Abuja Time
AS Americans and Turkish nationals are being evacuated from the troubled Egypt, President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Immediate evacuation of Nigerians from the North African nation.
To this end, the President ordered the National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi (rtd) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia to immediately evacuate trapped Nigerians at the Egyptian airport in Cairo.
In a telephone interview from his base in Adis Ababa, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, told Vanguard yesterday that President Jonathan gave the directive Sunday night when he got the news while attending the 16th Ordinary African Union Summit with the theme, “towards Greater Unity and Integration through shared Value’’.
Some 200 Nigerian travellers, amongst them students, businessmen, government officials, and others on medical visits are said to be stranded at Cairo’s International Airport due to the turmoil in that country.
They are said to have been at the airport for days with no access to call home as Egyptian authorities had blocked mobile services as well as access to internet, living in very harsh conditions.
Egypt Air said to have been cancelling flights to African cities (Lagos, Kano, Accra, Nairobi, Entebbe and others) even though it was still operating many flights to European and Arabian cities smoothly.
In the last eight days, Egypt has been in turmoil, with hundreds of thousands of youth pouring into the streets everyday in an effort to topple President Hosni Mubarak, who has ruled the country for nearly 30 years.
President Jonathan said both Azazi and Ajumogobia (who is also in Addis Ababa) must coordinate the mission and return the trapped Nigerians home to their families and loved ones.
Monday, January 31, 2011
5 countries with low taxes
Any comparison of taxes is complicated because not all countries have the same types of taxes, nor do they apply them in a consistent way. The comparison method used by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is to calculate an "aggregate tax burden" consisting of the ratio of total tax revenues to what the country produces — or gross domestic product.
Based on data contained in the 2010 edition of its Revenue Statistics report, the two lowest-taxed countries are Mexico and Turkey. Included in the database are OECD member countries that represent many of the world's largest economies. Since 2000, the overall tax burden for those countries has hovered in the range of 35-36%.
Here's a look at five countries at the low end of the tax burden scale and how their citizens are faring in the current economic environment.
Free guides to beating tax
1. Mexico
In addition to being the lowest-taxed country in the OECD report at 21.1%, based on the latest available estimates, KPMG ranked Mexico as the best place to do business from an overall tax standpoint. The May 2010 KPMG report focused on 95 cities in 10 developed countries. Mexico's low cost of living has attracted more US expatriates and retirees than any other country — as well as immigrants from the rest of the developed word.
While Mexico has a reputation of being dangerous in some areas, most of the country is relatively safe. It also offers low property taxes and quality medical care at costs far less than in the United States - and many of its doctors were trained in the United States.
The medical system is a combination of public, private and employer-sponsored insurance programs. The level of care varies by provider, with the best services offered by the privately funded systems. Funding for public healthcare is rising, but still remains one of the lowest per capita expenditures among OECD countries at only 6.6% of GDP.
2. Turkey
Turkey imposes income taxes on both individuals and companies. In addition to these direct taxes, it levies a VAT of 18% and other indirect taxes. It's the second-lowest taxed country behind Mexico with a tax to GDP ratio of 23.5% and is the world's 16th largest economy.
Turkey has a centralised healthcare and social welfare system that is administered by the federal government. The Ministry of Health has sweeping responsibilities including preventive health services, supervision of private hospitals, regulation of drug production and pricing, training of medical personnel and construction and operation of state hospitals.
3. South Korea
The Far East didn't escape the financial crisis, but South Korea weathered the storm better than most. The president of the country, Lee Myung-bak, is a former head of Hyundai. He instituted programs to rescue certain companies and banks, cut interest rates and implemented currency-swaps to shore-up the country's foreign currency reserves.
Taxes weren't raised, thereby maintaining South Korea's position as one of the lowest-taxed countries at a 26.6% aggregate tax burden. Among all the OECD developed countries, it experienced the most rapid recovery with an estimated 2010 GDP growth rate of about 5.8%. Seoul hosted the G20 Leaders Summit in November 2010.
4. United States
With the world's largest economy at over $14 trillion, the United States maintains a high standard of living with a relatively low overall tax rate, compared with other nations. With a total tax burden of approximately 26.9%, its workers enjoy the highest income per hour in a free market economic system.
While it does not provide the level of comprehensive services as countries such as Denmark and Sweden, it has major social programs in place that focus on seniors including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Pre-retirement safety nets include relatively generous welfare and unemployment benefits.
Unlike many European countries, the United States has no value added tax or national sales tax. Federal government revenues are derived primarily from a progressive income tax that ranges from 10% to 35%.
5. Ireland
Things have changed in Ireland since the OECD ranked it fifth on the lowest aggregate tax list at 28.3%. Faced with growing deficits and shrinking revenues, the country recently appealed to the European Union and International Monetary Fund for a bailout to rescue its failing banking system.
As a condition of receiving such financial aid, the government said that it would cut spending by 20% and raise taxes over the next four years. The goal is to reduce the annual deficit to 3% of GDP by the end of 2014.
The plan to accomplish this includes cutting its generous welfare programs by €2.8 billion and reducing the salaries for new government employees by 10%. The minimum wage will also be cut by €1 per hour to a revised rate of €7.65 per hour and tax breaks on pensions will be reduced.
The increased taxes on income are expected to generate additional revenue of €1.9 billion over four years. A new site tax will be levied on property and the sales tax will be raised from 21% to 23% in 2014.
The Bottom Line
While these countries have enjoyed lower taxes, the United States and Ireland have accumulated debt loads that are putting increasing pressure on their ability to maintain the same level of government services.
Ireland is already taking significant steps to reduce spending and get its fiscal house in order, the United States has not yet taken the steps needed to reduce its growing debt and get federal spending under control.
The situation in the United States may only get worse before it gets better. This year will be the first one where the "baby boomer" generation becomes eligible for full retirement benefits from Social Security and Medicare.
Without substantial changes, those programs will not be able to support the same standard of living to which Americans have become accustomed. So the top five low tax countries may look very different in the years to come.
Based on data contained in the 2010 edition of its Revenue Statistics report, the two lowest-taxed countries are Mexico and Turkey. Included in the database are OECD member countries that represent many of the world's largest economies. Since 2000, the overall tax burden for those countries has hovered in the range of 35-36%.
Here's a look at five countries at the low end of the tax burden scale and how their citizens are faring in the current economic environment.
Free guides to beating tax
1. Mexico
In addition to being the lowest-taxed country in the OECD report at 21.1%, based on the latest available estimates, KPMG ranked Mexico as the best place to do business from an overall tax standpoint. The May 2010 KPMG report focused on 95 cities in 10 developed countries. Mexico's low cost of living has attracted more US expatriates and retirees than any other country — as well as immigrants from the rest of the developed word.
While Mexico has a reputation of being dangerous in some areas, most of the country is relatively safe. It also offers low property taxes and quality medical care at costs far less than in the United States - and many of its doctors were trained in the United States.
The medical system is a combination of public, private and employer-sponsored insurance programs. The level of care varies by provider, with the best services offered by the privately funded systems. Funding for public healthcare is rising, but still remains one of the lowest per capita expenditures among OECD countries at only 6.6% of GDP.
2. Turkey
Turkey imposes income taxes on both individuals and companies. In addition to these direct taxes, it levies a VAT of 18% and other indirect taxes. It's the second-lowest taxed country behind Mexico with a tax to GDP ratio of 23.5% and is the world's 16th largest economy.
Turkey has a centralised healthcare and social welfare system that is administered by the federal government. The Ministry of Health has sweeping responsibilities including preventive health services, supervision of private hospitals, regulation of drug production and pricing, training of medical personnel and construction and operation of state hospitals.
3. South Korea
The Far East didn't escape the financial crisis, but South Korea weathered the storm better than most. The president of the country, Lee Myung-bak, is a former head of Hyundai. He instituted programs to rescue certain companies and banks, cut interest rates and implemented currency-swaps to shore-up the country's foreign currency reserves.
Taxes weren't raised, thereby maintaining South Korea's position as one of the lowest-taxed countries at a 26.6% aggregate tax burden. Among all the OECD developed countries, it experienced the most rapid recovery with an estimated 2010 GDP growth rate of about 5.8%. Seoul hosted the G20 Leaders Summit in November 2010.
4. United States
With the world's largest economy at over $14 trillion, the United States maintains a high standard of living with a relatively low overall tax rate, compared with other nations. With a total tax burden of approximately 26.9%, its workers enjoy the highest income per hour in a free market economic system.
While it does not provide the level of comprehensive services as countries such as Denmark and Sweden, it has major social programs in place that focus on seniors including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Pre-retirement safety nets include relatively generous welfare and unemployment benefits.
Unlike many European countries, the United States has no value added tax or national sales tax. Federal government revenues are derived primarily from a progressive income tax that ranges from 10% to 35%.
5. Ireland
Things have changed in Ireland since the OECD ranked it fifth on the lowest aggregate tax list at 28.3%. Faced with growing deficits and shrinking revenues, the country recently appealed to the European Union and International Monetary Fund for a bailout to rescue its failing banking system.
As a condition of receiving such financial aid, the government said that it would cut spending by 20% and raise taxes over the next four years. The goal is to reduce the annual deficit to 3% of GDP by the end of 2014.
The plan to accomplish this includes cutting its generous welfare programs by €2.8 billion and reducing the salaries for new government employees by 10%. The minimum wage will also be cut by €1 per hour to a revised rate of €7.65 per hour and tax breaks on pensions will be reduced.
The increased taxes on income are expected to generate additional revenue of €1.9 billion over four years. A new site tax will be levied on property and the sales tax will be raised from 21% to 23% in 2014.
The Bottom Line
While these countries have enjoyed lower taxes, the United States and Ireland have accumulated debt loads that are putting increasing pressure on their ability to maintain the same level of government services.
Ireland is already taking significant steps to reduce spending and get its fiscal house in order, the United States has not yet taken the steps needed to reduce its growing debt and get federal spending under control.
The situation in the United States may only get worse before it gets better. This year will be the first one where the "baby boomer" generation becomes eligible for full retirement benefits from Social Security and Medicare.
Without substantial changes, those programs will not be able to support the same standard of living to which Americans have become accustomed. So the top five low tax countries may look very different in the years to come.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
10 Governors Meet over Jonathan's Presidential Bid
Governor Olusola Saraki of Kwara State
Ten governors drawn from the South-south, South-east and North-central geopolitical zones rose from a meeting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital Saturday with a resolve to build greater national understanding, and the support base for President Goodluck Jonathan in his bid for the April presidential poll.
The governors, who also decried the spate of insecurity in some parts of the country, deliberated to foster unity and seek reconciliation among the perceived interest groups in the country.
Discussions were also held on other critical national issues bordering on fostering the country’s democracy, security, law and order, economic development and the need to unify the country behind the Jonathan presidential bid.
The meeting, which was a follow up to the first meeting held in Asaba, Delta State about a week ago at the instance of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, had in attendance the Delta governor, BabangidaAliyu (Niger), Timipriye Silva (Bayelsa), Peter Obi (Anambra) and LiyelImoke (Cross River)
Others that attended the meeting include Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Theodore Orji (Abia), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), BukolaSaraki (Kwara), Gabriel Suswam (Benue) while Nassarawa was represented by the deputy governor.
Addressing the press at the end of the closed door meeting, Peter Obi said the meeting was a continuation of the earlier one held in Asaba, stressing that “the meeting was conveyed for the purpose of reconciliation.”
He added that the governors discussed issues of common interest, the need for greater dialogue, and the need to build and accommodate all in the present democratic dispensation.
Obi said the governors also discussed the recent violence in Borno State where a gubernatorial candidate and brother to the state governor were gunned down in broad day light along with five others on the street of the state capital.
He said the meeting was held in Kwara, a North-central state, in recognition of the state governor who is also the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
His words: “Basically, this is a meeting of governors in a kind of what we call the reconciliation in our polity. The South-south and South-east governors met about a week ago and decided to consult round the country with our colleagues on how to stabilise the polity.
“We have commenced that from the North-west and we will move to the North-east and South-west all in a bid to reconcile the polity and ensure that the unity of the country is paramount in whatever we are doing.”
He described the meeting as a furtherance of the progressive roles of governors across the country, saying they will continue with the task.
He confirmed that the governors will be holding another meeting shortly and this will be expanded to include the North-west, North-east and South-west.
“Today,” Obi stated, “the South-south, South-east and North-central have met and spoken with one voice. That is dialogue and understanding. We also discussed the issue of insecurity in some parts of the country.”
Last Sunday, the governors of the South-south and South-east met in Asaba and came up with the Asaba Declaration where they restated their support for President Jonathan’s bid at the presidential election.
They had also pledged to work to foster democratic institutions and engender robust national dialogue and understanding.
Jos: 14 Feared Killed in Fresh Violence
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State
About 14 people were reportedly killed in Jos, Plateau State in the early hours of Saturday in a fresh round of violence that ensued between the military Special Task Force meant to restore peace and the students of the University of Jos.
Eye witnesses around Faringada area of Jos told THISDAY, in their accounts that at least two fuel stations, cars and several houses were burnt in the area including the Saduana Memorial Secondary School.
The state’s Police Commissioner, MrAbdulRahmanAkano, however, downplayed the death toll from latest outbreak of violence, stating that only two people were killed while 14 were injured. No student, he said, was killed in the incident.
Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Sonny Tyoden, who confirmed the incident put the number of injured students at 14, adding that academic activities have been temporary suspended, just as the council would meet on Monday (tomorrow) to decide whether or not to close the school.
