An automobile importer,Ofodili Ifeanyichukwu Victor, 47, was arrestedat the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos with powdery substances which tested positive for cocaine weighing 1.300kg.
He was intercepted during the screening of passengers on British Airways flight to London Heathrow airport last weekend.
Ofodili, who excreted 70 capsules while on observation, said he invested five million naira (N5, 000,000:00) into the illicit drug business in expectation of twenty-five million naira (N25, 000,000:00) to increase his capital base.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade who expressed satisfaction with the arrest described it as very remarkable. “This arrest is remarkable given the profile of the suspect. Recent arrests recorded by the Agency have drastically altered risk profiling parametersin the country. Every route is now classified as high risk just as every passenger is assumed a potential drug trafficker. We shall continue to adapt our strategies to meet the dynamic trade in narcotics. Any investment in drug trafficking should be considered lost” Giade warned.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Importer arrested for possessing cocaine
An automobile importer,Ofodili Ifeanyichukwu Victor, 47, was arrestedat the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos with powdery substances which tested positive for cocaine weighing 1.300kg.
He was intercepted during the screening of passengers on British Airways flight to London Heathrow airport last weekend.
Ofodili, who excreted 70 capsules while on observation, said he invested five million naira (N5, 000,000:00) into the illicit drug business in expectation of twenty-five million naira (N25, 000,000:00) to increase his capital base.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade who expressed satisfaction with the arrest described it as very remarkable. “This arrest is remarkable given the profile of the suspect. Recent arrests recorded by the Agency have drastically altered risk profiling parametersin the country. Every route is now classified as high risk just as every passenger is assumed a potential drug trafficker. We shall continue to adapt our strategies to meet the dynamic trade in narcotics. Any investment in drug trafficking should be considered lost” Giade warned.
He was intercepted during the screening of passengers on British Airways flight to London Heathrow airport last weekend.
Ofodili, who excreted 70 capsules while on observation, said he invested five million naira (N5, 000,000:00) into the illicit drug business in expectation of twenty-five million naira (N25, 000,000:00) to increase his capital base.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade who expressed satisfaction with the arrest described it as very remarkable. “This arrest is remarkable given the profile of the suspect. Recent arrests recorded by the Agency have drastically altered risk profiling parametersin the country. Every route is now classified as high risk just as every passenger is assumed a potential drug trafficker. We shall continue to adapt our strategies to meet the dynamic trade in narcotics. Any investment in drug trafficking should be considered lost” Giade warned.
Mikel Obi’s familydenies contact with kidnappers
Confusion continues to trail the disappearance of father of Mikel Obi as the family on Friday came out to deny claims that the kidnappers haddemanded a N20 million ransom.
Younger brother to the missing Elder Mike Obi, Christopher, his wife Rose and elder brother to Mikel, Tony jointly addressed journalists atthe Rayfield residence of the Obis insisting that nobody has made contact with them and that they were not aware of the demand for any ransom.
They also disclosed that Mikel was so pained by the development that he has not been communicating with thefamily again.
“We have not had any contact with anyone since he got missing to suggest that we are preparing for any negotiation. So we weresurprised to watch on television and read on newspapers that a N20-N50 million ransom has been placed on his head” Mrs Obi said.
Mikel’s elder brother, Mr.Tony Obi who corroborated his mum said Mikel has been unable to communicate with them since the incident adding that his (Mikel’s) manager, Mr. John Shittu who has been communicating with the family did not tell them about any contact with the abductors as was being reported.
He confirmed that their father’s Mercedes Benz car was recovered around Shen on the outskirts of Jos four days after his disappearance but that the police who went with him to recover the car found no clue.
Similarly, Mr. ChristopherObi who is the younger brother to the late Pa Obi who came to Jos from Lagos following hisbrother’s disappearance, expressed concern over the situation and pleaded with those holding him to release him.
He described his brotherand his son Mikel as good people who are always nice to those around them and wondered why they should be so treated adding, “we plead with the nation to help us.” Mrs. Obi had some days ago also denied reports that those holding her husband has been in touch with the family.
Younger brother to the missing Elder Mike Obi, Christopher, his wife Rose and elder brother to Mikel, Tony jointly addressed journalists atthe Rayfield residence of the Obis insisting that nobody has made contact with them and that they were not aware of the demand for any ransom.
They also disclosed that Mikel was so pained by the development that he has not been communicating with thefamily again.
“We have not had any contact with anyone since he got missing to suggest that we are preparing for any negotiation. So we weresurprised to watch on television and read on newspapers that a N20-N50 million ransom has been placed on his head” Mrs Obi said.
Mikel’s elder brother, Mr.Tony Obi who corroborated his mum said Mikel has been unable to communicate with them since the incident adding that his (Mikel’s) manager, Mr. John Shittu who has been communicating with the family did not tell them about any contact with the abductors as was being reported.
He confirmed that their father’s Mercedes Benz car was recovered around Shen on the outskirts of Jos four days after his disappearance but that the police who went with him to recover the car found no clue.
Similarly, Mr. ChristopherObi who is the younger brother to the late Pa Obi who came to Jos from Lagos following hisbrother’s disappearance, expressed concern over the situation and pleaded with those holding him to release him.
He described his brotherand his son Mikel as good people who are always nice to those around them and wondered why they should be so treated adding, “we plead with the nation to help us.” Mrs. Obi had some days ago also denied reports that those holding her husband has been in touch with the family.
Only 24m Nigerians have bank accounts
MANAGING Director of Oliswarren Associates Limited, Mr. Olisa Aniuno, yesterday, said studies have shown that only 24 million Nigerians operate bank accounts, describing it as too low for a population of 150 million people.
Speaking at the launch of a new mobile money scheme known as ‘Pocket money’ by his company in collaboration with e–Transact in Awka, Aniuno said it was for that reason that his company decided to address the limitations and bottlenecks created by cash, cheques and credit cards.
He said since a majority of adult Nigerians have mobile phones, they could use it to make financial transactions.
Aniuno said the new scheme entaied the use of mobile phone to make payments, allowing registered users to pay for goods and services at anytime and anywhere using mobile phones installed with security personal identification number, PIN, via short message service, SMS.
Anambra State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Eze Echesi, who launched the product on behalf of Governor Peter Obi, said the state has blazed the trail on reaching the rural community with modern financial transaction through the introduction of the new scheme.
Speaking at the launch of a new mobile money scheme known as ‘Pocket money’ by his company in collaboration with e–Transact in Awka, Aniuno said it was for that reason that his company decided to address the limitations and bottlenecks created by cash, cheques and credit cards.
He said since a majority of adult Nigerians have mobile phones, they could use it to make financial transactions.
Aniuno said the new scheme entaied the use of mobile phone to make payments, allowing registered users to pay for goods and services at anytime and anywhere using mobile phones installed with security personal identification number, PIN, via short message service, SMS.
Anambra State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Eze Echesi, who launched the product on behalf of Governor Peter Obi, said the state has blazed the trail on reaching the rural community with modern financial transaction through the introduction of the new scheme.
Pastor Adeboye Blames Marriage Break-Ups On Sin
He said in his statement on Wednesday, signed by Pastor Goke Aniyeloye, that a lot of men and women were unmarried mainly because of sin.
Adeboye said that many Christians were unmarried today because they deviated from the word of God.
According to him, God’s unchanging nature and His steadfastness guarantee deliverance for his children and saves them from destruction by the devil.
He said that the most important thing in life was not the intensity of a person’s troubles but his ability to locate God in his crisis.
The pastor said that as God did it for the people of old, he would still do it for the present day Christians, adding that he never goes on break.
Adeboye said that God was willing to heal all the sicknesses of his people but stressed that sin could create a barrier to God’s desire to heal his children sometimes.
“God can do all things and God heals all kinds of marital sicknesses.’’
He disclosed that the RCCG would hold a prayer session for the singles and single parents who are hoping unto God for their spouses on 4 September.
Pastor assaults son with acid over alleged sexual escapade with his wife
PASTOR of a Pentecostal church in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, DeltaState, last weekend, assaulted his son with raw acid for allegedly sleeping with his wife and sipping from his bottle of wine.
The pastor (name witheld), could not control his temper whenhe was told that the son drank from his bottle of wine, while grappling with the son’salleged sexual escapade with his wife.
Narrating his ordeal to newsmen, the son (name withheld) said hisfather got very mad with him on hearing he took a sip from his bottle of wine. “He was not around when I took a glass shot from his bottle of wine; this is what I got for reportingmyself,” he lamented.
He said: “On that fatefulday, I went into my father’s room and took a bottle of wine to keepmy body and soul together. As I was sipping from the glass of wine, my father whowas away returned andI told him about the wine in my hand but he became very angry and started insulting and calling me names.
“Suddenly, he appeared with a cup and poured something on my body. First, I thought it was water but shortly after my skin started peeling off. I wondered why myfather could do this to me. Well, I thank God I’m still alive.”
When contacted the Pastor said he acted in self defense. He however added; “I didn’t know the container’s content wasacid.
“I did not only do it for self defense but also for the family benefit. My Bible told me ‘suffer not the witch to live’. The boy deserved whathe got.
“The boy is a bone on my neck and a major threat to the entire family. He has committed a lot of atrocities against the family. You will not believe me that my son is having sex with my wife (his mother), this is a result of his devilish and demonic act where he did juju that can enable him to enter any locked house without keys.”
