₦airaland Forum

NIGERIAN Youths, both Christians and Muslims, Tuesday, stormed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the ongoing amendment at the National Assembly (NASS) of the Sharia Laws, insisting that alteration of section 262 and 277 of the 1999 Constitution as amended is Islamization. The bill sponsored by Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Salame of Sokoto state seeking the increase in jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the FCT and Sharia Court of the states as it borders on the criminal justice system of the nation on the premises of the ‘Hudud and Qisas which are doctrines drawn from the books of the Holy Qur’an had passed the second reading by 19 May, 2016 on the floor of the house and now referred to the appropriate committee for consideration. Reacting to this, the protesters in their hundred, under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society and Faith Based Organization (CCSFBO), staged peaceful protest from the Unity Fountain to NASS Complex, carrying placard with various inscriptions; “Christians and Muslims are one”, “Do not alter section 262 and 277”, “Don’t abuse our freedom”, “We love Nigeria, we love our unity”, etc. Addressing newsmen during the rally, in Abuja, the Convener, Obande Gideon said “It beats our imagination that the leadership of the house will watch and encourage the introduction of a religious doctrine into the constitution of this great nation knowing fully well that we are a multi religious nation. “With the clear picture that some of the suggestions of the Sharia law for example; amputation and stoning to death etc are dehumanization, we see this as a clear and deliberate attempt to heat up the polity of this country bearing in mind that we have suffered a lot of crisis on religious lines. “We see this as a direct infringement on our fundamental human right as every citizen of this great nation is entitled to the freedom of worship, we thereby see the above move of engrafting the provisions of the sharia law into the sections 262 and 277 as a direct imposition of an Islamic doctrine on the Nigerian people and especially the Christian Community in Nigeria. “Though disappointed at the silence of those from other religious extraction in the house and those we consider as noble people in the House of Representatives despite their religious affiliation, we are totally disappointed that the Speaker and his team of leaders in the 8th assembly will allow an amendment that will temper with the rights of Nigerians despite the support and solidarity he has enjoyed from Nigerians which is totally devoid of religious or ethnic sentiments.” Also speaking, a representative of Muslim community, Ibrahim Dallah faulted the ongoing amendment, saying when people and even the government are trying to see that Nigerians live in harmony irrespective of the faiths, people of parliament should not be the one throwing cog in the wheel of progress. He urged both the leaders and the led to always strive towards peaceful coexistence in the country without recourse to religious or ethnic sentiments.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/christian-muslim-youths-storm-abuja-over-proposed-alteration-to-sharia-laws/

Crixina:
Chief of staff?

I thought chief of staff is supposed to be young, vibrant and smart.

There is no constitutional requirement like that bro. It seems the Chief of Staff is older than his oga (PMB) -subject to confirmation though.

Op, looks like it's Alhaji Abba Kyari who is Chief of Staff to PMB. Probably briefing him as part of absence management.

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3 KJV.

A 74-year old Igbo market woman, Mrs Bridget Agbahime, was on Thursday beheaded at Kofar Wambai Market, Kano, by an irate mob, who accused her of blaspheming Prophet Mohammed.

The incident occurred at about 4.30pm when traders were about to close for the day’s business.

While condemning such an act, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria described it as barbaric and wondered why such gruesome and barbaric incident always featured in Kano, a foremost commercial city in the country.



However, Kano, is not the only city or state in the country where people have been killed in the name of religion.

Here are ten gruesome religious killings witnessed in the country since January 2000:

2000 Kaduna riots (21 February-23 May 2000)

The riot followed a proposal to adopt the Sharia law in the state. The proposal led to a violent clash between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State. It is unclear how many people were killed. It is estimated that between 1,000 to 5,000 people died.

2001 Jos riots (7–17 September 2001)

These riots involved Christians and Muslims who clashed violently in Jos, over the appointment of a Muslim politician, Alhaji Muktar Mohammed, as local coordinator of the federal poverty alleviation program. The clashes started on September 7 and lasted nearly two weeks, ending on 17 September.

More than 1,000 people were killed during the riots.

2001

Miss World riots in Kaduna (November 22, 2002)

The Miss World riots were a series of religiously-motivated riots in Kaduna in November 2002, claiming the lives of more than 200 people.

The controversial Miss World beauty pageant, which was meant to be held in Kaduna, was relocated to London after bloody clashes between Muslims and Christians, caused by what some Muslims deemed to be a “blasphemous” article in a Christian newspaper about the event.

The Miss World riots were part of the Sharia Conflict, that started in 1999 when several predominantly Islamic states in Northern Nigeria decided to introduce Sharia law.

2002Yelwa massacre, Yelwa, Shedam and Kano ( February 2, 2004)
The so-called Yelwa massacre was actually a series of related incidents of mass violence between Muslims and Christians which took place in Yelwa, Kano State between February and May 2004, killing over 700 people.

