$620,000 Bribe: Farouk, Boniface's Trial Begins Friday as Govt files charge

Farouk and Emenalo will be arraigned before an Abuja High Court Friday for allegedly receiving a bribe of $620, 000 from a Lagos based oil magnet, Femi Otedola.

Lawan and  Emenalo are alleged to have sometime in April 2012 or thereabout in Abuja within the FCT under the jurisdiction of the court while acting in the course of their official duties as chairman and secretary respectively of House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime conspired between themselves and with each other to corruptly obtain  $3 million from Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited.

The charge continued that   this amount was an inducement to remove the name of Zenon from the committee’s report and did cause the House of Representatives to remove same from the said list and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1)(C) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.   The charge said the offence was punishable under Section 8 (1) of the same Act.

According to the prosecutor, Mrs. O.O. Fatunde who is also the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lawan who has four of the seven-count charge also corruptly obtained  $500,000 from Otedola as an inducement to remove the name of Zenon from the report. She said that the offence was contrary to Section 17 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 17 (1) of the same Act.

In the fifth count charge, Emenalo was alleged to have corruptly asked for $3 million from Otedola to remove the name of his company from the list of companies indicted in the fuel subsidy scam, thereby violating the ICPC Act, 2000.

He was also alleged to have received gratification from the oil magnet and refused to report the offer of gratification to any officer of the ICPC, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 23 (1) of the ICPC Act and punishable under Section 23 (3) of the same Act.

Emenalo was also accused in count seven of receiving $120, 000 as gratification from Otedola in order to remove his company’s name from the report of the ad-hoc committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime, an action that violates Section 10 (a)(ii) of ICPC Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 10 of the same Act.

This development follows the decision of Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi of an Abuja High Court granting the Federal Government leave to prefer a criminal charge under Section 185 (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code against Lawan and his co-accused person, who is also an Assistant Director at the National Assembly.

The duo will plead guilty or not guilty to a seven-count charge slammed against them by the Federal Government.

Recently, Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, had written to the AGF, stating his readiness to commence action against the duo if the Federal Government was not willing to do so; a situation, which the AGF condemned.

 

Okah asked court to allow him call witnesses for mitigation of sentence.

It will be recalled that the court at its last sitting on Jan, 21, found Okah guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorism by masterminding two car bomb attacks in Abuja, Nigeria's capital on Oct. 1, 2010.

The court reserved the pronouncement of the sentence to Jan. 31, 2013.

Okah's attorney, Lucky Multulanla, told the trial judge, Neels Claassen, on Thursday that his client wanted to call at least five witnesses from Nigeria and outside Nigeria to testify for the mitigation of the convict's sentence in the interest of the Niger Delta community.

``My Lord my client wants to be given the opportunity to call some witnesses to come from Nigeria and other countries to testify on mitigation of his sentence.

``More over given the attestation of some highly placed government officials in Nigeria about his popularity among his people, his is willing to play a major role in the peace process the Nigerian government is talking about,’’ Multulanla said.

He, however, refused to give the names of the witnesses.

``Some of the witnesses willing to testify are community leaders and highly place individual within and outside Nigeria.

``They do not want their names mentioned before coming to South Africa because of threats to their safety,’’ Multulanla said.

The prosecutor, Shauns Abrahams, opposed the application, saying that the convict is trying to buy time.

``The convict is playing delay tactics, he is just trying to buy time and delay the court from giving its sentence.

``He had opportunity to call his witlessness, but he abandoned it; there was no evidence that the Nigerian government either threatened or prevented any witness from testifying during the trial,’’ Abrahams said.

``If indeed Okah is that influential, he should have been able to assist the Nigeria government attain peace in Niger Delta. He should have been seen to be talking to his group that threatened both the Nigerian and South Africa governments.

``South Africa government is not taking lightly the threat to its interest and citizen by the group led by the convict and the court should take this into consideration in giving its sentence.

``If he is as influential as he claims to be he should have prevailed on his people to retract their threat,’’ Abrahams said.

In his ruling, Justice Claassen, adjourned the proceeding to Feb. 1, to allow the defence attorney to conclude his submissions.

The court will allow the defence counsel to convince the court of any influence the witnesses will have on the sentence of his client to ensure that justice is done, the judge added.

Okah was found guilty of 13 counts charge of terrorism for masterminding two car bombings in Abuja on Oct. 1, 2010

 

Balotelli Mobbed by AC Milan Fans Outside Restaurant in Italy

 

The 22-year-old is on the verge of returning to Serie A in a £20 million deal and is currently in Italy ahead of the move, which is set to be officially completed on Thursday.

Balotelli had his medical at a hospital in Busto Arsizio on Wednesday afternoon and then went to have dinner with the club official after his three-hour examination.

Prior to meeting with Galliani, the Italy international was greeted by a large crowd of Milan supporters, who were chanting: "You threw the shirt of s**t [referring to Inter in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2010] on the ground, now you're with Milan. The dreams have come true, you score the best goals. We will win with Mario Balotelli."

The swarm of supporters also set off fireworks and police were required to use tear gas in order to break up the crowd.

A policeman was also taken to hospital after being hit on the head with a bottle which was thrown by one of the fans.

 

Despite Previous Beating, Rihanna Back with Chris Brown

 

"I decided it was more important for me to be happy," Rihanna told Rolling Stone magazine in an interview published on Wednesday on its website.

"I wasn't going to let anybody's opinion get in the way of that. Even if it's a mistake, it's my mistake," she said of her renewed romance with singer Brown, 23, that has prompted consternation from fans and celebrity media because of their history.

"After being tormented for so many years, being angry and dark, I'd rather just live my truth and take the backlash," said Rihanna, 24, adding, "I can handle it."

The couple's reconciliation had been rumoured for months, even before the pair unveiled a duet, "Nobody's Business," in November. That track was included on Rihanna's latest album "Unapologetic."

Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to beating and punching Rihanna. He was sentenced to community service, anger management classes, given a restraining order and is still on probation.

The Barbadian singer told Oprah Winfrey in an emotional interview in August that she and Brown now had a "very close friendship," and that she still loved him.

"When you add up the pieces from the outside, it's not the cutest puzzle in the world," Rihanna admitted to Rolling Stone, which hits newsstands this week with her gracing the cover above the headline, "Rihanna Crazy In Love."

"You see us walking somewhere ... and you think you know. But it's different now. We don't have those types of arguments anymore. We talk," she said. "We value each other."

But she noted that Brown is on probation with her as well, saying, "He doesn't have the luxury of (messing) up again."

"That's just not an option ... And I wouldn't have gone this far if I ever thought that was a possibility."

The interview was published three days after Brown's latest dustup, which involved fellow musician Frank Ocean, over a parking space at a West Hollywood recording studio. Ocean has said he wants Brown prosecuted following the Sunday brawl.

In 2012 Rihanna was rated by Time and Forbes magazines as among the world's and celebrity arena's most powerful people.

 

Soku/Oluasiri oil well: Rivers withdraws from delineation meeting

Rivers Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, who led the state delegation to the peace meeting in Yenagoa, aimed at resolving the disputed Soku/Oluasiri oil well boundary with neighboring Bayelsa, announced its withdrawal from further negotiation process.

He stated that the Rivers government had in the interest of peace, equity and justice, resorted to the court for a peaceful resolution of the disputed Soku/ Oluasiri oil fields.

``In the interest of peace, fairness, equity and justice, the Rivers State Government resorted to the courts, ‘’ Ikuru said.

Ikuru said the National Boundary Commission (NBC), under the constitution, has the responsibility to determine the disputed boundary before deciding on the appropriation of derivable resources accrued from the disputed oil wells.

He, however, expressed concern that ``presently, Bayelsa state is unilaterally enjoying the full benefits of all revenue accruing from Soku oil fields, which is in dispute."

According to Ikuru, the two states in 2007, had reached an agreement that the revenue from the Soku field should be kept in an escrow account pending the determination of the boundaries by the NBC.

He expressed concern that Bayelsa Government had continued to benefit from the revenue proceeds of the disputed oil wells, while the NBC was still handling the delineation exercise.

The Director-General of NBC, Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, said in a response that the technical reports from the two states were acceptable, just as he wondered why the Rivers Government was pulling out of the process.

He said that President Goodluck Jonathan had mandated the commission to resolve the lingering issue in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Retired Rear Adm John Jonah, in his remarks, expressed displeasure over the pull out.

``We are seated here today to ensure that conflict is settled. It is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. It makes things easier

 

 

 

Jonathan reiterates improved employment to tackle insecurity

Jonathan gave the assurance while declaring open a two-day Peace and Security Summit organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The president, who was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, said the summit was timely given the present security situation in the country.

Commenting on the theme of the summit, “Comprehensive and Sustainable Peace and Security in a Plural Society: Extreme Challenges to Nigerian Internal Security, " the president said the summit was timely.

