FIFA votes tough new powers

Blatter

Serious or repeat offences can now be punished by a points deduction, expulsion or relegation. Teams could also be relegated or expelled from competitions for serious incidents of racism after tough new powers were voted in by FIFA. First or minor offences will result in either a warning, fine or order for a match to be played behind closed doors.

Supreme Court strikes out Oni's suit, re-affirms Fayemi’s election

Fayemi

 The Supreme Court  had in its 7-man unanimous ruling struck out petitions filed by ousted Governor of  Ekiti State, Mr Segun Oni against the ruling of the Court of Appeal, sitting in Ado-Ekiti that re-affirmed the election of Dr. Kayode Fayemi as earlier delivered by an Ilorin Appeal Court on October 15,  2010.

The judgement laid to rest the nation’s longest election petition that spanned from 2007 to 20

13.

Mourinho returns to Chelsea on £40m four-year deal

Jose Mourinho has officially been re-appointed as Chelsea’s new boss.  The Special One sealed a spectacular £40million four-year deal on Tuesday night.

A senior Blues source revealed: “It’s official — Jose is a Chelsea man again! Everyone is delighted he’s coming back — the club, the players and the fans. “We are already looking forward to next season — we are sure it’s going to be very exciting.”

Same-sex marriage: Reps approve 14 -year jail sanction for culprits

Mark

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved 14 years imprisonment for persons who contracted same sex marriage in the country.

This was sequel to a clause-by-clause consideration of a Bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or union entered between persons of same sex, at the Committee of the Whole.

“Marriage or civil union entered between persons of same gender shall not be solemnised in any place of worship, either church or mosque or any place in Nigeria,” it said.

Northern GF: Kontagora’s death is a monumental loss –

Late Kotangora

The death of the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Major General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd) has been described  as a monumental loss to the country and Niger State by the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF).

Boko Haram claims victory over military

LEADER of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, on Tuesday claimed in a video that Nigerian soldiers had retreated from the ongoing military offensive against terrorism and that insurgents had sustained little damage, AFP reports.

The video marks the

first public comments from Shekau since the military offensive which started on May 15 following the declaration of emergency rule in the stronghold of the sect, Borno, as well as Adamawa and Yobe states.

Opposition parties have played credible roles in Nigeria’s democracy –

AS Nigeria celebrated Democracy Day yesterday, Secretary, ANPP National Rebuilding and Inter-party Contact Committee, Dr. George Moghalu, said opposition parties in the country have played a prominent role to sustain the nation’s democratic experiment since May 29, 1999.

Moghalu said in an interview that opposition parties had done well in checkmating the party in government but added that a lot more needed to be done by the opposition parties in this regard.

He said:  "In looking at the performance of the opposition parties, we must also look at the challenges. Like I have said time and time again, we are in a system where government has become the only business which has brought about the total collapse of the private sector."

Assess FG’s performance on individual scoresheets – Jonathan on democracy day

Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday in Abuja, implored Nigerians to assess his administration based on individual scorecards.

Jonathan said this while presenting the mid-term report of his four-year Transformation Agenda on Democracy Day.

Nigeria stagnant for so long - Obasanjo

Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday tasked political leaders to adopt practical measures to accelerate effective utilisation of human and natural resources for sustainable development of the country.

Obasanjo

Obasanjo gave the challenge while speaking at the maiden Jigawa Economic and Investment Summit in Dutse. The summit was organised by the state as part of the activities to mark the 2013 Democracy Day celebration.

Boko Haram claims victories over Nigeria military

Shekau

 (AFP)

The leader of Islamist extremist group Boko Haram claims in a video obtained by AFP on Tuesday that Nigerian soldiers have retreated during an ongoing military offensive and insurgents have sustained little damage. The video marks the first public comments from Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau since the start of a sweeping offensive by the Nigerian army on May 15 and also includes a call for foreign Islamists to join the fight in Nigeria.

Mexico-Nigeria friendly: Enyeama leads 20 others to U.S

Enyeama

 Posted by: Segun Ogunjimi on May 28, 2013 in THE NATION

ACTING Captain of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Vincent Enyeama, will lead other 20 players to United States for Friday’s  international friendly against Mexico.Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, on Monday dropped the duo of Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC) and Gomo Onduku (Balyesa United) from the team.

All the newly invited players – Kunle Odulami, Eze Emeka, Anthony Ujah, Joseph Akpala and Nwachukwu Obinna made the trip.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves/NGA), Austin Ejide (Hapoel/ISR), Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv/ISR)

Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves/NGA), Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO), Elderson Echiéjilé (Sporting de Braga/POR), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag/NED), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars/NGA), Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars/NGA), Francis Benjamin (Heartland/NGA), Odunlami Kunle (Sunshine Stars FC/NGA)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA), John Ogu (Academia de Coimbra/POR), Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland/NGA), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers/NGA), Michael Babatunde (Kryvbas Kryvyi/UKR

Forwards: Joseph Akpala (SV Werder Bremen/GER), Brown Ideye (FC Dynamo Kyiv/UKR), Anthony Ujah (FC Koln/GER), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese/ITA), Gambo Muhammad (Kano Pillars /NGA).

Reps to Jonathan: Don’t touch funds in emergency states

Posted by: The Nation on May 28, 2013

 

The House of Representatives has insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan has no constitutional   right to tamper with the funds of Local Government Areas where state of emergency has been declared.

