Saturday, 31 October 2015

PDP Leaders accused INEC, Judiciary, Buhari behind Our Electoral Woes

President Muhammadu Buhari, the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday came under fresh attack from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the party’s recent electoral reverses in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.

The PDP accused the Buhari administration of politicising and compromising critical institutions, including the judiciary, DSS and INEC, for the purpose of subverting democracy in the country.

The party’s national caucus, rising from an emergency meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where it reviewed the judgements of the Akwa Ibom and Rivers State Election Petition Tribunals, said the behaviour of the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) constitutes a huge threat to the nation’s democracy and danger to its peace, unity and progress.

It did not spare the National Assembly which it claimed was being intimidated by the executive arm of government.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the PDP National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, said the APC-led government has eroded the ‘gains’ recorded by the PDP in its 16 years in the saddle.

Nigerian Economy Records ‘Worst Week’ Since 2008 - The Cable

In 2008, the world experienced an economic recession, which had devastating effect on millions.

One year after, the economy began to take shape, with that of Nigeria experiencing a steady gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which went as high as six percent in 2014.

But with low GDP forecast, controversial foreign exchange policy, subsidy weight and strange sanctions, it is glaring that the feat cannot be repeated in 2015.

Activities which took place in the business sector of the largest economy in Africa between October 26 and October 30 may lead to the conclusion that this is the worst week in Nigeria’s business history since 2008.

MTN GROUP VS NCC N1.04TR FINE

On Monday, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) imposed a fine of N1.04tr on MTN Nigeria, the largest telecommunication network in the country, for failure to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards.

The sanction, which is the strictest in the history of the country’s telecom industry, is capable of scaring investors, considering the fact that the fine is more than MTN’s annual profit – even during its peak periods.

MTN Nigeria

“It’s the last thing Nigeria needs, given the economic and political struggles it’s contending with at the moment. It’s concerning for MTN and in terms of the wider implications for foreign investment,” David McIlroy, chief investment officer at Alquity, said.

Tompolo's War Ship Causes Stir

CONTROVERSY is at the moment brewing over the use of the Royal Norwegian military vessel bought by Global West Specialist Vessel Limited to train Nigerian cadets presently undergoing seafaring training abroad.

Tompolo

Global West Specialist vessel Limited is purportedly owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo.

The vessel, a 135 bunk military war ship with two cinema halls, two lecture halls, two hospitals and two mess rooms, was de-commissioned before it was handed over to Global West.

Vanguard learnt some powerful Nigerians have ganged up against the use of the vessel for the training of cadets.

It was also gathered that the same group of people are also making moves to to get the NIMASA’s management to start a re-bid for the supply of another training vessel.

NCC Slammed MTN Nigeria N1.4 trillion penalty

Three days after Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC slammed a N1.4 trillion penalty on MTN Nigeria for failure to disconnect customers with unregistered SIM cards, Parent company MTN group has cried out that the fine was too extreme, even as it continues to engage the regulator on how to resolve the issue.

MTN Group noted with dismay that Nigerian Communications Commission refused to listen to its plea to reconsider its stand on the penalty slammed on its Nigerian arm last week.

According to a report, MTN Nigeria spokeswoman, Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, had said in an e-mailed response, that “recommendations were put forward with respect to the non-commensurable nature of the fine but the Nigerian Communications Commission did not accept recommendations that the fine of 200,000 Naira ($1,005) per SIM was too heavy.”

‘‘MTN Nigeria contacted the regulator with concerns that a demand to disconnect SIM cards by a certain deadline would cause “severe disruption” for customers and recommended a staggered process to limit the possible impact,’’ said Oluwatoye.

As a result of the fine, MTN shares plummeted about 20 percent this week in Johannesburg. The biggest four-day drop since 2008, valuing the company at about 284 billion rand ($21 billion).

A MTN service provider tries to register a client's SIM card in Lagos, on October 27, 2015. Nigeria's telecommunications regulator has fined South African mobile giant MTN $5.2 billion for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered SIM cards, the company announced on Monday. The penalty saw shares in Africa's largest telecommunications company crash more than 12 percent to 167 rand on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the biggest fall the firm has suffered in a day since November 1998.

Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator has fined South African mobile giant MTN $5.2 billion for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered SIM cards, the company announced on Monday. The penalty saw shares in Africa’s largest telecommunications company crash more than 12 percent to 167 rand on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the biggest fall the firm has suffered in a day since November 1998.