He said terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of threats to national security were capable of eroding the core values of the nation if not well handled.

``Bombing of innocent men and children by the terrorist groups coupled with the wide range of kidnapping must be seen as a direct attack on the core values and integrity of Nigeria.

``It will be recalled that poverty, unemployment have been identified as some of the root causes of our present security challenges.

`` Government is, therefore, tackling the problem head on, on several fronts, `` he said.

He reassured Nigerians of government’s continued effort in canvassing for reconciliation to ensure that the nation’s core democratic values were not undermined.

He further said that the Federal Government was opened to constructive suggestions from the NBA and other stakeholders on the way forward in dealing with insecurity in the country.

On his part, the Senate President, David Mark, said that the National Assembly had commenced the amendment of some laws on security to adequately face the challenges of insecurity in the country.

Mark said that the National Assembly was equally amending the law on kidnapping so as to adequately tackle the problem posed by the crime.

He pointed out that the National Assembly was ready to take a look at recommendations that would be made at the end of the summit in order to find lasting solution to insecurity.

`` The National Assembly has gone extra mile to tackle the issue of terrorism.

``Arrangements are almost concluded to revise the terrorism law that was passed in 2011.

``We are ready to accept all recommendations that you find in our own law that require amendment.

Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alooma Mukhtar, said dialogue was one of the key factors to peaceful coexistence in the country.

The CJN, who blamed the current insecurity on the plurality of the country, called on leaders to adopt a holistic approach in solving the problem.

``The plurality of ethnicity, religion and language in Nigeria, which is the primary cause of conflict and religious intolerance, has led to a number of conflicts.

``The relationship fractured by conflict must be restored as sustainable peace and democracy is unattainable without consensus, `` she said.

The NBA President, Mr Okey Wali, called on the National Assembly to carry out a referendum on the proposed amendment to the constitution.

According to him, the NBA, in 2012, sent a proposal to the National Assembly for a referendum.

According to him, there is the need to seek the consent of the people before amending the constitution.

``We still maintain that only a referendum can assuage the yearnings of the people, `` he added

Police Pension: EFCC Arraigns Yusufu over N250 million Fraud

Yusufu is alleged to have used the company to lodged N250 million with a new generation bank.

One of the charges reads; “that you John Yakubu Yusufu on or about 14th February, 2012 at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division knowingly failed to make full disclosure of your assets and liability in the Declaration of Assets Form filled by

you, by not declaring your interest in the N250,000,000 (Two hundred and Fifty Million Naira) you lodged in a fixed deposit account with the Zenith Bank in the name of SY-A Global Services Limited, a company in which you are the sole signatory

to its account and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 27(3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment, etc) ACT CAP E1 2004”.  

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs asked the court to remand the accused in prison custody and fix a date for trial. Counsel to the defendant, Gabriel Tsenyen prayed the court to grant him a short

adjournment to enable him file an application for bail. He also prayed the court to remand his client in EFCC custody. However, Justice Adamu Bello ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to March 1, 2013.

It will be recalled that Yusufu was among six top officials of the Police Pension Office arraigned by the EFCC on March 29, 2012, on 16-count criminal charges bordering on conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The other accused persons are

Esai Dangabar, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Mrs. Veronica Ulonma Onyegbula and Sani Habila Zira. Kigo was the director of the Police Pension Office before he was made permanent. They allegedly stole over N32.8billion from the police pension office. 

On Monday, Justice Mohammed Talba convicted and sentenced Yusufu to 6 years imprisonment with the option of a fine, having pleaded guilty to three counts of an amended 20-count charge.

Raising Healthy Kids: Top 10 Tips for Parents

 

The good news is that you don't need a degree in nutrition to raise healthy kids. Following some basic guidelines can help you encourage your kids to eat right and maintain a healthy weight.

Here are 10 key rules to live by:

1.Parents control the supply lines. You decide which foods to buy and when to serve them. Though kids will pester their parents for less nutritious foods, adults should be in charge when deciding which foods are regularly stocked in the house. Kids won't go hungry. They'll eat what's available in the cupboard and fridge at home. If their favorite snack isn't all that nutritious, you can still buy it once in a while so they don't feel deprived.

2.From the foods you offer, kids get to choose what they will eat or whether to eat at all. Kids need to have some say in the matter. Schedule regular meal and snack times. From the selections you offer, let them choose what to eat and how much of it they want. This may seem like a little too much freedom. But if you follow step 1, your kids will be choosing only from the foods you buy and serve.

3.Quit the "clean-plate club." Let kids stop eating when they feel they've had enough. Lots of parents grew up under the clean-plate rule, but that approach doesn't help kids listen to their own bodies when they feel full. When kids notice and respond to feelings of fullness, they're less likely to overeat.

4.Start them young. Food preferences are developed early in life, so offer variety. Likes and dislikes begin forming even when kids are babies. You may need to serve a new food on several different occasions for a child to accept it. Don't force a child to eat, but offer a few bites. With older kids, ask them to try one bite.

5.Rewrite the kids' menu. Who says kids only want to eat hot dogs, pizza, burgers, and macaroni and cheese? When eating out, let your kids try new foods and they might surprise you with their willingness to experiment. You can start by letting them try a little of whatever you ordered or ordering an appetizer for them to try.

6.Drink calories count. Soda and other sweetened drinks add extra calories and get in the way of good nutrition. Water and milk are the best drinks for kids. Juice is fine when it's 100%, but kids don't need much of it — 4 to 6 ounces a day is enough for preschoolers.

7.Put sweets in their place. Occasional sweets are fine, but don't turn dessert into the main reason for eating dinner. When dessert is the prize for eating dinner, kids naturally place more value on the cupcake than the broccoli. Try to stay neutral about foods.

8.Food is not love. Find better ways to say "I love you." When foods are used to reward kids and show affection, they may start using food to cope with stress or other emotions. Offer hugs, praise, and attention instead of food treats.

9.Kids do as you do. Be a role model and eat healthy yourself. When trying to teach good eating habits, try to set the best example possible. Choose nutritious snacks, eat at the table, and don't skip meals.

10.Limit TV and computer time. When you do, you'll avoid mindless snacking and encourage activity. Research has shown that kids who cut down on TV-watching also reduced their percentage of body fat. When TV and computer time are limited, they'll find more active things to do. And limiting "screen time" means you'll have more time to be active together.

 

Jackie McNamara Unveiled as New Boss of Dundee United

 

McNamara, who has signed a three-year contract, lept to the top of United's wish list after they parted company with Peter Houston on Monday.

The former Celtic  and Scotland defender will be joined at Tannadice by assistant manager Simon Donnelly, who was his No 2 at Firhill.

United chairman Stephen Thompson said: "It was important we moved quickly to appoint a new manager, but it was equally important we undertook extensive homework to ensure the correct appointment.

"We have worked on this for some time and after receiving great interest in the position and undertaking a rigorous interview process, it was clear to the board that Jackie was the outstanding candidate to take the club forward in the manner we wish.

"It is with great delight and excitement for the future that I announce his appointment today."

McNamara said "I am thrilled and proud to be named manager of Dundee United  and believe I have been handed a fantastic opportunity.

"This is an established Scottish Premier League club with a fantastic playing squad, infrastructure and youth set up and I cannot wait to start working with the players.

"This club has very strong foundations with the majority of the first team squad under contract beyond this summer and a very strong youth structure in place.

"I am sure the Dundee United supporters will appreciate how I like to play the game and I look forward to working with everyone connected with the club to take us forward."

 

Barbra Streisand to Sing at Oscars for First Time in Decades

 

Streisand will perform again at the Academy Awards on February 24, producers said on Wednesday, without providing details about how her appearance would fit into the show or what she might sing.

Streisand, 70, has won two Oscars, one for best actress in "Funny Girl" and another for best original song, "Evergreen" from her 1976 vehicle "A Star Is Born." Her performance of the song at the 1977 Oscars show was her only previous onstage stint at Hollywood's biggest night.

"In an evening that celebrates the artistry of movies and music, how could the telecast be complete without Barbra Streisand?" producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a statement. "We are honored that she has agreed to do a very special performance on this year's Oscars."

Streisand has also been nominated for several Oscars, including for best actress in "The Way We Were" and as producer for best picture nominee "The Prince of Tides."

Most recently she co-starred with Seth Rogen in "The Guilt Trip," a Christmas 2012 release.

Earlier this month, the Film Society of Lincoln Center announced that Streisand would be this year's recipient of its annual Chaplin Award, a prestigious honor recognizing achievement in film.

The Oscars will be presented at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, hosted by Seth MacFarlane and broadcast live on ABC as well as in more than 225 countries worldwide.

