Mass Sack: NLC, TUC Vow To Cripple Banking Sector

BY Victor Ahiuma-Young, reporting from Geneva, Switzerland GENEVA – ORGANISED Labour, Thursday, vowed to cripple operations in the banking sector over ongoing mass retrenchment of workers, throwing its weight behind the threat by the Federal Government through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, to withdraw the licenses of banks that breached its directive to halt further retrenchment. This came as Labour issued a 21 day ultimatum to the affected banks to recall the sacked workers or risked unprecedented industrial action.

At a joint briefing in Geneva, leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, insisted that they would picket banks that indulge in further mass sack of their employees, saying that the Federal Government was right to have threatened erring banks with withdrawal of their licenses if they refused to halt the gale of mass retrenchment of workers.

Speaking at a a briefing at the venue of the on-going 105th International Labour Conference, ILC, in Geneva, Switzerland, both Labour centres contended that just like the banks disobeyed the laws of the country and retrenched workers “we will picket them to show them that they do not have monopoly of law of disobedience.”

Both Ayuba Wabba and the TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama, who frowned at the refusal of the banks to allow their workers to unionized, said the pronouncement of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige was expected, arguing that it was not the responsibility of the Senate Committee on Banking to invite the Minister and others for a meeting since the issue fell within industrial relations.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/mass-sack-nlc-tuc-vow-cripple-banking-sector/

Look beyond APC for solutions to economy, Senate tells Buhari

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke
ABUJA—THE Senate, yesterday, vowed to hold accountable, every appointee chosen by President Muhammadu Buhari to help him address the nation’s myriad of economic problems.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who made the declaration at the celebration of one year of the 8th Senate, sought the support and co-operation of the President to discharge this oversight task.

Lambasting his colleagues for failing to take steps to come up with the necessary policy and legislation to put the economy on the right track, Saraki implored the President to look beyond his party, All Progressives Party, APC, to get the best brains to help him run the economy.

He said: “We are confident that one year after, the President must by now have better clarity on the capacity of his appointees. The Senate would not hesitate to hold any appointee accountable for the work he has accepted to do.

“We would like to seek Mr. President’s support and co-operation to enable us discharge this oversight task.

“We have failed to take the necessary steps in policy and legislation that would set us on the path to developing the kind of economy we desire.’’

Senate worries over worsening economy, unemployment, militancy, others

Saraki expressed concern about the worsening economic situation in the country, which had culminated in retrenchment, rising cost of living, unemployment, insurgency and renewed militancy in the Niger Delta.

He said further in his address to his colleagues in the chamber: “These are serious challenges that require all hands to be on deck. There is no other time in our history than now, when the business of government needs to be conducted with great inclusiveness.

“We must find a way to bring the best brains in our country on board wherever they may be found. Even those who did not vote for us but believe in the change that we all believe is necessary to move our country forward should be given a seat at the table.

“If we are able to mobilize the best human resources that God has bountifully blessed our country with, I have no doubt that with God on our side, we shall overcome.

“We note the Federal Government’s plan to invest N500 billion in social protection programmes in the current budget. We want to urge the government to ensure that appropriate mechanism is devised to ensure that the benefits of these programmes get to those who are genuinely in need.

“It is important that, as we move forward in this fight, considerable attention is paid to strengthening the anti-corruption agencies to enable them discharge their functions with greater efficiency and fairness.

“We want to assure Mr. President that the Senate will continue to play its part in the fight against corruption, which we believe is cardinal in our desire to improve governance in our country. We will also continue to broaden the scope for increased openness and accountability that we have promised at the legislative level.

Tasks FG on fight against mass poverty

“While government has made progress in the fight against Boko Haram and in the fight against corruption, the fight against mass poverty remains a daunting challenge. Rising cost of living, increased cases of retrenchment and corresponding rise in unemployment, inability of state governors to pay salaries and upsurge in ethnic-based agitation potentially deny government the full credit of the great strides it has made in other areas.

“The same energy that has been invested in fighting corruption and Boko Haram must be invested in taking care of the people, in making life easier and better for them. We need to begin to assure Nigerians that the sacrifice that they make today will not be in vain. We need to begin to show them that there would be light at the end of the dark tunnel. So, we must not relent in our efforts in this area over the next years ahead.

