Niger Delta Avengers blow up NNPC pipeline in Akwa Ibom

Resurgent militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers on Thursday claimed it blew up a pipeline belonging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in Akwa Ibom State.
The separatist group which has claimed responsibility for several attacks on pipeline installations in the Niger-Delta region on its twitter handle @NDAvengers said the pipeline was located at Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The tweet reads, “At 4.00am @NDAvengers blow up NNPC pipeline in Uruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.”

 Daily Post

Over 700 Boko Haram insurgents surrender- Defence spokesman

Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar

The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, has disclosed that more than 700 repentant Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East have surrendered to the military.Abubakar said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, a camp will be opened where the repentant insurgents will be kept “before the government decides on what to do with them’’.
The defence spokesman said the media had a very important role to play in mitigating the crisis befalling the country.
He, therefore, called for synergy between the media and the military in mobilising and informing the citizenry about the crisis.
“We have come to understand that the military cannot do it all alone.
“It must enter into collaborative efforts and synergy in certain operations with the media, which we believe will go a long way to not just
project our activities or operations, but at the same time play a role which nobody can do apart from you.
“Mobilising the citizens, informing them about what is happening and equally sensitising them.
“The media has a very important role in mitigating the crisis that is befalling our nation.
“We have many of the Boko Haram members, who surrendered as a result of our operations in Sambisa.
“We have over 700 now and very soon we will open the camp in the North-East where we will be keeping them before the government decides on what to do with them.’’
He said the Defence Headquarters looked forward to sustaining the cordial relationship between the military and NAN.
Responding, the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Bayo Onanuga, told the director of defence information that the social media were following the activities of the military with keen interest.
He assured the director of the agency’s support in all activities of the military aimed at maintaining Nigeria’s unity and securing its territory.
Onanuga said the agency’s dissemination of authentic information about the military as an institution was a commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the country.
The managing director told Abubakar that because “we are owned by government, we have a responsibility to ensure that whatever we push out is the authentic information’’.
”I follow your press statements, I follow you on twitter, I follow you on facebook, I go to the military website.
“I know you are also, on your own part, trying to push out as much information as possible for our consumption.
“Because we are owned by government, we have a responsibility to ensure that whatever we push out is the authentic information.
“We are also careful that we don’t push out something that can create crisis.
“Our bulletin is the first point of reference by anybody, who wants authentic information about Nigeria.
“And that is why we are very important.’’
Abubakar was accompanied on the visit by senior officers of the Directorate of Defence Information, Defence Headquarters.

PM News

EFCC detains former Adamawa governor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has detained the immediate past governor of Adamawa State, Bala Ngillari, for his alleged role in the distribution of N450 million for the re-election of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Mr. Ngillari is being detained at the Gombe zonal office of the EFCC.
His detention followed information provided by a former Nigerian ambassafor to the U.S., Hassan Adamu, who told the EFCC that when the chairman of PDP in Adamawa state, Joel Madaki, and himself took custody of the money from Fidelity Bank, it was taken to the government House in bullion vans by officials of the bank.
Mr. Adamu also told investigators that the chief of staff to Mr. Ngilari, Alhaji Hamman, and the accountant to the government house, Aisha Waziri, counted the money and confirmed the figure.
“The duo became custodians of the fund based on the directive of their boss, the governor,” he said.
Mr. Adamu also said he left after the government officials took custody of the fund and did not know how the money was shared, and did not personally benefit from it.
An official of the EFCC informed PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Ngilari denied authorizing his former aides to take custody of the fund.
He also said “a detention order had been signed and most likely, he would spend the night in EFCC custody”.
 A team of investigators handling the campaign slush fund grilled the former ambassador for several hours after he reported to the Commission’s office at about 9.30 am on Thursday.
He was however, allowed to go.

Premium Times

Things are very hard in Nigeria – Osinbajo admits

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has once again called on Nigerians to bear with the current government, assuring that things would get better soon.
According to him, his boss, president Muhammadu Buhari meant well for the people of the country.
Osinbajo, who was speaking at a Public Lecture/Presentation of Award tagged; “Service Above Self” organised by the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), in Abuja, said it was necessary for all, not minding political, religious or tribal inclination to stand for justice, equity and unity of Nigeria.
 The Acting President, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, hailed some Muslim faithfuls, who had been speaking against acts of violence perpetrated against Christians by some extremists.
“Yes! Things are very hard in the country. Our government meant very well for Nigerians, this is not to punish people. It is because things have gone bad in the past,” he said.
In his remarks, the National President of MULAN, Dr Kamal Dawud maintained that to ensure peaceful coexistence in the country, non-Muslim brothers and sisters must understand that Islam is a peaceful religion with some sensitive issues.
According to him, “Let our non-Muslim brothers and sisters avoid these sensitive issues and make them no go areas, to allow peace reign in Nigeria”.

Daily Post

EFCC to arraign Fani-Kayode, Usman Tuesday

Femi Fani Kayode

The arraignment of former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and his Finance counterpart, Senator Nenadi Usman, has been fixed for Tuesday before Justice Sule Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
A prosecution counsel at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the date on Thursday.
The commission charged them along with Danjuman Yusuf and a company, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Limited.
Ahead of his arraignment, Fani-Kayode has filed a bail application through his lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN).