The phone operator had said on Monday that the Nigerian Communications Commission is seeking the penalties because it missed a deadline to disconnect 5.1 million subscribers and is reviewing its management in the country.

Moody’s Investors Service had on Thursday lowered it’s rating for MTN to negative from stable following the fine.

CCT Receives Go Ahead To Try Saraki For Corruption From Appeal Court

Justice Moore Adumen of the Court of Appeal this morning upheld the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Adumen, reading the unanimous verdict of the three man panel, said the tribunal, which docked the Senate President on 22 September and 21 October was properly constituted.
He said the tribunal led by Danladi Umar could sit with the chairman and one other member.
He relied on section 28 of the Interpretation Act to reach the decision.
He said the CCT and CCB Act and the constitution did not talk about a quorum.
Adumen said the judgment could not be delivered on 19 October as earlier planned because the justices have to struggle to reach a consensus.
Saraki wanted the appellate court stop his trial at the CCT, where he has been charged on 13-counts with false asset declaration.
Judgment was initially fixed for 19 October, but was postponed at the 11th hour, with the court promising to communicate a new date to parties.
Notices were sent to parties informing them about today’s date.
Arguing the appeal on October 16, Saraki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the appellate court to set aside the entire proceedings before the CCT, including the charge before it.
He argued that the CCT was not properly constituted on when it assumed jurisdiction to entertain the charges because it was made up of two members as against three, which is provided for in Paragraph 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.
Daudu contended that the provision of Section 28 of the Interpretation Act relied upon by the respondents to argue that the tribunal could validly sit with its Chairman and one other member, was a contradiction of the three-member provision in the Constitution.
He also argued that the tribunal not being a superior court recognised by the Constitution could not exercise criminal jurisdiction.

Reuben Abati Sabotage Goodluck Jonathan - Edwin Clark

A former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, has alleged that Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, sabotaged the former president by failing to promote his image and achievements.

Against Mr. Abati’s claims that Mr. Clark no longer considered Mr. Jonathan his ‘son’, Mr. Clark said he still sees the former president as a political son despite gaining nothing from his presidency.
While expressing his resolve to quit partisan politics, Mr. Clark was recently reported as saying Mr. Jonathan “did not have the political will to fight corruption”.

In his response to Mr. Clark’s remark on the ex-president, the former president’s publicist wrote in an opinion article titled, “Clark the Father, Jonathan the Son” that the octogenarian was only making the disparaging remarks because Mr. Jonathan had lost the 2015 election.

Senate President Head To Supreme Court

Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki has stated that he will head to the Supreme Court in search of justice after a Court of Appeal ruled against him.

Saraki’s position was conveyed by his lead lawyer, Mohammed Mogaji. He revealed that Senator Saraki would file a further appeal at the Supreme Court.

Saraki wanted the appellate court stop his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, where he has been charged on 13-counts with false asset declaration.

Delivering judgment today, Justice Moore Agumanen, who read a majority verdict of the Court of Appeal morning upheld the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Foreign Investors Show Interest In Made In Aba Shoes

Made-in-Aba Shoes Go Global As Foreign Investors Show Interest

Makinde!
October 29, 2015
Naija News
13

- See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2015/10/29/made-in-aba-shoes-go-global-as-foreign-investors-show-interest/#sthash.fbUTPCiv.dpuf

UMUAHIA—SUCCOUR may be coming the war of the local artisans manufacturing shoes, bags, belts and other leather products as their product could soon be transformed and compared to international products - See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2015/10/29/made-in-aba-shoes-go-global-as-foreign-investors-show-interest/#sthash.fbUTPCiv.dpuf

Made-in-Aba Shoes Go Global As Foreign Investors Show Interest

Makinde!
October 29, 2015
Naija News
13

- See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2015/10/29/made-in-aba-shoes-go-global-as-foreign-investors-show-interest/#sthash.fbUTPCiv.dpuf

This is because some Brazilian investors have shown interest in their products and are planning to make available to them modern equipments that will improve the quality of their products.

The investors were amazed at the quality of the shoes, bags and other products, the Aba leathers were able to produce with their hands and raw equipments and reasoned that with modern equipment, the sky could be their limit. (Continue Reading)

Custom Officer, Wife Who Bought Twin Babies For 500k Were Arrested In Ogun State

An officer of the Nigeria Customs Service and his wife have been arrested by the police in Ogun State for allegedly buying a set of 4 day-old twin babies for N500,000 in the Sango Ota area of the state.

