Showing posts with label National. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National. Show all posts
Boko Haram: Chief Imam cancels Ramadan prayer at Abuja mosque
37 teachers died in Kaduna bomb blast - NUT president
Benue: Idoma People Tag Ortom's Appointment as been Biased. Regret they voted him
By Ameh Comrade Godwin
[caption id="attachment_3394" align="alignnone" width="199"]
ORTOM[/caption]
The people of Idoma speaking area of Benue State are beginning to regret ‘wasting’ their votes on Governor Samuel Ortom during the April 11 governorship election.
In fact, some key players in the area have insisted that the zone has been completely expunged from the scheme of things in the state following the continuous dominance of Tivs in government offices in the state.
This is coming few days after the new governor, Ortom made his four top appointments, with argema Takema (Tiv) as the Secretary to the State Government, Iwanta Adaikwu (Igede) as Head of Service, Terwase Orbunde (Tiv) as Chief of Staff and Tahav Agerzua (Tiv), as Media Adviser.
Many natives of the Idoma speaking area see the appointments as unfair on the side of the people considering the overwhelming support the new administration got during the last election.
Reacting to the development, ace journalist and social media commentator, Yemi Itodo described the ‘game’ as just the beginning, adding that Idoma people would begin to value David Mark henceforth.
“I said it earlier but no one seems to be listening to me. I said we don’t have anyone among the new crop of Idoma APC leaders that could fight for our interests.
“I did mention that Chief Audu Ogbeh is good but I’m afraid he wouldn’t want to trail Akume for his political sagacity. I also did mention that Young Alhaji could have been the best match for Tiv APC leaders but Akume used the same Idoma leaders in APC to oust him.
“Gov. Ortom has appointed the SSG, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and now, the Chairman of BIRS. But no one is Idoma among them.
“Another ugly trend is about raising its head at the State House of Assembly where money is allegedly exchanging hands now, just to lure some PDP lawmakers from Tiv land to vote for an APC Speaker, against the Idoma man whom the PDP has anointed as the First Idoma Speaker of the Assembly.
“My mind goes back to those days when Akume was the Governor and Senator Mark was just an ordinary Senator but held the entire state to ransom over what we call ‘7 against 8′ formula which withheld the Primaries of PDP from holding on 3 different occasions.
“David Mark is indeed a father and I dare any of the APC leaders in Idoma land in whatever names they are called to prove me wrong.”
On his part, political activist, Simon Aleichenu said the Idoma people should quickly kick against the development.
“This is a big blow on us, it shows we are back to where we came from. So, is Ortom telling Idoma people that we did not contribute to his election? This is too unfair, Idoma should rise up against this nepotism”, he said.
Another Sunday Ameh said, “I’m not surprised because I saw it coming. When wee had the chance of supporting Lawani, our own, we threw the chance, now we are cying fowl. We have not seen anything’.
Also reacting, ace lawyer, Paul Akor said, “Will Idoma people ever learn from their mistakes? This is just the beginning. Ortom is about showing us his true colour, watchout”.
[caption id="attachment_3394" align="alignnone" width="199"]
ORTOM[/caption]The people of Idoma speaking area of Benue State are beginning to regret ‘wasting’ their votes on Governor Samuel Ortom during the April 11 governorship election.
In fact, some key players in the area have insisted that the zone has been completely expunged from the scheme of things in the state following the continuous dominance of Tivs in government offices in the state.
This is coming few days after the new governor, Ortom made his four top appointments, with argema Takema (Tiv) as the Secretary to the State Government, Iwanta Adaikwu (Igede) as Head of Service, Terwase Orbunde (Tiv) as Chief of Staff and Tahav Agerzua (Tiv), as Media Adviser.
Many natives of the Idoma speaking area see the appointments as unfair on the side of the people considering the overwhelming support the new administration got during the last election.
Reacting to the development, ace journalist and social media commentator, Yemi Itodo described the ‘game’ as just the beginning, adding that Idoma people would begin to value David Mark henceforth.
“I said it earlier but no one seems to be listening to me. I said we don’t have anyone among the new crop of Idoma APC leaders that could fight for our interests.
“I did mention that Chief Audu Ogbeh is good but I’m afraid he wouldn’t want to trail Akume for his political sagacity. I also did mention that Young Alhaji could have been the best match for Tiv APC leaders but Akume used the same Idoma leaders in APC to oust him.
“Gov. Ortom has appointed the SSG, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and now, the Chairman of BIRS. But no one is Idoma among them.
“Another ugly trend is about raising its head at the State House of Assembly where money is allegedly exchanging hands now, just to lure some PDP lawmakers from Tiv land to vote for an APC Speaker, against the Idoma man whom the PDP has anointed as the First Idoma Speaker of the Assembly.
“My mind goes back to those days when Akume was the Governor and Senator Mark was just an ordinary Senator but held the entire state to ransom over what we call ‘7 against 8′ formula which withheld the Primaries of PDP from holding on 3 different occasions.
“David Mark is indeed a father and I dare any of the APC leaders in Idoma land in whatever names they are called to prove me wrong.”
On his part, political activist, Simon Aleichenu said the Idoma people should quickly kick against the development.
“This is a big blow on us, it shows we are back to where we came from. So, is Ortom telling Idoma people that we did not contribute to his election? This is too unfair, Idoma should rise up against this nepotism”, he said.
Another Sunday Ameh said, “I’m not surprised because I saw it coming. When wee had the chance of supporting Lawani, our own, we threw the chance, now we are cying fowl. We have not seen anything’.
Also reacting, ace lawyer, Paul Akor said, “Will Idoma people ever learn from their mistakes? This is just the beginning. Ortom is about showing us his true colour, watchout”.
FRAUD!! Court says, CBN officials, others acquired estates in South Africa, Nigeria
[caption id="attachment_3372" align="alignnone" width="300"]
CBN-STAFF-FRAUD[/caption]
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan yesterday ordered the remand of another set of eight bank officials for alleged N8 billion currency scam.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned three Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials and five employees of First Bank Plc over the alleged scam.
The accused, the court heard, acquired assets in Nigeria and Pretoria, South Africa.
The CBN employees are Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Adeola and Togun Kayode Phillips. Their alleged accomplices are Isiaq Akao, Ayodele Festus Adeyemi, Oyebamiji Hakeem, Ayodeji Alase and Ajiwe Adegoke
The commission arraigned the bank officials on a 28-count charge bordering on forgery, misrepresentation and self-enrichment before Justice Adeyinka Faji.
The EFCC in the charge said that the CBN staff conspired with the First Bank employees to recycle N10 billion mutilated currency notes meant to be destroyed.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The six accused persons are facing a 15-count charge ranging from conspiracy, abuse of office and stealing to false declaration of actual amount.
The others are concealing of property, fraudulently acquiring assets in excess of their legitimate and provable income and causing economic adversity to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The court was told how the suspects acquired assets worth several billions of naira through fraudulent means, in excess of their legitimate income.