The Chief Medical Director of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Dr. George Chima, confirmed that a total of 24 injured persons were brought to his hospital, including one that was dead on arrival. He said the hospital was trying its best to save those in critical conditions.
The state government decried the shooting of unarmed students by the soldiers, describing it as a failure to observe rules of engagement. Speaking to newsmen on the development, the state Commissioner of Information and Communication, Honourable Greg Yenlong said, “I speak to you today with a heavy heart that unarmed students protesting an act of injustice done to their colleagues were shot by some members of STF, when simple rules of engagement says they shouldn’t shoot women, children and unarmed citizens.”
Describing the attitude of some members of the STF as worrisome, Yenlong said the police would have known how to control the students with tear-gas, without having to shoot at the students, adding that “it is a very sad development, and government is concerned about it.”
He further reiterated the call that as chief security officers of states, governors should be given the power to direct commissioners of police in their states to restore law and order.
Trouble began on Friday evening at about 6.30 pm when two students were stabbed by Muslim youths when an argument ensued between them at the university main gate.
This led to a protest by the students who mobilised and gathered on the highway in front of the Village Hostel.
Members of the STF were said to have immediately moved in to restore order, but pandemonium ensued leading to the shooting of 14 students.
The incident resulted in confusion in the entire university community as students in the Abuja Hostel and Students’ Village Hostel scampered for safety following sporadic gun shots fired into the air by the soldiers in attempts to disperse the crowd.
The angry students were said to have remobilised for another protests yesterday morning, a development that snowballed into a full blown riot that escalated to Faringada area of the city where lives and property were wasted, with soldiers accused of shooting and killing sporadically.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Nigerian Lawyer, 33, In USA Found In His Car Trunk With Neck Broken By Car Thief
Man in Trunk Is Identified; Driver Sought
The man found stabbed and in critical condition inside the trunk of a high-end BMW was identified Thursday as a 33-year-old attorney who worked for Columbia University and who had been trying to sell the vehicle, authorities said.
Akeem Ajimotokan, of West New York, N.J., was in a coma after he was discovered Wednesday stabbed and bound in the trunk of his own 2008 BMW M3, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the case said. Mr. Ajimotokan remained in stable condition at Harlem Hospital Thursday. He was saved when the driver of the vehicle rear-ended a yellow taxi at corner of 10th Avenue and Dyckman Street in Inwood, near the exit ramp from the Harlem River Drive, at about 9:10 a.m.
The driver of the taxi called 911 as the driver of the BMW fled, police said. Responding officers noticed blood inside the car and several .38 caliber bullets in "plain view," the official said. They forced the trunk open and found Mr. Ajimotokan with his hands bound with zip ties and unconscious, the official said.
The victim had several cuts to his head and body and puncture wounds to his left lung and left ribs, the official said.
Investigators found a bill of sale inside the car dated Jan. 25, listing Mr. Ajimotokan as the seller and the name of the buyer, who the official identified as Barion Blake, 30, of the Dyckman Housing Development on 10th Avenue, near the scene of the crash. Mr. Blake, who was being sought Thursday, allegedly placed license plates stolen from a Toyota in Queens on the BMW, the official said.
According to the official, Mr. Blake spoke to his wife by telephone before the accident, telling her "he had done something awful that was going to cause his life to be over." After the fender-bender, he went to their apartment and again appeared distraught, taking out a handgun and threatening to shoot himself, the wife told police.
He didn't pull the trigger and instead took some clothes and fled the apartment, the official said. Mr. Blake, who is described as being 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, has 11 prior arrests dating back to 1999, including arrests for assault and car theft, the official said. He was paroled in December 2008 after serving almost two years on an assault charge, records show.
Mr. Ajimotokan had the BMW listed for sale on several used car websites, where he posted his cellphone number and indicated he was looking for $46,000 or the best offer for the electric blue sports car with 31,000 miles on it. Police are trying to determine if he was lured by his attacker through the ads and if the attack was initiated during a car sale, the official said.
The law enforcement official said surveillance video from Mr. Ajimotokan's residence in New Jersey shows the victim with a man who fits the description of Mr. Blake on Tuesday. The two men appear together at various times, finally leaving the building together at about 11:00 p.m, the official said. At one point, the victim is seen taking the license plates off the BMW, the official said.
Hours later, at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, a Nassau County police officer saw a man fitting Mr. Blake's description putting license plates on a blue BMW in front of 247 Jericho Turnpike in Bellrose, N.Y. When the officer stopped to investigate, the man took off in the BMW and led the officer on a chase on the Cross Island Parkway, the official said. The Nassau officer crashed during the pursuit, and the BMW was able to escape, the official said.
The officer, who is currently hospitalized, will be shown a photo array to determine if Mr. Blake was the man behind the wheel of the BMW he spotted, the official said.
The law enforcement official said Mr. Ajimotokan is an attorney who did legal work for Columbia University. A profile on the website LinkedIn says he graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2004.
The man found stabbed and in critical condition inside the trunk of a high-end BMW was identified Thursday as a 33-year-old attorney who worked for Columbia University and who had been trying to sell the vehicle, authorities said.
Akeem Ajimotokan, of West New York, N.J., was in a coma after he was discovered Wednesday stabbed and bound in the trunk of his own 2008 BMW M3, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the case said. Mr. Ajimotokan remained in stable condition at Harlem Hospital Thursday. He was saved when the driver of the vehicle rear-ended a yellow taxi at corner of 10th Avenue and Dyckman Street in Inwood, near the exit ramp from the Harlem River Drive, at about 9:10 a.m.
The driver of the taxi called 911 as the driver of the BMW fled, police said. Responding officers noticed blood inside the car and several .38 caliber bullets in "plain view," the official said. They forced the trunk open and found Mr. Ajimotokan with his hands bound with zip ties and unconscious, the official said.
The victim had several cuts to his head and body and puncture wounds to his left lung and left ribs, the official said.
Investigators found a bill of sale inside the car dated Jan. 25, listing Mr. Ajimotokan as the seller and the name of the buyer, who the official identified as Barion Blake, 30, of the Dyckman Housing Development on 10th Avenue, near the scene of the crash. Mr. Blake, who was being sought Thursday, allegedly placed license plates stolen from a Toyota in Queens on the BMW, the official said.
According to the official, Mr. Blake spoke to his wife by telephone before the accident, telling her "he had done something awful that was going to cause his life to be over." After the fender-bender, he went to their apartment and again appeared distraught, taking out a handgun and threatening to shoot himself, the wife told police.
He didn't pull the trigger and instead took some clothes and fled the apartment, the official said. Mr. Blake, who is described as being 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, has 11 prior arrests dating back to 1999, including arrests for assault and car theft, the official said. He was paroled in December 2008 after serving almost two years on an assault charge, records show.
Mr. Ajimotokan had the BMW listed for sale on several used car websites, where he posted his cellphone number and indicated he was looking for $46,000 or the best offer for the electric blue sports car with 31,000 miles on it. Police are trying to determine if he was lured by his attacker through the ads and if the attack was initiated during a car sale, the official said.
The law enforcement official said surveillance video from Mr. Ajimotokan's residence in New Jersey shows the victim with a man who fits the description of Mr. Blake on Tuesday. The two men appear together at various times, finally leaving the building together at about 11:00 p.m, the official said. At one point, the victim is seen taking the license plates off the BMW, the official said.
Hours later, at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, a Nassau County police officer saw a man fitting Mr. Blake's description putting license plates on a blue BMW in front of 247 Jericho Turnpike in Bellrose, N.Y. When the officer stopped to investigate, the man took off in the BMW and led the officer on a chase on the Cross Island Parkway, the official said. The Nassau officer crashed during the pursuit, and the BMW was able to escape, the official said.
The officer, who is currently hospitalized, will be shown a photo array to determine if Mr. Blake was the man behind the wheel of the BMW he spotted, the official said.
The law enforcement official said Mr. Ajimotokan is an attorney who did legal work for Columbia University. A profile on the website LinkedIn says he graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2004.
Farting to be punishable by Local Courts
Farting is natural but nature to the ‘disciplinarian’ can even be banned. Government wants people who enjoy fouling air should be punishable by law if Parliament passes the Local Courts Bill of 2010.
The bill also proposes to punish any idle and disorderly person and drunken persons who cause nuisances.
Those who hinder burial of dead body had better do it for the last time because once the Local Courts are instituted, they will be punished by the law.
According to the new legislative, those who pretend to tell fortunes will also be punished.
Rogues and vagabonds, those endangering or obstructing in public way or line of navigation and those in unlawful use of vehicles and animals will face the law of the Local Courts.
The bill to be presented in the forthcoming Parliament sitting seeks to introduce a new genre of courts to be named Local Courts with the primary function of dispensing familiar and affordable justice for the ordinary Malawian in line with the spirit of the Constitution which aims at enhancing the right of access to justice by all citizens.
But leader of the opposition in parliament John Tembo has said the establishment of a kangaroo like court will not ideal for a democracy.
“Its tactic and the people of this country cannot in fairness appreciate the integrity of this proposal,” Tembo told a local radio.
“I don’t think today in a multi party state we can have too parallel courts system,” he said.
Tembo said the government has some “intelligent people” who should give the voice of reason not to bring back the traditional courts which were abused in the one party dictatorship.
“We don’t agree with it. The courts system as of now is doing its best. There is nothing wrong with the present court system. So why have some kangaroo type of court come in,” he wondered on Capital FM.
Asked if the minority opposition rejection of the bill will ‘hold water’, Tembo said: “whether it will hold water or paraffin or petrol I don’t care but parliament is an institution through which opinions representing people who are represented in parliament are expressed.”
Nyasa Times has a copy of the bill and gives highlights of some of the offences.
The Local Courts will also punish any person disturbing religious assemblies, trespassing on burial places, insulting the modesty of a woman.
The courts will also punish a master who is not providing for servants or apprentices.
Those endangering safety of persons traveling by railway and those fouling water will also be punished.
The Local Courts will also handle offences of use of insulting language, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, common assault, unauthorised user of land and premises, writing or uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings and setting fire to crops, possession of stolen property and cheating among others.
Some of the offences that the Local Courts will handle are not relevant. The capacity of such courts is questionable. For example, how can a Local Court handle offences in relation to publications, importation of which is prohibited, publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm to the public.
According to the bill, the Local Courts will also handle offences of carrying offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, fighting in public, challenging to fight a duel, deceiving witness, destroying evidence, escape and removal of property under lawful seizure.
Other offences punishable by the Local Courts include criminal trespass, dealing in poisonous substances in negligent manner, offensive trades, disobedience of statutory duty, false declaration for passport and obtaining registration by false pretence.
The proposal to introduce a new genre of courts is based on the report of a Special Law Commission on the Review of the Traditional Courts Act dated 14th September 2007.
“The Special Law Commission recognised that Magistrates courts can never replace Local Courts due to the differences in practice and procedures. Access to justice by the ordinary Malawian residing in the rural areas shall be denied if all matters including customary civil matters, continue to be handled by Magistrate Courts which are ill-equipped to handle such matters,” reads part of the bill.—(Reporting by Joseph Banda, Nyasa Times)
The bill also proposes to punish any idle and disorderly person and drunken persons who cause nuisances.
Those who hinder burial of dead body had better do it for the last time because once the Local Courts are instituted, they will be punished by the law.
According to the new legislative, those who pretend to tell fortunes will also be punished.
Minister of Justice, George Chaponda: To table the bill in parliament
The bill to be presented in the forthcoming Parliament sitting seeks to introduce a new genre of courts to be named Local Courts with the primary function of dispensing familiar and affordable justice for the ordinary Malawian in line with the spirit of the Constitution which aims at enhancing the right of access to justice by all citizens.
But leader of the opposition in parliament John Tembo has said the establishment of a kangaroo like court will not ideal for a democracy.
“Its tactic and the people of this country cannot in fairness appreciate the integrity of this proposal,” Tembo told a local radio.
“I don’t think today in a multi party state we can have too parallel courts system,” he said.
Tembo said the government has some “intelligent people” who should give the voice of reason not to bring back the traditional courts which were abused in the one party dictatorship.
“We don’t agree with it. The courts system as of now is doing its best. There is nothing wrong with the present court system. So why have some kangaroo type of court come in,” he wondered on Capital FM.
Asked if the minority opposition rejection of the bill will ‘hold water’, Tembo said: “whether it will hold water or paraffin or petrol I don’t care but parliament is an institution through which opinions representing people who are represented in parliament are expressed.”
Nyasa Times has a copy of the bill and gives highlights of some of the offences.
The Local Courts will also punish any person disturbing religious assemblies, trespassing on burial places, insulting the modesty of a woman.
The courts will also punish a master who is not providing for servants or apprentices.
Those endangering safety of persons traveling by railway and those fouling water will also be punished.
The Local Courts will also handle offences of use of insulting language, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, common assault, unauthorised user of land and premises, writing or uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings and setting fire to crops, possession of stolen property and cheating among others.
Some of the offences that the Local Courts will handle are not relevant. The capacity of such courts is questionable. For example, how can a Local Court handle offences in relation to publications, importation of which is prohibited, publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm to the public.
According to the bill, the Local Courts will also handle offences of carrying offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, fighting in public, challenging to fight a duel, deceiving witness, destroying evidence, escape and removal of property under lawful seizure.
Other offences punishable by the Local Courts include criminal trespass, dealing in poisonous substances in negligent manner, offensive trades, disobedience of statutory duty, false declaration for passport and obtaining registration by false pretence.
The proposal to introduce a new genre of courts is based on the report of a Special Law Commission on the Review of the Traditional Courts Act dated 14th September 2007.
