Protesters ground Onitsha, Aba, Owerri, other places Crowd defies military threat
Kanu’s trial stalled Jewish community makes case for one Nigeria

Vehement in their resolve to get the detained Radio Biafra boss Nnamdi Kanu released and to actualze their agitation for the sovereign state of Biafra, no fewer than 40,000 members and sympathizers of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday, shut down commercial and business activities in the South East states as they took to the streets to vent their spleen.

This was even as hundreds of agitators thronged the court located at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, yesterday, to show solidarity to Kanu who has been in detention for the past two months.

The detained pro-Biafra leader was supposed to be produced in court yesterday, in Abuja but the trial was stalled over the death of the Chief Magistrate’s father.

In Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State and its environs of Obosi and Nkpor, the protesters held sway in a non-violent procession.

Vehicular movements were grounded by the intimidating number of the IPOB members and their sympathizers, who marched from the Niger Bridge Head to the former Ogbunike Toll Gate to register their anger against the continued detention of Mr. Kanu.

The blocking of the Niger Bridge disrupted vehicular movements for over seven hours before normalcy was restored on the bridge.

The attempt by the military to disperse them failed because of their number and their resort to non-violence. The military however showed professionalism that had never been witnessed in Onitsha, under similar situation as they carefully implored the agitators to free the road for other users.

Onitsha-Owerri Road was also blocked by IPOB protesters, who made entry in and out of Onitsha difficult for all road users.

Intimidating

The crowd was so intimidating that some businesses and markets located along the road including Bridge Head Market, Onitsha Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers Market, Ochanja Market, all in Onitsha; New Auto Spare Parts Market and...Read More Here-->>>> http://www.newsinnigeria.org/40000-pro-biafra-protesters-shut-down-south-east-over-nnamdi-kanu/

Deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 21 election in Kogi State, Mr. James Faleke, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to declare him the governor-elect following the death of the party’s governorship candidate, Abubakar Audu, with whom he contested the poll.

In his suit, FHC/ABJ/CS//977/2015, filed on Tuesday, Faleke argued that by combined reading of section 179(2)(a) and (b) as well as section 181(1) of the constitution, the election conducted on November 21, had already produced Audu as governor-elect and that by virtue of Audu’s death, he (Faleke) should be sworn in as the governor.

Faleke, through the suit, filed on his behalf by his lawyers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), joined the Independent National Electoral Commission and the APC as defendants.

The suit, as of the time of filing this report on Tuesday, had yet to be assigned to a judge.

But four other suits, including the one filed by the incumbent Governor, Idris Wada, and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, assigned to Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the same Federal High Court in Abuja, had been fixed for Thursday for hearing with judgment to follow on Friday ahead of the supplementary poll scheduled for Saturday.

With an advantage of about 41,000 votes in the declared results by INEC, Audu died on November 22 shortly after INEC said the election was inconclusive due to cancellation of votes in 91 polling units.

INEC had declared the election inconclusive because the number of registered voters about 49,000 in the 91 polling units outnumbered the victory margin in terms of the number of votes polled by the APC and the first runner-up, the PDP.

Faleke’s lawyers, who submitted nine issues to the court for determination and asked for 16 prayers, sought an order setting aside the decision of INEC that the November 21 poll was inconclusive.

They are also seeking an order setting aside the decision of INEC in a public notice on November 24, 2015, asking the APC to fill the purported vacancy created by Audu’s death and another order mandating INEC to announce the winner of the election.

Faleke argued in his supporting affidavit, which he personally deposed to on Tuesday, that there was no basis for not declaring Audu the winner of the November 21 poll.

He stated that the margin of victory between the joint ticket, which he shared with Audu for the APC, and that of the first runner-up, Wada, and his running mate, Yomi Awoniyi, of the PDP, was over 41,000 votes.

He added that there were only 35,000 voters with Permanent Voter Cards in the 91 polling units, where votes were...Read More Here-->>>> http://www.newsinnigeria.org/faleke-sues-inec-demands-to-be-declared-gov-elect/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arrested a former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, and the former Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, owners ofAfrican Independent Television and Ray Power FM, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, in connection with the ongoing $2bn arms procurement probe.

The EFCC’s Special Task Force had on Monday arrested a son of the former governor, Sagir Bafarawa, for allegedly receiving N4.6bn from the Office of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sagir was undergoing interrogation by some members of the EFCC’s 27-man Task Force, which the commission Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, set up last month when his father was brought into the commission’s headquarters in the early hours of Tuesday.

A top operative of the commission, who confided in The PUNCH, said the EFCC decided to pick Bafarawa because of the belief that the son might have acted as a front for him in the arms deals under investigation.

The source stated that the task force arrested Dokpesi on Tuesday in connection with about N2.5bn allegedly traced to him from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

He was arrested in Abuja and taken to the Idiagbon House Headquarters of the commission in Abuja by 12pm.

The source added, “Today, the commission continued with the arms probe and arrested two people. We have with us the former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, and the Chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

“The allegation against Dokpesi is that he received N2.5bn. Bafarawa was brought in in the early hours of the day while Dokpesi was brought in by 12noon.

“We have not got the former PDP Chairman, Haliru Bello, but definitely efforts are on to get him. It is expected because his name came up during the investigation.”

It was learnt that the anti-graft agency’s operatives were still extracting statements from the suspects as of the time of filing this report.

Investigation further revealed that the commission was intensifying efforts to arrest a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Haliru Mohammed, who was also a former Minister of Defence, for allegedly having a hand in the arms funds.

The commission had arrested the son of the ex-PDP chairman, Abba Mohammed, on Monday for alleged complicity in the arms deals.

It was stated that the son received N600m in the name of BAM Properties Limited.

As of the time of filing in this report, a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, and the ex-PDP chairman’s son, who were arrested on Monday in connection with their roles in the arms procurement deals, were still in the EFCC detention.

Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for comments as calls to his mobile did not connect.

Dokpesi’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), however, denied that former Daar Communications chairman was arrested.

He said the businessman was invited by the EFCC for questioning with respect to one of his companies, Daar Investment and Holding Company.

Ozekhome told one of our correspondents on the telephone that Dokpesi left for the EFCC office along with a lawyer from his (Ozekhome’s) Abuja office to honour the invitation.

He said moments before our correspondent’s called at about 6.55pm on Tuesday, he was just informed that Dokpesi was writing a statement at the EFCC office.

He said, “Dokpesi was not arrested. He was invited. Let get this clear. They (EFCC) wanted to question Daar Investment and Holding Company, which is a separate legal entity. To me, Dokpesi should not even have gone there when he was invited by the acting chairman of EFCC because anybody in Daar Holding, as a legal entity, could have gone there. Dokpesi called me that the Acting Chairman (of EFCC), Mr. Magu, called him to come and clarify certain things concerning his company and I told him to go and I sent a junior lawyer from my Abuja office. It was just a mere telephone conversation. There is a difference between inviting a person and arresting a person.”

In its reaction, however, the PDP condemned Dokpesi’s arrest, saying it was aware that more “notable PDP leaders have similarly been listed for arrest over unproven allegations.

The former ruling party alleged that this move was “pursuant to the plot by the APC to cow and silence opposition in the country.”

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, on Tuesday, the PDP said “the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Chief Dokpesi before any fair hearing, betrays the fact that he is a victim of political persecution and mob trial by the APC government.”

It added, “While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country.

“Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being given the opportunity as a citizen to state his own side of the story, the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders.

Meanwhile, Senate President Bukola Saraki on Tuesday distanced himself from the arms deal, said to be about N60bn, involving the immediate past NSA.

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said contrary to report published in an online medium, he had never had anything to do with the purchase of security equipment.

He equally denied being a member of any committee or body, which had any link with defence or national security in his entire political career.

The statement reads in part, “As a member of the Seventh Senate, Dr. Saraki was not a member of any of the committees which have oversight function on the Ministry of Defence or the intelligence and national security apparatus.

“If he was tagged the leader of the opposition to the Jonathan administration, how then would he be privy to arms purchases and have the influence to blackmail any government agency or institution over the release of funds?

“The Senate President would like to alert members of the public to this new plot by this particular online medium to tarnish his reputation as the medium and its sponsors pursue the singular objective of removing him from the office of the Senate President, an objective they have since failed to achieve within and outside the National Assembly.

“This time round, the medium and its sponsors chose to drag the Senate President to this reigning and current issue of arms purchase by insinuating that he once blackmailed the Central Bank of Nigeria to give him and other Senators N250m as a way of covering up the arbitrary withdrawal by the NSA from the security fund approved by the former President.

“First, there is no logic in the claim as Saraki, who was persecuted by the last administration, could have had the influence and good standing to walk up to the Central Bank to demand...See the full details here-->>>> http://www.newsinnigeria.org/2bn-arms-probe-efcc-arrests-dokpesi-ex-gov-bafarawa/

This matter might lead to somebody suing the other, so it’s a very serious issue: Shortly after the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC guber candidate in Kagi State, this lady, who has been identified as Empress (a.k.a. Sugabelly), has been cursing and celebrating at the same time. She recounted her ordeal in the home of late Prince Audu. Shocking details… According to Daily Post, she claimed that Audu’s son had rap*d and also tortured her in some ways. In her tweets, she said, “The Prince Audu I knew was a monster. I am glad he is dead, and I spit and dance on his grave. So happy he died. God please hurry up and take Mustapha, Kabir and Bashir too, and that their animal of a cousin called Jibrin.” As if addressing one of the sons Mustapha directly, she penned down, “Your daddy is dead Mustapha.” She also went on to say those who think she is happy the Prince died because of politics are unserious people. The said Empress went further to allege that the deceased’s son molested her s*xually. She said she was just 17 years old when she graduated from a school in Abuja knwon as Loyola, and decided to take one year to make ends meet. According to her, “I lived in Abuja and had just finished my first ever real world job as an intern in this tech company called Alteq. I met Mustapha there. His father, Audu, was...SEE THE SHOCKING DETAILS HERE-->>>> http://www.newsinnigeria.org/this-lady-is-cursing-prince-audu-in-death-because-of-torture-s-ex-full-details/

President Muhammadu Buhari, in Tehran, Iran, yesterday, disclosed that many of those who looted the public treasuries in the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan had started returning the stolen funds to the government.
He said that though the government appreciated the development, it was still not enough to condone corruption, stressing that his government would still prosecute them in due course.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/treasury-looters-now-returning-stolen-funds-buhari/

He stated that the prosecution of suspects is taking time because the government is painstakingly gathering hard evidence against them.

