Gunmen Kill Police Corporal, Destroy Telecom Masts In Yobe

Gunmen have killed one police officer following an attack on Bara Divisional Police Station in Yobe State on Monday.
The attack on Bara, the headquarters of Gulani Local Government Area of the state, took place at about 1am, and lasted for two hours.
The gunmen succeeded in burning down the Police station and carting away three cars  in the area, including a Hilux Van belonging to the local government.
The State Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Rufai, who confirmed the incident to Channels Television in Damaturu, said though the Police station was burnt down with a rocket propelled grenade, the attack was repelled by the police.
He also confirmed the death of a police corporal, whom he said was killed in his residence after the attack. The hoodlums, according to him, also burnt down the MTN and the Glo masts in the area after the attack on the police station.
Mr. Rufai, however, said no arrest had been made and no individual had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Court Orders NNPC Fund To Pay Retirees N500 Million

The National Industrial Court on Monday ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Pension Fund Limited to pay N500 million to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pensioners who retired prior to 2004.
Presiding Judge, Justice Maureen Esowe gave the order while delivering judgment in a case filed by one Moshe Amaechi and three others on behalf of the pre-2004 retirees of the NNPC.
They had filed the suit in December 2011 to challenge the non-payment of their reviewed pension arrears, approved by the NNPC Board in 2009.
The claimants had also urged the court to declare that the N500 million was meant for the retirees who retired on or before December 31, 2004, of which the claimants are part.
During the hearing of the case, the defendant had submitted that the claimants did not represent the interest of all the affected retirees.
The NNPC had urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the claimants had no common interests and grievances. The commission also urged the court to hold that the claims were not beneficial to all the retirees.
The claimants’, however, submitted that the money was meant for the pensioners, who retired prior to 2004 and not for all the pensioners as alleged by the defendant.
They also argued that the defendant had no constitutional right to tamper with the pension, as approved by the relevant authority.
In her judgment, the judge held that the claimants had legal standing to institute the action since they were affected by the action of the defendant and that they were entitled to the N500 million.
The judge ordered that the N500 million approved and released by the board of the NNPC be distributed among the pensioners who retired on or before December 31, 2004.

Boxing Day Fire: Tribunal To Commence Sitting April 4th

The Lagos State Tribunal of Enquiry into the fire and explosion that occurred on the 26th December, 2012 in Lagos Island will hold its inaugural sitting on the 4th of April.
The tribunal will also start to entertain the contributions and testimonies of the members of the public on the 8th of April.
The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Sunday Oladokun-Ishola (rtd) has, however, appealed to concerned parties and members of the public who have outstanding memoranda to ensure that they turned them in before the close of work on Tuesday, the 26th of March.
Three months ago, on the 26th of December 2012, fireworks allegedly stored in a building exploded, causing a blaze which destroyed lives and properties of residents and traders in Lagos Island.
The State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) inaugurated a tribunal to, among other things, inquire into the immediate and remote causes of the incident and establish a legal framework for the importation, distribution and sale of fireworks in the state with a view to finding solutions to forestall a recurrence.
Meanwhile, the members of the tribunal have paid a courtesy call on the chairman of the Lagos Island local government, Wasiu Sanni, in whose domain the incident occurred, assuring members of the public willing to testify when hearing commences on the 8th of April that their evidence will not be used against them.
The tribunal is expected to sit for three months after which it is required to submit its recommendations to the state governor.

Jonathan Pledges Equitable Distribution Of Federal Projects

 President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians of equitable distribution of federal government projects and appointments.
The President was speaking to a 16-member delegation of the Southern Kaduna Consultative Forum at the State House in Abuja.
He expressed the administration’s gratitude to the people of Southern Kaduna for their consistent support during the elections, and said no politician could fully pay back for the votes of supporters.
Earlier, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo had told the delegation that many federal government projects had been approved by President Jonathan in the region.
These include the 215MW Kudenda thermal plant for the Kaduna Industrial Area, completion of the Gurara Dam’s 30MW plant, a 200km road, a special agricultural irrigation training school, funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for Kafanchan University, as well as a new dam planned for Kauru Local Government Area.
The leader of the delegation, Major General Zamani Lekwot (rtd), had called on President Jonathan to redress the marginalisation of the zone through more equitable appointments and citing of federal government projects, adding that the zone had only seven of the 30 federal political appointments in the state.

Red Cross Advocates New Laws For African Armed Forces

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has advocated the need for a review of the Armed Forces Act in line with International Humanitarian Law.
The organisation believes that a review will help military personnel to protect innocent victims caught up in armed conflicts.
Senior officials of the organisation made the suggestion at a discussion on International Humanitarian Law in Abuja, where they advocated the integration of the law of armed conflicts into military training and operations alongside the adoption of some other vital rules of armed engagements as defined by the International Humanitarian Law.
It also emphasised the need for the presentation of a common position on small arms proliferation across West Africa to the United Nations from member states.
With the dawn of information technology, human rights violations are now harder to conceal, and the Nigerian Armed Forces have pledged to sensitise troops on the best practices in armed conflicts to protect human rights.

FG To Monitor Constituency Projects

In a bid to ensure that contracts are executed according to specifications, the Federal Government has announced plans to monitor constituency projects initiated by members of the National Assembly.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki says the Federal Government is committing N100 billion into constituency projects of legislators, adding that the need to monitor the execution of such projects has become imperative.
He added that the government is determined to ensure that the country is evenly developed through functional projects that are capable of impacting positively on the lives of Nigerians.

NAFDAC To Partner NDLEA In Fight Against Illicit Drugs

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has decried the increase in the abuse of narcotics and other prescription drugs.
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of the 2012 International Narcotics Control Board’s Report, the Director General of the Agency, Doctor Paul Orhii, said the abuse of cannabis appears to be on the increase. He announced plans to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to control and prevent illicit drug use.
The Chairman of the NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade on his part, said efforts should be made to incapacitate every criminal group  financially, adding that there is a worrisome influence of drugs on crime which is threatening global peace.

18 Lecturers Nabbed By SSS For Admission Racketeering

Officials of the State Security Service, Niger State command, has apprehended 18 lecturers of the Niger State College of Education for alleged admission racketeering.
The provost of the institution, Professor Faruk Lawal who declined to speak on camera, told Channels Television that the syndicate was discovered when the school authority on suspicion of a foul play in the admission process decided to change the institution’s admission process.
He maintained that the lecturers who had been involved in the practice for more than 10 years were collecting money, ranging from fifty thousand to hundred thousand naira to admit students who did not have the Senior Secondary Certificate (S.S.C.E).
Professor Lawal disclosed that over 1000 students were affected, adding that investigation into the racket was on-going with a view to unmasking other members of the syndicate.

Jonathan Swears In New Head Of Service

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday swore in the new Head of Service, Alhaji Goni Aji in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, AbujSpeaking at the ceremony, the President admonished the new Head of Service to surpass the accomplishments of his predecessors, instill discipline as well as curtail corruption in the civil service.
Pointing out that the civil service had always been seen as the embodiment of excellence, the President urged the new Alhaji Aji to bring back the past glory in the interest of the nation.
President Jonathan noted that the civil service is central in the realisation of the transformation agenda of his administration, and asked him to focus on key areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, education and health. The President also directed him to ensure the full implementation of the performance management system which will enable civil servants discharge their responsibilities.

