Showing posts with label Nigerian News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nigerian News. Show all posts
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Nigerian News: Festival Of Waste For a "State Burial" In Nigeria.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Nigerian News: Single-Storey Building That Houses 5 Nigerian Churches
If this is not a house of comotion, I don't know what else to call it.
Have you been invited to a Church where sermon is going on and religious songs from other denominations start filtering in? That perhaps explain this situation or how best can one explain the presence of six religious bodies in one single structure.
This building is a site opposite the popular Sky Memorial Plaza in Abuja. Whatever the motive behind the siting of each denomination - mere representation, for-profit, direction of the Holy Spirit or intended strategy to be seen in the nation's capital, one can imagine what it is going to be like on a Sunday.
What do you think?
32-yr-old man butchers uncle over destiny manipulation
ABAKALIKI— A man identified as Chinweoru Ugbo, 32, was weekend arrested by the Onueke Divisional Police Command, Ebonyi State for allegedly butchering his uncle, Mr. Ogbuleji Nwite, 78, with an axe.
The crime was allegedly committed at Nsokkara Community in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state over claims that the deceased was diabolically manipulating Ugbo’s destiny.
The suspect allegedly lured his victim to a lonely farmland near a neighbouring community in Amagu, under the guise of showing him (the victim) a piece of land he wanted to purchase.
He reportedly inflicted 27 cuts on late Mr. Nwite in the early hours of Saturday, unaware that some people saw him.
Vanguard gathered that the suspect was caught by the villagers at Igweledoha Nsokkara community, when he was packing his luggage to flee the community.
It was also learnt that the suspect, a trader resident at Owerri in Imo State, was said to have returned home on Friday night with the intention of killing his uncle.
Eyewitnesses’ story
An eyewitness, Nweke Nwankwo, alleged that the act took place in a vegetable farmland.
The witness said: “I was on top of a palm tree harvesting fruits and saw both of them conversing. I never suspected anything because they were relatives.
“But I felt cold to the spine when the boy started brutalising the old man, who recently returned from the hospital after an eye surgery.”
Another witness, a woman who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that she was weeding in her farm, some distance from the scene, when she heard a cry.
She said: “I did not know that an abomination was being committed because the loud shout was just once.
“I continued with my job until passers-by, who first sighted the dead body, raised alarm.”
It was learnt that a white T-shirt, which an eyewitness claimed the suspect wore that morning, was brought out from his room with blood stains.
The crime was allegedly committed at Nsokkara Community in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state over claims that the deceased was diabolically manipulating Ugbo’s destiny.
The suspect allegedly lured his victim to a lonely farmland near a neighbouring community in Amagu, under the guise of showing him (the victim) a piece of land he wanted to purchase.
He reportedly inflicted 27 cuts on late Mr. Nwite in the early hours of Saturday, unaware that some people saw him.
Vanguard gathered that the suspect was caught by the villagers at Igweledoha Nsokkara community, when he was packing his luggage to flee the community.
It was also learnt that the suspect, a trader resident at Owerri in Imo State, was said to have returned home on Friday night with the intention of killing his uncle.
Eyewitnesses’ story
An eyewitness, Nweke Nwankwo, alleged that the act took place in a vegetable farmland.
The witness said: “I was on top of a palm tree harvesting fruits and saw both of them conversing. I never suspected anything because they were relatives.
“But I felt cold to the spine when the boy started brutalising the old man, who recently returned from the hospital after an eye surgery.”
Another witness, a woman who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that she was weeding in her farm, some distance from the scene, when she heard a cry.
She said: “I did not know that an abomination was being committed because the loud shout was just once.
“I continued with my job until passers-by, who first sighted the dead body, raised alarm.”
It was learnt that a white T-shirt, which an eyewitness claimed the suspect wore that morning, was brought out from his room with blood stains.
Nigerian News: ASUU VS FEDERAL GOVT.
Varsity teachers remained adamant last night, saying their strike would go on, despite the government’s shifting of its position. The strike has been on for four months.
More cash has been pledged for projects on the campuses. Besides, the earned allowances due to the teachers have been increased from the initial N30 billion offer, which the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rejected. The teachers are insisting on the 2009 agreement, which they say President Goodluck Jonathan was part of. Besides, they say, they do not trust the government.
According to a circular by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, to the staff of the school, quoted yesterday by the news website, Sahara Reporters, the government has pledged to spend N200 billion on the universities in the 2014 budget and the same amount annually for the next three to four years.
This is in addition to the N100 billion already made available this year, but which ASUU has rejected.
The government has also increased to N40 billion, as a first installment, funds for the payment of earned allowances to the striking lecturers – an improvement from the N30 billion previously released.
On the earned allowances, Aluko said: “Government will top it up with further releases once universities are through with the disbursement of this new figure of N40 million. So, Vice-Chancellors are urged to expedite this disbursement within the shortest possible time using guiding templates that have been sent by the CVC,” the circular said.
Aluko said the latest development followed meetings on September 19 and Oct 11 of representatives of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, led by its Chairman, Prof. Hamisu of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) and ASUU representatives led by its President, Dr.Nasir Fagge, with Vice-President Namadi Sambo and Minister of Education Nyesome Wike.
A source in the Ministry of Education last night also confirmed that the meeting took place.
“But the government decided to leave the announcement of the decision to the ASUU chiefs,” the source said.
It was gathered that Sambo urged ASUU to call off the strike, as he apologised for the “take-it-or-leave-it” comments credited to Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the beginning of the strike. The Minister did not seem to have been involved in either meeting, perhaps as the government’s way of soothing the feelings of the university teachers.
Other points of agreement at the meetings include:
•Project Prioritisation: Universities will now be allowed to determine their priorities and not be “rail-roaded” into implementing a pre-determined set of projects with respect to the NEEDS assessment. Decisions are not to be centralized;
•TETFund Intervention: The government assured the teachers that the operations of the TETFund will not be impaired, and that the regular TETFund intervention disbursement to universities will continue, unaffected. So the NEEDS assessment capital outlays are in addition to regular TETFund intervention;
•Project Monitoring: A new Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) for the NEEDS Assessment intervention for universities has been set up to take over from the Suswam Committee. The new one is under the Federal Ministry of Education and chaired by the Minister of Education. In addition, to build confidence and ensure faithful implementation and prevent any relapse as before, the Vice President will meet quarterly with the implementors to monitor progress.
.Blueprint: ASUU was mandated to submit a blueprint for revitalising the universities to the Vice President.
Prof. Aluko stated that a signed document will soon be issued to itemise the full issues on which the consensus was reached.
But ASUU last night was unimpressed with the new offer. National Treasurer Dr. Ademola Aremu said the offer failed to meet the teachers’ expectations.
He said the offer falls short of the agreement signed with ASUU by the government.
Aremu insisted that ASUU would not end the strike until the 2009 agreement is fully implemented by injecting N500 billion into the universities yearly to shore up the system’s quality.
Aremu, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, said any offer below what is contained in the signed agreement, would amount to unilateral repudiation of an agreement the government willingly signed in 2009.
According to the unionist, ASUU is not making any new demand, but a mere implementation of an agreement. He pointed out that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both parties in 2009 stated that the government would commit N1.5 trillion to the system in three years.
He said: “ Even if the Federal Government made that promise, it would be a unilateral repudiation of the 2009 agreement. By now, the government should have injected N500 billion. That amounts to N100 billion in 2012 and N400 billion in the current year.
“As a matter of fact, any new commitment from the Federal Government is belated. Implementation of the agreement ought to have started before this year. I don’t think there is any way we can trust this government, going by its past behaviour on this issue.
“The mandate from our principal as at the last time we met was that we won’t end the strike until the agreement is fully implemented.
“We do not need promises again. What we need now is actual implementation. What if they do not release the funds again after making the promise?
“It was this same Mr President that mid-wifed the agreement in 2009 when he was the Vice President. The MoU was in his custody. He studied the agreement well before asking then President Umaru Yar’Adua to sign it. We can’t trust this government.
More cash has been pledged for projects on the campuses. Besides, the earned allowances due to the teachers have been increased from the initial N30 billion offer, which the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rejected. The teachers are insisting on the 2009 agreement, which they say President Goodluck Jonathan was part of. Besides, they say, they do not trust the government.
According to a circular by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, to the staff of the school, quoted yesterday by the news website, Sahara Reporters, the government has pledged to spend N200 billion on the universities in the 2014 budget and the same amount annually for the next three to four years.
This is in addition to the N100 billion already made available this year, but which ASUU has rejected.
The government has also increased to N40 billion, as a first installment, funds for the payment of earned allowances to the striking lecturers – an improvement from the N30 billion previously released.
On the earned allowances, Aluko said: “Government will top it up with further releases once universities are through with the disbursement of this new figure of N40 million. So, Vice-Chancellors are urged to expedite this disbursement within the shortest possible time using guiding templates that have been sent by the CVC,” the circular said.
Aluko said the latest development followed meetings on September 19 and Oct 11 of representatives of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, led by its Chairman, Prof. Hamisu of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) and ASUU representatives led by its President, Dr.Nasir Fagge, with Vice-President Namadi Sambo and Minister of Education Nyesome Wike.
A source in the Ministry of Education last night also confirmed that the meeting took place.
“But the government decided to leave the announcement of the decision to the ASUU chiefs,” the source said.
