Jonathan gives committee 3-months to profer solution on Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the presidential committee on peaceful resolution of security challenges in the northern part of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja. He mandated it to proffer solutions to the Boko-Haram insurgence in three months, and asked the members to use their wealth of experience in finding lasting solution to menace. Also on Wednesday, the president inaugurated a 17-member committee on proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The second committee that I am also inaugurating that has to do with dialogue and peaceful resolution of security challenges in the north is quite critical. All Nigerians are expecting this committee to perform magic and we pray that Allah should give you the wisdom to do so. Because without peace we cannot develop no matter how committed we are; without peace we cannot progress as a nation. The Federal Government is ready to work with you and any other organisation to make sure that these excesses of Boko Haram is brought to an end. So that as a nation we should face issues of development not issues of conflict, issues of peace not issues of disaster.’’ The president said the committee should establish a link and open up dialogue with members of the Boko Haram and also develop a framework for their disarmament. He said the committee should also work out a sustainable option that would lead to the granting of amnesty to the group. The president added that the committee should develop a comprehensive support programme for the victims of the excesses of the group. He said the committee should suggest ways to address the underlining causes of the crisis to ensure that the country did not face similar trend in the future. President Jonathan seized the opportunity of the inauguration to charge security agencies, particularly the military Joint Task Force to avoid civilian casualties in their operations. He reiterated the fact that the reported mass killing in Baga, Borno, was being investigated, adding that government would take appropriate steps to sanction any official found culpable. Let me use this opportunity to also charge the security agencies that while doing your work, you must also be mindful of the citizens of this country. In attempting to bring peace to the country or any part of the country, we should do so in a manner that will not bring destruction to the third party. The issues that affect some parts of Borno State that is in the media today is being investigated and we have tell Nigerians and indeed the international community that government will take steps to make sure that if errors were made, such people are cautioned and treated in line with our laws and regulations.’’ The president re-assured of his administration’s commitment to address the security challenges and bring development to the country. He called on every Nigerian to show patriotism to the nation and assist the committee by offering useful information that would assist the members to succeed. Jonathan said that the setting up of the other committee was in keeping with his pledge that Nigeria would work with the UN and other countries to stem the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. He said the proliferation of small arms and light weapon was threatening security and stability in Nigeria and in other developing nations. Continental cross-border proliferation of arms is not only a threat to our nation’s security and stability it has also fuelled conflicts in different parts of Africa. The small arms and light weapons committee should establish links and cooperation with similar institutions and other agencies that can help to build capacity, enhance information sharing and develop multi-level international support relationship as well as strengthen regional cooperation,’’ he said. The president called on the UN to evolve a comprehensive approach to the control of small arms and light weapons noting that the effects in Africa is worse than the effect of nuclear weapons. Jonathan thanked the members of the two committees for accepting to serve even when many of them were not contacted before they were made members. The Chairman, Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, thanked the president for the opportunity given to members to serve. He said the step taken by the president was a testimony of genuine desire to bring security challenges in the country to an end. The inauguration of our committee this morning has provided a veritable platform for genuine and sincere resolution of the crisis situation in the north. I assure you that members of this committee are prepared to bring everything that we have, our diverse experiences, our education, professionalism, tactics, skills and above all our integrity to bear in the work of this committee.’’ Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of the Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Emmanuel Imokhe, expressed appreciation to the president for his firm and unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges to peace and security in the country. It is axiomatic to say that development cannot take place in an environment that is characterised by lack of security. Easy access to small arms and light weapons create insecurity which in turn impede growth and development in several countries within our neigbourhood. It follows therefore that if we seek to tackle the problem of insecurity, we must first seek to deal with the issue of easy access to small arms and light weapons. I wish to emphasis that the committee shares the president's vision regarding the emplacement of internal peace and security that will allow the transformation agenda of this administration to flourish. `I wish to assure Mr. President that the committee will work in accordance with its mandate tirelessly and round the clock.’’ Imokhe assured the president that the committee would work in accordance with its mandate and proffer policies to addressing the challenges posed by small arms and light weapons proliferation.

Man charged for stealing N3.4m petroleum product

Lagos — A man, Kunle Oyediran, was, Tuesday, arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court, sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly receiving stolen petroleum motor spirit, PMS, worth N3.4million, belonging to one Okonkwo Amenike. Oyediran, 35, is facing a count charge of stealing preferred on him by the police. The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Barth Nwaokoye, told the court that the crime took place at Agege area of Lagos on November 23, 2012, at about 1.30p.m. He said that Oyediran unlawfully received 33,000 liters of petroleum motor spirit valued at N3,399,000, property of one Okonkwo Amenike. He said the defendant knew the product was stolen but he still received it. The prosecutor said the offence committed was punishable under section 326 (2) criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the count charge when it was read to him. Magistrate Demi Ajayi granted him bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter to May, 20,2013.

Nigerian young leaders for One Young world summit

Young leaders from Nigeria have an important role to play at One Young World summit taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa from 2 – 5 October 2013. That’s according to Catherine Peter, Africa Director of One Young World, who is in Lagos recently to meet with young leaders and partners. Now in its fourth year, One Young World is a charity that hosts an annual summit, bringing together 1,300 exceptional young people to find solutions to local, regional and global challenges. 2013 marks the first time Africa plays host to a One Young World summit. “Nigeria is a powerhouse on the African continent, therefore it’s crucial the country sends a strong delegation to the first ever African-hosted One Young World summit”, says Peter. “One Young World is all about impact and encouraging leaders of the future from all industries to drive tangible change when they return home from the summit”. Delegates from 190 countries are set to attend the 2013 summit, giving One Young World its widest global representation to date. 183 countries were represented at the 2012 Summit in Pittsburgh, USA, including a delegation from Nigeria. The momentum is building for October’s summit, with preparations well underway. South Africa will host an opening ceremony on Wednesday 2nd October at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, inviting local members of the youth to witness the opening of what is set to be the most locally interactive summit to date with breakout sessions taking place at a number of venues throughout the city. One Young World is a charity that stages an annual Summit, bringing together the brightest young people from around the world. The fourth annual One Young World Summit will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 2 to 5 October 2013. The summit will gather over 1,300 young future leaders from 190 countries at the Sandton Convention Centre to share their visions, views and ideas to create practical and achievable commitments for positive change. The opening ceremony will take place at FNB Stadium. Unlike any other event, the One Young World Summit gives delegates the kind of media platform ordinarily afforded only to those who lead countries and corporations. Delegates speak alongside respected global figures selected for their work and insight into matters affecting the whole world, and the youth in particular. Last year, former US president Bill Clinton addressed the delegates in Pittsburgh, USA, where the following spokespeople served as One Young World counsellors.

Yobe loses N700m annually to illegal tree fellin

Damaturu – Gum Arabic Farmers and Marketers Association in Yobe said over N700 million worth of gum arabic trees and the product were lost annually to firewood poachers in the state. Malam Jafaru Ayuba, Spokesman of the association, disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu. Ayuba explained that, gum arabic trees were indiscriminately cut down by firewood sellers coming into the state from the neighbouring states. “There were cases of chemicals sprayed on the economic trees to force them to dry up and cut down for firewood. “Sadly, the lost trees were never replaced because the farmers were discouraged and threatened by activities of the firewood merchants.” The spokesman noted that about 15,000 gum arabic farmers were loosing their means of livelihood to illegal tree felling in the state. The association called on the Yobe Government to apply the full weight of the law on illegal tree felling so as to safeguard gum arabic and other economic trees. The farmers, however, appealed to the state government to assist them with seedlings. “There are good seedlings from Sudan that are suitable to the environment here, we therefore urge the Yobe Government to assist us with these seedlings to enable us replant the trees,” he said. Yobe Government last month constituted a task force to enforce all environmental laws which include illegal felling of trees, bush burning and poaching of animals among others.(NAN)

Okogie cautions Jonathan on amnesty for Boko Haram

BENIN—WITH a committee set up by the Federal Government to explore the possibility of granting amnesty to members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, Catholic clergy, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, has advised the government to be cautious in its approach to finding solutions to the security crisis in the country by ensuring that justice prevails. Condemning the wanton destruction of lives and property of Nigerians by the sect, Okogie said it would be callous of the President to rush into granting amnesty to members of the sect without due consideration of the legal, moral and political implications of such a move, which he noted might send a wrong signal that there was nothing wrong in using criminality to fight perceived injustice. Cardinal Okogie Cardinal Okogi3 Okogie, in a statement by Rev. Father Stephen Okojie, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Edo State, said: “I am not against considering amnesty if the situation warrants it. But as it is, on what basis are we calling for amnesty for Boko Haram? “We have to be cautious about the way we go about it. I have continued to ask these questions: Who are the members of this sect who thrive on human blood? Are they truly Nigerians? What exactly do they want? Why don’t they make themselves available for discussion with representatives of the Federal Government? “Until we can be given answers to some of these questions, amnesty should not be a subject for discussion. Even the Bible recommends dialogue as a way out of disputes. Granting amnesty to a faceless group that consistently fails to dialogue with you is a mockery. Besides, how do we compensate all those who have lost their loved ones in the over two years of carnage? These are issues we need to address.” He chided the Federal Government for allowing the security crisis in the country to linger for so long and failing to take decisive steps to nip the insurgency in the bud at its early state, saying it was now almost impossible to separate the true members of the sect and their demands, from those who are taking advantage of the imbroglio to score cheap political points at the expense of human lives.