House Speaker Tambuwal

The lawmakers expressed disappointment on the manner through which their resolution on the funds of the affected States and Local governments was overruled at the conference Committee of the two chambers.

Consequently, the lawmakers, at a plenary on Tuesday attended by 197 members which surpassed the 188-member majority, resolved to delete and revoke completely section 3 (2) (e) of the harmonized, adopted and approved Emergency Powers (General) Regulations, 2013 by both Houses of the National Assembly.

In addition, the lower chamber urged its Senate counterpart to concur and adopt the new resolution.

Mover of the motion, Ibrahim El-Sudi (PDP, Taraba) pointed out that the matter was constitutional and that by virtue of Section 305 of the constitution as amended, the President was empowered to do declare a State o emergency in any part of the country

Amaechi’s God-given victory

As It Is by Soji Omotunde/OPINION

Published in THE NATION/Monday, 27TH May

RIVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi must celebrate his re-election victory as Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) with humility and gratitude to God. This is because he who God has blessed, no President can curse. No force can change what God has decreed. In the midst of tension, the one God has ordained as most appropriate in the prevailing circumstance has won.

Amaechi

Amaechi’s victory is in actuality against all odds. The presidency working through Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio strained 19 governors to sign an open endorsement before the elections; but as God will have it, the governors voted with their conscience and returned Amaechi to office. Akpabio is now showing the world the pre-signed document where Governor Jonah Jang’s name was written as winner ahead of the election.

PDP forms panel to probe Amaechi

Gadzama

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership has named Mr. Joe Gadzama (SAN) as chairman of an 11-member investigation panel to handle matters in connection with the suspension order clamped on Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi by the leadership of the party.

PDP suspends Gov. Amaechi as party memeber

Amaechi

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has been suspended as member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

According to a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the PDP NWC on Monday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, the decision was taken in furtherance of the determination of the leadership of the party to enforce discipline at all levels.

At last, Bayern Munich win European Champions League

Victorious Bayern

European Champions League tournament's recent history has offered little other than unrelenting misery for Arjen Robben and Bayern Munich. But the agony is over after a colourful, enthralling final that confirmed Germany as the new power base of European club football.

Bayern had lost two finals in three years, including defeat on penalties to Chelsea in their own Allianz Arena 12 months ago, but on this occasion they cast off the tag of losers to claim the crown for the fifth time.

Only Real Madrid and Inter Milan have won this tournament more times and the taste of victory was even sweeter for 29-year-old Robben and veteran Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, who steps aside to hand over to Pep Guardiola at the end of this season.

Presidency denies Jonathan's involvment in NGF election

Jonathan

Nigreria's Presidency has disassociated itself from the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) election crisis maintaining  that President Goodluck Jonathan is not an interested party in the election.

Following the River State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi's victory in the NGF Chairmanship election for a second term on Friday, his rival, the Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, who is believed to have the blessings of the PDP leadership has rejected the outcome of the election.

Amaechi’s acceptance speech as re-elected NGF Chairman

Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was voted in by 19 governors against Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang who scored 16 votes at the Nigerian Governors Forum Chairmanship election held in Abuja on Friday. Only Yobe State Governor was absent at the meeting.

Below is the full acceptance speech of Amaechi:

“Today our democracy was tested and proven. Democracy is about participation. The aim of democratic governance is for everyone to partake in winning

Today the governors have spoken with one voice reaffirming our faith in democratic governance as the hope of Nigeria’s future. I must thank my colleagues for their tenacity and determination to ensure the unity of the forum but more importantly of our nation.

We remain committed to supporting our leader, the president and commander in chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr.Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to realize the development dream of all Nigerians by reducing tension, uncertainty and insecurity in our beloved country.

We want to pledge our steadfastness and resolve working alongside Mr. President to better the lives of our people as we render transparent and accountable stewardship.

Finally our thanks go to all those who have patiently endured these times especially our constituents and members of the fourth estate of the realm who have followed these elections with keen interest. We promise that we will not betray the confidence you have reposed in us.

- Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON

Nigeria Senate against NITEL liquidation

NITEL Headquarters

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday opposed the Federal Government’s planned liquidation of the Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and opted for concession. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Sen. Gbenga Obadara (ACN-Ogun), stated this at an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja.

Obadara said the information to liquidate NITEL was conveyed to the senate at the committee’s meeting with the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and the National Council on Privatisation (NCP). ``We met with BPE and NCP on the way forward for NITEL and MTEL to obtain the situation report of the proposed privatisation of the two companies. We were told that the exercise would go through guided liquidation.’’

The chairman said the BPE explained to the committee that NITEL owed the Federal Government and other people about N351 billion.We were later told that NITEL owed Federal Government N179 billion and with facts available, we know that federal government and government agencies owe NITEL up to N250 billion.’’

The chairman, who said that the committee was told that NITEL owed banks about N64 billion, added that the debt could still be negotiated. He, however, explained that BPE and NCP were unable to furnish the committee with information about the people or organisations who owed NITEL. ``They cannot give us the fact of who owes NITEL to this present time. The people that owe NITEL we don’t know.’’

He explained that one of the senate’s objections to the sale of NITEL was because neither BPE nor NCP could ascertain the true value of the company. ``We asked the question what is the worth of NITEL today, they could not tell us.  How do you then sell what you don’t know the worth? As people representing Nigerians from various senatorial districts, we thought it fit not to allow NITEL to be sold without having empirical facts to collaborate what they were telling us.’’

