Rivers Re-run: Amaechi Came Noisily, Left Quietly — Wike - Vanguard News

Rivers Re-run: Amaechi came noisily, left quietly — Wike

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

PORT HARCOURT : GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike on Tuesday lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for distancing himself from the re-run elections in the state, saying he did not interfere with the exercise.

The governor who accused the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi of allegedly plotting to rig the elections, said the former governor came into the state noisily and left quietly after results showed he could not deliver his candidates.

Wike spoke in Government House, Port Harcourt while addressing his party faithfuls.

The governor said the will of the people was stronger than any military and police might, adding that some Abuja politicians only came to intimidate the state with the name of Mr President who maintained neutrality all through the rerun elections.
“Amaechi plot to rig the rerun elections was for him to rubbish the Supreme Court Judgement. He came back to the state noisily, but left quietly and shamefully.

“No Army is stronger than the people. No police is stronger than our people. How many times will they cancel elections for the APC. Amaechi is not on ground in Rivers State “.

“Those who were overzealous during the rerun elections did so without the knowledge of the president. “


http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/rivers-re-run-amaechi-came-noisily-left-quietly-wike/

Governor Aminu Bello Masari inspected the on-going rehabilitation of government public schools in Daura local government.

The Governor inspected Daura I, Daura II, Muhammadu Bashar Primary School and Family Support Primary/Secondary schools to check the level of work.

He called on parents and teachers to do more in the discharge of their responsibilities to compliment the efforts being put by the government.

People & Society

The decision by Masari to paint schools building with APC Color came under criticism by the public who believed the conventional public school color should be maintained as an identity peculiar to the schools.

Also, others cautioned Governor Masari to give priority to enhancing teachers teaching capacity and also provide teaching materials to these schools before embarking on cosmetic painting of school that will not have any effect on the student understanding during learning periods.

It was reported but not yet confirmed by Katsinareporters.wordpress.com on the said amount to be sent on each school on the rehabilitation and the cosmetic painting of which was earlier reported to be N45million each.

https://katsinareporters.wordpress.com/2016/02/23/gov-masari-paints-public-school-with-apc-color-generates-criticism-from-the-public/

The new APC Color paints on public government schools not APC Schools

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Masari Paints Katsina Schools With APC Colour

Governor Aminu Bello Masari inspected the on-going rehabilitation of government public schools in Daura local government.

The Governor inspected Daura I, Daura II, Muhammadu Bashar Primary School and Family Support Primary/Secondary schools to check the level of work.

He called on parents and teachers to do more in the discharge of their responsibilities to compliment the efforts being put by the government.

People & Society

The decision by Masari to paint schools building with APC Color came under criticism by the public who believed the conventional public school color should be maintained as an identity peculiar to the schools.

Also, others cautioned Governor Masari to give priority to enhancing teachers teaching capacity and also provide teaching materials to these schools before embarking on cosmetic painting of school that will not have any effect on the student understanding during learning periods.

It was reported but not yet confirmed by Katsinareporters.wordpress.com on the said amount to be sent on each school on the rehabilitation and the cosmetic painting of which was earlier reported to be N45million each.

https://katsinareporters.wordpress.com/2016/02/23/gov-masari-paints-public-school-with-apc-color-generates-criticism-from-the-public/

The new APC Color paints on public government schools not APC Schools

Why Nigerians Have Tortoise Mentality- Luke Onyekakeyah

The burning desire by Nigerians to see President Buhari succeed underscores the urgent expectation for change to manifest without delay. As it were, Nigerians are not disposed to being patient. Impatience is a norm. The virtue of patience is scarce and this is understandable.

Understandable in the sense that the country has been raped and bastardised and Nigerians denied the good things of life since independence. The desire for change started from October 1, 1960. That change did not come. Barely six years into independence, the country was plunged into a fierce fratricidal civil war that claimed over a million lives.

After the war ended in January 1970, and the military took over the reins of government, Nigerians continued to expect change. The civilian interregnum between October 1979 and December 1983, was a huge disappointment. The civilians re-enacted corruption and maladministration that brought back the military.

In a nutshell, from May 1967 to October 1999, a period of 32 years, Nigeria’s affairs were run by unaccountable military juntas that failed woefully to bring the expected change in the country. The country was put in a ruinous path that only a conscientious, patriotic and committed leader could reverse.

When a new democratic dispensation was birthed in October 1999 with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the helm of affairs, Nigerians re-enacted the desire for change. Obasanjo had the opportunity to bring change but failed after eight years of mesmerization. Obasanjo handed the baton to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who unfortunately died early in his administration. Nigerians think that Yar’Adua demonstrated inklings of change with his 7-Point Agenda that never materialised.

President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded Yar’Adua but instead of continuing with the 7-Point Agenda, floated a transformation agenda, which Nigerians interpreted as another side of the same coin called change. Jonathan’s perceived personal desire to bring change failed due to the greed and avarice of the powers in PDP. Thus, for 16 years, rather than see change, Nigerians saw unthinkable sleaze and utter degradation of the country.

It is little wonder, then, that when President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) capitalised on the psyche of Nigerians, which is desire for change, and came up with the CHANGE mantra during the 2015 general elections, Nigerians overwhelmingly bought it. The thinking is that if Buhari, whom they already know to be a no-nonsense man, is the man who will bring the change that everybody wants, so be it.

Consequently, Buhari won the 2015 presidential election and no sooner was he sworn in on May 29, 2015 that Nigerians began to demand for the change he promised. But the change is not by magic. With the mountain of problems, he ground has to be cleared first and foundation laid upon which change would be built. But Nigerians are not ready to take excuses. They want instant change.

The proverbial tortoise is known to be the wisest animal in the animal kingdom. But sometimes, it fails to apply the wisdom when it is mostly needed. Once upon a time, the animals conspired and threw the tortoise into a pit and left him there. After one year, the animals decided to bring him out of the pit. They informed the tortoise that he would be brought out from the pit on a particular day.

Rather than be patient, knowing that his ordeal would soon end, the tortoise became restless and began to hurry the animals to bring him out without further delay, claiming that the stench in the pit was killing him. The question is, after spending one full year in the pit and didn’t die, why can’t the tortoise be patient and let the animals pull him out on the appointed day?

I see a similarity between the tortoise mentality and the attitude of Nigerians who are rushing Buhari to bring change immediately even when the administration has not implemented a single budget. Granted that we all desire change, wisdom dictates that it is unrealistic to assess a government that has four years in less than a year. I think it is more sensible to support the government and watch what it is able to accomplish in four years.

I would like to stress that the change that Nigerians want cannot be accomplished by the government at the centre alone. There will be no change in Nigeria without the involvement of the states. Unfortunately, the states are overlooked while everybody is focusing on the Federal Government, which is totally misplaced.

All the basic social amenities – water, hospital, roads, schools, health centres, etc, that we need are largely the responsibility of the state governments. Though, the Federal Government had taken it upon itself, over the years, to be in-charge of electricity, nothing stops any state government from getting involved in power generation as an independent supplier.

If each state government gets serious with power supply, the power from the centre would be negligible.

The same applies to roads. Available statistics shows that there are about 200,000 kilometres of roads in the country, out of which the total federal highways is about 34,340.90 kilometres. The states and local governments have responsibility for 165,660 kilometres of roads. If the states and local government councils do their roads, the federal roads will pave into insignificance.

It is ironic that while people lament over the dilapidated inter-state federal highways like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Shagamu-Ore Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, etc, no one mentions the intra-state roads that really serve the people. I can’t understand why the attention of Nigerians is always focused at the president while the governors are left out. Virtually, all the administrations that have presided over the affairs of Nigeria since independence passed through this unfortunate syndrome.

The worst set of Nigerians is those calling for the return of corruption with the hash-tag “Bring Back Our Corruption.” The promoters of this demented and crazy campaign argue that under corruption, food was cheap and life was better.

Across the civilised world, progress is made when there is rapport and understanding between the people and their leaders. There can be no progress when the leaders and the people are heading in opposite direction. Buhari’s anti-corruption war, if it succeeds, is big change that this country badly needs.


http://guardian.ng/opinion/why-nigerians-have-tortoise-mentality/

Emefiele Should Resign - Save Nigeria Anti-Corruption Initiative

The economy of our great nation has never had it this bad since independence under a Central Bank Governor,” the group said.
BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORKMAR 21, 2016

The Save Nigeria Anti-Corruption Initiative on Monday gave Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), 14 days to resign his appointment so as to save the Nigerian economy from total collapse, citing various problems attributable to his poor performance and complicity.