“The Special Law Commission recognised that Magistrates courts can never replace Local Courts due to the differences in practice and procedures. Access to justice by the ordinary Malawian residing in the rural areas shall be denied if all matters including customary civil matters, continue to be handled by Magistrate Courts which are ill-equipped to handle such matters,” reads part of the bill.—(Reporting by Joseph Banda, Nyasa Times)
Ten Nigerians Held In Uk For Marriage, Immigration Fraud
Ten Nigerians have been arrested by the United Kingdom Border Agency for alleged involvement in sham marriages and immigration fraud in the past few months, according to a statement by the British High commission, Abuja.
The statement said special operations by the UKBA had led to the arrest of over 200 foreign nationals, noting that those found guilty would be jailed and deported.
The statement said British courts had handed out jail sentences totalling over 12 years to Nigerians arrested in these operations.
The high commission said, “On December 6, Tunde Ayammiyi, 50, and Bukola Arinkanmile, 28, were sentenced to 20 months and three years respectively for conspiring to break immigration laws. Victoria Adesola, 34, was jailed for two years for her involvement in sham marriage.
“Two fake grooms, Olarotimi Ojugbele, 41, and Idowu Komolafe, 34, were also jailed for 21 months each for their roles in sham marriages. In Belfast, Patrick Ozegebe, 34, was jailed for six months for trying to open a bank account with a false Nigerian passport.
The statement said special operations by the UKBA had led to the arrest of over 200 foreign nationals, noting that those found guilty would be jailed and deported.
The statement said British courts had handed out jail sentences totalling over 12 years to Nigerians arrested in these operations.
The high commission said, “On December 6, Tunde Ayammiyi, 50, and Bukola Arinkanmile, 28, were sentenced to 20 months and three years respectively for conspiring to break immigration laws. Victoria Adesola, 34, was jailed for two years for her involvement in sham marriage.
“Two fake grooms, Olarotimi Ojugbele, 41, and Idowu Komolafe, 34, were also jailed for 21 months each for their roles in sham marriages. In Belfast, Patrick Ozegebe, 34, was jailed for six months for trying to open a bank account with a false Nigerian passport.
Fg Adds 188mgw To Power, As Supply Sits 3,800mgw
ABUJA – NO fewer than 188 megawatt has now been added to the power generation in the country, through the Olorunsogo power plant, which brings power generation in the country to a total of 3,800mw with an estimated 4,000mw by the end of March this year.
This is amongst the first three projects in the National Independent Power Projects (NIPP) to be completed to this stage.
Besides the Olorunsogo plant in Osun state, the generating plants in Aloaji in Abia state and Sapele in Delta state are also being test run.
This is the outcome of the FEC meeting as disclosed by the minister of state for power, Nuhu Wya while briefing alongside the minister of information and communication Labaran Maku, after the second federal executive council meeting of the year, who also said the power plant has been test run and connected to the power grid.
Mr. Wya who enthusiastically spoke on the successful completion of the test run of the Olorunsogo plant, said this was to show that government was serious in delivering on its promise of as some people had not believed that the NIPP projects will even see the light of day adding that the Aloaji and Sapele plants are also being test run in preparation for commissioning in the first quarter of this year.
He however said more generation will be made via the Olorunsogo plant as it had the capacity to generate much more than it is currently generating.
“We are on top of the situation in the power sector…. with this we can assure Nigerians of significant improvement in power supply from now on” Mr. Wya told journalists.
Mr.Maku also briefed journalists on the issues discussed during the closed door FEC meeting, noting that council had primarily focused on memos tendered by the Federal Capital Territory minister, Bala Mohammed, which included the construction of 3 solid waste transfer stations for the FCT worth N2.9billion.
According to the information minister Council approved this contract because of the impact it will have on the city of Abuja and its environs.
“Council approved the award of this contract for the construction of 3 solid waste transfer stations at Mpape, Apo and Kubwa areas of the city, in favoiur of Messrs Goodness International Resources Ltd. In the sum of N2,957,572,096.35 with 12months completion period” Mr. Maku said.
On FCT at this time, the FCT minister said the nation’s capital is now witnessing an influx of foreign investors with a total of $5billion worth of investments; hence the city should be given face lift.
He said projects which include the building of a 37 floor storey building World Trade Centre, Abuja Boulevard, Film Village, Botanical garden and the Housing for Africa project along the airport road have been proposed by investors and some of them have already moved to site, at no cost to government.
Council also approved the award of contract for the provision of primary engineering infrastructure to Mbora District, Abuja in the sum of N6,664,244,869.17 out of the total project cost of N19,952,798,155.76 with a completion period of 36months.
The approval Mr. Maku said is in line with “the administration’s desire to provide adequate mas housing facilities to reduce the pressure of housing for FCT residents”.In order to ensure fire safety in the FCT, Council approved the contract for the supply of 5 units of fire fighting vehicles (Mercedes Benz Model 1518) in the sum of N195,825,000.00.
Council also considered and approved the award of contract for the Reconstruction of Lower Usuman Dam – Gurara Dam road project in the sum of N13,840,383,768.75 with a completion period of 18 months.
According to the information minister, “the reconstruction of this road will guarantee unlimited access to the entire pipeline for operation and maintenance, improve commuting between the two Dams, enhance economic potentials along the route, provide relief and shorter route to Kaduna via the Jere village link and facilitate the Gurara Multi-purpose project phase 11 aimed at developing hydro-electric power generation, agriculture irrigation, tourism and shelter”.
This is amongst the first three projects in the National Independent Power Projects (NIPP) to be completed to this stage.
Besides the Olorunsogo plant in Osun state, the generating plants in Aloaji in Abia state and Sapele in Delta state are also being test run.
This is the outcome of the FEC meeting as disclosed by the minister of state for power, Nuhu Wya while briefing alongside the minister of information and communication Labaran Maku, after the second federal executive council meeting of the year, who also said the power plant has been test run and connected to the power grid.
Mr. Wya who enthusiastically spoke on the successful completion of the test run of the Olorunsogo plant, said this was to show that government was serious in delivering on its promise of as some people had not believed that the NIPP projects will even see the light of day adding that the Aloaji and Sapele plants are also being test run in preparation for commissioning in the first quarter of this year.
He however said more generation will be made via the Olorunsogo plant as it had the capacity to generate much more than it is currently generating.
“We are on top of the situation in the power sector…. with this we can assure Nigerians of significant improvement in power supply from now on” Mr. Wya told journalists.
Mr.Maku also briefed journalists on the issues discussed during the closed door FEC meeting, noting that council had primarily focused on memos tendered by the Federal Capital Territory minister, Bala Mohammed, which included the construction of 3 solid waste transfer stations for the FCT worth N2.9billion.
According to the information minister Council approved this contract because of the impact it will have on the city of Abuja and its environs.
“Council approved the award of this contract for the construction of 3 solid waste transfer stations at Mpape, Apo and Kubwa areas of the city, in favoiur of Messrs Goodness International Resources Ltd. In the sum of N2,957,572,096.35 with 12months completion period” Mr. Maku said.
On FCT at this time, the FCT minister said the nation’s capital is now witnessing an influx of foreign investors with a total of $5billion worth of investments; hence the city should be given face lift.
He said projects which include the building of a 37 floor storey building World Trade Centre, Abuja Boulevard, Film Village, Botanical garden and the Housing for Africa project along the airport road have been proposed by investors and some of them have already moved to site, at no cost to government.
Council also approved the award of contract for the provision of primary engineering infrastructure to Mbora District, Abuja in the sum of N6,664,244,869.17 out of the total project cost of N19,952,798,155.76 with a completion period of 36months.
The approval Mr. Maku said is in line with “the administration’s desire to provide adequate mas housing facilities to reduce the pressure of housing for FCT residents”.In order to ensure fire safety in the FCT, Council approved the contract for the supply of 5 units of fire fighting vehicles (Mercedes Benz Model 1518) in the sum of N195,825,000.00.
Council also considered and approved the award of contract for the Reconstruction of Lower Usuman Dam – Gurara Dam road project in the sum of N13,840,383,768.75 with a completion period of 18 months.
According to the information minister, “the reconstruction of this road will guarantee unlimited access to the entire pipeline for operation and maintenance, improve commuting between the two Dams, enhance economic potentials along the route, provide relief and shorter route to Kaduna via the Jere village link and facilitate the Gurara Multi-purpose project phase 11 aimed at developing hydro-electric power generation, agriculture irrigation, tourism and shelter”.
Borno ANPP Guber Candidate Shot Dead
Modu Gubio, Borno ANPP guber candidate
Tragedy struck in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, Friday as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP) in the April poll, Fannami Modu Gubio, and six others were shot dead by unknown gunmen.
Gubio was also a cousin of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and Commissioner for Finance in the ANPP administration in the state. He was elected the flag bearer of the party a fortnight ago.
Among those killed were another brother of the governor who was chairman of Sheriff’s Ngala local government, Alhaji Goni Modu Sheriff, and two mobile policemen attached to the deceased gubernatorial candidate.
A minor, whose identity was not known last night, was also killed in the incident.
THISDAY learnt that Gubio and others were returning home through Lawan Bukar Street within Maiduguri Metropolis at about 3 pm after the Jumat prayers when they met their death.
It was learnt that the gunmen trailed Gubio on a motorcycle and opened fire on him and others immediately they levelled up with them.
They were all left in the pool of their blood as the assailants continued to shoot into the air to ward off any reprisal attack.
The corpses of the deceased, it was gathered, have already been deposited at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) mortuary.
Borno State Commis-sioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, who confirmed the killing, said he had received the information concerning the killings.
He said they were shot by gunmen on motorbike and that their corpses, six adults and a minor, have been deposited at the UMTH morgue.
"He (Gubio)â€Ë†was shot and killed this afternoon. Obviously it's a political assassination. It was himself and six others," Mohammed said.
The state had earlier been ravaged by the Boko Haram saga in which many lives were lost last year and early this year.
But there had also been violent skirmishes in the state in the build-up to the forthcoming elections.
Gubio was born on August 28, 1960. He is a 1981 graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He is survived by a wife and children.
He was said to be the candidate to beat in the April governorship poll having been endorsed for the job by Sheriff who controls the ruling party in the state.
The news of the death of the governorship candidate immediately threw the city into confusion.
Business suddenly came to a halt as many shops were hurriedly closed as people started returning to their various homes.
Meanwhile, ANPP has condemned the killing of Gubio and six others.
The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Emma Eneukwu, said the sad incident was clearly a return to the dark days of political violence where bloodshed was used as an option to outwit opponent.
"ANPP condemns in its entirety the dastardly killing of seven people in Maiduguri including our governorship candidate. The sad incident is clearly a retrogression into the dark days of political violence where bloodshed was an option to outwit opponent," he said.
The party said the state of insecurity in the land had reached its peak, adding that the government had a responsibility to tell Nigerians the concrete steps being taken to arrest the situation.
"This is one killing too many and those responsible for this must be brought to book in earnest. Coming at this point in time when preparations for the next elections hot up, the killing presents an ominous sigh for the coming elections," the party added.
Tragedy struck in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, Friday as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP) in the April poll, Fannami Modu Gubio, and six others were shot dead by unknown gunmen.
Gubio was also a cousin of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and Commissioner for Finance in the ANPP administration in the state. He was elected the flag bearer of the party a fortnight ago.
Among those killed were another brother of the governor who was chairman of Sheriff’s Ngala local government, Alhaji Goni Modu Sheriff, and two mobile policemen attached to the deceased gubernatorial candidate.
A minor, whose identity was not known last night, was also killed in the incident.
THISDAY learnt that Gubio and others were returning home through Lawan Bukar Street within Maiduguri Metropolis at about 3 pm after the Jumat prayers when they met their death.
It was learnt that the gunmen trailed Gubio on a motorcycle and opened fire on him and others immediately they levelled up with them.
They were all left in the pool of their blood as the assailants continued to shoot into the air to ward off any reprisal attack.
The corpses of the deceased, it was gathered, have already been deposited at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) mortuary.
Borno State Commis-sioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, who confirmed the killing, said he had received the information concerning the killings.
He said they were shot by gunmen on motorbike and that their corpses, six adults and a minor, have been deposited at the UMTH morgue.
"He (Gubio)â€Ë†was shot and killed this afternoon. Obviously it's a political assassination. It was himself and six others," Mohammed said.
The state had earlier been ravaged by the Boko Haram saga in which many lives were lost last year and early this year.
But there had also been violent skirmishes in the state in the build-up to the forthcoming elections.
Gubio was born on August 28, 1960. He is a 1981 graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He is survived by a wife and children.
He was said to be the candidate to beat in the April governorship poll having been endorsed for the job by Sheriff who controls the ruling party in the state.
The news of the death of the governorship candidate immediately threw the city into confusion.
Business suddenly came to a halt as many shops were hurriedly closed as people started returning to their various homes.
Meanwhile, ANPP has condemned the killing of Gubio and six others.
The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Emma Eneukwu, said the sad incident was clearly a return to the dark days of political violence where bloodshed was used as an option to outwit opponent.
"ANPP condemns in its entirety the dastardly killing of seven people in Maiduguri including our governorship candidate. The sad incident is clearly a retrogression into the dark days of political violence where bloodshed was an option to outwit opponent," he said.
The party said the state of insecurity in the land had reached its peak, adding that the government had a responsibility to tell Nigerians the concrete steps being taken to arrest the situation.
"This is one killing too many and those responsible for this must be brought to book in earnest. Coming at this point in time when preparations for the next elections hot up, the killing presents an ominous sigh for the coming elections," the party added.
