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.