Police patrol van crushes man in Lagos

Police patrol van crushes man in Lagos On April 22, 2013 · In News 9:18 pm Tweet BY EVELYN USMAN LAGOS — A middle-aged man was allegedly crushed to death, Monday, by a patrol van conveying policemen attached to the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Social Offences. The van was chasing a commercial bus driver who contravened traffic rules, in Ikorodu area of Lagos. The team of policemen reportedly stopped the commercial bus driver around Agric bus-stop over an unknown traffic offence. But the later refused to stop, consequent upon which eye witnesses said the policemen chased him in their patrol van at about 9 a.m. Tragedy struck around Oke-Ira in Haruna area after a man simply identified as Baba Peace, said to be waiting to board a bus, was hit by the fleeing driver. In his attempt to get up, eye witnesses said the oncoming police van ran over him, killing him on the spot. The incident caused an uproar as an angry mob attempted to stop the police van. Sensing trouble, eyewitnesses said the police van veered off its lane and drove into Wahab Street, maneouvered its way through Bolaji Benson Street and escaped through Ogbolowu Estate, with the mob still chasing them. This forced the policemen to take refuge in a building in the estate. One of the policemen said to have changed into mufti, reportedly came out of the compound, only to be identified by the mob who waited outside. The policeman, a Corporal, would have been lynched but for the timely arrival of a reinforcement from Area M Command. Meanwhile, at Haruna area, the body of Baba Peace was laid in the middle of the road,with the mob spoiling for showdown. A woman later discovered to be his widow was seen wailing. Policemen from Owutu later arrived and took the body away, while officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA , controlled the resultant traffic. Contacted, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Damasus Ozoani, explained that information available to the Police revealed that the commercial bus driver allegedly crushed the driver as he attempted to scale through the demarcation wall to facilitate his escape. He disclosed that the policemen involved in the chase had been arrested and investigation ongoing.

185 killed, 2000 houses destroyed in gun duel between soldiers, Boko Haram

185 killed, 2000 houses destroyed in gun duel between soldiers, Boko Haram On April 22, 2013 · In News 6:02 pm BY NDAHI MARAMA, MAIDUGURI No fewer than 185 persons including women and children were killed and over 2000 houses destroyed in a gun duel between the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, and suspected members of Boko Haram sect in Baga, Kukawa local government area of Borno State The Commander of the Nigerian forces, Brigadier General Austin Edokpaye, confirmed the incident while conducting the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima round the affected area. Edokpaye said the suspected terrorists attacked his men with firepower including RPGs which usually has a conflagration effect. According to him, it was the conflagration that consumed the town insisting that the resultant deaths should be blamed on the Boko Haram sect who used civilians as human shield while attacking his men.

10 die in multiple road crashes in Delta

ASABA — NO fewer than 10 persons died in a multiple accident that occurred, yesterday, at Okwe junction, Asaba on Asaba/Benin highway while several others were wounded. As a result of the accident which occurred at about 7.30am, there was a gridlock on that stretch of the road leading to the Asaba bridge head.The obstruction was, however, cleared through efforts of men of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC. Scene of the accident, yesterday Scene of the accident, yesterday An eyewitness told our reporter that the accident occurred when a trailer loaded with cement and moving towards the east allegedly lost control and rammed into an oncoming commuter bus plying Asaba/Onitsha route. The bus was mangled in the process. Two other vehicles, a Nissan car and another truck, were also affected in the crash. When Vanguard visited the scene of the accident, blood stains and personal effects of the victims littered the ground. Contacted, the FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr. Julius Bassey, confirmed the incident but said only five persons died while others were rushed to the hospital. According to him, “it was a fatal multiple accident involving four vehicles, namely Iveco truck with number plate KWA 12 XA; Mitsubishi 1300, number plate GDD 295 DXA; a Nissan Quest space-bus with number plate DX 219 FST and Dangote articulated truck with number plate SNK 77 XA. “A total of 16 persons, comprising 12 male and four females, were involved in the multiple crash while four males and three females were injured and number of those killed were 5 males. “The cause of the accident was break failure and the victims and corpses were taken to Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.”

Govs’ Forum should not be used to play national politics – Dickson

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has flayed attempts at using the Nigerian Governors Forum as a pressure body against President Goodluck Jonathan just as he differentiated the rested agitation by Niger Delta militants and the Boko Haram insurgency. Speaking to newsmen on the just concluded African Movie Awards, in Yenogoa, weekend, Governor Dickson said governors should concentrate on governing their states and leave the running of the country to President Jonathan. The governor also elaborated on the monthly transparency initiative, an exercise during which the governor and his economic team give details on revenue receipts and expenditure within the preceding month. Noting the differences between the Niger Delta militancy and the Boko Haram insurgency, the governor said: “Whatever is driving them is very different from the factors that gave rise to the situation that we had here in the Niger Delta. Whereas the insurgency in the Niger Delta was founded on economic issues – issues that had to do with deprivation of rights, the one in Boko Haram is religious fundamentalist so there is a clear distinction”. While commending the president for his courage in declaring the amnesty for the Boko Haram insurgents, the governor, however, acknowledged the fears of skeptics. He said: “Those who say amnesty should not be extended to Boko Haram members also have a very strong point on account of the mindless and criminal, despicable and wanton destruction of property and lives. And even now, from what we are reading, they seem to say they have not done anything wrong and they are rejecting amnesty but on the part of the leader of a country, I think the President has done well by proposing amnesty.” Commenting on the recent crisis in the NGF which pitched some governors led by the forum’s chairman, Governor Rotimi Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan, Dickson said: “Look, let me also make it clear; governors’ forum is primarily a mechanism for peer review of governors who are equal. “The Governors’ forum is not and should not be a platform for control of national politics, because we are not elected to run the country. “We, as governors are elected to manage our states. So the Governors’ Forum cannot be allowed to go on as a trade union. Of course, that is wrong! “What has happened is that people are taking advantage of the development and discontent in our system to manipulate it to suit their individual whims and caprices. But what is wrong is wrong! “Look at the United States Governors’ Forum where we even copied it from, you don’t see Governors’ Forum there coming to tell Obama what he should and what he should not do. We are provincial players, because our mandate is to lead our states, not to run the federation. “Those who have a mandate to run the federation are the President, Vice President, the elected members of our National Assembly and the political leadership of the parties. Those are the people who have a platform. And if as a governor, I have any strong view on things that go on at the federal level, we have avenues; informal, formal – we have the National Economic Council. Over the years, I think what has happened, particularly in the PDP and it is very unfortunate that these focus on the Governors’ Forum is as a result of some developments in the PDP. “It is unfortunate that it is rubbing off on the governors from the opposition parties. What has happened over the years is that governors of the PDP who became chairmen of the Governors’ Forum, all attempted to use it as a platform for playing national politics – a platform for occupying national political space. It is wrong! It shouldn’t be allowed! That’s why the idea of the PDP Governors’ Forum became necessary. “But you see, because for now there is manipulation of facts and our institutions are not yet strong enough, including the media – you are doing a very good job but not yet strong enough. You see things being manipulated as if anybody is disturbing anybody, instead of saying no, this thing you guys are doing is wrong. People are saying as if “there is a crisis and somebody does not want somebody, no! “The Governors’ Forum is simply a peer review mechanism; no more, no less! PDP governors have the right to have their own group because the right to association is a first law in a democracy! ACN governors and others, even councillors have associations. “There is so much focus on what go on in the PDP; if you are in the PDP you will meet at the structure of the PDP to resolve problems, if you are not in the PDP you concentrate on your party and make strong efforts to defeat the PDP.” Asked to comment on the reported differences between the president and the NGF chairman, Rotimi Chibuke Amaechi, he said: “You press people should not equate a provincial player with elected President of the Federal Republic. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot have misunderstanding with a provincial player as a governor of Rivers State or any other governor for that matter. Dickson said: “As governors, we are elected to run our states, no more – no less. If you want the mandate to run Nigeria, you contest an election for it. Don’t do it through the back door. If you want to be a leader of opposition, you go to the opposition. What is happening is that people are taking advantage of our weak institutions and our fledgling democracy such that sometimes you don’t even know who belongs to where socially. “So please, I’m not aware of any misunderstanding between the President of Nigeria and a provincial player like myself who is a governor of a state. You are demeaning the President and you shouldn’t do that in this country.” http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/04/govs-forum-should-not-be-used-to-play-national-politics-dickson/

