Wednesday 30 September 2015
Interested in higher education in America? Attend the US Consulate's career & education fairs
The EducationUSA Advising Center of the U.S. Consulate General Lagos will hold its 16th Annual College and Career Fair in Lagos on Monday, October 5, at Dansol High School, Agidingbi, Ikeja, and on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at the MUSON Center.
The event with the theme Exploring Opportunities in Higher Education is open to all interested persons. Students with WAEC results and a minimum of five credits are particularly encouraged to attend.
The EducationUSA Center at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos provides information to residents of Nigeria interested in tertiary study in the United States, and works closely with students who have the requisite academic qualifications.
EducationUSA offers a fee-based membership program that counsels members on appropriate schools for their course of study, and provides tutorial materials for standardized tests, visa orientations, and pre-departure sessions. EducationUSA Advisors help undergraduate and graduate students improve their chances of admission to U.S. institutions. Student members enjoy access to EducationUSA Advisors, library resources, and computers.
EducationUSA proctors the LSAT test, coordinates the Opportunity Grant Program for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students, supports the Career Connect summer internship program for returning students, and conducts the Annual College and Career Fair and outreach to universities, secondary schools, and American Corners.
Over the last decade, the College and Career Fairs have contributed to a large increase in successful, qualified Nigerian applicants to U.S. institutions. The Fair is a unique opportunity to explore the diversity and vitality of higher education in the United States. Representatives and alumni from U.S. institutions as well as EducationUSA Advisors will be on hand to interact with attendees
Hajj: Nigeria records fresh casualties
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on Tuesday said 10 more corpses of deceased Nigerian pilgrims had been identified, bringing the number of pilgrims who died at Mina stampede, to 64.
Giving newsmen an update on the incident in Mecca, Alhaji Uba Mana, the Director, Public Affairs of the commission, said 244 pilgrims had been declared missing.
Mana said 71 pilgrims were injured as against the 61 pilgrims earlier announced by the commission.
He said of the 64 deceased pilgrims, 46 were transported to Saudi Arabia by state pilgrims’ welfare agencies and 18 by private tour operators.
Mana also said that 12 of the 71 injured pilgrims were transported to Saudi Arabia by tour operators and 59 by state pilgrims’ welfare agencies.
He said the deceased were from Adamawa,Bauchi, Borno, Ekiti, Jigawa, FCT, Cross Rivers, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers Sokoto, Yobe, Taraba, and Zamfara states.
NAN recalls that more than 749 pilgrims were reported to have died, and 805 others injured, during Thursday’s stampede on the way to the Jamrat complex (stoning site) in Mina, Saudi Arabia
Buyers reject Nigeria's crude oil
Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu
The measures introduced by the Federal Government to monitor crude transit and check oil theft are said to be threatening income lifeline, compounding the damage the crude price fall has done to Nigeria’s finances, access to dollars and imports.
Oil traders and shipping brokers said a newly implemented “letter of comfort” requirement under which vessel owners must sign a guarantee that their ships would not be used for theft had made it more difficult and expensive to load Nigerian crude, putting some buyers off.
A copy of the letter draft seen by Reuters requested vessel owners to “guarantee to indemnify” the government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation against any illicit use of their vessels, which led some owners to reject pending bookings. Traders say others are refusing future requests for now.
“Nobody is coming forward for offering the vessel and whoever is willing to go to Nigeria is asking exorbitant rates,” said K. Namdeo, head of refineries at India’s HPCL, adding they would “be cautious in future” about buying Nigerian crude.
Tanker owner, Heidmar, was said to have rejected an HPCL Nigerian fixture due to insurance concerns over the letter. Finding a replacement proved difficult. Provisional fixtures showed the MT Solana sailing to West Africa for HPCL, but the vessel turned away from Africa, according to tracking data, and is now en-route to the Bahamas without oil.
Fixtures showed the refiner putting two Suezmax vessels on subjects for the journey, which typically adds to costs.
Some European buyers are also now treading carefully with Nigeria, according to the report.
An oil trader for one Mediterranean refiner said they “will not touch a single drop of Nigerian crude until this matter on the letter of comfort is solved.”
There is little disagreement that Nigeria needs to fight oil theft, which President Muhammadu Buhari has said siphons as much as 250,000 barrels per day of crude of its nearly two million bpd of production.
Industry sources said an initial effort, the banning of roughly 100 oil tankers that came from Buhari’s office in July, was too blunt an instrument. But in lifting that ban earlier this month, it added the letter of comfort with immediate effect, which sources said applied to all vessels, creating a potentially bigger problem.
Oil tanker industry association, INTERTANKO, said the letter as drafted would give the Nigerian authorities a “blank cheque” for any perceived violations.
“NNPC’s guarantee terms would allow the Nigerian authorities to impose an arbitrary penalty for breach of local law – of which owners might be unaware – and then demand an indemnity for their losses without the need to prove any loss,” said INTERTANKO’s General Counsel, Michele White, adding that “owners’ insurance would not respond to that.”
Shipping sources said that in addition to Heidmar, Asian companies, China Shipping and AMCL, would not call at Nigerian ports for the time being, nor will Greece’s Chandris.
“The revenue impact will be significant,” said Dolapo Oni, head of energy research with pan-African lender, Ecobank.
“Due to the expensive freight, we are likely to see differentials weaken considerably, which means we could have lower revenue than normal,” he added.
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President Buhari emerges minister of juiciest ministry
As the nation awaits President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial list, the President on Tuesday said he would head the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Buhari dropped the hint in one of the interviews he granted one of the foreign media in his hotel shortly before departing New York.
The President was in New York to participate in the 70th United Nations General Assembly.
“I will serve as the Minister of Petroleum Resources myself,” Buhari told his interviewer.
The nation’s petroleum sector has been said to be enmeshed in corruption with millions of dollars said to be missing in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Shortly after assuming office, Buhari sacked and replaced the management of the company.
The new management had started a general reorganisation of the firm.
Buhari had on Monday said the trial of those who looted the NNPC would commence soon.
Meanwhile, ministerial list that President Muhammadu Buhari will submit to the Senate on Wednesday (today)will not contain all the members of his proposed cabinet, THE PUNCH has learnt.
Buhari was inaugurated on May 29, having defeated former President Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential election held in March.
Investigation by one of our correspondents on Tuesday revealed that what would be transmitted to the Senate this week would not be a complete list of nominees.
A top government official familiar with the arrangement confided in one of our correspondents that Buhari would send the names of the nominees to the Senate in batches.
“What the Senate will be getting on Tuesday or Wednesday will not be a complete list. The names will be sent in batches but quite a number will be on this first list while others will be compiled and sent later,” the source said.
The President may have decided to send the names in batches in order to meet the September deadline he set for himself rather than waiting to compile the full list and fail to beat the deadline.
Efforts made by one of our correspondents to get an insight into the list of the first batch of would-be ministers did not however yield any positive result on Tuesday.
The issue of the list has however been generating concerns among members of Buhari’s delegation to the 70th United Nations General Assembly holding in New York.
Many of the politicians on the President’s delegation who felt they might be considered for ministerial positions were getting in touch with Nigeria intermittently on the telephone for latest information on the list while they also kept making themselves visible for Buhari.
Some of them who could not hide their anxiety were heard asking Nigerian journalists if they had latest information on the list.
Prominent chiefs of the All Progressives Congress on the President’s delegation include a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; a former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; and a former member of the House of Representatives, Abike Dabiri-Erewa among others.
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said on Tuesday that his leadership would not employ vendetta in the screening of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s wise men.
Saraki, who stated this in his welcome address to his colleagues at a plenary after their six-week recess, expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy would experience a turn-around with the appointment of ministers.
He said, “As we await the list of ministerial nominees this week, I believe the presence of ministers will create the space for greater policy engagement with the executive arm of government.
“It will also enable us to begin to respond in a more systematic manner to the various economic and social challenges before us, especially through our various committees that will also be constituted soon.
“On this note, I want to urge you all my colleagues to ensure that what is uppermost in our minds as we begin the constitutional task of screening of ministerial nominees is the overall interest of our country, informed by the enormity and the urgency of the challenges before us.
“Once the list is submitted, let us ensure that we treat it with dispatch and thoroughness. We must not be held down by unnecessary politicking.”
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Tuesday 29 September 2015
Presidency commences investigation over Hajj stampede-Garba Shehu
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday ordered the National Hajj Commission and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to urgently account for all Nigerian pilgrims in the holy land.
The order, which was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, was as a result of last Thursday’s stampede at Mina which claimed over 700 lives.
Shehu explained that the Presidential order was necessitated by the conflicting reports on the number of Nigerians who died or suffered injuries in the disaster.
He said the President was concerned that days after the incident, some Nigerian families were still grappling with the painful uncertainty over the fate of their relatives who travelled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
The statement read in part, “The President expects the National Hajj Commission to work with the various state pilgrim boards, Islamic organisations and private travel agencies involved in Hajj operations to speedily provide a confirmed and verifiable report on the status of every Nigerian pilgrim in Saudi Arabia.
“President Buhari has also directed the Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi the Arabia to give all necessary assistance to Nigerians who are still receiving treatment for injuries suffered in Mina.
“He continues to pray that Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the dead, comfort the bereaved families, heal the injured and bring all surviving Nigerian pilgrims safely home.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress on Monday called for a thorough probe into the Hajj tragedy in which no fewer than 1,200 pilgrims were involved, including about 54 Nigerians died and 863 were injured.
The tragedy occurred during a stampede at an Islamic event in Minna about two miles from Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The event was one of the last rituals of the Hajj season, known as ‘stoning the devil.‘
NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, while condoling with the families of the bereaved and sympathising with the injured victims, said with such a high rate of death, the 2015 hajj ranks amongst the most tragic in recorded history of hajj.
He said the organisation was shocked and completely at a loss by the extent of the losses this year.
He therefore called for a thorough investigation on the calamity.
