Oil producing states to get industrial parks – NCDMB

In a bid to stimulate oil producing communities in the country to participate in the local supply chain of the oil sector, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, said it planned to establish industrial parks in oil producing states in partnership with the state governments.
The development endorsed by the Governing Council of the Board under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, is intended to stimulate the participation of the communities in the local supply chain and provide a direct platform for collaboration with the original equipment manufacturers, OEMs, who are now required to manufacture a minimum proportion of components in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, who in Lagos last week at the Addax Executive Business Seminar on Nigerian Content, explained that the Board will collaborate with major operators, service companies and the relevant state governments to build industrial parks, which will support operations of the industry and help achieve service efficiency through shared services.
According to him, other benefits of the industrial park concept include the reduction of start-up investment costs for new businesses, stakeholders’ collaboration and industry commitment to utilise manufactured products from industrial parks.
He said, “The parks will host manufacturing activities driven by the Oil and Gas industry demand but will certainly service other sectors of the economy as they grow organically into integrated industrial zones.
“The start-up product slate will include steel pipes and allied fittings, switch gears, panels, skids, pipe racks and brackets, environmental protection equipment, chemicals, industrial gases, computers, telecom and other ICT equipment components which includes Furniture,  LPG cylinders, Bolts & Nuts, Drilling fluids.”
Speaking further, Nwapa said that part of the strategy is to stimulate small and medium scale enterprises focused on oil and gas technology into sustainable engines for technological growth and employment at the grassroots level.
He noted that the major operators will benefit from increased entrepreneurial activities in their host communities, adding that the Board has reached out to the state governments to participate in an SME fair to enable it identify companies with potential to incubate and grow.
Nwapa further said, “In this way, over 100,000 productive jobs will be created across the communities for skills ranging from professional to artisanal and de-emphasise the social employment prevalent in the communities.
“The fair will identify SMEs with capacity which will be supported and accommodated in the new industrial parks to manufacture goods used in industry with the active involvement of the traditional OEMs.
“However, the Board will activate the provisions of the Act to provide specific incentives for OEMs that participate in the initiative such as locking in orders for equipment or components manufactured/assembled in these parks for extended periods.”
He also disclosed that Nigerian companies had committed to invest over $600million in the manufacture and assembly of various equipments and components.

No automatic tickets for Jonathan, govs in 2015 – PDP

PDP National Chairman, Dr Bamanga Tukur

Peoples Democratic Party on Monday said there would be no automatic ticket for President Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to seek a second term in 2015.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in an interview with reporters in Abuja, added that governors seeking another term would also not be giving automatic tickets.

The President and the governors, Metuh said, would go through the primaries as stipulated in the party’s constitution.

Metuh said, “I can tell you that as at today under the constitution of our party and the way we run our programmes, we are going to have primaries in 2015.

“We are completely unaware of any move to change the constitution of the party. The constitution that we have, which we just amended at the last convention, provides that we must have local government and state congresses and national convention. That is the constitution we have as at today.

“I ask you, is there any automatic ticket in the 2012 constitution of the party? The answer is no.”

On whether the amendment of the party’s constitution can take place before 2015, he said it was possible.

According to him, if members of the party seek an amendment of the party’s constitution; its leadership will listen to their demand.

He added, “Of course, it is possible. Constitution amendment can take place at any time if the members want it.

“The Constitution of Nigeria is being amended and if that is being done, the constitution of the party can also be amended if the people decide to.”

He also spoke on the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, noting that those seeking convocation of the assembly would still have to wait.

 Metuh added, “The Chairman of the Board of Trustees must be elected before we can call for NEC meeting.

“Then after the emergence of the BoT Chairman, the party would have a national caucus meeting before we call for NEC meeting.

“We are not afraid of any meeting. In fact, we will have the meeting. There will be no problem. The problem is over and the President has intervened and there is now peace in the party.”

When reminded that the BoT Chairman had no role to play in the NEC meeting, he agreed, but added that the party’s must follow its convention.

Metuh said, “In our constitution and convention, before we have NEC meeting, we usually have the Board of Trustees meeting, and we have a national caucus meeting before NEC meeting.

“Before the last NEC meeting (in July 2012), we did not have vacancy in the office of the Chairman of BoT.”

Robbers kill two soldiers, injure one in Lagos

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika

Two soldiers were killed, while another one was injured after robbers attacked a white man’s residence at Apapa, Lagos State on Sunday night.

The robbery, which occurred at about 11pm, was allegedly successful because the robbers used another white man to gain entrance to the victim’s building.

It was learnt that the robbers were able to deceive the victim’s security guards because of the presence of the white man who was with the robbers.

Police sources told us that some of the robbers, on gaining entrance, shot sporadically into the air, while other members of the gang stormed the victim’s rooms, ransacking everywhere.

They were said to have made away with some of his valuables. The victim was not hurt.

The victim’s residence is close to Command Guest House, which belonged to the Nigerian Army.

When soldiers on guard at the Command Guest House heard the shootings, one of them opened the gate and the robbers, on sighting him, opened fire.

The soldier died on the spot. Another of his colleagues was also killed, while a third soldier’s leg was shattered by bullets.

It was learnt that some mobile policemen attached to a popular hotel in the area, who were attracted by gunshot sounds, engaged the robbers in a protracted gun battle.

The robbers later fled in the victim’s jeep.

They, however, abandoned their own metallic grey Honda car, marked GJ435 LSR.

It was learnt that the soldier, whose leg was shattered, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the state, Mr. Damascus Ozoani, said although the police got wind of the robbery, it could not comment on it.

He said, “There was no official report at any police station. Since the incident affected the army, I suggest that you call the army PRO.”

The army spokesman, Captain Eze, said he had not been briefed on the incident. He promised to make enquiry and get back to us.

The spokesman, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Kayode Ogunsanya, did not pick his calls. The text message sent to his number was also not replied to.

Police nab robbery suspect with Army uniform, police baton

LAGOS — Policemen attached to Bariga Division, yesterday, stormed a robbery gang’s  hideout in Bariga area, arresting a suspected member of the gang, said to be operating in Army uniform.
Recovered from the hideout which doubles as one of the suspects’ apartments, according to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide , were a pair of Army uniform, one locally made double barrel pistol with two live cartridges, a machete and  Police baton.
Braide explained that when the operatives stormed the hideout located on Oluwa Street, two persons suspected to be members of the gang fled, abandoning the owner of the apartment whom she identified simply as Ahmed.
The suspect, as gathered, had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, Yaba,where investigation aimed at ascertaining how he came about the Army uniform and Police baton was on-going.
…Kill 8 alleged car snatchers during shoot-out
LAGOS — Eight people said to be members of a robbery gang that specialises in snatching cars at gun point, were, yesterday, gunned-down during an exchange of gunfire between them  and operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja.
Vanguard gathered that the bandits, who operated in two groups, met their waterloo  while trying to smuggle  a Toyota Siena Space Bus and a Toyota Camry car which they snatched  at  Ejigbo and Ikotun areas of Lagos State into the Republic of Benin.
Sources told Vanguard that  the gold colour  Toyota Siena  with number plate LAGOS JJJ 623 AW, was snatched from its owner, one  Habeeb, at Ejigbo  while  the wine colour  Toyota Camry with number plate LAGOS  EPE 737 AT, was snatched from a yet-to-be identified owner at Ikotun, on September 9, 2012.
A  source who pleaded anonymity, said policemen across the state were alerted after  the cars were stolen, while men of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and other police patrol teams chased  the bandits without success as  they drove the vehicles  to Ogun State.
Meanwhile SARS  operatives, led by the officer  in charge SP Abba Kyari, received an intelligence report that the  armed bandits had concluded  plans to  smuggle the cars to a waiting  buyer at Benin Republic at the dead of the night. They reacted  and swiftly accosted the bandits at Ifo and Sango Ota areas of   Ogun State respectively .
According to the source, the operatives opened fire on the bandits in a bid to stop them  from fleeing and the bandits armed with locally made pistols  shot at the police. The retaliation led to an fierce exchange of gunfire  between the police and the bandits, which saw the death of  eight members of   the two gangs.
“Six locally made pistols, 48 live and 11 expended Cartridges and the two stolen cars were recovered from the  bandits”   the source added.

