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.
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.
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.)
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Kidnapped Edo officials released
THE general manager of the Rapid Response Agency, Edo State, Isaac Osahon, and the special assistant to the governor’s wife, Mrs. Omeme, who were reported to have been kidnapped last week have been rescued by officers and men of the state police command.
In line with the stance of the state government, no ransom was paid for the release of the abducted government officials.
In line with the stance of the state government, no ransom was paid for the release of the abducted government officials.
German hospital’s advice President Umaru Yar‘Adua.to RESIGN OR.....
President Umaru Yar‘Adua
There were palpable anxieties across the country on Saturday over the health of President Umaru Yar‘Adua who is currently receiving treatment at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for what his doctors named as acute pericarditis.
This was as fresh facts emerged that President Yar‘Adua abandoned the Horst Schmidt Klinik, Wiesbaden, Germany for the Saudi Hospital because the German hospital had asked him to resign from office in order to attend to his fragile health.
The president was said to have been prepared to heed the German hospital’s advice but that he later changed his mind when members of his kitchen cabinet asked him not to do so.
Those who persuaded the president was said to have prevailed on him to seek medical help from elsewhere, thus his change to the Jeddah hospital.
Meanwhile, throughout Saturday, the news desk of SUNDAY PUNCH received many frantic calls as anxious citizens sought to clarify speculations over the state of health of their president.
The anxiety by Nigerians persisted even as an online publication, Earth Times.org said a doctor at the Saudi hospital said on condition of anonymity that President Yar’Adua would be released “as early as next week.
“He was no longer in the intensive care wing of a Jeddah hospital and was undergoing routine medical tests,” the publication quoted the anonymous doctor to have said.
Checks by our correspondent, however, confirmed that Yar‘Adua was responding to treatment, though he was said to be in critical condition.
Efforts to receive assurances from the President‘s spokesman, Olusegun Adeniyi, did not succeed as calls to his mobile phone did not go through. Also, text message to his phone received no response.
Sources close to the President told our correspondent that visitors were barred from the private ward where he was receiving treatment under tight security.
”The man‘s health is stable but he is continuously placed on drip by doctors who are doing everything to rescue his life,” a source said.
Another source told our correspondent that the president would have taken a definite position on how to respond to advice to resign but for those whose continued relevance depends on the president‘s continued stay in power.
“The President is not power drunk as some people are thinking but those close to him who think they may lose their position if he resigns will not allow him,” the source added.
Before he became a patient of the Saudi hospital, President Yar‘Adua was said to have visited the HSK, based in the city of Wiesbaden, regularly since he was the governor of Katsina State.
As a president, Yar‘Adua‘s first visit to the German hospital was said to be in August 2008 when he was kept under observation for 11 days.
He, however, was said to have stopped patronising the HSK where he was being treated for Churg-Strauss syndrome because he was not willing to accept the advice by his doctors to relinquish power on health grounds.
There were palpable anxieties across the country on Saturday over the health of President Umaru Yar‘Adua who is currently receiving treatment at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for what his doctors named as acute pericarditis.
This was as fresh facts emerged that President Yar‘Adua abandoned the Horst Schmidt Klinik, Wiesbaden, Germany for the Saudi Hospital because the German hospital had asked him to resign from office in order to attend to his fragile health.
The president was said to have been prepared to heed the German hospital’s advice but that he later changed his mind when members of his kitchen cabinet asked him not to do so.
Those who persuaded the president was said to have prevailed on him to seek medical help from elsewhere, thus his change to the Jeddah hospital.
Meanwhile, throughout Saturday, the news desk of SUNDAY PUNCH received many frantic calls as anxious citizens sought to clarify speculations over the state of health of their president.
The anxiety by Nigerians persisted even as an online publication, Earth Times.org said a doctor at the Saudi hospital said on condition of anonymity that President Yar’Adua would be released “as early as next week.
“He was no longer in the intensive care wing of a Jeddah hospital and was undergoing routine medical tests,” the publication quoted the anonymous doctor to have said.
Checks by our correspondent, however, confirmed that Yar‘Adua was responding to treatment, though he was said to be in critical condition.
Efforts to receive assurances from the President‘s spokesman, Olusegun Adeniyi, did not succeed as calls to his mobile phone did not go through. Also, text message to his phone received no response.
Sources close to the President told our correspondent that visitors were barred from the private ward where he was receiving treatment under tight security.
