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September 29, 2005

Nigeria governor 'laundered' cash

The governor of an oil-rich Nigerian state has appeared in a UK court charged with laundering £1.8m ($3.2m) found in cash and in bank accounts.

The magistrate denied bail to Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, because of fears he might leave the UK, as another governor did last year.

The governor has accused the UK authorities of acting in a bigoted and neo-colonialist manner.

Mr Alamieyeseigha says he is innocent. He is due in court again next month.

He was originally arrested on 15 September as he passed through Heathrow Airport in London. Detectives found almost £1m in cash in his west London home.

Nigeria's anti-corruption body has been investigating the governor for more than three years.

Under Nigerian law he enjoys immunity from prosecution while in office.

However, such immunity does not extend beyond Nigeria's shores, our correspondent says.

Last year, another Nigerian state governor was arrested in London.

Joshua Dariye from Plateau state was quizzed by police on money laundering allegations involving more than £1m.

He was freed on bail and returned to Nigeria, and is still wanted for questioning by British police.

Nigeria is considered one of the most corrupt countries, but President Olusegun Obasanjo has vowed to fight the problem.

He set up the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after his election in 1999.

Although a number of senior officials have been put under investigation for alleged corruption in recent months, there has not been any significant conviction during his six years in power.

Posted by Publisher at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)

Falae to Obasanjo: You Have Wasted Yoruba’s Chance

Former presidential candidate of the old All Peoples Party (APP) and a chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Olu Falae yesterday in Ibadan said President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration had failed to live up to the expectation of the Yoruba people in particular and the entire Nigerians in general. He said the opportunity given to the race to put things in the right place had been wasted.

From Ademola Adeyemo in Ibadan, 09.28.2005

Falae who contested against Obasanjo in the 1999 Presidential election yesterday at the lecture organized to mark the 3rd Hon Babatunde Oduyoye Annual Birthday Lecture said Nigeria waited for seven years for Obasanjo to correct the misrule foisted on the nation by the Military.

“But what we have on the ground today is worse than the military governments in insensitivity,” he said.

The chance given to the Yoruba people was wrongfully given to Obasanjo and we have to wait for seven years without any positive change except hardship, corruption and lack of focus.

“This is the chance of the Yoruba being wasted. The mistake has been made to choose Obasanjo and Nigerians are paying dearly for that. It will be long before Yoruba can get the chance again, nobody will trust us again. We have been rubbished,” Falae said.

He also scored Obasanjo’s administration very low in the area of poverty alleviation, provision of good roads, education etc while calling on Nigerians to reflect on the performance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government and vote for the progressives in future elections.

Falae also praised Oduyoye for being among the youths who are busied themselves critically analyzing and proffering perspectives and illuminating solutions to various problems militating against Nigeria.
The guest lecturer, Dr Abubakar Momoh of the department of political science, Lagos State University said there was need for Nigeria to move beyond "culture talk” and the indigenes/ settlers claims.
He said Nigeria have a common history of colonial exploitation and waged struggle of resistance.

“ For the past 105 years, there have been cultural mix, social interaction and political engagements. We need to pursue this positively,” he said.

Posted by Publisher at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)

NLC rally holds in Abuja today

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society groups will today hold the grand finale of the mass rallies to protest the recent increase in the pump prices of petroleum products by the federal government. Today’s demonstration marks the end of the anti-fuel price hike rallies which have taken place in major cities across the country such as Lagos, Benin, Kano, Maiduguri, Yola, Asaba, Owerri and Jos.

By Abdullahi M. Gulloma & Rakiya A. Muhammad

The Jos rally, which commenced in the early hours of yesterday, paralysed activities in Plateau state capital city, leading to the closure of banks, shops and other commercial centres. The rally made it impossible for motorists to use the major roads in the city.
The president of the NLC, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, told newsmen yesterday that the Abuja procession will be set in motion at the Life Camp area and pass through Wuse Zone 5, Wuse Zone 6, Central Area, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and the Federal Secretariat.

The NLC president, who disclosed this when the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Sunday Ehindero, visited the national headquarters of the congress in Abuja, said that the rally was intended to create awareness and show those in government that Nigerians cannot cope with the arbitrary increases in the pump prices of petroleum products.

He commended the police for the maturity they displayed during the previous rallies and urged them to do everything possible to make today’s rally as peaceful as the preceding ones.

Our correspondent in Jos reported that the rally, which was headed by the national vice president of the NLC, Comrade Julius Adekola, was successful. The protesters marched peacefully to the Government House and handed over a protest letter to the state governor for onward delivery to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Responding, Governor Joshua Dariye, admitted that the survival of democracy depends on labour and civil societies. He promised to deliver the protest letter to the President as demanded by the protesters.

Posted by Publisher at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)

Jail-break in Auchi, 120 inmates escape

AUCHI—A HUNDRED and twenty inmates of the Auchi Prisons in Edo State, yesterday, descended on prison officials, attacked them with dangerous weapons and then threw open the prison gate for a massive jail-break. The attack had begun as a protest by the inmates against alleged poor feeding and poor conditions.

By Osaro Okhomina, Simon Ebegbulem & Tony Edike
Posted to the Web: Thursday, September 29, 2005

A bizarre drama also played itself out yesterday at the Enugu Prisons when about 15 prisoners beat up a female Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and her inspector husband, allegedly on the order of a superior prison official.

No life was lost in the Auchi jail-break, but a combined team of policemen and prisons officials was deployed to the area to quell the riot and fish out fleeing prisoners. Their efforts yielded some fruits with the arrest of 10 of the prisoners.

The Acting Comptroller of Prisons, Mr Okwara Uche Kalu, yesterday relocated to Auchi to meet with the Comptroller of the Auchi Prison, Mr Kingsley Otutu, and other top officers of the prisons, declaring that the incident would be investigated by the authorities. Those found wanting would be dealt with, he vowed.
Vanguard gathered that the jail-break occurred around 3p.m. during the call for lunch within the prison yards. It lasted only a few minutes. It was gathered that the authorities of the prisons were caught off guard by the irate prisoners who attacked them with dangerous weapons reportedly stolen from the workshop.

Among the fleeing inmates were four men on the death row. Vanguard observed that security was yesterday beefed up at entry and exit points in Auchi town, as armed policemen embarked on a stop and search operation.

Speaking with Vanguard on telephone, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Muktar Abass, confirmed the incident and said the Police were still trying to unravel the mystery behind the jail-break. He said plain cloth police officers had been deployed to the area to assist in the search for escaped prisoners.”We can confirm now that the incident happened and we have sent out appeals to community heads and youths in the area to assist in the re-arrest of the prisoners.”

Prisoners beat up ASP, husband at Enugu prisons

Meanwhile, an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons at the Enugu Prisons, Mrs. Francisca Okoli, and her husband, Inspector Gabriel, were beaten up yesterday by over 15 prisoners allegedly on the orders of a superior prison official after ordering the eviction of the couple from the barracks.

The incident which occurred at about 10a.m., caused panic in the barracks located opposite the prisons headquarters as passers-by who did not understand what was happening scampered for safety, fearing that it was a jail-break.

Household items including furniture, kitchen utensils as well as make-shift houses within the barracks were either thrown out or destroyed by the stern-looking prisoners who were led by the Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Mike Iroegbu.

ASP Okoli whose uniform was torn and with blood stains all over her body, narrated her ordeal to Vanguard, saying the prisoners who acted on the instruction of a superior prisons officer invaded her three-bedroom quarters in the barracks and started throwing her belongings outside.

Okoli, who is the Secretary to the Commandant of the Nigerian Prisons Training School, Enugu, said an attempt by herself and her husband to stop them attracted serious blows from the prisoners who also used clubs to inflict injuries on them, adding that her husband was beaten into unconsciousness.

She said: “At about 10a.m. today (yesterday), I was coming from my office at Prisons Training School, Enugu. When I got to my house, I saw about 15 prisoners led by an officer shouting at my husband. When I got there, I told him that the quarters was allocated to me by my boss, the Commandant of the Training School, Enugu, who has the authority to allocate quarters meant for the Training School to the officers.

“After narrating this to him, he went ahead and ordered the prisoners to beat me and my husband up and to throw our property outside. They beat the two of us mercilessly to the point that my husband became unconscious. I also sustained severe injury with blood all over my body. I later fainted and some sympathisers rescued me.”

Displaying her digital Sony video camera valued at N150,000, which she claimed was smashed during the attack, Okoli alleged that N80,000 cash was stolen from her house, adding that her property thrown out by the prisoners were still scattered outside the premises as she had no other place to move them in.

“I have made a formal complaint to the Deputy Commandant of the Prisons Training School over the matter. Many senior officers from the training school had gone to the officer to ascertain if he actually ordered the prisoners to beat them up. He showed no remorse. Rather, he admitted that he ordered that our property be thrown out.

“I am surprised by the action of the officer. How can the prisoners we are meant to reform be turned to thugs and weapons against the Prisons officers? I call on the Prisons authorities to intervene and call the officer to order because it is completely wrong to use prisoners as weapons against prisons’ wardens. If they are being used as weapons, what kind of reformation and rehabilitation are we giving them? This officer must be called to order,” she said in tears.

But when contacted yesterday, Chief Superintendent of Prison Iroegbu, who led the operation, said the action was in line with the directive by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs to various prisons commands across the country to sanitise the barracks following the recent jail-breaks in Port Harcourt and Lagos.

He said Mrs. Okoli and her husband illegally occupied the quarters which was meant for senior officers of the command, adding that they (Okolis) forced their way into the apartment shortly after the occupant vacated it on Monday. According to him, the couple had been living in their official apartment within the barracks from where they parked into the senior quarters “through the back door.”

Posted by Publisher at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)

...A QC’s Impassioned Plea Fails to Faze Magistrate; Court: Immunity for Head of State only

Barrister Fidelis Odittah, a Queen's Consel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, yesterday made an impassioned plea to secure the release, on bail, of Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who was arraigned at Bow Street magistrate court, London on a three-count charge of money laundering to the tune of about £1.8 million.

09.28.2005

Odittah, whose defence team include Damola Adere-mi, a barrister and Tayo Arowojolu, a solicitor and chairman of Society of Nigerian Lawyers in the United Kingdom, however, failed to persuade the magistrate to release Alamieye-seigha on bail.

In his submissions, Odittah said that Alamieyeseigha has only recently undergone a major medical operation in Germany, noting that a prison custody is not a condusive environment for his speedy recovery. He urged the presiding magistrate to release on bail the Bayelsa State governor so he could attend to his health.

To support this plea, the defence team brought out a medical report from Alamie-yeseigha’s doctor, saying the wounds on his surgery have not healed and may have been infected. “If my client’s health is not attended to, his life may be endangered,” Odittah told the court.
He said there is no risk whatsoever that the Bayelsa governor would jump bail, noting that he is a man in position of authority, a good person who has no criminal record and a governor overseeing a state of at least five million people, elected not once but twice. He even tendered a letter from Bayelsa State attorney general and commissioner for justice that Alamieyeseigha would be brought back to court whenever he's needed.

Odittah said that Alamiey-eseigha's allegedly expensive lifestyle has not so much to do with his salary but his income. “A man who contested election to be governor and won twice has enough income to finance his lifestyle,” he said.

The defence counsel also said that as a state governor, Alamieyeseigha's functions are constitutional and as such cannot be delegated.

"Any inability on his part to perform his constitutional duties could throw Bayelsa into a major constitutional crisis. His being held here in London will deprive five million Nigerians of his services. Indeed it could even result to unrest," Odittah said.

He argued that the Bayelsa governor is being held on suspicion, particularly as the prosecution has said investigations have not been concluded, and expressed the fear that his political enemies may capitalise on this to cause his removal from office.

According to Odittah, "My client's political enemies can go and impeach him, a terrible price to pay on mere suspicion. What if afterall he's not found guilty?" He accused the Crown prosecution of persecuting Alamieyeseigha because he is from a developing country. "Can they do that to a governor from a US state?" he asked.
In concluding his submission, Odittah said that Alamieyeseigha has not been accused of stealing funds belonging to the British government. He said if the money he alleged stole belonged to a Nigerian government, he should be allowed to return to Nigeria so he could be prosecuted by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.

The presiding magistrate in his ruling said Alamieyeseigha should be remanded in prison custody. He said because the Bayelsa govenor has too much resources, "there is the likelihood of failure to surrender."
The magistrate also ruled that because the Bayelsa governor is not a Head of State, he is not covered by immunity from prosecution. In the same vein, the magistrate said that Alamieyeseigha cannot plead diplomatic immunity because he is not a diplomat. He adjourned the case to October 6 when he promised to transfer the matter to a higher court.

Posted by Publisher at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)

FG bans tokunboh spare parts; To buy 15 war planes

IMPORTATION of used vehicle spare parts popularly called tokunboh, has been banned with immediate effect, by the Federal Government.

LERE OJEDOKUN, Abuja

Government also approved the purchase of 15 new war planes, valued at about N32.7 billion ($251.4 million), as part of efforts to boost defence operations by the Armed Forces.

The ban on used vehicle spare parts importation, according to government, was meant, among others things, to protect the country from becoming a junkyard, ensure road safety and vehicle worthiness, protect local industries as well as widen capacity of employees in the sector.

Briefing State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, Information and National Orientation Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr. said decision to impose the ban followed council’s approval of the draft white paper on the report of a presidential committee on spare parts production.

He said government was bothered about the absence of first-class maintenance system, as in past decades, where vehicles could be taken to garages and refurbished with genuine parts.

"It’s common knowledge that in the not-too-distant past you could go somewhere, take your car for maintenance and you are told you need this or that kind of spare parts. Then you procure it at great cost, fix it but one or few days after they tell you it has gone bad.

"Government is also of the view that there is a more recent development in the context of the fact that we used to have garages by Leventis, UTC, Peugeot, Leyland, BEWAC. Government thought it would be appropriate to try and find out what has gone wrong," he said.

Mr. Nweke further stated that other recommendations of the committee, upheld by council include the formulation of policies that could encourage local production of spare parts within two years and the privatisation of Nigerian Machine Tool (NMT) Factory, Osogbo, Osun State.

The company, when privatised, he stressed, would spearhead development of machinery and equipment industry for local production of spare parts while a National Metallurgical Laboratory will be established to widen calibration services necessary for self-sufficiency in local production.

On the fate of Igbo spare parts dealers, the ministers said government was concerned about them and has therefore, planned to encourage them to form cooperative to enjoy economy of scale and have access to easy bank loans and institutions dedicated to the promotion of small and medium enterprises.

His words: "we are aware, for instance, that there is a whole lot of people in this country, especially in the South-Eastern part whose livelihood depends on incomes from their trade in spare parts. Government is also concerned about protecting this category of people.

"However, government is of the view that they will be encouraged to form cooperative associations so that they can leverage or consolidate their businesses and enjoy economy of scale to help them prosper, rather than go under," he said.

On the new war planes, Mr. Nweke explained that the step was aimed at making the three services of the Armed Forces combat-ready and well-equipped for the task of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

He said the planes comprise 12 units of F7NI multi-role combat aircraft and associated equipment, awarded to China National Aero Technology Corporation at a negotiated price of $251.4 million.

Posted by Publisher at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)

EFCC detains Hamisu Mai Rago

A political associate of Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s and former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, popularly called Mai Rago, is being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) because of his previous roles as commissioner of finance in Kaduna state and the PTDF.

By Abdullahi M. Gulloma

A dependable EFCC source told Daily Trust yesterday that Mai Rago, who was said to have been arrested by some operatives of the commission for questioning since the weekend, was still being detained as of 7:30pm yesterday when our reporter spoke to the source.
The former PTDF scribe was recently embroiled in a legal battle with the Kaduna state government over allegations of fraud in the award of contracts for the supply of equipment to Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital in Kaduna town, which is owned by the state government.
But in a swift reaction to the issue when contacted by Daily Trust yesterday, the Director General in charge of Media and Publicity in the Kaduna state government, Alhaji Mukhtar Sirajo, stated that the current probe of the ex-PTDF boss “has nothing to do with the Kaduna state government.”

The Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi government had earlier set up an administrative commission of inquiry which investigated the contract controversy and subsequently indicted Mai Rago. But while the Makarfi government was allegedly planning to issue a white paper on the report of the commission of inquiry, Yusuf Hamisu, who is a lawyer by profession, pre-empted the government by challenging the panel’s ruling in a Kaduna high court seeking an injunction to restrain it.
After several months of legal tussle, the former PTDF executive secretary emerged victorious as the court granted his request by restraining the government from carrying out further action on the matter.

Barely three days after the ruling however and while the Makarfi government was planning to institute a judicial commission of inquiry to re-try the matter, Mai Rago was removed from his position as executive secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund in very controversial circumstances.

It would be recalled that in May 2002, Governor Ahmed Makarfi had in a letter addressed to President Olusegun Obasanjo requested the removal of Mai Rago as the PTDF scribe. In a letter titled “Replacement of Executive Secretary Petroleum Technology Development Fund,” the governor requested that Mai Rago should be replaced by the then Secretary to Kaduna State Government, Charles Bonat, who is currently a director in the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF).

The one-page letter dated May 14, 2002 with reference number T/SU/K/14/02 reads in part: “I respectfully refer to our discussion on the need for the above change and wish to respectfully forward the CV of the current Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Mr. Charles Bonat, as a replacement for Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund
“He is a seasoned, trustworthy and honest administrator and will meet federal government’s desire to redress the issue of fairer representation raised by the senatorial zone from the state.”

Reacting to the issues yesterday however the Kaduna state spokesman reiterated that “we have nothing to do with his ordeal at the EFCC. And let me state clearly that Governor Makarfi had nothing to do with Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu’s removal from office by the federal government as executive secretary of the PTDF.”

When reminded that Makarfi had in 2002 written to the President requesting for Mai Rago’s removal from office, a copy of which letter Daily Trust has, Alhaji Mukhtar said: “Well, if you are talking of 2002, there were two letters actually. Let’s be fair to ourselves. One (of the letters) asking for his (Mai Rago’s) removal and the other asking that he should be retained.

“Yes, there was a letter asking that he should be removed. But shortly afterwards, when all the disagreements were resolved, His Excellency swiftly wrote another letter requesting that the president should disregard the earlier one”, he said. He reiterated that “we have absolutely nothing to do with his sack and predicaments at the EFCC”.

Posted by Publisher at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

Nigeria to buy Chinese fighter jets

THE arsenal of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will soon receive a boost as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved the procurement of 15 F-7NI and FT-7NI Chinese multi-role combat and trainer aircraft.

From Madu Onuorah, Abuja

NAF will take delivery of 12 F-7NI multi-role combat jets and three FT-7NI trainer aircraft. The contract also has provision for the supply of the aircraft associated training equipment and spares.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr., said that the contract is worth $251,377,395.

If the plan goes as planned, Nigeria will start receiving both versions of the aircraft next year. Already, the 2005 Appropriation Act passed has provision of N3 billion for the "procurement of Chinese aircraft" for the NAF.

Sources said that though the amount in the budget looks small, the jets would be delivered in phases. And because they are not picked off the shelf, the manufacturing and modifications requested by the NAF will begin once the initial agreed deposit is paid.

Nigeria last took delivery of such new inventory of combat jets in the late 70s and early 80s. But these combat jets are now mothballed. They include the MiG (Mikoyan-Guverich) -21 and the Sepecat Jaguar. Currently, Nigeria's lead fighter is the light combat-trainer, the Alpha jets.

The Guardian had in May exclusively reported that the jets were being manufactured by a consortium of aircraft manufacturing subsidiaries under the Aviation Industries of China I (AVIC I), which is a part-owner of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), China's military aircraft manufacturing conglomerate.

AVIC I & II each hold 50 per cent of CATIC shares. The subsidiaries under AVIC I include Chengdu Aircraft Company, Xian Aircraft Company, Nanchang Aircraft Company, Shenyang Aircraft Company (SAC) and their National Trade Bureau.

Officially, the contract is awarded to CATIC.

A modern fighter jet, the test flight of the aircraft was completed by the Chinese in January 1998. Already, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso has paid a visit to the Chinese firm.

The jet was produced as the ultra seven / FC-1(Fighter-China) 1. Designed by AVIC I after studying international market demands, it meets the need of various military environments. It is an all-weather, multipurpose, single-seat, multi-duties light fighter aircraft. Its equipment has the advanced aviation electronic systems that can launch medium-range missiles while realizing the ultra apparent distance attack and the precise opposite attack capability. It can also carry out spatially double duty. The size length is 14.0 metres with height of 5.1 metres. Its wingspan contains wing tip missile, centreline total wingspan of 9.0 metres.

The fighter jet was developed with a total investment in excess of $500 million, including support from the CATIC, primarily for export to replace the 120 F-7M/P fighters currently in service in the Pakistani Air Force. Initially, it was anticipated that the jet would be a high- performance, low-cost fighter plane to supplement the F-10 air superiority fighters developed for the Chinese Air Force. But the improvements in performance affected the programme's costs. And if the final production order is fewer than 300 aircraft, the unit price will rise from the original $10 million to $15 million. And with the modifications the Nigerian Air Force is requesting from the manufacturers, the cost of weapon systems, spare parts and other ground equipment, the prices would obviously go higher.

The company's website puts the price of one unit without the combat components at $11 million.

Discussions on the new jets began in 2003. And to prepare the grounds for the acquisition of the aircraft, pilots and aircraft engineers have been to the manufacturer's base in China. The pilots were sent for combat and advanced training on the use of the F series while the engineers went to get a hold on its maintenance. Earlier, the manufacturers had visited Nigeria and made presentations on the jets to the end-users - the NAF. Following this, a team from NAF then went to inspect the aircraft, coming back with their report.

As a follow-up, the manufacturers again visited Nigeria and met with officials of the NAF. The Air Force authorities tabled their observations about the aircraft including the modifications they want on it. And these modifications in the avionics and weapon systems are being included in the final product to be delivered.

Nweke said that the approval for the procurement showed government's commitment to ensuring that the armed forces are combat ready, adequately equipped and capable of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria."

He said that while the provision in this year's budget is not enough to pay for the jets, "subsequent payments will be anchored in the annual budgets as they fall due."

On the choice of China for the destination market for the jets, Nweke said that with the end of the cold war, nations now "shop for platforms, equipment and spares where they feel they will get a better deal. But there was competitive process and they won."

Resuscitation of the Machine Tools Company, Osogbo and establishment of a National Metallurgical Agency to stimulate manufacture of motor parts was also approved by the FEC.

Nweke said the Council had studied and approved the draft White Paper of the Presidential Committee on Spareparts headed by Dr. Ahmed Joda, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The committee recommended a ban on further importation of fairly used motor spareparts, popularly known as "tokubo" although the FEC did not state when it would take effect.

According to him: "The ban is to encourage local production of motor spareparts. It is about protecting our local industries and our lives, encouraging people to be more productive and more creative. Even at that, there are so many spare parts manufactured here in our country."

The government, he stressed, was aware the effects of the ban would have on people currently engaged in it sales and importation, but noted that it was encouraging them to form co-operative societies to get loans from banks to enable them improve on their capital base as well as take advantage of the services of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

He said: "Basically, the white paper recommended an outright ban on the importation of used spare parts. The white paper also recommended the formulation of policies to encourage the production of local spare parts within three years and the privatisation of the Nigerian Machines Tools Manufacturing Company, Osogbo with a view to having that company spearhead the local production of the parts in our country. Further more a national metallurgical laboratory is to be established by Government to render calibration services necessary for self-sufficiency in local production of spare parts."

The FEC also approved a new tariff structure for Nigeria. Expected to last till 2007, it replaces the last Customs Tariff Act of 1995, which expired in 2001.

Minister of State for Finance, Mrs. Nenadi Usman, said the new structure would help businesses in their long-term planning.

In the absence of the new structure, government has been issuing ad-hoc executive orders, which the World Customs Union has been frowning upon.

According to her: "The new structure is simple, will ensure low rates for raw materials and machineries. It will also create a greater level-playing field and make Nigeria closer to the ECOWAS tariff regime."

The new tariff regime, which becomes effective from October 1, 2005 reduced the number of tariff bars to four.

Under it, industrial plants and machines, which hitherto attracted 2.5 per cent would now attract zero percentage tariff. Raw materials and spareparts will attract five per cent tariff, intermediate goods - 10 per cent; finished items - 20 per cent and luxury goods - 50 per cent.

Cigarettes, which hitherto attracted a tariff of 150 per cent would now attract 100 per cent. Cigarettes manufactured in Nigeria which attracted 40 per cent excise duty was increased to 60.

Rice would continue to attract 100 per cent tariff plus 10 per cent Rice levy.

Fertilizer would continue to attract zero per cent, including zero charge on VAT.

On the fate of Nigerian Engineers in the nation's industrial and construction sectors, Nweke said that government approved the white paper on Presidential Committee on Strategic Plan for Engineering Development and Control in Nigeria.

He said: "Government wants Nigerians to enjoy. So, the existing Act setting up the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN) would be overhauled and COREN made the sole regulatory body. Also, the Expatriate Quota Act of 1990 is to be reviewed and all requests for expatriate quota routed through the COREN. This is to find out if we have qualified Nigerians who can do what the expatriates are coming to do."

Posted by Publisher at 10:54 AM | Comments (0)

September 28, 2005

Alamieseigha Faces £1.8m 3-count Charge; London police arraign him today

The Metropolitan Police will formally prefer criminal charges against Alamieyes-eigha today, 49 days before the November 15 date when he was billed to appear in court, as a way of securing a court order to hold him in detention or impose conditions that will prevent him from jumping bail.