The assets said to have been acquired by the accused bank workers both within Nigeria and Pretoria, South Africa, were allegedly gotten by stealing N1.25billion supposed mutilated currencies meant to be destroyed and taken out of circulation.
The accused persons, according to the prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, instead of carrying out the statutory instruction to destroy the defaced currency notes as their duty demands, substituted the currency with newspapers neatly cut to naira sizes and proceeded to recycle the mutilated and defaced currency.
The offence, as contained in a charge sheet read out to the accused persons is punishable under section 7(2) of the Bank Employees etc.(Declaration of Assets) Act,CAP. B1, Laws of the Federal Republic, Nigeria 2004.
There was however a mild drama during the court sitting when one of the eight accused persons, Ayodeji Aleshe, a cashier in one the commercial banks, claimed he is an illiterate who could not understand the English language.
Justice Faaj who described the suspect’s claim as false, said he had earlier communicated with him in English and that he was very fluent in the use of the language.
For about 15 minutes, the accused remained adamant, making the court to believe he is an illiterate.
There was confusion until the judge ordered that an interpreter should be sought to read the charge to in Yoruba language.
The Judge ordered their remand at the Agodi Prison in Ibadan and adjourned the matter till June 8 to hear the bail applications.
Chief Olayinka Bolanle, the defence counsel to the first accused person, Babalola, made an oral bail application on behalf of his client.
The judge opposed the oral application and said he preferred a written application for bail.
He said in view of the gravity of the offence, oral bail application would not be accepted.
He ruled that in view of the volume of evidence before him, it would be impossible for him to entertain oral bail applications from six different defence counsel.
The judge ordered the defence counsel to file their bail applications before the close of court business for the day and serve the prosecutor who in turn should respond by June 5.
The anti-graft agency had on Tuesday also arraigned six CBN officials and three employees of two commercial banks on similar charges before Justice Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.
The two commercial banks are Sterling Bank and Eco Bank.
SOURCE: THE NATION
CBN-STAFF-FRAUD[/caption]The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan yesterday ordered the remand of another set of eight bank officials for alleged N8 billion currency scam.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned three Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials and five employees of First Bank Plc over the alleged scam.
The accused, the court heard, acquired assets in Nigeria and Pretoria, South Africa.
The CBN employees are Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Adeola and Togun Kayode Phillips. Their alleged accomplices are Isiaq Akao, Ayodele Festus Adeyemi, Oyebamiji Hakeem, Ayodeji Alase and Ajiwe Adegoke
The commission arraigned the bank officials on a 28-count charge bordering on forgery, misrepresentation and self-enrichment before Justice Adeyinka Faji.
The EFCC in the charge said that the CBN staff conspired with the First Bank employees to recycle N10 billion mutilated currency notes meant to be destroyed.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The six accused persons are facing a 15-count charge ranging from conspiracy, abuse of office and stealing to false declaration of actual amount.
The others are concealing of property, fraudulently acquiring assets in excess of their legitimate and provable income and causing economic adversity to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The court was told how the suspects acquired assets worth several billions of naira through fraudulent means, in excess of their legitimate income.
The assets said to have been acquired by the accused bank workers both within Nigeria and Pretoria, South Africa, were allegedly gotten by stealing N1.25billion supposed mutilated currencies meant to be destroyed and taken out of circulation.
The accused persons, according to the prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, instead of carrying out the statutory instruction to destroy the defaced currency notes as their duty demands, substituted the currency with newspapers neatly cut to naira sizes and proceeded to recycle the mutilated and defaced currency.
The offence, as contained in a charge sheet read out to the accused persons is punishable under section 7(2) of the Bank Employees etc.(Declaration of Assets) Act,CAP. B1, Laws of the Federal Republic, Nigeria 2004.
There was however a mild drama during the court sitting when one of the eight accused persons, Ayodeji Aleshe, a cashier in one the commercial banks, claimed he is an illiterate who could not understand the English language.
Justice Faaj who described the suspect’s claim as false, said he had earlier communicated with him in English and that he was very fluent in the use of the language.
For about 15 minutes, the accused remained adamant, making the court to believe he is an illiterate.
There was confusion until the judge ordered that an interpreter should be sought to read the charge to in Yoruba language.
The Judge ordered their remand at the Agodi Prison in Ibadan and adjourned the matter till June 8 to hear the bail applications.
Chief Olayinka Bolanle, the defence counsel to the first accused person, Babalola, made an oral bail application on behalf of his client.
The judge opposed the oral application and said he preferred a written application for bail.
He said in view of the gravity of the offence, oral bail application would not be accepted.
He ruled that in view of the volume of evidence before him, it would be impossible for him to entertain oral bail applications from six different defence counsel.
The judge ordered the defence counsel to file their bail applications before the close of court business for the day and serve the prosecutor who in turn should respond by June 5.
The anti-graft agency had on Tuesday also arraigned six CBN officials and three employees of two commercial banks on similar charges before Justice Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.
The two commercial banks are Sterling Bank and Eco Bank.
SOURCE: THE NATION
Nigerian Military Replies Amnesty International, says report “concocted, biased”
[caption id="attachment_3368" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade[/caption]
The Defence Headquarters has noted with dismay the gruesome allegations made by the Amnesty International against some senior military officers serving and retired of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
It is unfortunate that all effort made in the allegation was geared towards continuation of blackmail against the military hierarchy in which the organisation had embarked upon as far back as the inception of military’s action against terrorist in the North East.
The officers mentioned in the report have no reason, whatsoever, to indulge in the allegation made against them. It is unfortunate that the organisation just went out to gather names of specified senior officers, in a calculated attempt to rubbish their reputation as well as the image of the military. The action, no doubt, depicts more of a premeditated indictment aimed at discrediting the country for whatever purpose.
Each of the previous allegations had been thoroughly responded to and cleared in the public and officially. The title down to the body of the allegation smacks of the extreme bias, which is disturbing coming from an otherwise reputable organisation that is expected to be just and fair to all. Unfortunately in this case, has taken a premeditated position, which is far from noble.
It is curious that a body that has never been able to seriously condemn terror in Nigeria now claims to have done an extensive research with the aim of discrediting the nation’s effort at curtailing terror.
It is clear that Amnesty International (AI) becomes more active in presenting distractive allegations whenever the terrorists are losing ground in the battle. It is very unfortunate that Amnesty International has used this report to further confirm its questionable interest in the counter-terrorism effort in Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the Joint Investigation Team was set up by the Defence Headquarters as part and parcel of efforts to ensure that no detainee suffer unjustly. The detention facilities were thrown open for visits and inspections by independent bodies such as International Committee of the Red Cross and other reputable international organisations and personalities.