He suggested that countries whose citizens died in the stampede should be members of the inquiry to ensure transparency.
He called on the Saudi authorities to review their crowd control management techniques and administration of hajj generally.
He called for urgent and best medical attention to the injured victims, amongst whom were about 61 Nigerians.
The NLC boss stated that as painful as the incident was, the congress believed it was predestined.
He said accordingly, the victims should be seen as martyrs who gave up their lives in worship.
Wabba said, “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to commiserate with the families of the 767 Muslim faithful who died in a stampede on the way to Jamrat Complex (Stoning Site), Mina, Saudi Arabia.
“Our special condolences go to the families and loved ones of 54 Nigerians who were among the dead. We pray for the repose and admission of their souls to heaven.
“Managing a mammoth crowd, sometimes in excess of two million people during every annual pilgrimage, is no mean task and the Saudi authorities deserve some commendations certainly.”
He added, “However, with over 1,200 deaths (earlier deaths caused by a crane mishap), the 2015 hajj ranks amongst the most eventful in recorded history of hajj.
“We are shocked and completely at a loss at the extent of the losses this year. “Accordingly, we call for a thorough investigation of the two major incidents that led to these deaths.
“For transparency and re-assurance, we urge that countries whose citizens perished in the two incidents be made members of the body of inquiry.
“But most importantly, perhaps, time has come for the Saudi authorities to review their crowd control management techniques and administration of hajj, generally.”
Copyright PUNCH
The order, which was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, was as a result of last Thursday’s stampede at Mina which claimed over 700 lives.
Shehu explained that the Presidential order was necessitated by the conflicting reports on the number of Nigerians who died or suffered injuries in the disaster.
He said the President was concerned that days after the incident, some Nigerian families were still grappling with the painful uncertainty over the fate of their relatives who travelled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
The statement read in part, “The President expects the National Hajj Commission to work with the various state pilgrim boards, Islamic organisations and private travel agencies involved in Hajj operations to speedily provide a confirmed and verifiable report on the status of every Nigerian pilgrim in Saudi Arabia.
“President Buhari has also directed the Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi the Arabia to give all necessary assistance to Nigerians who are still receiving treatment for injuries suffered in Mina.
“He continues to pray that Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the dead, comfort the bereaved families, heal the injured and bring all surviving Nigerian pilgrims safely home.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress on Monday called for a thorough probe into the Hajj tragedy in which no fewer than 1,200 pilgrims were involved, including about 54 Nigerians died and 863 were injured.
The tragedy occurred during a stampede at an Islamic event in Minna about two miles from Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The event was one of the last rituals of the Hajj season, known as ‘stoning the devil.‘
NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, while condoling with the families of the bereaved and sympathising with the injured victims, said with such a high rate of death, the 2015 hajj ranks amongst the most tragic in recorded history of hajj.
He said the organisation was shocked and completely at a loss by the extent of the losses this year.
He therefore called for a thorough investigation on the calamity.
He suggested that countries whose citizens died in the stampede should be members of the inquiry to ensure transparency.
He called on the Saudi authorities to review their crowd control management techniques and administration of hajj generally.
He called for urgent and best medical attention to the injured victims, amongst whom were about 61 Nigerians.
The NLC boss stated that as painful as the incident was, the congress believed it was predestined.
He said accordingly, the victims should be seen as martyrs who gave up their lives in worship.
Wabba said, “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to commiserate with the families of the 767 Muslim faithful who died in a stampede on the way to Jamrat Complex (Stoning Site), Mina, Saudi Arabia.
“Our special condolences go to the families and loved ones of 54 Nigerians who were among the dead. We pray for the repose and admission of their souls to heaven.
“Managing a mammoth crowd, sometimes in excess of two million people during every annual pilgrimage, is no mean task and the Saudi authorities deserve some commendations certainly.”
He added, “However, with over 1,200 deaths (earlier deaths caused by a crane mishap), the 2015 hajj ranks amongst the most eventful in recorded history of hajj.
“We are shocked and completely at a loss at the extent of the losses this year. “Accordingly, we call for a thorough investigation of the two major incidents that led to these deaths.
“For transparency and re-assurance, we urge that countries whose citizens perished in the two incidents be made members of the body of inquiry.
“But most importantly, perhaps, time has come for the Saudi authorities to review their crowd control management techniques and administration of hajj, generally.”
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Ministerial list is ready
The list of ministers to be appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari is ready.
The Senate may get a letter from the President requesting the confirmation of the nominees on Tuesday or Wednesday.
It will be recalled that Buhari who was inaugurated as President on May 29 had promised to name members of his cabinet in September.
He had at different times said he was in search of Nigerians with integrity to be part of his team that would reposition the country.
There has been anxiety that the President may not be able to meet the September deadline as he was quoted recently as saying that the month was running to an end too fast for his liking.
Indications have however emerged that Buhari, who is currently attending the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York, had concluded work on the list.
The list may be presented to the Senate before October 1.
While reacting to an online report that Buhari had sent one of his National Assembly Liaison Officers, Senator Ita Enang, back to Nigeria with the list meant for the Senate, presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, told reporters in New York on Monday that he would not be surprised if the list was ready.
He said it was within the timeline given by the President himself.
“I will not be surprised if the list is ready because it is within the timeline that the President gave. He said he would name his cabinet in September. Today (Monday) is September 28, so if it happens that it is ready, it is within the timeline,” Adesina said.
When asked to give an insight into the number of nominees on the list, the presidential spokesman simply said, “The constitution already gives you an idea of the number of people that can be on the cabinet because it stipulates that we must have at least one minister per state.”
A top Presidency source however told our correspondent that the President did not necessarily have to send Enang back to Nigeria to submit the list since he (the President) himself and his delegation are due back in the country on Tuesday.
“Senator Ita Enang is billed to return to Nigeria today. The President does not have to send him back because of the list. The truth is that the list will be given to the Senate either on Tuesday or Wednesday,” the official said.
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The Senate may get a letter from the President requesting the confirmation of the nominees on Tuesday or Wednesday.
It will be recalled that Buhari who was inaugurated as President on May 29 had promised to name members of his cabinet in September.
He had at different times said he was in search of Nigerians with integrity to be part of his team that would reposition the country.
There has been anxiety that the President may not be able to meet the September deadline as he was quoted recently as saying that the month was running to an end too fast for his liking.
Indications have however emerged that Buhari, who is currently attending the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York, had concluded work on the list.
The list may be presented to the Senate before October 1.
While reacting to an online report that Buhari had sent one of his National Assembly Liaison Officers, Senator Ita Enang, back to Nigeria with the list meant for the Senate, presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, told reporters in New York on Monday that he would not be surprised if the list was ready.
He said it was within the timeline given by the President himself.
“I will not be surprised if the list is ready because it is within the timeline that the President gave. He said he would name his cabinet in September. Today (Monday) is September 28, so if it happens that it is ready, it is within the timeline,” Adesina said.
When asked to give an insight into the number of nominees on the list, the presidential spokesman simply said, “The constitution already gives you an idea of the number of people that can be on the cabinet because it stipulates that we must have at least one minister per state.”
A top Presidency source however told our correspondent that the President did not necessarily have to send Enang back to Nigeria to submit the list since he (the President) himself and his delegation are due back in the country on Tuesday.
“Senator Ita Enang is billed to return to Nigeria today. The President does not have to send him back because of the list. The truth is that the list will be given to the Senate either on Tuesday or Wednesday,” the official said.
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Anti-Saraki protesters besiege National Assembly
Hundreds of protesters on Tuesday barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja singing solidarity songs in support of the embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. They also warned anti-graft agencies to desist from being used against perceived “political enemies.”
They carried placards with different inscriptions such as, “Enough is enough, we support Saraki and Ekweremadu.”
Saraki is facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged falsification of documents in his assets declaration form when he was governor in Kwara State
They carried placards with different inscriptions such as, “Enough is enough, we support Saraki and Ekweremadu.”
Saraki is facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged falsification of documents in his assets declaration form when he was governor in Kwara State
Monday 28 September 2015
BREAKING:Taliban fumes again in northern Afghanistan
An Afghan police official says Taliban fighters have captured more than half of a major northern city after launching coordinated attacks.
Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, spokesman for the provincial police chief of Kunduz, told The Associated Press on Monday that gun battles are still underway between Taliban militants and Afghan government force
He says Taliban gunmen have occupied a number of government buildings in the city, including a hospital and a courthouse.
Kunduz city, capital of the province of the same name, has twice come under attack by the Taliban this year. The strategically situated city was once one of Afghanistan's wealthiest.
Associated Press
Mental illness causes suicide in Akure
A 52-year-old psychiatric patient, Tope Ogunmodede, has reportedly hanged himself in his house in the Lafe area of Akure, Ondo State.
According to a source, the deceased, a cobbler, took his life on Friday out of frustration following his health challenge, which he and his family had reportedly been battling with for the past 32 years.
The source said sequel to the health challenge of the deceased, a lot of money had been spent by the family for the treatment of his ailment, but no fruitful result had been achieved.
As a result of the health challenge, the deceased, who stayed in the same house with his mother, Mrs. Comfort Ogunmodede, used to go for routine medical check-up at a hospital, and the check-up was due last Thursday, but had been shifted to Monday (today) because of the public holiday.
Tope was reportedly left at home alone on Friday and when his mother returned home from an occasion, she was said to have found the lifeless body of her son dangling in one of the rooms in their house.
Comfort was said to have raised the alarm, which brought in her neighbours, who later helped her to bring down the corpse.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Wole Ogodo, stated that police detectives had visited the scene of the incident and had taken photographs of the deceased.
He noted that no foul play was suspected in the incident, adding that the corpse had been deposited at the morgue of the Ondo State Specialists Hospital, Akure.
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According to a source, the deceased, a cobbler, took his life on Friday out of frustration following his health challenge, which he and his family had reportedly been battling with for the past 32 years.