By Yusuph Olaniyonu, Moses Jolayemi in Lagos and John Iwori in Yenegoa, 09.27.2005

Money Laundering

Alamieyeseigha's lawyers led by Barrister Fidelis Odittah, a Queens Counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria had yesterday got a ruling of the Redbridge Magistrate Court in London declaring that the police had no powers to attach conditions to the bail granted the governor after his arrest at the Heathrow Airport on his way from Germany.
A two-paragraph statement from London Metropolitan Police emailed to THISDAY yesterday showed that Alamieye-seigha, a resident of Water Gardens W2 in London, will today be arraigned at Bow Street Magistrate Court on a three-count charge of money laundering.
He will be charged with two counts of acting contrary to Section 93C(1) of the Criminal Justice Act of 1988 for being in possession of £420,000 and another £475,000.
Also, the governor will be charged with yet another one count of money laundering totalling £920,000 contrary to Section 327(1) of Proceeds of Crime Act 2000.
He was yesterday re-arrested by the police.
The application filed yesterday by Alamieyeseigha's counsel was meant to nullify the condition which required him to submit his travel documents and report everyday to the Desk Officer at the Ilford Police station in London
"The condition technically kept Alamieseigha in London and ensured he could not travel out of the country (UK). The design was to prevent a situation like that of Plateau state Governor Joshua Dariye who when he was released on bail for the same offence as Alamieseigha returned to Nigeria and has refused to report back to the police," a source in London said.
But Odittah and other counsel, Damola Aderemi, a barrister and Tayo Arowojolu, a solicitor and chairman of Society of Nigerian Lawyers in the UK contended before the magistrate that the police did not have the powers to attach condition to Alamieseigha's' bail and thus , the bail condition is unlawful.
THISDAY gathered that at yesterday's hearing of the application , the counsel representing the London Police also agreed that the police ought not to attach condition to the bail as they were still investigating the money laundering allegations.
The magistrate therefore ruled that the bail condition was unlawful and therefore null and void
But the police sensing that on the strength of the ruling Alamieseigha may return to Nigeria since he would have to retrieve his travel documents before the November 15 date, when the police had planned to formally charge him to court accosted him outside the premises of the Redbridge Magistrate court and rearrested him.
The police said he was rearrested based on fresh evidence , the only true ground on which such action could be taken.
Today's arraignment may therefore be a move in form of a holden charge which will enable the police secure a court order to detain the governor.
But a source close to Alamieseigha’s legal team told THISDAY that when the police rearrested the governor, they had no fresh evidence. '" It was while they took him to the station and kept him there that the police went again to conduct a fresh search in his home, in his absence. Nobody knew what they took away but they must have taken away some documents. Those documents are what they would say are their fresh evidence on which basis the governor's rearrest could be lawfully based" the source said.
"Why did they wait until today when the magistrate said they had no power to impose conditional bail before they are now claiming they have fresh evidence against him? The man has been reporting on a daily basis to the police station and they never raised the issue of fresh evidence. We will call this persecution, abuse of powers and trampling on the sovereignty of Nigeria by holding him. Surprisingly, the federal Government is assisting them in doing so," he added.
Alamieseigha was on September 15 arrested by officers from the Specialist and Economic Crime Unit of the London Metropolitan Police at London Heathrow on his way from Germany where he had gone for surgery. From the airport where he was arrested, he was led to his London home in Water Gardens W2 for a search which reportedly yielded the discovery of £1 million cash.
The governor claimed that his ordeal was masterminded by his detractors back home in Abuja. But the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr. Richard Grozney said the arrest was the fallout of a request two years ago by Nigeria seeking the assistance of the British Government in the war against money laundering.
" The police will let matters take their course in London. They (Alamieseighas supporters back home) can be assured that the governor is under no special persecution or anything like that. The Police investigation that led to his questioning was entirely routine and normal," he had said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of Bayelsa State Government, Mr Preye Wariowei, yesterday in Yenagoa stated that consular services have still not been extended to Alamieyeseigha in London as promised by President Olusegun Obasanjo when elders, traditional rulers and opinion leaders of the state led by Deputy Governor Goodluck Jonathan visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Wariowei stated that it was puzzling that the governor was yet to get the consular protection since the promise was made last Thursday in Abuja.
“Our thinking was that even if Chief Alamieyeseigha were to be an ordinary Nigerian citizen enmeshed in a crisis of this nature, he would still have been entitled to those services”, Wariowei who is acting chief press secretary to the governor stated.
He said that it was a slap on the sovereignty of Nigeria for the governor to be denied consular services, and deplored misleading reports on the governor’s travails in London.
“For over a week now, especially since September 15, 2005, we have been battling with a terrible crisis to the effect that the State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeigha, was unlawfully arrested by the London Metropolitan Police and interrogated on allegations of money laundering. He was released without charge the following day.
“Between then and now, so much of that illegality has been published by a cross section of the media with a bias which springs mainly from a lack of understanding of the issues involved in the whole saga and also from the misleading belief that the allegations upon which the governor was humiliated in London have been proven,” he stated.
He, however, commended the people of the state for their “show of solidarity even at this trying moment and the philosophical calmness with which they have swallowed this bitter pill”, while urging them to remain peaceful.
Obasanjo had at a meeting with a delegation of Bayelsa State directed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Britain, Dr. Christopher Kolade, to ensure that full consular services were provided for Alamieyeseigha in London and added that the governor remains innocent until it is proved otherwise.

Posted by Publisher at 02:03 PM | Comments (0)

Abacha Funds’ Repatriation Stalled; Swiss Govt: $178m in fixed assets

The Swiss Government may not be able to immediately repatriate about $178 million, being the balance of the $500 million stolen by the late military leader, General Sani Abacha, to Nigerian Government, Swiss Secretary of State, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Jean-Daniel Gerber has said.

From Ayodele Aminu in Washington D.C., United States, 09.27.2005

Switzerland had earlier released $290 million to Nigeria following a decision by the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland that the Abacha funds in some Swiss banks be repatriated to the Nigerian Government.
Speaking yesterday in Washington D.C. at a press conference on the Abacha funds, which also had in attendance Nigeria’s Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, Gerber said the balance of the Abacha funds were in fixed assets and needed to be converted to liquid assets before release to Nigeria.
“The funds are going to be released as soon as possible because they have to be converted from fixed to liquid assets. I cannot give a specific timeframe,” the Swiss Secretary of State said in response to a question at the briefing.
“Repatriating illegally acquired funds, such as the Abacha funds in the case of Nigeria, is an important tool in the fight against corruption and at the same time a significant potential source for developing financing,” Gerber added.
On her part Okonjo-Iweala said some administrative procedures still needed to be followed before the funds are released to Nigeria.
“It is purely an administrative procedure and requires no legal issues. It takes time to convert fixed assets to liquid assets. We (Nigerian Government) are currently working hard with the Swiss Government to ensure that the remaining $178 million will be returned as soon as possible,” she said.
She commended the Swiss Government, saying that by returning the funds, it has sent a message to corrupt government officials all over the world that there is no safe haven for stolen funds.
She assured that the funds would be judiciously used to boost education, social infrastructure, healthcare, reduce poverty and create wealth for Nigerians.
She reaffirmed that the Obasanjo administration was ready to fight corruption and has tried and jailed government officials found wanting in this regard.
“The return of this money is the result of years of hard work by the Nigerian Government. We appreciate the willingness of the Swiss to act on this issue. It is a first step.
“We are committed to ensuring that all funds stolen from Nigeria are returned and all potentially corrupt people are aware there are no more safe havens. I feel that this process has taken too much time and appeal to the international community to put in place mechanisms that would facilitate the fight against international corruption,” she said.
Wolfowitz commended Nigeria for its strong commitment to fight corruption and improve accountability and transparency, and the Swiss Government for making a significant contribution to the campaign against the misappropriation of public funds.
“The message is that there is no safe haven for looted funds or corrupt activities. We welcome the opportunity to play a supportive role as facilitator and adviser in a process that restores these assets to the Nigerian people and helps channel more resources to poverty reduction programmes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and the World Bank have agreed to proceed with a Public Expenditure Management and Financial Accountability Review (PEMFAR). This review, jointly conducted by Nigeria and the World Bank, aims to support the Government’s efforts at reforming and strengthening its expenditure system.

Posted by Publisher at 02:02 PM | Comments (0)

Oil Sector Gets N8.6 Trillion 3-Year Investment Plan; FG targets 10,000 new jobs

Nigeria yesterday laun-ched an aggressive investment drive for the petroleum sector, where it planned to spend $67.1 billion (N8.6 trillion) on oil and gas projects between now and 2008.

From Mike Oduniyi in Johannesburg, South Africa, 09.27.2005

The Federal Government said the investment plan carries the potential of creating over 10,000 new jobs in the sector.
Unfolding the government’s three-year investment strategy for the nation’s oil sector at the ongoing 18th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engineer Funsho Kupolokun, said oil exploration and production would gulp a total $34.4 billion while $32.7 billion would be spent on gas production, supply and distribution.
A further breakdown of the investment plan in Kupolokun’s presentation which attracted widespread commendation for its depth and graphical illustrations, showed that engineering design for oil and gas projects will gulp $500 million per year over the next three years, fabrication in the upstream sector ($8 billion), and procurement of materials ($25 billion).
According to the NNPC GMD, the objectives of the investment plan include maximizing oil and gas sector value to the national economy, improving the Nigerian capacity and content in the sector, growing the nation’s oil reserves and production capacity to 40 billion barrels and 4.5 million barrels per day (bpd), respectively, creating as much revenue from gas as oil within this decade, and transforming the nation’s energy sector from just an oil industry to an integrated oil and gas industry.
At present, Nigeria’s oil output is 2.4 million bpd while reserves totalled 35 billion barrels.
A significant increase in Nigeria’s oil production capacity, according to Kupolokun, is key for global energy stability, adding that the steady growth in the country’s oil reserves and production capacity, is an indication of Nigeria’s prospectivity.
He said the gas sector was also evolving rapidly, with the demand for the commodity projected to record the fastest growth in the world from present 1.5 billion cubic feet per day to 25 billion cubic feet in 2025.
The government is keen to having the energy initiative contributed to doubling the GDP over the next 10 years, he said.
“A lot of the spending will be in the upstream, some in the downstream, some in the gas sector,” said Kupolokun, adding however, that a greater percentage of the funding for the projects would come from the private sector.
He said that Nigeria offers attractive opportunity for investment to fill refined products gap both at the domestic level, (totaling some 300,000 bpd) as well as in the West African sub-region and other markets totaling another 300,000 bpd.
“We put in a number of initiatives to provide enabling environment for these opportunities. The fiscal system is simple, straight forward, progressive and creates a level playing field.
“There is stability of agreements. Even during the military years, agreements were stable in Nigeria. Now under the current dispensation they can only be better,” he said.
The NNPC, he added, has already begun a massive multi-faceted transformation to enable it respond more effectively to the challenges associated with the expected growth in oil industry.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after Kupolokun’s presentation, Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu said the Federal Government was already planning a major restructuring of the nation’s oil sector, with the aim of creating a strong and virile regulatory agency to back the investment drive.
Mantu said the National Assembly was prepared to provide legislative backing to every policy initiated in this regard.
“We have never really had any problem in giving them legislative backing because nobody will invest in an environment where he is not sure of law protecting his investment,” said Mantu.
The proposed regulatory body for the oil sector, he added, would take the form of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which had helped in revolutionalising the communications sector by creating a level playing field for public and private sector operators.

Posted by Publisher at 02:01 PM | Comments (0)

Kwara Govt, Lawal Trade Blame

Three days into the crisis that has, according to official sources, claimed, three lives in Ilorin over chieftaincy disputes, the Kwara State Government and former governor of the state, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, yesterday traded accusations on causes of the disturbance.

From Tunde Sanni in Ilorin and Ndubuisi Ugah in Lagos, 09.27.2005

Lawal at a press conference accused Dr. Olusola Saraki and the incumbent governor, Bukola Saraki of masterminding the deposition of some kingmakers by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari, a development which allegedly caused the violent clashes. Lawal's family house and his campaign office in Ilorin were on Monday torched.
The State Government, however, blamed Lawal for trying to return the state to violence and disorder, the hallmark of his administration.
Lawal said the governor and his father instigated the Emir to depose the kingmakers so that they can replace them with their own candidates.
"Surprisingly and interestingly, it is not the Afonja house that is causing this riot, I want to make it very abundantly clear that it is from the palace and adequately aided and abated by the government of Kwara State. After turbanning who he wanted to turban, he wanted to come and parade the person in front of the Afonja family and they were bringing him home, literally. The people would refuse and therefore, there was commotion between the people that were bringing him and the members of the Afonja family. I think we lost about three to five people", he said.
While accusing the State government of pursuing a personal vendetta mission, the former governor said the action of the governor has factionalized the State and created unnecessary tensions.
According to him, "someone phoned me that Bukola went to my family home to go and see the havoc. Let me tell you the truth, about five months ago, I lost my dear father, Bukola has not said anything to me, he has not sent any emissaries to me till now. About three weeks ago, my mother passed away, we went through the same process, he didn't talk to me, he didn't say anything to the family, he didn't send any emissaries to me. After the havoc, what is he looking for in my father's house? I am not impressed by his visit to my family house, if not for the fact that I am a man of peace, it would have been a great mayhem as a result of his visit to my family house if not for the control I have on my family. I want the whole world to know that it was just a political gimmick, it was only a press show otherwise what did he go there to do?," Lawal maintained.
On the Emir of Ilorin, Lawal said Gambari has always remained a royal father he respected but was however, surprised at the turn of event.
"There is no need to fight. I love peace and I am a lover of peace. The Emir should know that we are all under him as our father and should be able to reflect on the causes of the crisis that have plagued the State. He is the 11th Emir and should know that there has been 10 other Emirs before him", he added.
Lawal said he was instrumental to Gambari's selection as the Emir of Ilorin, and that this was made possible due to the Emir's long time relationship with him, especially during his days at the Appeal Court in Ibadan.
"When the stool of the Emir became vacant, I was one of the people that saw him to the throne. But today it is a different story. I am surprised that one of those loittering around with him today was even against his being selected as the Emir but today, that person is his friend.
"The vacant seat of the Mogaji Aare of Ilorin which was last occupied by my late father is what they are after. In the procedure, we have one Mogaji Aare and one Baba Isale and they were both from the lineage and descendant of the great Afonja; and whenever each one is vacant, the other becomes the chairman of the selection committee of the king makers. We created our own Mogaji Aare and Baba Isale and they are taken to the palace for the Emir to turban; so this is the procedure.
He accused Governor Saraki of allowing politics to take undue position over governance.
"He should leave 2007 politics out of this whole thing. There is no point creating tension when there is no need for that," he said.
In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bisi Abodoye, the government stated that since the inception of the Saraki administration in 2003, the violent crimes and disorder that was the hallmark of Lawal’s administration had given way to peace and order, "and Kwara State has reclaimed its status as the state of peace and harmony."
The government said it was preposterous for anyone to suggest or insinuate that the state government would instigate, foment or participate in a situation that would breach the peace and distract the attention of the government in its efforts to transform the economy of the state and empower its people.
"We want to assure all Kwarans and friends of the state that the competent authorities have contained the unfortunate attempt by a few unscrupulous persons to re-introduce chaos into the state of harmony and disrupt the good governance for which Kwara State has now come to be known," it stated.
Meanwhile, the police have deployed men to screen people entrying into Ilorin from all entry points. Also, the police command has vowed to deal with any perceived sponsor of the crisis.
THISDAY checks at the entry points indicated that mobile policemen are now guarding such entrances as Lasoju along Ilorin/Ogbomosho federal highway and Omupo/Koko end of Offa/Omu-Aran federal highway,
It was gathered that the decision to guard the points might not be unconnected with the reported threat of invasion of Ilorin by members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC)s to avenge the police attack on Idi-Ape, a Yoruba settlement area in Ilorin.
Adetachment of anti-riot police have been noticed along the highways since the crisis broke out on Sunday.
The effect of the crisis on the state capital was still very obvious yesterday as THISDAY's visit to the crisis areas revealed burnt shops and houses as well as spent pellets.
Though normalcy appeared to have been restored, but the police said they would not withdraw their men because they were not sure the perpetrators of violence would not resume their trade.
Residents still moved around with raised hands but were disallowed from going through the troubled area of Idi-Ape with an armoured tank stationed in front of the Oja branch of the Trade Bank while a van conveying mobile policemen was seen moving round the area for security purposes.
Some other residents were still holed in their houses with the mobile policemen warning them not to show their faces outside their houses for fear of any eventuality.
The spokesman of the Kwara state police command, Marcus Gideon, a Deputy Suprintendent said yesterday it had beefed up security on all entry points to the state following a recent statement allegedly made by leader of the OPC to intervene in the Ilorin crisis.
It also vowed to arrest anybody indicted in the investigation into the three days of violence in the state capital.
"Yes we have increased surveillance at all entry points due to the threat from Gani Adams. There is a threat by the OPC leader that they would invade the state. We want to check every vehicle because we don’t know who is our friend or who is carrying arms,” he said.
"The people have turned against us. They are against us because they misunderstood the mission of the police in the area. They should have enlightened their people about our mission at that place such that the people would not turn against our men," he said.
Security around the newly appointed kingmakers has also been beefed up to forestall any untoward incident as the police warned stakeholders in the dispute against making statements that could compound efforts by security agencies to restore peace in the affected area.
The police spokesman told THISDAY that the people had turned against the police in the course of the conflict because they completely misunderstood the command’s mission in the area.
He denied that the police were responsible for the arson witnessed in the area pointing out that the command invited fire fighters to come and douse the inferno in the area.
The development came against the backdrop of speculations that the Emir had been invited by the Presidency.
Principal Secretary to the Emir, Alhaji Sani Ade Lawal however dismissed the speculation as he told newsmen that he had just come out of a conference with the royal father.
A news bulletin on the local Radio Kwara, had reported last weekend that the Emir had claimed that the deposed kingmakers were relieved of their positions for an alleged act of disloyalty, character assassination and rank insubordination against him.
The deposed traditional kingmakers included Alhaji AbdulKareem Laaro Buhari (Balogun Gambari), Alhaji Shuaib Adio Mahmud, (Balogun Alanamu) and Alhaji Saka Alesinloye, (Baba Isale). They are the surviving kingmakers out of the six that ratified the choice of Gambari as Emir in 1995. The other three are the Balogun Ajikobi, Alhaji Sulaiman Tukur, Balogun Fulani, Alhaji Oba Fulani and the initial Mogaji Are, Alhaji Ibrahim Zubair.
In a move aimed at forestalling any legal tussle over his action, Gambari immediately announced replacements for the deposed chiefs.
The replacements are: Alhaji Mahmood Durisinlorun Atiku, (Balogun Fulani), Alhaji Usman Baba Olobi, (Balogun Ajikobi), Alhaji Muhammad Aliyu Adebayo, Balogun Gambari and Alhaji Abubakar Akanbi Jos, (Balogun Alanamu). In the same vein, Gambari announced Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Zubair as the Mogaji Are in replacement of Alhaji Busari Alabi Alasa, who passed on a fortnight ago.

Posted by Publisher at 02:00 PM | Comments (0)

Assembly Removes Ekiti Deputy Gov

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mr. Abiodun Aluko yesterday lost his seat as number two citizen of the state following his impeachment by members of the State House of Assembly who voted overwhemingly in support of his removal.

From Dipo Okunmuyide in Ado-Ekiti, 09.27.2005

At the sitting of the House which began at 4.25 p.m. yesterday, the majority leader, Hounourable Kayode Babade moved the motion for the adoption of item 2 in the rules of proceedings which dealt with the report of the judicial panel set up to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the Deputy Governor and called on the Acting Clerk to circulate copies of the report to members.
After the report was circulated, the Speaker of the House, Honourable Friday Aderemi called for the constitution of the executive section to debate and study the report and asked observers at the gallery and journalists to stay outside the chambers for the period the deliberation would last.
The pressmen were recalled into the chambers after 20 minutes after which the Majority leader of the House, Honourable Kayode Babade again moved for the impeachment of the Deputy Governor, saying the report of the panel indicted and found him guilty of the 16 allegations raised against him by the lawmakers
The Speaker eventually called for vote on the matter with 22 members voting in favour of the motion, 2 against, 1 member absent and the Speaker who is the 26th member abstaining from voting.
At the end of voting, the Speaker pronounced the Deputy Governor removed from office with immediate effec.He said Aluko was guilty of the 16 allegations levelled against him and stands removed as the state's Deputy Governor in accordance with section 188 sub section 9 of 1999 constitution.
Aderemi said members of the House collectively and individually have tried at various occassions to call Aluko to order and told him the need to be loyal to his boss, saying it is sad that all efforts in this direction were to no avail.
He recalled that the act of disloyality started as a mustard seed during the period that the Alliance for Democracy [AD] took the governor to the election petition tribunal to contest his educational qualification when Aluko started mobilising people with view to take over as governor if his boss eventually lost the case.
The Speaker also accused Aluko of clashing with party leaders at his home town, Ikere-Ekiti on several occassions, saying he has equally been guilty of circulating confidential documents to the press and the opposition.
Meanwhile, the PDP in Ikere-Ekiti local government has suspended the former deputy governor.

Posted by Publisher at 02:00 PM | Comments (0)

Nigeria ‘ll Be Japan of Africa – Ashimolowo

Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, founder and senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) London, declared in Lagos yesterday that the current economic travails of Nigeria would be overcome and the country would assume the position Japan currently enjoys in Asia in the African continent.

By Godwin Haruna, 09.27.2005

Ashimolowo added that Nigerians bent on seeking greener pastures abroad would have to return when the country picks up economically in the not too distant future.
Speaking at the annual public lecture of Adeleke Adejobi Foundation at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs on the theme: "Christianity Within the Contemporary World System: What Prospect?", he said Nigeria has no business with poverty considering the abundance of human and natural resources.
According to him, a leader is a person who creates a path for the current generation to follow adding: "It will be a person who puts the needs of others above their own. A leader is a person others naturally want to follow".
The fiery pastor noted that those who tend to present themselves as leaders were often a distant image away from those they lead.
"It becomes a case of the poor versus the prosperous, the desperate and the angry versus the complacent and comfortable", Ashimolowo stressed.
He said another challenge black leadership poses is that oftentimes, the people who elect themselves as leaders hold views that are illiberal, non-accommodating and very narrow.
He declared that the message of Christianity today has relevance to all facets of an individual or a nation's life.
"Christianity has prospects because it is the only basis for sanity in our world today. Were it to be withdrawn from the world, there is nothing which calls for the degree of morality, ethics, integrity and accountability which it demands. To be without Christianity is to create a world without values", he concluded.
In his welcome address, Reverend Olu Ayeni, secretary of the Foundation noted that it was established to promote democracy, freedom, human rights, justice and the rule of law in a non-partisan approach.
He said besides the lecture, so many programmes aimed at promoting ecumenism have been lined up for the annual remembrance of the late Dr. Emmanuel Adeleke Adejobi, who was the second primate of the Church of the Lord (Aladura) Worldwide.

Posted by Publisher at 01:59 PM | Comments (0)

$242m Scam: Nwude Told Me to Lie – Indian Witness

An Indian prosecution witness, Mr. Naresh Asnani, yesterday told an Ikeja High Court judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, how Chief Emmanuel Nwude, currently standing trial in an advance fee fraud scam involving $242million, urged him to deny ever meeting or having anything to do with him (Nwude) in the fraud matter when the witness (who helped accused person launder $127m) accosted him after discovering he had been used to perform money laundering acts.

By Abimbola Akosile, 09.27.2005

Asnani, crown witness in the newly resumed trial (after being stalled for11 months) revealed that Nwude's Switzerland-based counsel sent him (witness) an e-mail which contained an affidavit to be signed by accused person, wherein Nwude was to acknowledge that he never met the prosecution witness, or ever knew him. "He informed me that I should inform my lawyer or anyone else that I did not know Chief Emmanuel Nwude and that I only know Chief I.K. Anajemba since he was no longer alive. Chief Emmanuel said, "dead men do not speak".
Accused persons include Chief Emmanuel Nwude (a.k.a Paul Ogwuma Odinigwe) 1st accused, Mr. Nzeribe Edeh Okoli (3rd accused), Emrus (Nig.) Ltd., Ocean Marketing Co. (Nig.) Ltd. and African Shelter Bureau (Nig.) Ltd. (5th-7th accused). However, both Amaka Anajemba (Mrs.) and Fynbaz (Nig.) Limited (2nd & 4th accused respectively), initially charged alongside above suspects, pleaded guilty to a fresh 4-count charge on July 15, and were subsequently sentenced to prison terms and fines, with their names deleted from an amended information filed by the prosecutor, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In an emotion-laden voice, Asnani, who concluded his evidence-in-chief yesterday (after 13 hours marathon testimony in 3 days), told court that Nwude frequently used his (Asnani's) phone at his home in Victoria Island to make calls to Brazil, a process which spanned June 1996 to May 1997. He added that though he only had one involvement with late Chief Ikechukwu Anajemba (Nwude's alleged previous partner in the fraud) when he paid him N47million out of the converted first $1million paid into his account at Uco Bank, Hong Kong in 1995, he never met or heard of Edeh-Okoli, 3rd (now 2nd) accused person in the matter.

"The only time I knew Chief I.K. Anajemba was when I wrote cheque in his favour, and the other time was when I saw his obituary in the newspaper (Anajemba, 36 years old husband of Amaka, died in 1998 while returning from his village Achi in Oji Local Government Area of Enugu State, after he was waylaid and shot by assassins). I have never met or heard about Mr. Edeh-Okoli".
On his reaction after learning about the fraud, he said, "I contacted Chief Emmanuel (Nwude) when I learnt my account has been used for fraud. He told me that he could not understand what was happening and that he was not aware of anything. A few months later, I received an e-mail from his lawyer in Switzerland and it was in form of an affidavit with a clause that he (Nwude) did not know Naresh Asnani. I printed the e-mail and rushed to his house at Osborne Road and asked him, how could he swear an affidavit denying me". He went on to relate the above incident.
The witness, who concluded his evidence-in-chief around 3.00pm, was scheduled to be cross-examined by defence counsel in the matter, led by Chief Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana. However, continuation of trial was adjourned by trial judge, Justice Oyewole, till Friday, September 30, for cross-examination of Asnani.
First arraigned in Abuja on February 4th, 2004, accused persons, were alleged to have defrauded a Brazilian banker, Mr. Nelson Sakaguchi of a sum of $242million over a three-year period, from April 2, 1995 to January 20, 1998 at Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos State, contrary to Sections 1(1)(a) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 1995 as amended by Act 62 of 1998.
Obtained amount was said to represent payment due to the Federal Government on the alleged contract No. FMA/132/019/82 for the construction of Abuja International Airport, Nigeria. Penalties for each of the counts range between seven and ten years. The accused persons are facing an amended 91 count charge.

Posted by Publisher at 01:59 PM | Comments (0)

Dokubo: N/Delta Youths Appeal for Calm

Coalition of Niger Delta Youths under the aegis of the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups has appealed to President Olusegun Obasanjo through Governor Rivers State, Peter Odili to intervene and ensure that the detained leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteers Force, Alhaji Asari Dokubo was released from Police detention.

From Chuks Okocha in Port Harcourt, 09.27.2005

Also, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has appealed to the federal government to ensure that adequate infrastructural developments are provided within the Niger Delta areas as a bid to curb youth’s restiveness.
In a statement signed by the Niger Delta Youths by the following groups; Famous Daunemigha for the Ijaw Youth Federation, Engema Jumbo for Bayelsa Youths for Good Government, Sgt. Weri Digifa for the Supreme Egbesu Assembly, Dr. Emma Otiari for the Consolidated Youths of Rivers State, Barrister Edward Cobhan for the Niger Delta Peace Project, Calabar, Ms. Ednah Otomewo for the Niger Delta Women Assembly, M.D. Ago for the South South Youths Assembly, and MCJ Opu for the Old Rivers Youths, they said that they are appealing to the governor to intervene by ensuring that Asari is released from detention.
According to the statement, the Niger Delta Youths also denounced violence saying
“We the Niger Delta Youths strongly condemn all sorts of violence as it is does not bring any form of development, rather it destroys our God given rich environment”, and appealed to President Olusegun Obasanjo to ensure the release of Asari.
“This appeal is a product of the resolution reached at an emergency delegate conclave of responsible, law abiding and peace loving Niger Delta Youths. The assembly of course cuts across the plethora of ethnic, social and cultural persuasions particularly in the Niger Delta States of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Edo states.” The Niger Delta Youths said in their statement.
The youths who said that they recognized the importance of peace, hence the need to under take the part of peace and dialogue for the resolution of the Niger Delta crisis and subsequent release of Asari.
Accordingly, the Niger Delta Youths said “We implore you our President to intervene in the issue of the alleged charges and incarceration of Alhaji Asari Dokubo. This appeal which we are routing to you through the Rivers State Governor who is your dear son is borne out of the fact that we know that our Governor does not show insensitivity to the unfortunate plights of his subjects.”
As part of their plea, the youths assured all foreign nationals, their investments, property would be protected, as no violence would be visited on them.
In the same manner, the President of MOSOP, Ledum Mitee in a reaction to the arrest of Asari called on government to ensure that there is adequate infrastructural development in the Niger Delta areas, as that would be a panacea towards peace in the zone.
“The security response we have seen in the last week, including the arrest of Asari Dokubo cannot form a stand alone solution to the situation in the Niger Delta. In fact, if the frustration in the Niger Delta are not addressed this takes us onto the road to disaster where people perceive that the government is only interested in eliminating focal points of resistance.” The MOSOP President stated.
Accordingly, the MOSOP President called on the people of the zone “to avoid being stampeded into crisis which appears designed only to benefit those who gain from welfare. There are myriads of opportunities from non violent resistence and civil disobedience which we urge people to consider before stepping down a very difficult path about which we have been warning for years.”
Also, the MOSOP President called on government and the international community to recognize that much of last year was wasted by lack of commitment to peace building and addressing the concerns of people across the Niger Delta.
Ledum Metee therefore called on the major beneficiary of the oil from the Niger Delta to show that they have a radical commitment for the improvement of the lives and welfare of the residents of the zone.