Amnesty International is advised to stop playing the role of an irritant coming up loudly only when the terrorists are losing out and remaining silent or complacent whenever the terrorist heightens its atrocities. It is unfair to persist in effort to discredit Nigerian military by seeking all avenues to stigmatise individual officers of the nation’s military purely to satisfy an agenda against the security agencies and image of Nigeria before the international community.
The Nigerian Armed Forces is quite conscious of the fact that the operation has prompted the need to save citizens from abuse of their rights by mindless terrorists. Accordingly, the forces have continued to state and restate its commitment to the rights of Nigerians and all its citizens while prosecuting its anti-terrorism campaign. It is very unfortunate that Amnesty International has chosen to ignore all the responses and clarifications provided to its enquires by the authorities.
It is unfair to rely on records or reports provided by certain disgruntled elements or faceless collaborators who have axe to grind with the system as evidence against officers who have been conscientiously doing their duty to defend the nation and her citizens.
For avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian military does not encourage or condone abuse of human rights neither will any proven case be left unpunished. The kind of impunity being alleged by Amnesty International has no place in the Nigerian military. Every officer in the field is responsible for his action and is duly held accountable. So far, no allegation has been sufficiently proved against those whom Amnesty International is so desperate to convict.
The statistics are largely spurious or manipulated to satisfy a clandestine motive. Indeed, the loud publicity given to these damning allegations suggests an intention to blackmail the military and particular senior officers rather than a sincere advice to the government. This cruel tendency is not new, despite the timing.
The Nigerian military therefore rejects the biased and concocted report provided by Amnesty International. Additional definite response will be provided subsequently as deemed necessary.
PREMIUM TIMES
Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade[/caption]The Defence Headquarters has noted with dismay the gruesome allegations made by the Amnesty International against some senior military officers serving and retired of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
It is unfortunate that all effort made in the allegation was geared towards continuation of blackmail against the military hierarchy in which the organisation had embarked upon as far back as the inception of military’s action against terrorist in the North East.
The officers mentioned in the report have no reason, whatsoever, to indulge in the allegation made against them. It is unfortunate that the organisation just went out to gather names of specified senior officers, in a calculated attempt to rubbish their reputation as well as the image of the military. The action, no doubt, depicts more of a premeditated indictment aimed at discrediting the country for whatever purpose.
Each of the previous allegations had been thoroughly responded to and cleared in the public and officially. The title down to the body of the allegation smacks of the extreme bias, which is disturbing coming from an otherwise reputable organisation that is expected to be just and fair to all. Unfortunately in this case, has taken a premeditated position, which is far from noble.
It is curious that a body that has never been able to seriously condemn terror in Nigeria now claims to have done an extensive research with the aim of discrediting the nation’s effort at curtailing terror.
It is clear that Amnesty International (AI) becomes more active in presenting distractive allegations whenever the terrorists are losing ground in the battle. It is very unfortunate that Amnesty International has used this report to further confirm its questionable interest in the counter-terrorism effort in Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the Joint Investigation Team was set up by the Defence Headquarters as part and parcel of efforts to ensure that no detainee suffer unjustly. The detention facilities were thrown open for visits and inspections by independent bodies such as International Committee of the Red Cross and other reputable international organisations and personalities.
Amnesty International is advised to stop playing the role of an irritant coming up loudly only when the terrorists are losing out and remaining silent or complacent whenever the terrorist heightens its atrocities. It is unfair to persist in effort to discredit Nigerian military by seeking all avenues to stigmatise individual officers of the nation’s military purely to satisfy an agenda against the security agencies and image of Nigeria before the international community.
The Nigerian Armed Forces is quite conscious of the fact that the operation has prompted the need to save citizens from abuse of their rights by mindless terrorists. Accordingly, the forces have continued to state and restate its commitment to the rights of Nigerians and all its citizens while prosecuting its anti-terrorism campaign. It is very unfortunate that Amnesty International has chosen to ignore all the responses and clarifications provided to its enquires by the authorities.
It is unfair to rely on records or reports provided by certain disgruntled elements or faceless collaborators who have axe to grind with the system as evidence against officers who have been conscientiously doing their duty to defend the nation and her citizens.
For avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian military does not encourage or condone abuse of human rights neither will any proven case be left unpunished. The kind of impunity being alleged by Amnesty International has no place in the Nigerian military. Every officer in the field is responsible for his action and is duly held accountable. So far, no allegation has been sufficiently proved against those whom Amnesty International is so desperate to convict.
The statistics are largely spurious or manipulated to satisfy a clandestine motive. Indeed, the loud publicity given to these damning allegations suggests an intention to blackmail the military and particular senior officers rather than a sincere advice to the government. This cruel tendency is not new, despite the timing.
The Nigerian military therefore rejects the biased and concocted report provided by Amnesty International. Additional definite response will be provided subsequently as deemed necessary.
PREMIUM TIMES
STILL ON THE MATTER!! NDLEA Serves Extradition Notice On Kashamu
By Gbenga Soyele
[caption id="attachment_3301" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BURUJI[/caption]The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday has disclosed that it has formally served an extradition notice on the Senator-elect for Ogun East senatorial district, Buruji Kashamu.
According to the NDLEA, it effected the service on Kashamu on Monday in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015 with a copy made available to the Chief Judge, Federal High Court.
The agency and PDP chieftain have been engaged in a serious legal battle over moves by the federal government to facilitate his extradition to the United State to face drug trafficking charges.
ndlea_logo_01Tens of NDLEA officials had laid a six-day siege to the Lagos residence of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP chieftain in Lekki, Lagos, before they vacated on May 28, two days after a Federal High Court in the state mandated them to do same.
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Lagos had on May 27 restrained security agencies in Nigeria from “unlawful” arrest and forceful extradition of Kashamu.
But Kashamu in a swift reaction through his lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, said he has not been served, “rather, a copy of the process was dropped in our office in Lagos yesterday. So, we shall deal with it in accordance with the law”.
He also stated that, “the NDLEA should be warned to stay away because they have no role to play in the current proceedings. And if we should discover that they have usurped the functions of the AGF, we shall certainly make an issue of it.
“We wish to state that the NDLEA has no role to play in extradition proceedings until a warrant of arrest has been issued by the court. It is the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice that initiates extradition proceedings after receiving a request by an order directed to the court and asking the court to take over the matter.
“It is the court that will decide whether a warrant of arrest is necessary.
It is the court that will consider all the evidence provided by the United States to see whether it satisfies the onus of proof and that it establishes that the person sought is the person that actually participated in the offence alleged,” he stated
Diezani, Others Have Case To Answer over Oil Blocks Sale
BY EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE AND BODE GBADEBO
[caption id="attachment_3296" align="alignnone" width="300"]
DIEZANI[/caption]The House of Representatives yesterday rejected a move to clear the immediate past minister of petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, and others of any wrondoing in the allocation of seven Oil Mining Leases (OMLs).