In an affidavit in support of the motion for bail, Fani-Kayode’s wife, Precious said her husband told EFCC all he knew about the funding of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign, and that, as the Director of Publicity, no money was paid into his account.
She said: “All the monies paid into his account were from private entities and they were judiciously used to prosecute the PDP 2015 presidential campaign.
“‎He was granted administrative bail with onerous conditions. The said bail conditions were met on Thursday, the 12th day of May, 2016, yet the complainant/respondent (EFCC) has refused to release the defendant/applicant till date.”
Mrs. Fani-Kayode  said the commission’s operatives interrogated him three times about the campaign money, adding that no new issue and or petition was raised or written against him.
“I was there during one of the interrogation sessions, and what the operatives were asking the defendant/applicant was to refund the campaign funds and nothing more.
“The instant charges against him were merely brought to justify his unconstitutional detention by the complainant/respondent,” Mrs Fani-Kayode said.
According to her, EFCC was only keeping him so as “to ask him to refund the campaign funds expended for the PDP 2015 Presidential Campaign in respect of which he was the Director of Publicity.”
Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Nenadi Esther Usman, Femi Fani-Kayode, Danjuman Yusuf And Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Limited on or about the 8th day of January, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to indirectly retain the sum of N1,500, 000,000.00 which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing.”
The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4).
The four were also accused of indirectly retaining N300million, N400million and N800million, all proceeds of corruption, according to EFCC.
The 17-count charge borders on conspiracy, unlawful retention of proceeds of theft and corruption and money laundering.
According to Raji, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015, bail is more relaxed as the offence he was charged with is a bailable one.

The Nation

NLC to shut banks for sacking workers

NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday threatened to shut down the six banks that recently sacked their workers, giving the affected banks two weeks ultimatum to recall the sacked workers and allow unionization.
The workers’ sack has already pitched labour against employers of labour in the country with the umbrella body of the employers, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly, saying the government has no right to ask the banks not to sack workers.
Labour on its part threatened to picket the banks if they fail to halt the mass sack of workers, accusing them of not allowing unionization and reneging on the principles of collective bargaining.
In a letter to the management of the six banks and signed by its Deputy  General Secretary, Chris Uyot, the NLC said  labour will be forced to close the banks and their branches nationwide if they fail to recall the affected workers.
The affected banks are – Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, First City Monument Bank, First Bank, Ecobank and Skye Bank.

The letter to one of the affected banks management reads: “I have been directed to inform you that, it has been brought to our notice by our affiliate union, the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) that your bank is one of those that have arbitrarily sacked a large number of workers in recent times contrary to laid down procedures and the country’s extant labour laws.
“Also, of concern has been that these blatant retrenchments were carried out without recourse to several correspondence, including letters and circulars sent to you by the union to retrace your steps in line with best practices in labour relations and laws of the land.
“By this letter, we are giving your bank 14 days  ultimatum commencing  from Thursday, 16th June, 2016 to recall all the sacked workers or face industrial action, which  may include ensuring that your bank and all its outlets are closed for business nationwide. While looking forward to your honouring our request, please, accept our goodwill and best regards.”

The Nation

Jonathan’s former aide, Dudafa, arraigned for money laundering

Former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, and a bank official, Iwejuo Nna, (aka. Taiwo A. Ebenezer and Olugbenga Isaiah) were on Wednesday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice M.B. Idris of the Federal High Court Lagos on 23-counts of concealment, retention of proceeds of crime and failing to furnish information.
Mr. Dudafa is alleged to have laundered over N1. 67 billion while performing his duties as top aide to the former president, through the accounts of four companies – Ebiwise Resources Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited, Rotato Inter-Link Services Limited and Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited.
He allegedly received the assistance of the second defendant, Mr. Nna, a bank manager who was in charge of the accounts.
When the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the defendants, Aboyega Oyewole and Sunday Abumere, informed the court of their applications for bail dated June 10 which was filed on June 13, 2016, and urged the court to grant the accused bail.
Justice Idris adjourned the case till June 16, 2016 for hearing on the bail applications, while ordering the defendants to be remanded in prison custody.

Daily Post

Boko Haram Kill 4 People, Abduct Women In Borno State

Suspected Boko Haram members

At least 4 civilians have been killed and several women abducted by Boko Haram militants in Borno village, local vigilantes said.

Boko Haram terrorists stormed the remote village of Kautuva in Damboa Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State on Tuesday morning and killed four people while setting homes ablaze.
A member of the civilian Joint Task Force in Damboa detailed the incident to a SaharaReporters correspondent by phone, adding that some women were abducted by the insurgents.
"They came shortly after Muslims' early morning prayers and started burning all the houses. We attacked them but they overpower us and they killed people.
"They also abducted some women and forced people to flee their homes as they shot at the villagers," the source disclosed.
In recent times, Boko Haram have suffered casualties as the military's operations at the Boko Haram stronghold in Sambisa have weakened the insurgents' activities.