Posted by Publisher at 01:58 PM | Comments (0)

Ehindero Takes Over Pipeline Vandals' Prosecution

Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero has decried the involvement of some men and officers of the police in the vandalisation of oil pipelines and said henceforth, prosecution of pipeline vandals would be initiated from his office.

From Funmi Peter-Omale and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 09.27.2005

This came against the background of the arrest of four suspects arrested early yesterday morning in Lagos for vandalisation of oil pipelines. According to the IG, policemen were among the ones arrested but said they would be paraded today at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In the last few weeks, men and officers have been indicted in a number of criminal activities that ranged from extra judicial killing to robbery and sexual abuse/misconduct.
But at the inauguration yesterday, Ehindero said the former task force was disbanded for ineffectiveness, unprofessional conduct and outright connivance with vandals in the perpetration of the crime which they were supposed to prevent.
“It was alleged that some members of the erstwhile task force became too familiar with the communities and rather than prevent vandals from tampering with the pipelines, they even provided cover for the pipeline vandals.
“Let me remind you that the advent of information technology has enabled us to have access to information more than ever before. Early this morning, I received a phone call that there was vandalisation of some pipelines in Lagos. I directed the commissioner of police to get the culprits arrested and four of them were arrested. Unfortunately, some of them included our men. I have directed that their baron should be arrested.”
According to him, the ineffectiveness and unprofessional conduct of the members of former task Ffrce not only emboldened criminals, but led to colossal loss of revenue to government.
“Let me remind you that vandalisation is an economic crime. The consequence of vandalisation is life imprisonment. Any person or persons caught aiding or abetting the commission of the crime will be charged along as an accomplice. Hence forth, we will do everything we can to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects.

Infact, prosecution will be inititiated from this headquarters. It is possible within two weeks to get the exhibits and get the suspect here and they will be charged to court.”
He noted that He sounded a note of warning to the 557 Task Force saying there was no spirit de corps in vandalisation, stressing that they should carry out their duties without fear or favour even as he called on them to report any member of the team suspected to be involved in vandalisation.
Acting Managing Director Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Engr. Martins Oti commended the show of patriotism exhibited by the Nigeria Police in its determination ton wipe our incidence of pipeline vandalisation in the country.
He said the activities of the vandals was costing Nigeria a huge amount of money.
“What is destroyed by these vandals is costing FG billions of naira to replace” he said.
While expressing the readiness of PPMC to work with the police task force, Oti said the organisation would not hesitate to report cases of connivance by any of the officers to the IG for discipline.”

Posted by Publisher at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)

Govt Houses: FG May Evict Occupants

Federal Government may consider forced evacuation of occupants of property it sold if the present occupants continued to be recalciltrant.

From Andy Ekugo in Abuja, 09.27.2005

The government yesterday reiterated its resolve to evacuate occupants of its sold high rise buildings in Lagos and warned that those who were still recalcitrant would have their selves to blame.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko told newsmen in his office yesterday that the deadline for total evacuation was till September 30 and insisted that occupants had been informed and that it would be foolhardy for anyone to take the decision lightly.
Mimiko said despite attempts to help the residents have a seamless relocation, some had put in place resistance to vacate the premises and insisted on being given the right of first refusal.
These offers which had been communicated to the occupants at various meetings as well as their representatives, included locating other houses in Lagos and Abuja in order to relocate.
These included the Abesan 1, built by FHA; Odo-Nla Estate Ikorodu and Isheri North Estate built by LSDPC. Those in Abuja were Efab City Estate, Mbora as well as Shelter Concepts all built by public private partnership (PPP).
In addition to this, Mimiko said he had arranged with “Union Homes Savings and Loans Limited, accelerated packages for 100 percent mortgages for the legal residents of these high rise properties at the statutory rate of interest under the National Housing Fund Scheme” and also instructed the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to guarantee the loans created in the course of the exercise.
The two mortgage banks he assured had worked to cushion the effect of the relocation of the 677 out of 747 occupants who were legal tenants of the houses.
The loans accruable for this exercise Mimiko said, was N5 million but in any case where any of the occupants was not satisfied with the houses identified for them, such occupants were free to make a choice themselves w hile he instructedt he Union Homes to accommodate them by offering loans more than N5 million.
In addition, residents who do not wish to buy a house are to receive a grant of N250,000 from the buyers.
He decried that despite a meeting of September 8, with the executive committee of the various high rises and another meeting with residents on September 17, some people were still reluctant to move and wished that the federal government would have a rethought that they hoped to gain through blackmail.
He said that there was no going back from the sales, as the companies that bought the buildings had already paid for their properties. These were the 1004 Housing Estate sold to UAC Properties Limited for N7 billion, Mulinner Road Towers sold to Union Homes Savings and Loans Ltd for N600 million, Awolowo Road Towers Ikoyi sold to Union Homes also at a cost of N520 million, Alagbon Towers Ikoyi sold to Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund for N1.2billion and Eric Moore Towers sold to Dock Management Ltd for N570
million. However, Blocks D and E Reeve Road Towers Ikoyi, Legico Towers Victoria Island and Bar Beach Towers have been reserved for military use.

Posted by Publisher at 01:48 PM | Comments (0)

Nigeria regains more Abacha cash

Nigeria says it has recovered $458m (£257m) found in Swiss bank accounts linked to the country's late military ruler Sani Abacha.

Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz and senior Swiss officials broke the news on Tuesday.

So far, $290m has been returned and the remainder is set to follow.

Mr Abacha was in power from 1993 to 1998 and is thought to have embezzled billions of dollars.

"We appreciate the willingness of the Swiss government to act on this issue," said Mrs Okanjo-Iweala.

"It is just a first step. We are committed to ensuring that all the funds stolen from Nigeria are returned."

Slow process

Once the payments are made, Switzerland will have returned all the money linked to Mr Abacha that has been found in its banks.

Following Mr Abacha's death in 1998, Nigeria started trying to claw back money that had been deposited outside the country.

Nigeria says it is still searching for funds he may have sent to other countries, but has not named them.

As well as Switzerland, money has been found in the UK, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Austria.

But it has not been a quick process. Although Swiss authorities froze the funds in 1999, they refused to return them until they were given guarantees about how the money would be used.

Posted by Publisher at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)

Ivory Coast's leader snubs summit

Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo will not go to a regional summit on Ivory Coast to be held in Nigeria on Friday.

By James Copnall
BBC News, Abidjan

The talks are a fresh attempt to find a solution to the three-year old Ivorian crisis but South Africa's role as the mediator is coming under scrutiny.

South Africa says Mr Gbagbo has done everything asked of him, in contrast to the armed and unarmed opposition.

The New Forces rebels, who seized the north of the country in September 2002, are refusing to work with South Africa.

Row

Mr Gbagbo's spokesman did not explain why Mr Gbagbo would not show his face in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, but the reasons are not hard to guess.

The summit has been called, on the wishes of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and it is possible that South Africa, the current mediator, will be asked to withdraw from the role, or at least take a back seat.

The Ivorian head of state has - unsurprisingly - expressed his full support for President Thabo Mbeki's mediation.

He also said last week that he would reject any mediation in Ivory Coast's problems by the West African regional body, Ecowas.

Mr Gbagbo accused Ecowas countries of interfering in the Ivorian crisis.

This was a reference to Mali and Burkina Faso, who the presidential camp accuses of supporting the New Forces rebels.

If Ecowas takes a more active role in mediating in Ivory Coast, it is likely to be to Mr Gbagbo's disadvantage.

It remains to be seen if Mr Gbagbo will also boycott the African Union security council meeting on Ivory Coast, which will be held on 6 October.

Another unknown is the effect Mr Gbagbo's no-show will have on the way he is viewed in the sub-region.

Back in Ivory Coast, Mr Gbagbo's image has been poor in the eyes of many, starting with the opposition.

On Monday, the opposition Le Patriote newspaper printed an unflattering photo of him with his tongue hanging out.

The National Press Council reacted by condemning this photo, which lacked respect according to the regulatory body.

The National Press Council also banned any future photos of Mr Gbagbo - or other prominent personalities - which show them in an unflattering light.

Posted by Publisher at 01:46 PM | Comments (0)

September 27, 2005

Nigeria acts on police sex abuse

Eleven Nigerian policemen, including a senior officer, have been suspended after they were accused of sexual abuse in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The entire unit of 120 officers was sent home from its peacekeeping mission earlier this month.

Nigeria's police chief said the punishment would serve as an example to other police officers.

The UN mission in DR Congo has been hit by repeated accusations of sexual abuse against local girls and women.

As a result, a new code of conduct was introduced for the peacekeepers, which banned any sexual relations with Congolese women.

"Investigations so far conducted have established corroborated cases against 11 officers, including your commander who breached the UN Code of Conduct," said Nigerian police chief Sunday Ehindero.

"You all have brought shame to this country," he said in a speech to the entire unit.

Explaining the decision to pull out the whole group two weeks ago, Nigerian police spokesman Haz Iwendi said: "When one is contaminated, the whole bunch is contaminated."

The UN mission in DR Congo is the world's largest peacekeeping operation with some 19,000 staff trying to shore up a fragile peace deal.

Implementing a peace deal since the end of a five-year civil war, in which an estimated three million people were killed, has proved difficult.

Posted by Publisher at 11:32 AM | Comments (0)

Uwais drops Pinheiro from list of new SANs

SUPREME Court yesterday may have dropped Mr. Oluwakemi Adekunle Pinheiro from the list of 15 lawyers conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

MALACHY UZENDU, Abuja

Pinheiro was appointed Receiver/Manager of MOBITEL Limited, a telecommunications company, and was at the firm to effect the take over when the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Charles Alaba Joseph, was found dead.

The lawyer, who would have been conferred with the highest professional honour in the legal profession, had his name struck off a list of 15 already approved for the elevation.

Though Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammadu Uwais did not state categorically why he dropped Pinheiro from the list, a source close to his office said controversy over Joseph’s death stopped Pinheiro’s elevation.

However, Justice Uwais, while swearing-in the new silks, explained that "this year, 150 legal practitioners and academics applied for the rank of SAN, of those, 82, who are legal practitioners, met the basic criteria for conferment. 24 others applied as academics.

"The other criteria they met is based on their appearances and performances in court. Comments by the Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal; the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Chief Judges of the state and other high courts on the character of each of the qualified applicants.

Posted by Publisher at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)

Protests rock distribution of PDP membership cards; Senate President, governor, others storm party office

PROTESTS once again greeted the distribution of registration cards by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday.

From John-Abba Ogbodo (Abuja), Simeon Nwakandu (Makurdi) and Isa Abdusalami (Jos)

Aggrieved members in thousands stormed the Wadata Plaza, Abuja national headquarters of the party, to lodge their complaints and protests.

Those at the national headquarters included Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Governor Sam Egwu of Ebonyi; former Sports Minister, Damashi Sango and former Aviation Minister, Isa Yuguda

They were there to protest the manner the cards were being distributed.

Scores of lawmakers from the National Assembly were also at the office of the national chairman of the party, Ahmadu Ali, to register their grievances over alleged marginalisation in the cards' distribution.

The first group that came to the PDP secretariat was the Bauchi State contingent numbering over 500. It was led by the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mustapha Ahmed.

Their arrival at the secretariat at about 11.00 a.m. coincided with that of Yuguda who is also from the state. The group carried placards alleging the hijacking of the registration exercise by the state governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu.

Ahmed said despite that the cards arrived in the state last week, most party members and especially the state executive members, were yet to know anything about the registration exercise.

He alleged that "the governor has hijacked the cards and threatened to dissolve the state executive and bring on board only those who were willing to do his bidding."

The former Aviation Minister and some members of the National Assembly from the state held talks with the national chairman and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) behind closed-doors.

Governor Egwu also led a delegation from his state to the secretariat at about 4.18 p.m. He met with the party's leadership.

Sources told The Guardian that at the meeting, he complained that even as a governor on the platform of the party, he did not know anything about the movement of the cards in his state.

Shortly after the governor left, Senate President Nnamani came to lay a similar complaint that the cards had been hijacked in Enugu.

As at press time last night, the Senate President was still meeting with the leadership of the party over the matter.

Mrs. Iyabo Anisulowo, a Senator from Ogun State, similarly complained that many members were being marginalised in her state. The Senator told reporters: "I am also affected."

Two members of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Abdul Oroh and Abubakar Momoh, also presented a written petition to the national chairman.

The petition, also signed by the 15 members of the Edo State House of Assembly, said that they had expected that the cards would be delivered to chairmen of the party in the local councils but "unfortunately, this is not to be in all the local government areas of Edo North Senatorial district.

In the zone, they added, the materials were given to loyalists of a prominent national officer of the party, whom they said went ahead to exclude all other party members adjudged not to be loyal to him.

Apparently due to the pressure mounted on him yesterday, the PDP national chairman made himself inaccessible to some of the protesters.

A meeting was scheduled for the Conference Hall of the secretariat with the party's links-men in the card project, but Ali after entering the hall at about 4.30 p.m., saw the crowd at the gate and quickly changed the venue.

The protest started last week when a group supporting the presidential ambition of Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007 alleged that his supporters were being schemed out.

The group, Turaki Vanguard led by Nasir Ngala (co-ordinator) and Lanre Tayemi (secretary), urged all the supporters of Atiku nation-wide to embark on harmonisation process with a view to forming a new political organisation that can accommodate them.

The national Publicity Secretary of the party, John Odey, admitted that there was a barrage of complaints but assured that the crisis management committee set up by the NWC would adequately address all of them.

"There were complaints but I can assure you that they would be adequately addressed. We are about addressing the links men who would go to the states tomorrow (today) and I can assure you that all would be treated well," he said.

Crisis has also broken out in the Benue State chapter of the PDP over the distribution of its new membership cards.

The Plateau State PDP yesterday also criticised the distribution of the cards.

Briefing journalists in his office, the state secretary of the PDP, Dr. Samuel Ortom, alleged that the Managing Director of Lower Benue River Basin Authority (LBRBA), Bisibi Ati, had hijacked the registration materials in the state.

He said that the hijack of the registration materials for Benue State by Ati was meant to exclude certain principal members of the state from the registration.

Ortom disclosed that the failure to access the registration materials forced the party secretariat to start registration of eligible party members in exercise books.

According to Ortom, the state police commissioner had to be involved before Ati released the registration materials to the police state command for safekeeping.

When The Guardian visited the Benue State police command, the bus bearing the PDP registration materials was sighted.

The bus belonging to Shallom Express had XB478 MKD as its registration number and bore several cartons or registration materials.

Contacted, Ati denied hijacking the registration materials of PDP. He said that he only assisted the Benue PDP registration officer, Mr. Victor Kpande, to transport the said materials from Abuja to Makurdi.

Ati further declared that he personally involved the Benue State police command to ensure that the materials did not get into wrong hands, as the PDP secretary, Dr. Samuel Ortom, become very restless and wanted the materials in his custody.

Posted by Publisher at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)

OPC, Police clash in Ilorin ・Two more killed, 10 arrested ・Lawal's houses burnt

Two more people were feared killed on Monday in Idi-Ape area of Ilorin, Kwara State, following a clash between suspected members of the Oodua Peoples Congress and the Nigeria Police.

Doyin Adebusuyi, Ilorin

Two houses belonging to a former governor of the state, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, and a part of a house owned by his father, the late Mogaji Are of Ilorin, Alhaji Busari Alabi Alasa, were also burnt in the renewed violence, which started around 4.30am.

The affected houses are located in Idi-Ape and Amule quarters in Ilorin.

Attempts to torch the courtyard of Magaji Are were resisted by Afonja descendants.

But the mayhem left the always bustling Oja-Oba market deserted.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Mr. Markus Gideon, confirmed the death of one person. The other, whose identity could not be ascertained as at press time, was said to have died during a cross-fire.

Gideon, who claimed that dangerous weapons and charms were recovered from one of the victims, also said that only a part of the house belonging to Lawal痴 father was burnt.

He said, 典he problem we have now is that these people regrouped and attacked our men. After the attack of yesterday (Sunday), they regrouped and by 4.30am today (Monday), they attacked our men again but no casualty.

典his morning by 5am, they came calling with OPC inscription, ammunition, bulletproof, and hand bags containing charms to attack our men, but we responded and as God would have it, we were able to kill one of them and we recovered some dangerous weapons from him.・

The PPRO said that 10 people arrested on Sunday in connection with the crisis were helping the police in their investigations.

Gideon said two people, including a riot policeman, Corporal Obatayo Obatoke, were killed on Sunday

It was gathered on Monday that there was sporadic shooting on Sunday night between the police drafted to the area and the suspected OPC members.

Riot policemen patrolling the major streets around 11.30am on Monday prevented people from going beyond the junction leading to Idi-Ape.

They thoroughly searched the people and made them raise their hands before allowing them in and out of the area.

Shops, markets and filling-stations remained closed.

Bonfires were still smoking when our correspondent visited the area on Monday.

A source told our correspondent on phone that, 鍍hey (residents of Idi Ape area) were surrounded by the police; nobody can venture out.・

It was also gathered that supporters of the deposed chiefs disallowed the new Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Mohammed Adebayo, and Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Abubakar Akanbi, from entering their palaces.

The state Chairman of the OPC, Mr. Bayo Ifabiyi, denied that the police killed one of his men.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, Ifabiyi said the OPC was not involved in the crisis.

哲obody should drag the OPC into this crisis,・he said, adding that the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, should take the blame.

The OPC Coordinator, Chief Gani Adams, had on Monday cautioned the monarch against acts that could worsen the crisis in the city.

Adams said the only way bloodshed could be avoided was for Sulu-Gambari to honour the wishes of Yoruba-speaking people of Idi-Akpe in respect of the office of Magaji Are.

The crisis broke out on Sunday following the installation by Sulu-Gambari of Alhaji Shuaib Zubair as the new Magaji Are of Ilorin against the choice of the Afonja family.

The PUNCH, Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Posted by Publisher at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)

$242m Scam: Trial Adjourned for Security Reasons

An Ikeja High Court, presided over by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, yesterday adjourned continuation of trial till 12 noon today, after five hours of exhaustive examination of Mr. Naresh Asnani, a key prosecution witness in an advance fee fraud scam involving two Nigerians who allegedly obtained a sum of $242million from a Brazilian bank, Banco Noroeste over a period of three years (1995-1998).

By Abimbola Akosile, 09.26.2005

Above adjournment, which the judge ordered at 5.10pm, was granted after a defence counsel expressed concern over safety of his client should the matter be allowed to proceed further.
Accused persons include Chief Emmanuel Nwude (a.k.a Paul Ogwuma Odinigwe) 1st accused, Mr. Nzeribe Edeh Okoli (3rd accused), Emrus (Nig.) Ltd., Ocean Marketing Co. (Nig.) Ltd. and African Shelter Bureau (Nig.) Ltd. (5th-7th accused). However, both Amaka Anajemba (Mrs.) and Fynbaz (Nig.) Limited (2nd & 4th accused respectively), who were initially charged along with above suspects, pleaded guilty to a fresh four-count charge on July 15, and were subsequently sentenced to prison terms and fines, and their names deleted from an amended information filed by the prosecutor, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Meanwhile, in continuation from where the matter ended on Friday, September 23, Asnani, who earlier revealed that he left Nigeria in December 2002, after which he was convicted and detained in Switzerland for 18 months on money laundering charges, told Court how his wife Payal and his mother Ishwari Asnani, only signed the bank account opening statement to the Uco Bank, Hong Kong account, which was the first used to launder the scam proceeds in 1995.
In a marathon evidence-in-chief session, which began around 12.00 noon, the lead prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, led Asnani, albeit punctuated by regular objections from defence counsel, through a rigorous examination process, wherein the witness outlined the different procedures and processes undertaken by him to launder the money (a total of $127miilion) through different accounts in Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Nigeria.
He also spoke about his conviction in Switzerland, where he was initially tried after being extradited from Miami, USA, in 2002.

When asked about his records of the money laundered, Asnani replied that most of the documents had been thrown away by his staff, both in Hong Kong and Nigeria, after his arrest. "Originals of the bank debit and credit advices and statements were stored in my offices in Royal Crest, Lagos, Nigeria, and Sherina Limited, Hong Kong. They were thrown away by my staff after my arrest and detention".
"I was judged and convicted by a Swiss court in Geneva for the funds I received by order of Stanton Development Company and for laundering the funds that I received on instructions of Chief Emmanuel (Nwude) in my accounts in Switzerland. I was not convicted for the approximately $6m that I received in my Hong Kong account at Uco Bank. This judgment only relates to the approximately $122million that I received in my accounts in Switzerland. The judgment was given in French in the court at Geneva and communicated to me by an interpreter in English".
Although defence counsel, led by Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana among others, raised objections as to the new documents being tendered and the admissibility of the Swiss Court judgment, Justice Oyewole overruled their objections on the grounds that the documents were relevant, and gave Ogunlana a 15-minute stand-down to enable him go through the new evidence. Matter continues today, with further examination of Asnani by Jacobs.
First arraigned in Abuja on February 4th, 2004, accused persons, were alleged to have defrauded a Brazilian banker, Mr. Nelson Sakaguchi of a sum of $242million over a three-year period, from April 2, 1995 to January 20, 1998 at Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos State, contrary to Sections 1(1)(a) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 1995 as amended by Act 62 of 1998.
Obtained amount was said to represent payment due to the Federal Government on the alleged contract No. FMA/132/019/82 for the construction of Abuja International Airport, Nigeria. Penalties for each of the counts range between seven and ten years. The accused persons are facing an amended 91 count charge.

Posted by Publisher at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)

How Obasanjo, Atiku Can Make Up, By Gana...President, VP are talking

The Political Adviser to the president, Professor Jerry Gana, has asked Vice President Atiku Abubakar to apologise to President Olusegun Obasanjo if the face-off between the two is to be easily resolved.

From Jide Orintunsin in Minna, 09.26.2005

Speaking to newsmen in Minna yesterday after attending an all stakeholders meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger state, Gana said the President was willing and ready to forgive his deputy when they meet one on one.
Gana who said that the misunderstanding was blown out of proportion by the public, noted that the differences would be resolved through the on-going one-on-one meeting between the two leaders.
Though, he said that the substantial part of the dispute was being expanded beyond its scope, Gana maintained that the President was willing to forgive anybody that offended him in the course of discharging his duties, when such a person asks for forgiveness.
“I want to assure you that the President is a highly responsible leader. He is a leader with tremendous respect for unity of purpose. He is willing and able to forgive any of those working with him, who made mistake,” he said.
Gana said that aside from the party’s efforts at resolving the differences, he was aware that there have been several one on one fence mending meetings between the two leaders, saying that “like they have done before, this matter will be resolved amicably.”
He said “the party is handling the matter maturely. It is being handled in such a way that it will not destroy the party.”
Advising the two leaders to sheathe their swords, Gana called for caution among supporters of Obasanjo and Atiku, saying, “ the two leaders are talking . We don’t want to give the reconciliation effort undue publicity, because we don’t want to cause any feeling of humiliation.”
He also said that the call on the Vice President to resign or be dropped was not the position of the PDP, adding “it was an individual opinion, which they are entitled to. I want to assure you that the party will be constitutional in resolving the issues”.
The cold war between the President and his deputy blew open recently when in a television programme, Obasanjo accused Atiku of disloyalty. This followed an interview Atiku had with THISDAY Board of Editors, where he said Obasanjo swore that he had no plan to succeed himself.
It, however, got to a head two Fridays ago when at THEWEEK leadership award ceremony in Lagos Atiku made remarks that were considered critical of Obasanjo.
In an apparent allusion to the public outcry against the recent hike in the prices of petroleum products which culminated in the mass protest march in Lagos and other state capitals, Atiku had said that it behoves a good leader to listen to the peoples outcries against bad policy.
He had said "we have had political leaders all these years but for most of our history we have not had good leadership...we must deepen democracy, we must move away from arbitrariness and impunity that are the hallmarks of military regimes."
Loyalists of President Obasanjo had interpreted this to mean that the Vice President had drawn the battle line with the President.
A PDP presidential aspirant, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa had on account of this called on Atiku to honourably resign as he had demonstrated that he "no longer owes any allegiance to the government he was elected to serve in".

Posted by Publisher at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)

Daukoru seeks producers’ pact to end rising oil prices

• World finance ministers worried over rising oil prices

• Nigeria plans to host OPEC meeting in 2006

By Bassey Udo
(Johannesburg) and
Chinedu Offor
(Washington D.C.)

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Edmund Daukoru, has called for closer cooperation among oil producing nations in Africa to contribute to the global consensus on resolving soaring prices.

His plea coincided with the worry expressed in Washington by world economic policy makers that unabated oil prices could hinder growth.

Daukoru said in Johannesburg, South Africa, that if solutions are not found Nigeria may be deprived of the benefits of its recent debt relief as well as the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He spoke at the opening of the 18th Congress of the World Petroleum Council (WPC).

He later told journalists that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed last week to hold a meeting in Nigeria in January 2007, although a strong case is being made for it to be in 2006.

Daukoru said at a time when the global oil market has come under severe volatility, deliberations at the Congress would focus on how African countries could use their assets and experience to resolve the impact of energy prices on the world economy.

“The prevailing market realities are that prices are moving beyond the control of producing countries”, he said, and urged cooperation between consumers and producers on ideas that would remedy the situation.

“Nigeria and other producing countries in Africa have the responsibility of contributing towards a healthy and dynamic global industry, able to secure a stable oil and gas market, particularly on the supply side in the global energy equation”.

WPC President, Eivald Roren, explained that participants at the five-day event would dialogue on problems affecting Africa’s oil industry development.

Besides issues that would promote the proper management of the resources to the benefit of the people, Roren said deliberations would focus on new technologies to boost productivity, revenue transparency and accountability, research and resource allocation, HIV/AIDS, sustainable exploration and production activities, social responsibility as well as gas flaring and greenhouse effects.

“We will engage in debates that will help Africa realise its goals and objectives in the oil and gas industry to the full benefits of the people”.

Over 500 speakers from 62 WPC member-countries are expected to deliver papers in at least 18 round table and plenary sessions, focusing on issues affecting the continent’s oil and gas industry.

Roren lamented the of lack of probity and accountability in Africa’s oil industry and expressed concern that operators hardly disclose what they pay, while governments do not talk about receipts from oil companies.

He canvassed more openness among operators and governments to ensure transparency, particularly in revenue and accountability, so as to help attract more benefits from the exploitation of resources and to eradicate poverty.

Meanwhile, world economic policy makers said they have made progress in implementing a debt reduction programme, but they are worried about the economic impact of higher oil prices.

Finance ministers attending a meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington expressed concern that the steady rise in oil prices could harm global economic growth.

Prices have doubled over the past 18 months, they noted, and that it could be aggravated by the disruption of production in the United States due to back-to-back hurricanes.

Kenya's Finance Minister, David Mwiraria, said higher oil prices have hit the poor hardest. Kenya, he stated, is worse off because drought curtailed hydro-electric production and forced a switch to oil fueled power plants.

"That, of course, becomes very expensive and makes electricity almost out of reach for many people. And makes goods produced in Kenya very expensive”, he added.

On Friday, finance ministers from the richest countries moved to overcome obstacles to the implementation of the debt cancellation plan agreed at the G8 summit in Scotland in July.

Zambia's Finance Minister, Ngendu Magande, praised the debt cancellation programme, which has reduced his country’s foreign debt by 68 per cent.

His words: "The savings I'll make from there, I'll apply them to education and I'll apply them to health. Beyond that, Zambia is one of 18 countries that perhaps will be beneficiaries of the G8 (programme).

“If that comes by July, Zambia's foreign debt is going to be reduced by about eight per cent”.

Aside from energy and debt IMF meetings focus on global imbalances, large trade surpluses in Asia and a large and growing trade deficit in the United States.

Many finance ministers praise China's recent decision to allow a modest revaluation of its currency, others say bolder action and a much larger revaluation are needed.