He described NITEL as “a major government organisation badly run by past administrations”. No nation will sell its major asset and so in the case of NITEL, we should not throw away the baby with the bath water. If you look at international best practice today, it is Public Private Partnership (PPP) or concession that is used.’’

According to him, if NITEL is given a life-line through concessionaires or even a PPP arrangement, with good conditions including tax rebates, the organisation will benefit Nigerians. `` Through this method, more people will be employed throughout the country and the country’s GDP will equally increase. At the end of the tenure of the concessionaire, the country will have a good telecommunications company to run and be able to go to the stock exchange for Nigerians to buy into the company.'' (NAN)

Tributes to Achebe at funeral

Nigerians who graced the funeral service of late Prof. Chinua Achebe on Thursday at St. Phillip’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, Anambra poured encomiums on the literary icon.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion was graced by Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and John Mahama of Ghana, governors of Enugu, Imo, Abia and Anambra.

In her contribution, former governor of Anambra, Dame Virgy Etiaba, described late Prof. Achebe as a fearless, courageous and outspoken character, who would never be easily forgotten. ``All those who reacted negatively and positively to his last book: ``There was a Country’’, have all come together to give him a befitting tribute ``This is because he was very hard working. He started with a humble beginning and ended in great heights,’’ she said.

The minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Emeka Nwogu, in his tribute, said the late literary icon lived a good life and was renowned as a writer of repute.

He described Achebe as a great African and Nigeria’s gift to the international community.

``It has been a haphazard guess of what he stood for by people, who never knew him, but what I know as a person is that he stood for honesty; he stood for dedication to service. He wanted the best for this country, he wanted the best for Africa and he hoped that he would have live on to see those ideals for which he wanted Africa, Nigeria, indeed Anambra to become and become a reality.

``But those ideals are ideals that we hope that some of his children, some of Anambrarians, some of other Nigerians from all parts of this country will want to continue to espouse.’’

Nwogu, who commended the late writer for his last book also charged his critics to write an account of their experience during the Nigerian 30-month civil war that ended on Jan. 15, 1970.

To Delta’s Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Achebe was a moral compass for many Nigerians who stood on very strong moral grounds on a lot of issues in Nigeria. ``He will be remembered for his steadfastness in ensuring that we have a better society.

``He had a small pamphlet on how to deal with leadership issues which many people have read to help shape their lives,’’ the governor said.

In his tribute, former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, described late Achebe as a trail-blazer or pace-setter who blazed the trail for revolution of African literature. He said: ``before he came on the scene, it was a matter of foreigners writing about us.

``His first book: `Things Fall Apart’, made such impact worldwide. It was an opportunity for people to learn the impact the white people had on African culture. That made him a trail-blazer.’’

In his contribution, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, described Achebe as an `Iroko’ of literary forest, who instilled confidence into African literature.

``He was an outstanding, by global standards, story teller and a social critic.

``His work will live for a very long time because he brought confidence in African literature.

``Like the renaissance in Europe which gave European writers confidence in their culture, Chinua Achebe’s writings gave African writers confidence because his social analysis was to the point and he created an atmosphere that enabled African writers to rediscover the dignity of the Africans before the Europeans came.

``And so in that way, his legacy will live forever’’

Also commenting, the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said Achebe’s literary contributions to the world would endure forever and urged political leaders to acquire wisdom from the works.

``He has also been a great commentator on Nigeria and Nigerian politics and society and we will remain forever proud of him and grateful for what he has contributed to this country.

``We’ve learnt a lot from his commentary over time about leadership, the need to have integrity and honesty and that is what we strive to do in our work.’’

Among other dignitaries in attendance were Sen. Chris Ngige, Uche Chukwumerije, Andy Uba and Rep. Uche Ekwunife.

Jonathan condemns terror attack in Britain as barbaric

Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock at the terrorist attack and killing of a British soldier, Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in the Woolwich area of London, United Kingdom by suspected Nigerians.

In a statement by Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity), Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan conveyed  his condolence to the British Prime Minister David Cameron and the British people over what he described as a “senseless and barbaric act.”

The President noted that a terrorist attack anywhere is an attack on the way of life of all free nations and must be collectively condemned by all persons irrespective of race, ethnicity or religion.

“It is in this spirit that the Nigerian government is partnering with the British Government, as well as all other stakeholder sovereigns to stand up to and fight terrorism and extremism in whatever guise or pretense it chooses to present itself.”

The statement added that, “President Jonathan recognizes that each environment presents its own unique challenges and peculiarities and actions taken by affected nations may differ, yet the resolve to confront and defeat this threat should never be in doubt.”

“Nigerians are collectively resolute about the need to protect the freedoms that define our existence and inter-relationships at home and overseas. Our recent past tells us that when we pull together, this common enemy and threat will eventually be defeated.”

British-born Nigerians are London attackers - British authorities

The two men accused of hacking a soldier to death on a London street in revenge for wars in Muslim countries are Nigerian descents, a source close to the investigation disclosed on Thursday.

Local media named one of the two suspects as British-born, 28-year-old Londoner Michael Adebolajo and said police raided homes of relatives in the city and near the town of Lincoln. Both men involved in Wednesday’s attack appeared to have converted to Islam from Christian backgrounds.

Adebolajo and the other man, who may have been born abroad, are both in custody in hospitals after being shot by police.

As security experts highlighted the risk to Western cities of “lone wolf” attacks – similar to last month’s Boston Marathon bombing – by local people radicalized over the Internet. Prime Minister David Cameron held an emergency meeting of his intelligence chiefs to assess the response to what he called a “terrorist” attack; it was the first deadly strike in mainland Britain since local Islamists killed dozens in London in 2005.