The attempt to exonerate Allison-Madueke by an Ad hoc Committee of the House was sequel to investigation into alleged shady deals involving the former minister and other corporate entities namely the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd, and Septa Energy Ltd, in respect to the farm-out or allocation of OMLs 4, 26, 30, 34, 38, 41 and 42.
The report of the investigation was submitted and laid before the House since February 13, 2015, by the chairman of the Ad hoc Committe, Hon Ajibola Muraina.
House-of-RepresentativesBut a motion for the consideration of the said report moved by Muraina at plenary yesterday was rejected apparently due to a recommendation of the committee which sought a clean bill of health to all those involved in the allocation of the OMLs.
‘’That a clean bill of health be given to all the parties involved in this transaction as the entire transaction conformed to all the applicable laws,’’ the committee said in one of its recommendations.
It also suggested that operators in the oil industry should deliberately encourage transparency in their operations in order to avoid unnecessary suspicions.
Buhari Meets Service Chiefs Insists On Relocation of Command And Control Centre
Bayo Oladeji
[caption id="attachment_3290" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BUHARI AND SERVICE CHIEFS[/caption]
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday insisted on his directive for the relocation the military’s Command and Control Centre (CCC) to Maiduguri.
The president reiterated this position in its maiden meeting with the service chiefs yesterday. He had announced this strategy during his inaugural address to the nation on Friday. According to him, their relocation to the epicentre of the battle would add vigour to the war against Boko Haram.
As reported by LEADERSHIP yesterday, the service chiefs who attended the meeting are the chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh; chief of army staff, Lt-Gen Kenneth Minimah; chief of air staff, Air Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu, and the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman.
According to an informed military source, President Buhari’s plan to relocate the Command and Control Centre to Maiduguri did not receive the support of the military high command.
At the meeting, according to an insider account, the attention of the service chiefs was brought to the story about their reluctance to relocate the CCC but the military chiefs reportedly said they would comply with the president’s order.
“We are not indifferent to the directive, Your Excellency; we are only waiting for official directive since it was from the inaugural address that you made the observation. And even be that as it may, we are already working out the modalities for the implementation of the directive, sir,” the CDS was quoted to have spoken on behalf of his colleagues.
Buhari was said to have explained to them the reason for his position and all the parties were said to have reasoned along with him.
“President Buhari told them that the presence of the Command and Control Centre will not only accelerate the operations by bridging the communication gap between Abuja and Maiduguri but will instil fear in the terrorists and discourage them from threatening the peace and the unity of the country,” said the source.
In his maiden speech last Friday, Buhari argued that victory over Boko Haram would remain a mirage unless the service chiefs relocated to the theatre of operation.
We’re Moving Command Centre To Maiduguri Immediately- Service Chiefs
Security chiefs in the country said yesterday that the directive issued by President Muhammadu Buhari that the military command centre be moved to Maiduguri will be carried as quickly as possible.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin who gave the hint after coming from a meeting between the president and the service chiefs told journalists that the movement of the command centre to Maiduguri is a presidential directive that must be carried out without delay.
The security meeting which held at Defence House, Maiatama, Abuja and lasted for over three hours was part of preparations for the president’ strip to Niger and Chad where he is billed to hold talks on how to end the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
Speaking to State House correspondents alongside the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, the Naval chief said yesterday’s security meeting with the President became necessary to brief him on the security situation in the country.
He said, “Since he was inaugurated as our Commander-in-chief this is the first time that we are formally meeting him to give general security briefing of the country, and that well very well, we have been able to provide insights into the security situation of Nigeria.
“The Boko haram issue, like I told you we have just given general briefing with respect to general security situation. Specifically on Boko Haram, with the level of successes being recorded, we want to maintain the tempo, and sustain until they are routed out”.
On when the command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri, he said, “The command cente we are the ones to go back and work on it. Soon it will be carried out, it is a Presidential directive, it must be carried out, and we must do that as quickly as possible.
“All Nigerians should continue to support the military and provide us with the needed intelligence, as to the human beings, their movements and suspicious movement should be reported to the police of course the police will make that available to us.
“You know as we continue to put pressure on them, in the Sambisa area, they will try to run away from there and then create further problems, using improvised explosives devices”.
On why the terrorists were becoming more daring, Jibrin said, “Like I told you, we are sustaining the tempo and the successes we have recorded so far. We want to continue to maintain that and if there is any suggested solutions that require amendments or alteration of what we’re doing, why not? Most especially the more they give us the intelligence, the better”.
Also present at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Col. Dasuki Sambo (rtd) and all the service chiefs.
[caption id="attachment_3290" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BUHARI AND SERVICE CHIEFS[/caption]President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday insisted on his directive for the relocation the military’s Command and Control Centre (CCC) to Maiduguri.
The president reiterated this position in its maiden meeting with the service chiefs yesterday. He had announced this strategy during his inaugural address to the nation on Friday. According to him, their relocation to the epicentre of the battle would add vigour to the war against Boko Haram.
As reported by LEADERSHIP yesterday, the service chiefs who attended the meeting are the chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh; chief of army staff, Lt-Gen Kenneth Minimah; chief of air staff, Air Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu, and the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman.
According to an informed military source, President Buhari’s plan to relocate the Command and Control Centre to Maiduguri did not receive the support of the military high command.
At the meeting, according to an insider account, the attention of the service chiefs was brought to the story about their reluctance to relocate the CCC but the military chiefs reportedly said they would comply with the president’s order.
“We are not indifferent to the directive, Your Excellency; we are only waiting for official directive since it was from the inaugural address that you made the observation. And even be that as it may, we are already working out the modalities for the implementation of the directive, sir,” the CDS was quoted to have spoken on behalf of his colleagues.
Buhari was said to have explained to them the reason for his position and all the parties were said to have reasoned along with him.
“President Buhari told them that the presence of the Command and Control Centre will not only accelerate the operations by bridging the communication gap between Abuja and Maiduguri but will instil fear in the terrorists and discourage them from threatening the peace and the unity of the country,” said the source.
In his maiden speech last Friday, Buhari argued that victory over Boko Haram would remain a mirage unless the service chiefs relocated to the theatre of operation.
We’re Moving Command Centre To Maiduguri Immediately- Service Chiefs
Security chiefs in the country said yesterday that the directive issued by President Muhammadu Buhari that the military command centre be moved to Maiduguri will be carried as quickly as possible.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin who gave the hint after coming from a meeting between the president and the service chiefs told journalists that the movement of the command centre to Maiduguri is a presidential directive that must be carried out without delay.
The security meeting which held at Defence House, Maiatama, Abuja and lasted for over three hours was part of preparations for the president’ strip to Niger and Chad where he is billed to hold talks on how to end the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
Speaking to State House correspondents alongside the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, the Naval chief said yesterday’s security meeting with the President became necessary to brief him on the security situation in the country.
He said, “Since he was inaugurated as our Commander-in-chief this is the first time that we are formally meeting him to give general security briefing of the country, and that well very well, we have been able to provide insights into the security situation of Nigeria.