Posted by Publisher at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)

Edo Dep Gov, Akhigbe’s thugs attacked Anenih – Oyofo; Govt denies attack • PDP condemns it

Senator Victor Kassim Oyofo has accused Edo State Deputy Governor, Mike Ogiadomhe and former Chief of Naval Staff, Mike Akhigbe, of being sponsors of last Sunday’s attack on Tony Anenih.

By Uwakwe Abugu (Benin)
Adetutu Folasade-Koyi and
Paul Mumeh (Abuja)

Anenih is Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman.

Oyofo (PDP, Edo North) confirmed the attack, adding that what was supposed to be a peace meeting at the residence of Inu Umoru turned into an ambush on Anenih.

He said the thugs stormed Umoru’s residence chanting war songs, which meant they were ready to kill Anenih and his supporters.

His words: “I can confirm to you that the thugs were from Etsako Central and they were Akhigbe and Ogiadomhe’s thugs. They came in 10 buses and wielded dangerous weapons including petrol bombs. Chanting war songs, they repeated their preparedness to kill Anenih and our leaders from the zone. The meeting at Umoru’s residence was supposed to be a conciliatory meeting but it turned out to be political thuggery. The attack on Anenih has introduced a new dimension into politics in Edo State”.

The attack was the major topic discussed in Benin City on Monday, although Oghiadomhe, denied the incident.

He said in a statement: “The event which took place at the residence of Inu Umoru in Warrake on Sunday was a meeting of PDP leaders in Edo North Senatorial District in which Anenih was present.

“The meeting was principally to perfect the reconciliation of the factions in PDP in the area and work out the modalities for the distribution of PDP registration cards.

“Let it be known that Anenih was not assaulted by any person or group of persons at Warrake. The large number of party supporters who were at the venue were only anxious to have the membership cards and were not unruly.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Anenih is held in high esteem by the generality of Edo North people, including … Akhighe, Oghiadomhe and Umoru.

The statement was signed by Oghiadomhe’s Chief Press Secretary, Dan Aigbavbay.

Regardless of the denial, the PDP has condemned the attack and promised to take appropriate measures against the hoodlums.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, John Odey, said although the leadership is yet to receive a formal report, “we condemn attack on any citizen. Anenih is our revered leader and for him to be so attacked, we abhor it, we condemn it”.

He said when fully briefed, the party will take measures against the culprits.

However, a member of the House of Representatives Abubakar Momoh representing Etsakor in Edo State, said the youths said to have carried out the attack only demanded their registration cards which were not forthcoming.

He said a meeting convened at the instance of Anenih and attended by other party leaders at Umoru’s home was aborted because the “leader” took exception to the presence of six council chairmen and others.

The meeting ended in a fiasco, he explained, because Anenih insisted that those who should participate were only those approved by himself.

Although Ahigbe could not be reached at press time, a member of the party who was at the meeting, but who would not want his name mentioned, said the allegation against Ahigbe was a ploy to discredit and haunt thereafter him in the party.

“Ahigbe was one of those in the forefront seeking for reconciliation of the factions. He persuaded Anenih to be part of the meeting, how would be he turn around to cause trouble in the meeting he helped to convene. We should know the limits of playing politics with people’s integrity, Ahigbe is not known for that kind of behaviour”, he insisted.

Posted by Publisher at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)

Fuel rally: Labour vows to fight bad govt policies

OWERRI—PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, resumed his nationwide rally against the last hike in fuel prices, yesterday and declared that labour leaders were not afraid of paying the supreme price in the battle against bad and insensitive government.

By Chidi Nkwopara
Posted to the Web: Tuesday, September 27, 2005

“Who are we to refuse paying the supreme price in the fight against bad government and bad policies? If we refuse to continue with this struggle against bad government, it would mean that Vanguard Deputy Photo Editor, Tunji Oyeleru and leading human rights activist, Chima Ubani, have died in vain,” Mr. Oshiomhole said.

Messrs Oyeleru and Ubani lost their lives last Wednesday on the Potiskum-Bauchi road on their way to Abuja from the Maiduguri anti-fuel price hike rally.
Following the accident, the NLC opted out of a rally scheduled for last Wednesday in Yola while the one for Asaba originally scheduled for Friday was shifted.
Mr. Oshiomhole paying glowing tributes to the dead men said Nigerians were today angry, hungry and frustrated by the unfavourable consequences of Federal Government’s deregulation of the petroleum sector and other macro-economic policies.

“The level of poverty in the land is growing. Crime is increasing. This is not because those engaging in criminal activities like it or were born criminals. Circumstances created by the Federal Government may have lured them into crime,” he said.

According to the NLC boss, six years after the nation’s democratic engineering began, the refineries have remained abandoned by government and wondered why the present administration cannot create job opportunities for the jobless. “Where are the roads? What has happened to the Nigeria Railways? Why can’t democracy be translated into reality? We have a right to get answers to these pertinent questions,” he said.

Also addressing the crowd, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, lamented that the once vibrant, virile and egalitarian Nigerian society was fast decaying. “It is a shame that our so called leaders appear not worried about the outcome of the policies and programmes. My heart bleeds for this nation. I feel for the people. These bad policies adversely affect the masses and not the millionaires,” the cleric said.

He described the protest march as “an expression of the desperate situation of our people,” stressing that Nigeria is a rich country but much of the funds is stacked in other countries. “This country is rich but a lot of our money is outside its shores. We need an honest and transparent government. Unless the leaders feel the pinch of human suffering, nothing will actually change.

“Since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, its citizens have experienced a devastating war, brutality, destruction, kwashiorkor and up to this moment, majority have continued to groan in abject poverty in the midst of plenty,”the Archbishop said.

Explaining the rationale for the protest, the cleric said it was against the poverty facing the citizenry, the growing injustice and misuse of the God-given resources.
Government and economic activities in Owerri were paralysed as the procession got under way.

The procession took off from Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral on Port Harcourt road and covered a distance of over 10 kilometers. Protesters marched through Assumpta Avenue, Douglas Road and Wethedral Road before ending up at the Multi Purpose Hall, Government House, Owerri. They sang anti-government songs and carried placards and banners with varying inscriptions, castigating the President Olusegun Obasanjo federal administration.

Apart from public and civil servants, other organised labour groups, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), market unions, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and commercial motorcycle operators, were also part of the protest march.
Ahead of the scheduled protest march, officers and men of the state police command took positions at vantage points in Owerri municipality, and provided security cover in their motorised squads for the protesters.

All markets, schools, commercial banks operating in the state and government offices remained closed from 8 o’clock in the morning till about 1.35 p.m when the protest ended. Commercial transporters withdrew their vehicles from the roads but hospitals, the managements of the State Water Board, Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL), Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) and other government establishments running essential services, maintained skeletal work schedule while the demonstration lasted.

Posted by Publisher at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)

IMF predicts slow growth for Nigeria in 2005

The International Monetary Fund has predicted that growth in Nigeria will drop to 3.9 per cent in 2005, compared with last year's figure of six per cent.

Azubuike Ishiekwene, Washington D.C.

In the September 2005 edition of regional economic forecast for Sub-saharan Africa released in Washington on Saturday, the Fund said while growth in the country would slow down in 2005, it would increase by eight per cent in 2006 with the coming on stream of major oil and gas activities.

The slow growth rate in the current year is not unconnected with the rising rate of inflation, which was 26 per (year-on-year) last July, pressures from the higher oil prices and slacking industrial capacity caused by rising production costs.

Manufacturers under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria have complained persistently of rising production costs, high cost of funds and poor infrastructure.

Inflation, which had been reined in by the Central Bank to about 12 per cent in early 2004, spun out of control in 2005 as a result of the failure of the authorities to manage money supply.

The Fund, however, commended the economic reform programme of the Obasanjo administration, saying, "Nigeria's macro-economic policies have been consistent with the objectives of achieving macro-economic stability and reducing the economy's vulnerability to oil price shocks."

The report said the growth of six per cent recorded in 2004 was largely as a result of higher growth in the non-oil sector, particularly in agriculture and some areas of manufacturing and services.

It warned, however, that there were still challenges ahead, including the issues of corruption, infrastructure and weak public institutions.

"The medium term outlook hinges on the government's ability to consolidate the progress so far made," the report said.

The forecast showed that performance in the Sub-saharan African region remained buoyant, despite the continued worsening of the terms of trade of oil importers.

Projected growth in the region, according to the forecast, remained strong at 4.5 per cent in 2004 with a rebound to 5.3 per cent expected in 2006.

According to the report, "The number of countries anticipated to achieve growth in excess of five per cent is expected to increase, while the number growing at less than two per cent is expected to decline."

The leaders in the fiscal year, according to the forecast, are Ethiopia, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, where growth is expected to average seven per cent; while the laggards are the Central African Republic, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon and Zimbabwe, where growth has remained below three per cent in the last four years and GDP per capita continues to decline.

The PUNCH, Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Posted by Publisher at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)

September 26, 2005

Tribute to prof. Ishaya Audu

With the passing away of Prof. Ishaya Audu on 29th August 2005, the nation has lost again, another of her great, illustrious and very distinguished son. Like other great Nigerians who had gone before him, he will be fondly remembered not only for the immense and invaluable services he rendered the nation, and his fellow country men but also for his sterling personal and leadership qualities and deep commitment to God’s work.

By Albert Ozigi

This is why the sad and unexpected news of his death, came as a big shock to his numerous admirers and all those who know him well. He will be greatly missed.
First meeting and imp-ression
I first met Prof. Ishaya Audu some time in July 1957 at the then Gindiri Teachers College where he was invited as a guest speaker in a Christian Students Leadership Programme. He was then a very young medical doctor less than 30 years of age. Prof. Samuel Aleyideino, late Commissioner of Police, Joseph Gamwalk, and I, were among the students from the old Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology Zaria, who attended the leadership course. We were in Prof. Ishaya’s study group. He left a deep impression on us and other participants, for his simplicity, humility, profound intellectual knowledge, good command of queen’s English, and strong commitment to his religion and his Maker. Since then, I kept admiring him for these and other personal qualities and took him as a role model. I did not meet him again until 1970 when I joined the services of Ahmadu Bello University, the headship of which he assumed in 1966.
Prof. Ishaya Audu will be fondly remembered as an outstanding and accomplished scholar, an intellectual giant, a competent, diligent adminis-trator, a medical colossus, a humanist who cares for people, a totally detribalized Nigerian, and a patriot, a committed and practising Christian. His virtues of simplicity, humility, absolute integrity, self-discipline, courage, firmness, steadfastness, straightforwardness cannot but strike any one who might have had some dealing or interaction with him.
Education and career
Prof. Ishaya Audu was born on 1st March 1927 in a small village of Anchau in Ikara Local Government area of Kaduna State. His late father, Pa Bulus Audu, was one of the early Moslim converts to Christianity in Zaria as a result of the evangelistic and missionary activities of the famous Rev. Miller. Pa Audu later moved to Wusasa where all the new Christian converts had been allocated a piece of land to settle and practise their religion.
The young Ishaya had his primary and secondary education at St. Bartholomew’s School Wusasa, from where he proceeded to the then Yaba Higher College in Lagos. Western education then was out of fashion in most parts of Northern Nigeria. He had his tertiary education between 1948 and 1955 at University College, Ibadan. University of Liverpool, England, and Ohio University, Athens USA. He distinguished himself in the field of medicine, specializing in paediatrics.
As a medical officer, he served in various capacities in different hospitals and in Universities, as a lecturer, physician and consultant. He was a personal physician to the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto (1960-62) and also to President Shehu Shagari during the second republic.
Due to his numerous accomplishments, he was appointed the first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1966, a position he held up till 1975. After leaving the University service, he was pressurized in 1979 by his admirers who know his leadership qualities, to join politics in order to serve the country in another capacity. During the Second Republic he served as Minister of External Affairs and also as an Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to United Nations. On account of his sterling personal and leadership qualities, he was invited, at various times, to serve in a number of public and private organizations. The last office he held was that of the Chairmanship of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
His religion
As a deeply religious man who took his religion most seriously, he served as a clergy and chaplain of the Church at Ahmadu Bello University, and later, some time in 1990s, established his own church, Charity and Faith Church at Samaru Zaria. He also built a small hospital at Samaru which he ran more out of charity and philanthropic motive, than the desire to make material gain. Most of the ordinary people who could not afford to pay medical fees in public or private hospitals, trooped to his hospital where they would be charged either minimal amount or even treated free.
Service at Ahmadu Bello University
Prof. Ishaya Audu, will perhaps, best be remembered for his contribution to the growth and development of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to build the young University into a reputable tertiary institution, which, in time, became centre of academic excellence and world famous. He expanded faculty programmes, initiated and encouraged various research programmes in Agriculture, Medicine, Engineering, Arts etc. He initiated the establishment of School of Basic Studies in 1970, the first of its kind in Nigeria, and also Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital at Shika. The University was well funded, well equipped and well staffed with quality staff drawn from all over the world. Infrastructural facilities were provided and regularly maintained. He had the policy of recruiting and attracting to the University, the best staff from all over the world and never discriminated against any one on account of race, ethnicity religion, and place of origin. In his time, Ahmadu Bello University was really an international, peaceful and happy community, where people would like to live and work.
It may be noted that though he was easily the most powerful Vice-Chancellor of his time in Nigeria, he never allowed this to get into his head. He had golden opportunity to make millions of Naira from the resources of the University. He did not steal a kobo nor mismanaged the University finances. Indeed, he set very high standards in public morality, transparency and accountability. This is one of his principles in life. He managed to build only one simple bungalow at Zaria for his family, and died a poor man.
Ups and Downs
Like any human being, Prof. Ishaya Audu had his ups and downs in life. For example, when he left Ahmadu Bello University unceremoniously in 1975, following the coup that overthrew General Yakubu Gowon, he had traumatic experience. The services he rendered were not appreciated; the new military administration did not know what to do with him and unnecessary obstacles were put in his way. When he eventually decided to go to the United Kingdom to up date his professional knowledge and skill, an unnecessary problem was created for him there. His salary, gratuity and other entitlements were deliberately not paid for a long time. He was faced by great financial difficulty. I happen to read a private letter he sent to a friend of his, former director in the University requesting for any financial assistance he could give to enable him survive there. This is someone who could have easily made or shed away, millions of Naira and got away with it. Again, he was one of those innocently detained by General Buhari Military administration for well over one year in 1984-85. While in detention, he engaged himself usefully reading his bible, preaching to prisoners, and teaching them Hausa language. In any situation he found himself, he was always philosophical about it, never bothered at all, and always trusting in God’s goodness.
There is no doubt that, in his service to the nation, humanity and his Creator, he impacted positively on the lives of thousands of people. Thousands of students who attended Ahmadu Bello University during and after his time, his numerous colleagues and all those who had some dealing with him, will remember him as a real gem, a great man of principle and intellect, a God fearing man and a patriot whose sterling and leadership qualities are worth emulating by all, especially the generation in privileged leadership position.
Prof. Ishaya died a fulfilled man, having served his nation, mankind and his Creator to the best of his ability. He left behind a faithful wife, good children (3 Doctors, 2 Lawyers, 1 Accountant, 1 Engineer).
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Prof. Ozigi is of Plot 824 Ado Ekiti Close, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

Posted by Publisher at 04:25 PM | Comments (0)

WTO: Road to Hong Kong

Recently, precisely from 16-19 of August, 2005, civil society organisa-tions from across Africa, comprising trade unions, farmers organisations, women’s organisa-tions, faith-based organisations and Non-Governmental organisations, met in Accra under the umbrella of the Africa Trade Network to deliberate upon the challenges posed to African countries in the on-going negotiations at the WTO, particularly in the preparations for the December Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong.

Today we present the adopted conclusions and demands of this historic conference with the hope that they will impact positively on African leaders to make a difference at the conference.
We affirm as primary our right to pursue autonomously determined policies for the development of our economies, and to fulfil the social and human rights and livelihood needs of our people. Over the past two decades, this right has been severely undermined by external agencies like the World Bank and IMF. The policies of economic liberalisation and deregulation imposed by these agencies has led to serious economic collapse and social and environmental stress. An attempt is being made to continue this process in even more severe forms in the WTO.
It is four years since the launch of the WTO much-touted Doha “development” agenda. In that period there has been no progress in tackling the developmental concerns of African and other developing countries which were proclaimed as pivotal to the success of the Doha agenda. The powerful members of the WTO have frustrated all attempts at redressing the fundamental imbalances of the WTO regime which have contributed to wreak havoc upon African and other developing country economies and their people. Instead they have persisted with their attempts to impose the needs of their own economies and corporate interests on the rest of the world.
Two years after the resistance of developing country governments to this situation, culminated in the dramatic collapse of the 5th Ministerial Conference in Cancun, the arrogance and double-standards of the powerful still remains the characteristic pattern of the WTO negotiations. As is evident from their proposals, the rich and powerful industrialised countries of the WTO continue to pressurise African and other developing countries to undertake further and deeper liberalisation commitments in their industrial, agricultural and services sectors, and lock them permanently into the system. At the same time, the developed countries remain intent on maintaining their advantages and protection.
As the Hong-Kong Ministerial approaches, these countries are set to come under even more intense pressures, and will be subject even more intensely to the manipulative, un-transparent and undemocratic methods always employed by the developed countries to get their way.
We reject these attempts to undermine the policy autonomy of our countries, and cause further calamity to our economic development, and the fulfilment of our social rights. In furtherance of this, we state the following.
Non Agricultural Market Access (NAMA)
Africa’s industries have been devastated by two decades of World Bank/IMF imposed policies of trade liberalisation. Negotiations in NAMA will make this worse if the developed countries succeed in imposing drastic reductions in tariffs, as well as the restrictions of the levels to which African and other developing countries can in future raise tariffs. This will remove tariff policy as an important tool of industrial development, at a time when many other policy tools have already been removed under the agreements in the WTO.
We therefore demand that African countries should not accept and they must not be pressured into accepting the proposals on tariff being promoted by the advanced industrial countries. Instead they must be allowed to determine the definition and employment of tariff instruments and related policies.
Agriculture
Agriculture is central to the food security, rural development and livelihood needs in African countries. In the on-going negotiations African and other developing countries face the danger of being forced to open their markets to agricultural exports from the developed countries while the latter continue to protect theirs. Worse, the African and other developing countries will be exposed to the unfair subsidies of the developed countries, with artificially cheapened products being dumped in their markets, their own farmers displaced, and their livelihoods disrupted.
We demand that African countries must not undertake any further reduction in their tariffs for agricultural products; and they must also not bind their tariffs at current levels. In addition, they must have the right to use measures to further strengthen their ability to protect their domestic producers as they judge necessary, including the special safeguard mechanism and the right to designate special products.. At the same time, the developed countries must eliminate all their subsidies which enable them to dump artificially cheap products in our markets and in global markets, and devastate our economies.
Services
Services are crucial for our economic development. In addition, services, especially essential services like health, education, water, are fundamental rights, the access to which must be guaranteed to all. IMF and World Banks imposed policies of liberalisation and deregulation have already transformed some of these essential services into operations for profit, and taken them out of the reach of the vast majority of the citizens in African countries. At the same time, deregulation and liberalisation have placed services in the hands of private mainly foreign, providers, and have made them subject to externally driven economic considerations, thereby undermining their role in the development of an integrated domestic economy.
The developed countries seek to further entrench this process by pressurising African and other developing countries to open up more services sectors, and commit these under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.
We call on our governments not to accede to the request of the developed countries for further liberalisation; and furthermore, not be coerced into committing their existing liberalisation undertaken under IMF/World Bank pressure, as this will entrench them in the WTO and make them irreversible.
Process
African countries are further disadvantaged in the on-going negotiations by the un-transparent and undemocratic methods and processes being used, such as mini-ministerial meetings and meetings of small-groups of countries, from which African countries are excluded. These methods and processes have intensified and will continue to intensify as the developed countries attempt to resolve controversial issues in their favour ahead of Hong Kong. We call on African governments to reject the outcomes of any meetings in which they have not participated. We demand that the processes of the WTO must be made democratic, transparent, inclusive and accountable.
Furthermore, in view of the persistent attempts by the major powers to divide African and other developing countries and undermine their unity, we urge our governments to strengthen their unity in the spirit of Cancun, and build upon their existing alliances.
Above all, we call on our governments to ensure that their national positions and mandates for the Hong Kong ministerial are elaborated through national debates and discussions with the participation of people’s organisations, as well as national parliaments
We call on all civil society and people’s organisation to be firm in their demands on our governments to protect and promote the interests of all people at all times and at all costs.

Posted by Publisher at 04:12 PM | Comments (0)

We will arrest more governors – British police; N2.34B recovered from Nigerians

Mets Economic and Specialist Crimes Command of the British Police, the agency that arrested Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha last week in London, has vowed to arrest more Nigerian governors and top government officials, particularly those it is currently investigating for money laundering and other crimes.

JUSTUS NWAKANMA

Responding to inquiries from Saturday Champion through electronic mail, Detective Superintendent Trevor Shepherd of the British Police, who also disclosed that they were working with the cooperation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in Nigeria, said such arrests would demonstrate their commitment to tackling money laundering in London at all levels.

"The investigation has received full support from the Nigerian government and we believe such arrests will help deter financial crime in both London and Nigeria. The contacts and ongoing liaison established between Nigeria and The Economic and Specialist crime unit will be utilized to target money launderers using London and its banking system," he said.

Shepherd confirmed that many governors and top government officials are on their watch lists, but said their names could not be released because the powers of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 forbids the police from disclosing the names of those they are investigating unless they had been arrested and taken to court.

As to the amount that has been recovered so far from Nigerians involved in money laundering using the London route, he said: "To date money laundering investigations, conducted by financial investigation officers, has uncovered assets of ten million pounds held in the UK."

Meanwhile, President Olusegun Obasanjo has told prominent leaders from Bayelsa, including traditional rulers and the Deputy Governor, Chief Goodluck Jonathan that he was not willing to intervene on behalf of the governor, as it would be proper to allow the law to run its full course.

Top presidency sources told Saturday Champion that the President made his views known on Thursday, when the deputy governor led a delegation from the state where they appealed for the intervention of the President on the matter.

"They came to solicit the President’s support and intervention, but he told them that it would be improper for him to intervene as that would make nonsense of the anti-graft policy his administration is pursuing."

In a similar development, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has disclosed that more than 10 billion dollars are laundered annually in the West African sub-region. NFIU is a department in the EFCC.

Acting Director of the unit, Mr. A.B. Okauru, said Thursday in Abuja that banks in Nigeria acted as conduit pipes for money laundering. "We see the banking sector is a veritable avenue for laundering of funds," he said.

Okauru who stated this at the 11th annual Bankers Conference, expressed regrets that Nigerian banks did not have a solution to money laundering. The two-day conference with theme, "Imperatives for Corporate Governance in a Consolidating Banking Environment," was organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Posted by Publisher at 04:08 PM | Comments (0)

Alamieyeseigha’s son warns Ibori

Tonbra Alamieyeseigha, son of embattled Bayelsa State Governor, Deprieye Alamieyeseigha, has warned Governor James Ibori of Delta State to be wary, because those who are after his father will soon come after him also.

The junior Alamieyeseigha who spoke to Elendureports.com through the phone, said his father did not merit the way he was being treated.

Tonbra who recently graduated from Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington, said he was getting ready to go to the graduate school.

This is the college in the same state where his father, the governor, earned a doctorate degree within two years. The said two year doctorate degree was awarded by the University of Northern Washington.

Tonbra, until recently, lived in a four million dollar ($4,000,000.00) house in Bellingham City, Washington. A Colorado state-based firm, Carver, Inc., currently manages the property. He now lives in Pinebrook, New Jersey.

Elendureports.com said after several calls made to Gov. Alamieyeseigha’s London home another of the Governor’s sons, Feliaka, said the governor was resting. The house, which is located on Edgeware Road in Southwest London, is valued at about two million pounds. According to Tonbra, Gov. Alamieyesigha bought the house in 2003. A former minister and friend of late Head of State, Gen. Abacha, also has a house on the same road.

Meanwhile there are also indications that the threat by some Ijaw groups to harm British and European interests in the Niger Delta may impact on the attitude of British authorities in this matter, as it is seen as a blackmail being perpetrated by some of the governor’s cronies.

Amongst his supporters and loyalists in Ijaw land, DSP is seen as a hero. He is fondly referred to as the "Governor General," an appellation that stems from his support for the broad agitation for resource control.

Posted by Publisher at 04:08 PM | Comments (0)

Fasawe, PDP chieftain, arrested by EFCC

THE current war against economic crimes, fraud and corruption is sweeping across the country as men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday arrested Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) top notcher, Otunba Johnson Oyewole Fasawe.

An official of the commission confirmed to Saturday Champion that Otunba Fasawe alleged to be a close ally of President Olusegun Obasanjo was picked up in Abuja even as armed security men are now guarding his Owo, Ondo State residence yesterday.

Our correspondent reports that Owo town where the PDP chieftain comes from was calm as news of his arrest filtered into the area.

As at press time yesterday, Otunba Fasawe was still being held by the EFCC, although there was no immediate confirmation of cause of his arrest.

An official of EFCC restated that "EFCC will not relent in the current campaign against economic crimes."

Posted by Publisher at 04:07 PM | Comments (0)

Akunyili: Suspects escape from court, re-arrested by SSS

IT was a drama of sort as the timely intervention of operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) saved the day when suspects in the case of attempted murder of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof. (Mrs) Dora Akunyili yesterday attempted to escape from trial as they took to their heels immediately Justice Isaq Bello, the trial judge in the matter left the court chambers.

MALACHY UZENDU, Abuja

The suspects, who were facing trial over the alleged murder attempt on the NAFDAC boss on December 26, 2003, disappeared into different directions in the court premises, and changed their clothes to avoid being identified.

However, unknown to the suspects, the SSS had appeared to be anticipating the action and fully mobilised, and chased them, shooting into the air and eventually re-arrested all of them.

Surprisingly, the warders who had brought the suspects from Kuje Prisons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the judgement in the matter, stood aloof after the attempted escape, leaving only the SSS to go after the suspects.

Justice Bello, who had ruled on the preliminary objection bothering on the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter, raised by the suspects, as well as the no-case submission made by Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), leading defence counsel, but before any further court formalities could be completed, the suspects executed what the security operations described as a "well rehearsed plot to evade justice."

The judge had cleared them of the allegations levelled against them on the ground that the FCT High Court had no power to try the matter, but had added that the suspects be taken to Anambra State where they allegedly committed the crime for trial.

Bello had explained that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who granted Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) fiat to try the suspects had no right to do so as the matter was purely a matter to be handled by the A-G of Anambra State.

He stated that since the plaintiff had no such power, the court itself had no territorial jurisdiction to try the matter, adding that with the scenario painted, hence the no-case submission made by Chief Fawehinmi and other lawyers on the defense team.

He, however, was emphatic that the suspects had not been acquitted, neither did he grant them bail from custody of the security operatives, now from prison custody where they were remanded.

But as soon as the judge left the court room, the suspects dispersed into different directions to make for their escape.

Even as the warders who brought them to the court leisurely went under a tree, SSS operatives rose to the occasion and promptly re-arrested all of them even though some of them had changed into other clothes.

The suspects including Chief Marcel Nnakwe and his son, Nnamdi, chief Francis Okoye, Masters Olisaemeka Igbokwe, Jude Ugwu and two others were standing trial for allegedly plotting to kill the NAFDAC boss on December 26, 2003.

Leading prosecution counsel, Mr. Seeni Okunloye (SAN) told newsmen that they shall appeal against the judgement.

Chief Fawehinmi on his part said the judgement was an indication that the poor masses could still receive justice under the laws.

Posted by Publisher at 04:07 PM | Comments (0)

Bodies of Ubani, Oyeleru arrive Lagos amidst grief

BODIES of human rights activist and deputy photo Editor of Vanguard newspaper, Messrs Chima Ubani and Tunji Oyeleru arrived Lagos yesterday amidst flow of tears from relations, associates and colleagues.