The first incident in the series occurred on February 4, 2004 when armed Muslims attacked the Christians of Yelwa, killing more than 78 of them including at least 48 who were worshiping inside a church compound. According to some sources, the signal for the attack was a call for Jihad from the local mosque.

On May 2, 2004 local Christians responded to the February incident by attacking Muslims in Yelwa, resulting in roughly 630 deaths. According to some sources, Muslim girls were forced to eat pork and other foods forbidden to Muslims and some were even raped.

Yelwa
Muhammad cartoons controversy in Maiduguri (February 18,2006)

The killings began after the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published 12 editorial cartoons on September 30, 2005, most of which depicted Muhammad. The newspaper announced that this was an attempt to contribute to the debate about criticism of Islam and self-censorship.

Muslim groups in Denmark complained, and the issue eventually led to protests around the world, including violent demonstrations and riots in some Muslim countries.

The international crisis reached the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, in which over 50 people were killed and many buildings destroyed or damaged by rioting Muslims.


2008 Jos riots (November 28-29)

The 2008 Jos riots involved Christians and Muslims over the result of a local election on November 29 and 29, 2008 in Jos. Two days of rioting left hundreds injured and at least 761 dead. The Nigerian army was deployed and by November 30 order was restored.


2009 Boko Haram uprising

The 2009 Boko Haram uprising was a conflict between Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group and Nigerian security forces. Violence across several states in northeastern Nigeria left over 1,000 dead, with around 700 killed in the city of Maiduguri alone, according to one military official.

A government inquiry later found that, while long-standing tensions existed between Boko Haram and the Nigerian Security forces, the immediate cause of the violence stemmed from an incident in which a group of the sect’s members were stopped by police in the city of Maiduguri as they were on the way to the cemetery to bury a comrade.

The officers, part of a special operation aimed at stamping out violence and rampant crime in Borno State, demanded that the young men comply with a law requiring motorcycle passengers to wear helmets. They refused and, in the confrontation that followed, several people were shot and wounded by police.

According to initial media reports the violence began on July 26 when Boko Haram launched an attack on a police station in Bauchi state, with clashes between militants and the Nigeria Police Force spreading to Kano, Yobe and Borno soon after.

2010 Jos riots

The 2010 Jos riots were clashes between Muslim and Christian ethnic groups near the city of Jos. Since 2001, the area has been plagued by violence motivated by multiple factors.The clashes have been characterised as “religious violence” by many news sources, although others cite ethnic and economic differences as the root of the violence.

The first spate of violence of 2010 started on 17 January in Jos and spread to surrounding communities. Houses, churches, mosques and vehicles were set ablaze, during at least four days of fighting. At least 326 people, and possibly more than a thousand, were killed.

Hundreds of people died in fresh clashes in March 2010. According to The New York Times, the slaughtered villagers were mostly Christians, slain by machete attacks from groups of Hausa-Fulani Muslim herdsmen.Hundreds more fled the area in case the perpetrators returned.

December 2011 Nigeria attacks

A series of attacks occurred on Christmas Day church services in northern Nigeria on 25 December 2011. There were bomb blasts and shootings at churches in Madalla, Jos, Gadaka, and Damaturu. A total of 41 people were reported dead.

The Muslim sect, Boko Haram claimed responsibility.

Yobe Federal Government College attack (February 25, 2014)

On February 25, 2014, fifty-nine boys were killed at the Federal Government College of Buni Yadi in Yobe State. The twenty-four buildings of the school were also burned down as a result of the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but according to media and local officials, the Islamist militants, Boko Haram, are suspected to be behind the attack.

http://www.punchng.com/10-gruesome-killings-name-religion/

Davoski222:
ur a fool.

Davoski, please never be provoked to call anyone a fool. Never: "whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire" (Matthew 5:22). The GS (Pastor Kumuyi) wouldn't support calling anyone that. That said, I am sure he hasn't sat under the Pastor's preaching. I invite all to hook up to the Monday Bible Study tonight and be blessed on this special occasion.
Live from Warri, Delta State http://webcast.dclm.org/ or http://www.dclm.org/

Don't mind this Liberation Force! Who is a kid? Tompolo is not in any Libya.

An 828 square meter land located in a prime area of Mpape (in close proximity to Maitama area) situated at Plot No E49 Cadastral Zone 08-06 is available for urgent sale. Title document is R of O.

This land is in a very strategic area and fully built up with big commercial concerns. It is the only available in that area and owner is in need of cash so you can strike a good deal.


Call Mr Mathew on 08035888420 for inspection and document verification.



N25m is asking price(negotiable).