The President, who spoke at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Tehran, Iran, yesterday, decried the constraints inherent in democracy, recalling that it was easier for him as a military Head of State in 1985 to arrest corrupt individuals and put them in protective custody for them to prove their innocence than in the present democratic practice.

He acknowledged that under the rule of law, the suspects are presumed innocent until convicted by the law.

According to him, “on corruption; yes, they are still innocent. But, we are collecting documents and some of them have started voluntarily returning something. But we want all. When we get those documents, we will formally charge them to court and then we will ask Nigerians to know those who abused their trust when they are entrusted with public funds. So, the day of reckoning is gradually approaching.”

On power generation

Speaking on power generation and distribution, President Buhari stated that though his government was yet to give a comprehensive policy direction in the sector, there was still an improvement.

He, however, condemned those who sabotaged the efforts of the government in the sector.
He said: “I believe if you are in touch back at home, you would have been told that already there is some improvement in power. We haven’t said anything to them yet. I think they only find it sensible or appropriate for them to try and improve the power.

“I’m sure you know about the privatization of the power sector; your old friends NEPA or Power Holding Company of Nigeria have been sold to a number of interest groups. But, the fundamental thing about us is that we remain potential in everything except performance.

“We have a lot of gas, we have a lot of qualified people but again we have a lot of saboteurs who go and blow installations. Those who normally steal Nigerian crude and those who blow up installations, whether they called themselves militants or whatever, they are still there.”
On insecurity, the President assured that peace would soon return to the troubled North-East even as he stated that his administration would also revive the educational system from primary to tertiary levels.

Work to begin on Lagos-Ibadan expressway next week

The President also disclosed that work would commence on the dilapidated Lagos-Ibadan expressway next week. The President assured that the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, would address the issue of the collapsed road.

Also to checkmate and end the ugly trend of gas theft, President Buhari announced that the existing Military Task Forces will be reorganized to ensure a successful protection of the network of gas pipelines.

He noted that “although some improvement in power had been recorded in the recent period,” sabotage of pipeline installations had continued to be a problem.

He said: “Power is a running battle because the saboteurs are still there. We have the potential. We have gas, we have qualified people but we are contending with a lot of saboteurs who go and blow up installations. When gas is pumped to Egbin and such other power stations, thieves and saboteurs such as the militants cut those supplies.”

Another factor, according to the President, is the reduced role of the government in the sector due to the privatization of the institutions under the Power Handling Company of Nigeria, PHCN in the process of which, the facilities “have been sold to a number of interest groups.”

He, however, assured that the military task-forces with representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Police and the secret services will be reconstituted to secure the pipelines.
“Supplies will become steady; there will be less sabotage as we secure the pipelines,” he said.

Responding to a question on the need to improve healthcare delivery, President Buhari said that efforts had been intensified towards ridding the country of fake drugs and fake doctors, and also what he called “ the disgraceful aspects” manifested by “ baby factories.”

He also enumerated several steps being taken towards the revival of education from primary school school level to university.

On the creation of jobs, he placed the prevailing joblessness in the country at the door-step of the last administration which he blamed for giving “a devastating blow to the economy through corruption and incompetence.”

Speaking on corruption as one of the three issues he identified as the priorities of his administration, President Buhari said that the necessity for compliance with due process of the law was responsible for the delay in the prosecution of the looters of the country’s economy but that the “the day of reckoning is gradually coming.”

He also revealed that a number of past officials had begun the voluntary return of stolen funds but expressed the view that his government was not satisfied with tokens.
“We want to have everything back-all that they took by force in 16 years,” he said.

Annie, leave such mess for single girls, our culture expect 'standards' from married ladies. Abi what do you guys think?
http://www.newsinnigeria.org/why-should-a-married-woman-engage-in-this-mess/

Story written by Mike Angelo News:
Mike, who has been practicing journalism for years, has reported that Toyin Aimakhu’s alleged lover, Seun Egbegbe has beaten her to a pulp for denying him on the pages of newspapers. He said Mr Seun feels he has done a lot for Toyin and expects her to start praising him, but Toyin feels it is too early to let the world know about their love because she only walked out of a marriage recently.
Sadly, sources say it seems that it is the same man, Seun, who beat Toyin that leaked the story. Imagine!

Anyway, according to Mike's report, Toyin has been absent on instagram for a few days, and it's because she has a swollen face. This same Mr. Seun has been in the entertainment industry for a long time and has dated many actresses, according to those who know him. So, how can a wife leave her husband's house to be with such a man? Some of these ladies with flashy lifestyle really need prayers.

THE FULL STORY: Toyin Aimakhu, the estranged wife of actor Niyi Johnson is in the news again! For those who are students of history, her marriage consummated in Ikoyi registry in Lagos not up to two years has since gone sour over accusations of marital infidelity on both sides. No sooner had they separated that the actress started another unholy alliance with Seun Egbegbe.

Before now, there had been series of allegation about the lovey-dovey between the Yoruba top actress, Toyin Aimakhu and a socialite making forays into the movie industry, Seun Egbegbe. None of them ever came out to deny or accept the fact until recently when Toyin started granting some interviews in the media vehemently denying her new lover, Seun and the seaming love affair between them. An act Seun was said to have totally frowned at.

When Seun was reading one of the interviews, according to a reliable source, who is a close confidante of the two lovebirds, an argument ensured and Seun allegedly told Toyin that she should start telling the world about them, since he has been serious with her and, besides, his financial commitment and obligation to the relationship should be enough reason for him to be celebrated.

The cookies, however, crumbled when Toyin gave it back to Seun in a harsh tone that she could not do what he’s asking for because she’s just getting out of a marriage and people might not see her in a good light if they sensed she has quickly rushed into another relationship.

This was said to have infuriated Seun who allegedly hit her and beat her to a pulp. Few hours after they both left the ‘boxing ring’, Toyin packed a few of her belongings and hit Ibadan where her family resides to console herself of the attack and of...See More Here: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/toyin-aimakhu-beaten-mercilessly-by-secret-lover-details/

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied claims that he awarded a $2bn arms procurement contract, contrary to reports of a presidential investigations committee into arms procurement under his administration.

The committee had said that the Jonathan administration claimed to spend $2.2bn to procure arms that were never bought. It also accused the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, of supervising the contract.

Dasuki had said in response to his current indictment over the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for multi-billion naira arms deals for Nigeria’s anti-terrorism war that allegations against him were simply unfounded and that all arms contract were approved by Jonathan, who was his boss.

He said the allegations from the presidency were “nothing short of propaganda.”

“There were no fictitious contracts; contract sums were not diverted and the relevant services acknowledged delivery of equipment. There was no contract awarded or equipment bought without approval from the then President and Commander-In-Chief. I am not a thief or treasury looter as...See More Here: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/i-never-awarded-any-2bn-arms-deal-jonathan-cries-out/

ABEG OOoooHHhhh....WHEN ALL THIS FUEL SCARCITY GO END FOR WE COUNTRY NAAA...I TIRE OoHHH


Many Nigerians, including civil society organisations, analysts and individuals have expressed anger and disappointment over the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country, blaming oil marketers and President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as the Minister of Petroleum, for their plight.

Nigerians have had to endure long hours at the few fuel stations that sell Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise called petrol, for about a week, with no end in sight to the problem.

There are also reports that the scarcity is compounded by oil marketers hoarding the product to sell at prices above the official pump price of N87 per litre.

Findings show that the product sells for between N100 and N150 per litre in most fuel stations across the country, with the product going for as high as N400 per litre in the black market.

Unusually long queues of vehicles and customers with kegs characterise the few stations that sell the product at the official pump price.

President Buhari recently announced himself as the Minister of Petroleum and this seems to have put him at the forefront of public criticisms over the issue.

Civil society groups, among other Nigerians, said that President Buhari, whose presidential campaign had promised to bring change to the country, has failed to deal with the problem of fuel scarcity.

For instance, the Northern Elders’ Council Chairman, Tanko Yakasai, blamed Buhari for failing in his promise to Nigerians to revive the oil sector, saying his tenure as Minister of Petroleum was kicked off on a bad note.

He said, “I’m buying from the black market. The start does not show a good signal for the new minister of petroleum resources. Buhari came to power on the strength of the change slogan. He promised to change what was happening in the country, so what we expected was change and not this.

“But look at what is happening under Buhari as the minister of petroleum resources. He came to power on the platform of change but there has been no change. If the same situation we used to experience has continued, so where is the change? What has he done better? We still have queues at...See More Here: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/fuel-scarcity-nigerians-slam-president-buhari-and-oil-marketers/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

The anti-graft commission sent the letter of invitation to Dasuki earlier in the week to answer questions in connection with the ongoing probe into procurement of arms during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

A source said the EFCC also put a 27-man strong team of operatives on standby since Thursday for the mission to Dasuki’s residence.

The source said that the operatives had been given a directive to be on standby and were waiting for the final directive from the Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for the commencement of the assignment.

The source said, “The commission has invited the former NSA to appear before it. Already, a team of 27 operatives has been told to remain on standby.

“They are waiting for further directives. They are told not to go anywhere.”

However, a source close to the former NSA, who confirmed the invitation, said that Dasuki had not honoured the invitation because of the continuing siege on his house by operatives of the Department of State Services.

The source explained that he could not leave his house because he was under house arrest.

“It is true that the EFCC sent an invitation letter to him. The man would have honoured the invitation by now, but the DSS’s siege on his house is still in place.

“As we are talking, the DSS operatives are in...See more here: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/efcc-sets-up-27-man-team-to-probe-dasuki/

President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) will on Tuesday officially launch N20billion ‘Anchor Borrowers’ Programme’ (ABP) which the Central Bank of Nigeria has set aside for rice farmers across the country.

