Alleged Boko Haram Senators being investigated - IGP

The disclosure was made Abubakar on Wednesday during the conference/training of sectional heads of zonal and state Criminal Investigation Departments (CIDs) at the Force Headquarters (FHQ), Abuja.

Meanwhile, Senator Zanna has sued the Minister of Defence, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief of Defence Staff and the spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, for defamation of character.
 
It would be recalled that another Senator from the same Borno State, Mohammed Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District is already facing prosecution on the issue of links with Boko Haram.

“We are doing so much. We are looking for evidence and those who have it should give it to us. We are investigating. You cannot take anybody to court without concrete evidence. All the senators you are talking about are under watch and we are investigating.
 
“So we need assistance and that is part of what the seminar will discuss today (Wednesday) because these investigators need evidence to prosecute their cases,” he pointed out.

“There is no doubt that the investigative unit of the police is very key and important to any police organisation in the world. When we came on board, we realised the lapses and incompetence of not only police officers but also the department to resolve certain criminal cases that ordinarily should have been resolved quickly.
 
“We found it very expedient that we must go back on track. You are aware of the fact that there are several unresolved cases of murder, rape, kidnapping and other heinous crimes in this country not because the police are incompetent to resolve them or fish out those behind the acts.
 
“As such, we have several factors, which we shall discuss today in order to move the force forward,” Abubakar explained.
 
He further reiterated that the police was working towards the establishment of an efficient and effective CID that would command the respect of Nigerians, observe human rights, do justice to all, shun torture, refrain from illegal detention and grant bail to bailable offences without collecting bribes.
 
Speaking on the Hon. Farouk Lawan and Femi Otedola bribery case, Abubakar noted that there were other factors the police force had to key into for them to complete the investigation, saying that as soon as they complete the investigation, they would do what was right and ensure that prosecution takes place.
 
In the suit filed by Gbenga Olagundoye on behalf of Zannah, he  claimed that Musa on October 19 at a press conference used defamatory words against him.
 
According to the court papers, the written press statement issued by Musa was captioned “JTF Arrests Boko-Haram Commander in Senator's House”.
 
It added that JTF in the statement claimed that the high profile member of Boko-Haram, Shuaibu Bama, was arrested in the house of a serving senator along Damboa Road, GRA, Maidiguri.
 
Zannah said the statement ordinarily meant that he had harboured a wanted Boko-Haram terror suspect in his house, thereby suggesting that he is a supporter of the terrorist group.
 
He said the publication was a calculated move meant to disparage him before the general public.
 
Olagundoye claimed that Zannah had “suffered considerable distress, mental trauma, shock and embarrassment, as well as loss and damages.”

Snakes in a parcel shut S.African post office

The one metre (yard) long non-venomous snake was one of four sent this week in an express parcel that arrived at the Sabie Post Office, about 300 km northeast of Johannesburg, postal officials said on Wednesday.

Once the python hit the floor, sorting room employees were out of the door, Sabie Branch Manager Mthobisi Duba said.

``This was the most traumatic experience ever in the post office," Duba said in a statement.

An official from the local parks board collected the white python and the three other smaller snakes still in the parcel.

The parks board is taking care of the reptiles.

The receiver of the parcel was charged with the illegal transport of animals, South Africa's post service said.(Reuters/NAN)

 

DJ in court for allegedly assaulting hotelier

The defendant, Seyi Shekoni, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and stealing before an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Insp. Frank Inah, told the court that the defendant was smoking Indian Hemp on Oct. 29, at about 1.30 a.m. and assaulted the hotelier, Sunny Ndukuaba, at Saturn Hotel, No 106, Apapa road, Lagos

"The accused assaulted Ndukuaba, the managing director of the hotel, by slapping him on the chest, for challenging him as he was smoking Indian Hemp.  

"The Disc Jockey, who resides at 43, Abule-Nla, Ebute-Meta, also stole a gold neck lace, valued at N75,000, belonging to the hotel’s managing director," Inah said.  

The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene Sections 409, 169 (6) and 285 (1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
 
The DJ pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate M.O. Olubi granted the defendant a bail of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case to Dec. 3 for mention.

Gunmen kill village head, 17 others in Zamfara

A survivor, Malam Sani Abdullahi, who narrated his ordeal to newsmen in Gusau, said the bandits, swooped on the village at about 4 a.m and began to shoot sporadically. 

``It was when the shooting started that the village head, identified as Alhaji Maiyara, came out to plead with the gunmen to stop the heinous crime. But they got at him and killed him.

``He was killed instantly when they felt that he was disturbing them with his endless begging after he was warned to shut up and keep off.

``They fired from different angles of the village and killed whoever attempted to escape, after killing our village head,’’ he said.

Haruna Kabir, another survivor who spoke to the newsmen, said he heard gunshots from far away and sensed that a disaster was befalling the community.

He said he escaped from the village through a bush path, adding that he would not return to the village in a hurry. 

The bandits were believed by the villagers to be responsible for the killing of 22 people at Dogon Dawa

village in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State about a fortnight ago.

Malam Nuhu Anka, the Director of Press to Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, confirmed the incident to the Newsmen in Gusau.

He said the governor had directed the state Emergency Management Agency to supply relief materials to the victims’ families. 

The state’s acting Governor, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji, along with the Commissioner of Police, Usman Gwary, have already visited the village.

NAN recalls that in October 2011 in lingyado village, in the same Dansadau axis of Zamfara, 19 people were killed through a similar night attack by armed bandits

Bakassi: Nigeria made mistake by going to ICJ - Anyaoku

Anyaoku made the observation on Wednesday at the second annual lecture and book launch of the Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA) in Abuja

He said that the wishes of the people of the Peninsula should have been allowed to determine where they choose to belong to.

Anyaoku cited the Falkland Islands, which originally belonged to Argentina, but were ceded to the UK after the people determined that they wanted to be in the UK.

He also cited the case of the Rock of Gibraltar, which originally belonged to Spain, but became a legal part of the UK after a referendum by the people.

Anyaoku suggested that since Nigeria had lost out of the case, the next step was to intensify diplomatic dialogue with Cameroun, with a view to ensuring that the people of Bakassi were adequately taken care of.

``I think that this was what Nigerians should have done, but having failed to do that, I think Nigerians should live with the afterthought.

``And secondly, let government now look out for Nigerians in Bakassi, who have chosen to return to Nigeria.

``This should be the focal point of our policy on Bakassi.’’

Anyaoku said the country was doing well with its foreign policy since President Goodluck Jonathan assumed power.

He said the policies had been ``forcefully articulated’’ by the President and the Minister of Foreign affair, Amb. Gbenga Ashiru.

``Nigeria does have a foreign policy and it has been more forcefully articulated since President Goodluck Jonathan came into office.

``Gbenga Ashiru, the foreign minister, has never missed any opportunity to articulate the coountry’s policy with the promotion of the nation's economic interest.

``He speaks about protection and defence of Nigerians in Diaspora and I am happy about that.’’

Anyaoku called on the Federal Government to pay attention to the country’s missions abroad by adequately funding them.

He said the missions were the face of the government abroad, and so, ``must reflect the real image of the country to others outside the shore of Nigeria''.

Mr Thomas Mattig, the Resident Representative, FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUN Nigeria, said the organisation would promote a better understanding and a public discussion of Nigeria’s international relations and foreign policy.

Mattig said the organisation would promote research and publication on Nigeria’s foreign policy through

Jonathan wades into oil wells dispute among Anambra, Kogi, Enugu

Govs Peter Obi of Anambra, Idris Wada of Kogi and the Deputy Gov. of Enugu State, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi, whose states are involved in the dispute, were present at the meeting.

The occasion took place at the Presidential Villa.

In an interview with State House correspondents after the meeting, Gov. Obi said it was agreed that

issues concerning the areas where the oil wells are located would be settled amicably.

``We will work together as states of the federation," he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Wada said Jonathan intervened in the dispute by trying to get the National Boundary Commission to do its work in an expeditious manner.

He said the effort of the president was to ensure that ``our people who live in those areas do not get too agitated and take the laws into their hands.

``The president has given the necessary directives.

``We are very happy with the meeting and we are going back very happy to tell our people that Mr President is handling this matter in an expeditious manner and according to the laid down procedures.

``At the end of the day, the matter will be resolved amicably," Wada said.

It would be recalled that Jonathan in August declared Anambra State the 10th oil bearing state in the country.

He said this while inaugurating Orient Petroleum’s Anambra River Production Facility in Aguleri-Otu,

The declaration launched Anambra into the league of oil-producing states, which has Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Imo, Ondo, Delta and Edo a members.

The development will enable Anambra to receive extra revenue from the 13 per cent derivation fund as soon as proceeds from oil produced from the state begins to go into the federation account.

However, Kogi and Enugu States are contesting the attribution of the oil wells to Anambra.

Specifically, Kogi has argued that the oil wells, which feeds the Orient Refinery in Anambra, are on Odeke land in Ibaji Local Government Area of kogi State,

Enugu on the other hand claimed that the oil wells were located within its territory.

Colonel Onwubuya, the chairman of the Uzo Uwani Local Government Council of Enugu State, has said that the two oil blocs acquired by Anambra's Orient Petroleum Company, are located in four communities in Uzo-Uwani

 

 

76 Oil Wells: FG seeks reprieve for Cross River

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday summoned a meeting on the resolution of the loss of the 76 oil wells by Cross River to Akwa Ibom.

