Four members of the Peace Corps of Nigeria have been arrested by the Plateau State Police Command for assaulting a police detective during a recruitment exercise by the organisation, even as the command said activities of the organisation are illegal.
The Police Public Relation officer, Mohammed Lerama who said the recruitment into the organisation was illegal because of its earlier banned, added that the police decided to investigate it when it got wind of recruitment into the organisation last week.
According to him, on getting to the field where the recruitment was being carried out, some staff of the organisation descended on the police officers who was investigating the recruitment exercise and manhandled him.
In the raid that followed, the police arrested four staff and three applicants and items recovered include two sacks of T-shirts, 18 rolls of face cap, two LG coloured television, one desk-top monitor, one UPS, one printer, a bundle of peace corps pamphlets, one banner and one signboard.
In a related development, one Alhaji Idris Isah had been arrested for impersonating the Taraba State Commissioner of Education, while attempting to collect N13,000 to give the “press a contract”
The command also disclosed that an internet fraud star who threatened one Mr Etukudoh Sunday with death if he fails to deposit a N1.9 million into a bank account in 30 minutes or loss his life and a descript “investigation, one suspects, Stephen Jonah was arrested in Kogi state” and is deeply involve in the case, he said.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Delta acting gov sacks commissioners
The acting governor of Delta State, Prince Sam Obi, on Monday dissolved the state executive council.
Last week, a list of six commissioner - nominees was sent to the state House of Assembly by the acting governor for confirmation. The nominees are expected to be screened by the House today.
Announcing the sack of the commissioners in a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Beatrice Omeni, directed them to hand over the management of their various ministries and government properties in their possession to the permanent secretaries or the most senior director, where there was no permanent secretary.
Dr Omeni conveyed the acting governor’s appreciation to the commissioners for their contributions towards the growth of the state, even as a new executive council would soon be put in place.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the dissolution was aimed at getting rid of technocrats, while most of the affected ones are likely to return.
Meanwhile, the state government has constituted a nine-member council of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, headed by Professor Ben Okaba.
The Acting Provost of the school is Mr Ditimi Johnson Adjekota, while Mr Izonwe Oteheri Solomon is to serve as Acting Registrar.
In another development, the acting governor, Prince Obi on Monday admonished religious organisations to continue in prayers, as this was needed to make the state and country better.
Reactions to Atiku’s nomination
Ibrahim Babangida-
“The IBB Presidential Campaign Organisation commits itself to all the elements of the Consensus Agreement and understanding. On behalf of His Excellency,General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, we wish to congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON as the Consensus Candidate,” Raymond Dokpesi, the director general of the Ibrahim Babangida Campaign Organisation,who signed the statement, said in the statement.
The organization said that the outcome of the two-months exercise should be applauded because of the rogours the committee went through in search of a consensus candidate.“The outcome of the consensus exercise which the Adamu Ciroma Committee selflessly imposed upon itself in the past two months must be loudly applauded for the rigour of their search, conduct, and foresight.
It said,“The Committee inaugurated a process to tackle a challenge the result of which will outlive the politically induced crisis which called the Committee into existence.The outcome of the Consensus Exercise has truly humbled all the Presidential Aspirants.
“We once again, thank everyone of the membership of this committee. We all know the gravity of what the Aspirants have done. We know that in doing what they have done,this great nation and all Nigerians shall manifestly be served.“They did not submit themselves to this exercise so as to fail, far from it. The machinery of success which they inaugurated previously has become further strengthened and deeply rooted. It shall be well with the Consensus Outcome, and it shall manifestly be well for all Nigerians.
” Goodluck Jonathan-
Fellow Nigerians, as you notice an upswing in political activities I want to assure you that not only will I focus on my sworn commitment of providing leadership for ALL Nigerians, I will also run and encourage others to run a national campaign devoid of sectionalism because leaders ought to unite not divide.Again, the only difference we should look for in Nigeria is between good and bad not North and South.
Bukola Saraki:
ABS 2011 campaign organization, in the spirit of peace, national unity and sustenance of democracy in our great country, has accepted the decision of consensus committee set up by Northern Political Leaders forum,
(NPLF) under the chairmanship of Mall Adamu Ciroma. The committee has chosen former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to be the consensus candidate of the PDP aspirant from the North.ASB 2011 campaign organization thereby congratulates Atiku Abubakar and pledges to abide by the cooperative arrangement of the process that produced him. Our candidate Dr. Abubakr Bukola Saraki also salutes and profoundly thank his campaign team and supporters across the Country for their prayers and loyalty.
Aliyu Gusau:
The Aliyu Gusau Campaign Organization has congratulated His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar for emerging as the consensus candidate, picked by the Adamu Ciroma- led committee. In a statement issued by the organization, it reiterated the initial pledge and commitment of its principal. Rtd Lt- General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau to respect the verdict of the committee and give unqualified support to whoever emerges as the committee’s candidate. “Without the slightest equivocation”, the statement reads “the principal and the entire campaign organization stand by this pledge. The statement recalled the oft- repeated statement of General Gusau that electoral contest should not be a do or die affair, stressing that he was in the race fundamentally to serve.
The statement paid tributes to the members of the committee for the pains and sacrifice they undertook before arriving at this significant event. It equally noted that the committee members have, by their extensive consultations and unique contributions helped to moderate the stress and intense partisanship which could have governed the political campaign process. While extending its hand of fellowship to the preferred candidate, Atiku Abubakar and its campaign organization, the statement urged the vast followers of General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau to remain calm and undeterred by this outcome, urging them to await further directives.
Nuhu Ribadu:
“Our campaign organization received the news with interest. While we understand the matter as purely a PDP affair,
we nevertheless wish them luck in their coming primaries, hoping in the process that the PDP will ultimately give consideration to a national imperative as a guide to their party processes”.