 

Promasidor flags off new Loya Milk promo

The new promo which will run from February 1st to May 31st  was launched on Monday at a press briefing in Lagos. The event was attended by a cross section of people from regulatory agencies, the media and also by the Loya Milk brand Ambassador, Don Jazzy.

 Speaking at the event, Commercial Director of Promasidor Nigeria, Mr Kachi Onubogu stated that the promo was a way of rewarding loyal consumers of the brand. 

 “The Loya ‘It’s What’s Inside That Matters’ promo has been designed to reward our loyal consumers who have brought us thus far. Today, we are unveiling another fantastic activity to reward and excite our consumers all over Nigeria as we give out millions of cash and 12 brand new cars over the space of four months from 1st February to 31st May.’

 

Explaining the promo mechanics Onubogu said there will be no draws; all the prizes will be won instantly. 

  “Our Lucky consumers have to look inside any Loya 400g or 900g promotional pack to find their coupon or sticker with a unique code. It could be an instant cash prize of N1,000; N2,000; N10,000; or N20,000 which can be redeemed at any branch of Zenith Bank nationwide . It could also be the star prize of a brand new car. We will be giving out three brand new cars (Hyundai i10AT) every month to lucky consumers redeemable here in our office.”

In his address of welcome, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Chief Keith Richards said Loya Milk has risen to be  Nigeria’s fastest growing brand.

“Since its re-launch in 2010, Loya Milk has gained the hearts of its target audience and has risen to be  Nigeria’s fastest growing brand. This has been made possible by the immense support we receive from our media and trade partners. For this, I extend our unreserved gratitude. Our story of success cannot be complete without mentioning our passionate and loyal consumers who have stayed with the Loya Milk Brand despite choices available to them. That is why in Promasidor Nigeria, we always find a creative way to reward our customers and consumers for their patronage and loyalty. ”

It would be recalled that  Don Jazzy whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh was recently named  the  brand ambassador of Loya Milk in Lagos.

Loya is a premium milk brand on the stable of Promasidor. Its brand promise is to deliver a consistent, premium quality milk powder that assists in keeping the family strong and healthy and it contains calcium, proteins and Vitamins A and D, essential for the growth of a healthy body.

The high calcium milk was re-launched in October.

Jonathan Promises Equity in Federal Appointments

 

The president gave the assurance at the swearing-in ceremony of seven members of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), a member of the Federal Civil Service Commission and two permanent secretaries. 

The ceremony took place in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting. 

In a remark shortly after the appointees took the Oath of Office, Jonathan said he had observed that all the geo-political zones complained of being marginalised on federal appointments. 

He said that he deliberately delayed some pending political appointments in order to ensure that the complaints of marginalisation already received were taken care of. 

``We are in an era where all the geo-political zones complain about marginalisation. All the geo-political zones complain that they are not given appointments. In fact, we have some pending appointments because of that. 

``I have told the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to do proper analysis and probably to wait and accumulate the number. Probably if we accumulate them up to 12, when we want to make the appointments, we will make sure that all the geo-political zones get two each. 

“In that case, your conscience will be clear. That is why some appointments are pending, which I believe we will deal with this week. I think they are about 12 or so. We will make sure that all the geo-political zones are accommodated.” 

Jonathan challenged the newly sworn-in officials, especially members of the FCC not only to be up and doing in their duties, but to also comply with the commission’s establishment statute. 

``Also the Civil Service Commission should be fair to all Nigerians. In employing Nigerians, you must ensure that all the States have what is due to them because we also know that some States are more than others. 

``So when you are balancing equality of States, you must also be mindful of the population of each state. You must be aware of the laws guiding your job,’’ he said. 

The president also urged the appointees to learn how to relate with their colleagues and to see Nigeria as one entity. 

The seven members of the FCC include, Mr Uche Romanus (Imo); former Speaker of Benue House of Assembly and the first female Speaker in Nigeria and West Africa, Dr Margaret Icheen and former Member of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa, Mr Clement Agie. 

Others are former Commissioner for Information, Nasarawa State, Mr Alakayi Mamman; former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bauchi State, Alhaji Yerima Giade; Dr Salihu Bello from Adamawa; and Alhaji Addo Ahmed, Jigawa. 

Similarly, Dr Clement Ilo (Delta) and Dr Jemila Suara (Edo State) were sworn-in as federal permanent secretaries, while Alhaji Hassan Soko-Dabo (FCT), was sworn-in as member of the Federal Civil Service Commission. 

 

Group Set to Appeal Against Judgment on Niger-Delta Oil Spills

 

Four farmers from the Niger Delta region had sued Shell at The Hague, Switzerland, for oil spills which destroyed their farmlands and fish ponds during the period under review.

Joined in the suit as plaintiffs were Elder Friday Apkan from Ikot Ada Udo, Ikot Abasi Local government of Akwa Ibom , Chief Fidelis Oguru and Mr Alali Efanga, from Oruma in Bayelsa and Chief Benson Barizaa Tete-Dooh from Goi,Gokan Local Government Area of Rivers.

Mr Chima Williams, the group’s Head of Legal Department, however, told newsmen on Wednesday in Port Harcourt that the organisation was satisfied with a section of the judgment with regard to the Ikot Ada Udo oil spill in Akwa Ibom.

Earlier, the court at The Hague had ruled that Shell was liable for negligence in the spill which occurred in Ikot Ada Udo Local Government but that the spills in Oruma community in Bayelsa and Goi in Rivers were due to sabotage.

Chima told newsmen, however, that the judgment which favoured Ikot Udo community in Akwa Ibom was an indication that the multinational oil corporations could be held liable for their conducts in host communities.

“We are happy with the judgment as it affects Ikot AdaUdo community. We know that it has set a new global standard in terms of corporate accountability and a new legal regime for the conduct of multinational corporations in their host communities.

“By this judgment, they (multinationals) can be held liable in their home countries for their conduct in host communities.’’ 

Williams said the group would soon file an appeal against the judgment as it affects the Oruma and Goi communities before a higher court in Netherlands.

“We are still equally in a way happy with the totality of the judgment because we have already won the greatest victory which is moral victory.

“The case in itself has put the plight of Nigerian communities in the hands of multinational corporations in the global spotlight.

“Before now, many people were not aware of the happening in the Niger Delta communities as a result of oil extractive activities.

“But today, it is known all over the world. So, that is already a great victory for us.

“Secondly, a global standard, in terms of jurisdictional question have been set that communities or citizens from poor countries or less advanced countries or even advanced countries where multinational companies are operating , can challenge the conduct of such companies in their home countries.’’

 

Minister Decries Poor Participation of Private Sector in Forest Management

 

Mailafia expressed the view in Abuja at a two-day national stakeholders' workshop on the implementation of forest instrument in the country. 

We recall that the Non-Legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests (NLBI), also commonly known as the "Forest Instrument," was adopted by the UN Forum on Forest (UNFF) in 2007. 

The primary purpose of the instrument is to promote commitment and action on all forests to enhance sustainable forest management and the contribution of forest to the eradication of poverty. 

The minister was represented on the occasion by Mr Simon Adedoyin, Deputy Director, Forest Conservation in the ministry. 

She said the low level of private sector investment in forestry had affected the government’s goal of achieving inter-connectedness to soil, water and climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

''Despite the concerns shown by the government on the precarious state of the nation’s forest resources, the level of implementation of forestry development programmes are not commensurate with the level of degradation due to funding constraints. 

''Also, poor policy implementation and low level of private sector participation and investment hamper development in forestry despite its critical importance and inter-connectedness to soil, water and climate change mitigation and adaptation,'' the minister said. 

She stressed the need to strike a balance between good forest management practices and the pull of economic growth. 

She called for cooperation between development partners and the government in tackling the menace of deforestation, adding that public partnership involvement in forestry was crucial in the sustainability of forest management. 

Earlier, Mr Salisu Dahiru, Acting director, Federal Department of Forestry, said the objectives of the national workshop were to raise awareness and build capacity among stakeholders. 

Dahiru, who was represented by Mr Muyideen Badru, an assistant director in the ministry, said the workshop was aimed at sensitising stakeholders to the purpose of implementing the forest instrument for the attainment of sustainable forest management. 

“The forest instrument covers a broad spectrum of issues beyond forest and its implementation requires close cooperation between different authorities and agencies,'' he said. 

In a goodwill massage, Ms Louise Lobisa, Country Representative of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria, commended the Federal Government for taking a bold step toward the implementation of the forest instrument. 

She said FAO was looking forward to working closely with the government and stakeholders on domestication of the instrument and its further implementation. 

''The FAO recognises and commends the government’s efforts in this respect which guide the use, development and management of the country’s valuable forest resources. 

''As you embark on this important initiative, full cooperation and support of all stakeholders will be crucial,'' she said. 

