President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday, accused the Governor ofthe Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, of initiating policies capableof destabilizing the nation.
He declared that Christians cannot be treated as second class citizens in Nigeria and admonished the CBN Governor to be preparedto spend the same amount of billions whichhe said had been expended by the CBN Governor in setting up structures for the take off Islamic banking.
He spoke yesterday in Benin City, at the 36th Annual Convention/AGM of the Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship & 14th Anniversary of Africa Vision Tract House. According to him,“we are not against Muslims but all we are saying is that we must not be treated like second class citizens in this country. What we said was that there should be a uniform guideline for all non interest banking.
“The CBN cannot spend the nation’s money promoting a sectional banking system. As we speak today, the CBN Governor has employed thousands of people, training them to drive home his Islamic banking. Some of them were taken to Sudan and other countries for training. There cannot be peace without justice in this country.”
He has also trained Sharia Council of experts, these are Islamic scholars but he is trying to give them another name to deceive Nigerians” he said.
Pastor Oritsejafor added: “some have said why don’t we have our own Christian bank but Isaid that is not the issue. Even if we come up with our own bank, what will be the guideline and that is why we have insisted that we must have a uniform guideline as it isnow, the guideline is made for the Muslims and that is why we said it is a sectional thing.
Saturday 27 August 2011
Cameroon ship attacked off Nigeria, captain taken
Seven heavily armed assailants boarded a Cameroonian ship with 150 people on board off the coast of Nigeria Saturday and took its captain hostage, security sources in Cameroon told AFP.
“The Cameroonian ship Monica was attacked around 8:00 am (0700 GMT). The captain on board was abducted,” a man, who was on the ship during the attack, said from Yaounde, adding that no-one was injured.
The information could not be immediately confirmed by authorities.
He said the ship had leftLimbe in southwest Cameroon on Friday night headed for Calabarin southeast Nigeria.
“I was on board the ship. We were already inNigerian territory … three hours from the city of Calabar, when seven heavily armed assailants boarded our ship,” he recounted.
“They explained that they had come to demand the captain to pay a ‘monthly security tax’. The captain said it had already been paid toone of their commanders. They said they were taking him totheir camp, promising tofree him after having verified that this ‘tax’ had in fact been paid.
“They fired a shot in the air telling the captain: ‘this is what will happen’ if the money has not been paid,” he said.
He added the attackers had asked those on board to “voluntarily” give them money. “Practically everyone contributed. In turn, they gave some money to a pregnant woman (on board).”
He said the ship was continuing its journey “as normal” after the assailants departed.
“There are 150 people on board and a lot of merchandise,” he said.
“The Cameroonian ship Monica was attacked around 8:00 am (0700 GMT). The captain on board was abducted,” a man, who was on the ship during the attack, said from Yaounde, adding that no-one was injured.
The information could not be immediately confirmed by authorities.
He said the ship had leftLimbe in southwest Cameroon on Friday night headed for Calabarin southeast Nigeria.
“I was on board the ship. We were already inNigerian territory … three hours from the city of Calabar, when seven heavily armed assailants boarded our ship,” he recounted.
“They explained that they had come to demand the captain to pay a ‘monthly security tax’. The captain said it had already been paid toone of their commanders. They said they were taking him totheir camp, promising tofree him after having verified that this ‘tax’ had in fact been paid.
“They fired a shot in the air telling the captain: ‘this is what will happen’ if the money has not been paid,” he said.
He added the attackers had asked those on board to “voluntarily” give them money. “Practically everyone contributed. In turn, they gave some money to a pregnant woman (on board).”
He said the ship was continuing its journey “as normal” after the assailants departed.
“There are 150 people on board and a lot of merchandise,” he said.
Lawyers Defy NBA,Attend SANs’ Inauguration
Contrary to the directive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that none of its members should attendthe swearing in of the new Senior Advocate ofNigeria (SAN), a good number of legal practitioners were, on Friday, present at the occasion.
The event which took place at the Supreme Court in Abuja under tight security saw the out-going Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alloysius Katsina-Alu swearing in 30 new SANs out of which two are women.
This was just as the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) disclosed that the newly inaugurated silks shall not be recognized at any of its functions.
According to the association, “their names shall not only be entered into a ‘Roll of Dishonour’ and their membership of the NBAwithdrawn, they shall not be recognised as Senior Advocates at any function of the NBA.”
According to the NBA, any lawyer, including those sworn-in, who might be found to have disobeyed the directive of the body to abstain from the swearing-in ceremony of new SeniorAdvocates of Nigeria (SAN) yesterday should consider themselves ostracised from the association.
This was contained in the communiqué issued at the close of 51st Annual Conference of the NBA, held in Port Harcourt and signed by the association’s president, Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN).
Besides the penalties lined out for violators ofthe bar association’s call for boycott of the swearing-in ceremony, it also demanded radicalchanges in the running of the nation’s judicial system.
It blamed the ongoing crisis in the judicial system on the over concentration of powers in the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and asked that whoever occupies the office should no longer be allowed to head the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“That in the event that the newly appointed SANs disobey the NEC Resolution, their names shall not only be entered into a Roll of Dishonour and their membership of the NBAwithdrawn, they shall not be recognised as Senior Advocates at any function of the NBA.(Nigerian Tribune)
The event which took place at the Supreme Court in Abuja under tight security saw the out-going Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alloysius Katsina-Alu swearing in 30 new SANs out of which two are women.
This was just as the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) disclosed that the newly inaugurated silks shall not be recognized at any of its functions.
According to the association, “their names shall not only be entered into a ‘Roll of Dishonour’ and their membership of the NBAwithdrawn, they shall not be recognised as Senior Advocates at any function of the NBA.”
According to the NBA, any lawyer, including those sworn-in, who might be found to have disobeyed the directive of the body to abstain from the swearing-in ceremony of new SeniorAdvocates of Nigeria (SAN) yesterday should consider themselves ostracised from the association.
This was contained in the communiqué issued at the close of 51st Annual Conference of the NBA, held in Port Harcourt and signed by the association’s president, Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN).
Besides the penalties lined out for violators ofthe bar association’s call for boycott of the swearing-in ceremony, it also demanded radicalchanges in the running of the nation’s judicial system.
It blamed the ongoing crisis in the judicial system on the over concentration of powers in the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and asked that whoever occupies the office should no longer be allowed to head the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“That in the event that the newly appointed SANs disobey the NEC Resolution, their names shall not only be entered into a Roll of Dishonour and their membership of the NBAwithdrawn, they shall not be recognised as Senior Advocates at any function of the NBA.(Nigerian Tribune)
Security Beef Up In Lagos, Abuja, Airports
The Embassy of the United States, which is a few metres to the bombed UN building located on Diplomatic Road and its officials were seen responding to the terrorist attack with renewed tightening of security measures.
Saturday Tribune noticed a sense of fear and apprehension at theEmbassy, as vehicles were disallowed from packing opposite the place as was the practice while vehicles that unnecessarily slowed down were put under surveillance.
A diplomatic source toldour correspondent that the diplomatic area wasnot accorded the strategic surveillance it required, as the entry and exit from the area were not secured except for the efforts of the embassies located in the area.
Foreign embassies located in the area, which is also not far from the Defence ministry and military headquarters, include China, United States, Brazil, Ghana, Libya, Niger and others.
American embassy officials had, in the past, applied to the Federal Capital Authority (FCA) to stop the construction of an over-head bridge that was to run right through the back of its embassy, citing securityconcerns.