The pastor (name witheld), could not control his temper whenhe was told that the son drank from his bottle of wine, while grappling with the son’salleged sexual escapade with his wife.
Narrating his ordeal to newsmen, the son (name withheld) said hisfather got very mad with him on hearing he took a sip from his bottle of wine. “He was not around when I took a glass shot from his bottle of wine; this is what I got for reportingmyself,” he lamented.
He said: “On that fatefulday, I went into my father’s room and took a bottle of wine to keepmy body and soul together. As I was sipping from the glass of wine, my father whowas away returned andI told him about the wine in my hand but he became very angry and started insulting and calling me names.
“Suddenly, he appeared with a cup and poured something on my body. First, I thought it was water but shortly after my skin started peeling off. I wondered why myfather could do this to me. Well, I thank God I’m still alive.”
When contacted the Pastor said he acted in self defense. He however added; “I didn’t know the container’s content wasacid.
“I did not only do it for self defense but also for the family benefit. My Bible told me ‘suffer not the witch to live’. The boy deserved whathe got.
“The boy is a bone on my neck and a major threat to the entire family. He has committed a lot of atrocities against the family. You will not believe me that my son is having sex with my wife (his mother), this is a result of his devilish and demonic act where he did juju that can enable him to enter any locked house without keys.”
STAR ACTOR,JIM IYKE AND KATE HENSHAW NUTTAL DROPPED AS GLO AMBASSADOR
Star actor,Jim Iyke and Kate Henshaw Nuttal has been cut off the multi million naira Globacom ambassadorship deal, which has been the mainstay of many Nigerian artistes in the last four years.
According to source, Jim and Kate contract with Glo ended and they parted on convivial.
Meanwhile, Nollywood star actors,and producers, Odunlade Adekola and Kunle Afolayan were yesterday appointed as Glo ambassadors for a sum of 10 Million Naira per year.
The Two Nollywood actors are replacing actor Jim Iyke and actress Kate henshaw.
click the link below to go to...
ODUNLADE ADEKOLA,KUNLE AFOLAYAN APPOINTED GLO AMBASSADORS.
Presidential committee tracks down Boko Haram members
THE Presidential Committee on Security Challenges in the North-East zone of the country, on Thursday, said it was able to track down members of Boko Haram, noting that its mandate was not to negotiate with the sect.
The chairman of the eight-man committee, Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, said this while submitting the committee’s interim report to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, in Abuja.
He said the report contained recommendations that would aid the government in addressing security challenges in the area.
Senator Anyim said the interim report, which would be delivered to President Goodluck Jonathan immediately, would be kept under seal until the final and comprehensive report of the committee is received in two weeks time.
He also approved the extension of the committee’s work time frame by two weeks as demanded by the committee’s chairman.
The SGF, who inaugurated the presidential committee two weeks ago, described Boko Haram, as faceless and ordered the panel not to negotiate with any group, whose identity was unknown.
The committee was, however, charged to identity the group and make appropriate recommendations to the government for necessary action.
The panel comprises the Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; Mr Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN and Colonel Musa Shehu (retd.).
The chairman of the eight-man committee, Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, said this while submitting the committee’s interim report to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, in Abuja.
He said the report contained recommendations that would aid the government in addressing security challenges in the area.
Senator Anyim said the interim report, which would be delivered to President Goodluck Jonathan immediately, would be kept under seal until the final and comprehensive report of the committee is received in two weeks time.
He also approved the extension of the committee’s work time frame by two weeks as demanded by the committee’s chairman.
The SGF, who inaugurated the presidential committee two weeks ago, described Boko Haram, as faceless and ordered the panel not to negotiate with any group, whose identity was unknown.
The committee was, however, charged to identity the group and make appropriate recommendations to the government for necessary action.
The panel comprises the Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; Mr Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN and Colonel Musa Shehu (retd.).
Salami suspended •NJC recommends his compulsory retirement to Jonathan •Very unfortunate, we’ll challenge it - Salami’s counsel •Musdapher recommended as Katsina-Alu’s successor
EMPLOYERS of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, the National Judicial Council (NJC) on Thursday recommended him to President Goodluck Jonathan for compulsory retirement over misconduct.
While the recommendation to the president is still being processed, the Council also, pending his eventual compulsory retirement, suspended him from office with effect from yesterday.
He was subsequently directed to hand over the affairs of the Court of Appeal to the next most senior Justice of the court.
Before the president would endorse the recommendation of the council, he would have to revert to the Senate for the proclamation by a two-thirds majority.
The council, in a statement signed by the council’s Director of Administration, Mr Eugene.I. Odukwu, said “pursuant to the powers conferred on the NJC in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, President of the Court of Appeal, has been suspended from office with effect from today, August 18, 2011. Meanwhile a recommendation has been made to the president to retire him from service.”
It was also learnt that at the meeting on Thursday that Justice Dahiru Musda-pher was recommended as the successor to the retiring CJN, Justice Katsina-Alu, with his name reportedly forwarded to the president as demanded by the constitution, for onward transmission to the Senate.
Katsina-Alu retires on August 28, 2011.
However, the legal team of Justice Salami, on Thursday, expressed shock at the decision of the NJC, saying that the action would be challenged.
In a statement signed by Chief Akin Olujimi, Chief Ricky Tarfa, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, Chief Emeka Ngige and Chief Adebayo Adelodun, the team said “in the light of all these, we in the legal team of Justice Salami find the decision of the NJC to go ahead and take action against our client, in spite of the pendency of the action in court, as very, very unfortunate.”
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the removal of Justice Salami as a lession to all.
The state party chairman, Chief Sunday Ojo-Williams, in a statement, said the sack of Salami was a welcome development, adding that the incoming CJN and other stakeholders should carry out cleansing of the judiciary.
Also, former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, has described the suspension of Justice Salami as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” adding that “this is the beginning of the end for perpetrators of black market judgments and judicial infamy in Nigeria.”
Speaking through his media aide, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, Oni said “we ain’t see nothing yet, since we are still at the middle of the judicial melodrama.”
While the recommendation to the president is still being processed, the Council also, pending his eventual compulsory retirement, suspended him from office with effect from yesterday.
He was subsequently directed to hand over the affairs of the Court of Appeal to the next most senior Justice of the court.
Before the president would endorse the recommendation of the council, he would have to revert to the Senate for the proclamation by a two-thirds majority.
The council, in a statement signed by the council’s Director of Administration, Mr Eugene.I. Odukwu, said “pursuant to the powers conferred on the NJC in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, President of the Court of Appeal, has been suspended from office with effect from today, August 18, 2011. Meanwhile a recommendation has been made to the president to retire him from service.”
It was also learnt that at the meeting on Thursday that Justice Dahiru Musda-pher was recommended as the successor to the retiring CJN, Justice Katsina-Alu, with his name reportedly forwarded to the president as demanded by the constitution, for onward transmission to the Senate.
Katsina-Alu retires on August 28, 2011.
However, the legal team of Justice Salami, on Thursday, expressed shock at the decision of the NJC, saying that the action would be challenged.
In a statement signed by Chief Akin Olujimi, Chief Ricky Tarfa, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, Chief Emeka Ngige and Chief Adebayo Adelodun, the team said “in the light of all these, we in the legal team of Justice Salami find the decision of the NJC to go ahead and take action against our client, in spite of the pendency of the action in court, as very, very unfortunate.”
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the removal of Justice Salami as a lession to all.
The state party chairman, Chief Sunday Ojo-Williams, in a statement, said the sack of Salami was a welcome development, adding that the incoming CJN and other stakeholders should carry out cleansing of the judiciary.
Also, former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, has described the suspension of Justice Salami as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” adding that “this is the beginning of the end for perpetrators of black market judgments and judicial infamy in Nigeria.”
Speaking through his media aide, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, Oni said “we ain’t see nothing yet, since we are still at the middle of the judicial melodrama.”
President finally ready for action (we hope!)
Many Nigerians, me included, have complained about the fact that President Jonathan did not hit the ground running as soon as the polling season ended.
Toghanro Toju Xtian, a reader who resides in Agege, Lagos State, sent me the following text message a couple of days ago and spoke for many when he said:
Please tell GEJ to forget about six-year tenure. Let him fix power and roads if he wants us to have faith in his PDP. A lot of people believe that the PDP government is not working. Let him prove his critics wrong by his good work.
We who desperately want our country to be dragged out of its rut as soon as possible had hoped that Mr President would roll up his sleeves the minute his electoral victory was confirmed in April and to quickly appoint a credible cabinet and announce – and start to implement – an impressive development programme.
Ministerial choices
We were extremely disappointed when all we got out of him in May, June, July and the first half of August were overly flashy inauguration celebrations and premature talk-talk about non-priorities like his six-year tenure idea. It also didn’t help that quite a few of his ministerial choices raised eyebrows.
But it looks as if Mr President is, at long last, ready to make up for lost time and about to embark on some serious nation-building activities.
He has just constituted a 24-member Economic Management Team that will be coordinated by the famously dynamic and widely respected Minister of Finance and former World Bank Managing Director, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Courtesy: Vanguard Newspaper
Toghanro Toju Xtian, a reader who resides in Agege, Lagos State, sent me the following text message a couple of days ago and spoke for many when he said:
Please tell GEJ to forget about six-year tenure. Let him fix power and roads if he wants us to have faith in his PDP. A lot of people believe that the PDP government is not working. Let him prove his critics wrong by his good work.