On Niger-Delta militants

“I cannot end this address without a note on the on-going security challenges we are beginning to witness in the Niger Delta area of our country.

“We urge the warring militants to embrace our democratic institutions and channel their grievances through appropriate quarters as we can ill-afford further damage to the ecosystem of this all important region and any more disruptions in the system.

“In the same vein, we also encourage government to adopt dialogue and engagement as a more lasting option towards resolving this challenge. We also call on the leaders in the area to play their part and ensure through mediation that this menace is comprehensively quelled.

“The collapse in oil price has, without doubt, brought huge shock to our economy on a scale that perhaps, has neverbeen experienced before. This requires us to develop creative strategies that would stimulate business and investments into other sectors.

“For decades, we have talked about the need to diversify our economy. But we have failed to take the necessary steps in policy and legislation that would set us on the path to developing the kind of economy that we desire.

“The Ease of Doing Business Report that ranks our country 167 out of 189 countries is not likely to attract business into our economy. This Senate understands this. With the support from our international development partners, the organized private sector, we commissioned an expert report which identified 54 extant laws that must be reviewed and brought in line with international best practices in order to open up our economy for private investments and business.

“For too long, Nigerians have challenged us to justify our presence in this chamber. Many have wondered what exactly we do here or why we should be entitled to certain privileges. I believe that the best answer we can provide to all these is to continue to seek ways that would enable the ordinary citizen feel the impact of the Senate in their lives.

“I dream of a day when the poor woman sitting in her house in rural Awka would be able to see the benefit of our work on her life. I dream of a day when a child going to school in Gusau would feel the benefit of the laws that we make.

“I dream of a day when a young lady in Osogbo would be able to say how the Senate has helped her small business. I dream of a day when a farmer in Ogoja would see how those of us gathered in this chamber have helped to improve his life. I am confident that if we continue on the path that we have walked in the past year, that day will come soon"

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/look-beyond-apc-solutions-economy/

My Father Almost Killed Me With Sex, 10-year-old Cries

LAGOS – Justice Kudirat Jose of Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja was, yesterday, told how a commercial driver, Ajayi Gbadegesin, 40, had sexual intercourse with his daughter for 18 months.

Led in evidence by the state prosecutor, Mr. Babatunde Oguntemowo, an importer of laboratory and scientific equipment, Babatope Adamolekun, said: “On May 12, 2014, at about 8a.m, on my way to work at Bello Bus Stop, Iju, Lagos, I saw a 10-year-old girl (name withheld) begging a woman for money.

“I asked her why she was not in school and the victim narrated to me that she lost her mother, was staying with her step-mother in Agege, a suburb of Lagos and needed money to go back.


“She added that her father had been having sex with her for more than one and half years and that she almost died from the previous night’s experience, as her father had sex with her more than three times.”

The witness further told the court that when he asked the girl of her father’s whereabouts, she told him that her father’s commercial bus was parked a few meters away from the bus stop and that he had gone to get fuel.

Adamolekun told the court that with the help of four other people, they forced the victim’s father to the police station in a tricycle.

He added: “On getting to Red House Police Station at Iju Ishaga in Agege, I told the police what happened and they assigned a female officer to take the girl to hospital for test and treatment.

“I assisted them with N7,500 that evening when I was showed the result from the hospital that confirmed that her father had sex with her. The DPO, Ajimote, directed them to charge the matter to court immediately after seeing the report.”

The next morning, Gbadegesin admitted having sex with his daughter, saying it was the devil’s work.

The witness continued: “Then we chartered a vehicle to Abule-Egba Magistrate’s Court, where I was called as a witness, and the Magistrate ordered that the girl be taken to Idi-Araba for rehabilitation, while her father was remanded in Kirikiri Prison.”

Justice Jose adjourned the matter till October 6 for continuation of trial.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/father-almost-killed-sex-10-yr-old-cries/

1,500mw Lost To Pipeline Bombings —NNPC

By Ediri Ejoh & Prince Okafor

Concerns continue to loom over the state of affairs of the country’s power supply, as recent report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, puts a colossal loss of 1,500 megawatts of electricity to  attacks on oil and gas facilities by militants in the Niger Delta.