Punch Metro reports that the officer, identified only as Azeez, and his wife were arrested by the Sango Police Division last Thursday and the babies recovered from them. They have now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Azeez had confessed to the crime in his statement to the police. He had allegedly paid the sum to obtain the babies when his wife did not give birth to a second child after 23 years.
A police source told Punch:
“The incident happened last Thursday. The police got a tip-off that the couple had gone to Ibadan, Oyo State, to buy twin babies for N500,000. We then moved in on them and discovered it was true. (Continue Reading)

Afeez Hanafi
The police in Lagos have arraigned a former director of IT Bureau De Change Limited, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Morah, before an Apapa Magsitrates’ Court for allegedly diverting N50m owned by the firm into a private account.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Morah, who is also a lawyer, headed the company’s Business Development till June 2015 when she was relieved of the position.
She was said to have withdrawn the money from the Fidelity Bank account used by the company on June 18 and deposited same to a Zenith Bank account given as 1000845723. It was learnt that the money had yet to be recovered from the suspect.
The police said the 40-year-old lawyer upon her resignation, left with the company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, forms on particulars of directors, statement of share capital, operational licence, among others.

She was subsequently arrested and charged on two counts bordering(Continue Reading)

Ibadan Teacher Flogged Student To Death

Students of IMG Secondary School, Oke Ado, Ibadan, on Wednesday, expressed outrage after their colleague was allegedly flogged to death by a teacher.

The yet-to-be identified student reportedly slumped and died following severe punishment from a teacher for arriving late to school.
Some properties of the school were destroyed by the students before policemen arrived at the scene.

Chairs and tables, cabinets were destroyed by the protesting students, even as they scattered documents.
Windows and doors of the staff room were also vandalized.

As the protest escalated, teachers and administrative workers of the school took to their heels for fear of being attacked.
An eye witness told Nigerian Tribune that trouble started when the student arrived school after classes had commenced for the day.
“He told the teacher he came late due to illness.

“At that point, the principal, who was passing by asked the teacher the cause of the discussion.

“The principal ordered the teacher to flog the student for coming late and he slumped in the process.

“They tried to resuscitate him but it was too late”, he disclosed.

Our Economy Has Taken A Nosedive – Ezekwesili

Oby Ezekwesili, a former minister of Education, has compared Nigeria’s current economic situation to that of 1982 during the regime of ex-president, Shehu Shagari- and trends on that account.

In a speech in Lagos, the former minister stressed that the situation surrounding the economic, social and political sectors is precarious, saying that managing such situations would be really difficult for the government.

Ezekwesili recalled 1981 and 1982 years when Nigeria witnessed the same economic collapse as it is witnessing now.

We have found ourselves in a situation where every sector is in a precarious situation.

We are operating on uncertainty and it is very difficult. Our economy has taken a nosedive, and I ask how it is possible for Nigeria to find itself in this embarrassing situation.

Nigerians must study history because people who do not study history risk repeating all the mistakes made in the past.

The former minister also states that she was poorer while serving in government.

In a series of tweets Ezekwesili urged Nigerians to change their mindset of seeing government portfolios as an avenue to make money.

Best Of Nollywood Awards 2015 Nominees - Movies/TV

The "Best of Nollywood Awards" also known as the BON Awards are under way, and the nominees for this year have been revealed.

Amongst the nominees are Nse-Ikpe Etim, Ini Edo, Stephanie Linus, Hilda Dokubo, and more.

Check out the nominees after the jump:

1. Best Actor in Leading Role (English)
Mike Omoregbee in Invasion 1897
Sadiq Daba in October 1
K Ogbonna in My Rich Boyfriend
Gabriel Afolayan in Ojuju
Okey Uzoeshi in The Date

2. Best Actor in Leading Role (Yoruba)
Muyiwa Ademola in Fimidara Ire
Lateef Adedimeji in Story like Mine
Odunlade Adekola in Torera
Bayo Alawiye in Atanda
Femi Adebayo in Shadow

3. Best Actor in Leading Role (Hausa)
Nuhu Aliu in Ya’daga Allah
Abdul Umar Shareef in Jinin Jikina

4. Best Actor in Leading Role (Igbo)
Chigozie Atunanya in Chetanna

5. Best Actress in Leading Role (English)
Nse Ikpe Etim in Stolen Water
Stephanie Linus in Dry
Ini Edo in While You Slept
Hilda Dokubo in Stigma
Iyabo Ojo in Beyond Disability (Continue Reading)

Former Gov of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi and Senate President Bukola Saraki

ABUJA — Senators belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and their All Progressives Congress, APC, were, yesterday, preparing for a showdown over different positions on the confirmation of two of 16 remaining ministerial nominees.

