amnesty programme - the rehabilitation and training of ex-militants - has effectively taken off in two locations. According to him, about 500 ex-militants have began training at a Skill Acquisition Centre in Ondo State, while about that same number are on similar scheme in Obubra, Cross River State.

Mr. Orubebe said that the federal government has already directed contractors handling the various sections of the East-West Road and the major artery across the South-South geo-political zones to take immediate steps towards salvaging the road, to reduce the current stress faced by their users.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5594717-146/south-south_reps_back_protesting_ex-militants_.csp

Goodluck Jonathan has commended security agencies for arresting a suspected kidnapper. Speaking during a banquet organised in his honour at Akwa-Ibom State yesterday, Mr Jonathan said the federal government is doing everything to ensure the trend is checked.

Though he did not disclose if the arrest, made yesterday, is related to the kidnapping of journalists in Abia State, Mr. Jonathan said, "Giving the level of the recent security developments in some part of the country, , internal security agencies are been strengthened to enable them cope adequately with this menace".

A gang of kidnappers had taken three officials of the Nigerian Union of Journalists and their driver hostage on Tuesday. The four were kidnapped while returning from the National Executive Council meeting of the NUJ in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N250million.

The crime has been widely condemned and Mr Jonathan promised that the culprits will be made to face the law, when they are caught.

. "Violent crimes like the very case of kidnapping in some part of the country have no place in Nigeria.," the president said.

"That is why we would not hesitate to bring the full force of the law on the perpetrators whoever they may be. We must ensure enduring peace and security if our nation is to witness meaningful growth and development. "

He added that only good leadership can bring development to the country and called on "leaders - political, religious and traditional - to prove themselves to the ideals of selfless leadership and answer the needs of our people."

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5595032-146/jonathan_declares_war_on_kidnappers_.csp

Nigeria's former military ruler, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has said that if he contests election and wins under the present democratic dispensation, nobody can annul it.



Mr. Babangida, who was responding to questions from journalists shortly after he paid a courtesy call to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, implied that he was able to annul the 1993 election because at that time, he operated as a military ruler.

Mr. Babangida had in 1993 annulled the election of the late Moshood Abiola, who was believed to have won the election.

No room for annulment

Mr. Babangida, who is aspiring to be a democratically elected president in the 2011 polls, said annulling elections woud be impossible under the current democratic dispensation.

He maintained that in a democracy that is dictated by the rule of law, the people's will must prevail at all times.

"I want you to understand two things; this time, my dear friend, we are playing democracy; that is the government of the people,by the people, and for the people, using political parties and the rule of law. So, I can't see anybody annulling my election in a democratic society. Don't forget that I ran a military government," Mr. Babangida said.

He debunked insinuations that a plan is afoot for him to defect to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), saying it is mere speculation.

"It is a speculation. You know you people (journalists) have a very fertile mind and you think about virtually everything. So you know it remains a speculation."

The retired general clarified the north's position on zoning, saying the south started the whole idea about zoning, not the north, and it is because the Peoples' Democratic Party wants to be fair that it adopted zoning.

"The whole idea of zoning started from the south, from those who feared that the north has continued to dominate the political environment since independence. And I think the complaints were genuine, and there was a party which felt that this complaint was genuine and agreed that power should rotate. And then it had the support of the people who wanted fairness, justice, and in the name of getting everybody involved on how to rule the country," he explained.

Emir denies threat to life

Earlier on, Mr. Babangida commiserated with the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, who survived an attempt on his life last weekend.

But the monarch, who expressed gratitude to Babangida for the visit, denied reports of an attempt on his life, saying it is just a figment of the imagination of those within the media circle.

"I know why you are here; you read in the papers that someone wanted to attack me, but we here are not aware of that. We finished our prayers and got home, before we heard in the media. I was surprised. If the person was there to do something, would he have stood up to say this is what he is to do?" Bayero asked.

The Emir then asked for prayers for the visiting retired general, advising journalists to be always sure of their news item before going to press.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5594663-146/nobody_can_annul_my_election_ibrahim.csp

Perhaps with this example my people and my Government will learn that HONOR is derived from selflessness and service,and it is congruent to good purpose for the good of alland not synonymous to wealth,position,affluence,group,club,etc Our Media should also learn to seek good examples like this woman and potray her as role models to emulate rather than those who lure the press with envelopes for media esposure.

Mr Nafada made a significant statement there "The problem of Nigeria is corruption" which is unarguably the reason for Nigeria's current undeveloped state after 50yrs of independence. It is only when the mentality of the common Nigerian 2wards money changes and corruption is eradicated from both the private n public sectors of the nation that we can start building to become 1 of the world's most developed. I wont say more than that.