It was gathered that Sambo urged ASUU to call off the strike, as he apologised for the “take-it-or-leave-it” comments credited to Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the beginning of the strike. The Minister did not seem to have been involved in either meeting, perhaps as the government’s way of soothing the feelings of the university teachers.
Other points of agreement at the meetings include:
•Project Prioritisation: Universities will now be allowed to determine their priorities and not be “rail-roaded” into implementing a pre-determined set of projects with respect to the NEEDS assessment. Decisions are not to be centralized;
•TETFund Intervention: The government assured the teachers that the operations of the TETFund will not be impaired, and that the regular TETFund intervention disbursement to universities will continue, unaffected. So the NEEDS assessment capital outlays are in addition to regular TETFund intervention;
•Project Monitoring: A new Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) for the NEEDS Assessment intervention for universities has been set up to take over from the Suswam Committee. The new one is under the Federal Ministry of Education and chaired by the Minister of Education. In addition, to build confidence and ensure faithful implementation and prevent any relapse as before, the Vice President will meet quarterly with the implementors to monitor progress.
.Blueprint: ASUU was mandated to submit a blueprint for revitalising the universities to the Vice President.
Prof. Aluko stated that a signed document will soon be issued to itemise the full issues on which the consensus was reached.
But ASUU last night was unimpressed with the new offer. National Treasurer Dr. Ademola Aremu said the offer failed to meet the teachers’ expectations.
He said the offer falls short of the agreement signed with ASUU by the government.
Aremu insisted that ASUU would not end the strike until the 2009 agreement is fully implemented by injecting N500 billion into the universities yearly to shore up the system’s quality.
Aremu, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, said any offer below what is contained in the signed agreement, would amount to unilateral repudiation of an agreement the government willingly signed in 2009.
According to the unionist, ASUU is not making any new demand, but a mere implementation of an agreement. He pointed out that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both parties in 2009 stated that the government would commit N1.5 trillion to the system in three years.
He said: “ Even if the Federal Government made that promise, it would be a unilateral repudiation of the 2009 agreement. By now, the government should have injected N500 billion. That amounts to N100 billion in 2012 and N400 billion in the current year.
“As a matter of fact, any new commitment from the Federal Government is belated. Implementation of the agreement ought to have started before this year. I don’t think there is any way we can trust this government, going by its past behaviour on this issue.
“The mandate from our principal as at the last time we met was that we won’t end the strike until the agreement is fully implemented.
“We do not need promises again. What we need now is actual implementation. What if they do not release the funds again after making the promise?
“It was this same Mr President that mid-wifed the agreement in 2009 when he was the Vice President. The MoU was in his custody. He studied the agreement well before asking then President Umaru Yar’Adua to sign it. We can’t trust this government.
Monday, 28 October 2013
Nigerian News: Is Gov. Sullivan Chime Inhumane,Cruel and Heartless?
This is a shocking report from the Enugu State government house. Found it on Sahara Reporters.
Clara Chime, the First Lady of Enugu State, says Gov. Sullivan Chime, has placed her under house arrest, and has cried out for assistance to human rights bodies to rescue her.
In a letter dripping with pain and suffering, Mrs. Chime (pictured above with Governor Chime) disclosed that she married Mr. Chime in Oct. 2008 but that she has been unable to share the matrimonial bed with him for over four years. Describing her desperate situation, she said that even President Goodluck Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan have intervened with her husband without success.
“My father is late, my Mum and few of my siblings are confused and have done all kinds of prayers they know of, 3 of my siblings prefers me dead than to see me leave the Government house. He treats my Mum and my siblings bad,” she wrote.
The Enugu State First Lady said she has been introduced to two psychiatrists whose names she gave as Dr. Onwukwe and Dr. Agumo, who have prescribed “all kinds of drugs that ends up keeping me acute depressed and also drives me into hallucinations.”
The doctors, she noted, are scared of her husband the Governor, to whom nobody can tell the truth.
According to the letter, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu state (Callistus Onaga), and top priests have come to intervene, as have the President and the First Lady of the nation, without success.
Mrs. Chime further complains that Governor Chime has ordered her to leave with her four-year old son whom she conceived before their wedding. However, the governor, according to her, later threatened to disown the boy should she leave with him.
“He has told everyone he can reach that there is no marriage between us that I can leave if I wish to but whenever I plan to leave he instructs them to lock me in. I have told him through Sms that I will leave my son behind and leave alone but still he instructed
his securities to lock me inside the house.”
Mrs. Chime further complains she has lost touch with the real world and all that makes her beautiful because of the side effects of the drugs she is taking, stressing that she is under house arrest for committing no crime.
Of the situation in Government House, she said, “He does not take care of me personally, the government gives me allowance to run the house and that's where I save little from to take care of my elf, my Mum and few of my siblings,” she said in the letter. He shut me out of his life years ago; I don't have access to his apartment. The problem is enormous; I don't know where to start to explain from.”
She said that even the security detail in the lodge has resorted to praying for her, while the few that can be bought with money are taking advantage of the situation.
“Police and SS men have been instructed by Br Sullivan Chime to confine me in a place for a long time now against my wish [but] it is my wish to leave these premises,” she said, begging, “Please assist me to reach to the human rights and say to them to please come hastily and release me.”
Clara Chime, the First Lady of Enugu State, says Gov. Sullivan Chime, has placed her under house arrest, and has cried out for assistance to human rights bodies to rescue her.
In a letter dripping with pain and suffering, Mrs. Chime (pictured above with Governor Chime) disclosed that she married Mr. Chime in Oct. 2008 but that she has been unable to share the matrimonial bed with him for over four years. Describing her desperate situation, she said that even President Goodluck Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan have intervened with her husband without success.
“My father is late, my Mum and few of my siblings are confused and have done all kinds of prayers they know of, 3 of my siblings prefers me dead than to see me leave the Government house. He treats my Mum and my siblings bad,” she wrote.
The Enugu State First Lady said she has been introduced to two psychiatrists whose names she gave as Dr. Onwukwe and Dr. Agumo, who have prescribed “all kinds of drugs that ends up keeping me acute depressed and also drives me into hallucinations.”
The doctors, she noted, are scared of her husband the Governor, to whom nobody can tell the truth.
According to the letter, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu state (Callistus Onaga), and top priests have come to intervene, as have the President and the First Lady of the nation, without success.
Mrs. Chime further complains that Governor Chime has ordered her to leave with her four-year old son whom she conceived before their wedding. However, the governor, according to her, later threatened to disown the boy should she leave with him.
“He has told everyone he can reach that there is no marriage between us that I can leave if I wish to but whenever I plan to leave he instructs them to lock me in. I have told him through Sms that I will leave my son behind and leave alone but still he instructed
his securities to lock me inside the house.”
Mrs. Chime further complains she has lost touch with the real world and all that makes her beautiful because of the side effects of the drugs she is taking, stressing that she is under house arrest for committing no crime.
Of the situation in Government House, she said, “He does not take care of me personally, the government gives me allowance to run the house and that's where I save little from to take care of my elf, my Mum and few of my siblings,” she said in the letter. He shut me out of his life years ago; I don't have access to his apartment. The problem is enormous; I don't know where to start to explain from.”
She said that even the security detail in the lodge has resorted to praying for her, while the few that can be bought with money are taking advantage of the situation.
“Police and SS men have been instructed by Br Sullivan Chime to confine me in a place for a long time now against my wish [but] it is my wish to leave these premises,” she said, begging, “Please assist me to reach to the human rights and say to them to please come hastily and release me.”
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Nigerian News: Stella Oduah Got 4 Limousines & 4 Toyota Tundra Cars From NAMA
According to Sahara Reporter, Nigeria’s minister of aviation Stella Oduah who is yet to recover from a N255 million bullet proof BMW scandal has been hit with yet a similar scandal.
The new case revealed that NAMA (Nigeria’s National Airspace Management Agency) has just bought 4 set of powerful Toyota Tundra vehicles and 4 limousine car for her.
The big madam who recently got the delivery of the 2 armoured BMW is on the verge of losing her job as anti corruption network vows to protest.
The Tundras are in addition to four stretch limousine cars that were allegedly purchased for the movement of VIPs.
Saharareporters obtained the photos of the Limousines, which were parked at the headquarters of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) grounds in Abuja today.
Efforts to get the NAMA spokesperson, Supo Atobatele, to comment on the fresh allegations proved abortive as he claimed he was driving and could not speak on the wheel. When later confronted with the facts, Mr. Atobatele denied the existence of the stretch limos claiming that NAMA is a “professional agency” that provides navigational aid to aircrafts flying within Nigeria’s airspace. He hung up and switched off his phone when further told that Saharareporters had the photos.\
NAMA’s CEO, Nnamdi Udo, reportedly made the purchase and ‘donation’ of the Tundras to the Minister in June 2013. The four Limousines were received in the third week of June but have never been put to use.
photo
After the purchase of the two BMW armored cars for the Minister was revealed, her aides and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Fola Akinkuotu, claimed the vehicles were meant for VIP movement, but a former lawmaker and leader of Anti-Corruption Network, Dino Melaye, told SaharaReporters that it is the duty of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to transport international VIPs in Nigeria.
He also revealed that the most important Aviation inspectors are teams from the ICAO who already have a Nigerian office which handles all their transactions.
SaharaReporters could not confirm if the NAMA limos are armored. It is also unclear why NAMA, an agency believed to be cash-strapped, would need stretch limos that are normally used by celebrities, to ferry international VIPS.