Abuja Bus Park Operatives Beef Up Security

The recent suicide bomb attack which claimed the lives of several individuals in Sabon Gari, Kano state has prompted bus park operatives in and around Abuja to beef up security in a bid to prevent any form of reoccurrence.
Chairman of the Task Force, Jabi Park, Joseph Onu revealed that extra measures have been taken to safeguard lives and properties of their customers.
He also stated that they have secured the assistance of security operatives who conduct thorough searches on buses and passengers.

Rainstorm Destroys Houses in Omu Aran, Oke Ero Communities

Nearly 60 houses have been destroyed in Omu Aran and Egosi Ile communities, Kwara state by a rainstorm which lasted for 45 minutes leading to the massive loss of properties and government structures.
The residents of Omu Aran, Irepodun local government and Egosi Ile in Oke Ero local government of Kwara state have lamented the destruction of their homes and loss of properties which was caused a rainstorm.
The rainstorm which lasted for 45 minutes affected the palace of the immediate past and the private residence of the reigning Olomu of Omu Aran. The oldest clinic, churches, and houses of two widows were also not spared.
The storm also uprooted electric cables, trees and damaged walls.
At Egosi Ile in Oke Ero local government, a 10 minute drive from Omu Aran, the roofs of nearly 20 houses were blown off on the same day.
Most of the houses had their roofs shattered and thrown several meters away from their houses.
The victims said that no lives were lost and have started the reconstruction and renovation of affected buildings; while the aged and the poor have called on the government to come to their aid.
The traditional ruler who was visibly shaken by the unfortunate incident said that great efforts would be needed to resettle most of the victims who are poor.
The state government has however assured that it will address the situation after assessing the extent of the damages.

VIDEO: Kano After Luxurious Bus Blast

The city of Kano has not gotten over Monday’s suicide attack on the popular Sabon Gari luxury park as the once buzzing transportation arena is deserted and covered in ashes
More worrying now is the fear of near collapse of business and commercial activities in the city.
In this story we take a look at the fears of some travellers and business people who come in and out of the nation’s second most populous city in the aftermath of the tragedy.
And as we tell you this unfortunate tale, we like to warn our viewers that the visuals you are about to see may be disturbing.

House Summons NIMASA, NIW DG’s Over Marine Accident

The House of Representatives has summoned the head of the National Inland Waterways and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to appear before it to explain their failure to carry out the resolutions of the House.
The House adopted this resolution after considering a motion brought before it by Representative Robinson Uwak who drew the attention of the House to the recent marine accident on Monday 18th July where about 166 people traveling from Oron in Akwa Ibom state to Gabon were killed.
Representative Uwak said the agencies did not implement an earlier resolution by the House directing the agencies to improve some safety standards and rescue operations.
He said the failure of the affected agencies to carry out the resolution of the house has contributed to the increase in the number of fatalities on the waterways.

Former Bank Heads Want Court To Stop Prosecution By EFCC

The Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Securities Limited, Peter Ololo on Thursday urged a Federal High Court in Lagos to quash the criminal charge brought against him and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr Ololo is facing an amended twenty-count charge before the court alongside former Managing Director of Union Bank,  Batholomew Ebong.
Others facing trial longside Messrs Ebong and Ololo are former Union Trustees MD, Henry Onyemem and former Union Bank Executive Directors – Samuel Ayininuola and Niyi Opeodu.
The accused were said to have conspired to grant and obtain fraudulent loan, and other banking malpractices.
On Thursday, Mr Ololo’s lawyer, Osaro Eghobamien  moved the application to quash the charge against his client.
The lawyer stressed that a combined reading of the witness statements constituting the proof of evidence upon which the charge was filed would show that there was no sustainable case against Ololo.
He said the charge created an offence which was unknown to statute, and as such same was void abnitio. Trial judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia fixed March 22 (Friday) for the reply of EFCC to Ololo’s application.
The charge sheet alleged, among others, that:
�Ebong and Ayininuola sometime in November 2007 granted N30.477 billion loan to Falcon Securities through Union Trustees without security.
�Ebong, Onyemem, and Ololo between 2007 and 2008 caused and created a misleading appearance of active trading in the securities of Union Bank by using the said N30.477 billion loan to buy over 600,000 units of Union Bank shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
�They granted reckless loans to a number of companies, including Union Capital Markets, Damnaz Cement Company, and Springboard Trust and Investment.
Mr Ebong is among the bank MDs removed by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Lamido Sanusi, in the wake of the banking reforms.

Jonathan Appoints Bukar Aji As New Head of Service

President Goodluck Jonathan has confirmed the appointed Bukar Goni Aji as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The New Head of Service, Bukar Goni Aji

Mr Aji, who was until his new appointment, the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, will take over from Isa Bello Sali who will attain the mandatory retirement age of 60 on Saturday, March 23, 2013.

The new Head of Service hails from Yobe State and was born on January 13, 1959. He attended Government College, Maiduguri, Borno College of Basic Studies, Maiduguri and graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 1984.

A career civil servant, Goni has held several key positions at the state and federal levels including Chief Administrative Officer, Governor’s Office, Maiduguri (1989-1991), Principal Secretary to the Military Administrator of Yobe State (1991-1992), Principal Secretary to the First Civilian Governor of Yobe State (1992-1993) and Principal Secretary to the 2nd Military Administrator of Yobe State (1993-1995).

Mr Aji was appointed Director, Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in 1995 and moved to the Federal Ministry of Defence in the year 2000 as Director of Personnel  Management. He headed various departments in the Ministry of Defence until his posting to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in 2008 as Director, International Organisations.
He was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2009 and posted to the Ministry of Defence. He later served as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Police Affairs (August, 2009 – August, 2010) and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works (September, 2011 – November, 2012).

Ban On Tinted Vehicles Still In Force – Police

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, warned Nigerians on the indiscriminate use of tinted glasses in the country.
In a press release signed by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba the police said it has observed with grave concern, the alarming abuse and unlawful use of tinted glasses by many motorists.
The police also condemned   the plying of highways with unregistered/unlicensed vehicles by some vehicle owners across the country, despite repeated warnings by the police authority an occurrence it said has the capacity, not only to heighten criminal activities, but to place unnecessary pressure on security agencies and law abiding citizens.
Mr. Mba adds that “in view of the potential danger posed by the indiscriminate use of tinted glasses and unregistered/unlicensed vehicles, corroborated by recent security reports that criminal elements, including suspected terrorists, now hide under the cover of the use of the afore mentioned types of vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles to execute their nefarious trade, the IGP wishes to remind Nigerians from all walks of life, including politicians, military and security personnel, that the ban on unlawful and indiscriminate use of tinted glasses and legislation forbidding the plying of unregistered vehicles on our highways, are still very much in force.”
In the light of this the inspector general of police has directed all zonal AIG’s and state command commissioners of police to arrest and bring to book, in line with extant laws, all defaulters.