Jonathan was represented at the meeting by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, while the governors of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, Sen. Liyel Imoke, and Chief Godswill Akpabio, were respectively in attendance.

Others at the meeting were the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr Elias Mbam, and the Director-General, National Boundary Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed.

A statement issued by Malam Umar Sani, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media, said the meeting examined the judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter.

``While making a presentation, the Chairman Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission stated that the commission met many times to find ways to advise government on the need to provide succour to Cross River due to the financial discomfort it suffered by the judgment of the Supreme Court.

``The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act, especially Section 5, sub-section 7 stipulates that for the purposes of the Act and for avoidance of doubt, where any state of the federation suffers any loss which is outside its control, the Stabilisation Fund shall be used to give succour to such a state,” the statement said.

It said the meeting also examined the new security challenges posed at the Bakassi Peninsula on the loss of innocent lives through the activities of some foreign bodies.

The meeting further noted that as the Green Tree Agreement is nearing expiration and that measures should be taken to address such security challenges.

The vice-president directed that a detailed report with relevant evidence be provided to enable government to act decisively.

Addressing State House Correspondents after the meeting, Akpabio  said the meeting also examined the challenges of insecurity in the Bakassi Peninsular.

 

He said ``for me, it was a very good meeting and we discussed how to ensure that our sister state of Cross River is also happy with the situation, so that the challenges they may be facing may be ameliorated in a way that will show that there is really a sense of belonging to the Nigerian federation.

 

``Re-settlement will continue to be a problem because of some of our people who opted to remain in the peninsula by 2013 when the final withdrawal of who wants to be a citizen and who wants to remain.

 

``I think we still have the problem of influx of people into the country. It is proper that we begin to prepare for refugee crises that may still rare its head outside those who are already here now.’’

 

On the issue of Nigeria buying over the peninsula, Akpabio said the idea would be pursued by the Federal Government ``if the price is not too high’’

 

Orubebe denies allegations of fraud in Niger Delta Ministry

Orubebe described the allegations as ``total fallacy'', stressing that contracts that were awarded for development of the Niger Delta region were visible and verifiable.

The minister was reacting to the statement made by Mr Dino Melaye, the Executive Secretary of Anti- Corruption Network, a Civil Society Organisation.

He said there was no phantom contract in the ministry and threatened to sue  Melaye and his organisation.

The minister said he would  not allow anyone  to rubbish a name that he built over the years.

He said the alleged contract of Canalisation/River Training centre was located in Foupolobulou Ndoro Creek, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.

Orubebe said the contract was awarded to First Marine and Engineering Service Ltd. at the sum of N2.3 billion on Feb. 2, 2011.

He explained that the sum of N355 million had been paid to the contractor through First Bank Plc as mobilisation fee.

The minister said the contracting firm started executing the project on June 6, 2011,and had done 40 per cent of the work.

He said the ministry currently owed the contractor N661 million after making some part payments.

Orubebe said another canalisation contract was awarded to Ogbosite International Ltd. at Odoubou, Ogbabagbene in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta on Feb. 2, 2011.

He said the contract sum was N1.2 billion and N188 million was paid to the company as mobilisation fee.

He said work commenced at the site on June 7, 2011 and that the contractor had achieved 65 per cent of the job, while the ministry still owed the contractor N299 million after some part payments.

The minister said the Land Reclamation/Shoreline protection project at Ogbobagbene in Burutu Local Government of Area of Delta was awarded to Snecou Group of Companies Ltd. at the sum of N2.4 billion on March 3, 2011.

He said the ministry mobilised the contractor to the site with N364 million and the work commenced on June 7, 2011 with 8 per cent of the job done.

Orubebe said the ministry owed the contractor N350 million after making many part payments.

He said the procurement bill was passed into law when Melaye was in the House of Representatives.

The minister said Melaye should have known that ``the law only permits the ministry to write project proposals and permits Due Process Office to certify all contract processes.’’

``I am an elder in the church, I go to church to preach righteousness, holiness and fear of God. So I cannot compromise my integrity.

``And I will not allow anybody to rubbish my name that I have built over the years,’’ the minister said.

Melaye on Monday alleged that the ministry was involved in fictitious contracts totaling N29 billion between 2010 and 2011.

He said the scam involved payments for phantom projects, over-budgeting and violation of Bureau of Public Procurement guidelines for the award of government contracts.



 

Jonathan not involved in Rivers/Bayelsa dispute - Presidency

A statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said the allegation was ``irresponsible and most unfortunate’’.

``Our attention has been drawn to a publication in some newspapers today about a protest staged by the Kalabari National Forum and some monarchs in Abuja, in which the so-called protesters accused President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of interfering in a boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states.

``The protesters alleged directly and through innuendoes, that there are plans to cede five Rivers State oil communities to Bayelsa,’’ it said.

It said the protesters alleged that the actions were ``being done with the connivance of various Federal Government agencies under the watchful eyes and supervision of his Excellency, Mr. President, whose home state, most ingloriously, is the direct beneficiary.

  ``We consider these allegations irresponsible and most unfortunate considering the status of the persons who reportedly championed the protest.’’

It said the statutory agencies being referred to by the protesters did not take orders from the president but were independent organisations.

It said there were laid down procedures for resolving inter-state boundary disputes.

``In this particular case, the dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states predates the Jonathan administration, and has been a matter for consideration by the National Boundary Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and other relevant agencies, long before now.

``The matter has never at any time been brought before either the president or the vice-president.

``The school-boy style protest is an attempt at cheap blackmail. We find the motive deplorable.

``It is all the more surprising that a man of Graham Douglas’s stature, a former Minister, who ought to know what is right, will team up with a group intent on causing disaffection between the president and his Ijaw kinsmen,’’  the statement said.

It advised the Kalabari National Forum and its hidden sponsors, to avoid the temptation to instigate conflict between the Nembe and Kalabari people of Rivers and Bayelsa states, who are both of the same Ijaw stock.

``The statutory agencies assigned the responsibility of resolving boundary disputes should be allowed to do their work.

``President Jonathan appeals to the good people of Rivers and Bayelsa to refuse to be dragged into the politics of conflict being orchestrated by individuals pursuing a hidden agenda.

``The Federal Government, under President Jonathan’s watchful eyes and supervision, remains committed to the promotion of fairness and justice in the interest of all parties concerned,'' the statement stressed. 

Third Mainland Bridge Re-opens

 

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen said he was delighted that the project was delivered 10 days ahead of schedule.

He said that the contract ``was also completed at the awarded contract sum, devoid of variation``.

Reports say that the contract sum was N1.05 billion and awarded to Messrs Borini Prono Company Nig. Ltd.

Onolememen thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his support and sustained funding of the work, as well as the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

The minister thanked the contractors as well as agencies concerned for providing security and effectively managing traffic during the period.

``To the glory of God, I now have the honour and privilege to declare the repair works on the Third Mainland Bridge completed.

``In the same vein, I wish to proclaim that the bridge is hereby fully re-opened to normal traffic,`` he said.

Fielding questions from journalists, the minister said that the ministry had consistently monitored the project to ensure its successful completion.

He urged members of the public to disregard rumours on the integrity of the bridge, saying that the ministry used under-water divers to assess the bridge and had certified it fit.

He said that ``the structural elements are intact''.

While inspecting an expansion joint on the bridge, the minister said that there was a need for the laid pipes to be strengthened so that the street lights could work.

``We would take a step further and rehabilitate the street lights,`` he said.

Onolememen said that the ministry would now move to the Marine Bridge in Lagos, Murtala Mohammed Bridge in Lokoja, and other bridges requiring attention across the country before the end of the year, to make travelling easy.

Also, reports say that motorists heaved a sigh of relief and commended the Federal Government for the effort.

A motorist, Mr Joshua Imokhare, said that he was pleasantly surprised when he heard that the bridge had been opened.

``Such a thing is rare to come by in Nigeria because there have been many projects that never met the schedule,'' Imokhare said.

``I was surprised when I learnt that the bridge was opened and I was among the first motorists to ply it,’’ another motorist, Mrs Abiodun Anjorin said.

``The reopening of the bridge today will ease the traffic gridlock experienced since the repair work began; such affected our operations, especially with this lingering fuel scarcity,” Musiliu Ajibade, a commercial bus driver, said.

 

 

Jonathan Vows to Recover Stolen Subsidy Funds

 

The president also warned that corrupt officials and fraudsters in Nigeria would not be spared as culprits would be severely punished to serve as deterrence to others.

Jonathan gave the assurances and warnings in Abuja at the launch of a Book titled; “Reforming the Un-reformable” written by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

According to him, government is taking every measure to recover all stolen funds from those who defrauded the government in the Petroleum Subsidy Scheme.

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said his administration was committed to various sectoral reforms aimed at creating jobs for the unemployed youth across the country.

“Let me assure you that my administration is not only committed to reform, we are indeed building on some of the reform measures initiated by my predecessors.

“On the governance front, we are going after those who commit various economic crimes and corrupt practices with impunity.

“As you may be aware, government is taking every legal measure to ensure that those who defraud the government in the petroleum subsidy scheme are made to pay back the stolen funds, and also are severely punished.”

He further restated the administration’s commitment to diversifying the nation’s economy, with particular emphasis on agro-business and value addition in the exploitation of other resources to generate employment and create wealth.

On the Book launch, Jonathan commended the author for documenting some of the important reforms embarked upon by government.

 “On a personal note, I see this publication as an attestation of patriotism on the part of the author. As an administration, we shall always support such enterprise, for the purpose of setting the records straight.

