Tuesday 31 July 2012

Saudi woman allowed to compete in hijab

A female Saudi fighter will take part in the Olympic judo competition after being allowed to wear an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, of a specific design.

Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shaherkani is one of only two Saudi women to travel to London after the International Olympic Committee lobbied the conservative Islamic kingdom to end its refusal to send women to the Games.




But she had said she would only compete if she was allowed to wear the hijab, and judo officials refused, saying it would be dangerous.

A Saudi National Olympic Committee spokeswoman said the committee, the IOC and the International Judo Federation had now agreed on an acceptable form for the headscarf.

“They agreed on a design and she will compete wearing this design,” Razan Baker said, adding that she did not know how this design looked.

IJF spokesman Nicolas Messner confirmed that Shaherkani would compete, but declined to give further details.

The IOC this year successfully pressed Saudi Arabia and fellow Muslim nations Qatar and Brunei, the last three countries to refuse to send women to the Olympics, to end their bans.

The Saudi decision to send Shaherkani and teenage 800-metre runner Sarah Attar was praised by IOC President Jacques Rogge at the time.

Shaherkani is due to compete in the heavyweight category on Friday.

The IJF’s regulations for the Olympic Games state that no headgear can be worn, and the federation says there could be a danger to fighters if a hijab is inadvertently used for an otherwise legal strangulation grip.
Culled:Reuters

Bank driver arrested with 19 ATM cards, N652,000

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Dare Oladujoye, a driver with Zenith Bank, for allegedly being in possession of 19 Guaranty Trust Bank ATM cards and the sum of N652, 000.

Report says that the suspect was using the cards to withdraw money from an ATM at Ogba branch of GTB when a security guard raised the alarm.




The Commissioner of Police for the state police command, Mr. Umar Manko, said as of the time of his arrest, the suspect had withdrawn N652, 000 from the ATM.

Manko said, “On July 26, 2012, around 8:30pm, there was a distress call that there was commotion at GTB, Ogba branch. On getting there, the suspect was seen with 19 ATM cards.

“He is an employee of Zenith Bank and we wondered what he was doing with the 19 cards. He was arrested and as of the time of his arrest, he had cashed N652, 000. The matter is under investigation.”
The suspect however denied stealing the ATM cards. He said whenever he lent people money, he would collect their ATM cards as collateral and return them after payment.

He said, “I usually loan people money and I’ve been doing it for over a year. Whenever I loan people money, I will collect their ATM cards and their Personal Identification Numbers. When they repay me, I return their cards to them.

“However, if they don’t pay me back in cash, I go to withdraw money from their accounts through the ATM.”

When quizzed on where he got the money which he lent people, he said he was into various kinds of businesses.

He also said he had friends in the banking sector who helped him with funds.

He said, “I am a very hard working person. I joined Zenith Bank as a driver over three years ago and in less than a year, I bought a tricycle which I leased to another driver that gives me returns on a regular basis.

“The following year, I bought two tricycles bringing the total number to three. I make N150,000 monthly from the tricycles and N60,000 from my salary. I also get credit facilities through my connections in the banking sector.

“On the day I was arrested, I went to withdraw money on Thursday night with some of the cards when a security guard raised the alarm. I did not steal those cards. I know the owners of the cards and I have their numbers on my phone.”
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate

More corps members redeploy from the north





The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has entered the final stages of the mass redeployment of corps members posted to some crises-prone states in the northern part of the country.

The exercise, which commenced last week, is scheduled to end this week.

 Thousands of the corps members have continued to throng the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Kubwa, Abuja, where the exercise is taking place.

Chidiebere Osai, one of the corps members posted to Kebbi, however, cited health reasons as his reason for seeking redeployment; regardless of the fact that some locals in Birin-Kebbi threatened a group of them for drinking at a bar.

“It was more like just a warning; it won’t take us anything to heed it, and we’ll only be there for a year, not even a year but 10 months,” he said. “I have applied during camp but my application was not granted and I need to move back to Enugu as my doctor resides there. I have nowhere to put up in Abuja so I slept in the park; if they don’t answer me today I will go back to the park to sleep.”

Another corps member Blessing Ugoji, who was redeployed from Taraba State to Ekiti State, said she was pleased to have been redeployed from the north as she can have a rest of mind while serving her nation.

“At least I can now serve my nation without fear of been killed,” she said. “Even if I am posted to the remotest part of Ekiti, I won’t be bothered so long my life is not at risk like in Taraba.”

According to the Deputy Director of Corps Mobilisation, Emmanuel Adewuyi, the present exercise is only for 2012 Batch B corps members.

He assured members of this batch whose redeployment requests have not been met to be patient as the exercise continues.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate

Turai Yar’adua rejects new land offers

The tussle between first lady, Patience Jonathan, and her predecessor, Turai Yar’adua, over a piece of land located in the Central Business District of Abuja, may be far from over.



 Report says said the former first lady has rejected an offer of a new plot in exchange for the contentious property at a meeting that deliberated the proposal on Monday.

Sources had said the former first lady was being offered any other plot of her choice within the Central Business District, as a replacement for the contentious land earlier awarded to Yar’Adua’s Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF), but revoked and given to Jonathan’s African First Ladies’ Peace Mission.

One of the lawyers to WAYEF, Innocent Lagi, confirmed a consensus had not yet been reached; adding that the plots put before Yar’adua were not acceptable. “I can confirm to you that our demands have not been met yet,” he said.

Yar’adua had filed a suit an Abuja High Court challenging the withdrawal, and both sides told the court last Tuesday the matter will be settled out of court.
Culled:Dailytimes

Third Mainland Bridge repairs on course

 
 
The repair of one of the eight faulty expansion joints of the partially-closed Third Mainland Bridge has been completed.

Just on Sunday, the bridge was totally closed to traffic, to enable the casting of one of the demolished expansion joints.

The situation led to increased traffic congestion in some parts of the state.

Speaking on the issue, the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Oluwatoyin Obikoya, expressed optimism that the project, scheduled for four months, would be finished ahead of time.

He explained that the casting was done on a Sunday because of its usual light traffic, adding that subsequent castings of the bridge's remaining expansion joints would also be fixed for Sundays.

"The first of the three joints on the Lagos-bound lane, that is, Oworonshoki-Adeniji-Adele lane, was completed yesterday. The contractors hope to cast the second one by next Sunday,” he said.

Obikoya said the reconstruction of the remaining two joints on the Lagos-bound lane could take about two weeks.

He added that the total closure of the bridge, as experienced on Sunday, was necessary to prevent vibrations which could crack the newly cast joints on the bridge.

According to him, any crack on the newly-cast joint would result in premature failure of the reconstruction work.

Obikoya, however, refused to be drawn into projecting the likely date the ongoing repairs would be completed.

In addition to the remaining faulty expansion joints on the Lagos-bound lane, there remain five faulty joints to be fixed on the Oworonshoki-bound lane of the bridge.

The repair work on Africa's longest bridge, which started on July 8, 2012, is expected to end by November 5, 2012.
Culled:Dailytimes

Monday 30 July 2012

Popular Actor, Muyiwa Ademola Loses Dad

Popular Yoruba actor, Muyiwa Ademola has lost his dad.

He broke the news about this development some moments ago.

