Lawmaker demands release of detained legislative aides

A member of Kogi State House of Assembly, Idris Ndako, has expressed concern over the continued detention of some legislative aides and called for their immediate and unconditional release from police detention.

Ndako condemned what he said was the illegal arrest and detention of four legislative aides on account of disrupting the sitting of the House members last week, adding that they were their legislative aides and were arrested at Crusher Village while waiting for their principals who resumed on Thursday.

The lawmaker told journalists in Lokoja that the workers were standing beside the cars of their principals when the police swooped on them and took them away.
He said, “That is why we keep telling the police to work with their own intelligence, and not rely on the one given to them by some people. They have been giving the police wrong information with the intention to destroy the G15.

“The security forces do not have credible information, that is why they arrested wrong people.

“Imagine, the police claimed that the four men our suspected to have come to disrupt our sitting. How can my Personal Assistant who drove me to the assembly complex turn to be a thug?

“After all, our sitting that day was peaceful. Except that the police wanted to lock us out. The police must have acted on a script.”

The Kogi State Police Command had on Thursday disclosed that it has arrested four suspected thugs at Kogi Assembly complex.

While parading the suspects at Command headquarters in Lokoja, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Yakubu Usman, said he had a distress call that thugs have invaded the House Assembly.

Usman stated that it is responsibility of the police to protect lives and property of the people of the state.

One of those arrested, Abdullahi Bako, said he is the Personal Assistant to Ndako, who is representing Lokoja II constituency.

Bako confirmed that they were arrested at Crusher Village where his principal parked his car.

Others arrested along with him are Alhaji Abdullah Yakubu, Adams Danladi, Maukudi Musa and Ibrahim Abdullah.

Soldiers invade Tompolo’s town Kurutie

SOLDIERS swooped on Kurutie (Little London), another community in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, ‎in six gunboats at about 4.30 am, today (Monday) , hunting for members of the Niger Delta Avengers. The residents were asleep when they came, but many scampered into the bush when heard the sound of the gunboats. The soldiers, who quickly cordoned the community, embarked on a house to house search. “I am looking at the soldiers from a hideout in the bush, they are going from house to house. We know their tactics, so we ran away when they landed this morning at the jetty in the town, belonging to Tompolo’s father,” an informant told Vanguard on phone at abot 5.30am. File: Soldiers in the creeks Tompolo has repeatedly denied having any link with the Niger Delta Avengers, but the military seemed to disbelieve him , and were chasing him. It was gathered that Tompolo’s father was not in Kurutie when soldiers stormed the town this morning, but an over 70-year-old man, simply identified as Do Good Ikekama, is among the citizens allegedly molested and forced to take the soldiers around some homes. Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, who spoke to Vanguard at about 6.00 am, confirmed the siege to Kurutie. He said that despite‎ the appeal by the Gbaramatu monarch, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, to the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (retd) that the soldiers should be professional in their duties, they were still harassing people. However, the soldiers, according to reports, left the community at about 6.30am ‎.

Civil Defence uncovers 2 bomb-making factories in Maiduguri

The Borno State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) on Sunday discovered two bomb-making factories in Dikwa. The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the disclosure in an interview in Maiduguri. Abdullahi said that the factories were discovered during a patrol by men of the command in collaboration with the troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army. “In an effort to comply with the directives of the Ministerial Committee on Resettlement of Liberated Towns by the military, NSCDC had deployed its personnel to Dikwa and are working hand in hand with the military. “This collective effort has therefore, led to the discovery of two major bomb making factories in two abandoned houses. “Our Detection and Bomb Disposal Unit, Intelligence and Detective Operation Unit in collaboration with the troops of 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army have since neutralised some of the live IEDs. “Some IEDs making equipment, gas cylinders and a jet bomb propeller were discovered and handed over to the brigade command. “Men of the command also discovered 114 live machine gun ammunition along Dikwa-Mafa road just after Shehuri Village that was abandoned by the insurgents,’’ Abdullahi said. NAN recalls that the command had deployed about 200 men to Boko Haram liberated communities, including Dikwa, Munguno, Nganzai, Chibok and Askira Uba Local Government Areas of the state.

Ambode launches N500m

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has launched a N500million Disability Trust Fund for physically challenged persons.

He said the fund was in line with provisions of Section 12 of the Special People’s Law and called on individuals, corporate organisations, Non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to support the fund to maximise the disabilities of challenged persons.

Ambode, who spoke at an event held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, tagged ‘Ability in Disability’, said he chose to celebrate Democracy Day with persons living with disabilities.

He said that the decision to host them was not only in line with the commitment to run an all-inclusive government but to emphasise his pledge to give every individual a voice in his administration.


He said the event afforded them the opportunity to showcase their talents just as he enjoined Nigerians to encourage and show love rather than pity them.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to appeal to all Lagosians to embrace people living with disabilities. Do not discriminate against them. All they require is care, support and opportunity to live a fulfilled and productive life just like any of us,” he said.

The Buhari anniversary, We’ve never suffered like this before says baba tope.

Chief Ebenezer Babatope came to national renown as one of the closest disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in the Second Republic when he served as Director of Organisation of defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN. He eventually served as Minister of Transport in the Sanni Abacha administration and is currently a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT. In this interview, he assesses the first anniversary of the Muhammadu Buhari regime, saying that even while it is making it progress in some fronts, that the administration should dispense the milk of human kindness in some of its seemingly harsh policies. Babatope also assesses the leadership issues in his party at the national and at the South-West regional levels, affirming that it is to everyone’s relief that Senator Modu Sheriff has been shown the exit as national chairman. He also scoffs at the assumptions that Senator Buruji Kashamu is the leader of the party in the South-West. One year into the Buhari-led administration, what do you think has changed for Nigerians? Well, Buhari has done well in his anti-corruption crusade, even though I am one of those who believe that he has been pursuing selective justice. We all know that he is one who has not stolen any money, but I want him to correct himself that there can no be selective justice in Nigeria. Second, we found that those who have been having the sledge hammer, are those who should have suffered such. Femi-Fani Kayode is one of them. I am not clear in my mind why they should pick Femi-Fani Kayode, he did his job as a spokesperson of the PDP during the campaign elections, he would not use stones to work. So, I want Buhari to change his style. Buhari has shown himself to be a man of probity and a man of integrity, but he should change his style so that Nigerians will stop suffering the way they are suffering now. You are requesting him to change his style, how? He should address his mind to the plight of the common man; the common man in Nigeria is suffering. I am telling you authoritatively, there is hunger in town and it is difficult for those at the top to know what is happening. He should be told and I am sure they must have told him that Nigerians are suffering. He should direct his energy and integrity towards solving the plight of Nigerians because that suffering is too much. But some people would disagree with you arguing that the present harsh conditions were caused by your party, the PDP. Well, he should go ahead and establish his probe. I want to be honest with you, even though we are suffering; we have never encountered this kind of suffering before. This kind of suffering is a different one because every Nigerian is affected. They are asking us to pay N145 to buy a litre of petroleum, how many Nigerians can afford that? I agree with him on the removal of the oil subsidy; it is good and courageous for him to have done that. But to buy petrol for N145 is a crime against humanity and nobody will support that. What will lead to peace in your party? Senator Ali Modu Sheriff came in as a stranger to our party, and I told him that many of us never supported him. But given the separate court orders who do you think is the authentic national chairman of the PDP? The authentic chairman of the party is the man the convention in Port Harcourt, picked, that is Senator Ahmed Markafi, who is to be supported by the other committee members so chosen. Makarfi is chairman because the convention is the highest organ in the land as regards to PDP. What it says is final. The convention met in Port Harcourt and appointed Markafi as chairman. Like I said, Sheriff has no business in our party, and we thank God that he has gone, and he is gone for good. How will the issue of factions in some chapters of the party be resolved? The caretaker committee of the party will deal with that because in 90 days’ time, we shall be meeting as a party at a convention that has the support of everybody. The caretaker will deal with that, and we are going to deal with all the anomalies. Having said so, who do you think is the best person to reposition the party when the convention is held? We have been fighting for the chairmanship of the party to be returned to the Southwest. The chairman of the party should come from the Southwest because the Southwest has not produced the chairman of the party since the party came into existence. I am championing the case of Bode George because he has experience as a deputy national chairman of the party. That is why I believe that Bode George can lead the PDP. When Obasanjo was leaving office, they all proposed that Bode George should be made the chairman of the party, but Obasanjo used hanky-panky to stop that, but now, the coast is clear. He has the experience, and he will be able to counter the APC chairman. Don’t forget that Bode George and Buhari were in the military before; they will know how to handle themselves. Do you think this is possible considering the fact that Senator Kashamu Buruji is making efforts at emerging the leader of the party in the Southwest? (Laughs) I have nothing against Senator Buruji Kashamu, he is a young man, he has money, he has dollars, but if he wants to get to the top, he can do so, by ensuring that he recognises the elders. Nobody fights with the elders and wins. He is a young man, what is he looking for? If he plays the game very well, why not? He has never said that to me, I wish him the best of luck, but he cannot be the leader of the elders, he cannot be a leader.ruba land, he has to learn how to respect age, maturity and experience.