The matter was, however, unattended to and the overhead bridge and the road construction are still on-going with the entirecompound of the American embassy open and visible once you are on top of the bridge.
As evacuation were going on at the UN Building, a Nigerian employee at the embassy pointed to theover-head bridge at the back of the embassy, saying‘ ‘this bridge is a threat to this embassy.“
The American government, it was learnt, might, again, raise the issue of the over-head bridge, which was designed to emptytraffic from other areasof the Central Business District of the city.
Similarly, security has been beefed up around foreign embassies offices and public buildings in Lagos.
The development, according to a security source, is aimed at preventing any dastardly incident because of the economic relevance of the state to the country.(Nigerian Tribune)
Saturday Tribune noticed a sense of fear and apprehension at theEmbassy, as vehicles were disallowed from packing opposite the place as was the practice while vehicles that unnecessarily slowed down were put under surveillance.
A diplomatic source toldour correspondent that the diplomatic area wasnot accorded the strategic surveillance it required, as the entry and exit from the area were not secured except for the efforts of the embassies located in the area.
Foreign embassies located in the area, which is also not far from the Defence ministry and military headquarters, include China, United States, Brazil, Ghana, Libya, Niger and others.
American embassy officials had, in the past, applied to the Federal Capital Authority (FCA) to stop the construction of an over-head bridge that was to run right through the back of its embassy, citing securityconcerns.
The matter was, however, unattended to and the overhead bridge and the road construction are still on-going with the entirecompound of the American embassy open and visible once you are on top of the bridge.
As evacuation were going on at the UN Building, a Nigerian employee at the embassy pointed to theover-head bridge at the back of the embassy, saying‘ ‘this bridge is a threat to this embassy.“
The American government, it was learnt, might, again, raise the issue of the over-head bridge, which was designed to emptytraffic from other areasof the Central Business District of the city.
Similarly, security has been beefed up around foreign embassies offices and public buildings in Lagos.
The development, according to a security source, is aimed at preventing any dastardly incident because of the economic relevance of the state to the country.(Nigerian Tribune)
Attack On UN Building, Assault On Global Peace - Jonathan
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed disgust at Friday’s terrorist attackon the United Nations Building in Abuja, describing the “barbaric,senseless and cowardly” act as an attack on global peace and security.
In a statement signed by Dr. Reuben Abati, his Special Adviser on Mediaand Publicity, Jonathan, who expressed the sympathy of the Federal Government, said he believed that the attack was a most despicable assault on the UN’s objectives of global peace and security, and the sanctity of human life to which Nigeria wholly subscribes.
The statement said he had extended his sincere condolences to the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and all members of the UN family who lost loved ones in the heinous attack.
Jonathan reaffirmed the FG’s total commitment to vigorously combat the incursion of all forms of terrorism into Nigeria, and reassured all Nigerians and the international communitythat his administration would spare no effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the president has directed all relevant government agencies to assist in the search and rescue effort at the UN building, and ordered heightened security across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging all Nigerians to cooperate fully with thegovernment in its efforts to “expose the desperate elements who promote violence, terrorism and division in the country.”(Nigerian Tribune)
In a statement signed by Dr. Reuben Abati, his Special Adviser on Mediaand Publicity, Jonathan, who expressed the sympathy of the Federal Government, said he believed that the attack was a most despicable assault on the UN’s objectives of global peace and security, and the sanctity of human life to which Nigeria wholly subscribes.
The statement said he had extended his sincere condolences to the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and all members of the UN family who lost loved ones in the heinous attack.
Jonathan reaffirmed the FG’s total commitment to vigorously combat the incursion of all forms of terrorism into Nigeria, and reassured all Nigerians and the international communitythat his administration would spare no effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the president has directed all relevant government agencies to assist in the search and rescue effort at the UN building, and ordered heightened security across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging all Nigerians to cooperate fully with thegovernment in its efforts to “expose the desperate elements who promote violence, terrorism and division in the country.”(Nigerian Tribune)
Obasanjo, Governors, Ministers, Others Furious
THERE was spontaneous anger among senior citizens, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, following the explosion, which rocked the UnitedNations building in Abuja.
Obasanjo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, and the Governor of Abia state, Chief Theodore Orji, condemned the attack, saying the perpetratorsshould be fished out and brought to justice.
While the former president pleaded with the international community to stand by Nigeria at this trying moment, the deputy speaker accused the culprits of the heinous crime of a cowardly act.
Obasanjo, who spoke with newsmen on the telephone from Sierra Leone, said the attack was not in the best interest of Nigeria.
The deputy speaker said, “Human life is the most valuable asset on the planet and for somepersons or groups no matter what grievances they bear, tocause the lives of fellow human beings to be destroyed in callous circumstances like the reported explosion is most reprehensible, unacceptable, and extremely condemnable”.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof.Viola Onwuliri, describedit as an attack on the international community, saying thatthe situation was underinvestigation.
The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, expressed shock, saying it was a cause for concern for Nigeria.
While expressing disgust over the tragedy, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, the acting Director-General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), however, said it was a wake-up call for security agencies in the country.
He explained that the incident would not affect the nation’s demand for a UN Security Council seat, adding that, “the quest is based on criteria, not criminality as terrorism is not unique to Nigeria alone.”
The Ondo State government condemned the blast, describing it as not only reprehensible, but antithetical of all sane reasoning.
“We condemn this act of terrorism as unacceptable, anachronistic, retrogressive, reprehensible, odious, barbaric and against thecommandment of God to shed lives and destroy property at will for base reasoning,” its statement stated.(Nigerian Tribune)
Obasanjo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, and the Governor of Abia state, Chief Theodore Orji, condemned the attack, saying the perpetratorsshould be fished out and brought to justice.
While the former president pleaded with the international community to stand by Nigeria at this trying moment, the deputy speaker accused the culprits of the heinous crime of a cowardly act.
Obasanjo, who spoke with newsmen on the telephone from Sierra Leone, said the attack was not in the best interest of Nigeria.
The deputy speaker said, “Human life is the most valuable asset on the planet and for somepersons or groups no matter what grievances they bear, tocause the lives of fellow human beings to be destroyed in callous circumstances like the reported explosion is most reprehensible, unacceptable, and extremely condemnable”.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof.Viola Onwuliri, describedit as an attack on the international community, saying thatthe situation was underinvestigation.
The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, expressed shock, saying it was a cause for concern for Nigeria.
While expressing disgust over the tragedy, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, the acting Director-General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), however, said it was a wake-up call for security agencies in the country.
He explained that the incident would not affect the nation’s demand for a UN Security Council seat, adding that, “the quest is based on criteria, not criminality as terrorism is not unique to Nigeria alone.”
The Ondo State government condemned the blast, describing it as not only reprehensible, but antithetical of all sane reasoning.
“We condemn this act of terrorism as unacceptable, anachronistic, retrogressive, reprehensible, odious, barbaric and against thecommandment of God to shed lives and destroy property at will for base reasoning,” its statement stated.(Nigerian Tribune)
More Facts Emerge On Robbery AttackIn Adamawa
At least about 20 persons were killed in the 30-man robbery gang attack on Thursday in Gombi area of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, wheresome staffers of two prominent banks, UBA and FinBank and some civilians believed to be customers and security operatives lost their lives.