The programme which is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aimed at creating an Ecosystem to link out-growers (Small Holder Farmers) to local processors will take place in Kebbi State.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/president-buhari-set-to-launch-n20bn-loan-for-rice-farmers-on-tuesday/

Under the ABP, the CBN in a statement Saturday said it has set aside the sum of N20 billion from the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) for farmers at a single-digit interest rate of 9.0 per cent to address the challenges of poor funding.

The Governor of the CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele who met with rice producers and millers recently, said that the developmental initiatives programme has been designed to create economic linkages between farmers and processors to not only ensure increased agricultural output of rice paddy, but also importantly close the gap between production and consumption by ramping up utilisation capacity of Nigeria’s integrated rice mills.

Emefiele said If these noble objectives can be achieved, it is not unlikely that the country will require even more integrated milling capacity to meet the huge local production of rice paddy.

Few hours after being robbed in South Africa, Nigerian Singer Davido flaunts money on his snapchat page.

He posted series of video stories along side the photo above with caption ‘ Still Good! F**CK NIGGA!’.

During the robbery attack, Davido’s manager Kamal Ajiboye was said to have lost his $60, 000 wrist watch.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/too-much-money-davido-flaunts-bundles-of-money-after-being-robbed-in-south-africa-photo/

A motorcycle rider simply identified as Ibrahim was this morning killed by suspected ritual killers, with his eyes plucked out and his lifeless body dumped at Alaba Suru along the Badagry expressway Lagos this morning.

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/photos-motorcycle-rider-killed-by-ritual-killers-in-lagos-eyes-plucked-out/

A Catholic Priest in Enugu, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka has condemned the recent agitation and protests for Biafra nation describing the action as `evil.’

Mbaka made the condemnation in Enugu on Saturday in a sermon at his weekly Adoration Ministry.

The cleric urged youths in the South East and South-South to go back to their business as the protest could lead to their death.

“Locking up your shops and disrupting economic activities will not add any naira to your pocket, whatever grievance you have could be resolved through dialogue,’’ the cleric said.

He lambasted those leaders that were behind the agitation and protests, saying that they should use their children for the struggle.

Mbaka commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing ministers from the zone and assigning them with good portfolios.

“President Buhari’s action has proven that the South East has not been marginalized. I would have reacted if no minister emerged from the zone,’’ he said.

He said that the five states in the zone had minister each as prescribed by the Nigerian constitution as well as other key security and protocol officers that serves under president and his wife.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/pro-biafra-protests-is-evil-rev-fr-mbaka/

The reverend father attributed the recent free health screening initiative by the Wife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari, in Enugu to her love for the people of the region.

He blamed the Igbo leaders for not living up to the expectation of the people in the area, adding that past governors, National Assembly members failed woefully in discharging their mandates.

“President Buhari is not the cause of poor roads, unemployment and other decay infrastructures in the south east, we should blame our leaders.

“Most of the roads had been awarded but our leaders squandered the fund, even the university teaching hospital in Enugu is a no-go-area and our leaders are not concerned about it,” he said.

Mbaka called on the new Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, to use his office to employ youths in the zone, adding that it would stop what he called another Boko Haram in the south east if not curtailed.

He praised Buhari’s war against corruption, saying it had enthroned due process and sanity in governance.

The cleric, however, urged Nigerians to be patient with the president as he had good plans for the country.

New fact coming up reveal that each of the 37 ministers sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday will receive current remuneration packages approved by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

The current remuneration of public office holders is guided by the Remuneration Act of 2007.

SOURCE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/buharis-ministers-to-earn-n485m-per-anum/

RMAFC had in June set in motion the process for the downward review of the existing salaries and allowances of political, public and judicial office holders when it inaugurated a committee chaired by Chairman of Remuneration Committee, Mr. Abdullahi Inde.

A review became imperative following dwindling government revenues occasioned by falling prices in the international oil market.

New packages prepared by a committee headed by Inde, had been ratified at a retreat held for commissioners of the agency, which was concluded recently in Owerri.

The recommendations of the committee concentrated on the allowances of political and judicial office holders as the salary packages will not depart significantly from the status quo.

However, after the preparation of the new packages by RMAFC, it still has to be presented to the Federal Executive Council which has the responsibility to present it to the National Assembly as a bill for enactment as an Act of Parliament.

Chairman of RMAFC, Mr. Elias Mbam, told our correspondent on Saturday that the new packages would soon be made public. He said the work was “going through a process of editing.”

Presidency sources told our correspondent that the new ministers would be paid in accordance with the existing statute because the reviewed package was not ready.

According to the current package, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed and other senior ministers will get N4,052,800 as housing allowance. The annual housing allowance is 200 per cent of a minister’s annual remuneration.

Each of the ministers is also entitled to N6, 079,200 as furniture allowance. The furniture allowance is 300 per cent of a minister’s annual salary. Unlike the housing allowance, however, the furniture allowance is paid once in four years. This means the furniture allowance per annum is N1,519,800.

Should any of the ministers desire, they are also entitled to N8,105,600 as motor vehicle allowance. The motor vehicle allowance is, however, a loan repayable by the end of the tenure of the minister.

The annual basic salary of a substantive minister is N2,026,400. On monthly basis, this amounts to N168,866:66.

Apart from the monthly basic salary, there are other perks that each minister will receive at the end of each month. These include motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N1, 519,800 (annual value) with a monthly value of N126,650. The vehicle maintenance allowance is 75 per cent of the annual basic salary.

The personal assistant allowance of N506,600 per annum is also payable. This has a monthly value of N42,216.66. This allowance is calculated as 25 per cent of the basic salary.

Each of the senior ministers is entitled to a payment of N1,519,800 for domestic staff. This is 75 per cent of the annual basic salary and on monthly basis amounts to N126, 650.

For entertainment, each of the ministers is entitled to N911,880 annually or N75,990 per month. This is 45 per cent of the annual basic salary.

For utilities, each of the ministers is entitled to 30 per cent of their annual salary which translates to N607,920 per annum or N50,660 a month.

For monitoring, each of the ministers is entitled to 20 per cent of their annual basic salary. This translates to N405,280 per annum or N33,773.33 per month.

For newspapers/periodicals, each of the senior ministers will get 15 per cent of the annual basic salary. This translates to N303,960 per annum or N25,330 per month.

Allowances for their security personnel, medicals and special assistants are also provided. The tour duty allowance is N35,000 per night; the estacode is $900 per night and the leave allowance is 10 per cent of their annual salary or N202,640.

The summation of these annual allowances is N13,374, 240 for each minister excluding the optional vehicle allowance. Yearly, the Federal Government is expected to pay the 24 senior ministers no less than N320,981,760.

Each of the ministers of state, on the other hand, is entitled to N3, 915,160 as housing allowance and N5,872,740 as furniture allowance. Should any of the ministers desire, they are also entitled to N7, 830,320 as motor vehicle allowance, which is a loan repayable by the end of the tenure of the minister.

The annual basic salary of a substantive minister of state is N2,026,400. On monthly basis, this amounts to N168,866:66.

Like their senior counterparts, the state ministers are also entitled to other perks. These include motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N1, 468,185 (annual value) with a monthly value of N122,348.

The personal assistant allowance of N489,395 per annum is also payable. This has a monthly value of N40,782.91. This allowance is 25 per cent of the basic salary.

Each of the state ministers is entitled to a payment of N1,468,185 for domestic staff. This is 75 per cent of the annual basic salary and on monthly basis amounts to N122,348.75.

For entertainment, each of the state ministers is entitled to N880,911 annually or N73,409.25 per month. This is 45 per cent of the annual basic salary.

For utilities, each of the ministers is entitled to 30 per cent of their annual salary which translates to N587,274 per annum or N48, 939.50 a month.

For newspapers/periodicals, each of the state ministers will get 15 per cent of the annual basic salary. This translates to N293,637 per annum or N24, 469.75 per month.

Like their senior counterparts, the security personnel, medicals and special assistants are also provided for the state ministers. The tour duty allowance is N30,000 per night; the estacode is $900 per night and the leave allowance is 10 per cent of their annual salary or N195,758.

The summation of these annual allowances for the junior ministers is N12,597,332 for each minister excluding the optional vehicle allowance. Yearly, the Federal Government is expected to pay the 13 junior ministers no less than N163,765,316

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Dan Ali, has warned that the current wave of pro-Biafra agitations in parts of the South-East of the country may escalate and constitute threat to national unity.

“Nigeria is currently facing many indices of destabilization,” the Minister said yesterday when he resumed duties at the Ship House, headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/the-wave-of-pro-biafra-agitation-threatens-our-national-unity-defence-minister/

According to him, the Federal Government in collaboration with what he described as stakeholders
should brainstorm and come up with a roadmap in order to abort any processes that may destabilize the nation.

He re-affirmed Federal Government’s commitment towards routing the “Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the North-East of the country.

According to him, “the APC had promised even before the coming of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration that it would fight the insurgency. The terrorists are on their way out, even before the December deadline and the President has shown openly that he is ready to fight the insurgency.

The Minister said that henceforth, all procurement for the military would be guided by due process, as, according to him, “arms and ammunition, stock verification and accountability will be key and joint operation is also very important as the Army, the Air Force and the Navy. Also, jointness in operation is very important. If the army operates on its own, the Navy, the Air force must work together to achieve a common goal.

“Leadership is all about integrity, honesty and transparency. There cannot be a good leader without these three things. You cannot be a good leader if you don’t have integrity, you cannot be a good leader if you don’t have honesty, so also, transparency. Forget about corruption. Corruption can never come near you if you have these qualities. So gentlemen, we should imbibe these three qualities.

“Where is your integrity when your own Chief of Army Staff stood up and said his Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces has no WAEC, How? Please let us be sincere with ourselves. Because that day, you should have stood up and said no. If you leave the job, is that the end of your life? If you leave the job there are other ways, better ways that God can use to bless your life,”Ali said.

He described his appointment as ordained by God, as he noted that, “we are all selected here by the grace of the Almighty God. It is not because you are better than any other person in your locality or in your course. It is not because you are the best. So, you should be answerable to the Almighty God who has honoured us and given us these leadership positions.