Ambode, Ajomale seek bilateral relations with Russia

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and the State Chairman All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Henry Ajomale, yesterday, said the country need to strengthen its ties with Russia to revamp the country’s economy especially in power supply. Gov Ambode They spoke at the 2016 Alumni Congress of SOYUZNIC Alumni Association of Nigeria, a body of Nigerian Graduates trained in the former Soviet Union and Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS) in Lagos. They noted that the nation would need to rely heavily on Russia’s expertise in its quest to diversify the economy. Ambode said ” Bilateral cooperation between Russia and Nigeria is blessed with huge potential in every avenue. However of special interest and attention is the economy. Specific opportunities abound for cooperation in energy, infrastructure projects, metallurgy and mining. “The fate of Ajaokuta metallurgy plant built with the assistance of Soviet Union has been widely spoken about . Over a thousand Soviet and three thousand Nigerian specialists worked on the construction of that plant. “ I would like to state clearly that the Russian company, ‘Tyazhpromexport’, which built the Ajaokuta plant has already declared readiness to join in the process of the plant restoration , to carry out a technical audit and work out plans for resuscitating the steel plant,” he added. The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr. Kehinde Joseph, noted that aluminium production which has remained a burning issue of the day, especially in Akwa Ibom where legal tussle had stopped Alscon plant from functioning, noting that since ownership right is shared by Russian company resolving the issues involved to start operation will help to create more jobs for teeming Nigerians. “Nuclear energy is another area with good prospects for cooperation. Several years ago, an agreement on the construction power plants in Nigeria was signed. This is a long and complex process, which must be preceded by the creation of the requisite legal and economic frameworks and training of specialists in the sphere of atomic power,” he said. Also, Ajomale said the theme of the congress which is “Harnessing the potential of Nigeria Graduates of Higher institutions of former USSR States,” is unique , saying it will bring all Soyuznic in Nigeria and Diaspora to the forefront of the country’s for national development. He added that, “There are a lot of expertise that the Russians had gotten over many years and they have perfected it .They have expertise in virtually everything in the old Soviet Union and in Russia and if we can tap into it, it will be better for Nigeria.”

Army arrests suspected members of Niger Delta Avengers

The suspects

As part of efforts by the Federal Government to check the spate of renewed attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Army has arrested 10 suspected members of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.

The suspects were said to have been arrested at about 1:40am on Saturday in Oporaza community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, following a search conducted in the community.

Some oil installations in the region have been vandalised by militants suspected to be members of the Niger Delta Avengers, threatening the production and supply of oil and gas in the country.

The Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier-General Farouk Yahaya, who paraded the suspects on Sunday in Benin, the Edo State capital, said there had been cases of sabotage by suspected militants and vandals in Delta State since January 1, 2016 and threats “to shut down all operations” in the sector.

He noted that several items were recovered from the arrested suspects.

They include 28 detonator cords (also known Detonator 33), one pistol, two pistols, 196 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, one round of nine-millimetre ammunition, a live cartridge and five daggers.

Also recovered were 15 handheld radio sets, 18 phones, 203 SIM cards belonging to three major network providers, five swimsuits, two headlamps, a laptop, two ipads and a camera.

Others are seven wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, five speedboat throttle cables, six pairs of hand gloves, the sum of N23,000 cash and a cheque book.

He said that although investigation would reveal the true identity of the suspects, recent explosions carried out by the Niger Delta Avengers suggested that the arrested suspects might not be unconnected to the group.

He added, “Within the period under review, you can see that the Niger Delta Avengers have claimed virtually all acts of criminal activities against oil and gas and they continue threatening a shutdown of the whole sector. So, most likely, they (suspects) will be the people, who else would they be?

On the speculation that the militants might have adopted the use of charms to evade arrest, Yahaya said, “Whatever a person wants to use, he can use it. But I know that God is always on the side of the truth.

“We are not worried by voodoo. It did not stop the suspects from being arrested and others that have been arrested before now.”

“Operations that led to these arrests and recoveries were conducted professionally, guided by our mandate, operation orders, code of conduct and rules of engagement. Our operations are strictly targeted against perpetrators of all criminal acts in our area of responsibility and not innocent citizens,” he added.

The brigade commander, who noted that the suspects would be handed over to prosecuting security agencies at the end of preliminary investigation called on the general public to provide the Army with relevant information on militant groups to assist it to combat criminal elements in the interest of the country.

Military rescued 11,595 B’Haram captives under me –Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday disclosed that the military had so far rescued 11,595 persons held captive by the Boko Haram sect between May 29, 2015 when he was inaugurated and February 2016.

He said since December 2015, the military had regained all territories hitherto occupied by the sect.

These were contained in a document tagged “Fact sheet on President Muhammadu Buhari’s first year in office” made available to journalists by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The document highlighted the achievements of the administration under categories such as security, anti-corruption war, economy, power, environment and judiciary among others.

The statement read in part, “The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.

“As of February 2016, the total number of persons rescued by the Nigerian troops during the ongoing operations in the North-East came to 11,595.

“Since December 2015, the well-motivated and rejuvenated Nigerian military have regained all Nigerian territories previously under Boko Haram control.”

According to the document, the present administration prioritised regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism, through the operations of the 8,500 strong Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, currently headed by a Nigeria military general.

It added that Nigeria has provided $21m to the Task Force since June 2015 and is committed to an additional $79m, bringing the total of Nigeria’s commitment to the Task Force to $100m.

Another major stride of the administration, the statement stated, is the Trans National Organised Crime where the President reportedly got partnership with regional allies in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

On anti-corruption war, the statement said although the campaign was gaining ground with several high profile cases already in the courts, the administration is being guided by the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption cases.

It said Buhari enlisted the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, security agencies, Western countries and other friendly nations to locate and repatriate stolen assets.

“In March 2016, the Federal Government and the Swiss Government signed a Letter of Intent on the Restitution of Illegally-Acquired Assets forfeited in Switzerland.

“Under the agreement, Switzerland will repatriate $321m illicitly acquired by the Gen. Sani Abacha family.

“In March 2016, the Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser from 2011 to 2015 announced the recovery of over N7bn from indicted companies and individuals,” the statement added.

On economy, the government said the implementation of the Treasury Single Account has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. It said between June 2015 and April 2016, the Federal Government’s TSA collection clocked N3trn.

“To further instill fiscal discipline, President Buhari directed the closure of all multiple accounts in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, thereby plugging loopholes for leakages with new technology.

“The opaque accounting structure of the NNPC has been reconstructed to be more transparent with the closure of more than 40 accounts.

“As a corporate entity, NNPC is now accountable and more transparent in operations, publishing its monthly financial reports.

“The President also resolved the lingering shadowy oil swap deals that had cost the country billions of dollars and left it at the mercy of a few rich Nigerians.