According to the BrigadeCommander of 23 Armoured Brigade, Yol, Brigadier Gen. John Nwaoga, the army unit in Mubi got a distress call of a robbery attack on UBA, Gombi and he promptly rose to the occasion.
The brigade commander, who spoke through Lt. Olukoya, the 23 Brigade P.R.O said the bandits engaged the army teamin sporadic exchange of gunfire but were eventually overpoweredand they fled into the bush.
However, when the dust finally settled, seven policemen and eight civilians, made up of bank staffers and customers, were found dead.
Items recovered from the bandits, according to the army account, were two general purpose machine guns, six AK 47 rifles, two pump action guns, one pistol, one dane gun, a container of gun powder, 437 rounds of ammunition, while two bodies of the bandits were also displayed.
Also addressing the press at the state police command, state police commissioner, Compol Adenrele Shinaba confirmed the robbery incident.
He told newsmen that some bandits attacked the Gombi division policestation and a gun battleensued between the police and the bandits.
Compol Adenrele Shinaba said that in the process, four policemen were killed at the station, while the bandits immediately moved out to the police out-post in Sangere area of Gombi, where two other policemen were killed.
According to him, the bandits then moved to FirstBank and UBA whilethe squadron commander of 14 police mobile force (PMF) moved from Yola to Gombi on receipt of information.
On their way to Gombi, they were informed that the bandits had taken off from Gombi towards Yola and the PMF commander and hismen followed the route the bandits took after leaving Gombi while they engaged the bandits and one of them was shot dead.(Nigerian Tribune)
According to the BrigadeCommander of 23 Armoured Brigade, Yol, Brigadier Gen. John Nwaoga, the army unit in Mubi got a distress call of a robbery attack on UBA, Gombi and he promptly rose to the occasion.
The brigade commander, who spoke through Lt. Olukoya, the 23 Brigade P.R.O said the bandits engaged the army teamin sporadic exchange of gunfire but were eventually overpoweredand they fled into the bush.
However, when the dust finally settled, seven policemen and eight civilians, made up of bank staffers and customers, were found dead.
Items recovered from the bandits, according to the army account, were two general purpose machine guns, six AK 47 rifles, two pump action guns, one pistol, one dane gun, a container of gun powder, 437 rounds of ammunition, while two bodies of the bandits were also displayed.
Also addressing the press at the state police command, state police commissioner, Compol Adenrele Shinaba confirmed the robbery incident.
He told newsmen that some bandits attacked the Gombi division policestation and a gun battleensued between the police and the bandits.
Compol Adenrele Shinaba said that in the process, four policemen were killed at the station, while the bandits immediately moved out to the police out-post in Sangere area of Gombi, where two other policemen were killed.
According to him, the bandits then moved to FirstBank and UBA whilethe squadron commander of 14 police mobile force (PMF) moved from Yola to Gombi on receipt of information.
On their way to Gombi, they were informed that the bandits had taken off from Gombi towards Yola and the PMF commander and hismen followed the route the bandits took after leaving Gombi while they engaged the bandits and one of them was shot dead.(Nigerian Tribune)
Libya Crisis Splits AU
The African Union has refused to explicitly recognised Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC), in a setback for Libyan rebels who have alreadybeen recognised as the legitimate government by more than 40 countries.
Instead, the AU on Friday called for an inclusive transitional government in the North African state that would also involve officials from MuammarGaddafi's side.
"(The) council calls for the formation of an inclusive transitional government, the establishment of a constitutional and legislative framework for the democratic transformation of Libyaas well as for support towards the organisation of elections and a national reconciliation process," Ramtane Lamamra, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, saidfollowing a meeting of the body's Emergency Peace and Security Council in Addis- Ababa, Ethiopia.
"(The council) strongly reaffirms that the AU stands with the people of Libya and encouragesall the parties in Libya tocome together and negotiate a peaceful process that would leadto democracy," he said.
Jacob Zuma, South Africa's leader, said the AU would not recognise the NTC as the legitimate government as long as fighting continued in Libya.
"If there is fighting, there is fighting. So we can't stand here and say this is the legitimate (government) now. Theprocess is fluid. That's part of what we informcountries - whether there is an authority to recognise," Zuma said.
Officials at the talks said the 15-member emergency council was split almost in half between countries thathave recognised the NTC and countries who have not.
"The AU peace and security council is weighted with countries who have backed Gaddafi in the past or owe him favours. They will not recognise the NTC," onesenior Western diplomat with knowledge of negotiations, said.
The NTC declared itself the sole legimitate representative of Libyan people after ousting Gaddafi as Libya's legitimate government and is currently seeking billionsof dollars of seized Libyan assets to be unfrozen to help in rebuilding Libya.
Instead, the AU on Friday called for an inclusive transitional government in the North African state that would also involve officials from MuammarGaddafi's side.
"(The) council calls for the formation of an inclusive transitional government, the establishment of a constitutional and legislative framework for the democratic transformation of Libyaas well as for support towards the organisation of elections and a national reconciliation process," Ramtane Lamamra, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, saidfollowing a meeting of the body's Emergency Peace and Security Council in Addis- Ababa, Ethiopia.
"(The council) strongly reaffirms that the AU stands with the people of Libya and encouragesall the parties in Libya tocome together and negotiate a peaceful process that would leadto democracy," he said.
Jacob Zuma, South Africa's leader, said the AU would not recognise the NTC as the legitimate government as long as fighting continued in Libya.
"If there is fighting, there is fighting. So we can't stand here and say this is the legitimate (government) now. Theprocess is fluid. That's part of what we informcountries - whether there is an authority to recognise," Zuma said.
Officials at the talks said the 15-member emergency council was split almost in half between countries thathave recognised the NTC and countries who have not.
"The AU peace and security council is weighted with countries who have backed Gaddafi in the past or owe him favours. They will not recognise the NTC," onesenior Western diplomat with knowledge of negotiations, said.
The NTC declared itself the sole legimitate representative of Libyan people after ousting Gaddafi as Libya's legitimate government and is currently seeking billionsof dollars of seized Libyan assets to be unfrozen to help in rebuilding Libya.
Abuja UN Building Bombed •18 Killed, Several Others On Danger List •Boko Haram Claims Responsibility, Threatens To Launch More Attacks After Ramadan
No fewer than 18 people were feared dead and 48 injured when a suicide bomber attacked the United Nations office in Abuja on Friday. The attacker,reportedly drove through the exit and pulled down the first and second gates and entered the compound.
According to a source, the attacker immediately alighted from a Honda Accord car and went straight to the reception of the office, where he detonated the bomb which rocked the building with some part collapsing.
The source revealed that the attack, which occurred at about 10.30am took everyone by surprise, while all thewindows in the office were shattered with casualties lying all over the place.
The staff strength of the building was put at 1,000, while policemen who are in the premisesare not allowed to carry arms, according to U.N standards.
Only security guards in uniforms man the main gate of the office, whilejust one gate is the onlyentry and exit entrance into the premises, as the exit gate was permanently locked as part of security measures.
All security agencies: the Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Brigade of Guards Commander, Fire Service, were at the premises to evacuate the corpses and the injured ones.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, who was on his way from Kaduna onan official assignment, drove straight to the UNoffice to access the situation on ground.
The injured victims were all moved to the National Hospital, wherethe management of thehospital appealled to Nigerians to come forward and donate blood.
The area was immediately cordoned off by the military and the police, while people who trooped into the scene were chased away.