Suspect sets truck ablaze to destroy evidence–NSCDC

Truck set ablaze

An illegal bunkering suspect at Mbak Etoi, Uyo, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, set his fuel truck ablaze to prevent security agencies from identifying him.

The state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Pedro Ideba, said this in Uyo on Monday while briefing journalists on the activities of the corps.

He said the truck, which had earlier been seized by the agency, was razed by the suspect after he mobilised his boys to attack NSCDC officials, who had to leave the truck at the village where it was seized.

He said, “The villagers who were hired by the suspect damaged two of our Toyota Hilux vehicles and injured some of our men during the operations.

“In order for them to destroy the evidence, they came on Monday night and set the tanker that was parked in our office in the village ablaze. But the fire was put off before it could reach the tank compartment.

“The commandant of the unit later paid N150,000 to a crane company to tow the truck to our office that night.”

He stated that all those involved in the burning of the truck as well as in bunkering had been arrested and would be arraigned in court soon.

Ideba said 18 suspects were also arrested in the last two weeks for offences ranging from illegal bunkering to stealing of Power Holding Company of Nigeria and Nigerian Telecommunication Limited cables in some parts of the state.

 “Last week, we caught three tankers near Julius Berger yard and the suspects have all been arraigned.

 “Six suspects were also arrested vandalising PHCN cables, with a motorcycle bearing PHCN stickers.

“We also arrested vandals who were vandalising NITEL cables, off Nwaniba Street in Uyo metropolis.

He said his command was battle-ready to ensure that Akwa Ibom was not safe for bunkering and other criminal activities.

Nigerians who could succeed Pope

L-R: • Pope Benedict XVI •Arinze • Onaiyekan • Okogie

As the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI throws the Catholic world into the search for a new leader, We looks at the profiles of three Nigerian cardinals who are qualified for consideration

The sudden resignation of Pope Benedict XVI as the head of the Catholic Church on Monday came to the Catholic world and many people around the world as a surprise. The reason is that although the old man’s reason for resignation is understandable, the decision is nevertheless an unusual one. The Pope cited ill-health prompted by old age as reason for his action. He is 85 years old.

Very important is also the fact that the action has thrown the Catholic world into a search for a successor. His resignation takes effect from February 28.  The Vatican,  in response to the development,  said a worthy successor would be elected before Easter. Now the ball is in the court of the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church to elect a new pope.

The College of Cardinal, which, as at February 8 this year, has 209 members, is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. A function of the college is to advise the Pope about church matters when he summons them to an ordinary consistory (meeting). It also convenes on the death or resignation of a pope as a papal conclave to elect a successor. However, a cardinal that is 80 years and above would not be allowed to vote.

This is according to the current rules for the election of the Roman Pontiff, those in Pope John Paul II’s Universi Dominici Gregis of February 22, 1996. The rules state that cardinals who have reached the age of 80 before the day becomes vacant do not have a vote. By this rule, only 118 of the 209 members will be saddled with the responsibility of looking for Pope Benedict XVI’s successor.

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has at least three popular cardinals – Cardinal Francis Arinze, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie and Cardinal John Onaiyekan. All the three could vote. Arinze,  who was born in November 1932,  will turn 80 in November this year. Okogie, retired at the mandatory retirement age of 75 last year,  while Onaiyekan was born in 1944.

However, since the new pope will emerge from among the conclave of cardinals, one of the questions that arise in the wake of the pope’s resignation is: can any of these Nigerians make history by becoming the first African or black person to attain this plum position?

Francis Arinze, who was born in Eziowelle, Anambra State, Nigeriaon November 1, 1932, is currently Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni (succeeding Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI) since 2005. Arinze was one of the principal advisors to Pope John Paul II, and was considered papabile before the 2005 papal conclave, which elected Benedict XVI. He was named a cardinal on May 25, 1985.

 Okogie was born on June 16, 1936 in Lagos. He hails from Uromi in Edo State. His father was Esan and his mother, Yoruba. Okogie was ordained as a priest on December 11,  1966. He holds a licentiate in sacred theology, and had planned to study in Rome, but was called to Nigeria where he was a pastoral assistant at the Holy Cross Cathedral. He was drafted into the Nigerian army, and served there as a chaplain. After another period of service at Holy Cross Cathedral, he was an instructor at King’s College, Lagos.

In 1971, he was ordained titular Bishop of Mascula and Auxiliary of Oyo, and in 1973 named Archbishop. As Archbishop, Okogie was the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and from 1994 to 2000, headed the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Among other radical ideas for which he is famous, Cardinal Okogie once volunteered to die in place of a Muslim woman who had been condemned to death by stoning by an Islamic court for adultery.

He was proclaimed Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in the consistory of October 21, 2003, and holds the title of Cardinal Priest of Santa Maria del Monte Carmelo a Mostacciano (or, in English,  Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel of Mostacciano). During his cardinal years, Okogie was one of the cardinal electors who participated in the 2005 papal conclave that selected Pope Benedict XVI.

His resignation from the pastoral governance of the see of Lagos,  because of having reached the age limit of 75 years,  was accepted on May 25, 2012.

 Onaiyekan was born on January 29, 1944 in Kabba, Kogi State. He is the Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop of Abuja.He was previously President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Bishop of Ilorin.

He was made a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in a consistory on November, 24 2012. As Cardinal-Priest,  he was assigned the titular church of San Saturnino.

On Thursday, January, 31 2013, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Cardinal Onaiyekan to serve as a Member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and as a Member of the Presidential Committee of the Pontifical Council for the Family. He will hold these memberships until his 80th birthday.

Interestingly, a report published in Los Angeles Times on Monday notes that speculation on Pope’s successor has recommended Africa and Latin American cardinals. It identifies among others Arinze, Ghanaian Peter Turks and Brazilian Odilo Scherer as possible candidates.

The BBC had on Monday announced the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church. According to the news agency, the pope had said he was too old to continue at the age of 85.

The unexpected development – the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years – surprised governments, Vatican-watchers and even his closest aides.

The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope in 2005 after John Paul II’s death.

The BBC’s David Willey in Rome says the move has come as a shock – but adds that in theory there has never been anything stopping Pope Benedict or any of his predecessors from stepping aside.