Aghanya Denni:
Congress for Progressive Change- The emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the consensus presidential candidate of the Northerners in the PDP is an expression of a people’s wish and no two ways about it. The struggle is premised on the fact that promises are meant to be kept.
If there was an agreement of zoning at a point, it should be kept. If his choice is a popular choice of the Northern PDP members, so be it.
2nd Alteration Bill: Houses of Assembly submit resolutions - Nigerian Observer
Another milestone in the history of Nigeria’s constitutional development was yesterday achieved, when the Conference of Nigeria Speakers submitted their state Assemblies resolutions on 2nd Alteration Bill 2010 of the Nigerian Constitution to the National Assembly.
Making the symbolic handover to Senate President David Mark, Chairman of the Speakers Conference, Barr. Haruna Gbana, commended NASS for their decision to appeal the recent judgment concerning the 1st Alteration Bill.
“It is my humble opinion that because of the anxiety generated by this judgment and the likelihood of this matter heating up the polity as we get nearer to the May 29th handover date, the Judiciary should in the national interest accelerate the process of taking a final decision on this matter”, he said.
This is even as Senate President Mark submitted that the inclusion of a clause that makes members of the NASS automatic members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of their parties is not self-serving as the Act would outlive them in office.
“How can it be self serving; does it mean that after the tenure of this National Assembly, the Act would be thrown away? No, when passed into law, it would be a law that will outlive all of us.
There is no need for people to castigate members of the National Assembly; we will always abide by Superior argument; I advise all Nigerians to come to Public Hearing ahead of the Electoral Bill; whatever the majority views are would be binding on us; there is nothing secret”, Sen. Mark continued.
He stressed that the National Assembly welcomes constructive criticism and that “it helps us perform better, but must be based on sound reasoning”, asserting that the NASS now understands the due process of Constitution amendment and praised
the 36 State Houses of Assembly for living up to the expectations of Nigerians.
By so doing, Senator Mark added that members of the State Houses of Assembly have exhibited uncommon patriotism and commitment to nationhood.
Earlier, the chairman of conference of Speakers, Istifanus Gbana had also told the NASS that the State Assemblies had to fast track the process of the alteration including shelving their holidays in order to meet the time frame for the 2011 polls.
With this alteration, Gbana said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no reason to delay the process of conducting free, fair and credible elections.
“The state legislatures for sure cannot be blamed for whatever may stand in the way of achieving the much talked about free, fair and credible election come 2011”, he added.
Making the symbolic handover to Senate President David Mark, Chairman of the Speakers Conference, Barr. Haruna Gbana, commended NASS for their decision to appeal the recent judgment concerning the 1st Alteration Bill.
“It is my humble opinion that because of the anxiety generated by this judgment and the likelihood of this matter heating up the polity as we get nearer to the May 29th handover date, the Judiciary should in the national interest accelerate the process of taking a final decision on this matter”, he said.
This is even as Senate President Mark submitted that the inclusion of a clause that makes members of the NASS automatic members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of their parties is not self-serving as the Act would outlive them in office.
“How can it be self serving; does it mean that after the tenure of this National Assembly, the Act would be thrown away? No, when passed into law, it would be a law that will outlive all of us.
There is no need for people to castigate members of the National Assembly; we will always abide by Superior argument; I advise all Nigerians to come to Public Hearing ahead of the Electoral Bill; whatever the majority views are would be binding on us; there is nothing secret”, Sen. Mark continued.
He stressed that the National Assembly welcomes constructive criticism and that “it helps us perform better, but must be based on sound reasoning”, asserting that the NASS now understands the due process of Constitution amendment and praised
the 36 State Houses of Assembly for living up to the expectations of Nigerians.
By so doing, Senator Mark added that members of the State Houses of Assembly have exhibited uncommon patriotism and commitment to nationhood.
Earlier, the chairman of conference of Speakers, Istifanus Gbana had also told the NASS that the State Assemblies had to fast track the process of the alteration including shelving their holidays in order to meet the time frame for the 2011 polls.
With this alteration, Gbana said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no reason to delay the process of conducting free, fair and credible elections.
“The state legislatures for sure cannot be blamed for whatever may stand in the way of achieving the much talked about free, fair and credible election come 2011”, he added.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Nigerian militants deny army raid in oil delta
Nigeria's main militant group said on Monday that one of its commanders arrested over the weekend had surrendered in return for the promise of a financial reward and denied that the army had raided his camp.
The emailed statement from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is the latest salvo in a propaganda war with the military which risks tarnishing President Goodluck Jonathan in the run-up to elections next April.
Nigeria's army paraded a militant commander known as Obese and 60 of his followers before the media on Saturday, saying they had been arrested and five AK-47 rifles, 12 machine guns, ammunition and bullet-proof vests seized.
"There was no exchange of gunfire and these individuals handed themselves over to the military in expectance of a reward, as promised by Jonathan," MEND said in the statement, describing the president as a "spineless stooge".
"Weapons surrendered by these persons were less than 30 in number. Items displayed by the Nigerian military did not come from that camp. This was staged."
Obese, 25, whose real name is Tamunotonye Kuna, was believed to be responsible for the kidnapping of 19 oil and construction workers freed last week, including two Americans, two Frenchmen, two Indonesians, one Canadian and 12 Nigerians.
The authorities have described the freeing of the hostages and the arrest of Obese as a key victory in the Niger Delta.
Analysts said the weapons seizure did appear small for what was said to have been a major camp.
Resurgent unrest in the Niger Delta risks undermining the credibility of Jonathan, who is the first head of state from the oil region and who brokered an amnesty last year which led thousands of gunmen to lay down their weapons.
The emailed statement from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is the latest salvo in a propaganda war with the military which risks tarnishing President Goodluck Jonathan in the run-up to elections next April.