“The central message of this important book is hope – hope that Nigeria can reform, and grow to become one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

 “In the past, there was a lot of cynicism about Nigeria. Many people claimed that the political and economic institutions of this country could never be reformed.

“I commend this book for documenting some of the important reforms, which have occurred in Nigeria since our recent democratic transition.”

The president frowned at the situation where Africa’s history, economic challenges and progress were being written and narrated by foreign authors.

He, therefore, stressed the need for African leaders to invest more in writing about their experiences for the general good of the continent.

Jonathan congratulated Okonjo-Iweala for contributing richly to the advancement of governance scholarship.

“I am aware that many people may have read about Nigeria’s debt relief from the Paris Club, about the privatisation programme, or about the establishment of the excess crude account from newspapers.

“In this book, you will find a concise, well-organised discussion of all these policy measures without the big, technical, ‘grammar’ and jargon.”

He, therefore, urged State Governors and Local Government Chairmen to avail themselves copies of the book for smooth implementation of the reform programme at the sub-national levels.

Earlier, Okonjo-Iweala stated that the essence of the book, which took her four years to complete, was to engender hope in Nigerians.

She said the book was also meant for Nigeria to learn from her past experience to shape her future, saying that the book was not her biography.

Professor Paul Collier of the Oxford University, South African Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan and Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra, who reviewed the 198-page book, all identified sound rules and effective institutions as the important pillars for sustained economic development.

 

Diversified Economy, Enhanced Agric Production Will Reposition Nigeria - Don

 

Adewale said in Ibadan on Tuesday that the nation would be disadvantaged if it continued to rely heavily on crude oil when the agricultural sector was more economically viable.

``The country has large arable land to boost agricultural production and it requires huge investment on the part of  the government.’’

He attributed the slow pace of development in the agricultural sector to poor infrastructure, high number of aged farmers and inadequate modern facilities and training for farmers.

Adewale said the effort of the college was to ensure the maximisation of food production in the state and Nigeria in general, through the training of youths in agriculture.

``Our mandate of training youths in the agricultural sector for them to become employers of people and agents of food sufficiency in the nation.''

He said that every institution of higher learning had the responsibility of teaching, research and rendering services, adding that the college had engaged in such activities to boost agricultural production.

``Education should be a social service because it produces manpower to raise economic development of the nation.’’

The professor of agriculture extension said that the institution had designed a drying machine for melon and planned to introduce modern cassava processing equipment to assist the host communities.

Adewale said efforts of the college at producing the best manpower in the agricultural sector was evident in the recent accreditation of its programmes and the ranking which placed the institution as the third best in Nigeria.

He urged the government to invest more in agriculture, adding that the Oyo State Government's  effort in developing agriculture was commendable.

Adewale also commended the people of Ibarapaland, especially Igboora, their traditional rulers and community leaders for their unflinching support to the school

 

NFF Rethinking Port Harcourt as AGA Host

 

There has been no love lost between the NFF and the Governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi for allegedly calling the football house a corrupt body during his speech delivered at last Monday’s Presidential Retreat on Sports held at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan.

It was gathered that the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation is demanding for an apology from the Governor before making plans to finally accept going for the AGA already fixed for November 22nd, 2012.

The Chief Media Officer of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, however, dispelled the rumour of boycotting Port Harcourt for another venue despite the glaring facts on ground that the Football Federation is irked by Governor Amaechi’s alleged corrupt statement on the NFF.

“The NFF Annual General Assembly will come up on November 22nd, 2012. The initial venue was Port Harcourt but in a few days the NFF will either confirm or say something else. As of now it is Port Harcourt that has been on the table to host the 2012 Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation. Arrival is on the 21st of November, 2012 while departure is on the 23rd of November 2012. So within 24 to 48 hours there will be final confirmation of the venue by the NFF”, Olajire disclosed.

 

Court's Security Guard Jailed for Stealing Exhibits

 

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Tony Ubani, who handed down the judgment, however, did not give the convict an option of fine, which he said was to serve as deterrent to other offenders of like minds.

Ubani said: ``Aminu was hired and was being paid by the FCT to secure properties, but he went ahead to steal the same items he was meant to secure.

``His action was despicable, hence, he must be punished for the crime committed to serve as deterrent to him and to others who have same kind of intention.''

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Abdullahi Adamu, had told the court that Retired Cpt. Ibrahim Umar of Lead Guard Security, Wuse, Abuja reported the case at the Wuse Police Station on Oct. 14.

He said that on Oct. 6, Aminu, a security guard at the Wuse Zone 2 Magistrates’ Court, dishonestly entered the Court’s exhibit room while on duty and stole a pair of jean trousers.

He said that the trousers, valued at N6, 000 were recovered from him during investigation.

The prosecutor said that Aminu’s offence contravened the provisions of Section 289 of the Penal Code.

Aminu pleaded guilty to the allegation and begged for mercy.

He said: ``I have younger siblings who depend on me for their source of livelihood, I am begging the court to have mercy on me.'' 

 

 

 

 

Kaduna State Govt Spends N85m on NECO Exams Fees

 

The state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Muhammed Usman, said this in an interview in Kaduna.

Usman said the amount was used to pay the fees for all candidates in public and private schools in the state.

Reports say that the examinations were rescheduled following the June 17 bomb attack on Churches in Zaria and Kaduna, and the reprisals that followed which led to the imposition of a curfew in the state.

The cancellation of the examination had left many students in confusion, as NECO was demanding for fresh registration fees before it could reschedule the examination.

The issue was resolved when the state government agreed to shoulder the responsibility and the rescheduled examination was conducted in July this year.

The examination results were however withheld by NECO due to delay in the settlement of the fees by the state government.

The commissioner emphasised that the government would not shirk away from its responsibility of given school aged children unfettered access to education.

Usman attributed the delay in the payment to minor administrative lapses and appealed to parents to continue to support government's efforts in repositioning the education sector.

The proprietor of Gande-Gan schools in Sabo,, Mr Daniel Gandu, commended the effort of the state government for the intervention.

He said that it would have been difficult for parents to access money to re-pay for the NECO examinations.

Meanwhile, an NGO, Diamond-Crest for Youth Education, has attributed youths’ restiveness in the country to poor education, corruption and poverty.

The President of the group noted that with proper education, the lingering religious and tribal conflicts in the country would be resolved.

Onyedi urged the government to include peace building and patriotism in the nation's educational curriculum in line with current security challenges. 

 

Pope Appoints Kukah to Vatican’s Highest Decision-making Body on Inter-religious Dialogue

 

The 13-member Council is the highest decision and policy-making body for the Council for the Holy Father.

Kukah’s appointment follows on the heels of the appointment of His Grace Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja as a Cardinal.

Fr. Sixtus Onuh, Chancellor, Diocese of Sokoto, told newsmen that Kukah’s new appointment was an addition to others already bagged by him.

In May, the President of the Conference of Bishops of English and French speaking West Africa announced Kukah’s appointment as the Chairman of the Commission on Culture, Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism.

In February, he was elected Chairman of the Commission on Inter-religious Dialogue for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Bishop Kukah had earlier served the Council in five-year tenure when His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze served as the President of the Council.

He was a delegate at the just-concluded Synod of Bishops for the New Evangelisation in the Vatican, Fr. Onuh said. 

 

Cardiologist Blames Patients for Increase in Heart Diseases

 

She told newsmen in Lagos that most patients visited the hospitals late when not much doctors could do to remedy their situations.

Daniels said that ignorance and dearth of specialists was, however, responsible for the late presentation of the disease by most patients.

``This may be due to ignorance; maybe the cardiologist is not within reach. For some of them, they may be old in the village and must contact their children in far distance places before they could get medical attention.

``Getting facilities or things to use for patients who have a heart attack, for example, could be a problem in some communities; people do not even prevent it.

``Even, when it happens suddenly, either they will pray first, or go to the church before visiting the hospitals.

`` By the time they visit the hospital, a lot of damage has been done.’’

She decried the uneven spread of cardiologists and surgeons to treat serious conditions like holes in the heart across the country and called for the training of more of such professionals to meet the needs of patients.

The cardiologist said that even where there were enough professional, there were still inadequate facilities to attend to such patients.

``We do have the experts; we do have the equipment; but they are not enough to meet the needs.

“Some people do not have confidence in the experts we have here and of course occasionally, there could also be the complicated cases.

``Especially children’s cases, when they are still very young, the capacity to take care of children, especially after surgery may not actually be very much available in Nigeria.

``If it is adults, hole in the heart can be taken care of, but for children, we are still a bit far from there.``

Daniels urged people to live healthily, by eating good foods, exercising regularly and doing regular checkups to reduce the possibility of having a heart problem.

She urged the people to always visit the hospitals promptly, especially when there were indications of high blood pressure and high cholesterol to prevent complications. 

 

Prostate Cancer kills 14 Nigerian Men Daily- Expert

 

Nzelu, who said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, noted that the figure was based on studies.

She said that most men report their cancer cases late when the symptoms had already manifested and attributed the situation to ignorance.

According to her, people die unnecessarily, even when they are diagnosed because there are no facilities to treat them.

“Prostate cancer, the second commonest cancer in men, kills 14 men in Nigeria every day. This is not acceptable because it can be prevented.

“India has over 120 comprehensive cancer centres and we don’t have even one centre that has everything to take care of any kind of cancer that can carry out world class research.

`` We need something like this in our own country, because apart from the fact that those that have, can afford it and travel, what of those that cannot?