Under the Catholic Church’s governing code, Canon Law, the only conditions for the validity of such a resignation, are that it be made freely and be properly published.

But resignation is extremely rare: the last Pope to step aside was Pope Gregory XII, who resigned in 1415 amid a schism within the Church, BBC adds.

A Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said that even Pope Benedict’s closest aides did not know what he was planning to do and were left “incredulous”. He added that the decision showed “great courage” and “determination”.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he was “greatly shaken by this unexpected news”.

BBC adds that the brother of the German-born Pope said the pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to take any more transatlantic trips and had been considering stepping down for months.

According to the agency, talking from his home in Regensburg in Germany, Georg Ratzinger said his brother was having increasing difficulty walking and that his resignation was part of a “natural process”.

He added: “His age is weighing on him. At this age my brother wants more rest.”

The Pope is not expected to take part in the conclave that will choose his successor, and will then retire to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo when he leaves office.

Father Lombardi said the Pope would then move into a monastery of cloistered nuns inside the Vatican, for “a period of prayer and reflection”.

Former Editor of the Catholic Herald, Damian Thompson, says the Pope has made a “brave move.”

At 78, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest new popes in history when elected.

BBC adds that he took the helm as one of the fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades – the scandal of child sex abuse by priests – was breaking.

In a statement, the pontiff said: “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.

“I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.

“However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to steer the boat of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me.

“For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.”

Prominent Christian clerics in Nigeria have also reacted to Pope Benedict XVI’s decision.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Ibadan, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Arch Diocese, Most Rev. Alaba Job, said the news was saddening.

Job said that though a rare occurrence, the decision by Pope Benedict would have to be accepted since it did not contravene the Canon Law of the church.

“It is not a common thing, in fact, it is rare to see a Pope resign and the last time this happened was centuries ago.

“Though we did not expect it, we have to commend this man for the courage to take such a weighty decision as he has been doing well over the years.”

 Also reacting, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo Chapter, Pastor Ayo Olabisi, commiserated with Catholics, saying the Pope acted in good faith.

“I believe he is acting on God’s direction, so who are we to query God?

Three journalists arrested for polio vaccine killings

Members of the boko haram sect

Three Nigerian journalists have been arrested for allegedly inciting violence against polio workers, Reuters reported.
On Friday, gunmen in Kano State killed nine people, who had been giving patients the polio vaccine. The arrested journalists are accused of inspiring the attacks.
The journalists had said on Wazobia FM on Wednesday that immunisation against polio was anti-Islam and part of a Western conspiracy to cause infertility, Kano Police Chief Ibrahim Idris, told Reuters.
The killing of the vaccinators is a major setback in Nigeria’s fight against polio. “The killing of polio vaccinators in Kano State is a dastardly act that must be condemned by all,” he told All Africa.

Budget: PDP to mediate in Jonathan, N’Assembly rift

President Goodluck Jonathan

THERE were indications on Monday that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party would be intervening in the lingering face-off between President Goodluck Jonathan and members of the National Assembly over Jonathan’s refusal to sign the 2013 budget.

Already a meeting for that purpose has been scheduled to hold at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday (tomorrow).

To attend the meeting,We learnt, were members of the PDP National Assembly caucus and members of the party’s National Working Committee.

The PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur is expected to lead the NWC members to the meeting.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, confirmed the meeting but said it was not called to discuss the budget.

He said if in the course of the meeting the issue of budget was raised, it would be discussed.

Metuh told journalists in his office in Abuja that the PDP had confidence in the ability of Jonathan and the leadership of the National Assembly to jointly settle the budget matter if there is any area of disagreement.

He said, “We believe that having been elected into the offices, the members of the National Assembly have done well with a good budget, but the President has the mandate, which he holds sacred, giving to him by the entire country, to ensure that whatever budget he would sign would satisfy the yearnings of the entire country and its people.

“He must take time to look at this budget. If there are grey areas, we must allow both the executive and legislature the opportunity to iron it without creating tension.”

But a Presidency source, who spoke to one of our correspondents, also aconfirmed the meeting and said it was primarily called to resolve the face-off between the President and the national assembly.

He said, “The President won’t sign the budget until all the areas of disagreements are properly addressed. He will be meeting with the party’s caucus in the National Assembly on Wednesday at the villa.

“Members of the party’s NWC are also expected at the parley. The budget issue will definitely take the centre stage at the meeting. Issues bordering on affairs in the party will also be discussed.

“It is expected that the NWC led by the National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, will intervene in the disagreement at the meeting.

“You will recall that Tukur was recently quoted as saying that the party is superior to any public office holder. He may use the meeting to impress this point more on the lawmakers and the executive.”

The face-off between the National Assembly and the Presidency over the 2013 budget has deepened with Jonathan insisting that he will not sign the budget.

Investigations on Monday showed that in spite of the threat by opposition lawmakers to override Jonathan’s veto, the President insisted that all grey areas of the budget must be resolved before @ would append his signature.

We had exclusively reported on February 6, 2013, that Jonathan was withholding assent to the budget because of the inclusion of constituency projects by the National Assembly.

Out of 109 senators, there are 35 opposition members. The House of Representatives has over 160 opposition members out of 360.

Investigations on Monday showed that while the Presidency was insisting that the padding of the budget by the National Assembly was unacceptable, the lawmakers were also resolute on the issue of their constituency project funds.

It was learnt that members of the Executive Council of the Federation and heads of parastals and departments had been warned on the danger of accepting unnecessary budgetary inflation.

It was gathered a minister in charge of strategic ministry bluntly refused to defend additions into the budget for his ministry on the grounds that they did not make economic sense.

The minister was also said to have warned all other parastatals under the ministry to resist any move to include such indefensible figures in the budget.

It was further learnt that several ministers, who had read the body language of the President and indeed the prevailing position on the issue of the budget are also being careful.

A source close to the President said that Jonathan might be left with no option but to send the budget back to the National Assembly.

However, the source did not rule out the possibility of a last-minute resolution of the issues in contention between the President and the National Assembly.

It was stated that the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives are intensifying negotiation with the Presidency on the issue.

The President is said to have queried the N63bn added to the budget and the increase of the oil benchmark from 75 dollars to N79 dollars.

The extra four Dollars is being set aside to execute purported constituency projects by the lawmakers.

Tinubu reconciles CPC factions

National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Monday met with factions of the Congress for Progressives Change in Abuja.

After the meeting, the factions agreed to settle the crisis that had been rocking the CPC.

According to them, they agreed to sheath their swords in the interest of the newly formed Action of Progressives Change.

Senator Rufai Hanga said he was willing to withdrew his suit from the court.

Tinubu also said the formation of the ACP by four opposition parties was in the interest of the nation.

He stated this after meeting with the Hanga faction of the CPC on Monday in Abuja

The CPC, ANPP, ACN and APGA last Thursday merged to form the APC after a long merger talk between the parties.

Tinubu spoke with newsmen after the meeting.

He said the parties were meeting in the interest of the people.

“How do you ask a politician not to meet? We are meeting in the interest of our various objectives. To me, I am working in the interest of Nigeria and particularly in the interest of APC”.

On whether the newly formed party by the opposition would succeed, Tinubu said, “I am a committed individual and we are in a committed group sorrounded by people of vision, conviction and great commitment.