First Top Ten Emerges in Sexiest in Nollywood

First Top Ten Emerges in Sexiest in Nollywood On April 20, 2013 · In Home Video People 2:11 am After five weeks of nomination process the first ten contestants of the eventual 25 to run in this year’s Sexiest in Nollywood quest has emerged. The ten emerged over the last five weeks of voting after polling the highest votes so far. For the ‘Sexiest Man’ the first ten nominees include Ramsey Nouah, Junior Pope Odowondo, Ali Nuhu, Benson Okonkwo, Yul Edochie, Kenneth Okolie, Mike Ezuruonye, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, Uti Nwachukwu and Joseph Benjamin. In the ‘Sexiest Woman’ category, the nominated contestants include Stephanie Okereke, Anita Joseph, Tonto Dikeh, Ebube Nwagbo, Colette Orji, Queeneth Hilbert, Chika Agatha, Maureen Cyril, Cynthia Agholor and Tope Osoba. There are still a number of contestants who have polled great number of votes but their names have not yet come up because there are so many who have votes too close to call. In order to sort it all out for justice not only to have been done but also to be seen to have been done we shall proceed with the nomination process for more weeks – as long as it takes for clear choices to be made. Therefore, we have resolve to come up with five more names every week until the final 25 contestants have been picked. However, if the situation on a particular week does not make for clear choices to be made the announcement of more nominees shall be postponed until the following week. Thus, it becomes more important than ever for fans to intensify their voting to give their star a good chance for the remaining 15 nomination slots. Sexiest1 The big question now is: who are the next 15 nominees to joined these first ten nominated? The journey begins now and only your votes count. So, who are the five coming in next Saturday? Note, the voting for the week shall be concluded by 12 noon on Thursday. If you want to give your vote to see someone nominated you must do so between SATURDAY and the next THURSDAY! How to vote simply text name of your choice: Sexiest Man and Woman to 08052201215 or 08052201251

Edo LG polls: ACN floors PDP

BENIN — Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Edo State, has floored Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in weekend’s, local government elections, which were marred by late arrival of materials. Chairman of Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, Mr. Solomon Ogoi, attributed the delay in the late arrival of materials to flight problem from Lagos to Benin last Friday. From results released at the collation centres, yesterday, ACN won in the 11 councils of Egor, Igueben, Esan South-East, Etsako East, Akoko Edo, Esako Central, Etsako West, Orhionmwon, Uhumnwonde, Ovia North-East and Ovia South- West. Elections in Esan North East, Esan West, Ikpoba- Okhai and Oredo, were postponed till Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25, due to shortage of electoral materials and violence. Results of three councils are being awaited at press time. PDP and the Deputy National Chairman of All Nigeria’s Peoples Party, ANPP, Mr. Solomon Edebiri, have described the elections as a sham and called for the resignation of all members of EDSIEC for alleged failure to conduct free and fair elections. Countering PDP’s allegation, ACN Chairman, Mr. Thomas Okosun, expressed shock over the allegation of rigging, recalling that, “even during the governorship election, we won in the 18 councils, so why are they crying wolf, when they only exist on the pages of newspapers. Their thugs were shooting everywhere, but we refused to fight back because we know that they were not on ground while we were on ground.” However, results in Ovia North- East indicated that ACN won in 11 out of the 13 wards in the council. There was no election in Oduna ward, the Ijaw area and Okokuo, where a leader of PDP, Mr. Levis Aigbogun, hails from. In Etsako Central, where the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadohme and the state chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, hail from, out of the 10 wards, ACN won in eight PDP won one, while one ward was canceled due to violence. Orbih won his ward while Oghiadohme lost his to ACN. Addressing newsmen, yesterday, state PDP Chairman, Chief Orbih, said the party rejected the results declared so far and called for a new date, “after due consultation with stakeholders from other parties.” He said: “We will not accept the results as announced because the elections were inconclusive. “The issue of Oredo and Ikpoba Okhai conducting elections on Thursday is unacceptable because this would mean staggering the elections. We are insisting that if ACN is serious in conducting elections, it should be done in all the 18 councils.” Reacting, Mr. Okosun, described their claim as laughable, “because, how do they expect to win the elections when they did not prepare for them? We know that it is their style to make frivolous allegations. They have lost the elections and they should shut up and prepare for the future. We will be waiting”. On his part, Edebiri, who said that four of his vehicles were destroyed, allegedly by ACN thugs, noted that “there was no election in Uhumnwonde. Can you imagine that ACN chairman in the area was the one distributing electoral materials? Their thugs destroyed my cars.” But ACN chairmanship candidate in Uhumnwonde, Mr. Roland Alari, countered his claim, saying, “he was the one that went to his ward with thugs and mobile policemen, which was why it was difficult to hold election in his area. I am not from his ward, so I don’t even know what he is talking about.” Edo State Government, in its reaction through Commissioner for Information, Louis Odion, called for calm.

NJC considers petitions against 23 judges across the federation

ABUJA — Determined to weed out corrupt judges from the Bench, the National Judicial Council, NJC, has opened investigation into allegations of judicial impropriety leveled against 23 judges in Nigeria. Vanguard reliably gathered, yesterday, that the justices under the probe radar include those from various divisions of the Federal High Court that allegedly issued frivolous ex-parte orders to soothe varying political interests. Others include seven appeal court justices, four state high court judges, five magistrates and two justices of the Supreme Court who were said to have compromised standard while they were still on the appellate court Bench. Already, a top official of the NJC, who spoke to Vanguard on grounds of anonymity, yesterday, said the Council had directed some of the accused justices to enter their defence of specific petitions against them. It will be recalled that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Murhktar, recently expressed worry over the increasing number of petitions against judges flooding the NJC. She noted that “a public uproar against the judgement of a court of record is not to the credit of the judiciary.” Speaking at a workshop organised for judges by the National Judicial Institute, NJI, the CJN, lamented: “I have heard the aphorism a couple of times that in the court, the rich get bail while the poor get jailed. To what extent have we as judges turned justice as within the reach of the highest bidder?” She warned: “Any judge found to be comp- licit in the writing and delivery of a judgement, the NJC, as the constitutional regulatory body will not hesitate to wield the big stick.”

8 gang rape sex worker

8 gang rape sex worker On April 22, 2013 · heartland blaze 12:42 am BY ONOZURE DANIA Lagos — Four young men were, weekend, docked before Mrs. Demi Ajayi of Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly raping Jennifer Uche. The suspects, Solomon Obamiro 28, Adebayo Fagbemi, 25, Soliu Obalowu, 27 and Oluwatosin Akomolafe 22, and others now at large, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and sexual assault. The police prosecutor superintendent, Barth Nwaokoye, informed the court that the defendants committed the crime in the early hours of April 13, 2013, at about 3a.m. He said the alleged crime was perpetrated in a club house at 28, Sule Abukar street, Opebi in Ikeja area of Lagos. Uche, who is 27, was said to have had an agreement with Solomon Obamiro to pay her the sum of N5,000 for one night, but few minutes after Obamiro had begun the affair, the victim said a gang of seven other boys suspected to be close associate of Obamiro gang raped her. Her legs and hands were said to have been held each time one of tthe suspects was taking his turn, repeatedly until she lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, she saw N800 they dropped for her after the perpetrators of the act had fled. The prosecutor said the offence was punishable under section 409, 262(1) of the criminal laws No 11 Vol 44 law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against them by the police. However, Magistrate Ajayi granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 and adjourned the case to June, 17, 2013, for trial.

