PRESIDENCY REPLIES SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI

The Presidency on Saturday said the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, did not have the facts on the issues over which he criticised President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Sanusi had, on Friday, said the Buhari administration lacked the right policies to fix Nigeria’s economy, even as he warned of grave consequences of borrowing $30bn from external sources.

He had stated that even if the Senate approved the loan, no foreign nation or financial institution would be willing to accede to the country’s loan request.

But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said, “With every respect to the Emir, you know he is my ruler, because I come from Kano.

“He doesn’t have his facts as far as those issues are concerned.

The issue in CBN, that government has overdrawn its Central Consolidated Account is true, but it is within limits.”

Ondo PDP leaders blame Mimiko for Jegede’s loss

Indications emerged on Saturday that the defeat of the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede, by Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress, has caused a crack within the Ondo PDP. It was learnt that some top members of the PDP in the state were of the view that Governor Olusegun Mimiko did not do much to ensure Jegede’s victory.

A source told one of our correspondents that party members in the state were grumbling that Mimiko, before the November 26 poll, visited President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja to negotiate an “easy landing” for himself. It was also alleged that Mimiko did not spend money as expected to counter APC’s war chest during the election.

Akeredolu and Mimiko are considered to be close despite the fact that they belong to two opposing parties jostling for the rein of power in Ondo. They are believed to have had years of relationship with each other. Akeredolu was among the team of lawyers, led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), which helped Mimiko to power at the expense of Olusegun Agagu in 2009.

There are also fears in PDP circles that Mimiko was disposed to backing Akeredolu than Oke, who had the support of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, when Jegede’s chances of contesting the election were unlikely. Reacting to the allegation that the governor betrayed his protégé, the PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, said the governor had always supported Jegede.

“Mimiko was not a sell-out; in this type of situation, there are insinuations of various dimensions to make someone a scapegoat for losing the governorship election. How many of these members of the party gave their unflinching support to ensure Jegede’s victory? If that question is adequately answered, then we can think of blaming the governor.

“The whole world knows what the APC put into winning the election. The party ensured that the court process to reclaim Jegede’s mandate as PDP flag bearer in the poll dragged on more than necessary.

US ELECTION TWIST....HOPE ALIVE FOR HILLARY CLINTON...FIND OUT HOW

                                 (Gill Stein: Presidential Candidiate of Green Party)

An election recount will take place soon in Wisconsin, after former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein filed a petition Friday with the state’s Election Commission, the first of three states where she has promised to contest the election result.

The move from Stein, who raised millions since her Wednesday announcement that she would seek recounts of Donald Trump’s apparent election victories in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, came just 90 minutes before Wisconsin’s 5 p.m. Friday deadline to file a petition. Now it will keep some hope alive for many Hillary Clinton supporters for another few weeks while Wisconsin recounts ballots before a Dec. 13 deadline.

Trump scored upset victories in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and seems on the path to declare a victory in Michigan as well, though the result of the election in that state will not be certified officially until Monday. Had Clinton won those three states, previously seen as part of the Democrats’ “firewall,” she would have secured enough electoral votes to win the election.

Stein announced her intention to file the petition following reports that a group of data experts and election lawyers were urging Clinton to demand a recount in those three states, on suspicion that a cyberattack could have manipulated the results of the election in those states. While the group had no specific proof of hacking, they noted anomalies suggesting Clinton routinely did more poorly in Wisconsin counties that used voting machines, as opposed to those that relied on paper ballots.

Trump secured a total of 1,404,000 votes in Wisconsin, according to the commission; Clinton had 1,381,823.

In the end, Stein, who secured 31,006 votes in Wisconsin, was not the only presidential candidate to demand a recount. Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente, the Reform Party nominee who got 1,514 Wisconsin votes, also filed a recount petition, according to the state’s Election Commission.
Green Party says it is ready to file for vote recount in Wis.

To be on the safe side, the group of experts urged a recount — but it was Stein’s campaign that ended up demanding one, soliciting at first $2.5 million and later up to $7 million to fund the recounts. As of Friday evening, Stein’s campaign reported taking in over $5.25 million in recount-related donations — the most by a third-party candidate in history.

Wisconsin has the first deadline of the three states in question. If Stein’s campaign wishes to file recount petitions in the other states as promised, she must do so by Monday to meet Pennsylvania’s deadline, and Wednesday to meet the Nov. 30 deadline in Michigan.

In a statement, Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Michael Haas guessed that the cost and complexity of the recount would be in excess of the state’s last recount in 2011, which carried a price tag of more than $520,000. In that recount over a state Supreme Court seat, the commission had to recount 1.5 million votes — about half the 2.975 million ballot votes that were cast during the 2016 presidential election.

Stein put a note on her Facebook page on Friday, asking supporters “to consider volunteering to help in the recount process.”

The county boards of canvassers will conduct the recount, according to the commission’s statement, and will have the authority “to decide which ballots should and should not be counted,” Haas said.

If the candidates disagree with the results of the Wisconsin recount, they will have five business days to contest the outcome in court.

Commedian Basketmouth attacked....no life was lost

In a swift reaction, the Lagos State Poice Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the robbery attack on Bright Okpocha a.k.a Basketmouth.

Basketmouth and family were robbed at gunpoint at his home in Lekki Phase one on September 7, 2016.

This was made known by the statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Command, SP Dolapo Badmos.

In the statement, he revealed that the command on 16 November swooped on one Chiemezie Joseph during a robbery operation at Ilasa Maja area of Lagos State.

According to the information, the arrest of the suspect led to the arrest of another gang member, Chibuzor Ugwu, who upon further investigation, was discovered to be the leader of the gang who attacked the abode of the popular commedian known as Basketmouth.

