Three hundred passengers narrowly escaped death on Wednesday night when a 12-coach Lagos-bound train rammed into a Nissan Cabstar pick-up at Odo-Eran, Lafenwa area of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The collision, which would have resulted into a disaster, saved the train from plunging into a gully created by flood which had washed away part of the rail track. The collison also prevented the train from reaching the damaged rail track.
A local newspaper reports that many of the stranded passengers whose goods and luggage were inside the train, loitered around the railway station.
Policemen from the state police command and other security agencies in the state immediately arrived at the scene to provide security for the passengers to prevent attacks.
Culled:Channelstv
Friday 29 June 2012
I didn’t announce closure of 3rd Mainland bridge – Lagos FRSC boss
Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Lagos State, Nseobong Akpabio, has denied announcing closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for repair work.
Akpabio said FRSC rather informed the public that there would be diversions which would lead to delays during the period of repairs.
In a statement, Akpabio said: ‘’ The attention of FRSC has been drawn to alleged statements credited to it that the Third Mainland Bridge will be closed to traffic during the repair. This is not correct. To set the records straight, at no time did FRSC assert that the bridge will be closed or shut during the proposed repair work.
’’Rather, the corps only informed the public that there will be diversions and delays during the period. Therefore, they are advised to strictly adhere to road signs, traffic rules and regulations to avoid hitches.
”Also, the traffic information will be communicated from time to time via radio, television, newspapers and social media network.
’’The repair which is in phases will affect traffic into Lagos from Ogudu and Oworonsoki expressway. Also out of Lagos to same axis. However, the routes where there will be traffic restriction will be communicated to the public soon”.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria
Akpabio said FRSC rather informed the public that there would be diversions which would lead to delays during the period of repairs.
In a statement, Akpabio said: ‘’ The attention of FRSC has been drawn to alleged statements credited to it that the Third Mainland Bridge will be closed to traffic during the repair. This is not correct. To set the records straight, at no time did FRSC assert that the bridge will be closed or shut during the proposed repair work.
’’Rather, the corps only informed the public that there will be diversions and delays during the period. Therefore, they are advised to strictly adhere to road signs, traffic rules and regulations to avoid hitches.
”Also, the traffic information will be communicated from time to time via radio, television, newspapers and social media network.
’’The repair which is in phases will affect traffic into Lagos from Ogudu and Oworonsoki expressway. Also out of Lagos to same axis. However, the routes where there will be traffic restriction will be communicated to the public soon”.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria
‘I was not slapped’.....Davido
Hip-hop sensation, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, has refuted rumours that he had a scuffle with mobile policemen.
The internet was awash Tuesday night, with unconfirmed reports, claiming that the young hit-maker was slapped by uniformed men ‘for being rude.’
But the 19-year-old musician quickly took to his Twitter handle, to refute the story. He described it as “untrue and baseless.”
“I am safe and at home … Stop the lies.” he tweeted.
Davido who is currently signed on to HKN records will be launching his debut album “O.B.O Genesis” at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Sunday, July 22.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria
The internet was awash Tuesday night, with unconfirmed reports, claiming that the young hit-maker was slapped by uniformed men ‘for being rude.’
But the 19-year-old musician quickly took to his Twitter handle, to refute the story. He described it as “untrue and baseless.”
“I am safe and at home … Stop the lies.” he tweeted.
Davido who is currently signed on to HKN records will be launching his debut album “O.B.O Genesis” at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Sunday, July 22.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria
Cleric strips off clothes in Oyo
A cleric, whose name was given as Timothy, has gone insane in Oyo State while trying to cure a mentally challenged man known as Tunde.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Tunde's haunts, near Ososami Junction of Oke-Ado, in the capital city of Ibadan.
A shop owner in the vicinity, who gave his name as Semiu, said that the cleric met mentally challenged man while he was sitting in front of a building in the area, laid his hand on Tunde's head and started reading the bible to him.
"At a point, there was a hot argument between the duo, which made the pastor to raise his voice as he was offering a deliverance prayer for Tunde, the mad man," he said. "The hot prayer lasted for over 15 minutes before another strange drama began."
"The mad man removed the pastor’s hand from his head, and suddenly a strange spirit got hold of the pastor and he began to remove his cloth. He was naked and laid flat on the ground, speaking a strange language, with foam oozing out of his mouth."
The development attracted a crowd who gaped as the two men sat close to one another, mumbling to themselves.
It was gathered that police officers later arrived the scene and took both men away.
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
The incident occurred on Thursday at Tunde's haunts, near Ososami Junction of Oke-Ado, in the capital city of Ibadan.
A shop owner in the vicinity, who gave his name as Semiu, said that the cleric met mentally challenged man while he was sitting in front of a building in the area, laid his hand on Tunde's head and started reading the bible to him.
"At a point, there was a hot argument between the duo, which made the pastor to raise his voice as he was offering a deliverance prayer for Tunde, the mad man," he said. "The hot prayer lasted for over 15 minutes before another strange drama began."
"The mad man removed the pastor’s hand from his head, and suddenly a strange spirit got hold of the pastor and he began to remove his cloth. He was naked and laid flat on the ground, speaking a strange language, with foam oozing out of his mouth."
The development attracted a crowd who gaped as the two men sat close to one another, mumbling to themselves.
It was gathered that police officers later arrived the scene and took both men away.
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
Oshiomhole survives assassination attempt
Governor Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday, survived an assassination attempt when gunmen attacked his motorcade while he was campaigning at Usen town, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.
Oshiomhole, who is vying for a second term in office as the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), had visited the traditional ruler of Usen, Oluogbe II, and was on his way back when the attack occurred.
The state's Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion, confirmed the incident. "At about 6pm local time, Governor Oshiomhole’s convoy left the palace; it had not travelled too far down the road when it ran into a barricade," he said. "Naturally, the security details attached to the governor came down to remove the bar.
As they were clearing the place, tens of heavily armed thugs emerged from nowhere and opened fire on the governor for several seconds.
Dutifully, the brave security details attached to the governor, supported by an additional contingent of regular policemen deployed to maintain law and order, rose to the occasion.
They were able to shield the governor, key government functionaries and others, including leaders of Edo ACN to safety without sustaining any human casualties. But several official vehicles, including Toyota Landcruisers, Hilux pick-up van and Toyota Corolla saloon car were either badly damaged or riddled with bullets."
According to Odion, after the attack was repelled, the gunmen descended on the near-by police post and vandalised it. He also accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of being behind the attack.
"The Edo State Government wishes to condemn this latest assault on Governor Oshiomhole in strongest terms and urge the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to call their members in Edo State to order," he said. "The misguided elements in the rank in Edo State should realise that not only they have the monopoly of violence.
But for the uncommon restraint displayed by the Governor’s team in the face of sheer provocation, there could have been heavy casualty toll. The state government wishes to enjoin the good people of Edo to remain calm and be law-abiding, so as not to play into the hands of those bent on plunging the state into anarchy to escape imminent defeat at the polls.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria
Oshiomhole, who is vying for a second term in office as the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), had visited the traditional ruler of Usen, Oluogbe II, and was on his way back when the attack occurred.
The state's Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion, confirmed the incident. "At about 6pm local time, Governor Oshiomhole’s convoy left the palace; it had not travelled too far down the road when it ran into a barricade," he said. "Naturally, the security details attached to the governor came down to remove the bar.
As they were clearing the place, tens of heavily armed thugs emerged from nowhere and opened fire on the governor for several seconds.
Dutifully, the brave security details attached to the governor, supported by an additional contingent of regular policemen deployed to maintain law and order, rose to the occasion.
They were able to shield the governor, key government functionaries and others, including leaders of Edo ACN to safety without sustaining any human casualties. But several official vehicles, including Toyota Landcruisers, Hilux pick-up van and Toyota Corolla saloon car were either badly damaged or riddled with bullets."
According to Odion, after the attack was repelled, the gunmen descended on the near-by police post and vandalised it. He also accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of being behind the attack.
"The Edo State Government wishes to condemn this latest assault on Governor Oshiomhole in strongest terms and urge the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to call their members in Edo State to order," he said. "The misguided elements in the rank in Edo State should realise that not only they have the monopoly of violence.
But for the uncommon restraint displayed by the Governor’s team in the face of sheer provocation, there could have been heavy casualty toll. The state government wishes to enjoin the good people of Edo to remain calm and be law-abiding, so as not to play into the hands of those bent on plunging the state into anarchy to escape imminent defeat at the polls.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria
FIDEI Polytechnic Gboko closed down indefinitely
Two students of the FIDEI Polytechnic Gboko in Benue State have been killed by a gang of 10 suspected cultists that entered the institution on reprisal attack.
FIDEI polytechnic is owned by Rev. Fr. Chris Utov of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.
Reports say that the suspected cultists, who were also students of the school, were armed with sophisticated weapons and had come to the institution on revenge mission.
However, following the incident, the management of FIDEI Polytechnic Gboko has closed down the institution indefinitely, even as movement is restricted around the school community and students ordered to vacate the campus.
The Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Kelvin Ngugban announced this yesterday in Gboko.
Sources said that the cultists had arrived the premises of the polytechnic, located at Atonko Mega Village, along Gboko-Aliade road at about 7pm on Wednesday, shooting sporadically for some minutes.
The Atonko community where the polytechnic is situated has been under threat due to the re-occurrence of cult activities by some notorious students, in the past few months, with several students axed while some were said to have been robbed.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
FIDEI polytechnic is owned by Rev. Fr. Chris Utov of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.
Reports say that the suspected cultists, who were also students of the school, were armed with sophisticated weapons and had come to the institution on revenge mission.
However, following the incident, the management of FIDEI Polytechnic Gboko has closed down the institution indefinitely, even as movement is restricted around the school community and students ordered to vacate the campus.
The Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Kelvin Ngugban announced this yesterday in Gboko.
Sources said that the cultists had arrived the premises of the polytechnic, located at Atonko Mega Village, along Gboko-Aliade road at about 7pm on Wednesday, shooting sporadically for some minutes.
The Atonko community where the polytechnic is situated has been under threat due to the re-occurrence of cult activities by some notorious students, in the past few months, with several students axed while some were said to have been robbed.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Lagos urges motorists to be cautious
The Lagos State Government has also appealed to all road users especially motorists to observe and obey road traffic signs and other traffic rules and regulations in the state.
Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa who gave the advice said that motorists needed to be more safety conscious, drive with care and ensure that their vehicles are road worthy before putting them on the road especially during the rainy season.
He urged them to ensure that their windscreen wipers were in proper working order and that their tyres were also in good condition before embarking on any journey.
Opeifa reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to safety of lives and property and implored all drivers to avail themselves the opportunity of attending any of the five driving institutes established by the government for re-certification and also to enhance professionalism.
