Attahiru Jega named INEC chairman •28 new commissioners appointed •Council of States confers GCFR on Jonathan
THE Council of States on Tuesday unanimously approved the nomination of the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and one-time President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Attahiru Jega, as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Nuhu Ribadu HAS SOMETHING TO SAY!
"Indeed, my experience in the last couple of years has shown that those who have corrupted and are corrupting this country would fight back with virulence, if we try to stop them, or even attempt to hinder them. From Asaba to Makurdi, from Dubai to London, they will run from pillar to post, and try to erect barricades on our path to national salvation while hiding from justice. They will try to impede or even kill our national hope and aspirations to build a country that will be the pride of all citizens, including the young men and women graduating from this university." – Nuhu Ribadu
SO WE STILL HAVE GOOD JUDGES?
The Verdict
Judge Hardy acknowledged all the pleas, made mention of the special circumstances of them being far away from home, the effect of the custodial sentence on Udoamaka’s 5 year old daughter and especially because of her medical conditions. He also acknowledged the effect on Christine Ibori’s three children and he acknowledged the character witness of the pastor and the medical report submitted. He then stated as follows:
“ I am convinced you each indeed knew of these crimes, but refused to plead guilty when the opportunity was made available to you. I want to make it absolutely clear that Nigeria’s judiciary was usurped. Countries who are signatories to fighting corruption and money laundering must live to the full letter of their commitments. I would therefore apply the full weight of the British law to serve as punishment and deterrent. The jury was satisfied that you were connected to the assets that were spread all over the world including safe havens. Each of you benefited massively. You are not simply agents. Who knows how much you are still hiding?“ With these words, Judge Hardy then sentenced Christine Ibori- Ibie and Udoamaka Okoronkwo -Onuigbo to a total of 21 years in prison to be served concurrently; technically each accused person would serve 5 years in prison. There was wild jubilation in the gallery with Nigerian shouting repeatedly ‘Finally! Justice for the people of Nigeria’.
The convicts were led away by three prison guard, made of 2 female and a male- At this point everyone rushed out to catch a glimpse of the prison van that drove the convicts away.
4:00 PM the prison van drove the newest addition from Southwark Crown court 8 to prison to begin a five year prison sentence as pronounce by Judge hardy.
Judge Hardy acknowledged all the pleas, made mention of the special circumstances of them being far away from home, the effect of the custodial sentence on Udoamaka’s 5 year old daughter and especially because of her medical conditions. He also acknowledged the effect on Christine Ibori’s three children and he acknowledged the character witness of the pastor and the medical report submitted. He then stated as follows:
“ I am convinced you each indeed knew of these crimes, but refused to plead guilty when the opportunity was made available to you. I want to make it absolutely clear that Nigeria’s judiciary was usurped. Countries who are signatories to fighting corruption and money laundering must live to the full letter of their commitments. I would therefore apply the full weight of the British law to serve as punishment and deterrent. The jury was satisfied that you were connected to the assets that were spread all over the world including safe havens. Each of you benefited massively. You are not simply agents. Who knows how much you are still hiding?“ With these words, Judge Hardy then sentenced Christine Ibori- Ibie and Udoamaka Okoronkwo -Onuigbo to a total of 21 years in prison to be served concurrently; technically each accused person would serve 5 years in prison. There was wild jubilation in the gallery with Nigerian shouting repeatedly ‘Finally! Justice for the people of Nigeria’.
The convicts were led away by three prison guard, made of 2 female and a male- At this point everyone rushed out to catch a glimpse of the prison van that drove the convicts away.
4:00 PM the prison van drove the newest addition from Southwark Crown court 8 to prison to begin a five year prison sentence as pronounce by Judge hardy.
Governor Akpabio in love with Farida Waziri
Governor Akpabio's Mercedes Benz gift to EFCC’s Farida Waziri: Lagos State says licence plate is fake
Written by SaharaReporters, New York Tuesday, 08 June 2010 15:05
Akpabio's GL 450 With A Fake Lagos Licence Plate
Saharareporters has further discovered that last week’s attempt by the Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio, to display a Mercedes Benz GL 450 he used in bribing the EFCC chairperson, Farida Waziri, was a carefully-orchestrated lie between the duo to deceive the public. And the Lagos State government has now declared even the license plate of the vehicle to be fake.
Written by SaharaReporters, New York Tuesday, 08 June 2010 15:05
Akpabio's GL 450 With A Fake Lagos Licence Plate
Saharareporters has further discovered that last week’s attempt by the Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio, to display a Mercedes Benz GL 450 he used in bribing the EFCC chairperson, Farida Waziri, was a carefully-orchestrated lie between the duo to deceive the public. And the Lagos State government has now declared even the license plate of the vehicle to be fake.
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
A JURY in the United Kingdom (UK) has convicted the sister of former Delta State
EFCC grills Makoju, others over Siemens' scam
A JURY in the United Kingdom (UK) has convicted the sister of former Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on charges of money-laundering and mortgage fraud.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Mrs. Christine Ibori-Ibie was found guilty yesterday of 12 charges, stemming from allegations that she helped her brother to embezzle an estimated $101.5 million from the state into British bank accounts.
Her lawyers have served notice that they will appeal against the judgment.
Besides, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which is also after Ibori, yesterday grilled former Managing Director of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Joseph Makoju and two others of the electricity outfit over their alleged involvement in the 17.5 million euro bribe-for-contract scandal which has led to the conviction of some officials of the engineering conglomerate in Germany.
Equally quizzed yesterday were the Chief Executive Officer of PHCN, Engineer G.O.P. Osakwe and Legal adviser of NITEL, Samson Olabiyi.
According to a source, the trio was quizzed for several hours before being granted administrative bail.
The jury acquitted one of Ibori's former assistants, Ms. Adebimkpe Pogoson, while a third accused aide's trial continues today.
But Ibori, according to a statement by his media assistant, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, has rejected the judgment of the Southwark Court, London, on the ground that “despite the judge’s directive of last week that every charge must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, despite the failure of the Crown Prosecution to establish any proceeds of crime, despite the prosecution’s failure to evidence any crime, it is difficult to understand how his sister alone could have been found guilty of money laundering without proof.”
Eluemunor explained that it was “a fact that during the judge's summing up last week, he expressly directed that the mortgage charges were "not safe" because the evidence presented by the prosecution had been totally destroyed by the defence during cross-examination; this fact was even conceded in open court by the prosecution.”
Eluemunor said justice has been miscarried “because though several persons were charged with the same allegations, only one was found guilty… Yet, no extra jot of evidence was brought against her.”
He went on: "It is a fact that she was the only one that exercised her right of not giving evidence during the trial; her legal team had decided that the Prosecution’s case against her was so weak that there was no need whatsoever for her to take the witness stand."
Ibori recalled that his sister, Ms. Udoamaka Okoronkwo and Pogoson were faced with the same four-count money laundering charges. The charges against the others were dropped for want of evidence.
“The rest charges against Mrs. Ibie were mortgage-related. But in continuation of the political persecution against Ibori, his sister has now been found guilty where others were rightly found innocent. To Ibori, this is a clear notice that every member of his family is under the same political attack that has been buffeting him, and that the rules would be bent to do his family members in for all the accused should have been declared innocent,” the statement said.