Anti-Rape Bill As Just Deserts

A bill for an Act to eliminate all forms of violence against persons has just been passed by Nigeria's House of Representatives.
Focusing mainly on women, the bill prescribes life imprisonment for rape, a minimum of 20 years for anyone involved or is an accomplice in gang rape, and seeks compensation for victims of rape. The bill also treats the issues of domestic violence such as acid attack, political violence, harmful traditional practices such as female circumcision, and protection of widows.
We believe the passage of this bill is apt, even though it is long overdue. In Nigeria, violence against women, especially rape, seems to have been generally accepted as one of those ills of society that citizens have to live with. Most cases have been allowed to go unpunished.
This is more so because of the embarrassment and stigmatisation that the victims suffer; many cases of rape and abuse are not reported because of this fear of stigmatisation. Apart from that, there is the added problem of the offenders being relatives of the victims in most cases, or men that are well known to them. This is especially so in the case of children.
According to the CLEEN Foundation's 2012 National Crime and Safety Survey, 37 per cent of the rape victims surveyed said it had occurred in their own homes; 34 per cent said it was around their homes; while 26 per cent said it happened in school or the workplace. Only 3 per cent of victims stated that it had occurred elsewhere.
A more frightening trend, however, is the rampant cases of incest and rape of innocent children; sometimes they are as young as two years old. Nigerians are inundated daily with reports of children being molested by neighbours and relatives.
Many a time, once the perpetrators are handed over to the police, the case is closed - nothing more would be heard of it. Yet, this is a crime that deserves the death penalty.
The culture of silence that surrounds the issue of rape in the country has to be broken. Women must be given the space to comfortably report such cases. And the authorities need to ensure that the law takes its full course. Understandably, this will be a challenge.
For one, the police hardly have the means or the equipment to forensically investigate crimes. Without physical evidence that connects the victim and the perpetrator, it is usually one's words against another's. The country's weak justice system affects everyone negatively.
Having the law in place is a good start though. We recall United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon's statement, "There is one universal truth applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable." He spoke the truth; Nigerians should live by this mantra.

Incest - How 49-Year-Old Allegedly Defiled Daughter, Grand-Daughter

Activists Unite Against Rape

Lagos — Emotion ran high, Wednesday, at the Oduduwa office of the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikeja, following a starling revelation by a seven-year-old girl of how her father had been having carnal knowledge of her since she was six.
Aside this, her 49-year-old father, Sylvester Ehijire, who was paraded before newsmen, was also alleged to have had carnal knowledge of his one-year, three month-old grand daughter, in their one-room apartment, 13, Kolawole Street, Ejigbo.
The seven-year-old girl (names withheld) told a bewildered crowd that her father usually committed the sacrilege whenever her mother was away.
According to the primary three pupil,"every time my mother was not at home, my father will call me, dip his finger into my anus and his manhood inside my virgina. He would then promise to buy me biscuit and toy cars if I did not tell anybody. There is no Sunday that he did not do it."
He threatened to blind me if I tell my mother
Asked why she did not tell her mother, she replied: "Anytime I wanted to tell my mother, he would hold my mouth and remind me of the things he promised me. But I would challenge him that he had never bought any of the things for me. At times when he finished and I threatened to tell my mother, he would tell me he would pluck out my eyes if I told anyone.
"Sometimes, he would even beat me whenever I attempted to open my mouth and also beat my mother with cane."
Her 45-year-old mother, Mrs Ehijire, who hails from Iseleuku, DeltaState, corroborated her daughter's claim, disclosing that the abominable act became known in 2006 when her first child, (now married) informed her that her father had been having carnal knowledge of her.

Kano Bombing: Lawmaker Warns Of Military Takeover

As the death toll in Kano bombings continue to rise, one of the senators representing Kano State, Kabiru Gaya has warned of a military takeover of government if solutions are not quickly found to the bloody terrorism ongoing in Nigeria.

Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya

He disclosed this while contributing at Wednesday’s Senate plenary on matters of urgent national importance.
Senator Gaya, a former Governor of Kano State said Nigeria has gradually become a failed state. He notes how school teachers and kids in Kano no longer attend schools, like their Borno state counterparts, for fear of being bombed by Boko haram.
Warning of dire consequences if solutions are not found to the intimidating bombings and terror attacks on Nigerians, the Senator feared that the country may drift apart.
Uche Chukwumerije, who jointly moved the motion with Senator Gaya also said about 100 to 120 persons had been confirmed dead in the Kano blast.
The senate also asked the Executive arm of government to diversify its approach to tackling the problem of insecurity in the country.
Raising a point of order in the chamber, Senator Chukwumerije condemned Monday’s bomb attack on a motor park in Kano pointing out that 80 percent of the victims were from a particular part of the country.
He also expressed concern over what he termed the perceived indifference of Kano state government to Monday’s bombing of the motor park.
He said it was sad that more than 24 hours after the destruction, the Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had not seen it fit to pay a visit to the motor park.
The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, also condemned the attack and asked the executive to effectively tackle the insecurity challenges in the country.

Boko Haram: Absence Of Evidence Stalls Kabiru Sokoto’s Trial

The trial of Kabiru Umar popularly known as Kabiru Sokoto over alleged acts of terrorism has been stalled following the inability of the prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegbu to attach a proof of evidence to the amended charges filed against the accused person.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola while adjourning the case to 19 April for trial ordered the department of state service to allow the suspect free access to a lawyer as he was not represented in court.
The court also ordered the prosecutor to serve the accused person with a summary of the case, the list of witnesses and any other evidence they have against him before 12 April to enable him prepare his defence.
Kabiru Sokoto is standing trial for allegedly planting and encouraging his boys to bomb the police headquarters in Sokoto state between 2007 and 2012.
He is also accused of concealing information about the bombing of Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger state on the 25th December, 2011 in addition to illegally training about 500 men and inciting them to commit a terrorist act.

Kidnappers Of ACN’s Leader Demand N30 Million In Foreign Currency

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has raised an alarm over the kidnap of its South-east Vice Chairman, Chudi Nwike, whose abductors have demand the sum of N30million ‘in foreign currency’ for his release.
Mr Nwike was said to have being abducted in Anambra State on Tuesday.
ACN in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, claimed Mr Nwike’s younger brother, who has established contact with the kidnapper was given the ransom.
”We appeal to the security agencies to do everything within their power to ensure the safe release of Dr. Nwike” the party stated in its statement while it assured his family of its prayers and support at “this very difficult time.”

New Head Of Service To Be Named Tomorrow

A new Head of Service will emerge on Thursday following the expiration of the tenure of Isa Bello Sani.
In what looks like a valedictory session in his honour, before the Federal Executive Council meeting President Goodluck Jonathan described the outgoing head of service as a man of honour whose tenure is expiring at a time the nation needed him most.

Out-going Head of Service, Isa Bello Sani

The president however charged him to be ready to contribute his experience anytime he is called upon to do so. In their own speeches the Ministers of Information, Labaran Maku and the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Amal Pepple described Mr Bello as a man of few words whose contributions to council deliberations will be missed.
The council meeting also saw the swearing in of three new Permanent Secretaries in the federal civil service. The new Permanent Secretaries are Habiba Lawal, John Chukwu, and Winifred Oyo-Ita.
President Jonathan advised the new Permanent Secretaries to bring their experience to bear in the reform programmes going on in the federal civil service.

Over 6, 000 Ghost Workers Discovered In Ondo

Over 6, 000 ghost workers have been discovered at the local government level in Ondo State.

The Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government, Aderotimi Adelola in an interview with newsmen in his office at the Governor’s office complex, Akure, the State Capital.
Mr Adelola said the state government noticed an over bloated workforce at the local governments, hence it set up a committee to carry out a workers’ audit which discovered the fraud.
The committee, led by the former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Deji Falae, became necessary, following the discovery that many of the councils could not pay the salary of their members of staff. The Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, set up the committee after it was discovered that about N500 million of the fund of the state government was being used to augment salary of the local government councils.
According to Mr Adelola, many of the chairmen of the affected councils had, in the past, loaded their wage bills and backdated appointments of workers. The problem, however, became obvious, when the councils went back to the days of zero allocation to their local governments; many of them found it difficult to pay staff salary, particularly after the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Meanwhile, the committee has was also discovered that many of the appointments were irregular, as the beneficiaries in many cases were not given letters of appointment, while some of the letters given out were handwritten and without proper documentation at the council.

Gunmen Ambush Police Van Killing Three In Kano

Three persons have been killed while several police officers were injured in a gun duel that occurred after an explosion that ambushed a police patrol van at Panshekara Sabon Titi in Kumbotso local government area of Kano state, North West Nigeria.
Eyewitness told Channels Television that a police van was dropping officers at their duty post when it was ambushed.
The police ran for their lives amidst gun shots at the police vehicle which was targeted by explosives and in the process stray bullets hit some civilians, killing three persons as  claimed by one of the witnesses.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Commissioner, Musa Daura, said police officers on routine duty along Sabon Titi by Madobi road in Panshekara were ambushed during which three civilians were injured by stray bullets.
The Commissioner disclosed that no police officer was killed or injured during the attack.
The area has been cordoned off while a search operation is currently going on in the area.
Meanwhile, the Ohaneze Ndi Igbo in Kano state has declared three days of mourning for victims of Monday’s luxurious bus park bombing.
Over 70 lives were claimed in the suicide bomb attack on the park.

Jonathan Heads To Equatorial Guinea For Economic Diplomacy

President Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday embark on a two-day state visit to Equatorial Guinea to in continuation of the federal government’s efforts in boosting the economic and trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on media, Reuben Abati stated that President Jonathan will in the course of the visit hold talks in Malabo with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on various issues of mutual interest to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
The talks are expected to include the enhancement of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, exploitation of oil and gas resources,  and the enhancement of developmental cooperation between both countries.
President Jonathan will lead a delegation including  Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, Cyril Egwuatu, the Minister of  Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of  Trade and Investment,  Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke, the Minister of State (Defence), Olusola Obada and the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Nurudeen Mohammed to formal bilateral talks with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
It is expected that new agreements on the strengthening of economic relations and developmental cooperation between both countries will be concluded and signed before the end of the visit on Friday.
The President will also meet with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Abuja.

Court To Sentence Henry Okah On Tuesday

The Judge presiding over the trial Henry Okah has fixed Tuesday, 26 March, for the sentencing of the former  Niger Delta militants leader in South Africa.
An application for a special entry of irregularity or illegality brought on Monday by Mr Okah’s defence counsel in the terror case was declined by Judge Neels Classen of the South Gauteng High Court.

The embattled leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, who has been convicted on 13 counts of terrorist activities

The application referred to Section 317 of the South African Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and Section 2(1) of the international cooperation in criminal matters Act 55 of 1996.
After hours of arguments by the prosecuting and defence counsels, the judge ruled that on the three major points raised in the application, it is frivolous and absurd to say that the presence of the State Security Service (SSS) prosecutor, Clifford Osagie, had an adverse effect on the case.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, 26 March.
On January 21, Okah was found guilty on 13 counts of terrorism, including engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activities, and delivering, placing, and detonating an explosive device.
The charges related to two car bombs in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in which 12 people were killed and 36 injured on October 1, 2010.

Power Outage Disrupts Reps Proceeding

The House of Representatives on Tuesday suspended its proceedings due to erratic power outage at the National Assembly complex.
A committee of the house was set to consider a report submitted by the Ndidi Elumelu-led Committee on Health.
The Committee on Health had added its input into the Bill for an Act to repeal the National Health Insurance Scheme Act, before its presentation to the house.
But midway into the clause by clause consideration of the recommendations of the Health Committee, electricity supply to the hallowed chamber went off.
The continued fluctuation in power also caused the public address system including microphones and the camera in the chamber to malfunction for about one hour.
This erratic power supply forced the leadership of the house to adjourn its proceedings.

Over 60 Killed in Kano Multiple Explosions

Explosion at bus station.

Over 60 people died yesterday while many others were injured following multiple explosions at the popular luxury buses motor park located at the New Road in Sabon Gari, Kano.
Even though no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, eyewitnesses claimed that some suicide bombers came to the park to carry out the attack using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The incident, which occurred at about 5:30pm affected five luxury buses when twin bombs exploded as some passengers were boarding the buses at the busy motor park which was filled with passengers, park workers and hawkers, especially children and women.
Two luxury buses were said to have exploded, with the fire from the buses setting fire to three other buses.
Our correspondent, who was at the motor park shortly after the explosions, saw about five luxury buses on fire and men of fire service trying to put it out. Several restaurants and shops were also burnt in the process.
A motor park attendant, Ade Ola, told our correspondent that some suicide bombers had came in a red Golf car and appeared as if they were passengers in a rush to board one of the buses.
According to him, "The explosion happened at about 5:30 pm when all the buses were about boarding. They were filled with passengers and are all dead."
Ade said he saw the remains of a skinny young female hawker of sachet water he knew.
"Many of us saw the suicide bombers coming in two different golf cars," he continued. "One stopped in between the four buses and the other stopped at a distance. We thought them to be passengers. The first bomb exploded before the other.

Power Privatisation - Five Bidders Pay U.S.$156.5 Million for PHCN Companies

Five bidders have so far paid a total of $156.50 million to the Federal Government being the mandatory 25 per cent of the bid value of the PHCN Successor Companies they have indicated interest to acquire.
A statement from the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) indicated that Amperion Power Company Limited, the preferred bidder for Geregu Power Plc has paid $33 million, Integrated Energy Distribution
& Marketing Company, the preferred bidder for Ibadan and Yola Distribution Companies paid $42.25
million and USD$14.75 million for Ibadan and Yola Discos respectively, NEDC/KEPCO, the preferred bidder for Ikeja Distribution Company, $ 32.75 million; and West Power & Gas, the preferred bidder for Eko Distribution Company $33.75 million.
This is coming ahead of the Thursday, March 21, 2013, deadline for all the bidders to make the mandatory 25 per cent payment in line with the Share Purchase Agreement for the transactions.
Other bidders for the PHCN Successor Companies are 4Power Consortium (Port-Harcourt Disco); Aura Energy Limited (Jos Disco); Interstate Electrics Limited (Enugu Disco); KANN Consortium Utility Company Limited (Abuja Disco), Sahelian Power SPV Limited (Kano Disco), Vigeo Consortium(Benin Disco); Transcorp Consortium (Ughelli Power Plc); CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV (Sapele Power Plc); Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (Kainji Power Plc); and North-South Power Company (Shiroro Power Plc).
As at the expiration of the deadline last Thursday, only four bidders were able to secure the finance to them make down payment of 25 per cent for the firms they won.
As a result, the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) had extended the deadline for payment of the 25 per cent to from March 14 to March 21, 2013, to allow more investors secure finances from banks.
The 15 core investors who signed transaction and industry agreements with the Federal Government on February 21, 2013 were expected to make 25 per cent initial payment for the power companies they won within 15 working days after the signing of the agreement while the remaining 75 per cent would be paid within 90 days after the initial payment to complete the transaction.
The final approval of the preferred bidders by NCP and its announcement for the successor companies was done on October 23, 2012.
The Nigerian electricity industry has been unbundled into generation and distribution companies and a single transmission company with a view to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign and local investment into the Nigerian power sector to ensure economic and reliable electricity supply.