The commissioner noted that officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be on hand to assist motorists, while the personnel of Vehicle Inspection office (VIO) had been directed to intensify efforts and ensure non road worthy vehicles were not on the roads.
Culled: Vanguard
Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa who gave the advice said that motorists needed to be more safety conscious, drive with care and ensure that their vehicles are road worthy before putting them on the road especially during the rainy season.
He urged them to ensure that their windscreen wipers were in proper working order and that their tyres were also in good condition before embarking on any journey.
Opeifa reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to safety of lives and property and implored all drivers to avail themselves the opportunity of attending any of the five driving institutes established by the government for re-certification and also to enhance professionalism.
The commissioner noted that officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be on hand to assist motorists, while the personnel of Vehicle Inspection office (VIO) had been directed to intensify efforts and ensure non road worthy vehicles were not on the roads.
Culled: Vanguard
Lagos State government issues fresh warning on Flooding
The Lagos State Government has again warned residents to be prepared for heavy rainfall accompanied with severe windstorm within the next two weeks, which has been envisaged to be the peak period of this year’s rainy season.
The alert was given by Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, while monitoring state of the environment during the rains in the state.
The commissioner urged residents living along line areas of Eti-Osa, Badiya, Amukoko, Makoko, Iwaya, Ajegunle, Owode, Agiliti among others to vacate those areas during this period, and move upland as the intense rains would be accompanied with windstorm.
In case of emergency, residents were implored to take full advantage of Drainage Engineers and Drainage Maintenance officers posted to all the 57 local Government Council Areas of the state, and relate with them effectively to solve their drainage challenges.
Bello, explained that the officers are readily available to provide relief and solutions to all flooding challenges in each Local Government area of the state.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
The alert was given by Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, while monitoring state of the environment during the rains in the state.
The commissioner urged residents living along line areas of Eti-Osa, Badiya, Amukoko, Makoko, Iwaya, Ajegunle, Owode, Agiliti among others to vacate those areas during this period, and move upland as the intense rains would be accompanied with windstorm.
In case of emergency, residents were implored to take full advantage of Drainage Engineers and Drainage Maintenance officers posted to all the 57 local Government Council Areas of the state, and relate with them effectively to solve their drainage challenges.
Bello, explained that the officers are readily available to provide relief and solutions to all flooding challenges in each Local Government area of the state.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Disaster on bridge linking Lagos and Ogun
The bridge linking Lagos and Ogun states at Ayobo, in Ayobo/Ipaja Local Council Development Area, was submerged.
Six adults and a child were reportedly carried away by the flood while they attempted to cross from Ogun to Lagos State.
At Okokomaiko, over 500 pupils of Fazil Omar Ahmadiya public Nursery and Primary School 1, 11 and 111, were sent home by the Headmaster after the entire school premises was flooded.
A pupil of the school, Chukwuemeka Amadi said that one of the headmistresses of the three schools, Mrs. Asa sent them home because the entire premises including the classrooms had all been submerged in flood.
On Jimoh Street, the flood destroyed property of the residents leaving many to bail out water from their living rooms.
Mr. Sam Adebowale, a resident of the area, said that the water destroyed their property because their living rooms were submerged by the flood.
Adebowale lamented that the damage was due to the fact that the drainage canals servicing the area were not cleared by the state government before the commencement of the rain.
At Jakande in Okokomaiko, residents groaned as they were left stranded for hours because the commercial vehicles and Motor cycle operators popularly called Okada plying the routes refused to ply the flooded road.
One of the drivers, Mr. Fatai Olawale, said they could not ply the road because the over 10 kilometre road had been flooded.
Motorists who summoned the courage to convey passengers got stranded as their vehicles broke down on the road.
At the Aboru area of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, not less than 50 houses were said to have been flooded.
At Alabede area, many residents managed to wade through the flood successfully as buses and motorcycles refused to convey them beyond that area.
At the time of this report, residents of Isheri-Olofin, Egbe-Idimu LCDA were still wallowing in the flood and calling for the state government’s attention.
The flooding of the area, which they said started since seven years ago, got worse recently with the diversion of a drainage channel to the area by the Chinese Construction Company, CCECC, during the construction of the LASU-Iba Road. They claimed that they had sent series of letters to the authorities over their plight to no avail.
The neighbouring communities in Ogun State were also affected. Some of the residents had their properties swept away.
Residents who lamented the situation said it took them hours to even leave their homes for work in the morning.
Culled: 247nigerianewsupdate/Vanguard
Six adults and a child were reportedly carried away by the flood while they attempted to cross from Ogun to Lagos State.
At Okokomaiko, over 500 pupils of Fazil Omar Ahmadiya public Nursery and Primary School 1, 11 and 111, were sent home by the Headmaster after the entire school premises was flooded.
A pupil of the school, Chukwuemeka Amadi said that one of the headmistresses of the three schools, Mrs. Asa sent them home because the entire premises including the classrooms had all been submerged in flood.
On Jimoh Street, the flood destroyed property of the residents leaving many to bail out water from their living rooms.
Mr. Sam Adebowale, a resident of the area, said that the water destroyed their property because their living rooms were submerged by the flood.
Adebowale lamented that the damage was due to the fact that the drainage canals servicing the area were not cleared by the state government before the commencement of the rain.
At Jakande in Okokomaiko, residents groaned as they were left stranded for hours because the commercial vehicles and Motor cycle operators popularly called Okada plying the routes refused to ply the flooded road.
One of the drivers, Mr. Fatai Olawale, said they could not ply the road because the over 10 kilometre road had been flooded.
Motorists who summoned the courage to convey passengers got stranded as their vehicles broke down on the road.
At the Aboru area of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, not less than 50 houses were said to have been flooded.
At Alabede area, many residents managed to wade through the flood successfully as buses and motorcycles refused to convey them beyond that area.
At the time of this report, residents of Isheri-Olofin, Egbe-Idimu LCDA were still wallowing in the flood and calling for the state government’s attention.
The flooding of the area, which they said started since seven years ago, got worse recently with the diversion of a drainage channel to the area by the Chinese Construction Company, CCECC, during the construction of the LASU-Iba Road. They claimed that they had sent series of letters to the authorities over their plight to no avail.
The neighbouring communities in Ogun State were also affected. Some of the residents had their properties swept away.
Residents who lamented the situation said it took them hours to even leave their homes for work in the morning.
Culled: 247nigerianewsupdate/Vanguard
7 feared dead as flood sweeps Lagos
Residents of Lagos State were, yesterday, enveloped by flood following heavy downpour that started Wednesday night.
A number of houses and roads were submerged by the flood caused by the rain that lasted several hours.
Sections of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway were cut off on both sides by the flood, leading to a gridlock.
Many road users were forced to return home or seek alternative routes, while others remained at the spot, waiting for the flood to abate.
A portion of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road by Mobil Filling Station was submerged, as were some areas in Mafoluku, Oshodi.
Many residents could not make it to their offices and business places yesterday as most areas in the state were heavily flooded.
Some of the worst hit areas include: Popo Igunnu, Jimoh and Ago-Hausa Streets, all in Okokomaiko, Iba Local Council Development Area; Jakande in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area; Sango, Igi avenue, GRA Ikeja, Gbolahan Bankole Street in Igando LCDA, Aboru; Ipaja-Ayobo, Shogunle, Apapa, among others.
Aiyepe Street in Itire, Canal Pepple Road, Shomolu, Agbado-Ijaiye, Ikola, Agbado-Okeodo LCDA, Akintan, Cele, Bakery Bus Stop, all in Ejigbo LCDA; Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation , NNPC at Ejigbo LCDA had its fence destroyed during the downpour.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/ Vanguard
A number of houses and roads were submerged by the flood caused by the rain that lasted several hours.
Sections of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway were cut off on both sides by the flood, leading to a gridlock.
Many road users were forced to return home or seek alternative routes, while others remained at the spot, waiting for the flood to abate.
A portion of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road by Mobil Filling Station was submerged, as were some areas in Mafoluku, Oshodi.
Many residents could not make it to their offices and business places yesterday as most areas in the state were heavily flooded.
Some of the worst hit areas include: Popo Igunnu, Jimoh and Ago-Hausa Streets, all in Okokomaiko, Iba Local Council Development Area; Jakande in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area; Sango, Igi avenue, GRA Ikeja, Gbolahan Bankole Street in Igando LCDA, Aboru; Ipaja-Ayobo, Shogunle, Apapa, among others.
Aiyepe Street in Itire, Canal Pepple Road, Shomolu, Agbado-Ijaiye, Ikola, Agbado-Okeodo LCDA, Akintan, Cele, Bakery Bus Stop, all in Ejigbo LCDA; Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation , NNPC at Ejigbo LCDA had its fence destroyed during the downpour.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/ Vanguard
4 security operatives die in Ibadan auto-crash
Four days after a tragedy claimed the lives of seven traders in Ibadan, four men of the Oyo State Government security outfit, Operation Burst, yesterday, died while four other civilians sustained injuries when their van collided with a private car.
Those that died in the accident were policemen and soldiers who were joined to check criminality in the state.
The fatal accident happened on Mokola-Sango road when the vehicle of the securitymen lost control after negotiating a bend and skidded off the road.
After losing control of the vehicle, the driver hit an electric pole before it crossed its lane and faced the car heading towards University of Ibadan.
The Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor, said: “One Police Inspector, Adebola Apata, Lance Corporal Bola, a female, and one private soldier, Oneh, died, while “Police Corporals Bello Kayode and George Adeyemo and Sergeant Abdullahi Mannir (soldier) as well as the driver of the private vehicle and the cyclist were injured.”
Meanwhile, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, according to reports, immediately rushed to University College Hospital, Ibadan, where the victims were taken to.
Ajimobi, after emerging from the Emergency Ward of the hospital, said the government would foot the medical bills of those injured.
He was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major-General M.D. Abubakar; state Director of State Security Service,SSS, Mr. Charles Ugwu; state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; Chief of Staff, Dr. Adeolu Akande and other top government officials.
Culled:Vanguard/247nigerianewsupdate
Those that died in the accident were policemen and soldiers who were joined to check criminality in the state.
The fatal accident happened on Mokola-Sango road when the vehicle of the securitymen lost control after negotiating a bend and skidded off the road.
After losing control of the vehicle, the driver hit an electric pole before it crossed its lane and faced the car heading towards University of Ibadan.
The Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor, said: “One Police Inspector, Adebola Apata, Lance Corporal Bola, a female, and one private soldier, Oneh, died, while “Police Corporals Bello Kayode and George Adeyemo and Sergeant Abdullahi Mannir (soldier) as well as the driver of the private vehicle and the cyclist were injured.”
Meanwhile, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, according to reports, immediately rushed to University College Hospital, Ibadan, where the victims were taken to.
Ajimobi, after emerging from the Emergency Ward of the hospital, said the government would foot the medical bills of those injured.