“Ibori said that though a mighty international attempt orchestrated from Nigeria is on to make his family members pay heavily for the public service he rendered to Delta State just because of crass politics, through distortion of facts and media lynching, he nevertheless remains confident that in the end, justice would be done and the innocent would not be unduly victimized; that is why the defence will stoutly appeal this case and ensure that real justice is done and this miscarriage of justice is not allowed to stand.”
Nigeria's anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Ibori stole as much as $292 million while he was governor in the oil-rich Niger Delta State.
A judge in Asaba last December dismissed a 170-count fraud case against Ibori who was arrested on May 12 in Dubai on a UK warrant and remains there, but is free on bail.
A JURY in the United Kingdom (UK) has convicted the sister of former Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on charges of money-laundering and mortgage fraud.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Mrs. Christine Ibori-Ibie was found guilty yesterday of 12 charges, stemming from allegations that she helped her brother to embezzle an estimated $101.5 million from the state into British bank accounts.
Her lawyers have served notice that they will appeal against the judgment.
Besides, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which is also after Ibori, yesterday grilled former Managing Director of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Joseph Makoju and two others of the electricity outfit over their alleged involvement in the 17.5 million euro bribe-for-contract scandal which has led to the conviction of some officials of the engineering conglomerate in Germany.
Equally quizzed yesterday were the Chief Executive Officer of PHCN, Engineer G.O.P. Osakwe and Legal adviser of NITEL, Samson Olabiyi.
According to a source, the trio was quizzed for several hours before being granted administrative bail.
The jury acquitted one of Ibori's former assistants, Ms. Adebimkpe Pogoson, while a third accused aide's trial continues today.
But Ibori, according to a statement by his media assistant, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, has rejected the judgment of the Southwark Court, London, on the ground that “despite the judge’s directive of last week that every charge must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, despite the failure of the Crown Prosecution to establish any proceeds of crime, despite the prosecution’s failure to evidence any crime, it is difficult to understand how his sister alone could have been found guilty of money laundering without proof.”
Eluemunor explained that it was “a fact that during the judge's summing up last week, he expressly directed that the mortgage charges were "not safe" because the evidence presented by the prosecution had been totally destroyed by the defence during cross-examination; this fact was even conceded in open court by the prosecution.”
Eluemunor said justice has been miscarried “because though several persons were charged with the same allegations, only one was found guilty… Yet, no extra jot of evidence was brought against her.”
He went on: "It is a fact that she was the only one that exercised her right of not giving evidence during the trial; her legal team had decided that the Prosecution’s case against her was so weak that there was no need whatsoever for her to take the witness stand."
Ibori recalled that his sister, Ms. Udoamaka Okoronkwo and Pogoson were faced with the same four-count money laundering charges. The charges against the others were dropped for want of evidence.
“The rest charges against Mrs. Ibie were mortgage-related. But in continuation of the political persecution against Ibori, his sister has now been found guilty where others were rightly found innocent. To Ibori, this is a clear notice that every member of his family is under the same political attack that has been buffeting him, and that the rules would be bent to do his family members in for all the accused should have been declared innocent,” the statement said.
“Ibori said that though a mighty international attempt orchestrated from Nigeria is on to make his family members pay heavily for the public service he rendered to Delta State just because of crass politics, through distortion of facts and media lynching, he nevertheless remains confident that in the end, justice would be done and the innocent would not be unduly victimized; that is why the defence will stoutly appeal this case and ensure that real justice is done and this miscarriage of justice is not allowed to stand.”
Nigeria's anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Ibori stole as much as $292 million while he was governor in the oil-rich Niger Delta State.
A judge in Asaba last December dismissed a 170-count fraud case against Ibori who was arrested on May 12 in Dubai on a UK warrant and remains there, but is free on bail.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Osun State Elections Petition Tribunal
Osun State Elections Petition Tribunal: What Transpired PDF | Print | E-mail
Monday, 31 May 2010 23:01
Some revelations have emerged about the corrupt secret deals that produced the bizarre majority ruling by the Osun State governorship petitions tribunal awarding the election to the incumbent PDP governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Last Friday, May 28, a four-judge majority of the tribunal made up of Justices Abimbola Ogie, Garba Ali, Aliu Mohammed, Haruna Bashir, and Agabtan Benedict, affirmed Oyinlola as the winner of the disputed April 21, 2007 election and dismissed the challenge Rafiu Aregbesola, the Action Congress candidate, to the 2007 election outcome. A judicial source disclosed to Saharareporters today that Abimbola Ogie, one of the four judges who reportedly endorsed the unanimous verdict, did not in fact append her signature to the judgment. “This is a highly unusual and curious development,” said the source.
A senior advocate of Nigeria who analyzed the majority decision insisted that the judges failed to address the substantive issues that the Appeal Court had ordered the tribunal to examine.
Another judicial source told Saharareporterporters, “It was obvious that parts of the judgment were altered at the last minute as the tribunal chairman was visibly ill at ease with some of the words and sentences he read while delivering the judgment,” adding, “the judge even used his pen to change some words or cancel others as he read the judgment in open court.”
A high-ranking PDP official told us that, 48 hours before the judgment was delivered, Mr. Oyinlola and his inner circle were still expecting the worst. In fact, the source revealed that, before Oyinlola and the PDP were able to influence the judgment, they were making plans to unleash PDP hoodlums to cause widespread arson and killings targeted at AC members in order to create the impression of “public displeasure” with a judgment that favored Aregbesola. Oyinlola was said to be so uneasy that he contacted former President Olusegun Obasanjo about help in finding a sympathetic panel of justices to hear his appeal in the event that he lost at the tribunal.
Monday, 31 May 2010 23:01
Some revelations have emerged about the corrupt secret deals that produced the bizarre majority ruling by the Osun State governorship petitions tribunal awarding the election to the incumbent PDP governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Last Friday, May 28, a four-judge majority of the tribunal made up of Justices Abimbola Ogie, Garba Ali, Aliu Mohammed, Haruna Bashir, and Agabtan Benedict, affirmed Oyinlola as the winner of the disputed April 21, 2007 election and dismissed the challenge Rafiu Aregbesola, the Action Congress candidate, to the 2007 election outcome. A judicial source disclosed to Saharareporters today that Abimbola Ogie, one of the four judges who reportedly endorsed the unanimous verdict, did not in fact append her signature to the judgment. “This is a highly unusual and curious development,” said the source.
A senior advocate of Nigeria who analyzed the majority decision insisted that the judges failed to address the substantive issues that the Appeal Court had ordered the tribunal to examine.
Another judicial source told Saharareporterporters, “It was obvious that parts of the judgment were altered at the last minute as the tribunal chairman was visibly ill at ease with some of the words and sentences he read while delivering the judgment,” adding, “the judge even used his pen to change some words or cancel others as he read the judgment in open court.”
A high-ranking PDP official told us that, 48 hours before the judgment was delivered, Mr. Oyinlola and his inner circle were still expecting the worst. In fact, the source revealed that, before Oyinlola and the PDP were able to influence the judgment, they were making plans to unleash PDP hoodlums to cause widespread arson and killings targeted at AC members in order to create the impression of “public displeasure” with a judgment that favored Aregbesola. Oyinlola was said to be so uneasy that he contacted former President Olusegun Obasanjo about help in finding a sympathetic panel of justices to hear his appeal in the event that he lost at the tribunal.