Sahara Reporters

Don’t expect salaries – Ajimobi tells striking Oyo workers

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Wednesday in Ibadan said government would not go back on its decision on the “No Work No Pay’’ rule against striking workers.
Ajimobi made the statement while monitoring attendance of workers at the State Secretariat.
According to him, “You can see that work is going on smoothly here. We are happy about the attendance. We will not pay those who are not in their offices.
 “We have appealed to the striking workers to return to work but they remained adamant. We know some of them, they don’t even come to work when there was no strike.
“We have told them that ‘no work no pay’ and we are going to stand by it,’’ he said.
Ajimobi said that workers absent from duty would forfeit their pay.
Speaking to newsmen after the inspection, Ajimobi urged the labour leaders to embrace modern day unionism, devoid of brigandage, subterfuge and thuggery.
 “Modern day unionism is driven by engagement, consultation and productivity. If you don’t want us to implement a policy, you will come to us and tell us.
“We gave them the opportunity to come up with their ideas and proposal but they disrupted the stakeholders’ meeting.
“We want a labour union that will engage us in intellectual discourse and not those who still display the stone age labour practices,’’ he said.
The governor said that the entire labour force in the state was not more than 100,000, in comparison to the 10 million population of the state.
Ajimobi, however, denied rumours that the state government collected N84 billion from the Federal
Government between May 2015 and May 2016.
He said that the said amount was a combined allocation of both the state government and the local governments, adding that only N42 billion was received for the state during the period.

Daily Post

N’ Delta avengers: Reps ask FG to secure additional N35.8bn funding for amnesty programme

 

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to immediately initiate a “sustainable plan” to end the militancy in the Niger Delta.

Lawmakers said the “confrontational approaches” adopted by the government so far would only worsen the bombing of oil facilities by militants.

In its resolution in Abuja, the House also called on the government to secure additional N35.8billion funding for the amnesty programme in a bid to guarantee the continuous payment of allowances and training of ex-agitators.

The resolution followed a motion jointly sponsored by 31 members of the House, cutting across the six geo-political zones of the country to draw attention to the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta by the Niger Delta Avengers.

A member from Cross River State, Mr. Ekpenyong Ayi, who led the debate, said the N35.8bn was actually a shortfall of the original N55.8bn proposed by the Presidential Amnesty Office as its 2016 budget.

He noted, “The House is worried that the N20bn proposed by the Federal Government for the Presidential Amnesty Office in the 2016 budget is lower than the N55.8bn proposed by the Presidential Amnesty Office and the amount is grossly inadequate to sustain the payment of stipends to 25,000 ex-agitators, pay in-training allowances, tuition fees and other commitments.”

Ayi told the House that the “massive cut” in the amnesty budget contributed largely to the resurgence of militancy in the oil region, with production output dropping to a record “990,000 barrels per day by June 1.”

He recalled that, from the budgetary crude oil target of 2.2mbpd, production fell to 1.76mbd in February; 1.68mbd in March; and 1.62mbd in April due to attacks on installations by the avengers.

Ayi added that strategic installations belonging to Chevron, Shell and Agip had been blown up by militants in the past few months.

“The incessant attacks on oil facilities have led to Nigeria losing its place as Africa’s largest oil producer because its oil output has fallen to a 22-year low of 1.4mbd as against the budgetary target of 2.2mbpd, and by June 1, 2016, it was about 990,000bpd”, the lawmaker stated.

The motion was passed without further debate at the session, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Suleiman Lasun, to underscore the urgency of the security and economic development in the Niger Delta.

Lawmakers also observed that the attacks on gas installations had affected electricity supply to parts of the country.

They said the ugly trend had underscored the need to tap into the potential of coal as an alternative power source.

Lawmakers took the stance while passing another resolution on a motion on the “urgent need to commence generation of electricity through coal.”

The motion, which was moved by Mr. Ahmed Abu, observed that the country had a total coal reserve of about 639million metric tons, “while the inferred reserves sum up to 2.75billion metric tons.”

The House resolved to “Urge the Federal Government to put all necessary machinery in motion that will lead to the generation of electricity through coal in all states where there is proven and inferred coal reserves.”

Benue, Enugu, Abia and Kogi were listed among states with large coal deposits in the country, besides “more than 13 additional undeveloped coal fields.”

 

Punch Newspaper

Diezani Alison-Madueke Fights Back Against Al Jazeera, Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War