Soldiers nab fake Police officer with 100kg of Indian hemp

Soldiers nab fake Police officer with 100kg of Indian hemp On April 22, 2013 12:32 am BY SUZAN EDEH BAUCHI — A fake Superintendent of Police has been arrested by soldiers with 100 kilogramme of Indian hemp along Bauchi-Kano road near Gadar Maiwa village in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. According to reliable security source in Bauchi, the man was arrested at a military road block along Ningi road with a fake identity card of the rank of Superintendent of Police, SP. The suspect also wore a Superintendent of Police uniform with his car loaded with 108 kilogramme sacks of leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. The security source said: “After the man was arrested, the first preliminary investigation confirmed that he was not a policeman and he was handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA , Bauchi State Command for further investigation.” He gave the name of the suspect as Augustine Odugwu and appealed to the general public to always be security conscious and report any suspicious character to the security agencies even if the person was in uniform. Effort to get the comment of the NDLEA commandant Bauchi, Mr. Parah Julius Bawa, failed because he was not on seat but a senior officer in the command confirmed that the suspect is undergoing interrogation and has made confessional statement.

Obama tells Boston bombers: ‘We will find you’ On April 18, 2013 · In News 6:17 pm BOSTON, Massachusetts (AFP) – US President Barack Obama vowed Thursday that the Boston marathon bombers would be found and held “accountable” as investigators focused their efforts on two potential suspects. “Yes, we will find you, and yes, you will face justice,” Obama told a special service in the city, three days after the two bombs killed three people and injured about 180 in a hail of nails and ball bearings. “We will find you, we will hold you accountable,” he added in a keynote speech on a special visit to show national solidarity with what he called “one of the world’s great cities.” “If they sought to intimidate us, to terrorize us,” Obama said, then “it should be pretty clear by now that they picked the wrong city to do it.” The US leader was given several ovations by the 2,000-strong congregation in Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which included relatives of the dead, rescuers who helped victims and political leaders. Obama, who was to meet some victims with his wife Michelle, listened attentively to messages from representatives of all religions in the city. Nasser Wedaddy, chief of the New England Interfaith Council, spoke for American Muslims and highlighted how the Koran says that killing one person “is like killing all mankind.” Wedaddy told how he experienced a car bomb while living in Damascus as a child. “What happened on Monday has shocked and horrified us, but it has also brought us together,” he said in a message carefully prepared by Muslim community leaders who fear a backlash if the attackers are found to be militant Islamists. The archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, read a message from Pope Francis in which he said the people of the city should keep “working together to build an even more just, free and secure society.” Acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma played with a choir of teenagers, some of whom fought back tears as they sang for the service. Obama has vowed a relentless hunt for the attackers and authorities say they want to speak to individuals captured in surveillance camera images around the marathon finish line that was devastated by the pressure cooker bombs. “There is some video that has raised the question of those that the FBI would like to speak with,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a Congressional hearing. But she added that she would not call the men suspects. No claim of responsibility and no arrests have been made in connection with the twin bombings that are the worst attack in the United States since the September 11, 2001 atrocities. But media reports said authorities would later release images of two men who could have planted the bombs that sprayed nails, ball bearings and other metal fragments into the crowds. “Authorities have clear video images of two separate suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings carrying black bags at each explosion site and are planning to release the images today,” the Boston Globe said, quoting an official. The images were from surveillance cameras in Boylston Street in Boston where the marathon ended. A law enforcement official confirmed to AFP on Tuesday that investigators have images of at least one potential suspect and are seeking “to locate and identify that individual.” The suspects have not yet been identified though, reports said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it has launched a “worldwide” hunt. But the FBI and political leaders have appealed for patience over the pace of the investigation. The FBI released photographs of the mangled metal remnants of a pressure cooker believed to have been used for one of the bombs. The lid of one pressure cooker was found on the roof of a hotel near the marathon finish line. More than 100 of the injured have left Boston hospitals, but about 10 remain in critical condition and some will require new operations. At least 12 people have lost at least one of their legs because of the blast from the bombs, which fired the metal fragments at low level. Doctors at Boston Medical Center said a second Chinese student caught in the blast had come out of a coma and was improving. The girl’s family was expected in Boston soon

Obama tells Boston bombers: ‘We will find you’

Obama tells Boston bombers: ‘We will find you’ On April 18, 2013 · In News 6:17 pm BOSTON, Massachusetts (AFP) – US President Barack Obama vowed Thursday that the Boston marathon bombers would be found and held “accountable” as investigators focused their efforts on two potential suspects. “Yes, we will find you, and yes, you will face justice,” Obama told a special service in the city, three days after the two bombs killed three people and injured about 180 in a hail of nails and ball bearings. “We will find you, we will hold you accountable,” he added in a keynote speech on a special visit to show national solidarity with what he called “one of the world’s great cities.” “If they sought to intimidate us, to terrorize us,” Obama said, then “it should be pretty clear by now that they picked the wrong city to do it.” The US leader was given several ovations by the 2,000-strong congregation in Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which included relatives of the dead, rescuers who helped victims and political leaders. Obama, who was to meet some victims with his wife Michelle, listened attentively to messages from representatives of all religions in the city. Nasser Wedaddy, chief of the New England Interfaith Council, spoke for American Muslims and highlighted how the Koran says that killing one person “is like killing all mankind.” Wedaddy told how he experienced a car bomb while living in Damascus as a child. “What happened on Monday has shocked and horrified us, but it has also brought us together,” he said in a message carefully prepared by Muslim community leaders who fear a backlash if the attackers are found to be militant Islamists. The archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, read a message from Pope Francis in which he said the people of the city should keep “working together to build an even more just, free and secure society.” Acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma played with a choir of teenagers, some of whom fought back tears as they sang for the service. Obama has vowed a relentless hunt for the attackers and authorities say they want to speak to individuals captured in surveillance camera images around the marathon finish line that was devastated by the pressure cooker bombs. “There is some video that has raised the question of those that the FBI would like to speak with,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a Congressional hearing. But she added that she would not call the men suspects. No claim of responsibility and no arrests have been made in connection with the twin bombings that are the worst attack in the United States since the September 11, 2001 atrocities. But media reports said authorities would later release images of two men who could have planted the bombs that sprayed nails, ball bearings and other metal fragments into the crowds. “Authorities have clear video images of two separate suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings carrying black bags at each explosion site and are planning to release the images today,” the Boston Globe said, quoting an official. The images were from surveillance cameras in Boylston Street in Boston where the marathon ended. A law enforcement official confirmed to AFP on Tuesday that investigators have images of at least one potential suspect and are seeking “to locate and identify that individual.” The suspects have not yet been identified though, reports said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it has launched a “worldwide” hunt. But the FBI and political leaders have appealed for patience over the pace of the investigation. The FBI released photographs of the mangled metal remnants of a pressure cooker believed to have been used for one of the bombs. The lid of one pressure cooker was found on the roof of a hotel near the marathon finish line. More than 100 of the injured have left Boston hospitals, but about 10 remain in critical condition and some will require new operations. At least 12 people have lost at least one of their legs because of the blast from the bombs, which fired the metal fragments at low level. Doctors at Boston Medical Center said a second Chinese student caught in the blast had come out of a coma and was improving. The girl’s family was expected in Boston soon

Shell shuts key oil pipeline

Shell shuts key oil pipeline On April 18, 2013 · In News 6:14 pm LAGOS (AFP) – Shell has shut a key oil pipeline in southern Nigeria to repair damage caused by oil thieves, leading to a cut of around 150,000 barrels per day, the company said Wednesday in a statement. The Nembe Creek Trunkline in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer with output at about two million barrels per day, will be closed for an undisclosed period. “The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) shut down the Nembe Creek Trunkline (NCTL) on Monday (15th April) to remove crude oil theft connections and investigate suspected oil theft leaks,” it said. “Production of some 150,000 barrels of oil per day has been deferred due to the shutdown. As a result, SPDC has declared force majeure on Bonny Light export,” the statement added. SPDC is Nigerian subsidiary for the Anglo-Dutch firm. The 97-kilometre (60 miles) NCTL pipeline has been closed several times as a result of crude oil theft leaks and fires between December 2011 and May 2012, it recalled. Oil theft has been estimated as costing Nigeria some $6 billion (4.7 billion euros) per year. The pipeline was shut for 10 days last month following a major leak of Bonny Light crude, one of the main grades of crude oil produced in Nigeria. The company had then declared force majeure, a legal term releasing it from contractual obligations due to circumstances beyond its control. The company removed 157 points of sabotage on its pipelines last year, but 90 points still exist, the company earlier said. “We’re concerned that the NCTL has been targeted by crude oil thieves repeatedly since we installed the new line in 2010 at a cost of $1.1 billion,” said Managing Director of SPDC Mutiu Sunmonu in the statement. “The current exercise aims to remove a significant number of oil theft connections and repair any leaks on the pipeline,” he said. “Crude theft continues to affect people, the environment and the economy, and urgent action is needed by all stakeholders to tackle the problem,” Sunmonu saids. Last month, he said that oil theft in Nigeria had reached unprecedented levels, rising to 60,000 barrels per day for Shell alone. A 2009 amnesty deal led to a sharp decline in unrest in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, but criminal activity has since flourished. While Shell blames most of the spills on sabotage, activists argue that the company does not do enough to prevent such incidents and effectively clean up the damage when they do occur.