It was, however, learnt that Senate President Bukola Saraki was determined to weigh in on behalf of the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and the ministerial nominee from Cross River State, Usani Uguru. The duo had been caught up in a grudge war mounted by PDP senators.Amaechi-saraki

Amaechi is held in contempt by the PDP Senate caucus for his role in the defeat of the former ruling party in the last round of elections. Uguru brought himself into the bad book of the PDP Senate caucus when, during his screening, he said “God forbid” to a question as to his membership of the PDP.

Following the end of the screening of the nominees yesterday, the PDP Senate caucus held a meeting where they reportedly took a position against the confirmation of Amaechi. The senators were said to have resolved not to consider Amaechi’s nomination unless the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges on the petitions filed against the former Rivers State governor was brought forward for consideration first.

Last five nominees screened

Five nominees were screened, yesterday, bringing to an end, the exercise that commenced about three weeks ago.

The five nominees screened were former Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Anthony Anwuka (Imo); financial expert and medical doctor, Okechukwu Enelamah (Abia); newspaper columnist, Adamu Adamu (Bauchi); former Executive Secretary of National Hajj Commission, Mohammed Musa Bello (Adamawa), and Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto).

However, the confirmation exercise which was expected to commence

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Images Of Boko "Haram Members Released By Nigeria Army

Faces Of Wanted Boko Haram Members

In order to beat the deadline set by President Muhammedu Buhari to end insurgency in the country, the Nigeria Army has released images of some of the most wanted suspects of the sect (Boko Haram)

The images of the wanted sect members were today, boldly shown on a banner and were displayed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt – Gen. Tukur Buratai among other officers.

Inscription on the banner however urged Nigerians to report to the Army if any of the persons on the banner is seen anywhere in public.

PDP Senators Meet Over Amaechi, Others’ Confirmation: Nation

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators held a crucial secret meeting on Wednesday to take a position on the confirmation of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and 17 others as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The confirmation of 18 outstanding ministerial nominees including Amaechi has been slated for Thursday.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, deferred confirmation of the nominees after the Senate screened five more nominees on Wednesday.
Those screened on Wednesday included Mr. Okechukwu Eyinna Enelamah (Abia), Prof. Anthony Anwukah (Imo), Mohammed Musa Bello (Adamawa), Adamu Adamu(Bauchi) and Ms. Aisha Bello (Sokoto).

The PDP Senators launched into the closed door meeting at Senate Hearing Room 1, immediately after Saraki adjourned plenary.
Insiders said the meeting was specifically to enable the opposition lawmakers take position on some of the nominees.
A competent source who attended the meeting said “you know we have just concluded the screening of the remaining nominees. We need to meet to ask some critical questions on some of the nominees. We need to take collective decision as a caucus.

“Some of the nominees impressed, others did not. Some of them are controversial, others are not. We need to resolve and agree on our voting pattern. We are a caucus and we should be seen to vote as a block. It is normal in every political arrangement.”
Asked whether Amaechi’s issue came up following the opposition of PDP Senators to the former governor’s screening, he noted that “nothing was foreclosed.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators on the other hand are said to be determined to ensure that all the nominees scaled through the confirmation hurdle.
Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, had consistently said the Senate belongs to APC as the majority party in the chamber.
He also said the minority would be allowed its say while the majority would have its way.

Ndume assured that PDP Senators cannot stop the confirmation of any nominee.
Another PDP Senator also at the meeting said that “Amaechi will be cleared just like other nominees.”
He noted that though there are some who still harboured hard feelings against Amaechi, “the consensus is that we should allow him to go.”

Tribunal Sacks Speaker Abel Diah: Nullifies Election

The Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Jalingo on Wednesday nullified the election of the Speaker of the Taraba state House of Assembly, Abel Diah, of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to set aside a certificate of Return earlier issued to the speaker.
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Taraba state had earlier declared Mr. Diah, the winner of the April eleven elections for Mbamga Constituency in the state House of Assembly.

Following the pronouncement, the All Progressives Congress Candidate in the constituency, Emmanuel Bongo, went to the elections tribunal challenging the victory of the Speaker.

The petitioner argued that elections conducted in nine polling units in Mbamga constituency were marred by enormous irregularities.
Delivering its judgment, the National and Houses of Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal ruled that elections in eight out of the nine polling units, challenged by the petitioner, were conducted against the provision of the 2010 Electoral Act.