“The Boko haram issue, like I told you we have just given general briefing with respect to general security situation. Specifically on Boko Haram, with the level of successes being recorded, we want to maintain the tempo, and sustain until they are routed out”.
On when the command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri, he said, “The command cente we are the ones to go back and work on it. Soon it will be carried out, it is a Presidential directive, it must be carried out, and we must do that as quickly as possible.
“All Nigerians should continue to support the military and provide us with the needed intelligence, as to the human beings, their movements and suspicious movement should be reported to the police of course the police will make that available to us.
“You know as we continue to put pressure on them, in the Sambisa area, they will try to run away from there and then create further problems, using improvised explosives devices”.
On why the terrorists were becoming more daring, Jibrin said, “Like I told you, we are sustaining the tempo and the successes we have recorded so far. We want to continue to maintain that and if there is any suggested solutions that require amendments or alteration of what we’re doing, why not? Most especially the more they give us the intelligence, the better”.
Also present at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Col. Dasuki Sambo (rtd) and all the service chiefs.
NIMASA Pays Tompolo N1.5bn Monthly – Ex-chairman
By Edegbe Odemwingie
[caption id="attachment_3286" align="alignnone" width="300"]
TOMPOLO[/caption]
The pioneer chairman of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, has disclosed that the agency pays the sum of N1.5bn monthly to the ex-militant leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to protect the nation’s maritime areas.
Dr Ramalan, however, lamented that despite such gesture, the country still loses over 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily from the nation’s shores.
The former NIMASA chairman, who revealed this to LEADERSHIP in an interview in Kaduna, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to cancel the contract given to the ex-militant by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said, “Over 400, 000 barrels of crude oil are being stolen daily from our shores under President Jonathan; yet we had a government that has the Navy, the Army and the Air Force, and the government of Jonathan decides to hand over the security of our maritime waters to Tompolo at a very exorbitant amount of money.
“And these same people that are given the job of our maritime security are the ones that are collaborating with the international shipping companies to steal our oil.”
According to him, one of the ways to help the country’s economy to bounce back is to revoke Tompolo’s contract.
“And if Buhari does not do so, we will be the first to start attacking him. There is no basis to give that kind of billion naira job to ex-militants,” he declared.
Making further clarification on how long the payment has been going on, Ramalan said it started “sometime after 2011 when Jonathan won his election and since then the payment has been on.
nimasa_logo2“I was the pioneer chairman of NIMASA, and NIMASA is the one funding the contract given to Tompolo. This is a guy that is collecting about N1.5bn every month and yet our Armed Forces are not well funded. So, we call on the president to discard such contract.”
He further stated that Buhari’s strong character and honesty would help him to lead country well.
“We supported President Buhari’s presidency because we believe that the country needs a strong leadership. The insecurity and economic problem that we are having in the country today is because of lack of a strong and quality leadership,” he said.
“We believe the country needs a leader that is not corrupt, because the issue of corruption in the country has led the country to its knees.
“The country would have gone down if the administration of Jonathan was allowed to continue. For us, we believe that having a new leader is what the country needs because of the massive corruption. We believe in President Buhari; we believe there is hope in having him as the president.”
He also expressed confidence in Buhari’s ability to solve the problem of insecurity in the country.
Tompolo keeps mum
Attempt by LEADERSHIP to get clarification on the allegation from Mr. Government Ekpemupolo wasn’t successful. Initial calls made to his spokesperson, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo went unanswered, likewise SMS but he later replied to an SMS sent to him saying “I will get across to my boss.” He never got back again to LEADERSHIP up to the time of going to press when several calls around 11:27pm where again made to him.
Ex-Militants To PMB: Review Oil Pipeline Surveillance Contract
Some ex Niger Delta militants have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to review the multi-million dollar oil pipeline security contract awarded to ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo and other ex-militants by the past administration.
Coming under the aegis of The National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-agitators led by its national president, Israel Akpodoro, they made the call yesterday in a press conference held in Abuja.
In 2012, the President Goodluck Jonathan administration signed a $103 million deal with Global West Vessel Specialist Agency Ltd, a company linked to Tompolo. The deal was to patrol Nigeria’s waterways to stop piracy and oil theft.
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the ex-militants, Akpodoro also called on Buhari to review the Niger Delta amnesty programme, citing “fraud” and “selective treatment” in the federal government rehabilitation programme.
He, however, cautioned Buhari against scrapping the Niger Delta amnesty programmme.
The ex-militants also stated that Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election because the exercise was a “free and fair” contest.
“We boldly endorsed Buhari before the 2015 presidential election. We were not sponsored. We faced threats,” the ex-militants stated, while declaring continuous support for the Buhari administration.
[caption id="attachment_3286" align="alignnone" width="300"]
TOMPOLO[/caption]The pioneer chairman of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, has disclosed that the agency pays the sum of N1.5bn monthly to the ex-militant leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to protect the nation’s maritime areas.
Dr Ramalan, however, lamented that despite such gesture, the country still loses over 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily from the nation’s shores.
The former NIMASA chairman, who revealed this to LEADERSHIP in an interview in Kaduna, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to cancel the contract given to the ex-militant by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said, “Over 400, 000 barrels of crude oil are being stolen daily from our shores under President Jonathan; yet we had a government that has the Navy, the Army and the Air Force, and the government of Jonathan decides to hand over the security of our maritime waters to Tompolo at a very exorbitant amount of money.
“And these same people that are given the job of our maritime security are the ones that are collaborating with the international shipping companies to steal our oil.”
According to him, one of the ways to help the country’s economy to bounce back is to revoke Tompolo’s contract.
“And if Buhari does not do so, we will be the first to start attacking him. There is no basis to give that kind of billion naira job to ex-militants,” he declared.
Making further clarification on how long the payment has been going on, Ramalan said it started “sometime after 2011 when Jonathan won his election and since then the payment has been on.
nimasa_logo2“I was the pioneer chairman of NIMASA, and NIMASA is the one funding the contract given to Tompolo. This is a guy that is collecting about N1.5bn every month and yet our Armed Forces are not well funded. So, we call on the president to discard such contract.”
He further stated that Buhari’s strong character and honesty would help him to lead country well.
“We supported President Buhari’s presidency because we believe that the country needs a strong leadership. The insecurity and economic problem that we are having in the country today is because of lack of a strong and quality leadership,” he said.
“We believe the country needs a leader that is not corrupt, because the issue of corruption in the country has led the country to its knees.
“The country would have gone down if the administration of Jonathan was allowed to continue. For us, we believe that having a new leader is what the country needs because of the massive corruption. We believe in President Buhari; we believe there is hope in having him as the president.”
He also expressed confidence in Buhari’s ability to solve the problem of insecurity in the country.