Boko Haram: Be courageous, fearless, Army urges Kano residents

Boko Haram: Be courageous, fearless, Army urges Kano residents On April 18, 2013 · In News 5:52 pm Tweet By AbdulSalam Muhammad, Kano. KANO – The Brigade Commander, 3 Motorized Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Bukavu Barrack, Kano has urged residents to openly rebel against those he tagged “terrorist elements” whenever they choose to attack. Brigade Commander Iliyasu Abba who gave the charge Thursday morning while conducting the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero round the scene of a blast Wednesday night, noted that “this is the time to demonstrate courage in the face of naked terror to assist the security agencies overcome the challenges posed by the terrorists in our midst” He said that state policing was the responsibility of all citizen and charged the people to demonstrate fearlessness in containing the activities of the sect. Abba commended the residents of the area for moving against bombers Wednesday evening, adding that “that singular action is a pointer that Kano is no longer a safe haven for terrorist activities.” Reacting, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero tasked the people to intensify their prayers for divine intervention, stressing that “we shall overcome this challenges through prayers.”

NYCN Congress: Aspirant unveils key-point agenda.

NYCN Congress: Aspirant unveils key-point agenda. Ahead of the upcoming national congress of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), a Presidential aspirant, COMRADE TOSIN ADEYANJU aka Kakaaki, the Executive Director of an NGO, Conscience Nigeria (CN), told Heartland Blaze Magazine in Abuja that he would promote constitutional role for the youth, amongst his most priorities are; 1. Agriculture, 2. Security, 3. Employment and 4. Building of a Youth Village in Abuja , if elected. The aspirant said that he would fight for the constitutional recognition of more than 70 million youths to curb youth restiveness and enhance national security. Adeyanju expressed regrets that since the inception of the council in 1964, the youth had not enjoyed constitutional backing. ``It (NYCN) has not enjoyed constitutional backing like the way it is being practised in other parts of the world. ``I will make it my first task to lobby through our lawmakers in the National Assembly to come up with a bill on the establishment of a National Youth Council of Nigeria. The activist also promised to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to evolve a policy that would encourage youths to be self employed through involvement in agriculture. Comrade Tosin Adeyanju is an indefatigable Youth/Students Leader, a Guru of Boardroom and Mainstream of Youth Politics in Nigeria. A revered name in Youth movements across the length and breadth of Nigeria, a motivator and energizer of Youth, a generator and multiplier or resources, a reservoir of God given intelligence, an epitome of natural charisma, a beacon of bright hope, an expender and refiner of ingenuity, a commander of courage, a tactician and strategist who stimulates the loyalty of his subordinate, a friend of the lowly, a voice to the voiceless, an up-lifter of the downtrodden, a cultured gentleman, a consummate advocate of plebeian right, a miracle of providence, an Ambassador of peace and above all, an Apostle of Youth Empowerment. He also told us that his other Priorities and plans in blue-print for the Nigerian Youth will include: Young people’s involvement in Government policy formulation & Implementation. Re-orientation of Nigerian Youth on Social Vices Advocacy Capacity Building Leadership Training for Youth Leaders Send a Bill to National Assembly for direct funding of NYCN "I will add a loud voice to the Federal Government youth Program you win so that it will not be one of those projects that will not come to fruition, but will liaise with the Federal government for youths to really benefit and take advantage of this project for the Nigerian youths to be fully engaged because Young people in most countries today are both a major human resource for development and key agents for social change, economic development and technological innovation. Their imagination, ideals, considerable energies and vision are essential for the continuing development of the societies in which they live" he said. The problem that youths face as well as their vision and aspiration are essential components of the challenges and prospects of today’s societies and future generations. Let us decide wisely, vote ADEYANJU in as NYCN president he calls on Nigerian youths!!!

Protesters plan to pelt Thatcher’s coffin with eggs, coal or milk

Protesters plan to pelt Thatcher’s coffin with eggs, coal or milk On April 16, 2013 · In News 1:59 pm LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) – London police are bracing for protests at Margaret Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday, with opponents vowing to pelt her coffin with eggs, coal or milk if they can get close enough — or simply turn their backs on the passing procession. More than 800 people have pledged to attend an event called “Maggie’s good riddance party”, promising a “right jolly knees-up” outside St Paul’s Cathedral — where 2,000 global political leaders, celebrities and friends will be paying their respects to the former British prime minister. “Let the world know the hypocrisy of a state-funded funeral for the person who influenced 30 years of cuts to state funding of welfare,” the protest’s Facebook page reads. “If taxpayers are funding her funeral… we can at least get our money’s worth.” The former Conservative Party leader’s death has sparked furious debate in Britain over her legacy — and over the decision to grant her a state-funded ceremonial funeral, which by some estimates will cost the taxpayer up to £10 million ($15 million, 12 million euros). Her more radical critics, who accuse her of ruining millions of lives with her radical free-market reforms, greeted news of her death from a stroke last week with impromptu street parties. Hundreds of people filled London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday, erected a giant effigy of her and shouted “Maggie, Maggie, Maggie! Dead, dead, dead!” Scotland Yard has launched a massive security operation, fearing that protesters could attack the 1.9-kilometre (1.1 mile) route between parliament and St Paul’s. Her coffin will be carried on a horse-drawn gun carriage through streets lined with military personnel. Police have repeatedly asked demonstrators to give them advance notice of their plans, warning that anyone causing “harassment, alarm or distress” could be arrested. Some protesters have vowed to pelt the coffin with eggs, while others have hinted at hurling coal — a reminder of the bitter 1984-1985 miners’ strike which Thatcher crushed, leading to the closure of dozens of mines and tens of thousands of job losses. “Please remember your coal to throw at the cortege, it’s what she would have wanted,” one Twitter user posted. Former miners were among those celebrating Thatcher’s death at Trafalgar Square on Saturday — and pubs in areas where the mines were shut down, from Wales to northern England, are expected to do brisk trade on Wednesday. In London, some protesters suggested they may try to throw milk at Thatcher’s coffin, a reference to her days as education minister when her decision to stop free milk for older school pupils earned her the nickname “Thatcher the milk snatcher”. Westminster City Council has nine “flushing machines” and 40 staff on standby to clear the streets of milk if necessary, a spokeswoman said. But many of Thatcher’s foes said that simply turning their backs as her coffin passes would send a more powerful message. “If many people turn their backs it will be a deeply symbolic act,” said Becca Blum, an environmental activist who said she had police permission for a peaceful protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice. “We will show the world that Britain is not all united in grief,” she wrote on her blog. A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said an “appropriate” policing operation was in place for Wednesday. She declined to say how many officers would be on the ground, adding that the force had been in contact with some protesters. “We are hugely experienced in safely delivering high profile and ceremonial events in the capital,” said Commander Christine Jones, who is leading the operation. It is yet another large-scale operation for the London force after the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, last summer’s Olympic Games and Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee celebrations. St Paul’s itself is no stranger to protests. Lying at the heart of London’s financial district, it was home to anti-capitalist “Occupy” protesters for more than four months until their camp was evicted in February 2012. Shopkeepers along the funeral procession route have been told to remove signs from the pavement, as well as any ladders or tools that could potentially be used as weapons. “We’re moderately concerned about it,” said Stuart Dove, manager of George Attenborough and Son jeweller’s on Fleet Street, near the cathedral. “We might have to put our shutters down, depending on how big the crowd gets. It’s a bit annoying for business, but I think it’s important that London marks the occasion,” he told AFP.