According to him, Pa Isaiah Ademola died this morning at the age of 88. He died after a brief illness.

Muyiwa, as at the time of his dad's death, was filming on Lizzy Anjorin's movie set.


Muyiwa Ademola is a multiple award winning actor. He is a producer and also a director.
NewsfromBukolar also commiserates with the Ademola family............

Pregnant Woman Nabbed With Ingested 900 grams of Cocaine At Abuja Airport

SUSPECTED FEMALE TRAFFICKERS HIDES DRUGS IN UNDERWEARS, HAIR WIGS
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three suspected female drug traffickers over smuggling of 4.500kg of narcotics in under wears and hair wigs.

 All three suspects were apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Federal Capital Territory, Abuja last weekend.



Two of the suspects who were to board an Egypt airline flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, through Cairo were caught with 3.6kg of methamphetamines neatly hidden in customised under wears and hair wigs.

 Another female suspect who claimed to be three months pregnant was found to have ingested 900 grammes of substance that tested positive for cocaine.

NDLEA Commander at the Abuja Airport, Mr. Hamisu Lawan gave the names of the suspects as Ms Anene Blessing Iruoma, age 26, Ms Obiakor Maryann Okwudili, age 34 and Ms Mbechi Obiageli Susan, age 38.

The Commander also thanked the management of the Federal Airport Authority for alerting the NDLEA of possible drug concealment following a body frisk on one of the suspects.

According to Hamisu,“Anene Blessing Iruoma and Ms Obiakor Maryann Okwudili concealed 1.7kg and 1.90kg of methamphetamine in under wears and hair wigs while Mbechi Obiageli Susan ingested 900 grammes of substance that tested positive for cocaine. The drugs were detected during routine screening of passengers. The suspects are helping narcotic officials in our investigation. I commend the level of cooperation among security Agencies at the airport. I also thank the management of the Federal Airport Authority for their significant role in these arrests”.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA Ahmadu Giade said that the Agency will provide the enabling environment for a strong and sustainable drug control institution in the country. “Drug trafficking is criminal and as security managers we have a responsibility to provide the enabling environment for officers and stakeholders to give their best in addressing the drug problem. These and subsequent arrests and drug seizures will further discourage potential drug traffickers that they will caught and prosecuted” Giade stated.
The suspects who will soon be charged to court could be sentenced to 15 years under the NDLEA Act.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs

Explosion in Sokoto


There has been a bomb blast at a police station in Sokoto State, the blast occured at the Marina Police Station, Ungwan Rogo in Sokoto.

The station is close to the City Campus of the Uthman Dan Fodio University.

This will be the first recorded bomb blast in Sokoto, the capital of the old Sokoto Caliphate.
More to follow  Peeps.........

Health Hazards in your handbag

Hi guys.........hope you all had a wonderful weekend,I did and I am sure re-energised for this new week and month ahead.

Talking health this week,I decided to do a small research on those germs that can be an all time visitor in your handbag if adequate care isnt taken.

Pics:googleimages
Many of us wouldn’t consider the impact of our handbag on our health, however research suggests this essential fashion item could be more risky than you think. As our handbags tend to travel most places with us and are often placed on floors, they can easily pick up germs throughout the day.
Pics:googleimages

A study by microbiologists tested swabs taken from the outside and bottom of handbags and found that your handbag could contain thousands, or even millions, of bacteria, including fecal bacteria and viruses that can cause colds and stomach upsets. However, when it comes to your handbag, it’s not just what’s on the outside that counts

Remember,this isnt just a female's world,men are not left out in the hand-bag-trend as well,so,..........enjoy


             WATER BOTTLES


Many of us carry a bottle of water in our handbags to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, while drinking water is great for our health, repeatedly drinking from plastic bottles could play havoc with your health.

  Pics:googleimages
                                                                                           
Studies have suggested that dangerous chemicals called phthalates contained in the plastic can leach into the water over time, which may lead to hormone imbalances and fertility problems. The concentration of these chemicals also increases the longer a bottle is stored.

For a safer way to stay hydrated, try switching to a different type of water bottle. Glass bottles are a healthier solution and can be wrapped in a protective silicone sleeve, or try using a metal bottle such as stainless steel or aluminum if you are concerned about breakages.


                 MAKEUP

If, like many women, your handbag is packed with various mascara tubes, makeup brushes and lipsticks, it may be time to have a handbag clearout.

 Just as it’s important to throw out old food once it’s past its sell-by date, makeup should also be thrown away and replaced after a certain period of time as it can go off and harbor bacteria, particularly in the case of mascara.






Mascara can harbor bacteria that is transferred into the product after each application and which can reproduce in the dark, warm environment of the mascara tube.

Make sure you throw out mascara after six months to avoid eye infections and replace other products after roughly 18 months.

 To further prevent the build-up of bacteria, wash makeup brushes regularly and avoid sharing makeup with friends.



                        USED TISSUES

While many of us wouldn’t admit to it, lots of women are guilty of wiping their nose while on the go and then stuffing the used tissue or hanky inside their bag.


However, the viruses that cause colds and the flu are fairly robust and can survive on tissues for significant periods of time.

Although you may be the only person using your handbag, it is still easy to spread these germs to others.

Every time you rummage through your bag your fingers can come into contact with the germs on used tissues which can then be spread to surfaces such as door handles and stair rails and easily passed on to others.

When you blow your nose, make sure you throw your tissue away as soon as possible, then wash your hands or use a hand sanitiser.




                             MOBILE PHONES


Mobile phones have always been a source of controversy when it comes to our health, with studies suggesting a link between mobile phone use and health conditions such as brain tumours, and the World Health Organisation admitting that they may cause cancer.

 However, other experts have suggested that there is no evidence of this and more research is needed.

aliexpress.com



Aside from these potential serious health dangers, a study of mobile phones in Britain also found a more immediate danger associated with mobile phones, with their results showing that one in six mobile phones were contaminated with faecal matter.

 A condition known as “texter’s thumb” is also a potential danger for regular mobile phone users, with Virgin Mobile stating that mobile phones are the cause of a reported 3.8 million cases a year of repetitive strain injury.




                                   HEAVY ITEMS

While the items in your handbag may all be innocent enough, an accumulation of heavy items such as books, gadgets and cosmetics can add up to a serious health hazard.

With the rising number of items many of us feel the need to haul around, you could be carrying around several pounds of weight on your shoulders every day.

While you may not feel the effects of this immediately, lugging around a heavy handbag can have serious implications on your body and can eventually lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture.



To look after your health, try switching to a smaller bag and filling it only with the items that you feel are really necessary each time you leave the house.
Culled:Yahoohealth

OK.enough said and a word they say is enough for the wise.......Stay healthy y'all.






Gunners in Azonto dance in Naija



Sure,your eyes are sure right......... They are Arsenal players, Lucas Podolski, Bacary Sagna and Per Meterserker.









They in Nigeria to meet some Arsenal fans.


Yesterday they worked out with Malta Guinness low sugar consumers and fitness instructor Kaffy at Eko Hotel.


Trust Kaffy,she decided to teach the footballers the Azonto dance...and they loved it!






