Aso Rock to spend N18.4bn on fuel, lubricants, telephone this year

THE Presidential Villa, otherwise known as Aso Rock, will spend about N18.36 billion this year for fuel and lubricants. Also, N237,370,200 will be spent by the State House headquarters. Of this figure, the office of the President will spend N168.722 million for fuel and lubricants, while N68,647,329 will be spent on lubricants by the Vice President. 

Olu Maintain's Nawti Video

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Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin takes over as AU new chairman

African Union leaders chose Benin’s President Thomas Boni Yayi Sunday as the 54-member bloc’s new chairman, at a two-day summit hoped to help resolve multiple crises facing the continent.

Boko Haram rejects talks, threatens fresh attacks

Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists have ruled out talks with the government and threatened new attacks in Africa's most populous country, rocked by an insurgency that has killed more than 200 already this year. Residents in the northern city of Kaduna said the group, which has frequently targeted the police, may have struck again late Saturday when gunmen on motorcycles shot dead a policeman. 

Nigeria army claims retaliation as 11 Boko Haram members killed

The Nigerian army's Joint Task Force, responsible for combating one of the biggest national security threats of the last decade, said the incident took place in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri. Boko Haram was born in this remote area, near the frontier with Chad, where Islamist sentiment has steadily been gaining ground.

Toddler chews off head of snake in northern Israel

A sleepy snake came to a rather untimely end after having its head half chewed off by a fearless toddler in an Arab town in northern Israel, the child’s family told AFP on Friday. Thirteen-month-old Imad Aleeyan, who has six teeth, was found chewing on the head of the 30-centimetre snake by his mother, who alerted the neighbourhood with her screams.

EFCC to probe sacked governors

FOR allegedly mismanaging the finances of their states, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will go after some of the five former governors who were sacked by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Court Gives Sanusi Go-ahead to Sell Union Bank

The Court of Appeal in Lagos Thursday gave the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the go-ahead to sell Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, dismissed the appeal filed by some aggrieved shareholders of the bank praying the court to stop Sanusi from going ahead with his plan to sell the shareholdings. 

Daniel has no case to answer — Defence counsel

The trial of former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State resumed at a state High Court in Abeokuta, on Thursday, as his lead counsel, Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), argued that his client had no case to answer. Addressing the court, he said that the Attorney General of the Federation had no power to prosecute the accused since the alleged offences were committed in Ogun State. He argued further that Ogun State had not in any way demonstrated or made any complaint against the accused saying “this is not even a case of crying more than the bereaved, but a case of crying when there is no bereavement.

NBA Drags Jonathan to Court

The Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) Lagos Branch has instituted a suit before a Lagos High Court, Igbosere against President Goodluck Jonathan over the deployment of armed soldiers in Lagos State. The suit brought under the fundamental rights (enforcement procedure) rules, 2009 and under inherent jurisdiction of the court was jointly filed by NBA Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, its Secretary, Mr. Alex Muoka and Bar leader and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

Defence HQ refutes claim of deployment of troops in Lagos

THE Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, debunked claims being that the Federal Government ordered the deployment of troops in Lagos to halt protests against the fuel subsidy removal. Director of Defence Information, Colonel Mohammed Yerima, briefing newsmen in Abuja in reaction to calls for removal of soldiers from the streets of Lagos, said there was no iota of truth in the allegation.

Nigerian Police Offer Bounty for Escaped Suspect of Church Bombing

Nigerian police are offering a reward of over $300,000 for information leading to the recapture of the alleged mastermind of a deadly Christmas Day church bombing. Officials say Kabiru Sokoto escaped custody on Wednesday when gang members attacked a police vehicle while he was being escorted to another police station.

Bayelsa guber race: INEC includes Dickson’s name

The name of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the forth-coming governorship race in Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, has been included in the list of candidates contesting the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Protest: Police stop Nwabueze, Braithwaite, Kalu others in Lagos

PROTEST against the deployment of soldiers to Lagos State kicked off yesterday in Lagos in the form of a demonstration by some of the country’s elderly political class. The peaceful protest was, however, met with a violent interruption by teargas-wielding security men.

Explosion Rocks Chevron’s Oil Rig In Bayelsa

A strange explosion yesterday rocked an oil rig belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited located close to the Sangana Community of Brass Local Government area of Bayelsa State jus as the development led to the mysterious disappearance of two persons identified as expatriate workers. 

NOA’s new DG assumes office, urges Nigerians to have faith

THE new Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, has implored Nigerians not to despair in spite of the challenges, assuring that the transformation agenda of the current administration would ultimately launch the nation as economically and politically stable country in no distant time. 

Aftermath of strike: NSE’s indicators rise by 1.2%

Activities may have finally bounced back on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), after the six-day strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over subsidy removal, as the market indicators rose on Tuesday by 1.2 per cent. 

Cash-strapped Nigerians besiege banks

Relief came the way of cash-strapped Nigerians on Tuesday as banks opened their doors for business. This followed the suspension of the strike embarked upon by organised labour since Monday last week over the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

Soldiers to remain in Lagos - Minister

Soldiers and military officers who were deployed by the Federal Government to help stifle the protest that followed the recent fuel subsidy removal still remained at some strategic parts of Lagos State in spite of the criticism and calls from various quarters, including the governor, Babatunde Fashola, for them to leave.