Briefing newsmen later at the scene, the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr.Mike Zuokumor, said only 18 people died and 18 injured, but added that the actual figure would be announced later.
According to a source, the attacker immediately alighted from a Honda Accord car and went straight to the reception of the office, where he detonated the bomb which rocked the building with some part collapsing.
The source revealed that the attack, which occurred at about 10.30am took everyone by surprise, while all thewindows in the office were shattered with casualties lying all over the place.
The staff strength of the building was put at 1,000, while policemen who are in the premisesare not allowed to carry arms, according to U.N standards.
Only security guards in uniforms man the main gate of the office, whilejust one gate is the onlyentry and exit entrance into the premises, as the exit gate was permanently locked as part of security measures.
All security agencies: the Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Brigade of Guards Commander, Fire Service, were at the premises to evacuate the corpses and the injured ones.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, who was on his way from Kaduna onan official assignment, drove straight to the UNoffice to access the situation on ground.
The injured victims were all moved to the National Hospital, wherethe management of thehospital appealled to Nigerians to come forward and donate blood.
The area was immediately cordoned off by the military and the police, while people who trooped into the scene were chased away.
Briefing newsmen later at the scene, the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr.Mike Zuokumor, said only 18 people died and 18 injured, but added that the actual figure would be announced later.
Friday 26 August 2011
Abuja bombing: Ba Ki-moon dispatches deputy, security chief to Nigeria
United Nations Secretary General, Ba Ki-moon has condemnedthe suicide bombing attack on the organisation’s building inAbuja.
In a statement, Friday, the Secretary-General said he is dispatching the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro and the UN security chief, Under-Secretary-GeneralGregory Starr to the country to mobilized theUN sysytem to respond to the emergency.
The statement:
Around 11:00 o’clock this morning, local time, the United Nations House in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, was struck by a car bomb.
These buildings house 26 humanitarian and development agencies of the United Nations family.
This was an assault on those who devote their lives to helping others.
We condemn this terrible act, utterly.
We do not yet have precise casualty figures but they are likely to be considerable. A number of people are dead; many more are wounded.
Nigerian and international search and rescue teams have mobilized and are moving the wounded to hospitals and providing emergency aid.
I am asking the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro, [to go] to Nigeria immediately and am mobilizing the UN system to respond to this emergency. She willbe accompanied by the UN security chief, Under-Secretary-GeneralGregory Starr, and meetwith Nigerian authoritiesupon arrival in Abuja.
I am going to call President [Goodluck] Jonathan of Nigeria soon.
On this very sad occasion, I extend my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. The United Nations will undertake every possible effort to assist them during this difficult time.
In a statement, Friday, the Secretary-General said he is dispatching the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro and the UN security chief, Under-Secretary-GeneralGregory Starr to the country to mobilized theUN sysytem to respond to the emergency.
The statement:
Around 11:00 o’clock this morning, local time, the United Nations House in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, was struck by a car bomb.
These buildings house 26 humanitarian and development agencies of the United Nations family.
This was an assault on those who devote their lives to helping others.
We condemn this terrible act, utterly.
We do not yet have precise casualty figures but they are likely to be considerable. A number of people are dead; many more are wounded.
Nigerian and international search and rescue teams have mobilized and are moving the wounded to hospitals and providing emergency aid.
I am asking the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro, [to go] to Nigeria immediately and am mobilizing the UN system to respond to this emergency. She willbe accompanied by the UN security chief, Under-Secretary-GeneralGregory Starr, and meetwith Nigerian authoritiesupon arrival in Abuja.
I am going to call President [Goodluck] Jonathan of Nigeria soon.
On this very sad occasion, I extend my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. The United Nations will undertake every possible effort to assist them during this difficult time.
STAR ACTRESS CHIKA IKE OPENS MULTI-MILLION NAIRA FASHION HOUSE IN ABUJA
Few weeks after this pretty actress took delivery of a Range Rover Sports SUV, Chika Ike who is one of Nollywood’s superstar is set to add another feather to her cap.
The ex-model cum movie star has decided to widen her horizon like some of her colleagues who are also big names in other businesses.
She is presently working round the clock to stock her new mega fashion accessory boutique in Abuja which will be thrown open to discerning customers in a few weeks time.
The actress who has been globetrotting in the past few weeks, we gathered, also seized the opportunity to shop for her new outfit. The outfit, we gathered, will commence business after a grand opening which will hold soon.
WITH LESS THAN 24 HOURS UNTIL THE WEDDING OF PRINCE ODIANOSEN TO MERCY JOHNSON
When Mercy Johnson announced her engagement to Odianosen Okojie many months back, many were thrilled that an A-list event would roll before many eyes.
Excitement rent the air, and thousands eagerly followed the love story.
From the diamond encrusted engagement ring, to wedding dress, schedule of the ceremonies to watching the couple’s every move, Nigerians were interested.
But the sail was almost yanked off the event with the appearance of the abandoned wife of Prince Odi, who provided a moving story with pictures to boot.
But to god be the glory, the storm is over now and the wedding is going ahead as planned.
August 27 reception still highly favoured
The 10 Degrees, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos reception is one ceremony the couple have no plans of jettisoning. Since nothing stops that leg of the ceremony, Mercy Johnson and Odianosen Okogie are sparing no cost to entertain their guests.
From the gate of the event centre, guests are promised a rollicking good time with a red carpet reception and enthralling entertainment content they won’t forget in a hurry.
The events planner is ready to thrill all with a wondrous show.
Decorators have been contacted and paid, the band is positioned to titillate and the caterers and drinks supplier are prepared.
Culled from Nigeriafilms.com
al-Assad forces fire at Friday prayers protests
Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad fired at protesters after Friday prayers in the Damascus suburb of Douma, activists said.
“Protesters phoned in to say that two people have been killed, but this is an initial report still to be confirmed,” an activist in Damascus told Reuters by phone.
Other activists and residents reported protests in cities and towns, many of which have been stormed by tanks, stretching from Deir al-Zor province in the east to Deraa in the south to the northwest province of Idlib.
They said demonstrations also cropped up in large cities such as Hama and Homs along the main highway leading to Turkey, and in districts of the capital Damascus.
“Gaddafi is gone, it is your turn Bashar!” shouted protesters in the town of Hirak northeast of Deraa, buoyed by the apparent overthrow of the Libyan strongman by rebels this week, according to a witness who spoke by phone.
“The security police fired in the air to disperse the protest of 2,000. There were no casualties,” he said.
In the town of Kisweh just south of Damascus, home to refugees from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, YouTube footage showed protesters shouting “damn your soul Hafez”, in reference to Assad’s late father, and carrying placards that said “take heed from what happened to others. (NAN)
“Protesters phoned in to say that two people have been killed, but this is an initial report still to be confirmed,” an activist in Damascus told Reuters by phone.
Other activists and residents reported protests in cities and towns, many of which have been stormed by tanks, stretching from Deir al-Zor province in the east to Deraa in the south to the northwest province of Idlib.
They said demonstrations also cropped up in large cities such as Hama and Homs along the main highway leading to Turkey, and in districts of the capital Damascus.
“Gaddafi is gone, it is your turn Bashar!” shouted protesters in the town of Hirak northeast of Deraa, buoyed by the apparent overthrow of the Libyan strongman by rebels this week, according to a witness who spoke by phone.