The source said sequel to the health challenge of the deceased, a lot of money had been spent by the family for the treatment of his ailment, but no fruitful result had been achieved.
As a result of the health challenge, the deceased, who stayed in the same house with his mother, Mrs. Comfort Ogunmodede, used to go for routine medical check-up at a hospital, and the check-up was due last Thursday, but had been shifted to Monday (today) because of the public holiday.
Tope was reportedly left at home alone on Friday and when his mother returned home from an occasion, she was said to have found the lifeless body of her son dangling in one of the rooms in their house.
Comfort was said to have raised the alarm, which brought in her neighbours, who later helped her to bring down the corpse.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Wole Ogodo, stated that police detectives had visited the scene of the incident and had taken photographs of the deceased.
He noted that no foul play was suspected in the incident, adding that the corpse had been deposited at the morgue of the Ondo State Specialists Hospital, Akure.
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Nigerian trade union claims country's economy is in recession
The Trade Union Congress has faulted the position of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on the state of the nation’s economy.
Emefiele had warned that the economy was at risk of sliding into recession in 2016, adding that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account might affect the country’s economic growth.
However, the Rivers State Chairman of the TUC, Mr. Chika Onuegbu, on Saturday dismissed the CBN governor’s claim and declared that the nation’s economy had since gone into recession.
Speaking with our correspondent in a telephone interview, Onuegbu explained that with the decline in oil price and the inability of state governments to pay workers’ salaries, it was obvious that the nation’s economy had already gone into recession.
The TUC chairman also identified the continued job losses in the private sector as one of the signs that the economy was already down.
Onuegbu added, “When I say the economy of the country has already gone into recession, it is because there has been a steady decline in the revenue accruing to the country and you are a witness to the fact that at a point, workers were being owed salaries.
“Apart from that, we can see that Nigerians have been experiencing job losses, especially in the private sector. If not for the rigidity in engagement of public sector employees, we would have seen job losses in that sector too.
“The economy is rather struggling. Let us be frank, a year ago, the naira went for a little over N160 to a dollar. Today, it is about N220. I have heard that the CBN is saying that the economy may go into recession.
“Basically, the truth is that the economy is already in recession. But the CBN will not come out and tell anybody that the economy is in recession because it may mean pressing the panic button.”
Listing oil theft as one of the challenges affecting the nation’s economy, the TUC chairman lamented that government at all levels had not been able to cut down on their expenses.
He said, “The economy was already in bad shape before the fall in oil price. But the fall in oil price and the massive amount of crude oil theft contributed majorly to the nation’s poor economy.
“We started complaining in 2013 that the way things were going, workers’ salaries might not be paid. Unfortunately, politicians have not been able to cut down on their expenses because the citizens have allowed them to be profligate.
“They (politicians) see Nigerians as the masses that have been conquered. Again, we have not been able to fight this situation because we as labour have not been united. We need 100 per cent unity to be able tackle the issue.”
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Emefiele had warned that the economy was at risk of sliding into recession in 2016, adding that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account might affect the country’s economic growth.
However, the Rivers State Chairman of the TUC, Mr. Chika Onuegbu, on Saturday dismissed the CBN governor’s claim and declared that the nation’s economy had since gone into recession.
Speaking with our correspondent in a telephone interview, Onuegbu explained that with the decline in oil price and the inability of state governments to pay workers’ salaries, it was obvious that the nation’s economy had already gone into recession.
The TUC chairman also identified the continued job losses in the private sector as one of the signs that the economy was already down.
Onuegbu added, “When I say the economy of the country has already gone into recession, it is because there has been a steady decline in the revenue accruing to the country and you are a witness to the fact that at a point, workers were being owed salaries.
“Apart from that, we can see that Nigerians have been experiencing job losses, especially in the private sector. If not for the rigidity in engagement of public sector employees, we would have seen job losses in that sector too.
“The economy is rather struggling. Let us be frank, a year ago, the naira went for a little over N160 to a dollar. Today, it is about N220. I have heard that the CBN is saying that the economy may go into recession.
“Basically, the truth is that the economy is already in recession. But the CBN will not come out and tell anybody that the economy is in recession because it may mean pressing the panic button.”
Listing oil theft as one of the challenges affecting the nation’s economy, the TUC chairman lamented that government at all levels had not been able to cut down on their expenses.
He said, “The economy was already in bad shape before the fall in oil price. But the fall in oil price and the massive amount of crude oil theft contributed majorly to the nation’s poor economy.
“We started complaining in 2013 that the way things were going, workers’ salaries might not be paid. Unfortunately, politicians have not been able to cut down on their expenses because the citizens have allowed them to be profligate.
“They (politicians) see Nigerians as the masses that have been conquered. Again, we have not been able to fight this situation because we as labour have not been united. We need 100 per cent unity to be able tackle the issue.”
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Stop playing politics with religion, Osinbajo tells Nigerians
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has called on Nigerians to stop playing politics with religion, saying doing so portends grave danger for the country.
He said this on Sunday in Abuja during the 55th Independence Anniversary Interdenominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre.
At the event, radical Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Joseph Bagobiri, warned President Muhammadu Buhari against using the institutions of government for vengeance.
Osinbajo said, “Our nation is sharply divided for long along religious and tribal lines. The moment we are divided against ourselves we can’t stand. We must also speak on the unity of the country. It will make a difference in the future of this country. Our country’s major problem is that we play politics with everything. We play politics with religion, we play politics with tribe.
“When a bomb goes off in Potiskum or Maiduguri, it doesn’t ask questions, whether you are a Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa. The issues that we see go beyond the contest between Christians and Muslims. We have seen children and adults blown to pieces who are victims of insurgency. There were Christians, Muslims and those who do not profess any faith.
“Jesus Christ did not come to this world to celebrate religion, but for redemption. He came to make sacrifice for us. The message of Jesus Christ transcends religion. No matter what it is that we face, the answer lies in the love of Jesus Christ. That is what we see as Nigeria clocks 55. We also expressed our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Mecca.”
In his message titled, “Making Nigeria function as a family: Panacea to healthy national integration,” Bishop Bagobiri did not spare a former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), and Muslim leaders in the country.
According to him, they only opted to condemn activities of Boko Haram when serious damage had already been done.
He said, “I like what President Buhari said that nobody kills in the name of Islam. Why did Buhari wait till he became President before making the statement? Why did he not make the statement when President Goodluck Jonathan was in power? That statement would have made more sense then than now. Ibrahim Babangida followed and condemned Boko Haram. Why did they all have to wait till Buhari won the election before condemning the activities of Boko Haram?
“The anniversary celebration offers us the opportunity to offer ourselves in service for the continuous growth of our country. We thank God that despite all the apprehensions that followed the last general elections, we did not end up like some countries in the Middle East.
“Nigeria is more than any religion, tribe, political party, ideology or anything. No one should toil with the survival of Nigeria. We need Nigeria first before any other thing we are fighting for. Though prayer is highly important, it is not the only thing we are called to do.
“There are many powerful people whose agenda is to serve parochial interests. People that have been entrusted with public offices use their positions to promote sectional motives. Today, we hear of an invisible government that rules this country. Nigerians must ask what happened to the colossal monies budgeted for our security.
“Those who rule with discrimination will not go far. Why must Supreme Court Justices come from one part of the country? We advise this government to evoke fairness, justice and equity. Why can’t we have Igbo or Yoruba people as Supreme Court Justices? Nigerians are smart people. When you genuinely fight corruption, Nigerians know. When you give in to the temptation to use anti-graft agencies as instruments of revenge or vendetta, sooner or later, we will know.
“If you are fighting corruption for the sake of corruption, Nigerians understand it. If we use EFCC, ICPC, CCB and others as instruments of revenge and vendetta, sooner or later we will not be able to get the desired peace.”
The cleric stated that although Christians and Nigerians were not expected to carry arms, “they carry arms when the government has failed the citizenry.”
Speaking on the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, Bagobiri said Christians had become endangered species, adding that “for every 100 killings of Christians in the world, 60 are from Nigeria.”
While first Bible reading was taken from II Chronicles 7:1-14 was read by Bishop Bagobiri, the 2nd reading was taken from I Corinthians 12: 12-30 and read by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara.
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He said this on Sunday in Abuja during the 55th Independence Anniversary Interdenominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre.
At the event, radical Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Joseph Bagobiri, warned President Muhammadu Buhari against using the institutions of government for vengeance.
Osinbajo said, “Our nation is sharply divided for long along religious and tribal lines. The moment we are divided against ourselves we can’t stand. We must also speak on the unity of the country. It will make a difference in the future of this country. Our country’s major problem is that we play politics with everything. We play politics with religion, we play politics with tribe.
“When a bomb goes off in Potiskum or Maiduguri, it doesn’t ask questions, whether you are a Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa. The issues that we see go beyond the contest between Christians and Muslims. We have seen children and adults blown to pieces who are victims of insurgency. There were Christians, Muslims and those who do not profess any faith.
“Jesus Christ did not come to this world to celebrate religion, but for redemption. He came to make sacrifice for us. The message of Jesus Christ transcends religion. No matter what it is that we face, the answer lies in the love of Jesus Christ. That is what we see as Nigeria clocks 55. We also expressed our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Mecca.”
In his message titled, “Making Nigeria function as a family: Panacea to healthy national integration,” Bishop Bagobiri did not spare a former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), and Muslim leaders in the country.
According to him, they only opted to condemn activities of Boko Haram when serious damage had already been done.
He said, “I like what President Buhari said that nobody kills in the name of Islam. Why did Buhari wait till he became President before making the statement? Why did he not make the statement when President Goodluck Jonathan was in power? That statement would have made more sense then than now. Ibrahim Babangida followed and condemned Boko Haram. Why did they all have to wait till Buhari won the election before condemning the activities of Boko Haram?