According to the tribunal, polls conducted in the eight polling units were null and void.
The tribunal declared the elections inconclusive and ordered INEC to conduct fresh polls within 90 days beginning from Wednesday in the eight affected polling units.

The judges ordered the electoral umpire to set aside the certificate of return earlier issued to the Speaker.
With the judgment, the APC candidate, Emmanuel Bongo, leads with 1,440 votes.
Speaking to Journalist after the ruling, the APC Chairman in the state, Hassan Ardo, thanked the tribunal saying the judgment was based on facts.

On the other hand, the counsel to the speaker declined comment

Four Fake Soldiers Arrested In Lagos

Four fake soldiers arrested at Idi-Araba, Agege and Mile 2 areas of the state were yesterday paraded by Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.

They are John Izunwanne, 25, John Otu, 23, Richard Acha, 22, and Simon Anthony, 39.

Materials recovered from them included: two pairs of the Nigerian Army camouflage uniform; a pair of Army uniform, Army camouflage T-shirt, a pair of boots, two Army belts and two jungle hats.

Anthony told reporters that he was dismissed from service as a corporal for falling out from duty.

“I was dismissed in January 2014 for falling out from duty. I am from Adamawa state. I wanted to use the uniform to travel to Lagos because I had no transport money. But unfortunately, I was arrested by soldiers,” he said.

Acha, a welder from Benue State, said he found the camouflage T-shirt inside the bag his brother gave him at Ikeja cantonment.

“I wore it. I was arrested for wearing the army T-shirt,” he said.

Izunwanne said he bought the uniform at Ojo Cantonment on September 2.

He said: “I wanted to go and sign my army recruitment form at Ojo Barracks when I bought the uniform at the Mammy Market. However, on October 7, my friend had a court case and I was to appear in court as a witness. The court was in Agege and I did not have the transport fare to go, so, I decided to wear my uniform to save me the cost of transportation.”

Otu, a member of the Citizen for Peace and First Aid Missions in Nigeria, said he heard his friends were arrested and went to the police to secure their bail, only to be arrested for wearing the uniform.

I Killed Our Rival To Avenge My Brother’s Death

By Evelyn Usman & Ebere Aham
A self-acclaimed member of Eiye confraternity yesterday gave a graphic description of how he murdered one of his rivals during a birthday party held in Mushin area of Lagos last week.

Arrested alongside the 22-year-old suspect was his alleged accomplice.
The deceased, a commercial motorcyclist, identified as Sura Abiola Lateef, was reportedly attacked along with his friend, when they stepped out to buy sachet water.
While his friend, identified as Rilwan, was said to have managed to escape with a deep cut in the neck, same could not be said of Lateef, who was stabbed in different parts of his body and abandoned in the pool of his blood and he bled to death.
Briefing newsmen on activities of cultists in the state, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said the command had launched a manhunt for cultists, disclosing that over 20 suspected cultists had been arrested between October 18 and 21, 2015.

Among them were 22-year-old Morufu Liadi and Rilwan Balogun who confessed to have had a hand in the late commercial motorcyclist’s death.
Speaking with Vanguard, Liadi who showed no sign of remorse, said the killing of late Lateef was to avenge the death of his elder brother.
He said: “I am a vulcanizer. I was forced to join the Eiye confraternity last year in order to avenge the death of my brother who was murdered by cultists seven years ago. I waited until last year to join because by then, I was only 15 years old and I was told that I was too young to join a cult. (Continue Reading)

Reps Begin Probe Of EFCC Over N1tr Assets

The House of Representatives has commenced fresh investigation into the alleged non-remittance of over N1 trillion generated from seized assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Federation Account.
The House consequently mandated its committee on financial crimes to investigate the matter.
The resolution was reached after adopting a motion by Minority Leader Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta), asking that the alleged non-remittance be investigated to ascertain its authenticity.
Ogor in his motion said: “The past and present leadership of the EFCC is being accused of diversion of funds worth billions of naira meant to be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation as stipulated by Section 31 subsection 2 and 3 of the EFCC Act of 2004.
“The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Justice has directed the EFCC to investigate the allegation against Ibrahim Lamorde and to forward the result of its investigation to him,” he said.
Ogor added that, “by the powers conferred on the House by Section 88(I) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the House, just like the police and the ICPC can investigate the diversion of funds by Lamorde, past and present leaders of the EFCC.” (Continue Reading)

The fake naval officer that was nabbed in Enugu today

Operatives of the Udenu Division of the Nigeria police Force Enugu state command have nabbed a fake naval officer who gave his name as one chukwuneke Onah. He was nabbed by the security operatives during their routine patrol and on 24/10/15 in the morning at orba in udenu local government Area of Enugu state as he has been monitored based on intelligence gathered that a certain man wants to sell a vehicle believed to have been unlawfully acquired.