Also, Mr Thomas Fameso, Deputy Director, Forest Utilisation, told NAN that the adoption of the non-legally binding instrument on all types of forests by the UN General Assembly had reinforced the global commitment to sustainable forest management. 

Fameso said the idea would engender an over-reaching principle of forest policy at both national and international levels and to outline future priorities in the global objectives of forest. 

 

NSCDC Threatens to Penalise MDAS, Companies Employing Unlicensed Guards

 

Mr Abdullahi Kofaroro, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, gave the warning during an interview with newsmen. 

He urged government establishments, individual companies and residential estate owners to ensure that they engaged security guards from registered companies. 

Kofaroro said the corps had since commenced the closure of illegal security companies. 

He said NSCDC would not hesitate to arrest people who contravened the law on the setting up of security companies. 

The commandant stressed that NSCDC was the only organisation with the responsibility of regulating the operation of private security companies. 

He said the current security challenges in the country had necessitated the intensification and regulation of the operations of private guard companies. 

``We have discovered that Nigerians are in the habit of engaging foreign elements that pose security threats to guard their homes and properties and what we are saying is that that has to stop. 

``As it is now, we do not know who is for Nigeria and who is against us, so we cannot continue to tolerate this kind of practice. 

``From now on, security guards, popularly called ``mai-guard’’, who are providing services without being registered with companies that have been cleared by the civil defence will be penalised. 

Kofaroro said security guard companies that wished to operate in the FCT should endeavour to upgrade and meet the necessary requirements for them to operate. 

It is recalled that the corps in a nationwide exercise closed down 131 private guard companies between 2011 and 2012 for violating the rules guiding their operations. 

Also, the FCT command shut down seven security guard companies operating illegally in the territory between Jan. 8 and Jan. 29. 

 

No internal crisis can split us, Says CAN

 The association also said it had put in place appropriate mechanisms for the resolution of the issues in contention.

 In its first major reaction to the alleged plan by the Catholic bloc to pull out its fold, the leadership of CAN in a communique read to journalists Tuesday in Abuja by the association’s General Secretary, Dr. Musa Asaka, after a meeting of its President-in- Council (PIC), comprising all the blocs, appealed to the media to exhibit social responsibility for which they have been known in reporting the seeming crisis. Although, there was no evidence that the meeting was attended by representatives of the Catholic Church

 Against the background of criticisms against CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, over his alleged romance with the government, the PIC reaffirmed its implicit and explicit confidence in its leadership.

 The communique was signed by CAN’s Vice-President/Head, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh; Head, Christian Council of Nigeria, Most Rev. Emmanuel Udofia; Head, “Tarayar Ekklisiyar Kristi A Nijeriya,” a conglomeration of 13 church groups in CAN/ECWA Fellowship, Most Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau and Head, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

 It was also resolved: “That CAN is a family; as a family, it has its own internal mechanisms for resolving its issues. CAN has therefore set in motion the processes for resolving these issues.

“The President-in-Council reaffirms its implicit and explicit confidence in the CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in all his public statements on behalf of CAN.

 “We appeal to the well known sense of social responsibility of the press in handling the current situation.”

 

We will take Boko Haram ceasefire with caution -- CDS

Ibrahim made this known while speaking with newsmen shortly after the opening of a two-day seminar on ``National Security’’ at the Defence College.

According to him, there are certain objective tests that will ensure that the declaration made sense.

``There are certain objective tests we think that will make sense. Let us assume that we can have a long period of about one month where no bomb explodes, where nobody is shot, nobody is beheaded.

``Where no church is bombed and where no mosque is threatened, if they can guarantee one month, then we can begin to talk. So we must take this (ceasefire) with a lot of caution.

``But we hope whatever that must have brought this about, will further enhance our security. So, we are a bit excited about it but we are taking everything with a lot of caution,’’ he said.

The CDS described the seminar, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), as a gathering of the best brains who were concerned with national security.

He said that the gathering was the intellectual dimension aimed at providing solution to a national problem.

On current development in Mali, Ibrahim expressed satisfaction, adding ``things are moving so fast.

``We congratulate the efforts of those who see this (Mali crisis) as a worthy cause to support Africa, especially the Sub-region.

``We congratulate France, United states of America, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and the AU.’’

Ibrahim said that the problem in Northern Mali was essentially an ECOWAS affair but that the regional body decided to place it on the international domain.

``We are very excited, especially the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff about the pace at which things have moved so far,'' he said.

He assured that very soon the ECOWAS forces would move to the second and third stages of their mandate which were the consolidation and reform of the Malian forces.

The theme of the seminar is ``Contemporary National Security Challenges: Policy Options

 

Nkiru's Kidnap: SSS parades 6 suspects, including dismissed police constable

Marilyn Ogar, the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the service, paraded the suspects at a joint news conference with the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba.

Ogar said that three other suspects in connection with the kidnap had been arrested by the police.

She said that Sylvanus, who was kidnapped by gunmen on Dec. 15, 2012, was released on Dec. 21 after the payment of N8 million.

Ogar named the six suspects as Ndidi Cletus, 30; dismissed Police Constable Stanley Asonna, 27; Aminus Musa, 40; Mohammed Abubbakar, 34; Obinna Okwuolisa, 30; and Samson Onwuka, 24.

 

She said the suspects kidnapped the governor’s aid and kept her in a bush at Avu junction in Owerri, for six days.

Ogar said that all the suspects had made confessions and would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

She said that Cletus confessed to being the leader of the nine-man gang, who kidnapped Sylvanus, adding that at the time of his arrest, N3.4 million was recovered from him.

Mba confirmed that Cletus, a constable attached to MOPOL 19, Port Harcourt, was dismissed from service on July 19, 2010 after being implicated in the kidnap of three oil workers in Imo.

He said this was contrary to the claim in his confession to the DSS that he was dismissed in 2004 for absenting himself from duty for 21 days without permission, on grounds of ill health.

Mba said that investigation into the kidnap of the oil workers showed that the suspect provided the tactical and operational guidelines to the gang who committed the act.

He said that having established that the dismissed officer was deeply implicated, the police authorities declared him wanted and he remained on the wanted list until he was arrested for taking part in the kidnap of Sylvanus.

Mba described the joint news conference as a ``classical example of inter-agency collaboration to deepen intelligence sharing’’ for national security.

He said that the three suspects, who are in the custody of the police, had been charged to a Magistrate’s Court in Owerri, which has also ordered their remand. 

Fielding questions from newsmen, Mba urged relations of kidnapped victims not to pay ransom to kidnappers, saying that it was the ``sweetest incentive’’ that motivates kidnapping.

``Unequivocally, our stand is, `don’t pay ransom’; we encourage Nigerians not to pay ransom,’’ he said.

 

Senate orders removal of NCAA DG, revocation of Dana air certificate

The Senate also directed that the Airlines Operators Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines be revoked because it was not issued in full compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2009. 

It also ordered the termination of the appointment of the NCAA Inspector, Mr . Sam Akwuh, who carried out pre-arrival inspection on the ill-fated Dana aircraft. 

The Senate further ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to recover the N35.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund which was extended to Air Nigeria but was diverted to other uses. 

It directed the Federal Government to make public the reports of previous investigations into all air accidents that had occurred in the country.

The directive followed the Senate’s adoption of the report of the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Aviation on the crash of Dana and Allied Aircraft. 

The joint Committee in its report identified non-adherence to laid down regulations as the major challenge facing the Nigerian aviation industry. 

It also reported that weak regulatory regime, declining and low professional competence in NCAA and the industry as a whole, were recurring problems affecting the industry.

Addressing newsmen, the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Hope Uzodinma (PDP-Imo), said that the recommendations were aimed at transforming the aviation sector and moving it forward. 

``It is not personal about the NCAA DG but the entire aircraft inspectors. 

``We have civil aviation college in Zaria. These young graduates should be recruited and trained so as to fill up vacancies created by the old and retired personnel,’’ he said. 

Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP- Bauchi) described the report as a vindication of the parliament and urged the Senate to ensure that the recommendations were implemented by the executive. 

``This report clears the air on the criticisms that the parliament has been compromising on investigations.

``Since the Senate committee has refused to be compromised and has brought the report to us, we must make sure that the report is well implemented, ‘’ he said. 

In his contribution, Sen. Victor Lar (PDP-Plateau) said that it was the responsibility of the parliament to insist on transparency and integrity in the aviation sector. 

``I believe that we as a parliament should insist that the right thing is done or at least we get it right in the aviation sector. 

`` How can one explain that in this age, a regulatory agency is headed by someone who is not qualified?" he asked. 

He wondered why an aircraft that the manufacturers had de-commissioned was still allowed to fly Nigerians.

 Lar also called for a complete overhaul of the aviation sector adding that the right engineers be employed to maintain specific aircraft that they had been trained to handle.