“To alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in September 2015, President Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to disburse N689.5bn as bailout to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries.

“To stimulate the economy and reduce poverty, in April, 2016, President Buhari approved deferment in the payment of the bailout as states were still reeling under the burden of the fall in commodity prices.

“Records of more than 34,000 ghost workers draining the nation’s resources were expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29bn monthly,” it added.

On power, the government said it agreed to a 50 million Euro (about N11.15bn) loan agreement with the French government for capacity-building and upgrade of power training facilities in Nigeria.

Five Policemen declared missing in Rivers

Five policemen attached to the Rivers State Police Command are feared missing after an ambush by gunmen on the Okujagu waterways in Okrika Local Government Area, last Wednesday.

The command Friday declared them missing and set up a panel to investigate the circumstances of their disappearance.

It announced the arrest of 53 suspects in connection with the disappearance of the policemen.

THE Rivers State Police Command on Friday declared five policemen missing after an ambush by unknown gunmen on Wednesday at Okujagu waterways in Okrika Local Government Area.


Spokesman for the police command, Mr. Ahmad Muhammad, said in a statement that the policemen were on an official mission to the area when they unexpectedly came under gun attack.

“The policemen went to Okujagu community on a routine police inquiry when they were ambushed by unknown gunmen before they could disembark from the boat that ferried them, they were bombarded with a barrage of heavy gunfire which forced them to scamper for cover,” he said.

Six policemen, comprising two inspectors and four other officers initially got missing but one – Inspector Aferuan Imoukhuede – was rescued a day after.

The police spokesman said: “Sting operations by the command are still on the top gear to rescue the remaining five missing policemen. Fifty-three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently undergoing interrogation.”

He said the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Kimo, had set up a “high-powered” investigative panel headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation Department, to unravel the circumstances surrounding the entire incident.

I’m resolute in finding Chibok girls say Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said Friday that he remained committed to the finding of the over 200 Chibok girls seized in April 2014 by the terror sect, Boko Haram.

He said on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration that the recent rescue of Amina Ali Nkeki and Sarah Luka all of Chibok was evidence that government is unwavering in this task.

Represented by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Muhammad Bello, Buhari also called for an end to all forms of abuse and exploitation against the child, including abduction and forced early marriage.

No child or indeed any Nigerian, he said, should be put through the brutality of abduction, violence or forced marriage in whatever form, stressing that every girl has a right to education and choice of life.


He spoke of the urgent need for all stakeholders, including parents and communities at all levels to protect children against any form of violence.

He directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to liaise with other agencies to work out appropriate programmes including actions and measures that would help in tackling violence and abuse against children.

While wishing children happy celebration, the President urged them to be responsible citizens by respecting constituted authorities as well their parents, teachers and elders.

He called on parents to teach their children to live a life of honesty, dedication and love for the country.

In her address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Jumai Alhassan who was also represented at the occasion by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello said that government would not leave any stone unturned in protecting the rights of the children.

I don’t dictate to EFCC, other anti-corruption agencies, says Buhari

President Mohammadu Buhari has said that his government does not interfere with the arrest and prosecutorial activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies in the countries. The president spoke while inaugurating the National Prosecution Coordination Committee, NPCC saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting high profile financial and other criminal cases in the country at the presidential villa, Abuja on Friday. The committee which is headed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami has other 19 members outside the attorney-general. Buhari who spoke through his vice, Professor Yemi Osinabjo at the inauguration however warned the committee to play by the book, eschewing all manners if sentiments and prejudices. He said “When you look at the way that the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies have acted in recent times you will notice that they are not under any kind of direction of influence of the President. “They are given the independence to act; they are given the authority and backing to act in their own and to use their own discretion appropriately at all times. You don’t get any situation where the president says go get that person of back off that person. “It is a very serious responsibility because it also involves making sure that people are treated fairly or that people are not pursued by reason of bias or any other such consideration.” According to him, the committee also has similar powers to that of EFCC as he said “that is the sort of responsibility placed on your own shoulders as well, the responsibility to exercise prosecutorial power independently and without any direction except of course from the learned Attorney-General who is the constitutional and prosecutorial authority in the country.” The president also charged the committee to ensure that the system was fair to all. “When the system is fair everybody buys into it and it is not difficult for people to relate with it and support it”, he added. Explaining that government took into consideration the legal skills and integrity of the committee members when constituting it, the president stated that every prosecuting organ or agent had the responsibility to put in place a system that “we ourselves would not be afraid to be subjected to”. He said : “Given the nature of economic crimes and the enormity sometimes of the money that is involved and the influence of those who may have to be prosecuted, you need more than legal skills. You need men and women of strong character and courage who will not only be able to turn down inducements of any kind but also act without consideration for tribe, friendship, religion or any other parochial considerations. “This is a very important committee because the administration itself is committed to ensuring that we are able to deal with not only question of corruption which is a big item on our agenda but also other economic crimes. Terrorism has assumed different shapes and proportions of late, and the vandalism that we see in parts of the Niger Delta, which has affected so many different things including oil production, power supply. “We are in a very crucial time in our social development and a committee such as this is very necessary and historic because I do not know of any other of such committee in the history of this country,’’ Earlier in his remarks, the Attorney General and Justice Minister said that the committee comprised 12 ex-officio and eight external members of proven integrity and competence. “The aim is to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of high profile criminal cases in Nigeria,’’ the minister said. He added that the committee was not aduplication of the existing anti-corruption agencies, saying it its mandate was to corroborate with the anti-graft agencies for effective services. Other members of the committee included: Mr. Taiwo Abidogun-Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Mr. Dipo Okpeseyi, SAN; Mr. Chukuma Machukwu, SAN; Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption; Mr. M.S. Diri, Director of Prosecution,Ministry of Justice; Mr. Pius Oteh, Esq; Okoi Obono-Obla Esq; Mrs Juliet Ibekaku; Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, Esq; Mr. Kehinde Oginni, Esq; Mr. Salihu Othman Isah-Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to the Attorney-General; Al-Amin Ado Ibrahim, from the Office of the National Security Adviser; Nafiu Yakubu; Tunji Oluborode, Esq; Eric Onokif Ifere Esq; Mrs Diane Okoko; Temitope Adebayo, Esq; DIG Abdulrahman Yusuf, RTD and Sylvester Imhanobe, Esq, Secretary to the Committee.

The PDP must be ‘born-again’