“The security police fired in the air to disperse the protest of 2,000. There were no casualties,” he said.
In the town of Kisweh just south of Damascus, home to refugees from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, YouTube footage showed protesters shouting “damn your soul Hafez”, in reference to Assad’s late father, and carrying placards that said “take heed from what happened to others. (NAN)
Rebels send in special forces to hunt for Gaddafi
Libyan rebels said they were sending in special forces units in their hunt for fugitive strongman Muammar Gaddafi, whose supporters are now pinned down in pockets of resistance in the capital, Tripoli.
The rebel leadership announced it was planning to move from the eastern city of Benghazi, where the revolution to topple Gaddafi began six months ago, to govern the country from Tripoli.
Rumours of Gaddafi or his sons being cornered or sighted swirled among excitable rebel fighters engaged in heavy machinegun and rocket exchanges.
But even after his compound was overrun on Tuesday, hopes of a swift end to the war were still being frustrated by fierce rearguard actions.
The rebels’ Col. Hisham Buhagiar said they were targeting several areas to find Gaddafi: “We are sending special forces every day to hunt down Gaddafi. We have one unit that does intelligence and other units that hunt him down.”
Loyalist forces are still present in several areas of the city, some of them flying rebel banners rather than the green flags of the Gaddafi era, Reuters correspondents said.
NATO warplanes, whose support has been crucial to the rebels’ advance into the capital, could be heard over Tripoli during the night, residents said.
A measure of the rebels’ grip on the capital would be apparent at Friday prayers later in the day.
As the insurgency developed, Gaddafi’s security forces saw the weekly worship as a protest and shot people as they exited mosques.
Western powers have demanded Gaddafi’s surrender and worked to help the opposition start developing the trappings of government and bureaucracy lacking in the oil-rich state after 42 years of an eccentric personality cult.
The U. S. and South Africa struck a deal to allow the release of 1.5 billion dollars in frozen funds for humanitarian aid and other civilian needs, UN diplomats said.
The rebel leadership announced it was planning to move from the eastern city of Benghazi, where the revolution to topple Gaddafi began six months ago, to govern the country from Tripoli.
Rumours of Gaddafi or his sons being cornered or sighted swirled among excitable rebel fighters engaged in heavy machinegun and rocket exchanges.
But even after his compound was overrun on Tuesday, hopes of a swift end to the war were still being frustrated by fierce rearguard actions.
The rebels’ Col. Hisham Buhagiar said they were targeting several areas to find Gaddafi: “We are sending special forces every day to hunt down Gaddafi. We have one unit that does intelligence and other units that hunt him down.”
Loyalist forces are still present in several areas of the city, some of them flying rebel banners rather than the green flags of the Gaddafi era, Reuters correspondents said.
NATO warplanes, whose support has been crucial to the rebels’ advance into the capital, could be heard over Tripoli during the night, residents said.
A measure of the rebels’ grip on the capital would be apparent at Friday prayers later in the day.
As the insurgency developed, Gaddafi’s security forces saw the weekly worship as a protest and shot people as they exited mosques.
Western powers have demanded Gaddafi’s surrender and worked to help the opposition start developing the trappings of government and bureaucracy lacking in the oil-rich state after 42 years of an eccentric personality cult.
The U. S. and South Africa struck a deal to allow the release of 1.5 billion dollars in frozen funds for humanitarian aid and other civilian needs, UN diplomats said.
Oshiomhole lauds Adegboyega varsity
GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has lauded the establishment of a new private university, the Samuel Adegboyega University in Ogwa, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The Samuel Adegboyega University was founded by the Apostolic Church, LAWNA Territory, Nigeria, and named after Pastor Samuel Adegboye-ga, first LAWNA Territorial Chairman and one of the founding fathers of the Apostolic Church in Nigeria.
While inaugurating the university, Governor Oshiomho-le praised authorities of the institution, noting that it required courage, determination and wisdom to establish a university in a rural community.
He said: “I am encouraged that the church has demonstrated that Nigerians, particularly the Christian community, can contribute to the development of our educational sector.”
There are basic deficit in infrastructure around the country in many areas. Those weaknesses are even more in a typical rural setting. You have demonstrated the fear of God and demonstrated your love for humanity.”
Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Samson Adedoyin, in a vision statement shortly after he was decorated as the VC, promised to run an administration which is transparent, focused and all inclusive.
The Samuel Adegboyega University was founded by the Apostolic Church, LAWNA Territory, Nigeria, and named after Pastor Samuel Adegboye-ga, first LAWNA Territorial Chairman and one of the founding fathers of the Apostolic Church in Nigeria.
While inaugurating the university, Governor Oshiomho-le praised authorities of the institution, noting that it required courage, determination and wisdom to establish a university in a rural community.
He said: “I am encouraged that the church has demonstrated that Nigerians, particularly the Christian community, can contribute to the development of our educational sector.”
There are basic deficit in infrastructure around the country in many areas. Those weaknesses are even more in a typical rural setting. You have demonstrated the fear of God and demonstrated your love for humanity.”
Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Samson Adedoyin, in a vision statement shortly after he was decorated as the VC, promised to run an administration which is transparent, focused and all inclusive.
Bomb Hits U.N. Building in Nigeria's Capital
A bomb struck the United Nations building in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, U.N. and Nigerian security officials said Friday, following multiple threats against the agency.
A security official in Abuja also confirmed the attack on the U.N. building, and said it was likely a car or truck bomb. The number of casualties wasn't immediately known.
![[nigeria0826]](http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-PI668_nigeri_D_20110826075421.jpg)
Associated Press A staff member at the U.N.'s office in Lagos said the blast occurred on the wing that houses the United Nations Children's Fund, or Unicef.
U.N. staff in Abuja are "busy evacuating casualties, but what type of explosion it was and how it happened, we still don't know," said Ramesh Singh, a U.N. security officer in Lagos.
Witnesses said they saw a car driving very quickly toward the U.N. building moments before the blast.
In an interview with British Broadcasting Corp. television, Nigeria's minister of state for foreign affairs, Viola Onwuliri, called the blast "act of international terrorism."
She didn't accuse any specific groups for the attack, but told the BBC that this "act carried out against the international community will be thoroughly investigated and [the perpetrators] brought to justice."
Witnesses said emergency crews were searching for victims in the wreckage after what appeared to be a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into the U.N. compound.
"We saw that someone had driven into the gate with a bomb," said a man named Dioka, a staff member of the U.N. Development Program in Abuja, who gave his first name only. "People [are] still sifting through the rubble to see who survived and who didn't."
An official at the Federal Hospital in Abuja said that casualty figures "haven't yet been ascertained," but noted that several bodies had been taken to the morgue and several to emergency operating rooms. The official said the hospital urgently needed blood donations.
A spokeswoman at the nearby U.S. embassy in Abuja said that a vehicle drove through "the exit gate of the U.N. building, over speed bumps and into the lobby of the building before detonating the bomb." At least one portion of the building has significant damage, the spokeswoman said. The number of casualties remained unclear, and the spokeswoman said that as of now there were no U.S. citizens among the casualties.
A security official in Abuja also confirmed the attack on the U.N. building, and said it was likely a car or truck bomb. The number of casualties wasn't immediately known.
Associated Press This image released by Saharareporters shows firefighters and rescue workers after a large explosion struck the U.N.'s main office in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Friday.