Sen. Ahmed Lawan (ANPP-Yobe) in his contribution said that reform in the aviation sector should go beyond remodelling of the airports. 

According to him, while it is good to remodel airports, it is more important to ensure air safety of travellers. 

``We must ensure that those who oversight the operators are competent, " Lawan said. 

On his part, Sen. Ayogu Eze (PDP-Enugu) expressed surprise at some of the facts revealed in the report. 

He said if the facts were ``chilling as they are it means that on a daily basis we are surviving by the share grace of God.

 ``Perhaps our aviation industry is not growing because people handling it are not competent enough to handle the industry.’’ 

Sen. Uche Chukwumerije (PDP-Abia) also described the findings as “blood chilling”, adding that it was an indication that the Nigerian aviation industry was a disaster waiting to happen every year. 

Sen. Attai Ali (ANPP-Kogi) said that those indicted in the report should also be charged to court and tried for manslaughter. 

``The report is scary, damning and without sounding alarmist, would make one scared to fly again. 

``In other countries, before this kind of report comes out, people would begin to resign immediately because they have no business holding office again,’’ Ali said. 

Senate President David Mark, who presided over the session, noted that Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) which was a very important project, was at the moment a failure. 

Mark said it was frustrating for a pilot to fly without being able to communicate with the tower. 

He said air travel was the fastest and safest mode of travel all over the world and Nigeria could not afford to lag behind in ensuring that it was safe to fly in its air space. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on June 3, 2012, a Dana Airline flight from Abuja to Lagos crashed into a residential area in Lagos killing all 153 passengers on board.

Following the crash, the National Assembly thereafter called on their committees on Aviation to investigate the matter with a view to ascertain the air worthiness of airplanes in the country

Nurse Seeks Divorce over Husband’s Alleged Refusal to Work

 

Comfort, who lives at No. 9, Shodipo St., Papa Ashafa, Orile Agege, also told the court that her husband, Kayode, was adulterous and given to alcohol.

``I am the one feeding and clothing the family as well as paying the house rent.

"All he knows is to drink to stupor and chase single ladies in the neigbourhood.

"I made efforts to stop him from these disgraceful acts but he did not listen, ‘’ she said.

She said that she was tired of giving Kayode money weekly because of his refusal to find a job.

The mother of four children, aged between seven and 24 years, said that she would not regret quitting the marriage.

"I have endured for 25 years; I want to stay alone now; he is useless,’’ she said.

Responding, Kayode, 54, submitted that he was caring for his family although he had no money.

"When one of our children was sick, I was with him for three months in the hospital doing what his mother could not do.

"I protect the family and take care of the children while she brings home the money,’’ he said.

Kayode prayed the court to save the union, saying that he still loved his wife and would continue to do so.

The President of the court, Mr Joseph Adewusi, adjourned the case till Feb. 13 for possible reconciliation of the estranged couple. 

 

Speedy Passage of Petroleum Industry Bill Will Do Nigeria Good, Says Nwodo

 

Nwodo made the call in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stressed the need for the lawmakers to re-visit the PIB with patriotic zeal, as the oil industry was the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

According to him, the delay in passing the bill will further encourage cabals to thrive without let or hindrance.

``World wide, the oil industry has rules and regulations guiding exploration, exploitation and marketing of products in the industry.

``The NNPC today, is enmeshed in the controversy of mismanagement because a comprehensive oil bill is not in place,” he said.

He expressed regret that Nigeria was the only country in the world where crude oil theft is the order of the day and ``culprits go scot free''.

He attributed the situation to the lack of comprehensive laws to regulate the oil industry and other sectors that were critical to the growth of the nation’s economy.

``Shying away from passing the PIB can only do more harm than good, given the situation in the country.

``I also subscribe to the fact that the oil minister should not be the only one saddled with all the responsibilities in the oil industry for transparency and accountability," he said.

He expressed the belief that realistic laws would enthrone checks and balances, in addition to transparency and accountability necessary for the survival of the industry.

Nwodo also advocated the enactment of a law to stipulate severe punishments for crude oil thieves and frauds as sanity was needed in the oil industry.

He said further that the bill should deal with environmental factors affecting oil exploration and safety of the host communities.

He also urged the lawmakers to rise above sectional politics in order to pass the bill without further delay.

According to him, the proceeds from the oil industry should be made to serve the interest of the entire country.

He underscored the use of e-governance as information and communication technology was imperative for oversight functions, including probes. 

 

Capital Oil & Gas Vs IGP, Others; Hearing Fixed for Feb. 7

 

The suit, which was filed through Ubah's Counsel, Mr R.A. Oluyede, has the Inspector General of Police (I-G) as first respondent.

Joined as respondents in the suit are the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, Mr Ayotunde Ogunsakin; the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede and the Managing Director, Coscharis Motors, Mr Cosmas Maduka.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke fixed the hearing date after an argument by Mr Paul Usoro, Counsel to Coscharis Motors, that the applicant had not served him with the originating summons.

Usoro urged the applicants to do so promptly.

Oluyede had earlier claimed that the originating processes had been duly served on all respondents since Jan. 20 and he was ready to proceed with the case.

The Counsel representing the I-G, Mr Godwin Obla, also informed the court that he had filed a notice of preliminary objection to the suit.

He said his objection was predicated on the ground that the applicant could not, by his application, restrain the first respondent from carrying out his statutory functions.

Obla told the court that he had filed a notice of conditional appearance in the suit alongside a written address dated Jan. 28.

Reports say that Ubah had filed his application on Jan. 10, seeking an order of the court, setting aside an interim report issued by the commissioner of police, SFU, dated Nov. 2, 2012.

The applicant, in his originating motion, averred that the interim report, in which the second respondent had purported that he (the applicant) would be arraigned on a prima facie case of money laundering and criminal conspiracy, amounts to prosecutorial misconduct.

He also averred that another report, dated Nov. 3, 2012, in which it had been stated that the SFU report would be submitted in a case of stealing and economic sabotage, amounted to a breach of his fundamental rights.

The applicant wants a declaration nullifying the complaint made by the presidential committee on verification of oil subsidy payment to oil marketers, alleging that it was tainted by malice.

Ubah also wants an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the I-G, and commissioner of police, SFU, from further harassing, arresting or instituting any criminal process against him.

The applicant is seeking N10 billion as damages, to be paid by all respondents jointly and severally, for the injury suffered as a result of his detention at the Ikoyi office of the second respondent for 10 days. 

 

EFCC Arraigns Man for Forgery

 

Onuwudinjo , the director of Paraxis Catholic school, Abuja, was accused of forging a letter of introduction to a commercial bank for use in committing academic fraud.

According to the EFCC counsel Hussaina Gambo, the letter titled: ``Appointnment as Linkage Coordinator of Unversity of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) post Graduate Part-time Programme,’’ dated April 1, 2010.

Gambo alleged that it was with intent that such letter be replied by the bank to allow registration fees for the part time programme to be deposited into the account.

She said that the account was named T22T Services Nig. Ltd., domiciled at the bank, in which the accused was a sole signatory.

The counsel alleged that the offence was punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code, Cap 532 of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

She alleged that the accused also committed criminal misappropriation by dishonestly converting N23, 512,500 belonging to UNN to his use without its consent.

According to her, the offence is punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code, Cap 532 of the Federation of Nigeria.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Mr Edet Ita, counsel to the accused made an oral application for the court to admit bail to his client because of his health condition, which was opposed by Gambo.

Anenih said that granting of bail ``is at the discretion of the court and both parties should put in writing their argument’’ and adjourned case to Feb. 4 for ruling.

She ordered that the accused be remanded at the Kuje prison.

 

NAFDAC Urges Onitsha Residents to be Active in Fight Against Fake Drugs

 

Its Zonal Coordinator in Onitsha, Mr Dauda Gimba, made the call in an interview with newsmen.

``With prompt information about fake drugs, the agency can safe-guard the health and lives of thousands in any Onitsha neighbourhood, which might be used as safe haven by the paddlers.”

Gimba outlined the dangers posed by fake drugs, saying they were enormous.

The coordinator, who urged Onitsha residents not to be complacent in the fight against fake drugs, gave some tips on what to look out for when buying a drug.

“The issue is that the consumer himself is suppose to be curious and scrutinise whatever he is buying to make sure it is registered in the first place.

“Therefore, once there is no NAFDAC registration number on the product; there should be questions.

“If it is registered and you happen to doubt the quality by its physical appearance, again questions should be asked.

“You look at the label; you look at the name of the product; you look at the name of the manufacturer; you look at the address of the manufacturer; you look at the manufacture expiry date.

“You look at spelling errors in all these I am mentioning. Then, you look at the NAFDAC registration number whether it is there or completely absent.

