SPACE BOOKED

A COURT in Saudi Arabia has condemned two women to prison and 20 lashes for using expletives in a private Whatsapp conversation.

The pair will serve 10 days in a Saudi prison for the heated exchange in which they reportedly used bad language towards each other.

Judges reportedly slammed the women for "impermissible expressions" after one of them was reported for being "abusive" - with the other woman retaliating by turning her in to the authorities for swearing.

Sunni Kingdom judges warned the pair they would face harsher punishment if they used expletives again, even in private.

The ruling came after Saudi Arabia was recently admitted to the Human Rights Council after human rights groups accused the country of clamping down on freedom of expression and discriminating against woman.

The case comes after the Middle Eastern country threatened to behead a disabled man for taking part in anti-goverment protests.

Munir Adam, who is partially blind and deaf, was sentenced to death for "attacks on police" and other crimes arising from protests in the oppressive state in 2011.

His family claims the 23-year-old steel cable worker was tortured into confession and only signed a document after repeated beatings by officials from the Middle East kingdom.

Changing phones is often quite a cumbersome affair, mostly because it involves transferring of data from one device to another. Out of this data, your contacts are probably the most important piece of information, and often the first thing that is needed to be transferred to the new phone.

Thankfully, if you're moving from an iOS device to an Android one, it's easy to have your contacts moved. Here are four ways to do it.

Using iCloud
Apple's own iCloud synchronization service can also come in handy for transferring contacts from an iPhone to an Android smartphone. To do this, go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and then select 'iCloud' from account options. Now select contacts to sync your contacts with the iCloud account.

After this is done, you'll have to head to icloud.com on your PC's web browser and log in with your Apple ID. After logging in, select Contacts > All Contacts. Now click the gear icon at the bottom of the page and click Export vCard. This will create a VCF file on PC which can be imported to your Android phone.

Using iTunes
To do this, you'll first have to connect your iPhone to your computer. Open iTunes and go to the iPhone option at the top. Under the Info tab, check the 'Sync Contacts with' option and select Google Contacts. Finally, enter your Google account details and hit the 'Sync iPhone' option.

Using Google account
Since you are moving to an Android device, you'll be using a Google account. Login to your Google account (or first create one, if you don't have it). Now, head to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and add the Google account there. When asked what information is to be synced with the account, make sure you select Contacts. Note that synchronization may take a while depending on how many contacts you have. When finished, you can check the list of contacts in your Google account.

With third party apps
Continue reading @http://technella..com.ng/2016/08/transfer-contacts-from-ios-to-android.html

Google recently announced the release of its latest Android Os -- Nougat-- The search engine giant announced that it has started rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat OS to Nexus devices, it also mentioned that the process will be incremental and will take time to reach all Nexus devices. The OS will be hitting select devices including the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One).

Google has not revealed exactly when the OS will be reaching different regions. However, if you are one of those users who did not risk your Nexus with developer previews but cannot wait enough to get the final public version either, then these following steps are for you. Users won't need to root their Nexus device in this process and can also switch back to the final consumer version of the OS if required:

Head to Google's Android Beta programme website from the Nexus smartphone or the Pixel tablet. Mind you, the version can only be installed in those devices that are currently eligible for it.
Sign-in with your Google account connected with the particular device.
Hit on 'Your eligible devices' find your device and
Continue Reading @http://technella..com.ng/2016/08/install-android-7.0-nougat-os.html

Continue reading @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/dont-lose-hope-in-pmbs-administration.html

The General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in President Muhamadu Buhari’s administration.

Speaking during a visit to the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) national headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, Pastor Kumuyi said he is optimistic that President Buhari-led federal government is on the right track to reposition the nation’s economy.

He said, “Although the country might be passing through the ‘best of times’, there are strong reasons not to lose hope in the country.Nigerians should not lose hope in President Muhamadu Buhari, because God is on the throne, he will turn things around for Nigeria. There is always light after the tunnel.’’

‘’There is something about where you are and where you are going. The direction you are facing matters a lot. Wherever you are, if you remain focus in the right direction, you will achieve the desired goal and objective. I am optimistic the President Buhari-led federal government is focused and his cabinet knows what they are doing,’’ Pastor Kumuyi said.

He also described NCPC as a blessing to Christians and Nigeria as a whole. “But, first of all there is a base which they are working and I also believe that there is repositioning going on in the commission.

Speaking earlier, executive secretary, NCPC, Rev Tor Uja described Kumuyi’s visit as historic and timely.

He said, ‘‘My goal is to ensure that NCPC becomes blessing to the entire Christian committee in the country. The first problem is not finance, but the blessing of God if the church and the nation is blessed, the resources to work with will be provided.’’

‘‘Pilgrimage travelling must be redefined. It would not be sight-seeing alone. I will also urge relevant stakeholders to provideopportunity to ensure that staffs of NCPC are properly trained.’’

The Federal Government has disclosed of plan to deploy all the four International Radio Monitoring Stations (IRMS) across the country to counter “illegal radio broadcast” by Boko Haram, Niger Delta Avengers and Indigenous People of Bi­afra (IPOB).

The IRMS facilities are located in Azare in Bauchi State, Gusau in Zamfara State, Ipaja in Lagos State and Ogoja in Cross River State.

Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Victor Oluwadamilare, said the FG was in the process of rehabilitating the moribund IRMS and would thereafter deploy them to counter any radio or internet broadcast capable of undermining the country’s national security.
It added that: “The IRMS are strategically located in various parts of the country as security surveillance to monitor radio broadcast activities, so as to guide against illegal use of the radio frequency airspace for unauthorized broadcast by proscribed groups, political and ethnic motivated dissidents.

“The Federal Ministry of Communications has adequately appropriated for rehabilitation works on the IRMS facilities across the country in the 2016 Federal Government budget and has consequently warned against any illegal occupation and acquisition of any fraction of land on which these infrastructures are located.”

Read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/fg-to-block-radio-broadcasts-by-boko.html

Only hours after the E.U. referendum results were released last Friday, millions had signed a petition to repeat it. Since then, some of the politicians most outspoken in support of leaving the European Union have virtually gone into hiding, leaving room for speculation over what will happen next.
"I do not believe that Brexit will happen," wrote Financial Times columnist Gideon Rachman on Monday, joining a chorus of commentators voicing similar doubts, including Secretary of State John F. Kerry.
In theory, there are several ways Britain could avoid carrying out the referendum's decision to leave the European Union. Legally, the result is not binding, so the Parliament could simply overrule it — but such a move would be considered undemocratic and is unlikely. The new prime minister expected to replace David Cameron in September could also call new elections and — if won by pro-E.U. parties — use that result as a way to override the referendum.
Looking back into E.U. history, it wouldn't be the first time.
"Respect for the outcomes of referendums is perhaps not the most prominent feature of the sorry history of the E.U.," said Philipp Genschel, a professor at the Schuman Center for Advanced Studies. "However, the standard way not to respect the outcome of a referendum is not open defiance ... but the repetition of the referendum until it yields the 'right' outcome."
In fact, the European Union as we know it today was built on a series of rejections of public votes. When the Danes in 1992 declined to accept the Maastricht Treaty — which paved the way for a more integrated political union — the European Union made some concessions and then staged a second referendum in which voters finally approved of it. The same happened in 2001, when the Irish rejected the so-called Nice Treaty as the bloc expanded eastward, and in 2008 when they opposed another treaty over further E.U. integration.
Last year, Greek voters rejected bailout conditions proposed to the country by the European Union. But the leftist government in Athens ended up agreeing to most of those conditions anyway.
Earlier this year, the Dutch voted against closer ties between the E.U. and Ukraine — a decision that was interpreted as a backlash against the hard-line stances of many E.U. governments toward Russia. The Dutch government is now considering simply ignoring the outcome of this referendum.
Some political scientists have argued that the E.U. has always had a troubled relationship with referendums.
"Referendum outcomes are typically respected symbolically at best because it is politically all but impossible to respect them in substance," said Genschel, referring primarily to incidents when voters of one E.U. country have opposed an agreement that was reached by all 28 member states.
In such cases, it remains questionable "whether voters of one member states should be allowed to impose their views on voters in all other member states," Genschel said.
However, the current British case vastly differs from previous E.U. referendums that were ignored: Most voters were aware of the possible repercussions, ranging from the prime minister's resignation to a possible recession. Moreover, "respect for the Brexit vote does not require any cooperation and consent from the other member states," Genschel explained.
As it looks now, Britain continues to head toward the door, with the E.U. pressuring the country to start exit negotiations sooner rather than later. But don't be too surprised if British leaders decide that a second referendum might be necessary — one that yields the result they had hoped for.