Osun State Elections Petition Tribunal: What Transpired
Osun State Elections Petition Tribunal: What Transpired
Written by SaharaReporters, New York Monday, 31 May 2010 23:01
Some revelations have emerged about the corrupt secret deals that produced the bizarre majority ruling by the Osun State governorship petitions tribunal awarding the election to the incumbent PDP governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Last Friday, May 28, a four-judge majority of the tribunal made up of Justices Abimbola Ogie, Garba Ali, Aliu Mohammed, Haruna Bashir, and Agabtan Benedict, affirmed Oyinlola as the winner of the disputed April 21, 2007 election and dismissed the challenge Rafiu Aregbesola, the Action Congress candidate, to the 2007 election outcome.
Read more: ...
Written by SaharaReporters, New York Monday, 31 May 2010 23:01
Some revelations have emerged about the corrupt secret deals that produced the bizarre majority ruling by the Osun State governorship petitions tribunal awarding the election to the incumbent PDP governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Last Friday, May 28, a four-judge majority of the tribunal made up of Justices Abimbola Ogie, Garba Ali, Aliu Mohammed, Haruna Bashir, and Agabtan Benedict, affirmed Oyinlola as the winner of the disputed April 21, 2007 election and dismissed the challenge Rafiu Aregbesola, the Action Congress candidate, to the 2007 election outcome.
Read more: ...
2010 Oil Blocs Sale: Another Impending Fraud?
2010 Oil Blocs Sale: Another Impending Fraud?
Written by Ifeanyi Izeze Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:10
Across the oil producing world, known prolific but unexploited acreages are assigned to prospectors for the purpose of increasing production capacity or boost reserves. But in Nigeria, everything that happens in the oil sector-upstream and downstream is an aberration of what obtains elsewhere. Awards of oil blocs in this country have become an exercise to ingratiate political loyalists or close associates of powers of the day.
Read more: ...
Written by Ifeanyi Izeze Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:10
Across the oil producing world, known prolific but unexploited acreages are assigned to prospectors for the purpose of increasing production capacity or boost reserves. But in Nigeria, everything that happens in the oil sector-upstream and downstream is an aberration of what obtains elsewhere. Awards of oil blocs in this country have become an exercise to ingratiate political loyalists or close associates of powers of the day.
Read more: ...
Anti-Corruption Group Petitions EFCC Over NNPC Gas Contracts
Anti-Corruption Group Petitions EFCC Over NNPC Gas Contracts
Written by {ga=siteadmin} Tuesday, 01 June 2010 17:12
An anti-corruption group has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over about one billion dollar contracts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) to a little known Lebanese firm, Zakhem, for building pipelines in different parts of the country.
Read more: ...
Written by {ga=siteadmin} Tuesday, 01 June 2010 17:12
An anti-corruption group has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over about one billion dollar contracts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) to a little known Lebanese firm, Zakhem, for building pipelines in different parts of the country.
Read more: ...
Deji of Akure Brutalizes Wife
Deji of Akure Brutalizes Wife
Written by SaharaReporters, New York Monday, 31 May 2010 19:01
gangsta_oba_brutalizes_wife gangsta_oba_brutalizes_wife gangsta_oba_brutalizes_wife_5 Olori Bolanle Adepoju Adesina, the estranged second wife of the recently deposed Deji of Akure, Oluwadare Adesina Adepoju, was last night brutalized by the embattled traditional ruler who paid her an unexpected visit. At 6 p.m. yesterday, the oba, who was recently removed by kingmakers, showed up in a two-car convoy at his wife’s residence at 141 Hospital Road, Akure. After pouring an unknown substance on her skin, the deposed oba ordered his guards to whip her.
Written by SaharaReporters, New York Monday, 31 May 2010 19:01
gangsta_oba_brutalizes_wife gangsta_oba_brutalizes_wife gangsta_oba_brutalizes_wife_5 Olori Bolanle Adepoju Adesina, the estranged second wife of the recently deposed Deji of Akure, Oluwadare Adesina Adepoju, was last night brutalized by the embattled traditional ruler who paid her an unexpected visit. At 6 p.m. yesterday, the oba, who was recently removed by kingmakers, showed up in a two-car convoy at his wife’s residence at 141 Hospital Road, Akure. After pouring an unknown substance on her skin, the deposed oba ordered his guards to whip her.
Ibori's Sister, Christine Ibie Ibori, Found Guilty
London Trial: Ibori's Sister, Christine Ibie Ibori, Found Guilty And Remanded In Prison PDF | Print | E-mail
Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:57
Guilty: Christine Ibie-Ibori
The 12-member jury deliberating on the money laundering trial of associates of former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, today found his sister, Christine Ibie-Ibori, guilty of all charges of money laundering and mortgage fraud. The jury however acquitted Ibori's former assistant, Adebimpe Pogoson, of the charges against her. Also, the jury did not announce its verdict pertaining to Ibori's mistress, Mrs. Udoamaka Okoronkwo. A legal source in London told Saharareporters that the jury is continuing deliberations over Ms. Okoronkwo’s case. The jury went home today unable to reach a verdict, but our source disclosed that a verdict on Okoronkwo could come as early as tomorrow.
Christine Ibie-Ibori was found guilty on all nine counts of money laundering and mortgage fraud. She was detained as soon as the court rose today and sent to prison. The Southwark Crown Court Judge, Christopher Hardy, is awaiting a psychiatric assessment report on her before setting her prison sentence. Efforts by her lawyers to secure her bail were denied.
A legal source told Saharareporters that the jury’s decision regarding Udoamaka Okoronkwo would determine if Ibori’s former mistress is to stand trial with Ibori's wife, Theresa Nkoyo, and his London-based lawyer, Bhadresh Gohil. The prosecution of Mrs. Ibori and Mr. Gohil will commence later this month in the same court. A third trial involving Mr. Gohil, James Ibori, former Governor Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom, and two UK citizens as well as the former private secretary to Umaru Yar'adua, Mr. David Edevbie, will follow later in the year.
UK authorities are currently seeking the extradition of Ibori from Dubai to the UK. A London-based lawyer told Saharareporters that, if the extradition succeeds, Ibori’s trial in the UK on the laundering of Delta State assets worth £70 million pounds, “may well be an international test case in the effort to curtail the illicit outflow of funds from Africa.”
Mr. Ibori remains under arrest in Dubai awaiting extradition hearings by a UAE court.
Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:57
Guilty: Christine Ibie-Ibori
The 12-member jury deliberating on the money laundering trial of associates of former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, today found his sister, Christine Ibie-Ibori, guilty of all charges of money laundering and mortgage fraud. The jury however acquitted Ibori's former assistant, Adebimpe Pogoson, of the charges against her. Also, the jury did not announce its verdict pertaining to Ibori's mistress, Mrs. Udoamaka Okoronkwo. A legal source in London told Saharareporters that the jury is continuing deliberations over Ms. Okoronkwo’s case. The jury went home today unable to reach a verdict, but our source disclosed that a verdict on Okoronkwo could come as early as tomorrow.