“The anniversary celebration offers us the opportunity to offer ourselves in service for the continuous growth of our country. We thank God that despite all the apprehensions that followed the last general elections, we did not end up like some countries in the Middle East.
“Nigeria is more than any religion, tribe, political party, ideology or anything. No one should toil with the survival of Nigeria. We need Nigeria first before any other thing we are fighting for. Though prayer is highly important, it is not the only thing we are called to do.
“There are many powerful people whose agenda is to serve parochial interests. People that have been entrusted with public offices use their positions to promote sectional motives. Today, we hear of an invisible government that rules this country. Nigerians must ask what happened to the colossal monies budgeted for our security.
“Those who rule with discrimination will not go far. Why must Supreme Court Justices come from one part of the country? We advise this government to evoke fairness, justice and equity. Why can’t we have Igbo or Yoruba people as Supreme Court Justices? Nigerians are smart people. When you genuinely fight corruption, Nigerians know. When you give in to the temptation to use anti-graft agencies as instruments of revenge or vendetta, sooner or later, we will know.
“If you are fighting corruption for the sake of corruption, Nigerians understand it. If we use EFCC, ICPC, CCB and others as instruments of revenge and vendetta, sooner or later we will not be able to get the desired peace.”
The cleric stated that although Christians and Nigerians were not expected to carry arms, “they carry arms when the government has failed the citizenry.”
Speaking on the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, Bagobiri said Christians had become endangered species, adding that “for every 100 killings of Christians in the world, 60 are from Nigeria.”
While first Bible reading was taken from II Chronicles 7:1-14 was read by Bishop Bagobiri, the 2nd reading was taken from I Corinthians 12: 12-30 and read by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara.
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NAHCO confirms death of 54 Nigerians in Hajj stampede
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has confirmed the death of 54 Nigerians in the deadly stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, during this year’s Hajj.
The Chairman of NAHCO, Alhaji Abdullahi Muktar Mohammed, made the confirmation on Monday morning (12:16 am) in Makkah.
According to him, 42 out of the 54 that died were from states pilgrims welfare board including two NAHCON officials, while others were among those on the pilgrimage by private tour operators.
He also listed 15 states of Bauchi, Borno, Zamfara, Cross River, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe as those that lost pilgrims to the stampede.
The Punch
The Chairman of NAHCO, Alhaji Abdullahi Muktar Mohammed, made the confirmation on Monday morning (12:16 am) in Makkah.
According to him, 42 out of the 54 that died were from states pilgrims welfare board including two NAHCON officials, while others were among those on the pilgrimage by private tour operators.
He also listed 15 states of Bauchi, Borno, Zamfara, Cross River, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe as those that lost pilgrims to the stampede.
The Punch
Intrigues as PDP vows to fight for Saraki
THE Peoples Democratic Party has said that the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, is fit for the office he is occupying; hence it is not considering any candidate to replace him.
The PDP denied reports that it was already looking for a senator from the opposition party to replace Saraki, who is currently under pressure to resign from office following his trial for false asset declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Nigeria’s two main labour unions–Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress – on Saturday demanded Saraki’s resignation on moral grounds consequent upon his trial at the CCT.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday, said the party still believed that the trial of Saraki was political and that the PDP would not think of abandoning the Senate president until it sees the merit of the case.
Metuh said, “We have no candidate for the office of the Senate President, because we have a fit person occupying the position for now.
“We are behind him and we can’t abandon him just because he is undergoing trial. Anybody can be put on trial, but the question we should ask is whether the trial is political or not.
“Does the trial have merit? When we see the merit of the case, we will take position. But for now, there is nothing like that.”
Saraki, a former governor of Kwara State, is currently facing a 13-count charge of making false declaration as a governor between 20013 and 2011.
Since his arraignment before the tribunal, there had been speculations that the PDP, which produced Saraki’s deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, had been scheming to replace him with one of its senators.
Among those being touted as possible replacements for Saraki are Ekweremadu; a former Senate President, David Mark; and a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio.
Saraki had defied the directive of his party, the All Progressives Congress, and had clinched the Senate presidency with the backing of senators of the PDP, his former party.
The APC has 59 senators while the PDP has 49 but the Senate inauguration and election took place on June 9 while about 50 APC senators were waiting for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari outside the National Assembly.
But while the APC senators have been divided from inception of the eighth Senate, all the 49 PDP senators have been united.
The PDP senators have been the main backers of Saraki since his assumption of office as the Senate president.
Metuh said it was too early for the party to be talking with its members in the Senate or thinking of abandoning the Senate president.
He said the PDP was still of the opinion that Saraki was being prosecuted because of his political belief.
The opposition spokesman said, “We are not even thinking of replacement for Saraki for now. The National Assembly is a separate arm of the government just like the judiciary and the executive.
“Is anyone thinking that there would be leadership change in the executive and the judiciary?
“Are they not independent of the other? What we are interested in is that all the three arms of government must be allowed to function independently of the other. We are saying there shouldn’t be any interference.”
When he was reminded that the leadership of both the executive and the judiciary are not on trial for any crime, Metuh said that “trial doesn’t amount to conviction.”
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The PDP denied reports that it was already looking for a senator from the opposition party to replace Saraki, who is currently under pressure to resign from office following his trial for false asset declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Nigeria’s two main labour unions–Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress – on Saturday demanded Saraki’s resignation on moral grounds consequent upon his trial at the CCT.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday, said the party still believed that the trial of Saraki was political and that the PDP would not think of abandoning the Senate president until it sees the merit of the case.
Metuh said, “We have no candidate for the office of the Senate President, because we have a fit person occupying the position for now.
“We are behind him and we can’t abandon him just because he is undergoing trial. Anybody can be put on trial, but the question we should ask is whether the trial is political or not.
“Does the trial have merit? When we see the merit of the case, we will take position. But for now, there is nothing like that.”
Saraki, a former governor of Kwara State, is currently facing a 13-count charge of making false declaration as a governor between 20013 and 2011.
Since his arraignment before the tribunal, there had been speculations that the PDP, which produced Saraki’s deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, had been scheming to replace him with one of its senators.
Among those being touted as possible replacements for Saraki are Ekweremadu; a former Senate President, David Mark; and a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio.
Saraki had defied the directive of his party, the All Progressives Congress, and had clinched the Senate presidency with the backing of senators of the PDP, his former party.
The APC has 59 senators while the PDP has 49 but the Senate inauguration and election took place on June 9 while about 50 APC senators were waiting for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari outside the National Assembly.
But while the APC senators have been divided from inception of the eighth Senate, all the 49 PDP senators have been united.
The PDP senators have been the main backers of Saraki since his assumption of office as the Senate president.
Metuh said it was too early for the party to be talking with its members in the Senate or thinking of abandoning the Senate president.
He said the PDP was still of the opinion that Saraki was being prosecuted because of his political belief.
The opposition spokesman said, “We are not even thinking of replacement for Saraki for now. The National Assembly is a separate arm of the government just like the judiciary and the executive.
“Is anyone thinking that there would be leadership change in the executive and the judiciary?
“Are they not independent of the other? What we are interested in is that all the three arms of government must be allowed to function independently of the other. We are saying there shouldn’t be any interference.”
When he was reminded that the leadership of both the executive and the judiciary are not on trial for any crime, Metuh said that “trial doesn’t amount to conviction.”
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Ogun makes plan for late HID Awolowo
The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has said the state government will immortalise the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, the late Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, for her good deeds.
He said this on Sunday while speaking with journalists at the Ikenne country home of the Awolowos, during his condolence visit to the family.
The governor, who just returned from the Holy pilgrimage to Mecca, said HID Awolowo deserved the honour, adding that honouring her would enable generations yet unborn to know about her.
He said, “We will name a lot of things after her, because she deserves it; so that generations yet unborn will come and ask why we named the things after her. And we will tell them that they were the foundations and the pillars that some of us rested on.”
Amosun, who earlier rendered a praise song “What shall we say unto the Lord, all we have to say is thank you Lord,” maintained that Mama had so many children and that she lived an eventful life.
He said, “Mama was the last of the hegemony of human capital available to Ogun State and beyond, a good mother, a devoted, dedicated, supportive and loyal wife. Certainly, the rank of our first generation mothers and wives has been finally depleted.”
He told the family that the state would participate fully in the burial programmes.
The governor said, “We will participate fully. It is our show, though Mama transcends the shores of Ogun State and the South-West.
“Unarguably, Mama will be mourned all over Nigeria for obvious reasons. But what can we say? As I said earlier, it must happen one day; it has happened. It has pleased God to make Mama live this long.
“We are not happy that Mama has left us, but we are celebrating her good legacies.
“It is the end of an era, really. How many of Mama’s peers are still around? Papa Awolowo and his lieutenants have gone, all their wives too.
“And you know that Mama was not just another wife, she was that pillar behind the successes that Papa recorded. So, we will miss her.
“We will continue to revel in the good legacy that she has left behind; it will give us the much-needed tonic and it will be the reason that we will seek to continue to do well. It is the legacy that Mama left behind that will motivate us, because she sacrificed yesterday for our yesterday and tomorrow.”
Responding, HID Awolowo’s oldest surviving child, Rev. Omotola Oyediran, appreciated the governor for his support, love and care towards Mama and the family during her lifetime.
Meanwhile, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, were among dignitaries that paid a condolence visit to the Ikenne country home of the Awolowos on Sunday.
Also a former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. David Jemibewon, also paid a condolence visit to the family.
Pastor Adeboye described Mama Awolowo as “one of the greatest women Nigeria has ever produced.”
“Definitely, Mama is one of the greatest women Nigeria has ever produced. We thank God that she lived well and she departed well. We pray that all other women will emulate her and by the grace of God we will all end well,” he said.
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He said this on Sunday while speaking with journalists at the Ikenne country home of the Awolowos, during his condolence visit to the family.
