Police uncover bomb factory in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command said yesterday it has uncovered a bomb-making factory at the Rafin Guza area of Kaduna metropolis where already manufactured explosives and other weapons were recovered. These weapons were believed to have been used in the plethora of violence that had attended the recent elections conducted in the state and neighbouring ones.

Conducting newsmen round the residential house where a bomb exploded on Saturday night in Kaduna, killing one person and injuring three others, the Police Commissioner in charge of election duties in Kaduna State, Haruna John said eight persons have been arrested, three of whom were critically injured during the blast which he said occurred at about 6.00pm on Saturday.

In a similar development, the interim Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Ammama John Abakasanga yesterday paraded 68 suspects arrested in Bauchi North Senatorial Zone in connection with the raping and killing of some female National Youth service Corps members who were on electoral duty as INEC ad hoc staff. Also paraded were looters and arsonists who looted and burnt people’s houses, shops, and churches following the announcement of the results Presidential Election held last Saturday.

Police Commissioner Haruna John in Kaduna disclosed that the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim has constituted a high-powered investigation team which will soon arrive in Kaduna to investigate the various bomb explosions in the state and other parts of the country in recent times with a view to bringing the culprits and their sponsors to book.

Man Arrested With 5,000 Voter Cards, Computer

A man was arrested, on Thursday, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State after being found with about 5,000 voter cards and an electronic device.

Zakari Acha, believed to be a student, was arrested by some members of Agwara community and, then handed over to the police in the area.

The suspect was subsequently transferred with the exhibits to Kontagora Police Station.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Richard Oguche, who confirmed the development, said that the device found with the suspect was not a Direct Data Capture (DDC) machine, as earlier claimed, but a laptop belonging to the personal assistant of the member representing Agwara-Borgu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

According to Oguche, the police had been unable to operate the computer because its owner was yet to be contacted to provide the password.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state, Umar Shuaibu, accused a certain political party of being behind the development, saying the aim was to rig Tuesday’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and unmask those behind the act.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Jonathan, Mark, governors preach peace at Easter

President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, politicians and Christian leaders yesterday called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful co-existence in the spirit of Easter. They spoke in their Easter messages to the nation. Jonathan said Easter offers ample opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on renewal and sacrifice.
He said the lessons of peace, love, selflessness and sacrifice for the common good must be imbibed by all Nigerians for national progress. Jonathan appealed to Nigerians to forsake hate and violence.
He tasked Christian and Muslim leaders to preach harmony, peace and co-existence for the good of all.
The Senate President, Senator David Mark, urged Nigerians not to allow partisan politics and other considerations undermine sanctity of the nation’s unity and cohesiveness.
Mark, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said: “In all we do, no matter the short or long term interest, we must put Nigeria first and should not do anything to undermine the corporate existence of the country”.
He implored Christians to use the period of Easter to pray against negative tendencies likely to affect the peace and unity of Nigeria.
He described the post-election violence that engulfed some parts of Northern state as senseless and needless.
“Life is sacrosanct. Life is precious. None of us can make life, we do not need to kill each other to live or achieve our ambitions. Let’s change our attitudes, let’s love one another and build our nation,” he said.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, urged Christians to embody the virtues of sacrifice, tolerance and love in their relationship with fellow Nigerians.
Abubakar reminded Christians that till the point of death, Jesus Christ showed love and compassion to all those he encountered including the robber who had the privilege of sharing the stakes with him.

The letter that killed ACN/CPC alliance

The refusal of Tunde Bakare, the vice presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), to sign a postdated letter of resignation, has been largely blamed for the collapse of the alliance talks between the CPC and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). NEXT has obtained an exclusive copy of the contentious letter. Had Mr Bakare signed the letter, dated June 7, 2011, the clergyman would have been under compulsion to step down as vice president after eight days in the post if his party had won the last presidential election.

In an arrangement that would have made Mr Bakare the briefest occupier of the vice presidential office in Nigeria's history, a nominee of the ACN would have succeeded the clergyman, in line with the terms of the alliance agreement.

But while the presidential candidate of the CPC, Muhammadu Buhari, and other chieftains of his party were satisfied with the letter, according to a source close to the talks, Mr Bakare refused to sign the letter despite entreaties from Mr Buhari, other party chiefs, and the ACN delegation to the talks. Some unnamed northern elders were also said to have "begged" Mr Bakare to sign the letter in the interest of the nation and democracy.

The one-page message, written under the letterhead of the CPC, was entitled ‘Resignation from Office as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria', and addressed to the "President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," whom the party believed would be Mr Buhari, its presidential candidate.

The letter read, "I have to this end appreciated the need for me to promote the desired national interest which by my principles override any other individual interest to make a supreme sacrifice of resigning my position as the Vice President of Nigeria to allow for the accommodation of the broader alliance that I strongly believe is required to move our country forward."

Bakare writes his own letter

But the CPC vice presidential candidate spurned the letter, preferring to write a different one which the ACN delegation believed would have given him room to renege on the terms of the alliance deal. The other signed letter written by Mr Bakare, also exclusively obtained by NEXT, was dated April 13, 2011 and addressed to Mr Buhari.

In it, Mr Bakare told his principal that "if at any time during the course of our joint efforts to move our country forward to the promised land, you consider it necessary for me to step down as the Vice President, please feel free at your sole and absolute discretion to accept this unilateral offer of resignation from me to that effect."

The source stated that the ACN refused this letter.

"They said it did not demonstrate enough willingness by Mr Bakare to vacate office," the source said. "They said the letter leaves everything to the discretion of Mr Buhari and wondered why Pastor Bakare simply refused to resign."