According to Cameron who spoke outside his Downing Street office, “we will never give in to terror or terrorism in any of its forms,”  He said “this was not just an attack on Britain and on the British way of life, it was also a betrayal of Islam and of the Muslim communities who give so much to our country. There is nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act.”

The Prime Minister noted that security sources have said both suspects had been known to intelligence services and said there would in due course be a routine review of how intelligence had been handled.

One source close to the inquiry said the apparently local backgrounds of the suspects in a multicultural metropolis – nearly 40 percent of all Londoners were born abroad – and the simplicity of the attack made such incidents hard to prevent.

“Apart from being horribly barbaric, this was relatively straightforward to carry out,” the source said. “This was quite low-tech and that is frankly pretty challenging.”

Anambra State stands still for Chinua Achebe

The remains of the late literary icon, Prof. Chinualumogu Achebe, arrived the Enugu and Anambra States border by12:35pm on Wednesday on a motorcade from Enugu State. The body was received by the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter obi and the Senator representing Anambra Central, Dr Chris Ngige, among other prominent religious and political leaders in the state.

At exactly 1.00pm, Achebe’s body moved to Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka where prominent Nigerians and international scholars praised the literary giant. The song rendered by Prof. Laz Ekwueme, a Professor of Music and traditional ruler of Oko kingdom was mind blowing.

Senate President David Mark, represented by Senate Majority Leader Ndoma Egba read a condolence letter from Mark to the people of the state on the demise of Achebe. Governor Obi described Achebe as the hero and father of the state, adding that he had shown everybody the way to follow. According to him, ‘’Achebe is the symbol of true African spirit. We have been here for hours in honour of Achebe showing our spirit because this is not a political gathering that you will say that people are paid for but a selfless gathering of people to honour one of their own.

‘’All we are doing today is praising the man we are gathered here for and we are having condolences from over 12 presidents, showing how great Achebe is because some others would die and nobody would notice them.”

Presidency on Boko Haram: Detained suspects to be released in phases

The Presidency on Wednesday made clarifications on the release of persons detained in connection with the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, in a statement, said the suspects would be released in phases. According to him, the first batch of suspects to be released would be women and children who were detained on suspicion of involvement or connection with insurgency in some parts of the country.

Okupe said the phased release of detainees was to encourage other insurgents who may wish to embrace the peace option to come out and take advantage of the dialogue and peace option.

“This would be followed by other phased releases where cases would be treated on their individual merits by the Defence authorities and security agencies,” Okupe added.

The President’s aide stated that President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive on the detained suspects was as a result of the interim report by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peace in northern Nigeria.

The committee, he said, recommended the measure as part of government’s multi-faceted strategy to solving the security challenges posed by the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

“This directive by Mr. President further proves that the Federal Government has not foreclosed dialogue as a viable option in its bid to put an end to insurgency and terrorist activities in the northern part of the country.

“It is expected that this phased release of detainees would encourage those who wish to embrace the peace option to come out and take advantage of the dialogue and peace option provided by the committee put in place by government.”

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria has opposed the planned release of the Boko Haram suspects from detention, saying government’s decision to free the suspects is like giving them the “license to carry out more suicide bombings.”The body said “if those who deliberately killed innocent people are given freedom to walk the streets without punishment, then is clear indication that Nigerians have no nation.”

Addressing a press briefing at the NUJ House in Makurdi on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Benue State chapter of CAN, Bishop Yiman Orkwar, appealed to President Jonathan to withdraw his directive on the suspects’ release, saying such action would further escalate the security situation in the region.

He also condemned the recent killing of innocent farmers in the state by people he described as Fulani jihadist.

Kwara Police Commissioner killers arrested, says Inspector General

Seven suspected men to have taken part in the killing of former Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Chinwike Asadu have been arrested.

Inspector General of Police Mohamed Abubakar  disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu during his one-day working visit to the state. According to him, the suspects, who were arrested with the arms and ammunitions they used to carry out the murder, have already been arraigned before a court of law.

According to him, ”we have a nagging issue, that is the killing of our Commissioner of Police,  we have arrested seven of those who took part in his killing. It is a very sad and horrific event that took place and that is why when I came for condolence, I did made a promise that we will do everything humanly possible to get those who killed Asadu and I’m glad to tell Nigerians that seven of those who took part in the killing have arrested and have been arraigned before a court of law.”

Abubakar  disclosed that the police was still searching for other suspects, adding that the arrested suspects were charged for murder. He said apart from killing Asadu, the seven suspects also confessed that they murdered other innocent souls. He warned that the police would not fold its arms and allow lawless people to terminate the lives of innocent people without being arrested, adding that the law must be implemented.

On the policemen who were recently murdered in Nassarawa State, Abubakar said they were still carry out investigations. While describing the brutal murder of the policemen as callous and barbaric act,  the IG promised to brief the press on the outcome of their investigations at the appropriate time. He commissioned the remodeled Police Hospital and Clinic in the South East and the vehicles procured by the government of Enugu State for the police.

Ras Kimono, Tuface others clean up Lagos streets, feed destitutes

Kimono

Some artistes in the Nigerian music industry on Tuesday turned out en masse to clean up the streets of Lagos, feed the hungry and visit the homeless.