“In Nigeria, cancer is like a death sentence that is why most deaths here are unnecessary; they are untimely.

“When we had the Dana crash, we are all shouting, but each day people are dying of cancer. Because, they are dying silently, we are not doing anything about it.”

Nzelu said that the prevention should be through life style modification, screening and routine checkups, at least once a year for those who are 40 and above.

She said that regular exercise, losing weight and imbibing the culture of health maintenance could reduce the risk by 50 per cent.

She advocated the establishment of cancer centres in each of the six-geo-political zones, adding that such centres could be built through self-help projects rather than waiting for government.

“The only way to go about it is to get our own comprehensive cancer centres and we cannot wait for government to get them.

“And so the Nigerian Communications Commission has created a platform through which everybody, irrespective of economic status, can contribute, can save own life and save the lives of other people.

“By just contributing N100; by texting `Cancer`to 44777; we will be able to achieve this; we will be able to build these cancer centres in the six geo-political zones.

“We will be able to have it at affordable rate for the poor people. Nigerians should join hands together so that we will achieve this great and noble venture.

“Because together it is possible, that was the theme of this year`s cancer day.”

 

Film Corporation Seeks Partnership, Investment in Nigeria Movies

 

This is contained in statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the corporation’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr Brian Etuk.

According to the statement, the forum will offer motion picture practitioners, investors, financiers from both countries the opportunity to explore areas of cooperation.

The statement quoted the NFC’s Managing Director, Mr Afolabi Adesanya, as saying that the forum was expected to enable collaboration in co-production, marketing and financing of films.

Adesanya said that Nollywood was fast becoming a model for filmmakers in Africa and beyond, adding that the forum would enable a foundation for sustainable development of Nigeria’s motion picture sector.

He stressed the need for filmmakers to use the opportunity to expand their frontiers of film production, distribution and marketing.

He called on movie practitioners in both countries to take advantage of the opportunity the forum offered.

Adesanya also called on foreign and domestic buyers, marketers, producers and distribution companies to seek the unlimited business potentials in the film industry.

He said that in order to achieve its objective, the corporation would partner with the Western Cape Destination Marketing, Investment and Trade Promotion Agency of South Africa (WESGRO).

The statement said that the Nigerian Export/Import Bank (NEXIM), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) would attend the forum.

Others are the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND), film producers, marketers, distributors and exhibitors.

 

NUT President Urges FG to Make Teachers Housing Scheme a Reality

 

Olukoya told newsmen in an interview in Lagos that the scheme should not be used as a jamboree or propaganda.

The Federal Government had on Oct. 16 inaugurated a 10-man committee to work out modalities to provide housing scheme for teachers in the country.

The NUT Chairman noted that the scheme was commendable but urged the Federal government to be committed and make it “a dream come true”.

Olukoya said the scheme was designed in a way that the committee would go to each state government to seek for allocation of land for the scheme.

He said that the Federal Government should take the lead by allocating land in the Federal Capital Territory to kick-start the scheme for other state governments to emulate.

“We do not want this housing scheme to end up like propaganda. We want commitment on the part of the Federal Government.

“We want the Federal Government to take the lead and let charity begin at home.

“There is land in the FCT: let the Federal Government start the allocation of land for the scheme and then, other state governors will follow,” he said. 

 

Apple Software, Retail Chiefs Out in Overhaul

 

Scott Forstall, a long-time lieutenant of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, was asked to leave following years of friction with other top executives and his recent refusal to take responsibility for the mishandling of the Apple's much-criticized mapping software, people familiar with the situation said.

Sources said Forstall refused to sign a public apology after Apple's mapping product, which displaced the popular Google Maps on the iPhone and the iPad in September, contained embarrassing errors and drew fierce criticism.

Instead, Cook signed the letter last month.

Forstall will leave the company next year, Apple said in a statement. He did not respond to emails seeking comment.

The executive changes are the biggest at Apple in more than a decade, and mark the first major move by Cook to shape his own management team since Jobs' death a year ago.

John Browett, who was hired as the company's retail chief just seven months ago after serving as CEO of U.K. electronics retailer Dixon's, will also leave Apple.

His efforts to improve profits at the stores had alienated employees and sources close to Apple said Cook had concluded he was simply the wrong person for the job.

"These changes show that Tim Cook is stamping his authority on the business," added Ben Wood, analyst with CCS Insight, said. "Perhaps disappointed with the Maps issues, Forstall became the scapegoat."

 

 

Bankrupt Toni Braxton Accused of Wiring Estranged Husband More Than $50,000 in 2010

 

Musician Keri Lewis - who separated from his wife of a decade in 2009 - supposedly received the money just before Braxton's 2010 bankruptcy filing. 

The bankruptcy trustees are currently suing Lewis in order to recover the $53,490 sum, which they posit the singer transferred in order to avoid having to use it to pay back her creditors.

Two years ago, Braxton was allegedly somewhere between $10 million and $50 million in debt, prompting her to file bankruptcy.

A rep for the "Unbreak My Heart" crooner, 45, denies any wrongdoing on her part.

"All of the payments made to Lewis prior to Toni's bankruptcy filing were appropriate transfers for reasonable and necessary personal and business expenses in the ordinary course of her business," her rep told reporters, adding that Braxton is happy to provide whatever information necessary in order to clear her and her spouse's names.

 

Controversy trails alleged arrest of Ajimobi’s wife in London

A CONTROVERSY raged on Wednesday over the alleged arrest of the wife of Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi in London.

Ajimobi’s wife, Florence, was alleged to have been arrested by the London Metropolitan Police over her involvement in the laundering of £400,000 (about N500 million.)

But the Oyo State government denied the report. It went further to institute a N1 billion suit against the Independent Communications Network Limited, publishers of PM News over its report on the arrest of Mrs. Ajimobi on the allegation of money laundering.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Festus Adedayo, he stated that the government of Oyo State had the responsibility to ensure that the media does not become an instrument in the hands of blackmailers for such acts.


The statement read in part: “We want to state unequivocally that this report is not only wicked, it is the figment of the imagination of the writers. Mrs. Ajimobi was never arrested for any offence whatsoever. Even though our investigations have shown that this is the work of some arrowheads of the opposition, it was done in such an amateurish way that beats the imagination of any responsible reader.”

The government said that though it had a lot of respect for the media, there was the need to take the owners of the tabloid to court to explain the details of their reports to the rest of the world.

The government decried what it called “dirty politicking” by the opposition in the state who use the media for the propagation of their falsehood, stating that the courts would be able to compel those behind this wicked lie to provide details of the veracity or otherwise of their claims on the governor’s wife.

 

 

 

 London Met Police Confirms Arrest of Oyo Gov's Wife, Florence Ajimobi, For Money Laundering! - PMNews

 

London Metropolitan Police has confirmed the arrest of Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of Oyo state Governor, over  money laundering.

The Met confirmation came this afternoon following an enquiry by P.M.NEWS on the story making the rounds that Mrs. Ajimobi was arrested in London, with the sum of 400,000 pounds and thousands of US dollars, valued at N500million.
 
The Met simply said ‘Yes’ to our question, seeking confirmation about the arrest.
 
However, the organization declined to give further information about the matter, citing a UK law.
 
“I am sorry, we are unable to disclose any information to you under the Data Protection Act,” an officer in the MET Lambeth Office responded.
 
There was anxiety in the government circles of Nigeria’s Oyo State  this morning over the arrest of Mrs. Ajimobi.
 
Reports on the web and some blogs claimed that the woman was arrested two weeks ago by the London Metropolitan Police on her 52nd trip to the UK since her husband became governor 17 months ago.
 
London Met Police has not issued any statement about her alleged arrest. And her name drew blank in a search of the Met Police website by P.M.NEWS.
 
The unconfirmed reports claimed that Governor Abiola Ajimobi has had to fly to the UK to get her bailed. Mrs. Ajimobi has a North London address in Golders Green and ordinarily visits the UK.
 
So far, the Oyo state government has kept mute over this story. And the disappearance of Governor Ajimobi from Ibadan, the capital for some two days has further given some ammunition to the purveyors of the news about his wife, styled The First Lady of Oyo state.
 
Governor Ajimobi was in office today, but bearers of the tale about the wife, have been unrelenting.
 
Mrs. Ajimobi’s personal staff at Agodi have also not issued denials of any sort.
 
Miss Yemisi Dada, Special Assistant on Media to Chief Mrs. Ajimobi on a phone interaction at exactly 8:11am claimed that she was not in Ibadan at the time of the telephone conversation adding that she was not aware of such development.
 
“I cannot talk about that. I am not aware of what you are talking about and besides, I am not in Ibadan right now. Meanwhile, I will find out the correct situation and get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks”.

Fuel Subsidy Scam: Court Fixes Nov. 12 for Trial of Ahmadu Ali's Son, Others

 

They are being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents. 

Others expected to face trial before Justice Onigbanjo alongside the former PDP National Chairman's son, includes Nasaman Oil Services and Christian Taylor. 

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, counsel to the EFCC, Francis Usani, informed the court that the matter had earlier been adjourned till today (Tuesday) for trial, but explained that the commission would not be able to continue with the trial because of what he termed as some pressing issues which would assist the court in the true dispensation of justice. 

According to Usani, "The prosecution intends to join one Seun Ogunbambo as defendant in the matter. 

"This is because as at the time the charge was filed, information relating to ogunbambo had not reached the EFCC." 

In response, defence counsel, Toyin Pinheiro (SAN) who did not object to the submission of the EFCC said, "We would wait for the amendment of the charge to be effected. 