The PDP needs salvation. It can start by changing its image. It cannot allow the perception that it is the party that is soft on corruption linger. It cannot be the party preaching “all have sinned”. It must seek righteousness. But in the meantime it must find some vocal Pharisees. It has too many sin soaked and resigned publicans in the front pews. It should be the party now preaching not just the rule of law but the virtues of accountability and probity. Holier-than- thou is an indispensable disposition for any party in the opposition in a corruption infested country. The PDP got power on a platter. And lived the life of one on whose laps success fell fortuitously. They thought themselves exceptional and gloried in that which chance bestowed on them. They thought they were the greatest party in Africa. They predicted their longevity in power because they were ‘ordained’ to rule . In a religious society, God is in everything. Even rigged elections. The electorate was poor, hungry and desperate. And even Bishops did not put themselves beyond being hired and bought . With hands in the public till and hearts filled with impunity, politicians’ fantasies mushroomed. They had so much to share and they preoccupied themselves with frivolities. Everyone flocked to the umbrella for shade , for succor, for vanity. Disenchanted members always came back before they had finished leaving. No one wanted to be drenched by the rain. Opposition politics in any African country is fraught with risks and frustrations. State institutions, perennially weak and pliable, cannot distinguish between the ruling party and the state. But the tomorrow not foreseen came too soon. The public managed to get fed up with familiar corruption and wastefulness. Crude oil prices slipped in time to make PDP’s prodigality especially conspicuous and repugnant. Amiable and generous PDP. Sixty was devalued to sixteen, presumptuousness was cut to size, they lost . And relinquished power “in the interest of national unity” Life in the opposition was always going to be difficult for a butter fed and gluttonous party. Sheltered since birth, the PDP was not accustomed to lack. Opposition politics is grueling but will test the sinews in times of economic recession. That which had lubricated frictions and soothed chafed nerves is now in very short supply. And that which converted potential criminal prosecutions to family affairs has been relinquished. The PDP must endure. Tantrums won’t help. And dirty linens must be washed indoors. Such spectacles are not good entertainment now. Nigeria is awash with comedians and PDP has vigilant enemies in high places. No one is interested in the similarity between Sheriff and Shugaba nor in what took Fani Kayode to exile in Ghana. The party must rebuild. ‘Agberos’ are good, they do necessary dirty works and throw vulgar darts. But the party needs respectable leaders. Governors who talk before thinking and spend more time beating chests than reading cannot be the face of the greatest political party in Africa. A national party cannot be mistaken for the Avengers of the Niger Delta. The sins of the past have been exhumed and trouble has been visiting and liquefying hearts. The witch hunting cries have not scared the hawks. Rather than allow the picking off of the chicks one after the other, a collective bargain could yield a life saving political compromise. And that is why Jonathan should leave Cote D’ivoire. And sit over his chicks like a mother hen. A stitch in time can save a frayed umbrella. Let the messiah who saved 170 million by a single phone call , be a good herdsman. Let him take responsibility for all that has happened and stand for his herd. Let him concede egregious mistakes were made. He can attribute them to the perverted political traditions that have existed since Lord Lugard. The public will understand the ‘all have fallen short of glory’ argument if it comes with substantial atonement. After all Abacha still has his rank and his name on national monuments. Is there any thief in any Nigerian prison who took more than him? He collected more than all of them put together. A comprehensive restitution in exchange for amnesty can be arranged. This is Nigeria, a land of possibilities. Prime Minister Cameron can say what he likes. This country needs all the money it can lay its hands on, borrowed, returned, repatriated. And the PDP needs fresh air. And Jonathan’s supporters do not want their idol defaced. PDP’s survival is in Nigeria’s interest. One party democracy is a dangerous proposition. And not even one party led by a General who dashes after thieves like a vigilante. So those who have started procuring court injunctions from their local government areas and factionalizing the PDP are unpatriotic. Conflicts are natural but things must not fall apart. It’s good the party has retained a firm grip on the South-South and South-East states. These grips are important. Political parties in Nigeria are funded with monies siphoned from government coffers. Lagos played such a crucial role for the opposition in yesteryears . It could be the turn of Rivers now. If it ends well, then its well. There will be difficult times ahead . Elaborate democratic rituals should be circumscribed. The era when delegates converged in Abuja with great expectations and marched around the eagle square like contractors are gone. There was a reason why the defunct AC did things in-house, most times. Soon, the PDP will learn that internal party democracy is good but it’s a luxury the opposition cannot always afford. A captain with a whip is needed. The ship has too many captains, with loud mouths. It’s good to have a base. And it’s not an abomination to stoke the vulgar passions that fire the base from time to time. Politics has ugly sides. So bigotry and prejudice against the north may serve some useful purpose in cementing that base. But a proclamation of antipathy towards the Hausa-Fulani will only make the PDP a regional party. So they can afford occasional incendiary outbursts from the likes of Fani Kayode but they must find leaders who will rebuild their northern appeal. And their prestige. The PDP will not return to national reckoning if its leaders publicly preach hate and demonize the Muslim North. Cattle herdsmen have committed unspeakable atrocities but the PDP leaders in the south should not champion the inflammation of ethnic tensions. A former senate president shed tears after Agatu and declared that the herdsmen came to punish those who voted for him in a rerun election. He privatized a national tragedy. Rumours can be sweet but governors do not have the luxury of barbers to peddle rumours publicly. Buhari is not synonymous with the Muslim North. PDP can pillory Buhari . But must court the ordinary Hausa- Fulani , like the Ijaw. They were once so cosmopolitan. Now, their spokesmen are freely fanning embers of secessions. Why do they now sound so suicidal? They may not like the defunct AC but they must learn a bit of it’s politics in opposition. That party didn’t promote ethnic or religious chauvinism. Didn’t stoke fires. Didn’t malign other groups even when it was a sectional champion. It had an eye on the future.

Father of five allegedly kills wife for money ritual

A bizarre incident occurred yesterday at Araromi Street in the densely populated Oshodi area of Lagos, following the killing of a mother of five by her husband. The suspect, Sogei Jafairu, who hails from Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo state, was suspected to have committed the act for ritual purpose.

Late Rose and husband He was said to have returned home Thursday evening, after spending one week outside. His unsuspecting wife, Roselyn , who was a trader at Ijora market, prepared food for members of the family . But the food was alleged to have been poisoned by her husband, who also ate with her. At about 1am, Jafaru was said to have been seen pacing around his one room and parlour apartment. He was said to have also been sighted licking some black substance suspected to be concoction to neutralise the poisoned food he ate with his wife. Thereafter, he allegedly slit his wife’s throat with a knife, while she was sleeping. Saturday Vanguard gathered that he attempted to stuff the lifeless body inside a container when he suddenly started vomiting. One of their children, Richmond Sogei (16) narrated the incident when Vanguard visited. He said “My daddy and mummy never ate together since I grew up knowing them as my parents. We only saw them eating together for the very first time yesterday (Thursday) .Mummy came back from the market with some drinks she said we would use to celebrate Children’s Day today (yesterday) “We were surprised when we saw them eating beans and garri from same plate but concluded that it could be as a result of my kid sister’s birthday that was celebrated same day.We all went to bed without any thought of the unexpected. But at 3am my daddy woke me up and instructed me to go and meet my mum in the bedroom. I left the sitting room where I slept with my aunt and three siblings. As I was going to urinate, I saw daddy vomiting in the bathroom. I went outside to urinate and when I came back, I saw him lying down in the bathroom. When I flashed the torchlight, I noticed that he was vomiting some black substance. He also excreted on himself. Out of fear, I rushed to wake my aunt up to assist daddy. I also told her to wake mummy up to come and help daddy but she said that mummy was not responding. When I went inside and flashed my torchlight at her, I saw that the bed she laid on was socked with blood. On closer observation, I discovered a deep cut on her throat and passed out. “Daddy initially said somebody broke into the room and killed mummy but we discovered that the gate was locked. Later he said I was the one that killed my mummy. How can I kill a mother that has been playing the role of a father to us?. She was even sponsoring my elder brother, Collins who just gained admission into the University. She was the bread winner. Twice, we have been sent packing by our landlords at Michael and Banjoko streets because daddy could not pay the rent. Why would anyone think of killing such person? “, he asked, crying. Vanguard also gathered that the suspect had been beating the deceased before the incident occurred. On one of the occasions, she had threatened to quit the marriage. A relative of the deceased, Feronica Imomoh, revealed that the suspect accused his wife of infidelity. She said: “Our family had warned him to stop beating my sister . He does not have any job, she was the one feeding him and paying the rent. Anytime she collected gifts from her relatives, he would quarrel with her, accusing her of sleeping with men. There was a time he took him to our village in Edo State to swear before a shrine that she was not cheating on him. Just yesterday (Thursday) he demanded N10, 000 from her. She promised to raise the money by borrowing from her friends”. Jafaru who attempted to escape was apprehended by sympathisers until the arrival of policemen from Akinpelu who whisked him away and removed the corpse. Meanwhile, all apartments and shops at the two storey building located were under lock and key, as their occupants have fled, for fear of being arrested by the police. When contacted, Deputy Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Chukwuma Ozoani, a Deputy Superintendent of Police said that the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation. He said:”It was a murder case and the husband was suspected to be under the influence of drug. The case has been transferred to the SCID and investigation has commenced.”