Meanwhile, a high-level source has confirmed to SaharaReporters that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria, which Mrs. Oduah brags about as one of her achievements in office, provides epileptic service, because it often breaks down, the objective of establishing a safer national airspace is said to have been compromised. Foreign airlines are said to rely on their built in navigational equipment for air safety within the Nigerian airspace.
The new case revealed that NAMA (Nigeria’s National Airspace Management Agency) has just bought 4 set of powerful Toyota Tundra vehicles and 4 limousine car for her.
The big madam who recently got the delivery of the 2 armoured BMW is on the verge of losing her job as anti corruption network vows to protest.
The Tundras are in addition to four stretch limousine cars that were allegedly purchased for the movement of VIPs.
Saharareporters obtained the photos of the Limousines, which were parked at the headquarters of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) grounds in Abuja today.
Efforts to get the NAMA spokesperson, Supo Atobatele, to comment on the fresh allegations proved abortive as he claimed he was driving and could not speak on the wheel. When later confronted with the facts, Mr. Atobatele denied the existence of the stretch limos claiming that NAMA is a “professional agency” that provides navigational aid to aircrafts flying within Nigeria’s airspace. He hung up and switched off his phone when further told that Saharareporters had the photos.\
NAMA’s CEO, Nnamdi Udo, reportedly made the purchase and ‘donation’ of the Tundras to the Minister in June 2013. The four Limousines were received in the third week of June but have never been put to use.
photo
After the purchase of the two BMW armored cars for the Minister was revealed, her aides and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Fola Akinkuotu, claimed the vehicles were meant for VIP movement, but a former lawmaker and leader of Anti-Corruption Network, Dino Melaye, told SaharaReporters that it is the duty of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to transport international VIPs in Nigeria.
He also revealed that the most important Aviation inspectors are teams from the ICAO who already have a Nigerian office which handles all their transactions.
SaharaReporters could not confirm if the NAMA limos are armored. It is also unclear why NAMA, an agency believed to be cash-strapped, would need stretch limos that are normally used by celebrities, to ferry international VIPS.
Meanwhile, a high-level source has confirmed to SaharaReporters that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria, which Mrs. Oduah brags about as one of her achievements in office, provides epileptic service, because it often breaks down, the objective of establishing a safer national airspace is said to have been compromised. Foreign airlines are said to rely on their built in navigational equipment for air safety within the Nigerian airspace.
Nigerian News: ASUU strike ‘ll be over in few months – Minister
The Federal Government, yesterday, assured Nigerian students that the ongoing strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, would be over in a few months.
The Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike stated this at the anniversary lecture of National Universities Commission, NUC, in Abuja.
The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, reiterated Federal Government commitment in resolving the ongoing strike of ASUU.
Minister of State for Eduction, Barrister Esenwo Nyesom Wike
According to Wike, “The Federal Government is very concerned about the state of public tertiary institutions in the country. The Federal Government is really worried about the ongoing strike of ASUU and the strike would be resolved in a few months.”
Professor John Daniel in his paper presentation titled, ‘Turbulent and Testing Times for Global Higher Education: Lessons for Nigeria’, said “online teaching and learning is now part of the future of most universities. Nigeria should be very good at this because without embarrassing you by pressing the point, I note that your country, through 419 scams, is a world leader in the use of the internet for less desirable purposes.”
He said higher education all over the world is facing lot of challenges that included youth unemployment and the current changes in the university system.
“These are indeed turbulent times, not only for United States of America but also for much of higher education globally”, he said.
A former Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Jubril Munzali, in his goodwill message, said the education sector for 21 years have been under funded and the significant increase in the funding of tertiary institutions were done through the struggle of ASUU.
He blamed the Federal Government lingering crisis rocking the nation’s university system.
He said it is time Federal Government listened to its agencies and allow NUC perform its statutory role and fund universities based on the advice of its agencies like NUC.
“Successive administrations in the country never paid adequate attention to university education”. He said the Federal Government process of direct funding of universities, have over the years resulted in mismanagement of the funds allocated to the institutions.
Police stop ASUU rally in Bayelsa
Police authorities in Bayelsa State, yesterday, stopped the planned public protest by lecturers of the state owned Niger Delta University, NDU, Amassoma in the prolonged strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
The police order, issued against the planned public procession by the ASUU, NDU chapter, was reportedly signed by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hillary Okpara.
But the undaunted lecturers converged at the Yenagoa campus of the university to stage solidarity rally and also held a prayer session to seek the face of God over the lingering crisis.
The Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike stated this at the anniversary lecture of National Universities Commission, NUC, in Abuja.
The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, reiterated Federal Government commitment in resolving the ongoing strike of ASUU.
Minister of State for Eduction, Barrister Esenwo Nyesom Wike
According to Wike, “The Federal Government is very concerned about the state of public tertiary institutions in the country. The Federal Government is really worried about the ongoing strike of ASUU and the strike would be resolved in a few months.”
Professor John Daniel in his paper presentation titled, ‘Turbulent and Testing Times for Global Higher Education: Lessons for Nigeria’, said “online teaching and learning is now part of the future of most universities. Nigeria should be very good at this because without embarrassing you by pressing the point, I note that your country, through 419 scams, is a world leader in the use of the internet for less desirable purposes.”
He said higher education all over the world is facing lot of challenges that included youth unemployment and the current changes in the university system.
“These are indeed turbulent times, not only for United States of America but also for much of higher education globally”, he said.
A former Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Jubril Munzali, in his goodwill message, said the education sector for 21 years have been under funded and the significant increase in the funding of tertiary institutions were done through the struggle of ASUU.
He blamed the Federal Government lingering crisis rocking the nation’s university system.
He said it is time Federal Government listened to its agencies and allow NUC perform its statutory role and fund universities based on the advice of its agencies like NUC.
“Successive administrations in the country never paid adequate attention to university education”. He said the Federal Government process of direct funding of universities, have over the years resulted in mismanagement of the funds allocated to the institutions.
Police stop ASUU rally in Bayelsa
Police authorities in Bayelsa State, yesterday, stopped the planned public protest by lecturers of the state owned Niger Delta University, NDU, Amassoma in the prolonged strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
The police order, issued against the planned public procession by the ASUU, NDU chapter, was reportedly signed by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hillary Okpara.
But the undaunted lecturers converged at the Yenagoa campus of the university to stage solidarity rally and also held a prayer session to seek the face of God over the lingering crisis.
Fine City, Fine girls, But Don't Touch
Dubai is a place to be. And that could be an understatement. It is my first time in the United Arab Emirates, the country that prides itself as the home of the world.
Everything here is heavenly. The roads are just wonderful. It is a beautiful haven. Coming from Lagos to this part of the world has been an eye-opening experience. Everything is just too fine here to be true for a Lagosian like me, where dirt is a stark reality of life. On the roads, their cars are a sight to behold. They love white cars a lot.
Everywhere you go you see clean white cars gliding through the roads. And the white cars are such a beauty to behold.
In Lagos, people avoid white cars because of dusts and mud on the roads.. A colleague here was so taken aback after seeing these clean white cars that he wondered aloud if these same cars can remain in such excellent condition in Warri, Enugu, Lagos and other Nigerian cities.
Fine city, fine girls, but don’t touch
We are in the United Arab Emirates, touted as a tourist and business destination of the world. Fine things abound here. This is a place where citizens of the world work, live and play. But there is a limit to everything that you see here. These people have their rules, which are not clearly laid out. You get to understand them when you act contrary to their rules.
A tip of it was gotten yesterday when we attempted to check into a hotel in Deira, a little bit outside the city Dubai.
After formailsing everything, two of my colleagues, went up to check the rooms, leaving me and another at the lobby. My friend sighted a beautiful lady, some seats away from us. He admired her. As I made my way upstairs, I was compelled to say hello to the lady and she responded with “I’m fine”. She later told me that she’s from the Comoros.. My friend, who works for a television station in the Niger Delta, now came around and as I introduced him to the lady, he stretched out his hand for a handshake but the lady did not offer hers.
He did not know that he was being watched by the receptionist, who later charged at him angrily for trying to shake the hand of the lady.
At that moment, he canceled our booking, telling us to go and look for another hotel elsewhere. He said in the city, you can admire the girls but you dare not touch them in public. We tried to plead for leniency but he was adamant. To him, my friend had crossed the line and deserved no mercy but to go out. He also told us that we were not spared from the punishment. I was shocked and as we made our way out, someone told my friend that Dubai is a fine city with fine guys but you don’t touch them in the public. Lesson learnt.
By John Egbokhan
Nigerian News: Lagos private wooden bridge owners make millions of naira everyday
Private individuals in Lagos have been capitalising on government’s failure to provide link bridges and good roads for its people and this has gone on from generation to generation.
For over 40 years, such investors have constructed wooden bridges, popularly called pako bridges, across the state and tolled users in return. The rush by investors to go into the business has, however, reached an unprecedented level in recent years.
In places where the toll bridges exist, pedestrians are tolled N30 each, while motorists pay N200 per vehicle. Besides, each occupant of the vehicle aside from the driver, is also required to pay N30. Meanwhile, the feeling has been mixed for users and residents that benefit from the linkages provided by such bridges.