Protesters plan to pelt Thatcher’s coffin with eggs, coal or milk

Protesters plan to pelt Thatcher’s coffin with eggs, coal or milk On April 16, 2013 · In News 1:59 pm LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) – London police are bracing for protests at Margaret Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday, with opponents vowing to pelt her coffin with eggs, coal or milk if they can get close enough — or simply turn their backs on the passing procession. More than 800 people have pledged to attend an event called “Maggie’s good riddance party”, promising a “right jolly knees-up” outside St Paul’s Cathedral — where 2,000 global political leaders, celebrities and friends will be paying their respects to the former British prime minister. “Let the world know the hypocrisy of a state-funded funeral for the person who influenced 30 years of cuts to state funding of welfare,” the protest’s Facebook page reads. “If taxpayers are funding her funeral… we can at least get our money’s worth.” The former Conservative Party leader’s death has sparked furious debate in Britain over her legacy — and over the decision to grant her a state-funded ceremonial funeral, which by some estimates will cost the taxpayer up to £10 million ($15 million, 12 million euros). Her more radical critics, who accuse her of ruining millions of lives with her radical free-market reforms, greeted news of her death from a stroke last week with impromptu street parties. Hundreds of people filled London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday, erected a giant effigy of her and shouted “Maggie, Maggie, Maggie! Dead, dead, dead!” Scotland Yard has launched a massive security operation, fearing that protesters could attack the 1.9-kilometre (1.1 mile) route between parliament and St Paul’s. Her coffin will be carried on a horse-drawn gun carriage through streets lined with military personnel. Police have repeatedly asked demonstrators to give them advance notice of their plans, warning that anyone causing “harassment, alarm or distress” could be arrested. Some protesters have vowed to pelt the coffin with eggs, while others have hinted at hurling coal — a reminder of the bitter 1984-1985 miners’ strike which Thatcher crushed, leading to the closure of dozens of mines and tens of thousands of job losses. “Please remember your coal to throw at the cortege, it’s what she would have wanted,” one Twitter user posted. Former miners were among those celebrating Thatcher’s death at Trafalgar Square on Saturday — and pubs in areas where the mines were shut down, from Wales to northern England, are expected to do brisk trade on Wednesday. In London, some protesters suggested they may try to throw milk at Thatcher’s coffin, a reference to her days as education minister when her decision to stop free milk for older school pupils earned her the nickname “Thatcher the milk snatcher”. Westminster City Council has nine “flushing machines” and 40 staff on standby to clear the streets of milk if necessary, a spokeswoman said. But many of Thatcher’s foes said that simply turning their backs as her coffin passes would send a more powerful message. “If many people turn their backs it will be a deeply symbolic act,” said Becca Blum, an environmental activist who said she had police permission for a peaceful protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice. “We will show the world that Britain is not all united in grief,” she wrote on her blog. A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said an “appropriate” policing operation was in place for Wednesday. She declined to say how many officers would be on the ground, adding that the force had been in contact with some protesters. “We are hugely experienced in safely delivering high profile and ceremonial events in the capital,” said Commander Christine Jones, who is leading the operation. It is yet another large-scale operation for the London force after the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, last summer’s Olympic Games and Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee celebrations. St Paul’s itself is no stranger to protests. Lying at the heart of London’s financial district, it was home to anti-capitalist “Occupy” protesters for more than four months until their camp was evicted in February 2012. Shopkeepers along the funeral procession route have been told to remove signs from the pavement, as well as any ladders or tools that could potentially be used as weapons. “We’re moderately concerned about it,” said Stuart Dove, manager of George Attenborough and Son jeweller’s on Fleet Street, near the cathedral. “We might have to put our shutters down, depending on how big the crowd gets. It’s a bit annoying for business, but I think it’s important that London marks the occasion,” he told AFP.

Abductors of Bamigbetan, Ejigbo LCDA boss demand $1m ransom

Abductors of Bamigbetan, Ejigbo LCDA boss demand $1m ransom On April 16, 2013 · In News 1:30 pm By Olasunkanmi Akoni The abductors of former Chief Press Secretary to immediate past Governor of Lagos State Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and incumbent Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Kehinde Oladapo Kolade Bamigbetan have demanded $1 million as ransom. KEHINDE BAMIGBETAN KEHINDE BAMIGBETAN The abductors who got in touch the wife made the demand of the sum of $1million ransom if he should be released alive.  Bamigbetan was said to have been kidnapped by four gunmen on his way home from an event, after the close of work, as he was about entering his street, Ona Iwa Mimo Street in Ori Oke before Egbe Bridge in Ejigbo on Monday night at about 11Pm. According to the saecretary to the Local Government, SLG, Mr Remi Gbadegesin, the abductors made a call to the wife from Bamigbetan’s phone and demanded for the sum of $1million ransom before he could be released alive. It was gathered that the abductors warned her (wife) not to involve the police or play any pranks as well as blow the issue out of proportion, and warned that any attempt to flout their directive could be grievous

Abductors of Bamigbetan, Ejigbo LCDA boss demand $1m ransom On April 16, 2013 · In News 1:30 pm By Olasunkanmi Akoni The abductors of former Chief Press Secretary to immediate past Governor of Lagos State Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and incumbent Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Kehinde Oladapo Kolade Bamigbetan have demanded $1 million as ransom. KEHINDE BAMIGBETAN KEHINDE BAMIGBETAN The abductors who got in touch the wife made the demand of the sum of $1million ransom if he should be released alive.  Bamigbetan was said to have been kidnapped by four gunmen on his way home from an event, after the close of work, as he was about entering his street, Ona Iwa Mimo Street in Ori Oke before Egbe Bridge in Ejigbo on Monday night at about 11Pm. According to the saecretary to the Local Government, SLG, Mr Remi Gbadegesin, the abductors made a call to the wife from Bamigbetan’s phone and demanded for the sum of $1million ransom before he could be released alive. It was gathered that the abductors warned her (wife) not to involve the police or play any pranks as well as blow the issue out of proportion, and warned that any attempt to flout their directive could be grievous

Ogun royal father striped naked

Ogun royal father striped naked, palace destroyed On April 16, 2013 · In News 11:05 am BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA – There was mayhem on Monday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran was attacked and stripped naked in the public glare by some hoodlums. His palace was also destroyed while his wives and children escaped being lynched by rampaging residents who also burnt down the monarch’s palace during the violence that ensued following a supreme court judgement. Vanguard gathered that some aggrieved youths who did not want the monarch in the town launched the attack on him on his way to Ilaro. It was further gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009 allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and destroyed his cars . The monarch was unlucky as they forcibly stopped the jeep conveying him and dragged him out of the vehicle before they started beating him and then striped him naked. According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body. Vanguard learnt that,the monarch’s wives, children of the monarch and the palace staff were said to have sustained some degrees of injuries during the riot. A reliable source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the rioters had earlier in the day went to the palace to challenge the monarch for not visiting the accident victim since the incident occurred few days ago. According to the source , though the Kabiyesi was not in the palace as at the time the rioters visited, but, several cars packed at the palace garage were destroyed. “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black and tore his garment before he luckily escaped by the whiskers from being brutally injured”. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said that the police have restored order to the town. Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of police assured that all those involved in the attack on the monarch would be apprehended and brought to book. “I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo stated this during an assessment tour of the community to determine the level of damage done to the monarch’s palace. Oladipo said ” the government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order. “The state government will immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.” “The recommendations of the panel will be implemented in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town”.

Ogun royal father striped naked

Ogun royal father striped naked, palace destroyed On April 16, 2013 · In News 11:05 am BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA – There was mayhem on Monday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran was attacked and stripped naked in the public glare by some hoodlums. His palace was also destroyed while his wives and children escaped being lynched by rampaging residents who also burnt down the monarch’s palace during the violence that ensued following a supreme court judgement. Vanguard gathered that some aggrieved youths who did not want the monarch in the town launched the attack on him on his way to Ilaro. It was further gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009 allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and destroyed his cars . The monarch was unlucky as they forcibly stopped the jeep conveying him and dragged him out of the vehicle before they started beating him and then striped him naked. According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body. Vanguard learnt that,the monarch’s wives, children of the monarch and the palace staff were said to have sustained some degrees of injuries during the riot. A reliable source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the rioters had earlier in the day went to the palace to challenge the monarch for not visiting the accident victim since the incident occurred few days ago. According to the source , though the Kabiyesi was not in the palace as at the time the rioters visited, but, several cars packed at the palace garage were destroyed. “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black and tore his garment before he luckily escaped by the whiskers from being brutally injured”. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said that the police have restored order to the town. Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of police assured that all those involved in the attack on the monarch would be apprehended and brought to book. “I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo stated this during an assessment tour of the community to determine the level of damage done to the monarch’s palace. Oladipo said ” the government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order. “The state government will immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.” “The recommendations of the panel will be implemented in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town”.