Felix Nwaneri

The duo died Wednesday in a ghastly motor accident, at Potiskum on Kano - Yola road after participating in the Maiduguri rally organised by Labour and Civil society groups to sensitize the citizenry on the need to resist recent fuel price hike by the Federal Government.

Ubani and Oyeleru’s remains arrived the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, aboard a Chanchangi Airline’s aircraft around 1.15pm and were conveyed in two ambulances belonging to Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) and Carring Heart Health Services, with registration numbers LA 130 A30 and DG275 GGE respectively to the Ikeja General Hospital morgue.

On hand to receive bodies of the late activist and journalist were Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Lagos lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, Mr Femi Aborishade of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Coordinator of Democratic Alternative, Mr Bamidele Aturu, Bright Anokwuru of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Lagos State chapter chairman, Waahab Oba, former Lagos NUJ Chairman, Lanre Arogundade and Dr Yemi Akinyeye of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) among others.

Members of several civil rights groups such as Masses Movement, Civil Liberties Organisation, which Ubani was its Executive Director, Odua Peoples Congress, Committee for Human Rights, Igbo Youth Congress, Pro National Conference (PRONACO), Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) also thronged the airport to receive Ubani and Oyeleru’s bodies.

Some placards displayed by members of the civil society groups read: "Brother Chima, you have fought a good fight, you have won the race, A crown of glory awaits you at God’s bosom.

Blaming Ubani and Oyeleru’s death on government, leaders of the civil society groups were of general view that the duo would not have died if not for government’s inhuman policies, describing their death as huge loss.

Also, Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State who made a brief stop over at the airport described Ubani’s death as a tragic loss to the nation.

"It is a tragic loss to the Nigerian society. He (Chima) had been in the struggle for the rights of the people", In Ngige said.

In the same vein, Femi Aborishade described late Ubani as a unique man who cannot be replaced.

"Chima was unique. We can’t have another Chima. He lived a life of service. We must continue to fight for the ideals for which Chima died for. Some of the ideas are to continue to say no to commercialization of Nigeria."

In the words of Aturu, Ubani was described as the best Chima was not one of the best but the very best. He lived a selfless life of no guile. His death is a national tragedy. It is a monumental loss because his struggle knew no bounds.

"Since 1986, he has stood in the path of justice. His death will fire us. Whatever it will take, we must make sure that the struggle continues. Chima was revolutionary of global dimension," Aturu said.

In a message sent across by Lagos Lawyer and human rights campaigner, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ubani and Oyeleru’s burial were requested to be made national events by both labour and civil societies.

Chief Fawehinmi also enjoined Nigerians to institute an endowment fund for late Ubani’s children.

Posted by Publisher at 04:06 PM | Comments (0)

Joseph, Mobitel MD, was killed —Operators

The controversies surrounding the cause of the death of Managing director of Mobitel, Engr. Charles Joseph have started to take shape as telecomms operators declared in Lagos that the autopsy carried out on his dead body has proved that he died as a result of gun shot.

CHIKE ONWUEGBUCHI

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Chief Bayo Akande, who briefed newsmen yesterday expressed the sympathy of the operators with the family of the deceased who was a founding member of the association as well as member of board of trustees.

Chief Akande, who would not give further details of the autopsy however expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian police in doing a thorough investigation on the case with the view of bringing the culprits to justice.

He also reiterated the desire of the association to instituting a judicial probe panel into the incident so that facts relating to the dastardly act will be made public.

He added that, the association saw nothing wrong in appointment of a receiver manager for the company, but is worried about the death that resulted from such an action.

"Borrowing is part of business. The issue of killing a managing director of a company because a receiver manager was appointed remains a concern to the association", he stated.

It would be recalled that Engr. Joseph was found dead at the corridor of the floor of his company Mobitel at ICON building on Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. After a team of receiver managers, (comprising two chartered accountants, a lawyer, policemen and court officials) appointed by Intercontinental Bank to take over Mobitel visited him in his office.

Posted by Publisher at 04:06 PM | Comments (0)

Alamieyeseigha’s arrest, a slap on Nigeria—Ngige

Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State yesterday declared that alleged handcuffing of his Bayelsa State counterpart, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha by London Metropolitan police is a slap on Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

FELIX NWANERI

Aswering questions from journalists at Presidential lounge of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Dr Ngige called for diplomatic and consular status to be accorded Governor Alamieyeseigha.

The Bayelsa governor, it would be recalled was arrested by London Metropolitan Police on Thursday September 15 over allegations of involvement in money laundering.

Federal Government in reaction to the governor’s arrest had said that his immunity does not extend to Britain.

However, Dr Ngige faulted it saying: The man is a governor of a state and has full immunity. He must be accorded consular immunity which are due to him until police investigations proved that he commited the crime."It is inhuman to put a governor in handcuffs. It is degrading it is a slap on Nigeria’s territorial integrity", Dr Ngige insisted.

The Anambra governor also advised Nigerians not to get carried away by the sensational headlines in the media on the issue.

Posted by Publisher at 04:05 PM | Comments (0)

FG shifts census to March

Federal government has announced that it was no longer feasible to hold the National Population and Housing Census between Nov. 28 and Dec. 3, this year, as scheduled.

President Olusegun Obasanjo, who stated this during an inaugural meeting of the national advisory committee on the exercise, said that the census would now hold between March 21 and March 25, 2006.

The president did not give further details as to why the exercise had to be shifted during his address to the advisory committee, of which he is chairman.

However, a member of the advisory committee and chairman of the NPC, Mr. Samaila Makama, said that about 30 million electronic forms were being expected.

He said that the first shipment of the documents would arrive in December, while the second batch was expected in January.

Makama said that the trial census just conducted had shown that one million qualified personnel must be trained over the next 26 weeks along with four million satellite maps that must be generated within 16 weeks.

The NPC chairman said that there was still need for more publicity on the exercise, because, according to him, those in rural areas have not yet been fully sensitized on the census.

In his address, which also has Vice President Atiku Abubakar as vice chairman and some ministers and international donor agencies as members, Obasanjo had reiterated that the census had nothing to do with politics.

He said that the last trial census was a test case for the commission, adding that a lot was learnt during the exercise to make the census proper, hitch-free.

While assuring that the NPC would continue to enjoy its autonomy, the president said that similar advisory committees would be replicated at the state and local government levels.

Posted by Publisher at 04:04 PM | Comments (0)

PDP chieftain commits suicide

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta has been thrown into mourning as a chieftain of the Party, Mr Amechi Apaokueze committed suicide in his residence located in Orogodo riverside area of Agbor, headquaters of Ika South local government of the State.

CAJETAN MMUTA

Mr Apaokueze, a former member of the caretaker committee of the local government, Saturday Champion gathered, had Monday allegedly plunged into a deep well in his family house.

Police Public Relations officer (PPRO) in the State Miss Olabisi Okuwobi, who confirmed the incident to Saturday Champion yesterday in a telephone interview said the deceased was reportedly locked in a secret affair with a lady (nameswitheld) which was shrouded in controversy with his family members.

Olabisi pointed out that the businessman cum politician may have been hypnotized before he plunged into deep well.

She said the Command was investigating the matter with a view to unraveling those behind the death of the victim.

A source close to the deceased family said the man had waited for his wife to leave for market before he took his life and had left suicide note on the table of his sitting room with an instruction also for the wife to look for him in the water filled well

Saturday Champion also gathered that the dead man had listed in the suicide note all his debtors.

The bereaved wife had on return from market, raised alarm which attracted neighbours and sympathizers.

Men of the State Fire Service, Agbor branch, quickly had to drain the water in the well before the body of the dead politician was recovered.

Posted by Publisher at 04:02 PM | Comments (0)

Imo women task FG on census

FEDERAL Government has been urged to ensure a hitch-free population census by urgently reconsidering the issue of ethnic nationality and religion as vital data for the 2005 census, saying that they were essential for national planning purposes.

ENYIDIYA OKE

This call was made in a statement release titled "Towards a Just Nigeria: 2005 National Census and The Igbo Annihilation/Extinction Principle," made available to Saturday Champion by the Imo State Women Development Association Lagos branch and signed by the president of the association Dr. Uzo Adirieje and the general secretary Mr. Stanley Iweh.

The association described the guidelines for the conduct of Nigeria’s 2005 national census as "a final strategy to unleash an annihilation principle of unprecedented proportion against Imo State indigenes all over Nigeria and Ndigbo in general.

According to them, the 2005 census in Nigeria without data on the population of Igbo people and Christians will be most hurtful and unfair to them.

Furthermore, the association claimed that the outcome of this census as currently designed will forcefully include Imo people as part of the large population of their states of domicile and that federal allocations of resources and opportunities will be given to the states based on a population which includes them in their state of domicile.

This according to the association will cause them to be floating as the distribution and utilisation of such allocations will officially exclude them in their states of domicile as well as their state of origin, and also excluding them from directly and equitably benefiting from and also participating in the activities of the various state governments.

Posted by Publisher at 04:01 PM | Comments (0)

Chevron MD seeks cooperation of host communities

Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr Jay Pryor, has appealed to host communities of the oil company including Umunwama and Obeabo in Oguta, Imo State as well as Niger Delta Communities where Chevron operates to continue to uphold the spirit of peace, friendship and good neighbourliness.

EMMA OGU, Owerri

Mr. Pryor who spoke at Imo Concord Hotel Owerri on the occasion of signing of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) between the NNPC/Chevron joint venture, its host communities in Oguta otherwise called Jisike Regional Council and stake holders was of strong belief that for sustainable development to be achieved, the oil company must have the cooperation of people in areas it operates.

He stated that Chevron strives towards helping its neighbours in the communities and else where to achieve sustainable development pointing out that the GMOU signed will help to pave way for an even more cordial and mutually fruitful relationship between the communities and NNPC/Chevron.

The Chevron boss who was represented on the occasion by the company’s General Manager, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Femi Odumabo, also explained that the GMOU which he said replaces previous agreements and MOUs is an important component of the newly announced community engagement strategies by the NNPC/Chevron joint venture.

The GMOU, he said embodies Chevron’s new directions in community engagement and sustainable development in Nigeria, defines the relationship between the company and communities in its area of operation and outlines the stakeholders’ commitment to participatory partnership, transparency and accountability, building community capacity for sustainable development and conflict resolution through due process and rule of law.

Mr. Pryor disclosed that for Chevron and its venture partner, the NNPC, the occasion signals beginning of a new dawn in its renewed and refreshed effort to contribute to the improvement in the quality of life of its neigbours in the company’s Jisike operations area and to build a healthier environment for its neighbours and stake holders.

In his own speech, special Adviser to Imo State governor on Petroleum and ecology Chief Nnachebe Ojike who represented the governor noted that signing of the GMOU marks a new dawn in participatory partnership between Chevron Nigeria Ltd and her host communities in the state, nothing that the exercise will no doubt improve the welfare and economic well being of the host communities.

Ojike also expressed government deep appreciation to the communities of Umunwama and Obeanor for maintaining harmonious relationship with Chevron Nigeria Ltd stressing that governor Udenwa will always ensure that the GMOU was implemented.

Meanwhile, representative of Umunwama community Dr. Felix Egwuagu expressed glad over the GMOU which he described as an innovation idea by Chevron pointing out that it will benefit his community.

The occasion was also witnessed by Mr. Gerald Ironna, Chairman of Oguta LGA amongst other senior government officials and community leaders.

Posted by Publisher at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)

Why prisons are congested – Prisons boss

Nigerian Prisons Ser-vice has said that the influx of awaiting trial persons was responsible for prisons congestion.

EMMA OGU Owerri

Making this known in Owerri, headquarters of the command on Wednesday at a reception organized for the visiting Acting Controller General of Prisons, Mr. Okwara Kalu CGP, the Assistant Controller General in charge of the Zone E, Mr. Marcel Chukwuma stated in his welcome address that prisons under his command presently harbours inmates who spend between ten to fifteen years as awaiting trials.

Mr. Chukwuma in his suggestion pointed out that the only way out of the problem is for the Prisons to initiate discussion with the judiciary and the police to review the legal framework to enable it discharge such awaiting trial inmates whose cases are not determined within two years of admission.

He further disclosed that even among the category of awaiting trail persons, a greater percentage are those whose, case would require legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecution DPP before the courts can determine their cases.

Mr. Chukwuma also called on the CGP to delegate some of the duties presently being handled by the prison headquarters and delegate same to the zonal commands to make them more functional.

According to him, zonal officers should handle the issue of transfer of all staff including professionals within the zone as well as supervision of training schools within its territory pointing out also that zonal coordinators should be sent photocopies of all resources (AIESs, stores vehicles etc) allocated to the states and stations under them to facilitate effective monitoring of their utilization.

He further requested that zonal offices should be allocated a functional saloon car and station wagon vehicle for use by key officers.

Addressing the officers and staff of the prisons later the acting controller General Mr. Kalu recalled the recent jail break in Port Harcourt rt Prisons and regretted that the incident generated negative media publicity for the Nigeria Prison services and portrayed the staff as incapable of managing the Prisons.

He stated that contrary to the impression the Nigeria Prisons Services has willing and able workers to discharge the duties but only lack resources to do so. According to him or total of eleven mobile telephone handsets were found in the prisons where the jail break occurred, stressing that the implication of Prisoners having access to handsets is much.

He also pointed out that recent directive for removal of all illegal structures near the Prison yards was informed by the fact that Prisons occasionally sneak to such places like kiosk to smoke Indian hemps and other hard tobacco.

Also, as part of decisions to safe guard the Prisons the authorities have resolved that searches be conducted regularly in the Prisons and the headquarters should be notified each time. He announced to the staff that about 7000 junior staff of Prison had been promoted and beneficiaries will soon be communicate to.

Posted by Publisher at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)

Don't reduce PDP to big-for-nothing— OBASANJO * As Atiku's supporters shun peace meeting

ABEOKUTA— PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo, reviewing the situation in his party—People’s Democratic Party (PDP)— yesterday, in his Abeokuta hometown, declared that the party should not be reduced to a “big for nothing” assembly.

By Jide Ajani, Kolade Larewaju & Emeka Mamah
Posted to the Web: Monday, September 26, 2005

He spoke at the Ogun State secretariat of the party when he went to revalidate his membership under the PDP’s registration\re-validation exercise.

However, supporters of Vice President Atiku Abubakar stayed away, yesterday, from a meeting of the North-West zone of the party aimed at brokering a truce between the president and the vice president.

The current exercise is meant to register new members for the party while the re-validation is for old members.

Old members are expected to bring along their old cards which expired last year in exchange for the new ones. No one is allowed to register by proxy. All registration and re-validation will be physically carried out.

The new card also has a space for passport sized photographs, an innovation which automatically cancels the possibility of voting through proxies. The re-validation exercise costs N10 to be paid by each member.

Obasanjo registers

President Obasanjo said the membership registration was to reposition it as a responsible and disciplined party. According to him, only those who are committed to the values, objectives and aspirations of the party for unity, progress, development and harmony should register. He was given membership card with registration no 2702233.

The President dressed in a brown guinea brocade agbada had arrived the party secretariat at about 9.25 a.m. accompanied by Governor Olugbenga Daniel and was received by the acting State Chairman, Chief Joju Fadairo, before being led to his Ward 11, Totoro Chairman and Secretary for the exercise.

Throwing banters with everybody around including journalists, President Obasanjo was asked his age, address and occupation before he was made to sign the register and his membership card handed over to him by the Ward Chairman, Chief Ebenezer Ogundipe.

Bringing out a N10 note for his registration, President Obasanjo said the payment was significant because the money was given to him on the way by Governor Daniel who, he said, insisted on paying for the registration.

Addressing party supporters immediately after the registration, the President explained that the new registration exercise was to ensure that the party was a responsible and disciplined. “We don’t want to be a big for nothing party. It is the largest in Africa. We want to be a responsible and disciplined party. A party whose orientation is what would be the best for Nigerians. The opportunity has come this time for all bonafide members of PDP to register those who are committed to its values, objectives and aspirations as a party for unity, progress, development and harmony,” he said.

President Obasanjo said he had taken the lead to signal the beginning of the registration by coming home to register as stipulated by the constitution. “I appeal to all bonafide members to do same in the next one week so that when the ward congress, which the national executive of the party has said would be by affirmation, they can participate at their ward. My appeal is that bonafide members should never allow the opportunity to pass them by. You should also keep your registration card. I keep mine close to my heart,” he said.

Adamawa State

However, there are strong indications that the registration and re-validation of PDP members in Adamawa State may kick off tomorrow. This is because registration cards meant for registration of in-coming members and re-validation of old members are expected to arrive Yola, the Adamawa State capital today. Senator Jubril Aminu will be leading party leaders to the state with the cards today.

Last Friday when the senator attempted to leave the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with the materials, security reports indicated that some aggrieved party members had laid ambush for him and his team. The trip was consequently cancelled. The senator is expected to head for Yola today.

Vice President Abubakar, Vanguard was reliably informed, would have been to register in his ward last weekend. But all that has to wait pending the arrival of the materials.

Atiku’s supporters shun peace meeting

Meanwhile, supporters of Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday stayed away from a meeting of the North-West Zone of the PDP called to broker a truce between the president and the vice president. The absence of supporters of the Vice President at the meeting further fuelled speculations that the rift may not be over soon as the vice president is still protesting the alienation of his supporters in the distributions of membership cards.

The meeting which was scheduled to take place at the zonal secretariat of the party on Isa Kaita Road, Kaduna was shifted to the Hassan Usman Katsina House where it was held under tight security. However, former Deputy National Chairman of the party in the North, Alhaji Iro Dan Musa, said there was no cause for concern over the disagreement between the two frontline leaders of the party as it had the mechanism to resolve its problems.

Sources said the meeting was called to find ways of resolving the crisis in the party caused by the face-off between President Obasanjo and vice president Abubakar.

While Governor Ahmed Makarfi of Kaduna State led the Obasanjo men at the meeting including some ministers from the zone, the absence of Governor Umaru Ya’Adua, of Katsina State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita and many other supporters of the Vice President was quite noticeable. Only a handful of National Assembly members were present at the meeting which was held under tight security.

Few minutes after the meeting started, a detachment of Mobile Policemen arrived at the venue of the meeting and the ADC to the Kaduna State governor was seen addressing them before they were placed at strategic locations at the premises. Praise singers and other party loyalists perceived to have no business in the place were locked out.

Chairman of the party in the zone, Dr. Bello Harilu Mohammed, lamented that the survival of the party was being threatened by internal conflicts, disagreements and indiscipline. Mohammed said the party could not thrive or maintain its high rating in the country if it allowed such attitude to continue. “We cannot thrive or maintain high rating in the nation as masters of political stratagem if we allow personal misgivings and unforgetfulness to turn us into mere observers in the nation’s politics because our states are in the hands of other parties,” he said.

He appealed to members of the party to close their ranks and find ways of promoting those things that “unite us more than the issues that divide us.”

Dan Musa on his part told newsmen after the meeting that though the meeting dwelled on the ongoing membership registration in the party, the rift between Obasanjo and Atiku would be resolved very soon.

“The issues will be resolved. We have the mechanism to resolve our crisis and at the end, everybody will be happy for it”, he said.

Dan Musa denied that the absence of the Katsina State governor had anything to do with his loyalty to the Vice President, saying: “I think he is not here because of the death of Dr. Bala Usman. That is why he had to stay away.”

However, he would not be drawn into the controversy neither would he make any categorical statement on the querrel between the two men. The communique at the end of the meeting also failed to make any statement on the rift and the decision of some members to stay away from the meeting.

The four-point communique said the meeting resolved that “all stateholders of the party will co-operate and find ways of executing the programmes of the party as directed by the National Working Committee. Areas of difficulty as regards distribution of membership cards for the purposes of registration were noted and will be addressed appropriately.

“That the zone applauds the economic programmes/reforms of his excellency, the president... which have culminated in the massive debt forgiveness recently extended to Nigeria.

“That the party notes with satisfaction the proformance of members of the party particularly the governors of Kaduna and Katsina States, legislators at the national and state levels and members of the Federal Executive Council from the zone. This level of performance applauded by even the president during his last state visit to Kaduna and Katsina States is a showcase of the quality of leadership that abounds in the zone. These leaders are encouraged to continue to make the zone proud and should lay emphasis on poverty alleviation.

“That party leaders should join hands with the party hierarchy in the states to make the revalidation of registered members and the forthcoming congresses and convention a resounding success.”

Posted by Publisher at 03:57 PM | Comments (0)

Vanguard wins Newspaper Of The Year award * Editor dedicates award to Tunji

BAUCHI — VANGUARD, the best read newspaper, has emerged Newspaper of the Year in the 2005 Nigeria Media Merit Award.

Oyeleru, Chima Ubani
By Taye Obateru
Posted to the Web: Monday, September 26, 2005

Vanguard beat The Punch and The Guardian to clinch the award endowed by former Chairman/Chief Executive of the Daily Times, Alhaji Babatunde Jose.

Editor of The Guardian, Mr. Debo Adesina, was named Editor of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Gbenga Adefaye, Editor of Vanguard, dedicated the Newspaper of the Year Award to the newspaper’s Deputy Photo Editor, Tunji Oyeleru, and Chima Ubani both of whom died in a motor accident last Wednesday on the Potiskun-Bauchi road, while returning from Maiduguri on an official assignment. Oyeleru, he said, deserved no less because he “died while in pursuit of excellence for Vanguard.”
Vanguard was the choice of a 20-member committee of gurus in journalism, public relations and advertising. The award does not require formal entry by any newspaper. The team is headed by Prince Tony Momoh. Vanguard performed a similar feat in 2003 when it beat other newspapers to win the award.

The award was presented to Vanguard’s Deputy Editor, Mr Mideno Bayagbon, by Governor Ahmadu Adamu Mua’zu of Bauchi State at the colourful ceremony held at Government House, Bauchi.
Mr. Debo Adesina of The Guardian also emerged the Editor of the Year in a category in which Azubuike Ishiekwene of The Punch and Gbenga Adefaye of Vanguard were also nominated. The Newspaper of the Year and Editor of the Year awards are picked independently by the panel of judges without anyone sending in entries.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Mua’zu urged the merit award winners to see it as a recognition which should spur them to higher performance and commitment. He challenged the media to take more seriously the issue of social responsibility in the discharge of their functions in view of the peculiarities of the country in terms of population and political development.
He decried what he called the tendency to sensationalise issues, noting that the country’s democracy could be imperiled by blowing issues out of proportion, adding that disagreement was part of the democratic process.

“This is one of the most delicate periods of our life and you should do the right thing for our nascent democracy to grow and eventually mature. I want to appeal to you to please help us so that this transition we are growing that we will do it successfully. You should report in a manner that will promote national unity. To do otherwise is to be unpatriotic.”

The governor thanked the organisers of the NMMA for taking the event to the state and announced the endowment of an award to be known as Ahmadu Adamu Mua’zu Award for Travel and Tourism for which he pledged a two-million naira donation.

Earlier, Chairman, Board of Trustees of NMMA, Alhaji Alade Odunewu, who was represented by Dr. Haroun Adamu, expressed delight that the objectives of the award was waxing stronger, adding that excellence remained a crucial part in deciding winners.

Prince Tony Momoh who is the chairman of the Award Committee gave a breakdown of the entries received and how the panel went about recommending winners but regretted that not many entries were received from outside Lagos. He, therefore, enjoined journalists from other geographical zones to send in entries for the award to make it truly national.

Dignitaries at the award night included Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State; former Governor of Oyo state, Alhaji Lamidi Adesina; Minister of State for Transport, Alhaji Habibu Aliyu; Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, Dr. Iyabo Bello; Chief Mike Ajegbo and many others.

Other winners include: Newspaper Features Writer of the Year (Daily Independent); Entertainment Reporter of the Year (Newswatch); News Photographer of the Year (Punch); Cartoonist of the Year (Daily Independent); Sports Reporter of the Year (Newswatch); Political Reporter of the year (Tell) and Business Reporter of the Year (Tell).

Posted by Publisher at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)

Money laundering: Jewellers, bureaux de change under surveillance

LAGOS — THE Federal Government has said it will soon mount surveillance on jewelry shops, hotels, bureaux de change, and casino outlets in the country, claiming that they are routes through which funds are transferred abroad.

By Franklin Alli & Peter Egwuatu
Posted to the Web: Monday, September 26, 2005

Accordingly, the Federal Executive Council has approved the establishment of a special department under the Federal Ministry of Commerce to tackle money laundering through surveillance of non-designated financial institutions – jewelry shops, hotels, car shops, boutiques, casinos and car dealers.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr., who disclosed this to newsmen said the non-designated financial institutions were areas through which people who engage in money laundry channel their money to foreign banks.

Meantime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm over the increasing cases of money laundering in the country, attributing it to the limitations of the money-laundering Act of 1995.

Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, speaking at the African Regional Market Training Programme in Abuja, weekend, said: “Money laundering is a relatively new offence in Nigeria’s criminal jurisprudence. It was seriously addressed for the first time following the enactment of the Money Laundering Act of 1995. This legislation was limited in scope, as it only affects offence that was drug related.

Speaking in Lagos, however, Minister of Information said people who engaged in money laundering channelled their money to foreign banks. Based on this, he said under the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004, Federal Ministry of Commerce was charged with the responsibility to monitor non-designated financial institutions.

“You know that if you go and buy jewelry, there are some jewelry you have that are worth more than 10 to 20 million dollars. There are some watches you have that are valued at $10 million.
“Some people go to gamble in casinos. Government is interested in knowing where the money they use in gambling comes from, and how come they are gambling with 10 to 20 million dollars?” he said.

Nweke said move by government to check activities of operators in this sub sector, was in line with the implementation of the money laundering act. “This department would be monitoring activities of money launders and bring culprits to book. The intent is to remove the country from the Financial Action Task Force list,” he said.

The minister at the launch of KPMG Africa Fraud and Misconduct Survey 2005, however, indicted Swiss banks for accommodating stolen moneys from Nigeria and other countries around the world
Acknowledging that fraud is still a major problem in public and private sectors in the country, the minister said attention ought to be paid to Swiss banks for accommodating stolen public funds.

“Nobody is talking about Swiss banks who habour money stolen from the country. I think they are more corrupt than Nigerians because if they do not collect, people will stop depositing stolen moneys there and this will reduce fraud,” he said.

According to him, no country among the comities of nations is free of con men, adding: “The administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo has zero tolerance for corruption, and is working hard to see to it that fraud is reduced to the barest minimum.”

Posted by Publisher at 03:54 PM | Comments (0)

Flow station: Security men terrorise villagers *As Chevron resumes production

IDAMA (Rivers State)— SECURITY men deployed to protect the Idama Flow Station owned by US oil giant, Chevron, Saturday, invaded a nearby village, severely beating the residents during a hunt for stolen weapons.

Posted to the Web: Monday, September 26, 2005

Already, Chevron has resumed production at the Robertkiri Flow Station, some 30 kilometres south-west of Port Harcourt, with a detachment of heavily armed soldiers providing security.
The two installations were shut down last week after threats of attack by militant Ijaw youths who were demanding the immediate release of the leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Asari Dokubo.

Three men — Ababia Youngana, 33, Thompson Walson, 25 and Preye Kigigha, 28 — showed reporters fresh scars they said they had received when soldiers beat them with rifle butts and whipped them with electrical flex. Youngana’s eye was swollen shut. “I can open it now, but I can’t see. It’s blinded,” he said.

A village elder said three more people had been so badly hurt that they had been sent by boat to nearby towns for hospital treatment. Many have fled the area, and a pregnant woman and two children have been missing since the raid, he added. The elder asked not to be named for fear he might lose government contracts as a punishment for speaking out.

Brigadier General Elias Zamani, the commander of a military task force sent to the Niger Delta to protect the oil industry, said his men were hunting for six rifles stolen on Thursday during a militia raid on Chevron’s Idama plant. “Some youths, about 90 of them in about eight speed boats, tried to shut down the flow station. They failed but because of their overwhelming strength they were able to take back the rifles,” he said.

Zamani said he was unaware of any violence during in the subsequent search, but said local people had been warned to return the guns.