”The man‘s health is stable but he is continuously placed on drip by doctors who are doing everything to rescue his life,” a source said.
Another source told our correspondent that the president would have taken a definite position on how to respond to advice to resign but for those whose continued relevance depends on the president‘s continued stay in power.
“The President is not power drunk as some people are thinking but those close to him who think they may lose their position if he resigns will not allow him,” the source added.
Before he became a patient of the Saudi hospital, President Yar‘Adua was said to have visited the HSK, based in the city of Wiesbaden, regularly since he was the governor of Katsina State.
As a president, Yar‘Adua‘s first visit to the German hospital was said to be in August 2008 when he was kept under observation for 11 days.
He, however, was said to have stopped patronising the HSK where he was being treated for Churg-Strauss syndrome because he was not willing to accept the advice by his doctors to relinquish power on health grounds.
Is Anenih A POLITICAL VEGETABLE?
OVER 7,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Etsako Central Local Government Council of Edo State, including the state auditor general of the party, Chief Moses Naboya, and his brother, a former commissioner for commerce and industry in the state, Francis Naboya, yesterday, dumped the party for the Action Congress (AC).
Etsako Central is the domain of the chairman of the PDP in the state, Chief Dan Orbih, and the principal secretary to the vice-president and former deputy governor of the state, Chief Mike Oghiadohme.
Naboya, who addressed the mammoth crowd at the occasion, said that after serving as chairman of the PDP in the council for ten years and now auditor general of the party, he decided to leave with his supporters due to alleged dictatorial tendencies of Chief Tony Anenih.
Oshiomhole, accompanied with AC leaders to receive the decampees, recalled how he informed Orbih of his interest in the governorship position after he left the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the PDP chairman told him to go and seek the blessing of Anenih.
“And it was in this Etsako Central that Chief Anenih told the people of Edo North that it is not yet their time to be governor, as if he is God. But, today, according to one columnists, he (Anenih) has been reduced to political vegetable.
Etsako Central is the domain of the chairman of the PDP in the state, Chief Dan Orbih, and the principal secretary to the vice-president and former deputy governor of the state, Chief Mike Oghiadohme.
Naboya, who addressed the mammoth crowd at the occasion, said that after serving as chairman of the PDP in the council for ten years and now auditor general of the party, he decided to leave with his supporters due to alleged dictatorial tendencies of Chief Tony Anenih.
Oshiomhole, accompanied with AC leaders to receive the decampees, recalled how he informed Orbih of his interest in the governorship position after he left the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the PDP chairman told him to go and seek the blessing of Anenih.
“And it was in this Etsako Central that Chief Anenih told the people of Edo North that it is not yet their time to be governor, as if he is God. But, today, according to one columnists, he (Anenih) has been reduced to political vegetable.
Mayhem in Ogun : Area commander, 4 others feared dead
Four National Assembly members, including the chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Gbenga Oguniya, were yesterday arrested by the police in Ondo State for allegedly disrupting the bye-election in Akoko South East and South West federal constituency.
Other lawmakers arrested were the Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Hon. Temitayo Fawehinmi and Hon. Kehinde Adedeji.
They were arrested by the Assistant Police Commissioner (Operations), Mr Tunde Gbolaranmi, in a convoy of two Peugeot 407 cars, two Peugeot 406 and two buses at Ward Six, Owolaja, in Oka.
Also arrested were 20 thugs reportedly hired from Kogi State and 20 mobile policemen.
At the time of filing this report, they were being detained at the Oka Divisional police headquarters.
Six ballot boxes stuffed with fake ballot papers and several dangerous weapons were also allegedly recovered from the National Assembly members.
An Assistant Inspector General, Mr Mukhtar Abass, who came from Abuja to monitor the election, confirmed that Oguniya and the Rep members were being interrogated by the police, adding that he was posted to the state to ensure the election was hitch-free.
When contacted, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Dr Omotayo Dairo, said the National Assembly members were doing what the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, was doing at the police station.
Dairo said if Oguniya was arrested, the deputy governor was also in detention.
The election was, however, peaceful in all the wards and areas visited by our correspondent.
There was massive turnout of voters in Akungba, Supare, Oka and other towns.
There was also heavy presence of security operatives at every polling unit to prevent breakdown of law and order.
The deputy governor commended the people for the peaceful conduct of the election.