Billards Clash Leads To 4 Deaths And Burning Of 5 Mosques And 50 Homes
Sectarian clashes in Nigeria sparked by a dispute over a game of billiards have left four people dead and dozens of buildings on fire, police say.
The trouble broke out in Tafawa Balewa in central Nigeria, a region that has seen an upsurge in violence between Christians and Muslims
Five mosques and about 50 homes were set alight as Christian and Muslim youths fought each other.
Police eventually restored order, using roadblocks to contain the violence.
Police commissioner Abdulkadir Mohammed Indabawa said the dispute began on Wednesday night with a disagreement over money between the Christian owner of the billiards table and a Muslim player.
Although the row was settled through mediation by local elders, the table was later burned.
"The Christian youths accused Muslims of the act, which prompted them to go about burning houses and mosques," said Mr Indabawa.
"Clashes followed between Muslim and Christian groups and four people were killed as a result."
Volatile region
Paramilitary police were patrolling the city's streets on Thursday and Mr Indabawa said troops could also join the crackdown.
"We have mounted roadblocks at areas leading to the town to avoid a spillover of the crisis to other areas," he said.
Tafawa Balewa is close to the city of Jos in Nigeria's volatile Middle Belt, which sits between the mainly Muslim north and largely Christian south.
The region has been a flashpoint of tension between Hausa Muslims and Berom Christians.
It has suffered repeated outbreaks of ethnic violence over the past decade, with deadly riots in 2001, 2008 and last year.
The trouble broke out in Tafawa Balewa in central Nigeria, a region that has seen an upsurge in violence between Christians and Muslims
Five mosques and about 50 homes were set alight as Christian and Muslim youths fought each other.
Police eventually restored order, using roadblocks to contain the violence.
Police commissioner Abdulkadir Mohammed Indabawa said the dispute began on Wednesday night with a disagreement over money between the Christian owner of the billiards table and a Muslim player.
Although the row was settled through mediation by local elders, the table was later burned.
"The Christian youths accused Muslims of the act, which prompted them to go about burning houses and mosques," said Mr Indabawa.
"Clashes followed between Muslim and Christian groups and four people were killed as a result."
Volatile region
Paramilitary police were patrolling the city's streets on Thursday and Mr Indabawa said troops could also join the crackdown.
"We have mounted roadblocks at areas leading to the town to avoid a spillover of the crisis to other areas," he said.
Tafawa Balewa is close to the city of Jos in Nigeria's volatile Middle Belt, which sits between the mainly Muslim north and largely Christian south.
The region has been a flashpoint of tension between Hausa Muslims and Berom Christians.
It has suffered repeated outbreaks of ethnic violence over the past decade, with deadly riots in 2001, 2008 and last year.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Uganda gay rights activist David Kato killed
A Ugandan gay rights campaigner who last year sued a local newspaper which outed him as homosexual has been beaten to death, activists say.
Police have confirmed the death of David Kato and say they have arrested one suspect.Uganda's Rolling Stone newspaper published the photographs of several people it said were gay next to a headline reading "Hang them".
Homosexual acts are illegal in Uganda, with punishments of 14 years in prison.
The BBC's Joshua Mmali, in Kampala, says it is unclear whether the death is linked to the Rolling Stone campaign but police have said there is no connection between Mr Kate's activism and his death.
The police say that though they have arrested one suspect, the main suspect - who they say lived with Mr Kato - remains on the run.
An MP recently tried to increase the penalties to include the death sentence in some cases.
There has been a recent spate of "iron-bar killings" in Mukono, where Mr Kato lived, in which people have been assaulted with pieces of metal.
Witnesses have told the BBC that a man entered Mr Kato's home near Kampala, and beat him to death before leaving.
His Sexual Minorities Uganda (Smug) group said Mr Kato had been receiving death threats since his name, photograph and address were published by Rolling Stone last year.Frank Mugisha, the group's executive director, told the BBC's Network Africa programme he was "devastated" on hearing the news from New York.
"He was killed by someone who came in his house with a hammer, meaning anyone else could be the next target."
Mr Mugisha said Mr Kato had recently been concerned about the threats he had received.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for a swift investigation into his death.
"David Kato's death is a tragic loss to the human rights community," said HRW's Maria Burnett.
He had campaigned against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which appears to have been quietly dropped after provoking a storm of international criticism when it was mooted in 2009.
'Extra caution' Following a complaint by Mr Kato and three others, a judge in November ordered Rolling Stone to stop publishing the photographs of people it said were homosexual, saying it contravened their right to privacy.
Mr Mugisha called on the Ugandan government to step up security for gay people.
"We're strongly asking every gay and lesbian and bisexual and transgender person in Uganda to watch out for their security … [they] should take extra caution."
Rolling Stone editor Giles Muhame told Reuters news agency he condemned the murder and that the paper had not wanted gays to be attacked.
"There has been a lot of crime, it may not be because he is gay," he said.
"We want the government to hang people who promote homosexuality, not for the public to attack them."
"Iron-bar killings" were common in Uganda when former leader Idi Amin was in power in the 1970s.
A rapid response police team has been sent to the area and several suspects have been arrested over the killings.
Abiola’s son joins politics:I won’t ride to power on my father’s back
The issue of platform is something that is not very clear yet. Right now, it is the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), because it is the strongest opposition party in Ogun State. It is also a strong party in the South-West. I have consulted very widely. I have met the party leaders. I have met with my constituency and everybody was very happy and very supportive of my aspiration.
But interestingly, I got a feeler that a son of one of the party leaders has been pencilled down for the slot I am trying to contest for. An anointed candidate sort of. I even met with the father of the so called anointed candidate and he (the father) told me in many ways that he has been planning the race for his son for a very long time. He therefore told me to look for something else to contest for. He even suggested that, I might go for House of Assembly or wait for a political appointment or something like that. When I got back home to discuss with my family, they were not happy about the turn of events and they insisted I went into primaries with the anointed candidate and if at the end of the day the anointed candidate won, so be it..
But when we had a meeting in Abeokuta, they made it clear that there would not be any primary. They said they would just handpick candidates and submit same to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). And whoever is not picked should wait for an appointment or something like that.
And I think if that happens, I would move to a different party. And the different party I could move to is General Muhammadu Buhari’s party. The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Over the years, like in 2003 and 2007, I was part of General Buhari’s campaign train. He is somebody I love, somebody I admire and somebody I campaigned for. It is not that the party is strong in the south west, but since I could not get a fair deal in the ACN, I decided to go back to General Buhari’s party.
Why in politics?
We have general problem in Nigeria from Maiduguri to Port-Harcourt, Sokoto to Lagos and Enugu to Jos. There is problem of unemployment, economic problems, and leadership problem as well as problem of infrastructure. I hold the view that by 2011, every capable hand, every competent hand who have love and passion for this country should come out to salvage the country together.
But when you don’t have internal democracy in the political parties, the problems will persist because those people who are not popular, who are not competent and who don’t have wide support among the populace would be at the helms of affairs. And sadly they would not be able to perform because people would not have confidence in them. And when you don’t understand democracy, you would not understand the language of democracy and how democracy works to bring about dividends of democracy.
How long have you been in politics?
Every human being is a politician. It is not when you start running for an elective position that will make you a politician. We have been playing politics at home. We play politics with our wives, we play with our children and we play politics with our parents too at home. We are all political animals.
But I became more active in politics when my father was running for an election. Though I was young then, I can say I was part of the campaign team. I was following them up and down during the campaigns, watching what they were doing. And when there was annulment and the struggle to actualise the mandate ensued, I was with my mum, going up and down with her to see what could be done.
I was part of the marches to protest. Even in America, I was part of the protesters at the Nigerian Embassy. I even lobbied some American government officials to put some kind of sanctions on Nigerian government to force it to de-annul the election and so on. I am in politics with my roles to that extent. So in 2003 and 2007, I became part of Buhari campaign team in the south west, I think with Chief Olu Falae as the Head of the Campaign team. You can see now that I have been in politics but just that I am now fully in it as a candidate.
Why N’Assembly as a starter?
I want to start from the Federal level because some of the problems facing the country always come from the Federal government. Take for instance, the problem of insecurity is from the centre. Take a look also at roads like Lagos-Ibadan, Benin-Ore roads. They are Federal roads. Other examples are budgets and exchange rates and other stuff that are handled at the centre. If we can solve the problem from the top, other warehouses would fall in line. So, going to the House of Representatives will give me the opportunity to assist in solving the country’s problems from the centre.
Are you trying to step into your late father’s shoes?
No, no, no. You see, every human being has his own destiny. You can’t say you want to copy some one else life exactly. You should be able to have your own destiny. I agree my parents played politics for the enthronement of democracy that would make everybody in Nigeria enjoy. They did till they sacrificed their lives for genuine democracy to have roots in Nigeria.
Although that has not happened, we should remember that every thing in life is a process. We are in the process of achieving that. You know you can not get to paradise overnight. You have to work towards it. Basically, if we don’t have democracy in its real sense now, we should remember we are no more being ruled by the military. It is an advancement. We are progressing on that road since we have held three elections in this country. We hope we wont go back to dictatorship in this country.
The pro democracy war my parents fought and died for was a collective fight along with a lot of people. And with the elections we have held in this country, it means we are progressing.
What is required now is that the little achievements we have so far recorded must be sustained and nurtured. We hope that the coming election would be better than what we had in 2007. We hope that the democratic process as well as performance of our elected officers across board would be better.
What is your take on professionals in politics?
If you check all the people that have moved forward, you will realise that they put their best forward to lead them. You don’t have people that have nothing doing leading them. They won’t put people who don’t understand why the country is in bad shape in office. Those who don’t know why Naira is devalued when our crude oil is selling at high rate. Or those who don’t know the impact of devalued Naira on the economy.
I remember in the 1980s when naira went one-to-one dollar, one to two and one to three dollar, people started shouting. When it went from one to five to one to ten, people started screaming. When it moved from one to ten to one dollar to N22, people were wondering what was happening!
When Obasanjo took over it was one dollar to 87. Before you knew what was happening it went to one dollar to N117. Later it went to one dollar to N135. Now, it is one dollar to N155! You can imagine what is going on here. We need those who can identify the problem and proffer solution to it.
Also you look into the high rate of the current expenditure when the budget is currently going to the current expenditure. Our crude oil is basically spent on paying salaries and not in developing infrastructure. These are some of the issues I am going to the National Assembly to address by the grace of God.
What has being Abiola’s son done for you?
Well, I don’t ask from human being any special favour because I am MKO Abiola’s son. My parents have done their work and have gone back to their God and I pray that God gives them their rewards. I don’t seek unnecessary favour like saying, Lekan Abiola wants to contest and so, anybody that wants to contest should get out of the way. That was why I told the party leaders at a meeting in Abeokuta that, there should be primaries where all the card carrying members would decide who they want to fly the ACN flags.
It is not because of me.
What about those who are not Abiola’s sons like sons of Okada man, sons of artisan and peasant farmers and others like them?
I have gone round to meet people and campaign. They were supportive of my aspiration and looking forward to having a good primary.
When my father was contesting in 1993, they did not say, oh, MKO Abiola is coming, let everybody get out of the way for him. He fought a good fight since he had the Kingibes and Atikus to content with. It was a big fight in Jos. My father did not get his ticket of the SDP on a platter of gold. So I don’t expect my own to be on a platter of gold also.
So, even, if I was the one so handpicked, I would not want it. However, it has not discourage me in any way. It does not worth it, big or small. I am sure, anything God says is mine, In Sha Allah, I will have it. If God says on May 29, 2011, I will be sworn-in as House of Representatives member, nobody can stop it. When one door closes Allah will open another bigger one. So, I can’t be discouraged. I hope In sha Allah, I will be successful.
But interestingly, I got a feeler that a son of one of the party leaders has been pencilled down for the slot I am trying to contest for. An anointed candidate sort of. I even met with the father of the so called anointed candidate and he (the father) told me in many ways that he has been planning the race for his son for a very long time. He therefore told me to look for something else to contest for. He even suggested that, I might go for House of Assembly or wait for a political appointment or something like that. When I got back home to discuss with my family, they were not happy about the turn of events and they insisted I went into primaries with the anointed candidate and if at the end of the day the anointed candidate won, so be it..
But when we had a meeting in Abeokuta, they made it clear that there would not be any primary. They said they would just handpick candidates and submit same to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). And whoever is not picked should wait for an appointment or something like that.
And I think if that happens, I would move to a different party. And the different party I could move to is General Muhammadu Buhari’s party. The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Over the years, like in 2003 and 2007, I was part of General Buhari’s campaign train. He is somebody I love, somebody I admire and somebody I campaigned for. It is not that the party is strong in the south west, but since I could not get a fair deal in the ACN, I decided to go back to General Buhari’s party.
Why in politics?
We have general problem in Nigeria from Maiduguri to Port-Harcourt, Sokoto to Lagos and Enugu to Jos. There is problem of unemployment, economic problems, and leadership problem as well as problem of infrastructure. I hold the view that by 2011, every capable hand, every competent hand who have love and passion for this country should come out to salvage the country together.
But when you don’t have internal democracy in the political parties, the problems will persist because those people who are not popular, who are not competent and who don’t have wide support among the populace would be at the helms of affairs. And sadly they would not be able to perform because people would not have confidence in them. And when you don’t understand democracy, you would not understand the language of democracy and how democracy works to bring about dividends of democracy.
How long have you been in politics?
Every human being is a politician. It is not when you start running for an elective position that will make you a politician. We have been playing politics at home. We play politics with our wives, we play with our children and we play politics with our parents too at home. We are all political animals.