The musicians who participated in the exercise included TuFace Idibia, who was accompanied by his manager, Mr Efe Omorogbe. Others were Ras Kimono, Dizzy Falola and Chibuzor Orji, popularly called “Faze’’, amongst others.

The exercise was organised by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) as part of efforts to create awareness about the industry and bring music to the doorstep of every Nigerian.

The event was one of the major highlights of the COSON week which commenced on May 19 with the tag “COSON in the streets”.

Tuface

In a brief remark during the exercise, Orji commended COSON for protecting the interest of musicians and urged the society to do more

“I appreciate what they (COSON) are doing. They should keep it up,” he said.

In an interview with NAN, Falola also commended COSON for its efforts to make the future of Nigeria’s music industry secure.

He said the exercise was an indication that Nigerian musicians were serious and committed to the progress of the country.

“Musicians and other celebrities are always viewed as different and separated from other Nigerians, but we have come out to involve ourselves in activities we normally do not do.

“The activities include cleaning the streets, disposal of waste and visiting the homeless.

“We are human beings. If the people see what we are doing, they will realise that we are all the same,” he said, and urged other organisations to emulate the misicians.

“What we are doing is unusual. It is something that is hard for other organisations to do, but we have to start from somewhere and COSON has taken the giant step.

“With the success of the event in Lagos, we can begin to move from state to state in order to reach the masses and positively improve the music industry,” Falola said.

On his part, TuFace Idibia commended COSON for its efforts to improve the livelihood of musicians as well as its transparency and openness.

He said Nigerians were not recognising the dignity of labour and were looking down on jobs like cleaning and waste disposal.

“There is dignity in labour. Some Nigerians view some jobs like cleaning and waste disposal as inferior.

“People who do these jobs are earning money and we need to respect them and what they do. They are not doing anything illegal. There is dignity in what they do,” Idibia said.

He urged Nigerian youths not to wait for government jobs only but to engage in jobs that are legal to earn their living.(NAN)

Emergency rule: Gunmen shot dead fuel station manager in Borno

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members ,  yesterday ,shot dead a General Manager (name withheld) of one of the fuel stations in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

JTF soldiers

This is coming barely few hours after President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the immediate release of all Boko Haram sect, including their wives and children from detention.

Our Correspondent gathered that the gunmen laid ambush on the deceased in Ajilari/Railway crossing ward of Maiduguri metropolis and shot him dead on his way to his house after performing the Magrib prayers in a nearby Mosque at about 6:30pm.

A resident of the area told our Correspondent that the gunmen after killing the General Manager, fled without being arrested.

He said, “I was about entering my house when I saw three people in a Keke Napep (tricycle) riding towards the house of the General Manager, and before I know it, I heard gunshots, which led to many people around the area running helter scelter for their safety, I quickly entered my house, and because of the curfew imposed on the state capital as well as the emergency rule, we had to remain indoors, until this morning 8am that we saw his corpse still lying without being attended to”, he narrated.

Mugabe signs Zimbabwe's new constitution

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signed a new constitution into law, replacing a 33-year-old document forged in the dying days of British colonial rule and paving the way for elections later this year.

The constitution, approved overwhelmingly in a referendum in March, clips the powers of the president and imposes a two-term limit. However, it does not apply retroactively so the 89-year-old Mugabe could extend his 33 years in power by another decade.

Beaming Mugabe, flanked by his main political rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangira and Deputy President Joice Mujuru, signed multiple copies of the charter at State House in the capital, Harare. Aides and other politicians present at the signing broke into applause the moment the veteran leader put down his pen.

The constitution was formed as part of a power-sharing deal between Mugabe and Tsvangirai after disputed and violent elections in 2008.

The five-year coalition parliament formed under the same agreement expires on June 29, and parliamentary and presidential elections should follow within 90 days of that date.

Governors Forum: Two chairmen may emerge

There were indications, Tuesday, that the subterranean moves being made by the Presidency to edge out Governor Rotimi Amaechi from the leadership position of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, might lead to the emergence of two rival chairmen.

It was learnt from reliable sources that the subtle attempt by the pro-Jonathan camp to coax some governors to vote against the re-election of Amaechi and the decision to hold the poll at the Presidential Villa might backfire.

It was gathered authoritatively that some independent-minded governors, who are also sympathetic to Amaechi have vowed to conduct their election at the Secretariat of the NGF, as stipulated by its constitution if the pro-Jonathan governors insist on having their voting at the Villa.
Bolstered by the strong support it is enjoying from governors across party lines and regions, the Amaechi group has insisted on having a secret ballot to select the next chairman of the NGF, a position, jettisoned by the pro-Jonathan camp.

The pro-Jonathan group is afraid that many of the governors may vote against their candidate in a secret ballot and is insisting on the selection of one of them as the next NGF leader through consensus.

A governor loyal to Amaechi, said yesterday that, “We know that those who are planning of going to vote at the Presidential Villa are afraid of election and they will certainly lose in a free and fair poll.
“However, if they are sure of having the support and goodwill of the majority of the governors, let them come for a contest when the date is fixed.

“Since we are duly guided by the constitution of the NGF, we will hold election at our secretariat and elect our chairman and those who have the Villa as their secretariat are free to go there and have their election. We will not be distracted by some desperate politicians to do what is illegal, all in an attempt to satisfy certain interests”.

A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governor from the north told Vanguard that some of the northern governors wanted the post to return to the region since Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State had earlier been selected as the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman.