He said the turnout showed that if elections were properly conducted, the right candidate would always emerge.
Also speaking, a chieftain of the Action Congress in the state, Dr Tunji Abayomi, said political office holders should be barred from using their office to intimidate the electorate.
Other lawmakers arrested were the Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Hon. Temitayo Fawehinmi and Hon. Kehinde Adedeji.
They were arrested by the Assistant Police Commissioner (Operations), Mr Tunde Gbolaranmi, in a convoy of two Peugeot 407 cars, two Peugeot 406 and two buses at Ward Six, Owolaja, in Oka.
Also arrested were 20 thugs reportedly hired from Kogi State and 20 mobile policemen.
At the time of filing this report, they were being detained at the Oka Divisional police headquarters.
Six ballot boxes stuffed with fake ballot papers and several dangerous weapons were also allegedly recovered from the National Assembly members.
An Assistant Inspector General, Mr Mukhtar Abass, who came from Abuja to monitor the election, confirmed that Oguniya and the Rep members were being interrogated by the police, adding that he was posted to the state to ensure the election was hitch-free.
When contacted, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Dr Omotayo Dairo, said the National Assembly members were doing what the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, was doing at the police station.
Dairo said if Oguniya was arrested, the deputy governor was also in detention.
The election was, however, peaceful in all the wards and areas visited by our correspondent.
There was massive turnout of voters in Akungba, Supare, Oka and other towns.
There was also heavy presence of security operatives at every polling unit to prevent breakdown of law and order.
The deputy governor commended the people for the peaceful conduct of the election.
He said the turnout showed that if elections were properly conducted, the right candidate would always emerge.
Also speaking, a chieftain of the Action Congress in the state, Dr Tunji Abayomi, said political office holders should be barred from using their office to intimidate the electorate.
Berlusconi accused by Mafia hitman
Italy’s centre-right government on Friday was rocked by accusations made in court by a Mafia hitman that Silvio Berlusconi had made commitments to Sicily’s Cosa Nostra as he was about to enter politics 15 years ago.
Testifying behind a screen in a high security court in Turin, Gaspare Spatuzza, a Mafia turncoat, claimed he had been told by a top Sicilian mobster in January 2004 that Mr Berlusconi and his long-time business associate, Marcello Dell’Utri, had given “everything” the Mafia had wanted.
Testifying behind a screen in a high security court in Turin, Gaspare Spatuzza, a Mafia turncoat, claimed he had been told by a top Sicilian mobster in January 2004 that Mr Berlusconi and his long-time business associate, Marcello Dell’Utri, had given “everything” the Mafia had wanted.
Who was Jesus of Nazareth?
Where did He come from? What did He teach? Was He God in the flesh? Was He only a man? Why did He die?
FREE booklet -- Jesus Christ: The Real StoryFew will dispute that a man named Jesus lived 2,000 years ago and that He was a great teacher who impacted the world from His time onward. But He has always been a controversial figure. He made a claim that was breathtaking in its audacity—that He was the very Son of God, the long-prophesied Messiah! Yet the religious authorities in Jerusalem rejected Him, hated Him and eventually succeeded in having Him put to death.
Likewise, the local Roman civil authorities also saw Him as a threat and became complicit in His execution. The religions of His day, both Judaism and paganism, opposed the growth of His teachings and used unlawful and violent means to try to destroy the Church He founded. The government of Rome also came to vigorously persecute the followers of this Jewish teacher from Galilee.
Today Jesus continues to be a controversial figure who continues to arouse passions
FREE booklet -- Jesus Christ: The Real StoryFew will dispute that a man named Jesus lived 2,000 years ago and that He was a great teacher who impacted the world from His time onward. But He has always been a controversial figure. He made a claim that was breathtaking in its audacity—that He was the very Son of God, the long-prophesied Messiah! Yet the religious authorities in Jerusalem rejected Him, hated Him and eventually succeeded in having Him put to death.
Likewise, the local Roman civil authorities also saw Him as a threat and became complicit in His execution. The religions of His day, both Judaism and paganism, opposed the growth of His teachings and used unlawful and violent means to try to destroy the Church He founded. The government of Rome also came to vigorously persecute the followers of this Jewish teacher from Galilee.
Today Jesus continues to be a controversial figure who continues to arouse passions
James Ibori deferred, for the fourth time.HE CAN NEVER BE JAILD?
