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.