Christine Ibie-Ibori was found guilty on all nine counts of money laundering and mortgage fraud. She was detained as soon as the court rose today and sent to prison. The Southwark Crown Court Judge, Christopher Hardy, is awaiting a psychiatric assessment report on her before setting her prison sentence. Efforts by her lawyers to secure her bail were denied.
A legal source told Saharareporters that the jury’s decision regarding Udoamaka Okoronkwo would determine if Ibori’s former mistress is to stand trial with Ibori's wife, Theresa Nkoyo, and his London-based lawyer, Bhadresh Gohil. The prosecution of Mrs. Ibori and Mr. Gohil will commence later this month in the same court. A third trial involving Mr. Gohil, James Ibori, former Governor Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom, and two UK citizens as well as the former private secretary to Umaru Yar'adua, Mr. David Edevbie, will follow later in the year.
UK authorities are currently seeking the extradition of Ibori from Dubai to the UK. A London-based lawyer told Saharareporters that, if the extradition succeeds, Ibori’s trial in the UK on the laundering of Delta State assets worth £70 million pounds, “may well be an international test case in the effort to curtail the illicit outflow of funds from Africa.”
Mr. Ibori remains under arrest in Dubai awaiting extradition hearings by a UAE court.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
ARRESTED AT LAST !!!
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Ibori Granted Bail, Plans Escape From Dubai James Ibori, the fugitive former governor of Delta State who was arrested in Dubai yesterday at the instance...
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UK Police Confirm Ibori’s Arrest UK authorities moments ago confirmed to SaharaReporters that Mr. James Onafefe Ibori, the 47 year-old...
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James Ibori Arrested In Dubai Several sources have confirmed to Saharareporters that James Onanefe Ibori, the fugitive former governor...
Ibori Granted Bail, Plans Escape From Dubai James Ibori, the fugitive former governor of Delta State who was arrested in Dubai yesterday at the instance...
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UK Police Confirm Ibori’s Arrest UK authorities moments ago confirmed to SaharaReporters that Mr. James Onafefe Ibori, the 47 year-old...
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James Ibori Arrested In Dubai Several sources have confirmed to Saharareporters that James Onanefe Ibori, the fugitive former governor...
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
MR UMARU YAR'ADUA TODAY
UMARU YAR'ADUA Born in 1951 in the northern Muslim state of Katsina Self-confessed Marxist as an undergraduate Became a chemistry teacher after university Married twice, has nine children Governor of Katsina from 1999 to 2007 During his governorship Katsina adopted Sharia law Nicknamed "Baba-go-slow" since becoming president in 2007 High point of his presidency so far - the amnesty for oil militants Has suffered from a chronic kidney condition for at least 10 years
Sunday, 20 December 2009
PDP, opposition renew battle over Yar’Adua
PDP, opposition renew battle over Yar’Adua
By Adekunle Jimoh
Yar'Adua
THE huge row sparked off by the President’s medical trip to Saudi Arabia is still growing.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said at the weekend that it is in constant touch with ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua. The party added that the President is in his high spirits, contrary to widely held view that he cannot talk.
But the opposition Action Congress (AC) demanded again a daily update on Yar’Adua’s health.
In Kaduna, the opposition Coalition of Political Parties (CPP) criticised Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Michael Aondoakaa for saying the President could rule from any part of the world.
By Adekunle Jimoh
Yar'Adua
THE huge row sparked off by the President’s medical trip to Saudi Arabia is still growing.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said at the weekend that it is in constant touch with ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua. The party added that the President is in his high spirits, contrary to widely held view that he cannot talk.
But the opposition Action Congress (AC) demanded again a daily update on Yar’Adua’s health.
In Kaduna, the opposition Coalition of Political Parties (CPP) criticised Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Michael Aondoakaa for saying the President could rule from any part of the world.
PDP, opposition renew battle over Yar’Adua
PDP, opposition renew battle over Yar’Adua
By Adekunle Jimoh
Yar'Adua
THE huge row sparked off by the President’s medical trip to Saudi Arabia is still growing.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said at the weekend that it is in constant touch with ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua. The party added that the President is in his high spirits, contrary to widely held view that he cannot talk.
But the opposition Action Congress (AC) demanded again a daily update on Yar’Adua’s health.
In Kaduna, the opposition Coalition of Political Parties (CPP) criticised Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Michael Aondoakaa for saying the President could rule from any part of the world.
By Adekunle Jimoh
Yar'Adua
THE huge row sparked off by the President’s medical trip to Saudi Arabia is still growing.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said at the weekend that it is in constant touch with ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua. The party added that the President is in his high spirits, contrary to widely held view that he cannot talk.
But the opposition Action Congress (AC) demanded again a daily update on Yar’Adua’s health.
In Kaduna, the opposition Coalition of Political Parties (CPP) criticised Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Michael Aondoakaa for saying the President could rule from any part of the world.
Monday, 7 December 2009
Yar'Adua still fit for office, says sister
THE place was Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja and the gladiators were two presidents: Senate President, David Mark and President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN. And the bone of contention was the ailing and hospitalised President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Akeredolu and Mark went for each other’s jugular on Monday over whether or not the president should throw in the towel at the ceremony marking the Law Week of the Abuja branch of the NBA, with the former saying that the First Lady, Turai, and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could not dictate to Nigerians on whether the president was fit to hang on or not.
Akeredolu added that despite the marital bond between Turai and her husband, only the doctors could determine if the president could continue in office, while telling the ruling party not to politicise the president’s health, but should advise him properly.
He noted that the lawyers’ body was not only asking Yar’Adua to step down but also to pay attention to his health, because he could not love the country more than his health.
According to him, “the prayer of the association is that the President should recover fast, return to his office and resign. No matter how you love your country, it should not be at the detriment of your health. It is not your party or your wife that will decide whether you are capable of handling state matters; it is only your doctors that can decide that.
“The bar is not asking the president not to come back and take his seat, but the right thing must be done.” Though Mark had spoken before Akeredolu, he had to beg the organisers for another chance at the podium to reply Akeredolu, and when the opportunity was availed him, he straightaway labelled Akeredolu and his ilk mischievous characters who should be ignored.
“Those calling on the president to resign are mischief makers. Nigeria is passing through a difficult time in her lifetime. The call for the president to resign is not necessary. People just want to cause confusion in the country,” Mark said.
Senator Mark said: “I feel very strongly about what is happening. Sycophants and praise singers have cashed in on the situation; we must condemn these acts. It is inhuman and unjust.
“They (mischief makers) deliberately sell dummies to newspapers. The following morning, they collect the newspapers and fly to Saudi Arabia to tell lies.” Mark said that the insinuations were totally mischievous and in bad fate, adding that he certainly did not hold such an ambition.
According to Mark, “This is the handiwork of fifth columnists who are bent on causing disaffection among individuals in government as well as the functionaries of government. It is wicked, mischievous, and unpatriotic and smacks of a grand plan to cause division in the system by those who have found a platform on the status of the health of President Yar’Adua.
“I am not aware of lawmakers holding nocturnal meetings anywhere to fashion out any solution in the face of eventuality. Neither is there any group canvassing a position for the President of the Senate, Senator Mark.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the President of the Senate, Senator Mark, has remained on the same page with President Yar’Adua; his family and our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and we shall not be distracted by rabblerousers.