Culled:Lindaikeji'sblog/Bellanaija

Friday 27 July 2012

Police discover human parts in Festac......*viewer discretion advised*

The police yesterday made a shocking and bizarre discovery of human parts in a residence at Festac Town in Lagos State when it raided a building believed to be occupied by ritualists.

Police Sources said they were alerted by neighbors who were suspicious of activities going-on in the building located at House No. 6, B Close, Third Avenue Festac which prompted them to storm the building around 12 noon, and searched the entire place leading to the discovery of some fresh human parts inside a bathtub and a room used as a shrine.



Pics:Lindaikeji'sblog

The police said that several human parts such as fresh human head, hand, limbs, decomposing head and female breasts were also discovered.

The corpse was identified as that of Akinbuyi Ajayi, 39, living in the same apartment with Toye Ajayi and Omotola Ajayi, who were identified as his brothers.

He was allegedly killed by his brothers and his body kept in a room inside the flat.

Pics:Lindaikeji'sblog

The corpse had been mutilated by the two brothers. A police source alleged that Toye and Omotola were selling the body parts of their brother for money, adding that the two were caught with some human parts which eventually led to a search on their apartment by law enforcement personnel.

Toye and Omotola were suspected to have chopped off the head, hands, private part and part of the two legs of Akinbuyi and allegedly sold them to suspected ritualists.

The decomposing body of Akinbuyi was moved by the policemen attached to FESTAC Police Station led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Mohammed Mu’azu, a Chief Superintendent of Police and officials of Amuwo Odofin Local Government council to a morgue, while the police took other items recovered from the house into custody.

Residents of FESTAC came out in their large numbers to watch the horrifying spectacle as the council officials and policemen removed the body.

 Apart from the body that was recovered from the house, charms, amulets, a pot filled with human blood and two large dummies of human beings were discovered. Some of the charms and amulets were concealed inside a carton with the inscription: Lord Krishna Agabarthi 999.

Omotola, who claimed to be an engineer denied knowing anything about the corpse.

 He claimed to be jobless, adding that he depended on goodwill of people to survive along with Toye.

 He denied knowledge of the death of his brother. He explained that Akinbuyi was arrested recently by sanitation task force, adding that the deceased spent three days in prison.

Omotola also said Akinbuyi was born in 1973 and that he usually went out and came in at will.

He told the police that his brother’s killers must have committed the act before dumping the deceased inside one of the rooms.

 He further said their father died in a motor accident recently. Their father, he claimed, was the owner of the duplex where they live. Akinbuyi’s corpse was dumped in one of the rooms upstairs.

Toye described himself as a primary school teacher. When the police asked him where he teaches, he could not utter a word.

Meanwhile two brothers Omotola and Toye Ajayi, who were occupants of the building, were arrested and taken away by the police. Also a manhunt has been lunched for another occupant said to be at large.

Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/Vanguard/Lindaikeji'sblog

Doyin Okupe’s Appointment as SSA on Public Affairs raises Questions over Reuben Abati’s Role

A recent appointment in the office of the Presidency has caused a widespread debate over the roles of the people managing the President’s media and publicity affairs.

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday approved the appointment of former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, as his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs.


Doyin Okupe                                                                   Reuben Abati

 The medical doctor was former spokesman to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

 He had also contested for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Ogun State but lost to Gbenga Daniel.

Meanwhile, Dr. Reuben Abati already serves as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Jonathan.

 With the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, the speculation is that Reuben Abati is being sidelined.

President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan have indeed come under negative media attacks more often than not and the speculation is that Doyin Okupe was appointed to salvage their image.
Culled:Bellanaija

Thursday 26 July 2012

CBN orders banks to close foreign subsidiaries

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered Nigerian banks that operate foreign subsidiaries to close them.



A circular issued on Wednesday, by Agnes Martins, the CBN Director of Banking Supervision, said the directive aims to make banks avoid the risk of not meeting the capital base requirements of their host country.

The circular stated that the apex bank will restrict the parent banks from providing the offshore subsidiaries with the funds required to increase their capital base.

 The offshore subsidiaries that can raise the money unilaterally will be allowed to continue doing business in their host countries, while those that cannot, will be compelled to close shop.

“The CBN has noted with concern the incessant demands on Nigerian banks by the various host regulators for the recapitalisation of foreign subsidiaries,” stated Martins. “These demands have exerted enormous pressure on the capital base of most parent banks due to the lull in the capital market, making it difficult to raise capital, diminishing profit margins and increasing competition.

Nigerian banks with foreign subsidiaries are required to submit, within 60 days of the date on this letter, recapitalisation plans in anticipation of regulatory capital increases under BASEL II and III and any other unforeseen increase by host countries.”

The policy will hit UBA and Access Bank hard as they are the two banks with the highest number of foreign subsidiaries; owning 18 and 19 respectively in Africa.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria

Early morning fire kills 67-year-old woman in Festac

A 67-year-old woman burnt to death in an early morning fire at a wing of a twin-duplex on 511 Road, Festac Town, Lagos.
The Commander, Festac Fire Station, Chinyere Azubuike, who confirmed the incident, said, the remains of the deceased had been handed over to the police.
The Divisional Police Officer in Festac, Muhammed Muazu, who also confirmed the death, said that the dead woman’s husband, who is responding to treatment in a hospital, also sustained injuries in the fire incidence.
Eye witnesses said the cause of the fire remains a mystery as there was no public power supply in the area at the time of the incident, and the kitchen of the house was unaffected.
The entire duplex, with wooden partitioning and flooring, was reduced to ashes,however the second duplex was only slightly affected.

Army presents anti-bombing devices to Churches, Mosques

Nigerian Army, today unveiled and presented vehicle stoppers to some Churches and Mosques, as part of its corporate social responsibility in curtailing the spate of suicide bombing at worship centres across the country.



Presenting the devices in Abuja, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major Gen. Bitrus Kwaji said the vehicle stoppers were designed to stop any vehicle from all angle at any speed.

He added that the anti-bombing devices would be distributed to the representatives of Christian and Muslim bodies, who should in turn produce it in mass for distribution, while stressing that security is everybody’s business.

His words, “it has been discovered that most attacks of suicide bombers are being carried out with vehicles loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The mode of operation is simple as a suicide bomber drives his vehicle straight into his target and explosion occurs.

“In order to disallow bombers from reaching their targets, this invention comes in handy as it forcefully stops any vehicle that comes in contact with it at whatever speed.

“The unfolding security challenges confronting the nation amongst which is the Boko Haram terrorist menace have continued to hinder the congress of the transformation agenda of Mr President as well as the development of the nation at large.

“The terrorists over the years have continued to attack places of worship (churches and mosques) in order to destabilize the nation. This has necessitated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to charge all corps and services of the Nigerian Army to provide ways and means of curtailing this menace.

“This charge has yielded a lot of responses as we witnessed the commissioning of an indigenous Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) by the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces during the recently concluded Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Kaduna.

Receiving the devices on behalf of the Religion Bodies, Very Rev. Monday Okonkwo of the Methodist Church, Nyanya and the Executive Secretary of the National Mosque Abuja, Alh. Ibrahim Jega expressed satisfaction with Military Authorities, just as they promised to be security conscious, to complement the efforts of security agents, in riding the country of terrorism”.