Militants again blow up Agip, Shell trunk line in Bayelsa

THE strike teams of Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, in the early hours of today,Saturday, struck in Bayelsa State, blowing up trunk line belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC and Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC The group, which claimed responsibility for the explosions in a tweet, said: “At About 2.15am on Saturday the @NDAvengers blow up Nembe 1, 2 and 3 Brass to Bonny Trunk Line belonging to Agip and Shell.” Meanwhile, soldiers invaded Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom, at about 1.52 am, this morning and were still laying siege to the community as at 8.00 am. The soldiers, who came in no fewer than seven gunboats, allegedly beat up residents, including an octogenarian community leader, Chief Atiti Mala, with the butt of a gun. “They were asking the helpless villagers to produce former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and members of the Niger Delta Avengers,” a youth leader told Vanguard on phone. Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, who confirmed the attack on Oporoza, said: “Information available to me is that the military invaded Oporoza again in the early hours of today. As I am speaking to you, they are still there molesting people.” “They have arrested many persons and villagers have fled into the bush, this is wrong, they are going to worsen issues with what they are doing. I posted on Facebook that they invaded Oporoza and a military called me to tell me that they would deal with me. “We are not safe, we have said it over and over that Gbaramatu people are not synonymous with Niger Delta Avengers, they should leave my people along. If they want to kill me, let them go ahead, but I will continue to say the truth, why are they harassing my people, they should harass the militants whose activities we condemn,” he added.

traders shut bank over land issue

Traders at Alaba International Market, yesterday, shut down a new generation bank in the market over alleged encroachment on land belonging to one of them. The traders, in a peaceful protest, closed their shops and paralysed the activities at the bank for hours, chanting solidarity songs. The Chairman of Alaba International Amalgamated Traders Association, Mr. Paul Chijioke, said: “Sometime last year, one of our members in the market reported the encroachment on his land by the bank.” He said the executives of the market contacted the bank’s management, who accepted that they encroached on the land, but that the bank reneged on their promise to settle out-of-court and compensate the owner.

Uduaghan to Buhari: Dialogue with Militants

Former Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has advised the Federal Government to consider engagement and dialogue as an option towards arresting the upsurge of militancy in the Niger Delta.

Recent attacks by the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers has crippled oil and gas production from Delta/Bayelsa axis of the Niger Delta and the ex-governor said peaceful engagement is the best option available.

The former governor who was a key player in the offer amnesty to former militants, said the engagement should be between regional leaders on one hand and another between the leaders and the Federal Government.

Uduaghan, who spoke in the wake of unrelenting attacks on facilities in the Warri area, especially those of Chevron Nigeria, lamented the devastation and environment damages resulting from the attacks.

“The bombings are damaging our environment and it will take several years to rebuild.

“I want to advise the Federal Government to take the issue of dialogue very seriously because I believe that is the solution to the current crisis.

“The leaders of the Niger Delta should come together and engage ourselves to find solution to the problem.”

Speaking on rumour that there are external forces involved in the latest attacks, he said, “I do not think so because there is enough of issues in the region to cause what’s happening.

Dr Uduaghan also advised his successor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to step up dialogue, engagement and improve on intelligence gathering to assist the Federal Government I dealing with the situation.

“No segment should in isolation; the state should assist the FG to tackle the situation.”

He further advised those behind the attacks to rethink their action because of the economic challenges it is posing for the nation and ecological destruction to their region.

Herdsmen may have affiliation with Boko Haram terrorists – chief Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, has hinted that the attacks on villagers and farmers in many parts of the country by herdsmen may be due to likely affiliation with members of the Boko Haram terrorists.

Buratai urged Nigerians to be security conscious and to report to the security agencies, any suspicious persons or group of people roaming about in their communities.

The Army Chief of Staff, who gave the hint in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when he visited Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Thursday, said the army is investigating the herdsmen and also pursuing them so that their menace could be addressed.

“We want to call on all Nigerians to be security conscious and to report any suspicious persons or group of people that are roaming about in their communities.


“One may not be too far from the fact that some of these herdsmen that are attacking communities across the country may have some affiliation with the Boko Haram terrorists.

“This we are further investigating and also pursuing them so that we can address the situation, so let’s be security conscious. Let’s report quickly movement of suspicious persons carrying arms especially.

“If you suspect any individual within your community, we should be able to report immediately. Timely information is very important. We have our troops deployed in certain areas and I believe the Police are working with them to be able to tackle any challenge that comes in from them,” Buratai said.

He also revealed that members of the Boko Haram sect did not capture any village when they attacked a small community in Borno state few days ago, saying Nigerian troops responded swiftly and chased them away.

He noted that troops are patrolling all places in Borno and coordinating with ‎the multinational joint task force to ensure that the nation’s borders are well secured and are blocked from any infiltration.

He said: “they didn’t capture any village. They went and attack a community, small community in Borno State and our troops responded appropriately and we will continue to pursue them wherever they are.

“This situation may continue for some time, this is just pocket of them that sneaked out to go and commit such atrocities. Our troops are on top of the situation and we will continue to address such challenges.

“You know generally terrorism has no specific phase, they mix among the people anytime they want to strike, they sneaked out and commit such atrocities, so I want to tell you that no community is under Boko Haram as at now.

“No local government or any ward that we can say is under any Boko Haram seige. Our troops are patrolling all those places and we are coordinating with ‎the multinational joint task force to ensure that the borders are well secured and are blocked from any infiltration.”

Earlier, Amosun Called for Creation of Army Division in Ogun State.

The Governor said Ogun State population has increased to over 7 million just as the economy of the state has also expanded to the point where the state can be said to be ripe for an Army Division of its own.

“We want our own Army division here in Ogun State,” Governor said.

He also lauded the Nigerian Army for the successes it has recorded against insurgency in the North East region of the country and cases of insecurity in other parts of the country.

“We want to commend their effort because we know that before now we all know what the Boko Haram has turned Nigeria into, but up their effort, they have restored sanity by bringing back the dignity of the Nigerian Army and the entire Nigerians.

” Not only that ‎they are helping in all the security challenges we are having as a nation. The nefarious activities of the herdsmen truly needs to be checked, the Avengers, the kidnapping and all sort.

“The Army is being over worked. We are calling on them all the time and they are responding, for that; I want to say well done to them and still challenge them to do more.
In Ogun State, the Army has been tremendous to us.

“We thank them for this entire success story that we are recording. The most is rated the most secured state and I want to say that we can’t do it alone. All the security agencies in Ogun State are working together in harmony,” Amosun said.

Giant squid can grow to extraordinary lengths facebook

Fishermen once told tales of a giant sea monster, the kraken.

That dragged men from their boats to their death, drowning them at the bottom of the ocean.

Ever since its discovery, there has been considerable speculation as to its maximum size

We now know the kraken is real; the stories referring to species of giant squid.

And while it’s highly unlikely the squid are capable of killing fishermen, they are huge, among the largest invertebrates known.

What we don’t still know, however, is just how big giant squid grow.

Mysterious animals

Giant squid remain one of the most enigmatic large animals on the planet.

Strandings of specimens recognisable as Architeuthis dux, which is thought to be the longest of all squid, date back to 1639 in Europe, but a giant squid was only first photographed alive in its natural environment in 2004.

Giant squid washed ashore (Credit: Conrad Maufe/naturepl.com)

“Ever since its discovery, there has been considerable speculation as to its maximum size,” says biologist Dr Chris Paxton University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK.

In an attempt to discover just how long they can grow, he has reviewed known A. dux specimens, as part of an analysis published in the Journal of Zoology.

This included historical and anecdotal reports of giant squid seen from boats, remains washed up on shores, and even body parts found within the stomachs of sperm whales, which are thought to hunt and eat the giant cephalopods.

In all, some 460 giant squid specimens have been measured in some way.

Astonishing sightings

The supposed largest squid sighted was an astonishing 53 metres long, spotted off the Maldive islands during World War II from the side of an Admiralty trawler at night by a man called J.D Starkey.

But many of these measurements can be dismissed.