“As a nation, we are passing through difficult times, no doubt about it. But it does not give room for mischief makers to cause more problems. Whichever faith one professes, all we need at the moment is continuous prayer for the nation and for our president.”
He stated that times like this called for genuine patriotism and commitment to nationhood and not mischief makers or sycophants who wanted to score cheap political points.
To him: “I sincerely advise those behind these ugly trends to desist. They should not mislead the nation. We need to see reasons and pray for Mr. President; we are all humans. I do not see the urgency for Mr. President to resign. I am sure he will return soon to continue his good work.”
The Senate president, who spoke on the theme “Good Governance and Democracy,” said that the 1999 Constitution would be amended to correct the grey areas inherent in it before the expiration of the present National Assembly.
In another development, Akeredolu had earlier at another function in Abuja condemned the idea of limiting the Freedom of Information concept to the media, saying that the bill should be for all Nigerians.
He was speaking at the first annual conference of the NBA Human Rights Institute in Abuja. According to him, “if the government is sincere about the rule of law in its dealings, it should have no problem passing the bill. A government that is committed to the rule of law, openness and anti-corruption must not oppose the Freedom of Information Bill.”
“It is a bill that will ensure that I and every other person will have access to information. It is for all of us here.” The NBA’s First Vice-President, Ikeazor Akaraiwe, who is the chairman of the institute, disclosed that the body had just received the new rules on instituting actions that border on Fundamental Human Rights, adding that the new effort of the Bar was to institutionalise human rights work within the NBA.
Former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, chaired the conference with the theme Human and Socio-Economic Rights in Nigeria: A case for Justiciability.”
Akeredolu, in his address, demanded for the release of the report of extra-judicial killings of Boko Haram leaders in Borno State as well as officials actions on the report of Justice Olasunmbo Goodluck on the Apo Six killing.
He added that the police in Nigeria lacked requisite knowledge to investigate crimes without torturing suspects, saying that “Investigations are not thorough in this country, what police do is to torture people to admit to crimes. On the fate of those on death row in Nigeria, Akeredolu accused the government of inconsistent policy by continually pleading with authorities in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and other countries for the release of Nigerians on death row while doing nothing over those that had been sentenced to death in Nigeria, asking rhetorically, “should they wait for eternity for their death penalty?”
Meanwhile, former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, has blamed the current controversy surrounding the state of health of President Yar’Adua on his violation of the provision of section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the president to inform, in writing, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives that he was going on vacation.
He also called on the president to address Nigerians through a video conference call in order to put to rest all speculations surrounding his condition.
According to the former Senate President, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by his Good Governance Group (3G), which was personally signed by him, the Nigerian press was fully charged with “unsubstantiated and very worrisome information,” which, he observed, was fuelled by communication gap.
“In the circumstance, the management of both the information and the circumstances surrounding the health of the president, and, by extension, efficient functioning of the executive arm of government, is becoming a source of disagreement, and, to that extent, a source of division in the country,” the statement read.
It added that “as an organisation that is committed to national development, founded on the establishment of truly democratic institutions and culture, it was its belief that the rising wave of speculation surrounding the state of health of President Yar’Adua is caused by his inability to transmit to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation, as provided for by Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The increasing politici-sation of the president’s health condition, arising from the inherent gap due to his current absence from the country without complying with the enshrined constitutional process of authorising the vice-president to serve as the acting president of the country, as provided for by Section 145 of the constitution further sharpens divisions and encourages all manner of political permutations, including some contemplated unconstitutional, undemocratic and clearly desperate manipulative arrangements.
“The absence of any form of direct contact between Nigerians and President Yar’Adua is a major source of legitimacy for all the speculations and the contemplated unconstitutional permutations.”
Furthermore, Senator Nnamani observed that the response of Federal Executive Council (FEC), as stated by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Yayale, that “for issues that require president’s express approval, contacts are being made and such approvals do come” is disturbing. This, he said, confirmed the absence of legitimate presidential authority in the country.
The statement, therefore, noted that while it wished President Yar’Adua speedy recovery to enable him to resume work, “we call on the FEC to, as a matter of national importance, organise a video conference to enable the president to address Nigerians and rest all the speculations that have dominated public discussions in the country of recent.”
Meanwhile, the reported disagreement between Yar’Adua’s mother, Hajia Habib and his wife, Turai, over his ill health, has been denied by his sister, Hajia Mairo Yar’Adua, who described the report as “false and malicious.”
She denied the report in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune. Mairo said her mother did not call for Yar’Adua’s resignation, adding that the spirit of the president’s mother had been dampened since the report came out in the media.
“To put the records straight, the president’s mother has never spoken to the media. She enjoys a cordial relationship with her daughter-in-law, Turai. The president’s mother, contrary to media reports, is supportive of Yar’Adua’s foray into politics and has always encouraged him to render selfless service to the people of Nigeria,” she said.
She added that “it is, therefore, irresponsible for anybody to drag the president’s mother into the politics of the president’s health. What she expects from Nigerians is to pray for the quick recovery of her son.”
Akeredolu and Mark went for each other’s jugular on Monday over whether or not the president should throw in the towel at the ceremony marking the Law Week of the Abuja branch of the NBA, with the former saying that the First Lady, Turai, and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could not dictate to Nigerians on whether the president was fit to hang on or not.
Akeredolu added that despite the marital bond between Turai and her husband, only the doctors could determine if the president could continue in office, while telling the ruling party not to politicise the president’s health, but should advise him properly.
He noted that the lawyers’ body was not only asking Yar’Adua to step down but also to pay attention to his health, because he could not love the country more than his health.
According to him, “the prayer of the association is that the President should recover fast, return to his office and resign. No matter how you love your country, it should not be at the detriment of your health. It is not your party or your wife that will decide whether you are capable of handling state matters; it is only your doctors that can decide that.
“The bar is not asking the president not to come back and take his seat, but the right thing must be done.” Though Mark had spoken before Akeredolu, he had to beg the organisers for another chance at the podium to reply Akeredolu, and when the opportunity was availed him, he straightaway labelled Akeredolu and his ilk mischievous characters who should be ignored.
“Those calling on the president to resign are mischief makers. Nigeria is passing through a difficult time in her lifetime. The call for the president to resign is not necessary. People just want to cause confusion in the country,” Mark said.
Senator Mark said: “I feel very strongly about what is happening. Sycophants and praise singers have cashed in on the situation; we must condemn these acts. It is inhuman and unjust.
“They (mischief makers) deliberately sell dummies to newspapers. The following morning, they collect the newspapers and fly to Saudi Arabia to tell lies.” Mark said that the insinuations were totally mischievous and in bad fate, adding that he certainly did not hold such an ambition.
According to Mark, “This is the handiwork of fifth columnists who are bent on causing disaffection among individuals in government as well as the functionaries of government. It is wicked, mischievous, and unpatriotic and smacks of a grand plan to cause division in the system by those who have found a platform on the status of the health of President Yar’Adua.