•He allocated Edo land to his father, alleges Oshiomhole,
•You’re a sinking man – Igbinedion

THE current war between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and former governor Lucky Igbinedion has taken fresh dimensions with the two leaders trading allegations. The development has tended to heighten tension in the area two groups of residents took to the streets last Monday and Wednesday protesting government’s recent introduction of the land charge policy.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/war-of-words-adams-oshiomhole-and-lucky-igbinedion-fight-dirty/

The anti-land charge protestors who marched through major streets in Benin-City were allegedly sponsored by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

But in a counter protest, a multitude of youths said to comprise students and civil society organizations backed the land use charge policy and commended government over what they described as its efforts to collect such taxes from the rich to assist the poor.

The group of solidarity protesters marched to the House of Assembly complex and Government House where Oshiomhole addressed them and described Igbinedion’s alleged unlawful withdrawal of $31 million from the government coffers as clear abuse of power.

Oshiomhole also said that the Igbinedion family had thrown caution to the winds, using every available means to wage war against him because he recovered over 200,000 hectares of land illegally by Chief Gabriel Igbinedion during the tenure of his son as governor.

According to the Governor, “let me thank all of you for coming out in huge numbers to express your solidarity, your support and your endorsement of my stewardship here at Osadebey Avenue.

Let me assure you, I will continue without fear of man, but with the fear of God to provide leadership that will deliver prosperity to the great people of this great state. To be able to do that, everybody, everybody born of a woman who lives in this state must be subjected to the rule of law.

“In the interest of Edo people, even the ones yet unborn, I want to be remembered after my stewardship not only for roads, hospitals, for schools and much more importantly, I want to be remembered as the man who brought an end to exemption.

There is no more exemption in Edo State. I want to be remembered as the man who took from those who have bastardized, raped and privatized the resources of Edo State, used our money to build their private universities and they walk around our streets when they are supposed to be in prison.”

Alleged land deals

According to Oshiomhole, “let me share with you some of the things that are going on and why they are angry. I did not promise to make everybody happy, what I promised was to make the majority happy. I will publish records in black and white and Edo people will be shocked how they have been raped.

You are here looking for a small parcel of land and Lucky Igbinedion, former Governor here gave out to his own father, Gabriel Igbinedion over 200,000 acres of government land. They took that land on the ground that they will use it for mechanized farming.

That is what is in the books but what is on ground is that, Igbinedion takes this land and gives this land to cocoa farmers, some of them from Edo, some from Yoruba land. These cocoa farmers will farm and sweat to grow their cocoa on government land, Igbinedion will sit in his house on which he is not paying ground rent and is collecting royalties.

Is Igbinedion the Oba of Benin? The great Oba of the great Benin Kingdom never subjected his people to that level of exploitation. Can you accept that one chief collects royalties as if he is a traditional ruler.

Based on the powers vested in me, as the elected Governor of Edo State, I used those privileges to revoke the over 200,000 hectares of land that the Igbinedion, the son gave to Igbinedion the father. I revoked it and I returned it to government.

“You need to hear as students of AAU how Igbinedion raided Edo State resources. You know that in AAU, we have College of Medicine where we are training doctors. In 2000, when Lucky was in government, AAU was producing Medical students.

These medical students are supposed to be attached to a hospital for their clinical. The Igbinedion family decided that AAU will not use the state-owned hospital. They decided on record that our Central Hospital will be reserved for Igbinedion University.

Some of you will remember that AAU medical students had to go to University of Jos Teaching Hospital for their clinical at their own expense. When UniJos could no longer take them, they made arrangement to take them to Uniben.

When the authorities found out the capacity of Uniben could not accommodate them, AAU students were stranded. In the end, they ended up with Irrua Specialist Hospital. Now, what did they do with the Edo state-owned Central Hospital?

Igbinedion the son, entered into agreement with Igbinedion the father that the Central Hospital shall be reserved for medical students of Igbinedion University, Okada. So, whereas Edo State Government owns a university, their own students were denied the use of Edo State-owned hospital. Edo State hospital was obliged to teach students of Igbinedion University, Okada.

They agreed that Igbinedion University will pay some fees to the Central Hospital. The amount to be paid was not stated. Every year, the taxes that you pay were being used to provide facilities for the Central Hospital to teach the students of Igbinedion University and they paid zero cost. Edo State Government paid the lecturers, the doctors and provides all the consumables in the hospital.

“So I revoked it and directed the Commissioner to write to terminate the MoU and to demand that Igbinedion pays about N30 million per year for those periods and I directed he should be charged to court. That is the fight.

“I fight with clean conscience to secure the collective future of our people. My motives are not personal. My mission in government is not to bring hardship to anyone. I just want to correct what is wrong and get going. I am not here to look at yesterday but if you over do it and you continue, we need to put an end to it.”

Oshiomhole’s allegations baseless

But former Governor Igbinedion in an advertorial carpeted Oshiomhole describing him as a sinking man Igbinedion said that allegation of illegal deduction of money had no basis even as he accused Oshiomhole of a deliberate policy of grounding the industries he established when he was governor.

However, Oshiomhole in his 7th anniversary as governor on Thursday responded to the allegation that he failed to build industries arguing that the industries the Igbinedion administration built were never meant to function, rather to siphon money.

“The previous government is quick to tell us that they built a factory in Ehor, Casavita at Uromi, Fertilizer at Auchi and Ikpesi Fruit Juice Factory. The intention of that government was simply to use these outfits to siphon public funds to private pockets. They were never intended to function and they never functioned one day even under their government,” Oshiomhole said.

The Federal Government may have spent about N5.8bn on the 10-aircraft Presidential Air Fleet it inherited from the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The PAF is the third largest fleet in the country, coming after Arik Air and Aerocontractors Airlines which have 23 and 12 aircraft in their fleets respectively.

Other domestic airlines including FirstNation, MedView Airlines, Dana Air, Air Peace and Overland Airways have less than 10 aircraft each in their fleets.

According to calculations done from estimated data obtained from aviation parastatals and domestic airline operators in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will have spent about $58.58m (N11.598bn) on running and maintaining the 10-aicraft presidential fleet by May 29 next year when it turns one year in office.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/presidential-jets-consumes-n5-8bn-in-six-months/

This means that the half of this amount, $29.29m (N5.799bn), is expected to have been spent in principle on the large fleet when administration turns six months in office by November 29.

According to findings, the PAF contains two Falcon 7X jets, two Falcon 900 jets, one Gulfstream 550, one Boeing 737 BBJ (Nigerian Air Force 001 or Eagle One), and Gulfstream IVSP.

Others are one Gulfstream V, Cessna Citation 2 and Hawker Siddley 125-800 jet.

Each of the two Falcon 7X jets were purchased in 2010 by the Federal Government for $51.1m, while the Gulfstream 550 costs $53.3m, a former Minister of Information, the late Professor, Dora Akunyili, had said.

The factory price of other aircraft in the fleet could not be obtained online. However, airline CEOs put the average price of Falcon 900 at $35m, Gulfstream IVSP at $40m, Gulfstream V at $45m, Boeing 737-800 (Boeing Business Jet) at $58m, Cessna Citation at $7m and Hawker Siddley 125-800 at $15m.

This brings a combined estimated value of Nigeria’s PAF to $390.5m (N77.319bn).

According to airline chief executives and industry experts, airlines spend between 15 and 20 per cent of the cost of an aircraft on its operation yearly. They say that averagely, a little less than one-fifth of the cost of the plane is spent every year on insurance, flight and cabin crew, maintenance, fuelling, catering and training.

Using the least figure of 15 per cent, it means that about $58.58m (N11.598bn) will be spent on the presidential fleet (which is valued at $390.5m or N77.319bn) when the new administration turns one year by May 29 next year.

Apparently, by November 29 when it turns six months in office, about half of this amount ($29.29m or N5.799bn) should have been budgeted for the running and maintenance of the planes.

According to the Nigerian Air Force’s website, the PAF’s current staff strength consists of 47 NAF officers, 173 airmen/airwomen and 96 technical and administrative civilians.

“The operational headquarters of the fleet is located at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while the administrative personnel are at the federal secretariat. The fleet has a liaison office at the Presidential Villa. Flight operations, training, aircraft maintenance and general running of the fleet are funded by the Presidency,” according to the website.

Nigeria happens to be one of few countries of the world with a large PAF.

Most major countries in Europe and Asia maintain two aircraft in their PAF, according to Wikipedia.

According to the online portal, Japan maintains only two Boeing 747-400 planes in its PAF.

The two aircraft, mostly for the prime minister, the emperor and his wife, and other members of the Imperial Family, is operated by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.

The aircraft were constructed at the Boeing factory at the same time as the United States’ Air Force One. Both Japanese aircraft were delivered in 1990.

Wikipedia also states that the Netherlands government operates only two aircraft, a Fokker 70 and Gulfstream IV to transport the Dutch Royal family and government officials such as the Prime Minister and other ministers.

They are also used for international conferences and for private trips by the Queen and the Prince of Orange. For long haul trips, the Royal Dutch Airline is used. Often the upper deck of a Boeing 747 is used.

The Queen of England and the Prime Minister, David Cameron, often go on British Airways chartered flights for long trips. Cameron was recently criticised by the United Kingdom media for chartering a foreign plane instead of a British.

According to Wikipedia, the Royal Squadron of the Royal Air Force maintains a fleet of Agusta A109 helicopters, BAE-125 mid-sized business jet and BAE-146 regional airliner to support short travel by the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and senior members of the British Government.

Countries like Ghana, Algeria and a host of others in Europe maintain only one aircraft in their PAF.

A few weeks after his inauguration, Buhari had reportedly ordered the immediate disposal of some of the planes in the PAF.

However, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, later denied knowledge of such directive.

“The story of the order for the sale of aircraft in the Presidential Fleet, about which so much interest is being expressed, is not known to us,” Shehu said.

The exact size of the PAF is treated as classified information and aviation sources believe the aircraft in the fleet is about 16.

Chief of the planes in the fleet is the Boeing 738 BBJ, NAF 001 or Eagle One, used by the president for his travels.

With its luxury configuration comprising a master bedroom, washrooms and showers, a conference and dinning area, and a living area, the plane seats 25 to 50 passengers and would cost at least $100m to replace.

Eagle One can spend 12 hours in the air, covering 11,489 kilomtres or 6,200 nautical miles.