They also called on faithful to join hands with authorities in their various churches and mosques, to prevent any further attack, and report any suspicion to the relevant authorities, insisting that, government can not do it alone.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate

Accident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway kills one





A female pedestrian was crushed to death this morning by a container that fell from a moving trailer, at the Berger area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway .

The trailer was heading out of Lagos around 7a.m when it lost one of its tyres, making the driver to lose control of the truck.

As he struggled to regain control of the truck, it tipped over to its right side.

As the truck fell, it landed on the woman, who was walking beside the road, in search of a commercial bus to her destination.

The unnamed woman died instantly while a gridlock formed on the outbound Lagos side of the busy expressway for hours.

Traffic officials are currently at the scene trying to lift the truck and its container with a crane back on the trailer’s tyres.
Culled:Channelstv

Seun Kuti Revolts! The Afrobeat Artist Cut Short His Performance when Security Refused Fans to Dance





Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat legend, the late Fela Kuti, was scheduled to perform as the headline act on 25th July, 2012, the last night of the music showcase during the New world Nigeria event holding in Stratford, London.

Due to organizational discrepancies, not his fault , the renowned saxophonist begun his hour long set almost an hour later than scheduled.

 Even though, from the minute his performances started, his adoring fans got up to dance but were quickly asked to sit down by the security.

Noticing the situation, Seun Kuti spoke out, saying that if his fans couldn’t dance, then he would no longer perform.

As such, his already delayed performance was further cut short, getting his fans riled up and ending the night in shambles.
Culled:Bellanaija

Cab driver who returned N18m gets award

The Nigerian Network of Women Exporters of Service (NNWES) has honoured Mr. Imeh Usua, an airport taxi driver that returned a bag belonging to a British passenger containing foreign currency worth N18 million, with service delivery award.

Although the incident took place in 2007, NNWES President Nkiru Joy Okpala said it was not too late to recognize him for his sincerity.

Usua, a father of six, who joined eight other award recipients in Abuja, said he had no regrets for returning the money even though he is “a poor man.”

“I can never take another person’s money. I am very happy that Iam being recognized,” he said.

The recipients include Miss Oyinaya Kalu Oka of the NTA, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources; Dr Azubuko Joel Udah, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, among others.
Culled:Dailytrustnigeria

SSS nabs two with human head

Officials of the State Security Services (SSS) yesterday, paraded two men who allegedly beheaded a 7-year-old boy and attempted to sell the head.

John Yakubu, 25, and Ishaya Dakulung, 30, were arrested along A.Y.A Junction of Asokoro District, Abuja, following a tip off. Both men confessed to the crime.


Two suspects nabbed by men of the SSS for beheading a seven-year old boy


Dakulung told journalists that he contacted Yakubu and offered him N250, 000 to get a fresh human head after he was approached by an unnamed person who was wanted it for ritual purposes.

Yakubu said he went back to his village, Angwa Galadima, in Nasarawa State, where he lured his neighbour’s child, 7-year-old Samu Danjuma, to a stream with a bread worth N20.

There, he beheaded the boy and dumped his body in the stream; and returned to Abuja where he handed over the head to Dakulung.

Luck, however, ran out for the suspects when they were accosted and arrested in Abuja by men of the FCT State Security Services, who swung into action following a tip-off.

Ibrahim Halilu, the Assistant Director, Operations for FCT SSS, said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed.
Culled:Dailytimes

Governor locks out aides for lateness

The Benue State Head of Service, Mr Michael Iordye and two commissioners saw the other side of Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, northcentral Nigeria, yesterday as they were locked out for arriving late for the weekly state executive council meeting.



The two Commissioners who were shut out alongside the Head of Service are the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Benjamin Ashaver and the Commissioner for Youth/ Sports, Mr. Aondowase Chia.

Report says that Governor Suswam, who arrived Government House very early for the meeting, ordered that any member of the state executive council who came in late should not be admitted into meeting room.

The cabinet members locked out were seen making frantic calls and apologising for their lateness and pleaded that they be allowed into the meeting room but all their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate

FG Didn’t Buy 200 Cars For First Ladies’ Summit – Presidency

The Presidency yesterday refuted report in the media that the Federal Government has purchased 200 new “exotic” cars for the African First Ladies Summit which formally opens in Abuja today.

It said it was Coscharis Motors Ltd who offered to provide some cars for the event at no cost to the organisers or the Federal Government.

Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati who noted in a statement that the presidency received the said report in a national newspaper  with dismay, described the story as utterly false and misleading.

Explaining what he described as the true facts of the matter, Abati said “The African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) which is holding its summit in Abuja is a Non-Governmental Organisation.

Its activities are funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives.

“In accordance with its modus operandi, the AFLPM set up several committees, including a finance committee to raise funds and sponsorship for the organization of its Abuja Summit”.

Noting that it was Coscharis motors that donated the cars, the presidential spokesman said, “As part of its own contributions to the successful hosting of the summit by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Coscharis Motors Ltd. offered to provide some cars for the event at no cost to the organizers or the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Under an agreement signed by the committee and Coscharis Motors, all the cars will be returned to the company after the summit”.

He added that as indicated in the body of the report, its authors were apparently well aware that they had no facts to support the claim in their banner headline that the federal government bought the cars in question, since the admitted in the report that they could not confirm whether the cars were “bought outright or hired.”
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate

Sun Newspaper Editor, Steve Nwosu, Shot In Lagos




The editor of Daily Sun newspaper, Steve Nwosu, was shot yesterday in the Maza Maza area of Lagos as he made his way to work.



Nwosu, as gathered, went to the Mazamaza branch of a new generation bank to withdraw money. But, unknown to him, he was being trailed by robbers.

It was gathered that as his driver was about negotiating from Agboju to the newspaper’s corporate headquarters at Kirikiri, the hoodlums struck.

They reportedly intercepted his vehicle, fired several shots into the air and ordered that the money be handed over to them.

An eyewitness said they shot the editor and made away with the money. His driver reportedly rushed him to the hospital where he is said to be responding to treatment.

When contacted, spokes person for Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said she was just hearing about the incident. She could not give any detail, but promised to get back to  journalists.

Sources at the tabloid said Mr. Nwosu was shot in the head by unknown persons, but he escaped being killed. The motives of his attackers are unknown.

Mr. Nwosu is recuperating in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.
Culled:Saharareporters

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Lebanese, Nigerian archbishops get Vatican posts

Pope Benedict XVI today appointed Lebanese and Nigerian clergymen to a Vatican department aimed at countering growing secularisation in a sign of attention to two problematic regions for the Catholic Church.

The Vatican said the Archbishop of Beirut of the Maronites, Paul Youssef Matar, and the Archbishop of Jos in central Nigeria, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, would be joining the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation.



Despite the raging conflict in Syria, which has also raised tensions within Lebanon, the pope is expected to visit Beirut on September 14-16 with a message calling for peaceful coexistence between religions in the region.

Thousands of people have been killed in Jos in recent years in clashes between the Christian and Muslim communities including a suicide attack on a Catholic church in March in which a dozen people were killed.

Benedict created the pontifical council for new evangelisation in 2010.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria

Lagos-Badagry Expressway to have toll gates

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that there will be a toll gate upon completion of the road construction project to expand the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.