"Though I know the defendants have no case to answer." 

Mamman Nasir Ali as well as other directors of oil-marketing firms in the matter had earlier been arraigned and granted bail. 

 

 

 

Always Supports Williams Sisters to Empower Women, Young Girls

 

The Williams sisters: Venus and Serena are international tennis stars who arrived Lagos yesterday as part of the African ‘Breaking the Mould’ tour; a programme that aims to empower women and young girls to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential. Serena and Venus Williams embody the meaning of “Mould Breakers” as the story of their lives exemplifies how determination, passion, hard work and self-belief can turn dreams into reality.

On 1 November 2012, the duo will partner with feminine hygiene brand Always for a joint girls empowerment event at the Government Secondary School in Osborne, Ikoyi. Together, Always and the Williams sisters aim to empower girls and inspire them to live their life to the fullest by: stressing the idea of sisterhood and that girls teaming up and supporting each other may achieve great things; teaching young girls the value of hard work, passion, determination and self-belief and leading by best example that neither colour or gender shall be reason enough to hold girls back and keep them from wanting the best in life and succeed.

Venus and Serena Williams will provide the school girls with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only meet their idols but also be inspired and empowered by them. The William sisters will attend an Always puberty education class and talk to the girls before performing with the schoolgirls the Always song “Little Big Steps” to empower them through a shared singing and dancing experience.

“Always’ strong brand awareness and established social media footprint [http://www.facebook.com/alwaysnigeria] will help to globally drive awareness for ‘Breaking The Mould’ and the message of girls’ empowerment”, says Temitope Iluyemi, P&G Communications Leader. “We are proud to welcome Venus and Serena in Lagos. They are powerful role models for all girls and women who know what it takes to achieve their dreams. I have no doubt that each girl who meets Venus and Serena will come out feeling unstoppable”.

As role ‘Mould Breakers’ and ‘Champions of change’ themselves, having weathered the unfavourable side of life to become global stars, this visit by Serena and Venus represents a significant effort that could help break the mould, misconceptions and stereotypes that have dogged women and girls in Nigeria. By narrating how the sisters have walked the tough path of life to stardom, their story will inspire many who are already downcast because of the challenges they face.

Their visit will also help raise awareness of the Always School Care Programme that has helped empower millions of girls in Nigeria and across the globe by educating them on proper feminine hygiene and puberty over the last 12 years. Last year alone, the programme positively impacted 1.5 million girls across Africa.

The superstar sisters will be in the country between Tuesday 30 October to Friday 2 November 2012 during which they will be involved in talk sessions to motivate and inspire women. The pair will wrap up their visit with an exhibition match against each other.

 

Madonna Booed After Touting Obama in LA. Concert

 

The Material Girl asked during Saturday night's performance: "Who's registered to vote?" She added: "I don't care who you vote for as long as you vote for Obama." Drawing boos in touting Obama over Republican Mitt Romney, Madonna followed: "Seriously, I don't care who you vote for ... Do not take this privilege for granted. Go vote."

Madonna is often outspoken. Some Colorado fans, mindful of a mass shooting there, complained she used a fake gun to shoot a masked gunman in a recent concert act in Denver. 

A Madonna concert in Paris in July drew ire when a video showed a swastika on a politician's forehead.

 

 

Reuben Excited Over Double League Bloggers Award

 

Reports say that Reuben was on Sunday in Lagos honoured as the ``Player of the Year” award, as well as ``Best National Team Player” for 2012.

Reuben said that the awards were a recognition of his hard work, adding that they would motivate him to work harder.

``I’m very excited about the awards I have won. It is an indication of how hard I have been working to better my career.

``It’s coming at a point when I’m really looking for the motivational drive to push me forward and I believe that this achievement will make me to work harder.

``I want to thank the organisers of the ceremony for deeming it fit to give me these awards because it has not been easy,” he said.

Reuben added that he was satisfied with the Africa Cup of Nations draw where the Super Eagles would play defending champions Zambia in Group C.

``We stand a good chance of progressing. I’m happy with the Nations Cup draw and I think our group is just okay.

``I believe we will qualify from the group and make the country proud.

``In spite of the fact that we will play the defending champions, I’m still positive that we will do quite well when we play against them,” he said.

The 22-years old player also expressed his appreciation to fans and coaches for their support.

 

Nigerians Undergo Training on Modern Techniques, Dynamics in Reporting ILO Standards

 

Chief Emeka Wogu, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, said at the opening that the workshop was aimed at improving participants’ knowledge on reporting obligations.

``You are no doubt aware that Nigeria has over the years been in arrears of her reporting obligations on some of the ILO Conventions ratified.

`` Undoubtedly, the reasons for the non rendition of the reports by Nigeria are significantly attributed to the lacuna caused by the non- possession of relevant reporting skills and techniques by professional officers of the Ministry and other implementing agencies.’’

Wogu said it was against that backdrop that Nigeria approached the ILO for technical and financial assistance to train nodal officers in the relevant MDAs for the purpose.

He pointed out that the workshop was apt as it would close the observed gap in performance of the professional officers of the ministry and other relevant implementing agencies.

``This will no doubt reposition Nigeria in the International Labour Organisation positively, especially in the areas of timely rendering and submission of annual report as may be requested by the Governing Body.’’

The minister urged the participants to make good use of the opportunities to build and improve on their professional capacities.

Mr Tunji Olaopa, the permanent secretary, said the workshop would help in clearing the areas of reports pending.

``Therefore, this workshop affords us the rare opportunity of creating the platform where ratified conventions will be used as channels or instruments of improving productivity in the world of work.’’

Ms Sina Chuma-Mkandawire, the Director of the ILO office in Abuja, said that Nigeria had ratified 39 ILO Conventions, including the eight Core Conventions.

She said that as part of the workshop, the ILO would only consider mechanism for regular monitoring based on the examination of reports submitted by the member states.

``Indeed in order to make this control, it is still necessary that member states submit periodic reports due.

``However, Nigeria for reason of capacity on the pars of officials responsible for this task encountered great difficulties in fulfilling this obligation.

``To solve this problem, the Federal Government of Nigeria requested the assistance of the ILO to enable Nigeria fulfill its obligations,’’ she said.

Chuma-Mkandawire called on the participants to do their best during the five-day workshop to understand the complex ILO reporting system and avoid being counted among countries guilty of serious breach of obligations.

Reports say that ratified Conventions create reporting obligations on the Member States that have so ratified the convention.

They are expected to domesticate provisions of the conventions in their laws and practice. 

 

$15 Million Fraud: Court Dismisses EFCC’s Motion Against Clark

 

The money is an unclaimed property paid by an undisclosed agent of the former governor of Delta State, James Ibori.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole held that Clark was neither a party to the suit nor a lawyer in counsel.

Kolawole said that the application, which came in an oral form, was weak to move the court to grant such prayer.

``If you actually want the court to take this seriously, you could approach us formally by filing a proper motion which will include serving the defendant (Clark) for proper argument to be entered.

``Until the proper thing is done, this motion remains lifeless and it is therefore dismissed,’’ he said.

Mr Rotimi Jacob (SAN), counsel to the EFCC, had at the resumed hearing, filed an oral motion informing the court of a publication allegedly credited to Clark on the pending case.

Jacob said that Clark, on Sept. 27, accused the chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Lamorde, of having prior knowledge of the deal.

Jacob submitted that Clark’s allegation was pre-judicial and antithesis to justice, adding: ``My lord, Clark has spoken on this matter to the press while the matter is before my lord.’’

The EFCC lawyer further said that Clark had described Lamorde as a liar in the publication, as according to him, EFCC is aware that the money belonged to Delta State government.

``My lord, this kind of attitude from a supposedly elder statesman and a lawyer is reproachable; we are saying he should be summoned to court for contempt,’’ he said.

EFCC had said that the cash was received by officers of the Commission from an undisclosed agent of  Ibori as bribe to compromise his investigation.

According to the anti-graft body, the cash was deposited in  the strong room number one of the Central bank of Nigeria on April 26, 2007.

The prosecutor told the court that Ibori denied ever giving the amount to the commission or any of its officers.

 The money had remained unclaimed since April 2007 and had remained dormant in the strong room of the bank.

The matter was adjourned to Nov. 19 for continuation.

 

Expert Identifies Outdated Drugs as Major Challenge to TB Treatment

 

Adeleye told newsmen in Lagos that some of the drugs were no longer effective, as they have been in existence for the past six decades.

``We are not making progress in terms of TB drugs; we are not meeting the standard regiment.

``Some of the drugs we are using for the treatment of tuberculosis have been in existence since the 50s; many TB patients have developed resistance to the drugs.

``This is because they have used them over and over again, the drugs have become ineffective.

``New regiments are coming on board and we have to buy them and also improve on our diagnosis, if we must curtail the spread of the epidemic in the country,” Adeleye said.

The microbiologist said that Nigeria currently ranked fourth among the 22 countries with the highest TB burden in the world and second in Africa.

He said that in 2011, Nigeria recorded 30.3 per cent and 75 per cent for both TB case detection and treatment.

``Both were below the World Health Organisation (WHO) target of 70 per cent and 85 per cent for TB detection and treatment respectively,'' Adeleye said.

He said that non-adherence of the TB patients to the prescribed drugs was another challenge to the cure of the disease.

According to him, it takes a long time to cure TB and in the process the patient may be lost to treatment and continue to spread the bacteria.