Apart from the Eagle One, the fleet boasts of Gulfstream 550 jet. The Gulfstream 550 can seat eight to 18 passengers, depending on the configuration, and has a cruiser range of 12,501 kilometres or 6,750 nautical miles.

There are reports that Buhari may also order the sale of about 25 aircraft owned by ministries, departments and agencies.

These include Nigeria Customs Service, which has four aircraft namely two Bell helicopters, one Dornier 228 and one Cessna Citation private jet; the Nigerian Police Force, which has 10 helicopters and one Cessna Sovereign private jet; and the Nigeria Immigration Service, which has six aircraft that are being used for border patrol.

Others are the National Emergency Management Agency, which has four helicopters and one Cessna Encorprivate jet; the Ministry of Aviation, which has a Hawker Siddley calibration jet that is not being used; and the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria which has six German-made helicopters that are no longer serviceable.

Aviation experts said there was need for Buhari to reduce the size of the PAF.

The General Secretary, Aviation Round Table, an industry pressure group, Group Captain John Ojikutu, said Buhari needed to reduce the PAF and sell aircraft belonging to most of the MDAs.

A former Assistant General Secretary, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Tukur, also said the aircraft could be sold to both airline operators and private individuals who could use them for commercial purposes.

He said that this could generate more revenue and create jobs.

Facts have emerged on the power play behind allocation of portfolios to ministers before their inauguration by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday.
A close associate of the President, who confided in one of our correspondents, said that Buhari opted for the latter and decided to saddle his allies in the All Progressives Congress with “more tasking ministries.”

It was learnt that the President in a bid to build his own political network and strengthen his base, decided to give more responsibilities to his allies.

Apart from favouring his long time allies, Saturday PUNCH learnt that the President had more or less adopted former governors Babatunde Fashola and Dr. Kayode Fayemi as his godsons. It will be recalled that Buhari, who was not regarded as an experienced politician, relied on the support of chieftains, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; to emerge as the APC presidential candidate at the December 10 presidential primary of the party in Lagos.

At the primary, Buhari got 3,430 votes; ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 954 votes; former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, 974 votes; Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, 674 and the Publisher of Leadership newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah, 10 votes.

It was learnt that as part of the power play, there was subtle lobby by some party leaders before the allocation of the portfolios.

It was gathered that some leaders of the party had expected that experienced politicians, who played key roles in Buhari’s emergence as the APC presidential primary, would get more tasking ministries than those given to them.

Senator Chris Ngige, a strong supporter of the President at the convention, was assigned the portfolio of Labour and Employment.

Also Ogbonnaya Onu, a former Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party is heading the Ministry of Science and Technology, while an ex-Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau, who headed the convention’s security committee is the Minister of Interior.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/exposed-power-play-behind-buharis-super-ministers-appointments/

Well, you may want to listen to Nigeria’s Rap Diva, Eva on relationships. In one of those straight from the heart momentsshe opened up on Coke Tale, a segment of Coke Studio Season 3, Episode 3.It was truly vintage Eva as she spills it all out. Explaining that she’s done a lot of failing in the past, but that’s not something to dwell on - as it makes one get a better view ahead.

She cited failed relationship - something that resonates with girls - as one of those things that comes and goes. Giving a word of advice, she said: “You can't exactly be with the person you're supposed to be with, until you become the person you're supposed to be by yourself. Relationships are stupid sometimes, sometimes! But, I'm a lover, I love to love, I will love again, one day. Not today, right now, I'm loving only one person, and that's my dog: Frankie.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/my-dog-is-my-current-best-friend-eva-alordiah/

Even if you’ve lived in a hole these past weeks, you already know that Coke Studio is the new excitement on the music scene. Each episode offers much more than the riveting music, and one-of-a-kind performances. You get correctgist from your favourite artists.

This weekend, don’t miss Episode 6, for more Coke Tales and of course beautiful music from creative Mash Ups with Afro Di’ja joining Hernani Da Silva’ from Mozambique, Eva and Chameleon from Uganda, Olamide and Neyma from Mozambique, Flavour and Juliana from Uganda, and MI and Kenya’s Avril.

You can also give your favourite mash-ups a chance to get on the Coke Studio Africa album, by voting on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #songnumber and #cokestudioafrica.

Coke Studio 3 is showing every Sunday on AIT at 6:00pm and Soundcity at 7.30PM, ONTV on Monday at 6.30pm, every Thursday on because at 6:00pm and Nigezie on Friday at 7:00pm.

The current re-structuring in the Nigerian civil service is sending a shockwave among directors, this has been long awaited as it sounds a wake up call to all civil servants who for sometime now, have approached their work with levity.

There are indications that the Federal Government has begun the restructuring of departments and directorates in the federal civil service.

It was learnt on Wednesday that following the compulsory retirements of 17 permanent sectaries on Tuesday, fears had gripped directors in the federal civil service.

Many of them, findings showed, feared that the re-organisation of departments and agencies might lead to their ouster from the civil service.

The Punch reliably gathered that the ongoing restructuring of departments was in line with the merging of some ministries by President Muhammadu Buhari.

On Tuesday, Buhari reduced the number of federal ministries from 29 to 25. He scrapped the ministries of police, aviation, and special duties. Ministries of lands, housing, urban development and works have been merged to become the Ministry of Works and Housing.

The ministries of information, culture, national orientation and tourism have been merged to become the Ministry of Information and Culture.

It was gathered that the restructuring would affect Grade Levels 15 to 17 officers, who were mostly assistant directors, deputy directors and directors.

A director, who confided in one of our correspondents, was handling the re-organisation of the departments and directorates.

He said in ministries that were merged, some directors might become redundant, and a few of them might be retired.

He, however, said that such compulsory retirement might affect those who have few years to spend in the civil service.

He also said that likely to be affected were those who had cases of graft.

A senior officer in the office of the Head of Service, who pleaded anonymity because he had not been authorised to speak on the issue, explained the reasons for the restructuring.

He said, “What I can tell you for sure is that this is a restructuring exercise by the present administration aimed at revitalising and re-engineering the civil service for effective service delivery. So, if the Federal Government feels that merging of a particular ministry with another is going to bring smooth governance, so be it. You cannot challenge the government for a particular action that is going to bring service delivery for Nigeria. So, the merger certainly is going to bring service delivery better for the development of the nation.”

On the departments that would be merged, he said, “For now, no clear statement has been made on it. But from what we have seen, some ministries have been merged. The government is taking these steps to make governance easier and straightforward.”

But in his reaction, the Secretary-General of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Mr. Alade Lawal, said the union would resist the compulsory retirement of directors.

He advised the government against the retirement of civil servants because of the reduction in the number of ministries.

Lawal said, “The other area where we want to advise the government to thread with caution is the rumour making the rounds that some directors will be removed from service. On this one, we will resist the move and also challenge it with all trade union actions at our disposal. The post of a director is a career position and not political.

“The retirement position is governed by the Public Service Rules which stipulates 60 years of age or 35 years of service, whichever comes first. Any attempt to remove them prematurely before the terminal end of their career is unlawful and we will not accept it. This is not saying that anyone that is found wanting cannot be disciplined. In doing that, however, due process must be followed.”

He, however, said that the government had the right to remove permanent secretaries because they were political appointees.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/shockwaves-directors-shiver-over-the-sacking-of-perm-secs-whos-next/

This seems to be the beginning of a new era in Nigeria as the present Governor of Edo State seems to be daring enough to even imagine to challenge the most powerful family in Edo Kingdom.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that he will take all the files containing alleged fraud perpetrated during the tenure of former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, to Abuja next week to commence prosecution.

Vowing to prosecute the former governor and his father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and send them to jail if convicted, Oshiomhole alleged that both the former governor and his father converted property and funds meant for the people of the state to their private use.

He also expressed his readiness to publish the sales of government property during the administration of Chief Igbinedion and also fingered the former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, as one of the beneficiaries of some of the sales.

The governor spoke when he addressed youths, civil society organisations and students who embarked on a solidarity march to condemn what they described as the Monday protest in the state allegedly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The youths had earlier condemned the protest, commending the governor for his developmental strides and introduction of the land use charge which, according to them, is geared toward uplifting the lives of the poor to the detriment of the rich.

Oshiomhole, who said he wanted to be remembered for eliminating god-fatherism in the state, commended the youths for their solidarity, saying: “It shows your support and your endorsement of my stewardship here in Osadebey Avenue.”

He said his problem with the Igbiendions started when he revoked the over 2,000 hectares of land the former governor gave to his father in Okada which, according to him, belonged to the state government and also the termination of the MoU the former governor signed with his father, which according to him “allowed medical students in Igbinedion University to use our state- owned hospital at the expense of Edo State Government while Chief Igbinedion collected N1 million from each medical student.”

According to him, “Every body born of a woman in this state must be subjected to the rule of law. I decree in the name of God my creator and in the interest of Edo people, even the ones yet unborn, that I want to be remembered, not only for roads, hospitals, schools but much more importantly, I want to be remembered as the man who brought an end to exemptions. I want to be remembered as the man who took from those who have bastardized, raped and privatized the resources of Edo State, used our money to build their private universities and walk around our streets when they are supposed to be in Oko prison.

“We provided leadership that has banished godfathers in Edo State, they can never forget that once upon a time there was Adams. I did not promise to make everybody happy, what I promised was to make majority happy. And to make majority happy we must make some people cry, so that others can smile.”

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/jail-calling-oshiomhole-vows-to-prosecute-gov-igbinedion-over-allegations-of-fraud-during-tenure/

It's no more business as usual as the Appointment of the New EFCC Boss has sent jitters down the spine of Corrupt Government Officials.

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, on Wednesday took over the leadership of the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency from his predecessor, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.

Magu vowed to intensify the campaign against corruption within and outside the agency.

He said, “While we will intensify on our work out there, we will also keep an eye internally, and will neither tolerate indiscipline nor condone abuse of office or acts of corruption.”

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujarewn, said in a statement on Wednesday that Magu charged all employees of the anti-graft agency to ‘brace up for fresh and greater challenges’ in the onerous campaign against corruption in the country.

Magu said that the commission under his leadership would give priority to the ethos of patriotism, dedication and fearlessness, for which the EFCC was known.

The new EFCC boss, who was a pioneer member of staff of the agency, vowed to ensure that public funds did not end up in private accounts.