Ruling on the trial of James Ibori deferred, for the fourth time, to December 17
x | December 04, 2009
A Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria has again deferred its ruling on the trial of James Ibori, and ex-governor of Delta state again. The court was to announce its judgement today but the judge deferred his ruling to December 17 saying "Although the matter was adjourned for ruling today, however while still preferring to err on the part of caution, I shall further adjourn to the 17th of December"
The presiding Judge, Justice Marcel Awokulehin has shifted the date of his ruling in this case three times earlier. While deferring the ruling on November 6, 2009 the judge said some issues had come up and he would “like to err on the side of caution”. There was speculation that the issues were related to the large number of petitions written against the judge over this case.
James Ibori, was governor of Delta State, Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and is standing trial on a 170-count charge against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
x | December 04, 2009
A Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria has again deferred its ruling on the trial of James Ibori, and ex-governor of Delta state again. The court was to announce its judgement today but the judge deferred his ruling to December 17 saying "Although the matter was adjourned for ruling today, however while still preferring to err on the part of caution, I shall further adjourn to the 17th of December"
The presiding Judge, Justice Marcel Awokulehin has shifted the date of his ruling in this case three times earlier. While deferring the ruling on November 6, 2009 the judge said some issues had come up and he would “like to err on the side of caution”. There was speculation that the issues were related to the large number of petitions written against the judge over this case.
James Ibori, was governor of Delta State, Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and is standing trial on a 170-count charge against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Switch off TV and watch your children’s grades go up
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Seyi Williams |
Mrs. Seyi Oshikanlu studied chemistry at the University of Ibadan, but she is now into education. She tells KEMI ASHEFON how she switched to the education line
THIS is her assignment for parents: Switch off the TV sets in your home for a month and allow your children to invest the time spent on watching TV in reading. You can now check if their grades improve or not.
A good move? Well, that is the gospel according to Mrs. Seyi Oshikanlu, the manager, The Manor Day Nursery, Asokoro, Abuja. One of the few early years learning centres in the Federal Capital Territory, the school is popularly known for the adventurous camping for children and teenagers.
Does this school proprietor have an aversion for TV? ”No,” is her sharp reply. ”I personally don‘t like the idea of using TV as a nanny, especially when parents are busy. Though there are a few educational programmes on TV that children can learn from, you cannot substitute TV for the kids‘ quality time with human beings.
”In our home, we don‘t watch TV during the week. I always tell my children that people who watch TV are not on TV. You are there at home as couched potatoes, while people are outside doing things that are newsworthy.
”When it is time for children to watch, parents should have a TV guide and pick out educational stuff for them and not mindless soap operas or films. Learn to pick ones that will impact their lives.
The Nigerian Flag
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Oddity as strange creation afflicts Labeorun
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BIODATA OF MR PESIDENT OF NIGERIA.
 | Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the former chemistry teacher and the former governor of Katsina state, is Nigeria's first university educated leader in 40 years He has a political pedigree that dates back to the 1960s when his father was appointed as a minister in the post-independence administration. His late elder brother who was an army general served as President Olusegun Obasanjo�s deputy when the Obasanjo was Nigeria�s Head of State. Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua,was born in Katsina town, Katsina state in 1951 and had his primary school education at Rafukka primary school in 1958 in Kastina, from where he moved to Dutsinma boarding primary school in 1962 and completed his primary education in 1964. |
Between 1965-1969, he was at the government college Keffi (now Nasarawa Stat_e for his secondary school education. From there he moved over to Barewa College Zaria for his higher school certificate in 1970/1971.
He then attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in 1972-1975 for his University education where he obtained B.Sc Education/Chemistry. And in 1978 he did his M.Sc degree in Analytical Chemistry in same University.
In 1975/1976 he did his one year mandatory NYSC service at the Holy Child College, Lagos.
He became a lecturer at the Katsina college of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria between 1976-1979, from where he moved over to the Katsina Polytechnic in 1979 also as a lecturer.
Umaru Musa Yar’adua left the public service in 1983 to private sector where he became the pioneer General Manager of Sambo Farms Ltd in Funtua, in Kastina State between 1983-1989.
He served as a broad member, Kastina State farmer’s supply company between 1984-1985.
He was a member of the governing council of Katsina College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria, and Katsina Polytechnic between 1978-1983.
He was the broad chairman of Kastina State Investment and property development company (KIPDECO) between 1994-1996.