But I became more active in politics when my father was running for an election. Though I was young then, I can say I was part of the campaign team. I was following them up and down during the campaigns, watching what they were doing. And when there was annulment and the struggle to actualise the mandate ensued, I was with my mum, going up and down with her to see what could be done.
I was part of the marches to protest. Even in America, I was part of the protesters at the Nigerian Embassy. I even lobbied some American government officials to put some kind of sanctions on Nigerian government to force it to de-annul the election and so on. I am in politics with my roles to that extent. So in 2003 and 2007, I became part of Buhari campaign team in the south west, I think with Chief Olu Falae as the Head of the Campaign team. You can see now that I have been in politics but just that I am now fully in it as a candidate.
Why N’Assembly as a starter?
I want to start from the Federal level because some of the problems facing the country always come from the Federal government. Take for instance, the problem of insecurity is from the centre. Take a look also at roads like Lagos-Ibadan, Benin-Ore roads. They are Federal roads. Other examples are budgets and exchange rates and other stuff that are handled at the centre. If we can solve the problem from the top, other warehouses would fall in line. So, going to the House of Representatives will give me the opportunity to assist in solving the country’s problems from the centre.
Are you trying to step into your late father’s shoes?
No, no, no. You see, every human being has his own destiny. You can’t say you want to copy some one else life exactly. You should be able to have your own destiny. I agree my parents played politics for the enthronement of democracy that would make everybody in Nigeria enjoy. They did till they sacrificed their lives for genuine democracy to have roots in Nigeria.
Although that has not happened, we should remember that every thing in life is a process. We are in the process of achieving that. You know you can not get to paradise overnight. You have to work towards it. Basically, if we don’t have democracy in its real sense now, we should remember we are no more being ruled by the military. It is an advancement. We are progressing on that road since we have held three elections in this country. We hope we wont go back to dictatorship in this country.
The pro democracy war my parents fought and died for was a collective fight along with a lot of people. And with the elections we have held in this country, it means we are progressing.
What is required now is that the little achievements we have so far recorded must be sustained and nurtured. We hope that the coming election would be better than what we had in 2007. We hope that the democratic process as well as performance of our elected officers across board would be better.
What is your take on professionals in politics?
If you check all the people that have moved forward, you will realise that they put their best forward to lead them. You don’t have people that have nothing doing leading them. They won’t put people who don’t understand why the country is in bad shape in office. Those who don’t know why Naira is devalued when our crude oil is selling at high rate. Or those who don’t know the impact of devalued Naira on the economy.
I remember in the 1980s when naira went one-to-one dollar, one to two and one to three dollar, people started shouting. When it went from one to five to one to ten, people started screaming. When it moved from one to ten to one dollar to N22, people were wondering what was happening!
When Obasanjo took over it was one dollar to 87. Before you knew what was happening it went to one dollar to N117. Later it went to one dollar to N135. Now, it is one dollar to N155! You can imagine what is going on here. We need those who can identify the problem and proffer solution to it.
Also you look into the high rate of the current expenditure when the budget is currently going to the current expenditure. Our crude oil is basically spent on paying salaries and not in developing infrastructure. These are some of the issues I am going to the National Assembly to address by the grace of God.
What has being Abiola’s son done for you?
Well, I don’t ask from human being any special favour because I am MKO Abiola’s son. My parents have done their work and have gone back to their God and I pray that God gives them their rewards. I don’t seek unnecessary favour like saying, Lekan Abiola wants to contest and so, anybody that wants to contest should get out of the way. That was why I told the party leaders at a meeting in Abeokuta that, there should be primaries where all the card carrying members would decide who they want to fly the ACN flags.
It is not because of me.
What about those who are not Abiola’s sons like sons of Okada man, sons of artisan and peasant farmers and others like them?
I have gone round to meet people and campaign. They were supportive of my aspiration and looking forward to having a good primary.
When my father was contesting in 1993, they did not say, oh, MKO Abiola is coming, let everybody get out of the way for him. He fought a good fight since he had the Kingibes and Atikus to content with. It was a big fight in Jos. My father did not get his ticket of the SDP on a platter of gold. So I don’t expect my own to be on a platter of gold also.
So, even, if I was the one so handpicked, I would not want it. However, it has not discourage me in any way. It does not worth it, big or small. I am sure, anything God says is mine, In Sha Allah, I will have it. If God says on May 29, 2011, I will be sworn-in as House of Representatives member, nobody can stop it. When one door closes Allah will open another bigger one. So, I can’t be discouraged. I hope In sha Allah, I will be successful.
Voter Registration. . . Jega Asks For Another N6.6bn
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Attahiru Jega, on Wednesday requested an additional N6.6 billion to complete voter registration, in disregard of the warning issued by the National Assembly (NASS) November last year for him not come back for more funds.
The INEC already got N87 billion for the entire election process, including voter registration.
The Senate suspended Order 79 (1) of its Standing Rules to hasten the amendment of the Electoral Act and concurred with the House of Representatives by granting an extension of 30 days for the exercise.
When Jega appeared before Senators in Abuja, as summoned the previous day, Senate President David Mark told him that his reputation is at stake, and so, should perish any thought of resigning from office. Said Mark: “On voting day, there would be a lot of confusion but we can try and rectify the confusion now. We have preached one man, one vote. So, let’s put in place policies that would make that work and not disenfranchise those who want to vote.
“Even if we give you 30 days, it doesn’t mean we would give you money for 30 days. The import of the extension is to ensure that people don’t get frustrated. From what we’ve seen in the field, we believe that you need more than seven days. “It’s better to amend the Electoral Act to have free, fair, and credible elections that would be acceptable to all participants.
“Your reputation is at stake. I would advise you not to resign because you cannot threaten to quit in the middle. Politicians are also determined to win elections creditably because our own reputation is at stake. “I would advise you to move out of your office and see what happens in the field. We are reasonably reassured that the exercise isn’t where it’s supposed to be, but we are reassured that you are taking steps to rectify that.”
Jega replied: “Frankly, I’ve never threatened to resign. I have resolved to give it my best, and frankly, the issue should not arise. The question of my resignation doesn’t arise. I’ll make the place a success.”
He told unimpressed Senators after a question and answer session which spanned three hours and 42 minutes that the fresh funds would address four pressing challenges: personnel (two), transportation, and consummables.
He said the INEC registered only 28.5 million voters by January 22 out of the estimated 65, 783,046 million.
On rerun primaries, Jega reiterated that the Electoral Act clearly says the INEC should announce a timetable for the election “and any timeline we fix has implication for the next election. All we are doing is to bring sanity and respect into the system.
“The timetable is very clear: all party primaries end on January 15 and nominations end on January 31. “If we wake up and somebody says he is going to do primary again, long after January 15, we are obligated to draw his attention to the provision that the date for primary has elapsed.
“That is what we have done, and I do not see how we can be seen to have broken any law or acted contrary to the provision of the law. We felt we should draw their attention to it.”
Jega dismissed the thinking floated in the Senate on Tuesday that the INEC would revert to the old, manual register because of hitches in the electronic registration.
“Every registration we do in a day is saved in the hard disk of the computer and an external hard disk. In addition to that, we take manual records as well. If push comes to shove, we still have the manual register to fall back on. We don’t see ourselves ever going back to the old register that is not even credible.
“We have not taken that decision and we will not take that decision ever.”
Deputy Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Deputy Minority Leader, Olorunnimbe Mamora, asked questions about the cost implications of extending the registration period.
Jega said: “The cost elements are about four: We have 240,000 personnel for those in the field and we would take care of another 9,000 personnel in the registration centres.
“We also intend to increase the transport allowances from N400 to N1,000 and also procure consummables such as ink, paper, and co-laminates.
“Everything adds up to N6.6 billion, certainly under N10 billion. This is the figure and it’s certainly unavoidable.”
Jega said voting in April would be manual, with motorised boats already provided for the riverine areas.
He disclosed that although 250,000 voters were registered on the first day of the exercise on January 8, an average 4.3 million voters have since been registered per day.
“By the provisions of the Electoral Act, we cannot do electronic voting. We are going to do manual voting. Accreditation for the voting is electronically generated because it covers the biometrics of the voter.
“As of four days ago, with information available to us, we have registered 28.5 million Nigerians. When we close on Saturday January 29, we would have registered between 43 million and 45 million more.
“At the end of the extension, we would have registered more than 65 million Nigerians by February 5. We’ve done our calculations, we’ve done our projections, and we’ve been reasonably conservative with our expectations.”
On lack of facilities in registration units, Jega admitted that there have been “challenges and we have not taken environmental factors into consideration. They are formidable challenges.”
He defended the extension of the registration period and insisted that Nigerians requested it, not the INEC.
“The reality is that Nigerians want an extension. There are clearly problems which have emerged, and based on circumstances totally out of our control, Nigerians still feel that there are legitimate grounds for extension.
“They are asking for it. Given the projections that we have done, an additional week would be sufficient to register those who have not been registered.
The INEC already got N87 billion for the entire election process, including voter registration.
The Senate suspended Order 79 (1) of its Standing Rules to hasten the amendment of the Electoral Act and concurred with the House of Representatives by granting an extension of 30 days for the exercise.
When Jega appeared before Senators in Abuja, as summoned the previous day, Senate President David Mark told him that his reputation is at stake, and so, should perish any thought of resigning from office. Said Mark: “On voting day, there would be a lot of confusion but we can try and rectify the confusion now. We have preached one man, one vote. So, let’s put in place policies that would make that work and not disenfranchise those who want to vote.
“Even if we give you 30 days, it doesn’t mean we would give you money for 30 days. The import of the extension is to ensure that people don’t get frustrated. From what we’ve seen in the field, we believe that you need more than seven days. “It’s better to amend the Electoral Act to have free, fair, and credible elections that would be acceptable to all participants.
“Your reputation is at stake. I would advise you not to resign because you cannot threaten to quit in the middle. Politicians are also determined to win elections creditably because our own reputation is at stake. “I would advise you to move out of your office and see what happens in the field. We are reasonably reassured that the exercise isn’t where it’s supposed to be, but we are reassured that you are taking steps to rectify that.”
Jega replied: “Frankly, I’ve never threatened to resign. I have resolved to give it my best, and frankly, the issue should not arise. The question of my resignation doesn’t arise. I’ll make the place a success.”
He told unimpressed Senators after a question and answer session which spanned three hours and 42 minutes that the fresh funds would address four pressing challenges: personnel (two), transportation, and consummables.
He said the INEC registered only 28.5 million voters by January 22 out of the estimated 65, 783,046 million.
On rerun primaries, Jega reiterated that the Electoral Act clearly says the INEC should announce a timetable for the election “and any timeline we fix has implication for the next election. All we are doing is to bring sanity and respect into the system.
“The timetable is very clear: all party primaries end on January 15 and nominations end on January 31. “If we wake up and somebody says he is going to do primary again, long after January 15, we are obligated to draw his attention to the provision that the date for primary has elapsed.
“That is what we have done, and I do not see how we can be seen to have broken any law or acted contrary to the provision of the law. We felt we should draw their attention to it.”
Jega dismissed the thinking floated in the Senate on Tuesday that the INEC would revert to the old, manual register because of hitches in the electronic registration.
“Every registration we do in a day is saved in the hard disk of the computer and an external hard disk. In addition to that, we take manual records as well. If push comes to shove, we still have the manual register to fall back on. We don’t see ourselves ever going back to the old register that is not even credible.
“We have not taken that decision and we will not take that decision ever.”
Deputy Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Deputy Minority Leader, Olorunnimbe Mamora, asked questions about the cost implications of extending the registration period.
Jega said: “The cost elements are about four: We have 240,000 personnel for those in the field and we would take care of another 9,000 personnel in the registration centres.
“We also intend to increase the transport allowances from N400 to N1,000 and also procure consummables such as ink, paper, and co-laminates.
“Everything adds up to N6.6 billion, certainly under N10 billion. This is the figure and it’s certainly unavoidable.”
Jega said voting in April would be manual, with motorised boats already provided for the riverine areas.
He disclosed that although 250,000 voters were registered on the first day of the exercise on January 8, an average 4.3 million voters have since been registered per day.
“By the provisions of the Electoral Act, we cannot do electronic voting. We are going to do manual voting. Accreditation for the voting is electronically generated because it covers the biometrics of the voter.
“As of four days ago, with information available to us, we have registered 28.5 million Nigerians. When we close on Saturday January 29, we would have registered between 43 million and 45 million more.
“At the end of the extension, we would have registered more than 65 million Nigerians by February 5. We’ve done our calculations, we’ve done our projections, and we’ve been reasonably conservative with our expectations.”
On lack of facilities in registration units, Jega admitted that there have been “challenges and we have not taken environmental factors into consideration. They are formidable challenges.”
He defended the extension of the registration period and insisted that Nigerians requested it, not the INEC.
“The reality is that Nigerians want an extension. There are clearly problems which have emerged, and based on circumstances totally out of our control, Nigerians still feel that there are legitimate grounds for extension.
“They are asking for it. Given the projections that we have done, an additional week would be sufficient to register those who have not been registered.
Jonathan Appoints Ojukwu's Wife As Special Assistant
A press release issued a while ago has announced new appointments made by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
A media release signed by Ima Niboro, Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, said, Mr. Jonathan has approved the following appointments:
Hon. Kingsley K. Kuku as Special Adviser, Niger Delta Affairs;
Amb. (Dr.) Zakari Ibrahim as Coordinator, Anti Terrorism;
Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu as Senior Special Assistant, Diaspora Affairs; and
Oyewole Olugbenga Leke as Senior Special Assistant, Maritime Services.