Read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/britain-could-still-ignore-referendum.html

A High Court of Lagos State sitting in ‎Ikeja has sentenced three persons to death by hanging by the neck till death.

The ‎convicts included a student who doubles as a commercial motorcyclist, Ganiyu Hassan, an aluminium worker, Wasiu Arepo, and a driver, Oluwaseun Idowu.

The court presided by Justice Lateef Lawal- Akapo found the convict guilty on a four count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and murder contrary to Section 402 subsection 2(a) of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2011, and Section 319 subsection 1(a) of Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2011.

According to the prosecutor, Mrs. Aderonke Akande, the convicts committed the offence on February 5, 2011 at Aleke village, Imota at 2 a.m.

The convicts were said to have stormed the house of their victims, one Mrs Adijatu Bakare and her husband, Abubakar.
It was said that on gaining entry into the residence of their victims, they demanded from the husband to produce the money he withdrew from the bank a day before.

During their operation, one of the convicts, Arepo, shot Abubakar in the chest after which they ransacked the house and carted away N15,000 cash and other valuables.

Their victim, Abubakar was left in the pool of his blood. He was reported to have. died on his way to the hospital.

Nemesis however caught up with the convicts as they were caught about two hours after the incident by the vigilante group in a nearby community where they lived and had gone to hide.

The wife of the victim reported the matter at Imota police station and was able to identify one of the convicts whom she had seen during the robbery operation.

However, during the trial, the convicts had pleaded not guilty and denied involvement in the incident.

They claimed that they were at home on the night of the incident.

But in his judgement, Justice Lawal-Akapo said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convicts committed the crime.

“The three accused, agreeing that they slept in the same room on the day of the incident, showed they know each other and were arrested at the same place at 4 a.m. on the day of the incident.

“They did not prove that they were somewhere else when the incident happened .

“The prosecution had proved beyond doubt the offence of conspiracy and murder against the accused. They are therefore sentenced to death by hanging,” the judge said.
See more and pics @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/student-two-others-sentenced-to-death.html

Read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/let-edo-battle-begin.html

The emergence of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Godwin Obaseki and his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, has no doubt set the stage for what is obviously a two-horse race, writes Davidson Iriekpen

With the conclusion of the primaries to elect the standard bearers in the two major political parties for the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, there is no doubt that the stage is set for contest to begin.
While Godwin Obaseki emerged candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), settled for Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Although there have been discontents in both parties since the emergence of both candidates, it is obvious the two parties might have moved on as far as their choices are concerned.
Obaseki was the Chairman of the state’s Economic and Strategy Team inaugurated by Governor Adams Oshiomhole in March 2009, while Ize-Iyamu, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is former Chief of Staff and later Secretary to Edo State Government in the Lucky Igbinedion administration from 1999 to 2003.
There is no doubt that with the conclusion of the primary elections, the stage is set for the two candidates in the race, who incidentally are Binis to put all their electoral arsenal at work for the September 10 duel. The Binis, with seven local government areas, constitute about 50 per cent of the population of the state.
There is no doubt that while the APC, which has been in power for the past seven and a half years, may want to consolidate by striving to win the election, the PDP which previously ruled the state for nearly 10 years and now hungry for power, would try everything humanly possible to reclaim the state’s plum job.
While Oshiomhole and other APC stakeholders in the state might boast of victory come September 10, there is no doubt that the emergence of Ize-Iyamu, who is largely seen as well-rooted in the politics of the state as the PDP candidate, makes them uncomfortable. The impression in some quarters is that the PDP candidate, having served as Director-General for the Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation during his second term bid for the governorship seat, understands the workings of both the APC and the PDP. A school of thought believes that he would put his wealth of experience to use during the electioneering process, even though there is a counter belief that Obaseki’s position too puts him in vantage edge in terms of policy and administration, having helped to deliver the present administration.
But the governo dismissed this fear last week, when he said the opposition party would not constitute any threat to his party winning the state on September 10. Speaking after Obaseki’s emergence, Oshiomhole said: “Our delegates have spoken. Now, the party will hit the ground running. There is no PDP in the state. Which of the factions? We have one body with several heads, even when they were in the federal we defeated them with all their federal might. So, there is no PDP as long as I am concerned.
“For me, they are lighter than a loaf of bread. But we will go to the election with the hope that there are other parties in the state. PDP is not an issue. I don’t think Edo people will forget PDP’s crimes in a hurry. Not for the next 20 years in this state. Even when you ask young boys and girls in the state, who is responsible for this bad school, they would say it is PDP.
“Who is responsible for this bad hospital, they say it is PDP. Who is responsible for this bad road, it is PDP. Who is responsible for this good road, it is APC. Even children know that. By the time they become 18, they will continue to vote APC and vote against PDP. We have no fear at all. In fact, we will do better in the next election and kick them out of existence.”
With the electioneering now in progress, those against Obaseki believed that Oshiomhole’s preference for him is to cover his tracks and reintroduce god-fatherism into the politics of the state, which he did everything possible to exterminate in the state, when he assumed power in 2008. They also believed that if the Oshiomhole/Obaseki governorship deal works out, Obaseki, as the governor of Edo State, would pander to the whims and caprices of his godfathers.
On the hand, those against Ize-Iyamu accused him of political prostitution, having moved from the PDP to the APC and back to the PDP, and the fact that he once served under a government that left the state worse than they met it between 1999 and 2007.
On the other hand, many observers believe that the APC, which has been in power and also controls the centre would seek to up its game by hinging its campaign on Governor Oshiomhole’s performance in office. Also, considering the nature of the nation’s politics, some are tempted to believe that the party may benefit from its control of the government at the centre.
Besides, there are those who argue that the Binis had in the past lamented their exclusion from national patronage as a result of the state being in the opposition party. The sentiment in some quarters now is that the APC controlling the central government in Abuja and headed by a Bini son, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, as its chairman, would serve the interest of the people better.
But those against the party in the state are arguing that there is nothing special about Oshiomhole’s performance. They accused the state government of massive corruption in the awards of contracts and of running a one-man government. They also accused Oshiomhole of running an authoritarian government, where every decision and approval comes from him.
But whatever argument observers put forward, many believe that the two main parties would have a lot of issues to campaign with, both for and against, and ultimately, the fate of the candidates will be decided by the electorate.
“The people of Edo State are totally disenchanted with Oshiomhole for his draconic and authoritarian style of governance. He alone knows everything. He constantly talks down on people, he bullies and harasses everybody. Come to the state and hear what the people are saying about their governor they once loved, you would be shocked and ashamed. Now, nobody wants to see or touch anything he stands for because he has failed the people,” said a member of the Ize-Iyamu campaign organisation.
Perhaps, this was why Ize-Iyamu recently challenged Obaseki to a robust campaign. The PDP candidate, while congratulating his opponent on his nomination as the APC standard bearer, said he looked forward to meeting him on the field on issue-based campaign that would seek to address hunger, poverty, crimes and unemployment in the state.
The PDP candidate wondered why Oshiomhole was still acting as if he was seeking a third-term in the office. According to a statement by his campaign organisation, “A week after Obaseki emerged as the candidate of the APC, it is interesting to note however that Oshiomhole still speaks as though he is the candidate running for elections. Is Obaseki not a grown man? Why can’t he begin to speak for himself or is this a sign of things to come?’’
CONTINUE READING @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/let-edo-battle-begin.html

When will all this killing stop?