He also held the following position as a director in many companies like;
Habib Nigeria Bank Ltd 1995 – 1999
Lodgiani Nigeria Ltd 1987 – 1999
Hamada Holdings 1983 – 1999
Madara Ltd. Vom in Jos 1987- 1999
He was also the chairman of Nation House Press Ltd, Kaduna between 1995-1999.
Yar’adua’s journey into politics began, when he became an active member and mobilizer of the defunct Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP).
He was one of the founding member of the Peoples’ Front, a political association under the leadership of his elder brother, late major-general Shenu Musa Yar’adua, during the Babagida’s transitions programme. That association later fused to form the social Democratic Party (SDP).
Musa Yar’adua, was a member of the 1988 Constituent Assembly. He was a member of the party’s National caucus and the SDP State secretary in Kastina State. He contested in 1991 governorship election in Kastina State, under the SDP party, but lost to the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate.
1998, Musa Yar’adua founded the k34 political association during General Abdulsalam Abubarkar’s transition, the association which later teemed up to form the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). And he contested and won the governorship election of that State in 1999 and in 2003 he was also re-elected as the governor of Kastina state.
Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua, can best be remembered as the first governor to publicly declare his assets, and he promised to do same again at the end of his tenure.
During his tenure as the governor of Kastina state, there had been unprecedented development in the state both in the educational and health sector, provision of rural and urban roads in the state, electrification of both rural and urban area, water supply and agriculture in the state.
He had been proven to be prudent, accountability and transparency in his leadership. The state now enjoys a surplus of N6.56 billion from an empty treasury and back lots of debts which he met as a governor in 1999.
He had won the following awards
The National Primary Education Productivity Merit Award in 2004.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) best Governor Award under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) in 2005.
He unwinds by reading and playing lawn tennis and squash in the club.
He is happily married to Hajia Turai Umaru Yar’adua, and they are blessed with childrenNigerians urge Yar’Adua to step down
Umaru Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s ailing president, faced mounting calls for his resignation on Wednesday, raising fears of a lengthy period of uncertainty for Africa’s biggest energy producer.
The 58-year-old president was rushed to hospital after complaining of severe chest pain 10 days ago, and was diagnosed with acute pericarditis, an inflammation around the heart, but was “responding remarkably well”, his doctor said.
Presidential aide stalls debt payment
Why is there no settlement yet in the 16-year civil case on the arbitrary termination of contract between the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the offshore company, Lutin Investment Limited over a N23 billion [$55.3 million] debt quarrel?
On October 14, 2009, exactly 12 days after he had given approval and signed off that the $55 million debt owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) be paid on the strong advice of his Petroleum Minister and the Attorney General of the Federation a new challenge landed on President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s laps. This time, it was a powerful two-page memo asking him to show courage, and to reverse himself regarding the NNPC affair.
The author of the memo was Sani Idris Bagiwa, one of the most powerful of the President’s aides, whose official brief is to advise the president on special duties.
Things had not been going too well in the country and the president was heaving a sigh of relief same day after the prolonged but bungled row over the passport renewal scandal of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El Rufai.
Mr. Bagiwa’s memo introduced a new dynamic into the whole process, sending the parties in dispute back to their 16 years starting point. When the president proposed that the payment be made, he hoped this would bring to closure the one and half decade of prolonged litigation between the two parties, but a NEXT investigation in Abuja reveals how the Bagiwa memo illustrates the bureaucratic manipulation of the levers of power to craftily drain the nation of huge resources through endless litigation processes, and advance the agenda of presidential aides.
On October 14, 2009, exactly 12 days after he had given approval and signed off that the $55 million debt owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) be paid on the strong advice of his Petroleum Minister and the Attorney General of the Federation a new challenge landed on President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s laps. This time, it was a powerful two-page memo asking him to show courage, and to reverse himself regarding the NNPC affair.
The author of the memo was Sani Idris Bagiwa, one of the most powerful of the President’s aides, whose official brief is to advise the president on special duties.
Things had not been going too well in the country and the president was heaving a sigh of relief same day after the prolonged but bungled row over the passport renewal scandal of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El Rufai.
Mr. Bagiwa’s memo introduced a new dynamic into the whole process, sending the parties in dispute back to their 16 years starting point. When the president proposed that the payment be made, he hoped this would bring to closure the one and half decade of prolonged litigation between the two parties, but a NEXT investigation in Abuja reveals how the Bagiwa memo illustrates the bureaucratic manipulation of the levers of power to craftily drain the nation of huge resources through endless litigation processes, and advance the agenda of presidential aides.