In the course of investigation, items recovered from the suspects are;

**One Beretta pistol,
**Two locally made pistol,
**Two AK 47 rifles loaded with ammunitions
**12 live cartridges
**2 iron cutters,
**Master keys,
**1 Mercedes 4matic Benz jeep.

While parading the suspects, the commissioner of police, CP Fatai Owoseni, said that the command will remain on the trail of criminals in the state, warning them to shy away from crime or relocate from the state.

Meanwhile, the renowened commedian with a stage name known as Basket Mouth has thanked God that no live was lost during the incident.

Speaking to Punch News in a report published on Saturday, September 24, 2016, Basketmouth said, “I will rather not talk about the robbery incident because it is in the past now."

"I just thank God nobody was hurt. My kids were asleep throughout the incident so that is something to really thank God for as the trauma would have messed them up for a while.”

The comedian also touched on his plans to begin a movie project, adding that he has had to put his music career on hold as a result.

TRAGEDY ON CAMPUS : TWO MALE STUDENTS CONFIRMED DEAD, FOOD POISONING SUSPECTED

Tragedy struck at one if the higher institutions in Imo State, precisely Alvan Ikoku  Federal College of Education as two male students of the institution die of food poisoning.

This ugly incident and sordid discovery which caused unprecedented uproar took place recently at Ukwuko Umujem Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo state when the decomposing bodies of two final year students of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education were found in the room belonging to one of them.

     (Decomposing body of one of the victims)

The names of the dead students were not immediately known as at press time.

In the course of investigation, the plate used in serving the poisoned meal with elements of the poison was seen by the side of the dead students when the door was forced open.

Further preliminary investigation alleged that the girlfriend of the host student was the messenger of death, who delivered the poisoned food while the visiting student was unfortunate to have been caught in the web.

This was revealed when the text message asking the unknown girlfriend which was the last contact on the phone to bring the food, was found in his phone beside him.

The police was said to have swung into action arresting the girlfriend who pleaded not guilty.

An eye witness account said the Aladinma mortuary rejected the bodies which were later deposited at a mortuary in Nwaorieubi.

The accused is being detained at Obazu Mbieri police station while further investigations by the police is continuing.

Source : www.Expressnews.Com

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu reveals the secret of his success as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning.

The former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu has revealed to the general public, the secret of his success as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and urban planning for State Ministry of Lands.

Speaking during the official flagging-off the Signing of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) ,Re-Certification of C of O and Express Land Search Ceremony which took place today at the Imo State International Convention Centre (IICC ), Owerri, he informed that the secret of his success is Team Work.

Speaking further , the former Commissioner, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu advised his successor that inculcating the spirit of Team Work among the Staff of the Ministry is the password needed to unlock the hidden performance drive among them.
This is achieved by giving everybody irrespective of cadre a sense of belonging. With this in place,  the staff will do their best.

I have being with them, work with them and I can make bold to tell you that I used the code and it worked. I ensured that there is no victimization, there is encouragement, there is appreciation for good work, there is this freedom from oppression or working in fear. In fact,  no Staff can give you the best if under fear. I made sure that even though they is respect, everybody is made to feel important. In fact, it got to a point, my stuff then found it difficult to dodge coming to work because, working was made Easy and interesting, he added.

He thanked the present Commissioner and all the Heads of Parastatals for the concept of moving from the Analogue to Digital System.

He charged them to continue in their good work of contributing to the development of the State.

The program which was organised by the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Planning under the able Leadership of the Commissioner,  Hon. Lawrence Eburoh attracted other top Government Officials.

The Executive Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha performed the ceremony as he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State,  Sir Gorge Eche.

Others present were Head of Service, Commissioners,  Special Advisers, TC Chairmen, Community Leaders etc.

UWAJUMOGU MAKES HISTORY, SWORN IN AS FIRST SOUTH EAST APC SENATOR

History was made a short while ago in the faraway Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after the former Imo Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, was officially sworn in as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Performing the swearing in ceremony at the hallowed red chambers of the National Assembly, the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Nelson Ayero, charged the new Senator to always be guided in the discharge of his duties  in line with the rules of the Senate and in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the country.

Responding, Senator Uwajumogu, who described the event as historic, not only to the people of Okigwe zone and Imo state in particular, but to the people of the South east zone in general, added that it was a new dawn for the people of the area.

He pledged to use his new mandate as a Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria to uphold the principles and tenets of the country's constitution in doing good to all manner of persons, irrespective of their tribe and religion.

L

Senator Uwajumogu, who paid glowing tributes to the good people of Okigwe senatorial zone for their painstaking effort in enthroning a new political order in the zone, assured that his representation would spark up even development at every nook and cranny of the zone.

With his formal inauguration as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after last Thursday's postponement, Uwajumogu now becomes the only APC senator of Igbo extraction in the current dispensation.

SECURITY IN IMO STATE IS NON NEGOTIABLE...DEPUTY GOVERNOR, IMO STATE

......Security in Imo State is non negotiable

His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Imo State , Prince Eze Madumere, MFR has demostrated that the issue of security is paramount in the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led Government of Rescue Mission. The Deputy Governor who is being described by his boss, the Governor as a headache free Deputy Governor has championed operations aimed at getting  rid of criminals from the State and reducing the level of insecurity in the State to bearest minimum. He has led operations without minding the risk involved towards stamping out kidnaping a d other youth based violent crimes.

Recently, he had a strategic security meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Idris at the Force Headquarters, Abuja with the Force Secretary and other DIGs in atrendance.