30 migrants feared dead in latest shipwreck off Libya coast

About 30 people have been feared dead following the sinking of a migrant boat off Libya, an official from a European Union naval mission in the Mediterranean said on Thursday.

“A wooden boat went down near the Libyan coast,” Rino Gentile, a press officer for the Eunavfor Med Sophia operation said.

He said that about 100 people were aboard and we estimate that 20-30 are dead.
He added that 50 people have been rescued by a Spanish navy vessel.

Court dissolves 10 years marriage over incessant fighting

marriage between Ogunleye Titilayo and her husband, Taiwo on grounds of incessant fighting, lack of care and public assault. The President of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, held that the marriage had broken down irretrievably and consequently dissolved it. Akomolede awarded custody of the child to the wife, and ordered that the education of the child should be the jointly‎ responsibility of both parents. She said that the husband should be paying N4,000 as monthly upkeep allowance and granted him access to see his child. Titilayo, 40, a resident of No 35, Araromi, Ado-Ekiti told the court that their incessant fighting was mainly on the maintenance of the only child they both have. She said whenever she demands for the child’s school fees, it would led to a fight. The mother of one, said that Taiwo had refuse to take care of her, claiming when he lost his job, she did not support him. According to her, before she left his house, they jointly pay the child’s school fees but after leaving his house, she has been paying the fees. She said her husband always assault her publicly, saying anywhere he sees her, he was fond of calling her a prostitute. Titilayo urged the court to dissolve the marriage and award her ‎custody of the only child, Joshua. But Taiwo, 42, a resident of No 11, Tosin Aluko, Textile, Ado-Ekiti, denied fighting his wife. He said that he always give her money to buy foodstuff in the house. The respondent said that he even opened a restruant for Titilayo but she added beer to it which he did not accept. He said that he started suspecting her when she picks her calls outside at home. Taiwo accused the wife of attempting to stab him with knife when they were fighting, and used his money to feed another man.

Underage mother sentenced for killing her new-born baby

A teenager received a suspended sentence after she was found guilty of killing her baby by throwing it out of an eighth-floor window, a court in east China’s Jiangsu Province said on Thursday. Huqiu District People’s Court in Suzhou City gave the girl, identified only as Cai, a prison term of three years with a four-year probation period for intentional homicide. According to a statement issued by the court, the mother, who was 17 at the time, gave birth to her baby in a toilet at a rented apartment in August 2015. “When Cai, who had no inkling that she was pregnant, heard her newborn’s first cries, she panicked and threw her out of the bathroom window to avoid any unwanted attention from her neighbours,’’ the statement said. Cai got pregnant during a drunken one-night stand with an underage boy she had met online, she told the court she could not even remember the name of the baby’s father. The court heard the case in a private session and gave a lighter sentence as underage juveniles were involved. However, the court did not disclose the judgement date.

Kidnappers tortured us over expired ATM card ─Victim

businessman identified as Fortune, who was kidnapped alongside his childhood friend, Jane, on May 11, 2016, said they were tortured for giving their captors expired ATM card.

Fortune, who was rescued alongside with Jane by operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Rivers State, said they were kidnapped after his stolen car was recovered by the police.

He explained that he had called Jane to escort him to Kalla Police Station, adding that they were accosted by the hoodlums on their way to retrieve the car from Kalla Police Station.

Disclosing that their captors took them to a forest somewhere in Igwuruta in Obio/Akpor LGA, Fortune said they inflicted injuries on his head and body when they discovered that the machine at the bag could not release money for them.

He said, “At the long run, we discovered that we were somewhere around Igwuruta, very deep inside the forest. Our kidnapper stabbed us, beat us and even took my expired ATM card. I have wounds all over my head.

“We stayed eight days in the kidnappers den. They continued to give us the beating of our lives when they discovered that the ATM card they used did not dispense money for them at the bank. It was clear that the ATM had expired, but they did not understand that.”

Fortune said he suspected that their captors were planning to use them for money rituals, recalling that they (the kidnappers) took them to a place in the bush where a huge fire was prepared.

He said, “At a point, while we were taken round the bush blindfolded, they took us to a particular place where I sensed a huge fire and their communication indicated that we were at a place where human parts were used for money rituals.

“It was in the night and I felt that someone came close and they later moved us inside the forest. I believed what saved us from the ritual aspect was that Jane was in her monthly period. That was when we were made to trek about two hours before they allowed us to rest.”

On how they got to a point where operatives of the NSDCD rescued them on Saturday night, Fortune said the argument on the sharing formula for the N500, 000 ransom paid to the kidnappers by his younger brother gave them (the victims) a moment of respite as the hoodlums began to move them out from the thick forest.

“We got a moment of respite when sharing the ransom sent to them by brother became a problem as they quarreled over it to our hearing.

“The other members became angry and they came out with us to somewhere close to the road. At the end, we heard a voice in the bush and they (our kidnappers disappeared).

“I raised my hands up. As at the time the Civil Defence men came in, it was around 11pm and we were rescued and brought here (state Command of the NSCDC).

In her remark, Jane, who had wounds on her head, said they hit her with a hard object on her head twice, even as she expressed gratitude to God for saving her live.

“I thank God for saving my life. That is the most important thing,” a visibly tired Jane told Southern City News.

Speaking on the rescue of the victims, the Rivers State Commander of the NSCDC, Mrs. Helen Amakiri, said investigation had begun with a view to arresting those behind the victims’ kidnap.

“We have commenced investigation and we have directed that the Investigation Department of the NSCDC should take over the matter. From there, we will continue till we get the culprits,” she said.

Fayose threatens reprisal over herdsmen’s attack in Ekiti

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti yesterday threatened a repraisal attack if the herdsmen that killed two people and wounded many others in Oke-Ako, town in Ikole Local Government Area of the State. According to him; “I am sounding a note of warning to the Fulani herdsmen and those who can talk to them should also do so now. If they continue with these wanton attacks, killing of the people and destruction of farmlands in Ekiti, I cannot guarantee that there won’t be reprisal attacks. “I can also not guarantee the level that the reprisal attacks can get to because as a governor, it is my responsibility to defend and protect my people.” He urged the people of Oke-Ako to remain calm as security agents try to fish out those who killed two persons in the community on Friday. This is contained in a statement by the governor’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Lere Olayinka. The statement condemned the attack by suspected herdsmen. “Fayose described the attack which claimed two lives as the height of callousness on the part of the cattle rearers. “He warned the perpetrators to desist from such heinous crime as he would not guarantee whether there could be reprisal attacks if repeated on the town or elsewhere.” It added that the agents of the devil must be fished out and punished accordingly. “I will not fold my hands while armed herdsmen invade communities in Ekiti, killing people and destroying farmlands at will, like they did in other states. “I have directed the police and other security agencies in the state to fish out the killer herdsmen”, the statement said. The governor commiserated with the people of Oke-Ako, especially the family of the deceased, vowing to do everything humanly possible to forestall a re-occurrence as well as bring the culprits to book. It said the herdsmen were becoming major threat to the unity of Nigeria and its people adding the he was in constant touch with the security agencies. “The people of Oke-Ako should therefore remain calm while the security agents do their job, “The security agents must, however, be mindful of the fact that the people’s patience has a limit and they must act promptly and decisively”, it said.

Buhari calls off Lagos trip

President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled his earlier scheduled visit to Lagos State.

Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo will now represent the President on the Lagos trip.

The visit billed for Monday and Tuesday will witness commissioning of several projects in the state.

Confirming the new development on Sunday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, did not give any reason for the cancellation of Buhari’s visit to the state.

He said: “The truth is that the Vice-President will now represent the President in Lagos.