U.N. staff in Abuja are "busy evacuating casualties, but what type of explosion it was and how it happened, we still don't know," said Ramesh Singh, a U.N. security officer in Lagos.
Witnesses said they saw a car driving very quickly toward the U.N. building moments before the blast.
In an interview with British Broadcasting Corp. television, Nigeria's minister of state for foreign affairs, Viola Onwuliri, called the blast "act of international terrorism."
She didn't accuse any specific groups for the attack, but told the BBC that this "act carried out against the international community will be thoroughly investigated and [the perpetrators] brought to justice."
Witnesses said emergency crews were searching for victims in the wreckage after what appeared to be a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into the U.N. compound.
"We saw that someone had driven into the gate with a bomb," said a man named Dioka, a staff member of the U.N. Development Program in Abuja, who gave his first name only. "People [are] still sifting through the rubble to see who survived and who didn't."
An official at the Federal Hospital in Abuja said that casualty figures "haven't yet been ascertained," but noted that several bodies had been taken to the morgue and several to emergency operating rooms. The official said the hospital urgently needed blood donations.
A spokeswoman at the nearby U.S. embassy in Abuja said that a vehicle drove through "the exit gate of the U.N. building, over speed bumps and into the lobby of the building before detonating the bomb." At least one portion of the building has significant damage, the spokeswoman said. The number of casualties remained unclear, and the spokeswoman said that as of now there were no U.S. citizens among the casualties.
YORUBA MOVIE STAR MUKA RAY ROBBED
Popular Yoruba actor,Muka Ray was robbed on Monday, August 22nd, 2011 at his residence somewhere in Bariga, Lagos.
According to sources, the hoodlums broke into his apartment towards evening time and carted away laptops, phones, unspecified sum of money and other valuables.
We learnt the robbers didn’t hurt him but only took away his valuables.
Breaking news: Explosion rocks UN building in Abuja
An explosion, Friday morning, rocked the United Nations building in Abuja. Unconfirmed reports say an unspecified number of people are feared dead.Details later
FG uncovers corruption in judiciary •N106bn traced to judgment procurement •Judges own luxury houses in UK, UAE, S/Africa
THE presidency appears to be in a dilemma as to the nature of its intervention in the judicial arm of government, following the submission of a secret report
which indicted a number of judicial officers of monumental corruption.
Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune confirmed that the government is in possession of the document which detailed lots of underhand dealings in the judiciary.
It was confirmed that unethical practices, such as judgment procurement and actual instances of corruption were probed by the secret committee.
According to investigations, the report, which detailed incidents in the judiciary from 2006 to 2011, confirmed that a number of judges have been named as “living above their legal means.”
It was further confirmed that a number of judicial officers were linked to what was termed “judgment procurement,” which was said to have gulped about N106 billion in recent years.
“The bulk of that sum has been salted away in foreign lands to procure properties in the name of fake companies, fake children, schools and fake associates,” a source privy to the document quoted the submission.
“The last has not been heard of the development in the judiciary, as far as corruption is concerned. A report in the hands of the state has confirmed that some properties were bought globally, especially in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa and London. Some of the real owners are judicial personnel, whose total emoluments cannot in anyway justify the purchases.
“Some of them have been found to send their children to some of the most expensive schools in the world, without taking loans. These are mind-boggling discoveries,” the source said.
A source said that the government was worried that a sacred arm of government was being desecrated by certain forces and that some of those making the loudest noise about the situation in the judiciary were “mere poster images of corruption.”
Though the source said that the government was working to ensure that its actions in the judiciary were not misconstrued as political moves, it was learnt that a decision had been taken to ensure that the guilty did not go unpunished.
“The comprehensive report detailing the rot in the judiciary is in the hands of the highest authorities. I can confirm to you that those mentioned in the report as having been linked to improper conduct cannot go unpunished. The offences vary from judgment procurement to undue influence on judges. It dates back to the Obasanjo/Atiku era,” the source said.
“It has become so embarrassing to the government that judgments of Nigeria, which were readily cited in the United Kingdom and other lands are no longer regarded. Law students outside the country no longer see the judgments from Nigeria as worth the paper on which they are written. It is a battle the government must fight to ensure a proper demarcation between politics and the judiciary,” the source said.
which indicted a number of judicial officers of monumental corruption.
Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune confirmed that the government is in possession of the document which detailed lots of underhand dealings in the judiciary.
It was confirmed that unethical practices, such as judgment procurement and actual instances of corruption were probed by the secret committee.
According to investigations, the report, which detailed incidents in the judiciary from 2006 to 2011, confirmed that a number of judges have been named as “living above their legal means.”
It was further confirmed that a number of judicial officers were linked to what was termed “judgment procurement,” which was said to have gulped about N106 billion in recent years.
“The bulk of that sum has been salted away in foreign lands to procure properties in the name of fake companies, fake children, schools and fake associates,” a source privy to the document quoted the submission.
“The last has not been heard of the development in the judiciary, as far as corruption is concerned. A report in the hands of the state has confirmed that some properties were bought globally, especially in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa and London. Some of the real owners are judicial personnel, whose total emoluments cannot in anyway justify the purchases.
“Some of them have been found to send their children to some of the most expensive schools in the world, without taking loans. These are mind-boggling discoveries,” the source said.
A source said that the government was worried that a sacred arm of government was being desecrated by certain forces and that some of those making the loudest noise about the situation in the judiciary were “mere poster images of corruption.”
Though the source said that the government was working to ensure that its actions in the judiciary were not misconstrued as political moves, it was learnt that a decision had been taken to ensure that the guilty did not go unpunished.
“The comprehensive report detailing the rot in the judiciary is in the hands of the highest authorities. I can confirm to you that those mentioned in the report as having been linked to improper conduct cannot go unpunished. The offences vary from judgment procurement to undue influence on judges. It dates back to the Obasanjo/Atiku era,” the source said.
“It has become so embarrassing to the government that judgments of Nigeria, which were readily cited in the United Kingdom and other lands are no longer regarded. Law students outside the country no longer see the judgments from Nigeria as worth the paper on which they are written. It is a battle the government must fight to ensure a proper demarcation between politics and the judiciary,” the source said.
Salami: My recommendation in the best interest of Nigeria -Jonathan •PDP, ACN trade words over suspended PCA •Tell Nigerians your interest -PDP •Our fight based on constitutionality, rule of law -ACN
THE presidency has observed that President Goodluck Jonathan has merely been made a scapegoat by the vocal critics of the suspension of Justice Ayo Salami,
President of the Court of Appeal, at the instance of the National Judicial Council (NJC), saying that his acceptance of the NJC’s recommendation is in the best interest of the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, gave this position while briefing State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja, saying that his earlier statement on the suspension to Nigerians showed clearly that Jonathan acted in accordance with the law.
He also gave a performance report of the administration ahead of its first 100 days in office, noting, among other things, that crude oil production had expanded by 20 per cent, inflation rate had dropped to 9.4 per cent, the nation’s foreign reserves had risen by 10 per cent to about $34billion, while the administration also recovered looted funds amounting to £22.5million.
According to him, “the statement on the suspension of Justice Salami is very clear. It is just a two-paragraph statement and that statement says the action that has been taken is in pursuance of the rule of law. The relevant sections of the law are quoted in that document and it says the president has taken this action until all the matter has been fully resolved.
“But I think in reacting to this development, all kinds of interpretations…people have been making all kinds of judicial pronouncements. Everybody in Nigeria has suddenly become a judge and Mr President is being turned into a scapegoat in a matter in which he is completely innocent,” he stated.