``Those are issues that should lead you to the next question and possibly report to NAFDAC if necessary.”

According to Gimba, the agency’s office is open to receive public complaints as desk officers have been stationed to attend to such issues promptly.

 

Ogun Commissioner's Office Burgled, Eko 2012 Report Stolen

 

The Special Assistant on Media to Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, Mr Oye Olubunmi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abeokuta in a statement issued to newsmen.

He said that the office of Mr Yomi Opakunle, the  Special Assistant to the Commissioner, was also burgled.

Olubunmi said the original copy and 12 other copies of the final report on the state’s participation at the just concluded 18th National Sports Festival (Eko 2012) were stolen.

He also said   N80,000, being contingency fund for members of the state's  football team, Gateway Football Club, was also stolen.

Olubunmi said the Eko 2012 report stolen by the burglars was prepared by a committee led by Justice Demola Bakre.

He further said the report was to be presented to  Amosun by the commissioner  on his return from South Africa.

Olubunmi  said  the Ogun Police Command and the State Security Service had visited the scene of the burglary while  investigation was on-going. 

 

Excess Crude Account: Governors to Seek Final Resolution from Supreme Court

 

The forum’s Chairman and Governor of Rivers, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, said on Tuesday in Abuja that the body would seek ``a final resolution from the Supreme Court” on all matters relating to the controversy.

Amaechi said this was because the NGF had been dissatisfied with the ``present attitude of the Federal Government on the Excess Crude Account’’.

The governor who read to newsmen the communiqué at the end of the governors’ first meeting in the New Year said the forum had taken a firm stand on the issue.

``The NGF therefore resolved to take no further adjournments in the subsisting case in court over the issue,’’ he said.

Reports say that the forum at its meeting of Sept. 20, 2012, had resolved to challenge federal government’s deductions from the excess crude account.

The deductions had been used to offset the cost of the fuel subsidy.

The two parties had since then been in court over the matter, even though the litigation had been plagued with frequent adjournments since it was first listed for mention.

Amaechi said the 36 state governors who form the forum`s membership remained resolute in ensuring the development of their states for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.

He added that the forum had also agreed to hold a two-day retreat on a date yet to be fixed to deliberate on the current state of the country`s security.

The Rivers governor also said the forum had resolved to institute a monthly polio campaign to be headed by state governors.

``This is to promote routine immunisation and healthy environment across the states of the federation,’’ he said.

Amaechi added that the forum resolved that governors from states not affected by the polio scourge would support their counterparts in the affected states.

``They will do this by joining in the national campaign against the scourge,’’ he said.

The governors, according to Amaechi, would also meet with the presidential task force on polio eradication to identify funding gaps and challenges against the scourge’s eradication in the country.

He however pointed out that the forum was not forming itself into an opposition against the federal government.

``The forum is only concerned about the unity and progress of the nation and its citizens,’’ the NGF chairman said.

Reports say that the meeting, which was held at the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge in the Abuja, was attended by, among others, the governors of Rivers, Ekiti, Ogun and Imo.

Others at the meeting included governors of Lagos, Kano, Plateau, Anambra, Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Delta, Ondo, Abia, Kogi and Oyo states.

The forum is an umbrella body of the 36 elected governors of the federation.

 

65% New Businesses Die Within First 3 Years- NASME

 

NASME’s director of public relations, Mr Nerus Ekezie, said on Tuesday in Lagos that the data was derived from some insiders’ research on business longevity rate in the country.

He said that many of the researches identified the harsh environment that most Nigerian businesses operated in as a major setback to their survival.

``Manufacturers are really going through hell trying to do business with the epileptic power supply situation in this country.

``The bad roads are causing many business outfits to incur more operational costs and forcing them to spend less on direct productive activities.

``Insecurity too in the country has also affected business profit margins negatively.

``Worse still, many of our financial institutions are not coming to the aid of these new businesses,’’ he said.

The NASME spokesman said that extortion from miscreants and touts on the highways was also causing the timely death of many fresh entrepreneurs.

``We cannot but continue to complain about the problem of multiple taxations on small businesses.

``It is not good for the survival rate of any enterprise if the local and state government have to collect the same levy from new business outfits severally,’’ he said. 

 

Agency Blames Pregnant Women for Increased Maternal Mortality

 

Its Executive Secretary, Dr Sufiyan Babale, told newsmen in an interview in Kaduna that the women were mostly ignorant on ways to access health care services.

He said this had resulted in their inability to recognise the danger signs in pregnancies.

Babale urged women to identify their strengths and weaknesses during pregnancy, so as to curb complications, which could lead to death.

He lamented that most pregnant women skip ante-natal clinics, which was important to their safe delivery.

Babale blamed the increase in maternal mortality to lack of required manpower for effective medical services.

He said most of the personnel working in the primary health centres were community health extension workers, with limited knowledge of medical issues.

The executive secretary said the state had 1, 011 primary health centres in the 255 wards, but that only 40 per cent of the centres were functioning.

He said the government, in conjunction with the Partnership for Transforming Health Systems, had adopted new strategies to bridge the gap health personnel.

He said that existing health centres would also be rehabilitated under the arrangement.

Babale disclosed that 255 model health centres would be constructed in the state from the proceeds of the Subsidy Re-investment Programme.

The executive secretary said the project would be conducted in phases, beginning from this year.

``We have also partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, to provide the centres with midwives.

``Because of the partnership, a large number of the midwives have been posted to the health centres.”

 

Excessive Intake of kolanut is Dangerous, Says Doctor

 

Obed told newsmen in Abuja that kola nut should be taken occasionally, especially during ceremonies, to avoid health implications of excessive intake.

``Kola nut is a fruit of the kola tree, which is native to Africa; it has social, cultural and religious significance.

``It could be used religiously; it is also socially used for naming ceremonies and weddings, `` he said.

He said that in some parts of the country, people commonly used it to entertain guests.

``It contains a lot of caffeine; we know that caffeine is a stimulant, so kola nut can be said to be a stimulant.''

He said the nut was also known to have other components like theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine and riboflavin, niacin, both types of B vitamin.

Obed explained that kola nut had its positive uses, including aiding digestion, because it increased acid secretion.

He said it was found to have caffeine, medically known as a bronchodilator, which opened up the air ways.

``So people with asthma and other diseases that lead to constitution of the air ways might benefit from intake of kola nut, to help in opening up the air ways.

``Kola nut is also an important flavouring agent for soft drinks such as coca cola but not used anymore, artificial flavours are being used now,`` he said.

He said that kola nut was also partly a performance enhancer because of its stimulating effect; as such, labourers used it as a source of energy to keep working.

``Kola nut is also known to suppress hunger and takes care of hunger pranks.

``It is not without its implications anyway, it enhances or increases acid secretion in the stomach, `` he said.

Obed said that patients with duodenal or peptic ulcer disease should avoid kola nut because of the acidic effect on the stomach, which could worsen the symptoms of ulcer.

He said that because of the stimulating effect, it could also cause restlessness and poor sleep.

He advised those with problem of sleep not to take kola nut, to avoid developing insomnia.

According to him, one can become restless and not sleep well at night, especially when there is intake of kola nut or any food or drug containing caffeine.

``It has also been shown to affect the bones; in the elderly, it leads to bone loss; in the adolescent, it affects bone formation and not advisable for growing children.

``Because of its effect on peripheral vessel, it can predispose one to high blood pressure, some heart diseases and also cause the narrowing of the peripheral vessel,`` he said.

Obed said that anybody with a predisposition to developing heart disorders should abstain from taking kola nut.

He, however, said that it could stain the teeth, due to long intake.

Obed recommended occasional use for ceremonies, religious purposes, among others and not to be taken excessively because of what might arise from its continuous intake.

According to him, research is on going, to determine its predisposition to cancer.

 

 

Ogun Police Give Owners of Recovered Vehicles Ultimatum

 

The command’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that vehicles and motorcycles not claimed within two weeks would be sold by public auction.

The vehicles, according to him, included a Volkswagen bus marked XE 308 BOJ, a Volvo car marked DE 45SMK, and a Mitsubishi Space bus with registration number DD 02 APP.

Others were a Mercedes Benz marked AH 359 AGG and a Mazda car with registration number AV 684 KJA.

Adejobi also said that two Boxer motorcycles marked  QU 576 BDG and Q 300 LSR  as well as a Jincheng motorcycle marked LA 8099 SM and unmarked Qlink motorcycle were also up for retrieval.

``We advise owners of these vehicles and motorcycles to come up for claims within the next two weeks from today; otherwise they will forfeit them to public auction,’’ he said.  

 

Ghost Workers: Zamfara Govt. to Save N2.34bn

 

Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, Chairman of the Workers Assessment and Rationalisation Committee, revealed this while presenting the committee’s report to Gov. Abdulaziz Yari in Gusau.