“It would succeed. Our rivals will not want it to succeed; that is part of the political intrigues and environment particularly in Africa, but we will work hard at it in the interest of this country”.

President Jonathan’s Convoy Involved In Auto Accident In Paris

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and French President Francois Hollande during the meeting at the Elysee Palace

We has learned exclusively that President Goodluck Jonathan's motor convoy was today involved in an accident in Paris as the Nigerian president was traveling with his aides to a meeting with the French President Francois Gerard Hollande. Our sources disclosed that the accident occurred 15 minutes away from the Elysee Palace, the venue of the official meeting with the French leader. “The car involved in the accident was the fifth car behind that of President Jonathan,” said a French police source.
Jamilu Waziri, a presidential liaison officer (PLO), was injured in the accident and had to be taken to a Paris hospital where he received treatment for a broken ankle. As a result of the accident, Mr. Waziri was unable to attend the meeting.
Our source said Mr. Waziri later flew with President Jonathan who is due to arrive in Abuja shortly. The wounded officer walked with aid of a pair of crutches.
A French official confirmed the accident to us. The large size of the Nigerian delegation meant that Mr. Jonathan's aides could not fit into the official vehicles provided by the French government. According to the French source, a car rented by the Nigerian embassy in Paris to convey some of the Nigerian delegates was involved in the accident. Asked who was liable for any damages that resulted from the accident, the source disclosed that French authorities “would not be liable for injuries or damages from the car crash.”
 

Jimoh Ibrahim Diverted N35.5 Billion In Aviation Fund And Caused Collapse Of Air Nigeria

Jimoh Ibrahim

Last week, Nigeria’s Senate confirmed that controversial businessman Jimoh Ibrahim fraudulently diverted a loan of N35.5 billion obtained by Air Nigeria from the Federal Government Aviation Fund – and funneled the cash into his personal account. Consequently, the Senate instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria to take steps to recover the money which was routed through the Bank of Industry.
The loan was granted to Air Nigeria as part of the government’s efforts to salvage the ailing domestic aviation industry. The loan was guaranteed by United Bank for Africa (UBA). But Mr. Ibrahim, who is fast consolidating a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most daring kingpins of fraud, diverted the money into his personal account.
Thanks to the diligence of the Senate, Nigerians now know how Mr. Ibrahim pulled off the heist. He had ploughed the loan into NICON Investment Limited, a company owned 100% by him and his wife.
In June 2012, the Nigerian Senate invited me to attend the joint session of the aviation committees led by Senator Hope Uzodinma and Rep. Nkiruka Onyejeocha. I was able to show that Jimoh Ibrahim was a national fraudster. Nigerian senators agreed unanimously, insisting on the recovery of the full loan from the guru of fraud who poses as a businessman.
I’m delighted that the Senate committee granted me the opportunity to alert Nigerians that Mr. Ibrahim stole N35.5 billion from Air Nigeria by arranging a fraudulent diversion. Whilst I was pursuing the cause of justice against Jimoh Ibrahim, assassins were sent to kill me. I was trailed all around the country, even as far as south eastern Nigeria when I traveled to pick documents from my house in Umuahia, Abia State. Mr. Ibrahim later claimed in an interview with City magazine (dated October 3, 2012) that the men who trailed my movements were police officers detailed to arrest me for fabricating lies and making false allegations. Luckily for me, the assassins caged my village home in Ovim, Abia State, while I headed to Umuahia, the state capital, straight from Lagos. I left Umuahia to Abuja without stopping at my village. I escaped Mr. Ibrahim’s assassins to expose his monumental secrets to Nigerians.
Once the N35.5 billion loan was diverted, Air Nigeria did not have the funds for normal maintenance, routine checks and servicing of its fleet of eleven planes, with ten operational. As a result, the airline frequently flew those mass coffins as airworthy aircraft. Yet, those of us with inside information knew that the planes air disasters waiting to happen. The need to save souls was the major reason I decided to take the fight upon myself and ensure that justice was done. Without imminent intervention, an Air Nigeria aircraft would have crashed at any moment and countless souls would have been lost.
During my appearance at the Senate chamber, even the chairman of Bank of Industry, Lady Oputa, and the Executive Director of UBA disagreed with me. When the details of the loan diversion story were made known to Mrs. Oputa, she could not believe what Jimoh Ibrahim did with forged documents to process the Bank of Industry loan. She said that UBA showed her bank officials enough evidence that Air Nigeria needed the loan – and that UBA guaranteed the loan.
In the last nine months, Mr. Ibrahim has defaulted on the payments on the loan that were due UBA. Today, Bank of Industry, UBA, Ex-Air Nigeria CEO, Ex-Air Nigeria Executive Director (Finance), and Nigeria’s 109 senators are all speaking the same language. It’s no longer a secret that Jimoh Ibrahim diverted the huge loan of N35.5 billion into his personal account.
I want this write up to serve as a national wakeup call to all patriotic Nigerians. We all need to speak out to stop people like the unscrupulous Jimoh Ibrahim. We all need to stand up and demand that he refund this loan. The fifteen-year loan with a six-month grace period was only repaid for four months when Jimoh Ibrahim asked me to seek UBA approval to suspend the loan repayment.
That request to have his repayment suspended was a red flag. It signaled that Jimoh Ibrahim had neither intention nor will to honor his obligations. UBA served Air Nigeria notice that the airline could not stop repayment of the loan (see attached letter).
Today, the truth has come to light: Jimoh Ibrahim is a global thief who stole N35.5 billion from Air Nigeria. Nigerians ought to demand the prosecution of this criminal. It should also be noted that the same man stole another N6 billion from Air Nigeria (see attached). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should take appropriate action against this fraudster. When the two people who managed Air Nigeria, namely the CEO and the Executive Director (Finance), are singing the same song, it is the truth. When I started this struggle, it was terribly rough. But today, even the former CEO, Kinfe Kahssaye, an Ethiopian (who is now in the United States of America) told many Air Nigeria ex-directors and staff that Jimoh Ibrahim stole N6 billion from Air Nigeria. What other evidence does EFCC, CBN, Bank of Industry and other institutions need to collaborate to jail this global thief called Jimoh Ibrahim. The case of the stolen N6 billion is simple. Once money is invested in a public company, it is called capital. The shareholder has no right over the capital of the company, but is entitled to dividend or capital appreciation at the end of the year based on the financial performance of the company as declared at the annual general meeting. In the case of Air Nigeria, it was a case of regular forceful withdrawal of funds, against management advice, out of the company, which is owned 46% by Jimoh Ibrahim, into another company called Nicon Investment Ltd, which is owned 100% by Mr. Ibrahim. It was a daily war trying to stop Jimoh Ibrahim from pulling money by force out of the company. Jimoh Ibrahim threatened staff with sack and police arrest, often telling uncooperative staff he was a lawyer and knew how to tell lies against them until they were jailed. He threatened opponents with the use of newspapers and magazines to carry negative reports about them, adding that he was a baron of the media.
Mr. Ibrahim lied shamelessly in his statement to the EFCC in response to my petition. He claimed the transfers he made represented intercompany transfers. But as an accountant by profession, I know that his definition of intercompany transfer was incorrect. The two companies do not belong to the same owner. Therefore, his withdrawals amounted to fraud. The EFCC should seek the views of other respected chartered accountants on this – and I’m confident any trained account will agree with me. You cannot withdraw money from a company owned by many stakeholders into your pocket and hid the transfers under intercompany transfers. That’s stealing – and that explains why Air Nigeria collapsed.
For pursuing this cause, wicked attempts were made on my life. I was framed up by Jimoh Ibrahim through the police. Mr. Ibrahim declared me wanted in newspapers. I was charged to court just to harm my integrity for telling the world the truth.
During this ordeal, a voice within me kept prodding me to continue to say the truth even if I had one breath left to me. Suddenly, the tide changed when SaharaReporters heard my story – and published an account of my cause that resounded all over cyberspace. Without the website’s timely intervention, many innocent souls would have perished in some Air Nigeria plane crash. There was no doubt in my mind that an Air Nigeria aircraft was going to drop from the sky between April and June, 2012. This projection was based on my knowledge that the aircraft had not received overdue maintenance and servicing. They were in bad shape.
The report on SaharaReporters was soon followed by interviews on Aljazeera and a soft-sell magazine. These galvanized the various stakeholders into taking an immediate decision. First, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority carried out a financial audit and grounded the airline. The airline’s lessors, GECAS, Aersale and ILFC, came to inspect their seven aircraft and repossessed them. The IATA clearing house, after reviewing Air Nigeria’s financial status, suspended the airline. The airline’s engineers were constantly on strike to protest a lack of tools for their work. Pilots walked out due to the bad mechanical condition of the aircraft. Lufthansa Technique cancelled the maintenance contract over non-payment for spare parts supplied to Air Nigeria. The above incidents confirmed the central contention of our petition: that Air Nigeria was a flying coffin. Even when Aljazeera interviewed me for the first time, I knew I was taking a big risk against a man who boasted that he was a media baron. Jimoh Ibrahim’s foot soldiers fanned out to my village to distribute his sponsored newspaper publications. They sent copies to my village, my church, the Abia State House of Assembly, the Senate chamber, our aircraft lessors, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, and Air Nigeria staff.
 Today, I have been discharged and acquitted by the courts as Mr. Ibrahim’s police could not prove the case against me. I am deeply grateful to the Inspector General Of Police who sent a special police squad that investigated and found that the allegations against me were baseless.
The investigators certified that no dollar was recovered from me and that my house was never searched.  This same squad recommended the withdrawal of the case against me. Today, I am a free man (see the attached court ruling).
I plead with Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of the Central Bank of Nigeria to rise and ensure that the fraudulently misappropriated loan of N35.5 billion is recovered Mr. Ibrahim. I know there is no criminal prosecution for failure to make payments on a bank loan. However, this is a case of fraudulent diversion of a loan – and part of the loan proceed is a crime. This money was never used for the purpose that it was granted to Air Nigeria. To me, this represents a serious crime. And that crime was compounded by Mr. Ibrahim’s theft of Air Nigeria’s sales proceeds. Mr. Ibrahim used his illicit acquisitions to buy properties in Dubai, London, Sao Tome, as well as his purchase of Newswatch magazine and National Mirror newspaper. Mr. Ibrahim is nothing but a fraud on two legs. He even diverted the $40 million AfRExim loan granted to Air Nigeria for general purpose to acquire Energy Bank of Ghana. (See attached copy of telex showing the transfer of approximately $26 million to a UBA London account and the transfer instruction on the acquisition of Energy Bank of Ghana).
In any advanced country, all the businesses established by Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim would have been taken over by the government and the man sent to jail. N10 billion paid by the Accountant-General of Nigeria to NICON Insurance Plc for the payment of pensioners was also diverted by Mr. Ibrahim to buy himself a Bombardier Challenger 625 private jet.
I am aware that Mr. Ibrahim is desperate to eliminate me so as to forestall his prosecution – since I am bound to be the principal witness. I contend that Nigerians ought to stop him on his tracks, for he has defrauded Nigerian taxpayers of a huge amount of money. Once the funds he illegally transferred or misappropriated are recovered, this fake billionaire will crash out of the Nigerian system where he is nothing but bad news. The prosecution of this man should commence immediately so as to prove to Nigerians that he is not above the law.
The chairman of National Mirror editorial board; Dafe  Onojovwo,  a company he owns 100% died mysteriously. Today, many ex-staff of Air Nigeria are dying because Mr. Ibrahim stole their pension, their cooperative society savings, and their salaries. Our children are out of school, landlords have ejected us, and many of us have developed grave illnesses and diseases. We call on Federal Government to act now; the world is watching our anti-corruption war.