He was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major-General M.D. Abubakar; state Director of State Security Service,SSS, Mr. Charles Ugwu; state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; Chief of Staff, Dr. Adeolu Akande and other top government officials.
Culled:Vanguard/247nigerianewsupdate
Thursday 28 June 2012
My ex-commissioner wife returned home without pant –Husband
David Erhabor, husband of a former commissioner in Edo State, Florence Igbinigie-Erhabor, on Wednesday, told a Benin High Court, that his wife of 15 years once came home without putting on pant.
He said, “There was a day she came back home drunk and without a pant on her. She was in the habit of keeping late nights.”
David while testifying in a divorce suit, No HAB/16D/2011, instituted by his wife, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs, under Chief Lucky Igbinedion, told the court he did not envisage a broken home in his life.
The respondent said trouble started after his wife was appointed commissioner, after which he said she began keeping late nights.
David, an ex-Senior Adviser to former Governor Oswerhiemen Osunbor, told the court that there was a time the wife abandoned their two children, absconded from home for three days, “only to be caught red-handed inside a vehicle, romancing and kissing a man who had earlier gassed him.”
David recalled that it took the intervention of a former chairman of Delta State Oil Producing
Community Development Commission, Chief Wellington Okrika, to resolve some of their matrimonial crises.
He also said his wife had once demanded N1m from him before she could allow him to have sex with her, adding that on another occasion, he ran from home when he sensed that his wife was planning to send hired assassins after him.
On the custody of their children, David said they could always stay with whoever they chose when on holidays.
Florence among other prayers is asking the court to grant her divorce on the grounds of threat to life, violent assault and infidelity on the part of her husband.
The former commissioner, who has since 2009 separated from her husband, is demanding that she should be paid N150, 000 as monthly upkeep for each of their children. She also wants Erhabor to be compelled to pay the children’s school fees.
While being crossed-examined by David’s lawyer, Mr. Akakhomen Austine, Florence said her husband had at a time squeezed the children inside a vehicle and threatened to set them ablaze. She said it took the intervention of members of both families to broker peace.
The former commissioner said she had been solely responsible for the children’s upkeep, including payment of their school fees over the past years.
She added that the children had been living in her family house where she relocated to when she suspected that her husband was after her life.
She also accused David of having extra-marital affair with their housemaid.
Justice Anthony Erhabor adjourned the case till August 4 for further hearing.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Soldiers Arrest 14 Cultists At Cemetery
Soldiers from the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, Cross River State, have arrested 14 members of the KKK cult group who in the past one week have been on the rampage on the streets of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, southsouth Nigeria.
Captain Joseph James, the Army Punlic Relations Officer for the Brigade told newsmen that the cultists who belong to the KKK group were holding a meeting at the Hawkins cemetery located in Calabar South at about midnight when information reached the soldiers who went to the place and made the arrests.
Captain James said 12 of the suspected cultists were arrested while two others who had fled the venue of the nocturnal meeting were arrested on the road.
James said that the army had been on a manhunt for the cultists that harassed, intimidated and inflicted injury on innocent citizens last week.
He explained that 93 people were arrested last week and that the army interrogated and did documentations on them to ascertain those that are cultists while innocent ones among those arrested were set free.
The 14 persons arrested, he added, have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the State Police Command, saying that the army was ready to smoke out those criminal elements that were disturbing the peace of the people.
Captain James further said that the intelligence unit of the army was still working hard to fish out all the culprits involved in the mayhem.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Captain Joseph James, the Army Punlic Relations Officer for the Brigade told newsmen that the cultists who belong to the KKK group were holding a meeting at the Hawkins cemetery located in Calabar South at about midnight when information reached the soldiers who went to the place and made the arrests.
Captain James said 12 of the suspected cultists were arrested while two others who had fled the venue of the nocturnal meeting were arrested on the road.
James said that the army had been on a manhunt for the cultists that harassed, intimidated and inflicted injury on innocent citizens last week.
He explained that 93 people were arrested last week and that the army interrogated and did documentations on them to ascertain those that are cultists while innocent ones among those arrested were set free.
The 14 persons arrested, he added, have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the State Police Command, saying that the army was ready to smoke out those criminal elements that were disturbing the peace of the people.
Captain James further said that the intelligence unit of the army was still working hard to fish out all the culprits involved in the mayhem.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Ebonyi govt bans religious programmes on EBBC
EBONYI State government has banned the broadcast of religious programmes/activities on the state-owned media, Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation, EBBC.
Members of some religious bodies who spoke with newsmen claimed that when they went to EBBC to book for airing of their programmes they were told that the state government was no longer interested in the broadcast of religious activities.
A pastor in one of the new generation churches in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “I went to book for our usual slot on EBBC and was told that the government was complaining about the rate at which religious programmes featured on television and radio stations.
I spoke with one of their heads in the station who pleaded anonymity to know why our programmes was no longer aired, I was told that the state government said the station was not built for religious programmes but for broadcast of government activities which are intended to showcase the achievements of the present administration of Governor Martin Elechi.”
“What most churches have done is to run to Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, to book for slots.
We want to appeal to Governor Elechi to rescind his decision. I want to say that the lives of most people in the state are being affected positively by these religious programmes.
It has over the years led to reduction in crime, cultism and extra-judicial killing in the state”
But Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chike Onwe, said the government did not ban religious programmes on EBBC, but only suspended them on both radio and television for a review and auditing of programmes carried out by the EBBC.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/ Vanguard
Members of some religious bodies who spoke with newsmen claimed that when they went to EBBC to book for airing of their programmes they were told that the state government was no longer interested in the broadcast of religious activities.
A pastor in one of the new generation churches in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “I went to book for our usual slot on EBBC and was told that the government was complaining about the rate at which religious programmes featured on television and radio stations.
I spoke with one of their heads in the station who pleaded anonymity to know why our programmes was no longer aired, I was told that the state government said the station was not built for religious programmes but for broadcast of government activities which are intended to showcase the achievements of the present administration of Governor Martin Elechi.”
“What most churches have done is to run to Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, to book for slots.
We want to appeal to Governor Elechi to rescind his decision. I want to say that the lives of most people in the state are being affected positively by these religious programmes.
It has over the years led to reduction in crime, cultism and extra-judicial killing in the state”
But Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chike Onwe, said the government did not ban religious programmes on EBBC, but only suspended them on both radio and television for a review and auditing of programmes carried out by the EBBC.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/ Vanguard
Security Beef Up In Seme, Idi-Iroko Borders After Smugglers’ Attack
The Seme Border Command of Nigeria Customs Service and the Badagry Division of Nigeria Police on say they have put in place measures to check rampant attacks from smugglers.
The two federal agencies told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry that the measures were necessary following the two days of gun battle with smugglers at Gbaji-Yeke customs check point.
Mr Dankoli Mohammed, the DPO in Badagry Police Division and the Seme Border Customs Spokesman, Ernest Olottah, told NAN that the smugglers attacked the check point on June 25 and June 26.
They said that the smugglers attempted to shoot their way through the check point along Seme-Badagry-Lagos expressway, but they were resisted by men of the customs and the police.
Mohammed said that it took the efforts of a joint security task force, including soldiers from the 242 Battalion, Ibereko, to repel the attacks.
Olottah said that the smugglers might have attempted to go through Idiroko route in Ogun to Lagos, but found the security there difficult to beat.
He said that the situation was now under control and there was no casualty on the side of the task force.
Efforts to get Alhaji Sadiq Sahabi, the Area Comptroller of Customs in Seme, for his comments were not successful.
Culled: NAN
The two federal agencies told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry that the measures were necessary following the two days of gun battle with smugglers at Gbaji-Yeke customs check point.
Mr Dankoli Mohammed, the DPO in Badagry Police Division and the Seme Border Customs Spokesman, Ernest Olottah, told NAN that the smugglers attacked the check point on June 25 and June 26.
They said that the smugglers attempted to shoot their way through the check point along Seme-Badagry-Lagos expressway, but they were resisted by men of the customs and the police.
Mohammed said that it took the efforts of a joint security task force, including soldiers from the 242 Battalion, Ibereko, to repel the attacks.
Olottah said that the smugglers might have attempted to go through Idiroko route in Ogun to Lagos, but found the security there difficult to beat.
He said that the situation was now under control and there was no casualty on the side of the task force.
Efforts to get Alhaji Sadiq Sahabi, the Area Comptroller of Customs in Seme, for his comments were not successful.
Culled: NAN
Crazy world: Woman Catches Husband Having Sex With their only Daughter
A 45-year-old woman has caught her husband having sex with their only daughter of 15 years.
The man, 51, resides with his wife and their daughter at Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
A reliable source revealed that the girl’s mother who is a trader at Oshodi, on the fateful day, went to Festac Town but had to return home because she was not feeling well.
According to the source, the woman, on getting home, met her husband and their daughter on their matrimonial bed having sex and the man sucking her breasts.
The woman was said to have raised an alarm which attracted neighbours and passersby.
Speaking with newsmen the woman said: “Must I be monitoring my daughter or be afraid when my daughter is with her father? One of our tenants once told me that the closeness of my husband and our daughter was suspicious. I got annoyed and told the woman that she was talking nonsense but within me I thought it is not possble until I caught them in the act. I am going to move out of this house with my daugher because it is a taboo, and in the future people will tell the story even to the person who may want to marry her”
When confronted, the man, he pleaded that he be forgiven, claiming that it was the handiwork of the devil. The girl wept profusely and refused to speak when reporters who sought to hear her side of the story.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
The man, 51, resides with his wife and their daughter at Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
A reliable source revealed that the girl’s mother who is a trader at Oshodi, on the fateful day, went to Festac Town but had to return home because she was not feeling well.
According to the source, the woman, on getting home, met her husband and their daughter on their matrimonial bed having sex and the man sucking her breasts.
The woman was said to have raised an alarm which attracted neighbours and passersby.
Speaking with newsmen the woman said: “Must I be monitoring my daughter or be afraid when my daughter is with her father? One of our tenants once told me that the closeness of my husband and our daughter was suspicious. I got annoyed and told the woman that she was talking nonsense but within me I thought it is not possble until I caught them in the act. I am going to move out of this house with my daugher because it is a taboo, and in the future people will tell the story even to the person who may want to marry her”
When confronted, the man, he pleaded that he be forgiven, claiming that it was the handiwork of the devil. The girl wept profusely and refused to speak when reporters who sought to hear her side of the story.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Electrocution: PHCN staff flee over youths’ threat
FOLLOWING the electrocution of seven traders, including a pregnant mother, through a live cable of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, at Apata market, workers of the company have fled their office in the area to avoid being attacked by angry youths who thought the tragedy could have been averted if the officials had heeded their earlier appeals.