He explained that what the president had done in accepting the recommendation of the NJC and subsequently appointing Justice Adamu Dalhatu to act as the President of the Court of Appeal was simply to prevent a vacuum, as provided for by the law.
Dr Abati added: “The Acting President of Justice of Appeal is there in acting capacity until all the issues involved in this matter have been resolved. The president as leader of the country has the responsibility to ensure stability. If he had not acted, he would have been criticised. He has acted; he is also being criticised.
“But he has acted in the best interest of Nigerians to prevent a constitutional lacuna, a situation whereby the headship of the Court of Appeal becomes vacant and no action is being taken to ensure stability on that level,” he said.
The president’s spokesman explained further that “if the president had decided to withhold the recommendations of the NJC, people who are criticising him now would have accused him of interfering with the work of the judiciary. So the principle of independence has to be respected but at the same time, the president has even provided an opportunity just to stay within the law and to fill that vacuum that has been created.
“It is the duty of the judiciary ultimately within the framework of the law to resolve the matter. The president is not a party to this conflict, as had been described and would be unfair, most unfair to use him as a scapegoat.
“And the surprising thing is that the people who are struggling very hard to drag him into it are not looking at the specific recommendations in the constitution. They are just making judicial pronouncements and dictating to the president what he should do outside the confines of the law and, I believe, they do so strictly for their own partisan interest,” Abati declared.
President of the Court of Appeal, at the instance of the National Judicial Council (NJC), saying that his acceptance of the NJC’s recommendation is in the best interest of the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, gave this position while briefing State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja, saying that his earlier statement on the suspension to Nigerians showed clearly that Jonathan acted in accordance with the law.
He also gave a performance report of the administration ahead of its first 100 days in office, noting, among other things, that crude oil production had expanded by 20 per cent, inflation rate had dropped to 9.4 per cent, the nation’s foreign reserves had risen by 10 per cent to about $34billion, while the administration also recovered looted funds amounting to £22.5million.
According to him, “the statement on the suspension of Justice Salami is very clear. It is just a two-paragraph statement and that statement says the action that has been taken is in pursuance of the rule of law. The relevant sections of the law are quoted in that document and it says the president has taken this action until all the matter has been fully resolved.
“But I think in reacting to this development, all kinds of interpretations…people have been making all kinds of judicial pronouncements. Everybody in Nigeria has suddenly become a judge and Mr President is being turned into a scapegoat in a matter in which he is completely innocent,” he stated.
He explained that what the president had done in accepting the recommendation of the NJC and subsequently appointing Justice Adamu Dalhatu to act as the President of the Court of Appeal was simply to prevent a vacuum, as provided for by the law.
Dr Abati added: “The Acting President of Justice of Appeal is there in acting capacity until all the issues involved in this matter have been resolved. The president as leader of the country has the responsibility to ensure stability. If he had not acted, he would have been criticised. He has acted; he is also being criticised.
“But he has acted in the best interest of Nigerians to prevent a constitutional lacuna, a situation whereby the headship of the Court of Appeal becomes vacant and no action is being taken to ensure stability on that level,” he said.
The president’s spokesman explained further that “if the president had decided to withhold the recommendations of the NJC, people who are criticising him now would have accused him of interfering with the work of the judiciary. So the principle of independence has to be respected but at the same time, the president has even provided an opportunity just to stay within the law and to fill that vacuum that has been created.
“It is the duty of the judiciary ultimately within the framework of the law to resolve the matter. The president is not a party to this conflict, as had been described and would be unfair, most unfair to use him as a scapegoat.
“And the surprising thing is that the people who are struggling very hard to drag him into it are not looking at the specific recommendations in the constitution. They are just making judicial pronouncements and dictating to the president what he should do outside the confines of the law and, I believe, they do so strictly for their own partisan interest,” Abati declared.
SAN awardees shun NBA, meet CJN •Swearing-in holds today
THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) appears to have lost the grip on its members to be sworn in as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) today
as they reportedly met with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu on Wednesday to assure him that they would be present at the ceremony.
The association’s leadership, led by Joseph Daudu SAN, had directed its members to shun the ceremony in protest of its marginalisation on the National Judicial Council (NJC), where the constitution bars lawyers on the council from participating in the proceedings of sanctioning jurists though they could participate in the process of appointing them.
A top source within the system disclosed to the Nigerian Tribune that 28 out of the 30 newly-appointed silks reportedly met with the retiring CJN to assure him that they were already in Abuja preparatory to the ceremony today.
They were said to have held a meeting on Wednesday morning in Abuja where they took a decision to present themselves for the swearing-in ceremony today, following their reported conviction that the Bench did not require the permission of the Bar to perform its statutory functions.
They also reportedly concluded that the award of the SAN title was a privilege which the Bar could not exercise any control over once the appointments are made.
After the meeting, they were said to have moved to the apex court where they were said to have met with a senior administrative officer to confirm if the event would still hold.
When the response of the officer was reportedly unclear to them, they were said to have moved en masse to the office of the CJN where they reportedly told him that they were ready for the award ceremony if the apex court was ready to go ahead with the event, with Katsina-Alu said to have told them that nothing would stop the event.
The Supreme Court had through its media department issued a statement that nothing would stop what would be Katsina-Alu’s last official function in office.
as they reportedly met with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu on Wednesday to assure him that they would be present at the ceremony.
The association’s leadership, led by Joseph Daudu SAN, had directed its members to shun the ceremony in protest of its marginalisation on the National Judicial Council (NJC), where the constitution bars lawyers on the council from participating in the proceedings of sanctioning jurists though they could participate in the process of appointing them.
A top source within the system disclosed to the Nigerian Tribune that 28 out of the 30 newly-appointed silks reportedly met with the retiring CJN to assure him that they were already in Abuja preparatory to the ceremony today.
They were said to have held a meeting on Wednesday morning in Abuja where they took a decision to present themselves for the swearing-in ceremony today, following their reported conviction that the Bench did not require the permission of the Bar to perform its statutory functions.
They also reportedly concluded that the award of the SAN title was a privilege which the Bar could not exercise any control over once the appointments are made.
After the meeting, they were said to have moved to the apex court where they were said to have met with a senior administrative officer to confirm if the event would still hold.
When the response of the officer was reportedly unclear to them, they were said to have moved en masse to the office of the CJN where they reportedly told him that they were ready for the award ceremony if the apex court was ready to go ahead with the event, with Katsina-Alu said to have told them that nothing would stop the event.
The Supreme Court had through its media department issued a statement that nothing would stop what would be Katsina-Alu’s last official function in office.
Rebels capture Gaddafi’s suspected hideout
A group of rebels lording over the seat of government in Libya, on Thursday night, claimed it had taken over apartment buildings near the Bab al-Azzizyah compound believed to be where Muammar Gaddafi was hiding with some of his sons.
The unconfirmed report had it that the embattled leader had probably gone out of his unassuming safe house in central Tripoli “when agents arrived about 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday, after a tip-off from a credible source.”
However, the rebels who claimed they were at the last lap of capturing Gaddafi, did not give any pointer to why they believed the supposedly fleeing Libyan leader was inside with his sons.
Nonetheless, rebels were still exchanging gunfire with loyal armies of Gaddafi regime inside Gaddafi’s captured palace.