It was further gathered that the suspect who was already dressed in a uniform suspected to be that of the Navy was already negotiated with a buyer in respect of the hilux vehicle which he initially claimed he bought through customs action before operatives closed him up. Meanwhile on the spot enquiry conducted on him reveal that he is not a naval officer and also never bought any vehicle from customs auction.Investigations have commenced in full scale just as the suspect is begging for forgiveness.

Port Harcourt Airport Is Not The Worst Airport- FAAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has faulted a recent survey which rated the Port Harcourt International Airport as the worst airport in the world.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos by Mr. Yakubu Dati, FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the ranking by SleepingInAirports.net rated the Port Harcourt International Airport as “the dirtiest and most corrupt airport in Africa.”

FAAN, in its statement said: “Our stand is that the said ranking was unfounded as it did not take cognisance of the fact that the airport terminal was still undergoing remodeling.

“Some of its terminal operations are still conducted in a temporary structure.” The statement pointed out that the existing domestic terminal, from which both international and local flights were conducted, was undergoing remodeling.
“Apart from this, construction work is also in progress at the site of the new international terminal.

“We believe that operations at such an airport where construction work is going on simultaneously with normal flight and related operations cannot be as conducive as in those airports where (Continue Reading)

A Chief In Delta Impregnates His 15-yr-old Granddaughter

By Perez Brisibe
UDU—A 15-year-old primary school leaver, names withheld, has pointed finger at her step grandfather, a chief and president-general of a community in Delta State for her four-month-old pregnancy. She told Niger Delta Voice that the husband of her grandmother slept with her in his two-bedroom domicile, an accusation the man hotly denied.

Handiwork of enemies— Chief
The chief said the entire episode was a set-up by his adversaries, alluding that following his disagreement with close relatives of the victim over his position and sales of land in the community, they swore to unseat him by any means. He said the 15-year-old girl was living with him from birth until the incident that led to her voluntary departure from his residence.

Pregnancy hatched in Egini !
The chief asserted: “This is an orchestrated plot to dent my image. As at the time they claimed she got pregnant, she had travelled to Egini to visit her

Miss Tourism Ogun auditions have come and gone with Abeokuta, Ogun State and Ikeja, Lagos State playing host to the screening exercises. Several contestants came and saw but after series of rigorous and unbiased screening by the judges, only 23 contestants conquered. The screening process was further made open to the general public to vote their favourite contestants via short code messages using the contestant’s code and this process left 20 girls standing representing the 20 Local Government Areas in Ogun State.

Maiduguri Mosque Bomb, 6 Killed By Boko Haram

Rescuers from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have evacuated six dead bodies of the victims of an early morning suicide bombing in Maiduguri, Borno State.

PRNigeria reports that the incident occurred during the early morning Subhi Prayer at a mosque behind Magistrate Court, Polo Area in Maiduguri.

The explosion was carried out by a suspected suicide bomber, whose two accomplices escaped, when some vigilant members of the community accosted them on their suspicious movements.

A senior health worker confirmed that the 6 bodies had been deposited in the mortuary, while about 17 other injured victims were being treated at a Specialist and Teaching Hospitals in Maiduguri.

Details later…

Monday, 19 October 2015

Vacancies At Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC)

The 4Power Consortium has acquired majority ownership of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC). The company is positioned for timely and efficient delivery of turnkey electricity projects to its esteemed customers.
This is a rare opportunity to work for a sector leader and lead a "best-in-class" team of engineers, be an integral part of the company, and make a difference with the businesses and communities it serves.

We are excited to be at the centre of revolutionizing the power sector in Nigeria and eager to recruit high quality and committed people who can help us deliver quality service to our customers and move the company forward.

Victim and the suspect

A 71-year-old physically-challenged man, Richard Odiwe, has been arrested for allegedly raping a primary six pupil, Bimbo (pseudonym).
PUNCH Metro learnt that Bimbo, who lives with her grandmother in Ago-Alagbede in the Agbado area of Ogun State, fled home last Tuesday around 5.30am after she was told that an uncle wanted to beat her for her unruly behaviour.