According to him, the state government is saving N195 million monthly, translating to N2.34billion yearly.

Gusau said the government would save about N360million from the health sector alone, being the ministry with the highest number of ghost workers in the state.

``There are over 500 officers identified as workers in the health sector who have no places of posting and have not been signing attendance register.

``And so, they were flushed out,’’ Gusau said.

The chairman also accused the state’s ministry of finance of failure to defend the N50 million salary overpaid to the ministry, between March and June 2012.

Guasau said the committee had redeployed 1,341 workers, whose services were either not required or not relevant to their postings, to other duty posts where their services could best be utilised.

The chairman said that higher salaries that were not commensurate with the educational qualifications were paid to some workers in the health sector.

Responding, Yari commended the committee for a job well-done, and pledged to implement the recommendations without delay.

The governor announced a seven- man committee to be headed by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Abdulkarim Tsafe, to fine tune the report.

According to him, the committe will also recommend ways of implementing the report.

 

Chime's Absence: Enugu Assembly Warns Group to Stop Deceiving Citizens

 

Its Speaker, Mr Eugene Odo, said on the floor of the House on Tuesday that it would apply legal means to protect the citizens from the group's activities.

Odo, who made his feelings known while concluding the plenary, noted that the lawmakers would be constrained to summon those behind the Save Enugu Group to explain under what guise they were operating.

According to him, if the group is known to law, the assembly will accord it the necessary and official status.

He said, however, that if the group was not known to law, it would be improper for the assembly to communicate with such an association.

``We want to state that it will be improper for the House of Assembly to correspond with association that have no legal backing of the law, association that have no corporate entity, associations that are not legal person and as such that its not a legal personality.

``A little investigation we made indicate that the Save Enugu Group is not an association known to the law, so we wish that those operating under this guise, should as much as possible remove the cloak of group personality and then bring themselves so that people of Enugu State can know them.

``I say this in the belief that the association wrote me demanding some documents of the house and we think that there is no document of the house that is a private document, they are all public documents that could be accessed to anybody upon proper application for certify true copy of same.

``But the house will not deal with unknown persons, the house will deal with persons who are known to the law, persons who are legal persons.’’

Odo said that efforts made to trace the supposed head office of the group showed that only the South East Zonal Office of the Civil Liberties Organisation and a law firm existed at the No. 27, Edinburgh Road, where it claimed to operate from.

He said the assembly would be interested in knowing the group’s board of trustees, registration particulars and numbers from the Corporate Affairs Commission as well as those behind the association and the legal status they operate with.

 

Microsoft Launches New Office for Consumers

 

The new Office suite of applications - including desktop staples Outlook email, Excel charts, Word and PowerPoint - marks the first overhaul since 2010 and aims to beat back growing competition from Google Inc's free online apps.

"The notion of an always up-to-date streaming version of Office comes directly from how people are using devices today," said Kurt DelBene, head of Microsoft's Office unit, in a phone interview. 

"You really want all your content to roam with you. We see that as an opportunity to deliver what customers are asking for."

The consumer-focused version of the new software, called Office 365 Home Premium, launched on Tuesday. After downloading the basic programs online, users can access the latest versions of all Office applications from up to five devices on a subscription basis for $100 a year.

The software will be updated online, marking a change from the past where users had to wait years for upgrades to installed software.

The new Office largely adopts the look of last year's Windows 8, with a cleaner, more modern-looking design and includes touch-screen capability.

The 'ribbons' showing commands in Word and Excel are mostly unchanged. For the first time the package includes online calling and video service Skype, which Microsoft bought in 2011.

Users' work can be stored in remote data centers - known as 'the cloud' - and the latest version of a document accessed from any licensed device with a browser that the user wants to work on.

 

Transfer News: Rafael Benitez Doesn't Expect More New Signings

 

The interim manager has told owner Roman Abramovich  that his squad was not strong enough to cope with the demands placed on them this season.

But he appears to have given up hope of being allowed to add to the January signing of Demba Ba  before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Asked if he anticipated any dealings before the window closes, he said: "I don't think so but my job is to improve my squad and manage the situation we have.

"We are playing more games than anyone. In some positions we have only two or three players, that's the reality.

"After the Africa Cup of Nations, and when we get Eden Hazard back, we'll be able to manager a bit better.

"I'm really focused on my job. We know we are training well and preparing properly, and that's my job.

"The players are happy in terms of what we are doing. Against Arsenal we were fantastic. We have to win together.

"My focus is to improve the team and keep the players believing that we can win. I like managing top sides and this is one.

"The positive is that we are still scoring goals and conceding less than in the past, but we still need to improve."

"My position is exactly the same," Benitez said, confirming he had held talks with club technical director Michael Emenalo after Sunday's FA Cup tie at Brentford.

"I was speaking about football with Michael, as normal. I will try to do my job as well as I can, and try to do my best every game."

Rear Admiral Omotehinwa's wife keeps daughter in asylum for attending ‘strange’ church

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victim, who attends Jordan Ministries, Opebi, Lagos, was abducted on January 12, 2013, at 25 Joel Ogunnaike Street, while she was celebrating her 40th birthday.

A legal consultant with Project Alert on Violence Against Women, Mr. Benjamin Odeh, told our correspondent that the victim was a mother of two and had been separated from her husband because of domestic violence.

Odeh said on the day the victim was abducted, her mother stormed her party with naval operatives and policemen.

He said, “On that day, Mrs. Omotehinwa and Ndiomu’s estranged husband came with two women, naval personnel and two armed policemen. They seized the victim, pushed her into a vehicle and sped off.”

He said the victim was taken to Farri Psychiatric Hospital, where she was being kept incommunicado.

When PUNCH Metro visited the hospital located on Gbaja Street, Surulere, the matron denied our correspondent access to Ndiomu, saying that she had been given strict orders by her mother not to allow visitors to have access to her.

The matron, who did not identify herself, said, “This is not a conventional hospital, it is a hospital for patients with mental illnesses and as such we cannot allow just anybody to see her.

“Her mother said no one should be allowed to see her and we are standing by that instruction. We don’t know anything about abduction; our own responsibility is to treat patients.”

After waiting for hour, Omotehinwa, showed up at the hospital. She told our correspondent that she brought her daughter to the hospital because she had been brainwashed by the church she was attending.

Omotehinwa described the church as occult, adding that it was the pastor of the church, Chigbo Ndukwe, that made her daughter to leave her husband, saying that the separation was not because of domestic violence.

She said, “Since my daughter started attending that church, her life has not been the same. She is now distant from the entire family to the extent that she now addresses me as Mrs. Omotehinwa, not mummy.

“That church is a cult, they hold their services at 6am on Saturday and they kiss their pastor on his hands and feet to greet him. Almost all the women there are divorced. They even changed my daughter’s name to Ifeanyichukwu Ndwukwe

 “As her mother, I have done nothing wrong by bringing her to this hospital because I have her best interest at heart. She is the second of my four children and I raised all of them single handed after their father, a Rear Admiral, was killed 17 years ago.”

Omotehinwa however said her daughter had no history of mental illness.

Dr.LA Farri, who owns the hospital, confirmed to our correspondent on the telephone that the victim was indeed mentally unstable.

Farri said he was empowered by law to hold a mentally unstable person against his or her will.

 He said, “I am an expert and a London-trained neuropsychiatric and I have been practising for over 25 years. I was Chief consultant neuropsychiatric at the General Hospital, so I know my onions.

“The victim was treated a few years ago at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital after showing signs of mental illness.

“Section 10 of the Nigerian constitution empowers me to hold anyone that seems unfit mentally. The police have already sent me a letter on the matter and I will respond.”

A copy of the victim’s case file reads in part that she suffers from “Delusional thinking, schizophrenia and she exhibits paranoia towards members of her kith and kin.”

When our correspondent visited Jordan Ministries located on 5 Agbaoku Street, Opebi, the pastor denied the allegations.

Pastor Ndukwe said those involved in brainstorming were Ndiomu family and that was why they locked her up in an asylum even though nothing was wrong with her.

 

Ndukwe said Ndiomu was a victim of domestic violence, adding that her husband and the family took the step because he (Ndukwe) did not encourage her to go and reconcile with her husband.

 He said, “A 40-years-old woman should be able to choose where she wants to worship? The main issue is that Ndiomu’s mother wants her to remain with her husband because this is Toyin’s second marriage. They wanted me to encourage her to go back to her husband but I did not because God did not instruct me to do that.

“The family claims she is brainwashed and yet she runs a successful business. The mother has deliberately prevented anyone from seeing her because she knows there is nothing wrong with her.”

Ndukwe said the allegation that his church was occult was an attempt to tarnish his image.