This is even as the capacity of Warri refining and petrochemical company plummeted from 25.65 per cent in March to 6. 36 per cent in April this year.

However, the country’s generation as at yesterday, stood at 2,087.90 megawatts, against its lowest generation of 820.5MW, recorded on Wednesday, with the peak generation of 2,516.9 megawatts on that same day.

NNPC in its financial and operations report, said it lost about N19.43 billlion in April because crude oil supply dropped from 59.27 million barrels in February to 57.43 million barrels in March.

The report further stated that  541 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, mmscfd, was delivered to the gas fired power plants in  April this year to generate an average power of about 2,466mw.

This is compared with May 2015 to April 2016 average gas supply of 686 mmscfd and power generation of 2,969mw.

The supply dipped following persistent bombings of the country’s pipelines and oil facilities which supply gas to the power plants.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, said the country  recorded a loss of 4,031megawatts of electricity over crisis of pipeline bombings, which had led to gas shortage to plants.

The agency noted that about 25 gas power plants had no gas to run.

The report showed that 28 power generation stations two days ago, produced a total of 2, 101mw.

A break-down of the generation plants includes Kainji 213mw, Jebba 267mw, Shiroro 59mw, Egbin 128mw, Sapele I 11mw, Delta 75mw, Afam IV-V 0mw.

Others are: Geregu 68mw, Omotosho I 36Mw, Ololushogo I 0mw, Geregu NIPP 0mw, Sapele NIPP 26Mw, Alaojo NIPP 195mw, Olorushogo NIPP 0mw, Omotosho NIPP 0mw, Odukpani NIPP 41mw, Ihvobo NIPP 0mw,  and Okpai  had 145mw.

NNPC bemoaned the resurgence of vandalism, saying it negatively affected crude oil production as well as the country’s power generation currently less than 2,100 megawatts.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/1500mw-lost-pipeline-bombings-nnpc/

Buhari's Ambassadorial Nominees And Their State Of Origin

Why is plateau state missing in this list

List Of Ambassadorial Nominees
1. Obinna Chukwuemeka Agbugba (Abia)
2. Salisu Umaru (Adamawa)
3. Inyan Udo-Inyang (Akwa Ibom)
4. Okeke Vivian Nwunaku (Anambra)
5. Liman Munir (Bauchi)
6. Ndem Jane Ada (Benue)
7. Mohammed Hassan Hassan (Borno)
8. Martin Nyong Cobham (Cross River)
9. Janet Omoleegho Olisa (Delta)
10. Itegboje S. Sunday (Edo)
11. Olatunde Adesesan (Ekiti)
12. Lilian Ijeukwu Onoh (Enugu)
13. Manaja Tula Isah (Gombe)
14. Ngozi Ukaeje (Imo)
15. Bello Kazaure Huessini (Jigawa)
16. Enoch Pear Duchi (Kaduna)
17. Garba Baba (Kano)
18. Usman Bakori Aliyu (Katsina)
19. Umar Zainab Salisu (Kebbi)
20. Momoh Sheidu Omeiza (Kogi)
21. Kadiri Ayinla Audu (Kwara)
22. Balogun Hakeem (Lagos)
23. Inusa Ahmed (Nasarawa)
24. Ibrahim Isah (Niger)
25. Bankole Adegboyega Adeoye (Ogun)
26. Ibidapo-Obe Oluwasegun (Osun)
27. Ogundero Sakirat (Oyo)
28. Eric A. Bell-Gam (Rivers)
29. Attahiru Halliru (Sokoto)
30. Rahmatu A. Dunama (Taraba)
31. Musa Saban Mamman (Yobe)
32. Kabiru Bala (Zamfara)
33. Adamu Onoze Shuaibu (FCT)
34. Demenongu A. Agev (Benue)
35. Toko Ali Gongulong (Borno)
36. Ibrahim Hamza (Katsina)
37. Kenneth C. Nwachukwu (Imo)
38. Queen I. Worlu (Edo)
39. Emmanuel Kayode Oguntause (Ekiti)
40. Paragalda Ilyasu Audu (Adamawa)
41. Lawan Abba Gashagar (Borno)
42. Olufemi Abikoye (Kwara)
43. Habu Abubakar Gwani Ibrahim (Gombe)
44. Rabiu Akawu (Kano)
45. Nonye Udo (Anambra)
46. Odeka Janet Bisong (Cross River)
47. Sonaike Adekunbi Abibat (Ogun)