He moved from Uyo to Port Harcourt later yesterday and held the "Rivers of Peace" crusade at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology last night. I think he will be at Warri, Delta State today (Monday, 6th June) and Benin, Edo State on Wednessday (8th June) but I'm not sure of any events planned for Tuesday. He is on an evangelistic tour of the South South. "As his days are, so shall his strength be".

The level of promiscuity, moral levity, laxity and decadence in our society is simply mind-boggling. It's sick and nauseating.
The first change required for national rebirth is repentance and salvation through the gospel.

This is not the best of times for the Nigerian middle class as the they grapple with the surge in prices of used cars which increased by 51 percent between January and May, 2016. The trend signals a clear pricing-out of a larger segment of a population hit by non-payment of salaries and salary cuts.

http://businessdayonline.com/2016/06/nigerian-middle-class-squeezed-as-used-car-prices-rise-51/

By Sola Ogundipe A bra may not be the safest place to keep your smartphone. Neither is a pants or trousers pocket. As a woman, there is a very good reason why you should never put your smartphone in your bra. There is increasing evidence linking radiation from smartphones and breast cancer. As a man, it should interest you to know that your smartphone should never be kept in your the pockets of your pants or trousers. Caution The reason for this caution has to do with the growing evidence showing that radiation from smartphones can have an adverse effect on sperm production in the testes. Almost everyone owns a smartphones today in what is considered a “normal” social life. It has become an accepted addiction. But is it a healthy addiction? What does the evidence show about long-term exposure to cellphone radiation and the risk of cancer or other health problems? Avoid using your smartphone any how...Avoid using your smartphone any how… It’s a mixed bag, really, however, there is growing scientific evidence that improper usage of smartphones could be potentially hazardous to health. Cellphones emit Radio Frequency energy—or non-ionizing radiation that is absorbed by tissues nearest to where the phone is held. Several developed countries have already enacted safety ordinances warning of potential hazards. Lately, there are convincing arguments about the need to give recommendations of the minimum separation distance that a cellphone should be held from the body in order to limit radio frequency exposure to safe levels. Further, there are established links between cellphones and sperm quality as shown by the International Union against Cancer, IUCC. Breast cancer risk A February 2015 study, looked at the effects of mobile phone and Wi-Fi radiation on existing breast cancer cells and found the closer in distance the RF exposure was to the skin, the greater the damage to the underlying cells. Specifically, it found radiation increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), which impairs the ability of cells to repair them, which has been proven to contribute to cancer development. In 2011, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radio frequency like that emitted by cellphones as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The safe recommendation is that anyone concerned about cancer risk, should simply try to limit their exposure. A particular American study of four women who had been diagnosed with multifocal invasive breast cancer under the age of 40 after routinely storing their cellphones in their bras. None of the patients had a family history of breast cancer, and they all tested negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are linked to about 10 percent of breast cancer cases. Sperm cell reduction risk Numerous studies show that mobile phones carried in pockets of pants and/or worn on belts could result in loss of quantity and quality of active sperm cells by men. There have been established link between cellphones and sperm quality which shows that heavy mobile phone users (over four hours per day) have significantly less viable sperm. This is corroborated by a prospective study of normal men who found that significantly increasing their mobile phone use (over six hours each day for five days) caused a marked short-term reduction of sperm quality. The bottom line is that men, who use mobile phones on a regular basis are believed to lose about 30 per cent of their active sperm cells. Persons who carry their mobile phones in pockets of their pants are putting their potency at great danger. Scientists say that even in sleep mode, the mobile phone is as harmful as when switched on. Tips on safe use of smartphones By carrying or using your phone in your pants or shirt pocket or tucked into a bra when the phone is switched on and connected to a wireless network, you may unwittingly exceed the recommended guidelines for exposure to radio frequency radiation. * While talking on your smart phone, try to keep the phone away from your body as much as possible. Whenever possible, use the speaker-phone mode or a wired headset (not a Bluetooth). * Avoid using your smartphone when the signal is weak or when moving at high speed, such as in a car or train, as this automatically increases power to a maximum as the phone repeatedly attempts to connect to a new relay antenna. * Avoid carrying your smartphone on your body at all times. Do not keep it near your body at night such as under the pillow or on a bedside table, particularly if pregnant. You can also put it on “flight” or “off-line” mode, which stops electromagnetic emissions. * If you must carry your smartphone on you, make sure that the keypad is positioned toward your body and the back is positioned toward the outside so that the transmitted electromagnetic fields move away from you rather than through you. * Only use your smartphone to establish contact or for conversations lasting a few minutes. * Switch sides regularly while communicating on your smartphone to spread out your exposure. Before putting your smartphone to the ear, wait until your correspondent has picked up. This limits the power of the electromagnetic field emitted near your ear and the duration of your exposure. * When possible, communicate via text messaging rather than making a call, to limit the duration of exposure and the proximity to the body. * Avoid using your smartphone in places like a bus, church, school or market where you can passively expose others to your phone’s electromagnetic fields. * Choose a device with the lowest Specific Absorption Rate, SAR, which is a measure of the strength of the magnetic field absorbed by the body. SAR ratings of your smartphone and indeed most contemporary phones by different manufacturers can be checked here http://sarvalues.com/

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/s-not-smart-put-smartphone-bra-trousers/

Plateau State is blessed with beautiful and impressive rock formations, as well as various other interesting geographical features that make it a good place to unwind. Indeed, the state boasts of natural, scenic vistas and breath-taking sceneries with excellent weather, while the people are rich in cultural and historical heritage.