W/Cup Qualifier - Mikel, Martins, Moses Storm Camp Today

Twelve out of 23 players expected to feature for the national team against the Harambee Stars of Kenya on Saturday started training in Calabar on Monday evening.
Apart from the nine home-based named earlier on Sunday by Coach Stephen Keshi, Israeli based keeper, Austin Ejide, Ukraine based midfielder Babatunde Michael and Velaranga of Norway combative midfielder, Fegor Ogude, were the early callers at the team's camp at Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar.
Ogude flew with the team from Abuja to Calabar, while Ejide joined up about an hour after the team's arrival. Michael was just on time to hop into the team's bus for the day's training session.
The team departed for training at about 3:30pm at the Abaraham Ordia Sports Complex inside the University of Calabar and will repeat same tomorrow and all through the days leading to the match against Harambee Stars.
Head Coach Stephen Keshi says he expects a full house by Tuesday morning, adding that training will be the same time and all players expected should have been in, as he needs a good number of training sessions for the team to jell against Kenya. "We would have a full house for Tuesday's evening training and from there we see how ready the players are for the task at hand", he declared.
The team had a light training session with the UNICAL Football team before it went into its own session that was supervised by Keshi and his assistants.
Keshi's Nine NPL Stars: Chigozie Agbim, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwueke, Gabriel Reuben, Sunday Mba, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Obinna Nwachukw, Gambo Mohammed.

Series Of Bombs Kills At Least 22 In Baghdad

Car bombs and roadside blasts killed at least 22 people in Shi’ite districts across the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Tuesday, police and hospital sources said.
Nearly 100 people were injured, police sources told the BBC.
The attacks came on the 10th anniversary of the US-led campaign in Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein.
Violence has decreased sharply from its peak, but a low-level Sunni insurgency continues, with an average of more than 300 people killed each month.
On Monday, car bombers and roadside blasts struck across Baghdad, while a suicide bomber in a truck attacked a police base in a Shia-dominated town just south of the capital, police and hospital sources told Reuters news agency.
One report quoted police as saying the attacks had targeted street restaurants, daily labourers and bus stops, and spanned a period of about one hour.
No-one has said they carried out the attacks, though the Iraqi branch of al-Qaeda, Islamic State of Iraq, has launched a number of high-profile attacks this year.
Sunni Islamist insurgents tied to al Qaeda have stepped up their campaign of attacks this year in an attempt to trigger sectarian tensions and undermine Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s Shi’ite-led government.

Simpler Inauguration Planned For A More Modest Pope

Pope Francis celebrates his inaugural Mass on Tuesday among political and religious leaders from around the world and amid a wave of hope for a renewal of the scandal-plagued Roman Catholic Church.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to cram St. Peter’s Square and surrounding streets for the Mass on Tuesday to formally install Francis as the new leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.
Six sovereigns, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and other leaders as well as heads of many other faiths will be among the 130 delegations on the steps of the famous basilica.
Among them will be Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew from Istanbul, the first time the spiritual head of Orthodox Christians attends a Roman pope’s inaugural Mass since the Great Schism between western and eastern Christianity in 1054.
The former Buenos Aires Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has aroused enormous enthusiasm and interest in the Catholic world by the modest way he has assumed a post that was modeled after a Renaissance monarchy and carries titles such as “Vicar of Jesus Christ” and “Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church”.
In the six days since his election, he has referred to himself only as Bishop of Rome, the position from which his authority flows, and hinted he plans to reduce Vatican centralism and govern in consultation with other bishops.
SIGNALS OF CHANGE
Vatican watchers expect him to send further signals of change by using a simpler liturgy than retired Pope Benedict, who preferred a more baroque style.
The ceremony has also been shortened to two hours after a three-hour service in 2005 when Benedict began his papacy.
Francis will start the day with a ride around St. Peter’s Square to greet the crowds. He will receive the visiting political leaders in the basilica after the Mass.
On Wednesday, Francis will receive more than 30 delegations representing other Christian churches, as well as the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain religions, a Vatican spokesman said.
He will address foreign ambassadors to the Vatican on Friday and have lunch with Benedict — their first meeting since the conclave — on Saturday before leading celebrations the next day for Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week leading to Easter.
Francis had his first taste of the diplomatic challenges of the papacy when on Monday, Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez asked him to support Buenos Aires in a dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.
A Vatican spokesman had no comment on the request.
He will also find himself greeting an international pariah, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, who has been under a European Union travel ban since 2002 because of allegations of vote rigging and human rights abuses.
The Vatican is not part of the European Union, allowing him to bend the rules.

Police Arrests Fake Soldier With 53 Bags Of Inidian Hemp

The Imo State police command has arrested a 37- year old man, Fabian Enudi, who was caught in Ohaji Egbema Local government area, Imo state, while transporting 53 bags of Cannabis Sativa also known as Indian hemp.
Briefing journalists at the police headquarters in Owerri, the Imo state capital, the Commissioner for Police Mr .Mohammed Katsina said the suspect who was dressed in an army uniform was intercepted by the police special ambush team along Owerri-Port Harcourt road.
The fake soldier was arrested in a black Nissan Pathfinder jeep which carried a fake registration number LU366ABJ.
Mr. Katsina said after much interrogation, the police discovered that he is an impostor and he is neither an army officer nor officer of any of the security operatives. The military uniform was only to deceive members of the public and security operatives.
Fabian Enudi, a native of Abbi village, Abraka Delta state had transported the 53 bags from Kwale in Delta state.
Mr. Enudi, who confessed to have committed the offence told Channels Television that he has been into the business for over a year and the army uniform belong to his late father who was an army officer.
The Command also paraded a 41 year old man a native of Ezinihitte Mbaise in Imo state who was alleged to have forcefully and illegally defiled a 13 year old girl by disguising to be a philanthropist representing a popular non-governmental organisation in Nigeria.
He claimed to have the mandate of the NGO to scout for children of poor parentage in a guise to sponsor their education.
The suspect however denied all the allegations leveled against him, claiming to be an engineer and a businessman and that he’s had nothing to do any young girl.

Dozens Killed In Luxury Bus Explosion In Kano

Dozens were killed after an explosion hit the inter-state luxury bus park in Kano State North West Nigeria.
A member of Igbo traditional council in Kano, Tobias Idika confirmed the explosion to Channels Television shortly after the blast.
According to Mr Idika “IED was kept inside the luxurious bus which was about to leave Kano to Lagos, people were frying like chicken here and you know there are over two hundred people in this bus when the two IEDs”
Another eyewitness told Channels Television that Dozens of people were injured but could not count the number of dead persons.
At the moment, no one can confirm the status of casualties in this attack as effort to contact the police or JTF was not successful as at the time of compiling this report, however residents say the area was combed by JTF.