The village elder said the militants, who are believed to be members of the illegal Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) were not from Idama but that the message about the rifles had been passed on.

Production resumes

Meanwhile, Chevron has restarted oil production under the protection of soldiers at the Robertkiri flow station. A Chevron staff refused to talk to the media and intervened to stop a soldier from doing so, but machinery was in use and an army officer confirmed oil was being pumped. Chevron’s press officers in Lagos did not return calls.

Both facilities were protected by sand-bagged machine gun positions and soldiers armed with Kalashnikovs rifles.

Posted by Publisher at 03:53 PM | Comments (0)

The Good and the bad in governance — Insights from other lands

In a season of anarchy, when a civilian dictator is ruining the land and enslaving the people to foreign interests, when executive vampires and sponsored cartels are sucking the population dry, when bandit gangs parade as political parties, when government lawlessness and bad policies drive millions to crime or suicide, all amidst pharisaic posturing about fighting corruption, poverty eradication and putting things right, the public might benefit by consulting the records from other lands and other times — Pharaonic Egypt, China (4th c. BC), Persia (6th c. BC), & USA (20th c. AD) for insights into the roots of bad governance and into how good governance is ensured.

By Chinweizu
Posted to the Web: Monday, September 26, 2005

Introduction:

Please note:[1] that a disorderly society is a product of disorderly government, and is proof of bad governance; and [2] that much of Lord Shang’s observations, from 4th c. BC China, apply to the comprador colonial Nigeria of the last 50 years.

Part I:
The supreme value of order
“Indeed, there is no greater benefit for the people (from the state) than order . . .”
—(Lord Shang, 1998:182)
The two ways of a state

“A state either encourages orderly government, or it encourages disorder.”
—(Lord Shang, 1998: 215)
“Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or ill it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes the law breaker, it breeds contempt for laws; it invites every man to become a law unto himself.” (Hence, a lawless government) “invites anarchy.”
—Louis Brandeis, Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court, 1916-1939.
Quoted in (Gore Vidal, 2002:107)

How is orderly government brought about?
“The guiding principles of the people are base, and they are not consistent in what they value. . . . If, in governing a people, a condition can be brought about wherein great depravity cannot be bred and minor offences do not escape unnoticed, the state will be orderly. . . Orderly government is brought about in a state by three things. The first is law, the second good faith (in rewards and penalties), and the third right standards. Law is exercised in common by the prince and his ministers. Good faith is established in common by the prince and his ministers. The right standard is fixed by the prince alone. If a ruler of men fails to observe it, there is danger; if prince and ministers neglect the law and act according to their self-interest, disorder is the inevitable result. Therefore if law is established, rights and duties (emphasis added) are made clear, and self-interest does not harm the law, then there is orderly government. . . . If orders are made strict, orderly government is not delayed, and if laws are equable, officials are not wicked.”

— (Lord Shang, 1998:180, 182, 198, 194)
Two types of rulers—intelligent and unintelligent
An intelligent ruler is one who has “a true insight into the ways of order and disorder. . . . [and rules] for the sake of [the country], . . .[and not for] gaining private profits at the expense of the people. . . . A sage prince understands what is essential in affairs, and therefore in his administration of the people there is that which is most essential. . . . When a sage administers a country, culprits have no government position and felons do not hold office. . . . Only an intelligent ruler loves right standards and values good faith, and will not, for the sake of self-interest, harm the law.”

—(Lord Shang 1998: 199, 200, 150, 197, 178,198)
“If an intelligent ruler is on top, then those whom he appoints will be men of talent, and thus the law will be adhered to by the people of talent. If the law is adhered to by the people of talent, then there will be law amongst those below, and the worthless will not dare to commit crimes. This is what I call ‘encouraging orderly government’. But if an unintelligent ruler is on top, then those whom he appoints will certainly be worthless men, so that there will be no clear law in the state and worthless people will dare to commit crimes. This is what I call ‘encouraging disorder’.”

—(Lord Shang, 1998: 215-216)
“Nowadays, . . .that which the rulers of the world are particularly concerned about is not at all that of which the state stands in urgent need. . . .To neglect natural resources and to pander to the people’s dissipations is to fail in one’s duty as a ruler.”
—(Lord Shang, 1998: 175, 172)
What is called intelligence?
“What is called intelligence [in a ruler] is for nothing to escape the sight, so that the multitude of officials dare not commit crimes, nor the people dare to do wrong.”
—(Lord Shang, 1998: 217)

How does an intelligent ruler prohibit wickedness and stop crime?
If there are severe penalties that extend to the whole family, people will not dare to try (how far they can go), and as they dare not try, no punishments will be necessary. The former kings, in making their interdicts, did not put to death, or cut off people’s feet, or brand people’s faces, because they sought to harm those people, but with the object of prohibiting wickedness and stopping crime; for there is no better means of prohibiting wickedness and stopping crime than by making punishments heavy. If punishments are heavy and rigorously applied, then people will not dare to try (how far they can go), with the result that, in the state, there will be no people punished. Because there are no people punished in the state, I say that if one understands punishments, there is no capital punishment.” —(Lord Shang, 1998:210)
The example of Otanes’ chair

“Otanes’ father Sisamnes had been put to death by Cambyses [King of Persia]: he was one of the royal judges, and as a punishment for taking a bribe and perverting justice Cambyses had him flayed; all his skin was torn off and cut into strips, and the strips stretched across the seat of the chair which he used to sit on in Court. Cambyses then appointed his son to be judge in his place, and told him not to forget what his chair was made of, when he gave his judgements.”—(Herodotus, 1996: 288)

Needless to say, Otanes went on to distinguish himself, including as a military commander, in the service of his king and country.
What puts a state in disorder?

“If a state is in disorder, it is not because the law is disorderly, but because its law is not applied. All states have laws, but there are no laws that guarantee that the laws are practised. All states have laws that prohibit crime and wickedness, and that punish thieves and robbers; but there are no laws that guarantee that criminals and wicked people, thieves and robbers, are caught. If those who commit crimes and wickedness, theft and robbery, are punished with death, and if, in spite of this, crime and wickedness, theft and robbery, do not cease, then it is because they are not always caught. If they are always caught, and if, in spite of this, there still remain criminals, wicked people, thieves and robbers, then it is because punishments are too light. If punishments are light, one cannot exterminate them; but if they are always caught, then those who are punished will be numerous. Therefore, a good ruler punishes the bad people, but does not reward the virtuous ones; so without being punished, the people will be virtuous, and the reason of this is that punishments are heavy. When punishments are heavy, people do not transgress, and therefore there will be no punishments; because none of the people will dare to do wrong, everyone in the whole country will be virtuous, so that without rewarding the virtuous, the people will be virtuous. That the rewarding of the virtuous is not permissible is because it is like giving rewards for not stealing.”—(Lord Shang, 1998: 215)

“Sophistry and cleverness are an aid to lawlessness; . . . kindness and benevolence are the foster-mother of transgressions; . . . If lawlessness is aided, it becomes current; if there are symptoms of dissipation and licence, they will become the practice; if there is a foster-mother for transgressions, they will arise; if there are opportunities for the rapacity of the wicked, they will never cease.” –(Lord Shang, 1998:167)

“If men form parties, the arguments and dissensions in the country will be of confusing diversity; the lower classes will be amused and the great men will enjoy it, with the result that amongst such a people farmers will be few and those who, in idleness, live on others will be many. These latter being numerous, farmers will be in a perilous position, and this being so, land will be left lying fallow. . . . If the fields lie fallow, the people will live by deceit.” –( Lord Shang, 1998:160, 178)
“If punishments are numerous and minor penalties are applied, the country will have many criminals. Then the rich will not be able to keep their wealth, nor the poor to apply themselves to their occupations (emphasis added); the fields will lie fallow, and the state will be poor. . . . If agriculture is relaxed and criminals gain the upper hand, then the country will be dismembered–(Lord Shang, 1998:177-178, 194)

What puts a state in a perilous position?
Nowadays, princes and ministers of a disorderly world each, on a small scale, appropriates the profits of his own state, and each exercises the burden of his own office, for his private benefit. This is why the states are in a perilous position. For the relation between public and private interests is what determines existence or ruin. (emphasis added)

However, if models and measures are abolished and private appraisal is favoured, then bad ministers will let their standards be influenced by money, in order to obtain emoluments, and officials of various ranks will, in a stealthy and hidden manner, make extortions from the people. The saying runs: ‘Many woodworms and the wood snaps, a large fissure and the wall collapses.’ So if ministers of state vie with one another in selfishness and do not heed the people, then inferiors are estranged from superiors. When this happens, there is a fissure in the state. If the officials of the various ranks make extortions from the people, stealthily and in a hidden manner, they are for the people like woodworms. Therefore is it exceptional in the world that where there are fissures and woodworms, ruin does not follow. That is why intelligent kings placed reliance on the law and removed self-interest, so that the state should have no fissures and no woodworms.”—(Lord Shang, 1998: 200)
Abolishing penalties by means of penalties?

In applying punishments, light offences should be punished heavily; if light offences do not appear, heavy offence will not come. This is said to be abolishing penalties by means of penalties, and if penalties are abolished, affairs will succeed. If crimes are serious and penalties are light, penalties will appear and trouble will arise. This is said to be bringing about penalties by means of penalties, and the state will be surely dismembered. –(Lord Shang, 1998:196-197)
What is called righteousness?

What is called righteousness is when ministers are loyal, sons filial; when there are proper ceremonies between juniors and seniors, and distinctions between men and women; when a hungry man eats, and a dying man lives, not improperly, but only in accordance with righteousness. This, however, is the constant condition when there is law. A sage-king does not value righteousness, but he values the law. If with the law one sees to it that it is clear, and with commands that they are carried out, then it will be all right.” – (Lord Shang, 1998: 218)

Some Pharaonic Egyptian Sayings:
1. Djehuti/Thoth (the Divine Intelligence and god of learning) has placed the stick on earth in order to teach the fool by it.
2. In the hand of the wise man, reward and the stick are measured.
3. Law and justice cease in a town where there is no stick
4. The evil man takes two-thirds and seeks the other third
5. If the stick is far from the master, the servant does not listen to him.
—from “The Instruction of [Phebor]/Papyrus Insinger” in (Lichtheim, Miriam 1980:184-213)

Part II:
Who are the founding fathers of Nigeria?
The founding fathers of Nigeria are Sir George Goldie, Lord Lugard, Lord Harcourt and other British Expatriate traders, soldiers and officials whose names adorned the streets of Ikoyi and the other GRAs.
Zik, Awo, Sarduana & Co were not the founding fathers of Nigeria— contrary to an error widespread today. Rather, they were the comprador inheritors of a Nigerian state founded by others during their childhood. If anything, they were the founding fathers of the Comprador Colonialism whose ethos of self-seeking for “life-more abundant” together with its lack of a philosophy of governance has, for 50 years, made worse the mess they inherited from the Expatriate Colonialists.
Where did they go wrong?
Basically, they did not think out a philosophy of governance, let alone one adequate to the circumstances and aspirations of Nigeria; they merely continued with the bad governance instituted by the imperialist founders of Nigeria (a bad governance they had themselves loudly protested against whilst seeking to take over the colonial state)
and, in their thoughtless greed for the emoluments of office, they made that inherited bad governance worse, and opened the path to the dire misrule we now endure.
What is the trouble with Nigeria?
Some say it is bad leadership.
But what exactly is bad about the leadership?
The leadership of the state is not righteous: they do not rule for the sake of the country, but for private profit at the expense of the people.
Besides, the leadership of the state is lawless: It doesn’t enforce the laws, or it enforces them selectively for private ends. And light offences are not punished heavily, and great offences are not punished at all.

What is the fundamental remedy for Nigeria’s ills?
Firstly, the Nigerian people need to heed the words of Phebor and, at all times, remember that if they, as sovereign and master, do not wield the stick, their servants, the officials, will not listen to them. They must therefore, get into the habit of chastising the officials of state, no matter how highly placed, and teach them to fear the people. Hence the need to use rebellion to topple misrulers and drive them out of power. Behead a few, and potential misrulers will not dare to seek office.Secondly, the coming to state power of a Movement that articulates and practices a sound philosophy of governance – a philosophy adapted to the country’s circumstances and aspirations; a Movement that understands that politics (a.k.a. politricks) is a war for private advantage in the public domain; that an election is ritualized faction warfare; whereas governance is the continuation of morality in public affairs; and that politics, therefore, makes for bad governance. A Movement that, without partiality, makes and enforces good and strong laws,— not for private advantage, but for the public good. A Movement, in other words, that believes in, and adheres to the old African adage that the chief has no relatives.

Posted by Publisher at 03:52 PM | Comments (0)

Election in Lagos LG councils will guarantee release of funds, says Anibaba

Dr. Obafemi Anibaba is the Publicity Secretary and state chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos state. In this interview with Princewill Ekwujuru, he bares his mind on the alleged third term bid of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the partly released Lagos State council funds by the Federal government, his vision for his party if elected chairman among other topical issues. Excerpt;

Posted to the Web: Monday, September 26, 2005

There is now orchestrated moves by some Nigerians to extend the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Based on your knowledge, do you see the president leaving office in 2007?

President Olusegun Obasanjo has time without number reiterated his determination to leave office at the end of his tenure. My party the PDP through our able chairman. Col. Ahmadu Alli (RTD) has also allayed the fears of Nigerians and the International community of the desire of the President to leave office by 2007. So, I don’t know where the orchestrated moves are coming from and the masterminds. But Nigeria is a great country that nobody would like to toy with, and based on my knowledge of Mr. President, I want to assure Nigerians that he will leave by 2007.

Lagos State Government after a long wait has reverted to the old council structure. What is your reaction?
Those who know me can attest that I’m a positive person. For quite a long time now, Lagosians have been clamouring for a return to status quo ante. They have with one voice asked Governor Bola Tinubu and his cohorts in Alausa to do the right thing and save Lagosians from deprivation, but all these appeals, all these clamours and all wise counseling fell on deaf ears. So when I heard that Tinubu in collaboration with the Lagos State House of Assembly have reverted to the 20 legally constituted local governments I wasn’t really surprised because the constitution of Nigeria rescognises a 20 local government structure. Lagos State is the centre of excellence and things concerning the interests of Lagosians must be done excellently.

There are insinuations that your party in the state met and sent words to President Obasanjo not to release the remaining council funds until a fresh election is conducted. Can you tell us what happened?

Well, the word you used is “insinuation” which can be termed a rumour. Having said this, I want to inform everybody that our party has never sent a memo to President Obasanjo on this matter. But we met and agreed that if we are consulted by the President on our stand over the release of this fund, that we shall tell the President to insist on a fresh conduct of elections before the remaining sum of money totaling N26 billion is released. So, the truth is that President Obasanjo as wise as he is would not do anything or take any decision that would run against the constitution of Nigeria . As I speak with you the President hasn’t sent words to us, but through available media forum we have unshakably made our stand clear and if our President is backing our stand, there is nothing wrong with that. Let us wait for the President’s reaction and until he comes out with his stand, any insinuation, accusation or rumour has no root.

In the past one month or so you have vigorously embarked on your electioneering campaign for the State chairmanship position . What do you intend doing if elected?
I’m not a new comer in the political terrain and the people that determines who governs them had made me to understand the vital role people play in politics. Before I commenced my campaign proper, I sent out letters of intent to our party members seeking for their support. I made a lot of consultations and based on the positive responses I received from them, I decided to run for the leadership position of my party in Lagos State.

Posted by Publisher at 03:48 PM | Comments (0)

Nigeria missing in World Bank's debt pardon list

NIGERIA was again conspicuously missing yesterday in an 18-nation list that the policy makers of the World Bank met to deliberate upon for possible debt pardon.

From Bukky Olajide, Washington D.C.
With Agency reports

The relief package could be up to $55 billion, according Agency reports. The nations being considered for the relief include Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Honduras, Madagascar and Mali. The rest are Mauritania, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The meeting of World Bank's policymaking committee came, a day after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it would support the plan.

When the Group of Eight (G-8) richest nations agreed on July 8 agreed on a $50 billion debt pardon, Nigeria was also not included, since the country is not classified as highly indebted. The Paris Club of Creditors later on June 30 agreed on an $18 billion debt relief package for Nigeria

Leaders of the G8 proposed the fresh $55 billion debt relief deal at their July summit in Gleneagles, Scotland.

But concerns had been raised that they would not live up to their commitments.

Speaking on Saturday after the IMF's announcement, UK Chancellor Gordon Brown, who heads the institution's steering committee, said: "Agreement has now been reached on all the elements of the debt deal."

News of IMF support for the debt relief deal came at the end of the first day of its yearly series of meetings with the World Bank in Washington.

Brown said he was confident that the Washington-based lender would follow the IMF in approving the deal.

"The same principles that have been adopted (on Saturday) will be those that will inform the discussion (at the World Bank) tomorrow (yesterday), and I look forward to a successful conclusion of their discussions as well," he said.

The 18 nations stand to have $40bn in debt written off initially, while $55bn could be released eventually.

A number of countries, led by Belgium and the Netherlands, had complained that not enough money was being committed by rich nations to make up for the shortfall in funds that the World Bank would face if debt repayments were forgiven.

But a joint-pledge by the G8 on Friday not to dilute the resources of the international financial institutions overcame opposition and the debtor nations could start benefiting by the end of 2005.

About 70 percent of the debt is owed to the World Bank, while the rest is owed to the IMF and the African Development Bank.

Campaign groups welcomed the IMF's decision, but said the G8's proposals needed to be widened to include more nations.

"This announcement brings a welcome sigh of relief, but the deal still needs to be expanded to include more countries and to eliminate harmful strings attached," ActionAid said.

The debt deal reached in Scotland is regarded as a crucial step towards meeting the United Nations' millennium development goals of halving the number of people living in extreme poverty by 2015.

It was backed by Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US.

The World Bank and IMF meetings are the first Paul Wolfowitz is attending as head of the World Bank since taking up the post in June.

The former deputy US defence secretary has called for increased development aid to lift millions of people out of poverty.

Separately, developing nations within the IMF are also keen to push for a stronger voice within the key decision-making bodies of the organisation.

Although IMF membership has ballooned since its establishment - along with the World Bank - after World War Two, its most influential members remain the US, Japan and the major countries of Europe.

The IMF panel said it had approved all elements of the deal, which now goes to its twin institution, the World Bank.

The G8's pledge to not dilute the resources of the international financial institutions had overcome opposition by smaller rich states and the debtor nations could start benefiting by the end of 2005.

Global economic fallout from the US hurricanes, especially the impact on oil prices, are also on the minds of World Bank and IMF leaders.

A senior IMF economist described high oil prices - which hit a peak of $70.85 a barrel in August - as "a clear and present danger".

Posted by Publisher at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)

U.S. court dismisses suit against govt over Nigeria Airways

A UNITED States (U.S.) District Court has vacated its default ruling of $50,000 in damages against the Federal Government of Nigeria and the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL).

From Laolu Akande,
New York

The ruling was in a class action suit brought by a group of Nigerians against the defunct national carrier and the country. But the U.S. Judge, Cherly L. Pollack, granted the plaintiffs' plea to make their case against the defunct airline.

A group of Nigerians, who were passengers of the Nigeria Airways flight number WT 851 on November 30, 2002, filed the suit after the passengers arrived in Lagos from New York without their luggage.

According to the plaintiffs, the airline had forcibly taken their carry-on bags at the entrance to the plane and arbitrarily forced them to pay a ransom and improper fee of $125 for each bag otherwise they would risk not being allowed to board.

The 400 plaintiffs who were represented by their class representatives claimed that virtually all luggage belonging to them were left in New York for over two weeks.

During the two weeks, the workers of the defunct airline misled them on the fate of their luggage causing them to be reporting daily at the airline's offices thereby restricting, limiting and controlling their freedom of movement within and out of Nigeria.

The plaintiffs therefore sued for fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation, extortion, false imprisonment, breach of the Warsaw Convention, unjust enrichment, and detrimental reliance among others.

In all, the plaintiffs as a class therefore demanded judgment in compensatory and punitive damages in the amount of $50 million plus interest, costs and legal fees.

And considering that the Nigeria Airways was undergoing liquidation, the litigants also sued the government privatisation agency, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). They also joined the Managing Director of the airline, Mr. A.A. Okunuga.

The suit was filed at the U.S. District Court in New York on December 22, 2003, but no defendants from either the Federal Government or the NAL responded.

On June 3, 2004, the defendants got a lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye, to enter notice of appearance, but according to the U.S. Judge, the defendants "took no further steps to respond to the complaint."

It was at this point that the plaintiffs entered a motion on July 29, for entry of a default judgment in the sum of $50 million. The judgment was ordered until the defendants' counsel appeared and challenged service process on his clients.

He argued that the plaintiffs failed to properly effect service of process on defendants because their methods of service did not conform with the requirements of Nigerian law or of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA). On this basis, Ugwuonye moved to dismiss this case.

The Judge concluded thus: "Although the court finds that service was properly effected as to NAL, but the methods used to serve Mr. Okunuga were not in compliance with Nigerian law and NAL does not appear to have been served. The methods used to serve the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Minister of Aviation and the BPE were not in compliance with FSIA.

Accordingly, the court recommends that the claims against Mr. Okunuga, NAL and Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Minister of Justice and the BPE be dismissed. Plaintiffs should, however, be permitted to proceed against NAL."

The plaintiffs' lawyer, Kunle Fagbenle, in a brief chat said the case was an on-going litigation, suggesting that the plaintiffs were not about to give up after the dismissal.

The plaintiffs' representatives are Ndidi C. Azikiwe, a niece of Nigeria's first president, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who is a student in New York; Marie Philips, a U.S. citizen based in Brooklyn, New York; Charles Mbamara, a New York based Certified Public Accountant; and Modupe Alagbala, a senior Nigerian citizen who lives in Lagos.

They represent themselves and the entire class of persons in the action. Others who also represent the plaintiffs are two U.S.-based Nigerian attorneys, Fagbenle and Theo Oginni.

Posted by Publisher at 03:44 PM | Comments (0)

Ilorin boils, two residents feared dead

SOME parts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital came under heavy fighting yesterday as suspected loyalists of a traditional ruler recently dethroned by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, resisted an attempt by the police to dislodge him from his palace.

From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin

In the cross-fire that ensued, each side lost a victim. A police corporal in the security team that went to the palace was the first casualty. He was reportedly fell by bullet from the embattled ruler's followers.

In retaliation, the police killed a yet-to-be identified man. The casualty figure was confirmed by the police authorities.

The Guardian learnt that more than 10 people have been arrested in connection with the fracas, while over 20 others, including children, were wounded.

Reacting to the development, the state government called for calm. It also appealed to the aggrieved persons to seek legal redress, warning that it would not allow any lawlessness by the citizens.

Yesterday's clash in Ilorin has brought to the fore age-long traditional rivalry among the natives.

Since the removal of three Baloguns and Baba Isale by the Emir, their loyalists have vowed to resist any attempt to impose any ruler on them.

Gambari had through one of his lieutenants, Magaji Nda Alhaji Woru Mohammed announced the dethronement of the chiefs for alleged disloyalty and disrespect for him.

The Emir also queried the monarchs for taking the feud beyond the shore of the state.

The chiefs had in July this year written a letter to President Olusegun Obasanjo where they narrated their ordeal.

They accused Gambari of marginalising them, buttressing their allegation with non-payment of their perquisites by the Ilorin Emirate Council.

The embattled rulers are Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Abdulkareem Laare Balogun; Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Shuaib Adio Mohamud; Baba Isale, Alhaji Saka Aleshi.

The trio head communities that are inhabited by the natives of Ilorin town.

Witnesses said yesterday that trouble started when about 60 armed policemen at about 11.00 a.m. attempted to take over the palace of Magaji Aare at Idi Ape area of the town. They reportedly came with the newly turbaned Magaji Aare, Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Subair.

The Emir had named Subair as the successor to the late occupant of the office, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal.

But supporters of the dethroned rulers allegedly resisted the action of the police. The situation degenerated into a gun battle with Subair, who came on a horse, making a quick detour with some policemen shielding him.

A witness said: "When he (Subair) was coming in company of the policemen, they wanted to enter into Aare's compound but our people resisted them. The policemen were shooting and we had to prevent them from gaining entry into the compound. We have our own Magaji Aare and nobody can replace him except God."

When The Guardian visited the palace at about 2.30 p.m. yesterday, policemen were seen shooting sporadically into the air on one sides, while the monarchs' supporters claimed to be militants blocked the entry point into the Aare's compound.

The situation forced residents to remain indoors while vehicular movement was restricted in the area. The popular Idi-Ape market was deserted.

It was learnt that the dethroned Balogun Gambari was at about 6.00 p.m. on Saturday invited by men of the State Security Services (SSS) for a "chat,"

The state Police Command spokesman, Deputy Superintendent Gideon Marcus, confirmed the death of "one police corporal and a civilian," during the fracas.

Marcus said: "We were discharging our constitutional duty by escorting the newly turbaned Magaji Aare into his palace when one of our men was shot dead.

"We had no choice than to reinforce and defend other men. In the process, one other person on their side fell," he stated.

He also confirmed the arrest of 10 persons, declaring that men and officers of the command were equal to the task of maintaining peace and order in the trouble areas.

Tension also mounted in other areas such as Ajikobi, Alanamu, Fulani and Gambari, where loyalist of other affected rulers have mobilised to defend their leaders.

Already, the state government has sued for peace, urging the aggrieved rulers to challenge the development in a law court.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategies and Politics, Alhaji Bolaji Abdulahi said the government would not compromise its stand on ensuring peace and security of life and property in the state.

Abdulahi said the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Local Government Commissioner, Mrs. Alimat Ibrahim would today issue a statement on the matter.

An unofficial report claimed that over 20 people including women and children were injured at the scene of the clash.

Posted by Publisher at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

Sultan wants human face in govt's economic policies

THE Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammadu Maccido, has urged the Federal Government to give its economic reforms programme a human face.

From Saxone Akhaine,
Kaduna

Noting the recent increase in fuel prices, Maccido, who presided over the National Executive Council (NEC) of NSCIA meeting in Kaduna at the weekend called for more focus on the people.

He admitted that there is progress in the implementation of the reform programme, adding however, that "the gains of such exercise will take time to impact on the people."

He urged the government to "eliminate avoidable pains in the reform process."

His words: "This is why we advised the Federal Government to give the economic reform a human face. For example, it is difficult to justify the exorbitant price now placed on fuel. If there is an area where rigid deregulation should not apply, it is over fuel pricing considering its impact on every Nigerian, especially the poor people."

Alhaji Maccido identified the social sector as an area where the government had performed creditably and deserved commendation. The social sector, he said, "has been able to bring about much needed improvements."

While urging Nigerians to respond positively to government's efforts to sanitize the polity, the Sultan emphasised the need to embrace literacy "at every level and in all ramifications," adding that "no one should make excuses on religious grounds."

He added: "Islam insists on the acquisition of knowledge by all believers, young and old, male and female. Our leader, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) enjoined us to seek knowledge even as far as China. As for the education of the girl child, the prophet regarded it as mandatory, because, as he explained, to educate a girl is like educating a whole nation."

Maccido also asked Moslems all over the world to practice Islam "without fanaticism and extremism", stressing that "in the same token, let those who equate Islam with terrorism desist from such misrepresentation."

Affirming commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes, he said: "Islam denotes peace and abhors violence in any form. The world needs justice and peace. It is the duty of all to pursue these noble ends at all times."

Commending the decision of the Ariel Sharon government to dismantle Israeli settlement in Gaza, Maccido said: "We are impressed with the resolute implementation of the decision, the furious protests by the Israeli hardliners notwithstanding."

The Sultan continued: "This rare gesture of humility from the Israeli authorities should be reciprocated by the Palestinians by exercising restraint in their struggle against illegal occupation of their other lands."

He lamented the recent Tsunami disaster in Asia, as well as the Katrina and Rita Hurricanes in America and the bombings in London by terrorists groups.