We who desperately want our country to be dragged out of its rut as soon as possible had hoped that Mr President would roll up his sleeves the minute his electoral victory was confirmed in April and to quickly appoint a credible cabinet and announce – and start to implement – an impressive development programme.
Ministerial choices
We were extremely disappointed when all we got out of him in May, June, July and the first half of August were overly flashy inauguration celebrations and premature talk-talk about non-priorities like his six-year tenure idea. It also didn’t help that quite a few of his ministerial choices raised eyebrows.
But it looks as if Mr President is, at long last, ready to make up for lost time and about to embark on some serious nation-building activities.
He has just constituted a 24-member Economic Management Team that will be coordinated by the famously dynamic and widely respected Minister of Finance and former World Bank Managing Director, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Courtesy: Vanguard Newspaper
Ihejirika orders establishment of two military court martials
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika has directed the establishment of two standing military court martials, one in the Northern part of the country and the other in the Southern part of the country for quick dispensation of military justice to army officers and soldiers found wanting in the performance of their duties.
Making the disclosure at the Nigerian Army law seminar in Abuja, Gen. Ihejirika noted that members of the courts would be posted there to serve tenure of some years.
He explained that during the period that members would be posted to the standing Court Martials, they would be accountable to him (COAS), and their personal evaluation reports would be written as members of that court adding, “this would go a long way in eliminating command influence in court martials which hitherto had existed right from the battalion level through the brigade level to the division level.
Represented by the Chief of Administration, Army headquarters, Major General PS Usara, the COAS said, “I am glad to note that the consensus of the participants was that military law truly needs reform and the issue of eliminating command influence in court martials was also brought to the front burner. I am also gladdened that the opinion of this erudite audience supports that Nigerian armed forces lawyers need to be appearing in civil courts in defence of matters concerning the armed forces”.
Making the disclosure at the Nigerian Army law seminar in Abuja, Gen. Ihejirika noted that members of the courts would be posted there to serve tenure of some years.
He explained that during the period that members would be posted to the standing Court Martials, they would be accountable to him (COAS), and their personal evaluation reports would be written as members of that court adding, “this would go a long way in eliminating command influence in court martials which hitherto had existed right from the battalion level through the brigade level to the division level.
Represented by the Chief of Administration, Army headquarters, Major General PS Usara, the COAS said, “I am glad to note that the consensus of the participants was that military law truly needs reform and the issue of eliminating command influence in court martials was also brought to the front burner. I am also gladdened that the opinion of this erudite audience supports that Nigerian armed forces lawyers need to be appearing in civil courts in defence of matters concerning the armed forces”.
Osaze, Mikel at war in England
With less than 14 days to the crucial 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Madagascar in Antananarivo, two influential members of the Super Eagles team, Osaze Odemwingie and Jon Obi Mikel, would tomorrow be involved in an intense battle as their respective English clubs, West Brom and Chelsea, clash at Stamford Bridge.
After falling 2-1 at home to defending champions, Manchester United on Sunday, West Brom are in the mood for war as they take the trip t5o the Bridge to face a Blues side, also reeling from their inability to scoop all three points during their game against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, also on the opening day.
What makes tomorrow tea-time fixture interesting is that it might likely feature the Nigerian duo of Osaze and Mikel, in opposing lines, a clash of two brothers, in the very exciting world of the Premier League.
Having failed to make the start against United, with an ankle injury that struck him in the pre-season friendly at Bristol City, Osaze would be hoping to start up from where he ended last term, in this potentially explosive battle against the London giants, who are also mindful of picking all three points under the reign of coach Andreas Villas-Boas.
In his attempt to score tomorrow, Osaze has to contend with the defensive play of Mikel, who has been mandated by Coach Boas to cage his Eagles teammate. Mikel is in the know of Osaze’s strengths and hopes to use his knowledge to stop West Brom’s top scorer from last term from finding tha net against goalkeeper Petr Cech.
In other matches holding tomorrow, Sunderland welcome Newcastle, Arsenal, without their influential captain, Cesc Fabregas confront Liverpool at the Emirates, Aston Villa host Blackburn Rovers,
Everton, parading Eagles forward, Victor Anichebe tackle Queens Park Rangers at Goodison Park while Swansea City are at home against Wigan Athletic.
In Sunday’s games, Norwich City play host to Stoke City, Wolves welcome Fulham while
Bolton take on Manchester City.
After falling 2-1 at home to defending champions, Manchester United on Sunday, West Brom are in the mood for war as they take the trip t5o the Bridge to face a Blues side, also reeling from their inability to scoop all three points during their game against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, also on the opening day.
What makes tomorrow tea-time fixture interesting is that it might likely feature the Nigerian duo of Osaze and Mikel, in opposing lines, a clash of two brothers, in the very exciting world of the Premier League.
Having failed to make the start against United, with an ankle injury that struck him in the pre-season friendly at Bristol City, Osaze would be hoping to start up from where he ended last term, in this potentially explosive battle against the London giants, who are also mindful of picking all three points under the reign of coach Andreas Villas-Boas.
In his attempt to score tomorrow, Osaze has to contend with the defensive play of Mikel, who has been mandated by Coach Boas to cage his Eagles teammate. Mikel is in the know of Osaze’s strengths and hopes to use his knowledge to stop West Brom’s top scorer from last term from finding tha net against goalkeeper Petr Cech.
In other matches holding tomorrow, Sunderland welcome Newcastle, Arsenal, without their influential captain, Cesc Fabregas confront Liverpool at the Emirates, Aston Villa host Blackburn Rovers,
Everton, parading Eagles forward, Victor Anichebe tackle Queens Park Rangers at Goodison Park while Swansea City are at home against Wigan Athletic.
In Sunday’s games, Norwich City play host to Stoke City, Wolves welcome Fulham while
Bolton take on Manchester City.
Nigeria sells N93bn in bonds – DMO
Nigeria raised 93 billion naira ($604.3 million) in three, five and 10-year sovereign bonds on Wednesday, at its eighth debt auction of the year, the Debt Management Office said yesterday.
The debt office said it sold 30 billion naira of the three year, 15 billion naira of five year and 25 billion naira of 10-year papers, due to mature in 2014, 2015 and 2018 respectively. All the papers are re-openings of previous issues. DMO said an additional 23 billion naira in the three-year paper were sold to some mandate customers outside the auction.
The 3-year paper was given a marginal rate of 10.75 percent, above 10.24 percent offered last month, while the five-year instruments were allotted at 11.19 percent against 10.70 percent. However, the 10-year papers were allotted at a marginal rate of 11.39 percent, lower than the 11.49 percent at the previous auction.
The Central Bank on July 1, lifted a restriction requiring foreign investors to hold government debt for at least a year, aiming to attract new offshore inflows into sub-Saharan Africa’s second-biggest economy. “The debt office usually sells bonds to some mandate customers with large volumes of funds outside the auction proper,” an official said.
“If such customers are allowed to participate in the auction, they might crowd out other investors, hence the special allotment outside the usual auction. Total subscription stood at 170.52 billion naira compared to 157.98 billion naira last month, the DMO said.
The debt office said it sold 30 billion naira of the three year, 15 billion naira of five year and 25 billion naira of 10-year papers, due to mature in 2014, 2015 and 2018 respectively. All the papers are re-openings of previous issues. DMO said an additional 23 billion naira in the three-year paper were sold to some mandate customers outside the auction.
The 3-year paper was given a marginal rate of 10.75 percent, above 10.24 percent offered last month, while the five-year instruments were allotted at 11.19 percent against 10.70 percent. However, the 10-year papers were allotted at a marginal rate of 11.39 percent, lower than the 11.49 percent at the previous auction.
The Central Bank on July 1, lifted a restriction requiring foreign investors to hold government debt for at least a year, aiming to attract new offshore inflows into sub-Saharan Africa’s second-biggest economy. “The debt office usually sells bonds to some mandate customers with large volumes of funds outside the auction proper,” an official said.
“If such customers are allowed to participate in the auction, they might crowd out other investors, hence the special allotment outside the usual auction. Total subscription stood at 170.52 billion naira compared to 157.98 billion naira last month, the DMO said.
Kastina-Alu vs Salami: NJC suspends Salami indefinitely
Following his refusal to apologise to either the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu or the council for allegedly lying on oath, the National Judicial Council, NJC, yesterday, wielded the big stick against the embattled President of the Court of Appeal, PCA, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, by handing him an indefinite suspension. 
The council specifically ordered him to hand over affairs of the appellate court to the next most senior justice of the court, adding that it has forwarded a recommendation to President Goodluck Jonathan for his immediate retirement from judicial service.
NJC, which took the decision after its seventh emergency meeting said it acted in line with the statutory powers conferred on it by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.
A statement by the council’s Director of Administration, Mr. E.I. Odukwu said: “Pursuant to the powers conferred on the National Judicial Council in the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami, OFR, President of the Court of Appeal has been suspended from office with effect from today, August 18, 2011.
“The decision was reached at the seventh emergency meeting of the Council held on August 18, 2011.
“The decision which was reached at the National Judicial Council further directs that Hon. Justice Salami should hand over the affairs of the Court of Appeal to the next most senior justice of the court. Meanwhile, a recommendation has been forwarded to the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to retire him from service.”
Though the council had on Wednesday, accepted copies of the court processes filed against it by Justice Salami, it however, declined to make any reference to the court action pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
It is height of injustice—Salami
Meantime, Salami has called the bluff of the council, describing his suspension as “the height of injustice and judicial recklessness.”