In a statement signed by Comrade Femi Lawson, Executive Director, and Malam Tanko Usman, Assistant Secretary-General, the group said it would not hesitate to do everything within the ambit of the law also to see to his investigation, arrest and prosecution by relevant anti-corruption agencies.

“A critical comparative analysis of CBN Governors preceding Mr. Emefiele reveals that he has the lowest performance index rating due to his inability to initiate and promote pragmatic monetary policy to stem the continuous free fall of the Naira, halt the rising debt profile of the nation or help in the effective management of the country's foreign exchange, which have all impacted negatively on the rate of poverty presently put at 71%, unemployment rate erroneously put at less than 9% by the NBS but stands at over 24% and inflation rate though put at a single digit rate of less than 10% but ironically does not reflect the economic reality currently facing Nigerians as the prices of goods and services have more than tripled in the past one year,” the statement said.

Among others, it cited the following:

· The indiscriminate debiting of customers by commercial banks the sum of N65 after first withdrawal from ATMs other than their banks;

· The failure to blow the whistle even after the discovery of a lopsided distribution of millions of dollars to promote the off-shore business interest of Aliko Dangote to the detriment of the Nigerian economy;

· Mr. Emefiele’s role in the misappropriation of over $2.1billion dollars meant for the procurement of arms. “It has never been heard in a sane clime that a CBN Governor would release a whopping sum of over $47million and millions of Euros from the vault of the CBN without due process and worse still is when such action was carried out only by an instruction on a piece of paper by the embattled erstwhile security adviser, Sambo Dasuki;”

· The continuous free fall of the Naira;

· The sharp decline in foreign reserves;

· Unholy romance/sponsorship of PDP campaigns in the 2015 general elections: “It is shocking to us with facts that a CBN Governor could channel funds from the CBN to sponsor the PDP in the 2015 general elections as events presently unfolding with the arrest and prosecution of Sambo Dasuki already indicted him.

According to the group, “Records also show several monies released by Mr. Emefiele to choice candidates in PDP i.e. Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa-Ibom State as well as details of his hidden meetings with Bayelsa State APC Gubernatorial candidate in the person of Chief Timipreye Silva at different points before the Bayelsa Governorship election is also an indication that he is a failed CBN governor who mixes professionalism with politics.”

It noted that performance in a highly exalted office such as the CBN Governor cannot be better measured by the above indicators most of which currently depict failure.

“The economy of our great nation has never had it this bad since independence under a Central Bank Governor,” the group said.

“The multiplier effect of the exchange rate under his watch has caused the astronomical increase in the prices of goods and services which in turn has brought unimaginable hardships on the already impoverished Nigerian citizens.”

It pledged to occupy the National Assembly, the CBN and EFCC headquarters for a protest match to save the Nigerian economy from the clutches of corruption and incompetence if Mr. Emefiele failed to honour the deadline.

The Save Nigeria Anti-Corruption Initiative affirmed that it stands with President Buhari’s drive to kill corruption in Nigeria and end impunity, ineffectiveness and mediocrity among government appointees.

Should Mr. Emefiele ignore the ultimatum, the group warned: “We will occupy the National Assembly, the CBN and EFCC headquarters for a protest match to save the Nigerian economy from the clutches of corruption.”


http://saharareporters.com/2016/03/21/incompetence-corruption-group-gives-cbn-governor-emefiele-14-days-resign-or-else…

By Monsurudeen Olowoopejo, LAGOS—Two persons were confirmed dead in an early morning fire incident, which razed over 100 shanties in Kuramo, near Lekki in Lagos yesterday. When Vanguard visited the scene, the two victims were identified as Azeez, a 27-year-old trader and a lady, simply identified as Kemi. fireThough there were conflicting reports as to what led to the fire disaster, which the Secretary of the Community, Mr. Michael Onuwaje, said destroyed property worth over N50 million as “it cost N500,000 to construct each of the burnt structures.” While some report noted that the inferno was caused by a generating set, another report said that a young lady was cooking in one of the shanties with a fuel container nearby, which caught fire and spread to other parts. The residents lamented that the fire spread so fast that many could not salvage their property as they explained that the fire was beyond their reach. I lost N3m to the inferno—Trader A trader, Jude Obi, who owns two of the affected structures, lamented that he lost N3 million including a cabin and the goods stocked in it. According to him, “I was sleeping when I heard a bang on my door, with someone saying the entire community was on fire. I rushed out immediately and I could not take a pin from the shop. “My shop is well stocked with cloths. This is where most of us manage to make a living and now it is gone. I just pray we will not be evicted by Lagos State Government. I could not salvage a cloth from my shop. I don’t know where to start—Resident Another resident, who gave his name as Mr. Michael Orioye, told Vanguard in an emotional tone: “I have been living here for decades. This is where we live and sell to make a living. We are not selling illegal commodities. “We need government to help us. We have children; we have wives. Everyone depends on us. If only we can be given a permanent space. We are not saying we want permanent structures. If only we can be given allocation.” Fire extinguishers couldn’t save us—Secretary Secretary to the Community, Onuwaje, said: “I learnt someone was refuelling a generator that was on when it exploded. Before the fire service officials came, some young men managed to put out the fire. “Every shop here has a five-kilogramme fire extinguisher. Unfortunately, they were meant for first aid. It is a pity we lost two lives. “Late Azeez was a trader here, but I do not know the girl involved. I called Ilasan Police Station, who took the bodies away. It was a big loss. We cannot count our losses. “I was able to salvage a plasma television from a cabin.” Confirming the inferno, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, said that the fire destroyed over 100 shanty structures, killing a male and female adults who reside in the community. He said the shanties were built on three acres of land, with the fire consuming houses on about four plots. The fire service boss appealed to Lagosians to desist from storing fuel in their houses or cooking indoors apart from the kitchen.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/2-dead-100-shanties-razed-lagos-fire/

y Monsurudeen Olowoopejo, LAGOS—Two persons were confirmed dead in an early morning fire incident, which razed over 100 shanties in Kuramo, near Lekki in Lagos yesterday. When Vanguard visited the scene, the two victims were identified as Azeez, a 27-year-old trader and a lady, simply identified as Kemi. fireThough there were conflicting reports as to what led to the fire disaster, which the Secretary of the Community, Mr. Michael Onuwaje, said destroyed property worth over N50 million as “it cost N500,000 to construct each of the burnt structures.” While some report noted that the inferno was caused by a generating set, another report said that a young lady was cooking in one of the shanties with a fuel container nearby, which caught fire and spread to other parts. The residents lamented that the fire spread so fast that many could not salvage their property as they explained that the fire was beyond their reach. I lost N3m to the inferno—Trader A trader, Jude Obi, who owns two of the affected structures, lamented that he lost N3 million including a cabin and the goods stocked in it. According to him, “I was sleeping when I heard a bang on my door, with someone saying the entire community was on fire. I rushed out immediately and I could not take a pin from the shop. “My shop is well stocked with cloths. This is where most of us manage to make a living and now it is gone. I just pray we will not be evicted by Lagos State Government. I could not salvage a cloth from my shop. I don’t know where to start—Resident Another resident, who gave his name as Mr. Michael Orioye, told Vanguard in an emotional tone: “I have been living here for decades. This is where we live and sell to make a living. We are not selling illegal commodities. “We need government to help us. We have children; we have wives. Everyone depends on us. If only we can be given a permanent space. We are not saying we want permanent structures. If only we can be given allocation.” Fire extinguishers couldn’t save us—Secretary Secretary to the Community, Onuwaje, said: “I learnt someone was refuelling a generator that was on when it exploded. Before the fire service officials came, some young men managed to put out the fire. “Every shop here has a five-kilogramme fire extinguisher. Unfortunately, they were meant for first aid. It is a pity we lost two lives. “Late Azeez was a trader here, but I do not know the girl involved. I called Ilasan Police Station, who took the bodies away. It was a big loss. We cannot count our losses. “I was able to salvage a plasma television from a cabin.” Confirming the inferno, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, said that the fire destroyed over 100 shanty structures, killing a male and female adults who reside in the community. He said the shanties were built on three acres of land, with the fire consuming houses on about four plots. The fire service boss appealed to Lagosians to desist from storing fuel in their houses or cooking indoors apart from the kitchen

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/2-dead-100-shanties-razed-lagos-fire/