When the Nigerian Tribune visited the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota, which was the focal point of the protests, at around 12 noon on Tuesday, a group of military men and at least one armoured vehicle were still seen waiting.

Another part of Lagos where the presence of military personnel was still heavy at the time of writing this report was Ojuelegba.

At the Ojota area of the state, a group of about eight police officers was seen sitting right in the middle of a place that, just a couple of days ago, hosted a record mammoth crowd of protesters, among whom were many human rights crusaders, as well as a wide array of Nigerian entertainment stars.

Not deterred by the heavy presence of soldiers on Lagos roads, the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), led by Pastor Bakare, said on Tuesday that it would hold its victory rally on Saturday at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.

Also, the group has concluded arrangements to draft the Federal Government and its agencies to court over the deployment of soldiers on the state roads, describing the government’s action as an infringment on people’s constitutional rights.

Briefing newsmen, Bakare said “the violent violation of our rights to peaceful protests by the Federal Government, through the deployment of troops and tanks to the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota on Monday, January 16, 2012. This is totally uncalled for.






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Subsidy removal: We’ll do better next time — Jonathan

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to handle the issue of subsidy withdrawal better next time and in a way that would not cause much suffering to the people. However, he believes that the crisis following January 1, 2012 hike in fuel cost has left the country stronger and better...

FAAC: FG, states, LGs shared N559.101bn in Dec 2011

The federal, state and local governments shared N559.101 billion from the Federation Account for December 2011, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama, has announced.
Ngama made the announcement while briefing newsmen on Monday, after the meeting of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) in Abuja.

Borno: JTF detonates bombs in Maiduguri, arrests 6 Boko Haram members

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order in Borno State has commenced the detonation of five Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which it uncovered at Kaleri ward of London Chiki in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Speaking on the issue, the Field Operation Officer of the JTF, Colonel Victor Ebhaleme, advised residents to temporarily vacate the area and come back after the detonation.

FG sacks NOA DG, Idi Farouk

THE Federal Government, on Monday, sacked Mr Idi Farouk as the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

A terse statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, made available to newsmen in Abuja, said President Goodluck Jonathan had approved the appointment of Mr Michael Omeri Agbo Omeri as the new NOA Director-General.

Omeri’s appointment takes effect from today (Tuesday), according to the statement. With this development the Federal Government might have sealed the fate of Mr Idi Farouk who was said to have been in the position for long.

Omeri holds a Masters Degree in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos, Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri and a Certificate in Information Education and Communication from the Centre for African Family Studies, Kenya.

The statement quoted President Jonathan as thanking Farouk and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Although, the statement failed to disclose the main reason for his sudden removal, but it was gathered that the action of the government might not be unconnected with the poor handling of the fuel subsidy removal.

It was gathered that the agency was supposed to educate Nigerians properly on the need for the removal of the oil subsidy but he failed to do its job.






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Kano NLC stages street protest

Organised Labour and civil society organisations in Kano State yesterday staged a protest rally, despite the directive by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President Abdulwaheed Omar that the strike over the hike in the pump price of petrol by the Federal Government had been suspended.

Aganga interrogates OGFZA boss over alleged approval of N32.8m

MINISTER of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, on Tuesday, interrogated the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Onne, Rivers State Dr Noble Abe, over the allegation of approving N32.8 million to purchase office items for the use of the Abuja office of the authority.

SSS raids CNN Lagos office

THE Cable News Network (CNN), on Monday afternoon, demanded explanations from the Nigerian government over the invasion of its Lagos offices by State Security Service (SSS) agents. The agents were said to have forced their way into the offices of the CNN and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at noon to stop them from further reporting on the street protests over the removal of fuel subsidy by the Nigerian government.

11 Nigerian banks make top 50 African banks

Eleven Nigeria banks have been ranked among the top 50 banks in the continent, according to The Banker magazine. The banks that made it to the top 50 African banks are Zenith, FirstBank, Guaranty Trust, Access, UBA and Fidelity. Others are First City Monument, Diamond, Skye, Stanbic IBTC, and EcoBank Nigeria.

C-River Assembly summons Tinapa MD over inactivity at resort

MANAGING Director of Tinapa Business Resort and Leisure, Chief Bassey Ndem, yesterday, appeared before the Cross River State House of Assembly, to explain why there was slowdown in economic activities at the resort and the mounting debt profile. The House recently set up a Special Committee to investigate the activities of the multi-billion naira resort, its ownership, the debt profile and some of the challenges affecting the smooth take-off of business activities at the resort.

Fire outbreak in Seplat’s oil pipeline

The Ugbekoko crude oil pipeline facility of Seplat Petroleum Company Ltd, in Ugbekoko Community, Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, weekend, went up in flames, affecting vegetation in the area, with heavy loss of crude oil, which quantity and value are yet to be ascertained.

Strike: NMA, NBA accuse NLC of sell-out

ABEOKUTA—OGUN state chapters of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, and Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, have condemned organised labour’s suspension of the indefinite strike and mass protest declared by labour and its civil society allies, over the hike in pump price of petrol, describing the suspension as a sell- out. 