Nigeria’s much-reported former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, today lashed out at a report in Al Jazeera on Monday, calling it the latest attempt “to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it,” and attempting to dress her in the garb of a common criminal.
Citing a claim in the report that she owns a property in Abuja allegedly worth $18 million, as well as clips of jewelry of over $2 million in value that were copiously displayed, she asked: “When did it become a crime to own a property in Nigeria?  When did it become a crime for a woman of my status to have in her possession, jewelry? Jewelry, which women all across the world, including the woman selling tomatoes in Bodija market have in abundance in their closets? In which court of law, anywhere in the world was I prosecuted by the EFCC and found guilty of corruption?”
Mrs. Alison-Madueke, speaking for posterity, published her academic and professional profile, from her days as a student of architecture in England to being appointed Minister for Petroleum Resources in April 2010.
“All through my career, I have strived to maintain a record of hard work, integrity and excellence, giving my best to society, because my parents raised me in the consciousness that a man or woman’s greatness is defined not by the amount of wealth they have acquired but the impact of their service to God and humanity,” she said.
She dismissed the Al Jazeera report as “the height of journalistic brigandage and a sheer mockery of Nigeria’s anti-corruption war before the eyes of the world who are watching and asking if the war against corruption is a circus show where suspects are prosecuted and sentenced on the pages of newspapers and video blogs without anything as remotely in the semblance of a trial in the courts of law.”
The former Minister situated the report in the context of her reported battle with cancer, describing what she called a “poorly executed propaganda bares (sic) on its face like tribal marks, a clearly malicious attempt to victimize an innocent woman in what appears an exaggerated plot to validate and give credibility to the anti-corruption crusade under Nigeria’s new regime.”
Mrs. Alison-Madueke spoke of her regard for the law, and expressed the faith that those who have breached the laws that govern societies should be made to face the wrath of the law.
“But in a civilized society, a responsible government owes its citizens absolute commitment to the principles of rule of law, equity, fairness and justice,” she said, adding: “I have been wrongfully and maliciously maligned and those behind this reckless action know it.”
She said she would leave her detractors to posterity, their conscience and God.
In a reaction, a political analyst this morning declared the former Minister to be right in what he called her “imperious” outrage, and blamed the Nigerian government for its approach to fighting corruption.
“The woman has been out of office for over one year, and not one charge has been filed against her in any court by the government.  It is evident she intends to use her poor health, if indeed she is sick, as a ploy in any prosecution, but given all the atrocities she is alleged to be responsible for or a part of, why is her trial in the press, not in court?”
He then asked rhetorically, “Is Alison-Madueke an uncommon criminal, as she suggests, a common criminal, or is she no criminal at all?”
Coincidentally, only yesterday, the federal government and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation filed a motion before the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking an order of mareva injunction, directing 19 Nigerian banks, eight foreign banks and eight local and international firms to freeze the funds and assets they hold on behalf of Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko, allies of Mrs. Alison-Madueke.  The two men are being investigated in connection with a series of multi-billion dollar petrol import and crude export deals.
Mr. Omokore is the chairman of Atlantic Energy Concept Nigerian Limited (AEDC) and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited (AEBD), which are the first and second defendants in the suit.  In 2011, Atlantic Energy Limited, a newly-registered company, allegedly received from the Goodluck Jonathan administration public assets valued in multibillion dollar terms without due process.
Despite that, it was awarded controlling stakes in lucrative oil blocks OML 30 and 34 for just over $50 million each.  The deal, which was signed by Mrs. Alison-Madueke, gave Atlantic Energy Limited a controlling 55 percent stake in the oil block.
In the suit, the government is also seeking an order to freeze or confiscate, among others, several local and international luxury properties owned by the defendants, including the Galatica Star, a $50 million “Super yatch” owned by Mr. Aluko, and three private jets.  Other assets listed include expensive watch collections and a collection of 58 vehicles.
The government is also asking the court for an order to confiscate in the next few days all sums of money and negotiable instruments of credit of the defendants domestic accounts held in the 19 domestic banks, estimated to be $1.76 billion.
Many homes and properties are being pursued in such places as Los Angeles, New York, Dubai, Switzerland, London, Canada, and Lagos.

 

Sahara Reporters

Osun Hijab Crisis: Students attend school in church garments

Christian secondary school students in Osun State on Tuesday wore church garments to their schools, in a dramatic but defiant protest against the use of Hijab by female Muslim students.
Students attended Baptist High School, Adeeke in Iwo town of Osun State and Salvation Army Middle School, Alekuwodo, in the church robes.
The state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has been up against the state government allowing Hijab in schools.
Last week, CAN warned that Christian students in public schools will start wearing church garments to school if Governor Rauf Aregbesola goes ahead to implement a judgment by the state High Court legalizing the use of hijab by Muslim students.
A statement released Friday by CAN chairman, Elisha Ogundiya, said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the association’s executive committee, and heads of Churches held in Osogbo on June 7.
“Where the Osun State Government is inclined to implementing the judgment Christian students in all public schools founded by Christians with the toil and sweat of our forefathers in the faith will have no choice but to start wearing Christian garments and vestments as part of their school uniform for the propagation of our own faith given the Justice Saka Oyejide Falola declared right of Muslim Female Students to do same as what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander as well,” the statement read.
“Adherents of other faiths who have their choice to make in this matter can wear theirs as well.”
The association appealed the court ruling, which amongst many things, it said implied that hijab was a means of propagation of Islam which it stated was a fundamental right of Muslim girls and ladies.
“This declaration violates the religious right of the original owners of the missionary schools as agreed upon when the schools were taken over by the then government of Oyo State in 1975,” it said.
The association also accused the governor, Rauf Aregbesola, of masterminding the judgment in line with his “Islamization Agenda”, arguing that this had been earlier stated by the Directorate of Military Intelligence in 2012 based on credible intelligence and corroborated by Osun CAN in 2014.
“This unshed toga of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola flies in the face of the fact of the overwhelming number of Christians in Osun State vis-a-vis Muslims,” the statement further said.
On Tuesday, students decked in church robes arrived Baptist High School, Adeeke in Iwo town at about 8.30am.

Officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria were on hand to observe the reaction of the teachers.
Apparently having a pre-knowledge of the development, the teachers did not react to the new dress codes. They quietly went on with their teaching schedules for the day.
The drama also took place at the Salvation Army Middle School, Alekuwodo, where female Muslim students who wore hijab were allowed into school, as well as those wearing church garments.
Similarly, CAN officials were present to ensure no student was sent back home.
The principal of Baptist High School, Omotayo Arowolo, said there was no crisis in school, despite the development.
He said the teachers were in their classes doing their normal teaching activities, noting that no student was chased out.
“We are here to ensure that no student is send back home from school,” said Head of the Catholic Bloc of CAN in Iwo, Paul Olagoke.
“We are here to defend the right of our children, since the female Muslim ‎students are free to wear hijab, our own children also are free to wear anything.”


Premium Times

AIT Dismisses all Workers in Benin Station with Immediate Effect

Reports credited to The Nation have it that the African Independent Television (AIT) has fired all its workers in Benin City with immediate effect
The affected workers were said to have been owed upward of two years before the company’s management took the decision to terminate their contract on Tuesday, June 14.
The letter conveying the management’s decision was signed by Victor Okasoga, the company’s senior manager in charge of HR. According to the letter, those affected are expected to “handover all company properties in your possession especially your identity cards to the Head of Centre.
“Failure to surrender company properties in your possession may delay the processing of your entitlements.” This sudden decision by the company may have been as a result of the recent protest carried out by the affected workers including reporters, cameramen, presenters and producers.

Sagay canvasses true federalism, says Nigeria operating unitary government

The Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, has faulted the way Nigeria was being run, stressing that the country is operating a unitary system of government, which according to him, is affecting the states.

He spoke yesterday as a guest lecturer at a special parliamentary session organised to mark the first anniversary of the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly with the theme, “Lagos State in a true federalism and state police.”
The senior advocate, who argued that each region ought to enjoy a measure of autonomy in a true federalism, harped his point on the need for the 1999 Constitution to be amended to reflect the country’s historical development. He disclosed that the independence and autonomy of the regions were destroyed by the military government in 1966.
Sagay stated that the country’s federalism was “too centralised” and impeding the development of the country, even as he faulted the states in Nigeria for placing much burden on the Federal Government.
According to him, “Nigeria has deviated from an ideal federalism because of over-centralisation of power. It is wrong to centralise institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Police Council, the Nigerian Ports Authority and others. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was right to have said that Nigeria is not a nation, but that it is a mere geographical expression.

“There should be respect for nationalities and the basis of our association should be explained. Under the regional government, the region keeps 50 per cent of its resources, gives 20 per cent to the central government and the remaining 30 per cent is sent to the pool, which would be shared by the state.”
While noting that Lagos State should control the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in an ideal federal system of government, he stressed that even if the ports were to be controlled by the Federal Government, the state should get a 13 per cent derivation.
He claimed that Nigeria was the only federal republic without a state police, arguing that apart from the states, local governments and even schools could have their police.


Daily Post

We are owing Amodu two months salary – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has confirmed that they are owing their late Technical Director, Shuaibu Amodu, for only two months.

The federation was responding to reports that Amodu has not been paid for seven months and promised to pay up soon.

“NFF Gen. Sec, Mohammed Sanusi has confirmed the Federation is owing late Coach Shuaibu Amodu salaries for two (2) months,” the NFF tweeted on Monday morning.

“Sanusi: Every member of NFF Management is being owed salaries for two (2) months. The NFF will pay all monies due late Amodu to his family.”

Amodu died in his sleep on Saturday and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Daily Post

Sharia Council condemns attack on Christian man for not fasting

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, on Sunday declared that the attack on one Francis Emmanuel for eating during the Ramadan was not Islamic.
The Chairman of the council, Yusuf Rigachikun, stated this when he led other members of the council to St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, Kaduna, where the victim is currently recuperating.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Emmanuel, a carpenter, was attacked with knives and other dangerous weapons by unknown persons on Tuesday in Kakuri, Kaduna, for eating during the fasting period.
Represented by Tukur Abdussalal, a member of the council, Rigachikun said that the council was “upset” after receiving the news of the ugly incident and decided to visit and console the victim.
“We are deeply sorry that this has happened. It is not Islamic and we condemn it.
“We received the news with disbelief and decided as a council to come and console you and share in your pains,” he told Emmanuel.
He pointed out that that as a Christian, the victim had nothing to do with Islamic practices, adding that there was no basis for the attack.
“Even if it was a Muslim that decided to eat during Ramadan, no one has the right to attack him. The best any one can do is to sue such person to Sharia Court for appropriate action.
“In fact, Islam did not forbid eating during Ramadan in the first place to have warranted such ugly incident.
“Whatever any Muslim decided to do, fasting or no fasting, is for himself,” Rigachukun explained.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the council, Abdulrahman Hassan, appealed to members of the public to desist from taking laws into their hands.
“The action of these people is not Islamic and therefore unacceptable in Islam; even Prophet Mohammed warned that there is no compulsion in Islam,” Hassan said.
The council presented a cash donation of N100,000 as assistance to the victim and wished him quick recovery.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the family, Paul Emmanuel, elder brother of the victim, thanked the council for the gesture.
“Acts of kindness and affection like this are what we need to promote peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday visited Emmanuel and directed the police to fish out the perpetrators of the attack.
He warned that government would not tolerate religious violence and criminality.
NAN

Niger Delta: Militants are Somalians not Nigerians – Briggs

A prominent female activist from the Niger Delta, Ankio Briggs, on Sunday condemned the Niger Delta Avengers for attacking oil and gas pipelines and installations in the region, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Ms. Briggs, a close ally of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, said the avengers were from Somalia and not Nigeria.