While most users cringe at the weight of the tolls imposed by the investors, nevertheless, they identified with the important roles played by the toll bridges in connecting communities and opening up new areas. Many of the bridges are constructed over swamps, where only brave residents dared trudge across prior to the construction of the bridges.
So, in spite of the heavy tolls on the communities, some of which are poor, residents have resigned to fate, particularly with the government not showing interest in their situation.
Some examples of the toll bridges are found in Alimosho Local Government Area, linking Ashipa, Ayobo-Ipaja community to Igando community; Lanre through Sanni Thomas Street to Igando New town; Igesu and Egan communities; Baruwa inside community and Diamond Estate; Obadore and Ijagemo communities; Abegunrin and Idowu-Egba; and Pako community to Ketu community.
A visit to some of the bridges showed a similar mode of construction but varying physical conditions and modes of operation. Each bridge also posed its own peculiarity based on the environment it is sited.
The bridges at Ashipa-Igando and Lanre through Sanni Thomas Street to Igando New Town were estimated at around 300 metres each, while the Igesu-Egan bridge was estimated to be around 540 metres.
A small neighbourhood market had formed at the foot of the Ashipa end of the toll footbridge connecting the community to Igando. Residents descending the bridge into their community or transiting beyond Ashipa could get groceries, pepper, vegetables, and other items like footwear. Commercial motorcylists have also turned the feet of the bridge into major parks.
A resident of Ashipa, Mr. Lukman Mudasiru, said the bridge was constructed some 20 years ago.
“But before then, we used to tread the water or practically swim to cross over to the other side, even though, it was deep. Only the brave could try it then. Many people would pull off their clothes and put them on their heads to prevent them from getting wet,” he said.
Mudasiru said the other option was to spend a much longer time to reach a community just across the swamp, adding that the infamous bad roads in the area has continued to give the bridge relevance. According to him, the bridge also serves people coming from or going as far as Ogun State from Lagos.
He said, “The bridge has opened up this area and aided development. The route is shorter for people working in Ikeja or even Lagos Island and living in far distances like Ejigbo, Olorunisola and Ishefun. Instead of spending hours going through Ayobo-Ipaja, which has very bad roads, they come through here.
“Even people living in places as far as Ota, Aiyetoro and Lafenwa in Ogun State or returning there after work pass through here. The only problem is that it’s a pedestrian bridge; we need one that will accommodate cars.”
Human traffic is often busy on the bridge, especially during peak hours. A number of beggars, also attracted by the number of users, sit on the bridge to solicit help.
The bridge is open between 4 and 12am everyday and has a gatehouse, where users pay tolls. It is understood that the bridge ought to open officially between 5am and 11.30pm, but for the pressure of users who wake up early to beat the morning traffic. So, electric bulbs supported by wooden stands and cables run the length of the bridge to provide light when it is dark.
“The bridge is always busy and there is a generator which is used to power the bulbs, so we see one another at night,” added Mudasiru.
But not everyone shared Mudasiru’s enthusiasm for the bridge.
Another resident, Alani Ogunlade, said the situation could get tricky for someone who could not afford the toll.
He said, “It’s not every time that people have money to pass, so sometimes, it can cause a serious issue. Some could decide to stay at home while some would want to force their way through.”
The traditional ruler of Ashipa, Baale Ayemojuba of Ashipaland, Chief Mudasiru Amusa, was even less enthusiastic about having a toll bridge within his community. He said the community had laid planks on the swamp before the bridge construction, but, however, admitted the overwhelming volume of the water, particularly during rainy seasons.
Amusa said he often suffers “heartaches” seeing his people being tolled on the way to and from their community.
He said, “It saddens me every time to see my people suffer like that, having to pay each time they leave the community or come in, but there is nothing I can do. I pity people who have to pay N60 to leave their home and come back and even spend more when they need to go out more than once.
“What we want is for the government to come in and build a concrete bridge for us so that people can enjoy the service without being ripped off. The queue in the morning on the bridge is massive. Many of such bridges are springing up in Lagos now. Many people are going into the business because of the huge profit in it. All the people working there (at the bridge) have grown big tummies.”
The bridges are either directly managed or contracted out to someone under an agreement to remit a certain amount daily to the investor.
It was learnt that Ashipa toll bridge was contracted out and investigation showed that about N250,000 is being remitted daily by the managers to the investor.
“About three years ago, it was N180,000 that was being remitted daily but today, it’s around N250,000. The police also come on Fridays to get their share from the managers,” a source close to the managers of the bridge, said.
However, the workers at the bridge declined to comment, insisting that the manager was not around.
Normally, the operation of the pako toll bridges involves identifying the communities in need of a linkage, usually separated by water or swamp, buying the land from the land speculators (omo onile) and putting the construction in place. Then the bridges have to be periodically maintained to prevent any mishap.
Investigation showed that one of the major wooden materials needed in large quantities for the bridge construction are the 4 by 2 hardwood and the 4 by 12 ft plank, locally called ‘Eki’ wood. It is said to be the best under the circumstance because it grows in water.
There have been reported cases of disputes over control and ownership of some of the bridges, particularly when the investor has to deal with more than one family (omo onile) in the process of buying the land or when too many people are involved in its operation.
A classical case is the multi-use wooden transit bridge at Lanre, which could accommodate automobiles. Some parts of the bridge appeared to be badly depressed, giving motorists undulating rides.
Investigation showed that the bridge was being managed by Mr. Oladipo Omojolowo, but that there was a dispute over its ownership and control, which were said to be in court.
The Chairman, United Ifesowapo Community Development Area and aggregate Chairman of Igando New Town CDAs, Mr. Sanni Thomas, said the dispute was responsible for the poor maintenance of the bridge.
He said, “The person managing the bridge now doesn’t want to fix the bridge since the case is in court and no one knows what the outcome will be.”
Thomas added that the idea of putting the bridge had sounded noble to community members, but that eight years on, the community had experienced more pains than gains.
He said, “Ordinarily, it could have been a very good business and it could have helped the community. Initially, what they (investors) told the community was that they wanted to link the road so that our children could go to school on the other side. So, the initial impression was that it would benefit the community but we’re not benefiting from it. The bridge brings a lot of traffic to the community that sometimes, we can’t even get into our own houses.
“The traffic damages our road quickly and it’s the CDA that’s taking care of the road without any support from the people collecting tolls from the bridge. It’s the same community that’s paying the security men patrolling the area and overseeing the bridge as well. It’s wrong that they toll the people and make so much from the community, and yet, can’t assist with grading the roads in the community. And the development and markets we thought it would bring did not happen; people don’t stop here, they go straight to Lanre. Same for the commercial motorcyclists.”
Also, Thomas said that vehicles sometimes fall off the bridge inside the swamp, spending days before they are removed.
Another resident on Sanni Thomas Street leading to the bridge, David Adigun, called on the government to “come to the aid of the community and construct a proper bridge.”
Enforcement seemed to be harder on the multi-use pako bridges since the attendants have to deal with pedestrians, motorists, motorcyclists and tricycle riders.
It was observed that to enforce payment of tolls, particularly from motorists and motorcyclists, attendants often had to close the gate to stop stubborn vehicle owners from passing through.
A mild drama ensued when a woman who identified herself as Alhaja Rasida, refused to pay for her children, none of who was older than seven years old. She insisted that she would not pay “a kobo” more than the N260 she was willing to pay for herself and two adults in the vehicle.
She later told Saturday PUNCH after about five minutes of having a tussle with the attendants, which she won. “How could they say they would collect N90 on these little children too? It’s N200 for a vehicle and N30 for each occupant apart from the driver, but I’d never agree to pay an additional N90 on these little children. The money is too much; it’s killing us. What kind of rubbish is that? Who gave them the rubbish permission to stand here and collect money?”
A source in the community said the bridge generates about N400,000 daily.
However, a lady at the office of Omojolowo, which was in the neighbourhood, said her boss was “not in town at the moment.”
Many owners and managers of the toll bridges live big in their communities. For instance, residents said Omojolowo’s house and office, which sit opposite each other on Oladipo Omojolowo Street, Igando New Town, easily dwarf other buildings on the street.
Residents, meanwhile, said Omojolowo’s fortune changed about seven years ago when he got into the business.
A resident who did not want to be named, said, “He used to work as a caretaker and later started selling palm-wine. His house was even draped in polythene bags. But things looked up for him when he linked up with others to start the tolling business.”
Meanwhile, a new multi-use pako toll bridge had just opened at Igesu, linking the community to Egan. A source in the area said the owner had invested about N33m in the project.
The bridge was new, so it was firmer and looked much neater, with modern lights to aid visibility for motorists at night.
A resident, Akeem Olawale, said going to Sango, Ogun State, from Egan would not take more than one hour using the bridge, while the other known alternative would not take less than two hours, if the traffic is light.
He said, “The bridge assists us to beat traffic. The road around here is very bad, so if you’re not taking the bridge to Sango, for instance, it will mean going round from Egan through Iyana-Ipaja and that could take close to more than two hours if there is no traffic.”
Efforts to reach the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, in which many of the bridges fall, Mr. Israel Adekunle, were unsuccessful.
He did not answer his phone nor respond to a text message sent to his mobile line.
The State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, however, told our correspondent that private initiatives were an important part of the environment.
He said, “Private initiatives are always necessary in all human endeavours in all societies. That is why there are private hospitals, schools and all others. As long as there are options, private initiatives will always be available.