He said that there was no better time to fight corruption than now, as it would be impossible to actualise the desired development of the country in an environment of corruption.

“I want to state our resolve not to falter on the well-established tradition of patriotism, dedication, courage and fearlessness, and we will take this responsibility with utmost seriousness that it deserves.

“There is the need to make sure that whatever is received for common use did not end up in private pockets,” he added

He commended his predecessor, Lamorde, for his tenure and the management of the agency. He also praised him for sustaining the objectives for which the commission was established.

The statement also cited Lamorde as telling the personnel of the commission to be patriotic and to avoid mudslinging.

He urged them to give the requisite support to Magu to enable him to succeed in his new assignment.

Lamorde, who described his exit from the commission as an act of God, said that there was no need to blame anybody for his removal with that understating.

“If you see it like that, you won’t blame anybody, and you will have peace of mind. Let us take whatever happens as an act of God.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, George Uboh, has accused Lamorde of diverting the proceeds of corruption recovered from corrupt convicts.

Uboh, while speaking with one of our correspondents on the telephone of Tuesday, said Lamorde’s exit would not amount to the end of the petition.

He said, “Of course, no, because the petition is against the EFCC’s past and current leadership over investigation, prosecution and return of funds. So, I don’t see how one person’s sacking (Lamorde’s sacking) will lead to the end of the petition.”

He also said he would not expect the new acting chairman of the commission to investigate the allegations.

SEE MORE HERE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/new-efcc-chairman-ibrahim-magu-vows-to-end-corruption/

The name okra is most often used in the UK, United States and the Philippines, with a variant pronunciation in Caribbean English and Nigeria of okro. The plant and its seed pods are also known as “lady’s fingers”. A cup of raw okra has 30 calories, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 2 grams of protein, 7.6 grams carbohydrates, 0.1 grams of fat, 21 milligrams of vitamin C, around 80 micrograms of folate, and 60 milligrams of magnesium. This makes okra a nutrition hero and a very available food when it comes to our health.

Whether you consume okra boiled, stewed, fried, or even in pickled form, you can reap the health benefits of this green vegetable any time of the year. It’s Alleviates Asthma, lowers cholesterol, boost immune system, prevent kidney diseases and most important Okra is an herb that is really effective in patients with diabetes. . It is proven that it can reduce the amount of glucose absorbed by the food through you gastrointestinal tract. Here’s one simple recipe how you can use okra, to control your blood sugar level naturally: Take 2 fresh okra and cut their heads and tails. Put 2-3 cuts and dip them in a glass of water at night time. Drink that water 30 minutes before breakfast. It will control your sugar level.

Read more at: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/okra-water-cures-diabetes-asthma-cholesterol-and-kidney-diseases-here-is-how-to-prepare-it-at-home/

The idea that the bedroom is the only place for s ex is the kind of thinking that leads to a boring s ex life. Why not spice up your s ex life today and take it to the bathroom? The idea that the bedroom is the only place for sex is the kind of thinking that leads to a boring sex life. Why not spice up your sex life and take it to the bathroom?

1. Shower standing s ex

If you already haven’t tried this one, then quite frankly we don’t know what you have been doing with your bathroom. It’s really simple. Bend her over the shower while it’s running and th rust in and out. In the words of Meek Mills “I told her meet me in the bathroom, I’ll f* ck her while the water’s running”

2. Surfboarding (Bathtub s ex)

It really is worth wondering if everyone knew about this before Beyonce told us “I fill the tub half way and ride it with my surfboard”. If you haven’t tried this and you have bathtub, do yourself a favor and listen to Beyonce. Having s ex in water should be on everyone’s s ex CV. I highly recommend it!

3. On the sink s ex

SEE THE PHOTOS HERE-->>>> http://www.newsinnigeria.org/3-bathroom-tricks-for-steamier-s-ex/

It is not the best of times for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ‎as the ‎Taraba State Election Petition Tribunal, yesterday, ‎sacked Governor Darius Ishaku, its candidate in the April 11 gubernatorial poll, from office.‎‎

‎The tribunal, ‎which sat at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment by a three-man panel of judges, ‎yesterday, declared Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan‎ of the ‎All Progressives Congress, APC, ‎as the winner of the poll.

SOURCE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/taraba-governor-sacked-reasons-behind-the-decision/

In the meantime, Aisha Alhassan is one of the 37 ministers-designate expected to be sworn-in by President Muhammadu Buhari next week.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had concluded the Taraba State governorship election on ‎April 25, after the initial poll was declared inconclusive.‎
In its judgment, the Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar-led tribunal said it was satisfied that Ishaku was not validly nominated by the PDP to contest the election.

The tribunal maintained that there was overwhelming evidence that the PDP in Taraba sidelined the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, and the 1999‎ Constitution, as amended, when it decided to hold the primary election that produced Ishaku as its candidate in Abuja instead of Jalingo, the state capital.

It held that the purported nomination of the governor for the election, without a valid primary election monitored by INEC, was in breach of Sections 85, 87 and 138(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, as well as Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The tribunal stressed that the governorship primary election, the PDP held at its National Headquarters in Abuja, on December 11, 2014, was not known to the law and was, therefore, invalid.

Besides, the panel held that the PDP failed to give cogent and verifiable reason why it decided to hold the said primary election in Abuja without the consent of INEC.
According to the tribunal, it is a fundamental law in Nigeria that a candidate for an elective position must be duly nominated and sponsored by a registered political party before the candidature of such person could be deemed to be legally valid.

It said that the proof of evidence, adduced before it by all the parties, showed that the PDP did not conduct a valid primary election that could have led to the emergence of anybody as its sponsored candidate for the governorship contest.

Besides, the tribunal noted that INEC ‎confirmed that it was not part of the primary election that produced Ishaku as the PDP candidate, saying Section 85 of the Electoral Act made it mandatory that PDP must give the electoral body 21 days notice before it could hold a convention or primary to nominate its governorship candidate.

Consequently, the tribunal held that, in view of the fact that Ishaku was not sponsored by any known registered political party in Nigeria, he could not lay claim to votes cast for any political party at the April 11 election nor could he claim that he took part in the poll as an independent candidate.

Declaring all the votes Ishaku secured at the election as invalid, the tribunal, ordered that the APC candidate, Alhassan, having scored the second highest votes at the poll, be sworn-in as the winner of the governorship election in Taraba State.‎

It directed INEC to immediately withdraw the certificate of return it issued to Ishaku and issue a fresh one to Alhassan.

‎The tribunal said it was not unaware of the portion of the law that forbade it from directing the governor to vacate his seat. However, it said that, in the instant case, it had the power ‎to remove the PDP governor on the grounds of his non-qualification to participate in the poll.‎

Earlier, the tribunal dismissed the allegation by the APC and its candidate that the Taraba governorship election was marred by over-voting.

The petitioners had contended that the number of votes recorded during the election far exceeded the number of voters accredited by the card reader machines.
It was the position of the tribunal that mere reliance on data captured by the card readers was not sufficient for the petitioners to prove that there was over voting.

Likewise, the tribunal dismissed four separate preliminary objections that challenged it’s jurisdiction to entertain the petition as well as the locus standi of the petitioners to file same.

The APC and its candidate, Alhassan, had gone before the tribunal to challenge the victory of Ishaku of the PDP at the polls.

The petitioners prayed the tribunal to void the governorship poll for corrupt practices and substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

They also urged the tribunal to disqualify the 1st respondent, Ishaku, and hold that all votes credited to him during the election were “wasted and thrown away votes”.

The petitioners through their lead counsel, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, told the tribunal: “Contrary to the provisions of Section 85 of the Electoral Act, which requires the service of at least 21 days to INEC before the holding of congress for the conduct of primary election, the 2nd respondent (PDP) only delivered their notice to INEC on December 11, 2014, at exactly 6:04pm and held the purported primaries on the same day. This was apparently after they has conducted the said primary.

“That in defiance of the requirement of Section 87 of the Electoral Act, the 2nd respondent held the purported primary at Abuja as against Jalingo, Taraba State capital.

“That relying on their earlier notice to INEC for the holding of the primary at the Taraba State capital, INEC (3rd respondent) sent their monitoring team to observe the primary election on December 8, 2014, but the congress did not hold without any explanation from the party.

“That in flagrant disregard to the demand of the Electoral Act 2010, the 1st and 2nd respondents held their primary in Abuja without approval from INEC.
“That by reason of paragraphs i, ii, iii, and iv above, the 1st respondent was not duly sponsored by his political party as required under section 177(c) of the 1999 constitution nor duly sponsored, the 1st respondent is/was not qualified to have contested the gubernatorial election that held in Taraba State on April 11 and 25, 2015”.

Ishaku has a maximum of 21 days to appeal the ‎judgment of the tribunal.

PDP blames Buhari

Reacting to the verdict, last night, the PDP leadership described it as a plot by Buhari to use all means, especially the tribunals, to decimate the opposition.
According to the party, the judgment was an evidence of executive interference in the judiciary.

The PDP was, however, optimistic that the Court of Appeal would restore its “mandate”.
In a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party noted that the reason given by the tribunal for arriving at what it described as the bizarre decision was intriguing and further exposes the contradictions and double standards inherent in most tribunal rulings against PDP interests recently.

APC hails verdict

But the National Women Leader of the APC, Hajia Ramatu Aliyu, asked Nigerian women to support the judgment, describing it as a watershed.

Aliyu, in a statement, said the judiciary displayed boldness and unfettered commitment to the sacred principles of honour, good conscience and truth.

She said: ”It is a clear affirmation that no matter how long it takes, never will the verdict of the people during elections be manipulated against their popular choice as expressed through the ballot box. Indeed, by the ruling, it has been proven that true democracy, sovereignty ultimately resides with the inviolable will of the people.

”I call on Nigerian women to rally support for the Tribunal’s ruling, especially in the circumstances that it remains a priceless watershed in our political history for our great Party to produce the first elected female Governor in Nigeria as desired and manifestly by the electorate in Taraba State.

”I exhort the Judiciary to remain alive to its avowed commitment to dispensing justice to all, man or woman, rich or poor, without fear or favour especially, in our collective effort to enthrone and sustain an enduring constitutional democracy rooted in free and fair elections.,respect for the rule of law and the wishes of the people.”