The avengers have claimed responsibility for recent attacks on oil and power installations in the Niger Delta. The attacks have reduced almost by half Nigeria’s oil production and caused darkness across the country by destroying pipelines that supply gas to power stations.

Ms. Briggs spoke in Enugu at the 17th Annual Convention of the Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, with the theme `Nigeria, still in pursuit of true fiscal federalism’.

She also condemned the recent murder by an irate mob of a woman, Bridget Agbamihe, in Kano for blasphemy as well as herdsmen attacks in Nimbo, Enugu State and other parts of the country.

Also speaking at the event, Alex Ekwueme, Second Republic Vice-President, and a former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana called for true federalism and devolution of powers to the states.

They said that restructuring and resource control by regions was a panacea to end acts of uprising across the country.

The former vice-president, who chaired the event, said that the British colonialists had earlier divided the country to enable each region control and manage its resources without interference.
“The British colonial masters divided the country in such a way that every region will operate within its constitution,” he said.

The guest speaker and former Information Minister, Jerry Gana, said that the key solution to Nigeria’s problem was through true federalism and devolution of powers to states.

“True fiscal federalism is the only form of association that will allow peace and stability in the country and each region should be allowed to manage its resources the way they want it,” Mr. Gana said.

He noted that the formula for allocating revenue made the Federal Government to get richer while the states operated like beggars.

“States should be allowed to manage its resources to enable them govern their people the way they want and allocate some percentage to the Federal Government.

“Government should not be far from the people and the federating unit should be made strong to meet the needs of the people,” he said.

Mr. Gana recommended continuous dialogue and the implementation of the resolutions of national confab by the government as the only means the recent agitation and other national demand could be handled.

A Yoruba leader, Ayo Adebanjo, said that the various acts of political instability in the country were because the constitution under which the country was governed was not good for heterogeneous country like Nigeria.

“To put a stop at the various uprising in the country such as Niger Delta Avengers, MASSOB, IPOB etc, our constitution needs to be changed to allow for restructuring of the country under true federalism.

Earlier, the founder of IYM, Elliot Uko, said that the event was to honour prominent Nigerians who had contributed to the growth and development of the country.

He said Igbo youth were committed to building a stronger Nigeria and to reduce the tension in the region, adding that true federalism would help the country to grow and prosper.

The highlight of the event was presentation of awards to Messrs. Gana, Adebayo, detained Biafra secessionist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and Ms. Briggs.

The event was also attended by former governors of Anambra, Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Peter Obi, and students from tertiary institutions in the South-East.
(NAN)

Only true federalism can resolve Nigeria’s problems – Ambode

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday said true federalism was the only way to drive democracy in the country.

Mr. Ambode, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, made the assertion at the 23rd anniversary of the annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential Elections.

The programme was organised by the state’s Office of Civic Engagement under the Deputy Governor’s Office with the theme: “Democracy and Inclusiveness — Basis for Good Governance.”

“We still have a long way to go in our country today and that is because we are not practicing true federalism. And for us to achieve that, we need to work really hard.

“We must ensure that we install a viable federalism in Nigeria, that is the only way to build and enjoy our democracy as well as honour the memory of late MKO Abiola,” he said.

Mr. Ambode said that his administration would strive to uphold the ideals of June 12 by ensuring the expansion of the frontiers of democratic governance and social justice.

Also speaking, Ndubuisi Kanu, a former Military Governor of Lagos State, said that the practice of true federalism was the solution to the challenges facing the country.

“Whatever is happening now in the country either militancy, IPOB or others will not stop until we go back to the Nigeria that we are expected to build; a federal Nigeria.

“We should brace up and be prepared. Prayers alone will not solve the problem. We have to get back to a federal Nigeria,” Mr. Kanu, retired Rear Admiral, said.

In his contribution, Ayo Opadokun, Convener of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms, said that restructuring was the solution to country’s challenges.

“After 23 years, those who denied Nigerians the opportunity of true democracy are still living and are in government positions.

“But it is sad to note that they have not done anything to correct the mistakes from the lessons of June 12.

“June 12 will continue to be relevant until Nigerians are given the opportunity to decide their fate in the country and that is when Democracy would have been enthroned,’’ he said.

Mr. Opadokun urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Independent Electoral Commission to announce Abiola as the winner of June 12, 1993 election as well include his name in the names of past presidents of Nigeria.

In his lecture, Olumuyiwa Noah, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, urged elders in the country to narrate the story of June 12 to the younger generation to curb electoral malpractices.

“We owe it a duty to tell the story of June 12 to our young ones who are ignorant of what transpired so that they are aware; and in future, elections malpractices will be curbed,” the professor said.

In his remarks, Kehinde Joseph, Special Adviser to Governor Ambode on Civic Engagement, said that the anniversary was to keep the essence and lessons of democratic experience alive.

The June 12, 1993 presidential election was annulled by former military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida, before the final announcements of results. Initial results released showed that Moshood Abiola, a billionaire philanthropist, had an unassailable lead over his then opponent, Bashir Tofa.