It is no news that since the inception of Rescue Mission Government, our leader and Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha declared war against criminals and kidnapping. Truly with the establishment then, it sounded like mere Political rhetoric but today, we can all testify the feat in security of life and property. We can testify as well that Kidnapping is at its lowest ebb.

We can all recall when Imo people were going to bed before 6 pm for fear of the unknown but that is history

Governor Okorocha, his Deputy Madumere and Rescue Mission Government must be given some credit. This is the first charge of any government and I am sure nobody can speak in a discordant tune as to the achievement of this Government.

Uche Onwuchekwe
CPS to DGOV

EDO POLLS: INEC RAISES ALARM OVER REGISTRATION OF 8,000 MILLITANTS

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that it will investigate the alleged registration of 8,000 militants by the Peoples Democratic Party for the Edo State governorship election.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, had complained that the PDP registered the alleged number of militants with the aim of using them to cause mayhem during the postponed election.

Oshiomhole, a member of the All Progressives Congress, alleged that the militants were recruited from neighbouring states of Delta and Rivers.
The two states had denied the allegation.

Speaking on the allegation, the commission said that its attention had yet to be drawn to the issue, but said that it was ready to investigate it before the election.
The commission’s Deputy Director in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Nick Dazang, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday.

He said though the commission was not aware of the alleged registration, he nevertheless stated that there was no way the commission would close its ears to such an allegation which he described as grievous.

Dazang said, “The commission is not aware of the allegation that  over 8,000 militants were registered as voters for the governorship election in Edo State.  This allegation is grievous, but we have not been officially informed.
“We will not close our eyes or ears to such a serious allegation. As soon as it is officially brought to our notice, the commission will swing into action by investigating it.

“We will do everything within our powers and within the law to have a credible election in the state. So, we are waiting to be briefed on the matter.”
The PDP has warned that the alleged registration of militants should not be used to alter the voter register in the state.

It also described the allegation as wild and totally unreasonable, adding that it was a falsehood being peddled by a man who it described as losing the support of the people.

The spokesperson for the PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, who stated this on Sunday, wondered how the militants could have been registered without the knowledge of the commission that carried out the exercise.

Adeyeye said, “It is good, if the commission can investigate it. At least, Governor  Oshiomhole will be able to tell Nigerians where and when the PDP registered the so-called militants.

“Were they registered by INEC?  If not, which organisation registered them? Were they registered as voters or as observers?  For  what purpose?  And when did Oshiomhole suddenly discovered the registration of the alleged militants?”

DR IFEANYI UBAH BRAGS: I’m richer than some state governors

Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah

The Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, has said his desire to govern Anambra State is not to make money.
He said he was richer by every standard than some state governors.
Ubah said his ambition to govern his state was borne out of his conviction that he could better the lots of the people.

He said, “I am blessed in every ramification. If not for the love I have for Anambra, I should not have any reason to aspire to be governor, because there is nothing a governor enjoys that I do not enjoy.

“I had the best manifesto to change the fortunes of Anambra people when I aspired in 2013 to be a governor, but I had to let go because it must not be me.”

He said he had no plans to vie for the position of the governor in the state next.
He gave conditions under which he would support the re-election of the incumbent governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, which he said would include appointing him (Ubah) Obiano’s campaign director.
Ubah spoke with journalists in an interactive session to mark his 45th birthday at his Nnewi home.

 He said, “So far, the governor is doing well, and I will support him, but we must think beyond our selfish interests. We must reject a situation where one man finishes his tenure and takes his stooge and puts him as governor.”

VIOLENCE: DEAN'S SON ABDUCTED IN UNICAL

Armed gunmen, suspected to be militants, on Thursday invaded the staff quarters of the University of Calabar, Cross River State and abducted the  a first-year student in the Department of Banking and Finance, Onyebuchi Okwueze.

Onyebuchi is the son of the Dean of Graduate School, Prof. Emeka Okwueze.
After abducting Onyebuchi, the gunmen had while escaping, inflicted injuries on a lecturer in the Department of Physics, Dr Anthony George and his wife who were driving in and got caught up in the attack.

The gunmen were said to have gained entry to the staff quarters through the porous boundary with the creeks of Calabar estuaries.

Earlier in May 2016, gunmen suspected to be militants had through the same route stormed the quarters and abducted the wife of a lecturer, Mrs. Nancy Ndifon alongside her daughter, Oyebah. The same gang also abducted a medical doctor, David Iniama, in the same premises.

Southern City News learnt on Friday that the gunmen had stormed the premises of the dean who was unavailable at the time of the attack, broke into his house and made away with his Plasma television and his 24-year-old son who was the only one at home.

After abducting Onyebuchi, the anonymous source said that the gunmen had on their way out at about 8.15pm shot Dr. Anthony George on his right hand, while his wife sustained bullet injuries on the left knee.
It was learnt that both are however responding to treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

She said, “Though they made unsuccessful attempts to gain entrance into the stretch of houses accommodating staff within the wing of buildings, the gunmen however smashed the mirror and front tyre of a Mercedes Benz vehicle belonging to a professor in the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Chucks Ejezie.
“You will recall that in the month of May this year, kidnappers invaded the same wing of buildings and took away with them the son of a Deputy Registrar, Mr. Ekpenyong Iniama and the wife and daughter of Prof Wilfred Ndifon of the College of Medical Sciences, both were later released.”

In his reaction, the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof Zana Akpagu, who visited the homes of the affected staff, promised to do all within the purview of his office to ensure the release of those kidnapped and also fish out the kidnappers.
He also pledged to work with the relevant security agencies to ensure continued safety of lives and property on campus.