The governor, who just returned from the Holy pilgrimage to Mecca, said HID Awolowo deserved the honour, adding that honouring her would enable generations yet unborn to know about her.
He said, “We will name a lot of things after her, because she deserves it; so that generations yet unborn will come and ask why we named the things after her. And we will tell them that they were the foundations and the pillars that some of us rested on.”
Amosun, who earlier rendered a praise song “What shall we say unto the Lord, all we have to say is thank you Lord,” maintained that Mama had so many children and that she lived an eventful life.
He said, “Mama was the last of the hegemony of human capital available to Ogun State and beyond, a good mother, a devoted, dedicated, supportive and loyal wife. Certainly, the rank of our first generation mothers and wives has been finally depleted.”
He told the family that the state would participate fully in the burial programmes.
The governor said, “We will participate fully. It is our show, though Mama transcends the shores of Ogun State and the South-West.
“Unarguably, Mama will be mourned all over Nigeria for obvious reasons. But what can we say? As I said earlier, it must happen one day; it has happened. It has pleased God to make Mama live this long.
“We are not happy that Mama has left us, but we are celebrating her good legacies.
“It is the end of an era, really. How many of Mama’s peers are still around? Papa Awolowo and his lieutenants have gone, all their wives too.
“And you know that Mama was not just another wife, she was that pillar behind the successes that Papa recorded. So, we will miss her.
“We will continue to revel in the good legacy that she has left behind; it will give us the much-needed tonic and it will be the reason that we will seek to continue to do well. It is the legacy that Mama left behind that will motivate us, because she sacrificed yesterday for our yesterday and tomorrow.”
Responding, HID Awolowo’s oldest surviving child, Rev. Omotola Oyediran, appreciated the governor for his support, love and care towards Mama and the family during her lifetime.
Meanwhile, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, were among dignitaries that paid a condolence visit to the Ikenne country home of the Awolowos on Sunday.
Also a former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. David Jemibewon, also paid a condolence visit to the family.
Pastor Adeboye described Mama Awolowo as “one of the greatest women Nigeria has ever produced.”
“Definitely, Mama is one of the greatest women Nigeria has ever produced. We thank God that she lived well and she departed well. We pray that all other women will emulate her and by the grace of God we will all end well,” he said.
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Mecca stampede: An entire Nigerian family dies
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has confirmed the killing of the immediate Caretaker Chairman of Illela Local Government Area of the state, Alhaji Bello Gidan-Hamma, his mother, stepmother and two wives in the stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
The agency also confirmed that the Chief Imam of the Sultan Abubakar III Jumaa’at Mosque, Sokoto, Sheikh Liman Dan-Ata, was among those killed in the stampede.
The Media Assistant to the agency, Alhaji Farouk Umar, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.
NAN recalls that the state government had in a statement issued on Saturday by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Imam Imam, confirmed the killing of nine other pilgrims from the state in the Mina stampede.
At of the time of writing this report, several pilgrims from the state had been declared missing.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam on Sunday urged the Saudi Arabian authorities to probe the stampede.
“This is one tragedy too many,” the JNI in a statement by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, in Kaduna, on Sunday, said.
This is just as a fiery Islamic cleric and leader of the Shiite Movement in Nigeria, Shiekh Ibaheem El-Zakzaky, blamed the tragedy on a Saudi prince whose convoy allegedly caused the stampede.
He said the prince and others fingered in the tragedy should be sentenced to death.
While commiserating with the families of the victims of the tragedy, the JNI urged the Muslim Ummah (community) not to be deterred but to remain steadfast in the current challenges confronting them.
The religious body noted that it was gratifying that the Saudi authorities were doing all they could to make the Hajj operation smooth, but added that investigation into what led to the tragedy was necessary.
According to the JNI, an investigation into the stampede became imperative in order to guard against future occurrence.
The JNI said, “With humility and total submission to Allah the exalted, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, and the President-General, condoles with with the Muslim Ummah over the Jamarat stampede, which led to the loss of several lives of pilgrims in one of the sites of worship in Saudi Arabia.
“This is one tragedy too many. JNI shares the pains and worries the families of the affected victims are passing through and urge them to patiently persevere and put their trust in Allah.
“Despite this and other painful trials, our faith in Allah is unshaken. Therefore, we call on each and every Muslim to remain focused and firm in his or her belief and engage in acts that will bring them closer to Allah.
“It is, indeed gratifying that the Saudi authorities have been doing everything humanly possible to make the Hajj as smooth as it should be, but we still call on them to investigate the Jamarat stampede in order to avert future a occurrence.”
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The agency also confirmed that the Chief Imam of the Sultan Abubakar III Jumaa’at Mosque, Sokoto, Sheikh Liman Dan-Ata, was among those killed in the stampede.
The Media Assistant to the agency, Alhaji Farouk Umar, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.
NAN recalls that the state government had in a statement issued on Saturday by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Imam Imam, confirmed the killing of nine other pilgrims from the state in the Mina stampede.
At of the time of writing this report, several pilgrims from the state had been declared missing.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam on Sunday urged the Saudi Arabian authorities to probe the stampede.
“This is one tragedy too many,” the JNI in a statement by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, in Kaduna, on Sunday, said.
This is just as a fiery Islamic cleric and leader of the Shiite Movement in Nigeria, Shiekh Ibaheem El-Zakzaky, blamed the tragedy on a Saudi prince whose convoy allegedly caused the stampede.
He said the prince and others fingered in the tragedy should be sentenced to death.
While commiserating with the families of the victims of the tragedy, the JNI urged the Muslim Ummah (community) not to be deterred but to remain steadfast in the current challenges confronting them.
The religious body noted that it was gratifying that the Saudi authorities were doing all they could to make the Hajj operation smooth, but added that investigation into what led to the tragedy was necessary.
According to the JNI, an investigation into the stampede became imperative in order to guard against future occurrence.
The JNI said, “With humility and total submission to Allah the exalted, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, and the President-General, condoles with with the Muslim Ummah over the Jamarat stampede, which led to the loss of several lives of pilgrims in one of the sites of worship in Saudi Arabia.
“This is one tragedy too many. JNI shares the pains and worries the families of the affected victims are passing through and urge them to patiently persevere and put their trust in Allah.
“Despite this and other painful trials, our faith in Allah is unshaken. Therefore, we call on each and every Muslim to remain focused and firm in his or her belief and engage in acts that will bring them closer to Allah.
“It is, indeed gratifying that the Saudi authorities have been doing everything humanly possible to make the Hajj as smooth as it should be, but we still call on them to investigate the Jamarat stampede in order to avert future a occurrence.”
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Senate looks set for stormy session tomorrow
There are indications that Senators that are opposed to Dr. Bukola Saraki’s leadership of the Senate are poised to ask for his resignation when the upper federal legislative chamber re-opens on Tuesday (tomorrow).
The anti-Saraki Senators are citing the trial of the Senate president by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false asset declaration as a reason for Saraki to go while his supporters are saying the man should not be proclaimed guilty before he goes through the judicial process.
The Senate will resume plenary on Tuesday. The lawmakers have been on break since August 13.
Investigations by our correspondents in Abuja on Sunday indicated that both anti-Saraki Senators and those supporting the Senate president are poised for a showdown when they return to the chambers.
While the anti-Saraki Senators are said to be resolute in their plot to end his leadership of the Senate, the pro-Saraki members are said to have vowed to ensure that the man is not forced out of office.
Curiously, the Senate president’s “enemies” are mostly members of his All Progressives Congress while his “loyalists” are from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
A strong member of the anti-Saraki faction of the Senate, under the aegis of the Senate Unity Forum, who spoke with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Sunday, explained that his colleagues were determined to restore the integrity of the upper chamber by ensuring that a senator standing trial for corruption would not continue to preside over their affairs.
The APC senator from the North-East geopolitical zone, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Posterity will judge us if we continue to condone corruption in the legislature instead of distancing ourselves from it”
“It is our intention to reach out to more senators who had yet to see things from the same perspective like us and we will play our role and leave the rest for Nigerians to judge.
“The Senate president may rule us out of order while his supporters may also make noise and shout us out but we will say our own and allow history to be the judge.
“Nigerians know what is going on and majority of our people now have access to the mass media more than ever before, so they will also know the role that each senator plays in the whole saga.
“We are not assuring Nigerians that our efforts alone would get Saraki out of office but we will do the needful as responsible lawmakers and would encourage Nigerians to take it up from where we stop.”
Another APC senator from the South-West geopolitical zone, who also craved anonymity, argued that it would be better for the Senate president to step aside to face his trial at the CCT.
Some Senators of Like Minds, being the name of the pro-Saraki Senators’ group, who spoke with The PUNCH said they were aware of the plot by some of their colleagues in the SUF “to blackmail the Senate president” over his current trial at the CCT.
One of them, an APC Senator from the North-Central, who would also not want his name mentioned, said that his colleagues were fully prepared to tackle any “externally motivated motion on Tuesday”
According to him, the Senate president has more than enough loyalists in the upper chamber “to kill any politically-motivated motion sponsored by any godfathers outside the Senate.”
The Senator said, “We have a tradition in the Senate; anybody is free to air his or her view on any issue while the Senate president will in his wisdom rule in favour of the strongest argument.
“We equally wish to warn our colleagues on the opposite side to be careful with the way they are going about the whole issue because any Senator who connives with an external body to run down his or her colleague, would in the shortest possible time bite his fingers in anguish”
A PDP Senator from the South-East geopolitical zone clarified that any motion targeted at calling for the impeachment of Saraki or asking him to step aside would not sail through because the Senate would not discuss on any matter before the court.
The Senator said, “Any anti-Saraki motion on the floor on Tuesday based on his trial at the CCT will fail because all of us know that we can’t discuss any issue before the court.
“The Senate president will definitely not rule on any case before the court so nobody should bother to bring such an issue before him”
Another PDP senator confided in one of our correspondents on Sunday that members of the SUF had been reaching out to some opposition lawmakers to seek their support to sack Saraki by supporting an impeachment motion.