Corpses On Ezu River: Senate Committees To Visit Anambra

Ezu river

Members of two Senate committees, police affairs and security and intelligence, are headed for Anambra State tomorrow to tour Ezu River in Amansea, the scene of a macabre scene of floating corpses.
Some 60 bodies have been reportedly sighted on the river, with 23 bodies recovered by police investigators.
News of the horrific finds first emerged on January 19 when members of the community around the river told reporters about the bodies.
SaharaReporters learnt that the committees’ joint trip followed appeals by Chris Ngige, the senator representing Anambra Central, an area that includes the community where the corpses were found. “We are deeply troubled that nobody knows for sure yet the identity of these corpses and how they came to be in the Ezu River,” said a member of one of the committees. He added, “That’s why we agreed that we must go and ask questions and see what we can come up with.”
On January 26, Mr. Ngige had visited the site of the gory discoveries. After interacting with members of the community, he donated 6000 sachets of drinking water and 51000 bottles. He also stated that a mechanized borehole would be constructed for the immediate community.
Since the corpses were found, the members of the community have been afraid to utilize the water for drinking or any household purposes.
On his return to Abuja, Senator Ngige briefed members of the Police Affairs Committee, of which he is a member, and proposed that the entire committee visit the site on fact-finding and sympathy missions. The committee oversees the Nigerian Police Force while the security and intelligence committee is in charge of overseeing the State Security Service (SSS).

Attack On Emir Of Kano: Police Parade Seven Suspects, Declare Eight Others Wanted

Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero

The police in Kano State today paraded seven persons arrested in connection with last month’s attack on the convoy of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
They also identified the suicide bomber responsible for the crime to have been one Idris Talba of Borno State who had lived in Kano.
Several persons, including Alhaji Bayero’s personal driver, orderly and a guard, were killed, and two of his sons were injured.   According to a News Agency of Nigeria report monitored in New York today, the royal father, who was flown to London following the attack, was visited there yesterday by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Ibrahim Idris, the Kano State Police commissioner who announced the arrests, described to reporters the events since the assault, including the full mobilization of the State’s security apparatus.
“The area was condoned, the dead and injured were evacuated and mop up exercise commenced immediately," he said.
"The suicide bomber at the scene made a dying declaration.  He identified himself as Idris Talba, an indigene of Borno state residing at Shagari quarters in Kano".
The commissioner further told the reporters that following the security activity all over the area, another man, “Adamu Sani, who hails from Tofa local government of Kano State was intercepted and arrested at a nipping point along Sabuwar Gandu by Mobile Policemen".
According to Commissioner Idris, the suspect voluntarily confessed to participating in the attack on the Emir's convoy as well as many other coordinated attacks in the State.
He named the persons declared wanted as follows: Malam Sharif Mohammed Ghali, the Imam of Filin Cashew Mosque; Jigawa State-born Babangida Baba Salihu, who was an official of the National Hajj Commission in 2010 as well as a trader in Sabon Gari Market and co-ordinator of almost all the attacks in Kano; Ibrahim of Hadejia local council of Jigawa State; Adamu, also from Jigawa State; Alhaji Ali Na’ibawa, an Islamic scholar living at Na’ibawa quarters; Alhaji Ali Unguwa Uku; Habibu Gwammaja, an Islamic scholar living in Gwammaja Quarters; and Salmanu from Jigawa State, who was the sect’s armourer.