Posted by Publisher at 03:42 PM | Comments (0)

Governors control 50 per cent of nation's economy, says EFCC

AS the war against corruption rages on in the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said at the weekend that its investigations have revealed that 50 per cent of economic activities in Nigeria were being controlled by state governors through their cronies or relations.

From Sunny Obidigbo and Mathias Okwe (Abuja)

Such persons, described as "Potentially Exposed persons" by the EFCC, are now under the searchlight of the commission to determine their levels of complicity in the fleecing of the nation's treasury through money laundering and other fraudulent activities.

Chairman of the EFCC, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, spoke in Abuja while delivering a lecture at the closing ceremony of the African Regional Markets Training Programme with the topic: "Anti-Money Laundering Programme for the Financial Market: The Nigerian Perspective.''

Ribadu, represented by the Acting Director of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in the EFCC, Mr. A B. Okauru, also indicted states finance commissioners and their accountants - general of complicity and stated that their activities were also being monitored.

He said the commission was investigating the case of a "reckless governor" who went on a jamboree in Europe at the expense of his state, ran out of cash and telephoned home for more funds and was obliged by the state officials.

On banking sector surveillance, Ribadu stated that the tempo has increased with the flagging-off of activities of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in the EFCC and said some banks managing directors have been detained over various forms of fraud.

Speaking on the progress made by the NFIU through its activities in the first half year, Ribadu said the programmes were designed to prepare workers for tasks ahead and were focused on the monitoring and analyses of renditions (Suspicious Transaction Reports, Currency Transaction Reports, Financing Terrorism Reports and Customs Disclosures) submitted, as well as bi-annual findings of the NFIU from renditions.

Ribadu also accused developed countries of providing safe havens for illegally acquired wealth by politically exposed persons (PEPs).

He noted that the resultant effect of money laundering was world instability through war, fears and lack of confidence in the global financial system.

He added that this had led to the violation of recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force; Article 7(1) (b) of the United Nations (UN) Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime.

Commending the recent arrest of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State for alleged money laundering, Ribadu noted that the "big catch" became a reality sequel to the collaborative assistance received from the law authorities of the United Kingdom in Nigeria's fight against corruption and money laundering.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Transparency International, Mr. Peter Eigen, has commended the World Bank's Voluntary Disclosure Programme flagged off last Saturday.

Eigen, in a statement made available by the World Bank in Abuja yesterday, said the decision to undertake the programme makes it even tougher for crooked officials to hide their dishonest activities in the shadows.

Posted by Publisher at 03:41 PM | Comments (0)

Delta faults joint state, council account law; Speakers oppose new fuel prices

KNOCKS came from the Delta State government at the weekend for the newly established State Joint Local Council Account Committees through the Local Government Revenue Allocation Act. The law was recently passed by the Federal Government.

From Sunny Ogefere, Asaba

Beside usurping the legislative rights of the states of the federation to make laws for councils, the government asserted that the Act was not in consonance with the ideals of true federalism as enshrined in the nation's constitution.

Under the law, which seeks to regulate the operations of the State Joint Local Council Account, the National Assembly composed membership of the Joint Account and included representatives of the Federal Government in the panel.

But opening the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria at Asaba, Governor James Ibori said that the law violated Section 162 Sub-section 8 of the 1999 Constitution.

"It is the view of Delta State that the legislative attempt to regulate the functions of the State Joint Local Government Account and appoint federal functionaries completely undermines the legislative powers vested in the respective state Houses of Assembly under Section 162 Sub-section 8 of the 1999 Constitution."

Represented by his deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, Ibori said: "it is also our view that the regulation of the State Joint Local Council Account under a Federal law weakens the basic principles of federalism as entrenched in the constitution," he added.

Ibori charged the Speakers to organise a summit of legislators from both the national and a state assemblies to familiarise the lawmakers with their respective legislative competence under the constitution, adding: "Our legislators must stand up to assert their legislative rights."

The governor also challenged the Speakers to address the frequent crisis in the oil and gas sectors of the economy.

He called for vigilance to ensure that the ongoing reforms were anchored on social justice, peace and democracy in the country.

"We cannot have a stable democracy and just society, until we establish a sound foundation for the practice of true federalism in our plural society," he cautioned.

Ibori lamented the mass poverty, high rate of inflation, insecurity of life and property as well as the incidents of endless conflicts across the country.

These problems, Ibori said, were making it impossible to attain the level of peace required for meaningful development.

On the 2007 general elections, he enjoined stakeholders to imbibe the culture of tolerance to ensure that the polity was not overheated.

Said he: "We must work with a consciousness attitude of give and take so that, together, we can evolve a democratic culture of peace and stability that is self-sustaining."

The governor said that Delta State still stands by the position it took at the National Political Reform Conference on the issues of power sharing and fiscal policies.

He enjoined Nigerians from other parts of the country to show greater understanding and flexibility in these matters in the interest of growing a democracy based on justice, fairplay and equity.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Speakers' Conference, Mr. Rotimi Amechi, stressed the need for legislators to forge a common front.

He said that the Speakers' conference was opposed to the recent increase in the prices of petroleum products by Federal Government.

Posted by Publisher at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)

Three banks to form First North Bank

DETERMINED to meet emerging challenges in the banking sector, officials of Bank of the North (BON), NUB International Limited and New Africa Bank Plc have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreeing to merge their financial institutions for a mega bank to be known as First North Bank Plc.

From Adamu Abuh, Kano

BON's Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Sadauki, NUB's Alhaji Yahaya and Alhaji Bashir Bugaje of New Africa Bank Plc appended their signatures on the merger deal at a ceremony which took place at the BON's corporate headquarters in Kano at the weekend.

Sadauki, who spoke on behalf of their group, remarked that the merger deal was necessitated by efforts to meet the N25 billion capitalisation requirement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He said: " There has been concern over the likely fate and direction of banking in northern Nigeria in the aftermath of the requirement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for all banks to raise their shareholders funds to a minimum of N25 billion.

"Today's event is a well thought out response to that general expectation of many well-meaning stakeholders and the general public."

Revealing that the planned mega bank would command an initial network of 110 branches, he asserted that the merger deal was also aimed at promoting economic activities and the banking culture in the country.

Sadauki also explained the wisdom behind the brand name of the planned mega bank, saying: "The name provides the bridge between the past and the future. The word 'North' provides the link with the past while the word 'first' denotes a fresh beginning."

Stating that a technical committee to handle the merger process had been constituted, he invited other interested financial institutions of like minds to join the envisaged mega bank before the end of October.

Posted by Publisher at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)

Ladoja, Adedibu embrace, end rift

THE crisis between Governor Rashidi Ladoja and his estranged political godfather, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu was yesterday resolved as the duo agreed to sheathe their swords and work together for the peace and progress of the state.

From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan

The occasion was the 61st birthday of the governor held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan where Adedibu alongside the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Yekini Adeojo and their teeming supporters paid a visit to the governor to felicitate with him on his birthday.

To the admiration of their teeming supporters, the warring leaders openly embraced and assisted Ladoja to cut his birthday cake. President Olusegun Obasanjo had at the weekend invited the two leaders to Abuja on a fence-mending mission where both sides agreed to sink their differences and work together.

In his address on the occasion, Ladoja said the crisis had been resolved according to Yoruba tradition and promised to work together with his political godfather and other aggrieved parties for the development of Oyo State.

Beaming with smiles, Ladoja said there was no victor, no vanquished in the crisis, adding that it was only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony that the state could move forward.

His words: "The crisis is over, I have always maintained that there is no crisis between me and Baba (Adedibu), it was only a misunderstanding and by the grace of God everything is now back to normal."

Adedibu, who arrived at the Government House a few minutes after the Jumat service in company of Adeojo and their teeming supporters, were ushered into the venue where the governor was already seated amidst ovation from the guests.

While answering questions from reporters, Adedibu said in the typical tradition and culture of Ibadan people the rift had been settled and both sides were once again united as a family.

Adedibu said: "We are back to square one, we are a family, we are one in Ibadan. I am the father of all, including Ladoja and we will henceforth forge a common front to move PDP forward. We are not fighting to kill ourselves, that is how Ibadan people do. It is our family affair and we have taken care of it. I'm still maintaining it that I am the father of all, while the governor is the leader of the party in the state. Adeojo is an aspirant and still hopes to be in the Government House. Nobody is happy fighting, there is no gain in fighting".

Adedibu, like the governor also accused some people of being behind the feud and reaping from it.

"This is Ibadan politics and we do our things in our own way. When we are fighting, we don't greet ourselves because we do not pretend that nothing is wrong; but once the fighting is over, then we resume our relationship as if nothing has happened at all. So we thank God for everything and we thank President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has succeeded in bringing all the warring factions together. He has shown that he is indeed a true great leader of the people" he said.

Adeojo, also at the Government House commended President Obasanjo for bringing a lasting solution to the crisis.

Posted by Publisher at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)

Soludo gets bank governors' award in U.S.

IN recognition of his contributions to the nation's banking sector, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Soludo, has been named the Central Bank Governor for 2005.

From Bukky Olajide, Washington D.C

The honour came from the publishers of the African Economy magazine at the yearly meeting bulletin of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund meetings in Washington DC.

The award was presented to the CBN chief by the publisher of the magazines, Mr. Ikechi Emenike during a brief ceremony attended by directors of the IMF and other senior officials of the World Bank Group, in Washington D.C, U.S.A

Head, External Communications, African Development Bank (ADB), Mr. K. T. Eric, who read the citation, stated that Soludo was presented the award for his exceptional innovations, courage and leadership, especially on the ongoing banking sector reforms in the country.

Noting that central banks are not known for revolutions, he described the ongoing banking consolidation spearheaded in Nigeria by Soludo as a revolution, which other central banks across the globe were trying to emulate.

Many analysts, according to him, believe that the banking sector reform in Nigeria will be President Olusegun Obasanjo's most important legacy in the restructuring of the economy, which had remained comatose.

In his response, Soludo, who said he was short of words, stated that he was receiving the award not for himself but for Obasanjo whose reform agenda was being pursued.

"I also receive this award on behalf of the Nigerian people who supported us through thin and thick and the media which has been at the vanguard of the reform.

"One can only say that to God be the glory. It is not our doing, it is God that has made it possible," he said.

The CBN governor, however, said it was too early to start commenting on the progress so far made, stressing that the CBN still had drawn up a long list of reforms geared towards making Nigeria the financial hub of Africa.

Soludo remarked that the banking and financial sector reforms of the Obasanjo administration were necessary to bring the economy out of the doldrums. He added that the development had led to massive injection of funds into different sectors of the economy.

Posted by Publisher at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)

EFCC: How Govs Steal Public Funds... To beam searchlight on S/Africa

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has given an insight into how some state governors steal public funds, saying such governors not only buy into companies in their names or through proxies, they manipulate the asset declaration form by filling what they intend to steal on assuming office.

From Kunle Aderinokun in Abuja, 09.26.2005

Addressing the closing ceremony of the African Regional Capital Market Training programme in Abuja weekend, Ribadu said state governors who are virtually in control of 50 per cent of the nation's economy have diverted public funds into private businesses.
Represented by Acting Director, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) of EFCC, Mr. Dapo Okauru, Ribadu said some governors have bought into many companies in their names and sometimes through proxies at the expense of the people they govern.
He said that asset declaration, the only way to hold accountable public officials who launder money, has not been of much help as many of the governors have devised means of outwitting the Code of Conduct Bureau, the body legally empowered to check the assets of public officials.
According to him, corrupt public officials while filling the asset declaration form usually include in advance, assets they planned to acquire with stolen public funds on assuming office.
He pointed out that the arrest of some Nigerian governors abroad was not by accident but through the interconnectivity of FIUs across the globe, which has made it possible for money launderers to be arrested anywhere in the world.
Bayelsa Governor DSP Alamieyeseigha was two weeks ago arrested in London on alleged money laundering offences and his passport impounded.
Last year Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye was also arrested by the London Metropolitan Police on money laundering charges. He escaped bail.
Lamenting that Nigeria was so rich, but the officials in charge of resources were the ones not using the funds to better the lot of the people, Ribadu said, “Whenever you see that some roads are not tarred or some schools are not built, it's because of the private jets or the new houses the governor bought.”
According to him, “the country is very rich. But a few people that have access to public funds have made it impossible for the wealth to be judiciously utilised.When you see roads not tarred and you find people buying jets, the jets were purchased because the roads were not tarred. Somebody bought shares for all his family members – cousins and others. That person might have immunity but the law will eventually catch up with him.
“When you talk of unemployment you have to relate it to money laundering. The financial sector has a lot to do in the war against financial crimes and money laundering.”
He said the Commission will beam its searchlight on South Africa with a view to fishing out corrupt public officials and private individuals engaged in money laundering.
He said the focus on South Africa became necessary owing to huge business transactions between Nigerians and South Africans.
Ribadu said since the return to democracy, there has been a lot of business transactions between Nigerians and South Africans. He said that such business activities have to be closely watched now given the opportunities they could provide for money laundering.
Huge funds, he pointed out, were being moved by the nationals of the two countries through financial institutions, adding that the Unit has been vested with the responsibility of scrutinizing foreign transactions.
According to him, "we are looking at South Africa closely now. There is a lot of transaction going on in South Africa by our people and a lot of South African businesses are coming into our country too. We need to look at all these economic activities because it could be an avenue for money laundering."
He said that the NFIU had received a total of 1,299 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and 1.389 million currency transaction reports (CTRs) at the end of July this year. The Unit in the first quarter, he added, had received a total of 328 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and 481,403 currency transaction reports (CTRs).
He said banks that have not been sending suspicious reports risked being penalized. Noting that “you become liable if on your part, you refuse to report to us,” he, however, did not specify the kind of sanctions that would be applied to such erring banks.
"We have criminalized money laundering. Punishment for offenders range from two to five years. We want to be able to operate a less cash economy,” he said.
According to him, “banks have to be in a position to be able to profile their customers. If we find any bank that fails to submit suspicious transaction report and currency transaction report, we would sanction the bank. The NFIU examines the suspicious transaction report and currency transaction report submitted by banks and analyse them. As soon as customers deposit funds suspected to be laundered money we expect them to submit the reports. Banks become liable on their part if they refuse to submit the STR and CTR.”
The NFIU, he said, has access to every transaction above N1 million and N5 million done by individual and corporate bodies respectively.
He noted that the Unit has a very good relationship with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and has been getting reports from it.
He, however, lamented that “due to the large amount of reports, the NFIU received from banks, it was extremely challenging to undertake thorough CTR analysis.”
Given this scenario, he said the Unit has been piloting various initiatives designed with a view to automating the process.
Ribadu said that “since returning from the last plenary of the Egmont Group, we have rendered assistance to a number of other FIUs around the world who have requested information for further investigations.”
According to him, “specifically, we have received nine requests for information from five jurisdictions and one international organization. We have made a couple of requests for information to some oversea FIUs. All the stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, regulatory/supervisory bodies and in fact other FIUs are increasingly becoming aware of the role of the NFIU as a source of valuable intelligence and good analytical reports.”
He said looking forward, the NFIU’s “objective is to implement an internationally acceptable anti-money laundering (AML) regime in the country.” This, he said, has become imperative as the Commission prepares for the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) review team which is due in the country soon. Presently, he said, Nigeria is the only country on the FATF black list.

Posted by Publisher at 03:35 PM | Comments (0)

PDP Registration: Youths Attack Anenih

Threat of violence stalls exercise in Adamawa • Obasanjo registers in Abeokuta

From Collins Edomaruse in Yola and Toba Suleiman in Abeokuta, 09.26.2005

The crisis generated by the on-going membership revalidation exercise in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened yesterday when irate youths in Warrake, Edo State forcefully stopped the party's Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, and some of his loyalists from carrying out their assignments in the zone. Anenih was accused of pursuing the registration exercise based on what they termed intra-party cleavages.
Also, in Adamawa State, the party membership registration could not commence as the materials for the exercise could not be taken to Yola, the state capital following reports of planned violence against Senator Jubril Aminu who was charged with the responsibility of distributing the materials.
But in Abeokuta, President Olusegun Obasanjo flagged off the registration exercise in a peaceful atmosphere when he enlisted as party man number one in the state.
In Edo State incident, the youths, numbering several scores, laid siege for the BOT chairman and his team. Anenih, was reported to be having some pre-meeting session with his host, Chief Inu Umoru, inside the house when the youths came in and waited for him outside the premises.
As he came out, our source said, the restive youths started chanting anti-Anenih songs and displayed several posters: “We no go gree oo, we no go gree, Anenih we no go gree”
The source added that sensing danger, the team of mobile policemen attached to Anenih’s entourage hurriedly moved in and whisked him out of the scene through the back of the house.
“But windshields of some vehicles were smashed in the process. No live was lost and (Admiral Mike) Akhigbe was not touched, either,” the source said.
Anenih, however, prevailed on the policemen not to react as he insisted he did not want bloodshed.
THISDAY checks reveal that the youths, who were incensed by the news of the presence of the planned visit of Anenih quickly mobilized to witness or observe the politicians’ mission in the area.
On Anenih’s entourage were the Deputy Chairman of the PDP in Edo State, Mr. Burunu Oshokpekhai and several others. The visitors also included former Chief of General Staff and respected voice in South-south politics, Vice-Admiral Okhai Akhigbe. But it was not clear at press time, what was Akhigbe’s mission at the residence of Umoru, a fellow Afenmai leader, at the time of Anenih’s visit to the house.
However, THISDAY source disclosed that the PDP train was in the area to distribute the party’s new membership cards, an exercise which has threatened to tear the party apart.
The source who is also a bigwig of the party, said the BOT chairman was on the verge of giving out the cards to his loyalists rather than elected party leaders in the area.
He added that the youths were dissatisfied with the mode of membership revalidation adopted by the Anenih group, which they (youths) interpreted to mean deliberate attempt to isolate their legitimate leaders and coerce them to buy into “Edo Central agenda”.
The agenda, they explained, was to have an Edo Central governorship aspirant elected in 2007 as the helmsman of the state “to the exclusion of the rest of the state”, he added.
The Edo North party leaders that were suspended ahead of the current plan to revalidate membership of the party, according to the youths, include: Chief Roland Edeki (Owan East); Chief Mike Obaigbo (Owan West); Chief Damisa (Etsako East); Mr. Osuma Shagabi (Etsako West); Chief Imebuya (Etsako Central) and Chief Aroju (Akoko-Edo).
“We are not satisfied with the whole arrangement. We have had some party leaders from other zones suspended and later their suspension lifted since the beginning of this exercise. It has happened in Edo South. The current plan to foist leaders on us will be resisted,” they added.
The youths added: “We are aware that these elders of our party have succeeded in replacing our suspended leaders with their lackeys. But we know that the arrangement is against the directive of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the PDP regarding party officials at the state and local government levels.
“The party did not say suspend elected leaders and replace them with lackeys of some people as we are seeing in this area. And we have to let them know that we are not in support of their action by disrupting their gathering,” they said.
The Adamawa materials, sources said, were to be taken on Friday to Yola by Aminu who would then ensure its distribution to other states. But while the Senator was at Abuja Airport waiting for flight to Yola, he got wind of a plan by a group of party thugs who had been mobilised by a section of party leaders to waylay him on the way from the airport to Yola township.
Aminu was then advised not to go to Yola again. The Senator then got in touch with the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police whose response was said not to be encouraging and assuring enough.
Aminu had to return to his Abuja home with the materials. Sources said he may go to Yola today with the materials.
Aminu’s inability of the Senator to take the registration materials to Yola however made it impossible for Vice President Atiku Abubakar to register.
However, in Abeokuta where President Obasanjo registered, there was peace as he urged party members not to allow the opportunity of the registration exercise to slip by.
“So my appeal to you all and for this point, to all Nigerians is that the bonafide members of PDP never allow this opportunity to slip them by,” he said.
The president, who arrived the State Secretariat of the party on IBB Boulevard, Abeokuta, venue of the exercise at about 9.17am, was accompanied by Governor Gbenga Daniel, other party members and chieftains.
Dressed in agbada made of brown guinea brocade material with a native cap to match, Obasanjo on arrival, walked straight to the Ogun Central Suite of the secretariat where he was attended to by his ward 11 chairman, Mr Ebenezer Ogundipe and Secretary, Mrs Fatima Akindele.
During the exercise, Obasanjo was asked a number of questions in Yoruba regarding his age, occupation, and his family compound.
Akindele who conducted the registration for the President asked: “Kinni oruko yin? (what is your name)”
Obasanjo: “Oruko mi ni Olusegun Obasanjo.” (My name is Olusegun Obasanjo).
Akindele: “Omo odun melo ni yin.? (How old are you?)
Obasanjo: “Mo je omo odun meji din laadorin. (I am 68 years old)
Akindele: "Ise kinni e nse." (What is your occupation?)
Obasanjo: “Agbe ni mi." (I am a farmer).
Akindele: “Omo ibo ni yin?” (you are from which quarters?).
Obasanjo: “Mo wa lati agbole Olusomi ni ilu Abeokuta.
I came from Olusomi family in Abeokuta.
After Mrs Akindele had taken down Obasanjo’s data for the exercise, Ogundipe handed over the registration card to him (Obasanjo) at about 9.37am.
Addressing a large crowd of party members, shortly after he had concluded the registration exercise, Obasanjo described it as important especially as it would allow new members to join the party and given room for both old and new members to be fully involved in the forthcoming party congresses and convention.
“The opportunity has come again this time for all bonafide members of PDP,” he said, and thanked those who are committed to the values, objectives, aspirations of PDP as a party for unity, for progress, for development and for harmony of the country.
The president, who said his coming home to participate in the exercise, was in accordance with the PDP constitution, urged others to follow suit in the interest of the party.
“I appeal to all PDP members to do same at least within the next one week, so that you can fully participate in the party congresses scheduled to hold soon,.
“Go out to your ward to register and make sure that you keep your registration card very well, just as I have put mine where it would not be lost,” he said.
He added that the rest of the exercise continues until the National Convention which National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has decided will be by affirmation.
Describing PDP as the largest party in Africa, Obasanjo said however that “we don’t want to be a big for nothing party."
“We are responsible and responsive party with the interest of the nation at heart.
"This interest we are going to pursue vigorously until we achieve the best for this country in our bid to improve on her political and socio-economic development,"Obasanjo said.
Atiku had last Monday reportedly stormed the PDP secretariat in Abuja to protest the manner of distribution of the cards. The party secretariat was said to have entrusted the cards and other materials to people other than party chairmen in the states.

Posted by Publisher at 03:34 PM | Comments (0)

Inflation in Nigeria Worries IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over rising inflation in Nigeria, even as it urged Abuja to strengthen its public expenditure management to ensure that oil revenues are used efficiently.

From Samuel Famakinwa and Ayodele Aminu in Washington, D.C, 09.26.2005

In its World Economic Outlook released last week in Washington during the 2005 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and IMF, the Fund noted that "what additional spending should contribute to the government's development objective, it needs to be carefully managed to ensure it does not put further upward pressure on inflation or crowd out private investment.”
According to the report done on world economic and financial surveys, the IMF said “this is the only way the recent agreement by the Paris Club creditors on a concessional debt treatment for Nigeria can be maximized.”
The Paris Club last June agreed to write off about $18 billion of Nigeria’s $30 billion debt.
Regarding fiscal policy, the IMF said in the report that the 2005 budget incorporates a large overall surplus, underpinned by a sharp increase in revenues from the oil and gas sector, but contains a significant increase in spending.
It also said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) needs to take steps to rein in monetary growth and bring inflation down.
“The government has continued to move forward with its structural reform programme, including partially liberalizing pricing in the petroleum sector and improving governance and transparency.
“Nevertheless, subsidies on domestic petroleum products are large, the pace of privatization programme has disappointed, and the financial health of the banking system has deteriorated”, the IMF stated in the report.
“In Nigeria, the real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to slow further in 2005, before rebounding in 2006. These trends are importantly driven by the oil and gas sector, existing capacity constraints mean that oil output will increase only slightly this year, but new production is expected to come on stream in 2006, boosting output.
“Growth in the non-oil sector remains robust, although there are increasing signs of overheating. Inflation has picked up again, partly owing to higher food prices, and monetary growth has accelerated sharply”, the report also noted.
However, the report is optimistic that the oil revenue which is expected to rise could further help accelerate growth in the country as well as in the African region.
But the Governor of Central Bank, Prof. Charles Soludo, who spoke yesterday in Washington, D.C. at a Brunch Reception on “Nigeria: The Future After Banking Sector Consolidation” said that the present rise in the level of inflation in the country is primarily as a result of the rise in food prices.
Reacting to a comment on the rising level of inflation which was put at about 26 per cent in July 2005, Soludo said that the CBN is right on track in meeting its set inflation target as well as meeting the target set on broad money.
According to him, the rise in the price of food in the country despite bumper agricultural harvests recorded in the period was due to the exportation of products to neighbouring countries like Niger which has witnessed droughts recently.
“But we are not unaware of recent developments and we are sure to contain whatever the situation is and ensure that we meet set targets”, Soludo said.
Meanwhile, a section of the WEO report on "How Can the Benefits of Rising Working-Age Population Be Maximised" noted that looking ahead to 2006, growth is expected to accelerate to 5.9 per cent, which, if achieved, would be the strongest expansion in sub-saharan Africa since the early 1970s.
“Underlying growth is again expected to be robust, although country-specific developments are largely responsible for the pickup relative to this year.
“In particular, the coming onstream of new oil production facilities in Angola and Mauritania is expected to substantially boost growth in these countries in 2006, while oil production is also expected to increase in Nigeria”, the report said.

Posted by Publisher at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)

3 Feared Killed in Ilorin Fracas

At least three persons, including a mobile policeman, were feared killed and several others injured in Ilorin yesterday as violence erupted shortly after the turbanning of five newly appointed kingmakers by Emir Ibrahim Sulu Gambari.

From Tunde Sanni in Ilorin, 09.26.2005

The turbanning was the climax of the nine-year old cold war in Ilorin Emirate between the Emir and his erstwhile kingmakers.
The monarch had last Friday relieved the three surving kingmakers - the Baba Isale of Ilorin, Alhaji Saka Aleshinloye; Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Abdulkareem Laaro Buhari; and Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Shuaib Adio Mahmud - of their titles and immediately announced their replacements.
The replacements are: Alhaji Mahmood Durosinlorun Atiku, Balogun Fulani; Alhaji Usman Baba Olobi, Balogun Ajikobi; Alhaji Muhammad Aliyu Adebayo, Balogun Gambari, and Alhaji Abubakar Akanbi Jos, Balogun Alanamu. In the same vein, Gambari announced Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Zubair as the Mogaji Are to replace Alhaji Busari Alabi Alasa who passed on a fortnight ago.
But the new Mogaji Are, Zubair, after his turbanning was reportedly attacked on his way home by people suspected to be thugs along the Idi-Ape/Isale Oja area of the town.
THISDAY checks yesterday revealed that the joyous train of the new kingmaker turned sour as the thugs hauled missiles at them as they passed through Idi-Ape.
The ensuing stampede attracted a detachment of mobile and regular policemen deployed to the area Friday to douse tension.
Carnisters of teargas were reportedly fired to disperse the attacking crowd and as calm was being restored, a stray bullet reportedly from the warring side hit a mobile policeman who was advising a civilian to tread softly in the area. The MOPOL whose name was given as Corporal Obatayo Obatoke, reportedly died on the spot.
As a result of the incident reinforcements of policemen from other local governments were deployed to complement the efforts of those on ground. In the ensuing confusion, two civilians were said to have been hit by police bullets, an action which sources said could have been a retaliation of the killing of their colleague.
The whole area was subsequently cordoned off while an armoured tank was stationed at the entrance of Idi-Ape to ward off any form of aggression. At the end of the fracas the police confirmed the arrest of at least 10 people.
As at press time, fire fighters were busy putting out the fire that gutted a house at Idi-Ape. The fire was reportedly ignited by cannisters of teargas that landed on an explosive object.
Earlier in the day, the royal father had turbanned the new kingmakers amidst tight security.
A lorry load of mobile policemen was stationed at the front of the palace while some pockets of policemen stood guard at the palace to ensure law and order.
The monarch expressed gratitude to his subjects for their support and solidarity for him while the crisis with the deposed kingmakers lasted.
Gambari, however, charged them to put the differences that might attend their appointments behind them and work for the unity and reconciliation of their people.
He told them to be loyal and submit themselves to the traditional hierarchy of the Emirate.
Gambari reminded the new Magaji Are that he remained the 12th holder of the title in accordance with the traditions of the Emirate, thus foreclosing any form of recognition for the immediate past holder of the title, Alhaji Busari Alabi Alasa, the father of the former governor of the state, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal.
Speaker of the State Assembly, Alhaji Issa Bio Ibrahim represented Governor Bukola Saraki at the ceremony.
Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, said the state government was aware of the situation and has directed the police to maintain law and order and advised any aggrieved person to take the matter to court.

