Late Stephen Keshi To Be Buried In Illah July 29

The burial arrangements for late Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, have been made public.

A member of the burial committee, who is also the Delta State Commissioner for Information Mr. Patrick Ukah, revealed that the ceremonies will hold between Thursday, July 28, and Sunday, July 31, 2016.

According to Mr. Ukah, who spoke in Asaba yesterday, (Wednesday, July 20,2016), on Thursday, July 28, 2016, there will be a requiem mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 30 Airport Road, Benin City, from 9:00 am, followed by lying in state at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, by 11:00am, while a novelty match by All Stars and Tributes will also take place at the same venue.

The same day, his remains will depart Benin City for Asaba, Delta State from 1:15pm. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba, from 3:15pm, while a service of songs/vigil mass will hold at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, Delta State by 6:00pm same day.

On Friday, July 29, 2016 the body leaves Asaba for Illah by 7am, and there will be a brief stopover at the Ogbelani Palace for traditional rites as a Palace Chief by 8:00am, followed by lying in state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 8:30am.

The requiem mass will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am after which interment will hold at his family compound, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 12:30pm. Entertainment of guests will be at Omorka Primary School Playground by 12:30pm.

The burial ceremonies will be rounded up on Sunday, July 31, 2016 with a thanksgiving mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am.

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Scores Of Boko Haram Terrorists Killed In Cameroon

Twenty-four Boko Haram terrorists have been gunned down and killed by soldiers in Cameroon.
According to Cameroonian investigate reporter Chief Bisong Etahoben, the jihadist terrorists were caught out in Wabache by Cameroonian soldiers serving in a multinational joint task force.

The task force killed 24 terrorists, suffering only light casualties in return with two soldiers wounded.

According to Etahoben, Boko Haram militants also launched an attack on Cameroonian army positions in Kerawa, a town which straddles the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

The current situation in Kerawa remains unclear.

The recent engagements are the latest in a series of battles between the Islamist terrorists and Cameroonian soldiers, who have been accused of killing civilians caught in the crossfire.

Just last month, Cameroonian army units crossed the border into Nigeria in pursuit of retreating Boko Haram militants.

After entering the village of Kirawa-Jimni, Borno state, the Cameroonians demanded to know where the fleeing terrorists had gone, before opening fire on the unarmed villagers, killing 70.

The governments of Nigeria and Cameroon are continuing to combine their efforts to eradicate Boko Haram under the 2015 West Africa Offensive.

The Islamist terror group has been forced out of major urban areas but remain firmly in control of large tracts of wilderness.

Last month, President Muhammadu Buhari declared that the war against Boko Haram had been “technically won”, despite recent terrorist outrages like the suicide bombing in Maiduguri which killed more than ten children.

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OBJ faults Buhari's end of year deadline

Here is an excerpt of the Interview, where OBJ spoke on the Boko Haram deadline issued by President Buhari.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in an interview, said the Boko-Haram menace, will not end any moment from now.

He said this in an interview with Punch Newspaper correspondents.
Here is an excerpt of the Interview, where OBJ spoke on the Boko Haram deadline, as obtained from Punch Newspapers.

What’s your view about the Boko Haram war deadline?
I’ve talked about that. You have to have an objective, otherwise, if you say go, and you don’t an objective… An objective is not cast in concrete. Look, I want you to finish a job in two days though you know it could take probably four or five days, but you must give an objective. I believe that what the President will get and which he knows he can get, is that he can get the upper hand; the military will get the upper hand over Boko Haram and of course, I think we are working towards that. But we will not get the end of Boko Haram in three months or in six months. And even when you get the upper hand militarily, you have to do what you have to do the socio-economic aspect.

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Cynthia Osokogwu: Court adjourns for written address

Lagos—Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere, yesterday, once again, adjourned the ongoing trial on Cynthia Osokogwu’s murder for adoption of final written addresses.

The adjournement was as a result of late filling of final written addresses by the third and fourth defendants’ counsel, Chris Obiaka.

The judge ordered Obiaka to file a joint written address, while the prosecution should file a comprehensive written addresses replying to all.

Justice Akinlade adjourned the matter to November 16 for adoption of the written addresses.