Mr. Abiola, who later died in government custody, is believed by most Nigerians to have won the election, considered one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria.

(NAN)

June 12, cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy – Tinubu

Bola Tinubu

A former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, said on Sunday that the historic June 12 election, its annulment and its aftermath remain the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.

Mr. Tinubu, a leader of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, in a statement to mark the 23rd anniversary of June 12 election, said Nigerians should not forget patriots “who lost lives and limbs in that epochal struggle”.

“Because a few courageous ones across the broad spectrum of the Nigerian society formed a coalition and lead from the front, the military was unable to get away with its constitutional impunity.

“Fired on by patriotism, resistant of years of oppressive military dictatorship and willing to do something about the situation Nigerians pushed the limits of civil disobedience against tyranny. By so doing, Nigerians pushed the military out, demanding for democratic governance and since then, there has been no looking back,” Mr. Tinubu said.

The APC leader said Nigeria’s democracy was sown during the June 12 struggle of which, the acclaimed winner, Moshood Abiola, remains “the spirit and the moving force is the fruit we now enjoy”.

Mr. Tinubu said Nigerians sustained the fervour and the patriotic disposition necessary for a new political culture to take root.

“However, 16 years after that struggle ended and the military departed, a new kind of struggle began. With a government of the people, by the people and for the people, the desire for rapid development and a disciplined and accountable leadership became an agenda item,” he said.

Mr. Tinubu said Nigerians ‘ got a raw deal’ during PDP’s 16 year rule, arguing that because of their desire for change, Nigerians were again galvanized into voting the PDP out and voting in the APC with its message and philosophy of change.

“But beyond the historic mandate given to the All Progressives Congress, APC is the urgent need to have every citizen be part of the change we want to see.

“From the streets and crannies, from the classrooms and boardrooms, from the lecture halls and the corridor of power, from the lawmakers, Ministers and leading politicians this is a season that demands our contribution, requires we make sacrifice and seeks that we work together towards building a critical mass that will see to the processes of the change vision now unfolding.

“Nigerians must exact from its leaders performance and accountability.

Just like in the moving spirit of June 12, Nigerians must speak up against any form financial recklessness and corruption in high places, in their States or local administration and wherever this is found.

“Beyond speaking against and exposing corruption, Nigerians must speak for and in support of the on-going concerted efforts being coordinated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The lessons of the June 12 struggle abides. To June 12 we must return to rekindle our love and devotion for democracy and Nigeria.

“We Know that no change comes easy and we must be mindful of the fact that the success of the APC led government is the success of all of us.

“On this occasion, I shout out to all my colleagues from the days of the June 12 struggle encompassing the NADECO foot soldiers still alive today, the pro-democracy activists, the civil society and the professionals who stood up to be soldiers in defense of the democratic rights of Nigerians.

“With the new converts and company that have joined our rank and file, let us again stand guard and be vigilant to ensure that disgruntled elements and the powers of yesterday who we overthrew with our votes do not destroy our democracy,” he said.

Premium Times

MKO Abiola’s family demands presidential entitlements

Deputy governor Yetunde Onanuga at the Abiola family home in Abeokuta where prayers were offered for the martyrs

The family of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, has called on the Federal Government to declare him the winner and pay presidential entitlements to his family.

The request was made on Sunday by the head of the family, Alhaji Muritala Abiola, at the commemoration of the June 12, 1993 election.

The event, which was organised by the state government, started with a Democracy Walk from the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta to the Oke Ido ancestral home of the Abiolas.

Muritala, who is the younger brother of the late business mogul, said he deserved the entitlement for dying for the enthronement of democracy in the country.

“First, we want the Federal Government to declare June 12 as Democracy Day. It should do even more than that.

“Ken Saro Wiwa died fighting over Ogoni oil spillage, the Federal Government is doing the cleaning up of the oil spillage in Ogoni land.

“MKO was killed because of an election he won maybe it is you journalists or the Nigerian government calling him acclaimed winner.

“ He is not acclaimed winner, they should confirm him as slain president of Nigeria.

“MKO should be declared president. Although slain, all the entitlements belong to the family,” he said.

Murtala, however, thanked the state government for keeping the memory of the late Abiola alive by staging a Democracy Walk in the last five years.

He appealed to the state government to return the school established by the late Abiola, Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele, Abeokuta, to the family to administer.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in his speech, said that everyone knew that late MKO Abiola was the adjudged winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Amosun, who was represented by the deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, described him as the hero of the nation’s current democracy.

“ We have been organising the Democracy Walk and identifying with the Abiola family for the past five years that this administration has been in government.

“He was a philanthropist and the hero of our current democracy,” he added.

PM News

A gunman opens fire in Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, killing 50 people and sending 53 to the hospital.

Police say approximately 20 people have been killed inside a Florida nightclub, and at least 42 were wounded after a gunman opened fire. (June 12) AP

ORLANDO — A heavily armed assailant opened fire in a packed nightclub early Sunday, killing 50 people in the deadliest shooting spree in U.S. history, authorities said.

Mayor Buddy Dyer said 53 people were wounded at Pulse Orlando, a gay club just south of downtown. Authorities said the massacre was being investigated as possible terrorism.