Dr. Kadri Hamzat, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos, disclosed at an interactive session that the reason for erecting the toll gate was to recover the money spent on constructing the road.

“Let us look at it this way. As to how to get back what we spent, it is a 10-lane road with service lanes. And then in the middle, there is a light rail. We have two BRT lanes. The two middle lanes will be tolled. But the service lanes will be there for those who do not want to pay toll,” he said.

According to him, the Lagos-Badagry Road was built by the Lagos State Government, before the Federal Government took over the road in 1977.


On plans by some African countries to link up with the light rail system on the road, Hamzat said it was the Vice President of Ghana who approached Governor Babatunde Fashola on the issue.


“What happened was that the Vice President of Ghana spoke to Governor Fashola on the possibility. He demanded to see the design of the project. This is to enable him see if it is possible to link up with the project,” he explained.

“It is a talk, and that has been done. That shows you the possibility. If you can take a train from London to France, even up to Germany, there is no reason we can’t do the same thing in this part of the world.


“We just need to link ourselves together like they did in Western Europe. One is happy that our leader is thinking in that line too. It will be a dream if it can happen. At least, that it is true, and it is being pursued.”


On the proposal by the state government to take over all federal roads, the commissioner said there was a communique to that effect, adding, “we were supposed to have a meeting at the Federal Ministry of Works about two weeks ago.”


“Unfortunately, a senator died and the meeting could not hold. This is one of the things we wanted to discuss. You are right. It will be a good day for us if they can cede them. But the challenge is that if you are giving us these responsibilities, then the budget of the Federal Ministry of Works must come down and be redistributed to all the states and let the state take the responsibility for these roads.”
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate

KSA, others perform at Olympics show


Juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade and other top Nigerian artists heralded Nigeria’s participation in the London Olympics at a sports and cultural expo to mark the beginning of the games.





Other artists include Tuface, Asa, Naeto C, Kaziah Jones, Seun Kuti, Waje and Ms Waliyah Abiola, the late Chief MKO Abiola’s daughter who showed her stuff as an upcoming artist to beat.



The Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria reports that the expo took place on Tuesday night at Nigeria Hospitality House, Stratford, London.

NAN reports that music lovers trooped out to watch the performances which lasted into the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Some of the fans who spoke with NAN commended the initiative and the performances by the artists, which they said, had projected the image of the country in a positive way.

“It is amazing to see the abundance of talents coming from Nigeria; these guys are of international standard,” Richmond Green, a Briton said.

Green, who suggested that more publicity should be done to project the positive aspects of Nigeria, added: “I love Sunny Ade and Asa.’’

Also, a delighted Mr. Gori Alepute, who has lived in the United Kingdom for 30 years, wondered aloud at the abundant talents in Nigeria.

“It is really shocking but also delightful to hear some of these young artists like Asa, Kaziah Jones. They are really very good. I am really very happy and proud tonight,’’ Alepute said.
Culled:NAN/247Nigerianewsupdate

FG buys 200 cars for First Ladies summit

The Federal Government has begun taking delivery of 200 exotics cars ordered for use by guests and officials of the African First Ladies Summit which kicked off in Abuja yesterday, sources involved in the deal told Daily Trust.

First Lady Patience Jonathan is the convener of the event, with the theme “The African Woman: A Voice for Peace,” which is expected to be attended by spouses of African leaders.

The cars comprise 80 units of BMW X3 and X5 series with a market value of N13.5 million each, while the remaining 120 are exotic models of Honda, Jaguar and others.

Sources told Daily Trust that the vehicles were supplied by Coscharis Motors, and 180 units have already been delivered to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday.

The cars are for use during the 7th African First Ladies for Peace Mission (AFLPM) summit scheduled for 24 to 27 July in Abuja. Already, African first ladies have begun arriving in the country since weekend for the four-day event.

There was conflicting information by last night on whether the cars were bought outright or hired, and no government official was ready to speak with our correspondents on the record for this story.

When Daily Trust contacted spokesman for Coscharis Motors, Mr. Ifeanyi Nihe, by telephone on Monday, he said the company had supplied vehicles to the Federal Government but refused to state the number and cost.

“I am not in the position to give out the real value of the transaction,” he said.

When asked which government agency was handling the transaction, Nihe said, “Our company is still talking with some officials of the government. I don’t know whether it is the First Lady’s office or not.”

Nihe also could not confirm to Daily Trust whether the cars were sold or leased out to the government for the event.

Coscharis Motors is the same company that supplied over 3,000 units of BMW series used during the 8th All African Games also known as COJA in 2003.

A source said the transaction for the 200 cars was processed by the office of the Minister of State for Finance.

Attempts to seek explanation from the office were not successful as a spokesman declined comment while the minister of state, Dr. Yerima Ngama, did not answer calls to his phone on Monday.

Also, attempts to get reaction from the office of the First Lady were not successful. Her spokesman Ayo Adewuyi could not be reached by telephone on Monday and yesterday.

The Federal Government is supposed to be operating a “monetization” policy under which government officials are paid monies in lieu of official vehicles. Ministries and agencies, including the Presidency, are also supposed to maintain pools of limited numbers of vehicles for official activities.

It is not clear what will happen to the 200 cars after the First Ladies conference, but such vehicles usually end up being auctioned at rock-bottom prices to the well-connected or government workers take possession of them.

The main objective of the African First Ladies summit, according to the concept paper, is to “facilitate the flow of authentic conversations and ideas that will create powerful new paradigm for the African woman.”

During the conference, the foundation laying ceremony of the secretariat of Mrs. Jonathan’s First Ladies Peace Mission is scheduled be performed in Abuja.

The foundation is to be laid on the disputed land allocated to former first lady Turai Yar’Adua’s Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF) in February 2010 but revoked by FCT Minister Bala Mohammed in November last year and reallocated to Mrs. Jonathan’s pet project.

The AFLPM was established in 1997 and aims at the prevention and management of conflict as well as the preservation of peace through civil and humanitarian diplomacy.
Culled:Dailytrustnigeria

BRT lane: Colonel, sergeant to pay N25,000 fine each

The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, has said Colonel K.I Yusuf and Staff Sergeant Adeomi, who were accosted by Governor Babatunde Fashola for taking the designated Bus Rapid Transit lane on July 17, 2012, will pay the mandatory fine.

The fine for taking BRT lane is N25, 000.

This is just as the Nigerian Army began the court martial of 11 soldiers for various offences in Lagos on Tuesday.

Minimah said at a press briefing that the Nigerian Army was not above the law.

“They passed the BRT lane and it’s a traffic offence and they’ll pay the fine. The fact that he has apologised to the governor does not mean that he won’t face the law. He will pay the fine,” he said.
The GOC seized the opportunity to warn all army personnel to obey the laws of the state and avoid taking the BTR lane.

He said, “They (army personnel) should avoid the BRT lane because they are designated for the BRT buses which are for the good of Lagosians. We all reside in Lagos and we have the responsibility of obeying the laws of the state. If we get it right, it’s for our common good and if we get it wrong, it’s bad for all of us.

“The law was made for Lagosians and we are part of Lagos and the Nigerian Army and the military as a whole are law-abiding and enforcers of the laws, not outlaws. We’ll conform to the laws and obey the law and also aid civil authority in enforcing the laws and we’ll continue to help the state government in this regard.”