Reps query N155bn fuel subsidy in 2012 budget proposal

ABUJA — THE leadership of House of Representatives, yesterday, raised eye brows over the insertion of N155 billion by the Federal Government in the 2012 budget proposal for payment of fuel subsidy arrears, in addition to the N1.3 trillion spent as at September 2011. 

Police arrest suspected killers of patient at FMC Asaba

Asaba—MEN of the Delta State Police Command, said they have arrested a key member of gang, which participated in the alleged killing of a patient at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba in July last year. The suspected killer, according to the State Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, was arrested in Bayelsa State.

Nigeria loses N794bn to fuel subsidy strike

LAGOS—Citizens’ Right Initiative Project, CRIP, has said that the nation lost about N794.65 billion during the six-day nation-wide protest over increase in the pump price of petrol, adding that what Nigerians fought against was price fixing, and not deregulation. CRIP queried the unilateral ‘’drawing down of the $32 billion in the excess crude account by the Federal Government, contrary to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007,” adding that was the beginning of the current economic problems facing the country.

Fuel: Stakeholders Seek Restoration of Atlas Cove Jetty

The Federal Government has been called upon to take urgent steps to restore the Atlas Cove jetty to its full standard, in order to cut down the demurrage, which Nigeria incurs on vessels that bring in petroleum products. The jetty located at Tarkwa-Bay area of Lagos State is the country’s largest platform for storage and distribution of petroleum products. The facility has been performing abysmally, following the 2006 fire incident and the 2009 attack by Niger Delta militants, which affected the central manifold that transports products from landed vessels to the jetty.

CD rejects N97 fuel price

Members of the Civil Society Organisations, on Monday in Lagos, rejected the N97 pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, as approved by President Goodluck Jonathan in his nationwide broadcast. Also, over 3,000 protesters, in defiance of the stay at home order of the organised labour, took to the streets of Lagos on Monday but were barred from gaining entry to the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota by a combined team of soldiers and policemen.

Lagos residents condemn military presence

Many Lagos residents have condemned the deployment of military officers by the Federal Government to curb protests that greeted the removal of fuel subsidy in the country, which saw a dramatic increase in the pump price of petrol in all filling stations in the country from N65 to N141. Places such as the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota, which was the spot where a record mammoth crowd of protesters gathered last week, as well as Falomo, were, on Monday, taken over by combat ready military officers, who also came in their armour vehicles.

Boko Haram: 3 Chadians killed in Yobe, 2 others in Maiduguri

THE police confirmed, on Monday, the killing of three Chadians in Damaturu by gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram. The Commissioner of Police, Tanko Lawan, said the three foreigners. who were labourers in the state, were killed by unidentified gunmen who attacked them in Pompomari quarters of the state capital.

NSE Lists N35bn UBA Bond

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week listed United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) N35 billion bond.The admission of the N35 billion bond, which has  14 per cent coupon, raised the number of corporate bonds in the market to 13. UBA issued the bond last year as part of its N400 billion Medium Term Note Programme. 

Ezekwesili Quits World Bank

Vice-President for Africa, World Bank, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, has resigned from the Bretton Woods institution, after five years of meritorious service. Her resignation takes effect from the first week of May. The World Bank President, Mr. Robert Zoelick, who made this known in a letter made available to THISDAY, said Ezekwesili would be back to Nigeria after “five years of important and successful service to the bank and Africa”.

Stop Comparing Nigeria with Ghana

Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other financial institutions, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, has admonished the Federal Government apologists on the removal of fuel subsidy to stop comparing Nigeria with Ghana or any other country in the West African sub-continent on the fuel issue.

DEVELOPING STORY: EFCC Raids PPPRA Offices

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have raided the offices of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) following a petition by the Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Details Shortly...

Armed soldiers take over Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos

Armed soldiers have taken over the Gani Fawehinmi Park, the Ojota venue of last week’s rallies that was renamed Freedom Park.Thousands of protesters gathered daily at the park with speeches by labour leaders, civil society activists, as well as, artistes’ performances during the strike over the removal of fuel subsidy.

FG warns hoodlums against violence

The Federal Government has warned hoodlums who are trying to take over the strike and turn it into a riot that they will be properly dealt with because that is not the intention of labour. The Minister of Defence, Dr  Mohammed Haliru Bello, who gave the warning on Sunday while answering questions from newsmen after the laying of wreath marking the end of the 2012 Armed Forces Remembereance Day, said people should not panic as security was assured in this country.

Court to hear suit against labour today

The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja will, this morning, hear the motion on notice brought by the Federal Government through the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking to stop the organised labour from embarking on strike to express its grievances over the removal of fuel subsidy. The matter was to come up last Thursday but the respondents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), were neither in court nor represented by any counsel.

ACN decries growing sectionalisation of the fuel subsidy issue

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said that, the ongoing fuel subsidy issue is increasingly being turned to a sectional matter, therefore, raising concern about the agenda being pursued by President Goodluck Jonathan and his clueless Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the subsidy removal.

Subsidy crisis: Atiku urges FG, labour to speed up resolution

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has advised the Federal Government and the organised labour/civil society leaders to find a lasting solution to the current subsidy withdrawal protests across the country in the larger interest of millions who have been suffering additional burden of hardship since the strike began a week ago.