Four men, Okwumo Nwabufo, 34; Olisaeloka Ezike, 24; Orji Osita, 33 and Ezike Nonso, 25, are standing trial over alleged conspiracy and murder of Cynthia, 25, a postgraduate student of Nassarawa State Univer-sity, on July 22, 2012.

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DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVES 400 MILLION NAIRA FOR ITS BURSARY AWARD SCHEME

Promises to Rid the Scheme of Fraudulent Practices

The Delta State Government has approved 400 million naira for the state Students Assistance Scheme [Bursary] for about 32, 000 verified students for the 2013/2014 academic year just as it promised  to clean up the scheme of all shady and fraudulent practices

Briefing the press after the Executive Council Meeting [EXCO] which took place at Government House, Asaba  [06-10-15], the Commissioners for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah; that of Higher Education, Engr. Jude Sinebe and the Executive Secretary, Scholarship Board, Mr. Elijah Ologe said  EXCO approved the revalidation of the approval of 400 million naira for the payment of 2013/2014 bursary award to 31,859 verified students of the state origin in higher institutions after a verification of the list  by the Scholarship Board stating that the verification and biometric exercise was ongoing and subsequent payments would be based on the verified and realistic figure of students obtained by the Scholarship Board.

They explained that the verification exercise has brought down the number of beneficiaries to 31,859 from over 40,000 asserting that the verification and biometric exercise was ongoing.

The Commissioners also disclosed that the state government would blacklist students and institutions involved in sharp practices and shady deals in the Student Special Assistance Scheme [Bursary] and urged the National Association of Delta State Students [NADESSTU] to cooperate with government in the verification exercise to rid the scheme of sharp practices..

The Commissioners stated that EXCO has approved the setting up of Internal Displaced Persons [IDPs] camps across the state to cater for those relocating from the flood impacted communities and announced that the state has witnessed its first casualty from the flood in Okpai community.

They informed the journalists that the state flood committee was working assiduously to ensure that those areas already impacted were relocated to higher grounds and IDP camps to avoid further casualties stating that the first verified casualty occurred in Okpai on Monday [5-10-15] where an 11 years old boy got drowned.

Commissioner for Information, Mr, Patrick Ukah specifically explained that presently Ndokwa East, Oshimili South, Ughelli South, Patani and Bomadi Local Government Areas have been impacted by the flood and appealed to the people of these areas to relocate immediately to the IDP Camps already opened, while other areas were being watched.

“Certain areas of the state have submerged by the flood, and Internal Displaced Persons camps have been opened in Ashaka and Utagba-Ogbe [Kwale] for people from Ndokwa East; Asaba Stadium  for people from Oshimili South especially Oko communities and Infant Jesus areas, camps have also been opened in Ughelli and Bomadi, we need to continue to sensitise our people on the need to relocate early from flood prone areas to avoid disaster. I want to assure that everything needed at the camps have been provided and security agencies and other non-governmental organisations are on hand to handle issues at the camps, also more camps will be opened in areas impacted as the need arises”, Mr. Ukah said.

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Buratai Reassures Troops Of Welfare, Equipment In Fight Against Boko Haram

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, yesterday assured troops currently battling Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast of their welfare and provision of equipment.

Speaking at the opening of the 2015 Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) Convention in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Buratai said the Nigerian Army would continue to ensure adequate welfare for its personnel in order to enhance their operations.

He reassured the troops that their welfare would continue to receive his utmost attention and steps would be taken to provide the best kits for them.

“I wish to assure you of the federal government’s continuous support to the Nigerian Army in the discharge of its mission”, he said.

The army chief added that President Muhammadu Buhari had pledged his total support to the military in its current campaign to restore the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

On the importance of the convention, Gen. Buratai said it provided an avenue for interaction and cross-fertilization of ideas between officers entrusted with leadership and the RSMs, who are the custodians of ethics and values in the service.

“The theme of the convention: ‘Enhancing the capacity of the RSMs to be professionally responsive in the discharge of their roles’ was selected in line with my transformation agenda for the Nigerian Army.

RSMs occupy an important position in the drive towards repositioning the Nigerian Army as the most important link between the officers and soldiers as well as custodians and repository of unit regimentation.