Meanwhile, the president of the court martial, Brigadier- General Edward Nze, said the crimes the army personnel were being tried for ranged from alleged murder to financial misappropriation.

Nze said court martial was an instrument used by the Nigerian Army to instil discipline in its men.

“The offences we are handling presently range from murder to misappropriation of funds to being absent without leave. They’ll be charged according to the Armed Forces Act,” he said.
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate/ Punchnigeria

WOMEN. 21 WAYS TO LOVE UR HUSBAND!!!

Peeps,I saw this piece this morning and I cant but share it women out there.....

NOTE!!!!! This is strictly for the wise


1. Discover his favorite pet name n call him by that.

2. Allow him exercise his authority as the head of the family.

3. DO not challenge him when he is hurt.

4. Be silent when he is angry. You can go back to him in his sober moment with apology n explain why you behave that way that annoyed him.

5. Be quick to say " I am sorry dear". When ever u offend him pettingly, insist on his forgiveness and kiss him when he does.

6. Speak good of him b4 his Friends n siblings.

7. honor his mother.

8. Insist that he buys gift to his parents and so be sure that he will do same 4 your parents.

9. Surprise him with his favorite dish especially when he has no enough money at hand.

10. Do not allow maid to serve him food when you are at home. B'cos u may lose him to them.

11. Give him warm reception with an embrace when he returns, collect his luggage and help undress him.

12. Smile when u looks at him and give him occasional pecks when u are out socially.

13. Praise him b4 your children.

14. Wash his back while he is in the tub or shower.

15. Put love note in his lunch or purse.

16. Phone n tell him that u miss him.

17. Dial his number and on hearing "hello" just tell him I love u.

18. If he is a public figure or politician gently wake him at the early hours of the morn n romance him to the point of demand. He will not be entice by any other woman that day.

19. Tel him how lucky you are to have him as your husband.

20. Give him a hug 4 no reason.

21. Appreciate God 4 the Adam of your life. Implement this law that every morn your family will wake up n pray. It sure  brings unity. Value your husband b'cos u may not have the 2nd chance to love him.

Pray to God to protect him. If u practice all these, your husband will be afraid to cheat on u, even if he does his mind 'll not be at rest. If your husband is already cheating on u,begin to practice these and u will win him back. Do support it with prayers b'cos nothing is impossible 4 God. I wish u a happy home and lovable husband.
Hmnmnmnmnmn........God bless the heart that compiled and wrote this article.
Culled:9jarocks

Two NYSC members die, 4 injured in Makurdi road mishap


Two National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members died, yesterday, while four others are in critical condition at a hospital in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State, following an accident involving a 14-seater bus, which crashed into a farmland on Makurdi-Aliade Road.

The ill-fated vehicle, a Volkswagen bus belonging to the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Otukpo, plate number Benue AE 135 JUX, was conveying the corps members from the Benue State Orientation Camp in Wannune, to their places of primary assignment in Otukpo.

An eyewitness told Vanguard that the driver of the bus, conveying the 14 corps members apparently fell asleep while on top speed, “and all we saw was that the bus skidded off the road and somersaulted several times in the bush.”

He said members of the Igbor community rushed to the scene to rescue the victims.

He said: “When we got there, we alerted the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, which also rushed to the scene.

“As we axed the bus, we discovered that two of the occupants were dead, while others were rushed to Saint Vincent Hospital Aliade for treatment.”

Among the early callers at the hospital, where nine of the victims were recuperating, was Governor Gabriel Suswam, who lamented the unfortunate incident.

Governor Suswam, who also visited the state secretariat of NYSC in Makurdi, directed that the victims be transferred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makur-di, for further treatment.

When contacted, Benue State Public Relations Officer of NYSC, Mr. Chidi Nnorom, confirmed the deaths.
Culled:Vanguardnigeria

Abuja residents protest demolition of houses

Residents of Kuchingoro, a suburb of Abuja have protested the demolition of illegal structures in the area.

The irate residents, some of who were armed with machetes, also threatened officials of the Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA) and barricaded the link road from Area 1 to Galadimawa Junction.




Police officers who were initially deployed to the scene were repelled by the mob and had to regroup with soldiers before they could succeed in restoring normalcy.

One of the demonstrators, Tolu Adedeji, said that the residents were served notice last week but that the government failed to provide any alternatives.

Efforts to get a response from the FCDA officials were fruitless as they refused to speak with journalists at the scene.

Kuchingoro is among areas which have been marked for demolition by the FCDA.

Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, has said that his administration will strive keep to the Abuja master plan which has prompted the on-going demolition exercise.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria

Slander: Pastor Tunde Bakare Gives AIT 48 Hours to Retract Broadcast and Apologize

Tunde Bakare, the firebrand lawyer and pastor who yesterday answered an invitation of the State Security Service (SSS), which appealed to him to tone down his blazing political message on the pulpit, is about to serve a different kind of fire to AIT Television.

In a letter to the Chairman of DAAR Communications, which owns AIT Television, lawyers to the Pastor today gave the station 48 hours to apologize for yesterday’s 8pm newscast, in which it said that Mr. Bakare was arrested by the SSS for his speech at the Latter Rain Assembly the previous day, or face immediate legal action.

The lawyers noted that in the broadcast, AIT alleged that Mr. Bakare was “detained for 48 hours by the State Security Service before he was released on bail,” and that during interrogation, Mr. Bakare “denied making certain statements in his speech and stated that he was misquoted by the press”.

“The foregoing statements credited to our client were never made by him neither at the State Security Services office nor at any other place,” the letter said. “By your statements, you have injured the reputation of our client by portraying him as a man who lacks the temerity and courage to stand by his words before constituted authority.”

According to the statement, the “calculated attempt to further injure the reputation” of Pastor Bakare was followed up this morning on the live “Focus Nigeria” programme when anchor Kunle Adewale, commenting on the topic, “ARREST AND DETENTION OF PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE BY THE SSS,” posited that the pastor is “mixing politics with the pulpit” and urged Nigerians to call in and comment on his conduct.

“The comment/broadcast of Kunle Adewale during the live broadcast, insinuates that our client is a disgruntled politician who is hiding under the disguise of religion to instigate a change of government,” the notice said. “The comment/broadcast also suggests that our client’s “message of enlightenment” is an incitement on Nigerians to revolt against the present Government.

It further affirmed that the broadcast is malicious, offensive and intended to disparage Mr. Bakare and cause him embarrassment and public condemnation.

“The aforestated publication has grossly lowered the reputation of our client in the estimation of right-thinking members of the Nigerian society and the world in general. It has exposed our client, founder of Latter Rain Assembly and Convener of Save Nigeria Group to public odium and ridicule.

 Our client has been inundated with calls and text messages by friends and associates who are perturbed by the broadcast. This broadcast has exposed our client to the worst condemnation ever made against any Pastor and Human Rights Activist.”

Furthermore, said the notice, “Our client finds it totally unacceptable that a man who convened the peaceful protest on the removal of subsidy in Lagos would be so cowardly as to deny making the said speech or attributing the content of his speech to the misquotations of the press. It corrodes the reputation of our client to suggest that a man of his status who chooses to walk the path of honesty would use the Lord’s name for political gains or lie against the press.”