http://saharareporters.com/2016/06/09/updated-list-ambassador-nominees-including-state-origin

Why We Can’t Stop Non-nigerian Herdsmen – FG - VANGUARD

Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja

The Federal Government on Thursday explained why non-citizens of Nigeria were still allowed to graze their cattle across the country despite the fact that it had been established that many herdsmen who were involved in clashes in Nigerian villages were not Nigerians.

According to the government, the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol has given the right of free movement to citizens of member countries, adding that the law as similar to the fundamental right to freedom of movement in the Nigerian constitution.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this at the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Grazing Reserves and Stock Routes in Abuja.

He said, “The Nigerian constitution has given every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of movement in search of legitimate businesses; transhumance pastoralism is seen along these lines.

“For pastoralists from neighbouring West African countries, access to grazing rights in other countries in the ECOWAS zone including Nigeria, are guaranteed by the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol of 1998 and ECOWAS Protocol of Free Movement of Goods and Persons in West Africa.”

Ogbeh stated that the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol allows for herders to move across borders in search of pasture upon fulfilling the conditions laid down in the Protocol.

“So it is not strange to see a Malian, Burkinabe or Nigerien pastoralist grazing his cows, sheep or goats in Nigeria or a Nigerian pastoralist grazing his livestock in Benin, Togo or Ghana and by extension, transhumance pastoralists from other neighbouring countries,” he added.

The minister noted that pastoralists who provide bulk of livestock and dairy products consumed locally, employ mobility as a production strategy.

He, however, regretted that the movement of animals within and across agro-ecological zones had precipitated resource use competition that had resulted in high incidence of conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists across the country.

On ways to mitigate the conflict between the groups and promote commercial livestock production, the minister stated that grazing reserves and stock routes’ development and utilisation had been stepped up in recent years.

“The grazing reserves are to settle transhumance pastoralists and reduce/eliminate crop farmer-pastoralist conflicts,” he said.