How Gunmen Killed 3 Korean Doctors In Yobe – Witnesses

Armed men on Sunday morning stormed a house in which three Korean doctors were quartered at T Junction area, Potiskum LGA of Yobe state and slaughtered them. These doctors were employed as specialists in Ear, Nose&  Throat; Acupuncture and Gynaecology. Their corpses have been conveyed to Federal Medical Center, Azare.
Three eyewitnesses yesterday gave chilling accounts of how six gunmen murdered these three Korean doctors. According to them, the hoodlums broke into the doctors apartment in the early hours of the day and slit their throats. The operation  lasted about 40 minutes.
An eyewitness named Mustapha, was peeping through a window when the attackers stormed the apartment, the gunmen walked straight to the compound and broke the gate to the main entrance.
Mustapha said in a telephone interview withus.

“I was peeping through the window when six armed men walked to the house of doctors in this area. Two of the gunmen took positions at the gate, while four entered the house. Ten minutes later, I started hearing cries and yelling, probably from the gunmen giving orders to their colleagues. But I cannot tell you whether all the three doctors were killed or not, because I did not hear the sounds of any gunshot fired by the suspects that night.”
Another eyewitness, Isa Yakubu, said the gunmen overpowered the doctors, tied their hands to their backs and slit their throats. He added that the wives of the doctors were looking for help when the gunmen escaped but could not find any help.
Yakubu, who said that the attacks and killings lasted about 40 minutes, added that the gunmen left the dismembered head of one of the doctors on the apartment’s gate.
Another eyewitness who sought anonymity said the remains of the doctors were deposited in the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi State, because the morgue facility in Potiskum General Hospital was ill-equipped.
Confirming the incident yesterday, the commissioner of police, Yobe State Command, Alhaji Sanusi Rufai, said the three doctors were killed in the early hours of yesterday. He said the three men and a woman were posted to the Potiskum General Hospital.
Rufai said it was however too early to know who was behind the attack. “Police have begun an investigation. The victims were reportedly found inside their flat on Sunday morning, after people became worried that they were not answering the door,” he said. “Unfortunately, when they were posted and assumed duties as expatriates, the police were not notified to give them adequate security coverage. As I am talking to you now, I am in Potiskum. The three male health workers have been confirmed dead while we are still working to uncover the details.”
“For now, we cannot say with certainty those behind it or what exactly happened,” he said.

Archbishop Of Canterbury Visits Emir Of Kano In London-NAN

Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and Nigeria's ambassador to the Uk, 

By News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

London – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby on Sunday in London condemned the attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, describing it as “disgraceful” and “atrocious”.
Welby said this when he paid a sympathy visit to the royal father, who was flown to London following the attack in Kano by unknown gunmen.
The gunmen attacked the emir’s convoy along Zoo road, near Sahad Stores, last month, killing his driver, his orderly and a traditional guard who tried to protect him.
The emir’s two sons who were also in his convoy, were injured.
“I am here to bring my condolences on the disgraceful and atrocious attack on His Royal Highness.
And on the loss of some of his staff, which is something that is a great shame and I rejoice that His Royal Highness himself was unharmed in the attack.
” I pray for you and all those in Nigeria who carry out the work of peace, reconciliation and seek to bring Nigeria to the place where it is supposed to be in strength and prosperity against the terrorists,” Welby said.
Responding, Bayero expressed has appreciation for the visit and congratulated Welby on his appointment.
The emir, who spoke in Hausa through the Chiroman Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Bayero, commended the role of the Anglican Communion in promoting peace and unity in Nigeria.
The Archbishop was received by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingom, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, and the Turakin Kano, Alhaji Nasir Bayero. (NAN

Buhari led war against Obasanjo’s third term – El-Rufai

Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)

A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has said that ex-Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, spearheaded the war against the third term project of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He added that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar merely claimed the victory for the truncation of the project.

 El-Rufai, who disclosed these in his book, “The Accidental Public Servant,” said that Buhari fought third term ambition of Obasanjo without taking the credit.

He listed others, who also fought the Obasanjo’s third term dream as Dr. Usman Bugaje; Farouk Aliyu, Bala Na’Allah and Femi Gbajabiamila.

El-Rufai said, “In the House of Representatives, the most vocal and articulate opponents of the third term bid, who rallied around Dr. Usman Bugaje (Peoples Democratic Party), included Aliyu, Na’Allah of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and Gbajabiamila of the then Alliance for Democracy.

“They all did a great job, they were courageous and took risks to openly oppose the third term project, while others like Atiku claimed victory.”

He explained that between 2003 and the time the third term debate started, Obasanjo and Buhari were not on talking terms.

The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory said that he intervened and appealed to Buhari to be talking with Obasanjo.

El-Rufai said that he told Buhari during a visit that he should be talking with Obasanjo.

He said that he told Buhari, “You are a former President (Buhari); he (Obasanjo) is the current President. You were his petroleum minister (when he was a head of state). You were very close and enjoyed mutual respect. You should be talking,” he wrote in the book.

The former minister said after his intervention, a delegation representing Buhari had an initial meeting with Obasanjo at the Banquet Hall, near the State House in Abuja.

According to him, the delegation comprised Dr. Mahmood Tukur; Adamu Fika (Wazirin Fika) and Dr. Sulaiman Kumo.

He stated, “I learnt from Obasanjo that the trio led by Fika reportedly told him that his third term project would be defeated.

“At this point, I was not looking like a successful emissary in Obasanjo’s eyes, but my job was done.

“Merely by reaching out, we had succeeded in recruiting Buhari to spearhead the guerrilla warfare that helped end the ‘constitutional amendment’ debates in the National Assembly.”

Explaining the role of the former head of state, el-Rufai said, “Buhari remained available to engage with Obasanjo while making repeated trips to Abuja to visit legislators in their houses or calling them, making a pitch for them not to support the third term attempt.”

The former minister stated that Buhari had argued that the United States Constitution, which Nigeria’s was modelled after, started without a term limit provision but that US citizens later realised that term limit was necessary and hence it was added to the US constitution.

Buhari’s second argument, El-Rufai added, was that if the Nigerian constitution was amended to pave way for Obasanjo’s third term bid, nothing would stop him from further tenure elongation.

He said, “Buhari had considerable moral authority and was completely disinterested in the outcome of the third term debate, so having him available and physically in Abuja to oppose it helped a lot in defeating Obasanjo, Tony Anenih, Ahmadu Ali, Ojo Maduekwe, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Dalhatu Tafida and other third term protagonists.