It was gathered that some customers who went to the office, yesterday, apparently to pay their bills, went back home unattended to as none of the workers was around.
It was the quick response of policemen that prevented the youths and some Okada riders, who had assembled nearby, from attacking the officials on the day of the incident.
Report says that the offices were firmly locked yesterday, a day after.
This came as security was beefed up at the office of the company due to a rumour that youths in the area were planning to attack PHCN staff.
Meanwhile, some residents in the area had called on the company to pay compensation to the families of the victims.
One of the residents who identified himself as Alhaji Alamu told newsmen that the company should not only pay compensation to the families of the victims but also repair the snapped cable.
Also, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin has promised to intensify campaigns across the state to prevent possible re-occurrence.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria
It was gathered that some customers who went to the office, yesterday, apparently to pay their bills, went back home unattended to as none of the workers was around.
It was the quick response of policemen that prevented the youths and some Okada riders, who had assembled nearby, from attacking the officials on the day of the incident.
Report says that the offices were firmly locked yesterday, a day after.
This came as security was beefed up at the office of the company due to a rumour that youths in the area were planning to attack PHCN staff.
Meanwhile, some residents in the area had called on the company to pay compensation to the families of the victims.
One of the residents who identified himself as Alhaji Alamu told newsmen that the company should not only pay compensation to the families of the victims but also repair the snapped cable.
Also, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin has promised to intensify campaigns across the state to prevent possible re-occurrence.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria
Jonathan for WCO summit in Belgium
President Goodluck Jonathan will today leave the country for Brussels, Germany to attend the World Customs Organisation summit.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, said Jonathan will leave Abuja today after the Federal Executive Council meeting on a one-day official visit to Belgium.
The statement said: “President Jonathan is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the summit of the WCO in Brussels on Thursday.
The president is to be accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Senator Dahiru Kuta and Rep. Chinda Ogundu.
Culled:Dailytrustnigeria
Nasarawa community, Bingham varsity locked in tussle over land
Bingham University and its host community, Kutapeh, are allegedly locked in accusations and counter accusations over 500 hectares of land.
The parties are pointing accusing fingers at each other over alleged land grab and encroachment.
The parties are pointing accusing fingers at each other over alleged land grab and encroachment.
The private university, established by Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), said it acquired the land in 2003, the registrar, Mr. Sonni Saji Sule, told newsmen that the management had the Certificate of Occupancy as far back as 2005.
He said part of the land (220 hectares) was donated to the university by the late Etsu Karu, a paramount ruler, while another portion running into 280 hectares was acquired by the university with due compensation to the inhabitants of Kutapeh along Abuja-Keffi Road in Nasarawa State.
But members of the community had recently risen with claims that the university management grabbed its land and refused to pay compensations.
The district head, Sabo Senu, told newsmen that the said portions of the land were taken without the community’s consent because he claimed there was no compensation paid to any community member.
The district head claimed that the first portion of 220 hectares was taken from them with promises for compensation through admission of their children as well as junior category jobs for community members.
“But nothing has come to us. They don’t admit our children in the university. They don’t employ our people”, the traditional ruler said.
He also claimed that the extra 280 hectares was an encroachment because the community never sold any land to the university. He said there was no compensation of any kind.
The university management, on its side, is claiming it got its land through due process, claiming further that community members have encroached into it.The registrar said that some persons, including a big time farmer, have encroached on the land in three different places, with claims that they purchased their land from community members.
He said a group of 10 community members have already gone to court against them (Bingham) with claims that the university is sitting on its land, while another group wrote the university, asking them to vacate the place.
“There is yet another encroachment on another part. But we are telling all of them that if they bought land from anybody, it was fraud because it is our land, and we are fully titled”, Mr. Sule said.
He said the university has already sent all claims by the community and other persons to their lawyers to study and advise them, accordingly, on what action they should take.
UNILORIN expels 13 students
The University of Ilorin has expelled 13 students for various acts of misconduct.
The Registrar of the institution, Mrs Olufolake Oyeyemi, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin,Kwara State.
The Registrar of the institution, Mrs Olufolake Oyeyemi, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin,Kwara State.
She said the affected students were found guilty of various acts of misconduct such as examination malpractices or illegal associations.
She gave the names of the students as Lawal Ibrahim of Dept of Geography; Ayanda Isaac, Dept of Computer Science; Ajayi Monsuru, Dept of Arts and Social Sciences; Ijagbemi Samuel of the Dept of Mass Communication, and Issah Namadu of Dept of Computer Science.
Others were Odeku Oluwaseun, Dept of Physics; Olayiwola Yusuf, Dept of Mathematics; Ademola Iyabo, Amusan Kemi, Issa Ahmed, all of the Faculty of Education.
The rest were Ibrahim Ayobami, Statistics Dept; Akanbi Adeyinka, Home Economics and Ikotun Felix, Dept of Mechanical Eng.
Oyeyemi said the affected students have been advised to stay away from the campus.
Culled: (NAN)/Dailytrust
Jonathan’s church donor, Gitto, dies in Abuja
The owner of an Italian firm, Gitto Construzioni General which donated church building to President Goodluck Jonathan’s community, Otuoke in Bayelsa State, Domenico Gitto, is dead.
He died yesterday in Abuja.
He died yesterday in Abuja.
Reports say that Gitto was at the Ministry of Niger Delta to see the Minister of Niger Affairs Elder Goodsday Orubebe when he collapsed and died.
The report added that a reliable source from the ministry, who pleaded for anonymity,however confirmed that the deceased was at the ministry but did not die there.
Sources close to the Italian businessman, however, said he has been troubled for sometime owing to the huge debt piled up by his company in Nigerian banks.
Union Bank, said to be the largest creditor of Gitto, is allegedly owed N10 billion and is reported to have seized some of the company’s construction equipment.
Gitto is also said to owe Diamond Bank N6 billion and the bank had reportedly sued Gitto.
FCMB had also written to the Federal Ministry of Works asking that all money to be paid to Gitto by the ministry be paid to the bank, amounting to over N5billion.
It is not clear if Gitto agreed to build the church edifice in order to seek for favours from Jonathan and probably be able to pay its debt.
Culled:dailytrustnigeria
Managing the closure of Third Mainland Bridge
The Lagos State Government says that 500 officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be deployed to man alternative routes during the period of the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Kayode Opeifa, the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, said that the LASTMA officers would channel and direct traffic in various alternative routes such as Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Ijora interchange, Oshodi interchange and Ojota interchange.
According to him, vehicles coming from Lagos Island to the mainland between 12 midnight and 12 noon would divert at Adeniji Adele to connect Carter Bridge at Iddo Junction and link Herbert Macaulay Way, Apapa or the Eko Bridge.
He said that the bridge would not be closed completely as partial use of it will be allowed during rush hours. However, he warned that traffic chaos should be expected in the first week of the partial closure of the bridge.
The bridge will be partially closed between July 1 and November 6; a development which many commuters have lamented is too long for repair works. Opeifa justified the duration the repair works on the bridge would last, saying that in some countries some repair works last for two years.
The commissioner appealed to commuters not to panic as the state government was ready to manage the traffic challenge that would arise as a result the rehabilitation exercise.
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
Kayode Opeifa, the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, said that the LASTMA officers would channel and direct traffic in various alternative routes such as Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Ijora interchange, Oshodi interchange and Ojota interchange.
According to him, vehicles coming from Lagos Island to the mainland between 12 midnight and 12 noon would divert at Adeniji Adele to connect Carter Bridge at Iddo Junction and link Herbert Macaulay Way, Apapa or the Eko Bridge.
He said that the bridge would not be closed completely as partial use of it will be allowed during rush hours. However, he warned that traffic chaos should be expected in the first week of the partial closure of the bridge.
The bridge will be partially closed between July 1 and November 6; a development which many commuters have lamented is too long for repair works. Opeifa justified the duration the repair works on the bridge would last, saying that in some countries some repair works last for two years.
The commissioner appealed to commuters not to panic as the state government was ready to manage the traffic challenge that would arise as a result the rehabilitation exercise.
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
Mysterious fire guts Zenith Bank branch
A mysterious fire, on Tuesday evening, gutted the Anthony Village branch of Zenith Bank, causing fear and panic among staff.
According to sources at the bank, the fire started around 5.00p.m., shortly after business hours.
The explosion followed a bang that reportedly jolted the bank staff and some late customers still tidying up transactions.
Some of the members of staff reportedly used fire extinguishers to stop the fire from raging beyond control. The intervention of firefighters was said to have prevented the building from being totally damaged.
Police officers from Onipanu, Pedro and Alade stations were also promptly drafted to the bank to render support.
It was however gathered that the fire destroyed some valuables and equipment like desktops, chairs, tables and office documents, while the window frames and louvres were also shattered.
In spite of the commotion that ensued following the incident, there was no report of injury to anyone.
A bank staff, who requested anonymity, said the general suspicion was that the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction.
“Nobody died but with the level of insecurity in the country, some of the customers thought it was a bomb blast and they ran in confusion, but nobody was injured," the source added.
"Until the police conduct an investigation, we will then know the details of what happened.”
This incident is coming barely a day after over one thousand members of staff of the bank were abruptly relieved of their jobs, following recent mass retrenchment hitting the country's banking sector.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria
According to sources at the bank, the fire started around 5.00p.m., shortly after business hours.
The explosion followed a bang that reportedly jolted the bank staff and some late customers still tidying up transactions.
Some of the members of staff reportedly used fire extinguishers to stop the fire from raging beyond control. The intervention of firefighters was said to have prevented the building from being totally damaged.
Police officers from Onipanu, Pedro and Alade stations were also promptly drafted to the bank to render support.
It was however gathered that the fire destroyed some valuables and equipment like desktops, chairs, tables and office documents, while the window frames and louvres were also shattered.
In spite of the commotion that ensued following the incident, there was no report of injury to anyone.
A bank staff, who requested anonymity, said the general suspicion was that the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction.
“Nobody died but with the level of insecurity in the country, some of the customers thought it was a bomb blast and they ran in confusion, but nobody was injured," the source added.
"Until the police conduct an investigation, we will then know the details of what happened.”
This incident is coming barely a day after over one thousand members of staff of the bank were abruptly relieved of their jobs, following recent mass retrenchment hitting the country's banking sector.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Ways to Beat Bad Breath
Hello friends,my quest to enjoy the best of oral health took me to a site where I found this interesting piece which I cant but share with you............enjoy
No one likes to have (or smell) bad breath. Fortunately, it's simple to prevent. A foul smell coming from your mouth is usually caused by bacteria, so keeping your teeth (and tongue) clean and eating certain foods will do the trick.
Stay On Top Of Your Teeth
Your first and easiest line of defense is good oral care. Cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease can all be underlying causes of odor.
Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulates on your teeth and under your gumline. And be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.