Ogun royal father striped naked, palace destroyed On April 16, 2013 · In News 11:05 am BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA – There was mayhem on Monday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran was attacked and stripped naked in the public glare by some hoodlums. His palace was also destroyed while his wives and children escaped being lynched by rampaging residents who also burnt down the monarch’s palace during the violence that ensued following a supreme court judgement. Vanguard gathered that some aggrieved youths who did not want the monarch in the town launched the attack on him on his way to Ilaro. It was further gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009 allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and destroyed his cars . The monarch was unlucky as they forcibly stopped the jeep conveying him and dragged him out of the vehicle before they started beating him and then striped him naked. According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body. Vanguard learnt that,the monarch’s wives, children of the monarch and the palace staff were said to have sustained some degrees of injuries during the riot. A reliable source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the rioters had earlier in the day went to the palace to challenge the monarch for not visiting the accident victim since the incident occurred few days ago. According to the source , though the Kabiyesi was not in the palace as at the time the rioters visited, but, several cars packed at the palace garage were destroyed. “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black and tore his garment before he luckily escaped by the whiskers from being brutally injured”. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said that the police have restored order to the town. Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of police assured that all those involved in the attack on the monarch would be apprehended and brought to book. “I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo stated this during an assessment tour of the community to determine the level of damage done to the monarch’s palace. Oladipo said ” the government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order. “The state government will immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.” “The recommendations of the panel will be implemented in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town”.

Ogun royal father striped naked, palace destroyed On April 16, 2013 · In News 11:05 am BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA – There was mayhem on Monday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran was attacked and stripped naked in the public glare by some hoodlums. His palace was also destroyed while his wives and children escaped being lynched by rampaging residents who also burnt down the monarch’s palace during the violence that ensued following a supreme court judgement. Vanguard gathered that some aggrieved youths who did not want the monarch in the town launched the attack on him on his way to Ilaro. It was further gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009 allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and destroyed his cars . The monarch was unlucky as they forcibly stopped the jeep conveying him and dragged him out of the vehicle before they started beating him and then striped him naked. According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body. Vanguard learnt that,the monarch’s wives, children of the monarch and the palace staff were said to have sustained some degrees of injuries during the riot. A reliable source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the rioters had earlier in the day went to the palace to challenge the monarch for not visiting the accident victim since the incident occurred few days ago. According to the source , though the Kabiyesi was not in the palace as at the time the rioters visited, but, several cars packed at the palace garage were destroyed. “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black and tore his garment before he luckily escaped by the whiskers from being brutally injured”. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said that the police have restored order to the town. Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of police assured that all those involved in the attack on the monarch would be apprehended and brought to book. “I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo stated this during an assessment tour of the community to determine the level of damage done to the monarch’s palace. Oladipo said ” the government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order. “The state government will immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.” “The recommendations of the panel will be implemented in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town”.

Ogun royal father striped naked, palace destroyed On April 16, 2013 · In News 11:05 am BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA – There was mayhem on Monday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran was attacked and stripped naked in the public glare by some hoodlums. His palace was also destroyed while his wives and children escaped being lynched by rampaging residents who also burnt down the monarch’s palace during the violence that ensued following a supreme court judgement. Vanguard gathered that some aggrieved youths who did not want the monarch in the town launched the attack on him on his way to Ilaro. It was further gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009 allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and destroyed his cars . The monarch was unlucky as they forcibly stopped the jeep conveying him and dragged him out of the vehicle before they started beating him and then striped him naked. According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body. Vanguard learnt that,the monarch’s wives, children of the monarch and the palace staff were said to have sustained some degrees of injuries during the riot. A reliable source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the rioters had earlier in the day went to the palace to challenge the monarch for not visiting the accident victim since the incident occurred few days ago. According to the source , though the Kabiyesi was not in the palace as at the time the rioters visited, but, several cars packed at the palace garage were destroyed. “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black and tore his garment before he luckily escaped by the whiskers from being brutally injured”. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said that the police have restored order to the town. Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of police assured that all those involved in the attack on the monarch would be apprehended and brought to book. “I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo stated this during an assessment tour of the community to determine the level of damage done to the monarch’s palace. Oladipo said ” the government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order. “The state government will immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.” “The recommendations of the panel will be implemented in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town”.

Ogun royal father striped naked, palace destroyed On April 16, 2013 · In News 11:05 am BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA – There was mayhem on Monday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran was attacked and stripped naked in the public glare by some hoodlums. His palace was also destroyed while his wives and children escaped being lynched by rampaging residents who also burnt down the monarch’s palace during the violence that ensued following a supreme court judgement. Vanguard gathered that some aggrieved youths who did not want the monarch in the town launched the attack on him on his way to Ilaro. It was further gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009 allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and destroyed his cars . The monarch was unlucky as they forcibly stopped the jeep conveying him and dragged him out of the vehicle before they started beating him and then striped him naked. According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body. Vanguard learnt that,the monarch’s wives, children of the monarch and the palace staff were said to have sustained some degrees of injuries during the riot. A reliable source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the rioters had earlier in the day went to the palace to challenge the monarch for not visiting the accident victim since the incident occurred few days ago. According to the source , though the Kabiyesi was not in the palace as at the time the rioters visited, but, several cars packed at the palace garage were destroyed. “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black and tore his garment before he luckily escaped by the whiskers from being brutally injured”. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said that the police have restored order to the town. Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of police assured that all those involved in the attack on the monarch would be apprehended and brought to book. “I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo stated this during an assessment tour of the community to determine the level of damage done to the monarch’s palace. Oladipo said ” the government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order. “The state government will immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.” “The recommendations of the panel will be implemented in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town”.

Ogun royal father striped naked, palace destroyed On April 16, 2013 · In News 11:05 am BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA – There was mayhem on Monday in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State when a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran was attacked and stripped naked in the public glare by some hoodlums. His palace was also destroyed while his wives and children escaped being lynched by rampaging residents who also burnt down the monarch’s palace during the violence that ensued following a supreme court judgement. Vanguard gathered that some aggrieved youths who did not want the monarch in the town launched the attack on him on his way to Ilaro. It was further gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009 allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and destroyed his cars . The monarch was unlucky as they forcibly stopped the jeep conveying him and dragged him out of the vehicle before they started beating him and then striped him naked. According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body. Vanguard learnt that,the monarch’s wives, children of the monarch and the palace staff were said to have sustained some degrees of injuries during the riot. A reliable source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the rioters had earlier in the day went to the palace to challenge the monarch for not visiting the accident victim since the incident occurred few days ago. According to the source , though the Kabiyesi was not in the palace as at the time the rioters visited, but, several cars packed at the palace garage were destroyed. “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black and tore his garment before he luckily escaped by the whiskers from being brutally injured”. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said that the police have restored order to the town. Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of police assured that all those involved in the attack on the monarch would be apprehended and brought to book. “I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo stated this during an assessment tour of the community to determine the level of damage done to the monarch’s palace. Oladipo said ” the government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order. “The state government will immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.” “The recommendations of the panel will be implemented in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town”.

NYCN Congress: Aspirant unveils key-point agenda. Ahead of the upcoming national congress of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), a Presidential aspirant, COMRADE TOSIN ADEYANJU aka Kakaaki, the Executive Director of an NGO, Conscience Nigeria (CN), told Heartland Blaze Magazine in Abuja that he would promote constitutional role for the youth, amongst his most priorities are; 1. Agriculture, 2. Security, 3. Employment and 4. Building of a Youth Village in Abuja , if elected. The aspirant said that he would fight for the constitutional recognition of more than 70 million youths to curb youth restiveness and enhance national security. Adeyanju expressed regrets that since the inception of the council in 1964, the youth had not enjoyed constitutional backing. ``It (NYCN) has not enjoyed constitutional backing like the way it is being practised in other parts of the world. ``I will make it my first task to lobby through our lawmakers in the National Assembly to come up with a bill on the establishment of a National Youth Council of Nigeria. The activist also promised to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to evolve a policy that would encourage youths to be self employed through involvement in agriculture. Comrade Tosin Adeyanju is an indefatigable Youth/Students Leader, a Guru of Boardroom and Mainstream of Youth Politics in Nigeria. A revered name in Youth movements across the length and breadth of Nigeria, a motivator and energizer of Youth, a generator and multiplier or resources, a reservoir of God given intelligence, an epitome of natural charisma, a beacon of bright hope, an expender and refiner of ingenuity, a commander of courage, a tactician and strategist who stimulates the loyalty of his subordinate, a friend of the lowly, a voice to the voiceless, an up-lifter of the downtrodden, a cultured gentleman, a consummate advocate of plebeian right, a miracle of providence, an Ambassador of peace and above all, an Apostle of Youth Empowerment. He also told us that his other Priorities and plans in blue-print for the Nigerian Youth will include: Young people’s involvement in Government policy formulation & Implementation. Re-orientation of Nigerian Youth on Social Vices Advocacy Capacity Building Leadership Training for Youth Leaders Send a Bill to National Assembly for direct funding of NYCN "I will add a loud voice to the Federal Government youth Program you win so that it will not be one of those projects that will not come to fruition, but will liaise with the Federal government for youths to really benefit and take advantage of this project for the Nigerian youths to be fully engaged because Young people in most countries today are both a major human resource for development and key agents for social change, economic development and technological innovation. Their imagination, ideals, considerable energies and vision are essential for the continuing development of the societies in which they live" he said. The problem that youths face as well as their vision and aspiration are essential components of the challenges and prospects of today’s societies and future generations. Let us decide wisely, vote ADEYANJU in as NYCN president he calls on Nigerian youths!!!