“It is pertinent to re-emphasis that my vision cannot be attained without a well-disciplined, knowledgeable and highly motivated crop of RSMs who are ready to willingly and effectively discharge their responsibilities at all times”, Buratai said and urged participants to fashion out how best the RSMs can perform their roles.

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We Need Closer Ties To Battle Insecurity-Okowa

Delta State Governor, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for cooperation and intelligence sharing among neighbouring states in combating crimes and insecurity in the country.

Senator Okowa stated this at the weekend during the 2015 South-East/Delta State Security Summit held in Awka, Anambra State.

He noted that cooperation and intelligence sharing among neighbouring states would go a long way in addressing crime and other security issues besetting the society.

Until state government are able to provide peace and ensure that the people are secured they will not get the right atmosphere for desired investments that are needed for the creation of employment, ”he said.

“I want to thank Governor Willie Obaino of Anambra State for putting us together at the summit and I believe that the cooperation between the states and the people of the various states would help a lot in trying to combat crime”, he added.

The summit which has the theme: “ Security: Bedrock of Governance” was attended by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Willie Obaino (Anambra) and Director-General, Department of State Security, Lawan Musa Daura, among others.

While commending the various security agencies for their efforts on security issues in the zone, Senator Okowa pledged that government in the zone would continue to encourage them on the need for synergy and intelligence sharing in combating crime.

“This summit which is in collaboration with the security agencies in the states with the public participating actively is in the right direction in tackling crime, I believe the sharing of idea particularly between Anambra and Delta States is going to help us a lot in our peace building effort in Delta State as we are just separated by the River Niger and a very short stretch of water so the two states are almost alike,” he said.

“I believe the sharing of ideas, the sharing of intelligence, working together to actually combat crime will help a lot in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in Delta State,” he added

The governor disclosed that the government was holding talks with the Fulani communities on ways to tackle the menace of cattle rearers, explaining that as part of efforts to engender lasting peace, his administration was looking at the possibility of establishing grazing reserves for cattle rearers.

Earlier, in his address, Governor Willie Obiano said Anambra, Delta and others states in the South-East geo-political zone, had been on the throes of violent crime, kidnapping and armed robbery.

Obiano, who pledged the commitment of governors in the zone towards sustainable peace in the area, said that Delta and Anambra States would continue to collaborate in various areas to bring meaningful development to the people.

He said there was need to forge regional economic front as well as combined counter force against crime, adding that governments in the region were battling a common enemy.

On his part, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, called on investors from the region to come home and create jobs to reduce the prevalent crime in the area.

Meanwhile the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has said Police will collaborate with the governments of the South-East zone and Delta State to curb armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other social vice,
Arase made the pledge in Awka at a South-East/Delta state Security Conference 2015 with the theme “Security, Bedrock of Governance.’’

He said that crime syndicates operate in highly organised networks within the area.
He expressed confidence that the conference would identify ways to replicate the successful security concept being employed in other climes.

He called for sustainable regional security framework, joint operation, funding and the political will by the various levels of government within region to make the approach work.
Arase commended Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra for organising the conference.

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After Months Of Blackout, YEDC Restores Electricity To Mubi, Other Towns

The Yola Electricity Distribution Company has restored electricity supply to Mubi, Gombi and Garkida towns in Adamawa after many months of blackout.

The towns have been without electricity for months due to the destruction of electricity facilities in the areas by Boko Haram insurgents.

The new Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Baba-Umar Mustafa, announced this on Tuesday in Yola while addressing journalists.

Mr. Mustapha said that restoring power to the areas was capital intensive due to the level of damage.

He said the company needed Federal Government’s intervention to restore electricity to Michika, Gwoza, Bama and parts of

Maiduguri and Yobe states as the company’s revenue was not enough to cater for that.

Mr. Mustapha said though the company had been taken over by the government, it was still being run privately without subvention from government.

He urged consumers to reciprocate the recent improvement in the services of the company, particularly the increase in power supply, by settling their bills promptly to sustain it.

“We now have 18 to 20 hours electricity in the zone for the past three months and we hope customers will appreciate by promptly paying their bills”.