Adeleye explained that about 30 per cent of HIV-infected in the country were diagnosed to have TB co-infections, “meaning that there is a serious problem on our hand”.

He urged the Federal Government to respond quickly by purchasing the Xpert MTB/RIF assay endorsed by WHO in 2010, for rapid detection of TB cases.

The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is recommended for screening of drug-resistant tuberculosis and for populations infected with HIV.

Adeleye also urged the Federal Government to acquire Rifampicin resistance for TB patients and people living with HIV who are at risk of drug resistance. 

 

NMA Chairman Warns Non-professionals Against Drugs Prescription

 

Onodugo gave the warning in Enugu on Monday during an interview 

He said a lot of malpractice was going on in the health sector, including people not medically qualified prescribing drugs for patients.

Onodugo wondered why a laboratory scientist should prescribe drugs for patients after conducting a test.

He said such prescription was wrong because the normal thing was to send the result to a doctor for drug prescription.

The chairman added that even in some medical areas, prescriptions should be left for the specialist in the area to handle.

He said that it was not every doctor who should handle every prescription ``so that our health can be preserved and protected”. 

``Even persons not medically qualified in any form prescribe drugs for people. They tell patients; this is the drug the doctor gave me when I was ill and I think you should take it.

``That form of prescription is wrong for patients without doctor’s direction. I think that things should be streamlined, prescription should be left for the medical personnel to do,’’ he said.

The chairman said the association had set up a committee to look into wrong prescriptions of drugs.

``The committee will also organise seminars that will involve other members of the health profession, educate them on their job descriptions and limitations,” he said.

Onodugo said the committee would work in collaboration with the state ministry of health to monitor the various health areas.

``We are going to start with our own professionals, monitor ourselves first to ensure we are doing the right thing,” the chairman said.

He also said the committee would deal with any of its members found wanting, including reporting them to the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council. 

 

FG Asked to Make Tourism Polices Favourable to Local Communities

 

Oluwafunso said in Lagos that the historical and cultural heritage of tourism was traceable to local communities.

``To develop tourism, government should make good and favourable policies that would favour the custodians of our historical and cultural heritage,” he said.

The consultant said that government should rehabilitate roads, provide stable electricity and other amenities for the local communities, so that tourists could easily travel deep into the hinterland.

Oluwafunso said that to give tourism a facelift, tourism investors should use famous Nigerians as their brands to market tourism products.

``Famous Nigerians should be made tourism ambassadors and the face of tourism products for marketing.

``This would promote such products in the international market,” the consultant said.

Oluwafunso said that travelling agents and the media had a lot of work to do in packaging the tourism industry to enhance promotion.

He suggested that the media should always portray the positive image of the country to the outside world, so that tourists would not be deterred from coming into the country. 

 

James Hopeful Nigeria Can Regain Athletic Glory at 2016 Rio Games

 

According to the 28-year-old quartermiler, if the country worked hard, this can be corrected at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

James was among the country’s 4x400 relay quartet to the 2004 Athens Games.

The athlete, a serving officer with the Civil Defence Corps, Kaduna Command, spoke against the backdrop of the recent Presidential Retreat on Sports in Abuja.

He said that in spite of the country’s failure to win medals at the London 2012 Olympics, he believed that the country could get it right at the Rio Games.

``The London Olympics wasn’t a good competing ground for the country. It is not the kind of Games we like to look back to, but I believe we can get it right in 2016.

``I am optimistic that we can re-emerge as a force to reckon with before the next Games. If we really want to achieve, we must work toward it.

``I see us as a nation that looks back at our failures and try to effect corrections. I am confident we can do just that,” he said.

James said he was excited that stakeholders responded positively after the poor showing in London, stressing that it could only get better with everybody’s commitment.

He described the recent Presidential retreat as a step in the right direction, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan responded well.

``The responses from stakeholders are indications that they have the interest of our sports at heart.

``The presidential retreat is a good one. It is an initiative that I am hopeful will move our sports forward,’’ James added. 

 

Dickson Dedicates Victory at Supreme Court to God, Bayelsans

 

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the governor hailed the judgment upholding his election as the duly elected Governor of Bayelsa.

Dickson said the victory further portrayed the judiciary as a cardinal cornerstone of Nigeria's democracy.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday, dismissed the appeal of Dr. Imoro Kubor and his party, Change Advocacy Party (CAP), for lack of merit.

The judgment further affirmed the ealier verdicts of the lower courts upholding the election of Dickson.

The lead judgment was delivered by Justice Walter Onoghen.

Dickson also thanked Bayelsans for their continued prayers and support and urged them to be steadfast as the best was yet to come. 

 

 

Eko 2012: Squash Federation to Hold Refresher Course for Referees

 

Evelyn Fabunmi, Secretary of the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), told newsmen on Monday in Lagos that the course would hold from Nov. 15 to Nov. 18.

The festival is scheduled to hold between Nov. 29 and Dec. 7 in Lagos.  

``The course is to acquaint the referees with the current trend in the game.

``We believe that with the approaching sports festival, our referees need to be conversant with the new trend of officiating in the game.

``The course is open to every referee that deems it fit to participate,’’ Fabunmi said.

The secretary said that as usual, the federation would select outstanding players at the festival that would represent the nation in international competitions.

According to Fabunmi, the selected players would later be invited for camping, ahead of the All Africa Senior Championships to hold next year in Namibia.

She, however, stated that Nigeria's participation in Namibia would be determined by availability of sponsors and other logistics.

``We intend to scout for the best at the festival, so that these players will be trained to represent the country in international competitions.

``If we have access to funds, we may camp them before we participate at the continental championships in Namibia next year.

``Although, we intend to be part of the competition, if we are unable to get sponsors, we may not be able to travel,’’ the secretary said.

Fabunmi added that the Namibian competition would hold in January 2013.  

 

JTF Says it Recovers Arms in Damaturu

 

A statement issued by Lt. Eli Lazarus, JTF spokesman, and made available stated that ``the JTF, acting on a tip-off, raided a suspected terrorist arms store at Pompomari area of Damaturu on Sunday.

The statement explained that, five Mark IV rifles; one `Fabrique Nationale' and one pump-action rifle, one riot gun shoot range; four riot guns; one tear gas canister as well as bow and arrows were recovered during the raid which was devoid of exchange of fire.

The JTF reiterated its commitment to providing security and protecting lives and property of all citizens. 

 

Jonathan to Receive 3 Reports on Petroleum Industry

 

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.

One of the committees, according to Abati, is that led by Mr Dotun Sulaiman, charged with designing a new corporate governance code for ensuring full transparency, good governance and global best practices in the NNPC and other oil industry parastatal agencies.

He said the other headed by Dr Kalu Idika Kalu was charged with conducting a high-level assessment of the nation’s refineries and recommending ways of improving their efficiency and commercial viability.

Abati had said in a statement issued earlier that Jonathan had directed that a comprehensive report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force chaired by Malam Nuhu Ribadu should be presented to him on Friday.

He said the directive was in furtherance of the administration’s commitment to transparency, probity, and accountability in the petroleum sector.

The Ribadu-let Committee was set up in February to, among other tasks, determine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues (taxes and royalties, etc,) due and payable to the Federal Government.

It was also charged with taking all necessary steps to collect all debts due and owed, and to obtain agreements and enforce payment terms by all oil industry operators.

Abati said the president would receive the reports of the Sulaiman, and Kalu-led committees at the Presidential Villa immediately after the presentation of the report of the Ribadu-led Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force. 

 

Falana Urges NASS to Grant Total Autonomy to Anti-corruption Agencies

 

Falana made the call in Lagos while speaking at a media-round table on "Promoting Ethics and Integrity within the Courts System - The Role of Lawyers".

Reports say that the forum was organised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in collaboration with The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Abuja.

He said the independence of both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), would help in tackling corruption in Nigeria.

Falana said:"There are enough laws in our country to fight corruption.

"There are enough statutory bodies established by the law to prosecute corruption cases.

"The national assembly should urgently enact a law to make the anti-corruption agencies totally autonomous.

"They should not be subjected to reporting to the executive because this exposes their activities to interference".

He decried the slow pace of prosecution of high profile corruption cases in Nigerian courts, noting that it had made a mockery of the justice system.

Falana accused lawyers, especially those in the inner bar, of manipulating the criminal justice system to protect their high profile clients from conviction.

"All those cases that have brought the judiciary to shame were handled by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), the supposed leaders of the legal profession.

"Legal practitioners must rise up to challenge their actions because they are ruining the legal system. They are exposing Nigeria to ridicule", he said.

He said the country would never move forward if those accused of corruption were not brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.

In his address, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Executive Director, SERAP, noted that the round-table was convened to x-ray the roles of lawyers in curbing corruption within the court's system.

Mumuni said it was aimed at reducing corruption in the country and create an easy access to justice for the generality of Nigerians. 

 

Anambra Govt Vows to Demolish Magic Exam Centres

 

The state Governor, Mr Peter Obi, gave the warning in Awada Obosi at the kick-off of roads construction in the area on Monday.

Obi said that government would soon send a bill to the state House of Assembly to provide a legal frame work for the demolition of such buildings.

He also warned that owners of such buildings and structures used as “magic or miracle centres” as well as the students would be arrested and prosecuted.

The governor restated the determination of his administration to increase the standard of education in institutions of learning in the state. 

 

Preparations in Top Gear as Third Mainland Bridge Re-opens Tuesday

 

Mgbemena said in an interview that they were putting finishing touches towards reopening the bridge.