“Remember, the state is adding to her infrastructure portfolio regularly. Can the deficit be eliminated in a year? No. So we have to keep attacking, which is exactly what the state is doing.”
The tale of toll bridges and roads in Lagos already appears to be twofold. While the wooden bridges on one side, service a section of the state that is largely dominated by modest dwellings, the tolled Lekki-Ikoyi suspension bridge and the Lekki-Epe Expressway are servicing another section believed to be living in more affluence.
For instance, the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge which opened to the public in May 2013, did so amid controversies. Motorists are required to pay N250 toll on each car to use the suspension bridge, which the state government said it had handed over to a concessionaire. The proposal to toll the bridge had generated a prolonged debate by the state lawmakers at a plenary session, but the state government went ahead to open the bridge nonetheless.
Earlier, the controversial tolling on the 49.36km Lekki-Epe Expressway was also stiffly rejected by residents when the first of the toll gates was introduced at the Lekki Admiralty Way area in 2011. The state government claimed that the tolling was necessary because the reconstruction of the road was done under a concession deal with a private company. The controversial agreement signed between the parties was worth N50bn, with motorists paying N120 and N150 as toll on each car and SUV, respectively.
However, the state government recently said it had bought back the deal from the Lekki Concession Company Limited ahead of the 30-year period stipulated in the design, build, operate and transfer concession agreement.
For over 40 years, such investors have constructed wooden bridges, popularly called pako bridges, across the state and tolled users in return. The rush by investors to go into the business has, however, reached an unprecedented level in recent years.
In places where the toll bridges exist, pedestrians are tolled N30 each, while motorists pay N200 per vehicle. Besides, each occupant of the vehicle aside from the driver, is also required to pay N30. Meanwhile, the feeling has been mixed for users and residents that benefit from the linkages provided by such bridges.
While most users cringe at the weight of the tolls imposed by the investors, nevertheless, they identified with the important roles played by the toll bridges in connecting communities and opening up new areas. Many of the bridges are constructed over swamps, where only brave residents dared trudge across prior to the construction of the bridges.
So, in spite of the heavy tolls on the communities, some of which are poor, residents have resigned to fate, particularly with the government not showing interest in their situation.
Some examples of the toll bridges are found in Alimosho Local Government Area, linking Ashipa, Ayobo-Ipaja community to Igando community; Lanre through Sanni Thomas Street to Igando New town; Igesu and Egan communities; Baruwa inside community and Diamond Estate; Obadore and Ijagemo communities; Abegunrin and Idowu-Egba; and Pako community to Ketu community.
A visit to some of the bridges showed a similar mode of construction but varying physical conditions and modes of operation. Each bridge also posed its own peculiarity based on the environment it is sited.
The bridges at Ashipa-Igando and Lanre through Sanni Thomas Street to Igando New Town were estimated at around 300 metres each, while the Igesu-Egan bridge was estimated to be around 540 metres.
A small neighbourhood market had formed at the foot of the Ashipa end of the toll footbridge connecting the community to Igando. Residents descending the bridge into their community or transiting beyond Ashipa could get groceries, pepper, vegetables, and other items like footwear. Commercial motorcylists have also turned the feet of the bridge into major parks.
A resident of Ashipa, Mr. Lukman Mudasiru, said the bridge was constructed some 20 years ago.
“But before then, we used to tread the water or practically swim to cross over to the other side, even though, it was deep. Only the brave could try it then. Many people would pull off their clothes and put them on their heads to prevent them from getting wet,” he said.
Mudasiru said the other option was to spend a much longer time to reach a community just across the swamp, adding that the infamous bad roads in the area has continued to give the bridge relevance. According to him, the bridge also serves people coming from or going as far as Ogun State from Lagos.
He said, “The bridge has opened up this area and aided development. The route is shorter for people working in Ikeja or even Lagos Island and living in far distances like Ejigbo, Olorunisola and Ishefun. Instead of spending hours going through Ayobo-Ipaja, which has very bad roads, they come through here.
“Even people living in places as far as Ota, Aiyetoro and Lafenwa in Ogun State or returning there after work pass through here. The only problem is that it’s a pedestrian bridge; we need one that will accommodate cars.”
Human traffic is often busy on the bridge, especially during peak hours. A number of beggars, also attracted by the number of users, sit on the bridge to solicit help.
The bridge is open between 4 and 12am everyday and has a gatehouse, where users pay tolls. It is understood that the bridge ought to open officially between 5am and 11.30pm, but for the pressure of users who wake up early to beat the morning traffic. So, electric bulbs supported by wooden stands and cables run the length of the bridge to provide light when it is dark.
“The bridge is always busy and there is a generator which is used to power the bulbs, so we see one another at night,” added Mudasiru.
But not everyone shared Mudasiru’s enthusiasm for the bridge.
Another resident, Alani Ogunlade, said the situation could get tricky for someone who could not afford the toll.
He said, “It’s not every time that people have money to pass, so sometimes, it can cause a serious issue. Some could decide to stay at home while some would want to force their way through.”
The traditional ruler of Ashipa, Baale Ayemojuba of Ashipaland, Chief Mudasiru Amusa, was even less enthusiastic about having a toll bridge within his community. He said the community had laid planks on the swamp before the bridge construction, but, however, admitted the overwhelming volume of the water, particularly during rainy seasons.
Amusa said he often suffers “heartaches” seeing his people being tolled on the way to and from their community.
He said, “It saddens me every time to see my people suffer like that, having to pay each time they leave the community or come in, but there is nothing I can do. I pity people who have to pay N60 to leave their home and come back and even spend more when they need to go out more than once.
“What we want is for the government to come in and build a concrete bridge for us so that people can enjoy the service without being ripped off. The queue in the morning on the bridge is massive. Many of such bridges are springing up in Lagos now. Many people are going into the business because of the huge profit in it. All the people working there (at the bridge) have grown big tummies.”
The bridges are either directly managed or contracted out to someone under an agreement to remit a certain amount daily to the investor.
It was learnt that Ashipa toll bridge was contracted out and investigation showed that about N250,000 is being remitted daily by the managers to the investor.
“About three years ago, it was N180,000 that was being remitted daily but today, it’s around N250,000. The police also come on Fridays to get their share from the managers,” a source close to the managers of the bridge, said.
However, the workers at the bridge declined to comment, insisting that the manager was not around.
Normally, the operation of the pako toll bridges involves identifying the communities in need of a linkage, usually separated by water or swamp, buying the land from the land speculators (omo onile) and putting the construction in place. Then the bridges have to be periodically maintained to prevent any mishap.
Investigation showed that one of the major wooden materials needed in large quantities for the bridge construction are the 4 by 2 hardwood and the 4 by 12 ft plank, locally called ‘Eki’ wood. It is said to be the best under the circumstance because it grows in water.
There have been reported cases of disputes over control and ownership of some of the bridges, particularly when the investor has to deal with more than one family (omo onile) in the process of buying the land or when too many people are involved in its operation.
A classical case is the multi-use wooden transit bridge at Lanre, which could accommodate automobiles. Some parts of the bridge appeared to be badly depressed, giving motorists undulating rides.
Investigation showed that the bridge was being managed by Mr. Oladipo Omojolowo, but that there was a dispute over its ownership and control, which were said to be in court.
The Chairman, United Ifesowapo Community Development Area and aggregate Chairman of Igando New Town CDAs, Mr. Sanni Thomas, said the dispute was responsible for the poor maintenance of the bridge.
He said, “The person managing the bridge now doesn’t want to fix the bridge since the case is in court and no one knows what the outcome will be.”
Thomas added that the idea of putting the bridge had sounded noble to community members, but that eight years on, the community had experienced more pains than gains.
He said, “Ordinarily, it could have been a very good business and it could have helped the community. Initially, what they (investors) told the community was that they wanted to link the road so that our children could go to school on the other side. So, the initial impression was that it would benefit the community but we’re not benefiting from it. The bridge brings a lot of traffic to the community that sometimes, we can’t even get into our own houses.
“The traffic damages our road quickly and it’s the CDA that’s taking care of the road without any support from the people collecting tolls from the bridge. It’s the same community that’s paying the security men patrolling the area and overseeing the bridge as well. It’s wrong that they toll the people and make so much from the community, and yet, can’t assist with grading the roads in the community. And the development and markets we thought it would bring did not happen; people don’t stop here, they go straight to Lanre. Same for the commercial motorcyclists.”
Also, Thomas said that vehicles sometimes fall off the bridge inside the swamp, spending days before they are removed.
Another resident on Sanni Thomas Street leading to the bridge, David Adigun, called on the government to “come to the aid of the community and construct a proper bridge.”
Enforcement seemed to be harder on the multi-use pako bridges since the attendants have to deal with pedestrians, motorists, motorcyclists and tricycle riders.
It was observed that to enforce payment of tolls, particularly from motorists and motorcyclists, attendants often had to close the gate to stop stubborn vehicle owners from passing through.
A mild drama ensued when a woman who identified herself as Alhaja Rasida, refused to pay for her children, none of who was older than seven years old. She insisted that she would not pay “a kobo” more than the N260 she was willing to pay for herself and two adults in the vehicle.
She later told Saturday PUNCH after about five minutes of having a tussle with the attendants, which she won. “How could they say they would collect N90 on these little children too? It’s N200 for a vehicle and N30 for each occupant apart from the driver, but I’d never agree to pay an additional N90 on these little children. The money is too much; it’s killing us. What kind of rubbish is that? Who gave them the rubbish permission to stand here and collect money?”