Riyom rock formation
This is a rock formation that has a unique structure. It is located 25 kilometers along the Jos-Akwanga road. It got its name because it is located in Riyom town. The spectacular nature of the rocks laying on top of each other, always captivates visitors.

Rayfield Holiday Resort


It is one of the exciting places to visit in Jos. The resort is located about 4 kilometres from the city. It has a scenic environment that offers tourists fun activities llike boating, swimming, sun-bathing, horse-riding, sport-fishing and indoor games. The resort has what it takes for leisure and tranquility.

Les Rosiers Bed & Breakfast
The Les Rosiers Bed & Breakfast is ideally located in the GRA of Jos. The old colonial bungalows are situated in the middle of a large compound full of trees and birds. It is a paradise of quietness in the heart of the city. It offers breakfast of all kinds, including African and foreign dishes.

Chinese Garden
It is situated in Jos City along Fidelis Tapgun Road. Everything inside this garden--trees, flowers, all kinds of plants are said to be brought from China. The garden has an impressive range of species of flowers and trees that makes it beautiful and scenic. It also offers African and Chinese dishes. You can also find fresh Fura da Nono.

Vintage Art Gallery
This is located along Tudun Wada Road, housing lots of paintings depicting Nigerian history. There also are paintings depicting the colonial era.

Jos zoological garden
Almost 60-years-old, the Jos Zoological Gardens boast of being the oldest zoo in Nigeria. Located within the city centre, the zoo presently accommodates about 130 animals, including lions, chimpanzees, crocodiles, Hyenas and lots of other animals. From the exterior, the zoological garden is surrounded by trees and a stream that cuts through the edge, providing a natural abode for the animals.

Net Café
Net Café, located in Jos along Ahmadu Bello Way, is not far from the popular Terminus. It’s easy to locate with the big signage over the front door of the European-styled pavilion and with lots of plants at the frontage. The café is airy with a certain arty appeal to it. There were lots of artworks hanging on the walls, with the white lighting producing an ambiance of purity; in corners they have potted plants.
The meals are affordable and placing an order is easy. Net Café has a variety of offerings.

Motna
Near the zoological garden is the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture, (MOTNA), the Jos Monuments Gallery where historical artefacts are preserved and the “100 steps to Afizere settlement,” a stone carved staircase that leads to the top of a hill and is historically said to be the ancestral home of the Afizere tribe when they migrated from Chawai in Southern Kaduna. The sight of antiquated vehicles, mining machines and engines which were either presented to the government of Nigeria, or constructed in Nigeria such as the Locomotive Engine also called Dan Zaria in Hausa, built in 1921 for the Nigeria Railway and an antiquated Ford car presented by Ford Motor Company, Canada on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960 sounds like a worthy adventure.

Assop Falls
If you are coming into Jos from Abuja, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to make a brief stop at Assop waterfalls. Be careful not to miss the entrance as the waterfall is hidden in a forest, surrounded by rocks in the hilly Hawan Kibo Mountains. It was formed by a narrow stream, flowing in between rocks that burst out through a gorge. The Assop waterfall splashes on rocks as it cascades into a large pool of water below. No doubt you will love the power, speed and splendor of the waterfall.

Rayfield Golf Club
If you are golf lover or not, it wouldn’t hurt to visit Nigeria’s oldest golf course at Rayfield. Enjoy a drink and good company then play some golf or, better still, learn to play and have a peep at the Angus Butler Cup, the trophy that put to rest speculations on when the course was established, proving that it was actually in 1913. Besides, on a good day, you are likely to bump into top government functionaries or captains of industry who patronize the facility.

Shere Hills
Shere Hills have undulating rocks and formations with peaks and dips that would excite a mountain climber. It is situated about 10 kilometres east of the Jos metropolis. Its numerous peaks reach a height of about 1,829 metres of 6,001 feet above sea level. The hills make up the highest point of the Jos-Plateau and form the third highest point in Nigeria after Chappal Waddi on the Mambilla Plateau.
Several watercourses and hillocks are scattered among the highlands which adds to the uniqueness of the landscape with its cluster of hamlets and villages tucked in-between.

Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/weekend-mag/things-to-do-if-you-re-in-jos-this-weekend/149631.html#RiWUQYkuBwpP79XQ.99

Its a big shame that sin, adultery and fornication is so openly celebrated and vainly promoted. the depth of man's depravity and vanity is simply incomprehensible. Repent and STOP fornication, sexual promiscuity, immorality and adultery. It is appointed unto man to die once and AFTER that the judgment. Be born again today and right now!

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it has not sacked the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, adding that it is still mediating in the crisis rocking the party.

It added that no section of the PDP constitution gave executive powers or authority to the BoT.

The clarification was made through a statement by the Publicity Department of PDP on behalf of the BoT, led by Sen. Walid Jubrin.

The statement reads in part, “The party wishes to state without any ambiguity that the report is false, null and void as there is no section of the PDP constitution that bequeath executive powers or authority to the Board of Trustees.

“The Board of Trustees is responding to the contradictory court orders against the National Caretaker Committee and the dissolved National Working Committee (NWC) in order not to leave vacuum occasioned by the said court orders.

“This action of taking over the National Secretariat by the BoT began on Tuesday May 31, 2016 pursuant to Part ix, Section (5)(e) of the party constitution (as amended in 2012) which empowers the BoT as the only organ of the party vested with the assets and custodians of such assets.

“For emphasis, the PDP is one and united and the Board of Trustees as the conscience of the party is performing one of its constitutional powers by mediating in the leadership crisis that has befallen the party following the outcome of the just concluded National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“The BoT therefore did not and has not sacked the National Caretaker Committee as alleged by some sections of the media. For more details, please refer to the press statement of the BoT Secretary, Amb. Chief Ojo Maduekwe titled “- To Defect or Not to Defect: The Politics and the Law” dated Wednesday June 1, 2016 in response to the purported defection of some Nationa
http://www.leadership.ng/news/532579/not-sack-markarfis-committee-pdp-bot

The Audu/Faleke Political Organisation has described the invasion of the Kogi State House of Assembly premises by heavily armed soldiers under the guise of providing security cover for the G5 lawmakers as an unfortunate and shameful affront on the constitution of the country.

Heavily armed soldiers were reported to have escorted the G5 legislators from government house in Lokoja to the House of Assembly, barricaded the gates to the assembly and threatened to shoot anyone that moved near the gates including the G15 members and even the police contingent deployed to maintain security in the area.
In a statement released yesterday by the spokes person of the organisation, Hon Duro Meseko, which was made available to THISDAY, it said the action of the soldiers was a direct affront on the rule of law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



“What is happening to our state? Are we back to the Hobessian state where everything is nasty and brutish? How can soldiers paid with taxpayers fund turn themselves to pawns in the hands of political merchants? How can the soldiers disregard a competent order of the Federal High Court in Abuja that restored the G15 back to the leadership of the Kogi Assembly? Why would the soldiers threaten to shoot members of the G15 lawmakers including policemen attached to the assembly? The Chief of Army Staff must investigate this show of shame and bring culprits to book without delay.”
The group expressed concern with the level of impunity going on in the state at all levels and the attendant deafening silence of the federal government.

“Are we saying there is a different type of constitution guiding the affairs of the Governor Yahaya Bello government in Kogi State? Are we saying the rule of law has no space under his administration? For how long are we going to reel under the jackboot of local dictatorship?

“The time has come for well meaning Nigerians to rise up to the brazen attack on the laws of the land by Yahaya Bello led government in Kogi State,” the statement concluded.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/06/02/audufaleke-group-condemns-soldiers-invasion-of-kogi-assembly/

Etern:
Since you are the chief rumour monger tell us.

Sahara Reporters has confirmed it my brother. I am not the chief rumour monger sir.
President Muhammadu Buhari scheduled one-day trip to Ogoniland, Rivers state Senegal for the flag off of Niger Delta clean up has been canceled. A Presidential source told SaharaReporters that President Buhari will be represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo The cancelation is not unconnected to security threats to the President from a newly formed militant group, Niger Delta Avengers who had threatened to kill the President should he step foot in the Niger Delta region.
http://saharareporters.com/2016/06/02/president-buhari-cancels-trip-ogoniland-over-assassination-threats

Etern:
Since you are the chief rumour monger tell us.

My dear brother, if I knew I wouldn't ask. Thank you all the same.

Can anyone confirm or refute rumours that he will now be represented by the Vice President?