By Monsurudeen Olowoopejo, LAGOS—Two persons were confirmed dead in an early morning fire incident, which razed over 100 shanties in Kuramo, near Lekki in Lagos yesterday. When Vanguard visited the scene, the two victims were identified as Azeez, a 27-year-old trader and a lady, simply identified as Kemi. fireThough there were conflicting reports as to what led to the fire disaster, which the Secretary of the Community, Mr. Michael Onuwaje, said destroyed property worth over N50 million as “it cost N500,000 to construct each of the burnt structures.” While some report noted that the inferno was caused by a generating set, another report said that a young lady was cooking in one of the shanties with a fuel container nearby, which caught fire and spread to other parts. The residents lamented that the fire spread so fast that many could not salvage their property as they explained that the fire was beyond their reach. I lost N3m to the inferno—Trader A trader, Jude Obi, who owns two of the affected structures, lamented that he lost N3 million including a cabin and the goods stocked in it. According to him, “I was sleeping when I heard a bang on my door, with someone saying the entire community was on fire. I rushed out immediately and I could not take a pin from the shop. “My shop is well stocked with cloths. This is where most of us manage to make a living and now it is gone. I just pray we will not be evicted by Lagos State Government. I could not salvage a cloth from my shop. I don’t know where to start—Resident Another resident, who gave his name as Mr. Michael Orioye, told Vanguard in an emotional tone: “I have been living here for decades. This is where we live and sell to make a living. We are not selling illegal commodities. “We need government to help us. We have children; we have wives. Everyone depends on us. If only we can be given a permanent space. We are not saying we want permanent structures. If only we can be given allocation.” Fire extinguishers couldn’t save us—Secretary Secretary to the Community, Onuwaje, said: “I learnt someone was refuelling a generator that was on when it exploded. Before the fire service officials came, some young men managed to put out the fire. “Every shop here has a five-kilogramme fire extinguisher. Unfortunately, they were meant for first aid. It is a pity we lost two lives. “Late Azeez was a trader here, but I do not know the girl involved. I called Ilasan Police Station, who took the bodies away. It was a big loss. We cannot count our losses. “I was able to salvage a plasma television from a cabin.” Confirming the inferno, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, said that the fire destroyed over 100 shanty structures, killing a male and female adults who reside in the community. He said the shanties were built on three acres of land, with the fire consuming houses on about four plots. The fire service boss appealed to Lagosians to desist from storing fuel in their houses or cooking indoors apart from the kitchen.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/2-dead-100-shanties-razed-lagos-fire/

EFCC boss, AGF in Dubai to recover ‘over $200bn’ stashed away by corrupt Nigerians

Over $200billion stashed in the in the United Arab Emirates by some former governors, ex-ministers and other public officers would soon be recovered by the Nigerian federal government.
The Nation reports that those under the radar -for stashing funds and acquiring properties in the UAE- are seven former governors, six former ministers, an ex-presidential aide who’s on the run, ex-military chiefs under probe, agents and fronts of the listed public officers and five chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party.
A federal government team -Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibrahim Magu and other detectives from the anti-graft agency, on Monday, began collating intelligence notes on the Politically Exposed Persons and their UAE counterparts.

A source in the government was quoted to have said: “Yes, the AGF and the EFCC chairman with some top officials of the anti-graft agency are in Dubai for a follow-up technical session on the Mutual Legal Assistance between Nigeria and the UAE. I can confirm the official trip and it is meant to recover looted funds.”
The EFCC officials were said to have arrived in Dubai on Saturday while the Minister was said to have left Abuja yesterday, to join the team.
A source privy to the developments regarding the repatriation of the funds, was quoted to have said: “The Federal Government team has met with those from the UAE on intelligence sharing, the list of those on EFCC radar, the number of highly-placed Nigerians with fat accounts in UAE and those with choice properties in Marina (Dubai), Bur Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.”
“Some of the former governors include one from the South-South, two from North central, two from the Northeast, one from the Northwest, and one from the Southwest. A former-governor had made botched attempts to transfer about $517 million loot to Dominican Republic because UAE law is now strict.”
“More than six ex-ministers and a former presidential aide, who is on the run over the $2.1 billion arms deals, were said to have acquired choice mansions and malls in UAE. One of the former ministers, who was alleged to own two houses in Dubai, was said to have served as a front for a former First Lady.”
“Another ex-minister had bought some malls through a few cronies in Dubai. The list of such agents is being screened. Certainly, the anti-graft agency has tightened the noose on these former public officers and there is no hiding place for them.”
“The success of the collaboration between the Federal Government team and the UAE Government will determine when EFCC will release the concessions on some of these PEPs. Very soon, we will unveil these ex-political office holders.”
The government delegation, the report further states, has discovered that many highly-placed Nigerians have fled from Dubai to Singapore, Casablanca in Morocco, Dominican Republic and some islands in the UK and in the Caribbean.

How 20-year-old JAMB candidate was raped, stabbed to death in Ogun

A 20-year-old female, Joan Egemba, was on Thursday, March 3, stabbed and strangled to death in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun state.
According to Punch Newspapers, Joan, who was a candidate for the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), had left her home in the Odo Eran, Sabgo-Ota area, for Awa Ijebu -where she was supposed to sit for her UTME exam the next day.
She was said to have been kidnapped at Ijebu Oru junction and her corpse was later discovered in a bush at Ijebu Igbo with cuts on her thighs and her pants torn.

Speaking on the horrifying incident, Joan’s father, Emmanuel Egbema, who is a a retired Assistant Superintendent of Nigerian Customs, said that: “On that Thursday, she left home around 12.30pm, but the bus she boarded at Sango to the centre left around 2pm. She called at 5.30pm that she had arrived there, but the security man at the centre did not open the gate for her and others to pass the night on the premises. I told her to find a place in the area till the following day when she would sit for the exam.”
“Around 7pm, I called her again and she said the security man had opened the gate for them. One hour after, I called again but she did not pick her calls. She was supposed to sit for the exam at 6.30am on Friday.”
“I called her around 12pm on Friday, her phone was switched off. As early as 4am on Saturday, I went to the centre to verify whether she sat for the exam or not. I met the security man and he directed me to the JAMB office in Abeokuta. He denied that he allowed my daughter into the school compound to pass the night.”
|It was a woman that told us that a girl was kidnapped at Oru Junction and taken towards Ijebu Igbo. We later discovered her corpse on Wednesday, March 9. If the candidates were allowed to sleep inside the school, this incident would not have happened.”
“I learnt it was rapists that killed her. Her body was not mutilated, but she had cuts in the mouth and thighs. Her clothes and briefs were torn and she had bruises in the back. We prayed before she left home on that day. While we were praying this morning (Monday) I looked at where she used to sit and it was vacant.”
The police at Ijebu Igbo was reported to have said that they were overwhelmed by the spate of crime in the area.
However, the Ogun State Police spokesperson, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, when contacted, said “we are working on the information we have to get the culprits. Investigation is still ongoing and we are contacting our ICT experts on how we can track down the culprits.”

Commentary: Amaechi’s harsh reality and APC’s failed incursion into Rivers

The March 26 election conducted in Rivers state for most was a battle of supremacy between Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi and the current governor of Rivers state Barr Nyesom Wike.
For others, it was a chance for the present minister of transportation to ice the cake of victory he gained over the last president and his wife as one of the leaders of the APC in the last elections, while for some it was simply a battle for an oil-rich state. While all these assertions may have their merits, I saw the election as much more than that.
The harsh reality for Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi is that in the league of power brokers within the APC he is holding on to nothing.

His claim to being the undisputed leader of the people of the south-south is rather empty and in the long run he would have to prove his political relevance to his “brother” President Muhammadu Buhari.
History is littered with strongmen who led their region to the table of national discussion and negotiation from time to time. From Chief Awolowo down to Senator Bola Tinubu, Chief Michael Okpara to Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, even the Current president’s political following in the North is second to none.
Rotimi Amaechi didn’t pretend about the importance of last week’s polls and his relocation to rivers to lead his party’s charge in the polls confirmed the notion that he is desperate to prove that he is on ground. After all how can one lead when he does not have followers? (whether they are willing or not).
Results declared by INEC so far have painted a picture of electoral failure for the APC and I dare say the remaining results would follow this pattern. Federal might was once blamed for the woes of the APC in Rivers state in the last election and right now with Federal might the party is still staring defeat in the face.
For a self-proclaimed Lion I believe Rotimi Amaechi should not be counted out just yet as the fight in him has never been in doubt.
If Rotimi Amaechi is to lead his party to any form of electoral victory in Rivers state and in the south-south geo-political region by extension, the current president would have a big role to play.
97% and 5% pronouncements should be far from the tongue of the president and trust-building with the people of the region should be of paramount importance to the president. That is the only way in which anyone who wants to lead the region from the APC can start making any form of headway.
As for the elections conducted last weekend and the ones to come, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi should accept the inevitable defeat of his party in good faith, there will be more battles in future.
———————–
Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija
Opinion article written by Chinyere Akatobi, who can be reached on Twitter @prolific_jackk

we'll Fix Power Supply Problems In 3 Years,' - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his administration's commitment to providing a lasting solution to the age-long power supply problems in in the country within the next three years, Guardian reports.