In the bid to checkmate future occurrence of the event, the Deputy Chief Security Officer of UNICAL, Mr. Jarlath Abang, in a statement of Friday disclosed that several security measures had been put in place by the management of the institution in conjunction with the Cross River State Government to ensure safety of lives.

“The measures covered and implemented in the joint initiative include among others , demolition of all shanties at the waterfront by the Cross River State Government,  prohibition of fishing and farming at the water front, displacement of illegal occupants and constant patrol of the quarters both by security operatives on foot and vehicles,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Security Officer attributed the delay in the distress call as a major reason for the kidnappers’ tentative gain.

MILLITARY DEMOTION: From Major Gen. to Brigadier -General

A Special Court Martial has demoted Maj.-Gen. Patrick Falola, to Brigadier-General for admitting students for clinical training without permission from higher authorities

Falola, Director, 68 Military Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State, was arraigned on a two-count charge before a court martial presided over by AVM James Gbum.

Faloola admitted international students from Espan Formation University, Cotonou, in Benin Republic between July and September, 2016.

Gbum, the President of the court martial, held that Falola’s conduct amount to fraudulent use of property of the armed forces.

He discharged and acquitted him on charges of conduct to prejudice the service but convicted him on fraudulent misapplication of the hospital’s property.

“This court is compelled to award a higher punishment under sections 103 and 66 of the Armed Forces Act Cap A 20 laws of the Federation 2004.

“The court has taken into consideration the service record of the convicted senior officer, the touching plea in mitigation by the defence council as well as the demeanor of the convicted officer

“But we have also taken into consideration the senior officer’s seniority, rank, experience and the regimental tradition of the armed forces.

“This court has discharged and acquitted the convicted officer on the first charge, on the second offence, the sentence is reduction in rank to Brigadier General.”

Gbum said that the filing and sentences were subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Army Council which was the confirming authority.

He, however, said that the convicted officer would maintain his rank until the council concludes the confirmation process.

The prosecuting counsel, Lt.-Col. Ukpe Ukpe, told newsmen that the convicted was arraigned for using the Nigeria army property to train students from neighboring Benin Republic without following the necessary procedure.

Ukpe said the judgment was a balanced one as the court was very liberal in metting out punishment.

“If you check Section 115 of the Alarmed Forces Act, the offence falls under Section 68, punishment that could be metted out included dismissal,imprisonment or even death but the court went down to reduction in rank which is balanced enough.”

The defence council, retired Wing Cdr. Enokela Onyilo-Uloko, said the conviction had no legal backing and was an attempt to tarnish the clean record of his client.

Onyilo-Uloko said this was because there was no law stating that senior officers must take permission from the higher authority before allowing such training.

He said his cleint only did what his predecessors also did, which was no crime, adding that his client would appeal.

“No such law was tendered in evidence but they are saying he should use his initiative when there is no law finalising an act it does not amounted to criminal offence that my cleint is being tried for.

“So, the conviction is based on nothing and cannot stand the light of day in the eye of the law.

“And when we go higher to the Court of Appeal, I assure you, this conviction will be thrown out,” he opined.

Reactions trails Oyakhilome's Sermon on Marriage...

The General Overseer of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has come under strong criticism from Nigerians on social media over his religious views on gender equality.

A Facebook post on the official page of the church’s online ministry, last Sunday, cited an excerpt of the clergyman’s message titled ‘Who is a husband and what is his role?’, in which husbands were defined as “masters” as opposed to “male partners.”

Oyakhilome’s ex-wife, Anita, had on February 8, finalised her divorce from the pastor and dropped his last name for “Obhodaghe.”

Her lawyers confirmed the divorce earlier this year, following months of speculation that there was trouble in their marriage.

Anita, who had cited irreconcilable differences while filing for divorce, also severed ties with the church.

But Oyakhilome, in his message on Facebook, said the reason for most problems in Christian marriages was a refusal of God’s definition of marriage by women.

He said, “They believe they are equal partners. (But) ‘husband’ does not mean the male partner in a marriage, husband means master.

“The Bible says the man is the head of the woman (1 Corinthians 11:3) so when you marry him, you come under his authority. You are not authority sharers, even though you are both heirs to the kingdom of God.”

According to the pastor, when one decides not to subject oneself to that authority, one becomes a rebel.

“God is not going to accept what you are doing because you are not functioning correctly. Why did God make the woman? If most women had fathers bold enough to talk to them, they would be very successful in their marriage and they would be very happy people.

“Most women have never been taught by their parents, their fathers particularly and that’s their biggest problem because they don’t know who a man is. They think he is another woman,” he said.

The message went viral on many platforms.

Oyakhilome’s stance received backlash from some Nigerians, who expressed their disagreement in the comments section of the post.

Blessing Meteke said, “Unfortunately, this is the type of preaching that millions of Nigerians listen to. ‘Making a woman was not God’s original plan. When a husband is angry, the wife is the victim.’

“This is what men adhere to and they make their wives and daughters-in-law slaves in their own homes. Misogyny has eaten deep into several Nigerians and they use the Bible as a cover-up. This is not only disheartening but exasperating.”

Babalola Olusegun added, “Can the pastor explain Genesis 1:27, because looking at the passage, God put women in His plan even before creating them. The man should remember that the woman is removed from his ribs, which means the man is not complete without the woman.”

Jane Onyejiaka also said, “Some points in this sermon are flawed, with all due respect. I will never teach my sons that a woman is an afterthought. God doesn’t do things for doing sake. Anyway, he is a pastor, not God. I always sieve what I read and I take the good and leave the rest.”