The crisis rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly took a new twist yesterday when soldiers escorted the minority lawmakers (G5 caucus) to the Assembly complex for its sitting. The G5 group, at its sitting last week Tuesday had adjourned till yesterday; the same day the G15 who gained entrance to the complex fixed last Thursday for its next sitting. The state commissioner of police, Yakubu Usman sensing trouble had called the two factions together asking them not to come close to the complex as he would seal off the premises to avoid trouble. But the majority Leader of the G5 group, Friday Sani had on Monday took a tour of the assembly complex alongside some security men, where he told newsmen about alleged ‘desecration of chamber by the G15 “ and that his group would sit the following day (yesterday). True to the Police Commissioner’s words, the assembly complex was barricaded up to the point where the G15 were turned back last week. But the G5-led caucus led by Umar Imam returned alongside some soldiers said to be “Army ‘attachees” who engaged the policemen in a heated argument and later cleared the way for the G5 to gain entrance. The soldiers also prevented journalists from entering the premises, besides those who had gained entrance before their arrival and those in the convoy of the G5 Speaker. The G5 latter sat, moved some motions, and the factional Speaker, Umar Imam called on the constituents of the respective G15 members to “recall their representative for allegedly ‘desecrating’ the chamber of the assembly in their last week Thursday sitting and elect ‘better’ hand to represent them.’. Responding, the G15 group alleged assassination attempt on their lives and accused the governor of mobilizing soldiers to protect the G5 members. Majority leader of the House, Kolawole Matthew, who spoke while briefing newsmen, said the Army from the Megumeri Lokoja Command led by one Colonel Usman Fwere, who was summoned to the government House, and asked to protect the G5 members. He claimed the governor had in the morning ordered all staff of the assembly to return home for safety in order not to be affected by the attack that might occur. Kola also claimed some security men stormed the Assembly quarters twice in the early hour of yesterday shooting sporadically in the air and attempted to assassinate some of the G15 members. The G15 press briefing was held under a tree where they camped for fear of being attacked at home. They displayed some remnants of bullet pellets picked after the shooting. They alleged that the attack was done by the security men who drove in vehicles bearing state government number. However, the state governor had denied involvement. The Governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo said, only the President of the country could summon or draft the Army, wondering why the governor could be ascribed such power, “The constitution of Nigeria put into perspective who can order the military. Only the President can do that. Governor Bello is a democrat and not a dictator, nor sponsor or promoter of impunity. So the governor should be dissociated from such security intervention.”

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/kogi-assembly-crisis-worsens-soldiers-escort-g5-sitting/

Why is this particular issue not getting required publicity and pragmatic action? Just don't get it! These guys are now operating with unprecedented impunity and audacity.

I think this case would be a test for the integrity and credibility of government and its avowed anti-corruption crusade. Let the case continue to its logical conclusion and let justice be delivered. Aborting it mid-way for whatever reason, however genuine is bound to raise questions. Although, I confess that I am not naïve not to know that this case wouldn't have gone this far or maybe, even come up for mention at all if Saraki had not contested for the Senate President's office!

Topleague:
IT IS ALL A LIE, PROPAGANDA TO MAKE THEM FEEL IMPORTANT. if you believe then you can believe anything.

My dear sister, I really wish it was a lie but a contact there has confirmed the attack. These guys know the terrain and they are doing maximum damage at minimum cost/risk to them. They don't need any fighting force, just a few bomb/IED experts. Most people don't know the damage these guys have done -Nigeria has lost about 50% oil production at a time when crude oil prices have collapsed. I will never support criminality in any form whether they are from Fulani herdsmen, militants or anyone. BUT on this issue, government needed to have demonstrated more political pragmatism, tact and dexterity. How? By demonstrating magnanimity after coming to power both by political appointments and policy pronouncements, show an understanding of the underlying drivers of restiveness and agitation in the Niger Delta and commit to a development programme (afterall the last government cannot claim to have significantly, if at all develop the region in terms of infrastructure). That way, criminals will be isolated and identified for who they are as plain criminals, while the larger population will at least, give government the benefit of doubt, even volunteering to expose known criminals. Sambisa and other land locations are better for our Infantry troops to fight than the creeks of the ND. I pray this issue doesn't escalate! I wish the Niger Delta, the Government and all other regions the best.

It is like there is either selective treatment of threats or an under-estimation of some threats. We have a national threat from highly organized and very mobile marauding murderers, possibly supported by mercenaries, slaughtering innocent taxpaying citizens in their homes and ancestral homelands yet they are being treated with kid gloves? Come on! I don't get the silence from those who should act and those who should speak including all the emergency activists and arm chair social media commentators.

The new Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Garba Abari, yesterday took over the affairs of the agency from the Acting Director General, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoba. Abari promised the staff that he would shortly strategize and plan on how to move the agency forward.
He said it was necessary to reorientate the psyche and minds of Nigerians to trust their leaders and love their country, restore community spirit, be their brothers’ keepers, uphold family values and be law abiding.


Abari also said Nigerians need to set a minimum standard of behaviour for themselves while at the institutional level the challenge is the restoration of structure and quality of government and private institutions for service delivery.
He added that an important ingredient of this process is to ensure that Nigerians imbibe the necessary values of patriotism, national pride, sense of national oneness, hard work, integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
The new DG promised to do his best to address the numerous problems confronting the agency and called on all NOA staff to re dedicate themselves in carrying out this critical responsibility.

Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/abari-takes-over-as-new-noa-dg/149268.html#DBKxbqQOkrDAgb5w.99

Despite federal government’s recent increase of the price of petrol to reflect the high cost of foreign exchange used in the importation of the product, some marketers and depot owners have defied government’s directive by selling above the official ex-depot price, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

The high ex-depot price, it was learnt, has equally led to the sale of the product above the official N145 per litre in some filling stations across the country.



Shortly after the recent adjustment of pump price to N145 per litre, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) had in an official letter with reference number A.4/9/017/C.2/IV/690, dated May 11, 2019, given a range of N123.28 – N133.28 per litre as the indicative ex-depot price for collection to all the marketers and depot owners.

The acting Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Mrs. SE Iyoyo, who signed the letter, also directed the marketers to sell at an indicative retail price band of N135 – N145 per litre at the pumps.

“All marketers are advised to operate within the indicative price band as advised by the PPPRA to avoid being sanctioned,” Iyoyo warned.

But THISDAY’s market survey revealed that some marketers and depot owners were selling above the N123.128 – N133.128 ex-depot price band at the weekend, thus pushing the pump price above the N145 per litre in some filling stations.

The survey showed that on Thursday, ASCON Petroleum was selling at ex-depot price of N134; BOVAS – N134; Heyden Petroleum – N135/N136; MRS – N134 and Eterna Oil – N134.

Depots that sold product within the range of the price band include: Fatgbems – N130/N132; Rahamaniyya – N133; Folawiyo –N133 and Integrated Oil – N132/N133.

On Friday, some of the marketers also flouted the pricing regulations, with ASCON selling at N134 per litre; Hensmor- N134; MRS – N134; and Heyden N134.50/N135.

However, other marketers operated within the ex-depot price band and these included: BOVAS –N133; Eterna Oil –N133; Fatgbems –N132; Folawiyo – N132.50; Integrated Oil –N132; Index Petroleum – N132; Sahara Energy – N133 and Rahamaniyya –N133.

The PPPRA had also warned that marketers that it would continue to monitor the market fundamentals in line with the policy of appropriate pricing, with a view to advising the marketers on subsequent guiding price band for petroleum products at the beginning of every month.

The federal government had earlier increased the pump price to N145 to allow marketers source for foreign exchange at N285 per dollar, against the official N197 for which the previous pump price of N86 was based.

The major marketers, who received forex assistance from the international oil companies (IOCs), have revealed that they source dollars at N320, which translates to a pump price of N165 per litre, against the government’s projected N145.

The independent marketers and other importers on the other hand, have however argued that their exchange rate at the parallel market is as high as N360 per dollar, thus making the N145 official pump price potentially unsustainable.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/05/31/marketers-defy-fg-sell-petrol-above-official-ex-depot-price/

The Federal Government has set up a presidential inter-agency committee to recover loans granted commercial banks and corporate organizations by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The committee, headed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has members
​drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies.
They include ​the ​Minister of State (Aviation), Hadi Sirika; Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Ibrahim Magu; Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Ibe Kachukwu.

Others include Director General, Debt Management Office, Abraham Nwankwo; acting Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, Eunice Iyoyo, and managing director, AMCON, Ahmed Kuru.

At the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, the justice ​minister recalled the establishment of AMCON in the wake of the global financial system crisis and the banking sector consolidation reforms in 2008 to prevent the collapse of the Nigerian banking sector.

​The AGF said the decision by AMCON to purchase the toxic loans was to stabilize the banking sector, and by extension the Nigerian economy.

He said, however, that the debtors who cut across the aviation, banking, oil and gas sectors, have since failed to repay the loans, while some had resorted to court actions to frustrate AMCON’s​ efforts to recover the loans, sometimes with active conspiracy of some financial institutions.

The frustrating experience, the minister noted, informed the president’s approval of the committee, which terms of reference include to ascertain the current status of AMCON recoveries in terms of achievement from inception to date as well as the total outstanding value of assets.




The committee is also expected to ascertain how government at various levels could be made to honour their debt obligations to AMCON; request and obtain information from any persons and/or onshore/offshore entities that would support the Federal Government effort recover the loans.

Other responsibilities include​ assist​ing​ in third party investigation outside AMCON office relating to obligors and identify​ing​ the criminal nature of commercial transactions that would assist in pursuing criminal prosecutions.

The c​ommittee would also ascertain how government agencies could collaborate to support AMCON’s recovery effort in ensuring that payments due to obligors were made to AMCON; see the prospects of going into a Joint Venture Agreement with AMCON; ensure the acquisition of forfeited assets from AMCON, and take-over of recalcitrant businesses/companies where feasible.