The Senator from the South-South said, “I have been called by a Senator from the South-West geopolitical zone who is my friend but I told him that some leaders of the APC were using Saraki’s trial to get at other senators, which would be disastrous”
Efforts to get an official reaction from the spokesperson for the SUF, Kabir Marafa, failed as he said he was just returning to the country when our correspondent called him on Sunday.
He said, “I am just returning to Nigeria from an overseas trip and it will be difficult for me to comment on an issue that my colleagues had not discussed with me. I am still studying the situation because I have been out of circulation for some time now,” he said.
Also the Senate spokesman, who also doubles as the coordinator of the Like Minds senators, Dino Melaye, failed to pick his call or respond to a text message sent to him on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Campaign for Democracy on Sunday joined those calling for the resignation of Saraki as senate president. The CD called on Saraki to resign as a respect to his person and the integrity of the nation.
The CD, in a statement by one of its zonal coordinators, Ifeanyi Odili, noted that the apprehension over the ongoing crisis at the nation’s legislative arm was capable of consuming the nation’s democracy.
The statement reads in part, “The lingering crisis at the Senate is beginning to be seen as a diversion aimed at dissuading Nigerians from the recovery of our loots from the past government.
“CD noted that since the Bukola Saraki’s saga started, no one has heard about the probe of the former ministers and the Niger Delta amnesty programmes. Up to this moment, nothing has been heard about the investigation, let alone the prosecution of the EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde.
“While we agree that false assets declaration is a criminal offence, we are more concerned about the recovery of our looted money,that is what is expected of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In a normal society, the Senate president ought to have resigned from the exalted seat before entering the witness box at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”
In a related development, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC, Sokoto) on Sunday said there was no plot to oust the Senate president.
Wamakko, one of Saraki loyalists, described reports that Saraki would be removed based on his ongoing trial by the CCT as the handiwork of “political rabble-rousers.”
Wamakko, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, described as untrue reports that members of the PDP were plotting a takeover of the Senate on account of the Senate president’s ordeal.
Wamakko said, “I see Mr. President, Saraki and Senators holding a meeting very soon on how to salvage democracy, which certain elements have been trying to subvert. They will find time to meet to stop our opponents from progressing with acts to sabotage our democracy.
“Once the President and the Senate leadership sit on a round table with a resolve to re-oil the wheels of democracy for national progress, the cynics, the political rabble-rousers and those who never meant well for the APC government will go to sleep.”
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The anti-Saraki Senators are citing the trial of the Senate president by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false asset declaration as a reason for Saraki to go while his supporters are saying the man should not be proclaimed guilty before he goes through the judicial process.
The Senate will resume plenary on Tuesday. The lawmakers have been on break since August 13.
Investigations by our correspondents in Abuja on Sunday indicated that both anti-Saraki Senators and those supporting the Senate president are poised for a showdown when they return to the chambers.
While the anti-Saraki Senators are said to be resolute in their plot to end his leadership of the Senate, the pro-Saraki members are said to have vowed to ensure that the man is not forced out of office.
Curiously, the Senate president’s “enemies” are mostly members of his All Progressives Congress while his “loyalists” are from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
A strong member of the anti-Saraki faction of the Senate, under the aegis of the Senate Unity Forum, who spoke with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Sunday, explained that his colleagues were determined to restore the integrity of the upper chamber by ensuring that a senator standing trial for corruption would not continue to preside over their affairs.
The APC senator from the North-East geopolitical zone, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Posterity will judge us if we continue to condone corruption in the legislature instead of distancing ourselves from it”
“It is our intention to reach out to more senators who had yet to see things from the same perspective like us and we will play our role and leave the rest for Nigerians to judge.
“The Senate president may rule us out of order while his supporters may also make noise and shout us out but we will say our own and allow history to be the judge.
“Nigerians know what is going on and majority of our people now have access to the mass media more than ever before, so they will also know the role that each senator plays in the whole saga.
“We are not assuring Nigerians that our efforts alone would get Saraki out of office but we will do the needful as responsible lawmakers and would encourage Nigerians to take it up from where we stop.”
Another APC senator from the South-West geopolitical zone, who also craved anonymity, argued that it would be better for the Senate president to step aside to face his trial at the CCT.
Some Senators of Like Minds, being the name of the pro-Saraki Senators’ group, who spoke with The PUNCH said they were aware of the plot by some of their colleagues in the SUF “to blackmail the Senate president” over his current trial at the CCT.
One of them, an APC Senator from the North-Central, who would also not want his name mentioned, said that his colleagues were fully prepared to tackle any “externally motivated motion on Tuesday”
According to him, the Senate president has more than enough loyalists in the upper chamber “to kill any politically-motivated motion sponsored by any godfathers outside the Senate.”
The Senator said, “We have a tradition in the Senate; anybody is free to air his or her view on any issue while the Senate president will in his wisdom rule in favour of the strongest argument.
“We equally wish to warn our colleagues on the opposite side to be careful with the way they are going about the whole issue because any Senator who connives with an external body to run down his or her colleague, would in the shortest possible time bite his fingers in anguish”
A PDP Senator from the South-East geopolitical zone clarified that any motion targeted at calling for the impeachment of Saraki or asking him to step aside would not sail through because the Senate would not discuss on any matter before the court.
The Senator said, “Any anti-Saraki motion on the floor on Tuesday based on his trial at the CCT will fail because all of us know that we can’t discuss any issue before the court.
“The Senate president will definitely not rule on any case before the court so nobody should bother to bring such an issue before him”
Another PDP senator confided in one of our correspondents on Sunday that members of the SUF had been reaching out to some opposition lawmakers to seek their support to sack Saraki by supporting an impeachment motion.
The Senator from the South-South said, “I have been called by a Senator from the South-West geopolitical zone who is my friend but I told him that some leaders of the APC were using Saraki’s trial to get at other senators, which would be disastrous”
Efforts to get an official reaction from the spokesperson for the SUF, Kabir Marafa, failed as he said he was just returning to the country when our correspondent called him on Sunday.
He said, “I am just returning to Nigeria from an overseas trip and it will be difficult for me to comment on an issue that my colleagues had not discussed with me. I am still studying the situation because I have been out of circulation for some time now,” he said.
Also the Senate spokesman, who also doubles as the coordinator of the Like Minds senators, Dino Melaye, failed to pick his call or respond to a text message sent to him on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Campaign for Democracy on Sunday joined those calling for the resignation of Saraki as senate president. The CD called on Saraki to resign as a respect to his person and the integrity of the nation.
The CD, in a statement by one of its zonal coordinators, Ifeanyi Odili, noted that the apprehension over the ongoing crisis at the nation’s legislative arm was capable of consuming the nation’s democracy.
The statement reads in part, “The lingering crisis at the Senate is beginning to be seen as a diversion aimed at dissuading Nigerians from the recovery of our loots from the past government.
“CD noted that since the Bukola Saraki’s saga started, no one has heard about the probe of the former ministers and the Niger Delta amnesty programmes. Up to this moment, nothing has been heard about the investigation, let alone the prosecution of the EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde.
“While we agree that false assets declaration is a criminal offence, we are more concerned about the recovery of our looted money,that is what is expected of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In a normal society, the Senate president ought to have resigned from the exalted seat before entering the witness box at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”
In a related development, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC, Sokoto) on Sunday said there was no plot to oust the Senate president.
Wamakko, one of Saraki loyalists, described reports that Saraki would be removed based on his ongoing trial by the CCT as the handiwork of “political rabble-rousers.”
Wamakko, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, described as untrue reports that members of the PDP were plotting a takeover of the Senate on account of the Senate president’s ordeal.
Wamakko said, “I see Mr. President, Saraki and Senators holding a meeting very soon on how to salvage democracy, which certain elements have been trying to subvert. They will find time to meet to stop our opponents from progressing with acts to sabotage our democracy.
“Once the President and the Senate leadership sit on a round table with a resolve to re-oil the wheels of democracy for national progress, the cynics, the political rabble-rousers and those who never meant well for the APC government will go to sleep.”
Copyright PUNCH
Thursday 24 September 2015
US commits 45 million dollars to fight Boko Haram
The White House said on Thursday that it would send up to $45 million in defense services, including military training, to support African countries in their efforts to defeat the militant Islamist group Boko Haram.
Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria will receive support that builds on the training and military equipment the United States has already supplied in the fight against the group, White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
Reuters
Usher is married again!
Surprise! Usher is a married man. The “U Got It Bad" crooner and girlfriend Grace Miguel secretly wed prior to jetting off to Cuba for their honeymoon over Labor Day weekend, Us Weekly can confirm.
PHOTOS: Secret celebrity weddings
According to one source, the duo planned on marrying before 100 guests in Atlanta but decided to elope instead. Following their secret nuptials, the newlyweds celebrated their honeymoon in Havana, Cuba.
In one Instagram photo posted by Miguel, Usher’s new gold wedding band is on clear display. Usher and Miguel, who is also the R&B star’s manager, have been together since 2009 and got engaged in January 2014.
"I have an incredible partner and manager," he gushed to Billboard in October 2014. "She has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and my career. She’s someone who’s been able to support and understand all of who I am. Not just as a dancer or as a performer or as a singer, but as a humanitarian and a business man and as a person."
Usher, who is dad to sons Naviyd Ely, 6, and Usher Raymond V, 7, was previously married to Tameka Foster from 2007 to 2009. It's nit the first marriage for Miguel either.
Us Weekly
310 killed in Hajj stampede
MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — At least 310 people were killed and hundreds were injured in a stampede Thursday at the annual hajj pilgrimage, Saudi authorities said.
The crush happened in Mina, a large valley about five kilometers (three miles) from the holy city of Mecca that has been the site of hajj stampedes in years past.
Mina is where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls. It also houses more than 160,000 tents where pilgrims spend the night during the pilgrimage.