Similarly, Ekaette Essien said, “I didn’t see any advice for men here. Making a successful home should not be a one-sided thing. It should not rest on the shoulder of only the women. A man who loves his wife will surely earn respect from such a wife.

“If you are a boss-type husband, surely rebellion awaits you. Let’s be real, please. Even God who created us does not act like a boss to us. He loves us; that’s why His children have to obey and respect Him.”

DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN : Houseboy, driver’s names used to open $15m accounts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested four domestic servants, including a driver and a houseboy, whose names were used to open bank accounts for Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sources within the anti-graft agency said on Sunday that the companies’ accounts were opened at Skye Bank.

The companies are Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Globus Integrated Service Limited.

The four companies’ accounts, which have since been frozen by the EFCC, have a balance of about $15m while another account, which bears Patience Jonathan’s name, has $5m.

Mr. Sammie Somiari, who deposed to an affidavit on behalf of the ex-President’s wife, said the former First Lady was the owner of the money in the accounts.

She had revealed that she gave millions of dollars to the then Special Adviser to the President on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa, to open accounts for her.

Somiari, however, claimed that Dudafa opened five accounts for Patience and that only one of the accounts was in her name, while the other four were opened in the names of companies belonging to Dudafa.

A detective at the EFCC, however, revealed that Dudafa used his domestic servants’ names to open the four other accounts and then deposited the money into the accounts.

The operative added, “We were investigating Dudafa when we stumbled on those four companies’ domiciliary accounts opened at Skye Bank with a balance of about $15m. On further investigation, we were able to identify the directors of the companies.

“When we detained the directors, we found out that they were Dudafa’s domestic servants. One of them was a houseboy while another one was a driver. Their photographs were used in opening the accounts and their signatures were forged.

“We found out that these domestic servants were completely innocent because they had no access to the accounts. We have since released them. The sole signatory to the accounts was Patience Jonathan and she was issued with a special card, which is accepted worldwide. She has a separate account, which was opened in her name and has a balance of $5m.”

The detective said a lawyer, Amajuoyi Briggs, who allegedly helped Dudafa to perpetrate the fraud, would also be arraigned.

It was learnt that two Skye Bank executives, Demola Bolodeoku and Dipo Oshodi, who helped Dudafa to open the accounts on March 22, 2010, were also being investigated.

The detective added, “This is a clear case of fraud and there is no way the bank officials will say they did not know what was going on. They are under investigation and those found culpable will be arraigned.”

The EFCC operative said he could not immediately confirm if the transaction was reported to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit.

He explained that the commission had discovered a trend which politicians used in laundering and concealing funds, saying it was becoming more rampant due to the operation of the Bank Verification Number which links all accounts owned by an individual.

He added, “What we have noticed is that in order to conceal funds, what politicians and top civil servants do is to open bank accounts in the name of family or friends and then make themselves the sole signatory to the account.

“Don’t forget that we traced about 17 bank accounts to the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.).

“Often times, they do this in connivance with bank officials and that is why the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has said henceforth, whenever we are investigating a bank official, we will probe the entire bank as well because these officials usually act under the instruction of their superiors.”

Jonathan’s wife has, however, sued Skye Bank for freezing her bank accounts and giving the EFCC vital information about her finances.

She also wants the court to order Skye Bank to pay her damages in the sum of N200m for what she termed a violation of her right to own personal properties under Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

ENUGU STATE HERSDMEN ATTACK: ANOTHER TRAGEDY LOOMS

A herdsman on Friday sustained bullet wounds in an attack on a Fulani cattle rearers’ settlement in Aku, a community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Our correspondent learnt that three other herdsmen are missing in the wake of the attack, which was reportedly carried out by youths of Aku community.

It was gathered that the relationship between members of the community and the herdsmen had been tense for a long time due to misgivings on the part of the villagers over the destruction of their crops by cows.

It was also learnt that the herdsmen, who are usually armed, have been harassing the villagers.

A 17-year-old herdsman, identified as Wareri, sustained three gunshot wounds during the attack.

Three other herdsmen, said to be Wareri’s siblings, are said to be missing.

Wareri’s father, one Alhaji Sodu, also a herdsman, identified his missing children as Musa, Baba and Muhammed.

Sodu said about 100 cows in his herd were scattered in different directions during the attack, and are currently missing.

Meanwhile, chairman of a security committee set up by the Enugu State Government to address herdsmen menace in the state, Brigadier General Fred Eze (rtd.), also on Friday visited the injured herdsman at a hospital in the 9th Mile Corner, where he is receiving treatment.

The victim’s father, Alhaji Sodu, who was at the hospital during the visit, appealed to security agencies to rescue his sons.

“I am too old now to go into the forest in search of my three sons, I am appealing to security agencies to rescue my sons unharmed.

“The youths have slaughtered seven of my cows.

“Over 100 cows are missing now,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, Eze urged restive youths in various parts of the state, who are furious over the activities of the herdsmen, to avoid reprisal attacks.

He said security was beefed up in the affected area to forestall further violence.

“We want to allay fears generated by this incident, the army has moved to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“The Garrison Commander, O.T Akinjobi, has dispatched a search party for the missing kids.

“Another combined team of police and the army have equally moved into the area to avert any breakdown of public peace,” he said.

Eze added that the incident is being investigated.

He said, “This incident is already under investigation and authorities will unravel the remote causes of the incident and ensure that appropriate actions are taken.”

Civil disturbances involving herdsmen have been on the rise in Enugu State, where cattle rearers have makeshift settlements in several communities.

Over 20 persons died when herdsmen invaded Ukpabi Nimbo, an Enugu community, on April 25.