A source in his legal team, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, said the action of the council amounted to contempt of court since the subject matter of the NJC probe verdict that mandated the PCA to apologise to the CJN was already seized by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Describing Salami as a victim of “high level judicial conspiracy,” the source said the PCA had vowed to fight the battle to its logical conclusion.
NJC, which took the decision after its seventh emergency meeting said it acted in line with the statutory powers conferred on it by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.
A statement by the council’s Director of Administration, Mr. E.I. Odukwu said: “Pursuant to the powers conferred on the National Judicial Council in the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami, OFR, President of the Court of Appeal has been suspended from office with effect from today, August 18, 2011.
“The decision was reached at the seventh emergency meeting of the Council held on August 18, 2011.
“The decision which was reached at the National Judicial Council further directs that Hon. Justice Salami should hand over the affairs of the Court of Appeal to the next most senior justice of the court. Meanwhile, a recommendation has been forwarded to the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to retire him from service.”
Though the council had on Wednesday, accepted copies of the court processes filed against it by Justice Salami, it however, declined to make any reference to the court action pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
It is height of injustice—Salami
Meantime, Salami has called the bluff of the council, describing his suspension as “the height of injustice and judicial recklessness.”
A source in his legal team, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, said the action of the council amounted to contempt of court since the subject matter of the NJC probe verdict that mandated the PCA to apologise to the CJN was already seized by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Describing Salami as a victim of “high level judicial conspiracy,” the source said the PCA had vowed to fight the battle to its logical conclusion.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Aikhomu dies on IBB’s 70th birthday •Jonathan, Oshiomhole, Oyegun, Omoruyi, others mourn
ON a day members of the Ibrahim Babangida family were celebrating the 70th birthday of the former military president, members of the Augustus Aikhomu family were mourning the death of the former vice-president to General Babangida.
Augustus Akhabue Aik-homu, Nigeria’s Chief of General Staff between 1986 and 1993 when Babangida was the military president, died in Lagos, on Wednesday, the same day his former boss clocked 70 years.
He was said to have died around 6.00 p.m at his residence, Forcado area, in Lagos.
His death, following a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, was confirmed by his younger brother, Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu and associates in Lagos.
Born on October 20, 1939 in Irrua-Ishan, Edo State, the late Aikhomu had his education at Irrua Government School; Yaba College of Technology (1954-1958); Royal Britannia Naval College; Long Gunnery Specialist Course, India and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.
The deceased, who served as the chairman of Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, was a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).
He was also a prominent member of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and was in 2003 appointed the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party before he later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, reacting to his death, President Goodluck Jonathan said he received the news with shock and sadness.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Wednesday, Jonathan said Aikhomu was a patriot, who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.
Augustus Akhabue Aik-homu, Nigeria’s Chief of General Staff between 1986 and 1993 when Babangida was the military president, died in Lagos, on Wednesday, the same day his former boss clocked 70 years.
He was said to have died around 6.00 p.m at his residence, Forcado area, in Lagos.
His death, following a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, was confirmed by his younger brother, Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu and associates in Lagos.
Born on October 20, 1939 in Irrua-Ishan, Edo State, the late Aikhomu had his education at Irrua Government School; Yaba College of Technology (1954-1958); Royal Britannia Naval College; Long Gunnery Specialist Course, India and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.
The deceased, who served as the chairman of Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, was a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).
He was also a prominent member of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and was in 2003 appointed the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party before he later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, reacting to his death, President Goodluck Jonathan said he received the news with shock and sadness.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Wednesday, Jonathan said Aikhomu was a patriot, who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.
Sofolahan disowns Kudirat Abiola •Says, I never worked with her
ALHAJI Lateef Shofolahan, currently standing trial with Major Hamza al-Mustapha over alleged conspiracy in the killing of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, has said that he learnt about the woman’s death just like any other person, because it was a national issue.
While giving his evidence on Wednesday before Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos High Court as the second defence witness in the case, Shofolahan insisted that he didn’t know whether she was shot dead or not.
He told the court that he did not attend her funeral because area boys took over the whole of Ikeja.
Shofolahan, while responding to a question from the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, on whether or not he knew the late Kudirat Abiola said, “I knew her when we campaigned at HOPE ’93. She usually came in the company of Dr Doyin Abiola and Bisi for campaign materials. I never worked with Alhaja Abiola. I was never her personal assistant or driver.
Nobody from Abiola’s house can come and testify that I worked for her.”
Speaking further, he said: “I begged the woman that headed the SIP, Mrs Ojomo, that she should invite Abiola’s family to identify me as having worked with the late Kudirat Abiola. My Lord, before I was taken before her, I begged her and people that I had never worked there. They said they would do, but they never did. I never worked with the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, either as a personal assistant, a driver or in any capacity.”
The witness disclosed that before he joined the HOPE ’93 campaign train of the late Chief MKO Abiola, he was a beer distributor for the Nigerian Breweries and Guinness.
Speaking on his schedule at HOPE ’93, Shofolahan said “I gave accommodation to people at Gateway Hotel. After sometime, I was moved back to HOPE ’93 to be in charge of gifts, posters and campaign materials.”
“When the election was cancelled in 1993, at the end of July 1993, everybody was paid off. After the closure of HOPE ‘93 by Dr Jonathan Zwingina, I went back to my shop at 12, Abeokuta Road, Mushin. My business name was ‘September 10 Enterprises.’ I have been in beer business since 1986,” he added.
The witness stated further that he had no other work until 1998, when he joined Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s campaign for the 1999 presidential election during which he stayed at Chief Obasanjo’s Ota farm throughout.
“When Obasanjo won the election, I moved to the Villa. I started working as a [member of] staff until they came to arrest me. Even, Obasanjo’s aide, Bodunde and Chief Fasawe confirmed that I was a [member of] staff.”
Throwing light on what led to his arrest on October 8, 1999, Shofolahan said he was working at the Presidential Villa when he was arrested over allegation that he was using the name of former President Obasanjo to collect money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
While giving his evidence on Wednesday before Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos High Court as the second defence witness in the case, Shofolahan insisted that he didn’t know whether she was shot dead or not.
He told the court that he did not attend her funeral because area boys took over the whole of Ikeja.
Shofolahan, while responding to a question from the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, on whether or not he knew the late Kudirat Abiola said, “I knew her when we campaigned at HOPE ’93. She usually came in the company of Dr Doyin Abiola and Bisi for campaign materials. I never worked with Alhaja Abiola. I was never her personal assistant or driver.
Nobody from Abiola’s house can come and testify that I worked for her.”
Speaking further, he said: “I begged the woman that headed the SIP, Mrs Ojomo, that she should invite Abiola’s family to identify me as having worked with the late Kudirat Abiola. My Lord, before I was taken before her, I begged her and people that I had never worked there. They said they would do, but they never did. I never worked with the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, either as a personal assistant, a driver or in any capacity.”
The witness disclosed that before he joined the HOPE ’93 campaign train of the late Chief MKO Abiola, he was a beer distributor for the Nigerian Breweries and Guinness.
Speaking on his schedule at HOPE ’93, Shofolahan said “I gave accommodation to people at Gateway Hotel. After sometime, I was moved back to HOPE ’93 to be in charge of gifts, posters and campaign materials.”
“When the election was cancelled in 1993, at the end of July 1993, everybody was paid off. After the closure of HOPE ‘93 by Dr Jonathan Zwingina, I went back to my shop at 12, Abeokuta Road, Mushin. My business name was ‘September 10 Enterprises.’ I have been in beer business since 1986,” he added.
The witness stated further that he had no other work until 1998, when he joined Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s campaign for the 1999 presidential election during which he stayed at Chief Obasanjo’s Ota farm throughout.
“When Obasanjo won the election, I moved to the Villa. I started working as a [member of] staff until they came to arrest me. Even, Obasanjo’s aide, Bodunde and Chief Fasawe confirmed that I was a [member of] staff.”
Throwing light on what led to his arrest on October 8, 1999, Shofolahan said he was working at the Presidential Villa when he was arrested over allegation that he was using the name of former President Obasanjo to collect money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Obasanjo replies IBB, A fool at 70 …
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, Wednesday, reacted to the comments about him made by former President Ibrahim Babangida saying that he [IBB] was being foolish as his comments were not well though out.
According to him, former President Babangida should be pitied and shown sympathy rather than anger or condemnation as he was being foolish at the age of 70.
Obasanjo who spoke with news men in Abeokuta during the visit of an American Team on an inspection of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library [OOPL] said that his initial thought was not to respond but that on second thought he decided to reply IBB so that he would not consider himself wise.
He said “well, normally when I read these things I don’t believe them. Yesterday when somebody phoned me and said this was said, I said don’t believe it. He said check on all the papers and I said get me all the papers, they got me the papers and I read; it’s a little bit unlike Babangida.
But if Babangida had decided on becoming a septuagenarian, that he will be a fool, I think one should probably do what the Bible says in Proverbs chapter 26, verse 4. It says don’t answer a fool because you may also become like him.
“When you go to the same Proverbs chapter 26, verse 5, it says answer a fool so that he will not think he’s a wise man. So, I am now torn between which of the two verses I should follow in this respect. Some of the things he said unfortunately were not well thought-out.
“For instance, he talked about our energy. When I was the military head of state, I built Jebba dam; built Shiroro dam, I prepared the foundation of Egbin plant which President Shagari completed and commissioned. That time the money we were making was not up to the money Babangida was making annually for his eight years and yet we built two dams.