The Saudi civil defense directorate earlier said at least 450 other pilgrims were injured in the stampede on Street 204 in Mina. It was not immediately clear if some of those previously listed as injured were included in rising death tolls.
Amateur video shared on social media showed a horrific scene, with scores of bodies — the men dressed in the simple terry cloth garments worn during hajj — lying amid crushed wheelchairs and water bottles along a sunbaked street.
Survivors assessed the scene from the top of roadside stalls near white tents as rescue workers in orange and yellow vests combed the area.
Photos released by the directorate on its official Twitter account showed rescue workers helping the wounded onto stretchers and loading them onto ambulances near some of the tents.
Some 2 million people are taking part in this year's hajj pilgrimage, which began Tuesday.
Saudi authorities take extensive precautions to ensure the security of the hajj and the safety of pilgrims. But tragedies are not uncommon.
The stampede was the deadliest disaster at the hajj since 2006, when more than 360 pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the same area. Another stampede at Mina in 2004 left 244 pilgrims dead and hundreds injured.
Thursday's stampede happened less than two weeks after a giant construction crane came crashing down on the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the focal point of the hajj.
That accident, on Sept. 11, killed at least 111 people and injured more than 390. Authorities blamed the crane collapse on high winds during an unusually powerful storm.
AP
The crush happened in Mina, a large valley about five kilometers (three miles) from the holy city of Mecca that has been the site of hajj stampedes in years past.
Mina is where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls. It also houses more than 160,000 tents where pilgrims spend the night during the pilgrimage.
The Saudi civil defense directorate earlier said at least 450 other pilgrims were injured in the stampede on Street 204 in Mina. It was not immediately clear if some of those previously listed as injured were included in rising death tolls.
Amateur video shared on social media showed a horrific scene, with scores of bodies — the men dressed in the simple terry cloth garments worn during hajj — lying amid crushed wheelchairs and water bottles along a sunbaked street.
Survivors assessed the scene from the top of roadside stalls near white tents as rescue workers in orange and yellow vests combed the area.
Photos released by the directorate on its official Twitter account showed rescue workers helping the wounded onto stretchers and loading them onto ambulances near some of the tents.
Some 2 million people are taking part in this year's hajj pilgrimage, which began Tuesday.
Saudi authorities take extensive precautions to ensure the security of the hajj and the safety of pilgrims. But tragedies are not uncommon.
The stampede was the deadliest disaster at the hajj since 2006, when more than 360 pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the same area. Another stampede at Mina in 2004 left 244 pilgrims dead and hundreds injured.
Thursday's stampede happened less than two weeks after a giant construction crane came crashing down on the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the focal point of the hajj.
That accident, on Sept. 11, killed at least 111 people and injured more than 390. Authorities blamed the crane collapse on high winds during an unusually powerful storm.
AP
Wednesday 23 September 2015
Exposed: a PDP's mole within APC
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has barred the lawmaker representing Ondo-Central senatorial district, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, from attending South-West caucus meetings, our correspondent has learnt.
It was learnt that the senator was ostracised for allegedly working against the interest of the party’s South-West leadership and for taking sides with Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Alasoadura was also among the senators that followed Saraki to the Code of Conduct Tribunal in solidarity on Tuesday.
A reliable source within the party told our correspondent that Alasoadura had been sidelined from all APC South-West meetings for his disloyalty to Tinubu.
The source said, “Alasoadura was a Commissioner for Finance under the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu for over five years. He later defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Action Congress of Nigeria. Tinubu accepted him and appointed him the Director-General of the Rotimi Akeredolu governorship campaign organisation in 2013.
“Alasoadura was not even supposed to have emerged the senatorial candidate of the APC in the last election but the party favoured him. However, when he got to the Senate, he returned to his PDP family and started working against the party. He also supported Saraki against the interest of the party.
“When Tinubu convened a South-West meeting in Abuja during the height of the National Assembly crisis, Alasoadura came. However, Tinubu walked him out of the meeting and told his orderly to ensure that the senator was escorted off the premises.
“Tinubu also warned senators present to ensure that sensitive issues were not discussed in the presence of Alasoadura as he was an enemy within.”
Two days after the faceoff with Tinubu, however, the Ondo State senator issued a statement wherein he pledged his loyalty to the party and denied supporting Saraki.
Alasoadura said he was only working in the best interest of his constituents.
An APC leader, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, however, said that the fact that Alasoadura accompanied Saraki to the Code of Conduct Tribunal in solidarity on Tuesday, confirmed their suspicions.
He said the party would ensure that he remained irrelevant in the APC.
Copyright PUNCH
It was learnt that the senator was ostracised for allegedly working against the interest of the party’s South-West leadership and for taking sides with Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Alasoadura was also among the senators that followed Saraki to the Code of Conduct Tribunal in solidarity on Tuesday.
A reliable source within the party told our correspondent that Alasoadura had been sidelined from all APC South-West meetings for his disloyalty to Tinubu.
The source said, “Alasoadura was a Commissioner for Finance under the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu for over five years. He later defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Action Congress of Nigeria. Tinubu accepted him and appointed him the Director-General of the Rotimi Akeredolu governorship campaign organisation in 2013.
“Alasoadura was not even supposed to have emerged the senatorial candidate of the APC in the last election but the party favoured him. However, when he got to the Senate, he returned to his PDP family and started working against the party. He also supported Saraki against the interest of the party.
“When Tinubu convened a South-West meeting in Abuja during the height of the National Assembly crisis, Alasoadura came. However, Tinubu walked him out of the meeting and told his orderly to ensure that the senator was escorted off the premises.
“Tinubu also warned senators present to ensure that sensitive issues were not discussed in the presence of Alasoadura as he was an enemy within.”
Two days after the faceoff with Tinubu, however, the Ondo State senator issued a statement wherein he pledged his loyalty to the party and denied supporting Saraki.
Alasoadura said he was only working in the best interest of his constituents.
An APC leader, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, however, said that the fact that Alasoadura accompanied Saraki to the Code of Conduct Tribunal in solidarity on Tuesday, confirmed their suspicions.
He said the party would ensure that he remained irrelevant in the APC.
Copyright PUNCH
Tuesday 22 September 2015
Breaking: Boko Haram bombs Monguno market
A market in Monguno, Borno, has been bombed by suspected Boko Haram militants. Nearly 18 people are feared dead already.
Updates to follow.
US actor Ryan Reynolds reveals how his best friend of 25 years betrayed him
Ryan Reynolds, new dad spokesperson, has been very open about how fatherhood has changed him. "I have this stupid grin on my face all the time," he told GQ in its October issue. "And that's not because I have a nanny or something like that. It's just us [Ryan and wife Blake Lively] right now, and I love it."
He's become more inventive: Though James' first word was mama, Reynolds explained to Jimmy Fallon, it's actually not Blake's victory. "You know what my wife doesn't realize? She calls me mama, too. I have to sit down and tell [James] penises don't work that way."
But there's a dark side to celebrity parenthood, too. A friend of 25 years used his access to baby James to backstab Reynolds. "A guy that I'd known for my whole life, one of my closest friends growing up, he had been shopping pictures of my baby around," the actor said in GQ. "I kind of got in front of it, which is good. But it was a slightly dark period. A bad couple of weeks."
The betrayal was "like a death. It was like one of those devastating things to find out." The friend had done it for the money: "I don't think he thought he would ever be caught. But it's a pretty narrow group of people that I would send photos like that to. They're just, like, my closest family and my closest friends: 'Here's us in the delivery room!'"
"It was, like, so kind of shocking. There isn't really a conversation to have. It's just, 'Oh, well, now I'm never going to see you or talk to you again, unfortunately.' That's kind of how it worked out."
ELLE
ELLE
Lagos state govt. marks International Day of Peace, appoints new LIRS chair
The Lagos State Government has marked the International Day of Peace with calls for global peace and cessation of hostilities among warring groups, urging them to down their weapons and embrace the principles of peaceful coexistence.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented at this year's celebrations of the United Nations International Day of Peace by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami disclosed that the State had established the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) to initiate peace through mediation and provide access to justice to the indigents of the state.
Ambode maintained that the non-adversarial resolution of disputes by CMC has assisted in maintaining relationships among disputing parties and prevents the citizenry from resorting to jungle justice or other forms of impunities, stressing that residents must further embrace the process of mediation as it has become globally acceptable.'
In delivering the speech of the Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, the Director of the United Nations Information Centre, Mr. Ronald Kyanga explained that at a time of deadly violence and destabilizing conflicts around the world, the option of peace is a collective responsibility to put an end to brutality and impunity.
Ban Ki-Moon therefore pleaded with all warring nations to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire to create a space for lasting peace.
While noting that the youths are mostly affected by hostilities, the UN Scribe urged all governments to make greater investments in realizing the potential and massive contributions of the world's young peace builders by saving generations from the scourge of war.
The highlight of the 2015 International Day of Peace themed, “Partnership for Peace - Dignity for All”, was the Walk for Peace and Free Legal Clinic organized by the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) at Ikeja and Badagry simultaneously.
In another development. the state's Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has appointed Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo as the new Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
Ogunsanwo’s appointment was confirmed by the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, on the request of the Governor. Ambode had earlier approved the appointment of new Directors to the Board of LIRS.
The new directors include Mrs. Akintola Bolaji, Moroof Oludare Tijani, Mrs. Arinola Kola-Daisi, Seyi Alade, Mrs. Afolayan Folashade and Ayodele Adebayo with Jimi Aina serving as Board Secretary.
The new officers are expected to resume work immediately and work towards implementing the vision of the state government.
Boy withdraws from US school over false bomb scare
The family of a 14-year-old Muslim student who got in trouble over a homemade clock mistaken for a possible bomb withdrew the boy Monday from his suburban Dallas high school.
Ahmed Mohamed's father, Mohamed El-Hassan Mohamed, said he has pulled all of his children from their Irving Independent School District schools. Mohamed said the family is still deciding where to send the children to school.