Clean Your Tongue
The fleshy surface of the tongue is a prime breeding ground for harmful bacteria and accounts for a large percentage of halitosis cases; but most people neglect this crucial area when brushing.
To dislodge the offending build-up take a regular soft bristle toothbrush and make a few gentle strokes down the tongue from back to front once a day. Depending on the anatomy of your tongue--some people have a lot of grooves -you might want to invest in a tongue scraper for more effective cleaning. Check with your dentist for the best option based on your needs.
Go Sugar-Free
Reaching for mints and gum can help mask that dragon breath but if you're using sugary brands you're actually adding to the problem. Bacteria in your mouth tend to ferment sugar, which leads to those very unpleasant odors.
So stick with sugar-free solutions. And while you're at it, cutting down on sugar in the rest of your diet can go a long way in snuffing out those icky smells.
Wet Your Whistle
Your saliva contains vital protective enzymes that help kill bad bacteria, so a dry mouth can be contributing to your smelly situation. Staying hydrated will help stimulate the salivary glands and keep your mouth properly moisturized. If you're guzzling the optimal 8 glasses of H2O a day and you're still desert-dry,please consult your dentist.
Pass the Bread
A low-carb, high protein diet may be the cause of that killer bad breath according to an analysis by the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine.
The key to these diets is a fat-burning state known as ketosis when your body burns stored fats to use as fuel instead of the missing carbs.
As the fat burns, chemicals called ketones accumulate in the body and are released in your breath.
Since this is a metabolic problem originating in your stomach and not your mouth there's not much you can do other than modifying your diet.
Take a Tea Break
Drinking tea can do more than soothe your soul.
It can also help that halitosis. A research out of the University of Illinois at Chicago shows that polyphenols, chemical components found in black and green tea, can prevent the growth of the bacteria responsible for bad breath as well as the bacteria's production of putrid smelling compounds. So try a cup of Lemon Zinger and zap out those funky fumes!
Get a Physical
If you've been on top of your dental care, have tried all of the above and your breath could still peel the paint from the walls, it's time to ring up the doc. Chronic nasty breath can be a symptom of a variety of other underlying medical issues such as diabetes, severe sinus infections, post-nasal drip, GI disorders, or liver and kidney problems.
So,hope you found one or two tips useful,I will try them myself.............
Culled: Yahoohealthnews
Police uncover ritualists shrine in Ogun
The Ogun police command says it has uncovered a
shrine belonging to ritualists and fraudsters in Iganke, a boundary town with
Lagos States.
The shrine, located deep in a forest was filled with charms and other scary objects.
The Ogun Police Commissioner, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, who supervised the operation, told newsmen later that his men had been on the lookout for shrines and others places where evils were perpetrated.
He said the arrest of two members of the group in Abeokuta led to the discovery of the shrine, and attributed the breakthrough to the cooperation and collaboration with various communities in the area.
Okoye said one of them tried to dupe someone of huge amount of money, but through intelligent gathering we got to hear about it
``We immediately swung into action and arrested two members of the syndicate, who brought us to this place where they do all kind of things, including rituals and fraud.
``Our investigation department is working tirelessly to get to know more about the activities of these people, and take necessary actions.''
The commissioner further said that the two suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the matter was concluded.
While thanking members of the various communities for the cooperation extended to the force, he charged anyone with useful information to supply such to the command.
``I can assure you that the identity of anyone, who volunteered information that will help us uncover men of the underworld will be highly shielded,’’ he said.
The discovery was the second in three months after a similar shrine was discovered in April at Mosinimi in the Shagamu Local Government Area of Ogun.
Culled:news24nigeria/ NAN
The shrine, located deep in a forest was filled with charms and other scary objects.
The Ogun Police Commissioner, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, who supervised the operation, told newsmen later that his men had been on the lookout for shrines and others places where evils were perpetrated.
He said the arrest of two members of the group in Abeokuta led to the discovery of the shrine, and attributed the breakthrough to the cooperation and collaboration with various communities in the area.
Okoye said one of them tried to dupe someone of huge amount of money, but through intelligent gathering we got to hear about it
``We immediately swung into action and arrested two members of the syndicate, who brought us to this place where they do all kind of things, including rituals and fraud.
``Our investigation department is working tirelessly to get to know more about the activities of these people, and take necessary actions.''
The commissioner further said that the two suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the matter was concluded.
While thanking members of the various communities for the cooperation extended to the force, he charged anyone with useful information to supply such to the command.
``I can assure you that the identity of anyone, who volunteered information that will help us uncover men of the underworld will be highly shielded,’’ he said.
The discovery was the second in three months after a similar shrine was discovered in April at Mosinimi in the Shagamu Local Government Area of Ogun.
Culled:news24nigeria/ NAN
Arsenal announce Giroud deal
Arsenal have confirmed that Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud will join the club on a long-term contract on July 1.
Giroud, who scored 25 goals for France’s unlikely title-winners last season, has been representing France at Euro 2012, and has agreed a move to the Premier League following the completion of their campaign in Poland.
The striker, 25, has completed a medical with Arsenal and will join the club in a transfer worth in the region of £13 million once the formalities of the deal have been completed.
Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud. He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic. We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.
“He has proved that he is capable of performing at the top level with club and country, and we saw what a big influence he was in Montpellier’s championship-winning side last season. We all look forward to Olivier joining us and seeing him play in an Arsenal shirt.”
Giroud is the second signing of the transfer window for Arsenal, who prior to the start of Euro 2012 confirmed they had secured Germany international Lukas Podolski from Cologne.
The striker has only played top-flight football for two seasons – scoring 33 goals in 73 Ligue 1 appearances for Montpellier – and otherwise has spells in the lower leagues with Grenoble, Istres and Tours on his CV.
He said: “I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football. It’s a huge satisfaction to join this great club and it’s been a dream since I was young to play in the Premier League.
“I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsene Wenger’s ‘touch’ at this club. I have always admired Arsenal with its great history and reputation, and I now hope to achieve great things here. I’m very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans.”
Giroud made three appearances at Euro 2012 though he played only 32 minutes.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Giroud, who scored 25 goals for France’s unlikely title-winners last season, has been representing France at Euro 2012, and has agreed a move to the Premier League following the completion of their campaign in Poland.
The striker, 25, has completed a medical with Arsenal and will join the club in a transfer worth in the region of £13 million once the formalities of the deal have been completed.
Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud. He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic. We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.
“He has proved that he is capable of performing at the top level with club and country, and we saw what a big influence he was in Montpellier’s championship-winning side last season. We all look forward to Olivier joining us and seeing him play in an Arsenal shirt.”
Giroud is the second signing of the transfer window for Arsenal, who prior to the start of Euro 2012 confirmed they had secured Germany international Lukas Podolski from Cologne.
The striker has only played top-flight football for two seasons – scoring 33 goals in 73 Ligue 1 appearances for Montpellier – and otherwise has spells in the lower leagues with Grenoble, Istres and Tours on his CV.
He said: “I am delighted to be here at Arsenal and to be part of one of the great teams in English football. It’s a huge satisfaction to join this great club and it’s been a dream since I was young to play in the Premier League.
“I was attracted by the philosophy of football and Arsene Wenger’s ‘touch’ at this club. I have always admired Arsenal with its great history and reputation, and I now hope to achieve great things here. I’m very proud to be a Gunner and I will give my best for all the Arsenal fans.”
Giroud made three appearances at Euro 2012 though he played only 32 minutes.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Prince killed in Lagos land dispute
Prince Ibrahim Balogun of Isheri-Olofin community in Lagos was killed by hired hoodlums on Monday, over a land dispute.
This fresh violence is coming barely two days after two persons were confirmed dead in a bloody clash at Ilaja area of the state, over a sand dredging site.
Balogun was said to have been attacked by hired hoodlums while he was attempting to flee on a commercial motorcycle during a clash between residents of Idimu and Isheri-Olofin.
Both communities had engaged each another in a fierce fight over some landed property.
The violence which started on Sunday left several persons injured while properties were also destroyed.
The State Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide also confirmed Prince Ibrahim's death.
It was gathered that High court verdict in Lagos ruled that the disputed land located between the two communities at the Council Bus Stop and Arida area of the state, belonged to the indigenes of Isheri-Olofin.
The verdict, which was delivered in April, was however appealed by the indigenes of Idimu who had been selling the land to prospective buyers.
However, it was further gathered that indigenes of Isheri-Olofin had stormed the area asking the residents to vacate the land as the land rightfully belonged to them.
This did not go down well with the settlers on the land and a fight ensued as the settlers vowed not to leave the property they claimed to have paid millions of naira to purchase.
It was in the wake of the forceful eviction led by several hired thugs that the said Prince Ibrahim was allegedly killed.
The violence also forced schools and several businesses in the area to hurriedly close up on Monday, as the feuding communities engaged each another with guns and other dangerous weapons.
Though the police claimed there was no clash in the area, residents however appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola to wade into the matter in the interest of peace.
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
NUC suspends part-time programmes
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the suspension of all part-time programmes run by universities in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, also announced the results of accreditation of courses run by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Okojie said the commission wanted to streamline part-time programmes such that it would accommodate not more than 20 per cent of the students in universities and stop the establishment of satellite campuses.
Okojie also announced that 30 NOUN programmes have been granted accreditation.
He said four programmes- Cooperative Management, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Agric Extension and Management and Hotel & Catering Management were granted full accreditation, 29 programmes were granted interim accreditation while Nursing Science was denied accreditation for failing to meet requirements.
Culled:Dailytrustnigeria
Camel kills aide to Zamfara State governor
Ado Yahaya, the Head of the Special Protection Unit of Governor Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara State, has been confirmed dead after he was involved in a motor accident involving the governor’s motorcade and a camel.
Pics:googleimage
Yahaya, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, died in the incident on Gummi-Sokoto Road, while five other police officers attached to the governor’s security detail sustained injuries.
Nuhu Anka, the Director of Press and Communication to the governor, told journalists on Monday that the accident occurred when the governor’s convoy was returning from Talata Mafara, after a road inspection visit in Gummi.
Anka, who was also on the convoy, said the vehicle conveying members of the special protection unit ran into a stray camel while on high speed; resulting in the death of Yahaya.
He said the governor had instructed that the corpse should be conveyed to Gusau for funeral rites, while the injured policemen were admitted at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
Pics:googleimage
Yahaya, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, died in the incident on Gummi-Sokoto Road, while five other police officers attached to the governor’s security detail sustained injuries.
Nuhu Anka, the Director of Press and Communication to the governor, told journalists on Monday that the accident occurred when the governor’s convoy was returning from Talata Mafara, after a road inspection visit in Gummi.
Anka, who was also on the convoy, said the vehicle conveying members of the special protection unit ran into a stray camel while on high speed; resulting in the death of Yahaya.