Few passengers at MMIA in spite of break in protest

Flight activities at the domestic terminals of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, were low on Sunday, in spite of the suspension of protests till Monday by the organised labour. The organised labour and coalition of civil societies have been on strike since January 9 in protest of the Federal Govern-ment’s removal of petrol subsidy. The labour on Friday announced a two-day break in the strike.

Trouble looms for oil marketers •As FG orders EFCC to probe subsidy payments

THE Federal Government has invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe all payments made in respect of subsidies on petrol and kerosene and prosecute all those that might be involved in fraudulent practices. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, who disclosed this to State House correspondents after the meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and state governors on Sunday, said she decided to take the step following the removal of subsidy on petrol and the ensuing

Full text of President Jonathan’s speech Today:

Dear Compatriots,
This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities. Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike.

Muslims visit churches, assure Christians of safety, peace in Kano

MUSLIM youths, under aegis of Concerned Citizens of Kano State, alongside members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kano State chapter, on Sunday, visited Churches in Kano to assure Christians that no harm would come to them.The Muslim youths were led by Alhaji Bashir Is’haq, while CAN members were led by the state chairman of the association, Bishop Ransome Bello.

Muslims visit churches, assure Christians of safety, peace in Kano

MUSLIM youths, under aegis of Concerned Citizens of Kano State, alongside members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kano State chapter, on Sunday, visited Churches in Kano to assure Christians that no harm would come to them.The Muslim youths were led by Alhaji Bashir Is’haq, while CAN members were led by the state chairman of the association, Bishop Ransome Bello.

600 injured demonstrators treated — ICRC

The International Committee of the Red Cross has said the number of injured protesters treated by its volunteers since the beginning of the nationwide strike by the organised labour and civil society groups over the removal of fuel subsidy has risen to about 600. The ICRC also said its volunteers under the aegis of the Nigeria Red Cross had also provided basic health services to the over 4,000 persons temporarily displaced by the violence that attended the fuel subsidy removal protest in Benin City.

FG releases N7bn pension arrears for ex-servicemen

Abuja – The Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Haliru, said on Sunday that N7 billion had been released by the Federal Government for the payment of pension arrears of ex-servicemen. Haliru told newsmen in Abuja at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony that the legionnaires would receive their pensions without delay immediately. “Only two days ago I launched the conversion of the military pension back to its former position and the sum of N7

I don’t believe fuel subsidy proceeds would not be stolen – Bishop Kukah

Everybody is aware of the problems of Nigeria. If there is any anxiety about Islam or about Boko Haram, Sokoto should be the centre. But I remember the Sultan said something when we were discussing one time. He said, “People keep talking about a plot by Muslims to take over Nigeria. But if there is anything like that, I should be in possession of the documents since I am the head of the Muslims in Nigeria.”

I rejected money to campaign for Jonathan –Eedris

Fiery musician, Eedris Abdulkareem, has dared his musical colleague, Dbanj, to come and stand on the side of the people and see if he would be treated with the same respect and love the people accorded other musicians that did not “campaign for Jonathan”. While speaking at the ongoing rally at Ojota, Eedris called out stars that supported Jonathan and specifically mentioned D’Banj using four-letter word against him.

Domestic Airlines Resume Flights as Foreign Carriers Boost Operations

Life has come back to the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, (MMA2), as organised labour suspended a nationwide strike for two days at the weekend after a five-day protest in major parts of the country. All the major domestic airlines in the country, including Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Air Nigeria, Dana Air, Chanchangi, IRS and First Nation Airways had commenced flight operations at both General Aviation Terminal (GAT)

Bamidele Salutes NMA for Free Medical Services

The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has showered encomiums on the members of the Nigeria Medical Association for offering free medical services to wounded protesters during last week’s nationwide protest against the removal of oil subsidy. Bamidele, who represents Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Ekiti State at the National Assembly, specifically

US Issues Travel Warning on Nigeria

The United States has issued a fresh travel warning on Nigeria citing the recent declaration of state of emergency in some states by President Goodluck Jonathan and the protests trailing the removal of fuel subsidy. The new warning, which was issued by the State Department, was dated January 12 and replace that of October 13, 2011. US citizens were not only warned against travelling to Nigeria, they were also cautioned not to travel to 10 states of the federation

Police arrest suspect in Borno Gov’s Lodge

THE Police appear to have recorded a breakthrough in their investigation of the Christmas Day bombing of St.Theresa's Catholic Church, Madalla, near Abuja. They arrested yesterday a man suspected to be the mastermind of the attack in which over 40 people died. The Islamic Sect,Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing. His arrest was effected in an unlikely place : a Governor's Lodge-that of Borno State in Abuja. The suspect, Kabir Sokoto, was picked up in the company of a serving military officer whose name was not immediately

Protest shouldn’t end until there is a change, insists ACN UK

THE Ondo State Chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the United Kingdom (UK) at the weekend expressed solidarity with Nigerian masses over the ongoing strike occasioned by the removal of oil subsidy by the federal government. The party maintained that the protests should not end until there is a change, saying “it is time Nigerians give it all it takes to get the kind of country they deserve.” The group also said the appointment of a former World Bank official as the Finance Minister has enslaved the country.