Odiwe was said to have harboured the 12-year- old girl in his residence at Atila, a neighbouring community, where he committed the alleged
crime.

Our correspondent was told that the septuagenarian had been living with his younger brother, who is a tenant of Bimbo’s grandmother.
He was, however, sent packing in 2013 after he was suspected of sexually abusing female children in the community.

Bimbo, who spoke in Yoruba, told our correspondent that Odiwe had been having sex with her since

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Yul Edochie was recently attacked by armed bandits in Enugu on Friday, October 16, 2015.

The son of veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, was on location for a movie shoot in Enugu when bandits attacked him alongside other people at hotel he was staying on Friday night just while relaxing in the premises.

Yuledochie ''I really wish it's a rumour but its not. This really happened. I was attacked by armed robbers on Friday night in enugu while I was relaxing in my hotel premises after the day's shoot. Luckily I escaped but unfortunately I crashed into a glass door as I was running for dear life and sustained this cut on my ear and a few bruises. Not a funny experience at all. I'm back to Lagos to run a full scan to be sure all is well inside. I thank God for His protection''

Sunday, 18 October 2015

3 Medical Doctors were Kidnapped In Imo State

A former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in Edo State, Dr Philip Ugbodaga and two other medical doctors whose identities are yet to be known have been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen.

Ugbodaga and his two colleagues were said to have been abducted Friday at Umuaka, in Isu local government area of Imo State, where they had gone to render free medical services to some communities, which was organised by their friend who was championing free medical services to members of the community.

The incident happened when a vehicle suspected to have been trailing them ordered them to stop, following which Ugbodaga and the two other doctors were forcefully taken away to unknown destination at gunpoint by the suspected kidnappers.

At the time of this report, the suspected kidnappers were yet to establish contact with Dr. Ugbodaga’s family, but the abduction of the political and social crusader has thrown members of his family in Enwan, Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo state, into anguish and confusion.

Security agencies are said to have

Reasons why we jailed Gen. Ransome Kuti says the Army

The Nigerian Army confirmed yesterday that Brigadier General Enitan Ransome-Kuti was sentenced to six-months imprisonment and also dismissed from service by a military court martial.

The Army, in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, however, said reasons including “failure to perform military duties” for the Army’s decision.

The statement reads: “In reference to media enquiry on the judgment passed by a General Court Martial on Friday at Army Headquarters Garrison, I wish to confirm that one of the accused persons, Brigadier General EA Ransome-Kuti, was awarded the following punishments on the various count charges against him as follows:

“The first count charge, which was “cowardly behaviour”, was struck out but he was found guilty on count charge number two which was “failure to perform military duties” and was dismissed from the Nigerian Army.

“He was equally found guilty on count charge number 3 which was “miscellaneous offences relating to service property” and was awarded six months imprisonment

2 killed by Boko Haram in a Village in Adamawa State

Some armed persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect on Saturday night attacked a village in Adamawa State, killing 12 people.

While narrating how the attack occurred, Maina Ularamu, a former Chairman of Madagali Local Government Area, said the insurgents attacked Dar Village in the council at about 8:30 p.m.

“A large number of gunmen invaded the village, forcing resident to flee to nearby bush,” Mr. Ularamu said in a telephone interview.

He added that “two female suicide bombers disguised as fleeing villagers detonated explosives in the bush where many people were

A 3year old girl was defiled by a Police officer in Ebonyi State

A police corporal, Samuel Okere serving at Ugbodo Division in Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi State has been arrested by the state Juvenile Welfare Centre (JWC) for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl.

Okere was said to have committed the act in Ugbodo at the victim’s father’s house when she returned from school.

The victim’s parents had gone for their teaching jobs when the police officer allegedly committed the act.

When the parents returned from work, the little girl started complaining of pains in her private part as she could not walk properly.

When the father, Emmanuel Iyiekuna asked the girl what happened to her, she told him that the policeman inserted something inside her.

Iyiekuna subsequently went to Okere’s house and he(Okere) allegedly admitted committing the crime but said he only used finger on the girl and did not insert his manhood.

He appealed to Iyiekuna not to disclose the matter to anyone and reportedly offered

Angela and Gift emerged as winners of Mother Daughter Pageant Nigeria

Congratulations to this beautiful mother and her daughter as they emerged as the winner at the just concluded Mother and Daughter Pageant Nigeria.......see more pix after the cut

Music: BOBAYI by Casino and Samboy

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Night Guard Robbed Communnity With His Gang

A night guard, Sunday Uche, and four others have been arrested for armed robbery by the men of the Ogun State Police Command.