Because it was important, you know that power is the driving force for development and for any developing country. But since the building of Egbin power plant, until I came back in 1999 there was not any generating plant for almost 20 years and Babangida spent eight years out of that. Now, he has the audacity to talk about anybody; I think that is unfortunate.
“I also read where he said in his time, he gave the dividends of democracy and at the same time he regretted. When I read that, well I said Babangida should be pitied and shown sympathy rather than anger or condemnation because the old saying says a fool at 40 is a fool forever and I would say a regret at 70 is a regret too late. Well a regret at 70 is a regret to the grave.
According to him, former President Babangida should be pitied and shown sympathy rather than anger or condemnation as he was being foolish at the age of 70.
Obasanjo who spoke with news men in Abeokuta during the visit of an American Team on an inspection of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library [OOPL] said that his initial thought was not to respond but that on second thought he decided to reply IBB so that he would not consider himself wise.
He said “well, normally when I read these things I don’t believe them. Yesterday when somebody phoned me and said this was said, I said don’t believe it. He said check on all the papers and I said get me all the papers, they got me the papers and I read; it’s a little bit unlike Babangida.
But if Babangida had decided on becoming a septuagenarian, that he will be a fool, I think one should probably do what the Bible says in Proverbs chapter 26, verse 4. It says don’t answer a fool because you may also become like him.
“When you go to the same Proverbs chapter 26, verse 5, it says answer a fool so that he will not think he’s a wise man. So, I am now torn between which of the two verses I should follow in this respect. Some of the things he said unfortunately were not well thought-out.
“For instance, he talked about our energy. When I was the military head of state, I built Jebba dam; built Shiroro dam, I prepared the foundation of Egbin plant which President Shagari completed and commissioned. That time the money we were making was not up to the money Babangida was making annually for his eight years and yet we built two dams.
Because it was important, you know that power is the driving force for development and for any developing country. But since the building of Egbin power plant, until I came back in 1999 there was not any generating plant for almost 20 years and Babangida spent eight years out of that. Now, he has the audacity to talk about anybody; I think that is unfortunate.
“I also read where he said in his time, he gave the dividends of democracy and at the same time he regretted. When I read that, well I said Babangida should be pitied and shown sympathy rather than anger or condemnation because the old saying says a fool at 40 is a fool forever and I would say a regret at 70 is a regret too late. Well a regret at 70 is a regret to the grave.
Police lack facilities to fight crime –PSC
The Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr. Parry Osayande, has said the police lack the basic infrastructure to fight crimes in the country.
Osayande, a retired Deputy Insepctor-General of Police, however, said the challenge was being tackled by the commission through the provision of necessary logistics.
He spoke when the Presidential Committee on Human Rights led by Abdulrahman Yakubu paid him a visit in Abuja on Wednesday.
Osayande, who warned that any policeman caught violating human rights would be penalised, traced the inadequacies of the Nigeria Police Force to faulty recruitment process.
He explained that prior to the constitution of the PSC, people were recruited without proper screening.
Osayande said, “Prior to the advent of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, there were two laws: One for the poor and the other for the rich. There are two major types of human rights, the one that directly affects human beings and that of infrastructure.
“We met under-kitted and indisciplined police. I don’t deny police failure in some areas, but since the inception of the PSC, things have changed for the better.”
Among the commission’s achievements, according to him, are the upgrade of police colleges across the country, training and retraining of police operatives, and maintainance of law and order in the force.
The PSC chairman added, “The Nigeria Police Force is the single largest organisation in Africa, if not in the whole world.I can boldly tell you that the police in Nigeria lack basic infrastructure to fight crimes and for peace within in the country.
Osayande, a retired Deputy Insepctor-General of Police, however, said the challenge was being tackled by the commission through the provision of necessary logistics.
He spoke when the Presidential Committee on Human Rights led by Abdulrahman Yakubu paid him a visit in Abuja on Wednesday.
Osayande, who warned that any policeman caught violating human rights would be penalised, traced the inadequacies of the Nigeria Police Force to faulty recruitment process.
He explained that prior to the constitution of the PSC, people were recruited without proper screening.
Osayande said, “Prior to the advent of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, there were two laws: One for the poor and the other for the rich. There are two major types of human rights, the one that directly affects human beings and that of infrastructure.
“We met under-kitted and indisciplined police. I don’t deny police failure in some areas, but since the inception of the PSC, things have changed for the better.”
Among the commission’s achievements, according to him, are the upgrade of police colleges across the country, training and retraining of police operatives, and maintainance of law and order in the force.
The PSC chairman added, “The Nigeria Police Force is the single largest organisation in Africa, if not in the whole world.I can boldly tell you that the police in Nigeria lack basic infrastructure to fight crimes and for peace within in the country.
30 injured in lautech violence
No fewer than 30 persons were injured in the violence that crippled the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso campus on Wednesday morning.
Our correspondents learnt that some officials of the university, who are Oyo State indigenes, started an agitation late on Tuesday, calling for the sole ownership of the Ogbomoso campus by their state.
Investigation showed that the officials mobilised their kinsmen from Sabo area of Ogbomoso to lock out Osun State indigenes working in the university.
A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the mobilised indigenes smoked Indian hemp and sang anti-Osun songs.
The student, who added that the mobilised indigenes also carried inciting placards, said, “More than 30 people were injured in the violence.”
Some lecturers, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, blamed both Osun and Oyo State governments for not displaying political will to tackle the ownership crisis in the school.
A lecture said, “Both governments are from the same Action Congress of Nigeria, so the problem should be easy to solve. Both governors have not done anything to liberate the students whose studies are in jeopardy.”
President of LAUTECH, Student’s Union, Mr Adeniyi Idowu, in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Wednesday gave an insight into the problem.
He said, “I got a hint that some Oyo workers were up to mischief but I thought it was the normal agitation among indigenes of the two owner states – following the ownership crisis.
“Very early on Wednesday, I got to know that some members of staff had locked the gates to the university. When I got there, I told them to open the gates, insisting that LAUECTH is a university and not a community school.
“They beat me and other students, who went with me to the gates. We were more than 15. We had to flee in different directions. We later came back to the gates, where we arrested two security staff.
“The two workers led the attack on us. They were armed with charms and weapons. We handed them over to the police at Owode police station.
“It is ridiculous that we have spent more than seven months for our first semester, which should last three months, yet some people are causing confusion.”
The institution established in 1990 is co-owned and co-funded by Oyo and Osun states.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party administration of Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala attempted to solely own the university as it battled the Osun PDP-led government of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola for the soul of the university.
Our correspondents learnt that some officials of the university, who are Oyo State indigenes, started an agitation late on Tuesday, calling for the sole ownership of the Ogbomoso campus by their state.
Investigation showed that the officials mobilised their kinsmen from Sabo area of Ogbomoso to lock out Osun State indigenes working in the university.
A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the mobilised indigenes smoked Indian hemp and sang anti-Osun songs.
The student, who added that the mobilised indigenes also carried inciting placards, said, “More than 30 people were injured in the violence.”
Some lecturers, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, blamed both Osun and Oyo State governments for not displaying political will to tackle the ownership crisis in the school.
A lecture said, “Both governments are from the same Action Congress of Nigeria, so the problem should be easy to solve. Both governors have not done anything to liberate the students whose studies are in jeopardy.”
President of LAUTECH, Student’s Union, Mr Adeniyi Idowu, in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Wednesday gave an insight into the problem.
He said, “I got a hint that some Oyo workers were up to mischief but I thought it was the normal agitation among indigenes of the two owner states – following the ownership crisis.
“Very early on Wednesday, I got to know that some members of staff had locked the gates to the university. When I got there, I told them to open the gates, insisting that LAUECTH is a university and not a community school.
“They beat me and other students, who went with me to the gates. We were more than 15. We had to flee in different directions. We later came back to the gates, where we arrested two security staff.
“The two workers led the attack on us. They were armed with charms and weapons. We handed them over to the police at Owode police station.
“It is ridiculous that we have spent more than seven months for our first semester, which should last three months, yet some people are causing confusion.”
The institution established in 1990 is co-owned and co-funded by Oyo and Osun states.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party administration of Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala attempted to solely own the university as it battled the Osun PDP-led government of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola for the soul of the university.
MARRIAGE IS NOT SOMETHING I GET ANXIOUS ABOUT-TONTO DIKE
No fewer than 30 persons were injured in the violence that crippled the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso campus on Wednesday morning.
Our correspondents learnt that some officials of the university, who are Oyo State indigenes, started an agitation late on Tuesday, calling for the sole ownership of the Ogbomoso campus by their state.
Investigation showed that the officials mobilised their kinsmen from Sabo area of Ogbomoso to lock out Osun State indigenes working in the university.
A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the mobilised indigenes smoked Indian hemp and sang anti-Osun songs.
The student, who added that the mobilised indigenes also carried inciting placards, said, “More than 30 people were injured in the violence.”
Some lecturers, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, blamed both Osun and Oyo State governments for not displaying political will to tackle the ownership crisis in the school.
A lecture said, “Both governments are from the same Action Congress of Nigeria, so the problem should be easy to solve. Both governors have not done anything to liberate the students whose studies are in jeopardy.”
President of LAUTECH, Student’s Union, Mr Adeniyi Idowu, in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Wednesday gave an insight into the problem.