Kano approves N12m to buy communication gadgets

DETERMINED to ensure the security of lives and property, the Kano State government has earmarked over N12 million for the purchase of modern communication gadgets and the setting up of container observation posts in strategic locations across the state.  Disclosing this on Thursday in Kano, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, Professor Umar Faruk Jibril, at a news briefing after yesterday’s executive council meeting, the 30th such meeting of the present Kano State government, presided over by

Broadcaster, seven others arraigned for criminal conspiracy

A broadcaster with the Zamfara State Radio and Television, Adamu Abdullahi Kanoma was among the eight persons arraigned before the Gusau Chief Magistrate Court 1 Gusau for inciting the public during the nationwide strike embarked upon by workers in the country.  According to Police FIR, the eight suspects were charged for criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief by fire and abatement, contrary to section 97,85,102,114,327 and 337 of the penal code.

One killed, market set ablaze in Benue

TENSION is reportedly mounting in Wannune, Tarkaa Local Government Area of Benue State, following a clash between supporters of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just as gunmen suspected to be robbers shot and killed an Igbo businessman in the town. Wannune is located along Makurdi-Gboko federal highway and is the home town of Dr. George Akume, the immediate past governor and ACN senator representing Benue-North West. An eye witness who identified himself as Austine Africa Anzembe, told The Nation that troubled started when the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Tarkaa Local Government, HON. Samuel Atsuku went round and ordered shop owners to stop playing “Ishior chenji” music Ishior chenji music is ACN campaign song.

Subsidy removal: ACN chiefs diagree over Oshiomhole

Tweet

Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Edo State, Mr. Thomas Okosun, on Saturday said his chapter would report the Ekiti ACN chairman, Mr. Jide Awe, to the national leadership of the party. Speaking with our correspondent in the state capital, Benin, Okosun said the state chapter would drag Awe to the party’s headquarters over statements credited to the latter, who allegedly described the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as ‘confused.’

Fire outbreak occurs at N’Assembly

But for the timely intervention of men of the Fire Service, The National Assembly complex would have been razed by fire on Saturday. The fire, which was said to have started at the Office of the Clerk on the third floor was reportedly preceded by thick smoke.The fire began about 1:00pm when heavy smoke was seen from the third floor of the White House building, which houses the twin dome chambers of the National Assembly. The sight of the smoke drew the attention of security men on duty, who immediately alerted men of the Fire Service Department located at the complex and they put out the fire before serious damage was done.

Boko Haram: 20 Security officials for training abroad

As part of efforts to enhance the capacity of Nigerian security establishment to tackle the menace of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, 20 officials have been selected to undergo specialised training abroad.The officials include eight from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), eight from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and four officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Speaking in Abuja, yesterday, the Italian envoy to Nigeria , Ambassador Roberto Colamine, noted that the course in Italy will be adjusted to suit the Nigerian situation.

Subsidy: PDP leaders, Anenih, Dangote mount pressure on Tambuwal

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party and some prominent Nigerians visited the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, in Abuja on Friday. They were led by the acting National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje and other members of the National Working Committee of the party. A former Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih was also in the entourage. After they had departed, businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Governor Adams Oshiomohole of Edo State were also at the Speaker’s residence at Apo Legislative quarters, Abuja.

Diezani ordered subsidy removal –Investigation

Some members of the Federal Executive Council are irked by the role played by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government on Jan 1, 2012. The cabinet members are said to be grumbling secretly about the removal of the subsidy amidst the serious security tension in the country earlier than the anticipated date. Investigations showed that Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s first female petroleum minister, played a central role in the removal of the petrol subsidy on Jan 1, 2012 to the consternation of many of the ministers who were not expecting the announcement.

Lagos Ports Shun Strike Relaxation, Remain Closed

Leaders at the Lagos ports on Saturday stood their grounds, saying that the ports should remain closed until the strike is called off.
Mr Oladimeji May, District Chairman, Maritime Workers' Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Apapa Port, said the union officials were at the gates to enforce the mandate of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).According to him, the mandate is that the strike is on but people can go to their various places, get cash and buy food.

Two killed in Nigerian pub attack

Gunmen have attacked a pub in northeastern Nigeria, killing two people amid a wave of such violence blamed on Islamist group Boko Haram, residents and police said Saturday.Two gunmen who arrived on a motorbike and opened fire on the open-air pub in the Dandu area in the Adamawa state capital Yola late Friday, also wounding a policeman while fleeing."We took two dead bodies of the victims to the hospital last night," local community leader Tijjani Tukur said. "The gunmen arrived in the area and opened fire on people drinking at the open air tavern."

Nollywood stars who dumped GEJ!

As the protest over fuel subsidy removal rages, many Nigerian entertainers who initially supported Goodluck Jonathan during his presidential campaign last year have eventually dumped him to his fate.Top on the list of these entertainers is actor Desmond Elliot. He was one of the many Nollywood stars that endorsed Goodluck Jonathan months before the April 2011 polls.
Surprisingly, the same actor on Wednesday, made a U-turn on his support for the president, while speaking at the mass protest against the fuel subsidy removal, in Ojota, Lagos.

Nigerian Unions, Government Fail to End Strike

Nigerian unions failed to reach an agreement with President Goodluck Jonathan to end a strike that threatens oil exports from Africa’s top crude producer after talks in Abuja, the capital, union officials said.