http://punchng.com/cant-stop-non-nigerian-herdsmen-fg/

– A Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa is contending in a suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos that members of the IPOB are entitled to assemble together in any part of the country for the purpose of demanding for self-determination – He is praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance from the security agencies A Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos to restrain the federal government from authorising soldiers and policemen to clampdown on Biafra protests. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign state of Biafra Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign state of Biafra. According to the Nation, Adegboruwa is contending that members of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) are entitled to assemble together in any part of the country, for the purpose of demanding for self-determination, without any permit or licence in line with sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 constitution which provides for the right of free assembly and association, and the freedom of expression. READ ALSO: MASSOB issues warning to Governor Obiano He is also praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance from the security agencies, Daily post reports. He said the violation of such rights, which are also guaranteed by Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. The respondents in the suit are the President, Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Hon Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff. In the new suit, No. FHC/L/CS/775/2016, Adegboruwa is seeking the following reliefs: “A. A DECLARATION that the applicant and all other citizens of Nigeria are entitled to gather, assemble freely and express their opinions lawfully in the exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. B. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State (all of the Igbo tribe) while gathering in Nkpor, Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May, 2016 to commemorate the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day by the respondents, their servants and privies constitutes a flagrant violation of the citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. READ ALSO: BREAKING: New militant group makes outrageous demand C. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State by the respondents, in respect of Biafra peaceful and lawful gathering, constitutes a flagrant violation of the citizens’ fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. D. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to their freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly and association without let or hindrance from the respondents, their agents, servants, officers or otherwise howsoever in, exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. E. A DECLARATION that the statutory duties of the respondents does not cover or extend to interrupt peaceful and lawful assembly willingly organized by the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State to honour their fallen heroes and therefore is not entitled to arrest or detain or kill any innocent and unarmed citizen on account of International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day. F. A DECLARATION that the investigative activities of the respondents into the peaceful and lawful assembly in honour of Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day organized by citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State is ultra vires the respondents, and is therefore unconstitutional, null and void. G. A DECLARATION that since the Federal Government of Nigeria is entitled to hold and organize “Armed Forces Remembrance Day” in remembrance of dead soldiers during the civil war, the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are also entitled to hold and organize “Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day” without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap . 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. H. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to decline to participate in any meeting, conference, dialogue or forum organized, convened or summoned by the respondents in respect to the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre involving the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of the citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. I. AN INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further violating the fundamental rights of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State through unlawful arrest, detention and killing except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by law. J. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from compelling the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State, either by threat of arrest, detention, persecution, prosecution or killing to attend any meeting convened by the respondents for the purposes of inquiry and investigation about the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre. L. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further arrest, detention, persecution, prosecution, killing or in any other manner taking steps that may jeopardize the liberty, freedom and life of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by law. M. AN ORDER that the respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever are not entitled to quell, suppress, subdue and crush a peaceful gathering of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in commemoration of Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day. N. AN ORDER directing the respondents to release forthwith all innocent citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State held in their custody in respect of International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day. O. AN ORDER nullifying and voiding actions of the respondents over the massacre of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in Nkpor, Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi all in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May, 2016 while commemorating the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day to the extent that it violates the liberty and freedom of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State as guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. P. SUCH FURTHER OR OTHER ORDERS as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.” Meanwhile, IPOB has rejected the offer of Governor Wille Obiano of Anambra state to pay the hospital bills of Biafra agitators injured during their 49 years anniversary. Vanguard reports that the governor made the pledge at Nkpor town hall when he came to sympathize with the people of Nkpor. During the celebration of the declaration of Biafra on Monday, June 30, there was a clash between pro-Biafra agitators and the army which led to the death of some members of the separatist group while several others were injured. IPOB through its media and publicity officer Mr Emma Powerful dismissed the governor’s offer to offset the hospital bills of the wounded Biafra and non Biafra agitators and described the gesture as medicine after death and an attempt to win cheap popularity.
Read more: https://www.naij.com/855533-biafra-killings-lawyer-takes-drastic-action-fg.html