Monday, 30 November 2009
NIGERIANS IN BIG TRUBLE.
NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT GOES TO WAR
WITH HER CITIZENRY
The Federal Government yesterday said the nation’s oil and gas industry was in a bad shape, performing far below expectations, hence its resolve to go ahead with the reform of the industry despite protests and criticisms in some quarters.
Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference in
“Our industry is sleeping indeed,” Ajumogobia said. “And the reasons include the following: security issues in the area of operation, Niger Delta; decline in production; ageing infrastructure; insufficient funding; long project saturation plan and lack of sustainable and effective framework to ensure the development of the host communities.”
The Federal Government on Monday said the nation’s oil and gas industry was in a bad shape, performing far below expectations, hence its resolve to go ahead with the reform of the industry despite protests and criticisms in some quarters.
Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference in
“Our industry is sleeping indeed,” Ajumogobia said. “And the reasons include the following: security issues in the area of operation, Niger Delta; decline in production; ageing infrastructure; insufficient funding; long project saturation plan and lack of sustainable and effective framework to ensure the development of the host communities.”
UNIBEN TANTALIZER!!!
OSHODIN IS NOW UNIVERSITY BENIN
THE protracted crisis rocking the University of Benin (UNIBEN) over the choice of a substantive vice-chancellor was laid to rest yesterday, as the Governing Council of the University announced the appointment of Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin, the immediate past Dean of Education, as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
This is the first time a Bini man would be occupying the position in the university’s 39- year history.
However, one of the candidates, Professor Emma-nuel Obaseki-Ebo, who claimed that he emerged first in the interview, faulted the emergence of Professor Oshodin, saying due process was not followed.
world youngest pregnant girl!
Youngest Mother
Claim: The youngest mother on record was a five-year-old Peruvian girl.
True.
Origins: Although we can see a tremendous amount of variety in the plant and animal life all around
Perhaps the most discomfiting record of this nature involves the youngest person ever to give birth, reputedly a
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experience we associate with physical and psychological maturity, but also because it implies the commission of an act now considered to be nothing less than child molestation.
Regardless of our squeamishness, we have to note that the claim of a five-year-old girl giving birth is apparently true. Her name was Lina Medina, a Peruvian girl from the Andean
Lina's incredible story was documented in contemporaneous reports by Edmundo Escomel, one of
It soon became obvious to the stunned Lozada, however, that the little girl was pregnant. A medical history revealed that she had been having regular periods since age 3, but that she had stopped menstruating for the past 7½ months. Additionally, she had fully developed breasts. Further examination revealed a fetal heartbeat, and an
Escomel's announcement2 (dated
At the end of his piece Escomel noted with some sadness that no one had yet discovered the identity of the father since Lina "couldn't give precise responses." He also stressed the importance of getting adequate care for the little girl.
Escomel's final report3 was published in the
The
Dr. Hipolito Larrabure, head of the maternity hospital, who aided
The Los Angeles Times also reported their own confirmation of the story that same day:
The possibility of a girl becoming a mother at the age of 5, as reported on Sunday from
Dr. De Lee cited the case of a Russian girl who became a mother at the age of 6½. According to the physician who reported the case in a German medical journal,
Six months later, the New York Times reported that an American public health official had also verified Lina's remarkable story:
While in
The following year the New York Times reported that a trip was being organized so Lina could be "brought to the
Another passenger [on the liner
Mrs. Kosak said she gave a series of intelligence tests to the child and that on the basis of this study she has no doubt the child's age was given correctly.
"Lina is above normal in intelligence and the baby, a boy, is perfectly normal and is physically better developed than the average Mestiza (Spanish Indian) child," she said. "She thinks of the child as a baby brother and so does the rest of the family."8
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| Lina Medina, son Gerardo,
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Jose Sandoval, an obstetrician who took an interest in Lina Medina's case and authored a book about her in 2002 said that Lina was a psychologically normal child, that she displayed no other unusual medical symptoms, and that she preferred playing with dolls rather than her own child.
Lina's boy, named Gerardo (after Dr. Gérado Lozada, chief physician of the hospital in Pisco where Lina's pregnancy was diagnosed), did not learn until he was
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