AIT has yet to respond to the ultimatum, which will expire on Thursday.
Culled:Saharareporters
 

Traffic Fears As London Olympic Lanes Open

Motorists in London have been advised to allow extra time for their journey to work this morning as the Olympic route network comes into force across the capital.

Thirty miles of games lanes come into operation and "ordinary" motorists caught using them will face fines of £130, while release fees for impounded vehicles could be £200.

The games lanes run alongside existing lanes in London and will be used by authorised "Olympic Family" vehicles.

These include vehicles used by athletes, Olympic officials and VIPs with the lanes coming into force at 6am today, with 1,300 vehicles an hour expected to use them.

Most lanes will stay in place from 6am to midnight on each day up to Tuesday August 14 and will form part of a 109-mile Olympic Route Network (ORN) around London.

In recent days, teams of engineers have been working to put up signs and change some road layouts in preparation for the implementation of the ORN and the lanes.

During the period of the lanes being operational, some turns have been banned, some bus lanes suspended, some bus and coach stops have been adjusted and some pedestrian crossings will not be operational.

In addition to central London, there will be road restrictions around the sailing venues at Weymouth and Portland in Dorset, around the rowing at Eton Dorney in Berkshire and around the mountain biking venue at Hadleigh Farm in Essex.

Also, some roads will be closed for the men's and women's Marathons and the biking events.

Games lanes will generally be on the off-side (outside) lane. Cyclists will be able to use the near-side (kerbside) games lanes but not the off-side ones, while motorcyclists will be able to use some of the near-side lanes.

But taxis and private hire vehicles will not be able to use the lanes, nor will buses be allowed in most lanes. The games lanes will also be out of bounds to disabled drivers who are Blue Badge holders.

Taxi drivers took to Tower Bridge on Monday to protest against their exclusion from the lanes and more protests are planned across London today.

Transport for London (TfL) is urging drivers to avoid London from now until the end of the Games.
London mayor Boris Johnson said: "With just days until the opening ceremony, London is more prepared for the Games than any other Olympic city has ever been.

"The ORN is a requirement of all host cities, ensuring athletes and officials get to their events on time."
Culled:skynews/247nigerianewsupdate

Turai vs Patience: FG opts for out-of-court settlement of land dispute

In a bid to save Nigeria from further embarrassment, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN,has urged an Abuja High Court sitting at Bwari to discontinue further hearing on the lingering land dispute between Dame Patience Jonathan and wife of late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, Turai.

The two women had plunged into cold war after the Certificate of Occupancy for a parcel of land originally allocated to a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, “The Registered Trustee of Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation, WYEF”, a pet project initiated by Turai Yar’Adua, was revoked by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, and re-awarded to Patience Jonathan for the construction of a secretariat of the “First Ladies Peace Mission.”

Specifically, the Registered Trustees of WYEF had applied and was granted an allocation of Plot 1347at the Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja, after paying N184,529,438 as statutory Right of Occupancy and was duly issued with the C of O by the FCT Minister.

Meanwhile, under the terms of grant, the plaintiff was given three years to develop the property based on approved building plans.

After the payments of the various levies, the plaintiff paid additional N76, 936,210.00 as building plan fees after which the grant and approval of the building plans were made and given in line with the master plan for Abuja.

The plaintiff told the court that shortly after it engaged a building company, Al-Cooks Nigeria Limited, to develop the property for N13, 516,013,797.58, the FCT Administration led by Bala Mohammed, on November 1, 2011, asked it to pay additional N18,529,438, which it said was also paid.

It, however, lamented that after the various payments were made, the FCT Minister, without reason, issued a notice of revocation of the said property which it allocated to the plaintiff for the purpose of building public institution (Training/Vocational Centre). It noted that the said letter of revocation was backdated with effect from October 27, 2011.

Meanwhile, Turai’s NGO stressed that it decided to seek redress in court upon discovering that the same piece of land was re-allocated to another organisation sponsored by Jonathan’s wife.
Also joined as defendants in the suit with No. FCT/HC/CV/2591/2010 included the AGF, FCT Minister and the Abuja Geographic Information System, AGIS.

Sequel to the suit, the court presided by Justice Peter Affen, issued an order barring the FCT Administration, AGIS and the AGF from carrying out further activities at the site.

However, while the order of the court was still subsisting, the defendants in defiance of the said order mobilised people to the site to commence construction work.

The action prompted counsel to WAYE, Innocent Lagi, to initiate contempt proceedings against the respective defendants.

Nevertheless, before hearing could commence on the contempt charge, the AGF, last Friday, approached the court, asking it to vacate the restraining order.

Though Justice Affen ordered that all the necessary parties must be put on notice, the AGF, yesterday, re-approached the court, begging it to allow the matter to be settled-out-of court.

Counsel to the AGF, Mr Baba Sa’idu further told the court that his client had already reached out to the aggrieved party for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

After listening to his submissions, Justice Affen adjourned till September 24 to receive the report of settlement.

Meanwhile, the case been adjourned till September 24, 2012 for report of settlement.

Adducing reasons why the case should be discontinued, Adoke earlier told the court “the previous allocations were duly revoked and a fresh allocation made out to the African Peace Mission in overriding interest.”

“The invitations to the members of the African Union’s First Ladies Peace Mission had already gone out and it would be most humiliating for Nigeria in the diplomatic circle to make an about-turn at this time, given, the time constraint to effect any other changes in venue,” he added
Culled:247nigerianewsupdate

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Loose Tyres Kill Three, Wreck Car

Three men have allegedly lost their lives while one other sustained injuries when two tyres flew off a speeding articulated vehicle with registration number XP152AKD and hit them.

It was discovered that the victims, Awoyemi Lanre, Kabiru Okunola and the third identified simply as Lateef, were sitting in a garden located on the CMD end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the incident happened.

The tyres were said to have hit a Nissan car with registration number FQ981 EKY, damaging its windscreen and door before hitting Okunola on the chest and head killing him on the spot.

An eyewitness, Dare Onanuga, who escaped harm by a whisker, said the four men affected were artisans who usually sat in the garden to relax.

He said, “Around 10am, about eight of us were sitting in the garden when I heard someone shouting "tyre, tyre!."

“We all attempted to run but the joined tyres were moving too fast. The tyres first of all damaged a Nissan car before moving in our direction."

“After the pandemonium, I saw four men lying down bleeding. Okunola was already dead but the others, were still alive so we rushed them to hospital.”

It was learnt that the two other victims, Lanre and Lateef, later died at the hospital, while Dele Ibrahim is responding to treatment.

It was also discovered that the truck driver and the occupants of the vehicle immediately took to their heels after the incident.

An eyewitness, who refused to identify himself, said the truck was problematic and he had warned the driver to stop and attend to the problem but he refused.

He said, “Around 9am, I was driving at Iyana-Oworo when I saw smoke emanating from the rim of the truck. I saw the driver and two other occupants in the vehicle and I advised them to park and attend to the problem.

“The driver said if he parked his car on the roadside, traffic officials would accost him so he continued driving it. The incident occurred less than 30 minutes later.”

When contacted, spokesperson for the state police command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed.

She said the driver of the articulated vehicle, Abdullahi Mumuni, had been arrested.