Missing Ogun Female undergraduates

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US military helicopter crashes near N. Korea border On April 16, 2013 · In News 9:51 am SEOUL (AFP) – A US military helicopter taking part in a joint South Korea-US drill crashed Tuesday near the North Korean border with 21 personnel on board. There were no fatalities. A statement put out by the US Forces in Korea said the CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter had “executed a hard landing” while on a routine flight operation in Cheolwon county, which touches on the border with North Korea. The precise cause of the accident was not immediately known, the statement said, adding that a “comprehensive investigation” had been ordered. All five crew members and 16 other service personnel were taken to a US military hospital in Seoul. Fifteen were subsequently released while six remained hospitalised “in stable condition”, the statement said. Pictures from the site taken by the Yonhap news agency showed firefighters using foam to douse the burned out wreck of the helicopter which had clearly burst into flames after crash landing. The helicopter was taking part in an annual South Korea-US joint military exercise called “Foal Eagle.” The accident occurred at a time of heightened military tensions on the Korean peninsula, partly due to North Korea’s anger over “Foal Eagle”, which it sees as an invasion rehearsal. There are 28,500 US military personnel permanently stationed in South Korea. The crew of the crashed helicopter belonged to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

MEND threatens to kill Muslim clerics, bomb mosques from May 31 On April 15, 2013 · In News 12:05 am By Emma Amaize & SAMUEL OYADONGHA WARRI—FEAR of a religious war loomed, weekend, in Nigeria, following the threat by Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, to commence the assassination of Muslim clerics, bombing of mosques, hajj camps and Islamic institutions as from May 31. The exercise, codenamed, Operation Barborossa, according to spokesman of the militant group, Jomo Gbomo, is to save Christianity in Nigeria from total destruction. MEND’s threat is obviously in response to the bombing of Christians and Christian worship places by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram. ...Militants …Militants It said: “On behalf of the hapless Christian population in Nigeria, MEND will, from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation. “The bombing of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassination of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate, will form the core mission of this crusade code named Operation Barbarossa. “This campaign will not in any way interfere with the ongoing “Hurricane Exodus,” which on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 1am, swept through the Ewellesuo community, in Nembe, Bayelsa State, leaving the destruction of well 62, belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company in its wake. “We may only consider a ceasefire of Operation Barbarossa if the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the Catholic Church and Henry Okah, one of the few leaders in the Niger Delta region we respect for his integrity, intervenes. “Also, the assurance for a cessation of hostilities targeted at Christians in their places of worship, made privately or publicly by the real Boko Haram leadership will make us call off this crusade. “We have no problem with their attacks on security agencies including the prisons, for their role in extrajudicial killings, torture, deceit and corruption.”

Minister prepares bill to stop overseas medical treatments for officials On April 15, 2013 · In News ABUJA — A Bill to stop public servants from travelling abroad at the expense of the Federal Government for treatment of ailments that can be satisfactorily tackled in Nigeria, is to be presented to the Federal Executive Council, FEC, this year. President Goodluck Jonathan, is also billed to flag off a stroke awareness campaign in Abuja, as part of measures to tackle the rising burden of stroke, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases in the country. Disclosing this, weekend, during the presentation of his score card to the press, Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the Federal Ministry of Health was already compiling a list of health facilities that could handle specific ailments that Nigerians often go abroad to treat. Chukwu, who observed that the Bill, which was being carefully composed, would become effective this year, asserted that compilation of the list began last year. He said even though the list is not exhaustive, it is being regularly updated. His words: “It is correct to say the Federal government will not sponsor any case that can be satisfactorily handled in Nigeria. We are still at the level of the top management committee of the health ministry. It is a long process, we do not want to send a half-baked memo to the FEC, so it has to be well thought out and we have to carry people along. “It is not enough for the Minister of Health to ask the President-in-Council that we should no longer sponsor public servants for cases that can be handled in Nigeria. We should know where these cases can be handled here.

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Political Boko Haram behind rejection of Amnesty – Yuguda On April 15, 2013 · In News 2:18 am 0 By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor LAGOS— Criminal and politically minded insurgents in the Boko Haram group were behind last week’s rejection of the amnesty plans of the Federal Government, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has said. Noting that no genuine Moslem or Christian would shed blood in the name of God, Governor Yuguda affirmed that members of the genuine Boko Haram would bring their issues to the negotiating table once the environment is provided. Speaking to newsmen in Lagos at the weekend, Governor Yuguda also rebuffed insinuations of a crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP over its 2015 presidential nomination, describing claims of a fight between him and Vice-President Namadi Sambo over the ticket as the invention of detractors. *Gov. Yuguda While praising the unifying role of Chief Tony Anenih, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT of the PDP, Yuguda said Anenih is seriously misunderstood by many people on account of his frankness and bluntness on issues pertaining to the party and the country. “On the issue of Boko Haram, amnesty has been given to the real Boko Haram and I believe they are willing to accept that. That is my belief but you know there is the criminal Boko Haram and there is the real Boko Haram. But the criminal and the political Boko Haram, are the armed robbers and that arm of politicians that call themselves Boko Haram and they go about attacking people. “Maybe, it is the criminal Boko Haram that are responding that they don’t want amnesty because they have a different intention. Some of them are gun runners, some of them are armed robbers and some of them are doing that on behalf of politicians. So, they just hide under Boko Haram and perpetrate evil. For those that are actually Boko Haram, I would want to believe that there is something that is agitating their minds, not about killing human beings but probably there are certain things that have agitated their minds-probably joblessness- I understand some of them are university graduates of 15 years with no job.” “Now that the president has extended that olive branch to them, I would like to believe that they are quite happy. There has to be an end to all these. Once they have accepted, we know that we have to face the criminals. Any other person that is calling himself Boko Haram, we know they are the armed robbers and the political Boko Haram. You have to understand this,” he said. Affirming that there was nothing religious about the aspirations of the group, the governor said that no genuine Moslem or Christian would shed blood in the name of God. “For any Muslim or Christian who picks up a weapon and says I want to kill, that man is a criminal. He is not a Muslim, he is not a Christian. And the earlier you start preaching this philosophy, the better for all of us. We must find a reason for the killing.” “If you read the Bible from the beginning to the end, there is nowhere it said go and kill for God. Even the Bible said if you are slapped on the left, you turn the other cheek. What is the justification for the killing of people? Certainly not from the bible! As for you being a Muslim, you cannot be a Muslim without believing in the Bible. In the Koran Jesus is Isah, the son of Mary. You must believe in His mother and believe that He was given birth to by the power of the Holy Spirit.” On the crisis rocking the PDP across the country, Yuguda rebuffed insinuations that the party was on a meltdown saying the PDP would enlarge its present tentacles to 35 of the 36 states of the country in the next round of elections. “PDP is going to win 35 out of the 36 states of the Federation, come 2015,” he, however, shied away from naming the state that would escape the PDP’s offensive. The governor also decried as illogical and farfetched recent reports that he was locked in a combat with Vice-President Namadi Sambo over the presidential ticket in 2015. Asserting a long relationship with Sambo which he said flowed from a long history of cordiality between their two families, he said: “It is the figment of imagination of somebody and this is because I look up to the vice-president as a senior brother. He is competent and is a successful architect. Why should me, Isa Yuguda have blind ambition and I am not that kind of person. I am a loyal party member, loyal to Mr. President and the vice-president,” he said. Praising Chief Anenih’s efforts in stabilizing the PDP, he regretted the aspersions against the BoT chairman who he said is doing a good job in partnership with the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. “Anenih and the chairman are elder-statesman and he is one of the very few that I know that love this country. His word is his word, but he is frank and blunt.”