“What was impressive about Buhari was that he did this quietly and effectively without the desire to claim any credit.”

El-Rufai also disclosed that as part of the third term project, a public communications management group was formed.

El-Rufai said the group budgeted N1.2bn for public relations.

He said, “Circulated at one of the meetings was a public relations budget for media spending to the tune of N1.2bn that was drawn up in support of the third term project.”

El-Rufai stated that when he asked how the money would be sourced, he was told that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Federal Capital Territory would provide it.

He said, “I had no intention of using FCT’s security budget for such an endeavour. I was therefore relieved when one of the newspapers in vehement opposition to the third term project obtained the budget and it was front page news a few days later.”

When contacted, Atiku’s spokesman, Mallam Garuba Shehu, said, “We thank God that El-Rufai is not the only Nigerian that witnessed the third term project. The facts cannot be changed to suit his current political need.”

He said that the former minister’s book was a tissue of lies.

N13.5bn debt: AMCON to take over Babalakin’s properties

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria is set to take possession of properties belonging to the Chairman, Bi-Courtney Group of Companies, Dr. Wale Babalakin, over a N13.5bn debt.

But for “clerical errors,” one of the properties in Lagos would have been taken over on Friday.

A detachment of armed policemen and bailiffs of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had on Friday sealed off a high rise building on 43A, Afribank Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which they erroneously thought was owned by the businessman and lawyer.

However, the Managing Director, AMCON, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, told our correspondent on Sunday, that some clerical errors were  made in the court papers regarding the actual address of the building, adding that the corporation would approach the court on Tuesday to correct the errors.

This  led to the withdrawal of the AMCON officials and security operatives from the premises.

Friday’s action was in execution of interim orders granted by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke against Roygate Properties Limited, believed to be owned by Babalakin.

The orders were sequel to an ex-parte application filed by AMCON in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1501/2012.

Copies of the orders made on February 5 were reportedly pasted on the gates of the wrong building.

Justice Aneke had granted AMCON “interim possession of the  property at 43A Afribank Street,” pursuant to a tripartite legal mortgage registered on October 14, 2010 between Roygate (the borrower), Stabilini Visioni Limited (surety/mortgagor) and Guaranty Trust Bank (the lender).

The court also granted AMCON similar possession over properties at Plots 270 and 273, Trans Amadi Layout, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The court restrained Roygate, its directors, subsidiaries and sister companies from transferring or dealing with any of its funds in 20 banks listed in the application, or anywhere else up to the N13.5bn allegedly owed by the company.

It also restrained the banks from allowing Roygate “operate any bank accounts” held by it in the banks.

Justice Aneke also ordered the Nigeria Police Force to assist in enforcing the orders, and set February 19, 2013 as the return date.

AMCON had a few months ago got a similar order to take possession of some properties and assets owned by Tonique Oil Services Limited.

The corporation had executed the orders on Tonique Oil’s premises in Ikoyi and Gbagada, Lagos State, with the assistance of law enforcement agents, lawyers and court bailiffs.

Babalakin was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, Lagos on January 17, 2013, alongside Alex Okoh for alleged laundering of N4.7bn.

He was granted bail on self recognition and the case was adjourned to February 25, 2013.

Three North Korean Doctors Killed In Potiskum

Three South Korean doctors have been killed in the north-eastern Nigerian state of Yobe, officials say.
Residents said they were killed during the night in the town of Potiskum. Two of them had their throats slit while the third was beheaded, they added.
Officials said the victims had been working at a government-run hospital.
No-one has said they were behind the attack, but it happened in an area where the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, has been active in recent years.
More than 600 people were believed to have been killed in 2012 by the group, which is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state in Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north.
'No guards'
Yobo state police commissioner Sanusi Rufai said it was nevertheless too early to know who was behind the attack, which happened either late on Saturday or before dawn on Sunday. Police have begun an investigation.
The victims were reportedly found inside their flat on Sunday morning, after people became worried that they were not answering the door.
An official at the General Hospital in Potiskum told the Associated Press that the victims were South Korean and had worked there.
He added that their block of flats had no security guards, and that they had routinely travelled through the town in taxis without a police escort.
However, several residents told AFP that the doctors were Chinese nationals who had been employed by the state ministry of health for about a year. Mr Rufai also said they were from China.
On Friday, nine polio vaccination workers - all said to have been women - were shot dead in northern Nigeria. Some were killed in Kano, others at a health centre in Hotoro, outside the city.
President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the killings, for which no group has claimed responsibility, and vowed that the campaign to eradicate polio would be carried through to a successful conclusion.
 

PHOTONEWS: Beko Ransome -Kuti Remembered In Lagos

 Nigerians today remember renowned human rights activist,  Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti. Following a laying of wreathe at his tomb, members of the Nigerian
Civil Society proceeded for an anniversary lecture in honor of the late human rights campaigner.
It is now seven years since the  activist's demise, but Beko is widely remembered for his contributions to the the pro-democracy struggle against military rule.
 Beko is the younger brother of aft-beat musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Six Boko Haram Bombers, Including One Woman, Arrested With Bombs In Kaduna

Kagoro Hills

Six suspected Boko Haram bombers, including a woman were arrested last night in troubled Southern Kaduna, carrying bomb-making materials.
A senior security official told SaharaReporters that the suspects were picked up following a tip received in Kagoro town, near Kafanchan, the biggest town in southern axis of the state.
He also confirmed that the suspects, all of whom were described as young, have made useful statements to a team of investigators.
The source said that the suspects were likely planning to attack a location on Sunday in Kagoro or Kafanchan before the soldiers nipped their plan in the bud following the tip-off.
The suspects were arrested on the same route that four Boko Haram sect members: Salisu Ahmed, Umar Babagana-Umar, Mohammed Ali and Musa Adam were arrested in July 2011 on their way to Kaduna one day before Vice President Namadi Sambo and other dignitaries were to attend a sporting function at the township stadium.  According to their subsequent confessions, they were planning on their way to that venue to detonate a series of bombs targeted at Sambo.

Oshiomhole battles ACN leaders, awaits PDP’s onslaught

Edo LG Polls: Oshiomhole battles ACN leaders, awaits PDP’s onslaught
Political tension in Edo state is heating up daily as political gladiators rally behind their supporters ahead the April 14, 2013 Local Government Council election in the state.
Being an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) controlled state, the leadership of the party has been busy preparing themselves for the election.