One of the rebels claiming Gaddafi had been captured reportedly told Reuters: “They are together. They are in a small hole. Today we finish. Today we will end that.”
Another intelligence source had said, on Wednesday, that Libyan rebels fighting to oust the Libyan leader came close to capturing Gaddafi on Wednesday.
According to a French weekly magazine, Paris Match, the intelligence source said to be co-ordinating affairs among intelligence services from Arab states and Libyan rebels believed Gaddafi was still trapped in Tripoli.
The report on the French magazine claimed that the rebels had already raided a private home in Tripoli where Gaddafi appeared to have been hiding.
According to the intelligence reports, the magazine affirmed that he was still somewhere in the Libyan capital.
However, the magazine said, “they found evidence that he had spent at least one night there, though it did not say how recently that was.”
Meanwhile, as fighting in central Tripoli continued on Thursday, with rebels claiming they believe Gaddafi and some of his sons are hiding, there was still an exchange of fire with the regime’s troops inside the buildings.
The unconfirmed report had it that the embattled leader had probably gone out of his unassuming safe house in central Tripoli “when agents arrived about 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday, after a tip-off from a credible source.”
However, the rebels who claimed they were at the last lap of capturing Gaddafi, did not give any pointer to why they believed the supposedly fleeing Libyan leader was inside with his sons.
Nonetheless, rebels were still exchanging gunfire with loyal armies of Gaddafi regime inside Gaddafi’s captured palace.
One of the rebels claiming Gaddafi had been captured reportedly told Reuters: “They are together. They are in a small hole. Today we finish. Today we will end that.”
Another intelligence source had said, on Wednesday, that Libyan rebels fighting to oust the Libyan leader came close to capturing Gaddafi on Wednesday.
According to a French weekly magazine, Paris Match, the intelligence source said to be co-ordinating affairs among intelligence services from Arab states and Libyan rebels believed Gaddafi was still trapped in Tripoli.
The report on the French magazine claimed that the rebels had already raided a private home in Tripoli where Gaddafi appeared to have been hiding.
According to the intelligence reports, the magazine affirmed that he was still somewhere in the Libyan capital.
However, the magazine said, “they found evidence that he had spent at least one night there, though it did not say how recently that was.”
Meanwhile, as fighting in central Tripoli continued on Thursday, with rebels claiming they believe Gaddafi and some of his sons are hiding, there was still an exchange of fire with the regime’s troops inside the buildings.
Actress Adaora Ukoh involved in car accident
Photo credit: Stella's blog
Thursday 25 August 2011
FG, S-Africa begin talks on citizens’ access to visa
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday directed the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, NSABC, to commence the process of providing nationals of both countries unhindered access to visas.
To this end, President Jonathan has directed Vice President Namadi Sambo to, under the aegis of the NSABC, further explore the possibility of making issuance of visas to citizens of both countries easier.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan was speaking to Hon. Charles Nqakula, Special Adviser on International Relations to South African President Jacob Zuma, who brought a special message to Aso rock.
He said: “I have told my Vice President to quickly commence meetings of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission to look at issues such as issuance of visas for our citizens who need to transact business in our two countries”.
The President expressed appreciation to the government and people of South Africa for the warm and cordial hospitality being enjoyed by members of the Nigerian community living in that country.
To this end, President Jonathan has directed Vice President Namadi Sambo to, under the aegis of the NSABC, further explore the possibility of making issuance of visas to citizens of both countries easier.
He said: “I have told my Vice President to quickly commence meetings of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission to look at issues such as issuance of visas for our citizens who need to transact business in our two countries”.
The President expressed appreciation to the government and people of South Africa for the warm and cordial hospitality being enjoyed by members of the Nigerian community living in that country.
Remdel sues EFCC, Bioku over Tope Alabi’s Angeli Mi album
Mrs. Abiodun Ibitola, Managing Director, Remdel Optimum Communications Limited, has sought an order of a Lagos High Court to declare as unconstitutional her arrest and detention by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC, over a simple contract issue between her company and one Alhaji Tajudeen Bioku.
Similarly, Mrs. Ibitola has also petitioned EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, and Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Muhammed Bello Adoke, to intervene in the matter, for the protection of her fundamental human rights.
Mrs Ibitola is also praying the court to restrain EFCC and Bioku from her further harassment, arrest and or detention as well to prevent EFCC from forceful demand, seizure and taking into custody of the master tape of “Angeli Mi”.
The suit followed her detention by EFCC on account of alleged irregularities on the part of Remdel Optimum Communication Limited in the sale of “Angeli Mi” by gospel singer, Mrs. Tope Alabi, which the company has the right to sell under the Master License Agreement entered into with Bioku.
Bioku alleged that the company had sold 20 million copies of the album while investigations conducted by EFCC from replicating companies showed that the album sold only about 600,000 copies in the three years of the contractual agreement between Remdel and Bioku.
But, acting on Bioku’s petition, EFCC swooped on the Akure residence of Mrs. Ibitola and arrested her.
She was taken to Lagos and detained for hours before her bail was secured.
It was gathered that while investigations by EFCC showed that the account of Bioku was incorrect, EFCC had embarked on efforts at retrieving the master tape of the said album by Tope Alabi for the petitioner which was a violation of the agreement signed by the two parties – Remdel Optimum Communication Limited and Bioku.
Other orders sought from the court by Ibitola include a declaration that the demand for the master tape of the album by EFCC for Bioku be declared null and void.
“A declaration that the demand by the second respondent for the master tape of the album titled “Angeli mi” towards recovery of same for and on behalf of the first respondent which master tape is in possession of the applicant pursuant to a contractual engagement with the first respondent is ultra vires the second respondent, gross abuse of powers by the second respondent and in violation of the applicant’s right to property.
Similarly, Mrs. Ibitola has also petitioned EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, and Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Muhammed Bello Adoke, to intervene in the matter, for the protection of her fundamental human rights.
Mrs Ibitola is also praying the court to restrain EFCC and Bioku from her further harassment, arrest and or detention as well to prevent EFCC from forceful demand, seizure and taking into custody of the master tape of “Angeli Mi”.
The suit followed her detention by EFCC on account of alleged irregularities on the part of Remdel Optimum Communication Limited in the sale of “Angeli Mi” by gospel singer, Mrs. Tope Alabi, which the company has the right to sell under the Master License Agreement entered into with Bioku.
Bioku alleged that the company had sold 20 million copies of the album while investigations conducted by EFCC from replicating companies showed that the album sold only about 600,000 copies in the three years of the contractual agreement between Remdel and Bioku.
But, acting on Bioku’s petition, EFCC swooped on the Akure residence of Mrs. Ibitola and arrested her.
She was taken to Lagos and detained for hours before her bail was secured.
It was gathered that while investigations by EFCC showed that the account of Bioku was incorrect, EFCC had embarked on efforts at retrieving the master tape of the said album by Tope Alabi for the petitioner which was a violation of the agreement signed by the two parties – Remdel Optimum Communication Limited and Bioku.
Other orders sought from the court by Ibitola include a declaration that the demand for the master tape of the album by EFCC for Bioku be declared null and void.
“A declaration that the demand by the second respondent for the master tape of the album titled “Angeli mi” towards recovery of same for and on behalf of the first respondent which master tape is in possession of the applicant pursuant to a contractual engagement with the first respondent is ultra vires the second respondent, gross abuse of powers by the second respondent and in violation of the applicant’s right to property.
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