(NAN)

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Total Shuts Obagi Field As Oil Spill Ravages Niger-Delta Again

Total E&P Nigeria Ltd (TEPNG) said it has stopped exploration of crude on its Obagi-Rumuekpe 12 Oil Export Pipeline in Rivers State following an oil spill. The company suspects the spill was caused by pipeline sabotage.

This will be the second time in a matter of months that the pipeline will be attacked, the first being in May this year.

The Obagi field produces about 35,000 barrels of oil equivalent and 6 million cubic metres (212 million cubic feet) of natural gas per day. However, it is uncertain how much production has been shut in from the field due to the line break, as the company is yet to gain access into the area reputed for its high security volatility.

“The volume of oil spilled and area of impact have not been estimated in view of the highly volatile nature of the area and the security concerns,” a statement from Total, yesterday, read in part: adding that the relevant authorities have been informed.

Total also said in the statement that the spill was discovered “during crude oil expedition operation on August 16, 2015, an abnormal situation was observed as the oil expedited from Obagi was not received at Rumuekpe metering station. Expedition was immediately stopped and a helicopter over-flight was carried out, which revealed oil spill and fresh excavations on the pipeline Right Of Way.”

Oil spills are described as the most difficult environmental disaster to remediate. This is in addition to the loss of livelihood of the locals, who are mostly farmers and attendant health hazards, a development that calls for increased monitoring of the pipelines to ensure their safety.

The Obagi field is located in Oil Mining Lease, OML 58, in which Total E&P is the operator with a 40 percent interest, alongside the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC with 60 percent.

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Buhari Assures Military Of Needed Logistics To End Boko Haram Insurgency

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured military formations prosecuting the war on terror that his government would provide the necessary logistics needed to successfully prosecute the on-going war against the Boko Haram Terrorists.

Speaking on behalf of the President, National Security Adviser (NSA) Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), gave the reassurance during his visit to operational areas in the north eastern part of the country in company of service chiefs and Inspector-General of Police.

“I am telling you this, and you can take it as if it is coming from Mr. President himself that you are going to be given everything you require, not only for the operations but for your personal welfare. This is an assurance I want to give you,” he told men of the Nigeria Air Force in Yola.

Monguno noted that the NAF has brought a lot of noticeable improvements in the war against the terrorists due to the aerial support provided to the ground troops.

He, therefore commended NAF personnel for their commitment and patriotism while urging them to keep the spirit high and to remain steadfast in their resolve to end terrorism.

A statement signed by Air Commodore Dele Alonge, Director of Air Force Public Relations, noted: “Against the background of the recent presidential directive to the service chiefs to defeat the Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) group in three-months, the NSA gave the purpose of the operational visit as one to enable his team assess the situation on ground and relate with the troops with a view to adequately identify and address observed challenges facing the troops.”

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Jonathan Did Better Than Obasanjo As President – Prof Anya

Elder statesman and President of Ndigbo Lagos, Professor Anya O. Anya, yesterday, declared that the much-criticized immediate past administration of Dr Goodluck Jonathan was better than that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Anya made the statement at Sam Ohuabunwa’s Outreach, in Lagos, to mark the 65th birthday of the former chairman of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals. The professor, who chaired the occasion, said it was sad that Nigerians are not learning from history.

“Once upon a time, history was a very important subject in the Nigerian education system, it got to a point when history is no longer there. If we don’t learn to stand on the shoulders of those who went before us, we cannot build as an individual, you cannot build as a community and as a nation,” Anya said.

“When you listen to our people, especially the politicians, it is as if we have learned nothing. God has been very kind to this country. It is not easy to see whether there is any common value that Nigerian leaders have which is why today you hear one thing and the next day, you hear the opposite.

“The problem now is that we are now trying to build a nation. We don’t have a nation but whether we like it or not, a nation is going to emerge out of Nigeria. And it is going to be from the contributions of Sam and all of us putting our individual experiences on the table and drawing lessons and teaching the lessons to others.

“When people put down their experiences, it keeps others informed and when you collect them, it gives you an idea of the society’s experience and from there, you can write the history of that nation. A nation without a history cannot learn lessons and build on those lessons, and the nation will be in trouble.