“We’ve not reached a compromise, the status quo remains” Abdulwaheed Omar, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, told reporters after the meeting yesterday in Abuja. The strike, now in the seventh day, has limited trade in stocks and the naira, closed ports and banks and sparked street protests.

David-West Cautions Ijaw Over Fuel Subsidy Crisis

FORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Tam David-West has cautioned the Ijaw against giving ethnic coloration to the fuel subsidy removal crisis.

He told The Guardian in Port Harcourt yesterday that it was wrong for some Ijaw leaders and persons from the Niger Delta to conclude that resistance against fuel subsidy removal was aimed at frustrating and possibly ousting of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Subsidy Crisis: Youths Raze Sokoto INEC Office

Just as the anti-fuel subsidy removal entered day five on Friday in Sokoto State, some youths believed to be members of opposition parties in the state, who were among the protesters, took advantage of the protest and razed down the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bodinga Local Government Area of the state.

Saturday Tribune correspondent in Sokoto, who visited Bodinga town which is about 20 kilometers from Sokoto metropolis, saw the INEC office in flames by 4 p.m, on Friday. There were also some shops that were set ablaze at the Bodinga market situated at the junction to Danchadi village in the area.

Lagos: Protests Suspended For Two Days

Temporary relief  came the way of the federal and state governments as the organised labour and civil society groups have agreed to suspend the ongoing strikes and mass protests for two days — Saturday and Sunday.

This move, according to them, is to enable their negotiating team move around the country to Abuja for negotiations with the government on fuel subsidy removal.

According to the National Public Relations Officer of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Chairman of Rivers State arm of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Chika Onuegbu, “Please, take note that there will be no strike; Saturday and Sunday only. Our members in the aviation industry are hereby requested to allow planes to fly today (Friday), tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday so the executive labour council can meet.”

OPS, Youth Groups Beg Labour To Save Nigeria From Anarchy

For the first time since the removal of fuel subsidy sparked off nationwide protests which has paralysed the country, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) has called on both government and the labour to urgently nip in the bud the descent of the nation into anarchy.

OPS specifically told Labour to halt the on-going strike to pave way for meaningful dialogue, saying the present state of confusion is an ill-wind that would blow no one any good.

The private sector operators spoke, just as some youth groups from across the country on Friday, berated the wanton loss of lives and property and asked labour to call off the strike forthwith, so that the situation does not further degenerate.

Director General of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Muda Yusuf, who gave the position of the OPS, lamented the dangerous trend that the entire protest exercise was beginning to take.

He said urgent steps needed to be taken by both labour and the government to arrest the situation before it degenerated into a state of irredeemable chaos.

He said businesses have recorded huge losses as a result of the strike while workers, who were willing to come to work, were molested and manhandled by hoodlums.

Also speaking on the issue, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture  (ABUCCIMA), Dr Solo-mon Iyangba, noted the concern of the chamber about the seeming hijack of the on-going labour protest across the country by miscreants, who are now going about harassing and intimidating innocent Nigerians and even genuine protesters.

Fuel Subsidy: Presidency Queries Fashola Over Lagos Crowd

Indications are rife that the Federal Government is not happy with the Lagos State government on the open ended opportunity being enjoyed by protesters in his state against the removal of fuel subsidy, and had hence queried the governor on the growing confidence of the protesters.

The government handed over the query to the Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, during a closed door meeting it had with organised labour which had in attendance some select governors, including Fashola.

Lagos has been offering a great source of inspiration to anti-subsidy protesters from across the federation, owing to the huge crowd it exhibits on daily basis at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square at Ojota, Lagos where anti subsidy protest is being held daily since Monday.

Protests: 4,000 displaced in Benin, 300 injured nationwide —Red Cross

Nigerian Red Cross Society, on Thursday, released a figure stating that 4,000 persons were temporarily displaced in Benin, Edo State and 300 injured nationwide so far as protests against fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government continues.

Nigerian Red Cross Secretary- General, Dr Bello Hamman Diram, disclosed in a statement that Nigerian Red Cross volunteers provided first aid to injured persons, while those seriously wounded were evacuated to nearby hospitals.

Jonathan seeks Senate confirmation of Lamorde as EFCC chairman

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, sent the name of  Mr Ibrahim Lamorde  to the Senate for  confirmation as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Lamorde  was appointed in acting capacity following the sack of the former chairman, Mrs Farida Waziri.

Protests trail curfew in Kaduna despite modification

Despite relaxing the curfew imposed on Kaduna by the state government by four hours, protests still trail the announcement of curfew in the state.

Those who oppose the curfew believe that the action would further embolden the protesters and put the state in a difficult situation.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune in Kaduna on Thursday, a member of the Save Nigeria Group and former vice presidential candidate, Dr Yunusa Tanko, insisted that people must be allowed to freely express their feelings and participate in the struggle for their rights.

Dr Tanko described the curfew placed on Kaduna as  illegal and an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- controlled state to reduce the effect of the demonstration.

He maintained that the demonstrations in  Kaduna had been one of the best organised though the Occupy Nigeria Movement had been on the street for days before the commencement of the labour strike.

According to the former vice presidential candidate, the incident  in which some protesters allegedly attempted to enter the Government House was entirely a security matter that ought to be handled by the police and other security apparatus.