Tompolo keeps mum
Attempt by LEADERSHIP to get clarification on the allegation from Mr. Government Ekpemupolo wasn’t successful. Initial calls made to his spokesperson, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo went unanswered, likewise SMS but he later replied to an SMS sent to him saying “I will get across to my boss.” He never got back again to LEADERSHIP up to the time of going to press when several calls around 11:27pm where again made to him.
Ex-Militants To PMB: Review Oil Pipeline Surveillance Contract
Some ex Niger Delta militants have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to review the multi-million dollar oil pipeline security contract awarded to ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo and other ex-militants by the past administration.
Coming under the aegis of The National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-agitators led by its national president, Israel Akpodoro, they made the call yesterday in a press conference held in Abuja.
In 2012, the President Goodluck Jonathan administration signed a $103 million deal with Global West Vessel Specialist Agency Ltd, a company linked to Tompolo. The deal was to patrol Nigeria’s waterways to stop piracy and oil theft.
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the ex-militants, Akpodoro also called on Buhari to review the Niger Delta amnesty programme, citing “fraud” and “selective treatment” in the federal government rehabilitation programme.
He, however, cautioned Buhari against scrapping the Niger Delta amnesty programmme.
The ex-militants also stated that Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election because the exercise was a “free and fair” contest.
“We boldly endorsed Buhari before the 2015 presidential election. We were not sponsored. We faced threats,” the ex-militants stated, while declaring continuous support for the Buhari administration.
N500m scam: PSC official reports Okiro to Buhari, wants him
[caption id="attachment_3241" align="alignnone" width="300"]
mike okiro[/caption]
By Wale Odunsi
The Principal Administrative Officer, Police Service Commission (PSC), Aaron Kaase, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Chairman of the Commission, Mike Okiro, over alleged N500 million scam.
Kaase in an open letter to Buhari said following his letters accusing Okiro of fraud and gross corruption, the PSC chairman has unleashed the police on him and his colleague, Raymond Amase.
He said: “On Tuesday and Thursday last week, we were guests of the police at the office of the Inspector-General of Police in Garki, Abuja, based on complaint by Okiro accusing us of allegedly leaking official information and defamation of his character”.
“And what is defamation when there is an official and signed petition against you before the anti-graft agencies?” he queried.
“This is also happening in fragrant disobedience to a court motion on notice in a N500 million suit against Okiro, Suprem Ibitomi and IGP, before Justice O.O. Goodluck of the FCT High Court, Abuja, restraining the respondents from taking any action until the determination of the suit slated for mention on June 30, 2015.”
The official recalled that,” Okiro convened a plenary of the PSC on May 27, 2015 and took a unilateral decision to suspend me from office, backdating the decision to May 21, this year, which was the same day court motion on notice was served on him and the commission.
Wike takes Rivers leaders on a tour of looted Government House facilities [PHOTOS]
Kaase said, “I am still amazed as to whether the back-dated decision was forged by one Mr. Ibe, Director Administration and Finance of PSC, or whether it was actually a decision of respected members of the Commission including a retired Supreme Court judge”
mike okiro[/caption]By Wale Odunsi
The Principal Administrative Officer, Police Service Commission (PSC), Aaron Kaase, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Chairman of the Commission, Mike Okiro, over alleged N500 million scam.
Kaase in an open letter to Buhari said following his letters accusing Okiro of fraud and gross corruption, the PSC chairman has unleashed the police on him and his colleague, Raymond Amase.
He said: “On Tuesday and Thursday last week, we were guests of the police at the office of the Inspector-General of Police in Garki, Abuja, based on complaint by Okiro accusing us of allegedly leaking official information and defamation of his character”.
“And what is defamation when there is an official and signed petition against you before the anti-graft agencies?” he queried.
“This is also happening in fragrant disobedience to a court motion on notice in a N500 million suit against Okiro, Suprem Ibitomi and IGP, before Justice O.O. Goodluck of the FCT High Court, Abuja, restraining the respondents from taking any action until the determination of the suit slated for mention on June 30, 2015.”
The official recalled that,” Okiro convened a plenary of the PSC on May 27, 2015 and took a unilateral decision to suspend me from office, backdating the decision to May 21, this year, which was the same day court motion on notice was served on him and the commission.
Wike takes Rivers leaders on a tour of looted Government House facilities [PHOTOS]
Kaase said, “I am still amazed as to whether the back-dated decision was forged by one Mr. Ibe, Director Administration and Finance of PSC, or whether it was actually a decision of respected members of the Commission including a retired Supreme Court judge”
BREAKING: UNN shuts down to avert students’ riot
[caption id="attachment_3196" align="alignnone" width="300"]
UNN[/caption]
By Emmanuel Uzodinma
UNN shuts down to avert students' riotDAILY POST gathered that the institution’s management has asked students to vacate their hostels immediately.
A source told our correspondent that although the UNN management said the closure was a temporary break, it was actually meant to avert a riot which would have been carried out by the students within the week.
A student told DAILY POST that they had been faced with acute water scarcity and epileptic power supply for a long time.
More to come…
UNN[/caption]By Emmanuel Uzodinma
UNN shuts down to avert students' riotDAILY POST gathered that the institution’s management has asked students to vacate their hostels immediately.
A source told our correspondent that although the UNN management said the closure was a temporary break, it was actually meant to avert a riot which would have been carried out by the students within the week.
A student told DAILY POST that they had been faced with acute water scarcity and epileptic power supply for a long time.
More to come…
Boko Haram raids Yobe towns, loots foodstuff
[caption id="attachment_3118" align="alignnone" width="300"]
SHAKEU[/caption]
Boko Haram leader, Shekau fails to attend TIME 100 GalaMembers of the Boko Haram sect during the weekend attacked two Yobe towns, Fika and Ngalda, carting away foodstuff.
The extremists shot sporadically upon their arrival to scare away people so as to have ample opportunity to loot.
Chairman of Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, Alhaji Baba Abare, while addressing newsmen on Sunday, said the major targets of the militants were shops in which they looted several food items as well as beverages.
He disclosed that no life was lost in the incident.
A resident of the area, who gave his name as Ibrahim Mohammed, told journalists in the state that the terrorists first launched an attack on Ngalda, which is the Yobe/Gombe border town.
He said they proceeded from Ngalda to Fika town, the headquarters of Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The resident said the gunmen also attacked the local government secretariat, the magistrate court and the Divisional Police station.
The Yobe State Police Commissioner, Mr. Markus Danladi, declined to comment on the attack, saying the Military Joint Task Force was the only body that was in a better position to comment on the development.
DAILY POST
SHAKEU[/caption]Boko Haram leader, Shekau fails to attend TIME 100 GalaMembers of the Boko Haram sect during the weekend attacked two Yobe towns, Fika and Ngalda, carting away foodstuff.
The extremists shot sporadically upon their arrival to scare away people so as to have ample opportunity to loot.
Chairman of Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, Alhaji Baba Abare, while addressing newsmen on Sunday, said the major targets of the militants were shops in which they looted several food items as well as beverages.