He said the governor had instructed that the corpse should be conveyed to Gusau for funeral rites, while the injured policemen were admitted at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
Monday 25 June 2012
NIMET forecasts 7 days rainfall for Lagos
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) says Lagos will soon experience a seven-day rainfall.
Mr Abayomi Oyegoke of NIMET Central Forecast Unit, Oshodi, Lagos, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Lagos.
Pics:googleimage
He said a total of 570 mm of rainfall was recorded in Lagos State between January and June.
Oyegoke said the rains being experienced in state were prelude to the seven-day rainfall. ``In the past one week, we have being having a prelude to the seven days rainfall and immediately after that, we will experience a little dry season. The dry season indicates the onset of the August break, and it seems the break may come early this year; towards the second or third week of July,’’.
Culled :Dailytrustnigeria/NAN
Mr Abayomi Oyegoke of NIMET Central Forecast Unit, Oshodi, Lagos, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Lagos.
Pics:googleimage
He said a total of 570 mm of rainfall was recorded in Lagos State between January and June.
Oyegoke said the rains being experienced in state were prelude to the seven-day rainfall. ``In the past one week, we have being having a prelude to the seven days rainfall and immediately after that, we will experience a little dry season. The dry season indicates the onset of the August break, and it seems the break may come early this year; towards the second or third week of July,’’.
Culled :Dailytrustnigeria/NAN
Pregnant woman, six others electrocuted
Seven people, one of them a pregnant woman, have been reported dead at Apata market in Ibadan, Oyo State when a live high tension power supply cable of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) suddenly fell on traders at the busy market.
The gory incident which occurred at about 7 o'clock in the morning affected mostly vegetable dealers as they were busy transacting their business at the popular Agbekoja section of the market.
Eye witness accounts identified the deceased pregnant woman simply as Tawa, adding that her mother who was also standing beside her was a victim of the electrocution.
However, a one-year-old baby boy was rescued alive from the scene of the incident while the baby's mother, whose identity could not be immediately ascertained was not as lucky as the cable fell directly on her. Good Samaritans fought spiritedly to rescue the infant unhurt from the back of his electrocuted mother who passed on immediately after the shock.
Many other traders at the spot sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
The rescue mission was led by a youth leader in the community, Wahab Bamidele (a.k.a Wabo) assisted by other youths in the area while the Apata Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Agboola Abiodun was also at the head of a team of policemen from the Division as they mounted security surveillance to ensure that hoodlums did not hijack the incident.
Speaking with newsmen about the electrocution, the Chairman, Ibadan South West Local Government Community Development Council, Alhaji Lasisi Bamidele Popoola lamented that this is the third time this year that the PHCN high tension wire at Apata has been cutting off and fallen explaining that one person was killed in a similar circumstance in the area sometime last year.
Meanwhile, the authorities of the Ibadan South West Local Government Council has declared a three-day mourning for the electrocuted victims just as the Apata Market has been temporarily closed down to enable the PHCN management effect thorough repairs to the disconnected high tension wire.
Commercial activities were totally paralysed at the ever bustling Apata Market throughout yesterday as traders immediately put their shops and kiosks under lock and key following the sad news. Even the commercial bus drivers were not left out as they momentarily parked their vehicles off the road, in sympathy with the victims of the early morning electrocution.
Culled:Dailytrustnigeria
.
The gory incident which occurred at about 7 o'clock in the morning affected mostly vegetable dealers as they were busy transacting their business at the popular Agbekoja section of the market.
Eye witness accounts identified the deceased pregnant woman simply as Tawa, adding that her mother who was also standing beside her was a victim of the electrocution.
However, a one-year-old baby boy was rescued alive from the scene of the incident while the baby's mother, whose identity could not be immediately ascertained was not as lucky as the cable fell directly on her. Good Samaritans fought spiritedly to rescue the infant unhurt from the back of his electrocuted mother who passed on immediately after the shock.
Many other traders at the spot sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
The rescue mission was led by a youth leader in the community, Wahab Bamidele (a.k.a Wabo) assisted by other youths in the area while the Apata Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Agboola Abiodun was also at the head of a team of policemen from the Division as they mounted security surveillance to ensure that hoodlums did not hijack the incident.
Speaking with newsmen about the electrocution, the Chairman, Ibadan South West Local Government Community Development Council, Alhaji Lasisi Bamidele Popoola lamented that this is the third time this year that the PHCN high tension wire at Apata has been cutting off and fallen explaining that one person was killed in a similar circumstance in the area sometime last year.
Meanwhile, the authorities of the Ibadan South West Local Government Council has declared a three-day mourning for the electrocuted victims just as the Apata Market has been temporarily closed down to enable the PHCN management effect thorough repairs to the disconnected high tension wire.
Commercial activities were totally paralysed at the ever bustling Apata Market throughout yesterday as traders immediately put their shops and kiosks under lock and key following the sad news. Even the commercial bus drivers were not left out as they momentarily parked their vehicles off the road, in sympathy with the victims of the early morning electrocution.
Culled:Dailytrustnigeria
.
I'm Not Engaged To Timi Alaibe, Says Agbani Darego
Former Miss World, Agbani Darego has debunked the rumour of her alledged
engagement to former Governorship aspirant and former NDDC chairman,
Timi Alaibe, 50.
Agbani Darego,29, and first Black African Miss World wrote on her twitter handle@TheAgbaniDarego "Would be nice to read verified reports from credible sources"..
A report by earlier on Tuesday had claimed the beautiful model is marrying the politician but that report has now being trashed by Agbani.
Culled:enownow
engagement to former Governorship aspirant and former NDDC chairman,
Timi Alaibe, 50.
Agbani Darego,29, and first Black African Miss World wrote on her twitter handle
A report by earlier on Tuesday had claimed the beautiful model is marrying the politician but that report has now being trashed by Agbani.
Culled:enownow
NMA Kaduna decries attacks on personnel
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State Chapter has decried attacks on its members and the vandalism of health facilities during crises.
The association, in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman and Secretary, Dr. Solomon Avidime and Dr. Joseph Ovosi respectively, said that three private clinics and some of its members were attacked during the recent violence in parts of the state.
The statement listed two of the affected clinics as Covenant Hospital, Benin Street by Kano Road and Alheri Clinic, Jos Road by Bayajidda Street.
It said that one Dr. Zainab Mohammed-Idris was also attacked along Kamanzo.
While describing the attacks as "utterly condemnable," the statement said Mohammed-Idris lost her driver on her way to duty, during the mob action by some irate youths.
The Calvary Clinic at Kafanchan in the southern part of the state was burnt in a similar violence during the 2011 general elections.
"It should be noted that doctors and other healthcare personnel are doing their utmost best," it said. "This is at the risk of their lives to render emergency and basic healthcare services without any discrimination to religion, tribe, creed or political affiliation as enshrined in the Oath of Service, which we swore to uphold.
"Therefore, the NMA Kaduna State see this recent development as totally unwarranted and call for restraint on the attacks of innocent and law abiding citizens and also healthcare facilities and personnel who defy odds to help the sick and the wounded in the face of these crises.
"Life is sacred and its sanctity should be respected by all irrespective of the differences in our affiliation."
The association also condemned the bombing of three churches in Zaria and Kaduna cities on June 17, the attendant reprisal and counter-reprisal attacks which claimed several lives and property.
It commended "the courage and expertise of all doctors and other health workers" who provided emergency medical services during the crises.
"We are proud to say that within the limits of available human and material resources in most facilities where the victims were received, all patients, except the two that were fatally injured on arrival at the hospitals, are alive.
"Some have been discharged while others are now recuperating."
The statement reminded the public that the current security challenges and the attendant casualties in some states in the North were putting a strain on the already "thin and fragile" health system in the affected states.
"We appeal to relevant security agencies to ensure the movement of medical personnel as a matter of urgency when duly identified during crisis periods."
It called for a lasting solution to the current crisis, to promote peace and unity, which it described as the panacea for sustainable development.
The association lauded the Kaduna Government for its efforts to restore peace and security in the state, as well as the roles played by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jamatu Nasir Islam (JNI) in preaching peaceful coexistence.
"These are indeed trying times for us as a state. We urge the peace loving people of the state to remain steadfast and be each other’s brother's keeper by complementing the efforts of the government in maintaining peace and avoiding religious strife and intolerance."
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
The association, in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman and Secretary, Dr. Solomon Avidime and Dr. Joseph Ovosi respectively, said that three private clinics and some of its members were attacked during the recent violence in parts of the state.
The statement listed two of the affected clinics as Covenant Hospital, Benin Street by Kano Road and Alheri Clinic, Jos Road by Bayajidda Street.
It said that one Dr. Zainab Mohammed-Idris was also attacked along Kamanzo.
While describing the attacks as "utterly condemnable," the statement said Mohammed-Idris lost her driver on her way to duty, during the mob action by some irate youths.
The Calvary Clinic at Kafanchan in the southern part of the state was burnt in a similar violence during the 2011 general elections.
"It should be noted that doctors and other healthcare personnel are doing their utmost best," it said. "This is at the risk of their lives to render emergency and basic healthcare services without any discrimination to religion, tribe, creed or political affiliation as enshrined in the Oath of Service, which we swore to uphold.
"Therefore, the NMA Kaduna State see this recent development as totally unwarranted and call for restraint on the attacks of innocent and law abiding citizens and also healthcare facilities and personnel who defy odds to help the sick and the wounded in the face of these crises.
"Life is sacred and its sanctity should be respected by all irrespective of the differences in our affiliation."
The association also condemned the bombing of three churches in Zaria and Kaduna cities on June 17, the attendant reprisal and counter-reprisal attacks which claimed several lives and property.
It commended "the courage and expertise of all doctors and other health workers" who provided emergency medical services during the crises.
"We are proud to say that within the limits of available human and material resources in most facilities where the victims were received, all patients, except the two that were fatally injured on arrival at the hospitals, are alive.
"Some have been discharged while others are now recuperating."
The statement reminded the public that the current security challenges and the attendant casualties in some states in the North were putting a strain on the already "thin and fragile" health system in the affected states.
"We appeal to relevant security agencies to ensure the movement of medical personnel as a matter of urgency when duly identified during crisis periods."
It called for a lasting solution to the current crisis, to promote peace and unity, which it described as the panacea for sustainable development.
The association lauded the Kaduna Government for its efforts to restore peace and security in the state, as well as the roles played by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jamatu Nasir Islam (JNI) in preaching peaceful coexistence.
"These are indeed trying times for us as a state. We urge the peace loving people of the state to remain steadfast and be each other’s brother's keeper by complementing the efforts of the government in maintaining peace and avoiding religious strife and intolerance."