Bill Gates Didn’t Cancel Visit Due To Alamieyeseigha’s Pardon – Presidency

The presidency has been reacting to report attributing the cancellation of Bill Gates’ visit to Nigeria to the controversy over state pardon given former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and some other Nigerians.

Gates visits the Bini Community Health Post, in Sokoto in February; the community is one of those combating the polio disease in Nigeria.

The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, who spoke to journalists on the issue, said that he read the report in some sections of the media insinuating that Mr Gates has cancelled his planned visit to Nigeria because of the recent pardon granted some Nigerians.
He said President Jonathan is in touch with the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and that this report is not true and that it exists only in the imagination of the writers.
According to Mr Abati the foundation said that Mr Gates travels are often dependent on the schedules and availability of many other people and partners and that in this particular case, because these other people and partners will not be available at the time he is presently scheduled to visit Nigeria, they have to reschedule the visit.
They also said the rescheduling has nothing to do with politics and that it has nothing to do with any domestic situation in Nigeria.
According to the president’s spokesman, the foundation said that Mr Gates has visited Nigeria many times in the past and he will continue to visit the country because his focus is working with the Federal government and partners in Nigeria to eradicate polio.
He said, “Nigerians should note that President Jonathan and Mr Bill Gates have met several times in the past and the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation is one of the major partners working with Nigerian government to ensure that polio is completely eradicated by 2015.
“What we will like to reassure people is that those who are always looking for opportunity to pull down the country should realise the fact that this country belongs to all of us and that nobody will gain anything by trying to pull down the country.
“Instead, Nigerians should do everything possible to promote their own country regardless of whatever differences that may exist among us: ethnic, religious, sectarian, whatever.”

Gunmen Kill Teacher, Injure Students In Borno State

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect on Monday attacked two secondary schools and a primary school at about 9.10 a.m., killing a teacher and injuring three female students in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The schools that were attacked by the gunmen are Shehu Sanda Kyarimi, Ali Askiri Primary and Mafoni Day Secondary School at Ruwan Zafi and Mafoni wards of Maiduguri the Borno State capital.
An eyewitness said six gunmen in two tricycles forced their way into the Shehu Kyarimi secondary school premises and started firing sporadically, killing one of the teachers and injuring three female students in the process as the gunmen flee towards the fence, the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the police rushed to the scene 15minutes later, whisking the injured students to the hospital for treatment.
As the JTF cordon the area to prevent further attacks and killings, another set of gunmen attacked Ali Askiri primary school, before moving to Mafoni Day Secondary School.
Speaking on the multiple attacks, spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Lt. Col Sagir Musa in a statement said one teacher Mallam Kachalla at Sanda Karami secondary school was shot dead within the school premises while three female students were critically injured as a result of bullet wounds and were immediately rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) by the JTF patrol team that rushed to the scene of the incident.
The statement also said the attack on the Mafoni Secondary School and Galadima areas of Maiduguri by the radical sect was averted by the intervention of the JTF troops.
The intervention according to the statement led to the death of three Terrorists and the recovery of two AK 47 Rifles, 200 rounds of ammunition, 2 video recorders, 1 laptop and 2 tricycles.
The statement added that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the other culprits.
Monday’s attack is coming 10 days after the President Goodluck Jonathan paid a two day visit to Borno and Yobe state towards finding lasting peace to the Boko Haram incessant attack within the two states.

Pension Fraud: Court Grants N10 Million Bail To Yusufu

A former Pension Director in the Police Affairs Ministry, who recently confessed to stealing billions of naira belonging to the public, John Yakubu Yusufu, was Monday, granted bail by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
Mr Yusufu, who was on January 30, remanded in Kuje prison after he pleaded not-guilty to a 4-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured bail in the sum of N10 million.
Ruling on his application for bail, trial Justice Adamu Bello also ordered the convicted former Director to produce one reliable surety in the like sum, stressing that such person must not be below the post of a Director in the Federal Civil Service.
The court also maintained that the surety must not only be resident within the Federal Capital Territory, but must show evidence of ownership of a landed property in Abuja.
The surety according to Justice Adamu should tender the title deed of the property to the Chief Registrar of the high court for authentication.
The Court also seized the international passport of Mr Yusufu, warning him not travel out of the country without permission.
“Pending the perfection of his bail conditions, the accused person should remain in Prison custody,” the judge added.
Meanwhile, before the accused was granted bail, Justice Bello, adduced reasons why he not only remanded the convict, but also why he was allowed to remain in prison detention for over two months.
The Judge insisted that his decision was aimed at assuaging the anger of Nigerians following the slap-on-the-wrist sentence that was earlier handed to the accused by an Abuja High Court at Gudu where Mr Yusufu had on January 27, confessed that he connived with seven other civil servants and stole over N23billion from the Police Pension Fund.
It will be recalled that Justice Abubakar Thalba, had relied on the statutory provision of section 309 of the Penal Code Act and sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment with an option of N750, 000 fine, a sum the accused quickly paid and drove home.
However, he was subsequently re-arrested by the EFCC following his alleged complicity in another N300 million fraud.
In the new charge, Mr Yusufu was said to have on or about February 14, 2012, knowingly failed to make full disclosure of his assets and liability in the Declaration of Assets Form he filled and submitted, and equally failed to declare that he owns a company known as AY-A Global Services Limited.
He was said to have used the name of the company and lodged in a fixed deposit account with the Zenith Bank, the sum of N250 million, N10 million in a fixed deposit account with the First Bank of Nigeria Plc, and another N29 million which he was said to have instructed one Danjuma Mele to lodge in his company account in the name of Jidag Technical Services Ltd with Diamond Bank.
The offence according to the EFCC, is punishable under section 27 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment e.t.c) Act Cap E1 2004.

NEMA Issues Fresh Nationwide Flood Alert

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued fresh flooding alert following the announcement by Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) in its seasonal rainfall prediction that there will be another flooding this year.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja, the Director General of NEMA, Muhammed Sani Sidi said the agency spent N1.3 billion to provide relief and manage flood disaster in the country in 2012.
Mr Sidi urged state governments to quickly evacuate people living along the floodplains to reduce the risk of flooding this year.
This was in response to the complaints of many of the rural dwellers who are most vulnerable, that unless they are relocated, they have nowhere to go.
He also listed the communities that would be vulnerable to flooding this year according to the findings of NIMET.
The states include Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara in the North West while the entire South-South and Southwest zones will be affected.
NIMET had last month predicted normal rainfall in Nigeria during the year except in Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states, which might experience excessive rainfall.
The agency had also predicted that rainfall pattern in most parts of Nigeria was likely to be similar to that of 2012.

Imo Deputy Governor Lied To House Of Assembly – Iwunze

The Chairman, Special Ad-hoc Committee of the Imo state House of Assembly, Simeon Iwunze on Monday said that the state’s deputy governor Jude Agbaso lied while denying bribery allegations against him.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, Mr Iwunze said that about seven months ago the Imo State government arrested a contractor over some project that he was awarded.
According to him, the government had paid for the rehabilitation of the Signature road in Owerri but it hadn’t been done so a committee was set up to be investigated it.
Mr Iwunze said the House of Assembly invited Mr Agbaso, who is also the commissioner for works and housing, to find out why the road wasn’t done and how the money was spent.
He said the deputy governor lied before the lawmakers that he did not demand or receive bribe from the contractor.
According to him, the constructor confirmed that the alleged money was paid into three different account with the instruction of the deputy governor.