``There is no problem, we would re-open the bridge tomorrow,`` he said

He spoke as rehabilitation work on the bridge was being completed by laying of asphalt on the expansion joints and filling of pot holes.

The reopening would be coming a week earlier than it was projected when the rehabilitation works began on July 1.

On visit to the bridge, it was revealed that workers from the Federal Ministry of Works and Messers Borini Prono were removing silt and clearing grass between some of the expansion joints.

Also, highway sweepers from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment were seen sweeping the bridge.

It was observed the repainting of the reflective parapet wall paintings-in the national colours of green and white- at the sections newly rehabilitated.

Also, the yellow demarcation for the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane, on the sections rehabilitated, were repainted.

Earlier, FERMA's Zonal Coordinator (South West II), Mr Oladipo Fagbamila had said that the parapet wall painting was being carried out by the agency.

He said it was part of FERMA’s routine maintenance, ``so that in the night, it would be reflective for any incoming vehicle, for them not to find themselves jumping into the water``.

Fagbamila also said that the agency freed the whip holes on the bridge to ensure that rain water would drain well from the bridge.

Borini Prono had promised to deliver the project which began in July and scheduled for completion on Nov. 6, one week earlier.

 

Groups, Politicians Task FG on Renewed Abductions

They spoke in separate interviews newsmen.
The Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre Malam Auwal Rafsanjani, said that an effective security system in the country would help to curb the rising spate of kidnappings.
He called for the decentralisation of the Nigeria Police Force to achieve adequate security coverage of the country.
``The Nigeria Police is too central, if it can be decentralised, it will give room for adequate and proper monitoring, surveillance and security of lives and property,’’ he said.
Rafsanjani, however, called on government at all levels, to create more job opportunities for Nigerian youths, who, he claimed, were the ones usually found engaging in the crime.
The National Chairman of the African Renaissance Party, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, said there was need for the creation of state police.
According to him, this will help to check the challenge of insecurity in parts of the country.
``Creation of state police will go a long way in tackling the security challenges that we are facing.
``And the convocation of a national conference to discuss the way forward for Nigeria will also go a long way,’’ he said.
Ndu urged government to create massive employment opportunities for youths.
The South-West Secretary-General of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Chief Gboyega Adeniji, said that the gap between the rich and the poor in the country needed to be closed.
``The ostentatious lifestyle of the rich, flaunted in the face of abject poverty, is a problem and unless and until this is sorted out, the issue will remain the same,’’ he said.
You’d recall that gunmen, on Monday, kidnapped Alhaja Obedatu Abudu-Balogun, the 72-year-old mother of Mr Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, a House of Representatives member, representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency.
She was, however, released on Thursday.
Also on Monday, the wife and daughter of a staff of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital at Uselu in Edo were kidnapped in Benin.
Their abductors are demanding N15 million from the family.
Also, in July, a 21-year-old female student of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo, was kidnapped and killed four days after by her abductors.
The police have, however, arrested some suspects in connection with the kidnapping of the student.

Bomb Blast: KDSG Calls for Calm, Urges People to Ignore Rumours of Reprisal Attacks

In a statement in Kaduna, Mr Reuben Buhari, the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Governor Patrick Yakowa, said that anyone caught spreading such false information would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He, however, condoled with those who lost their loved ones and properties in the blast.
Buhari stressed that the security agencies had swung into action  and assured residents of adequate security.

UBA Plaza Occupants Lost Over N1.2bn Goods to Fire, Says Chairman

Mr Greg Azubuogu, Chairman of the Plaza, who spoke on behalf of its occupants, disclosed this on Sunday in Lagos.
He said that the five-storey building on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island, housed a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, warehouses, shops and offices.
Azubuogu, who owns a shop in the plaza, said that the fire may have been caused by a spark from electrical wires in the building.
``I think that it is an electrical spark that caused the fire because Saturday was a weekend and a holiday.
``We take preventive measures whenever we are closing for the day at the plaza.
``We normally switch off the control switch, but the fire started from the warehouse on the fourth floor.
``It is like the cartons in the warehouse aided the spark, as well as the spread of the fire,” he said.
Azubuogu recalled that the fire was noticed at about 4 p.m., noting that before any aid could come, it had spread to other parts of the plaza.
The chairman, who sells shoes and bags in the plaza, said he lost about N15 million in the incident.
He appealed to the Lagos State Government to come to their aid.
According to reports as at Sunday evening, policemen and officials of other security agencies were still trying to prevent hoodlums from looting some wares salvaged from the plaza.

FIRS Generates N3.81tr Revenue in 9 Months

The FIRS made the claim on Sunday in Abuja via a statement signed by Mr Emmanuel Obeta, its Director of Communications.
``With this amount, the FIRS has surpassed the N3.6 trillion provisional annual budget estimate nine months into the year, with oil taxes recording N2.399 trillion and N1.406 trillion for non-oil.
``The collection represents increased revenue collection performance of about N890 billion, when compared to the total collection of N2.91 trillion for the same period in 2011.’’
The statement said that the FIRS had so far collected and remitted the sum of N23.30 billion tax revenue due to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for the first nine months of 2012.
It said that the amount represented ``Pay-As-You-Earn’’ (PAYEE) tax and Personal Income Tax (PIT) collected from FCT residents.
This, it added, reflected an increase in tax collection in the period, when compared to the N21. 94 billion remitted to FCTA for the same period in 2011.
``In 2011, the service recorded N955.19 billion tax collection in the first quarter, N985.30 billion in the second quarter and N974.65 billion in the third quarter,’’ the statement said.
The statement said that the 2012 figure represented a remarkable increase in tax collection, which comprised N1.172 trillion in first quarter, N1.267 trillion in the second quarter and N1.366 trillion in the third quarter respectively.
It also said that the N23.30 billion so far remitted to the FCTA represented a considerable increase in FIRS’ collection and remittance, when compared to the N23.24 billion figure in 2010.
``A breakdown of the collection, from January to September shows that the sum of N2.027 billion was realised in January, N2.691 billion in February, N3.133 billion in March, N2.721 billion in April and N3.044 billion in May.
``The figure recorded in June was N2.221 billion, N3.055 billion in July, N2.463 billion in August, while N1.947 billion was generated as tax revenue in September.
``Remarkably, FIRS has taken steps to bring more potential taxpayers into the tax net through the establishment of Satellite Tax Offices (STO) across the FCT's major markets in 2012,’’ it said .
The statement, nonetheless, called for more collaboration and partnership among relevant stakeholders so as to actualise the service's determination to expand the country’s revenue base.
It said that part of FIRS' strategies was to improve taxpayer’s education and services, processes and procedures, while bringing tax administration closer to taxpayers in order to enhance voluntary tax compliance.

R&B Singer Natina Reed Hit and Killed by Car in Georgia

Reed, who also appeared in the cheerleader movie "Bring It On" in 2000, would have turned 33 on Sunday.
She was struck by a car at about 10:30 p.m. Friday on a state highway just north of the Atlanta suburb of Lilburn, Gwinnett County Police Sergeant Rich Long said.
The car's driver called 911 and a passenger performed CPR but Reed was pronounced dead at an area medical center, police said. Authorities ruled the driver was not at fault and no charges were expected to be filed, Long said.
Investigators were trying to determine why Reed was in the road, Long said.
As part of Blaque, Reed performed the 1999 hits "Bring It All to Me" and "808" with fellow members Shamari Fears DeVoe and Brandi Williams.
Reed's fellow group members said in a statement on Saturday that Blaque had recently reunited and the group was working on an album and a reality show.
"My world as I know it has forever changed," DeVoe said on Twitter on Saturday. "Until we meet again, may you find comfort in the arms of an angel. I love you Natina."

Chelsea-Manchester United Highlights

Roberto Di Matteo's team recovered from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 early in the second half but had Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres sent off before substitute Javier Hernandez scored a 75th minute winner from what appeared to be an offside position.
A David Luiz own goal and Robin van Persie's ninth goal of the season had put United in command after 12 minutes but Chelsea responded in style, with Juan Mata's free-kick and Ramires' header either side of the break.
Just as the visitors gained control, Ivanovic and Torres were sent off within five minutes of one another midway through the second period, ensuring the hosts played the last 22 minutes with only nine men.
United took full advantage, but it needed a controversial goal from Hernandez to give Sir Alex Ferguson's team their first win at Stamford Bridge in a decade.
With John Terry serving the second match of a four-game domestic suspension, Chelsea picked the same starting XI that won so handsomely at Tottenham in their previous Premier League engagement. United brought in Tom Cleverley to partner Michael Carrick in central midfield and Ashley Young got the nod on the left flank in his first league start in two months.
Before the action began, all eyes were on the pre-match handshake. Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole drew a line under all that has happened over the past year by ignoring their lingering grievances to shake one another's hand.
It was Cole's defending, rather than his manners, that soon came under the microscope. Both of United's goals inside the opening 12 minutes were forged on his flank as the visitors focused on the lack of protection the left-back was getting in front of him.
After four minutes, Rooney received the ball out wide and his expert cut-back was whacked right footed against the post by van Persie but the rebound struck the helpless Luiz and bounced past Petr Cech for an own goal.
Eight minutes later, Van Persie was unerring with the accuracy of his second right-footer. Antonio Valencia spotted him unmarked in the box and, with complete concentration on the task, the former Arsenal man slotted in his sixth goal at Stamford Bridge.
The statistics suggested Chelsea had a mountain to climb. Before today, United had been two or more goals up in 346 Premier League games and never lost, winning 336 and drawing 10.
With Rooney playing more as a third central midfielder than a second striker, the home side initially found it hard to break down what was a 4-5-1 formation.
But Chelsea raised their game leading up to the break, forcing three athletic saves from David de Gea before Mata made Rooney pay for hauling down Eden Hazard outside the box with a beautiful curling free-kick after 44 minutes.
The hosts had the bit between their teeth at the start of the second half as they reminded the visitors whose house it was.
After 53 minutes, United failed to clear following more excellent play from Mata and Ramires rose above Cleverley to emphatically head in Oscar's byline cross for the equaliser.
It all unravelled for Chelsea after that point. Ivanovic deservedly received a red card for a professional foul on Young after 63 minutes, cynically clipping the winger as he raced through on goal.
Inexplicably, Fernando Torres followed the right-back down the tunnel five minutes later. The Spaniard received a second yellow for simulation, even though replays clearly showed there was contact from Jonny Evans.
Down to nine men, Chelsea struggled to contain United but the officials ensured Di Matteo's post-match press conference would be an all-ticket affair by failing to spot that Hernandez was offside when he tapped in the winner.