“We have already told Amaechi that although we enjoy his leadership style and all that he has been doing for the growth of democracy in Nigeria through the NGF, we cannot allow the two posts to be taken by governors from one part of the country,” the governor said.

“It is as a result of recent political changes in the party and the country that we also want to put one of our own for the NGF position and nothing more.

“We have nothing against Amaechi as a person because despite all that they are saying nobody has been able to pinpoint anything that the Rivers State Governor has done or said against the President,” the source stated.

This was the first time in the history of the NGF that the Presidency is showing more than a passing interest on who becomes its chairman.

Nigerian Senate backs emergency rule

David Mark

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday unanimously backed the state of emergency slammed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states last week by President Goodluck Jonathan, following what was seen as ceaseless  killings of innocent people in the affected states by Boko Haram terrorist group.

The upper legislative chamber had slated today, as a day for deliberation and subsequent voting to ratify or reject the president’s action as stated by the Constitution.

The nation's Constitution stipulates that the proclamation be approved by two thirds of the whole Senate and the House of Representatives, failing which the proclamations and actions taken under the proclamations lapse immediately.

It was against this backdrop that Senate President David Mark announced during last Thursday’s plenary that all members of the chamber must turn up for today’s sitting so they could form a quorum to handle the issue.

Messi urges Barca not to change style of play

Current World Footballer of the Year Lionel Messi has urged Barcelona FC to stick with their distinctive style of play, despite failure to win outgoing season's Champions League.

The Spanish La Liga winner lost 7-0 on aggregate to German club Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of this year's competition. That result led to suggestions that the Catalans' 'tiki-taka' passing game had been overtaken by the German power.

"We can't lose our heads. We can't change our style of play," the 25-year-old Argentina international attacker was quoted as saying. "You can't always win," added Messi, "we've been playing our brand of football for years and managers and teams have studied it. We have to stay calm and focus on next year."

However, defender Gerard Pique thought the Spanish club would have to change and said: "We are not the best any more, other teams are." Club Vice President Josep Bartomeu has also stated his belief that "four or five" new signings are required.

Despite their Champions League campaign ending in disappointment, Barca claimed the La Liga title back from Real Madrid with four games left to play. This success came amid repeated health fears for head coach Tito Vilanova, who was sidelined for three months in December following an operation in New York to treat throat cancer.

Vilanova, 44, in his first season in sole charge of the club after moving up from assistant to replace former boss Pep Guardiola, has also travelled back to America this week for more "pioneering treatment".

Messi believed the coach's absence has had a destabilising effect on the team. "Things went well with Tito, because he practically didn't change anything," said Messi.

"But we noticed a change when he left, not because Jordi Roura or the training staff who stayed on didn't do a good job but because we were missing our head manager. It wasn't the same. One year is a long time and it's great that we can finish it by celebrating."

Deadly tornado hits Oklahoma City area

Damage assessments show that the tornado that struck central Oklahoma on Monday was an EF5 -- meaning it had winds of 200 mph or greater -- for at least some of the time it was ravaging an area near Oklahoma City, the National Weather Service says. The weather service said its crews found at least one area with damage indicative of an EF5 tornado.

 

Amid downed power lines, hissing gas pipes and immense devastation, rescuers searched "board by board" Tuesday for survivors and victims of a massive tornado that pulverized a vast swath of the Oklahoma City suburbs.

It was a daunting task. The Monday afternoon storm carved a trail through the area as much as two miles wide and 17 miles long, officials said. Hardest hit was Moore, Oklahoma -- a suburban town of about 56,000 and the site of eerily similar twisters in 1999 and again four years later.

At a Tuesday afternoon news conference, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said the storm was one of the "most horrific storms and disasters that this state has ever faced."

All that remained in some places, she said, were "sticks and bricks."

The state medical examiner's office said 24 people were confirmed dead, including nine children.

Earlier reports of at least 51 deaths were erroneous, said Amy Elliot, chief administrative officer for the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

But Fallin said the death toll could still rise. She said some bodies may have been taken to funeral homes without the government's knowledge.

More than 230 people were injured.

At least 100 people have been pulled alive from the rubble by rescuers.

Terri Watkins, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman who described Tuesday's search as "board by board," said it was far too soon to account for the devastation of the storm.

"This is a massive tornado and it's a large area that has been struck," she said.

The scene -- block after block of flattened homes and businesses, the gutted remains of a hospital and hits on two elementary schools -- left even seasoned veterans of Oklahoma's infamous tornadoes reeling.

The devastation was so complete, Moore Mayor Glenn Lewis said city officials were racing to print new street signs to help guide rescuers and residents through a suddenly twisted and unfamiliar landscape.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb likened the destruction to a "two-mile-wide lawnmower blade going over a community."

Police, firefighters, volunteers and nearly 180 National Guard troops joined forces Tuesday in searching the rubble and securing areas hit by the storm. Texas sent an elite 80-member urban search team as well, and the American Red Cross sent 25 emergency response vehicles.

The weather wasn't cooperating with their efforts: National Weather Service crews surveying the damage in Moore reported rain, half-inch hail and 45-mph winds over the debris field.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol asked motorists to steer clear of Interstate 35 near Moore to free up lanes for disaster response resources streaming into the area.

And so many people were showing up to volunteer that authorities had to plead with would-be rescuers to stay away.

JTF bans hawking, begging around checkpoints in Yobe

The Joint Task Force on Internal Security (JTF)  in Yobe, has banned hawking  and begging around security checkpoints in the state, a statement said in Damaturu on Tuesday.