“This is what is happening to Nigeria today. A great nation is built by succession of generation of giants. Each generation of giants stand on the shoulders of past giants and the nation moves forward.

“Unfortunately in Nigeria, we are all in a haste to pronounce opinion and we take opinion as if it is the truth. The past government has been heavily criticized but this past government was not worse than the government before it. In fact, the immediate past government was better than the one before it. Sadly, those criticizing past government are those who were in Obasanjo’s government,” the professor said.

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Lagos Governor-elect, Ambode inaugurates transition C’ttee

The Governor-elect of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has inaugurated a transition committee to ensure a seamless transfer of power to his government come May 29.

Ambode disclosed this in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the committee will be headed by the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Oluranti Adebule.

“Other members of the team are, Prof. Ademola Abass, Mr. Babatunde Rotinwa, Mr. Fola Lasisi, Mrs. Rafiquat Onabamiro, Mr. Tunde Durosimi-Etti, Dr. Femi Onanuga, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, Mr. Akeem Sulaimon and Mr. Dele Onabokun.

“The transition committee is expected to begin work immediately and will submit its report within four weeks”, the statement read.

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Buhari’ll reduce petrol to N40/L —David-West

FORMER Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Prof. Tamunoemi David-West, said that Nigerians should expect sharp drop in petrol price from the current N87 to about N40 per litre, saying, “the president-elect, Gen. Mohammed Buhari, will reduce the fuel pump price to N40 per litre.”

In a telephone interview with Vanguard, the former minister argued that Nigeria produces millions of barrels of crude oil daily, and if properly harnessed will boost the performance of the industry.
His words: “I want to assure you that by the time he takes over, petrol will be dispensed at N40 per litre. This is possible and he has the credibility to make it work.

The major assignment of the president-elect when he is eventually inaugurated is to restore confidence to the industry.
He noted that the president-elect is familiar with the petroleum industry, adding that he is a straight forward person that has respect for democratic principles.
“As military head of state, he dealt with the Federal Executive Council with the tenets of democracy. Buhari will build new refineries to make petroleum products available for the masses. No responsible government will allow the masses to suffer.

“He will strengthen the refineries within a year. It is possible as we won’t spend any amount in setting up a green field refinery. We already have a blueprint as we shall use what we have to get what we want,” he added. He further stated that on many occasions, the president – elect had disclosed that the subsidy initiative is a fraud which has distorted the progress expected in the sector.
He is also said to have frowned at the spate of corruption, which has characterised the subsidy regime to include the trillions of Naira spent on both Petrol and Kerosene subsidy within the past few years, thus inhibiting efforts to properly carry-out the Turn Around Maintenance TAM, for the refineries. He added that on countless occasions, he had argued that the country is forced to pay for scam carried out by oil cartel.

Also contributing, a UK-based economic analyst, Mr. Seyi Odetola, noted that the president-elect has expressed doubts on the credibility of the subsidy claim. He added that there may be the need to investigate the several claims made by marketers, which will further reinforce his earlier submission on the subsidy claim.
According to him; “The fact that most filling stations in the country are now dispensing petroleum products after the presidential election, despite the threat by major oil marketers to stop selling the product, in view of the subsidy arrears owed to them by the Federal Government, indicated that most of the marketers have been benefiting from the fraud.

Removal of subsidy

He argued that “Where did they get funds to import the product, given the nature of the forex? If after the presidential election fuel is still available as if nothing had happened, it is then apparent that there is no fuel subsidy. “It would be difficult for him, to unitarily remove subsidy without the proper consideration of the plight of the major players in the sector.
He will need to re-appraise the cause of inefficiency of the sector.” He further hinted that the president-elect, with his pedigree and respect for the rule of law, will completely phase out importation by the time the local refineries are working. This, according to him, will totally remove subsidy, adding that subsidy as it is presently constitutes the promotion of corruption and impunity.
“I am optimistic that the president-elect will look into the subsidy regime as soon as he finally settles down for the business of governance. He stressed that renewed attention will be given to the revamping of the four refineries as well as focus on the construction of new ones.”