He disclosed that no life was lost in the incident.
A resident of the area, who gave his name as Ibrahim Mohammed, told journalists in the state that the terrorists first launched an attack on Ngalda, which is the Yobe/Gombe border town.
He said they proceeded from Ngalda to Fika town, the headquarters of Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The resident said the gunmen also attacked the local government secretariat, the magistrate court and the Divisional Police station.
The Yobe State Police Commissioner, Mr. Markus Danladi, declined to comment on the attack, saying the Military Joint Task Force was the only body that was in a better position to comment on the development.
DAILY POST
REALLY?? Nigerian Army plans boxing competition
[caption id="attachment_3101" align="alignnone" width="300"]
ARMY[/caption]
The Commander of Onitsha Military Cantonment of the Nigerian Army, Mohammed Bello, says his command plans to revive the Onitsha Cantonment Boxing competition.
According to him, this will aim at keeping youth within the barracks and environs away from involvement in crimes and other vices.
Mr. Bello, a Colonel, told journalists on Sunday in Onitsha that the upcoming competition for youth and men would target those currently using the cantonment’s boxing facilities for their training.
The commander, who said that the competition would feature all internationally acknowledged weight categories, noted that the event would run from June 6 to July 5.
He said that the competition would also foster understanding among those residing within the cantonment and the environs.
“It will strengthen the existing military-civil relationship. It will provide the civil populace opportunity to appreciate the military better.
“It will help us to channel the energies of most youths in the cantonment and the environs properly by helping to them to stay off engaging in criminality and other vices like participating in communal clashes.
“In the competition we will as is the practice, match people of same weight, height and stamina to get the best,’’ Bello said.
The commander, who described boxing as a traditional sport of the military, added that before passing out from any military training, one must take lessons in boxing.
“Before you go through any military academy or institution, you must go through boxing; which toughens you and makes you physically fit and mentally alert,’’ he said.
Mr. Bello also said the cantonment had the best boxing coaches around as well as medical facilities to take care of possible injuries.
“We have the best coaches in the cantonment and they have been grooming a lot of budding champions; with the presence of these coaches and a lot of talents; we decided to key into the revival this competition,’’ he said.
A week ago“the Commander’s Cup” for men’s football competition was hosted in the cantonment. Not less than eight teams participated in the eight-week competition.
In the final of the competition; Barca FC, Barracks defeated the NYSC Fidder Team via a lone goal to lift the trophy.
(NAN)
ARMY[/caption]The Commander of Onitsha Military Cantonment of the Nigerian Army, Mohammed Bello, says his command plans to revive the Onitsha Cantonment Boxing competition.
According to him, this will aim at keeping youth within the barracks and environs away from involvement in crimes and other vices.
Mr. Bello, a Colonel, told journalists on Sunday in Onitsha that the upcoming competition for youth and men would target those currently using the cantonment’s boxing facilities for their training.
The commander, who said that the competition would feature all internationally acknowledged weight categories, noted that the event would run from June 6 to July 5.
He said that the competition would also foster understanding among those residing within the cantonment and the environs.
“It will strengthen the existing military-civil relationship. It will provide the civil populace opportunity to appreciate the military better.
“It will help us to channel the energies of most youths in the cantonment and the environs properly by helping to them to stay off engaging in criminality and other vices like participating in communal clashes.
“In the competition we will as is the practice, match people of same weight, height and stamina to get the best,’’ Bello said.
The commander, who described boxing as a traditional sport of the military, added that before passing out from any military training, one must take lessons in boxing.
“Before you go through any military academy or institution, you must go through boxing; which toughens you and makes you physically fit and mentally alert,’’ he said.
Mr. Bello also said the cantonment had the best boxing coaches around as well as medical facilities to take care of possible injuries.
“We have the best coaches in the cantonment and they have been grooming a lot of budding champions; with the presence of these coaches and a lot of talents; we decided to key into the revival this competition,’’ he said.
A week ago“the Commander’s Cup” for men’s football competition was hosted in the cantonment. Not less than eight teams participated in the eight-week competition.
In the final of the competition; Barca FC, Barracks defeated the NYSC Fidder Team via a lone goal to lift the trophy.
(NAN)
Another bomb explosion hits Maiduguri[SEE PHOTO]
Report reaching our newsdesk has it that an explosion has gone off at Gamboru market, near Nigeria Customs Service House in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
[caption id="attachment_3087" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BOMB SCENE[/caption]
It was gathered that the explosive device was buried in a heap of sacks at a spot where charcoal merchants have their stalls.
This is coming barely 24 hours after a suicide bomber killed 26 people in a mosque near Maiduguri’s main market.
A trader, who gave his name as Jafar Aminu said no life was lost in the attack.
“The explosion did not kill any one but injured four persons among whom one has his arm completely ripped off by the blast”, Aminu told Premium Times.
An official of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Maiduguri, Abbas Gava, also confirmed the incident saying “the explosive that went off may have been concealed in some of the piled up sacks of charcoal. But thank God the damage did not claim any life except four persons that got injured with one losing the whole of his hand”.
[caption id="attachment_3087" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BOMB SCENE[/caption]It was gathered that the explosive device was buried in a heap of sacks at a spot where charcoal merchants have their stalls.
This is coming barely 24 hours after a suicide bomber killed 26 people in a mosque near Maiduguri’s main market.
A trader, who gave his name as Jafar Aminu said no life was lost in the attack.
“The explosion did not kill any one but injured four persons among whom one has his arm completely ripped off by the blast”, Aminu told Premium Times.
An official of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Maiduguri, Abbas Gava, also confirmed the incident saying “the explosive that went off may have been concealed in some of the piled up sacks of charcoal. But thank God the damage did not claim any life except four persons that got injured with one losing the whole of his hand”.
BREAKING NEWS: Buhari makes his first Decision As President
President Muhammadu Buhari told in his inauguration speech that until Boko Haram is defeated the army headquarters will be situated in Maiduguri, not in Abuja.
BREAKING: The First Buhari's Decision As President
The first Buhari’s decision as president of Nigeria is the order to relocate the military command centre from Abuja to Maiduguri immediately.
The President gave this order in his inauguration speech. ”The military command centre will not be situated in Abuja, but Maiduguri until Boko Haram is defeated”, he told.
NAIJ.COM
16 Universities Established By Jonathan Are Illegal - ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that 16 universities and other higher institutions established by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan are illegal.
Issa Fagge Nasir, the ASUU national president, stated this concerning the recent conversion of four colleges of education to universities by the Federal Executive Council.
Nasir claimed that the conversion is an assault on the Acts establishing the colleges, saying that universities are not only established via executive fiats but through thorough consultations with stakeholders and deep study of the pros and cons of such decisions.