Speaking at the National Economic Council retreat on the economy held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Monday, March 21, 2016, the President admitted that the privatisation of the power sector has not changed anything in terms of performance.

“Nigerians’ favourite talking point and butt of jokes is the power situation in our country. But, ladies and gentlemen, it is no longer a laughing matter. We must and by the grace of God we will put things right,” Buhari said

He said his government would end power shortages which has become a monster of sort, as previous administrations have been unable to successfully surmount it.

As listed by the President, some of the problems of the sector includes, constant power cuts destroying economic activity and affecting quality of life; high electricity bills despite power cuts and low supply of gas to power plants due to vandalization by terrorists.

Others are obsolete power distribution equipment such as transformers; power fluctuations, which damage manufacturing equipment and household appliances and low voltage which cannot run an industrial machine.

Buhari also highlighted solutions to the problems - he said the government will fast-track completion of pipelines from gas points to power stations and provide more security to protect gas and oil pipelines; adding that the power companies will be encouraged to replace obsolete equipment and improve the quality of service and technicians.

He however charged the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure consumers get value for money and overall public interest is safeguarded.

The National Economic Council Retreat. which ends on Tuesday, March 22, is aimed at generating immediate, medium and long-term viable policy solutions to the economic challenges facing the country.

http://pulse.ng/local/buhari-well-fix-power-supply-problems-in-3-years-president-says-id4832185.html

N4.9trn unremitted, says RMAFC

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has confirmed that N4.9 trillion was yet to be remitted into the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
A statement signed by the its Spokesperson, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, said: “The figure of N3.2 trillion was from the 2014 Annual Audit Report obtained from the records of the FAAC Technical sub-Committee on Domestic Crude Oil Sales and reconciliation statement as contained in the NNPC’s mandate to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but available records at the Commission’s disposal indicate that between January 2011 and December, 2015, the total indebtedness of NNPC to the Federation Account was N4.9 trillion.”
Mohammed added that a figure that included NNPC’s claims for subsidy on petroleum products, crude and product losses, strategic reserves and the pipeline maintenance cost contributed to bring the NNPC’s indebtedness to the Federation Account to N4.9 trillion.
The statement noted that while the said report claimed that NNPC owed  N3.2 trillion to the Federation Account in 2014 from domestic crude sale, the Commission’s records “revealed that the Corporation owed the Federation Account N1.99 trillion only in 2014 from domestic crude sales. “Therefore, the figure quoted by the Auditor-General of the Federation must have included revenues from other sources.”
With regard to the alleged payment of $235 million realised from the sale of Natural gas into an undisclosed Escrow Account by the NNPC, the Commission explained that the NNPC on behalf of the NLNG had entered into agreements with three International Oil Companies (IOCs)–Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) under a Modified Carry Agreement (MCA) proceeds from which are deposited in Escrow Accounts for funding the various gas projects under the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).

“The total amount transferred to the various accounts from 2012 to November 2015 was $1.615 billion. The Commission, through the FAAC post-mortem, has consistently requested the NNPC to provide it with updated financial statements on the projects but NNPC was yet to respond,” Mohammed said.
It would be recalled that the Commission had been working with NNPC to reconcile the figures following a tripartite meeting held with the NNPC, Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) and RMAFC in December last year where it was agreed that in view of the subsidy and other claims by NNPC, the forensic audit of NNPC was very critical in establishing which party was actually indebted to the other. The forensic audit is expected to be concluded by the end of this month.

Seven ex-governors, others to lose loot kept in Dubai

EFCC chair, minister off to retrieve cash
All seems set for the repatriation of over $200billion stashed away by some former governors, ex-ministers and other public officers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Nation learnt yesterday.
Some mansions belonging to some former Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and their cronies or fronts may also be seized, a source said.
Under the searchlight for stashing away cash or acquiring properties in the UAE are seven former governors, six former ministers, a fleeing presidential aide implicated in the $2.1billion arms deals, ex-military chiefs under probe, agents / fronts of some of these public officers and five chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
A Federal Government team, comprising the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu and crack detectives from the anti-graft agency, yesterday started comparing collated intelligence notes on the PEPs with their UAE counterparts.

The EFCC officials arrived in Dubai on Saturday. The Minister left Abuja yesterday to join the team.
It was learnt that the AGF had barely returned from an official assignment when an urgent travel arrangement was made for him.
The delegation went to UAE in line with an agreement with the Federal Government.
President Muhammadu Buhari in January signed a “Judicial Agreement on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth”.
Seven former governors, six former ministers and a fleeing Presidential aide implicated in the $2.1billion arms deals, ex-military chiefs under probe, agents / fronts of some of these public officers and about five chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have either stashed away funds in Dubai or acquired properties.
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Federal Government team has met with those from the UAE on intelligence sharing, the list of those on EFCC radar, the number of highly-placed Nigerians with fat accounts in UAE and those with choice properties in Marina (Dubai), Bur Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
”Some of the former governors include one from the South-South, two from Northcentral, two from the Northeast, one from the Northwest, and one from the Southwest.
“A former-governor had made botched attempts to transfer about $517million loot to Dominican Republic because UAE law is now strict.
“More than six ex-ministers and a former presidential aide, who is on the run over the $2.1billion arms deals, were said to have acquired choice mansions and malls in UAE. One of the former ministers, who was alleged to own two houses in Dubai, was said to have served as a front for a former First Lady.
“Another ex-minister had bought some malls through a few cronies in Dubai. The list of such agents is being screened.
“Certainly, the anti-graft agency has tightened the noose on these former public officers and there is no hiding place for them.
“The success of the collaboration between the Federal Government team and the UAE Government will determine when EFCC will release the concessions on some of these PEPs. Very soon, we will unveil these ex-political office holders.”
According to sources, the government delegation discovered that many highly-placed Nigerians, including a few ex-governors and money laundering fronts, have fled from Dubai to Singapore, Casablanca in Morocco, Dominican Republic and some islands in the UK and in the Caribbean.
Another source said: “From the trip so far, many big Nigerians have already ran away from Dubai to escape being arrested by the UAE authorities.”
“Some of the ex-governors have also avoided visiting UAE until the coast is clear. They do not want to experience the same fate like ex-Governor James Ibori.
“The frequency at which highly-placed Nigerians fly to Dubai for parties has considerably reduced because they are under watch by the UAE authorities.
A source in the government last night said: “Yes, the AGF and the EFCC chairman with some top officials of the anti-graft agency are in Dubai for a follow-up technical session on the Mutual Legal Assistance between Nigeria and the UAE.
“I can confirm the official trip and it is meant to recover looted funds.”
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Senator Shehu Sani, said over $200 billion had been hidden in UAE.
He said: “Over $200 billion is stashed away from Nigeria in Dubai alone. This may be monies stolen in the past 20 years. I am not talking about estates and bonds and other securities bought with Nigeria stolen money.”
The anti-money laundering policy of UAE Central Bank reads in part: “Any person who commits, or attempts to commit, a Money Laundering offence shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 10 years and or a fine of between AED 100,000 and AED 500,000.
”In cases of multiple perpetrators, the Court, subject to its discretion, may exempt a perpetrator from the imprisonment penalty if he takes the initiative and reports the crime to the competent authorities prior to the knowledge of such authorities and if his actions lead to the arrest of the other perpetrators or seizure of the laundered money.
”Any establishment that commits an offence of money laundering, financing of terrorism or financing of any unlawful organisations, shall be punished by a fine of AED 300,000 and AED 1,000,000.
”Failure to report a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment and /or a fine of between AED 50,000 and AED 300,000.
”Tipping off a person being investigated regarding a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and/ or a fine of between AED10,000 and AED 100,000.
”Violation of the requirements of Airport Declarations shall be punishable by imprisonment and or a fine.”