He concluded that “In the long term, through the confidence that will be restored in the downstream and upstream sectors, investors will be encouraged to do business which will stimulate the growth from the level it is.
On his part, the Director, Strategic Planning, Research Intelligent, Mr. Olubunmi Martins, argued that the subsidy regime is riddled with corruption, a sign post of the present administration. He said the challenge before the industry is the gradual restoration of the local refineries, which will take care of the local consumption for petroleum products.

He insisted that if activities at the various refineries are up scaled up, subsidy will no longer be a major concern in the country. He however urged the president-elect to scrutinise the various marketers, as most of the companies were floated solely for the sake of benefiting from the subsidy regime, thereby snowballing into cartels that have held the sector back.

Olubunmi maintained that subsidy has distorted all the major economic activities that should have taken place in the country. “I am still at a loss with the concept of the whole subsidy, what is being subsidised and who are the beneficiaries? But it will be unwise for the president-elect to remove the subsidy immediately he takes over the mantle of leadership, as such an action could force him into a trap set by the oil cabals.
“Notwithstanding, Gen. Buhari will have to do a complete evaluation of the sector to properly understand areas of non-performance and take appropriate action,” he added.

Vanguard

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How DSS Forced Me To Sign Document Recanting ‘N7bn Bribe’ Allegation Against CAN – Borno Pastor

The Borno State-born pastor, Kallamu Musa-Dikwa, who affirmed the allegation that President Goodluck Jonathan gave the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, N7 billion to support his re-election bid, has cried out over threats to his life by operatives of the Directorate of State Service (DSS).

While insisting that the Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor-led CAN collected the said amount, Dikwa said the DSS had forced him to sign a document which they would use against him to prove to the entire world that “the President (Jonathan) did not bribe CAN to work against the presidential candidate of APC”, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)

Dikwa said the DSS planned to use the ‘document’, which he was made to sign under duress in some national dailies to portray him as telling lies against the body of Christ.

“They forced me to sign and promise to link me up with the CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, for us to ‘settle’,” he said

The pastor claimed that all these were in addition to pleas from other Christian leaders, especially the Abuja CAN Chairman, to deny that the Christian body collected the said amount (N7bn).

Speaking in Kaduna Thursday, Dikwa told journalists that after the DSS Operatives had treated him like a “common criminal”, they forced him to sign a document to deny what he had said.

According to him, since he broke the news to Nigerians of how the CAN collected N7bn to work against Buhari, his life had been under threat.

He added that as soon as he finished addressing members of the press on the alleged bribe, the DSS invited him to its headquarters in Abuja and asked him to say that CAN did not collect a dime from the President.

The cleric said, “The DSS invited me to their office in Abuja. They wanted to know who gave me the information that CAN collected N7bn from Jonathan and I told them.

“They said all the people I mentioned will be invited. I told them to go ahead and invite them. I even told them how the money was distributed.

“They also said they wanted to know whether the opposition All Progressives Congress was the one sponsoring me to tarnish the image of the CAN and even mention Sam Nda-Isaiah (Publisher of the Leadership Newspapers) and I told them my relationship with him is not political, because since 2006, I have been with him. I told them he (Sam) does not know anything about my revelation on the said money.

“They also asked me what my connection was with the APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and I told them there is nothing that connect us. I told them whatever I said was done for the love of my country.

“After sometime, they drafted a letter which said, ‘I, Pastor Musa… the information I gave that the President gave CAN money was false and that I won’t do that again’.

“They said I should copy what they wrote in my own hand writing. I have to do it because I was alone with them and I felt they could harm me and frame me up.

“They forced me to sign after writing what they drafted. I wanted to refuse but I feared for my life”.

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After Weeks Of Speculation, Benin Traditional Council Admits Oba Of Benin Is Indisposed

After several weeks of denial that the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa, had passed away, the Palace has announced that he was indisposed and as such would not engage in any public function for the time being.

A statement signed by Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabor in Benin City, Monday said, “it is hereby announced for the information of the general public that in the Palace parlance, ‘Uhunmwun ve Ekpen vb’ Ato’, meaning the ‘the Leopard is ill in the Savannah bush’.