“There is nothing wrong if the Vice-President represents the President at functions,” he stated

NLC suspends strike, ready for negotiation

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended the nation wide strike action called to protest the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol, saying the action was a huge success.
In a communique at the end of a two hour meeting of the National Executive Council, the congress said it was said it was ready to return to the negotiating table to discuss the issues that led to the strike and other burning issues affecting the welfare of Nigerian workers.
It said in calling the action, it expected challenges from both within and outside the congress and was therefore not surprised by government’s negative response, adding that it felt fulfilled by having the presence of mind and courage to identify its missio. And fulfilling it.
The communique signed by the President of Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and the General Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson said however that it will continue to resist wrong legislations, policies and programmes of government and will always act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion, region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
The congress asked the government to play by the rules in its engagement with its constituent parts, stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its commitment to deepening democracy in the country and also in acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes around, comes around.
It commended the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for their intervention and asked the citizenry to be vigilant at all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Serah Luka, not on our list —Chibok parents

Chibok parents refuted the Nigerian Army’s report that the second rescued girl, Serah Luka, was among the 219 kidnapped by Boko Haram on April 14, 2014.

A girl, Amina Ali, believed to be among the Chibok schoolgirls, was announced rescued from the hands of the terrorists on Wednesday.The army had again said in a statement on Thursday that its troops killed 35 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered several arms and ammunition in the recovery of Luka.

The military statement said, “In addition, they rescued 97 women and children held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists. We are glad to state that among those rescued is a girl believed to be one of the Chibok Government Secondary Schoolgirls that were abducted on April 14, 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists.

“Her name is Miss Serah Luka, who is number 157 on the list of the abducted school girls. She is believed to be the daughter of Pastor Luka. During debriefing, the girl revealed that she was an SS1 student of the school at the time they were abducted. She further added that she hails from Madagali, Adamawa State.”

However, the head of the Abducted Chibok Girls Parents group, Yakubu Nkeki, told Agence France Presse that unlike the first announcement about Amina, the military had not contacted them beforehand to establish Luka’s identity.

“Only two girls with the surname Luka were on the list of abducted girls and none was from Madagali, in neighbouring Adamawa State, as the military said the second student had claimed,” he added.

The military said Serah was believed to be a pastor’s daughter, but Nkeki said there were only four priests on the list of parents and none was called Luka.

“I can say in my capacity as the head of the Chibok Abducted Girls Parents group that this girl is not among the abducted Chibok girls,” he said.

The head of the BringBackOurGirls campaign group in Abuja, Mrs. Oby Ezekwisili, had expressed joy at Luka’s rescue, but also tweeted, “We have asked for some further verification of her identity.”

Meanwhile, a senior military source, who pleaded anonymity, told AFP that it was “beyond reasonable doubt” that she was among the girls snatched.

He said, “The military personnel who carried out the rescue operation and the civilian vigilantes who assisted them and those who know the girl confirmed that she is among those abducted.

“We can only change our position if the principal of the school or the government of Borno State comes out and refutes this established identity of the girl.”

Meanwhile, the BBOG group said that the return of Luka, whether or not she was among the 219, was a “victory for us all.”

The spokesperson for the group, Sesugh Akume, also commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army, the civilian Joint Task Force and other security forces.

Buhari begins two-day visit to Lagos Monday

President Muhammadu Buhari will begin a two-day working visit to Lagos on Monday.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Ayorinde said this would be Buhari’s first official visit to the state since he assumed office on May 29 last year.

The commissioner said the President, during the visit, would formally commission the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Rescue Unit, at Cappa, near Oshodi.


He said the Rescue Unit was built by the state government to ensure prompt and swift response to emergency situations.

Ayorinde said President Buhari would thereafter commission the newly-constructed Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo, and later pay homage to Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.

According to the commissioner, the President would be hosted to a reception at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on same day.

I have bought over 4,256 stolen phones

A man arrested by the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command for being a major buyer of stolen mobile phones in Lagos, has confessed to have bought over 4,256 mobile phones from robbers, pickpockets and one – chance gangs operating in the state .

The suspect, Kazeem Bamidele, 42, who is the Second Vice Chairman of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers’ (NURTW), Ajegunle Unit, equally confessed to the RRS Intelligence Team that he has over 52 boys in Lagos State, who steal and sell “clean phones” to him constantly.

Kazeem, popularly known as “Elewure” in the social circle, was arrested , when the RRS Intelligence Team quizzed two stolen phones users in Kogi State in connection with abduction and robbery cases in Lagos State.

The operatives had upon returning from a week – long investigation to Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kogi State, swung into actions by arresting Elewure from his shop in Boundary Market, Ajegunle, after he was fingered to have been the seller of two Blackberry Z10 phones and a CAT phone collected from victims of robbery and abduction incidences in the metropolis.

Kazeem said, “I have over 52 boys who sell clean stolen mobile phones to me. On the average, I receive 38 ‘clean’ phones in a week. I have been in the business for more than two years”

He also confessed that ” Boundary Market in Ajegunle, where I have office and shop, is where they sell the phones to me and that is where the buyers equally get them. I know they are stolen phones. Nearly every guy in Ajegunle is involved in this kind of runs. It is what they do to survive.”

“I was pushed into the business by family pressure. I have two wives and seven children. I have so many dependants. What I pay as school fees alone is staggering ” the suspect claimed

Bamidele also stated that ” I had too many problems in life. My mother gave birth to 13 children for my father. Though both of them are no more, only three of us are left. I am the breadwinner of the family’ ”

“My first wife’s children are part of the predicament I have. Since I married the second wife, I have not known peace. Can you believe that since I was arrested, she has never called or visited me? I know this is a lesson for me in life. She has seven children for me and what I paid as school fees for her children is staggering”, he stated.

He continued that “I started out in life as ‘elubo’, pepper and maize grinder. I know that most of these phones were gotten from pickpocketing, one chance and robbery” .

The suspect added that ” My second wife has mounted so much pressure on me to quit the business long ago but the financial pressure was stunning. I think I have come to a point I don’t need to be advised to stop it now”:.

He revealed that ” I buy Infinix Hot 2 at N10k and sell N12,000; Blackberry Z30 at N20,000:00 and sell at N22,000:00; buy Infinix Hot Note at N15,000:00 and sell at N17,000 and Samsung Galaxy X3 at N11,000 and sell at N14,000. I don’t buy iPhone because of its locking system”.

Investigators revealed that as at the time of his arrest, five stolen mobile phones were found with him. He is presently helping the police to pick up his boys from their hide-outs, bus stops and routes of operations.

Already, two commercial buses “danfo” used for robbery and one chance operations are presently at RRS Headquarters in Alausa.

It was also learnt that the suspect revealed to the police most of the boys ,who bring phones to his shop , stay in hotels around the state.

” some of the phones traced to Elewure were that of high profile members of the society as well as celebrities” our source said.

According to the Police PPRO, SP Dolapo Badmos the force was following up the suspect’s revelations and is making steady progress in the investigations of the case.

The suspect has been transferred to SARS

Soldiers shoot woman dead on daughter’s wedding day

A middle aged woman, Mrs. Akparobi Orobogha, was yesterday allegedly shot dead by one of the soldiers deployed to enforce the no- movement restriction during environmental sanitation at Jakpa Junction, Uvwie council area of Delta State.

It was learnt that soldiers stopped the tricycle conveying Mrs. Orobogha from the wedding ceremony at the roadblock but the rider refused to comply.

One of the soldiers, according to the family members of the deceased, fired a shot at the fleeing tricycle which allegedly killed the woman.

Military sources however countered the bride’s mother died from a bayonet injury fired by one of the soldiers.


First child of the deceased, Alero, who was speaking from Ekpan Police Station where the case was reported, said the killer-soldier had been whisked away by members of the JTF contrary to reports that he has been arrested.

She said colleagues of the killer-soldier at the roadblock where the incident happened have been taken to Warri Area Command for interrogations.

“They have not arrested the soldier. JTF whisked him away. His colleagues that were at the road block together are now at Warri Area Command.

“It was my mom that was shot, not my sister that is wedding today. She was coming from the wedding,” Alero said.

A senior army officer at the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Effunrun Barracks, who craved anonymity, debunked claims that the deceased was shot.

He said it was a bayonet that unintentionally pierced the women.