Oshiomhole…taking his time

Though as it seems, it may be a one way thing for the party because the party had actually uprooted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the entire 18 Local Government Council.
The result of the April 14, 2012 governorship election where Governor Adams Oshiomhole won in the 18 Local Government Councils and the 192 wards in the state, buttresses the point that the PDP in the state had been swallowed by the ACN ruthless political machinery led by Oshiomhole.
There was an initial confusion in the state PDP as to whether the party was going to participate in the election or not, when the then PDP Director of Publicity of the party, Okharedia Ihimekpen, came up to say that the party would not be participating in the Local Government election against the decision of the state Executive of the party led by Chief Dan Osi Orbih.
Following his comment, the state Publicity Secretary, Pharm.Matthew Urhoghide, distanced the party from Ihimekpen’s comment, insisting that the party will be participating in the election.
According to him, “the only problem we had initially was that the State Independent National Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) held a meeting with political parties but we were not invited. We made our grievances known to them but that does not mean we are abstaining from the election.
The SEC met and we decided that we are going in for the election because we believe that it is the best thing for us as a party due to what happened in the last governorship election. We have to rebuild the party starting with the LGA elections.
The PDP is the biggest party in the country even in Edo state, so we cannot say we are not participating in the election.
If you look at it critically, the PDP is the only party in the state because even in the ACN today, all the members were all PDP. So Ihimekpen is on his own, what he said was his personal opinion and not that of the party because he has no right to speak for the party and he has been warned in the past from doing so”.
Few days after Ihimekpen’s comment which the party described as “unguided”, he was removed as the party’s Director of Publicity and was directed to return all property belonging to the party.
However, expressing the party’s preparedness for the forthcoming election, Urhoghide told Saturday Vanguard last Monday that “what we are doing now is that our aspirants are collecting the forms at the ward levels and after that, we intend to screen them and fix a date for the primaries.
We are not scared because this is a local election, any party can win if you present a candidate that is popular among the people. My only appeal is that the ACN should play according to the rules. In a local election, you allow the people make their choice and not impose candidates on them. As people at the grass root, they deserve good leaders that will develop the rural areas”.
Also declaring the readiness of the party to clinch some chairmanship seats, two time former chairman of Owan West Local Government Council and chieftain of the PDP, Dan Asekhame, said the party will strive to win some councils in the forthcoming polls “at least as a mark of respect for our national leader, Chief Tony Anenih”.
According to him, “I want to encourage our chairmanship candidates and members of our party to put in every thing possible in this coming local government election.
The problem the PDP had in the state before now is what we can describe as political wreckage because there are too many people on board. PDP stands a chance of winning many councils because of the crisis in the ACN today. Our candidates should disregard the fears that the ACN may manipulate the process because this is a local election. Only popular candidates will be accepted by the people”.
On its part, the ACN leadership urged the party leaders to agree on consensus candidates in their respective councils in order to make the primaries tension free.
It was learnt that Governor Adams Oshiomhole made it clear to the leaders that popular candidates must be allowed to emerge and warned against extortion from aspirants. But the resolve by the leaders to come up with consensus candidates almost back-fired when most leaders disagreed in their respective Local Government Councils on the choice of candidate.
In his Etsako West LGA, Oshiomhole had it hot with Usman Shagadi, the leader of the ACN in the area, when the Governor backed one Hassan Kadiri while Shagadi pitched tenth with Barr.Elamah. In Akoko Edo, Senator Domingo Obende and House of Representative member, Peter Akpatason also disagreed on the choice of candidates. In Uhumwonde, it was the Political Adviser to the Governor, Charles Idahosa VS Sam Iredia.
In Ikpoba Okhai, the former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osarodion Ogie was accused of imposing Mrs Itohan Osahon Ogbeide. But Ogie dismissed the allegation, saying that her candidature was generally accepted by the leaders of the party in the council.
However, the tension was more in Orhiomnwon where the state Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu and the South South Vice-Chairman of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu comes from. The duo are reportedly eyeing Oshiomhole’s seat in 2016.
Therefore the battle for the soul of the Council is well understood.Though the two leaders agreed that the chairmanship slot be zoned to Orhiomwon East, they disagreed on the choice of candidate. While Odubu is backing one Nosa Okunbor, Ize-Iyamu is backing Saturday Idehen.
But the Orhiomnwon Vanguard for Good Governance in a statement signed by Philip Edobor, described the situation as unfortunate, warning that if the disagreement continues, it may cost the council the opportunity to produce the governor of the state in 2016.
The group further faulted the ceding of the chairmanship ticket to Orhiomwon East, complaining that “since the inception of this democracy in 1999, Orhiomwon South is yet to produce the chairmanship of the council. The South has always been marginalized which is not good for us”.
However, the issue of consensus candidates in the ACN created the impression that the leaders were imposing their stooges on the people. It was not surprising therefore that after the Governor traveled outside the state after the meeting with the leaders, he came back to the state to meet more challenging problems within the party. There  was crisis in almost all the Local Governments.
The only council that there was no crisis was Oredo, where Osaro Obaze was unanimously endorsed by all the leaders.
This Local Government election is the first Oshiomhole will be conducting since his inception as Governor of the state in 2008. He has made tremendous efforts in cleaning up the state EDSIEC so as to conduct a free and fair election.
He has equally expressed passion on the need to have Council chairmen that will stay in their domain and ensure the dividends of democracy to the people at the grass root.
Having made all these efforts and his visions for a truly democratic Local Government Council, Oshiomhole did not want to destroy his efforts with the crisis in the councils.
Consequently, he made swift effort to solve the brewing problem. Since  last week Sunday, the governor has been holding marathon meetings with party leaders from the 18 Local Government Councils  and settling crisis. Some times, the meeting lasted till 3am the next day.
He brought his wealth of wisdom, power of persuasion and his oratorial prowess to bear in settling these cases.
The people accepted his judgments  after each decision is reached.
Though in trying to resolve the disagreements arising as a result of the coming chairmanship primaries of  his party scheduled for today (Saturday 9th February 2013), some are seeing the governor as an emerging god father in the politics of the state.
People are particularly concerned recalling the fight against god fatherism which he embarked upon shortly after he was sworn in as governor. And in the state today, Oshiomhole can beat his chest to say he has  retired many political god fathers who were calling the shots in the politics of the state while he was at the NLC.
But his handling of the disagreements in his party so far seems to have been very successful as protests by aggrieved party members seems to have stopped  though there are still few cries of marginalization particularly in the Ijaw speaking areas.
A former militant leader in the state, Gen Ezekiel Akpasibewei, advised the leadership of the (ACN) in Ovia South West Local Government Council of the state, to share elective positions between the Binis and the Ijaws in the area in order to avoid crisis.
He regretted that though the Ijaws in the area have candidates for the chairmanship position, they decided to ask their aspirants to step down due to what he described as the ethnic politics that is being played in the area.
He urged the leadership of the ACN to take a cue from style of leadership of Governor Adams Oshiomhole who waged a war against ethnic politics during his governorship campaign, stressing that the Ijaws in the Council deserved to be given some positions because ‘during the governorship election, all of us worked for the Comrade Governor and not only the Binis”.
Akpasibewei who was the former leader of the deadly Under-dogs before he was granted amnesty, recalled that “we  want the positions to be shared because we all worked equally during the governorship election and so all positions must be shared in order to avoid break down of law and order.
“For justice and equity, the governor is from Edo North while the deputy is from the South. So same is applicable to the politics of Ovia South West. The Ijaws of Ovia South West cannot only be remembered when there is work alone to do but must be part of the sharing process. We must discontinue the issue of  tribal politics.”
What we want is transformation and that is what the Comrade Governor is doing in the state. We are from the Ijaw axis and we also have aspirants but based on issues of tribal politics, we asked them to hold on while we see what will happen”.
However, no matter how critics views Oshiomhole’s handling of the internal issues of his party, he has succeeded in putting in place a political structure in the entire 18 Local Government Council which will enable him produce a successor of his choice in 2016.