“The explanation is that Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa, CFR, Oba of Benin, is indisposed”.

Mr. Irabor added that public engagements including courtesy visits, hearing of complaints from individuals, families and communities, and in particular complaints over inheritance and land disputes, are therefore suspended until further notice

The Palace also directed all Benin Palace Chiefs and functionaries to note that their routine traditional duties continue as usual.

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Vandalism Of BRT Vehicles: Tribunal Indicts Army

 

The tribunal of inquiry into a road traffic accident and the consequent arson and vandalism of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicles on July 4, 2014 in Lagos State, on Monday submitted its findings to Governor Babatunde Fashola, accusing soldiers of perpetrating the act.

It would be recalled that on September 8, 2014 the Lagos State Government inaugurated a three-man tribunal chaired by Justice Ebenezer Adebajo (retd) to investigate the cause of the incident which occurred at the Palmgrove axis of Ikorodu road in the state.

Adebajo, while reading the tribunal findings yesterday, said, “The accident occurred on July 3, 2014, when a soldier – late Lance Corporal Matthew Ishaya – ran his motorcycle, with registration number, MUS-565 QB, into a stationary BRT bus, MO63, at the Palmgrove bus stop on the Ikorodu Road”.

He noted that the accident occurred outside the BRT corridor, adding, “the soldier caused his death”.

Explaining how the accident occurred, the chairman said, “The BRT was stationary on the highway as a result of low fuel supply. The BRT bus was left on the highway longer than necessary.

“The late soldier rode his motorcycle without a helmet. This action is against Section 3 (3) of the Road Traffic Law 2012”.

The retired justice stated that the discovery of Ishaya’s corpse on July 4, 2014, led to the mayhem.

He said, “Extensive vandalism, burning of BRT buses, destruction of personal phones, harassment of innocent citizens which followed the death of the soldier were caused by soldiers of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment.

“For perpetrating this act, the tribunal has recommended that apology should be demanded by the Governor of Lagos State from the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army should, on behalf of the 9th Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Ikeja, apologise in writing to the people of Lagos State. And it should be published in at least two national newspapers”.

Responding, Fashola said, “We will act on the recommendation and learn from it. And very soon, we will issue a whitepaper on it. It will communicate government’s stance on the recommendation and the action that will follow.

“The protection of life and property remain the principal reason for government’s existence. Whenever such occurrence that happened on July 4, 2014 occur, we must do everything to ensure that they it doesn’t occur again”.

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Fashola Commissions Newly Built Oyingbo Market, 24 Years After It Was Gutted By Fire

Twenty four years after it was demolished following a fire disaster, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State fulfilled yet another campaign promise he made in 2007 as he inaugurated and handed over the new ultra-modern Oyingbo Market, built at a cost of over N1bn.

It was learnt that the contract for rebuilding the market, which had been in existence since the 1920s, was awarded in 2009 with a completion period of 60 weeks with the Lagos Ministry of Works supervising the project.

Addressing a gathering comprising of market men and women, government functionaries and business stakeholders, as well as APC party supporters, at the site of the new edifice on Sunday, Governor Fashola recalled that the new market was a promise he made in 2007 when he was campaigning in the area as the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

According to him, “I made a promise to rebuild the market in 2007 during my campaign for governorship. By the event of today, I have fulfilled my promise.

“Out of the 633 open shops in the new market, 618 of them will be allocated to the original owners displaced when the market got burnt and had to be rebuilt.

“With this development, the state government expects that roadside trading will come to an end in Oyingbo as you can now use the market for business”.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, said, “The effort to rebuild Oyingbo Market commenced with the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area’s plan of a N100m reconstruction”.

He added that the project was not successful as the money could not deliver a first class market, adding that the Fashola administration later stepped in and delivered a structure that had all the trappings of an international market.

Hamzat said, “The market comprises four floor, a car park that can take 150 cars, 622 lock up shops type one and 102 lock up shops type two; industrial borehole, water treatment plant, 48 open office, generator house, six gate houses, three cold rooms, sewage treatment plant, 1,000KVA transformers, closed-circuit monitor and 134 toilets”.