The appointment of Mrs. Ojukwu at a time the husband is hospitalized in an undisclosed hospital in London is aimed at gaining political capital for Mr. Jonathan in the South eastern region where Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu is widely respected.
The release further stated that the new appointments take immediate effect.
A media release signed by Ima Niboro, Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, said, Mr. Jonathan has approved the following appointments:
Hon. Kingsley K. Kuku as Special Adviser, Niger Delta Affairs;
Amb. (Dr.) Zakari Ibrahim as Coordinator, Anti Terrorism;
Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu as Senior Special Assistant, Diaspora Affairs; and
Oyewole Olugbenga Leke as Senior Special Assistant, Maritime Services.
The appointment of Mrs. Ojukwu at a time the husband is hospitalized in an undisclosed hospital in London is aimed at gaining political capital for Mr. Jonathan in the South eastern region where Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu is widely respected.
The release further stated that the new appointments take immediate effect.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sarah Jubril Takes Jonathan To Court
For getting only one vote during the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election,
a defeated aspirant during the contest, Mrs Sarah
Jibril, has alleged foul play and has gone to the
Federal High Court in Abuja to stop President
Goodluck Jonathan from parading himself as winner
of the election.
The Director-General of the Sarah Jibril Campaign
Organisation, Musa Ajogie, told newsmen in Kaduna,
on Tuesday, that they were also asking the court to
declare as null and void the said primary election
where Jonathan was declared winner, alleging that
what the PDP did was ridiculous and had set a bad
precedence.
Mrs Jibril also asked the court to declare that Atiku
Abubakar was not the Northern consensus candidate
for the PDP and joined President Jonathan, Mallam
Adamu Ciroma, Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) chairman, Attahiru Jega and
Atiku Abubakar in the suit.
“They told the court in their affidavit that consensus
as verdict has nothing to do with voting. Consensus
means unanimous agreement on an issue or on a
candidate not by voting.”
Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election,
a defeated aspirant during the contest, Mrs Sarah
Jibril, has alleged foul play and has gone to the
Federal High Court in Abuja to stop President
Goodluck Jonathan from parading himself as winner
of the election.
The Director-General of the Sarah Jibril Campaign
Organisation, Musa Ajogie, told newsmen in Kaduna,
on Tuesday, that they were also asking the court to
declare as null and void the said primary election
where Jonathan was declared winner, alleging that
what the PDP did was ridiculous and had set a bad
precedence.
Mrs Jibril also asked the court to declare that Atiku
Abubakar was not the Northern consensus candidate
for the PDP and joined President Jonathan, Mallam
Adamu Ciroma, Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) chairman, Attahiru Jega and
Atiku Abubakar in the suit.
“They told the court in their affidavit that consensus
as verdict has nothing to do with voting. Consensus
means unanimous agreement on an issue or on a
candidate not by voting.”
OMOTOLA GIVES 20% PROCEEDS FROM ALBUM TO CHARITY
OMOTOLA GIVES 20% PROCEEDS FROM ALBUM TO CHARITY
The following day, the actress in company of her OYEP (Omotola youth empowerment Programme) visited SOS Children village, she advised the children and donated, cloths, shoes, food stuff, biscuit, and products from Chivita to SOS village.
She became the first African to step into the shoes of Nicholas Cage and Bono when she was engaged by the biggest non-governmental organization (NGO), Amnesty International in war-torn Sierra Leone to raise awareness for the menace of high maternal mortality rate.
House Extends Voter Registration
Speaker Dimeji Bankole
The House of Represen-tatives yesterday granted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) additional four weeks to enable the commission to capture more eligible voters in the ongoing voter registration.
Also Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has threatened to quit, if he is pressurised too much on this year's general election. Jega, who was speaking in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) (Hausa Service) yesterday said that no one has so far approached him with any impossible demand, stating that he prays “that such would never happen”.
Under the extant law, INEC was expected to conclude the voter registration not later than January 31, to provide the legal allowance of 60 days before the first round of elections scheduled for April 2.
The Senate has no similar Bill before it at the moment, but its spokesman, Senator Ayogu Eze, said yesterday that its position on the clamour for extension of time would be informed by the outcome of its meeting today with the National Chairman of the commission, Jega. If the upper chamber concurs with the House, the ongoing registration will now end on February 28.
The House also performed a legislative feat by initiating and concluding, in one day, an amendment to the Electoral Act 2010, which granted INEC the extra four weeks to conclude the ongoing voter registration.
The extraordinary amendment was designed to give a swift legislative response to the technical and logistical challenges currently faced by the commission in the voter registration.
The multitude of hitches in the exercise have resulted in the non-registration of a large percentage of the targeted 70 million voters across the country less than one week to the end of the exercise, resulting in the public clamour for an extension of its deadline.
Apparently disturbed by the likelihood of INEC not meeting its own target and the larger implications for the electoral process, the lower chamber of the parliament, which resumed from its Christmas and New Year recess yesterday went straight for a fresh private member Bill tagged Electoral Act Amendment Bill No. 2, 2011 (HB486).
The Bill was sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Ita Enang, and 19 other lawmakers.
It sought to amend Section 9 (5) of the Principal Act to abridge the time granted INEC within which it must conclude all matters concerning the voter register and prepare for the general election from 60 days to 30 days.
After the Bill was read for the first time, Enang quickly moved that the rules be suspended for the Bill to be debated and read it for the second time.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Enang said given the non-availability of the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines in some parts of the country and the low coverage recorded so far in the voter registration, millions of eligible voters might be disenfranchised if the initial deadline of January 29, 2011 was to be maintained.
He argued that INEC, on its own, could not alter the dates and thus needed the National Assembly to effect the necessary adjustments to pave the way for an extension of the deadline for eligible voters to register.
Enang further moved that the rules of the chamber be suspended to allow the reading of the bill for the third time. All the prayers were granted and the bill was passed.
Speaker Dimeji Bankole, who presided over the session, said by the action of the House, the Electoral Act had been amended and the voter registration might now be extended for four more weeks, subject to the concurrence of the Senate.
Apparently to enable the lawmakers to register and monitor the exercise in their constituencies, Bankole announced that the House would adjourn plenary for two more weeks beginning from today but charged all the standing committees to resume work on the 2011 Appropriation Act currently pending before them.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, who spoke to newsmen on the developments, said the House decided to embark on the amendment of the Electoral Act to provide the needed legislative intervention in the voter registration.
Eyiboh, who also spoke on the just concluded primaries of the political parties, said under the law, no member of the House could be said to have lost his ticket yet until all the political parties have concluded the process of nomination and submitted the list of their candidates for the April polls to INEC.
“No member of the House of Representatives lost the primaries; rather, some of them suffered setbacks. You can only say that a member has lost the ticket when his political party fails to submit his name as an aspirant in the forthcoming elections. The process of nomination starts from the ward congress up to the point where the names are sent to INEC by the respective political parties. It is therefore wrong for anyone to conclude that an aspirant has lost his ticket when the process has not been concluded,” he said.
Meanwhile, the INEC boss also said: “Since the day I assumed office, no one has asked me to do anything against my wish and hope it will never happen because if I am asked to do the wrong thing, God knows I will never do it. I will never do anything that will make me go against the Code of Conduct and that is why I accepted this job.”
The INEC chairman told BBC that having sworn with the Holy Qur’an, he has no other choice than to do the job “sincerely and truthfully”, saying nothing would make him do otherwise.
“I assure the people that INEC as an institution would never compromise. We will organise a credible election,” he reiterated.
He explained that no one would be allowed to hijack the conduct of the election, warning that anyone who tries to get involved in any form of malpractice would face the law.
“My obligation as INEC chairman is to supervise the registration of voters. I was there not because he is a presidential candidate but because he is the president and we must accord him that respect given to him by God,” Jega clarified on the controversy that had trailed his trip to Bayelsa State in company with President Goodluck Jonathan to flag off the ongoing voter registration.
When asked by BBC if INEC will extend similar respect to other presidential candidates, Jega said: “But remember, you said the president went to Bayelsa and flagged off the voter registration exercise. That is different from a candidate inviting me to flag it off. No matter who the president is, we must give him that respect..
Pension Scam: Efcc Discovers N800m In Civil Servant's Account:
A Deputy Director of Finance in the Federal Civil Service, Mrs. Piana Chidi, has been arrested in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a result of an alleged N800m found in her bank account.
Another reason for her arrest was the alleged role she played in an organised syndicate that defrauds the Federal Government monthly through a ghost pension scheme.
It was gathered that Chidi was arrested last Saturday at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja at about 8pm, having gone into hiding as her other colleagues had been apprehended.
While she currently works in the Ministry of Transport, the scam for which she is being quizzed was allegedly perpetrated at the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, where she had served as a deputy director.
A breakdown of the cash in her bank account showed that she had N500m in local currency and $2m (N300m).
The suspect is one of the six persons who have been in the custody of the EFCC since Saturday and being quizzed for their alleged roles in a pension fraud rocking federal ministries.
Other suspects being detained are: Messrs Danjuma Bako-Wasa, Luke Eloanyi, M.A. Abdalla, Aliyu Bello and Grace Francis.
Investigation by the anti-graft body revealed that Bako-Wasa was bearing Haruna Megida, with which he operated a different bank account.
Under one year, Megida allegedly paid about N21m into one bank account, just as N8m was discovered in another bank account that also belonged to him.
Similarly, the commission has traced N12m to Francis’ account, while Eloanyi, who is a confidential secretary, allegedly has N13m in his account.
A total of 141,970 pensioners are said to be on the Federal Government’s payroll monthly; whereas less than 90,000 pensioners have been verified, while 34,000 are believed to be ghost pensioners.
An operative of the EFCC told our correspondent that in one instance, 554 ghost pensioners purportedly drew pensions from one account.
The source said, “On Saturday, a Deputy Director of Finance/Accounts, Mrs. Piana Chidi, who was in the office of the Head of Service, was arrested at Sheraton at 8pm.
“By the time we checked her account, we found N500m and $2m in one single account; and she is the sole signatory.
“Prior to her arrest, while our operatives were working on the pensions committee, it was discovered that 141,970 pensioners are on the payroll of the Federal Government; but less than 90,000 pensioners were verified, while 34,000 are ghost workers.”
Another reason for her arrest was the alleged role she played in an organised syndicate that defrauds the Federal Government monthly through a ghost pension scheme.
It was gathered that Chidi was arrested last Saturday at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja at about 8pm, having gone into hiding as her other colleagues had been apprehended.
While she currently works in the Ministry of Transport, the scam for which she is being quizzed was allegedly perpetrated at the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, where she had served as a deputy director.
A breakdown of the cash in her bank account showed that she had N500m in local currency and $2m (N300m).
The suspect is one of the six persons who have been in the custody of the EFCC since Saturday and being quizzed for their alleged roles in a pension fraud rocking federal ministries.
Other suspects being detained are: Messrs Danjuma Bako-Wasa, Luke Eloanyi, M.A. Abdalla, Aliyu Bello and Grace Francis.
Investigation by the anti-graft body revealed that Bako-Wasa was bearing Haruna Megida, with which he operated a different bank account.
Under one year, Megida allegedly paid about N21m into one bank account, just as N8m was discovered in another bank account that also belonged to him.
Similarly, the commission has traced N12m to Francis’ account, while Eloanyi, who is a confidential secretary, allegedly has N13m in his account.
A total of 141,970 pensioners are said to be on the Federal Government’s payroll monthly; whereas less than 90,000 pensioners have been verified, while 34,000 are believed to be ghost pensioners.
An operative of the EFCC told our correspondent that in one instance, 554 ghost pensioners purportedly drew pensions from one account.
The source said, “On Saturday, a Deputy Director of Finance/Accounts, Mrs. Piana Chidi, who was in the office of the Head of Service, was arrested at Sheraton at 8pm.
“By the time we checked her account, we found N500m and $2m in one single account; and she is the sole signatory.
“Prior to her arrest, while our operatives were working on the pensions committee, it was discovered that 141,970 pensioners are on the payroll of the Federal Government; but less than 90,000 pensioners were verified, while 34,000 are ghost workers.”
Tobechi Onwuhara: The King Of Home Equity Fraud
Tobechi Onwuhara (right) at a Dallas nightclub with Ezenwa Onyedebelu.
FORTUNE -- A luxury suite at the W Hotel in Dallas is as good a place as any to conquer the world. At least it seemed that way in 2007 when Tobechi Onwuhara got the crew together. They'd meet there often, seven or eight of them. Some had nicknames from the Ian Fleming lexicon: C, Q, and E. Others were called Mookie, Orji, Uche. They would spread out on designer sofas and at the wet bar, open three-ring binders, and fire up laptops with hard-to-trace wireless cards. On a nearby table there'd be prepaid cellphones with area codes taped to them. A phone for Southern California. A phone for Northern Virginia. A phone for any place Onwuhara had found the "good money."
In those days, the good money wasn't hard to find. The housing boom had flooded the country with capital. Lenders were making promiscuous loans to unsophisticated borrowers. It was an ideal environment for Onwuhara, 27, a brilliant, pug-faced visionary who favored True Religion jeans and Ed Hardy shirts. Looking out over the neon skyline of downtown Dallas, it was easy for the crew to believe his assurances: He'd make them rich. When the sun glinted off one of his $100,000 diamond-encrusted Audemars Piguet watches, who could doubt it? Every few months he would buy a new Maserati or Bentley. He owned expensive properties in Miami, Dallas, and Phoenix. He even had a secret love condo in the W, where scantily clad women visited in such numbers that one bellhop became convinced that the first-generation Nigerian-American was a porn director.