No fewer than 125 members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra have been arrested by the police in Delta State.

This was disclosed by the Acting Police Public Relations officer in the state, Mr. Charles Muka.

This according to Muka is to forestall total breakdown of law and order in the state.

SOURCE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/125-biafra-protesters-arrested-in-delta-state/

This is as the Indigenous People of Biafra agitators arrested on Friday in Imo State are still in the custody of the State Police Command.

Muka said: “We have arrested 125 MASSOB members. We cannot allow the breakdown of law and order in the state. Those arrested are still in detention with heavy security build up around them.

“The arrested suspects are likely to be charged to court on Monday, we will leave no stone unturned to follow the law to the letters”

Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to Asaba, the Delta State capital and its environ as residents now go about their businesses peacefully.

MASSOB members on Friday took to the streets of Asaba chanting war songs and carrying fresh leaves and broken woods to press their demands.

Our correspondent, however, gathered that some members of the group went into hiding as the police clamped down on them.

Also, armed policemen have taken over the deserted Asaba textile mill, which the group usually uses for their meetings. The security agents were observed frisking passersby including motorists.

The Delta PPRO advised members of the public to go about their normal lawful business without any fear of molestation.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra agitators arrested on Friday in Imo State are still in police custody.

In a telephone chat, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officers, Andrew Enwerem, said that they would soon be charged to court.

However, some residents like Mr. Theodore Isika condemned the arrest.

He said, “ Boko Haramists were severally called for negotiation while members of Movement of the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, who don’t carry arms are always arrested and prosecuted. Often times, they are shot dead by security operatives. This is injustice of the highest order, I must say.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command on Saturday said no member of the pro Biafra activists had been arrested in the state since Friday that the group commenced mass demonstration over the continued detention of the Radio Biafra director, Nnamdi Kanu.

Okechukwu also denied that police shot anybody during the protest.

He said “We did not go close to them. We allowed them to go their way because they said their protest was peaceful. They can attest to that. I’m not aware that somebody died in the protest.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has expressed concern over the unfolding political events and developments in the South-East and South-South calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with Biafra agitators.

The PDP National Youth Leader, Mr. Abdullahi MaiBasira, said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, that President Buhari and his party should be held to accountable for the escalation of the agitation, which he said was threatening the unity and national security interests of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.

He said, “Rather than the use of force as an option which usually fails as a solution in this type of self-inflicted problem, President Buhari should as a matter of national interest and practical necessity, make haste to call representatives and leaders of the South-East for discussions before the situation deteriorates.”

THE hunt for the daredevil armed robbers, who attacked two banks at Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, seems to be yielding fruits as two of the suspected bandits were arrested in the bushes of the community yesterday by the police in collaboration with vigilante group members in the area.

No fewer than six persons, including two policemen, died in the attack on two new generation banks in the area.

SOURCE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/two-suspected-bandits-arrested-in-relation-to-edo-bank-robbery/

However, Edo State Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, said the suspects were still being investigated to ensure that the wrong persons were not arrested.

Following the robbery attack on the two banks, Ezike had deployed a crack team of detectives in the bushes of Igarra, to work with local vigilante groups in combing the bushes for the bandits.

We responded to robbery—CP

Ezike, who debunked reports that there was no response from the police during the deadly attack by the robbers, said: “I was on tour of police divisions in the state, when I heard about the attack and I can tell you that the first response that came from the police came through my escort team. It happened that I was in Edo North area when this happened.

“The problem we had in this area was bad network for communication, but I was able to mobilize our men, got the District Police Officer, DPO, at Ibillo to block the exit routes and that was how we opened fire on the Honda Odessa car.

“Yes, we were working with the local vigilante groups because they know the terrain better. I have been an apostle of community policing.

“We have about 7,800 policemen in Edo State, but the actual fighting force is less than 5,000. So we must partner with the communities, the vigilante groups, if we must make progress.

“I met with the vigilante groups and we mobilized because our aim is to get it done; to get the bastards. It was the community and villagers who were giving us information.

Recovered from the robbers

“Over N4 million, 11 AK-47 rifles and another four assault rifles were recovered; and one of the robbers was shot dead inside the Honda Odessey, that is why my men remained in that bush.

“Officers of Igarra Police Division pursued them. We recovered about 34 unexploded improvised explosive devices and arrested two people inside the bush (yesterday). But I said they must be interrogated before we ascertain whether they were involved.

“Two people were picked up. The one we got yesterday (Wednesday) denied he was part of them until two bank officials identified him.

“I am sure they came from Okene, through Ibillo. The one arrested is called Shaibu and he is from Okene.

“So we are working hard to ensure that all those involved in this dastardly act are arrested. They cannot commit this evil and escape; we will hunt them down, no matter how far they run.”

Vigilante tells story

Meanwhile, a leader of the vigilante group who spoke on condition of anonymity, said members were mobilized from Ojirami, Ojah axis, when it was learned the robbers had taken over Igarra.

He said the vigilante members in the area immediately contacted their counterparts at Ososo, Makeke, Lampese and environs and were directed to barricade Ekpedo-Ekpe axis of the road with tyres, stones, logs and other obstacles across a distance of about 50 metres, which slowed down their movement.

The vigilante member said: “We have to swing into action to give support because they had already disorganized security at Igarra. We had to quickly call our members at Ojirami and Ojah, who then called others because we suspected they will pass through that axis.

‘They demobilized police’

“The robbers shot and deflated the vehicle of the DPO in which police were pursuing them, after police had killed one of them. We mounted barricade near Ekpedo to slow down their movements. We did that with stones, tyres, logs and any hard object we could find.

“We mounted barricades of almost 50 metres. So it really slowed them down. It disorganized them and they had to escape into the bush with some guns and abandoned the others and the cash.

“The one that was caught on Tuesday night whistled, apparently to contact any of his men who may be in hiding, and a member of the vigilante group responded and that lured the suspect out.

“The two that were arrested yesterday in a forest near Makeke with gunshot wounds had wanted to disguise as farmers and come out of the forest. They failed because they could not change their clothing.

“We suspect they are from Okene in Kogi State, because they were speaking Igbira.”

A retired colonel, Bassey Jackson-Umoh, was on Thursday paraded by the Cross River State Police command for allegedly stealing a 2008 model of Toyota Highlander belonging to a member of the Cross River House of Assembly, Mr. Steven Okpupken

Briefing Punch Metro on the development at the command headquarters in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Eluu, said the suspect was arrested with the vehicle in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State following complaints from a car dealer.

He said the retired colonel, who allegedly posed as Maj.-Gen Peter Williams, attached to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, had issued a dud cheque to the car dealer and left an old Toyota Camry car in the dealer’s custody.

SOURCE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/shameful-retired-colonel-arrested-for-stealing/

But the suspect while being paraded boasted that he would deal with all those connected with his travail when he regained his freedom.

“At the end of the day, the truth will come out and I will deal with all those connected with this and everybody connected will pay for it,” he boasted.

However, the PPRO maintained that the blue Toyota Highlander with number plate, Cross River BKS 214 AA, was received fraudulently.

He said, “On October 5, 2015, one Mr. Steven Okpukpen, a member of the state House of Assembly, came to the command with a written petition that he gave out his 2008 Toyota Highlander for sale. He gave the light blue vehicle to the owner of Micah Motors to be placed for sale at the cost of N3m.

“He stated that to his surprise, the manager of Micah Motors informed him that one retired Maj. Gen. Peter Williams came to his car shop and indicated interest to buy the Highlander and another Honda Accord car for N7.5m.

“In his petition, he also stated that the said retired colonel, who introduced himself as Maj. Gen. Peter Williams, had on October 3, issued a post-dated cheque to be cashed on October 5, by the Managing Director of Micah Motors. But on presentation of the cheque to the bank, it was dishonoured by the bank for insufficient funds.”

The PPRO said upon receipt of the information, a team of detective from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the state trailed the suspect to Uyo where he was arrested.

He added, “During investigation, the suspect confessed to the police that his real name was Col. Bassey Jackson-Umoh (retd). He said that Maj. Gen. Peter Williams was his fake business name which he used in duping members of the public.

“He equally confessed that he was fully aware that there was no money in the said bank account. He confessed that since his Toyota Camry car was bad and he needed a new car and had no money to buy a new one, he had to convince the car dealer that there was money in the said bank account. He did this dirty deal so as to allow him take possession of the Toyota Highlander and the Honda car.”

While noting that investigation was still ongoing, Eluu advised members of the public to be wary of frausdters.

Meanwhile, Okpupken, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, has commended the state police command for the manner with which it handled the case.

In a letter he addressed to the police command, the lawmaker said contrary to the negative impression created against the police, the case had shown that the police had a better image than what was being portrayed.

The trial of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false declaration of assets turned dramatic, yesterday, as Saraki’s lawyers, comprising three Senior Advocates of Nigeria and 24 other lawyers walked out of the court abandoning the Senate president in the dock. The defence lawyers staged a walk-out following the refusal of the tribunal chairman, Justice Danladi Umar to suspend the trial until Saraki’s appeal before the Supreme Court is determined.

The Senate President had gone before the apex court to challenge the constitutionality of the charge which was preferred against him by the Federal Government, as well as the jurisdiction of the two-man tribunal to entertain same. He prayed the Supreme Court to set aside an appeal court judgment that gave the tribunal the nod to try him.

SOURCE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/why-sarakis-lawyers-walked-out-on-cct/

Meantime, Saraki’s lawyers, yesterday, accused the tribunal of engaging in an act of “judicial rascality”, by refusing to accord respect to the apex court which they said was already seized of the facts of the case, saying they would not take part in an “illegal proceeding”.

When the matter was called yesterday, the prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the tribunal that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had in a judgment it delivered on October 30, paved the way for full-fledged trial to commence on the criminal case against Saraki. Rotimi insisted that the appellate court, in its verdict, settled Saraki’s contention with regards to the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try him.

He said: “The Appeal Court held that the charge was proper and the tribunal properly constituted to sit with two members. We have the Certified True Copy of that judgment. This matter was adjourned till today for us to report the outcome of the proceeding before the appeal court and for continuation of trial. The appeal court, having disposed of the case before it, my lords we are ready to open our case against the defendant. Our witnesses are present.”