Suspected Fulani armed men have killed 22 peo­ple and injured six others in some communities in Pla­teau State.
The killings took place on Sunday night at Hwak-Kwata village in Jos South Local Gov­ernment Area and Hoss in Ri­yom Local Government Area of the state.
Residents were seen wailing over the killing of their siblings. Others went in search of their missing relatives.
The Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Pwakim Choji, said that “the attackers came late in the night and initially killed 14 people and left eight others crit­ically injured. He said that two of the injured later died, bring­ing the death toll to 16.”
But some residents claimed that they had found 22 bodies at the scenes of the attacks.
Choji said: “Our people said that the attackers who are Fula­ni, were accompanied by men dressed in military uniforms, which is really a disturbing is­sue. We don’t know why they came to attack us. As I speak to you, about a hundred of our people are missing, so we are short of words.”
Another source in the com­munity alleged that the Fulani had written to warn the com­munities of Kwata, Trade Centre and Kuru, all in Jos South Lo­cal Government Area, that they were not going to know peace any longer, but the communi­ties took it lightly.
“But on Sunday night the Fulani made good their threat when they attacked about six houses in Kwata leaving 16 peo­ple dead.
“They hacked down help­less children and women, leav­ing them in the pools of their blood. Those, who tried to es­cape into the nearby bush, were shot by the attackers,” the source said.
Choji confirmed that six persons were killed on Sunday night in Hoss village of Riyom council, bringing the death toll to 22.
A member representing Jos South/Jos East Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Edward Pwajok, described the incident as unfortunate.
Through his Legislative Aide, Mr. Ayuba Pam, Pwa­jok said that “when we thought peace has returned, some peo­ple are bent on creating unstable situation. We condemn this act and call on security operatives to be more proactive.”
The State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abuh Emmanuel, said the cas­ualty figures could not be ascer­tained.
“The Police Commissioner has drafted men to the scene of the sad incident. Efforts are be­ing made to ensure that the per­petrators of the act are arrested.
“We are appealing to the public to go about their normal business as the situation has been put under control,” he said.

Read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/fulani-herdsmen-kill-22-in-plateau.html

The people of Saki, Oyo State are said to be leaving in fear over the recurring sound of earth tremor, with a recent report by Dr Adepelumi Adekunle Abraham of the Department of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, stating that the risk of quake in the area had risen to 91.1 per cent.
People living around Saki, especially Medinat, Veterinary, Salam Salam, Abimbola layout and Ogbooro areas, have been subjected to fears over the recurring sound of an earth tremor.
Abraham in his report titled, “PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF EARTH TREMOR OCCURRENCE IN SHAKI AREA, SHAKI WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OYO STATE, said that, “After the earth tremor of 2009 in South western Nigeria, was felt in several towns and villages in Oyo, Osun and Ogun States, a detailed short-term probabilistic earthquake prediction was carried out by our team, our findings indicated the probability of earthquake occurrence in the study area between the year 2009 and 2028 increased from 2.8% to 91.1%. The result also showed that the probability of three events occurring has the highest likelihood within the predicted years. Also, found that the Weibull probability density model predicts a damaging earthquake (M= 5) before year 2020.
The issue has been brought to the attention of the National Assembly by the member representing Saki-West/Saki-East and Atisbo local governments at the House of Representatives, Honourable Olajide Olatubosun.
Olatubosun in a letter dated June 9, 2016, which was addressed to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and entitled: “Matter of urgent public importance (standing Order VIII rule 46) urgent call on the Federal Government to investigate the persistence earth tremor currently being experienced in Saki, the headquarters of Saki-West local government area of Oyo State,” called the attention of the House and Federal Government to the “persistent vibrations/tremor in Saki.”
According to him “anytime the earth vibration/tremor occurs, the building and other physical structures in the affected areas would shake violently and this, he said was responsible for a large army of internally displaced persons (IDP), as they had to vacate their homes, farmlands and their places of business.”

See more pics @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/earthquake-fear-rocks-saki-oyo-state.html

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who delivered the judgment, also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Uche Samson Ogah, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who contested the party’s primary that produced the governor.
Justice Abang gave the verdict in a ruling he delivered on a pre-election matter challenging the emergence of Ikpeazu as the standard-bearer of the PDP in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Abia and ordered Ikpeazu to vacate the office immediately.

He said his judgment was based on the Supreme Court decision in the case of Obi v INEC and Amaechi v INEC.

The judge held: “That to give effect to the judgment of this court, the plaintiff, Dr. Samson Ogah, the candidate of the PDP in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Abia, is the person entitled to the certificate of return in the election for the office of governor of Abia State of Nigeria in the election held in April 2015.

“It is hereby ordered that INEC, the third defendant, should immediately issue a certificate of return to the plaintiff, Dr. Samson Ogah, as governor of Abia State in the election held in 2015 and restore to him all the entitlements as the elected governor of Abia.

“Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is hereby ordered to vacate office as governor of Abia immediately relying on the decision of the Supreme Court in INEC vs Obi.”

In the more than two-hour judgment, Justice Abang said the submission of a tax clearance certificate and income tax receipts by Ikpeazu was unknown to the law.

According to him, the 2011 tax clearance certificate and income tax receipts submitted to INEC before the 2014 PDP primary contained false information.

“Going by the second defendant’s appointment letter, as General Manager Abia Passenger Integrated Scheme, with effect from July 18, 2011 with the amount payable as salaries and entitlement clearly spelt out.

“Going by the second defendant’s appointment letter, the second defendant would have worked for Abia Passenger Integrated Scheme for five months, 12 days.

“The earnings of the second defendant, based on the letter of appointment by single calculation in 2011 for five months, 12 days is N493 or N546,669 if not assigned a government vehicle.

“The tax payment submitted by the second defendant didn’t reflect this figure,” he said.

The judge argued that the tax certificate indicated the gross earnings of the second defendant for 2011 to be N1.135 million and the income tax was assessed on this figure.

He disclosed further that the date on the tax receipt filed by the second defendant was on a Saturday, adding that Saturday, even in Abia, is a public holiday.

The judge pointed out that Ikpeazu did not file his tax clearance in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and that all payments he made preceding the 2014 primary were made in one day and not as and when due.

In his view, he held that Ikpeazu perjured by lying under oath when he said that he had fulfilled all the requirements to contest the 2015 governorship election.

Based on these, the court ruled that Ikpeazu was not qualified to be the candidate of the PDP in the primary of 2014 and was also not qualified to be fielded as the candidate for the 2015 election.

Justice Abang said the plaintiff was the eligible or qualified candidate to contest as the candidate of the PDP for the 2015 election and his name should be forwarded to INEC as the PDP candidate.

He held that the second defendant did not win the PDP primary, as he was not eligible or qualified to contest and that it was the plaintiff that won.

The court further declared that Ikpeazu was guilty of tax evasion and was therefore unqualified to have contested the 2015 governorship election in the state.

The court also awarded N100,000 as costs in favour of the plaintiff.

But in a swift reaction, the governor called on the people of Abia not to panic, saying he remained the state governor.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos, the governor called on residents of the state to remain calm over the judgment.

Ikpeazu, who said that he had faith in the judiciary and rule of law, added that he would appeal the ruling as he had instructed his lawyers to file an appeal immediately against the judgment removing him.