He lamented that instead of averting the invasion, a protester was shot.

Dr Tanko said, “people must be allowed to freely express their feelings and to help themselves in the struggle for their rights

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Petrol sells for more than N300 per litre in Lagos

Four days into the labour-instigated nationwide protests against the removal of petrol subsidy,  fuel now attracts as much as N300 per litre in parts of Lagos, as against the vexed N140 recommended by the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

The PPPRA announced on January 1 that the subsidy on petrol had been removed, a development that led to the hike in the pump price of petrol from N65 to about N140 per litre, depending on where it is purchased.

Lambatta police station attacked, 212 arrested — AIG

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Alhaji Atiku Kafur, has said that no fewer than 212 suspects have been arrested by the police for their alleged involvement in the Wednesday’s riot in Minna and attempted attack on Lambatta police station in Gawu Babangida Local Government Area of  the state.

Dialogue is panacea for current crisis — Alison-Madueke

MINISTER of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Allison-Madueke, has said that there can be no other way out of the present subsidy impasse other than dialogue between the government and the labour, pointing out that the government is eager to end the suffering of Nigerians.

OPC is not planning to attack Hausa communities in Lagos — Fasheun, Adams

The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) said on Thursday, in Lagos, that people or organisations attempting to create ethnic confrontation between the two bodies would fail.

The declarations by both the OPC and the AYCF were made on the heels of speculations of planned attacks by OPC on Hausa communities in Lagos.

OPC founder, Dr Frederick Fasheun described the speculations as fabrications and dangerous concoctions aimed at creating an unnecessary crisis in the country.

``It is not true. There is no crisis whatsoever between the OPC and any other groups of people in Nigeria,’’ he said.

In his reaction, the National Coordinator of the OPC, Chief Gani Adams, described the speculations as very far from the truth.

Adams, who spoke through his media aide, Mr Sam Sileola, said that there was no reason for such speculations.

``We are aware of the text messages on the planned attacks. We have never planned such a thing,’’ he said.

Sileola said that Adams was currently attending a conference in Ireland.

According to him, OPC members and their leaders have Hausa friends, such as the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, who is himself, a good friend of Adams.

In a separate interview with NAN, Shettima urged Nigerians of northern extract, who are resident in Lagos, not to fall for the blackmail

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IG threatens to arrest violent protesters

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Hafiz Ringim,  has  threatened  to arrest any person, who makes bonfires on roads, attack pedestrians or blocks roads.
He stated this on Thursday, in Lagos, through Deputy Inspector General  of Police (DIG) in charge of  Administration, Azubuiko Udah.

 Ringim also used the occasion  to  applaud the conduct of   policemen in Lagos State since the commencement of the nationwide strike.

DIG Udah stated that the  police had, in the last few days, turned blind eye  to the activities of  hoodlums who were not members of the labour unions.

Udah spoke at the police headquarters, Zone II, Onikan, Lagos, after an emergency indoor meeting held with all the commissioners of police in the state to review and appraise performances of the police since the commencement of the strike.

He noted that  that bonfires damaged roads, which were among the government facilities, and that hoodlums  were constituting  nuisance to law-abiding citizens
 The DIG  said: “We have no problem with NLC and TUC. They are peaceful. Our duty is to hold forth until things normalise. We have to make sure that all hands are on deck. This is a challenging period for the police.”

He also added that “in the South-West geopolitical zone, things had gone well.

“This is not the time to start attacking people. But we want people to follow due process in everything they do. We don’t want people to take the law into their own hands.

“We call on NLC, TUC to call these people to order. We won’t tolerant again what happened at the Lagos-Ibadan-Mowe-Ibafo road, where people embarked on making bonfires using petrol, creating an atmosphere of anarchy,”  the police chief also stated

“If anybody does this again, we’ll arrest them! They’re not part of NLC and TUC. These people are there to create mayhem.  We warn parents to hold their wards, so these youths don’t go to commit crime.”

“We want to praise the activities of the police in Lagos since the strike. I was in Lagos when the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) shooting happened. Appropriate actions are being taken on the matter,” the police chief stated.

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Lagos: Commercial activities paralysed as strike continues

Businesses and social activities remained paralysed in Lagos as the ongoing strike entered its fourth day on Thursday.

Meanwhile, drivers, artisans and other petty traders have, however, called on the Federal Government to find a common ground with the organisers of protests to enable them to go about their daily businesses.

While lamenting the dearth of disposable fund, some of them said that it had been very difficult for them to open shops to customers since the commencement of the strike.

From all indication the strike is affecting  some bank customers, as they decried failure of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to dispense cash.

Mr Femi Oladipo, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, explained that the fuel subsidy removal had negatively affected his livelihood, just as he said his business of transportation was no more yielding the expected income that could care for his family.

According to him, “for the past four days, it was like passing through hell. On Tuesday evening, after the protest, I tried if I could quickly work with my bus. Surprisingly, from Sango to Agege, I could only make N700 and from Agege back to Sango, a little above N800.There were no passengers outside.”

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Nigerian union orders oil shutdown from Sunday

 Nigeria's main oil union said on Thursday it would shut down output from Africa's biggest oil producer on Sunday if the government did not reverse its decision to remove popular fuel subsidies.