No loyalty! Governor Obiano’s kinsmen ditch APGA

Anambra governor, Willie Obiano has suffered a political setback.
Over five hundred aggrieved members of his party- All Progressives Grand Alliance, and Nigeria’s main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, have cross-carpeted to Equity Forum, a political pressure group.
Equity Forum was formed by a former PDP Chairman and member, House of Representatives Prince Tony Nwoye.

The mass defection must be a bitter pill for the governor to swallow as those who defected from Anambra East Council Area- are his kinsmen.
Speaking on Monday at Umueri Recreation Club and Events Center, EF Chairman for Anambra East, Thompson Chikezie, said the group was formed and inaugurated in Anambra State in August 2015.
Chikezie said the defectors haven’t yet decided on the political party they will join to wrestle power from Obiano.

We have videos of atrocities committed by the army in Rivers – Wike

Nyesom Wike, Rivers state governor has vowed to release video evidence of atrocities allegedly committed by the Nigerian Army during the legislative rerun election of last weekend.
While stating that there is a ploy to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, Wike said the All Progressives Congress was hellbent on creating the propaganda of prevalent violence in the state.
The governor released a statement on Monday through Simeon Nwakaudu, his spokesperson.

“We have videos of the atrocities committed by the military across Rivers State. We shall release them at the appropriate time,” S
“There is an attempt to cause violence to declare a state of emergency in Rivers state.”
Wike further said it would be ‘difficult’ for the APC to take over the state from the Peoples Democratic Party- which he belongs to.
“While we campaigned, they were not campaigning. With what I have done in a few months, it will be difficult to defeat PDP in the state. Now, we have a strong opposition for the first time. It is a healthy development.”

Psquare: ‘Family comes first’ | Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye make up, apologise to fans

After the accusations and counter-accusations, the apparent betrayal and allegation of betrayal, the picking of sides by the public spectators, the airing of dirty laundry before the world, Psquare -Jude, Peter and Paul Okoye- are finally on the same page.
Africa’s most successful music group, Psquare appear to have worked out their differences and have now realized that even if they don’t agree in business and their art, ‘family always comes first’.
Jude, Peter, Paul, each took to their respective Instagram pages to post a picture of a dove -which symbolises peace- accompanied by the same caption where they all admitted their collective ‘stupidity’ and also apologised to the fans for their periodical spate of public spats -which always serves as a boost for their music sales.
Jude Okoye
Peter Okoye
Paul Okoye
The jury is still out on whether this latest episode in the life-span of ‘Psquare rifts’ wasn’t orchestrated.
One thing is certain – Psquare won’t be taking seriously if the events of the last few weeks is re-enacted in the future.

Genocide: Shiite Muslims drag Nigerian Army to ICC over Zaria massacre

The Nigerian Army has been dragged before the International Criminal Court of justice, by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria -Nigerian Shiites- over allegation of genocide.
Over 300 Shiite Muslims were reported to have been killed by Nigerian troops between December 12 and 13, when the army destroyed the headquarters of the sect and arrested the leader of the movement, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
Zakzaky, who sustained gunshot wounds at the time of the incident, has been in the custody of Nigeria’s security services since his arrest.

According to the spokesman of the IMN, Ibrahim Musa, the case before the ICC was filed on behalf of the IMN by the Islamic Human Right Commission, IHRC, Commission based in London.
He revealed this on Monday, at a briefing to mark the 100th day of the clash between the Islamic sect and the Nigeria Army.
Musa quoted the IHRC to have stated that: “The crimes committed between December 12th and 14th, 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State, by the Nigerian army amount to crimes against humanity. The crimes committed by the Nigerian army meet all the necessary legal requirements to warrant a preliminary investigation by the ICC prosecutor.”

Ali Modu Sheriff may just be a sit-tight PDP Chairman – Here’s why

The Peoples Democratic Party may soon be thrown into another crisis, owing to the acting National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s failure to do what’s expected of him.
Sheriff is said to have failed to heed the directive given to him by the party’s National Executive Committee -to set up a committee that would determine the zoning formula to be adopted by the PDP, the National Convention Committee, Reconciliation Committee, Zoning Committee and Finance Committee.
The NEC, had on March 7, given Sheriff the mandate to set up the committees, ahead of the party’s national convention slated for May 21 in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Punch Newspapers however, reports that rather than setting up the committees, Sheriff and members of the National Working Committee were making moves to extend the stay of members in office or predetermine the works of the committees, especially the one on zoning.
Sheriff, whose appointment further divided the opposition party, is believed to be hatching plots to either remain in office or make sure that the office of the national chairman is zoned to the North-East in order to enable him to retain the seat.
The politician is said to have started visiting power brokers in the party to propose the possibility of the north holding on the chairmanship of the PDP.
Sheriff has reportedly sold the idea to Governors of Ekiti and Ondo states, Ayodele Fayose and Olusegun Mimiko, respectively.
A PDP governor from the southern part of the country, who spoke with Punch, urged Sheriff to adhere to the “gentleman’s agreement that brought him to power.”
“Sheriff spoke with us when he visited Rivers State to campaign for the rerun. He was in Ondo and Ekiti states as well to speak with the governors.”
“I just hope that we are able to manage this issue well, because I see the BoT members telling us that they warned us against accepting him.”

We’ve recovered stolen funds from them’ | AVM Amosu, others released on bail by EFCC

The immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd.), and other senior officers arrested over the $2.1bn arms deal scam, have been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Amosu, as well as a former Chief of Accounts and Budgeting of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal J.B. Adigun and former NAF Director of Finance and Budget, Air Commodore O. O. Gbadebo, were all granted administrative bail.
According to Punch Newspapers, the EFCC seized their passports and also gave them the option of returning the money they allegedly stole.
A source at the EFCC was quoted to have said that the main objective of the anti-graft agency was to recover looted funds.
“Amosu, Adigun, Gbadebo and others were released on administrative bail because we are not ready yet to charge them to court. However, they have been cooperating with us and we have recovered (stolen) funds from them. So, we have asked them to go to enable them to get more money.”
“We have released them but we seized the passports of some of them while others were released based on the credibility of their sureties. Also, the holding charge we obtained from the court to keep them in custody had elapsed.”
“The reason why we charged Alex Badeh to court is that he has refused to cooperate with us. Even when we searched his house and found $1m, he still denied the ownership of the money. Those who are willing to cooperate can be converted to prosecution witnesses after returning funds. It is the standard practice worldwide.”
Meanwhile, the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that Amosu had indeed, been released. “Yes, he has been released on administrative bail while investigations continue.”

Army Officer, Woman Clash At BEDC Headquarters (photo)

Army officer, woman fight over right of way in Benin

Banji Aluko - Benin City

The vicinity surrounding the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) was, on Monday, thrown into turmoil, following a clash at the entrace gate at the Benin headquarters of the company between an army officer and a woman, Mrs Joy Agboghide.

According to eyewitnesses, the fight between the army officer, a major, and Mrs Agboghide, was caused by traffic situation in front of the BEDC office due to traffic congestion and indiscriminate parking of vehicles in the area.

It was learnt that the woman, who was driving from the Forestry Road axis, was asked to allow vehicles coming from the off Akpakpava axis pass and after allowing about five vehicles pass she insisted on passing thereby obstructing traffic.

Eyewitnesses also said that trouble started when the major, who had just left the BEDC office, accosted Mrs Agboghide and asked her to reverse her vehicle so as to allow vehicles coming in the opposite direction pass.

It was learnt that the woman declined, leading into fight between the trio of the woman, the major and his wife.

In the melee that followed, it was learnt that teargas cannister was used on the woman, while she retaliated by damaging the army officer's car.

The army officer was said to have retaliated by inviting two army officers within the vicinity, who joined him to beat up Mrs Agboghide to a pulp and damaged her car including the wind screen and the rear screen that were shattered.

Security was beefed up in the area as members of the civil society group and family members besieged the BEDC office, alleging complicity of BEDC in the beating up of the woman.

It was learnt that Mrs Agboghide was later taken to hospital after she first reported at a police station.

A member of the civil society, Kola Edokpaye, alleged that the army officer called upon by the major were those attached to the BEDC, giving the name of one of them as Daniel.

Sources within the BEDC, however, said that the company was not in any way connected to the fiasco, adding that attempts were being made to unravel the identity of the army officer as he did not write his name in any register before he departed the BEDC.

http://tribuneonlineng.com/army-officer-woman-clash-at-bedc-headquarters

Pic: The Damaged car of Mrs Agboghide.