The governor stated that as an appointee of the Abia State Government from 2011 to 2014, when he served as the General Manager, Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), and first Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Aba and its environs respectively, and before his resignation in October 2014 to contest the governorship election in the state, within the period his taxes were deducted at source, and when he had need of his tax clearance in 2014, he applied to the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, and was duly issued with his tax receipts for the period in question.

He maintained that he remained the governor of the state according to law and would await the final determination of the matter by the appellate court.

In its reaction, the ruling PDP said that it was unfazed by the court judgment, adding that the ruling had changed nothing since it would be challenged.

Speaking in a phone interview, the state publicity secretary of PDP, Chief Don Ubani, said that the party strongly believed that Ikpeazu “is eminently qualified” to be governor, adding that the party would give him all the needed support to exhaust all available judicial processes to get justice.

However, an uneasy calm fell over the state following the judgment.

Meanwhile, the campaign office of Ogah burst into life as supporters thronged the premises located along Umuwaya Road, Umuahia, to celebrate the court judgment.

The administrative manager of the office, Wisdom Maduforo, said the judgment was long awaited, describing it as a “victory for democracy”.

Two members of the PDP had accused Ikpeazu of failing to pay per­sonal income tax as and when due for the years 2010 and 2011 in line with Section 24(f) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “it shall be the duty of every citizen to … declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly”.

Subsequently, a lawsuit was instituted at the Federal High Court, Abuja in December in 2014, by two individuals, Obasi Eke and Chukwuemeka Mba, who had asked the PDP and INEC to disqualify Ikpeazu from contesting the governorship election.

The plaintiffs contended that Ikpeazu was not fit and proper, having failed to pay his personal income tax for two years in line with the demands of the constitution.

They also asked for an order barring the PDP from presenting Ikpeazu as their candi­date for governor in the 2015 election.

READ MORE @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/i-remain-abia-state-governor-says.html

While heading into your 30s can be daunting, it is also the perfect time to evaluate your finances and get into shape to be better off in the future.
Here are some essential tips on how to do it in future you will be thankful!
1. Start paying into a pension - or increase your contributions
This is tip number one because it is startling just how many 20-somethings ignore their private pensions.
This is tip number one because it is startling just how many 20-somethings ignore their private pensions. Many will have been enrolled into a pension automatically – but unless you make changes yourself, it is likely you are putting in just one per cent of your wage into the pension, with your employer matching it - unlikely to be enough to retire on.

The great thing about pension saving is that it's not just you putting money into the pot - your employer and the government also chip in. The more you put in, the more they put in - and there's no point in declining free money.

2. Buy a home (if it suits you)
Many Britons get hung up on buying a property. It is something embedded in our psyche. However, it's hard to argue when mortgage payments often work out lower than rent – it makes us want to own a physical asset rather than loan it. It is likely many in their 20s will be renting privately or living with relatives. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show the number of homeowners in their 20s has been declining steadily. The biggest hurdle is often the deposit.

3. Start the savings habit
It's no secret that savings rates paid by providers are at rock bottom. This will put many off saving. But the most important thing about being in your 20s and saving, is simply getting into the habit – walk before you run.

4. Pay down your debts
A large portion of those in their 20s will have student debt. There is not an awful lot you can do about that except pay it off month by month. However, you can do something about credit cards you may hold. If you do have a relatively large credit card debt, look into taking out a balance transfer card. Before you know it, it will be paid off and you will stop being stung by monthly interest.

5. Ditch the waste
There is something about being in your 20s that often goes hand-in-hand with wasting money, usually because it is when you first start getting a solid pay packet to do what you want with.

6. Budget better
Some feel allergic to writing lists – but it works when it comes to budgeting. How much food do you waste each month? How much electricity and water goes to waste? Do you really need that Sky television package?

Trim back and learn to budget more. Take a look at your bank statements from the last six months.

Trawl through payments that were unnecessary and tally them up - make it your mission in the next six months to save that amount.
7. Learn about investing
Investing, a bit like pensions, feels too serious for many in their 20s. It might bring up images of the Wolf of Wall Street trading penny stocks on huge screens filled with graphs in a pinstripe suit grinning with a cigar.

8. Talk about finances
Talking about finances with your partner or close friends and family could help. They are likely to offer advice or help if you are struggling to get your head around a problem.

There is a tendency to clam up when it comes to your personal wealth, or lack of, but you'll be surprised what you can achieve with collective minds.

9. Negotiate your salary
Have you had a pay rise in the last few years? If the answer is no, it might be time to. Be polite, ask on a Friday when happiness in the office is likely to be higher and don't be embarrassed.

Come up with a list of reasons why you feel you deserve one – loyalty, skills you bring and where you want to progress should form the backbone. Alternatively it might be time to cast your net wider and see what other options are available to you, especially as you're likely to now have experience. And besides, if you are offered another job, that would give you some serious bartering power to make your boss think twice about refusing a pay rise. However only go down that road if you would seriously consider giving up your current job.

10. Ditch and switch
Loyalty seldom pays. How long have you held the same current account for? And are you happy with the service? Quite often, those in their late 20s are holding onto their original current account they may have opened at college or university - and may not be the best value for you.
11.
Ask
questions

If you don't ask, you won't know. Seek advice from a financial adviser - This is Money has a postcode IFA search to find advisers near you and what they specialise in.

See more @http://loanrepublic..com.ng/2016/06/heading-into-your-30s-we-reveal-11-tips.html

As the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, pegs its 2016 UTME cut-off mark for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education at 180, stakeholders still believe that the issue of carrying capacity for tertiary institutions is crux of the issue that should be urgently addressed.

JAMB annual examination data revealed that in the past five years the average number of candidates that registered for UTME is 1. 5 million, just as the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education combined have 700,000 spaces. Therefore, while the Federal Government is considering approval of more universities to alleviate the yearly admission deficit, stakeholders are urging it to concentrate more on expanding the existing universities and also encourage students to seek other options for tertiary education. Speaking with Vanguard on this issue is the President of Eden Global Business School (EGBS), Mr Tunji Adepoju, who averred that there is a significant problem with the carrying capacity of tertiary education system. According to him, for the past 5 years, we have had about 1.7 million students sitting for JAMB, adding: “the carrying capacity of our tertiary education system, including the polytechnic and colleges of education is around 500, 000.” He explained that the innovation enterprise institutions, vocational enterprises, NBT have additional 250,000. All in all the total carrying capacity is about 700, 000. He said: “Every year, we have about 1.1 million students actually qualified; they have passed JAMB, met the minimum cut off point, and here we are, the unified carrying capacity of is 700,000; the polytechnics, colleges of education, federal and state institutions, is about 500, 000. The innovation enterprise is about 250, 000, so we have a shortfall every year of about 500, 000 students that would be qualified and competent but would not get admission.” Lamenting the fate of the over one million admission seekers, he said that over the years, they have fallen into the hands of crooks and charlatans. Many of them, he added have been deceived by mushroom outfits because they are desperate to get admission, adding that crooks have capitalized on this to extort gullible students. Proferring solutions to the admission deficit , he said Nigerian students should seek global certificates from recognized institutions which he disclosed EGBS offers. “We are offering an educational solution that will offer our students national and global certification.” According to him, “All EGBS programmes have national certification from university of Ibadan, adding that admission seekers can key in to this professional certification of National and International recognition. Adepoju who explained further that the IPMA UK certification is global, stated that no certificate in Nigeria is worth anything outside, saying they must first of all write the directorate of evaluation and accreditation to verify holders credentials with his home institution. With EGBS qualifications, he said there is no need for verification out the country, “you can work anywhere in the world without delay,” he said. Disclosing the idea behind the EGBS, he pointed out that the overriding vision of the business school is to be a world class entrepreneurial management supermarket in the world.

Read more at: http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/17m-jamb-candidates-jostle-for-750000.html

Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has said yesterday that he would pay hospital bills of Biafra agitators who were injured during the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra.