The truth was very different. In his ancestral homeland, Onwuhara might have been a chief. In America he became one of the world's most successful cyberscammers, a criminal genius who used his talents to filet a poorly regulated banking and credit system. In less than three years Onwuhara stole a confirmed $44 million, according to the FBI, which believes the total may be anywhere from $80 million to $100 million. All he needed was an Internet connection and a cellphone.
Onwuhara called it "washing." He'd set up a boiler room in a fancy hotel (the Waldorf-Astoria was another favorite) to wash information on wealthy victims. Then he'd wash bank accounts. One group in his crew would do online research using databases and websites to harvest names, dates of birth, and mortgage information. They'd build profiles of victims for a second group, who would call banks posing as account holders. The callers cadged security information and passwords. Then Onwuhara would breach the accounts and wire funds from them to a network of money mules he had established in Asia. The money would be laundered and wired back to his accounts in the U.S.
"I call it modern-day bank robbery," says FBI special agent Michael Nail. "You can sit at home in your PJs and slippers with a laptop, and you can actually rob a bank."
Onwuhara specialized in hitting home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), the reservoirs of cash that banks make available to homeowners. Once Onwuhara gained access to a HELOC, he could siphon out vast sums in seconds. His weapon was persuasion. It got him enough money to start building a colonnaded fortress in Nigeria; enough to gamble at the high-stakes tables in Vegas casinos all night. Even his accomplices appear not to have known how much he was really pulling down -- not even his beautiful fiancée, Precious Matthews.
"He was playing all of us," says Paula Gipson, a member of the crew. "The banks, us, Precious, everybody."
Conversations with Gipson and other Onwuhara associates, interviews with his family and with investigators, and hundreds of pages of court documents reveal a digital scavenger of extraordinary creativity and guile. Onwuhara orchestrated his swindles using information about homeowners that is widely available online. In fragments, this information is innocuous. When assembled properly, it can be used like an electronic skeleton key to get into almost any credit account. Onwuhara needed only a few short years to rack up an illicit fortune. And he's still at large.
Read the full version of how Onwuhara did it
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Anambra: INEC Discovers "Kidnapped" Registration Units In Deep Forest
Emeka Sibeudu and the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukogu startled
Abdulmutallab in Court Today
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
A Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who attempted to bomb a Detroit-bound American aircraft in December 25, 2009, will appear in court today for pre-trial conference.
Abdulmutallab, who sacked his lawyers and opted to represent himself in court, later sought the court's consent to skip today's hearing and requested that he should be represented by Anthony Chambers, a court-appointed counsel. The application was opposed by the prosecutors.
US District Court Judge, Nancy Edmunds, while rejecting Abdulmutallab's application last Thursday, said: “As long as defendant chooses to represent himself in this matter, he must appear at court for all proceedings.
“Because he has declined formal counsel, defendant must be present in court to represent and speak for himself."
Edmunds, in his ruling, also said Abdulmutallab needed to be in court to "consent to Mr. Chambers speaking for him, and he must have the opportunity to disagree with Mr. Chambers regarding his case”.
Before his request to skip today's court session, Chambers, who was appointed as a stand-in counsel to the accused without his consent, had requested files held by Abdulmutallab's former lawyers, arguing that those files contained information from experts who don't believe he was capable of destroying Northwest Airlines Flight 253.
The 24-year-old Nigerian is facing a string of criminal charges, including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted murder of 289 people. Terrorism charge was slammed on him last month in a superseding indictment issued by a grand jury.
Currently being held in a federal prison in Milan, the accused faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on conviction.
A Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who attempted to bomb a Detroit-bound American aircraft in December 25, 2009, will appear in court today for pre-trial conference.
Abdulmutallab, who sacked his lawyers and opted to represent himself in court, later sought the court's consent to skip today's hearing and requested that he should be represented by Anthony Chambers, a court-appointed counsel. The application was opposed by the prosecutors.
US District Court Judge, Nancy Edmunds, while rejecting Abdulmutallab's application last Thursday, said: “As long as defendant chooses to represent himself in this matter, he must appear at court for all proceedings.
“Because he has declined formal counsel, defendant must be present in court to represent and speak for himself."
Edmunds, in his ruling, also said Abdulmutallab needed to be in court to "consent to Mr. Chambers speaking for him, and he must have the opportunity to disagree with Mr. Chambers regarding his case”.
Before his request to skip today's court session, Chambers, who was appointed as a stand-in counsel to the accused without his consent, had requested files held by Abdulmutallab's former lawyers, arguing that those files contained information from experts who don't believe he was capable of destroying Northwest Airlines Flight 253.
The 24-year-old Nigerian is facing a string of criminal charges, including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted murder of 289 people. Terrorism charge was slammed on him last month in a superseding indictment issued by a grand jury.
Currently being held in a federal prison in Milan, the accused faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on conviction.
Igbos close shops in Borno
The Igbos in Borno State have shut down their businesses over what they call selective killings and robbing of their members in the state. They maintained that all shops, businesses and other economic sectors operated by their members would remain shut until government addressed the lingering killings in the state.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Maiduguri, President General of the Igbo Welfare Association (IWA), Chief Nnaka Okereke said the security situation in Borno was worrisome, adding that it had defied all efforts of security agencies.
“In recent weeks, it has taken a frightening dimension in that armed gangs are selectively robbing and killing Igbos.
Armed robberies and killings in the past three weeks have been selectively directed at Igbos and Igbo businesses,” he declared, noting that no fewer than five persons from the south-eastern part of the country had been murdered in cold blood.
Okereke alleged that the last killing of Obinna, 29 and his 16-year-old brother at Dala Alanderi was carried out after separating the target from “others favoured by religion and tribe of the attackers.” He said no fewer than 12 business premises belonging to Igbos had been attacked and robbed at gunpoint within the same period.
He hinted that the leadership of the Igbos had been managing the situation but felt it was time to let the public know the situation in Borno, adding that they feared the security situation in the state could degenerate to the February 18, 2006 crisis, which, he said, the Igbos were yet to receive assistance or compensation from the government.
He said the corpses of the victims of the last week killings were still left in the morgue at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) because the leadership of the Igbos were scared of possible reprisal attacks by the families of the deceased in their states whenever their corpses were conveyed home, urging the Borno State government to contact the governments of the deceased home states to make adequate arrangement to forestall break down of law and order.
“We are appealing to the government of Borno State to liaise with the state governments of those affected persons to avert a national crisis as a result of these unprovoked killings of innocent and helpless citizens going about their legitimate businesses in their fatherland,” he appealed.
The president-general said the Igbos in Borno would need assurances from the state government and the people of Borno to know if they could continue to live, hence, they were prepared to move out of the state soon. All shops, business outfits as well as commercial vehicles in the state did not open. Equally, operators of luxury buses had also downed tools indefinitely in support of the course.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Maiduguri, President General of the Igbo Welfare Association (IWA), Chief Nnaka Okereke said the security situation in Borno was worrisome, adding that it had defied all efforts of security agencies.
“In recent weeks, it has taken a frightening dimension in that armed gangs are selectively robbing and killing Igbos.
Armed robberies and killings in the past three weeks have been selectively directed at Igbos and Igbo businesses,” he declared, noting that no fewer than five persons from the south-eastern part of the country had been murdered in cold blood.
Okereke alleged that the last killing of Obinna, 29 and his 16-year-old brother at Dala Alanderi was carried out after separating the target from “others favoured by religion and tribe of the attackers.” He said no fewer than 12 business premises belonging to Igbos had been attacked and robbed at gunpoint within the same period.
He hinted that the leadership of the Igbos had been managing the situation but felt it was time to let the public know the situation in Borno, adding that they feared the security situation in the state could degenerate to the February 18, 2006 crisis, which, he said, the Igbos were yet to receive assistance or compensation from the government.
He said the corpses of the victims of the last week killings were still left in the morgue at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) because the leadership of the Igbos were scared of possible reprisal attacks by the families of the deceased in their states whenever their corpses were conveyed home, urging the Borno State government to contact the governments of the deceased home states to make adequate arrangement to forestall break down of law and order.
“We are appealing to the government of Borno State to liaise with the state governments of those affected persons to avert a national crisis as a result of these unprovoked killings of innocent and helpless citizens going about their legitimate businesses in their fatherland,” he appealed.
The president-general said the Igbos in Borno would need assurances from the state government and the people of Borno to know if they could continue to live, hence, they were prepared to move out of the state soon. All shops, business outfits as well as commercial vehicles in the state did not open. Equally, operators of luxury buses had also downed tools indefinitely in support of the course.
Doctors separate siamese twins at UCH Ibadan
A set of siamese twins weighing 2.5 at birth were successively separated on Thursday, by a team of medical experts at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan
The separation of the siamese twins born 3.00 a.m by one Jumoke Ajibola, a 26-year-old patent medicine vendor residing in Jos, took the team of experts led by Dr Kayode Ogundoyin about three hours.
The siamese twins, a baby girl and another that was partly formed, were joined in the vaginal area and shared one heart. The partly formed siamese twins only had legs and intestines, but no head.
The surviving twin, currently at the intensive care unit of the hospital is responding well to treatment and weighed 2kg after the surgical separation which included a reconstruction of her vagina.
Hospital sources confirming the incident disclosed that the partly formed twin had been sent to pathologist for assessment of what caused the problem.
Also, tests carried out on the baby girl indicated that she need not fear any complications from her parasitic twins later in the future.
The separation of the siamese twins born 3.00 a.m by one Jumoke Ajibola, a 26-year-old patent medicine vendor residing in Jos, took the team of experts led by Dr Kayode Ogundoyin about three hours.
The siamese twins, a baby girl and another that was partly formed, were joined in the vaginal area and shared one heart. The partly formed siamese twins only had legs and intestines, but no head.
The surviving twin, currently at the intensive care unit of the hospital is responding well to treatment and weighed 2kg after the surgical separation which included a reconstruction of her vagina.
Hospital sources confirming the incident disclosed that the partly formed twin had been sent to pathologist for assessment of what caused the problem.
Also, tests carried out on the baby girl indicated that she need not fear any complications from her parasitic twins later in the future.
Largest flag in the world hoisted in Abuja
The largest flag in the world, the 'Lion of Judah' banner was on Saturday hoisted at the Redeemed Camp, Keffi Road, Abuja, on Saturday by its maker, Prophetess Grace Galindez-Gupana.
Gupana, who is a Filipino, said that the flag was part of what she called the divine visitation to Nigeria.
The flag, which spanned two hectares had been acclaimed by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest banner ever made by mankind.
She added that she transported the flag from Israel in obedience to the divine instruction to her, describing the event as a victory for Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists, the prophetess claimed that God would be visiting Nigeria soon, saying that He has shown her a vision in which He promised to raise the country as a real giant of Africa with influence and impacts across the world.
She explained that she had never visited any black nation until God directed her to come to Ibadan, Oyo State where she first hoisted the banner on December 18, 2010.
The prophetess said that though her seven days' stay in Ibadan was not quite pleasant on account of erratic power supply, culture shock and the unfamiliar food, she, however, heard God's voice which told her about the great divine plan for the country.
Galindez-Gupana, a businesswoman, who runs the Kingdom of Jerusalem Foundation in Philipines, said that God loves Nigeria "because His name is everywhere, on the street, in businesses, even in beer parlours."
She said that she saw a vision where a shroud was hindering the nation's glory, but according to her, God attributed this to satanic plan due to the divine love He has for the people.
She stressed that Jesus Christ had his chosen ones in the country whom he would use for Nigeria's deliverance.
She said, "I have never been to any country with a large black population, until God asked me to come to Nigeria. He directed me to Ibadan where we unfolded the Lion of Judah flag. I don't know why He directed me to Ibadan. In Philipines, we have light 24 hours, but in Ibadan, we don't have light for up to 4-5 hours daily, but I heard the voice of God there and He told me He will raise a man of His choice that will raise Nigeria. The banner we are hoisting signifies victory."
Gupana, who is a Filipino, said that the flag was part of what she called the divine visitation to Nigeria.
The flag, which spanned two hectares had been acclaimed by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest banner ever made by mankind.
She added that she transported the flag from Israel in obedience to the divine instruction to her, describing the event as a victory for Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists, the prophetess claimed that God would be visiting Nigeria soon, saying that He has shown her a vision in which He promised to raise the country as a real giant of Africa with influence and impacts across the world.
She explained that she had never visited any black nation until God directed her to come to Ibadan, Oyo State where she first hoisted the banner on December 18, 2010.
The prophetess said that though her seven days' stay in Ibadan was not quite pleasant on account of erratic power supply, culture shock and the unfamiliar food, she, however, heard God's voice which told her about the great divine plan for the country.
Galindez-Gupana, a businesswoman, who runs the Kingdom of Jerusalem Foundation in Philipines, said that God loves Nigeria "because His name is everywhere, on the street, in businesses, even in beer parlours."
She said that she saw a vision where a shroud was hindering the nation's glory, but according to her, God attributed this to satanic plan due to the divine love He has for the people.
She stressed that Jesus Christ had his chosen ones in the country whom he would use for Nigeria's deliverance.
She said, "I have never been to any country with a large black population, until God asked me to come to Nigeria. He directed me to Ibadan where we unfolded the Lion of Judah flag. I don't know why He directed me to Ibadan. In Philipines, we have light 24 hours, but in Ibadan, we don't have light for up to 4-5 hours daily, but I heard the voice of God there and He told me He will raise a man of His choice that will raise Nigeria. The banner we are hoisting signifies victory."