A source in the community said the bridge generates about N400,000 daily.
However, a lady at the office of Omojolowo, which was in the neighbourhood, said her boss was “not in town at the moment.”
Many owners and managers of the toll bridges live big in their communities. For instance, residents said Omojolowo’s house and office, which sit opposite each other on Oladipo Omojolowo Street, Igando New Town, easily dwarf other buildings on the street.
Residents, meanwhile, said Omojolowo’s fortune changed about seven years ago when he got into the business.
A resident who did not want to be named, said, “He used to work as a caretaker and later started selling palm-wine. His house was even draped in polythene bags. But things looked up for him when he linked up with others to start the tolling business.”
Meanwhile, a new multi-use pako toll bridge had just opened at Igesu, linking the community to Egan. A source in the area said the owner had invested about N33m in the project.
The bridge was new, so it was firmer and looked much neater, with modern lights to aid visibility for motorists at night.
A resident, Akeem Olawale, said going to Sango, Ogun State, from Egan would not take more than one hour using the bridge, while the other known alternative would not take less than two hours, if the traffic is light.
He said, “The bridge assists us to beat traffic. The road around here is very bad, so if you’re not taking the bridge to Sango, for instance, it will mean going round from Egan through Iyana-Ipaja and that could take close to more than two hours if there is no traffic.”
Efforts to reach the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, in which many of the bridges fall, Mr. Israel Adekunle, were unsuccessful.
He did not answer his phone nor respond to a text message sent to his mobile line.
The State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, however, told our correspondent that private initiatives were an important part of the environment.
He said, “Private initiatives are always necessary in all human endeavours in all societies. That is why there are private hospitals, schools and all others. As long as there are options, private initiatives will always be available.
“Remember, the state is adding to her infrastructure portfolio regularly. Can the deficit be eliminated in a year? No. So we have to keep attacking, which is exactly what the state is doing.”
The tale of toll bridges and roads in Lagos already appears to be twofold. While the wooden bridges on one side, service a section of the state that is largely dominated by modest dwellings, the tolled Lekki-Ikoyi suspension bridge and the Lekki-Epe Expressway are servicing another section believed to be living in more affluence.
For instance, the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge which opened to the public in May 2013, did so amid controversies. Motorists are required to pay N250 toll on each car to use the suspension bridge, which the state government said it had handed over to a concessionaire. The proposal to toll the bridge had generated a prolonged debate by the state lawmakers at a plenary session, but the state government went ahead to open the bridge nonetheless.
Earlier, the controversial tolling on the 49.36km Lekki-Epe Expressway was also stiffly rejected by residents when the first of the toll gates was introduced at the Lekki Admiralty Way area in 2011. The state government claimed that the tolling was necessary because the reconstruction of the road was done under a concession deal with a private company. The controversial agreement signed between the parties was worth N50bn, with motorists paying N120 and N150 as toll on each car and SUV, respectively.
However, the state government recently said it had bought back the deal from the Lekki Concession Company Limited ahead of the 30-year period stipulated in the design, build, operate and transfer concession agreement.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
BMW Scandal: Coscharis gave N112m kickback to aviation minister
According to new reports by Sahara Reporters, the car company that sold the two BMW armored cars to NCAA, gave N112million to aviation minister Stella Oduah as kickbacks. (Kickback is a form of negotiated bribery in which a commission is paid to the bribe-taker for services rendered).
From Sahara Reporters
Even as the minister of aviation began a new spin today that the BMW armored cars purchased by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for her use were done on "hire-purchase", SaharaReporters has unearthed new details about the $1.6 million spent by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to purchase the armored BMW cars for Nigeria's Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.
A highly reliable source has told SaharaReporters that the shady deal for the car was done entirely between Coscharis Motors Limited, a dealership from which the cars were purchased, one of Ms. Oduah’s private firms based in Abuja, and First Bank of Nigeria.
“The NCAA was not even aware of the deal until the minister told them to sign that they had received two BMW cars,” said our source.
After inking the deal, Coscharis Motors, sellers of the highly inflated automobiles, reportedly gave the Aviation Minister more than N112 million as kickbacks. Our source added that Cosmas Maduka, who owns Coscharis Motors, pocked N60 million for each of the two BMW cars.
An official at the NCAA corroborated the information that the agency was largely kept in the dark about the transaction. “We were never privy to the transaction and had not seen the cars even though our head of transport was made to sign the delivery note,” said the source. The agency is under the Ministry of Aviation.
The source added that the agency has still not seen the cars even after the scandal escalated.
SaharaReporters was first to break the news that Ms. Oduah compelled a cash-strapped NCAA to pay for two extravagantly priced bullet-proof BMWs for her personal use. After initially denying our reports, the minister’s spokesman, Joe Obi, admitted that the transaction transpired. Mr. Obi alleged that the purchase was justified because of unspecified threats to the minister’s life. Neither Mr. Obi nor the minister has provided proof of any threats to Ms. Oduah. The minister has not addressed why the NCAA paid a price tag that auto dealers in the US and the UK described as a rip-off. US dealers said that each of the BMW cars should cost no more than $$167,000.
Last week, an official of the NCAA, Fola Akinkuotu, spoke to the media and defended the purchase of the cars. Mr. Akinkuotu said the cars were for the ministry’s protocol pool for use in transporting foreign aviation dignitaries when they visit Nigeria. His explanation conflicted with the original statement by the minister’s spokesman, Mr. Obi. A source at the NCAA disclosed that Mr. Akinkuotu felt tricked into facing the media on the scandal. “He had been told he would only appear beside the embattled minister, who was supposed to speak. Instead, he was asked to speak,” said the source.
Meanwhile, a source at the Presidency said President Goodluck Jonathan was unfazed about the fraud perpetrated by Ms. Stella Oduah, his Aviation Minister. Ms. Oduah and the late former National Security Advisor, General Owoye Azazi, had played significant roles in raising and disbursing money to rig the 2011 presidential elections for Mr. Jonathan. Mr. Jonathan will depart Abuja tomorrow on a weeklong pilgrimage to Israel.
However, SaharaReporters learnt that several ministers and diplomats have registered their displeasure at Mr. Jonathan’s continued retention of Ms. Oduah on his cabinet.
From Sahara Reporters
Even as the minister of aviation began a new spin today that the BMW armored cars purchased by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for her use were done on "hire-purchase", SaharaReporters has unearthed new details about the $1.6 million spent by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to purchase the armored BMW cars for Nigeria's Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.
A highly reliable source has told SaharaReporters that the shady deal for the car was done entirely between Coscharis Motors Limited, a dealership from which the cars were purchased, one of Ms. Oduah’s private firms based in Abuja, and First Bank of Nigeria.
“The NCAA was not even aware of the deal until the minister told them to sign that they had received two BMW cars,” said our source.
After inking the deal, Coscharis Motors, sellers of the highly inflated automobiles, reportedly gave the Aviation Minister more than N112 million as kickbacks. Our source added that Cosmas Maduka, who owns Coscharis Motors, pocked N60 million for each of the two BMW cars.
An official at the NCAA corroborated the information that the agency was largely kept in the dark about the transaction. “We were never privy to the transaction and had not seen the cars even though our head of transport was made to sign the delivery note,” said the source. The agency is under the Ministry of Aviation.
The source added that the agency has still not seen the cars even after the scandal escalated.
SaharaReporters was first to break the news that Ms. Oduah compelled a cash-strapped NCAA to pay for two extravagantly priced bullet-proof BMWs for her personal use. After initially denying our reports, the minister’s spokesman, Joe Obi, admitted that the transaction transpired. Mr. Obi alleged that the purchase was justified because of unspecified threats to the minister’s life. Neither Mr. Obi nor the minister has provided proof of any threats to Ms. Oduah. The minister has not addressed why the NCAA paid a price tag that auto dealers in the US and the UK described as a rip-off. US dealers said that each of the BMW cars should cost no more than $$167,000.
Last week, an official of the NCAA, Fola Akinkuotu, spoke to the media and defended the purchase of the cars. Mr. Akinkuotu said the cars were for the ministry’s protocol pool for use in transporting foreign aviation dignitaries when they visit Nigeria. His explanation conflicted with the original statement by the minister’s spokesman, Mr. Obi. A source at the NCAA disclosed that Mr. Akinkuotu felt tricked into facing the media on the scandal. “He had been told he would only appear beside the embattled minister, who was supposed to speak. Instead, he was asked to speak,” said the source.
Meanwhile, a source at the Presidency said President Goodluck Jonathan was unfazed about the fraud perpetrated by Ms. Stella Oduah, his Aviation Minister. Ms. Oduah and the late former National Security Advisor, General Owoye Azazi, had played significant roles in raising and disbursing money to rig the 2011 presidential elections for Mr. Jonathan. Mr. Jonathan will depart Abuja tomorrow on a weeklong pilgrimage to Israel.
However, SaharaReporters learnt that several ministers and diplomats have registered their displeasure at Mr. Jonathan’s continued retention of Ms. Oduah on his cabinet.