NYSC Confirms Killing Of A Corper During Election

The National Youth Service Corps has announced the death of a corps member, Okonta Samuel, (pictured below) with call-up number RV/15B/5539, during the re-run elections in Rivers State which held over the weekend.‎ A statement by the management of NYSC, says that Samuel, who served at GCSS Ukpeliede, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Ahoada West Local Government Area on Saturday March 19th. The statement reads in part;

“The murder of this patriotic young man, who was an orphan, is primitive, barbaric, and ungodly; and should be strongly condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. The NYSC shall work with relevant agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law. We consider Okonta Samuel’s death as a great loss, not only to his immediate family, but also to all of us in the NYSC family and the entire nation".

Source: http://www.9janewsarena.com/2016/03/nysc-confirms-killing-of-corps-member-during-rivers-state-rerun-election.html

Wike: No INEC Official Has Powers To Cancel Already Declared Results

Govt ‘has videos of atrocities committed by military’
I wasn’t caught with military uniform, cash, Wike’s aide insists

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that no official of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) has powers to cancel results already declared by the returning officers in the respective constituencies.

The governor was speaking against the backdrop of the insistence by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Aniedi Ikoiwak, that the commission had not released any results other than the nine state constituency and one federal constituency results announced on Sunday.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has also called on INEC to cancel results of the re-run elections on grounds of irregularities in the conduct of the polls.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike insisted that no INEC official was empowered to cancel a result already declared by a returning officer and said those calling for the cancellation of the results should do so according to the provisions of the law.

He also disclosed that the state government has compiled videos of the atrocities allegedly committed by the military across the state during the rerun elections, saying that the videos would be released to the public “at the appropriate time”.

He said, “The military-orchestrated violence in the state could be part of a plot by the APC to declare a state of emergency on the state on the premise of heightened propaganda.”

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/03/21/wike-no-inec-official-has-powers-to-cancel-already-declared-results/

INEC Admits Fake Result Sheets In Rivers Rerun, Blames ‘printer’s Devil’

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has admitted, after initial denials that ‘fake results sheets’ were found as part of the materials deployed for the legislative rerun elections in Rivers State.

The commission however blamed the situation on the ‘printers devil’ which occurred during printing of the sensitive materials for the polls, stressing that stakeholders in Rivers were briefed and all collectively agreed to go with the exercise.

Speaking on a programme, Political Platform on Raypower FM station Monday morning, Nick Dazang, spokesman of INEC, confirmed that some of the materials deployed for the Rivers rerun were discovered to contain errors at the point of deployment.

Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State had on Saturday the day of polling, raised an alarm that fake results sheets had been procured for use by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in connivance with officials of INEC.

But the electoral body immediately denied the allegations saying all materials deployed for the polls were accurate and in order.

When asked by moderators of the radio programme if INEC did not confirm the correctness of printed materials before deployment, the spokesman said sensitive items were only unveiled at point of use.

He also insisted that stakeholders were informed of the challenges and all agreed to proceed with the polls but that the commission was taken aback when some politicians instigated disruptions and violence based on the materials.

The INEC image maker however noted that the commission was not in a hurry to proceed with the polls which it suspended Sunday due to violence and threat to the lives of its staff and adhoc officials.

INEC after initially suspending elections in 8 local government areas, went on to declare that it had suspended the entire exercise till further notice.

The electoral body before the suspension however had released results in 10 state constituencies and one federal seat with the PDP taking all but one state legislative slot.

www.orderpaper.ng/inec-admits-fake-result-sheets-rivers-rerun-blames-printers-devil/

Boko Haram kingpin, 18 others killed by Nigerian troops (VIEWER DISCRETION)

Nigerian troops on Sunday, killed 19 Boko Haram insurgents during a ‘clearing operation’ at Dalore camp, Borno state.
The operation which was carried out by troops of the 22 Brigade Garrison of the Nigerian Army also resulted in the death of a Boko Haram kingpin, who was known as the ‘Ameer of Dalore’.
A statement was released to this effect on Monday, by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations.

“The troops also captured 2 AK-47 Rifles, 1 Small Machine Gun and 1 Hand Grenade and recovered 4 pickup vehicles. The troops also rescued 67 hostages from the terrorists. The freed hostages are undergoing screening at Internally Displaced Persons in Dikwa.”
“Unfortunately, during the operation the troops Mine Resistant Anti-Personnel (MRAP) vehicle ran into an Improvised Explosive Device and had a damaged tyre.”

Everything you should know about the Queens College sexual molestation saga (READ)

Queens College, Lagos is currently embroiled in a sexual molestation scandal.
The mother of a Queens college student had on Friday, accused a teacher- Olaseni Oshifala, of sexually molesting her daughter, a JSS 2 student of the girls-only school.
In a letter which she wrote to some online blogs, she recounted her daughter’s experience with the teacher.

She explained that Oshifala, an Integrated Science teacher molested her daughter at night when she went to ease herself.
“She started screaming and then students started coming out so he left her and pretended to punish her. But the students already know his ways so they started booing him until the housemistress came out and chased them inside, telling them to be quiet and that nothing was actually going on.”
However, when she reported the case to the Vice Principal, Mrs Kayode, the VP allegedly said nothing could be done about it because Oshifala is her ‘person’ and that nobody could dismiss him from the school.
“I got to the school first thing the next day and spoke with the housemistress who confirmed to me that the story was true but she warned me that the Mr O- is a favorite of the Vice Principal Mrs Kayode. I spoke to a couple of other teachers and they all confirmed this story and the Mr Oshifala’s tendencies.”
“The teachers also mentioned that he had been reported before at the Abuja Headquarters for sexual harassment and he was almost sacked until he begged this same Vice Principal who squashed the complaints.”
Subsequently, the story spread like wildfire on social media, which forced the college alumni to call for an emergency meeting on Sunday.
But in a swift reaction, the school principal, Lami Amodu, released a statement on Monday, denying the allegations on behalf of Oshifala.
She stated that the allegation is strange to her as no parents or students has ever reported Oshifala to her.
“As I talk to you, no single parent has come to me or any of my Vice-Principals to report Olaseni as a molester. I assure you that if the allegation was true, other parents would have been buzzing our lines non-stop.”
“Personally, even before I resumed, a former principal of Kings College had recommended Olaseni as a credible person to work with. His name is Otunba Dele Olapeju. He is a highly respectable man. Let us not forget that Olaseni worked with five different principals, all of who also told me good words about him, despite the various allegations against him.”
“I have investigated and we are not relenting in our determination to get to the bottom of this case. The man in question has been of impeccable character and committed service since I resumed work here. I can vouch for him. When I resumed work here, I was told a few unsavoury things about him. But investigations showed that each time a new principal resumed at Queens College, these allegations popped up.”
“They would tell every new principal that Mr Olaseni is a molester. But after investigations, nothing concrete came up. My predecessor, whom we just sent forth today, told me the same thing. So it has been a recurring decimal, these allegations. We have come to understand that some persons are on a campaign of calumny against this teacher. Yet, he is the best teacher in our school.”
“During World Teachers’ Day, he bagged five awards. The students all have good things to say about him. Somebody somewhere is up to some mischief and we will uncover this unfortunate drama.”
The Chairperson of the school’s Parents-Teachers Association, B.E Akhetuamen, also said the claims were an attempt to disgrace Oshifala.
“I have two daughters schooling here,” she said.
“After six years in the school, I should be able to trust them to intimate me about things that happen in the school, especially when I ask. They have made it clear to me, no such thing occurred. Meanwhile, no parent has called me to make any such allegation against the teacher in question and I find it very strange.”
“It would not have needed a blogger to break the story,” she said.
“There is a policy against use of phones in the college but we hear rumours that some students smuggle in phones. Do you imagine that such students would not have called their parents with the gist? And for all this time that the event allegedly occurred (one month now) do you think that no parent would have raised eyebrows?”
“When I asked my daughter about this story, she said she only started hearing about it today. I am an Edo woman, I speak from my heart because I fear only God. Even if I face anybody now, I can defend him (Olaseni) authoritatively. I have always recommended him to every principal that was posted here.”
The Senior Boarding House Mistress, D. A Oludinmu, admitted that Osifala comes around the hostel because he is the Hostel Maintenance Officer.
“But there is a procedure for that. He never comes without the permission of the principal and even during emergencies, he does not come alone. The principal still has to permit him, and he always comes with the maintenance boys.”
“Mr Olaseni does not come to the hostel outside working hours. I can vouch for him,” she said.
Meanwhile, on Monday, students of Queens college were seen in the rain carrying placards in their uniform protesting that Oshifala is innocent of the allegations leveled against him.