Culled:dailytimesnigeria
Two die in Lagos gang war
Two persons have been confirmed dead following a clash between rival gangs at the Bariga area of Lagos.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
She said the deceased died over the weekend, when two notorious gangs known as 'Downtown Boys' and 'Shaggy Boys' clashed over the control of a sand dredging site at Ilaje community in Bariga.
Unconfirmed sources however put the number of deaths during the clash at five.
The members of the gangs were said to have engaged in a gun duel for three consecutive days.
Residents were said to have clung to the safety of their homes following the attendant tension in the area.
Meanwhile, the police have declared one Ibrahim, also known as 'Small Jpron', wanted for masterminding the clash and other crimes in Shomolu area.
Culled: Dailytimesnigeria
Woman inserts 66 wraps of narcotics in private part
The law enforcement agents, at the screening section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, arrested a woman, Mande Bala who had 66 wraps of narcotics, in her private part.
The lady was promptly arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency shortly before she was due to board a Kenyan Airways flight to Nairobi.
The NDLEA Commander at the airport, Hamza Umar, confirmed the arrest, saying “the quantity of drugs that Bala had inserted in her private part was so much that it affected her gait, drawing the attention of the NDLEA officials.
No suspect has ever inserted such a large quantity of drugs in the country. Usually, cases of insertion are not more than 300g. The discovery was shocking.”
Report says that in all, the 66 wraps of methamphetamine expelled from Bala’s private part weighed 1kg.
Ms Bala, who claimed to be a widow and mother of three, said she was pushed to trafficking in drugs in order to raise school fees for her children.
“I am a widow; my husband died in 2007. I have got three children to take care of. I need N45,000 to pay some fees for my child and I also had to take care of my rent because I have a quit notice to leave my house in July. I was actually supposed to swallow the drugs but I was too scared to do so. I then decided on my own to hide them instead in my private parts because I was scared I would die if I ingested the drugs. I have heard such things happen. Although it was difficult for me to walk, I had to do my best because there is no one else to take care of my children,” she said.
In his reaction, the chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the incident as disturbing.
“Apart from the quantity of drugs caught with her, her route is a new development in drug trafficking.
Drug barons now adopt a relay approach to drug trafficking. They wanted to use her to take the drug to another African country before using an indigene of that country to take the drug to other continents, where the profit is higher. We are not oblivious of their moves and we are prepared to nip them in the bud,” he said.
According to the agency, no suspect has ever inserted such a large quantity of drugs in her private part since the establishment of the NDLEA in 1989. The suspect, who is a graduate of accounting from a South-West university, lives at Ijoko in Ogun State and is a native of Lagos Island in Lagos State. She will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
Culled:Channelstv
Court stops FG from renaming UNILAG
A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim order restraining the Federal Government from renaming the University of Lagos.
The order was granted by Justice Stephen Adah, who was ruling in the suits brought against the May 29, 2012 renaming of the institution by the students and alumni of the University of Lagos.
The court, however, advised the litigants to harmonise the suits into one and adjourned further hearing till July 4.
The defendants in the suits are UNILAG, the UNILAG Governing Council, the UNILAG Senate, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Assembly.
President Goodluck Jonathan had last month renamed the University of Lagos after the late businessman and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola.
The renaming of the institution as Moshood Abiola University was greeted by protest from the students and staff of the school. Others criticized the president for not following due process in renaming UNILAG. They insisted that the president should have consulted with the National Assembly before making the pronounciation on democracy.
President Jonathan on Sunday during a presidential media chat with selected journalist said that he did not breach the consititution of Nigeria in renaming the University of Lagos. He said the renaming the insitution is similar to the process the president can declare state of emergency before subjecting the matter before the National Assembly.
He supported his arguement by saying that he just signed the act establishing the University of Uyo, a university that according to him have being producing Phd graduates.
Culled:Channelstv
The order was granted by Justice Stephen Adah, who was ruling in the suits brought against the May 29, 2012 renaming of the institution by the students and alumni of the University of Lagos.
The court, however, advised the litigants to harmonise the suits into one and adjourned further hearing till July 4.
The defendants in the suits are UNILAG, the UNILAG Governing Council, the UNILAG Senate, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Assembly.
President Goodluck Jonathan had last month renamed the University of Lagos after the late businessman and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola.
The renaming of the institution as Moshood Abiola University was greeted by protest from the students and staff of the school. Others criticized the president for not following due process in renaming UNILAG. They insisted that the president should have consulted with the National Assembly before making the pronounciation on democracy.
President Jonathan on Sunday during a presidential media chat with selected journalist said that he did not breach the consititution of Nigeria in renaming the University of Lagos. He said the renaming the insitution is similar to the process the president can declare state of emergency before subjecting the matter before the National Assembly.
He supported his arguement by saying that he just signed the act establishing the University of Uyo, a university that according to him have being producing Phd graduates.
Culled:Channelstv
Euro 2012: Wife's fury after husband heads out to Ukraine to see England play instead of celebrating anniversary
One England fan looks to be in the doghouse with his partner when he gets back from the Ukraine after a banner was hung over a bridge declaring: 'I hope the quarter finals are worth missing our anniversary for.'
The message was directed at a man named only as Chris who appeared to have defied his wife's wishes and flown out for the Euro 2012 clash with Italy on Sunday.
The 5ft by 3ft banner has been hung over a busy dual carriageway in Birmingham where thousands of motorists pass by each day.
It was first spotted by motorists travelling along the A38 between Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield on Wednesday.
James Sporren, 30, from Lichfield, Staffs, who under it said he had sympathy with the man in question.
He said: 'He's just enjoying a chance to support his country in a major tournament - and that doesn't come along very often.
'They will have an anniversary every year - this is our best chance.
Culled:Yahoonews
Suspected vandal stuck atop telecoms mast
Residents of Bayara community, a suburb in Bauchi State, weekend, woke up to the startling discovery of a suspected vandal atop a telecoms mast.
Report says that the suspect, whose name was giving as Babangida Bangis, 30, had in the early hours of the day, climbed the mast to vandalise it but was unable to come down out of fear.
Pics:Googleimage
The incident attracted the attention of residents of the community, motorists and passers-by to the scene located a few metres away from the Bauchi-Dass Road axis.
It was gathered that it took the efforts of two policemen, who climbed up the mast, where the suspect was hanging, to persuade him to come down.
Speaking with newsmen on the development, state Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect had been arrested.
He said: “The suspect had been charged to court on a two-count charge. The first charge, is attempted theft, while the second one is attempted suicide, because he wanted to jump down from the mast so as to avoid been arrested.”
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Kabiru Mohammed, however, explained that Babangida was first seen at the highest point of the mast by some farmers residing in the area, when they were going to their farms in the morning.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/Vanguard
Report says that the suspect, whose name was giving as Babangida Bangis, 30, had in the early hours of the day, climbed the mast to vandalise it but was unable to come down out of fear.
Pics:Googleimage
The incident attracted the attention of residents of the community, motorists and passers-by to the scene located a few metres away from the Bauchi-Dass Road axis.
It was gathered that it took the efforts of two policemen, who climbed up the mast, where the suspect was hanging, to persuade him to come down.
Speaking with newsmen on the development, state Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect had been arrested.
He said: “The suspect had been charged to court on a two-count charge. The first charge, is attempted theft, while the second one is attempted suicide, because he wanted to jump down from the mast so as to avoid been arrested.”
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Kabiru Mohammed, however, explained that Babangida was first seen at the highest point of the mast by some farmers residing in the area, when they were going to their farms in the morning.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/Vanguard
World loses species with death of Lonesome George
Lonesome George is dead, leaving the world one species poorer.
According to the Galapagos National Park Service in a statement ,estimated to be more than 100 years old, the creature's cause of death remains unclear and a necropsy is planned.
Lonesome George's longtime caretaker, Fausto Llerena, found the tortoise's remains stretched out in the "direction of his watering hole" on Santa Cruz Island, the statement said.
Lonesome George was discovered on Pinta Island in 1972 at a time when tortoises of his type were already believed to be extinct.
Since then, the animal had been part of the park service's tortoise program.
Repeated efforts to breed Lonesome George failed.
"Later two females from the Espanola tortoise population (the species most closely related to Pinta tortoises genetically) were with George until the end," the park service said.
In honor of Lonesome George, the park service said it was convening an international workshop in July on management strategies for restoring tortoise populations over the next decade.
The Galapagos Islands, situated about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) off Ecuador's coast, is considered a haven for tortoises.
Culled:Yahoonews
Movie Marketers ban Ghanaian movies in Nigeria
Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) has placed embargo on Ghanaian films with effect from the end of this month.
The association has also resolved to halt the distribution of films produced by non-professionals. It insists that if such film(s) must be distributed at all, its right of ownership should be transferred to its members on negotiation.
The FVPMAN chairman, Onitsha branch, Mr. Uzo Godson Nwosu who confirmed this development to HVP, said this position was taken after the association’s general meeting last weekend in Onitsha.
According to him, the decision became necessary following the position taken by their Ghanaian counterparts who have banned the distribution of Nigerian films in their country long time ago.
His words, “starting from the first week of August, no Ghanaian film will be allowed to enter the Nigerian market again. We have resolved that no Ghanaian film will be distributed within our controlled market. Our Ghanaian counterparts have long stopped distributing our films in their country, and given this development, we have no choice than to reciprocate the gesture.” FVPMAN boss stated.
Nwosu who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Guinks Investment said any of their members who failed to compile with this new order will either be prosecuted or have his goods confiscated by the association.
The marketer said the association is finalising plans to storm Ghana any moment from now, particularly to confront those local television stations who are illegally airing Nigerian films without obtaining permission from the right owners.
Also, given the problem associated with “second tier market”(where a producer is compelled to observe a three-month grace before releasing his film into the market in a large quality), Nwosu said the association has decided to reversed the trend.
Film owners, according to him, are now free to release their films into the market without necessarily observing the mandatory three months grace before doing so.
They will also be required to obtain censors’ board and copy right commission’s documents in addition to registering the film with the sum of N10,000 with the FVPMAN.
“In order to move the association forward, we have resolved to address the problem of second tier market.” FVPMAN boss further stated.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate
Saudis give women Games go-ahead
Saudi Arabia, where public sports events for women are banned, will allow females to compete in the Olympic Games for the first time.
Saudi Arabia embassy in London said in a landmark statement.
The Saudi Olympic Committee will “oversee participation of women athletes who can qualify”, the BBC quoted the statement as saying.
The issue of women in sport remains extremely sensitive in the ultra-conservative Muslim state, where women are not even allowed to drive cars and the authorities shut down private gyms for women in 2009 and 2010.
Equestrian contestant Dalma Malhas is likely to be the country’s only female athlete to qualify for this summer’s Games in London which get underway on July 27.
Malhas, born in the United States, won a bronze medal at the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics without having been nominated by her country, following an invitation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The BBC reported that Saudi’s King Abdullah pushed for the policy change, but had delayed the announcement due to last week’s death of heir-apparent Crown Prince Nayef.