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Builder Accidently get 7 Metals Spikes Shot into Neck(Graphic)
A builder has miraculously survived after a malfunctioning machine he was working on shot seven metal bars straight through his neck. Long Chao was working on a special machine which straightens metal poles, in Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China. But the 40-year-old was left fighting for his life when the machine broke and shot seven of the poles straight out and through his neck. They became firmly lodged between a complex mix of arteries and muscle. He was rushed to hospital where it took doctors six hours of intense surgery to remove the bars. First they carefully cut the bars down, which were all longer than a 30cm ruler. Then they slowly removed them from around the damaged nerves and arteries. Doctor Wang Qing said Long was lucky to escape death. It is still unknown if he has been left paralysed by the incident.
Nigerian News: Boko Haram And Jonathan’s Ineffective State Of Emergency
When President Jonathan announced the state of emergency in three States hardest hit by Boko Haram in May 2013, some of us knew he would be making a difference without distinction.
Our position is not far fetched, given that troops were deployed in a half-hearted measure to the states with enhanced powers, unclear measures, success parameters and specific instructions. Lest we forget, Boko Haram was bred by an interplay of historical, geo-political, economic, religious disaffection with the Nigerian state.
A child of dissatisfaction and ignorance. Is it reasonable to expect a swarm of people bred under economic alienation, layered by religious extremism, to be loyal to the system that has hurt them? A country that abandons its youth cannot be taken seriously. Evidence supports the theory that countries with good governance are increasingly more successful in fighting terrorism.
Nigeria is a fertile ground for terrorism because the government has done more to enable and protect thieves than in ensuring good governance among its constituent parts. Now that we have our own home-grown terror group, the government is investing in knee jerk reactions and misapplied military deployment; leaving leprosy to cure ringworm.
Terrorists do not recruit happy people; they find company among the melancholic and the disillusioned. They are able to recruit young men who harbour legitimate grievances against our amoral leaders and a country that has mortgaged their future and sold them short. After four months, the balance score card for emergency arrangement is unimpressive.
The military expedition is becoming a graduated failure. Militaristic interventions cannot purge this country of Boko Haram. We must drain the Nigerian swamp and get new waters to spring forth. The Commander in-Chief and the Nigerian military must acknowledge the asymmetrical nature of this exercise. We must reckon with the willingness of terrorists to suffer collateral damage and even to pursue tactics specifically designed to cause the deaths of their own people.
The war on terror cannot be won by military putsch. It can only be won with education; education is the only defence for civil liberties. A humanist education innoculates the mind with cultural self-formation. A mind in live culture aspires to a higher life of self-critique and a humane mindset as opposed to a life of conflict based on geography, religion or honour.
That is why they have assumed a layered disdain for education. Boko Haram is not obeying the Shariah when the Prophet Mohammed again said: “Seek knowledge from here unto China”. Unfortunately, Northern Muslim children spent too much time on religious education while children in the South, where Western education is taken seriously, pulls ahead in terms of development. The North and lovers of Nigeria as a united entity must rise up and save us from eventual ruin. This monster must be destroyed before it consumes all of us. They must embrace a determined change in mentality, morality and leadership. Our leaders cannot continue with self-interest alone.
We must build our society on justice, equity and equality; and not self-interest. A new Nigeria must be constructed where all ethnic groups are treated as equals. Northern leaders must wake up and do the right thing for once. They must fashion a way out of Almajirci, educate their people and spend less time teaching religion and more time teaching science. In addition to education, intelligence gathering and interpretation of threats will help contain terror.
At the root of the Boko Haram menace is the continued failure of the intelligence community to understand the role of the average family and how it works. In Nigeria, there are very specific cultural and ethnic differences across our geographic space making the gathering and interpretation of intelligence difficult. Boko Haram foot soldiers understand these structures and know how to mobilise, motivate and use them to their advantage.
To get out of our security nightmare, our government must have a clear agenda in fighting terrorism. We must know that good governance is central to the effective administration of the nation’s resources, the rule of law, a vibrant private sector and a strong civil society. If we do not put these in place, there can be no successful anti terrorist program. We have seen how the response to an attack has become more damaging than the attack because the civil service has been infiltrated by cronyism and rank nepotism. Our armed forces and security services battle readiness and crisis mitigation is usually uncoordinated and ineffective.
Boko Haram is what you get for the economic, social and security consequences of poor governance. Despite trillions of dollars spent on security, we are yet to have an effective band of first responders skilled in basic security procedures with the necessary command, control, management skills and the tactical knowledge to be in a position to counter a terrorist threat at the operational and tactical level.
The battered communities distrust our soldiers because they are not trained to respond to terrorist attacks in a measured manner and our security services have no real training on intelligence gathering and interpretation. In the fight against terrorism, the dynamics of the situation in the North must be carefully studied with a view to reigning it in.
For Nigeria to be safe again, there must be the political will to confront terror. Again, I fear our leaders are not ready to stop doing stupid things. If my fear is well founded, Boko Haram and its many variants will be with us for some time to come. We live in perilous times. Nothing is black and white anymore. We must go back to the drawing board and do the heavy lifting. We must right the wrongs to purge Boko Haram and live peaceable lives.
By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Nigerian News: UK to send hundreds of 267 Nigerian prisoners home(Full Story).
Hundreds of Nigerian criminals will be sent home to serve out prison sentences under a deal set to be struck by ministers within weeks.
Talks are continuing into reaching a compulsory prisoner transfer agreement, which could see more than half of the 534 criminals from Nigeria currently in UK jails repatriated.
UK Prisons Minister, Jeremy Wright, told MailOnline how ‘more foreign prisoners must serve their sentences in their own countries.’
Ministers have been ordered to step up efforts to end the scandal of more than one in eight prisoners being from overseas.
British Prime Minister, David Cameron vowed to end the practice of the British taxpayer picking up the bill for criminals with no business in the UK.
The Prime Minister said in 2010 that he would ‘personally intervene’ to send more foreign criminals home.
Britain has even made clear it would pay to build new prisons in countries like Nigeria to speed up the process of sending foreign criminals home. Up to £1m has been promised to upgrade Nigerian jails, including a new wing at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos.
But to date little progress has been made. When the coalition was formed there were 11,135 foreign prisoners in UK jails, and this figure has fallen by just three per cent since to 10,786.
Each felon costs an average of around £40,000 a year to keep inside.
Last week it was announced that notorious Liberian warlord Charles Taylor is to serve his 50-year sentence for war crimes in the UK.
A prisoner-transfer agreement was struck with Albania earlier this year to ‘free up space in prisons here and reduce the cost to the British taxpayer’.
It was the first major bilateral prisoner transfer agreement with a country outside the European Union.
There were around 250 Albanians in UK jails in June this year.
But securing an agreement with Nigeria would be seen as a much more significant breakthrough.
Latest figures show there were 534 Nigerian nationals in British jails, 485 men and 49 women.
Nigerians account for one in 20 of all foreign prisoners, putting the country fifth in the league table of nations whose citizens have been jailed in the UK.
Justice Minister Mr. Wright said, “I am clear that more foreign prisoners must serve their sentences in their own countries.
“That is why we are currently working with the Nigerian Government on a compulsory prisoner transfer agreement to increase the number of prisoners who are transferred.
“Legislation allowing Nigeria to enter such an arrangement was passed earlier this year by the Nigerian Parliament. We are now working with them on the text of a final agreement.”
Overflowing jails abroad have made it increasingly difficult to deport prisoners to their own country.
It is argued that by paying for building new jails or making existing ones more ‘comfortable’ so they approach British standards, will be repatriated.
Deal: David Cameron, who promised to help Nigeria improves its jails, hopes to strike a deal with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan
Deal: David Cameron, who promised to help Nigeria improves its jails, hopes to strike a deal with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan
In April Mr. Cameron said, “When people are sent to prison in the UK we should do everything we can to make sure that if they’re foreign nationals, they are sent back to their country to serve their sentence in a foreign prison.
“And I’m taking action in Government to say look we have strong relationships with all of the countries where these people come from.
“Many are coming from Jamaica, many from Nigeria, many from other countries in Asia.
“We should be using all of the influence we have to sign prisoner transfer agreements with those countries. Even if necessary frankly helping them to build prisons in their own country so we can send the prisoners home.”
Nigeria News: How Aviation Minister Stella Oduah Forced The Agency To Spend $1.6 Million On Two BMW Armored Cars!!!
SaharaReporters has obtained documents further exposing the depth of corruption and mismanagement of public funds at Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation headed by Stella Oduah. One of the documents details how Ms. Oduah compelled the cash-strapped Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to purchase two armored BMW cars for the minister. NCAA is the agency charged with ensuring the airworthiness of commercial planes flying within Nigeria’s airspace.
Two officials of the agency told SaharaReporters that the NCAA did not have enough funds to upgrade equipment, send staff for critical training, and hire enough qualified staff. “Yet, all the minister is concerned about is to have two exotic BMW cars from the little money we have for operations,” one of the sources said.
The documents obtained by SaharaReporters indicate that the transaction for the purchase of the two BMW vehicles started in June 2013. However, the request for delivery of and payment for the two vehicles was fast-tracked between August 13 and 15 2013. The transaction involved the NCAA, First Bank of Nigeria, and Coscharis Motors Limited.(Documents)
In a letter dated August 13, 2013, J.D Nkemakolam of the NCAA sent a letter to the Managing Director of Coscharis Motors asking the company to deliver to the NCAA two BMW 760 armored vehicles based on a pro-forma invoice dated June 25, 2013 at the cost of N127, 575,000 ($796,846.21) each. The total amount for the two vehicles came to N255,150,000, or $1,593,687.31. The NCAA’s letter directed Coscharis Motors to deliver the vehicles with sales invoices, delivery notes, and attestation documents.