The committee is also expected to establish the working framework for AMCON to have direct contact with the agencies for assistance and report made on achievements and challenges as well as design workable strategies to pursue the recovery of the AMCON loans.
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/204407-nigerian-govt-constitutes-presidential-committee-recover-amcon-loans.html

If anyone still doubted President Muhammad Buhari’s (PMB) passion for the job, or commitment towards improving the nation, they should have been dismissed by his appearance during presentation of the 2106 Democracy Day address. Over the years political analysts have commented on the physical appearance of African leaders. In most developed countries leaders age while in office, and begin to look younger and fresher afterwards. This is only to be expected as the full weight of office bears down upon hard working, concerned leaders. With African Heads of State it’s usually the opposite. Extended stomachs, fresh faces, bloated cheeks and healthy meaty necks are more often than not the norm.
Although PMB is a septuagenarian, there is little doubt that he is different and has aged in the last one year since he assumed office. In addition to inherited economic problems, and all the political problems caused by over ambition and indiscipline within the ruling party’s hierarchy, he has kept up a travel itinerary which would stress many men half his age. There is little doubt that he needs to delegate more and reduce his workload. He looked frail and his speech was even frailer.


It’s to our President’s credit that his personality and people’s belief in him, overcomes the deficiencies of his speech writers. This is the second time since his election that presidential speech writers have had the opportunity to write inspire the populace, the first being on October 1st last year.
Sadly on both occasions they have failed to ignite the passions of Nigerians with their tepid uninspiring language and failure to appreciate what Nigerians want to hear. It was a rambling speech which said nothing new and managed to avoid addressing some pressing issues. It was more of a prolonged explanation of why we are going through hardships, than an attempt to convince anyone that change had actually come, and some of the language used was illogical and totally unbefitting. PMB said “We are fully aware that those vested interests who have held Nigeria back for so long will not give up without a fight. They will sow divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad, incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria”.
If this is so, then why were they not named so we could all join in stopping their nefarious activities? The speech concentrated on the problems of government rather than those of Nigerians. The failure to mention the atrocities of rampaging so called “Herdsmen”, or activities of the pro-Biafra groups was a mistake, especially in light of the warning given to Niger Delta Militants that “If the militants and vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken. We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice”.
In trying to belittle his party’s problems in the national assembly PMB said the clumsy budget exercise was “an example of consensus building, which is integral to democratic government. In the end we resolved our differences”. Hopefully there will be less need for such “consensus building” as we move forward.The most serious challenges facing the nation today are increasing unemployment and poverty which are directly responsible for the current high level of insecurity. Nigeria has been correctly described as a rich country full of poor people.
Although corruption is undeniably a major problem, mismanagement of the economy and adoption of poor economic policies are the reasons for increasing poverty levels. Worst still despite the excessive cost of governance, negligible social services are rendered. PMB’s said this will change and his speech made reference to his social poverty alleviation plan calling it “by far the most ambitious social protection program in our history”. In this regard, five hundred billion naira has been appropriated in the 2016 budget. Over the years several institutions such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Association of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the National Poverty Eradication Program (NAPEP) have been set up to address unemployment and poverty alleviation but they have had little significant impact. The speech made no reference to such agencies, other than the vague statement that the last twelve months have been spent “collaborating with all arms of government to revive our institutions so that they are more efficient and fit for purpose”.
Perhaps trying to make up for the fact that he has been accused of bad-mouthing Nigerians all over the world and being partly responsible for David Cameron’s impression of Nigeria as a fantastically corrupt nation, PMB said that despite the many years of hardship and disappointment the people of this nation have proved inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous. Truly Nigerians have been patient. Obasanjo asked for patience, as did Yar’Adua and Jonathan, At least PMB did not ask for patient once again, but rather truthfully told there would be hardships.
Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/opinion/another-disappointing-speech/149041.html#SYKuRpdY0SCXHjlB.99

This man retired four years ago and has to be brought out of retirement like the DG of the SSS because there is no one competent within the organization like him? What is happening to succession planning? And please don't tell me about competence because we have at least one competent person in every region and State in this country.

Talk is cheap! I don't support criminality but tough talk and threats can not resolve this Niger Delta issue. Military might cannot secure our pipelines. Those who think otherwise are either naïve or "innocently ignorant" of the peculiarity of the creeks. These guys have noiselessly crippled over 50% of our production at this critical time when our economy is most precarious. Government needs to demonstrate greater political sagacity and dexterity in handling this volatile issue.

See media confirmation of his appointment.
http://www.punchng.com/60455-2/

The President has appointed Alhaji Muhammad Buba as Chairman of PPPRA. He was described as "seasoned" and if I may humbly add my own, he is clearly "competent".
http://www.punchng.com/60455-2/