He said, “I got a hint that some Oyo workers were up to mischief but I thought it was the normal agitation among indigenes of the two owner states – following the ownership crisis.
“Very early on Wednesday, I got to know that some members of staff had locked the gates to the university. When I got there, I told them to open the gates, insisting that LAUECTH is a university and not a community school.
“They beat me and other students, who went with me to the gates. We were more than 15. We had to flee in different directions. We later came back to the gates, where we arrested two security staff.
“The two workers led the attack on us. They were armed with charms and weapons. We handed them over to the police at Owode police station.
“It is ridiculous that we have spent more than seven months for our first semester, which should last three months, yet some people are causing confusion.”
The institution established in 1990 is co-owned and co-funded by Oyo and Osun states.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party administration of Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala attempted to solely own the university as it battled the Osun PDP-led government of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola for the soul of the university.
STELLA DAMASUS ABSENCE AT RMD'S BIRTHDAY BASH STIRS CONTROVERSY
50th birthday party held at Household of God Church,Oregun,Ikeja,Lagos on Sunday, July 31,2011 is now the talk of the town.
It’s even fueling speculations that the once-upon-a-time close pals may not be enjoying the best of relationships as was the case in the past.
But in a recent chat, Stella debunked the rumour, she said;
“ I have no problem with RMD.I had an engagement that same day. That was Uche Jumbo’s Damage movie premiere.
My NGO and the movie are pursuing the same cause”
Stella Damasus’ defence, however, hasn’t settled the issue as “busy bodies” still insist all is not well with her and the Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.
They alleged that RMD’s wife Jumobi, suspicious of Stella’s closeness to RMD, is no longer comfortable with it. Which may be why she shunned his 50th birthday bash.
But some of her friends, who preferred to speak on anonymous note, said nobody can fault her good heart and intentions.
RMD and Stella had been quite close since the latter joined the movie industry. And generously benefiting from all necessary support when she was still in the industry; RMD had always been there for Stella. He was also a pillar of support when she lost her father few years ago (RMD was even at the burial to condole with the Damasus in Asaba,Delta State).
Now, rumour mongers are saying their relationship is cracking following her absence at his 50th birthday bash which attracted almost all his friends and admirers.
ODUNLADE ADEKOLA,KUNLE AFOLAYAN APPOINTED GLO AMBASSADORS
The communication giant company, Globacom today named Kunle and Odunlade as its Ambassadors.
Congrats Guys.
EXCLUSIVE;ACTRESS MERCY JOHNSON FINALLY CALLS OFF WEDDING
Popular actress mercy Johnson has finally called off her planned wedding to Odianosen Okojie. This is coming after an allegation of husband snatching was leveled against the actress by Okojie’s wife, Lovely.
Mercy reportedly made the move to absolve herself of the allegation and revamp her battered image.
Calling off the marriage is an advised move aimed at portraying her in good light with fans and critics.
She is being back in this line of action by Christ Embassy, the church that was supposed to host the wedding.
Source claim that despite this move- Okojie is still begging the actress to let them go ahead.But this appears far from becoming reality.
We shall keep you posted as events unfold.
Courtesy: Nigeriafilms.com
Okonjo-Iweala, others won’t earn dollar salaries – Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan was visibly elated as he sworn in Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as his Minister of Finance on Wednesday. The President, who struggled to control his excitement, thanked his new finance minister profusely for accepting to serve, and added that her presence had boosted the profile of his administration in the international community. However, unlike what obtained under the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when she served as the finance minister, Okonjo-Iweala would earn her wage in Naira.Jonathan said, “People wonder why we wanted her (Okonjo-Iweala) back. We want her back not just to manage the Ministry of Finance but, as somebody who is quite vast in economic issues, we want her to play a key role in economic issues in the country.“In the immediate past, she also introduced the idea of an Economic Management Team during Obasanjo’s time and we followed up, the late President (Umar) Yar’Adua and myself. This time, we are expanding the economic team because we believe the country is one. Yes, the states have their own economies, but if there is no proper coordination in the management of the economy, between the Federal Government and the states, we cannot go anywhere as a nation.“That is why in the economic team this time around there will be some governors as members, but Ngozi is to coordinate all economic activities of the Federal Government and, of course by extension, help the states.“Let me also thank other ministers brought in from the Diaspora. We know it is quite challenging to move from developed countries to Nigeria.
“Sometimes the media ask the question, and I know for Ngozi it was quite embarrassing, when you accepted to serve, it was in the media that you gave conditions to be paid in dollars.“Let me formally announce to Nigerians that she accepted to serve just like any other minister. Indeed, others who came from the Diaspora have not asked us for dollar salaries. They are going to receive salaries and allowances like others in the cabinet.”
The President, visibly upbeat at the eventual arrival of the finance minister whose resumption had been hampered by her formal disengagement from the World Bank, reminded Okonjo-Iweala of the high expectations generated by her appointment.
“For you, the expectation not just from Nigeria, but the whole world, is quite high. People expect so much from you. Some people feel you have the magic wand to wave and change everything. But I believe with your level of experience and with the support we will give you, and of course the cooperation of your colleagues, all of you collectively will help to change our country. You will help to make sure that our transformation agenda move smoothly and get to the destination expected”, he said.
He continued, “Let me thank you for accepting to come and serve because considering the position you were holding at the foremost World Bank, it must have been difficult for you to come back to serve as minister in a country.“And I am saying this with all pride. When your name was made known and it entered the media, anywhere I went heads of state and government were wondering why you would even agree to come. They were appreciative of me, especially the African presidents, that I did well to pull you back home to help to solve the African problem, because they know your worth at the World Bank.
“Let me also thank the World Bank, particularly (Robert) Zoellick (World Bank President), for allowing you to come, for cooperating with us and promising to support us. It is an opportunity for us to thank the World Bank and also thank the president especially.”Okonjo-Iweala told journalists after the FEC meeting that she would live up to expectations. She promised to focus on job creation.
Against a backdrop of comments she made during her screening by the Senate, the Finance Minister allayed concerns of a possible collision between the reforms to be initiated by her ministry, and those currently being implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria.She said, “Let me say this first, the whole thrust of what the President wants for now is the creation of jobs. So, everything that we do in terms of pushing the economy forward has to be geared at how we can have true job growth in the economy.
“So, we are going to be working on that. Those micro- economic structures, reforms and investments in key sectors that need to be done in order to create jobs for our youths would be the critical thrust, but we can expand on that later.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
45-yr-old woman burnt to death inside deep freezer
A 45-year-old woman was burnt to death inside a deep freezer in her apartment at Enerhen, near Warri, Delta state, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The circumstances surrounding her death were still shrouded in secrecy and police haveswung into action to unravel the mystery.
However, it looked like there was a fire incident, but nobody could say whether she hid inside the fridge to take cover or was murdered by persons who set the apartment ablaze.
Delta state police spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, who confirmed the death ofthe woman, Wednesday, said the police were investigating the incident.
He said the fire incident took place behind Niger Yard and that during the incident, one person, identified as Tina Tseun was “got burnt and died”.
He confirmed that the charred remains of thedeceased was actually found by the police “in a deep freezer in her apartment and investigation into the case has commenced with a view to unraveling the cause ofthe fire outbreak and deceased’s death”.
The police spokesman said no arrest has been made.
The circumstances surrounding her death were still shrouded in secrecy and police haveswung into action to unravel the mystery.
However, it looked like there was a fire incident, but nobody could say whether she hid inside the fridge to take cover or was murdered by persons who set the apartment ablaze.
Delta state police spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, who confirmed the death ofthe woman, Wednesday, said the police were investigating the incident.
He said the fire incident took place behind Niger Yard and that during the incident, one person, identified as Tina Tseun was “got burnt and died”.
He confirmed that the charred remains of thedeceased was actually found by the police “in a deep freezer in her apartment and investigation into the case has commenced with a view to unraveling the cause ofthe fire outbreak and deceased’s death”.
The police spokesman said no arrest has been made.
LAUTECH students cripple academic activities
STUDENTS of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso went on rampage Wednesday to protest the suspension of the former Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Moshood Lanrewaju Nassar and three other principal officials by the incumbent Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Based on a court judgment, the governor,in agreement with his Osun State counterpart,Mr. Rauf Aregbesola hadapproved of the appointment of a new VC, Prof. Niyi Gbadegesinto replace the former VC. The former Governors of Osun and Oyo, Olagunsoye Oyinlolaand Adebayo Alao-Akalaboth from the PDP had thrown the institution into confusion over the joint ownership of the institution.
As a result of the protest, staff and students of the institution were denied entry into the institution as all the gates were blocked.
The students, who are mainly Oyo State indigenes, insisted that all staff of the institution who are from Osun State should leave for their state.
As early as about 6.45 am, the students had made all the roads leading to the insti8tution impassable forcing motorists and staff of the institution to park their vehicles outside the gate.
The students armed with placards were calling for the removal of the incumbent VC and other staff who arefrom Osun State.
Some of the placards had the inscriptions like LAUTECH belongs to Oyo”, We don’t want Acting VC; Osun people should leave LAUTECH.
They were calling on theGovernors of both states to release the report of the committee set up by the National UniversitiesCommission which played a mediatory role when the crisis got to its peak during the tenure of the former governors.
The President of the Student Union Government of the institution, Mr. Idowu Adeniyi alleged that some staff of Osun State wounded him in one of the crises.