The governor also called for calm over the crisis rocking Nkpor community.


The governor made the pledge at Nkpor town hall when he came to sympathise with the people of Nkpor on the bloody clash between security operatives and Biafra agitators in which about 50 members were reportedly massacred and scores injured.


He said, “We have compiled the list of the injured in different hospitals where they are hospitalized.

“I came to sympathise with you for what happened. Before I came in as the governor, people were not sleeping, but now we sleep. Don’t allow strangers to disturb Nkpor,”he concluded.
Read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/obiano-pledges-to-offset-hospital-bills.html

An entrepreneur, Abdul-Kabiri Shittu, has assured youths in Nigeria that there is nothing wrong in being self-dependent, without depending on government for employment.
Shittu, in a recent chat with THISDAY at Oyingbo, Ebute-Metta, Lagos where he plies his trade of frying and selling pastries and snacks, said there are many businesses youths can engage in nowadays to earn income.

The entrepreneur, in his twenties, who attended Government Senior College on Eric Moore Road, Surulere, said after his Senior Secondary School, there wasn’t any money for him to go further to a higher institution, and he subsequently decided to learn catering.

Presently engaged in the business of frying yam, doughnut, sausage roll, bean cake and plantain, Shittu said, within a short time youths can start managing their own businesses by themselves without being under anyone, in a trade he believed is also good for men.

According to him, “what women can do, men can also do it successfully”. He also expressed happiness at being currently self-employed in the frying business at Kano Street, Oyingbo area of Lagos.
Shittu disclosed that the frying business is very easy to start with small amount of money, and that the process of producing all the snacks mentioned above is very easy.

To him, “nothing is difficult, when you have the materials needed to do the business such as flour, sugar, water, salt, groundnut oil and others materials based on what you want to fry or bake, But as a man if you don’t have the idea of doing the business, you can engage in catering training for a short period of time and you will obtain the idea of doing the business.”

Shittu, who said he tries his best to save at least N500 from the business every day despite the cost of materials, added that he feeds himself from it without depending on anyone for help.
He urged youths to try their best to become self-employed and contented with what they have, and the work they are doing, while using the proceeds to take care of themselves and to invest in other businesses as time goes on. He added that he has a passion for frying snacks and is happier for it.
read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/dont-depend-on-govt-alone-for.html

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai has said that the Nigerian Army requires well trained and competent personnel capable of confronting the security challenges the country is currently facing.

Buratai who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Army Headquarters, Maj Gen Hassan Umaru stated this while declaring open the second Commanding Officers counter-terrorism workshop yesterday at the Headquarters, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.

The COAS noted that the nature of fighting war has greatly changed and usually takes place in very complex environment characterized by human catastrophe and economic downturn.

“ It is therefore worthy of note that the warfare emplaced by Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal groups calls for proactive measures by all security stakeholders to overcome them.

“ Thus trainings such as this Commanding Officers’ Workshop seek to redress the challenges of asymmetrical warfare now confronting the nation”, the Army Boss said.

He commended the GOC 82 Division and other Commanders in their efforts to see that the 2016 second Commanding Officers’Workshop is actualised.

In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army whose unit is hosting the workshop, Maj Gen Ibrahim Attahiru said the event brings together Commanding Officers from the Nigerian Army units and other security stakeholders in order to enable them rub minds and compare notes on the issues of security currently confronting the nation.

Read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/security-challenges-require-competent.html

Twenty Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) are expected to fire at least 10,000 out of their estimated 110,000 workers before the year-ends, The Nation has learnt.
This becomes exigent as the impact of trade balance deficit recorded in the first quarter of this year begins to hurt the economy.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said foreign trade statistics for the first quarter showed that merchandise trade, the sum of visible import and export goods, plunged by 38 per cent year-on-year from N4.4 trillion last year to N2.7 trillion.

The figure represents the latest in the series of negative economic indicators published by the Bureau in recent time. Total trade declined by N793.5 billion or 22.6 per cent on a quarter on quarter (Q-o-Q) basis compared to N3.5 trillion in December last year as import and export for the period touched the lowest in 13 quarters.
Internal sources within the banks said the lenders are downsizing, following rising difficult operating environment, decline in operational output of most companies, which has led to the decline in their transaction turnover, rising cost of overheads and tough policies from regulators.

The source said a large part of the workforce to be axed will come mid-tier lenders, which have been badly hit by the tough regulatory polices of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and losses incurred by overexposure to oil and gas loans.

Already, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, last week fired 1,040 out of its over 9,000 workers over poor performance. First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB) Limited and Diamond Bank Plc had earlier sacked combined 400 workers even as more banks are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks, or months. The massive workforce disengagement affected almost all cadres of the three lenders’ workforce.

Regulatory pressures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) including the ongoing implementation of the zero Commission on Turnover (CoT) fees, increase in contribution to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) levies as well as high Cash Reserve Ratios (CRRs) are key policies depleting banks’ revenue bases.

The 20 commercial banks are expected to lose over N100 billion annually to the zero COT policy; N140 billion to the AMCON levy, which has been increased from 0.3 per cent of banks’ total assets to 0.5 per cent and nearly N50 billion to the NDIC levy.

Report from Afrinvest West Africa said more disturbing is the fact that the economy recorded the first negative trade balance since 2013 as crude oil export with average of 75.6 per cent contribution to total exports in the last three years slowed to 64.7 per cent. Oil export tumbled 50.9 per cent Y-o-Y and 46.6 e Q-o-Q to N821.9 billion in March this year. The weakening external sector performance as indicated in the numbers above is consistent with March 2016 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and unemployment figures published by the NBS recently, indicating that the economy contracted by 0.4 per cent while unemployment rate increased to 12.1 per cent in the same period.
Despite the government’s determination to diversify the revenue base of the economy, crude oil export continued to account for over 70 per cent of total merchandise export in the last 12 months.

Within the first quarter, petroleum and oil related items accounted for 82.8 per cent of total export, followed by raw cocoa and cocoa related items with 3.6 per cent while other item accounted for 13.6 per cent.

read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/trade-deficit-more-job-losses-likely-in.html

The Kogi State governorship election tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has upheld the election of Governor Yahaya Bello as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Halima Mohammed, who read the judgment in the petition filed by a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, threw away the petition for lacking in merit.

Mr. Faleke challenged the emergence of Mr. Bello as governor and asked the tribunal to declare him governor because the election of late Abubakar Audu was almost concluded before he died.

Mr. Bello was nominated by the APC to replace its late candidate, Mr. Audu.

Mr. Faleke ran as deputy governorship candidate with Mr. Audu and they were coasting to victory before Mr. Audu suddenly died.

INEC declared the election inconclusive and asked the APC to nominate a replacement for the deceased. Mr. Bello was nominated and he nominated Mr. Faleke as his deputy, an offer the latter refused.

Ms. Mohammed said on Monday that the fact that INEC declared the first election held on November 21, 2015 inconclusive meant no governor or deputy governor-elect had emerged.

She also averred that all votes cast belong to political parties, “it is the political party, through the instrumentality of its candidate that runs for election.”

She said Mr. Faleke therefore lacked the locus standi to challenge the nomination of Mr. Bello to replace the late Mr. Audu since he was never a deputy governor-elect.

The tribunal therefore, threw away his petition as lacking in merit.