Sunny Ade becomes ‘born again’ Christian
Popular Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, recently gave his life to Jesus Christ during a church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Yaba, Lagos. Sunny Ade dedicated himself to Christ during an altar call by the RCCG’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Sunny Ade
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Juju music maestro was among 30 worshippers at the service who rushed to the altar to be prayed for by the general overseer. When Adeboye asked that the persons who answered the call should confess their sins, Sunny Ade was the first to kneel down.
During the thanksgiving, Sunny Ade expressed gratitude to God for his mercies and for making him see the day.
“I have nothing to say than to come and thank my God for what he has been doing for me and my family,’’ he said.
In his characteristic style, Sunny Ade rendered a song in Yoruba with members of his band: “If not for God, I would have been gone and buried. I thank you God for my life.”
Earlier in his message, Adeboye had told the congregation that anyone who had not given his life to Christ should not rejoice and praise God because such a person was hell-bound.
“Stop treating God as a beggar because all that you have, he gave to you. Serve God this year with all your heart. Give Him quality offerings.
“Offer yourself to God first before you offer to him any other thing. If you are here but have not given your life to Jesus Christ, do so now,’’ he said.
Adeboye recalled how as a boy he had done some naughty things but God had kept him to date to preach the gospel.
“When I looked at the days I strayed and the things I did when I was in the university, but how God saved me, you will understand why we should continue to thank Jesus,’’ he said.
He, therefore, urged the worshippers to be grateful to God for his mercies.
Sunny Ade
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Juju music maestro was among 30 worshippers at the service who rushed to the altar to be prayed for by the general overseer. When Adeboye asked that the persons who answered the call should confess their sins, Sunny Ade was the first to kneel down.
During the thanksgiving, Sunny Ade expressed gratitude to God for his mercies and for making him see the day.
“I have nothing to say than to come and thank my God for what he has been doing for me and my family,’’ he said.
In his characteristic style, Sunny Ade rendered a song in Yoruba with members of his band: “If not for God, I would have been gone and buried. I thank you God for my life.”
Earlier in his message, Adeboye had told the congregation that anyone who had not given his life to Christ should not rejoice and praise God because such a person was hell-bound.
“Stop treating God as a beggar because all that you have, he gave to you. Serve God this year with all your heart. Give Him quality offerings.
“Offer yourself to God first before you offer to him any other thing. If you are here but have not given your life to Jesus Christ, do so now,’’ he said.
Adeboye recalled how as a boy he had done some naughty things but God had kept him to date to preach the gospel.
“When I looked at the days I strayed and the things I did when I was in the university, but how God saved me, you will understand why we should continue to thank Jesus,’’ he said.
He, therefore, urged the worshippers to be grateful to God for his mercies.
"I don’t know how to cook" – Osaze
Osaze Odemwingie may be cooking up a storm in the Premier League but his meal-making skills are a recipe for disaster.
Since his arrival in the Midlands the Nigerian striker has served up a real treat on the pitch for Albion fans.
Osaze Odemwingie and Peter Okoye (Psquare)
But in the kitchen the 29-year-old has struggled to adapt.
There were signs last month that the former Lokomotiv Moscow forward was starting to look burnt out after a hectic summer and pre-season.
However, he produced a sizzling display with two goals in the 3-2 win over Blackpool last weekend to silence any doubters.
After dishing up the tasty performance, Odemwingie revealed that the night before he had successfully cooked his first ever meal.
Frustrated with his lack of culinary skills the eight_goal hitman reached boiling point and decided that things needed to change.
So he connected with his Moscow based mum, Raisa, over the internet who took him through a visual step_by_step guide to help him make his dinner.
"I cooked last week on Skype with my mum," he said
"I was showing her the pot, it's a type of fried rice.
"It's not so easy to complete, it's quite a complicated dish, there's a few tricks in it. That's why I had my mum on stand by.
"She was on Skype telling me every second what I had to do.
"It was good, I was surprised.
"It's something new for me. I think a man needs to sometimes be ready to look after himself.
"In a way I think you can impress people, it is not a usual thing when a boy makes a nice meal."
Odemwingie admitted that it was a rewarding feeling to finally complete his first ever meal. He usually has it easy as, after training each day, his meals are laid on at the Albion training ground.
But the Russian born Nigerian international admits he has now got the bug - not least because his turn with the pots and pans signalled a quick change in furtune.
Before last Saturday the forward had gone four games without scoring and missed a crucial penalty against Manchester United.
He also had a bad day at the Reebok Stadium when Bolton beat Albion 2_0, missing three gilt_edge chances.
He was always confident he would be back among the goals after a blisteing start to his Albion career.
Since his arrival in the Midlands the Nigerian striker has served up a real treat on the pitch for Albion fans.
Osaze Odemwingie and Peter Okoye (Psquare)
But in the kitchen the 29-year-old has struggled to adapt.
There were signs last month that the former Lokomotiv Moscow forward was starting to look burnt out after a hectic summer and pre-season.
However, he produced a sizzling display with two goals in the 3-2 win over Blackpool last weekend to silence any doubters.
After dishing up the tasty performance, Odemwingie revealed that the night before he had successfully cooked his first ever meal.
Frustrated with his lack of culinary skills the eight_goal hitman reached boiling point and decided that things needed to change.
So he connected with his Moscow based mum, Raisa, over the internet who took him through a visual step_by_step guide to help him make his dinner.
"I cooked last week on Skype with my mum," he said
"I was showing her the pot, it's a type of fried rice.
"It's not so easy to complete, it's quite a complicated dish, there's a few tricks in it. That's why I had my mum on stand by.
"She was on Skype telling me every second what I had to do.
"It was good, I was surprised.
"It's something new for me. I think a man needs to sometimes be ready to look after himself.
"In a way I think you can impress people, it is not a usual thing when a boy makes a nice meal."
Odemwingie admitted that it was a rewarding feeling to finally complete his first ever meal. He usually has it easy as, after training each day, his meals are laid on at the Albion training ground.
But the Russian born Nigerian international admits he has now got the bug - not least because his turn with the pots and pans signalled a quick change in furtune.
Before last Saturday the forward had gone four games without scoring and missed a crucial penalty against Manchester United.
He also had a bad day at the Reebok Stadium when Bolton beat Albion 2_0, missing three gilt_edge chances.
He was always confident he would be back among the goals after a blisteing start to his Albion career.
Robbers Bomb Bank With Dynamite In Lagos: Police Is Worried About Their Safety
Armed robbers in the early hours of yesterday allegedly bombed a new generation bank in Ayobo. It was gathered that the gunmen, numbering about 50, stormed the bank at about 1. 30a.m and operated for three hours. A visit to the bank showed that its bulletproof security doors were smashed with a powerful explosive. Also, three Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and the bank’s security post were wreaked by bullets and dynamites.
Sources revealed that the police have recovered one unexpended dynamite at the scene.
When Saturday Sun visited the bank yesterday, two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were stationed at the bank. Also, there were police vans in the bank premises.
A source in the bank told newsmen that no life was lost and that no money was carted away by the invading gunmen, who allegedly came from Ayetoro boundary of Ogun State. He explained that the robbers were unsuccessful because of the security measures put in place in the bank, while giving assurance that there was no cause for alarm.
The bank chief explained that newsmen were not allowed to enter the bank for security reasons, adding that security operatives have to do forensic analysis at the scene.
It was gathered that immediately the robbers arrived the bank, they divided themselves into three groups. One group barricaded the road that led to the bank from Iyana-Ipaja; the second group blocked the road from the other end, while the third forced its way into the bank building.
Residents of Ayobo, who pleaded anonymity, likened the incident to the Ikeja bomb blast that occurred on Sunday, January 27, 2001. They said the sound of the explosives and gunshots woke them from their sleep and they scampered for safety.
One of the residents stated: “At 1. 00a.m, I heard heavy sound and I stood up immediately. I listened carefully and the sound continued at intervals. At first, I thought it was another Ikeja bomb blast. So, I went to hide under my bed but the sound continued. Later, I realised that the sound was coming from the location of the bank.”
Another resident, Sikiru Iyanda, told Saturday Sun: “When the sound from the dynamites and gunshots woke me up, what came to my mind was that these Boko Haram militants have come to invade Lagos. So, I called my wife and children and we began to pray.
“It was in the middle of the night; we could not run anywhere. All we could do was to pray to God to save us. It was later that we got to know that armed robbers came to the bank to operate.”
Sources revealed that the police have recovered one unexpended dynamite at the scene.
When Saturday Sun visited the bank yesterday, two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were stationed at the bank. Also, there were police vans in the bank premises.
A source in the bank told newsmen that no life was lost and that no money was carted away by the invading gunmen, who allegedly came from Ayetoro boundary of Ogun State. He explained that the robbers were unsuccessful because of the security measures put in place in the bank, while giving assurance that there was no cause for alarm.
The bank chief explained that newsmen were not allowed to enter the bank for security reasons, adding that security operatives have to do forensic analysis at the scene.
It was gathered that immediately the robbers arrived the bank, they divided themselves into three groups. One group barricaded the road that led to the bank from Iyana-Ipaja; the second group blocked the road from the other end, while the third forced its way into the bank building.
Residents of Ayobo, who pleaded anonymity, likened the incident to the Ikeja bomb blast that occurred on Sunday, January 27, 2001. They said the sound of the explosives and gunshots woke them from their sleep and they scampered for safety.
One of the residents stated: “At 1. 00a.m, I heard heavy sound and I stood up immediately. I listened carefully and the sound continued at intervals. At first, I thought it was another Ikeja bomb blast. So, I went to hide under my bed but the sound continued. Later, I realised that the sound was coming from the location of the bank.”
Another resident, Sikiru Iyanda, told Saturday Sun: “When the sound from the dynamites and gunshots woke me up, what came to my mind was that these Boko Haram militants have come to invade Lagos. So, I called my wife and children and we began to pray.
“It was in the middle of the night; we could not run anywhere. All we could do was to pray to God to save us. It was later that we got to know that armed robbers came to the bank to operate.”
Monday, January 24, 2011
Five Shocking Things You Never Knew About Your Country, Nigeria!
1) Nigeria has by far the fastest growing number of internet users in the world! We grew by an outstanding 21,891% in the last ten years!
In-fact, with 43.9 million users, Nigeria has the 10th highest number of internet users worldwide!! Our penetration rate is also extremely high for a developing country with 28.9%, knocking off biggies like India with just 6.9%, Indonesia just 12.9%, Mexico with 27.9%.
http://www.internetworldstats.com/top20.htm
2) Nigeria has the 4th fastest growing number of Facebook users worldwide! Last week alone we added 64,000 new users!! Over the past 3 months Nigeria has consistently featured in the top 5 worldwide!!
http://www.checkfacebook.com/
http://www.socialbakers.com/facebook-statistics/?interval=last-week#chart-intervals
3)Nigerians are the by far the most educated people in the United States. 37%(Some reports suggest 60%) of Nigerians have a Bachelors degree compared with 19% of the white population. 17% have Master's degrees compared with 7% of the general population!! Same thing applies to many other countries in the world. Nigerians are about the most educated people in so many countries!
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5791096.html
4)The country with the highest number of Nigerians living Abroad: Sudan!! I am pretty sure many never saw that coming!! There are between 6-8 million Nigerians living in Sudan!
http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=788
5) Nigeria is the Third fastest growing economy in the world after India and China!! That is what the IMF said!!
http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/11934-more-bank-directors-ll-be-jailed-sanusi-nigeria-is-worlds-3rd-fastest-growing-economy--imf
Most of these statistics shown above prove many things about Nigeria. For instance, that we have a very massive and burgeoning middle class population. Secondly, that despite the fact that we have had very bad leaders, we might want to cut them some slack a little bit, cos with the mess that Nigeria is , we are still better than a whole lot of countries out there!
And most importantly, Nigeria is the best place to be right now as the opportunities that exist in this country are much more than what you would get in most countries of the world!
In-fact, with 43.9 million users, Nigeria has the 10th highest number of internet users worldwide!! Our penetration rate is also extremely high for a developing country with 28.9%, knocking off biggies like India with just 6.9%, Indonesia just 12.9%, Mexico with 27.9%.
http://www.internetworldstats.com/top20.htm
2) Nigeria has the 4th fastest growing number of Facebook users worldwide! Last week alone we added 64,000 new users!! Over the past 3 months Nigeria has consistently featured in the top 5 worldwide!!
http://www.checkfacebook.com/
http://www.socialbakers.com/facebook-statistics/?interval=last-week#chart-intervals
3)Nigerians are the by far the most educated people in the United States. 37%(Some reports suggest 60%) of Nigerians have a Bachelors degree compared with 19% of the white population. 17% have Master's degrees compared with 7% of the general population!! Same thing applies to many other countries in the world. Nigerians are about the most educated people in so many countries!
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5791096.html
4)The country with the highest number of Nigerians living Abroad: Sudan!! I am pretty sure many never saw that coming!! There are between 6-8 million Nigerians living in Sudan!
http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=788
5) Nigeria is the Third fastest growing economy in the world after India and China!! That is what the IMF said!!
http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/11934-more-bank-directors-ll-be-jailed-sanusi-nigeria-is-worlds-3rd-fastest-growing-economy--imf
Most of these statistics shown above prove many things about Nigeria. For instance, that we have a very massive and burgeoning middle class population. Secondly, that despite the fact that we have had very bad leaders, we might want to cut them some slack a little bit, cos with the mess that Nigeria is , we are still better than a whole lot of countries out there!
And most importantly, Nigeria is the best place to be right now as the opportunities that exist in this country are much more than what you would get in most countries of the world!
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