He said, “We even arrested two of the staff. The students asked that Mr Olagunju of Bursary department should leave and go to his state in Osun. They do not want the Acting Vice Chancellor but rather that Professor Nassar should be brought back”.
Based on a court judgment, the governor,in agreement with his Osun State counterpart,Mr. Rauf Aregbesola hadapproved of the appointment of a new VC, Prof. Niyi Gbadegesinto replace the former VC. The former Governors of Osun and Oyo, Olagunsoye Oyinlolaand Adebayo Alao-Akalaboth from the PDP had thrown the institution into confusion over the joint ownership of the institution.
As a result of the protest, staff and students of the institution were denied entry into the institution as all the gates were blocked.
The students, who are mainly Oyo State indigenes, insisted that all staff of the institution who are from Osun State should leave for their state.
As early as about 6.45 am, the students had made all the roads leading to the insti8tution impassable forcing motorists and staff of the institution to park their vehicles outside the gate.
The students armed with placards were calling for the removal of the incumbent VC and other staff who arefrom Osun State.
Some of the placards had the inscriptions like LAUTECH belongs to Oyo”, We don’t want Acting VC; Osun people should leave LAUTECH.
They were calling on theGovernors of both states to release the report of the committee set up by the National UniversitiesCommission which played a mediatory role when the crisis got to its peak during the tenure of the former governors.
The President of the Student Union Government of the institution, Mr. Idowu Adeniyi alleged that some staff of Osun State wounded him in one of the crises.
He said, “We even arrested two of the staff. The students asked that Mr Olagunju of Bursary department should leave and go to his state in Osun. They do not want the Acting Vice Chancellor but rather that Professor Nassar should be brought back”.
We ‘ll end rice import before 2015 – Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, vowed to end importation of rice before the end of his tenure in 2015, saying the attainment of self-sufficiency in rice production by Nigeria was a top priority of hisadministration.
Speaking at a meeting with President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, Jonathan said domestic self-sufficiency in rice production was one of the major assignments he had given to the newMinister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.
Jonathan said: “Before we leave office in 2015, we must stop the importation of rice. There is no reason why Nigeria should be importing rice. We have all that is needed to grow enough for domestic consumption and have a surplus we can export to other countries.”
Speaking at a meeting with President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, Jonathan said domestic self-sufficiency in rice production was one of the major assignments he had given to the newMinister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.
Jonathan said: “Before we leave office in 2015, we must stop the importation of rice. There is no reason why Nigeria should be importing rice. We have all that is needed to grow enough for domestic consumption and have a surplus we can export to other countries.”
FCT accumulates N64b debt in one month
The Federal capital Territory Administration(FCTA) accumulated a debt of N64 billion within one month, the Minister of FCT Senator Bala Mohammed said yesterday in Abuja.
The huge debt was builtup within the period of May 29, 2011 when the previous cabinet of the President Goodluck Jonathan was dissolved and early last month when the cabinet was reconstituted.
The FCT minister confirmed yesterday at an interaction between officials of the Bureau of public procurement (BPP) and procurement officials of the FCT administration that the huge debt were all approved in the interregnum when core civil servants were in charge.
He lamented that the administration’s annual internally generated revenue is a mere N40 billion.
He said though part of the sum had been repaid by the administration, the management of the FCT during the period it did not have a minister embarked on a spending bazaar, without regard to due process and the level of revenue at its disposal.
As a consequence, Senator Bala Mohammed said no newspending approvals would be given without evidence of inflows of revenue from the same project. “I have over N64billion to pay.
That is a commitment and I have only managed to generate about N40billion. The first step in procurement should be to know how much you have in your kitty.
I will not sit down and approve projects because they are in the budget. If you have not generated the necessary IGR or got the requisite allocation, Iwill not approve that,” said the minister.
Earlier while addressing the meeting the Director General of the BPP Engr. Emeka Eze, admonished the procurement personnel of the FCTA for failing to adhere to due process and procurement guidelines in its execution of contracts in the territory which he said has led to fraudulent activities.
The huge debt was builtup within the period of May 29, 2011 when the previous cabinet of the President Goodluck Jonathan was dissolved and early last month when the cabinet was reconstituted.
The FCT minister confirmed yesterday at an interaction between officials of the Bureau of public procurement (BPP) and procurement officials of the FCT administration that the huge debt were all approved in the interregnum when core civil servants were in charge.
He lamented that the administration’s annual internally generated revenue is a mere N40 billion.
He said though part of the sum had been repaid by the administration, the management of the FCT during the period it did not have a minister embarked on a spending bazaar, without regard to due process and the level of revenue at its disposal.
As a consequence, Senator Bala Mohammed said no newspending approvals would be given without evidence of inflows of revenue from the same project. “I have over N64billion to pay.
That is a commitment and I have only managed to generate about N40billion. The first step in procurement should be to know how much you have in your kitty.
I will not sit down and approve projects because they are in the budget. If you have not generated the necessary IGR or got the requisite allocation, Iwill not approve that,” said the minister.
Earlier while addressing the meeting the Director General of the BPP Engr. Emeka Eze, admonished the procurement personnel of the FCTA for failing to adhere to due process and procurement guidelines in its execution of contracts in the territory which he said has led to fraudulent activities.
BOKO HARAM: Army General arraigned over suspects’ escape •Sect members attack police station in Sokoto, kill 4 policemen, 2 civilians •Nigeria, US collaborate on security •More soldiers deployed in Borno
BRIGADIER-GENERAL Muraina Raji, former Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, was, on Tuesday, arraigned before a Special Court Martial over the escape of two detainees from the brigade’s detention facilities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the detainees were suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, who were arrested over an onslaught on Bauchi late 2010.
Inaugurating the six-member panel in Jos, the GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Major-General Sunday Idoko, said that Raji was indicted for complicity by a military investigations report.
``It is the duty of superiors to observe, correct and instantly deal with negligence or any misconduct on the part of subordinates.
``When there is any breach, it is expected that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken by commanders to forestall future occurrence,” Idoko said.
The GOC said that the constitutional role of the military required the highest standard of discipline and professionalism, stressing that discipline and loyalty were essential requirements for success in professional soldiering.
Idoko explained that appropriate disciplinary action was necessary in the Nigerian Army so that the institution would continue to play its constitutional role and sustain its place as the pride of the nation.
He expressed regrets that he was convening the third court within a year of his assumption of duty as the GOC of the division.
“However, if this division has been witnessing one court martial after the other, it is because I want to sustain high level of professionalism required to confront the mounting security challenges in our areas of operation,” he said.
The GOC noted that the existing court in the division’s headquarters lacked jurisdiction to try Raji by virtue of his rank, necessitating the inauguration of another court.
Idoko implored the court to ensure that no effort was spared to achieve justice for the accused, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian state, adding that fairness and impartiality should be upheld in the proceedings and the dispensation of justice.
When Raji was arraigned before the court, he objected to the membership of the “Waiting Member,” Brigadier-General Agbo Robinson, who took over from him as the commander of the brigade.
“He took over the brigade after me and in the circumstances of the case, it will be prejudicial for him to be on the panel. Besides, all those appointed to testify against me are from his command,” Raji said.
Raji also objected to the membership of the Judge Advocate, Lieutenant-Colonel Bernard Okorie, whom he said participated in filing the case against him.
“His position will make it difficult for him to do his job as freely as he should.”
The court later adjourned to consult over Raji’s objection.
Meanwhile, gunmen, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, have attacked the Tambawal divisional police headquarters in Tambawal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where they shot four policemen and two civilians dead on Monday.
An eyewitness said that the suspected Boko Haram members also took away guns and ammunition.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the gunmen, who struck at around 5.00 p.m., drove to the Tambawal Local Government Divisional Police Headquarters in Golf and Toyota Camry cars, where they took the unsuspecting police officers on duty by surprise after gaining entry into the station.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the detainees were suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, who were arrested over an onslaught on Bauchi late 2010.
Inaugurating the six-member panel in Jos, the GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Major-General Sunday Idoko, said that Raji was indicted for complicity by a military investigations report.
``It is the duty of superiors to observe, correct and instantly deal with negligence or any misconduct on the part of subordinates.
``When there is any breach, it is expected that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken by commanders to forestall future occurrence,” Idoko said.
The GOC said that the constitutional role of the military required the highest standard of discipline and professionalism, stressing that discipline and loyalty were essential requirements for success in professional soldiering.
Idoko explained that appropriate disciplinary action was necessary in the Nigerian Army so that the institution would continue to play its constitutional role and sustain its place as the pride of the nation.
He expressed regrets that he was convening the third court within a year of his assumption of duty as the GOC of the division.
“However, if this division has been witnessing one court martial after the other, it is because I want to sustain high level of professionalism required to confront the mounting security challenges in our areas of operation,” he said.
The GOC noted that the existing court in the division’s headquarters lacked jurisdiction to try Raji by virtue of his rank, necessitating the inauguration of another court.
Idoko implored the court to ensure that no effort was spared to achieve justice for the accused, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian state, adding that fairness and impartiality should be upheld in the proceedings and the dispensation of justice.
When Raji was arraigned before the court, he objected to the membership of the “Waiting Member,” Brigadier-General Agbo Robinson, who took over from him as the commander of the brigade.
“He took over the brigade after me and in the circumstances of the case, it will be prejudicial for him to be on the panel. Besides, all those appointed to testify against me are from his command,” Raji said.