“No right can accrue from an inconclusive election,” she said.

read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/breaking-tribunal-upholds-election-of.html

The displaced people of Bakassi Peninsula in Cross River State whose original abode was ceded to Cameroun in 2008 are living in misery in their makeshift camps, writes Bassey Inyang
At about 1.39pm, Thursday, August 14, 2008, at the Peregrino Hall, Government Lodge, Calabar, Nigeria’s then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoaka and his counterpart then at the Ministry of Justice, Professor Maurice Kamto, signed the dotted lines to formally handover the Bakassi Peninsula to the nation’s Central African neighbor, Cameroon
By 1.45pm the entire handover process was over as the representatives of both countries exchanged the national flags of their respective nations to formally place Bakassi under the sovereignty of the Republic of Cameroon.
Thence forth, the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula, with a territory of at least 3, 027 square kilometres, came under the complete sovereignty of Cameroon.
All those who spoke praised Nigeria for respecting the decision of the court and for leading by example as the big brother of Africa.
They also promised that the people of Bakassi who are affected by the handover of their territory to Cameroon would be adequately protected, resettled and catered for by the international community.
The Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, Dr. Said Djannit said: “Progress has been achieved in Bakassi in the name of international law and peace between neighbours. By taking the courageous decision to resolve this border dispute, the leaders of Cameroon and Nigeria have acted in a manner consistent with their duty to their citizens and the international community.
“I also take this opportunity to address the Bakassi people. I can assure you that you will not be left behind. The Green Tree Agreement guarantees the rights and protection of the people of Bakassi. Both parties have affirmed their commitment to protect those fundamental rights. The United Nations will assist in coordinating technical assistance for Bakassi, and several Member States, including those represented here today, have agreed to help in this process.
“Today marks a great milestone in the history of our nation. We are saddled with the painful but important task of completing the implementation of the International Court of Justice judgment by handing over Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.
“As painful as it is, we have a responsibility to keep our commitment to the International Community, promote international peace and cooperation and advance the cause of African brotherhood and good neighbourliness.
“As contained in the Green Tree Agreement, they are entitled to every right and privilege as citizens of Cameroon and special arrangements should be made for their assimilation and protection of their fundamental rights,” Aondoaka had stated.


read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/bakassi-people-cry-for-help.html

As arrangements were finalised last night for the boxing legend’s funeral in his home city of Louisville, Kentucky, lawyers were gearing up for a complicated carve-up of his vast estate.
Ali was married four times and leaves nine children – seven daughters and two sons.He also leave a brother, Rahaman Ali.
It is understood that his fourth wife Lonnie – whom he married in 1986 – will act as executor. But there are divisions within the family. Sources claim it is likely “to get messy”.
Charities he supported are also likely to stake a claim over his millions.
One legal source said: “There are a lot of parties with an interest – and a very extended family – but how amicable it is all depends on how up-to-date his affairs were.
In addition to the multi-million dollar payouts from his biggest fights, Ali went on to make a further fortune through business ventures.
As recently as 2001 to 2006 he was still making between £3million and £5million a year through deals with companies such as Electronic Arts and adidas.
He owned properties in Arizona and Kentucky, and his memorabilia would be likely to fetch millions at auction.
But sources close to the star fear his complicated marital history and rifts between those left behind – one of his sons had not spoken to him for years – will result in a protracted money battle.
There is also reported to be acrimony between some family members and Ali’s fourth wife and executor Lonnie.
A cousin of the fighter, Charlotte Waddell, said: “I can’t stand to be around her. It wouldn’t take me two seconds to spit in her face.”
Lonnie also reportedly forced his brother Rahaman, now 72, out of his mother’s family home and into a “modest flat”.
A source said: “It could get messy. Everyone is lining up to see what they may be entitled to.”
The boxing legend, 74, died on Friday of “septic shock due to unspecified natural causes”.
He died in Arizona at 9.10pm on Friday and was able to say goodbye to his wife and children.
His daughter Hana yesterday paid tribute on social networking sites, writing: “Our father was a ‘Humble Mountain’. Now he has gone home to God. Pray for the peace of his beautiful soul and for the happiness of his further journey. God bless you Daddy. Youare the love of my life!”
As the final arrangements for his funeral in Louisville were made yesterday, tributes continued to pour in.
Flowers were left at the wooden bungalow where he grew up. George Foreman, Ali’s friend and rival in the infamous Rumble in the Jungle in Zaire, summed up the feelings of many. He said: “Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest human beings I have ever met.
“No doubt he was one of the best people to have lived in this day and age.”
President Barack Obama said: “His fight outside the ring would cost him his title and his public standing.
“It would earn him enemies on the Left and the Right, make him reviled and nearly send him to jail. But Ali stood his ground.

read more @ http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/muhammad-alis-family-at-war-over-boxers.html

A Nigerian man and a Thai woman have been arrested after almost nine kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine or “ice” were found stuffed into new handbags imported from China.
Sawaros Nathawil, 34, and John Anike Chinedu, 24, a Nigerian national, were arrested separately in Samut Prakan and Bangkok and taken for a media briefing at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau headquarters on Saturday.
A total of 8.5kg of crystal methamphetamine hidden in 35 women’s fashion handbags were seized from them.
Ms Sawaros was apprehended when she showed up to receive three parcels at a car park of a condominium building on Srinakarin Road in tambon Samrong Nua of Muang district in Samut Prakan on Thursday.
The parcels contained the 35 new handbags, stuffed with drugs, said Pol Lt Gen Rewat Klinkesorn, NSB commissioner.
Her arrest came after the NSB received information from Chinese authorities in Guangzhou that they had arrested an African drug trafficking gang and seized an invoice detailing goods sent from Guanzhou to Thailand by the suspects, said Pol Lt Gen Rewat.
When the woman arrived to receive the parcels, officers asked to search them and found the drugs hidden in the linings, said the NSB chief.
Authorities then extended the investigation that led to the arrest of the Nigerian suspect at a rented room in Lat Krabang on Friday. A pack of crystal meth was found stuffed in a handbag found in his room.
Several handbags similar to those found in the seized parcels were also found in his room. However, those handbags had earlier been slashed.
Pol Lt Gen Rewat said he believed the two suspects might be network members of the Nigerian gang caught in China. The seized drugs were destined for sale in Bangkok and Pattaya, particularly among wealthy drug addicts, he added.
The duo have been charged with colluding in smuggling drugs into the country with intent to sell. They were held in police custody for legal action.

Read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/nigerian-arrested-with-9kg-of-crystal.html

At least 19 Boko Haram fighters were killed during a military operation in northeast Nigeria's Borno State, the Nigerian Army said Sunday.

In a statement made available to Xinhua, the Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman said several arms, ammunitions, vehicles and other items were recovered during the operation.

Usman said a top Boko Haram commander known as Ameer Abubakar Gana and his men were killed during a clearance operation on the terrorists' stronghold at Chukungudu area by troops from various army battalions with support from Air Force aerial surveillance.

Usman said the operation was conducted following intelligence report about the activities of the insurgents in the area.

According to him, troops recovered two anti-aircraft guns, one AK-47 rifle, a pistol, one rocket propelled grenade, 267 rounds of 7.62mm NATO metal link ammunition and 23 rounds of 12.7mm belt ammunition.

The army spokesperson said two soldiers who sustained gunshot injuries during the operation were in stable condition and responding to treatment.

Ground forces with aerial support from the Nigerian Air Force recently killed scores of insurgents, cleared their camps and rescued many hostages.

Headquartered across the border in northeastern Nigeria, Boko Haram seeks to carve out an emirate and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

It has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced families mostly in northeastern Nigeria since it launched its campaign of violence in 2009.

The Nigerian army has in the past year retaken most towns and villages previously under Boko Haram control in the northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/nigerian-troops-kill-19-boko-haram.html

Thursday’s brazen attack and the killing of a market woman, Bridget Agbahime, at Kofar Wambai market in Kano, who was alleged to have blasphemed the Prophet Muhammad has left many people the world over shocked, saddened, and even infuriated.
As the smoke cleared and as the Kano State Government and the Nigeria Police announced the arrest of the prime suspects in the killing, PREMIUM TIMES requested its in-house faith writer (Islam) to conduct extensive research in the Qur’an and the Hadith with a view to establishing Islam’s position on blasphemy and killings.
Below is the result of his research.
As a Muslim, I was left having to grapple with – and answer- questions about the Islam’s stance towards free speech and whether this incidence was a natural consequence of mocking or abusing Muslim sentiments.
I call on all civil and community leaders to cooperate in ensuring lasting peace. And I urged all Nigerian leaders to emulate Governor Umar Ganduje’s initiative in ensuring brotherly co-existence in the country.