Nasir said: “Our quarrel with the government is that universities are not just established by executive fiats like this administration is doing. So the Federal Government is only compounding the problems already bedeviling the education sector and I wonder if the incoming administration will allow this to stand. Strictly speaking, the Federal Government is not respecting its own laws, and I wonder how you just transmute an institution without looking at its laws. What happens to its staff, facilities and infrastructure? Academic institutions like universities are the bedrock for national development and so are not run without defined mandate and vision, and using them to achieve political gains will only further compound the nation’s problems.”
He also called on the incoming administration to critically assess these decisions and make impartial judgments that will benefit the mass of the people and return the country’s education sector’s lost glory.
NAIJ.COM
[caption id="attachment_2931" align="alignnone" width="300"]
UNIVERSITY[/caption]
Issa Fagge Nasir, the ASUU national president, stated this concerning the recent conversion of four colleges of education to universities by the Federal Executive Council.
Nasir claimed that the conversion is an assault on the Acts establishing the colleges, saying that universities are not only established via executive fiats but through thorough consultations with stakeholders and deep study of the pros and cons of such decisions.
Nasir said: “Our quarrel with the government is that universities are not just established by executive fiats like this administration is doing. So the Federal Government is only compounding the problems already bedeviling the education sector and I wonder if the incoming administration will allow this to stand. Strictly speaking, the Federal Government is not respecting its own laws, and I wonder how you just transmute an institution without looking at its laws. What happens to its staff, facilities and infrastructure? Academic institutions like universities are the bedrock for national development and so are not run without defined mandate and vision, and using them to achieve political gains will only further compound the nation’s problems.”
He also called on the incoming administration to critically assess these decisions and make impartial judgments that will benefit the mass of the people and return the country’s education sector’s lost glory.
NAIJ.COM
[caption id="attachment_2931" align="alignnone" width="300"]
UNIVERSITY[/caption]APC UK delegates arrive for Buhari’s inauguration
A delegation of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) United Kingdom Chapter, under the leadership of Dr Phillip Idaewor has arrived Nigeria to witness the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
A statement signed by its deputy chairman, Tunde Doherty said the delegation flagged off their trip to Nigeria with a visit to one of the APC leaders, Chief Wale Osun, who is also the leader of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG).
They also paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of APC in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale and his deputy, Cardinal Odunmbaku at the party’s secretariat in Lagos before they stormed the studios of the Television Continental (TVC) where the group’s deputy chairman, Mr Tunde Doherty appeared on the news live.
The group later left for Abuja on Tuesday and were at the APC National Secretariat where they met the Director of Organisation, Alhaji Abubakar Kari and the Deputy National Chairman (South) and former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni.
Earlier, Prince Hilliard Etagbo Eta, the National Vice Chairman, (South-South) had hosted Dr Idaewor led APC, UK Chapter to lunch in Abuja.
DAILY POST
Three bomb makers arrested in Gombe
The Nigerian military on Thursday said it has arrested three bomb-making experts in Gombe State.
The Defence spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, said the bomb experts are suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
Mr. Olukolade, a major general, said the suspects were arrested as they searched for soft targets for attack after being dislodged from the stronghold in Sambisa forest and other enclaves.
He said, “Items recovered from the apprehended include a tricycle and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.”
Mr. Olukolade said a cordon and search operation was on-going in certain localities and will be intensified along with mop-up operations in locations where offensive operations are being conducted.
He said the essence of these operations is to apprehend the terrorists dislodged from their sanctuaries and in search of escape routes or resorting to attacking soft targets.
This, he said, was in line with the present development.
The spokesperson also urged the public to be vigilant and to report every suspicious activity within their environs.
“The military is poised to ensure that the on-going operations are duly aligned with security arrangement nationwide towards forestalling any attempt by terrorists or other criminal groups planning to breach security or disrupt the inaugurations activities anywhere in the country,” Mr. Olukolade said.
PREMIUM TIMES
Buhari Pictured In Economy Class Of British Airways[SEE PHOTOS]
[caption id="attachment_2811" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BUHARI..ZAHRA FROM BEHIND[/caption]
The president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, was pictured onboard a British Airways flight on May 28, Thursday.
Buhari was returning from the UK to Nigeria for the Friday inauguration.
[caption id="attachment_2812" align="alignnone" width="300"]
AIRPORT[/caption]
Interestingly, the president-elect was spotted in the economy class. The photo immediately went viral.
Buhari Pictured In Economy Class Of British Airways
[caption id="attachment_2813" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BUHARI WALKING[/caption]
This comes just after the APC politician reportedly declined to make use of the Rolls Royce and other facilities provided for him upon his arrival in London. His move touched Nigerians. People were calling Buhari a humble man, a good leader, who is close to his nation in thoughts and in actions.
According to the latest updates, Buhari arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Thursday
Buhari’s London trip was widely publicized and got Nigeria talking.
The Peoples Democratic Party accused the politician of belittling his native country.
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="alignnone" width="225"]
MY PRESIDENT[/caption]
According to the PDP statement, Nigerians felt embarrassed “when they saw their president-elect cheapened and kept waiting at the door of 10 Downing Street to see the British Prime Minister due to shoddy arrangements by his handlers”.
[caption id="attachment_2817" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BUHARI[/caption]
BUHARI..ZAHRA FROM BEHIND[/caption]The president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, was pictured onboard a British Airways flight on May 28, Thursday.
Buhari was returning from the UK to Nigeria for the Friday inauguration.
[caption id="attachment_2812" align="alignnone" width="300"]
AIRPORT[/caption]Interestingly, the president-elect was spotted in the economy class. The photo immediately went viral.
Buhari Pictured In Economy Class Of British Airways
[caption id="attachment_2813" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BUHARI WALKING[/caption]This comes just after the APC politician reportedly declined to make use of the Rolls Royce and other facilities provided for him upon his arrival in London. His move touched Nigerians. People were calling Buhari a humble man, a good leader, who is close to his nation in thoughts and in actions.
According to the latest updates, Buhari arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Thursday
Buhari’s London trip was widely publicized and got Nigeria talking.
The Peoples Democratic Party accused the politician of belittling his native country.
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="alignnone" width="225"]
MY PRESIDENT[/caption]According to the PDP statement, Nigerians felt embarrassed “when they saw their president-elect cheapened and kept waiting at the door of 10 Downing Street to see the British Prime Minister due to shoddy arrangements by his handlers”.
[caption id="attachment_2817" align="alignnone" width="300"]
BUHARI[/caption]AMAZING!! GOVERNOR AKPAIBIO COMMISSIONS NEW HOSPITAL[SEE PICTURES]
Governor Akpabio newly commissioned hospital is of International standard.
Hospital is well equipped with the following;
- 308 bed facilities
-Open heart and Transplant Surgeries.
-Highly sophisticated intensive care units
-Fully automated laboratories and dialyses units..
-Medical gas plants
-International certified doctors and operators
-1.5 Tesla MRI 640 Slides CT Scan..
-Endoscopy surgery
-Helipad for Emergency Evacuation..
And many more .....
CHINENYE
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