Activist Protests Okah’s Prosecution

A prison rights activist, Golden Miles Bhudu on Monday protested the prosecution of Henry Okah at a South Africa court.
The activist  insisted that Mr Okah is not a terrorist and that the South African court prosecuted an innocent man.
On January 21, a Johannesburg Magistrate court in South African found Mr Okah guilty of terrorism charges levelled against him by the federal government of Nigeria.
However, Mr. Bhudu is of the opinion that South Africa should not be involved in the case.
“South Africa had no right to charge him,” He said.
“Mr. Henry Okah is a freedom fighter; He is not a terrorist,” Mr Bhudu said outside the High Court in Johannesburg.
“My brothers and sisters wake up and smell the coffee; an innocent man has been prosecuted. Mr Henry Okah is not a bloody terrorist.”
Mr. Bhudu appeared at the court dressed in orange prison overalls with chains wrapped around him whilst displaying two posters in his hands.
“Henry Okah is a political detainee and not a terrorist, says SAPOHR (The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR))” and “Henry Okah’s trial re-enacts Rivonia trial of 1964, says SAPOHR,” the placards read.

Kano Drug Dealers Sleep Overnight To Protest Evacuation

Members of the Nigeria association of Medicine dealers  (NAPMED) Kano on Saturday slept in the market in a bid to defy a 24 hour ultimatum issued by the state government to t evacuate the premises.
The Sabon Gari drug sellers in Kano, protested the government’s decision to boot them out of the market.
The drug sellers have asked the Kano state government to temper justice with mercy and allow them to continue doing their business pending the time the court passes judgement on the matter.
The Kano government has accused patrons of the sabon gari drug market, an open drug transaction center of contributing to the increasing cases of drug abuse and other related activities.
Members of the group told Channels Television that say they will continue to sleep in the market until the state government reverses its decision.

NBA Commends INEC Over FCT Council Polls

The Abuja chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has commended the just concluded local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Speaking with Channels Television, chairman of the chapter, Mr. Desmond Yamah said the election was peaceful and orderly.
He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the prompt movement of materials and commencement of the election.
He however expressed worry at the low turnout of voters, urging political parties and the electoral umpire to be more proactive in sensitizing Nigerians to carry out their civic duties.

10 Houses Burnt, People Injured In Kwara Kingship Tussle

A violent demonstration erupted in Ganmo, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state over an alleged plan of the state government to recognise and install a factional traditional ruler in the community.
There has been a dispute in the community over which ethnicity and local government the community belongs to, as one faction pledges affinity to Ilorin and the other to Igbomina in Ifelodun local government.
The crisis began when the Ilorin faction got wind of a plan to install and present a Staff of Office to the Igbomina traditional ruler.
About 10 houses have been burnt and damaged while several people sustained various degree of injuries during the two day demonstration which started on Sunday.
The scheduled installation has been suspended while police vans had been deployed to the area to maintain and restore peace.
Efforts to reach the police public relation officer for comments proved abortive.

Rumours On Demotion/Suspension of Lagos NSCDC Commandant Untrue

The rumour making the rounds that the commandant of the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corp in Lagos has been demoted or suspended in the aftermath of a now famous phrase is false.
The alleged visit by his wife to the headquarters of Channels Television to protest the upload of the interview where he failed to name his organisation’s website has been discredited as another wild tale.

Dana Airline Suspended Again

Dana Airline has been re-suspended six months after it was allowed to restart operations following a crash of one of its air crafts in June 2012 that resulted in the death of 153 passengers and 10 others on ground, the airline said on Sunday.
Dana Air said in a statement it did not know the reason for the suspension by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In June, Dana Air flight 992, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, crashed into an apartment block in a populated Lagos suburb, killing 153 people on board and 10 others on the ground.
Dana was suspended, but was allowed to start flights again in September, despite an inquiry into the cause of the crash not yet being complete.
President Goodluck Jonathan sacked the Director General of the NCAA last week and has proposed Captain Fola Akinkuotu as replacement to the Senate.
A statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, Dana Air, Mr. Tony Usidamen, said, “We regret to announce the temporary suspension of our flight operations following a directive from the Ministry of Aviation through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on Saturday, March 16, 2013; no specific reason was given for the action.
“A meeting is, however, scheduled between the management of Dana Air, the Ministry of Aviation and the NCAA on Monday, March 18, and we will update you as we get more information. We thank you for your patience and understanding, and we look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you on board again shortly.”
The Senate Committee on Aviation had a few months ago recommended that the Federal Government should revoke the operating licence of Dana Air, saying it was not issued in line with standard safety procedures.
The committee also recommended the removal of the former DG of NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren.

NNPC Must Remit Withheld Revenue, House Insists

The House Committee on Finance has insisted that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) must remit the revenue due to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Abdulmumin Jibril, dismissed the explanations by the agency that it has been operating on a loss.
Abdulmumin further said agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have remitted over N100 billion of their withheld revenue and the NNPC must do likewise.

Mark To Lead FG’s Delegation To Pope’s Inauguration

As Catholics worldwide prepare for the formal installation of Pope Francis 1 on Tuesday, president Goodluck Jonathan has approved that Nigeria be represented at the event by a federal government delegation headed by the senate president, senator David Mark.
In addition to attending the new pope’s inauguration mass at the Vatican City, the delegation will also convey a congratulatory letter from President Jonathan to Pope Francis who was elected by the College of Cardinals on Wednesday, to succeed Pope Benedict xvi.
A statement by the presidency listed other members of the delegation to include the minister of aviation, Stella Oduah, the minister of state (foreign affairs), Viola Onwuliri and the president of the catholic bishop’s conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama.

FG Vows Not To Pay Ransom For Kidnapped French Family

How to free the eight French nationals held hostage by suspected members of Boko Haram in northern Nigeria was the main thrust of discussion when President Goodluck Jonathan held a closed door meeting with the French foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport Abuja on Saturday.

Video posted online shows the family with their kidnappers

The meeting which lasted for about 30 minutes among other issues reviewed the relations between Nigeria and France and the quick intervention in the crisis in Mali which they said could have placed Nigeria at a great risk.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Olugbenga Ashiru, assured the French envoy that the federal government is working in tandem with all security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped French nationals are released without harm as he vowed that Nigeria will not pay ransom for their release.
“As part of our own policy, we don’t pay ransom to terrorists but we would do everything possible to ensure that those terrorists are able to release their captives without any harm coming (to) them” he stated.
Also briefing state house correspondents after the meeting, Mr Fabius who spoke in the French language said that it is important that his country is deeply worried about those held hostage and would want the two countries to be careful so that they be released without harm.
“Of course, we raised the subject of hostages,” Fabius said of his meeting with Jonathan. “There are eight French hostages that are in Nigeria…We truly (and) very deeply wish that the French hostages can be freed.”
The seven French nationals, including four children were kidnapped last month in Cameroon near the northeastern border with Nigeria.