Blashemy and Islam
Blasphemy is a very controversial topic in Islam that has taken on new importance due to the proliferation of instant global communication. Muslim extremists incorrectly cite a precedent in classical Islamic law to justify gross acts of vigilante violence and murder.
Therefore, it is important for us to understand the context of the classical ruling and to view this issue in the larger perspective of the Qur’an and Sunnah as a consistent whole.
The general answer to blasphemy (Sabb ala Allah wa Rasulihi) as commanded in the Qur’an is to respond with patience, beautiful preaching, and graceful avoidance. The Qur’an records the fact that the Prophet was called a “sorcerer,” a “madman,” and a “liar,” yet Allah commanded him to be patient and to increase his acts of worship.
Allah Said:
“Be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.” (Surah Al-Muzzamil 73:10)
And Allah said:
“So be patient over what they say and exalt with the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting.” (Surah Qaf 50:39)
And Allah said:
“So be patient over what they say and exalt with the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting.” (Surah Ta Ha 20:130)
These insults deeply hurt the feelings of the Prophet and his Companions, but Allah did not prescribe revenge for them.
Allah said:
“We already know that your heart is constrained by what they say, so glorify the praises of your Lord and be among those who prostrate.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:97-98)
In fact, Allah told the Prophet and his Companions to expect more insults and mockery from the followers of other religions, and that they should remain patient and not let their abuse shake their faith.
Allah said:
“You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves, and you will surely hear from those who were given the scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah that is of the matters requiring resolve.” (Surah Ali Imran 3:186)
In other verses, Allah commands the believers to simply avoid those who mock Islam and not to sit with them until they discuss something else.
Allah said:
“When you see those who engage in offensive discourse concerning our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversion.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:68)
And Allah said:
“It has already been revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah, they are denied and ridiculed. So do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Verily, you would then be like them.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:140)



Generally, the Prophet was commanded to endure any insult or mockery from his enemies which resulted from their bad character.
Allah said:
“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:199)
Abdullah ibn Zubair explained this verse, saying:
“The Prophet was commanded to forgive the people’s bad character.” (Sunan Abu Dawud 4787)
There are many recorded incidents in the life of the Prophet in which he was mocked, defamed, and even physically attacked for his faith in Islam, but despite this abuse the Prophet responded with patience, forbearance, mercy, and forgiveness.
In one incident, a group of Jews insulted the Prophet in his own home. Although the Prophet was the leader of Madinah at the time, he did not order these men to be harmed. Rather, he used the incident to teach his Companions an important lesson about kindness.
Aisha reported:
“A group of Jews asked permission to visit the Prophet and when they were admitted they said, “Death be upon you.” I said to them, “Rather death and the curse of Allah be upon you!” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “O Aisha, Allah is kind and He loves kindness in all matters.” I said, “Have you not heard what they said?” The Prophet said: “I said to them: And upon you.” (Sahih Bukhari 6528).
Al-Bukhari records this narration in his chapter regarding those who curse and abuse the Prophet, which strongly implies that he did not believe legal punishment should be applied to every case of blasphemy.
Badr ud-Din Al-Ayni, a scholar of the Hanafi School, comments on this chapter heading:
“Al-Bukhari has adopted the method of the people of Kufi on this issue, that if someone curses or berates the Prophet and he is a non-Muslim citizen, then he is rebuked but he is not killed. This is the opinion of Ath-Thawri.” (Umdat al-Qari fi Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari 34/412).
In another incident, the Prophet was defamed and insulted by one of the men of Madinah who was upset with his method of distributing charity. The Prophet did not retaliate against him even though he was very disturbed by it, citing the fact that Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, was harmed by his people with much greater abuse.

continue reading @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/kano-killing-what-islam-says-about.html

Thirty Nigerien troops and two Nigerian soldiers have been killed in clashes with Boko Haram militants in Niger, the country's defence ministry says.

It says "hundreds of assailants" attacked a military post in the south-eastern town of Bosso, on the Nigerian border, on Friday night.

A counter-attack on Saturday morning allowed government troops to retake all positions in Bosso, the ministry says.

It says there were several dead and injured "on the enemy's side".

Boko Haram has not commented on the Nigerien defence ministry's statement.

The Islamist group is based in Nigeria but is being tackled by a multinational force, including soldiers from Niger.
Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou has been praised in the West for rallying neighbouring countries to fight Boko Haram.

In March, six soldiers from Niger's army were killed in a Boko Haram ambush in the south-east.

READ MORE @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/boko-haram-attack-kills-32-in-niger.html

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has condemned the recent murder of a woman at Wambai Market in Kano and promised to unmask the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
Ganduje made the promise while addressing newsmen after a meeting with Islamic scholars, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), leaders of different ethnic groups in the state and the deceased husband at the Government House on Friday night.
He assured the stakeholders that security operatives would unmask those involved in the murder of the 74 year old woman with a view to prosecuting them.
The governor, who described the incident as unfortunate and barbaric, condoled with the husband of the deceased and her family.
He said that all the stakeholders had unanimously agreed that Mrs Bridget’s death was uncalled for and totally condemned the action.
The stakeholders also agreed that justice must be done as the suspect had been apprehended by the police.
“The Council of Ulamas and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership have also been urged to publicly condemn the barbaric act in the media,” he said.
The governor also urged the religious leaders to intensify efforts in enlightening the general public on the dangers of taking laws into their hands.
He promised that the state government would assist the family of the deceased to prepare for the burial arrangements.
Ganduje thanked the security agencies in the state for their prompt action and the role they played in ensuring peace.
In his remarks, the state CAN chairman, Bishop Ransome Bello, said that the Christian body was satisfied with the resolutions taken at the meeting.
He also commended the governor for the wonderful wisdom and promised to convey the message to his people within and outside Kano State.
Also speaking, Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdalla, who spoke on behalf of the council of Ulamas, condemned the act which he described also as unIslamic and barbaric.
He further commended the governor for convening the meeting in time and called on leaders in the country to emulate the governor’s peaceful approach to serious issues.
The meeting which started around 11 p.m. lasted for over two hours.

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A commercial bus has been ambushed and hijacked by suspected kidnappers operating along Kalabari-Ogbakiri-Emohua road in Rivers State.
The driver of the ill-fated bus was conveying six persons, including two other drivers, from Buguma to Port Harcourt, when the vehicle came under attack.
DAILY POST gathered that some drivers were seen at the Abali Motor Park around Mile One area of Port Harcourt after the bus failed to arrive at the destination.

One of the park officials also confirmed that some of the passengers were later released by the kidnappers.
The Chairman of the Community Development Coordinating Committee in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Saturday Ngorji has also confirmed the hijacking of the commercial bus traveling from Buguma to Port Harcourt.
Ngorji said the bus was intercepted at Israel-Ama junction by the hoodlums, who took away all the passengers, including the driver.
Saturday Ngorji said the Divisional Police Officer at Buguma has deployed his men to search for the victims.

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A US company has patented a product that will stop flowers wilting by altering their DNA.
Monsanto, an agricultural biotech firm, are using reverse genetic engineering to stop the natural destruction of cells that occurs once a plant is cut and extend their lifespan.
The company filed a patent earlier this year for the product, which muffles the plant's DNA and stops the production of ethylene gas, which ripens fruits and rots petals.