Nigeria's army paraded a militant commander known as Obese and 60 of his followers before the media on Saturday, saying they had been arrested and five AK-47 rifles, 12 machine guns, ammunition and bullet-proof vests seized.
"There was no exchange of gunfire and these individuals handed themselves over to the military in expectance of a reward, as promised by Jonathan," MEND said in the statement, describing the president as a "spineless stooge".
"Weapons surrendered by these persons were less than 30 in number. Items displayed by the Nigerian military did not come from that camp. This was staged."
Obese, 25, whose real name is Tamunotonye Kuna, was believed to be responsible for the kidnapping of 19 oil and construction workers freed last week, including two Americans, two Frenchmen, two Indonesians, one Canadian and 12 Nigerians.
The authorities have described the freeing of the hostages and the arrest of Obese as a key victory in the Niger Delta.
Analysts said the weapons seizure did appear small for what was said to have been a major camp.
Resurgent unrest in the Niger Delta risks undermining the credibility of Jonathan, who is the first head of state from the oil region and who brokered an amnesty last year which led thousands of gunmen to lay down their weapons.
Labour Party sues lawmakers over bill
The national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Dan Nwanyanwu said on Sunday that the party will head for court to challenge the proposed bill making members of the National Assembly members of the national executive committee (NEC), once it is passed into law.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Mr Nwanyanwu said the party has already contacted its lawyers to seek redress in court and that the court processes are being drafted."We will challenge in court , we can't afford to fold our hands and see this bill passed into law,these lawmakers are just arrogant , they only want to allocate more powers to themselves." he said.
The LP boss wondered why the federal lawmakers are desperate in processing legislation that is self-serving and that will not stand the test of time.Mr Nwanyanwu said, "You will recall we told them and drew their attention to the fact that for any act of the National Assembly to become law must have presidential assent, including alterations and amendments to the Nigerian Constitution, they said no, but they now know better, the court nullify their position. Though they have appealed but they won't go far. "This present NASS is the worst ever, what baffles us most is that the NASS is headed by a highly experienced and successful military general who has served this country in different capacities, as a military man, even as a minister. For all these illegalities to happen under his nose is most unfortunate. Probably it is so because of the way and manner they all got elected.
"We can forgive Bankole as the Speaker, who is a young man who just came back from abroad without any work experience in Nigeria, but suddenly found himself in a position of the speaker. The man that should have guided him and give him direction is also involved in all these."
Beyond comparison
He said the present crop of federal legislators cannot be compared to those of the Second Republic. According to him, Abraham Adesanya,Wali, Nathaniel Anah, Basil Okwu, David Dafinone, Olusola Saraki, John Wash Pam and others were great senators who had the interest of the country at heart unlike the current ones.
Mr Nwayanwu, however, said it is not too late for the lawmakers to withdraw the bill, saying, "It is not too late for the present NASS leadership to retrace their steps and do the right thing, which is the most honourable thing for them because this path they are towing will put them on the wrong side of history."
Police arrest 13 suspected Boko Haram members
The Borno State police command said yesterday that it had arrested 13 suspects in connection with last week's killings in Maiduguri.
The suspected Boko Haram militants reportedly killed at least four people in separate attacks on Wednesday and Friday in Maiduguri.
Confirming the arrest, the command's Police Public Relations Officer Lawal Abdullahi said in Maiduguri that 11 suspects were arrested in connection with the Wednesday's killing, ``I want to inform you that we have already made a number of arrests in connection with the killings.
``We have arrested 11 suspects in relation to the Wednesday's killing, we have also arrested two suspects in connection to the Friday's killings,'' Mr Abdullahi said.
He pointed out that the arrests were based on information gathered by the police on the incidences, claiming that ``we have been able to record a breakthrough that will eventually lead to uncovering the root of the numerous killings in the town in recent times." The brother of the ward head of Ngarnam, in the state, simply called Baba Gana was killed on Wednesday by some suspected Boko Haram militants who took him for the ward head, while on Friday, three persons including a six year old boy, Musa Amin were killed near a Friday Mosque at Layin Makaranta in Gumari ward behind the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
The victims are 35-year-old Yunus Abba, and his friend simply called Ibrahim both part II Arabic students of the University of Maiduguri and an unnamed police officer who was shot in Umarari late on Friday near his house in the metropolis. About 30 persons have so far been killed by the suspected militants since July when they began sporadic attacks on individuals believed to have played active part in quelling last year's Yusufiya insurgence in Maiduguri.
Although security checks had been put in place to checkmate their activities, the militants appeared so far to have beaten the security agents, especially with their guerrilla tactics.
The suspected Boko Haram militants reportedly killed at least four people in separate attacks on Wednesday and Friday in Maiduguri.
Confirming the arrest, the command's Police Public Relations Officer Lawal Abdullahi said in Maiduguri that 11 suspects were arrested in connection with the Wednesday's killing, ``I want to inform you that we have already made a number of arrests in connection with the killings.
``We have arrested 11 suspects in relation to the Wednesday's killing, we have also arrested two suspects in connection to the Friday's killings,'' Mr Abdullahi said.
He pointed out that the arrests were based on information gathered by the police on the incidences, claiming that ``we have been able to record a breakthrough that will eventually lead to uncovering the root of the numerous killings in the town in recent times." The brother of the ward head of Ngarnam, in the state, simply called Baba Gana was killed on Wednesday by some suspected Boko Haram militants who took him for the ward head, while on Friday, three persons including a six year old boy, Musa Amin were killed near a Friday Mosque at Layin Makaranta in Gumari ward behind the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
The victims are 35-year-old Yunus Abba, and his friend simply called Ibrahim both part II Arabic students of the University of Maiduguri and an unnamed police officer who was shot in Umarari late on Friday near his house in the metropolis. About 30 persons have so far been killed by the suspected militants since July when they began sporadic attacks on individuals believed to have played active part in quelling last year's Yusufiya insurgence in Maiduguri.