Tens of thousands of Nigerians have been protesting up and down Africa's most populous nation for four straight days in response to the axing of the petrol subsidy, which more than doubled the price to around 150 naira ($0.93) per litre.

"PENGASSAN shall be forced to go ahead and apply the bitter option of ordering the systematic shutting down of oil and gas production with effect from ... 0000 hours of Sunday January 15 (2300 GMT on Saturday January 14), if the federal government of Nigeria fails to yield to the popular agitation of Nigerians on her unacceptable approach to fuel subsidy removal," the oil union said in a statement.

President Goodluck Jonathan entered a meeting with labour unions in the presidential villa on Thursday, in an effort to reach an agreement to end the strike.

Industry officials doubted unions would be able to stop crude exports completely because much of production is automated and Nigeria has crude stored in reserves, but even a minor outage could have a significant impact on the economy.

Worries over Nigerian oil supplies have pushed up global oil prices.

Nigeria produces more than 2 million barrels of crude oil per day and is a key supplier to United States, Europe and Asia. Crude exports provide Africa's second-largest economy with over 90 percent of foreign exchange revenues.

"If there is any disruption to oil production it would be a serious escalation and the government would be likely to use legal or enforcement means to stop it," said Kayode Akindele, partner at Lagos-based investment firm 46 Parallels.

Container shipping group Maersk Line said it was unable to bring its vessels carrying consumer goods and foodstuffs into Nigeria's ports as a fourth day of nationwide strikes brought terminals to a standstill.

PROTESTS

Protests were ongoing in cities everywhere from the commercial centre Lagos in the south to the remote and restive city of Maiduguri in the far northeast.

In Lagos, tens of thousands gathered in Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, where women selling drinks and Afrobeat music pumping out of loud speakers gave the protest a carnival atmosphere. Many chanted anti-government slogans.

A group of demonstrators beat drums and slapped an effigy of Jonathan across the face with leafy branches.

"Our leaders have betrayed us too many times and this is the last time. They only care about themselves, not the common people," said Olu Shittu, 30, a student, expressing a widely held view that Nigeria's elite are too busy lining their own pockets to be moved by the plight of the poor.

"We're staying here until they put the subsidy back."

President Jonathan has shown no sign of backing down on his government's decision to scrap a subsidy economists say was wasteful and corrupt, but that could change in the current meeting, as pressure mounts on him to yield to public opinion.

"I am positive something concrete will come from discussions ... they will not be held in vain," Reuben Abati, presidential spokesman, told Reuters at the presidential villa in Abuja earlier in the day.

Publicly unions have said they will only stop strikes if the government returns petrol prices to the pre-subsidy removal rate of 65 naira and the government has said it will not reverse its decision to scrap subsidies from January 1.

The national assembly has already urged the government and unions to back down but without success.

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Noncompliance Of Court Order Stalls Hearing Of FG Suit Against NLC, TUC

The failure of counsel to the Federal Government to comply with conditions of a court order on Thursday stalled the hearing of a motion on notice filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). 

Mr Mohammed Adoke, the Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Federal Government, approached the National Industrial Court asking it to grant an injunction stopping the NLC and TUC from embarking on strike.

It will be recalled that the court granted the order to stop the NLC and TUC from embarking on strike or compelling anybody to go on strike over the removal of oil subsidy.

The court also restrained labour from inciting the public to embark on strikes, street protests, mass rallies or any action that would be inimical to the economy of the country pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The order was procured on Friday, Jan. 6, via an ex-parte motion by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

In his ruling, Justice Babatunde Adejumo held: ``I have gone through the motion papers and affidavit in support of the ex-parte application, as well as the written address and listened to oral submissions of counsel to the applicant.

“Section 7 (1) (b) of the NIC (2006], which is similar to section 254 (1) (6) of the constitution empowered this court to adjudicate over the subject matter of the ex-parte motion.

“Section 19 (a) of NIC permits the court to make orders for grant of interim reliefs.’’
 
Adejumo also said, ``Going through the records, l discovered that the AGF's office failed to comply with the order to publish the court injunction in three national dailies.

“I have gone through my records and discovered that you have not fully complied with the order to publish the injunction in ThisDay, Punch and Guardian Newspapers.

“You asked for the order of the court and it was granted. You should have complied with the order. In view of this, the matter is not ripe for hearing.”

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government, conceded that the applicant had not fully carried out the court order, and prayed for an adjournment to Monday, Jan. 16.

Adejumo granted leave to the AGF's counsel to publish the order of the court and hearing notices in Daily Trust or Leadership Newspaper.

He adjourned hearing of the suit to Monday, Jan. 16.

Meanwhile, Justice Adejumo has warned journalists not to expose the judiciary to public ridicule.

He gave the warning after reading a publication in a national newspaper on Saturday, Jan. 7 describing the court order of Jan. 6 restraining the NLC and TUC from embarking on the strike as “a black market injunction”.

“You must practice the profession with decorum and best international practice. I will not allow you to expose the judiciary to ridicule.”

He, therefore, ordered the Editor and Reporter of the newspaper, as well as an Abuja-based lawyer quoted by the newspaper, newspapertowyer asto appear before the court on Jan. 16 to explain their roles in the said publication.

Meanwhile, neither the NLC nor TUC was represented in court.

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