Kwankwaso Decries Snub Of Indigenes For Employment At Re-modelled Kano Airport

The governor of Kano state, Mr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed his displeasure about the failure of the Ministry of Aviation to consider indigenes of Kano state in the various recruitment process that were undertaken at the newly re-modelled airport.
The governor made this known while hosting a delegation of the Ministry and Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) who paid him a visit ahead of the commissioning of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, stated that “Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport has been restored to its glory. We are happy for the good support we have been receiving from the state government.”
Speaking that the commissioning ceremony, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi, stated that evolving a strong maintenance culture for the re-modelled terminals across the country is critical to their continued existence.
Sanusi, who was the special guest of honour, commissioned the remodeled section of the airport and stated that “CBN supports public officers that are doing something. There is no one that can go to Kano airport or Kaduna airport or Benin airport of Abuja airport and tell you that something is not happening.”
Mr George Uriesi, the Managing Director of FAAN revealed that Kano was the beginning of aviation history in Nigeria. “We take Kano as a strategic place in our aviation thinking”, he stated.
Princess Oduah revealed that the Ministry has awarded contract for two cargo areas, a perishable cargo area where perishable goods could be imported from the airport to other parts of the world.

Osun To Assist Rainstorm Victims

The General Manager, Osun state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) , Oyetunde Oyesiji has assured victims whose properties were affected by the rainstorm of the government’s readiness to help cushion the effect. 
Speaking to Channels Television in Osogbo, the state capital, Mr. Oyesiji said the effect of the storm is not entirely surprising going by the prediction of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) as regards the heavy rainfall to be expected this year.
He appealed to the people to cooperate with the Urban Renewal Structure of the state by upgrading all old structures.
He also disclosed that the state government in preparation for the rains has drudged about 120KM’s of rivers and gutters that may cause flooding in and across the state.
The SEMA boss also assured that having done an assessment of the damage caused by the rain, the state government will in line with its people friendly policies help to cushion the effect on the affected residents.

Stop Meddling In Internal Affairs, Minister To U.S Spokesperson

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday sounded a note of warning to the spokeswoman of the United States of America Embassy, Deb MacLean over comments concerning the state pardon the National Council of State granted the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy to protest a statement credited to Deb MacLean on the Embassy’s Twitter account stating that it is ‘‘deeply disappointed’’ over the pardon granted to former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
The Embassy of the United States of America is also reported to have described the pardon as ‘‘a setback in the fight against corruption’’ in Nigeria.
In the protest conveyed via a diplomatic note, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the comment from the US Embassy in Abuja, which it described as undue interference and ‘meddlesomeness’ in the internal affairs of Nigeria.
The foreign Ministry pointed out that this was not the first time the Nigerian government or elsewhere would grant state pardon to individuals who have committed one crime or the other.
The Ministry further stressed that the pardon granted is entirely consistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The Ministry expressed the hope that the Embassy of the United States of America would henceforth desist from making unwarranted comments on Nigeria’s internal affairs which are capable of undermining the friendly relations that exist between them.

Counter Terrorism War On Course — Ihejirika

Three leaders of the Islamic militant sect Boko Haram have been taken out by member of the Joint Task Force in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria.
The three sect leaders according to the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Azubike Ihejirika include one As-all Afi who is said to be the Defence Chief of the group; another named Doctor who is a bomb making expert and a Danladi who is the vice president of the group.
General Ihejirka also denied claims of high casualty rate as a result of the activities of the military Joint Task Force group in the various troubled states.
According to him the operations have largely been conducted in such a way that collateral damages are reduced to the barest minimum.
He assured Nigerians that the anti-terrorism war is on course to ensure a secured country for Nigerians.

UNICAL Sacks Academic Staff For Dishonesty

In its bid to curb academic dishonesty, the Governing Council of the University of Calabar has formally announced the dismissal of 5 academic Staff and the demotion of 10 others.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to Council and Registrar of the Institution, Dr (Mrs.) Julia Omang, it was disclosed that four of the dismissed academic staff were involved in plagiarism while one was a case of financial fraud.
Also, the 10 academic Staff that were demoted chose to publish their works in fake or cloned journals and proceeded to submit same and obtained promotion in the process.
The Academic Staff that have been dismissed for outright plagiarism include, Dr. Azubuike Iloeje and Dr. Maurice Bisong of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Mr. Oden Ubi (Department of Marketing) and Dr. Paulinus Noah of the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies.
Dr. Damian Agom was dismissed for salary overpayment enriching himself over a period of 11 months to the tune of N7, 268,044. 95.
The 10 Academic Staff demoted for publishing in fake or cloned journals include Professor Udoayang, Dr. Asuquo Akabom, Dr. Sunday Effiong and Dr. C. O. Udoka, all of Accounting Department, Professor Molinta Enendu Department of Theatre and Media Studies and Dr. E.S.Akpan of Banking and Finance.
Others include Dr. A.I. Afangideh and Dr. Francis Okpiliya of the Department of Geography and Environment Science and Dr. K.B.C Ashipu of the Department of English and Literary Studies.
Professors Udoayang and Enendu, Dr. Okpiliya, Dr. Afangideh and Dr. Ashipu were demoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer, others were stepped  down to lecturer 1.
Besides their demotion, they are to refund all monies earned from their unmerited promotion and barred from promotion for the next 6 years.

Emenike Bitter With NFF, Keshi For Neglect

Emenike; Nigeria’s top scorer at the recently concluded Afcon 2013 is not a happy man right now and he has expressed his unhappiness over his neglect by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the coach of the Super Eagles Stephen Keshi.
It is no longer news that the Nigeria Super Eagles are now African champions at the event which took place in South Africa, but it was during the Afcon 2013 tournament that Emenike suffered a hamstring injury against Mali and that has kept the utility player on the bench for weeks after the tournament.
According to the player, after the Afcon 2013 tournament, he was abandoned and his injury became his own responsibility. But his club stood by him during this time even though he sustained the injury while away on National Duty; a responsibility NFF and Keshi shelved.
Emenike used the opportunity to thank his club for their support and effort in his recovery process during the hamstring injury even though he wasn’t on duty for his club when he sustained the injury but despite that they stood by him.
“I must give kudos to my club for taking good care of me even though I didn’t get the injury while playing for them,” he said.
The player said he is embittered by the attitude that Keshi and the NFF put up towards his injury as they never bothered to check up on him or even place a call, indicating that the football body and even Keshi didn’t do well at all.
“I must be honest with you, I have not been treated well by the coach and the NFF because they ignored me so soon, so fast,”.
“Nobody from NFF and the coach have called to ask me about my injury. I am bitter about this.
“It is unfair and I can tell you that is why some players don’t come to give their best for the national team.
“When a player gets injured on national duty, I think the country’s football authority and coach ought to keep in touch to let him know he is loved and cared for.
“I am not a use-and-dump player. I will not act as one at all because my club career is very much important to me than anything.”
“I am not worried about that but I just need to tell them it’s unfair. It is not everything that is money, but a call just to show you care could change someone’s problem at a particular time.”
“I can’t wait to return to my best form. I feel like playing and banging in the goals for my club right now.
“I am happy with my rehabilitation and I will start joggling soon and I believe I will respond well because I have missed the game so much.”