Although security checks had been put in place to checkmate their activities, the militants appeared so far to have beaten the security agents, especially with their guerrilla tactics.
Overcrowding causes chaos at Jeddah airport
WRONG flight schedules at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have been blamed for the chaos being faced by stranded hajj pilgrims.
Over 4.5 million pilgrims from all over the world took part in the yearly hajj exercise and the population explosion this year overstretched the facilities put in place by the Saudi Arabia government for the exercise.
Between Friday and Saturday, the airport was overcrowded due to the influx of pilgrims from Mecca, and a high ranking Saudi Arabian Airlines official has blamed the development on Hajj service providers who have poorly thought out plans to bring departing passengers from Mecca to the airport.
Abdullah Al-Ajhar, who is the Assistant Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: “The crowding and build-up of pilgrims returning to Gulf countries and domestic destinations at KAIA on Saturday and Friday was caused by errors in the schedules set up to bring departing pilgrims to the airport. Because of the errors of Hajj service providers, Saudi Arabian Airlines has had to reschedule its general flights and prepare an alternate plan to ferry pilgrims.”
Al-Ajhar, who was quoted by a local Saudi newspaper, Arab News, dismissed postings on some websites that Kuwait had sent an aircraft to transport Kuwaiti pilgrims as baseless, adding: “The Kuwaiti and other pilgrims returned in alternate flights operated by Saudi. I do not know of any flights from any Gulf country arriving here to take out pilgrims who have been waiting at KAIA for 20 hours,” he said, adding that he had no comment over false reports.
He further said: “I will affirm that we are dealing with more than half a million pilgrims flying on both domestic and regional flights. I do not rule out occurrence of mistakes, but we are trying our best to correct errors that have occurred and to normalise matters at the earliest.”
Several websites have been carrying reports that Kuwait and the UAE transported pilgrims returning to their respective countries on their own planes after pilgrims were left waiting at Jeddah airport for over 15 hours.
A UAE newspaper recently criticised the quality of services at KAIA and said that many pilgrims had to seek medical assistance from their respective Hajj missions.
However, sources at the airport said medical centres in the airport - staffed by 600 doctors, nurses and support workers - have been providing all types of medical help to returning pilgrims. Meanwhile, outbound pilgrims are taking their own precautions not to miss flights.
An Egyptian Hajj group had come to KAIA’s South Terminal, well over six hours, prior to check-in and camped at the airport.
“But our efforts were of no use as the scheduled flight was delayed,” said the team leader, who did not wish to be named.
He added: “Though there are large crowds milling around, we are not complaining.”
Over 4.5 million pilgrims from all over the world took part in the yearly hajj exercise and the population explosion this year overstretched the facilities put in place by the Saudi Arabia government for the exercise.
Between Friday and Saturday, the airport was overcrowded due to the influx of pilgrims from Mecca, and a high ranking Saudi Arabian Airlines official has blamed the development on Hajj service providers who have poorly thought out plans to bring departing passengers from Mecca to the airport.
Abdullah Al-Ajhar, who is the Assistant Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: “The crowding and build-up of pilgrims returning to Gulf countries and domestic destinations at KAIA on Saturday and Friday was caused by errors in the schedules set up to bring departing pilgrims to the airport. Because of the errors of Hajj service providers, Saudi Arabian Airlines has had to reschedule its general flights and prepare an alternate plan to ferry pilgrims.”
Al-Ajhar, who was quoted by a local Saudi newspaper, Arab News, dismissed postings on some websites that Kuwait had sent an aircraft to transport Kuwaiti pilgrims as baseless, adding: “The Kuwaiti and other pilgrims returned in alternate flights operated by Saudi. I do not know of any flights from any Gulf country arriving here to take out pilgrims who have been waiting at KAIA for 20 hours,” he said, adding that he had no comment over false reports.
He further said: “I will affirm that we are dealing with more than half a million pilgrims flying on both domestic and regional flights. I do not rule out occurrence of mistakes, but we are trying our best to correct errors that have occurred and to normalise matters at the earliest.”
Several websites have been carrying reports that Kuwait and the UAE transported pilgrims returning to their respective countries on their own planes after pilgrims were left waiting at Jeddah airport for over 15 hours.
A UAE newspaper recently criticised the quality of services at KAIA and said that many pilgrims had to seek medical assistance from their respective Hajj missions.
However, sources at the airport said medical centres in the airport - staffed by 600 doctors, nurses and support workers - have been providing all types of medical help to returning pilgrims. Meanwhile, outbound pilgrims are taking their own precautions not to miss flights.
An Egyptian Hajj group had come to KAIA’s South Terminal, well over six hours, prior to check-in and camped at the airport.
“But our efforts were of no use as the scheduled flight was delayed,” said the team leader, who did not wish to be named.
He added: “Though there are large crowds milling around, we are not complaining.”
Varsities: Ex-AGF writes Jonathan, makes case for Kogi
FORMER Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) has passionately appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the siting of one of the proposed federal universities in Kogi State.
The presidential committee on the matter had already started inspection of areas where the new universities will be sited. The six geo-political zones in the country are to have one new federal university each, with special consideration for states without any existing federal university.
Kogi is one of the states in the North-Central zone without a federal university.
Ojo, in the letter dated November 11, 2010, appealed to the president that Kogi should be considered in the interest of fair play, adding that of all the old provinces in the North, only the state had no federal university.
It reads: “I wish to commend your excellency for the practical demonstration of the commitment of your administration to human capital development of our nation, as evident in the gracious approval of the Executive Council of the Federation to create six additional universities.
The presidential committee on the matter had already started inspection of areas where the new universities will be sited. The six geo-political zones in the country are to have one new federal university each, with special consideration for states without any existing federal university.
Kogi is one of the states in the North-Central zone without a federal university.