He said, “I hold services on Saturday so that members can go to their respective churches on Sunday. My sermons are on CD free of charge and anyone is free to come and attend any of our services if they have doubts.”

 PUNCH Metro learnt that the police at the Zone 2 Command had begun investigation into the matter after a petition by her lawyer.

The source said, “The police have written the doctor but we are not yet satisfied with the case because the doctor has not disclosed all the facts due to patient-doctor confidentiality”, she said.

 When contacted on telephone, the spokesperson for the command, Femi Balogun, said he could not immediately confirm because he had not been briefed on the matter.

 

Boko Haram faction declares ceasefire

 The organisation’s  Second  Commander (southern and northern Borno), Muhammed Abdulaziz, in a statement,  cited  dialogue with the Borno State Government as reason.

In the statement  released  to journalists in Maiduguri, Borno State, the group  advised its members to lay down their arms.

 But the  Federal Government, in a swift reaction, said it would not make a formal pronouncement yet on the ceasefire.

Abdulaziz, who  was said to have been in company  with  another top member of the sect while reading the statement, did not say when the dialogue with the Borno State Government took place.

Assuring that the group was serious about the ceasefire, Abdulaziz said security agencies could, once the ceasefire is finetuned,  go ahead and arrest anyone that violates it.

  “We are going to comply with the cease- fire order and by the time we are done with that, then government security agencies can go ahead to arrest whoever they find carrying arms or killing under our name,”  he said.

The group however, stated that although there was factions  within its ranks, the supreme power to order  a ceasefire rested with the leadership of Imam Abubakar Shekau,who is the leader of the authentic group.

 The Boko Haram commander  said “Once top members of our group, including Imam Abubakar Shekau, are in support of the need for a cease fire, other smaller factions can be dealt with easily.”

The statement reads: “I, Sheikh Muhammed Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, is  the 2nd Commander- in-charge of southern and northern Borno after Imam Abubakar Shekau of Jamaatul Ahjlil Sunna lidawati wal Jihad otherwise known as Boko Haram.

“For sometime now,  we the members of Jamaatul ahlil Boko Haram sunna lidawati wal jihad otherwise known as Boko Haram have recently had a meeting and dialogue with the government of Borno State where we resolved that given  the prevailing situation, there is the need for us to cease fire.

“We, on our own, in the top hierarchy of our movement under the leadership of Imam Abubakar Shekau, as well as some of our notable followers agreed that our brethren in Islam, both women and children are suffering unnecessarily; hence we resolved that we should bring this crisis to an end.

“We therefore call on all those that identify themselves with us and our cause, to from today (Monday) lay down their arms. Let every member who hears this announcement relay it to the next member who hasn’t heard.

“We have met with the Borno State Government on two occasions and the fallout of the meeting was  to cease fire. Presently, we are going to comply with the ceasefire order and by the time we are done with that, then  security agencies could  go ahead and  arrest whoever they find carrying arms or killing under our name. We are very much aware of the fact that some criminals have infiltrated our movement and continued attacking and killing people using our name.

“Of course, there is a faction within us, but the larger faction of our movement is the one in support of this ceasefire move. Moreover, once top members of our group, including Imam Abubakar Shekau, are in support of the need for ceasefire, other smaller factions can be dealt with easily.

“This message, by the Grace of Allah, comes directly from the office of Imam Abubakar Shekau, the supreme leader of Jamaatul ahlil Sunna lidawati wal Jihad.”

But the  Federal Government,  said it would properly study the conditions(if any)  for the ceasefire before a decision and pronouncement could be made on it.

A top Presidency  official, who pleaded anonymity,  said, “From our experience, the sect is not reliable and their words cannot be taken at face value.

“All facets of governmental apparatus would be consulted before a final decision would  be taken on the matter. We are not in a hurry to jump at their offer.

He added that while government was committed to dialogue, it would not negotiate with any group on a position of weakness.

 He said security measures would continue to be taken to safeguard the lives and property of  Nigerians.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo initiated a dialogue between the sect and the Federal Government when he visited the family of the late leader of the sect, Mohammed Yusuf, in Maiduguri on September 15, 2011.

But a few days after the visit, the father in-law of the late Yusuf, Babakura Fuggu,   who received Obasanjo, was killed.

 In November last year, Boko Haram, named a  former Head of State and presidential candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change, Maj.-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), among six prominent northerners, to mediate between it and the Federal Government.

 Buhari, however, turned down the offer.

The group had demanded  the arrest and prosecution of the former Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

 Its  spokesman, Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, who doubles as the Second-in-Command (Amir) to  Shekau, stressed that, all their members, who were arrested must be released immediately. He also said that their wives and children who were displaced following the crises should be rehabilitated to allow room for dialogue with the Federal Government.

 During a media chat on the Nigerian Television Authority, President Goodluck Jonathan had said that his administration had not commenced negotiation with the sect.

 The President said, “So far, no dialogue is going on with the government and Boko Haram

 

NBC, NFVCB deny ban of P Square Alingo, other music videos

Mrs Maimuna Jimada, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Commission, disclosed in Abuja that the commission was not aware of the ban.

 According to her, NBC was not in charge of banning musical videos. “NBC has not banned any videos as we are not in-charge of placing a ban on music videos.”

Some newspapers had reported that the commission had banned some new musical videos from being broadcast in the country for containing offensive materials.

The report named some of the affected artistes as P-square, Wande Coal, Timaya, Flavour, D’prince, Goldie, Chuddy K and Tillaman

Jimada said NBC was solely responsible for ensuring that musical videos and audios made for public consumption were safe.

“ If a music video or audio has content that is not suitable for broadcast, we tag these videos and audio as ‘not to be put on air. Also we inform stations across the country not to broadcast them,” she said.

She said that if a video was tagged as not to be aired, its producers could still reproduce them with better content for broadcast.

Also reacting  on the matter, Mr Yunusa Tanko, the Deputy Director and Head of Corporate affairs, National Films and Video Censors Board, said the board was unaware of such ban.

He said although the board was in-charge of censoring the content of musical video, artistes failed to bring their works to the board for proper check before broadcast.

 He explained that since the videos were produced for broadcast, it was also the duty of NBC to monitor their contents.

 “The board has collaboration with NBC and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in matters of copyright, piracy and censorship.

 “Most times, these issues could fall under any of our jurisdiction because our functions overlap. NBC has the mandate to regulate content and music videos are supposed to be classified.

 “Though piracy is supposed to be handled by the copyright commission, the censors’ board works to ensure that all content that passes through the board are classified,” he explained

 

Niger Delta Power Holding Company assures Nigerians of stable power supply

A member of the board and Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Kayode Fayemi, made this known while addressing the State House correspondents on the outcome of the board's meeting in Abuja.

He said the board would be generating substantial amount of megawatts from its ongoing National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) programme this year for immediate transmission and distribution to customers through successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

“Perhaps, the most heartwarming news that we are to give you is the fact that this is going to be the year of harvest.

“You have heard many things before now about the NIPP projects across the country. But we want to assure Nigerians that based on the work that had been done so far, we are also certain that all of the ten projects across the country would be delivered this year, and those are the power plants that I’m talking about, that are being constructed across the country.

” All of them will be ready this year.”

Fayemi said adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard the equipment and installation of all NIPP projects across the country.

On gas delivery to the completed power plants, he said arrangements had been concluded to ensure stable gas supply to the plants.

He further disclosed that the meeting approved the 2013 budget of N5.3 billion for the board

Chime, Suntai: PDP commends Enugu, Taraba deputy governors for holding forth

Mr Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary, of the party made the commendation in a statement he issued on Monday in Abuja.

He also commended the speakers of the houses of assembly, members of National Assembly from the states and government appointees of the two states for their cooperation.

Metuh said the fact that government activities had been going on smoothly in the states showed that that PDP government had direction.

He also said that it showed that PDP government was focused in line with the party`s manifesto to ensure the welfare of the people at all times.

“The fact that government activities are going on smoothly without altercations shows that PDP governments in these states and indeed across the country have direction and focus,'' he said.

Metuh, who expressed worry that the governors had been away for health reasons, thanked the people of the two states for their steadfastness in praying for the quick recovery of the governors.

“It is sad for somebody to be ill, but we are all human.

``We commend them for the night vigils they held in seeking divine intervention for the governors.

``We know that God answers prayers and we believe that with all our prayers the governors will soon be back,'' Metuh said.

He expressed the hope that with prayers, the governors would return to work soon.

He said that “the monumental achievements” made by Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State in developing the state stood him out.

He further urged the people of the two states to continue to be united and support the PDP administration to ensure the stability, peace and progress of their states.

 Chime has been receiving medical attention abroad since Sept. 15, 2012.

Gov. Danbaba Suntai has also been receiving treatment in a German hospital following the injuries he sustained in a plane crash on Oct. 25, 2012.