Our documents reveal that the payment for the vehicles was made into a First Bank of Nigeria account (number 2018912995 with sort code: 0111152303), according to a letter signed by Godwin Umeaka, Coscharis’ group financial controller.
The two black BMW Li HSS vehicles had chases numbers WBAHP41050DW68032 and WBAHP41010DW68044 respectively. The two cars were delivered to the NCAA on August 13, 2013, where it was received by two store managers, F. Onoabhagbe and Y.A. Amzat (who is also the agency’s head of transport). On August 15, 2013, Sola Ogunsakin of the NCAA signed off to certify completion of the transaction.
In an extensive investigation of the Aviation sector after three air mishaps in Nigeria’s airspace, SaharaReporters found a pattern of questionable expenditures authorized by the minister. Several insiders within the aviation industry have told SaharaReporters that Ms. Oduah and President Goodluck Jonathan had focused on the Aviation Ministry as a source for a series of corrupt activities.
“Under Mrs. Oduah, the ministry has carried out many big capital development projects. But what outsiders don’t know is that these projects are being used to divert big amounts into private pockets,” an aviation source said.
Sources disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had investigated several corrupt practices in the aviation sector, but added that the anti-corruption agency never had the backbone to act on their findings due to political pressure from the Presidency.
Several sources at the agency told SaharaReporters that they were not aware of the whereabouts of the two BMW cars. Some of the sources stated that the cars were handed to the minister who had converted them to private use.
Several interest groups have been demanding the removal of Ms. Oduah, citing her corrupt tendencies, mismanagement of aviation funds and incompetence. Under her watch, the Nigerian airspace has witnessed several air mishaps that claimed the lives of at least 140 people.
A Presidency source told SaharaReporters that Ms. Oduah still retains the confidence of President Jonathan. She is a close associate of Mr. Jonathan, serving as the treasurer who handled funds for the Jonathan campaign during the 2011 presidential election. She also co-chaired the campaign group known as Neighbor-To-Neighbor.
Nigerian News: Igbo Deportees sue Lagos State Govt for N1 BILLION!!!
The 76 destitute persons, who were deported by the Lagos State Government and dumped on the Upper Iweka Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State on July 24, 2013, have dragged the Lagos State Government to a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
The suit was filed by seven of the deportees: Nnenna Ogbonna, Joseph Aniebonam, Osondu Mbuto, Osondu Agwu, Emily Okoroariri, Friday Ndukwe and Onyeka Ugwu as the applicants, on behalf of the 76 others, while the Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State are the respondents.
In the motion filed by their lawyer, Ugo Ugwunnadi, the applicants asked the court to declare that they, as Nigerian citizens were entitled to the enjoyment of their fundamental rights as provided for in Sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.
The applicants are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, workers and officers from their further deportation or refusing them free entry into Lagos and free exit there from, as well as an order mandating the respondents to tender a written apology to them by publishing the apology in three national newspapers continuously for 30 days, from the date of the first publication, for unlawful and gross violation of their constitutional rights.
The deportees are also seeking a declaration of the court that their arrest and detention in various camps within Lagos state for no offence known to law and without trial and conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, amounted to a serious breach of their rights as provided for in the relevant sections of the constitution.
The suit was brought as a motion on notice pursuant to Order 11, Rule 1&2 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure Rules), 2009, Sections 34 (1) (A), 35, 40, 45 (1), 42 (1), 46 (1) and 6 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended; Articles 5, 6 and 12 of African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
They also sought an order of the court to declare that their deportation from Lagos State to Anambra State on July 24, amounted to a gross violation of their rights and a breach of the provisions of the 1999 constitution, as amended, adding that the court should mandate the first respondent to re-absorb and accommodate the applicants within Lagos State since they were Nigerian citizens and were entitled to reside in any part of the country including Lagos State.
Also, the applicants noted that the issue for determination is whether the action of the respondents in arresting, detaining and their subsequent deportation from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra state was justified in law, in view of the supreme provisions of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria.
The hearing, which will be presided over by Justice Anumogobia, is set to begin on January 29, 2014.
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Monday, 14 October 2013
Nigerian News: Group wants Abacha’s former aide, Al-Mustapha, appointed EFCC chairman
A group, the Northern Emancipation Network, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to reinforce his administration’s war against corruption by appointing Hamza Al Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late dictator, Sani Abacha, as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The group made the call at a press conference addressed by its Coordinator, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, who described Mr Al-Mustapha as a ‘brave, fearless and honest intelligence officer’ capable of taking the administration’s corruption war to the desired level.
“While we commend Mr President’s committed war against corruption, we advise him to reinforce the EFCC with an equally committed and dedicated head like Major Hamza Al Mustapha who is capable of moving the graft war to the desired level,” he said.
The group said corrupt politicians particularly the “bankrupt northern political leadership” are already jittery with the release of Mr Al Mustapha from prison after 14 years of incarceration.
According to the group, even after going through 14 years of unjust persecution in the hands of these people, Mr Al-Mustapha is not an officer known to harbour vengeance and will therefore carry out the corruption war unbiased without fear or favour.
“Driven by a burning desire to reinvent Nigeria and it’s battalion of neglected and deprived young people, Al-Mustapha could fearlessly confront the embarrassing official corruption in the country and bring it to its knees,” Mr Suleiman said.
Mr Al-Mustapha was in charge of the safety of Mr Abacha, reputed as one of Nigeria’s most corrupt leaders who stole the country blind, stashing away billions of dollars in foreign accounts.
The former CSO was arrested after Mr Abacha’s death in 1998, and was recently released after 14 years in jail. Army authorities say he remains in service as a Major.
Under the EFCC law, the commission’s chairman must be a serving or retired member of any government security or law enforcement agency, and must not be below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent.
The person should also possess not less than 15 years cognate experience. Past and serving heads of the commission were drafted from the police.
Nigerian News: 40 terrorists killed as military averts attacks in Borno
Following the preparations for the Eid El Kabir Sallah celebrations an intelligent report made available to the men of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri has averted what could have been a twin coordinated attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in Konduga and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno state.
Bama is about 75 kilometres away from Maiduguri where unspecified number of terrorists at Izza villages near Bama town were killed last week by the Division troops while 5 Hilux vehicles mounted with anti -air craft guns conveying the terrorists with 18 seater bus with suspected foodstuff belonging to them were destroyed before their mission to launch a deadly attack in Bama.
Konduga is about 40 kilometres away from Maiduguri Metropolis which also witnessed a deadly attack on some muslim faithful while performing their morning prayers in a mosque in the town last month killing over 40 people.
The Sunday aborted twin attacks by suspected terrorists our correspondent gathered was based on intelligent report available to the military troops that over 100 Boko Haram sect members had mobilized in a nearby bush close to Bama town with sophisticated weapons to attack Bama and Konduga local government areas of the state on Monday morning (today).
It was learnt that when the terrorists have all gathered and were about to move to Bama and Konduga which shared the same common boarder, men of the 7 Division who had an intelligent report ambushed them with Armoured Patrol Tankers and RPG guns killing about 40 of them, after recovering the terrorists’s arms and ammunitions.
A Security Source who is not authorised to speak to the Press confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Maiduguri.
He said, “yes there was an averted twin deadly attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Bama and Konduga Council areas of Borno state.
” Information available to my office from my officers and men indicated that over hundred terrorists were ambushed by security operatives based on intelligent report near Bama town and that unspecified number of the terrorists were killed using bombs and our sophisticated weapons”. He stated.
He said that the killed terrorists were on a deadly mission to launch a twin attacks in Bama and Konduga councils, but luck run out of them as most of them were killed by security operatives based on information that hundreds of terrorists suspected to be coming out from their camps in Sambiza Game Forests were sighted by some good samaritans before the military stroke on them and killed quiet a number of them with the recovery of arms and ammunitions in their possession.
Due to lact of telecommunication service for the past four months in Borno, both the acting Spokesman of the 7 Division, Captain Aliyu Danja and the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gidoen Jubrin could not be reached for confirmation as at the time of going to Press. End.
Nigerian News: Man allegedly murders wife with acid in Anambra(viewers discretion.)
33 year old man is on the run after murdering his wife with acid. On Friday October 11th, a man named Sunday Eze from Obiofia Nnewichi Nnewi in Anambra State, went to his father-in-law's house at Edoji Uruagu to see his estranged wife, 23 year old Ebere Eze (Nee Agwuncha) who had moved back to her father's house after falling out with her husband. The victim's in-law said Sunday came to the house that Friday and claimed he had recently bought new plots of land he wanted his wife to see. He managed to convince Ebere to go with him to go see the land. As they approached Oraifite/Ichi axis in Ekwusigo Local Government, Sunday Eze turned on his wife and attacked her. He beat her with iron and poured acid on her. He then forced some of the acid down her throat.
The lady's screams attracted some policemen who were passing by the area but by then, her attacker was long gone. The policemen rushed her to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi where she later died.
According to the victim's in-law Sunday called his wife's family yesterday Sunday 13th demanding for forgiveness for what he did, but not really saying why he attacked his wife so viciously. Sunday Eze is wanted by the Nigerian police. See the graphic pic(viewers discretion.)
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