Read what popular US magazine, Rolling Stone wrote about Davido

He keeps getting bigger.

Since signing a lucrative deal with Sony Music Global, Davido has garnered more recognition worldwide especially from the international media such as US magazine –The Fader- which featured him as its first Global Issue cover star.
Davido, who performed last week at the Fader Fort stage at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, was listed by US magazine, Rolling Stone, as one of the 25 artistes one needs to see at the festival.

Read below, what Rolling Stone had to say about the Nigerian superstar
“Ever since he hit with 2012’s effusive “Dami Duro,” Davido has been one of Africa’s biggest rising stars. Now that he’s signed an international deal with Sony, it looks like he may become one of the world’s biggest, too. To American ears, his sound seems to split the difference between dance music’s uptempo beats, R&B melodies and hip-hop’s effortless swag.”
“Yet it’s all incorporated through a sound that is distinctly African, with rhythms that prove to be more compulsively danceable than most things making waves on the Hot 100. His upcoming album Baddest — which he recently revealed to Fader will include a feature from rapper Future — will be a major test for African artists crossing over in the United States. But Davido is confident: “I know what kind of songs work. The music should have everything in it — Jamaican, African, American, everything.”

Nigerian Air Force fighter jets destroy Boko Haram ‘logistics base’ in Yobe

The Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet aircraft on Friday, ‘successfully attacked’ suspected Boko Haram logistics Base at Allagarno, in Yobe.
According to Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, Director of Public Relations & Information, the target was carefully selected after Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) was carried out by an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
“The mission, which was carried out in support of surface forces in order to further degrade the fighting capacity of the remnants of the insurgents, was successful as can be seen in the video of the Battlefield Damage Assessment (BDA) carried out by the UCAV.”

“The target was probably an ammunition depot, a fuel dump or a facility housing other combustible materials. This effort is likely to create certain logistics constraints for the terrorists along the Allagarno axis.”
“This is a follow-up to other interdiction missions previously carried out in Sambisa Forest, Kumshe, Iza and other suspected terrorists’ hide-outs. So far, the NAF has carried out a total of 55 missions comprising 14 ISR, 30 interdiction/combat air support and 11 air logistics support missions in the month of March 2016.”

Okupe advocates ‘death sentence, life imprisonment’ for perpetrators of election violence

Doyin Okupe, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to stop deploying youth corpers for electoral services.
While condemning the spate of violence in last weekend’s Rivers rerun election, Okupe called on the stakeholders in the polls to take responsibility for the lives lost.
“The scale of violence that accompanied the Rivers Re run elections is condemnable and unacceptable. All principal participants must accept responsibility for this intolerable acts savagery. By all principals I mean, PDP, APC and their leaderships, the INEC, and the entire gamut of our security agencies.”

“In 2016, the wanton destruction of lives and properties that accompany our elections in varying degrees is no longer excusable.
The frequent deaths of citizens, electoral officials, members of the security forces has assumed highly barbaric proportions.
Of particular importance is the reported death of innocent Youth corpers.”
“As a Nigerian parent whose children will still go through this national calling, I call on other Nigerian parents and well meaning Nigerians to prevail on INEC to stop with immediate effect the deployment of our children for electoral services. We can no longer bear the pain of losing our wards to mindless acts of lawlessness by thugs and hooligans acting for and on behalf of reckless, desperate and irresponsible politicians and power mongers.”
Okupe, writing on his Facebook page, urged INEC to henceforth, conduct a security assessment of ‘volatile areas’ before embarking on election.
“Before going into an election in any volatile area they (INEC) ought to obtain full security reports of the area in question and also confer with the police and the army to get written assurance that they can guarantee the security of electoral materials and officers.”
“Firstly it is unacceptable that INEC will still be involved in moving electoral materials all over the place on election day. All materials for election must arrive all LGA headquarters 2 weeks before election day. They must arrive all wards one whole week before elections, only to be moved to the polling stations accompanied by security in the morning of the elections.”
“All personnel including security, should be at the wards at least 2 days before the elections and be familiarised with their areas of duty and their security details before the D Day. In special volatile areas like rivers and others as to be advised by police and the intelligence agencies, a minimum of 5 armed personnels per polling station with availability of standby re enforcement in each LGA quarters.”
“If it is impossible for any reason that these provisions can be made available, elections in such areas must be deferred”, Okupe added.
Okupe, who was the SSA on Media and Publicity to erstwhile President, Olusegun Obasanjo, also called on the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to ‘overhaul’ the current leadership of INEC.
“If the present leadership in INEC are incompetent, the federal government should not waste time and continue to expose the citizenry to misery and pain. The entire organization should be overhauled. The security agencies must keep their roles to their professional calling. Voting and the processes that are before or after it is not their business.”
Furthermore, the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain said all those found guilty of electoral violence should be sanctioned with ‘death sentences and life imprisonment’.
“Politicians, thugs and all persons involved directly or indirectly in acts of violence should be tried and if found guilty should be sanctioned with punishments ranging from death sentences to life imprisonment depending on their level of involvement.”
“For the next re run in rivers, Gov Wike, and Amaechi and at least 10 of their proven closest aides must be moved out of rivers state into protective custody, deprived of their phones for a day before the new elections and on the day of elections.”

Femi Fani-Kayode: The vultures are circling, bullies are threatening, yet I’m not disturbed

The vultures are circling yet I am not disturbed because they cannot eat my flesh. The wolves are howling yet I shall not retreat because they cannot crush my bones.
The bullies are threatening yet I shall not bow because they cannot break my spirit or conquer my soul. The demons are baying yet I shall not fear because they cannot drink my blood. The liars are lying yet I shall not be deterred for I know the Ancient of Days, the mighty God that I serve.
The foxes are plotting yet I shall not be moved and I shall treat them with the contempt and disdain that they deserve. The snakes are hissing yet I am not perturbed knowing that their poison and hate cannot overwhelm or blind me. The dogs are barking yet I continue to rejoice, knowing that lions do not tremble at the bark of an accursed mongrel.

The Accuser of the Brethren has begun his devilish work of slander yet I shall lose no sleep, knowing that in the end truth always prevails. There is evil in the land and the ravenous beasts of our dark forest are roaring, yet I shall not run.
As always, I shall stand and I shall fight. As always I will speak against the persecution of the innocent and the cruelty and injustice of the wicked. As always I will resist the hidden agenda to violate our nations secularity and to Islamise our nation.
As always I shall preach the equality of all men and the humanity of all souls. As always I will stand against the enthronement and the empowerment of bloodthirsty and evil men. As always I shall stand against the terrorists and jihadists in our midst who have wrought destruction on our nation and who have shattered the lives of so many.
As always I shall speak up for the oppressed, the voiceless, the weak, the vulnerable, the misrepresented, the hated and the despised. As always I will resist the cruelty that has been inflicted upon the unlawful captive and those who have been subjected to an unconstitutional, unlawful and indefinite detention.
As always I shall speak against the violation of court orders and the intimidation and humiliation of the Judiciary. As always I shall oppose a foreign policy that turns our nation into a shadow of her once glorious past and nothing more than an appendage of the Salifists and Wahabbists of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
As always I will speak out against violence, genocide, ethnic cleansing and all crimes against humanity. As always I shall speak up for the vulnerable, the weak, the less privilaged and the deprived. As always I shall stand against the tyrants and despots that use their position of power and privilage to destroy the lives of others.
As always I shall stand against state-sponsored murder and politically-inspired and selective criminal prosecutions.
As always I shall speak the bitter truth and voice my support for the self-determination and the liberation of the oppressed ethnic nationalities of Nigeria, including those of the Middle Belt, the south-east and the south-south.
As always I will resist those that abduct our citizens, commit rape, indulge in mass murder and that torment our people with their satanic hordes and demonic herds all in an attempt to subjugate and conquer us and impose their will.
As always I will oppose pedophelia, child rape and the abduction, enslavement and forced islamisation of little girls in distant lands and sinister palaces. As always I will fight a good fight and stand for truth. As always I will stand against the licensing of Churches and the violation of our constitutionally-guaranteed religious freedoms.
As always I will stand against those who ban prayers in our schools. As always I will gladly offer my very life as a living sacrifice for my faith and I will defend the honor and dignity of Christianity wherever I go.
No matter what they say or do, as long as God gives me life, I shall never be silenced. I shall fulfill my destiny because His love will see me through and it will nullify their evil projections and manifest hate.
The vultures are circling yet I am not disturbed because they cannot eat my flesh. In my case they say it is personal and that they have a score to settle. They say that they have been told by their idol and their little god to ”punish me ruthlessly for my insolence” and ‘to give me hell’.
Others have tried before and I saw their end. I await them: let the God that answers by fire, let Him be my God. In the meantime I count it all as joy, for in the end my innocence shall speak for me and I shall prevail. Until then let them be rest assured of one thing: I have no fear because the Lord is with me. I make my boast in Him and none other.
Without Him I am nothing but with Him I am everything. No matter how long it takes He will never abandon me because I have done absolutely nothing wrong. As long as Jesus is on the throne He will preserve my life and I shall fulfill the purpose for which He gave it to me.
They shall not thwart that purpose, they shall not break me, they shall not destroy me and neither shall they have their wicked way with me.
They shall fall into the pit that they have dug for me themselves and their end shall be bitter. The bible says “He suffered no man to do them wrong. He reproved kings for their sake saying ‘touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm’ “. They seek to touch the anointed of the Lord: let us put God’s word to the test.