Ojo, in the letter dated November 11, 2010, appealed to the president that Kogi should be considered in the interest of fair play, adding that of all the old provinces in the North, only the state had no federal university.
It reads: “I wish to commend your excellency for the practical demonstration of the commitment of your administration to human capital development of our nation, as evident in the gracious approval of the Executive Council of the Federation to create six additional universities.
Lagos doctors suspend strike - NEXT
Lagos State medical doctors, on Sunday suspended, their 14-week-old strike and gave the state government a 72-hour ultimatum to pay their withheld salaries.
The decision was taken at an emergency congress of the Medical Guild, an umbrella association for medical doctors on the payroll of the Lagos State government, presided by the chairman, Aboyade Williams. Mr Williams, while briefing journalists about the congress's decision, said that the association may have to call another congress on Friday, November 26, or in February 2011, depending on whether the government reciprocates their "goodwill." "If within 72 hours, the withheld salaries are not paid, the congress may have to reconvene on Friday," he said.
Mutually agreeable wage review
Mr Williams told journalists that there is a "very good understanding" between the state government and the medical association, and the strike was suspended on the basis of that understanding, hoping that by January 2011, the government will make good its promise to implement a new salary package. He read out a letter, addressed to the association on November 19, by the state's Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe, which contained several promises for all the demands of the association.
The letter stated, in part, that: "With effect from January 2011, a mutually agreeable wage review, which will not put Lagos doctors on a disadvantage compared to their colleagues in other states, will be implemented." Other promises included the "positive review" of the case of Ibrahim Olaifa, the association's past chairman, who was sacked for addressing journalists as against government's order, which forbid any civil servant from speaking to journalists; a "positive review" of withheld September and October salaries and other arrears; the remittance of the association's dues; and the promise that "no officer will be victimised on account of participation or role played during the strike." Whatever the "mutually agreeable wage review" means in terms of figure, though not disclosed, was acceptable to the doctors. It will not be known until January's salary is paid whether the review will be acceptable to the doctors; hence the promise by Mr Williams that the congress may be convened sometime in February to review government's implementation of its promises.
Banking on government's goodwill
The strike succeeded in dragging the government to the negotiation table, though it still did not produce the legal commitment the doctors demanded. The government had earlier promised to implement the new pay package in January 2011, thorough a letter written by Mr Ogunlewe to the association, but the doctors demanded for a circular, choosing not to "trust" the promise on the basis of several previous failed promises. According to one of the doctors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the doctors shifted stance because the strike has already gone farther than they expected. "You know when you struggle against an entity with limitless resources, you must have limitless resources also and we don't have that limitless resource," he said.
The decision was taken at an emergency congress of the Medical Guild, an umbrella association for medical doctors on the payroll of the Lagos State government, presided by the chairman, Aboyade Williams. Mr Williams, while briefing journalists about the congress's decision, said that the association may have to call another congress on Friday, November 26, or in February 2011, depending on whether the government reciprocates their "goodwill." "If within 72 hours, the withheld salaries are not paid, the congress may have to reconvene on Friday," he said.
Mutually agreeable wage review
Mr Williams told journalists that there is a "very good understanding" between the state government and the medical association, and the strike was suspended on the basis of that understanding, hoping that by January 2011, the government will make good its promise to implement a new salary package. He read out a letter, addressed to the association on November 19, by the state's Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe, which contained several promises for all the demands of the association.
The letter stated, in part, that: "With effect from January 2011, a mutually agreeable wage review, which will not put Lagos doctors on a disadvantage compared to their colleagues in other states, will be implemented." Other promises included the "positive review" of the case of Ibrahim Olaifa, the association's past chairman, who was sacked for addressing journalists as against government's order, which forbid any civil servant from speaking to journalists; a "positive review" of withheld September and October salaries and other arrears; the remittance of the association's dues; and the promise that "no officer will be victimised on account of participation or role played during the strike." Whatever the "mutually agreeable wage review" means in terms of figure, though not disclosed, was acceptable to the doctors. It will not be known until January's salary is paid whether the review will be acceptable to the doctors; hence the promise by Mr Williams that the congress may be convened sometime in February to review government's implementation of its promises.
Banking on government's goodwill
The strike succeeded in dragging the government to the negotiation table, though it still did not produce the legal commitment the doctors demanded. The government had earlier promised to implement the new pay package in January 2011, thorough a letter written by Mr Ogunlewe to the association, but the doctors demanded for a circular, choosing not to "trust" the promise on the basis of several previous failed promises. According to one of the doctors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the doctors shifted stance because the strike has already gone farther than they expected. "You know when you struggle against an entity with limitless resources, you must have limitless resources also and we don't have that limitless resource," he said.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Consumer price index rises
Nigeria’s Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 13.4 percent year-on-year in October, according to the monthly price statistics report just released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
“This is slightly lower than 13.6 percent recorded in the previous month in the new CPI series. The monthly change of the CPI was 0.3 percent increase when compared with September 2010,” the report dated 16 November stated.
A Consumer Price Index is expected to measure changes over time in the price level of goods and services, purchased especially by households. The annual percentage change in a CPI is usually used as a measure of inflation.
The nation’s bureau said the urban all items monthly index rose by 0.5 percent, while the corresponding rural index recorded 0.1 percent increase when compared with the preceding month; and that the year-on-year average consumer price level, as at October 2010, for urban and rural dwellers, rose by 11.5 and 15.0 percent respectively.
Food Index
The bureau said average monthly food prices remained stable in October, when compared with September, adding that the level of the Composite Food Index was higher than the corresponding level a year ago by 14.1 percent.
“The average annual rate of rise of the index was 14.9 percent for the twelve-month period, ending October 2010. The marginal fall in the index was caused mainly by slight decrease in the prices of some food items like yam, potatoes, and other tubers, due to the harvest season,” the National Bureau of Statistics said.