A Catholic seminarian and a housewife died in a herdsmen attack on Attakwu, another community in the state, on August 25.

Man who named dog Buhari sent to prison

...as the case was adjourned till September 19, 2016.

Iroko

The man who named his dog Buhari, Joachim Iroko, aka Joe, was remanded on Monday at the Ibara Prison following his arraignment at the Ota Magistrate Court 2, Ogun State.

He was charged to court by the police with conduct likely to cause breach of the peace, in a case with suit number MOT/617c/2016.

The prosecutor, Inspector Itaita Ebibomini, said the accused committed the offence on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at the Hausa section of Ketere Market in Sango-Ota in the Ota Magisterial District.

The prosecutor told the court that the offence was punishable under Section 249 (d) of Criminal Law of Ogun State, Nigeria, 2016.

The accused, who was represented by a counsel, U. Michael, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The charge read, “That you, Joachim Iroko, aka Joe, and others still at large, on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at about 5.30pm at the Ketere area, Sango, in the Ota Magisterial District did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace, by writing a name, Buhari, on a dog and parading same in the Hausa section of Ketere Market, Sango, thereby, committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Law of Ogun State, Nigeria, 2016.”

His counsel, however, pleaded that the accused should be granted bail. The prosecutor did not oppose the application for bail. The two witnesses in the case were present in court.

The Chief Magistrate, B. J. Ojikutu, admitted Iroko to bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum, adding that the sureties must be regular taxpayers in the state.

“They must attach four passport photographs each to the bail bond, depose to affidavits of being gainfully employed, and reside in the court’s jurisdiction,” he added.

Iroko, who had been formerly identified as Joe Fortemose Chinakwe, was arrested on Saturday, August 13, after one of his neighbours, who is of Northern extraction, complained that he named the dog after his father, Alhaji Buhari.
The suspect was first taken to the Sango Police Station, from where he was transferred to the state police command headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta.
However, as of press time, his family members had yet to perfect the bail for his release. He was subsequently taken to the Ibara Prison.

FAYOSE AND WIKE ARE BLINDED BY GREED....PDP CHIEFTAIN

The Political Adviser to Chief Bode George, Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu, has described Governors Ayo Fayose and Nyesom Wike of Ekiti and Rivers states respectively as enemies of the Peoples Democratic Party blinded by greed.
A statement by Shodipe-Dosunmu, on Tuesday, also described the Lagos State governorship candidate of the PDP in the last general election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, as an unsuccessful pharmacist.

George, a former National Deputy Chairman of the PDP, is eyeing the national chairmanship of the opposition party alongside Agbaje but a bitter feud has ensued between the two.

The statement said, “This is, indeed, a very sad period for the Peoples Democratic Party. The sky is dark and bleak. The party is now at the edge of a cliff, dangling before an imminent plunge into ruin and forfeiture.
“To be specific, Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Ayo Fayose have both succeeded in forming an unholy alliance against the growth and the development of our party.

“Wike and Fayose have become so powerful and heedless, blinded by narrow provincialism, swept aimlessly on the creed of greed, hurried along the straight path to inevitable perdition.

“They are the strutting gods of the hour who are disdainful of any guidance, who deride any counsel, who mock every piece of advice with a sneer.”
The statement said Fayose and Wike wanted to impose Agbaje on the party, maintaining that the alleged plot would fail.

According to Shodipe-Dosunmi, Agbaje had never served in any position demanding intricate decisions and prompt administrative alertness.
Reacting, Wike described the allegation as wrong, unfortunate and without foundation.

Wike, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, said, “Governor Wike is a democrat and has never been associated with the subversion of democratic will of the members of the PDP or of the general electoral process in the country.
“As a loyal party man, Governor Wike has demonstrated his commitment to the unity of the PDP. He will not join issues with Chief Bode George whom he holds in high regard as an elder statesman.”

KILLING OF A PASTOR, OTHERS IN THE NORTH: CAN REACTS, HOLDS EMERGENCY MEETING

General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, 

Rev. Musa Asake

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the north has summoned an emergency meeting over Monday’s killings of eight persons in Talata-Mafara community in Zamfara State and the death of a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Luka Ubangari, by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Unguwan Anjo, Kaduna State.

The meeting is being called as an islamic organisation, Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi, also condemned the killings.

 The Northern CAN, in an interview with The PUNCH, said it summoned the emergency meeting to discuss the incidents and the failure of government to bring the perpetrators to book. The meeting is expected to hold in Maiduguri on August 26.

Eight people were killed on Monday, when a mob set the house of a man ablaze for rescuing an undergraduate, who was accused of blasphemy.                                                                                                          
Also on Monday, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed three persons, including Ubangari, at Unguwan Anjo in the Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

CAN said the failure of the government to punish the perpetrators would mean collaboration between government agencies and Islamic extremists.

The Borno State Chairman of CAN and spokesperson for the 19 northern states’ CAN chairmen, Bishop Abubakar Naga, stated this on Tuesday while answering an enquiry by The PUNCH.

He said Christians would resist any plan to Islamise the country under any guise.
He said, “Islamisation of Nigeria is not possible. Christians will never allow that, Nigeria is a secular country and no religion will dominate others.

“Christians have become targets of attacks. So, we are having an emergency meeting in Maiduguri on August 26.
“The government must take action and if it does not take any action, it means there is collaboration between the government and the perpetrators of the killings.”

 No place for violence –Buhari
However, on his Twitter handle on Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the violence.
He stated, “I received news of the mob killings in Zamfara with great dismay. It is barbaric and unacceptable. I assure Nigerians that the law will take its course. Under my watch, we will work to ensure that there is no place for violence in the name of religion, ethnicity, or in any guise whatsoever.”