“The driver is being detained at Isheri Police Division,” Braide said.
Culled:Naij/Punchnigeria

Lagos PHCN workers resume work


Workers in Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria (PHCN), Lagos has suspended their three-day strike.

The workers said the move followed the intervention of the National Assembly, to allow for negotiations.

The workers had gone on strike last Friday, to press for the payment of terminal and other benefits ahead of the privatisation of the company.

The Vice Chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Etukubes Mbang, said their offices had subsequently been opened for normal services.

"We resumed this (Monday) morning because the National Assembly has started negotiating with our people in Abuja. We have resumed work, pending the outcome of the meeting," he said.

However, in spite of the suspension of the strike, there was still the presence of military personnel in some PHCN offices in Lagos.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria

Fashola apologises to Makoko protesters

Hundreds of Makoko residents on Monday, stormed the Lagos State Government House to protest against the ongoing demolition of shanties and structures in their community.

Chanting anti-government songs and brandishing placards, the protesters, some in their old age, peacefully marched along Obafemi Awolowo Way, to the office of the State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

Some of the displayed placards by the young and old read, 'Housing is our right: Stop destroying our houses', 'We say no to unlawful eviction', 'The poor are also human', and 'Respect our human rights, we are not foreigners'.

The ongoing demolition exercise in the coastal community started last Monday, on the directive of the state government, with thousands of persons estimated to have so far been displaced.

One of the community's chiefs, Timothy Agbe, also lost his life in the period after he was shot by a police officer.

But at the government house, the protesters did not get assurance that the exercise would be stopped.

Rather, Fashola told them that all structures extending beyond the approved boundary, would be levelled.

He noted that piling saw-dust on the lagoon, discharging wastes in it and blocking the discharge points for storm water had contributed to flooding in some parts of Lagos, like Bariga, Shomolu, Ebute-Metta, Ogudu, Ajegunle and Ikorodu, among others.

He however, expressed a "very deep sorrow and apology about the unfortunate loss of life from the exercise".

"I am truly sorry about that. In the process of doing our work, our responsibility is to protect lives. I regret that that has happened here," he said.

Fashola promised to investigate the circumstances leading to Agbe's death, and encouraged the community to send a delegate to meet with him "on the way forward".


Earlier, one of the community chiefs, who spoke for the protesters, Yusuf Jejelaiye, appealed to the governor to let them be.

"Please and please, tell them to stop (the demolition)," he said, adding that the economic mainstay was fishing. "If you bring a fish out of water, it will die. I heard rumours that one of the reasons is that there are criminals there, but do we demolish and evacuate people in Lekki, Ikeja because they rob people there."

A displaced resident, Bose Rashidi, said she and her children had been sleeping in the open since her house was destroyed.

"They burnt my stockpile of fish and my children's uniforms and books; now, they can't go to school and I don't have fish to sell," she said. "We're hungry; we've also been sleeping on planks outside and all the rain has been pouring on us."


Speaking to journalists, the Executive Director of the Social and Economic Rights Centre (SERAC), who doubles as the community's counsel, Felix Morka, said over 30,000 persons had already been displaced due to the exercise.

He described the exercise as "wrong and unlawful", saying that up to 100 metres inward from the coast belongs to the federal government.

He added that his organisation was in the process of suing the state government for its action.
Culled:Dailytimesnigeria

Marketers beg NNPC to make kerosene available at official price of N49.50


Some filling stations operators in Lagos have decried non-availability of kerosene to consumers, urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to supply it at official price.

The operators  in Lagos said major marketers had not received supply of the product since the beginning of 2012.

The Federal Government in 2011 embarked on direct sale of kerosene to consumers through a collaborative effort with the Capital Oil and Gas.

The Kero-Direct Scheme was aimed at ensuring that the product is made available to vast majority of Nigerians and to generate additional direct employment for Nigerians.

Mr John Olagunju, the Manager of Total Filling Station at Fadeyi, said that major marketers could not get the product from the depot at official price of N49.50.

He said that instead, they got the product through third parties at high rates, which made it difficult for them to sell at N50 per litre as directed by the government.

“We find it difficult to comply with the directive that we should sell the product at N50 per litre when the product is not even available at the official price.

“We use to buy kerosene from the third parties and this was why most marketers were selling it above N50 per litre,’’ he said.

Another operator, Mr Tayo Adeleke, the Manager of Mobil Filling Station along Itire road, Ojuelegba, said that the product was not available at N50 per litre at the depot.

He advised the Federal Government to make kerosene available at the official price for the major marketers to sell at N50 per litre to the consumers.

Adeleke said that if the product was available, it would alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians that depended on it for their domestic cooking.

Mr Segun Olusesan, the Manager, Total Filling Station, Ijora, said that government had not made the product available to the masses.

He said that no marketer got the products for sale in their stations since January at the official price of N49.50.

“Kerosene is being sold to independent marketers, who now sell at higher price.

“The major marketers cannot sell at the official price and that is why they do not supply us with the product,’’ he said.

Mr Akeem Balogun, the Manager of MRS Filling Station, Lawanson, said that the station sold its last stock of kerosene in 2011.

When contacted, Mr Fidelis Peple, the NNPC acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, said he could not comment on the development.
Culled: NAN/247nigerianewsupdate

Blackout: Angry residents storm PHCN office with juju


The Ogbunabali community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area in Rivers State yesterday shut down a transmission station, belonging to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) over epileptic power supply.

The affected area is the Port Harcourt Town transmission station, located in Nzimiro Street. The angry residents said they were carrying out what they called, peaceful protest. To drive home their point, the protesters stormed the PHCN office with various fetish objects, including palmfronds, black fowl, which they tied to the palmfronds, leaves and tied them to the gate of the transmission station.

When Daily Sun visited the premises of the PHCN office, the protesters were also seen roasting chicken in front of the gate.

One of them said the traditional objects placed at the gate of the company were symbolic, adding that PHCN would appease the gods before opening the gate The reporter also saw leaders of the community and representatives from PHCN in a dialogue session, on how to resolve the matter. The Councilor representing Ward 2 at Phalga, Hon. Henry Woke, told staff members of the company that their peaceful disposition in the past had been taken for granted.

He explained that the community had been demanding to be separated from the feeder pillar it sharwith other neighbouring communities.

Woke, the protesters’ spokesman, stated that they had perpetually remained in darkness due to the inefficiency of PHCN. He said:“We are not ignorant of the epileptic power supply in the country.

But, our problem here is PHCN has failed to perform their basic responsibility. Some areas are having steady light, especially Government-Reserved Areas (GRA), Government House axis. The other part of the community suffers light problem.

According to him, the people had made several efforts to solve the problem, but the company had failed. “Remove us from where we are jointly put with Nkpogu, D/Line, Aba Road axis, Amadi-Ama and Elekahia. For the past five months, we have been running over the same issue without result. The natives also accused the company of not installing a transformer they purchased, saying that it was not their responsibility to buy materials for PHCN.

Meanwhile, the company’s representatives led by Emeka Onochie, Head, HSE Department, appealed to the protesting natives to give them a few days to respond to the demands. However, the two parties had scheduled a joint meeting for Tuesday.
Culled:Dailysun