Lydia Olushola, an economist and consultant at Skytrend Nig. Ltd., said for the everyday consumer, a rise in CPI means prices of goods go up.
“The problem is when their average wages do not increase in accordance with the CPI, that is, if the CPI rises faster than people’s average wages, then the consumers’ purchasing power declines. They can’t buy as much as whatever it is they usually bought,” Ms. Olushola said.
Experts say inflation effects on an economy can be positive or negative, as the case may be. Inflation rates in Nigeria have peaked as high as 15.6 and as low as 11.6 between October 2009 and October 2010.
Bismarck Rewane, managing director, Financial Derivatives Company, a finance firm, said “Inflation on items less farm produce increased from 1.3 percent to 12.8 in September, though that of food decreased by 1.1 percent to 14 percent, from 15.1 per cent and 11.3 percent in July respectively. Presently, inflation is running at 13.6 percent. The current inflation record is weak, due to fiscal spending,” adding that inflationary pressures are likely to persist in November.
The Central Bank said inflation depicts an economic situation where there is a general rise in the prices of goods and services, continuously. It could be defined as “a continuing rise in prices, as measured by an index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or by the implicit price deflator for Gross National Product (GNP).”
The bank said price stability does not connote constant (or unchanging) price level, but it simply means that the rate of change of the general price level is such that economic agents do not worry about it. Inflationary conditions imply that the general price level keeps increasing over time.
“This is slightly lower than 13.6 percent recorded in the previous month in the new CPI series. The monthly change of the CPI was 0.3 percent increase when compared with September 2010,” the report dated 16 November stated.
A Consumer Price Index is expected to measure changes over time in the price level of goods and services, purchased especially by households. The annual percentage change in a CPI is usually used as a measure of inflation.
The nation’s bureau said the urban all items monthly index rose by 0.5 percent, while the corresponding rural index recorded 0.1 percent increase when compared with the preceding month; and that the year-on-year average consumer price level, as at October 2010, for urban and rural dwellers, rose by 11.5 and 15.0 percent respectively.
Food Index
The bureau said average monthly food prices remained stable in October, when compared with September, adding that the level of the Composite Food Index was higher than the corresponding level a year ago by 14.1 percent.
“The average annual rate of rise of the index was 14.9 percent for the twelve-month period, ending October 2010. The marginal fall in the index was caused mainly by slight decrease in the prices of some food items like yam, potatoes, and other tubers, due to the harvest season,” the National Bureau of Statistics said.
Lydia Olushola, an economist and consultant at Skytrend Nig. Ltd., said for the everyday consumer, a rise in CPI means prices of goods go up.
“The problem is when their average wages do not increase in accordance with the CPI, that is, if the CPI rises faster than people’s average wages, then the consumers’ purchasing power declines. They can’t buy as much as whatever it is they usually bought,” Ms. Olushola said.
Experts say inflation effects on an economy can be positive or negative, as the case may be. Inflation rates in Nigeria have peaked as high as 15.6 and as low as 11.6 between October 2009 and October 2010.
Bismarck Rewane, managing director, Financial Derivatives Company, a finance firm, said “Inflation on items less farm produce increased from 1.3 percent to 12.8 in September, though that of food decreased by 1.1 percent to 14 percent, from 15.1 per cent and 11.3 percent in July respectively. Presently, inflation is running at 13.6 percent. The current inflation record is weak, due to fiscal spending,” adding that inflationary pressures are likely to persist in November.
The Central Bank said inflation depicts an economic situation where there is a general rise in the prices of goods and services, continuously. It could be defined as “a continuing rise in prices, as measured by an index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or by the implicit price deflator for Gross National Product (GNP).”
The bank said price stability does not connote constant (or unchanging) price level, but it simply means that the rate of change of the general price level is such that economic agents do not worry about it. Inflationary conditions imply that the general price level keeps increasing over time.
Nigerian army arrests militant gang behind kidnaps
The Nigerian army has arrested a militant gang leader and more than 50 of his followers believed to be behind the kidnapping of 19 people in the oil-producing Niger Delta, a spokesman said on Saturday.
The hostages, including two Americans, two Frenchmen, two Indonesians, one Canadian and 12 Nigerians, were freed late on Wednesday after being held by a gang leader known as Obese at a camp in Rivers state.
"We have arrested Obese and some of his boys, more than 50 of them," Timothy Antigha, a spokesman for the military taskforce which polices the Niger Delta, told Reuters. He would not elaborate, pending a statement to be issued later.
A security source said Obese had been detained with 51 of his followers after a shootout near Bonny in Rivers.
"The military has him and 51 of his boys and is presently transferring the criminals to Port Harcourt in military-escorted gunboats," said the source, who asked not to be named.
Nigeria says heroin was shipped from Iran
Nigerian authorities said Friday they had seized 130 kilograms (286 pounds) of high-grade heroin in a shipment that originated in Iran.
The drugs were hidden inside auto parts and were discovered because of intelligence reports from foreign collaborators, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said in a statement.
The shipment was seized in the Apapa port in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city.
Some arrests were made, the agency said, though it did not provide any details.
"Drug barons will be frustrated out of the illicit drug business through similar undercover operations. We have successfully established links with our foreign collaborators and will maximize every opportunity to dismantle drug trafficking cartels in the country and West Africa," said Ahmadu Giade, head of the agency.
Last month, Nigeria's security service said that it had seized 13 shipping containers filled with illegal weapons, including rockets, grenades and bullets -- believed also to have come from Iran.
Nigeria reported Iran to the U.N. Security Council after the arms seizure.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Odein Ajumogobia said Tuesday the issue of the weapons shipment would be reviewed by a U.N. sanctions committee that was appointed by the Security Council to monitor the Iranian regime.
U.N. Security Council resolutions prevent Iran from sending weapons abroad.