He added the soldiers involved in the incident had been rounded off by the Army for interrogations.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu (DSP), said the case was already being investigated.

He however said no arrest had been made by the Command yet on the case.

Asked to clear the air on the controversy over the killing, the police image maker said the Command will wait for the autopsy report before giving any information.

According to him: “It’s not in our place to give an expert opinion on what it really was; whether a gun wound or a bayonet wound.

“It is when they must have done the autopsy that autopsy report will tell us what it really was. But the matter is still under investigation, no arrest has been made yet.”

I escaped assassination – Oshiomhole’s deputy

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, on Sunday narrated how he narrowly escaped death in the hands of suspected assassins in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

Odubu, an aspirant under the All Progressives Congress for the September 10 governorship election, had last Saturday been reportedly attacked by some armed thugs during his visit to Auchi to meet with party delegates in the area.

The thugs were said to have claimed that they were mobilised with the sum of one million naira.

Odubu, who had reportedly been at loggerheads with Governor Adams Oshiomhole over his ambition, was denied access to the APC secretariat at Fugar, allegedly on the instruction of a deputy director of protocol at the Government House.

The situation was later said to have angered some delegates who forced the gate open to enable the deputy governor meet with them (delegates) outside.

He was said to have left for Auchi and was meeting with some delegates when the suspected thugs suddenly appeared and fired gunshots, leaving several persons injured, including a policeman and an operative of the Department of State Security.

A source who did not want to be mentioned had told our correspondent that although Odubu was not injured in the attack, the thugs claimed to have been mobilised with the sum of one million naira.‎

However, Odubu, who spoke through his campaign organisation, during a press briefing in Benin, said that he had to be shielded inside a hall to avoid “direct bullet contacts”.

“Surprisingly, at Auchi, the deputy governor and his team met with passionate, patriotic (and) huge number of delegates but no sooner had the meeting begun than the gunmen opened fire outside the secretariat on both security men and members of the deputy governor’s entourage and delegates. It was such a shocking and gory sight to behold,” he explained.

He noted that although the attack was “orchestrated directly at his person” and geared towards disrupting the aims of the campaign, seven persons sustained varying degrees of injury and were receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching hospital and another hospital in Auchi.

According to him, the victims include, a DSS operative, Patrick Amakiri‎; his escort police commander, Inspector Agge Felix; and a driver, Zibiri Yakubu.

Others are Ogbeso Nice, Inu Umoru, Osabuohien Igiebor, Matthew Ajayi‎ and another person whose identity could not be ascertained.

Speaking on behalf of the Odubu Campaign Organisation, a former Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Mr. Samson Osagie, disclosed that preliminary investigation by the organisation had revealed three principal suspected masterminds of the attack, which he described as an act of cowardice “perpetrated by those who dread a free, fair and credible democratic contest” and an attempt to compel the deputy governor “quit the governorship race or be eliminated”.

Osagie also called on the national leadership of the APC to intervene in the happenings in the state.

“This, to us, is the height of naked display of cruelty, animosity, acrimony, intolerance, gross irresponsibility and man’s inhumanity to man,”‎ he added.

The leadership of the ‎state chapter of the APC, condemned the attack on the deputy governor, describing it as “absolute madness” which he said had become “endemic” in the party.

The state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Godwin Erhahon, who stated this, said, “I am not a member of any campaign organisation; I am not a supporter of any aspirant. But in a moment like this, where the blood of some of our members have been shed and then members of this (Odubu’s) organisation have also been traumatised, it is only fair and proper that the party identifies with the traumatised and join them in thanking God that nobody died in the process.

“Therefore, I am here to also condemn what happened yesterday at Auchi, on behalf of all the APC members and leaders who are not yet infested with the ongoing madness that has become endemic in the party. What happened yesterday was absolute madness. I think we should pray for them (perpetrators) so that sanity can come into them, otherwise, they will end up destroying themselves.”

Edo govt increases workers’ minimum Wage

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole on Sunday announced the increment of the National Minimum Wage from N18,000 to N25, 000 with immediate effect, for employees in the State Public Service.

He also promised prompt payment of outstanding arrears of salary to the staff of Local Government Councils in the state.

Oshiomhole who made the announcement on Sunday at the grand finale of activities to mark the 2016 Workers Day, said that plans had also been concluded to pay staff of Egor Local Government Council who were being owned 13 months arrears of salary, within the next two weeks.

Explaining why the council was omitted from the bailout to local government councils in 2015, he gave the assurance that the Edo Government had been meeting with the Central Bank of Nigeria and that within the next two weeks, the funds would be released and staff of the council would be paid in full.

He also explained the reason behind the non appointment of Caretaker Committees for the 18 local government councils in the state, after the end of the tenure of the immediate-past local government chairmen.

According to him, “rather than appoint caretaker committees for the councils and pay them because they are politicians, we directed the Heads of Personnel Management in the councils to hold forth, so that those monies would be used to run the councils and pay salaries,” he said.

The governor said even if the price of oil goes to zero per cent, Edo workers would get their salary alerts before the end of every month.

He assured that he would not use his office to put hardship on any of his workers.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Mr Orhue Marshall, appealed to government to enlist workers in the state in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

According to him, this would enable them to have access to quick and cheap medical facilities, like their colleagues in the Federal Public Service.

Northern govs under fire… for defending Fulani

The 19 northern governors came under criticism yesterday over their position that the Fulani should not be labelled as criminals. The Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, asked the governors to bury their heads in shame over their position which came in the wake of the heat generated by the attack on Ukpabi-Ninbo community in Enugu State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, last Monday. 

Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) also condemned the governors. Gov Ugwuanyi of Enugu State during his visit to survivors of herdsmen attack in his state. The northern governors, who met in Kaduna, on Friday, had taken a strong exception to the branding of perpetrators of crimes around the country as Fulani. The Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who spoke on behalf of the group,said it was an insult to consider criminals as Fulani. 

Afenifere, yesterday, faulted the governors’ position, asking them to bury their heads in shame. The Yoruba group, which spoke through their National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, told Sunday Vanguard: “It (the northern governors’ position) is a sign of unfeeling, uncaring for any group today to come out and say that those who have been causing problems and killing people in the Middle Belt and the South are not Fulani herdsmen. They have killed in Agatu land, Enugu; a traditional ruler was killed in Delta State; they killed Chief Olu Falae’s guard and also kidnapped Chief Falae himself. For some people to gather and call themselves northern governors, and have no sympathy for lives than to be defending the Fulani herdsmen, shows clearly that it is a tragedy of monumental proportion to be in the same country with these elements. You also begin to wonder if the blood of human beings runs in their veins because anybody that has human blood running in his veins will not come and say that Fulani herdsmen are not responsible. What nonsense.” The Afenifere spokesperson went on: “I think the northern governors should bury their heads in shame. I do not think they are fit to be in the comity of civilized human beings. If the attackers are not Fulani herdsmen, where have they struck in the North-West? Why are their activities only in the Middle Belt and in the South? That is the question these northern governors should answer. When militants were blowing up pipelines in the South-South, were they not called Niger Delta militants? Do they want us to call them Yoruba herdsmen?” In a statement, the IYC described the northern governors’ position as an affront on other nationalities. Spokesman for the group, Eric Omare, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said the governors stance was disappointing and a tacit support for criminality and Fulani herdsmen pillaging of their host communities. His words, “The statement by the northern governors is disappointing and a tacit support for criminality and the ongoing Fulani herdsmen terrorism. “If they are interested in peace in Nigeria, they ought to be more concerned about the implication of the activities of the Fulani herdsmen rather than a perceived insult on the Fulani race. “The IYC condemns the stand taken by the northern governors and calls on southern leaders to brace up for the challenges ahead. 

“Furthermore, we wish to state that part of the reason Boko Haram grew to become a national problem was the tacit support given to them by northern political leaders and this Fulani herdsmen terrorism is taking the same pattern; hence it must be taken seriously.”