“It’s very sensitive,” a senior Saudi official told the BBC. “King Abdullah is trying to initiate reform in a subtle way, by finding the right balance between going too fast or too slow.
“Partly because of the mounting criticism we woke up and realised we had to deal with this. We believe Saudi society will accept this,” the official said.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei are the only three countries never to have sent women athletes to the Olympics.
But Qatar has already announced it will send a three-woman team to London made up of shooter Bahia Al-Hamad, swimmer Nada Wafa Arakji and Noor Al-Malki, a 100m and 200m sprinter.
Brunei, meanwhile, will send a to London as part of their two-athlete delegation — 400m hurdler Maziah Mahusin.
Saudi Arabia’s decision could provoke resistance in Malhas’s homeland which operates under a strict Islamic code in which women are forced to cover themselves from head to toe.
Women wanting to take part in sports in the Gulf kingdom face an uphill struggle as they have to do so behind closed doors, like a group of 300 women who played basketball at an enclosed court in the city of Jeddah on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8.
There had been increasing pressure on the Saudis to fall into line over sending a women’s team to London with IOC president Jacques Rogge admitting in April that he was conducting a lengthy dialogue with the kingdom’s rulers.
BBC/247nigerianewsupdate
Saudi Arabia embassy in London said in a landmark statement.
The Saudi Olympic Committee will “oversee participation of women athletes who can qualify”, the BBC quoted the statement as saying.
The issue of women in sport remains extremely sensitive in the ultra-conservative Muslim state, where women are not even allowed to drive cars and the authorities shut down private gyms for women in 2009 and 2010.
Equestrian contestant Dalma Malhas is likely to be the country’s only female athlete to qualify for this summer’s Games in London which get underway on July 27.
Malhas, born in the United States, won a bronze medal at the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics without having been nominated by her country, following an invitation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The BBC reported that Saudi’s King Abdullah pushed for the policy change, but had delayed the announcement due to last week’s death of heir-apparent Crown Prince Nayef.
“It’s very sensitive,” a senior Saudi official told the BBC. “King Abdullah is trying to initiate reform in a subtle way, by finding the right balance between going too fast or too slow.
“Partly because of the mounting criticism we woke up and realised we had to deal with this. We believe Saudi society will accept this,” the official said.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei are the only three countries never to have sent women athletes to the Olympics.
But Qatar has already announced it will send a three-woman team to London made up of shooter Bahia Al-Hamad, swimmer Nada Wafa Arakji and Noor Al-Malki, a 100m and 200m sprinter.
Brunei, meanwhile, will send a to London as part of their two-athlete delegation — 400m hurdler Maziah Mahusin.
Saudi Arabia’s decision could provoke resistance in Malhas’s homeland which operates under a strict Islamic code in which women are forced to cover themselves from head to toe.
Women wanting to take part in sports in the Gulf kingdom face an uphill struggle as they have to do so behind closed doors, like a group of 300 women who played basketball at an enclosed court in the city of Jeddah on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8.
There had been increasing pressure on the Saudis to fall into line over sending a women’s team to London with IOC president Jacques Rogge admitting in April that he was conducting a lengthy dialogue with the kingdom’s rulers.
BBC/247nigerianewsupdate
Chris Okotie divorces wife
House Hold of God General Overseer, Pastor Chris Okotie, has announced that he and his wife will be splitting up after four years of marriage.
Pastor Okotie,who allegedly broke the news to his congregation few hours to the end of the service and this left members speechless and puzzled for seconds.
Okotie drew the attention of the church after the June brethrens birthday celebration (a monthly programme to celebrate those born in different months of the year) of the church service and made the pronouncement.
“Stephanie and I are no longer married. We have separated. You can see she’s not in church today. It’s due to irreconcilable differences and you should please respect our wishes at this time because there is no going back,” he was quoted to have said.
It would be recalled that the House Hold of God pastor got married to his second wife, Stephanie Henshaw, who is also a member of his ministry, in 2008 after he had separated from his first wife due to unresolved issues that were undisclosed.
A lot of controversy trailed his marriage to Stephanie, a widow and mother of three. Pastor Okotie had earlier divorced his first wife Tina, who is now living in the United States of America.
The marriage between the estranged couple started during a thanksgiving service held in his church on August 10, 2008. Okotie created a stir when he told his congregation that the Holy Spirit revealed to him that his bride had never been married before. The woman, who was married, was dead and this one is born again, a new creation and quoting the bible, he said, “old things had passed away”- so also was the fact that she was once married. Okotie had also dispelled the belief that the bible is against re-marriage after divorce in a situation where the spouse is still alive.
“There is a difference between a man abandoned by his wife and the one that divorces. The only thing that breaks a relationship is a divorce and even when there’s a divorce, the bible says you can re-marry,” he said at the time.
Okotie had ignored opposition from his church members and other relatives concerning his decision to wed Stephanie, claiming he had heard God clearly at the time.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria
Pastor Okotie,who allegedly broke the news to his congregation few hours to the end of the service and this left members speechless and puzzled for seconds.
Okotie drew the attention of the church after the June brethrens birthday celebration (a monthly programme to celebrate those born in different months of the year) of the church service and made the pronouncement.
“Stephanie and I are no longer married. We have separated. You can see she’s not in church today. It’s due to irreconcilable differences and you should please respect our wishes at this time because there is no going back,” he was quoted to have said.
It would be recalled that the House Hold of God pastor got married to his second wife, Stephanie Henshaw, who is also a member of his ministry, in 2008 after he had separated from his first wife due to unresolved issues that were undisclosed.
A lot of controversy trailed his marriage to Stephanie, a widow and mother of three. Pastor Okotie had earlier divorced his first wife Tina, who is now living in the United States of America.
The marriage between the estranged couple started during a thanksgiving service held in his church on August 10, 2008. Okotie created a stir when he told his congregation that the Holy Spirit revealed to him that his bride had never been married before. The woman, who was married, was dead and this one is born again, a new creation and quoting the bible, he said, “old things had passed away”- so also was the fact that she was once married. Okotie had also dispelled the belief that the bible is against re-marriage after divorce in a situation where the spouse is still alive.
“There is a difference between a man abandoned by his wife and the one that divorces. The only thing that breaks a relationship is a divorce and even when there’s a divorce, the bible says you can re-marry,” he said at the time.
Okotie had ignored opposition from his church members and other relatives concerning his decision to wed Stephanie, claiming he had heard God clearly at the time.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria
Senate backs creation of Edu State
The Senate yesterday indicated its intention to support the request for the creation of Edu State in the forthcoming constitution review exercise.
Edu is required by various groups from the present Niger, Kogi and Kwara states.
Senate President David Mark said this in Abuja while receiving an updated memorandum from the leader of a delegation from the three states, Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
Mark was represented by Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba. Former Minister of Information and National Orientation Prof. Jerry Gana said the proposed state is a prospective oil-producing state which also has variety of solid minerals.
Insecurity: Jigawa, Rivers, Bayelsa evacuate students from ABU
Eighty students of Ahmadu Bello University were evacuated from the school in Zaria by their states following recent crisis that rocked parts of Kaduna State without the knowledge of the university authority, the institution’s vice chancellor, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, raised the alarm yesterday.
“Rivers and Jigawa State governments have whisked away 80 students of our university in a suspicious manner on Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23. Four buses belonging to the Jigawa State government with armed mobile police escort forced their way into the Kongo campus of the university where the state’s students numbering 50 were whisked away.
“The Rivers State government, too, on Saturday committed a similar trespass and illegally evacuated students from the state in a 40-seater bus. The bus was also escorted by armed mobile policemen.
Neither of the governments of these states consulted the Kaduna State governor, who is the chief security officer of the state or the authorities of the university before evacuating the students. This was why the university management alerted the federal government of this development,” it said.
When contacted, Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesman David Iyofor said he would get back to newsmen later because he needed to get certain things clear before making comments.
In its response, the Jigawa State Education Commissioner, Professor Haruna Wakili, said it was wrong for ABU authorities to go to press over the issue of the evacuation of its students from the school. Professor Wakili said the right thing for the institution to do was to contact the state government over the matter, adding that the state government did not call a press conference when they evacuated the students for security reasons.
In a related development, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has ordered the immediate evacuation of students of the state’s origin from trouble zones in the country.
The decision, according to him stemmed from the incessant attacks by militants suspected to be Boko Haram on innocent citizens in some parts of the northern states.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Daniel Iworiso yesterday in Yenagoa, the governor said the action was meant to safeguard the lives of its indigenes from the persistent activities of terrorism in the north, especially as witnessed in Kaduna and Yobe in the past one week.
While praying for peace to return to the area, a team including officials from the state’s ministry of Education had already been dispatched to Kaduna state with a mandate to bring back home safely students of Bayelsa origin from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Culled:dailytrustnigeria
Thursday 21 June 2012
Calm gradually returning to Kaduna as FG sends delegation
Chief of Defense Staff Air-vice Marshal Petinrin and Inspector General of Police Muhammad Abubakar were part of federal government delegation that visited Kaduna yesterday for on the spot assessment of the crisis that engulfed the state.
The federal government delegation was at Kaduna Government House where members of the delegation were received by Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.
Yakowa said the visit of the high-powered delegation was an indication that the federal government was committed to ensuring that peace reigns in Kaduna State and the country at large.
The delegation visited some areas of the metropolis, where they promised that government would do everything possible to avert a recurrence of such crisis. The delegation cautioned Nigerians against taking law into their hands in the name of reprisals or other disguises.
Meanwhile, areas like Anguwan Dosa, Ghana Road in Badarawa and some parts of Malali witnessed some pockets of violence yesterday but with quick intervention of security personnel, the situation was brought under control. Before the intervention of the security personnel, some houses and other properties were burnt in Unguwan Yaro in Badarawa.
Reports from Barnawa and other areas in Kaduna South indicate that calm was gradually returning as there was no report of violence as at yesterday evening.
Some residents of Barnawa area however complained of inadequate presence of security personnel, saying the situation was causing apprehension among them.
Streets remained deserted, an indication that the 24-hour curfew is being observed, it was gathered. Some residents interviewed urged government to relax the curfew as some people had to move out before they could get what to put on the table with their families.
However, a rescue services official said more than 98 people have died since Sunday after a trio of church bombings sparked reprisals in Kaduna State. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to journalists.
Officials initially said 21 people were killed in Sunday morning’s blasts, but now said the death toll jumped to 98, including reprisal killings. They refused to give a breakdown clarifying who died in the initial blasts and who was killed in reprisals.
An AP reporter quoted spokesman of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency Abubakar Zakari Adamu as saying that parts of the state continued to riot as at yesterday.
Culled:dailytrustnigeria
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