The statement, issued by the JTF spokesman, Lt. Eli Lazarus, advised hawkers to use “designated markets and other approved places for trading activities.’’

”Henceforth, anybody found hawking around security checkpoints will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement stated.

It further warned beggars against squatting around checkpoints to beg for alms from motorists lined up for stop and search operations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hawkers and beggars in Damaturu and other major towns in the state often besiege security checkpoints to do business and beg respectively.

The Yobe Government on Monday reviewed the curfew period in the state from  8.00p.m. to  7.00a.m, to 6.00p.m. to 6.00a.m. after the Federal Government  declared emergency rule in the state with two others. (NAN)

Achebe's family limits Government involvement in burial

At Chinua Achebe's funeral

Professor Chinua Achebe’s body arrived at Abuja without much of the pageantry earlier envisaged.

Hundreds of people were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to receive the body of late literary giant, Achebe; even as major burial plans scheduled to involve top Nigerian government officials were shelved.

The late Professor's body which arrived in the early hours of Tuesday aboard a British Airways flight was received by the Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim; and the Minister of State for Abuja, Olajumoke Akinjide.

The programme of activities for the burial had suggested that Mr. Achebe’s body “will be received upon arrival by a delegation of Nigerian Leaders. Diplomatic and [that] Cultural representatives from African Nations shall be in attendance to pay their respects. Cultural troupes from different parts of the African continent shall perform at the airport reception”.

But at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, most government officials were not in attendance. The only cultural troupe that performed at the reception was from Mr. Achebe’s kinsmen, the Ogidi Union Nigeria, Abuja chapter.

The only notable programme that took place at the Airport was the prayers offered; while Mr. Anyim spoke briefly eulogising Mr. Achebe and what he stood for.

Thereafter, one of the sons of the late Professor, Ike Achebe, thanked all who attended the event and expressed the family’s gratitude for “the warm welcome and reception” since arriving the country earlier in the morning.

No reception at the National Assembly

The programme had also stated that after the Airport reception, Mr. Achebe’s body will be conveyed to the National Assembly, Abuja for another reception. However, shortly after the performance by the Ogidi traditional group and a light refreshment for guests, no effort was made to convey the body to the Senate as scheduled. Instead, Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, was seen frantically trying to make arrangements for a flight to transport the body to Enugu.

The governor succeeded in getting the services of an Overland Airline and the body was flown to Enugu with no explanation from any quarters as to why the National Assembly reception was shelved.

However, sources close to the family informed the press that the family felt embarrassed by a media report which showed displeasure by some family members and friends at a seeming government hijack of Mr. Achebe’s burial allegedly for pecuniary gains.

Mr. Achebe was a major critic of government ineptitude and failure at providing basic necessities of life. He also condemned the corruption in Nigerian governance. Friends and family had questioned why his family would allow the same government Achebe roundly criticized to take charge of his burial.

A family source said the family was so embarrassed that it decided to limit to the barest minimum, the federal government’s involvement in the burial.

Detained women and children of Boko Haram militants to be freed

Kabiru Sokoto's wife

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced in Abuja on Tuesday that it would release some persons detained in connection with terrorist activities.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, said in a statement that the decision to release the suspected terrorists was based on the directives of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dr. Jonathan declared state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states on May 14.

The statement said the move was in furtherance of the Federal Government’s position in response to requests by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation.

“The measure which is in line with presidential magnanimity to enhance peace efforts in the country will result in freedom for suspects, including all women under custody.

“The details of the directives and those to benefit from this gesture have been communicated to field units and the Joint Task Force, ‘’ it said.

The statement said that the beneficiaries would be released to the state governors who would be involved in further rehabilitation before the suspects were released to their respective community leaders and relations.

Part of the major issues raised by the Boko Haram in videos made before the State of Emergency declaration was their demand that government forces release all their wives and female relatives in detention.

Reps support emergency rule on condition

Nigeria's House of Representatives on Tuesday declared its support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s proclamation of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

The lawmakers, however, barred the president from utilizing funds of the affected states the way he deemed necessary.

At the end of lengthy closed-door session where the emergency powers bill sent to the National Assembly was discussed, the House approved the state of emergency declared by the president, but with extensive modification which was designed to focus the president’s mind on security.

Diverting the nation to the final bus stop

By: Soji Omotunde/OPINION

Nigeria of today is in perceptible disarray. There is so much confusion and discouragement indicating that the nation is being dragged to the end of its journey. The desperation to retain power at all cost is diverting the essence of fulfilling the promise of transforming the nation. As goal posts keep shifting, developments keep degenerating. It is as if the only things being transformed rapidly are the private pockets with looted funds from the national treasury, leaving the masses to perish in penury.

The problem afflicting the nation is the non-commitment of the chosen few in leadership who tend to be

holding the electorates in hostage. Concentrating on nation building has become pettiness while ambition and corruption are prioritized. When on May Day the labour leaders requested the President to fight corruption harder, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s response was the current trend counter-attack as he told the workers to advise their colleagues to stop stealing. He might have forgotten that those stealing downstairs are following the pattern at the top.

An article by Dutch journalist and writer Femke van Zeiji, titled “Mediocrity overtakes corruption to wreck Nigeria” published in The Guardian few weeks ago recapitulated the factual situation of the nation. “Nigeria is the opposite of meritocracy: you do not earn by achieving,” she wrote. “You get to be who and where you are by knowing the right people. Whether you work in an office, for an enterprise or an NGO, at a construction site or in government, your abilities hardly ever are the reason you got there. Performing well, let alone with excellence, is not a requirement, in fact, it is discouraged.”