– A Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa is contending in a suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos that members of the IPOB are entitled to assemble together in any part of the country for the purpose of demanding for self-determination – He is praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance from the security agencies A Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos to restrain the federal government from authorising soldiers and policemen to clampdown on Biafra protests. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign state of Biafra Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign state of Biafra. According to the Nation, Adegboruwa is contending that members of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) are entitled to assemble together in any part of the country, for the purpose of demanding for self-determination, without any permit or licence in line with sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 constitution which provides for the right of free assembly and association, and the freedom of expression. READ ALSO: MASSOB issues warning to Governor Obiano He is also praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance from the security agencies, Daily post reports. He said the violation of such rights, which are also guaranteed by Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. The respondents in the suit are the President, Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Hon Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff. In the new suit, No. FHC/L/CS/775/2016, Adegboruwa is seeking the following reliefs: “A. A DECLARATION that the applicant and all other citizens of Nigeria are entitled to gather, assemble freely and express their opinions lawfully in the exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. B. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State (all of the Igbo tribe) while gathering in Nkpor, Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May, 2016 to commemorate the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day by the respondents, their servants and privies constitutes a flagrant violation of the citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. READ ALSO: BREAKING: New militant group makes outrageous demand C. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State by the respondents, in respect of Biafra peaceful and lawful gathering, constitutes a flagrant violation of the citizens’ fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. D. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to their freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly and association without let or hindrance from the respondents, their agents, servants, officers or otherwise howsoever in, exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. E. A DECLARATION that the statutory duties of the respondents does not cover or extend to interrupt peaceful and lawful assembly willingly organized by the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State to honour their fallen heroes and therefore is not entitled to arrest or detain or kill any innocent and unarmed citizen on account of International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day. F. A DECLARATION that the investigative activities of the respondents into the peaceful and lawful assembly in honour of Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day organized by citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State is ultra vires the respondents, and is therefore unconstitutional, null and void. G. A DECLARATION that since the Federal Government of Nigeria is entitled to hold and organize “Armed Forces Remembrance Day” in remembrance of dead soldiers during the civil war, the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are also entitled to hold and organize “Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day” without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap . 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. H. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to decline to participate in any meeting, conference, dialogue or forum organized, convened or summoned by the respondents in respect to the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre involving the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of the citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. I. AN INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further violating the fundamental rights of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State through unlawful arrest, detention and killing except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by law. J. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from compelling the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State, either by threat of arrest, detention, persecution, prosecution or killing to attend any meeting convened by the respondents for the purposes of inquiry and investigation about the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre. L. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further arrest, detention, persecution, prosecution, killing or in any other manner taking steps that may jeopardize the liberty, freedom and life of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by law. M. AN ORDER that the respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever are not entitled to quell, suppress, subdue and crush a peaceful gathering of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in commemoration of Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day. N. AN ORDER directing the respondents to release forthwith all innocent citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State held in their custody in respect of International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day. O. AN ORDER nullifying and voiding actions of the respondents over the massacre of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in Nkpor, Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi all in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May, 2016 while commemorating the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day to the extent that it violates the liberty and freedom of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State as guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. P. SUCH FURTHER OR OTHER ORDERS as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.” Meanwhile, IPOB has rejected the offer of Governor Wille Obiano of Anambra state to pay the hospital bills of Biafra agitators injured during their 49 years anniversary. Vanguard reports that the governor made the pledge at Nkpor town hall when he came to sympathize with the people of Nkpor. During the celebration of the declaration of Biafra on Monday, June 30, there was a clash between pro-Biafra agitators and the army which led to the death of some members of the separatist group while several others were injured. IPOB through its media and publicity officer Mr Emma Powerful dismissed the governor’s offer to offset the hospital bills of the wounded Biafra and non Biafra agitators and described the gesture as medicine after death and an attempt to win cheap popularity.
Read more: https://www.naij.com/855533-biafra-killings-lawyer-takes-drastic-action-fg.html

"My Biggest Sin Is That I Talked Too Much Before We Came Into Power"- Lai

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Thursday said his only “sin” was that he spoke too much before the 2015 general election which brought in the All Progressive Congress (APC) into power.

“I believe that my only sin is talking too much before the elections and now I have to pay the price,” the Minister said.

Lai Mohammed, who is the former Publicity Secretary of the party, said this while speaking at the inaugural town hall meeting, entitled ‘Buharimeter’, holding in Abuja.

The town hall meeting is aimed at gauging the achievements of the President Buhari administration in the past year.

Also present at the town hall meeting are – the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Audu Ogbeh (Agriculture and Rural Development), Amina Mohammed (Environment), and Udo Udoma (Budget and National Planning).

“Long before the first year anniversary we had embarked on our own town hall meeting to give the citizens feedbacks on our achievements. The first one was held in Lagos.”

“Any meaningful assessment must be situated within the right context. We campaigned on three broad areas, corruption, revamp the economy and security. Have we met our targets? If you ask me, I will say we are on track.”


Speaking on security, Mohammed said the federal government faced severe challenges in ending the Boko Haram menace, noting that government has fought the insurgency to a near halt.

Mohammed, who has faced severe media criticism since the advent of the present administration, noted that corruption was the reason why the war against terrorism was prolonged.

He said corruption had worsened the electricity situation in the country even as government has sunk millions of dollars into the power sector.

Mohammed also disclosed that the federal government will recover more looted funds, adding that so far, the monies recovered was just the tip of an iceberg.

The Minister further noted that the crash of oil prices was a huge worry but however, stated that the administration has the political will and discipline to fulfill its electoral promise to Nigerians.

“In the coming weeks, the conditional cash transfer will commence, the free meal, vocational training and so on would also begin.”

http://www.newshelm.com/2016/06/my-biggest-sin-is-that-i-talked-too.html