NBB of C Predicts Better Professional Careers for Lagos Boxers

Kanu made the remark during an interview with newsmen on Saturday night at the 35th edition of the Lagos monthly programme, ``Saturday Boxing Show,’’ which took place at the University of Lagos.
According to him, regular competitions are the only viable means through which budding talents from the grassroots could be discovered and nurtured to amateur and possibly professional stardom.
 ``I think Lagos boxers have a very bright career in professional boxing due to the regular competitions they engaged in every month.
``If we can produce very good amateur boxers, then we can equally produce good professional boxers who can rub shoulders with their international counterparts,’’ he said.
The NBB of C president noted that Lagos had distinguished itself from other states through its monthly programme which had put the state in a vantage position.
He added that Lagos State boxers would excel at the forthcoming 18th National Sports Festival scheduled for Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos.
He also praised the Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame (LSBHF), promoter of the competition, for sustaining the programme.
In the nine-bout competition which is a build-up to the sports festival, Muda Owolabi of Alausa boxing club defeated Dauda Azeez of Day by Day club in the 49kg category.
Otto Joseph of Paramount Club and Adedeji Adekunle of Diamond Club outpunched Rasheed Aremu of Ajetunmobi Club and Hammed Rufai of No Shaking Club in the 60kg and the 64kg, respectively.
In the 49kg bout which was the only female category, Funmi Adekunle of Golden Weapon Club lost to her Champion Club opponent, Mutiat Adebayo.
 

Suicide bomber strikes St Rita's Catholic church, Kaduna, unconfirmed reports of clashes between christians and muslims

Survivor Linus Lighthouse told Reuters that two bombers had struck different parts of the packed St Rita's church, in Kaduna. They had got right inside the building, causing many casualties, he said.
 
"I cannot tell you how many casualties, but there were many. The heavy explosion also damaged so many buildings around the area," he said.
 
But Aminu Lawal, a Kaduna police spokesman, said there was only one confirmed bomber and that no casualties had yet been confirmed apart from the bomber himself.
 
Another witness, Daniel Kazah, a member of the Catholic cadets in the church, said he had seen three bodies on the bloodied church floor. "But still others were taken to the mortuary," he said.
 
There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Islamist sect Boko Haram has claimed similar attacks in the past and has attacked several churches with bombs and guns since it intensified its campaign against Christians in the past year.
 
National Emergency Management Agency spokesman Yushua Shuaib told AP news agency initial reports suggested the attack was by a suicide bomber.

The church was surrounded by soldiers and police after the blast, and ambulances were taking the injured to hospital

There are unconfirmed reports of clashes breaking out between Christians and Muslims after the attack

Taraba Governor, Suntai Danbaba flown abroad for further medical treatment

According to a source quoted by Leadership newspaper, ‘‘The governor had a fracture on the right arm and some cuts on the left side of his head. He lost a lot of blood because he had some cuts in his body. He had a placement count volume (PVC) of 18 as against 45, which is the average for adults, translating to 60 per cent blood count loss. So, we had to transfuse blood into his system.’’


Suntai survived the Cessna 208 plane crash that occurred in Namtari, about 15 kilometres from Jimeta, Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Thursday

Third Mainland Bridge to be opened on Tuesday, Oct 30

Although the bridge was originally slated to be open to traffic by November 6, ionigeria.com investigation  revealed that work on the bridge by Borini Prono has been completed ahead of schedule.

According to the Director, South-west, Federal Ministry of Works, Ejike Mgbemena, the job has been completed but the Minister of Works will need to personally certify that the job has been satisfactorily done.

Consequently, Mr. Onolememen and the Minister of State for Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda would be in Lagos on Tuesday to inspect the bridge and thereafter officially declare it open to traffic if satisfied with the quality of job done

Ribadu Committee report leakage meant to embarrass govt – Abati

The Presidency said this while reacting to the publication of excerpts from the report by an international news agency, Reuters, and local media outfits on Wednesday.
 
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the excerpts from the report could not be taken as an official document because the committee had not formally submitted its report to the appropriate authority.
 
Abati said as far as the Federal Government was concerned, the report in the public domain was suspicious.
 
He said if indeed the published report was the committee’s genuine work, whoever leaked it to the press did not mean well and was out to embarrass the government.
 
He said, “It is strange that government will set up a committee, that report has not been submitted to the authorities that set up the committee and the report will be found on the pages of newspapers.
 
“The report cannot be taken as an official document because the proper procedure is for committees set up by the government to submit their reports to the government. In principle, this report in the public domain is suspicious because it was not submitted to the appropriate authority.
 
“If every committee set up by government goes above the system to leak reports, there can be chaos. Whoever leaked the report, if indeed the report is genuine, does not mean well. Whoever is behind it is out to embarrass the government.”
 
When asked whether by his submission, the Federal Government might probe the alleged leakage, Abati said the first step was for members of the committee to come out and confirm whether it was indeed their report

Gov Suntai in stable condition - Jonathan

 Jonathan, who visited the governor at the intensive care unit of the National Hospital, Abuja, said that Suntai was in a stable condition.

 He called on the Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Bello Bala Shehu, to give the governor adequate care for quick recovery.

 Shedding more light on the health condition of the governor, Shehu confirmed that Suntai was in a stable condition.

 He said the hospital staff were attending to first degree injury sustained by the governor in the crash.

 Shehu also said that the injury would not necessitate them to carry out any major operation on the governor.

An aircraft, Cessna 208, 5N-BMJ, operated by Suntai with six people on board, crashed at about 7.45 p.m on Thursday and was found at about 90 minutes after the crash.

 A statement from the Aviation Ministry stated that the passengers were transported to Yola Specialist hospital and later moved to the Federal Medica Centre in Yola, the state capital.

 The statement signed by Mr Joe Obi, the  Special Adviser on Media to the Aviation Minister read:

 "An aircraft, Cessna 208 with 6 souls on board including crew, operated by the Taraba State Government departed Jalingo, Taraba State for Yola this evening and reported contact with the Yola Control Tower (1720Z) and field in sight at 38 miles estimating landing at 1730Z.

 "The pilot subsequently lost contact with Yola Control Tower and subsequent effort to raise the aircraft failed.
 
 Search & Rescue was immediately activated and site of incident located with all victims alive with various degrees of injuries.

 "The victims have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment pending further investigation of the incident."

Sniffers dogs, anti-terrorism squads to secure airports

Mr Yakubu Dati, the General Manager, Corporate Communications of FAAN, who spoke with reporters  in Lagos on Thursday, said the airports are Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.

``This measure, which will be extended to the other airports in the country later, is in line with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government in the aviation industry.

``This is designed to provide world-class facilities and service at all Nigerian airports.

``A comprehensive audit of security and surveillance has been conducted on aircraft, terminals and security personnel to align them to standards in the industry,’’ he said.

Dati said that the airport security personnel have been trained in crowd control, body search and other specialised areas, saying that undercover surveillance had been conducted by plain cloth crack team.

``At present, all Nigerian airports have a full complement of modern security equipment, hand-held metal detectors, CCTV cameras, x-ray screening machines to the 3-D scanning machines.

``This is in addition to 24-hour security patrol on the air side by the aviation security personnel and the presence of Police Bomb Disposal Units in the terminals.’’

He reassured airport users, particularly passengers that Nigerian airports were now safe and secured

NY Man Who Sued Facebook Faces Criminal Charges

Paul Ceglia, a wood-pellet salesman from Wellsville, New York, was charged with mail fraud and wire fraud over what the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan said was fabricated evidence to support his claim of a large ownership stake in Facebook.
His lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.
The businessman sued Facebook and its CEO in 2010 claiming a 2003 contract he signed with Zuckerberg, then a Harvard University student, entitled him to a stake in the social media company. This past March, as part of that case, Facebook released emails sent by Zuckerberg around the time of the contract to show Ceglia's claims were false.
"Ceglia used the federal court system to perpetuate his fraud and will now be held accountable for his criminal scheme," Orin Snyder, a partner at law firm Gibson Dunn representing Facebook and Zuckerberg in the civil case, said in a statement.
Ceglia, 39, was arrested at his home Friday morning and was to appear in federal court in Buffalo later in the day, authorities said.
Investigators for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which is conducting the probe, made the arrest following Ceglia's return this week after spending time out of the country, according to a source familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly on the case.
The case is USA v. Paul Ceglia, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York.