Confirming the judgment of the appellate court panel which he said was split, Saraki’s lawyer, Magaji, SAN, told the tribunal that his client would like to make a fresh application.

“My lords, we have an application to make. It is true that judgment was delivered by the Court of Appeal on October 30. Sequel to that judgement, there was a split decision of the court of appeal. As a result of the dissenting judgment, the defendant filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court, challenging the decision of the Appeal Court”, Magaji submitted.

He told the tribunal that the notice of the appeal marked SC/852/2015 and dated November 2, had been served on all the parties in the matter, adding that the record of the proceedings of the appellate court has already been transmitted to the Supreme Court.

More so, Saraki’s lawyer, said his client had also filed a motion for stay of proceedings of the tribunal, at the apex court. He said that the tribunal was duly notified about the pendency of the appeal at the Supreme Court via a letter addressed to its chairman, Justice Umar, on November 4.

“In essence, we are saying that we have a valid appeal before your lordships at the Supreme Court”, Magaji added, arguing that for the tribunal to begin hearing on the matter would amount to an affront and disrespect to the judicial hierarchy.

Saraki’s counsel relied on the decided cases of Achebe vs Mbanefo, 10-NWLR, 2007, part 1043, and AGF vs Fakunwa-Onikoyi, 18-NWLR, part 1010, and argued that the tribunal, as a lower court, was constitutionally bound to put its proceeding in abeyance pending determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court. He argued that they are expecting a date for hearing of the appeal, saying they would apply for the apex court to abridge its proceedings so that the matter could be expeditiously determined.

Meanwhile, prosecuting counsel, Jacobs, SAN, vehemently opposed Saraki’s application, describing it as a ploy by the defendant to frustrate his trial. He argued that going by the provision of Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the tribunal, including the parties before it, have no option than to enforce the appeal court judgment that ordered the trial to go on.

The government lawyer argued that Saraki’s application was unconstitutional and contrary to Section 306 of the newly-enacted Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, which he said prohibits courts from staying criminal trials.

“I am happy that the lawmakers that made that law are here today (yesterday). They are the ones that said that we must move from the era where corruption cases were handled with levity. They can confirm that the aim and spirit of the ACJA is for speedy and efficient management of criminal cases.

“Section 396(3) and (4) of the same Act says that after plea has been taken, criminal cases must he heard on a day-to-day basis. As it stands, there is no order from the Supreme Court. Besides, it is a fact that the apex court is presently hearing appeals lodged before it since 2012. Is the defendant asking your lordships to adjourn and wait until the next two years for his appeal to be determined?

“I pray your lordships not to fall for this invitation. Since this matter started, they have brought one motion or the other to frustrate this trial. They have gone before the Federal High Court, the Appeal Court and now the Supreme Court. Even now my lords, they have filed another case in Lagos State where they joined everybody, all in a bid to stop this case.

“I urge your lordships to reject this application. He wants to deprive us of the fruit of our labour. The court should rise and stop this disturbing trend in our criminal justice system”, Jacobs added.

He also relied on the authority in Dariye vs FRN, 2013, 10-NWLR, part 1457 and that of Ajiboye vs FRN, 2013, 4-FWLR, part 694, and urged the tribunal to refuse Saraki’s request.

Replying on points of law, Saraki through another lawyer in his camp, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, contended that the only issue for the tribunal to decide was whether it could continue with the proceeding despite the appeal before the Supreme Court.

He said: “All we want is to let the head move the tail and not the tail moving the head”.

Meantime, in a ruling it delivered after a one-hour stand down, the tribunal refused Saraki’s application, even as it directed the Federal Government to immediately open its case against him.

According to Justice Umar, “the tribunal has painstakingly analysed all the arguments from both counsel. However, as lawyers, we are ministers in the temple of justice and must at all times advice our clients accordingly and with the interest of justice at heart.

“This tribunal hereby in strength of the provision of Section 305(c) of the ACJA, which gives us the power to conclude trial and pass sentence but suspend execution until such time when an appeal before a higher court is considered and decided, order the prosecution to open its case.

“The essence of the ACJA is to ensure that criminal cases are expeditiously and judiciously thrashed within a short time. The tribunal hereby upholds argument of the prosecution. Moreover, the defendant will never suffer any injury, miscarriage of justice or harm in anyway if the proceeding continues. This tribunal is a sacred institution that took an oath to do justice to all and sundry. The prosecution is hereby ordered to open its case against the defendant”, Justice Umar held.

Immediately the prosecutor, Jacobs, SAN, made move to call his first witness, Saraki’s lawyer, Magaji, SAN, told the tribunal that all the defence counsel would not be comfortable to take part in what he termed “judicial rascality”.

“I therefore hereby withdraw my legal services to the defendant”, he told the panel.

Likewise, Raji, SAN, said: “In my capacity as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I have not seen where this kind of conduct will be exhibited against the apex court of the country and I don’t want references to be made in future that I was part of such proceeding. I find it most impossible to sit down here and participate in a proceeding whose legality is being challenged at the Supreme Court. We are asking for the indulgence of your lordships to leave,” a request to which Justice Umar replied: “You are all free to go.”

At that juncture, Jacobs noted that though most of his witnesses came from outside Abuja, “we will, however, allow the defendant to make alternative arrangement for lawyers or decide to defend himself.”

Speaking from the dock after all his lawyers had left, Saraki told the court that he had limited knowledge of the legal system, even as he begged for time to seek legal assistance.

“Mr. Chairman, I find myself in a new terrain. Firstly is the fact that my lawyers walked out on me. I need time to go and beg them to come back and in any event that they refuse, I need to look for best hands to defend me. I need to ask them why they did what they did today (yesterday). If they refuse to come back I will then know where to go from there,” Saraki pleaded.

While not opposing Saraki’s plea, the prosecutor, Jacobs, urged the court to adjourn the matter till either today or next week for trial, saying “what happened yesterday is a demonstration of the bad legal advice the defendant has been receiving since this matter started”.

His application did not go down well with Saraki who pleaded with the tribunal to adjourn the matter for one month to enable him make wide consultations with a view to procuring quality legal services.

After listening to Saraki’s plea, Justice Umar, declined to grant one month adjournment on the matter, even as he adjourned the case till November 19 for hearing. Nevertheless, Justice Umar berated Saraki’s legal team, saying “the action of the defendant’s team smacked of disrespect”.

Saraki was accompanied to the tribunal yesterday by Senators from both the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Among the lawmakers that stood by him yesterday included the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, Dino Melaye, Bath Nnaji, Andy Uba, Shehu Sani, James Manager, Danjuma Goje, Abdullahi Adamu, Stella Odua, Adamu Aliero, John Eno, Mao Ohuabunwa, Abdulaziz Nyako, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, among others.

Specifically, Saraki was in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, alleged to have falsely declared his assets, contrary to the constitutional requirement.

He was accused of deliberately manipulating the assets declaration form that he filed prior to his assumption of office as the Senate President, by making anticipatory declaration of assets, as well as, operated foreign bank account while in office as a public servant.

The offence was said to have been committed while Saraki held sway as a governor.

He was also accused of breaching section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Government, among other offences, alleged that Saraki, claimed that he owned and acquired No 15A and 15B Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos, through his company, Carlisle Properties Limited in 2000, when the said property was actually sold by the Implementation Committee of the Federal Government landed properties in 2006 to his companies, Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited for the aggregate sum of N396,150,000, 00.

He was alleged to have made false declaration on or about June 3, 2011, by refusing to declare Plot 2A, Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he acquired between 2007 and 2008 through his company from the Central Bank of Nigeria for a total sum of N325,000,000, 00.

Similarly, Saraki was said to have refused to declare No1 Tagnus street, Maitama, Abuja, which he claimed to have acquired in November 1996 from one David Baba Akawu.

Some of his alleged offences while in office as governor, which are said to be punishable under section 15(1) and (2) of the CCB and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, were allegedly committed between October 2006 and May 2007.

His actions were classified as a gross violation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

SERAP wants NBA to probe Saraki’s lawyers on walk-out

Meanwhile, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to “urgently investigate the conduct of lawyers to the Senate President Bukola Saraki, for walking out on the Code of Conduct Tribunal after the tribunal refused their application for stay of proceedings.

The organisation said that “It is the role of Sakari’s lawyers to serve their client’s best interests but in doing so they should not act in a manner that would put the administration of justice and the society’s confidence in the judicial system and the fight against corruption at risk.”

In a statement signed by SERAP’s executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni the organisation said that, “Walking out on the Code of Conduct Tribunal for simply and correctly applying Section 305(e) of the newly enacted Administration of Criminal Justice Act is disrespectful. It offends the basic rule that lawyers should act with integrity and professionalism, maintaining his or her overarching responsibility to ensure civil conduct.

“SERAP believes that a lawyer’s duty to the court is a fundamental obligation that defines a lawyer’s role within the adversarial system. Lawyers should at all times act to promote the rule of law and the public’s confidence in the administration of justice and not be seen to undermine it or facilitate an infringement of the law.

“As we have seen many times, without the rule of law, the rule of the jungle takes hold and the economically and socially vulnerable fall victim to the strong and nobody is safe.”“Senior lawyers especially have a responsibility to act as the guardians of the rule of law by contributing to a strong judicial and legal system which is crucial to a well-functioning democracy and which in turn is necessary to satisfactorily prevent and combat years of official corruption in the country.”

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday described the plan by the Edo State Government to probe the administration of a former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, over an alleged $31m fraud, as political witch-hunt.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, had on Wednesday told journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting that the state government had resolved to institute a legal action in order to recover the said amount, which it claimed, was fraudulently taken from the state’s coffers by the Igbinedion administration.

SOURCE: http://www.newsinnigeria.org/pdp-defends-igbinedion-over-31m-fraud-allegation/

The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, who spoke while briefing journalists in Benin, the state capital, said that the state government’s move was a clear sign of political desperation and persecution of the former governor, rather than addressing the numerous challenges facing the state.

He said that despite the billions of naira expended on the storm water project, flooding was on the increase in the state, in addition to the dilapidated state of roads in different parts of the state.