“I am not aware of lawmakers holding nocturnal meetings anywhere to fashion out any solution in the face of eventuality. Neither is there any group canvassing a position for the President of the Senate, Senator Mark.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the President of the Senate, Senator Mark, has remained on the same page with President Yar’Adua; his family and our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and we shall not be distracted by rabblerousers.
“As a nation, we are passing through difficult times, no doubt about it. But it does not give room for mischief makers to cause more problems. Whichever faith one professes, all we need at the moment is continuous prayer for the nation and for our president.”
He stated that times like this called for genuine patriotism and commitment to nationhood and not mischief makers or sycophants who wanted to score cheap political points.
To him: “I sincerely advise those behind these ugly trends to desist. They should not mislead the nation. We need to see reasons and pray for Mr. President; we are all humans. I do not see the urgency for Mr. President to resign. I am sure he will return soon to continue his good work.”
The Senate president, who spoke on the theme “Good Governance and Democracy,” said that the 1999 Constitution would be amended to correct the grey areas inherent in it before the expiration of the present National Assembly.
In another development, Akeredolu had earlier at another function in Abuja condemned the idea of limiting the Freedom of Information concept to the media, saying that the bill should be for all Nigerians.
He was speaking at the first annual conference of the NBA Human Rights Institute in Abuja. According to him, “if the government is sincere about the rule of law in its dealings, it should have no problem passing the bill. A government that is committed to the rule of law, openness and anti-corruption must not oppose the Freedom of Information Bill.”
“It is a bill that will ensure that I and every other person will have access to information. It is for all of us here.” The NBA’s First Vice-President, Ikeazor Akaraiwe, who is the chairman of the institute, disclosed that the body had just received the new rules on instituting actions that border on Fundamental Human Rights, adding that the new effort of the Bar was to institutionalise human rights work within the NBA.
Former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, chaired the conference with the theme Human and Socio-Economic Rights in Nigeria: A case for Justiciability.”
Akeredolu, in his address, demanded for the release of the report of extra-judicial killings of Boko Haram leaders in Borno State as well as officials actions on the report of Justice Olasunmbo Goodluck on the Apo Six killing.
He added that the police in Nigeria lacked requisite knowledge to investigate crimes without torturing suspects, saying that “Investigations are not thorough in this country, what police do is to torture people to admit to crimes. On the fate of those on death row in Nigeria, Akeredolu accused the government of inconsistent policy by continually pleading with authorities in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and other countries for the release of Nigerians on death row while doing nothing over those that had been sentenced to death in Nigeria, asking rhetorically, “should they wait for eternity for their death penalty?”
Meanwhile, former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, has blamed the current controversy surrounding the state of health of President Yar’Adua on his violation of the provision of section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the president to inform, in writing, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives that he was going on vacation.
He also called on the president to address Nigerians through a video conference call in order to put to rest all speculations surrounding his condition.
According to the former Senate President, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by his Good Governance Group (3G), which was personally signed by him, the Nigerian press was fully charged with “unsubstantiated and very worrisome information,” which, he observed, was fuelled by communication gap.
“In the circumstance, the management of both the information and the circumstances surrounding the health of the president, and, by extension, efficient functioning of the executive arm of government, is becoming a source of disagreement, and, to that extent, a source of division in the country,” the statement read.
It added that “as an organisation that is committed to national development, founded on the establishment of truly democratic institutions and culture, it was its belief that the rising wave of speculation surrounding the state of health of President Yar’Adua is caused by his inability to transmit to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation, as provided for by Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The increasing politici-sation of the president’s health condition, arising from the inherent gap due to his current absence from the country without complying with the enshrined constitutional process of authorising the vice-president to serve as the acting president of the country, as provided for by Section 145 of the constitution further sharpens divisions and encourages all manner of political permutations, including some contemplated unconstitutional, undemocratic and clearly desperate manipulative arrangements.
“The absence of any form of direct contact between Nigerians and President Yar’Adua is a major source of legitimacy for all the speculations and the contemplated unconstitutional permutations.”
Furthermore, Senator Nnamani observed that the response of Federal Executive Council (FEC), as stated by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Yayale, that “for issues that require president’s express approval, contacts are being made and such approvals do come” is disturbing. This, he said, confirmed the absence of legitimate presidential authority in the country.
The statement, therefore, noted that while it wished President Yar’Adua speedy recovery to enable him to resume work, “we call on the FEC to, as a matter of national importance, organise a video conference to enable the president to address Nigerians and rest all the speculations that have dominated public discussions in the country of recent.”
Meanwhile, the reported disagreement between Yar’Adua’s mother, Hajia Habib and his wife, Turai, over his ill health, has been denied by his sister, Hajia Mairo Yar’Adua, who described the report as “false and malicious.”
She denied the report in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune. Mairo said her mother did not call for Yar’Adua’s resignation, adding that the spirit of the president’s mother had been dampened since the report came out in the media.
“To put the records straight, the president’s mother has never spoken to the media. She enjoys a cordial relationship with her daughter-in-law, Turai. The president’s mother, contrary to media reports, is supportive of Yar’Adua’s foray into politics and has always encouraged him to render selfless service to the people of Nigeria,” she said.
She added that “it is, therefore, irresponsible for anybody to drag the president’s mother into the politics of the president’s health. What she expects from Nigerians is to pray for the quick recovery of her son.”
How Abba-Aji Scuttled Yar’Adua’s Vacation Letter
THISDAY can report today that before President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua left the country for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, he indeed wrote, signed and sent a letter of vacation to the National Assembly.
However, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji, did not deliver the letter for political reasons.
Yar’Adua left for Saudi Arabia two weeks ago after being diagnosed with acute pericarditis – an inflammation of the coverings of the heart – and is currently receiving treatment at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah.
The newspaper reliably gathered that Yar’Adua, after deciding to go for a confirmatory medical check-up following the advice of his Personal Physician, Dr. Salisu Banye, wrote to the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, informing them of his intention to go on “medical vacation” to attend to his health.
This would have paved the way for Vice-President Good-luck Jonathan to properly take over as Acting President in line with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution which says: “Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President.”
However, Abba-Aji, THISDAY learnt, was on his way to the National Assembly when he opened one of the letters and read the content and then decided to advise the President against it.
He was said to have made a U-turn and returned to see the President whom he advised that there were legal and political complications that could arise from the letter.
He told the President that on a closer look at the provision of Section 145, it would require the permission of the National Assembly for him to resume.
His opinion was that his return to his desk was not automatic and would be dependent on the National Assembly.
Abba-Aji was said to be wary of the “uncertainty” about what the Senate President could do. He reportedly argued that with Mark in power, it might be very difficult for the President to be allowed to resume his duties after the vacation.
The President was said to have directed that the letter be given to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, to take a look in line with the relevant sections of the Constitution for legal advice.
THISDAY learnt that it turned out to be the last that was heard of the matter until the President travelled out for treatment.
However, on his way to the airport, Yar'Adua, THISDAY learnt, called Jonathan on phone to inform him that he had directed the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr David Edevbie, to pass all files and correspondences without exception to the VP.
Yar'Adua then asked him to treat the files and take all necessary actions on his behalf.
THISDAY learnt that although Jonathan has been acting on behalf of the President, he decided not to touch certain matters because of possible legal implications.