 Blasphemy not unlawful, says NASFAT
Also, the Chief Missioner, Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society, Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode, described the Zamfara killing as a crime against God and humanity, and called for a proper investigation into the incident.
Aknibode told one of our correspondents on the telephone on Tuesday that blasphemy was not a crime in Nigeria, being a secular state. He added that the perpetrators of the act should be brought to justice.

 He said, “I have not been fully briefed about the incident. But whatever the case may be, life is sacred. God has not given anybody the right to take life, except the authority and the authority is the government of a nation if one has committed a crime that carries the death penalty.
 “No religion preaches that life should be taken except there is war. But there is no war and there can never be war. The stand of NASFAT is that life is sacred. The culprits should be apprehended and be made to face justice.

“Nigeria is a multi-religious country. You can only talk of blasphemy where there is one religion. A blasphemy case will only be established in jurisprudence if the state makes a rule that the state shall be a state of one religion. Blasphemy is not unlawful in Nigeria because it is a multi-religious state.”

The President, Campaign for Democracy, Abdul Usman, also condemned the Zamfara killings.

He said, “Those who fight the cause of religion should understand that Almighty God says in many chapters and verses in His holy book that He will protect His religion.
“In the days of the holy prophet, he was cursed right to his face without any reaction from him. Rather, he continued to preach peace.
“Today, ignorance has bedevilled the religion. The government should investigate the act and the perpetrators be brought to book. No religion preaches violence.”

On his part, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, said it was a shame that people were getting lynched for blasphemy that is unknown to the laws of Nigeria.

He said, “Are these barbarians saying their God is not powerful enough to handle those who disrespect him.? The full weight of the law should be brought to bear on these murderers to end this nonsense.”

 ‘Security agencies not doing enough’
 A retired Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, blamed security agencies for the rising incidence of hate crime and religious bigotry, saying they were not doing enough to check it.
He added that the police lacked the requisite manpower to deal with the issue.
Tsav stated that the police no longer had personnel on street beats to deal with cases of mob attacks and other crimes.
He said, “It is my view that our security agencies are not doing enough to deal with cases of religious bigotry and herdsmen’s continued attack on farmers. The police may not be blamed for this, due to the acute shortage of manpower plaguing the force.
“The few policemen left are sent as orderlies and security to politicians. Accordingly, the police are left with insufficient manpower to provide security for the rest of the people.”
Tsav stressed that unless there was a substantial increase in manpower and improvement in training, “our policemen may be reduced to the status of boy scouts.”
A security consultant, Max Gbanite, attributed the killings to “primitive thinking and lack of enlightenment.”
He called on the Christian Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Catholic bishops and other religious bodies to enlighten the people on religious bigotry and hate crime.
Gbanite advised the families of the deceased to file a lawsuit at a Federal High Court or the International Criminal Court against the Federal Government, the Zamfara State Government and the Abdul Gusau Polytechnic for not protecting the victims.
The security expert also urged the National Assembly to promulgate a law against hate crime and religious bigotry.
He said, “I think the National Assembly should have a hate crime bill. This is an opportunity for CAN, NSCIA, JNI and Catholic bishops to enlighten the people that when two people are quarrelling, it should be seen as an issue between the two individuals.”
Gbanite carpeted Buhari for not showing enough concern over the spate of religious killings in the country, adding that the government should consider setting up police stations on campuses.
 “The President is behaving as if it is okay for Muslims to kill Christians. Security agencies cannot do much in this situation because they were called after the act, that is why we should begin to think of having police stations on campuses so that problems can be nipped in the bud,” he said.
 A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Fred Agbaje, said there was no justification under the law for extrajudicial killing under any guise.
He said, “By now, the perpetrators should be in court fighting for their bail. It is a clear case of murder, extrajudicial killing. Religion is a personal thing. What they have done is the suppression of the right to life and right to property. It is outlawed by the constitution and it is also outlawed by the penal code.
 “Unfortunately, the government is not taking a decisive action because it believed that what happened is justified under a certain religion. No.
No religion tells anyone to go and kill.”

Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, building collasped, 20 feared dead

No life was lost...VC

Tragedy struck at Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil,as part of the building belonging to Department of Architecture which is under construction collapsed.

Earlier report had it that 20 people lost their lives while scores sustsined several degrees of serious injuries.
Reacting, the School management led by the Vice Chancellor of Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Professor Shehu Alhaji Musa, has dismissed as false, reports that 20 people lost their lives when part of a building under construction collapsed at the Department of Architecture.

Musa at a press conference, held at the NUJ Press Centre Kano, said that only five persons sustained injuries, while no life was lost during the incident.

The VC explained that of the five injured, two had already been discharged, while only one suffered a fracture.

The Don said, ”No student sustained injury during the building collapse.

”We want to assure parents that our students are safe. Immediately after the incident, we mobilised security agencies and Health workers from within and outside the University Community to the scene of the incident.”

Breaking news... Millitary coup in Turkey

The Turkish military has announced it has taken control and overthrown the government of Recep Erdogan as troops round up police and attack the capital Ankara.

“We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt,” Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told NTV television by telephone, without expanding on the nature of the move but saying it was by a group in the Turkish military.

“Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price,” he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a “coup”.

The Turkish military on Friday said that it had launched a coup, in what the prime minister termed an illegal act aimed at usurping the authorities.

Soldiers were seen on the streets in Istanbul and Ankara as jets flew low overhead, while ordinary citizens rushed for the safety of their homes after witnessing the coup attempt.

“The power in the country has been seized in its entirety,” said a military statement quoted by Turkish media.