The drugs were hidden inside auto parts and were discovered because of intelligence reports from foreign collaborators, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said in a statement.
The shipment was seized in the Apapa port in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city.
Some arrests were made, the agency said, though it did not provide any details.
"Drug barons will be frustrated out of the illicit drug business through similar undercover operations. We have successfully established links with our foreign collaborators and will maximize every opportunity to dismantle drug trafficking cartels in the country and West Africa," said Ahmadu Giade, head of the agency.
Last month, Nigeria's security service said that it had seized 13 shipping containers filled with illegal weapons, including rockets, grenades and bullets -- believed also to have come from Iran.
Nigeria reported Iran to the U.N. Security Council after the arms seizure.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Odein Ajumogobia said Tuesday the issue of the weapons shipment would be reviewed by a U.N. sanctions committee that was appointed by the Security Council to monitor the Iranian regime.
U.N. Security Council resolutions prevent Iran from sending weapons abroad.
Mosque Attack Signals a New Round of Violence
Two men were killed and one child was wounded after suspected members of Boko Haram, an Islamic sect whose name means “Western education is sacrilege” in the Hausa language, ambushed a mosque in northeastern Nigeria during Friday Prayer, in what a police spokesman said was the first daytime attack by the group in a new wave of violence. More than 1,000 worshipers were at the Gomari Jumat mosque in Maiduguri on Friday afternoon when two men arrived by motorcycle and used Kalashnikov assault rifles to kill their victims. The child was wounded by stray bullets, he said. Thirteen suspects were arrested in the attack and other killings in the area, he said.
Ijaw leader urges JTF, militants to embrace peace
As tension mounts in parts of Niger Delta over renewed hostilities between militants and operatives of the Joint Military Taskforce (JTF), Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Thompson Okorotie and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have urged both parties to maintain restraint and embrace dialogue.
Okorotie, a former Political Adviser to the Bayelsa State Government, called on the militants not to return to the past that had brought so much destruction of lives and property.
The Ijaw leader and chairman of Bayelsa State Conciliators Forum (BSCF), who spoke on Thursday in Yenagoa, at an interactive session with journalists, said the citizens are worried over the renewed war in the coastal region.
He went on: “Clearly, we are seeing the scenario of some Niger Delta agitators flexing their muscles violently and attacking oil installations leading to losses as it were.
“The Federal Government and security forces are talking tough. This is a similar situation that characterised the environment when the Niger Delta agitators were uprooted in Delta State from their different camps by JTF with all its might resulting in the deaths of hundreds of our people in the Niger Delta and those alive rendered homeless, hungry and deceased. We are not sure these problems have been totally solved.”
The gun battle between security forces and militants at Foropa and Ogodobiri in Bayelsa and Delta States, had resulted in casualties, thereby generating anxiety as there are fears that innocent people may be affected in the war.
Okorotie, therefore, appealed to ex-militants to apply dialogue in making their demands, rather than opting for confrontation.
“We must remember at all times that when we make our demands with violence, the little development that we already have is depleted. This cannot be a sensible way of asking for development.
“On the other hand, the Federal Government should ensure that whatever department is responsible for implementing the different aspect of the amnesty programme should do so with efficiency and transparency,” the chairman said.
The ex-political adviser condemned the October bomb blast in Abuja and the stoning of Governor Timipre Sylva during the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the state, stressing that it was right time the people remove violence as a core component of their character.
He said: “Violence at the beginning was justifiable because hitherto no government listened to our cries. We have now made our points. We have been listened to and there is an amnesty programme that is running. Any hiccup in the process of implementation of this laudable programme should best be corrected through negotiation.”
Okorotie, a former Political Adviser to the Bayelsa State Government, called on the militants not to return to the past that had brought so much destruction of lives and property.
The Ijaw leader and chairman of Bayelsa State Conciliators Forum (BSCF), who spoke on Thursday in Yenagoa, at an interactive session with journalists, said the citizens are worried over the renewed war in the coastal region.
He went on: “Clearly, we are seeing the scenario of some Niger Delta agitators flexing their muscles violently and attacking oil installations leading to losses as it were.
“The Federal Government and security forces are talking tough. This is a similar situation that characterised the environment when the Niger Delta agitators were uprooted in Delta State from their different camps by JTF with all its might resulting in the deaths of hundreds of our people in the Niger Delta and those alive rendered homeless, hungry and deceased. We are not sure these problems have been totally solved.”
The gun battle between security forces and militants at Foropa and Ogodobiri in Bayelsa and Delta States, had resulted in casualties, thereby generating anxiety as there are fears that innocent people may be affected in the war.
Okorotie, therefore, appealed to ex-militants to apply dialogue in making their demands, rather than opting for confrontation.
“We must remember at all times that when we make our demands with violence, the little development that we already have is depleted. This cannot be a sensible way of asking for development.
“On the other hand, the Federal Government should ensure that whatever department is responsible for implementing the different aspect of the amnesty programme should do so with efficiency and transparency,” the chairman said.
The ex-political adviser condemned the October bomb blast in Abuja and the stoning of Governor Timipre Sylva during the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the state, stressing that it was right time the people remove violence as a core component of their character.
He said: “Violence at the beginning was justifiable because hitherto no government listened to our cries. We have now made our points. We have been listened to and there is an amnesty programme that is running. Any hiccup in the process of implementation of this laudable programme should best be corrected through negotiation.”
Friday, November 19, 2010
Real Betis employ Finidi George
A member of the all-conquering 1994 Super Eagles, Finidi George, has been appointed a member of the technical crew of his former club, Real Betis in Spain.
The right winger, who was at one time adjudged to be the best crosser of the ball, was officially presented on Wednesday as the new International Director for the Spanish club side. George would be working hand in hand with coach Pepe Mel.