For instance, he did not convene the Council of State meeting and also did not approve the list of National Merit Award winners.
Meanwhile, Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, at the weekend called on Nigerians to pray for quick recovery of Yar’Adua.
He described recent calls by some groups and individuals for the President to resign due to his ill health as unnecessary.
The former president made the call while speaking to newsmen at his residence in Sokoto.
Shagari, who hoped for speedy recovery for the president, stressed the need for Nigerians to always pray for those in position of leadership.
He appealed to those agitating for the president’s resignation to have a rethink on their “vicious campaign”.
However, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji, did not deliver the letter for political reasons.
Yar’Adua left for Saudi Arabia two weeks ago after being diagnosed with acute pericarditis – an inflammation of the coverings of the heart – and is currently receiving treatment at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah.
The newspaper reliably gathered that Yar’Adua, after deciding to go for a confirmatory medical check-up following the advice of his Personal Physician, Dr. Salisu Banye, wrote to the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, informing them of his intention to go on “medical vacation” to attend to his health.
This would have paved the way for Vice-President Good-luck Jonathan to properly take over as Acting President in line with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution which says: “Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President.”
However, Abba-Aji, THISDAY learnt, was on his way to the National Assembly when he opened one of the letters and read the content and then decided to advise the President against it.
He was said to have made a U-turn and returned to see the President whom he advised that there were legal and political complications that could arise from the letter.
He told the President that on a closer look at the provision of Section 145, it would require the permission of the National Assembly for him to resume.
His opinion was that his return to his desk was not automatic and would be dependent on the National Assembly.
Abba-Aji was said to be wary of the “uncertainty” about what the Senate President could do. He reportedly argued that with Mark in power, it might be very difficult for the President to be allowed to resume his duties after the vacation.
The President was said to have directed that the letter be given to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, to take a look in line with the relevant sections of the Constitution for legal advice.
THISDAY learnt that it turned out to be the last that was heard of the matter until the President travelled out for treatment.
However, on his way to the airport, Yar'Adua, THISDAY learnt, called Jonathan on phone to inform him that he had directed the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr David Edevbie, to pass all files and correspondences without exception to the VP.
Yar'Adua then asked him to treat the files and take all necessary actions on his behalf.
THISDAY learnt that although Jonathan has been acting on behalf of the President, he decided not to touch certain matters because of possible legal implications.
For instance, he did not convene the Council of State meeting and also did not approve the list of National Merit Award winners.
Meanwhile, Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, at the weekend called on Nigerians to pray for quick recovery of Yar’Adua.
He described recent calls by some groups and individuals for the President to resign due to his ill health as unnecessary.
The former president made the call while speaking to newsmen at his residence in Sokoto.
Shagari, who hoped for speedy recovery for the president, stressed the need for Nigerians to always pray for those in position of leadership.
He appealed to those agitating for the president’s resignation to have a rethink on their “vicious campaign”.
Stolen remains of Austrian billionaire returned
BUDAPEST, Hungary - A coffin containing the body of an Austrian billionaire has been returned to his family, more than a year after it was stolen from a graveyard by thieves who blackmailed the relatives for $150,000 (euro100,000), police said Wednesday.
It also emerged that criminals from Hungary and Romania were involved in the crime and that private investigators and security companies had been involved in the search for the coffin without telling police.
"This is a large case of blackmail that was carried out very professionally, although it involved a rather unusual instrument — a coffin," said Ernst Geiger, the organized crime chief at Austria's equivalent of FBI.
It also emerged that criminals from Hungary and Romania were involved in the crime and that private investigators and security companies had been involved in the search for the coffin without telling police.
"This is a large case of blackmail that was carried out very professionally, although it involved a rather unusual instrument — a coffin," said Ernst Geiger, the organized crime chief at Austria's equivalent of FBI.
Held up for hold-up? Thief too late to rob bank
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Maybe the bank robber needed the money to buy a watch.
It would seem he needed one after arriving six minutes after the Guardian Credit Union in Waukesha closed. Police said a man wearing a ski mask entered the first set of doors at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday with a gun, apparently not realizing the bank was closed.
The second set of doors was locked and police were called but the man left before they arrived.
It would seem he needed one after arriving six minutes after the Guardian Credit Union in Waukesha closed. Police said a man wearing a ski mask entered the first set of doors at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday with a gun, apparently not realizing the bank was closed.
The second set of doors was locked and police were called but the man left before they arrived.
Wordless
Wordless Wednesday: Party Time for the Naked Cowboy
Wednesday June 25, 2008
New York street performer Robert Burck, better known as “The Naked Cowboy,” took on candy maker Mars Incorporated, claiming the blue M&M has stolen his almost-naked/guitar-strumming image in two Times Square video billboards. It’s now party time for this cowboy: A judge says his $6 million lawsuit can move forward.
Wednesday June 25, 2008
New York street performer Robert Burck, better known as “The Naked Cowboy,” took on candy maker Mars Incorporated, claiming the blue M&M has stolen his almost-naked/guitar-strumming image in two Times Square video billboards. It’s now party time for this cowboy: A judge says his $6 million lawsuit can move forward.
Prison van carying convicted bank robbers crashes into security van, thousands missing
A Hungarian bank lost more than $28,000 in cash after a security van was rammed - by a prison van carying convicted bank robbers.
While rescue personnel saved the prisoners from their burning van, a small fortune disappeared from the security van as bags of money spilled out onto the streets of Budapest.
Civilians were seen driving up and grabbing the cash before speeding off again.
By the time law enforcement arrived the money was gone and there was no trace of those that had taken it.
Police suspected the robbery may have been organized from jail by crime bosses and carried out by gang members still on the outside.
But after interviews with the inmates - who were being transported from court back to jail - those suspicions were quickly refuted. The prisoners claimed they had nothing to do with the crash.
"The bank remains very suspicious. Of all the vehicles that could have hit their van, it had to be one full of bank robbers," said a police spokesman.
While rescue personnel saved the prisoners from their burning van, a small fortune disappeared from the security van as bags of money spilled out onto the streets of Budapest.
Civilians were seen driving up and grabbing the cash before speeding off again.
By the time law enforcement arrived the money was gone and there was no trace of those that had taken it.
Police suspected the robbery may have been organized from jail by crime bosses and carried out by gang members still on the outside.
But after interviews with the inmates - who were being transported from court back to jail - those suspicions were quickly refuted. The prisoners claimed they had nothing to do with the crash.
"The bank remains very suspicious. Of all the vehicles that could have hit their van, it had to be one full of bank robbers," said a police spokesman.
Wanted: US bank robber with 'offensive' breath
A robber dubbed the "Bad Breath Bandit" is on the loose in a Detroit suburb, where he has carried out a series of bank robberies. The man, who bank workers have described as having crooked yellow teeth and "offensive" bad breath, first robbed a Charter One bank in October.
New Age Mobiles unveils 3G charger
THE epileptic electricity supply in the country and its accompanying erratic voltage is not friendly with mobile phones. At least it has resulted in the damage of countless mobile phones, chargers, among other appliances and this is getting industry practitioners on their toes.
Woman lighting cigarette causes explosion
A four-apartment home at 93-95 East Clark St. was destroyed Sunday afternoon when a woman, who breathes with the aid of an oxygen tank, lit a cigarette that caused an explosion, Ilion Fire Department officials said.