Raji also objected to the membership of the Judge Advocate, Lieutenant-Colonel Bernard Okorie, whom he said participated in filing the case against him.
“His position will make it difficult for him to do his job as freely as he should.”
The court later adjourned to consult over Raji’s objection.
Meanwhile, gunmen, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, have attacked the Tambawal divisional police headquarters in Tambawal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where they shot four policemen and two civilians dead on Monday.
An eyewitness said that the suspected Boko Haram members also took away guns and ammunition.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the gunmen, who struck at around 5.00 p.m., drove to the Tambawal Local Government Divisional Police Headquarters in Golf and Toyota Camry cars, where they took the unsuspecting police officers on duty by surprise after gaining entry into the station.
Minimum wage: FG to pay N18,900 as labour, govt finally sign agreement •Govs finding solution to pay N18,000 minimum wage - Oshiomhole
THE prolonged negotiation between the Federal Government and the organised labour ended on a happy note late, on Tuesday, when the Federal Government announced that the minimum pay in the federal civil service and public service will be N18, 900, even as it signed what it hoped will be the final agreement with labour on the implementation of
the national minimum wage.
At the signing of the agreement at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Abuja, on Tuesday evening, the Federal Government said, to ensure the implementation of the N18,900 and as a result of the consequential adjustments across board, it had to cough up an additional N11 billion per annum to the Federal Public Service Wage Bill, which has been approved by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Disclosing the Federal Government’s position were the SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who led the meeting; the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, who signed as a witness to the agreement and the chairman, National Salaries and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Egbule.
Signatory to the agreement on the side of labour were the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar and the President-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele.
Senator Anyim said the negotiation was over and the time of war was certainly over, as both parties had agreed on what was acceptable to all.
He said: ”I’m most delighted also to behold you today in the warmest of mood, more particularly, I believe we have agreed with each other on what is acceptable and convenient for all of us.
“I sincerely commend the spirit and I pray that it will continue like this whenever there is disagreement whatever it might be or whatever it might involve, we should be able to sit over it and talk it over. I’m sure that Nigeria will be better for it and I’m also convinced that Nigerians are also happier that the system is not disrupted at any time.”
Chief Egbule, on the directive of the SGF read the agreement entitled: “Final agreement between the Federal Government and the labour movement represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage Act 2011.”
He said the Federal Government had agreed to comply with the new National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2011, and that in view of the contents of clause 3 of the agreement, “detailed negotiations were undertaken by a Technical Committee comprising representatives of both the Federal Government and labour movement to address the relativity implications of the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage Act, 2011.”
The Minister of Labour, Chief Wogu, thanked President Jonathan and the presidents of the NLC and TUC for the “patience, dedication and patriotic zeal exhibited by you all during this negotiation that lasted over three weeks, which led to the signing of two previous agreements and has culminated into the signing of this final agreement today, the 16th of August, 2011.”
The NLC president, Comrade Omar, said “today witnessed the zeal and signing of the agreement, but added that “it was not a tea party.”
However, he stated that the major segment has been achieved, stressing that what remained was the commencement of the implementation which should not exceed the time stipulated in the signed agreement.
Comrade Esele, President General of TUC said the government should learn from this and advised that as Nigerians, “we must all learn that subsequently, we won’t have to go through this long process of discussing and negotiating laws over and over again.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Tuesday, said state governors were already working towards paying the N18,000 minimum wage to workers, as prescribed by the law.
the national minimum wage.
At the signing of the agreement at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Abuja, on Tuesday evening, the Federal Government said, to ensure the implementation of the N18,900 and as a result of the consequential adjustments across board, it had to cough up an additional N11 billion per annum to the Federal Public Service Wage Bill, which has been approved by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Disclosing the Federal Government’s position were the SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who led the meeting; the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, who signed as a witness to the agreement and the chairman, National Salaries and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Egbule.
Signatory to the agreement on the side of labour were the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar and the President-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele.
Senator Anyim said the negotiation was over and the time of war was certainly over, as both parties had agreed on what was acceptable to all.
He said: ”I’m most delighted also to behold you today in the warmest of mood, more particularly, I believe we have agreed with each other on what is acceptable and convenient for all of us.
“I sincerely commend the spirit and I pray that it will continue like this whenever there is disagreement whatever it might be or whatever it might involve, we should be able to sit over it and talk it over. I’m sure that Nigeria will be better for it and I’m also convinced that Nigerians are also happier that the system is not disrupted at any time.”
Chief Egbule, on the directive of the SGF read the agreement entitled: “Final agreement between the Federal Government and the labour movement represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage Act 2011.”
He said the Federal Government had agreed to comply with the new National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2011, and that in view of the contents of clause 3 of the agreement, “detailed negotiations were undertaken by a Technical Committee comprising representatives of both the Federal Government and labour movement to address the relativity implications of the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage Act, 2011.”
The Minister of Labour, Chief Wogu, thanked President Jonathan and the presidents of the NLC and TUC for the “patience, dedication and patriotic zeal exhibited by you all during this negotiation that lasted over three weeks, which led to the signing of two previous agreements and has culminated into the signing of this final agreement today, the 16th of August, 2011.”
The NLC president, Comrade Omar, said “today witnessed the zeal and signing of the agreement, but added that “it was not a tea party.”
However, he stated that the major segment has been achieved, stressing that what remained was the commencement of the implementation which should not exceed the time stipulated in the signed agreement.
Comrade Esele, President General of TUC said the government should learn from this and advised that as Nigerians, “we must all learn that subsequently, we won’t have to go through this long process of discussing and negotiating laws over and over again.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Tuesday, said state governors were already working towards paying the N18,000 minimum wage to workers, as prescribed by the law.
OBJ’s 8-year rule, a waste, visionless - IBB •Jonathan congratulates ex-military president on his 70th birthday
FORMER military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has described the eight-year civilian administration of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as lacking in focus and visionless, following the wastage of about $16 billion of the nation's resources by the latter in the building of power plants, without much to show for it.
Babangida, who was fielding questions from journalists at his Hill Top Villa, Minna, Niger State capital on Tuesday, to mark his 70th birthday, which comes up today, said if his own military regime had had access to a ‘mere’ $16 million, he would have built a nuclear plant for the country with a view to having a regular supply of electricity throughout the country.
The former military ruler noted that between August 27, 1985 and August 26, 1993 when he stepped aside, two months after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, presumably won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, the highest price of crude oil at the international market was $10 per barrel, unlike during the civilian administration of Obasanjo, from May 29, 1999 to May 28, 2007 when it lasted, when the price of crude oil at the international market stood at $100 per barrel.
He described the colossal amount of $16 billion, as revealed by the 6th House of Representatives, that the Obasanjo government was reported to have spent in trying to revamp the ailing power sector in the country, stressing that such amount should have been enough to get something substantially done by a focused and visionary government.
Babangida, however, conceded that Obasanjo was his boss, who should be protected in the military tradition of esprit de corps, saying that he could not openly criticise the former president, bearing in mind that the two of them were in the same league.
Babangida lamented that if his government had the opportunity of getting $16 million, instead of the $16 billion dollars Chief Obasanjo got, Nigeria would have been the better for it.
“If my government had $16 billion like Obasanjo’s administration, I would have constructed a nuclear power station, not for war, but for the sole purpose of electricity generation, and that would have made a great difference.
“Let me tell you, there was a book we published, entitled: Obasanjo’s eight years versus Babangida’s eight years, where we compared and contrasted the two administrations. Since two years ago when the book was published, nobody had been able to controvert all the issues raised in the book.”
On the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Babangida, once again, admitted responsibility for all that transpired during the unfortunate incident, saying that as a leader, it behoved him to take responsibility for anything that happened during his tenure.
Babangida, who was fielding questions from journalists at his Hill Top Villa, Minna, Niger State capital on Tuesday, to mark his 70th birthday, which comes up today, said if his own military regime had had access to a ‘mere’ $16 million, he would have built a nuclear plant for the country with a view to having a regular supply of electricity throughout the country.
The former military ruler noted that between August 27, 1985 and August 26, 1993 when he stepped aside, two months after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, presumably won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, the highest price of crude oil at the international market was $10 per barrel, unlike during the civilian administration of Obasanjo, from May 29, 1999 to May 28, 2007 when it lasted, when the price of crude oil at the international market stood at $100 per barrel.
He described the colossal amount of $16 billion, as revealed by the 6th House of Representatives, that the Obasanjo government was reported to have spent in trying to revamp the ailing power sector in the country, stressing that such amount should have been enough to get something substantially done by a focused and visionary government.
Babangida, however, conceded that Obasanjo was his boss, who should be protected in the military tradition of esprit de corps, saying that he could not openly criticise the former president, bearing in mind that the two of them were in the same league.
Babangida lamented that if his government had the opportunity of getting $16 million, instead of the $16 billion dollars Chief Obasanjo got, Nigeria would have been the better for it.
“If my government had $16 billion like Obasanjo’s administration, I would have constructed a nuclear power station, not for war, but for the sole purpose of electricity generation, and that would have made a great difference.
“Let me tell you, there was a book we published, entitled: Obasanjo’s eight years versus Babangida’s eight years, where we compared and contrasted the two administrations. Since two years ago when the book was published, nobody had been able to controvert all the issues raised in the book.”
On the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Babangida, once again, admitted responsibility for all that transpired during the unfortunate incident, saying that as a leader, it behoved him to take responsibility for anything that happened during his tenure.
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