Ahmed has said he brought the clock he made to MacArthur High School in Irving last week to show a teacher. Officials say he was arrested after another teacher saw it and became concerned. Ahmed wasn't charged, but he was suspended from school for three days.
"Ahmed said, 'I don't want to go to MacArthur,'" Ahmed's father told The Dallas Morning News (http://bit.ly/1QuOnJQ). "These kids aren't going to be happy there."
News of the arrest sparked an outpouring of support for Ahmed, including from President Barack Obama.
The turmoil surrounding Ahmed's case has had a harmful effect on the teen, Mohamed said, adding that his son has lost his appetite and is not sleeping well.
"It's torn the family and makes us very confused," Mohamed said.
Numerous schools have offered to enroll Ahmed, his father said. But Mohamed said he wants to give his son a breather before making a decision. He said his entire family plans to fly to New York on Wednesday, where United Nations dignitaries want to meet his son. Then, if the appropriate visas can be obtained, Mohamed wants to take his son on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
"I ask Allah to bless this time. After that, we'll see," Mohamed said.
When they return, a visit to the White House and a meeting with Obama is in the works, he said.
ABC news
NFF disciplinary committee releases decisions
The Disciplinary Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has released decisions made at its meeting of Wednesday, 16th September 2015 in Abuja, at which 21 cases were entertained:
Kogi United Vs Adamawa United
. Three points and three goals were awarded to Adamawa United, as Kogi United was found culpable of infringing on Article 4.3(1) of the NNL Rules and Regulations. Kogi United ordered to replace camera of Adamawa United, and the sum of N20,000 awarded as cost of lost items, to be paid by Kogi United to assaulted match officials through the NNL.
Prime FC Vs Remo Stars
. Remo Stars’ protest dismissed for want of evidence. Remo Stars to forfeit match to Prime FC, three points and three goals. Remo Stars reprimanded to desist from any act that will put the game of football to disrepute.
Ekiti United Vs Abia Comet
. Abia Comet’s protest dismissed for lack of merit. Match ordered to be continued where it stopped on 5th September 2015 – 58th minute, at a date to be determined by NNL. Match now to be played at Ilorin Township Stadium, with the same match officials, and to be monitored by NNL and a member of the NFF Disciplinary Committee.
Bida Lions Vs Rising Stars
. Rising Stars’ protest dismissed for lack of merit. Match awarded to Bida Lions, three points and three goals. Centre Referee banned for 1 year for failing standard required of a seasoned League referee.
Zabgai FC Vs Yarma Light
. Zabgai’s protest struck out. Zabgai FC warned to desist from such violent behavior that could bring the game to disrepute.
CBN Cashless Vs Shekarau Babes
. Shekarau Babes’ protest upheld. Three points and three goals awarded to Shekarau Babes in line with Article 7.01 of NNL Rules and Regulations.
Patros FC Vs Pilo FC
. Protests from both Patros FC and Pilo FC dismissed for lack of merit. The match is declared a no-match, hence no point to either Patros or Pilo. The League table is established as it was on 6th August.
Kwara United Feeders Vs Peacemakers FC
. Peacemakers FC protest struck out. The result of the match stands.
Ebonyi United Vs Patros/Pilo
. As treated in Patros Vs Pilo. Hence, Ebonyi United’s protest upheld.
Nasarawa Amazons Vs Rivers Angels
. Nasarawa Amazons’ protest struck out. Nothing in the Rules governing Nigeria Women’s League on incidences of such nature.
Beautiful Tour Angels Vs Kolo Amazons
. Beautiful Tour Angels’ protest thrown out because due process/procedures for protest not followed. The result of the match stands.
Beautiful Tour Angels Vs State House Queens
. Beautiful Tour Angels’ protest thrown out because due process/procedures for protest not followed. The result of the match stands. Player Adebayo Adedayo (License No. 0403) ordered to return to Beautiful Tour Angels.
Invisible Angels Vs Tokas Queens
. Tokas Queens’ protest upheld, with three points and three goals awarded to Tokas Queens.
Edo Queens Vs Rivers Angels
. Rivers Angels’ protest upheld, with three points and three goals awarded to Rivers Angels.
Edo Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons
. Nasarawa Amazons’ protest thrown out because due process/procedures for protest not followed. The result of the match stands.
FC Lokoja Vs State House
. Match to be replayed at a date to be determined by Secretariat of the League
Osun Babes Vs Confluence Queens
. Confluence Queens’ protest upheld. Three points and three goals awarded to Confluence Queens.
Bayelsa Queens Vs Martins White Doves
. Committee ordered Bayelsa Queens to pay N300,000 each to Martins White Doves for the latter’s two players (Ugbehru Orezimobor Lucky and Dabrinze Blessing), through the League, before the commencement of next League season.
State House Queens Vs Abia Angels
. Abia Angels’ protest dismissed for lack of merit. The result of the match stands.
NFF disciplinary committee releases decisions
The Disciplinary Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has released decisions made at its meeting of Wednesday, 16th September 2015 in Abuja, at which 21 cases were entertained:
Kogi United Vs Adamawa United
. Three points and three goals were awarded to Adamawa United, as Kogi United was found culpable of infringing on Article 4.3(1) of the NNL Rules and Regulations. Kogi United ordered to replace camera of Adamawa United, and the sum of N20,000 awarded as cost of lost items, to be paid by Kogi United to assaulted match officials through the NNL.
Prime FC Vs Remo Stars
. Remo Stars’ protest dismissed for want of evidence. Remo Stars to forfeit match to Prime FC, three points and three goals. Remo Stars reprimanded to desist from any act that will put the game of football to disrepute.
Ekiti United Vs Abia Comet
. Abia Comet’s protest dismissed for lack of merit. Match ordered to be continued where it stopped on 5th September 2015 – 58th minute, at a date to be determined by NNL. Match now to be played at Ilorin Township Stadium, with the same match officials, and to be monitored by NNL and a member of the NFF Disciplinary Committee.
Bida Lions Vs Rising Stars
. Rising Stars’ protest dismissed for lack of merit. Match awarded to Bida Lions, three points and three goals. Centre Referee banned for 1 year for failing standard required of a seasoned League referee.
Zabgai FC Vs Yarma Light
. Zabgai’s protest struck out. Zabgai FC warned to desist from such violent behavior that could bring the game to disrepute.
CBN Cashless Vs Shekarau Babes
. Shekarau Babes’ protest upheld. Three points and three goals awarded to Shekarau Babes in line with Article 7.01 of NNL Rules and Regulations.
Patros FC Vs Pilo FC
. Protests from both Patros FC and Pilo FC dismissed for lack of merit. The match is declared a no-match, hence no point to either Patros or Pilo. The League table is established as it was on 6th August.
Kwara United Feeders Vs Peacemakers FC
. Peacemakers FC protest struck out. The result of the match stands.
Ebonyi United Vs Patros/Pilo
. As treated in Patros Vs Pilo. Hence, Ebonyi United’s protest upheld.
Nasarawa Amazons Vs Rivers Angels
. Nasarawa Amazons’ protest struck out. Nothing in the Rules governing Nigeria Women’s League on incidences of such nature.
Beautiful Tour Angels Vs Kolo Amazons
. Beautiful Tour Angels’ protest thrown out because due process/procedures for protest not followed. The result of the match stands.
Beautiful Tour Angels Vs State House Queens
. Beautiful Tour Angels’ protest thrown out because due process/procedures for protest not followed. The result of the match stands. Player Adebayo Adedayo (License No. 0403) ordered to return to Beautiful Tour Angels.
Invisible Angels Vs Tokas Queens
. Tokas Queens’ protest upheld, with three points and three goals awarded to Tokas Queens.
Edo Queens Vs Rivers Angels
. Rivers Angels’ protest upheld, with three points and three goals awarded to Rivers Angels.
Edo Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons
. Nasarawa Amazons’ protest thrown out because due process/procedures for protest not followed. The result of the match stands.
FC Lokoja Vs State House
. Match to be replayed at a date to be determined by Secretariat of the League
Osun Babes Vs Confluence Queens
. Confluence Queens’ protest upheld. Three points and three goals awarded to Confluence Queens.
Bayelsa Queens Vs Martins White Doves
. Committee ordered Bayelsa Queens to pay N300,000 each to Martins White Doves for the latter’s two players (Ugbehru Orezimobor Lucky and Dabrinze Blessing), through the League, before the commencement of next League season.
State House Queens Vs Abia Angels
. Abia Angels’ protest dismissed for lack of merit. The result of the match stands.
Panic as IS now recruiting from among German refugees
- See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/09/22/german-intelligence-concerned-islamists-recruiting-refugees.html#sthash.6Vw8ZYjk.dpuf
Saraki appears before tribunal, case adjourns till Oct. 21
Saraki docked
The trial of the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja, has been adjouned to October 21.
Earlier, the trial of Dr. Olubukola Saraki took a dramatic turn when he refused to mount the dock.
The trial tribunal, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, called up Saraki’s case at exactly 10:32am.
Where is the prosecution, is the accused person here?”, Justice Umar who was looking directly at Saraki from his vantage post, queried.
“Mr lord I cannot see him. I think the first thing is for him to enter the dock first, then we will announce our appearances. After which the charge will be read to him”, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs submitted.
“With profound respect to the chairman and member of this tribunal, I agree with my learned brother that we should enter appearances first. The order of this tribunal was that the accused should be produced today. It was not for his to enter his plea. The case was earlier adjourned for mention”, counsel to Saraki, Mr. J.B. Daudu, insisted.
Daudu vehemently opposed the idea of Saraki entering the dock, relying on an Appeal Court decided case law in Igbeke vs FRN, 2015, 3 NWLR.
Eventually, Saraki entered the dock and pleaded not guilty to the 13-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the federal government.
The Tribunal adjourned sitting to October 21, 2015.
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