Nitel sale misses deadline again
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan was upbeat with the renewed sale of Nitel when some journalists approached him sometime early this year in Manhattan, New York, at an Investors’ Forum organised by BNP Paribas Consortium, the transaction advisers in NITEL privatisation, at the instance of the National Council on Privatisation.
still looking fo Osama?
Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden may periodically slip back into Afghanistan from his remote hideout in neighboring Pakistan, a senior White House official says, adding a new twist to the mystery of the elusive terrorist's whereabouts.
After the rain fell, I paid for the rain...
The rain had stopped and road side businesses were beginning to return. Enormous traffic congestion was in most roads in the city. I had parked my car by a friend’s place and decided to commute with a motorcycle taxi (okada). I got to Anifowoshe Junction, and water had filled up the whole streets. All the motorcycle taxi dropped their passengers at the junction.
They were scared to ride through the flood and get buried by the huge dark brown waters. No vehicles dared to drive through. The side of the flood was filled with people who tried to cross over. Dirt from the neighborhood had blocked the gutters. There was no drainage system to drain out accumulated rainwater from the streets within hours. The residents had to suffer the aftermath effect of heavy rainfall. Young men were there advertising their muscularity and strength.
They were scared to ride through the flood and get buried by the huge dark brown waters. No vehicles dared to drive through. The side of the flood was filled with people who tried to cross over. Dirt from the neighborhood had blocked the gutters. There was no drainage system to drain out accumulated rainwater from the streets within hours. The residents had to suffer the aftermath effect of heavy rainfall. Young men were there advertising their muscularity and strength.
pooverty in NIGERIA CENTRAL BANK!!
At the 50th anniversary of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) participants trampled each other in the rush for souvenirs.
Taraba State College of Agriculture closed down after students report missing private parts
Taraba State College of Agriculture has been closed down after students protested over allegations of missing private parts.
Men in Adamawa state carry charcoal in their pockets to prevent theft of their private parts
A growing number of people report that they have lost their genitals after body contact with strangers.
NO EATING OF FOWL HEAD O!!
U.S. customs officials have seized a bird's head placed in a container of homemade black soap from the luggage of a Nigerian traveler.
27 convicted soldiers WILL NOT PLAY BALL?
The military has released the record of proceedings to enable counsels to the 27 convicted soldiers appeal the seven years imprisonment imposed on them by the army authorities.
This was disclosed by one of the counsels to the convicted soldiers, Mr. Peters Ike Adonu, while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan weekend.
A court martial in Akure had found the soldiers guilty of treason for protesting over their unpaid allowances during their peace keeping mission in Liberia which they claimed were not paid to them by the army authorities.
They were sentenced to life imprisonment while some other were either demoted or compulsorily retired by the army. After closer examination, the army authorities later commuted their sentence to 7 years. But dissatisfied, the 27 soldiers through their counsels, Mr. Femi Falana and Adonu Peters appealed the sentence.
This was disclosed by one of the counsels to the convicted soldiers, Mr. Peters Ike Adonu, while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan weekend.
A court martial in Akure had found the soldiers guilty of treason for protesting over their unpaid allowances during their peace keeping mission in Liberia which they claimed were not paid to them by the army authorities.
They were sentenced to life imprisonment while some other were either demoted or compulsorily retired by the army. After closer examination, the army authorities later commuted their sentence to 7 years. But dissatisfied, the 27 soldiers through their counsels, Mr. Femi Falana and Adonu Peters appealed the sentence.
Drug agency arraigns dealer of fake baby soap
Folashade Yahaya, a 54-year-old woman, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, for allegedly importing fake and substandard baby soap, by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The defendant was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola on a three-count charge of alleged importation, selling and being in possession of fake Nycil, Mitchel and Lander baby soaps.
According to the charges sheet, the offence was committed in February, June and July 2009 at Moshalashi Street in Lagos Island.
The offences were said to be contrary to section 1(a) of the counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods (miscellaneous provisions) act N0 25 of 1999.
“That you, Mrs. Folashade Yahaya of No 2, Moshalashi Street, Lagos Island, within the jurisdiction of this court, on or about the 15th day of February, 2009 did import fake and substandard soaps to wit: Nycil baby soap, Mitchel baby soap and Lander baby soap, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No 25 of 1999 and punishable under Section 3 (1) (a) of the same Act,” read the statement.
The defendant was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola on a three-count charge of alleged importation, selling and being in possession of fake Nycil, Mitchel and Lander baby soaps.
According to the charges sheet, the offence was committed in February, June and July 2009 at Moshalashi Street in Lagos Island.
The offences were said to be contrary to section 1(a) of the counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods (miscellaneous provisions) act N0 25 of 1999.
“That you, Mrs. Folashade Yahaya of No 2, Moshalashi Street, Lagos Island, within the jurisdiction of this court, on or about the 15th day of February, 2009 did import fake and substandard soaps to wit: Nycil baby soap, Mitchel baby soap and Lander baby soap, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No 25 of 1999 and punishable under Section 3 (1) (a) of the same Act,” read the statement.
O YES OH!! WE KNOW ALLAH GIVES AND TAKE LIFE BUT...
Kaduna—A member of the extended family of President Umaru Yar’Adua, Hajia Binta Kuraje, yesterday rose in strong defence of her brother, for the first time, describing those calling for the resignation of the ailing President as corrupt.
Speaking on behalf of the family, in Kaduna, she lashed at the anti-Yar’Adua forces, explaining that they were opposed to the Federal Government’s anti-graft war.
Meantime, textile workers in the country have said the best way to sympathise with Yar’Adua is for governors and ministers to work hard to realise his promise of providing social amenities for the people and not to form cults of prayer warriors or junketing to Saudi Arabia where he is hospitalised
Binta, an ex-women leader of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, also expressed bitterness with such agitators, assuring that Yar’Adua will soon bounce back stronger to resume the leadership of the country.
She said those agitating for Yar’Adua’s resignation should also think about the need for the sustenance of democracy in the country.
According to her, the life of any human being is in the hands of the Almighty God who is the author of life and death, stressing that Yar’Adua’s style of leadership can’t be “changed by anyone.
“The President has the ability and capacity to lead the country for another 16 years.” (assuming the constitution allows it.)
Speaking on behalf of the family, in Kaduna, she lashed at the anti-Yar’Adua forces, explaining that they were opposed to the Federal Government’s anti-graft war.
Meantime, textile workers in the country have said the best way to sympathise with Yar’Adua is for governors and ministers to work hard to realise his promise of providing social amenities for the people and not to form cults of prayer warriors or junketing to Saudi Arabia where he is hospitalised
Binta, an ex-women leader of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, also expressed bitterness with such agitators, assuring that Yar’Adua will soon bounce back stronger to resume the leadership of the country.
She said those agitating for Yar’Adua’s resignation should also think about the need for the sustenance of democracy in the country.
According to her, the life of any human being is in the hands of the Almighty God who is the author of life and death, stressing that Yar’Adua’s style of leadership can’t be “changed by anyone.
“The President has the ability and capacity to lead the country for another 16 years.” (assuming the constitution allows it.)
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