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Chief Of Army Staff First Quarter Annual Conference Begins In Abuja Today • Polls, Boko Haram War On Agenda

The Nigeria Army has scheduled the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Annual Conference for between Monday (today) and Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman.

According to Col. Usman, the Army leadership would take advantage of the conference to discuss the issue of preparation for the provision of security before, during and after the general elections.

He stated that the conference would also review the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operation and other internal security operations of the service in the country.

Issues bordering on general administration of soldiers, and the Army’s activities in the last three months, would also form part of deliberations at the meeting, the statement noted.

It further noted that the Army would make projections and strategise for the next three months and the remaining months of the year in addition to considering the service’s development plan for the next 20 years.

“The conference will also project and strategise for the next quarter and the remaining part of the year and consider the Nigerian Army development plan in the next 20 years.

“Preparations for ensuring security before, during and after the 2015 General elections will also feature in the agenda.

“The conference is expected to take far reaching decisions that would place the Army in a more robust position to effectively carry out its constitutional duties”, the statement read in part.

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Borno To Deploy More Metal Scanners In IDPs Camps

The Borno State Government has moved to ensure that no bomb goes off in any of its Internally Displaced Persons camp as it plans to acquire and install more metal scanners for the camps.

Chairman of Borno State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Grema Terab, said this yesterday in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Terab was speaking against the backdrop of two Improvised Explosives Devices, which were discovered and defused by soldiers at the IDPs camps in Maiduguri on Saturday.

He said it was a surprise that “some people could have sold their souls to the devil and want to add to the sorrow of already traumatised people”.

He added, “These are people who have lost almost everything they had and are depending on government for the basics of life. What could they have done that after all the losses, someone is still interested in sending them to their early graves”.

Terab said the state government had moved to buy more metal scanners, which will be distributed to all IDPs’ camps in the state to forestall any future attack.

It would be recalled that two explosions rocked one of the IDP Camps in Maiduguri on Saturday evening leaving scores dead.

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I Am Offering Myself To Serve Because I Love Nigeria – Buhari

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said he would not allow the smear campaign by the ruling party to dissuade him from his obligation of liberating the country from the bondage of misrule by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The former head of state said he was offering himself to serve because of his love for the country.

Speaking to a cross section of Nigerian youths at a town hall meeting in Lagos themed “Secure the future: Discussing change with the youths” in Lagos, Buhari said that his plans for a better life for Nigerian youths would be underpinned by a robust focus on education, guarantee of security and enhancement of infrastructure.

“My love for this country is supreme and that is why I am offering myself to serve you. But our vision can only be possible when you get your PVCs and make sure you vote for APC. Don’t stop at voting, ensure that your votes are protected. We have a duty to liberate this country, such liberation cannot be done overnight.

“It is a question of saving the country from free fall. I have not come here to make promises to you but to tell you that we have a duty to save our nation, and that is what March 28 and April 11 election dates are all about. No Nigerian should accept any postponement because there is no constitutional provision for postponement. We must conduct election and it must be free, fair and credible,” Buhari said.

Speaking further, he noted that the “Important issue for us is insecurity. Second issue is unemployment, and it affects you all that still have more than 40 years to go. No matter how well I love to live, there is no way I will live another 40 years.

“I want you to reflect how life have been in the last 16 years of the PDP-led government. What was the strength of the Naira from when they took over and now? It is now over N220 to one dollar.

“To revamp the system, there is need for trillions of Naira but where will they get it from? PDP has killed this country in the last 16 years. If we don’t kill corruption in Nigeria, it will kill Nigeria. Many of us are still here because we have nowhere to go in the world than to stay in Nigeria.

“Our objective is to throw away PDP and rehabilitate our country. We will not be distracted by their plans and smear campaign. The problem of Boko Haram went haywire when the Police arrested and killed their leaders, instead of prosecuting them. It got so bad that Chad, Niger and Cameroon had to come and help the Nigerian military rescue 14 local government areas from Boko Haram. PDP has killed the country. That is why this election will be very defining, especially for the youths and the change we all want,” he said.

National leaders of the APC who also spoke at the event affirmed confidence in Buhari’s capacity to change the fortunes of the country.

Party chieftains present at the meeting include Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organization, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi among others.

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