It said the move had been made “in order to ensure and restore constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms and let the supremacy law in the country prevail, to restore order which was disrupted.”

“All our international agreements and commitments retain their validity. We hope our good relations will continue with all countries in the world.”

Television pictures showed tanks deployed outside Ataturk airport in Istanbul. Reports said that flights into the airport had been halted.

AFP correspondents said that Istanbul had been turned into a ghost town after the events, with people who had been outside for a Friday night rushing to the safety of their homes.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Friday denounced what he said was an “illegal attempt” by elements in the military.

“We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt,” he told NTV television by telephone, without expanding on the nature of the move but saying it was by a group in the Turkish military.

“Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price,” he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a “coup”.

Turkey has a history of coups with governments ousted on three occasions in the last decades by full military coups.

However analysts had usually assumed that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had good relations with the military.

There has been no comment from Erdogan so far.

But presidential sources said: “This is an attack against Turkish democracy. A group within the Armed Forces has made an attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government outside the chain of command.

“The statement made on behalf of the Armed Forces wasn’t authorised by the military command. We urge the world to stand in solidarity with the Turkish people,” the sources added.

Turkey’s top general was taken hostage at the military headquarters in the capital Ankara after the attempt to bring down the government, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

“General Hulusi Akar has been taken hostage by a group in the military who attempted an uprising,” the agency said citing “credible sources”.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hoped for “peace and continuity” in Turkey.

Turkish security forces on Friday partially shut down the two bridges across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul as military jets were heard flying low over Ankara, reports and AFP correspondents said.

The Bosphorus and Fatih bridges were closed by the gendarmerie — a branch of the Turkish military dedicated to internal security — for traffic travelling from Asia to Europe, NTV television said.

TRAGEDY... Fire guts the popular GSM market in Kano

Sabon Gari Market in Kano on fire

Fire has razed down no fewer than 44 shops at the popular Farm Centre GSM market in Kano metropolis on Friday.

Eyewitness and one of the shop owners disclosed in Kano on Friday that the incident happened around 530pm when most of traders had closed for business.
According to the witness, the fire which destroyed phones and other valuables worth millions of Naira, was said to have been caused by a spark from a converter supplying power to some of the shops.
The source said though no life was lost, but no fewer than 44 shops were destroyed by the inferno.
When contacted, the Director of the state Fire Service Alhaji Mustapha Rulwan confirmed the incident.
He said a total of 44 wooden shops were razed by the inferno.
“We received distress call around 5: 20pm and we immediately mobilised our personnel to the area.
“We were able to put out the fire within 45 minutes, ”he said.
He said it was an inverter that was being used by some of the traders that caused the inferno as most of the affected shops were made of wood and zinc, ”he added.
This is the second time the market was gutted by fire in the last eight months.

The Taraba State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has asked it’s members to stop going to classes, starting from Wednesday, as it has declared an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries for the past three months.

The union said the strike action may last until when the state government shows “sincere commitments” to clearing the backlog of wages.

The union also wants the government to stop “illegal deductions” noticed during the payment of workers salaries in recent past.

The chairman of the union, Aliyu Jauro Mafindi, who announced this on Monday at a media briefing in Jalingo, the state capital, recalled that the union had recently embarked upon on a three-day warning strike which it later suspended as government called the union officials for talks.

Mr. Madindi said that the decision to go on an indefinite strike was taken after the state exco of the union convened a meeting on Monday to deliberate on the way forward after its unsuccessful post warning strike dialogues with the state government representatives.

“After the suspension of the strike, government side representatives were expected to see His Excellency, the governor, with the agreement for his consideration and possible approval, but since then there was no any serious action or committal statement from the side of the government,” Mr. Mafindi said.

He declared: “At the exco meeting, it was unanimously resolved that all teachers in public primary schools in Taraba State should immediately proceed on an indefinite strike action until further notice”.

A serial rapist and cultists arrested as residents of Isolo Jubilates

Isolo Lagos Residents in Wild Jubilation as Police Arrests Notorious Cultist, Alleged Rapist

A notorious cultist and rapist who had been terrorizing the Isolo and Ilasamaja areas of Lagos metropolis for a very long time, has being finally arrested.

The Lagos State police command has put an end to the reign of a notorious cult member and serial rapist simply identified as Wasiu, which made residents of Isolo and Ilasamaja environs of the metropolis erupt with wild jubilation as the suspect had been terrorizing the area for a very long time.

A resident, who refused to be named told The Guardian that, “Four months ago, he raped a 14-year-old girl. He locked up the girl in his room from 9.00a.m. to 8.00p.m., while the girl was repeatedly beaten and raped before she was later released.”

It was gathered that Wasiu was arrested by operatives of Ilasa Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Oriyomi Oluwasanmi, a Superintendent of Police (SP), following a series of complaints from concerned residents.

“He is a known cult member, who is a terror to the community. You needed to see jubilation by members of the community waving goodbye to him and telling him never to come back. He has been a terror,” a member of residents’ association said.

The Lagos Police spokesman, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrest said, “he’s been arrested and detained for rape. He is currently undergoing interrogation with our gender desk unit. I can assure you he would be prosecuted in court.”

EXERCISE ROCKFALL COMMENCES IN KADUNA

In their bid to always remain on top the game on the fight against insurgency and maintaining the territorial integrity of the nation, protect lives and properties,
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Regiment personnel commenced Rappelling Refresher Exercise on Friday in Kaduna.

The 8-day exercise is code-named EXERCISE ROCKFALL and the objective is to sharpen the professional skills of rappellers in the NAF for operational efficiency through training and retraining.

A total of 31 airmen and an officer are participating in the exercise.