The lady who lives and works in Nigeria must have experienced the trauma stalling the country from moving forward. To her, “it would be too threatening: showing you are more intelligent, capable or competent than the ‘oga’ at the top (who as a rule, is not an over-achiever either) is career suicide.” She could see the drift of the nation’s failure from “an attitude that trickles down from the very top, its symptoms eventually showing up in all of society, from bad governance to bad service.” Her conclusion was that frustration of unrewarded excellence is making Nigeria to become a “pretty cumbersome place for anyone striving for perfection.”

Not long ago, President Jonathan acknowledged openly that corruption in Nigeria is not a serious issue, daringly certifying that a good 80 per cent of what Nigerians consider to be corruption are actually not corruption cases. Perhaps, he said so to denounce the critics in self-defence. Yet, hardly could any impactful development be seen of the enormous budgets that are annually approved for execution since he assumed office.

Indeed, those in power might be defending their ineptitude, cluelessness and disloyalty to those whose votes were manipulated to get into office by lambasting their critics as colleagues in despotism and fraud. The reality of the state of the nation today is unhidden as corruption is crushing depressingly on the life of the underprivileged, lowly and poor majority.

Only last week, a report of Save the Children International, a non-governmental organization disclosed that among 176 nations, Nigeria is rated 169th worst place to be born. It also stated that being the 12th highest country where babies die on their first day after birth, Nigeria has become one of the riskiest place to be born on earth. The conclusion was that the agonizing story is based on the poor health circumstances of mothers. Many more Nigerians are today being confronted with early death due to hunger and diseases.

Of course, the colossal corruption in Nigeria at all levels as alleged by United States of America’s Department of State last month cannot but strengthen destitution in the land of abundance. Documenting major financial scandals of 2012, the department’s report presented to the US Congress by Secretary of State John Kerry estimated official money lost to “endemic corruption and entrenched inefficiency” at $6.8billion (N1.067trillion). Among others, the world was also reminded of the stealing of N32.8billion Police Pension Fund, fraudulent contracts, embezzlement and laundering of N75billion by a former Minister and the many ex-governors arrested and charged for fraud committed while in office.

It is not strange declaring that though Nigerian law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, the fact that the law is not being implemented devotedly, fraudulent practices are being engaged with impunity across the land. Supposed anti-corruption institutions have proved to be tools in the hands of the authority to deal with fellow corrupt officials they disagree with on personal issues.

Even when the commissions and the judiciary arraign criminals, there is hardly confidence in concluding the cases justifiably. The consequence has been a criminal nation begetting criminal citizenry. Today, there are multitude criminal cases inconclusive in trial: oil thieves, fuel subsidy scammers, and much more. After boisterous arrests, followed by few days of detention, if at all there is arraignment, bail would be granted and that might just be the end as adjournments would be mounting upon deferments. Were the cases of ex-Delta State Governor James Ibori who pleaded guilty abroad after escaping from home and militant leader Henry Okah convicted for bomb blasting in Abuja handled here at home, penalties of their criminalities would not have manifested as it was. Afterall, many of the ruling party’s former governors like Ayo Fayose, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Aliyu Akwe Doma who were once arraigned for fraud are walking free today upon inconclusive trials.

It is pitiable that the crops of Nigerians who have now morphed into the leadership class are more interested in personal attainments than rendering faithful services to the people. The nation is under untrustworthy political class who make promises that are never fulfilled. Million jobs are assured, but more million people are remaining jobless – rendering enormous talented human resources wasted and discarding them to criminality.

Resolving power challenges keeps dragging with government propagandists defending electricity output of 4,500 MW for use by 160 million Nigerians as remarkable achievement. Pledges are made to build more cash reserves, but such reserves are reportedly being pocketed by the very few privileged, leaving the nation in mounting indebtedness. Let’s recollect how Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili’s disclosure was turned to battle of personalities.

The way the country is being administered is as if the political elites are essentially telling the masses that they are ordinary Nigerians deluded about the nation’s state of affairs. They relegated the masses as the foolish and elevate themselves as the sane.

The reality is that Nigeria is being detracted from moving forward through terrorism, kidnapping and fraud – all resulting from embedded corruption. Disasters keep crawling across the land. People in poverty are being used as tools in the hands of the wicked.

The fatal challenges of Boko Haram disparaging the nation today are being faked as religious when in actuality it is largely more about power tussle. Last week, detachment of riot policemen and security officers heading to dislodge the shrine of Ombatse, a deity of Eggon people in Nasarawa State were murdered. Same time, many casualties emerged in Agatu Local government Area of Benue State after attacks. This was happening when the issues of the many lives lost in Baga, Bama/Banki and Marte were still unresolved.

Yet, life cannot continue the unpleasant way it is. The failing leaders should know that their time will soon be over. The haven of rogues undermining the economic development of the country will soon be forced to vomit all the swallowed good of the land. This is because people are anticipating for change.

For Nigeria not be extricated as a nation, this time of wasteful challenges is surely for meaningful change in governance. This is why the wise who love the people should not allow the craving for 2015 elections to detract since it will not just be about voting for change of personalities or about tribalism. It will be about reformation of a decaying nation. Now then should be the time to focus more about change in attitude, in character and in conducting sincere and purified business of government.