A federal law enforcement official told USA TODAY the suspect has been identified as Omar Seddique Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Fla. The suspect's father, Mir Seddique, told NBC News on Sunday that he was "in shock," but that his son had recently expressed anti-gay sentiments. He said the attack "had nothing to do with religion."

Police Chief John Mina said the tragedy began at 2:02 a.m., when three police officers engaged the suspect in a gun battle outside the club. A hostage situation then took place inside, and a SWAT team was called in, Mina said. Police received updates from patrons trapped in the club, and decided to storm the club at about 5 a.m.

"Our biggest concern was further loss of life," Mina said. "We exchanged gunfire with the suspect, and he was dead at the scene."

Mina initially estimated the death toll at more than 20 people. Hours later the true scale of the horror was revealed. Mina said one officer was wounded and at least 30 people were rescued.

"Tonight our community witnessed a horrific crime... that will have a lasting effect on our community," a solemn Dyer said.

FBI Special Agent Ronald Hopper said the case was being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, either domestic or international. It was not clear if the shooter acted alone, he said, adding that authorities were trying to determine if there was a connection with radical Islam.

"We do have suggestions that the individual may have leanings toward that particular ideology," Hopper said.

A federal law enforcement official told USA TODAY investigators were reviewing the attacker’s possible utterances to determine if he had a terrorist ideology or affiliation. The official, who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of discussing such information, characterized the attack as “certainly’’ terrorism. It was not immediately clear whether investigators were aware of the attacker prior to the assault.

Investigators were interviewing members of Mateen’s family Sunday in an attempt to learn what may have prompted the assault, the official said. The official told USA TODAY investigators were still reviewing a range of possible motivations and Mateen’s recent travels and contacts to learn more about possible preparations for the attack.

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Orange County.

"You don't want this to happen anywhere in the world," Scott said. "It's devastating when you see how man people lost their lives and the impact on the families."

Muhammad Musri, president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, thanked law enforcement officials for their efforts and cautioned any rush to judgment.

"No one could have expected this, no one could have prepared for it, it could have happened anywhere," a clearly shaken Musri said at a news conference. "It's like lightening."

He said the city and Muslim community "are heartbroken."

Mina said the gunman was armed with an assault rifle, a handgun and some sort of unidentified device. Officers from multiple agencies and dozens of emergency vehicles responded to the scene. Orange County Fire and Rescue called for gurneys to move victims from the club.

Many of the casualties were rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, which was placed on lockdown.

"We can confirm this is a mass casualty situation. Support from local/state/federal agencies," Orlando police tweeted about four hours after events began to unfold. Then, a short time later: "Pulse Shooting: The shooter inside the club is dead."

The White House said President Obama was getting updates on the case from Homeland Security.

Mina said there was no indication that there was more than one shooter. A bomb squad was at the scene, and police reported conducting a "controlled explosion."

Hours after the shooting, police were still trying to piece together what happened.

"Anyone who was at Pulse nightclub and was a witness please come to the Orlando Police HQ," the department tweeted. "Any information you have could aid investigators in this case."

USA Today

Major Boko Haram recruiter arrested – NSCDC

A major recruiter for the Boko Haram has been arrested in Borno, an official has said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on Sunday said it arrested the 56-year-old Boko Haram kingpin in Aski Uba Local Government Area of Borno.

The Commandant of the NSCDC in Borno, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri.

Mr. Abdullahi said the suspect was apprehended at Mussa village on June 7.

“Our men have made remarkable progress by arresting a Boko Haram kingpin.

“The notorious kingpin was said to be a recruiter as well as supplier of arms and IEDs to Boko Haram terrorists.
“He confessed that his three children were also arrow heads of the Boko Haram sect,” he said.

Mr. Abdullahi said the command had since handed over the suspect to the army for further investigation.

The Boko Haram insurgency has caused the death of over 20,000 people in Northern Nigeria since 2009. Recent successes by the Nigerian military have led to the recovery of territory initially seized by the insurgents in North East Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently stated his administration’s willingness to negotiate the release of scores of teenage schoolgirls kidnapped by the group in 2014 in Chibok, Borno State.

(NAN)

Igbos have right to agitate for Biafra – Bishop Kukah

Rev Mathew Kukah

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Archdiocese, Rev Mathew Kukah has said Nigerians in the South East agitating for the actualization of Biafra have the right to do so because Nigeria practices representative democracy.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday in Abuja, Kukah, however called for caution, saying the matter should be properly handled.

According to Kukah, “I think the question we should be asking is: what right do people have to express themselves?’ We are in a democracy and people should be allowed to express themselves because ours is a representative democracy.

“There are representatives and if people want to stop being a part of Nigeria there is a process for achieving that.

“The second point is that we cannot speculate as to intentions and motives unless you legitimately bring a person to court and say why have you done X Y Z? You can only speculate. And I don’t think we should be depending on speculations.”

The Catholic Bishop who called on Nigerians to stop politicising the health issue of President Muhammadu Buhari, stressed that leaders of some popular nations of the world had serious health challenges while in office but were managed to avoid undue public attention.

He said a former US President, Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer’s disease but that while in office, most people were not aware.

“I do not think that the health of any Nigerian should be the subject of politics or speculations.

“It is something I find so troubling because nobody does the things we do in Nigeria.”

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