The patent document talks specifically about roses, petunias and carnations, which could be an enormous boost for florists by dramatically reducing the significant waste int he industry.
It will also be welcome news for flower enthusiasts all over the world, who will see the blooms poking from vases on table tops and windowsills stay fresh and colourful for longer.
According to the patent filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office, the product, called RNA, can be fed into flowers through the water in the vase.
It then gets into the plant's DNA and strangles the EIN2 gene, which would otherwise trigger the production of ethylene.

The patent reads: 'Flowers of many species produce ethylene in a response to pollinatin amd this ethylene then serves as a signal to induce senescence and/or abcission (shedding) of the metabolically expensive petals once they're no longer needed to attract pollinators.'
The product uses a process called RNA interference, which was discovered two decades ago but is only now transforming the way plants are grown.

It was first noticed in petunias, when researchers tried to introduce a pigment producing gene that would intensify the plant deep purple colour.
It is a form of genetic modification, but the changes made to a plant's DNA are temporary, so it avoids criticism directed at other products, which could lead to unexpected problems in the future.
Monsanto's work in genetic modification has been incredibly controversial after documentary Food Inc highlighted the potential pitfalls it could create.
Last month, thousands of protesters marched all over the world - from Switzerland to Brazil - to demonstrate against its genetic engineering and the pesticides it makes.
Although they are used by commercial farmers to make their crops more profitable. RNAi is already used to make some weeds susceptible to herbicides and to kill parasites that harm honey bees.
But Professor David Baulcombe, head of plant sciences at the University of Cambridge, said that if it works, it is 'quite an exciting innovation,' reports Oliver Moody from The Times.
The company, Monsanto, said it was important to ongoing research on the applications of RNA, and while it has potential benefits for cut flowers, their business remains focused on crops.



See pics @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/the-rose-that-wont-wilt-scientists.html

SPURNING the need to find ingenious ways to tackle the demand by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for independence, the federal government has spoken of force and used it. It will not negotiate; it will not even discuss; and it sees the two groups’ demand as nothing but treason. To the federal government, the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable, and those who question this fact are either too young to know the difference or too misguided to be countenanced by the government. It was therefore not surprising that Monday’s pro-Biafra protests in four states turned bloody, with the army saying soldiers shot dead five persons, and protesters asserting that some 30-53 persons were shot dead. And with each bloody protest, the country not only bleeds viciously, it inches towards apocalypse with steady and unflinching resoluteness.

The pro-Biafra protests were staged to mark the 49th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra and the 17th anniversary of MASSOB. Though the march was symbolic, it nonetheless signposted the protesters’ increasing frustration, if not complete alienation, with Nigeria as a country. There is no incontrovertible evidence that the pro-Biafra sentiment is widespread in the Southeast, considering how apparently limited to its young exponents the idea still is in the region. The more guarded and perhaps economically and ideologically guided older people of the region have watched the unfolding pro-Biafra campaigns with a tentativeness and caution that come with age. Sometimes they whisper their disapproval of the feistiness of the youths, most of whom nurture very romantic ideas of Biafra. At other times, they genuinely wonder whether the youths had taken cognisance of the dense population of the Southeast people, the adventuresomeness of the region’s commerce-inclined people, and their landlocked region.

Whatever the case, the protests, rather than abate, have acquired more force and urgency. Both the force and urgency are a product of the mishandling of the Biafra idea by the federal government. In the foreseeable future, the protests will intensify, the pro-Biafra youths will approach the matter with reckless abandon, and as long as no discussions are countenanced by the federal government, the region will continue to seethe, perhaps uncontrollably. With IPOB”s Nnamdi Kanu still in jail and on trial, and the police and army determined to unleash as much strong-arm tactics as they can muster on the pro-Biafra campaigners, the country should invariably prepare for more tension. This column had warned that the federal approach to the Biafra idea was wrong-headed and inflexible. The scale of destruction witnessed early this week, not to say the absence of wisdom and restraint, is an indication that the tension and violence can only get worse.

Predictably, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has spoken forcefully about the matter. He has ordered the police to disarm the pro-Biafra agitators and warned of dire consequences of testing the resolve of the government. Such firmness as he has displayed is expected of a law officer, though the protesters insist they have never been armed. But the protesters themselves have noted that Mr Arase is showing the kind of resolve he could not muster when the country was inundated by herdsmen attacks, where nomads bore arms openly and used them without challenge. The protesters have also noticed that the president has repeatedly spoken of Biafra with incalculable scornfulness, promising to crush any attempt to balkanise the country. And so, whether the country is contemplating the order to disarm or threat to crush, the problem is continuing and even heightening. Apparently, strong words and harsh tactics have not availed much. It may therefore be time to try something else if the problem is not to spiral out of control.

Indeed, with so much violence and many deaths, the problem may already be beyond President Buhari’s initiative. Given his testiness over the matter, his mind seems to have been made up, perhaps in the wrong direction. With such inexplicable inflexibility, what other options could he be contemplating? He sees it as a law and order problem rather than a manifestation of stress in the polity and economy. Such mindset is unhelpful. For now, Biafra has not appeared to have the unalloyed support of the region’s elders. That leaves a window of opportunity for the country to address the matter in a structured and constructive way to find a sensible solution. If the president can modify his mindset and recognise that too much has happened in the past few decades since the end of the civil war thus rendering old ideas and perspectives anachronistic, he may become more amenable to finding an exit out of the cul-de-sac.

The president has repeatedly harped on the fact that the pro-Biafra agitators were young or not born when the civil war raged, and so may be unaware of the consequences of another fratricidal conflict. The problem with that assumption is that the president believes that the rest of the country may be averse to dissolution, or that he would find wholehearted support from all corners of the country should he attempt to forcefully bar the Southeast from pulling out, assuming of course the region could find the plurality to do so. Instead of advancing what may turn out to be false assumptions, the president should, as an elected politician, meet minds with his party to find a way out of the crisis. He has tried unsuccessfully to walk alone. Let him join hands with others to find a solution. This week, his party men from the Southeast paid him a visit. He should exploit that opportunity to make peace rather than prepare for war.

It is also time the president recognised that the pro-Biafra sentiment is probably a call for the holistic restructuring of the country. That panacea can no longer be waved aside or even moderated by the presidency. The call for restructuring is taking a life of its own, as the former vice president Atiku Abubakar explained early this week at a book launch. President Buhari can only ignore the call at his peril. If he is not to lose the initiative, the time to act may be now. In addition, President Buhari keeps making the shocking mistake of assuming that Biafra is a physical concept that can be crushed. It is not. It is an idea planted deep in the subconscious of the people of the Southeast. Both because there was no closure to the civil war, as this column has maintained, and because the country has been spectacularly misgoverned, the Southeast finds it irresistible contemplating the idea of isolation or independence.

More importantly, it is time the president was made aware of the virtue of peacemaking than warmongering. There is a limit to the things that can be crushed. In the case of Biafra, the problem is not beyond peaceful resolution. Let the president use his men in the region, and all other men of goodwill, to broker a solution. He has opened too many fronts in his war in various parts of the country, and has spoken rather unwisely and sanguinarily over some of them. Yet, he has neither the resources nor the personnel to tackle the problems if and when they become full-blown. The pro-Biafra agitators may romanticise a jaded idea. But much worse is the fact that the president has himself seemed to be an incurable romantic of war and an exponent of strong-arm tactics, one who tolerates and excuses overzealous military actions. He should be reminded he is now a politician and an elected president.
He mishandled the Shiite protest in Zaria last December; he is mishandling the pro-Biafra protest in the Southeast; he is misspeaking on the herdsmen attacks; and he is appallingly stoking the flames of the Niger Delta revolt. If he cannot see the futility of the measures he is embracing, his advisers should lean on him to help him see more clearly in order to move in the right direction



read more @http://www.buzorpages.com/2016/06/nigeria-ipob-inch-closer-to-apocalpse.html