One of his tasks will include scouting for players. He expressed delight at being recognised by the club where he played for four years, and expressed his readiness to start work. “It is an opportunity you (the club) gave me to join the technical body and I look forward to work to bring in good players,” he said. He went on to say he would use the opportunity of his global assess and profile to raise the club to greater heights. “I am going to focus on football outside Spain like Africa, Europe and other places where there are good players who can come to Betis,” he said. “I know the coach very well and I actually played with the assistant coach Roberto Rios and the trainer Jesus.”
His career
Finidi joined Real Betis in 1996 from Ajax, in a deal worth $7.6 million, scoring 38 goals in 130 appearances before moving on to Real Mallorca, and Ipswich Town, in the English Premier League, before ending his career at Real Mallorca. At Ajax, he cemented his place as a legend by providing many memorable assists. In that club, he scored 18 goals in 85 appearances. He started his career as a central midfielder with Sharks in Port Harcourt, joining his older brother, Alari George, before his skills drew the attention of national selectors. He then spent two seasons with Calabar Rovers before returning to Sharks in 1993. In Port Harcourt, where he grew up and began his career, he is most admired for his creativity in midfield; but it was as a winger that he gained global recognition for the accuracy of his crossing, which was even rated ahead of David Beckham and Luis Figo at his prime.
Dutchman Clemens Westerhof recognized this, and Finidi’s crosses brought out the best in Rashidi Yekini making the latter Nigeria’s all time top scorer. He has been living in Spain and is very fluent in Spanish and Dutch. At the national scene, he made a goal scoring international debut for Nigeria against Burkina Faso in a thrilling 7-1 defeat where he set up 3 goals, scoring the last after coming on for Austin Eguavoen at half time. He also scored twice in the World Cup qualifiers that secured Nigeria’s first ever qualification for the USA 94 FIFA World Cup. Finidi featured for Nigeria at the Senegal 92 (bronze), Tunisia 94 (gold and Cup,) Nigeria/Ghana 2000 (silver) and Mali 2002 (bronze).
He also represented Nigeria at the USA 1994 and France 98 World Cup and was vice-captain to Sunday Oliseh when the team qualified for the 2002 World Cup; but both of them were controversially omitted from the final squad. His goal against Greece is best remembered for his “dog” celebration and is often replayed.
2011: Ibadan youths protest against IBB candidature
IBADAN—THE presidential campaign of the former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, suffered a major setback in the South-West yesterday as youths numbering 500 staged a protest against his re-emergence as the president.
While marching on major streets in Ibadan, the youths passed through the Old Ife road to Agodi telling residents in the city why IBB should be the last to be voted for having spent eight years on the exalted position before.
Armed with placards with various inscriptions such as “Say No to IBB,” “Don’t give in to IBB’s lies, they chanted anti-Babangida songs.
The Anti-Babangida Coalition, spoke through its National Coordinator, Mr. Sina Odugbemi, “We are saying No to IBB. We don’t want Nigerians to pass through the experience again. When they come with their gimmicks, we want people to see beyond their beautiful posters and rhetoric. We need to let them know what we passed through under IBB.”
Vanguard gathered that the youths stopped at each intersection and addressed the people not to waste their votes in 2011 by voting for the former ruler.
They said, “We are saying No to IBB. We don’t want Nigerians to pass through the experience again. When they come with their gimmicks, we want people to see beyond their beautiful posters and rhetoric. We need to let them know what we passed through under IBB.”
Police arrest lawmaker’s aide with Indian hemp
The personal assistant to a member of the House of Representatives who was arrested on Wednesday with 10 sacks of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp in Edo State said yesterday that he took advantage of his boss’ pilgrimage to engage in the illicit business.
The 37-year-old man, Nurudeen Ibrahim who works for Abdulazeez Abubakar, the member representing Mafaranka Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, was arrested by policemen along Auchi-Afuze road with sacks of Indian hemp loaded in the booth of the lawmaker’s official Peugeot 407 car, marked NASS FL 124 REP.
Mr. Ibrahim, who was paraded by the Edo State Police Command, told journalists it was the second time he was coming to buy Indian hemp in Edo State, having earlier engaged in the illicit business during the last Muslim holiday.
He said his friend introduced him to the business which he took up in order to “make up” and he used his friend’s car to convey the consignment of the weed during the first trip to Edo State.
Action to regret
Mr. Ibrahim, who claimed to have bought the 10 sacks of cannabis for N50, 000, also informed the police that he has somebody in Abuja who helps him to sell the weed.
“This is the biggest regret I ever have in life,” said Mr Ibrahim, who claimed to have worked for Mr Abubakar for three years. He also blamed his ordeal on those who sold the weed to him, alleging that they were the ones who leaked the information to the police.
Edo State Police Command spokesman, Peter Ogboi, advised those in authority to open their eyes and monitor the activities of their aides, pointing out that the suspect has taken the advantage of his work with the lawmaker to engage in drug dealing.
He said the case would be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and eventual prosecution.
Chelsea name Nigerian Emenalo as assistant coach
Chelsea have named Nigerian Michael Emenalo as their assistant manager, the Premier League leaders said on Thursday.
The 45-year-old replaces Ray Wilkins as Carlo Ancelotti's right-hand man. Wilkins left Stamford Bridge last week for undisclosed reasons.
Emenalo joined Chelsea in 2007 and has been working as the club's Head Opposition Scout.
He represented Nigeria as a defender at the 1994 World Cup and played for clubs including Molenbeek in Belgium, England's Notts County and San Jose Clash in the United States
Nigerian militants warn of more kidnappings
Militants in Nigeria's southern Niger Delta warned on Friday that they would carry out more kidnappings from oil installations after the military rescued 19 hostages from one of their camps this week. "Our fighters have being instructed to carry out more raids on oil installations from where fresh hostages will be taken," the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said in a statement emailed to media.
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