Olumuyiwa Osinuga "Nomoreloss" Is Dead (Singer, Comedian)

In a very sad turn of events, Multi talented act, soul pop singer, comedian, compere, Olumuyiwa Osinuga a.k.a Nomoreloss is dead.

Shybell Media who broke the news exclusively reports that multiply sources close to the situation confirmed that the talented vocalist known for hits like 'Iyawo Asiko' and 'Let them say' died this morning at an undisclosed hospital in Opebi, Ikeja Lagos.

Further investigation revealed that the talented performer has been ill since January which took him off the entertainment scene.

Will keep you posted as more details unfold.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen

http://mojidelano.com/2016/03/breaking-singer-comedian-compere-olumuyiwa-osinuga-a-k-a-nomoreloss-is-dead/

Ese: Yunusa Dahiru Granted Bail

Yinusa Dahiru, the alleged abductor of Ese Oruru standing trial at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, was on Monday granted bail to the tune of N3 million and two sureties in like sum.

The sureties, according to the ruling must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court while one must be a civil servant of not less that level 12 while the second must be a title holder.

Ruling on the bail application, the trial judge Justice H. A. Nganjiwa stated that the suspect be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

The judge further said that the sureties must provide tax clearance for the past three years.

Dahiru was on March 8, 2016, charged with abduction, kidnapping, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual exploitation by the Nigerian Police.

Dahiru, aka Yellow, had pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him.
Counsel to Dahiru, Mr Kayode Olaoshebikan who thanked the court for granting bail to the accused pledged to work to meet the bail conditions.

Nganjiwa adjourned the case until April 17, 2016, for ruling on the application of the prosecution to obtain the evidence of Oruru in camera.

http://saharareporters.com/2016/03/21/ese-oruru-abduction-trial-yunusa-dahiru-granted-bail

NYSC Ad-Hoc INEC Official Killed At Ahoada West LGA

Rivers Rerun: Missing INEC Electoral Officer Found, Youth Corps INEC Ad Hoc staff killed


INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, has confirmed that the electoral officer for Ikwerre who was earlier declared missing during the Rivers rerun election has been found alive.

Mr Osifo Osaze is reported to have been attacked by gunmen who opened fire on his vehicle but he managed to escape his assailants into the bush.

The REC told Channels Television that Mr Osaze was found with bullet wounds and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

In another incident, a Youth Corps ad hoc INEC official was killed during violence at a polling unit in Ahoada West Local Government area on Saturday.

Mr Ikoiwak said that further announcements on the polls will be made in due course.

INEC had suspended further activities in the Rivers State rerun elections following the violent incidents trailing the conduct of the polls.

In a statement late on Sunday, INEC’s Director in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, regretted that “some of these elections witnessed the disruption of the process, including the barricading of some of the INEC Local Government offices and Registration Area Centres (RACs) used for the distribution of Electoral materials which led to the late commencement of the exercise in some places and consequently, its smooth take off”.

He said that “the suspension does not affect constituencies where the exercise has been completed and the results declared by the returning officers”.

INEC had earlier suspended election in eight local government areas of the state.

Addressing reporters earlier on Sunday the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, said that the cancelation was due to irregularities at the affected local government areas.

http://www.channelstv.com/2016/03/21/rivers-rerun-missing-inec-electoral-officer-found/

Economy Has Stopped Working, Labour Tells Buhari

The organised labour on Sunday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to use the opportunity of the planned economic conference to come up with policies that could be implemented to get the country out of its current economic woes.

The two labour centres in the country– the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress – said the economy had stopped functioning.

NLC and TUC believed that the state of the economy had not been as bad as the prevailing scenario since the civil war.

The organised labour demanded quick solutions to the current economic challenges.

The General Secretary of the NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, and the President of the TUC, Mr. Bala Kaigama, said in separate interviews with the PUNCH on Sunday that the organised Labour was not invited to the crucial economic retreat.

Ozo-Eson said on the telephone that the organised labour and indeed the country were waiting on the government to come up with urgent policies to stimulate the various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and solid minerals.

He said the expected economic policies should focus on how to transform solid minerals in the country to finished products in order to avoid a repeat of the situation where crude oil was sold without any further step to convert it to finished product.

Ozo-Esan added, “We are not invited to the summit. So, if they are having their summit, we know they should be able to articulate positions, to discuss how to get this economy functioning because right now, it is actually not functioning. And there is a need to kick-start the economy.

“So it is their own, it is a government summit. We await the outcome but what is crucial is that this moment, a quick decision needs to be taken, and policies put in place to make this economy functioning again.

“We await what policies they will articulate in terms of manufacturing, in terms of agriculture, in terms of solid minerals but not just solid minerals, even a long term plan for it so that solid minerals will not also have the same problem that oil has.

“A programme that transforms the minerals into finished products is what will add value to the economy.”

Kaigama added that the economic conference was important because the country was in dire need of economic policies to address the decline in the economy.

The TUC president believed the nation’s economy had not been this bad except during the civil war, calling on the government to come up with policies to remedy the “frightening” situation.

He added, “We encourage them to come up with the economic summit even though we are not part of it, we have not been invited. Nigeria needs a very proactive economic policy now that will address the woes of the economy.

“We are in the worst in terms of economic experiences. We are not in good terms in terms of our economy at all. It had never been this bad except during the civil war. So we hope that the government would take steps to remedy the situation.”

http://www.punchng.com/2016/03/21/economy-has-stopped-working-labour-tells-buhari/

Buhari: I'm In Dilemma Over Power Privatisation

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is facing what he calls "the classic dilemma" over the privatisation of the power sector.

He said the privatisation of the sector had yet to show any improvement in the quality of service, saying it was difficult to determine whether it was done in public interest or with profit motive.

President Buhari, however, noted that since the privatisation of the sector had started, the process had to be completed.

Speaking at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja Monday at the commencement of a two-day National Economic Council (NEC) retreat titled: "Nigerian State: Multi-centres of Prosperity", he said the epileptic power situation in the country was no longer a laughing matter.

The president said: "Key points to look at here are: Privatisation. We are facing the classic dilemma of privatisation: Public interest vs Profit Motive. Having started, we must complete the process".

He also disclosed that his administration had, in its remaining three, given itself the target of 10,000 megawatts "distributable power", adding that in 2016 alone, the government intended to add 2,000 megawatts to the national grid.

"Nigerians’ favourite talking point and butt of jokes is the power situation in our country. But, ladies and gentlemen, it is no longer a laughing matter. We must and by the grace of God we will put things right", he assured.

He said: "Common public complaints are "Constant power cuts destroying economic activity and affecting quality of life; high electricity bills despite power cuts; low supply of gas to power plants due to vandalization by terrorists; obsolete power distribution equipment such as transformers; power fluctuations which damage manufacturing equipment and household appliances; and low voltage which cannot run industrial machinery.

These are some of the problems which defied successive governments. In our determination to CHANGE, we must and will, insha Allah, put a stop to power shortages".

He said while the National Electricity Regulatory Commission has a vital job to ensure consumers get value for money and over-all public interest is safe-guarded; government has to fast-track completion of pipelines from gas points to power stations and provide more security to protect gas and oil pipelines

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/buhari-i-m-in-dilemma-over-power-privatisation/138825.html