Uche, who was employed as a night guard at Iyana Iyesi community in the Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state was accused by the police of leading his gang to rob the residents he was employed to protect.

Other members of the gang were named by the police as Mohammed Aliu, Ojulari Sakiru, Akinniyi Ademola, and Odeh Benedict.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Uche, who is the leader of the gang, deceived the members of the community when the robbery operation was going on.

Adejobi explained that the residents affected by the robbery placed a distress call to Uche’s telephone line, adding that he responded, telling the victims that he was in charge and would soon round up the robbers.

The police spokesman said the suspects had been terrorising the residents of Itele,Ijagba,Iyana Iyesi and other places in the local government area.

Adejobi said they were, however, arrested by detectives attached to the Special Anti- Robbery Squad of the command, which acted on a tip-off.

Items recovered from the suspects, according to the PPRO, include three locally-made single-barrelled guns, a dummy gun, some live cartridges, assorted charms and 13 handsets.

Adejobi said, “The Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, has directed that the SARS should carry out proper investigation into the case and charge the suspects to court immediately.

“The Commissioner of Police also advised members of the public to always screen those they want to employ as night guards, maids and for other domestic jobs, to avoid such an incident in the state.”

There will be a big problem if Amaechi is made a minister-Gov Wike

Pictures of Governor Nyesom Wike and former Governor of Rivers State

A source in the state said: “Loyalists of Governor Nyesom Wike are planning a protest to the National Assembly this week against former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s nomination as minister.

“We have reliable information that they have set aside N350million to execute this invidious plot.

“What is worrisome is that loyalists of Wike are doing this at a time Rivers State children have been locked out of schools because of the state government’s refusal to pay salaries.”

The source also alleged that some PDP stalwarts also met with a group of senators from the party to “pay back Amaechi in his own coin” for defecting from the party to the APC.

“PDP is already advising its members in Rivers and Ekiti states to reject the nominees appointed by the president,” the source said.

The Rivers State chapter of APC has vowed to resist move to scuttle Amaechi’s clearance by the Senate.

Rivers APC are set to resist attempts by Wike’s loyalists to protest against Amaechi in Abuja.

Another source added: “There is further information that APC members in Rivers State are also gearing up to counter-attack as they are mobilizing their supporters to match PDP’s strength. Security agencies are very concerned about the possibility of the Rivers crisis spilling over into the FCT, Abuja.”

When contacted, the state chairman of APC, Chief Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, admitted hearing the rumours, saying he had told party members to be prepared.

He said: “The APC in Rivers State has borne with equanimity all the numerous attacks by the PDP and its leadership against our leader and former governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

“It is sad, indeed, as the former governor has done nothing to deserve such evil behaviour. We have decided, as a party, that we will no longer keep silent. We will match the PDP action for action and word for word.”

Clue on recent bombing by Nigeria Army?

On sunday being the 4th of October, 2015, Major General Yusuf Abubakar made a statement while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri. Reacting to the recent spate of suicide bombings by suspected insurgents in some parts of the country, the Theater Commander, Operation 'Layiya Dole" pointed out that the bombings were aimed at diverting the attention of the military from achieving its target in the ongoing anti-terrorism war.

"I want to assure all that for every second that passes, we get more committed to fighting the insurgents; we cannot be deterred. We are doing as much as we could to ensure that we completely eradicate the insurgents as quickly as possible because we are aware of the timeline within which to complete the task", he said.

He said the military had already gotten clues about those involved in the recent suicide bombings in Maiduguri.

"We searched the houses and certain items that we recovered at the vicinity gave us some clues", Abubakar said.

He said although investigations had commenced on the clues, it would take time before reaching a conclusion.

"Investigation on those that we suspect that are either participating or hiding, fueling or conniving with those that carried out those acts, is ongoing. "They will be exposed in due course", Abubakar assured.

He appealed to Nigerians to be security conscious to avoid future occurrence.

"The citizens need to know that security is their personal responsibility as individuals. They must be able to secure themselves and doing so means they need to be security conscious. Any suspicious movement within the environment should be reported to security agents immediately", he advised.

Abubakar said the military was working on a strategy that would enable individuals pass vital information to security agents without being noticed.

Saturday, 31 October 2015

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Made-in-Aba Shoes Go Global As Foreign Investors Show Interest

Made-in-Aba Shoes Go Global As Foreign Investors Show Interest

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

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