Posted by Publisher at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)

$242m Scam: Indian Admits Laundering $127m

Following commencement of accelerated trial after eleven months of being stalled, a prosecution witness, Mr. Naresh Asnani, has revealed how he helped an accused person, Chief Emmanuel Nwude, launder $127million through banks located in Hong Kong and Switzerland over a period of three years (1995 -1998) though he said the 1st accused person told him the money were proceeds from his oil export business.

By Abimbola Akosile, 09.26.2005

The accused persons standing trial before an Ikeja High Court, presided over by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, included Chief Emmanuel Nwude (a.k.a Paul Ogwuma Odinigwe) 1st accused, Mr. Nzeribe Edeh Okoli (3rd accused), Emrus (Nig.) Ltd., Ocean Marketing Co. (Nig.) Ltd. and African Shelter Bureau (Nig.) Ltd. (5th-7th accused); who were accused of master-minding an advance fee fraud scam totaling $242m, obtained from a Brazilian bank, Banco Noroeste.
However, both Amaka Anajemba (Mrs.) and Fynbaz (Nig.) Limited (2nd & 4th accused respectively) who were initially charged along with the above suspects, pleaded guilty to a fresh four-count charge on July 15 and were subsequently sentenced to prison terms and fines with their names deleted from an amended information filed by the prosecutor, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
When the proceedings (which lasted over 5 hours) began around 11.00 am on Friday, Asnani, who wore a black suit, with a pink shirt and matching check tie, told the court how he moved funds all over the world on behalf of Nwude and how the accused used his telephone number to make calls to people abroad, after which he would be asked to confirm receipt of funds in his accounts abroad, for onward dispersion.
The witness, led in examination by lead prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, identified Nwude (sitting in the dock) and told the court, "Chief Emmanuel (Nwude) informed my father and I in 1995 that an offshore company, Stanton Development Corporation was used by him and his partners for the sale and receipt of proceeds from the oil export business.
“I contacted my clearing & forwarding agent, Mr. Peter Okocha to find out through his government sources whether accused had any criminal record. I told him to inquire from the State Security Service (SSS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Okocha confirmed that they had no criminal records."
Asnani told the court he established an import business, Royal Crest Limited (later changed to Global Crest Limited) in Nigeria in 1988, added that "the first sum received in my account at UCO Bank in Hong Kong was $1million, out of which I used $450,000 for my import business and sold the rest to companies owned by my friends in the Indian community here in Nigeria. I paid the naira equivalent to Chief Emmanuel through his bank manager, Mr. Soares. I received approximately $6m in the account in the name of Payal at Uco Bank, Hong Kong."
A Pakistan-born businessman with UK citizenship, who allegedly opened accounts with Lloyds TSB in Switzerland, before moving them to Citibank, Asnani, who informed court of his arrest in Miami, USA and subsequent detention for 18 months, said, "I received a further approximately $76million in the account at Lloyds and $45m in the account at Citibank. I therefore received approximately $127 million in totality by order of Stanton Development Corporation, and I gave full value of the money in the accounts to Chief Nwude. I gave full value in naira and part of the funds, I returned to him in dollars on instruction from him".
Trial continues today, with Asnani's evidence in chief, after which he is expected to be cross-examined by defence counsel in the matter, led by Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana.
First arraigned in Abuja on February 4th, 2004, accused persons, were alleged to have defrauded a Brazilian banker, Mr. Nelson Sakaguchi of a sum of $242million over a three-year period, from April 2, 1995 to January 20, 1998 at Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos State, contrary to Sections 1(1)(a) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 1995 as amended by Act 62 of 1998.
Obtained amount was said to represent payment due to the Federal Government on the alleged contract No. FMA/132/019/82 for the construction of Abuja International Airport, Nigeria. Penalties for each of the counts range between seven and ten years. The accused persons are facing an amended 91 count charge.

Posted by Publisher at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)

FG Hosts Special Independence Anniversay Expo

As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 45th Independence Anniversary and consolidating its economic reforms agenda, the Federal Government has approved the hosting of a special trade exhibition geared towards promoting indigenous entrepreneurship, self reliance and consumption of locally manufactured products.

From Onwuka Nzeshi in Abuja, 09.26.2005

Minister of Commerce, Ambassador Idris Waziri disclosed this at a news conference on the event tagged: NIGERIA PRODUCTS EXPO- NIPREX 2005. The minister urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to intensify efforts on the production and promotion of locally made products to enhance their quality, meet local demands and export in order to earn foreign exchange.
Ambassador Waziri who underlined the importance of increased productivity to national economic recovery said the Nigerian Products Expo was designed to promote and encourage the patronage of locally made products as the present administration was determined to carry out its reforms agenda to a level where Nigeria would evolve from an import dependent nation to a virile economy with an enviable export portfolio especially in the non- oil sector. The EXPO, Ambassador Waziri said, would be held as part of activities marking the 45th Independence
Anniversary and would feature locally made goods and semi finished products such as leather works, textiles, furniture, plastics, domestic utensils, pottery works, small and medium scale machineries, tools and sundry equipment.
“A great wind of change is sweeping across Nigeria and the nation is engulfed in a process of evolution. The evolution from an import-dependent economy to a virile economy built on exports. This transformation is going on throughout the 774 local government areas of the country. The present regime is determined that no stone should be left unturned to make Nigeria an industrially strong nation, creating employment, wealth and prosperity for the nation and the citizenry,” Waziri said.
The National Organising Committee for the EXPO has already been put in place and is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce to ensure a success of the event. Other facilitators of the EXPO include. The ministries of finance, industry, agriculture and rural development, solid minerals, women affairs to mention but a few would also be involved in the organisation of the trade exhibition.
Ambassador Waziri implored all manufacturing companies operating in the country as well as service providers, institutions and agencies to identify with event to encourage the patronage of locally made products, adding that the public sector must partner with the private sector to address the issue of not only promoting our locally made products but also to enhance their quality and quantity to meet local consumption and for export."
Meanwhile, the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Dick Van Eeckhout has attributed the low level of direct foreign investment flow into Nigeria on the poor image of the country abroad.
Ambassador Eeckhout gave the explanation when he paid a courtesy visit on the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mrs Irene Chigbue in Abuja.
The envoy decried the huge gap between what he termed as the "alarmist articles about Nigeria and what I have seen on the ground in terms of economic development," adding that for good bilateral relations and investment flow between Nigeria and the outside world, the country needed to urgently embark on a constructive image laundering to erase the wrong perceptions people have about Nigeria.
Eeckhout hinted of his country's interest in the current port concessioning, noting that the Port of Anthwerp, Belgium had been a global model, which can be replicated in Nigeria. He pledged the support of the Belgian government to Nigeria’s privatization programme, pointing out that Belgian investors were already in the country and had expressed confidence on the nation’s economy.

Posted by Publisher at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)

CBN Plans Regional Regulatory Agencies – Soludo

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may decentralise the regulation of Nigeria’s financial services sector to ensure effective monitoring of the industry after the conclusion of the on-going consolidation.

From Samuel Famakinwa and Ayodele Aminu in Washington, D.C., 09.26.2005

CBN Governor Prof. Charles Soludo told THISDAY yesterday in Washington, D.C. at a reception where he spoke on “Nigeria: The Future After Banking Sector Consolidation” that the proposed measure was necessary so that community banks, which had not been received much attention from the apex bank could be supervised.
According to him, from the apex bank is already looking at various mechanisms to address post-consolidation developments in the sector and one of them is to set up regional regulatory agencies that would be responsible for specific regions in the country so that every financial services firm would be supervised.
“We are contemplating the decentralization of the banking sector in a way that regional regulatory agencies would deal with banks in their region so there could be effective monitoring”, he said.
He said the Micro-Finance Policy of the CBN which is due for launch next month would deal with so many of those issues and would put them in perspective. The bank, he said, is planning a stakeholders’ meeting for next week Friday to deliberate on the Policy before its release.
Meanwhile, as the December 31 deadline for the Nigerian banking consolidation draws nearer, Soludo at the reception expressed optimism that 92 per cent of banks in the country would be consolidated.
He also said Nigeria’s foreign reserve now stands at about $27 billion which described it as the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Soludo said arrangements have already been made to take care of the remaining eight per cent of the banking industry that may not be able to sail through.
“Indications from the market are that at least 92 per cent of the entire banking industry in terms of total balance sheet, in terms of assets and the likes would not be able to make it,” he said.
He however, did not rule out the liquidation of the banks that would not be able to sail through even as he expressed optimism that about seven banks that had earlier on been marked for liquidation last year have now been absorbed.
“We have therefore provided a contingency plan to take care of those that would not make it. And if that happens, it would be in an orderly manner so that the banks that would not be able to make it would exit unnoticed without causing any problem to the industry,” he said.
Contrary to initial estimates by analysts, Soludo disclosed that at the end of the on-going consolidation, about 25-30 stronger and more reliable banks are likely to emerge in the country.Already, he said 22 groupings of banks, involving 67 banks are in the process of merging with some going it alone.
Banks, he said, are likely to raise close to $3 billion from the on-going recapitalization programme.
“Already, over N250 billion (or $2 billion) has been verified; several banks are still in the market to raise money: foreign banks highly interested ... already Standard Chartered Bank is bringing in $140 million; and other foreign banks e.g. Citibank, etc are expected to bring in several hundreds of dollars.
In Nigeria’s history, no policy has induced so much resource inflows into any particular non-oil sector within a year as the banking sector revolution that is on-going. Also, no policy has been able to affect the capital market development within such a short period of time like the banking policy. The new mass consciousness about capital market investment has been induced by the recapitalization programme,” he said.
Arrangements, he said, are in top gear to move the nation’s foreign exchange towards the wholesale Dutch Auction System in March 2006 with a view to maintaining and managing external reserves.
“We are currently implementing an exchange rate band of plus or minus 3 per cent around a central rate. This has guaranteed stability of the Naira vis-a-vis major currencies and restored investor confidence. We are participating in World Bank RAMP programme and also preparing to appoint custodian/asset managers,” he said.
Since the on-going consolidation began he said a new culture of professionalism and customer-centered operations are beginning to emerge; interest rate have crashed to all time lowest level since the liberalization of the financial system in the late 1980’s; lending to private sector has been on the rise; funding of large-scale projects are beginning to happen; a new CBN is beginning to emerge with plans towards risk-based supervision while foreign branches of banks are growing in West Africa.

Posted by Publisher at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)

PEF Withdraws Staff From PPMC Depot

Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) has commenced re-deployment of its staff from all the petroleum Depots operated by the Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC), following a decision by Federal Government to allow PPMC take responsibility of collecting Bridging charges from marketers.

From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 09.26.2005

Authorities at PEF said beginning from next month, a lot of its workers attached to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) products depots nationwide would be re-posted out of the facilities.
By this arrangement, PEF said it hopes to start reorganization of its operations to concentrate more on the private depots now springing up as well as ensuring that claims on bridging allowance are promptly attended to. The Fund was set up by Federal Government to collect and administer National Transportation Allowance (NTA)presently pegged at N1.00 per litre of fuel sold through the country.
The money collected is meant for use in cushioning the impact of additional transport cost borne by marketers while taking petroleum products to places distanc from the depots.. presently pegged at N1.00 per litre of fuel sold through the country.
But following the suspension of the N1.00 PEF charge by government early in the year and the subsequent restoration in April, PPMC took over the collection of the N1.00 bridging charge. The move by PEF is seen as a response to the wind of restructuring taking place in the oil industry, especially with regards to deregulation of the downstream sector.
FG is currently tinkering with the idea of reorganizing the agencies involved with the operations of the supply and distribution petroleum products in the downstream sector, as part of the on-going reform policy in the oil and gas industry.
According to a recommendation made by the Oil and Gas Implementation Committee on reforms (OGIC), both PEF, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Petroleum
Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) are to have their operations restructured in the next one year.
The Head of Lagos Operations of the Fund, Mr. Goddy Nnadi told THISDAY over the weekend that the decision to pull out some staff from the depots arose from the need to maximize the potentials of the affected staff.
"We are restructuring our operations and services with a view to imbibing private sector techniques and efficiency", he said, adding that the management of the Fund has initiated a measure to compel its staff to within 48 hours process marketers' claims and
effect payments.
He said some of the staff may be sent to cover duties in private depot facilities where the Fund has not been well represented.
Nnadi also commented on the allegation that some staff of the organization have been involved in financial malpractice, saying the that no one was invited by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
He said rather what happened was that a staff of the Fund was found guilty by the management of poor handling of his desk duties and was summarily dismissed.
Nnadi said there was no indication of any fraud in the administration of the bridging fund to warrant the prying eyes of the EFCC.
To ensure that every transaction conformed with the tenets of transparency, the management is implementing a new measure whereby marketers are to obtain due process certification from depot officials before their Bridging allowance could be processed.
He said the management has decided to sanction any manager who delays disbursement of the bridging allowance in keeping with the reform process.
According to him, PEF is presently carrying out the auditing of Major marketers' accounts in order to reconcile and straighten them.

Posted by Publisher at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)

Oyo Pdp Crisis: Ladoja, Adedibu Reconcile

The two years old feud between Governor Rashidi Ladoja and his erstwhile political godfather, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu appeared settled yesterday as the former rivals embraced at the Government House in Agodi ami jubilations from supporters

From Ademola Adeyemo in Ibadan, 09.26.2005

President Olusegun Obasanjo had invited the duo for a meeting on Saturday during which the matter was settled between the feuding parties. After the Ota meeting, to demonstrate the genuineness of the peace accord, Ladoja drove Adedibu back to Ibadan in his official car where another round of meeting was held.
Yesterday, it was the turn of Adedibu’s group to reciprocate the gesture, as the strong man of the PDP led other party bigwigs including Ladoja's arch opponent at the last governorship election Alhaji Yekeen Adeojo to the government house to participate in Governor Ladoja's 61st birthday celebration and to futher cement the peace accord.
Speaking at the occassion, Adedibu said the crisis was the handwork of '"political loafers who wanted to eat where they did not work." According to him, "nobody is interested in crisis, it cannot bring anything good, But it was the evil machinationn of the outsiders that caused the crisis because they are benefitting from the situation"
"But God has shamed the mischief makers, they have run away they are not here now, before today they have been playing God here but where are they now."
Adedibu also appealed to PDP supporters to shun rumour mongering and character assasinations and embrace peace henchforth. He appealed to the governor to "right the the wrongs and compensate those who worked for his victory at the polls. "I wish you long life" Adedibu said.
Responding Ladoja said the settlement of the crisis showed that no condition was permanent "I have said it several times that I cannot fight my Baba, We have settled the matter in the Yoruba way, no victor no vanguished we believe the state can move forward if there is peace and harmony'
They later held a thanksgiving prayer at the government's house mosque and cut the birthday cake amid loud applause by supporters.

Posted by Publisher at 03:15 PM | Comments (0)

Late Bala Usman, A True Statesman – Obasanjo

President Olusegun Obasanjo has said the death of Dr. Bala Usman who died on Saturday, was a loss and said Usman had contributed greatly to the growth of Nigeria.

From Josephine Lohor in Abuja, 09.26.2005

The president in a condolence letter to the Usman's family, associates and people of Katsina State, where the deceased came from, noted the contributions he had made, especially in the 1970's for the liberation of Nigeria.
He added that apart from being a renown academic, author and researcher, the late teacher, who until his death was a teacher at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, was also a highly respected pan Africanist.
President Obasanjo had in the condolence letter yesterday, said "it is with great shock that I heard of the untimely passing away of Dr. Bala Usman.
"On behalf of the Federal Government, deep sympathy to you the entire family, associates, students and entire people of Katsina State.
"While we grief at his death and miss him very badly, we take repose in the fact that he was a great academician, super administrator, researcher and author. A patriot and a highly respected pan Africanist," he added.
Obasanjo, also in the condolence letter addressed to the late Usman's family, said "his work in the 1970's for the liberation of Nigeria was a landmark study and analysis of the need to move our great country forward.
'It is comforting to note that he lived to see and indeed contributed to the steady emergence of a new Nigeria.
"I pray that Almighty Allah grant his soul perfect rest and that the legacies that he worked so hard for, would continue to guide and inspire those he touched, influenced and left behind in the service of Nigeria, Africa and humanity."
The late Usman died on Saturday afternoon at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Shika Zaria, after a protracted illness at the age of 60. He was buried on the evening of the same day in accordance with Muslim rights.
Born in 1945 at Musawa in Katsina State, the lateradical activist who rejected his nomination by the
Federal Government as a delegate to the National Political Reform Conference, was a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee (1975 to 1976) and a Secretary to the then Kaduna State Government under Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

Posted by Publisher at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)

Army reopens Nigeria oil stations

The Chevron oil company has reopened two oil stations in Nigeria's Niger Delta region under army protection.

They were closed last week after attempts by a local militia group to sabotage oil facilities.

The Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force had issued the threats in protest at the detention on Tuesday of their leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.

The group seeks self-determination for the oil-producing region, which remains poor and under-developed.

On Sunday, Mr Asari's lawyer, Uche Okwukwu, said the militia leader had called for calm.

Sedition charges

"Asari gave me the instruction to tell them that nobody should harm any foreigner or do anything criminal," Mr Okwukwu told Reuters news agency.

"They shouldn't do anything that could put his case in jeopardy. It's not in the interest of the movement," Mr Okwukwu added.

The lawyer was released on Friday after being arrested when he went to defend Mr Asari.

Alali Horsfall, deputy leader of the militia group, told the AP news agency that the group had "suspended action".

Mr Asari was arrested on Tuesday, and on Thursday was remanded in custody for two weeks by a judge in the capital, Abuja.

Police are investigating charges of sedition in connection with a newspaper interview in which Mr Asari allegedly called for the break-up of Nigeria.

On Thursday, more than 100 armed men in boats stormed the Idama flow-station, sources close to the Chevron oil company said.

The Robertkiri station was later closed following threats. Together, they account for less than 1% of Nigeria oil production of 2.5m barrels a day.

The Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria's poorest and least developed regions, although it accounts for most of the oil produced by Nigeria, Africa's largest oil-producer.

Posted by Publisher at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)

Nigerian lynched for witchcraft

A mob in northern Nigeria has beaten to death a man who police say confessed to involvement in ritual murders.

The incident came after three women were found murdered and mutilated in Bakori town in Katsina state.

Their body parts are thought to have been removed for use in rituals.

A police spokesman said that on Thursday, passers-by apprehended a man who appeared to be attacking another woman, who was screaming for help.

"They took him to the office of the traditional chief of the town where he confessed to taking part in the ritual murders of three women in the town in the last two weeks," police spokesman Salisu Sirajo told the AFP news agency.

"But when news of the arrest went round, a mob besieged the chief's office demanding for the man to be surrendered to them.

"The chief had no option but to oblige the mob, which burnt a part of his office. The man was killed on the spot," Mr Sirajo said.

While Islam is the dominant faith in northern Nigeria, some people also believe in traditional practices - for example that magic charms made from human body parts can bring success.

Posted by Publisher at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)

September 23, 2005

FG shifts date for national headcount

PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday announced the shifting of the National Population and Housing Census from November this year to March 21st – 25th, 2006 as he inaugurated the National Advisory Committee to mobilise the support of Nigerians for the forthcoming census.

Chief Obasanjo who made this disclosure while inaugurating the committee, explained that the shift became necessary after reviewing the progress so far recorded in the trial census, saying that, “what needs to be done and how it needs to be done at the end, we have agreed to shift it to March 2006.’’

According to him, Nigerians should not take the forth-coming census as a political contest and must not be treated so, adding: “We must remind ourselves that census taking is a purely technical exercise aimed at providing data for planning purposes.’’

He further said, in spite of its widely acclaimed usefulness for planning purposes, Nigeria has not been quite lucky in conducting successful and non-controversial census, adding that efforts to count the population in the colonial period had been tainted with fears and negative prejudices which resulted in the undercount of the population.

Government, he said, has followed with keen interest the progress the NPC has recorded in many of the vital preparatory activities and is satisfied with the way the commission has tried to nurture broad based consensus on the national census and is optimistic that conducting an accurate, reliable and verifiable census is a task that can be achieved.

Following this, he added, government still realised the need to broaden the participation of all Nigerians towards the census, hence the decision of the federal government on it.

Some of the committee’s roles, he said, are to mobilise support and resources for the conduct and success of the population and housing census.
Chief Obasanjo explained that the committee which has 18 members at national level is also to be established in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja under the chairmanship of state governors and the minister of FCT.

The role of the committee, he further stated, is mainly advisory and supportive while National Population Commission shall continue to be autonomous at all levels in the activities related to the conduct of the census and other responsibilities assigned to it by the constitution.

Membership at national level are President Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman, Atiku Abubakar, vice chairman, Chief of Staff, minister of finance, internal affairs, and that of communication, economic adviser to Obasanjo among others.

Posted by Publisher at 03:54 PM | Comments (0)

Atiku: Blind Loyalty, Feature of Military Rule; VP's security risk, says Unongo

Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said arbitrariness, rule based on force, rigid hierarchy and blind loyalty are in the nature of military rule and called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the enthronement of constitutionalism, rules and regulations.

From Kola Ologbondiyan, Kingsley Nwezeh and Bolaji Adebiyi in Abuja, 09.22.2005

But in what appeared to be a further deepening of the rift between the Vice President and President Olusegun Obasanjo, second Republic Minister of Steel, Mr Paul Unongo also yesterday said Atiku constituted a security risk to the Federal Gover-nment and should be impeached by the National Assembly.
Atiku, who spoke as the guest of honour at the book presentation of "Musa Daggash: The Story of a Shuwa Arab Boy," held at the Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja, noted that, "as a country we must, therefore, rededicate ourselves to the enthronement of constitutionalism, rules and regulations.

"By its very nature military rule is arbitrary rule; it is a rule based on force, on rigid hierarchy and on blind loyalty. Just think about it: the first thing that military rulers do is to suspend the constitution, the over-arching law governing the country.

According to the Vice President, "arbitrariness and impunity may serve our selfish interests temporarily but they are recipes for lawlessness, anarchy and systemic collapse. We must, therefore, reject them.
Atiku said further in a speech presented on his behalf by former Kaduna State governor, Alhaji Lawal Kaita.

"As this book shows, Musa Daggash served in the period preceding military rule and under the military as well. So he saw it all. But he was lucky to have retired from the Federal Civil Service as Permanent Secretary when there was still some decency in the land.

"And it must be said that the honesty, integrity and stature of top civil servants of the Daggash mould help to check some of the excesses of early military rulers. And as this biography shows, without their hard work and dedication, the task of holding this country together during the difficult years of the late 1960s would have been more difficult for the largely inexperienced soldiers,” he said.

While noting that "the country is faced with enormous challenges of building an economy that truly works, a political system that is truly democratic and a public service that is efficient, effective and free of corruption," Atiku stated further that "debates on these are still going on which is a healthy development."

"There was a time when public services were provided efficiently. There was a time when families and indeed communities, were proud to have one of their own as a public servant. This was not only because theirs was a prestigious job, but also because they could provide for their families and above all were seen as people of honesty and integrity who were providing vital services to the public.

"The question then is what went wrong. To put it bluntly, the answer lies in the progressive abandonment of rules and regulations in this country.
This is one of the effects of the long period of military rule in Nigeria," he said further.

Earlier on Tuesday at a dinner for participants in the All Political Parties Summit organised by the House of Representatives, Atiku said unless politicians are tolerant of opposing views and submit to the dictates of constitutionalism and the rule of law, democracy will be undermined in the country.

Exploring, for the umpteenth time, the theme of respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law as the hallmark of democracy, the Vice President asked politicians not to see their opponents as enemies that must be crushed.

According to the Vice President, "A strong opposition keeps those in government on their toes, and as long as the opposition itself behaves responsibly, by placing the nation first, the result can only be better governance." The absence of a viable opposition, he said, would rob the system of some degree of legitimacy and vibrancy.

The Vice President, who had in recent times expressed his reservation about developments in his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressed the need for fairness of electoral processes both within the parties, and during general elections.

He said, "True politicians are not afraid of open electoral contests where the majority, or the general public as the case may be, would decide on the basis of superior arguments, platforms and programmes."

But he warned that, "when avenues for open contests are closed through manipulation, thuggery and intimidation, then the opposition may cease to have an incentive to work within the system."

Atiku extolled the contributions of President Obasanjo to the sustenance of democracy and constitutionalism in Africa and added that such contributions underscored the imperative to demonstrate best practices in the country's politics.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Unongo said the Presidential system of government and the 1999 constitution, an off-shoot of the 1979 constitution, which he co-authored, did not give any room for power tussle between the President and his second-in-command.

"The presidentialism which was adopted at the constitution drafting committee in 1975-1976 and which became ratified by the constitutional assembly of 1977-1978 and which has been retained in all our amended constitutions throughout the military doctoring including the 1999 constitution, does not permit the kind of thing the Vice President has done and is continuing to do in the open!", he said.

"The Vice President appears to have convinced his supporters, the press, some legislators and even Mr President (as it appears) that he has powers and is fighting the president and that he has local ministers who are loyal to him and that confronting the president in the open is his constitutional function.
"Mr President should act proactively and have him removed. Mr President has to be mad to allow him to continue. He (VP) has projected him to the public as incompetent. He can resign his position and run for Presidency in 2007", he said.

However, an Atiku loyalist, Alhaji Umaru Shittien while reacting to Unongo’s statement said: “Unongo should be ignored. He is a cash-and-carry politician. he is hopeless. I hope he has not been bankrolled into saying those things. There is a misunderstanding of the position of the Vice President by many people in our constitution.

This position is not appointive. It is an elective one. The removal of the Vice President requires the same process as that of the President. The President alone cannot remove the VP.

“In our own situation, Unongo has no mandate to speak for the North. Not even his own community. That’s a man who has never won an election in all his life. He is unelectable. Unongo should worry about the crisis in his own ANPP, rather than meddling in the affairs of the PDP.

A man of his age should be concerned with resolving national issues, instead of aggravating crises,” he said.

The disagreement between President Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku came into the open last month after Atiku disclosed in an interview with THISDAY that the President had sworn to him that he would not stay in office beyond May 29, 2007. The President however took exception to Atiku’s claim and in his monthly media chat on NTA accused him of disloyalty.

Posted by Publisher at 03:52 PM | Comments (0)

Presidency plans to kill me Kalu

Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised an alarm over a plot “by some persons in the Presidency” to kill him.

By Uche Nwosu
Special Correspondent, Umuahia

He said on Thursday in a statement titled “My life in danger” that “I wish to bring to the attention of the general public of an orchestrated and devious plot by some unnamed, but highly-placed persons at the Presidency of assassinate me.

“It is worrisome to observe that I have been receiving anonymous letters and telephone calls purporting to be from the Presidency threatening to kill me in connection with the private letter I wrote to President Olusegun Obasanjo and which was publicised by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“It is important to state that I do not treat these threats to my life with levity, especially when viewed from the quarters they are coming from and considering the precarious state of insecurity in our nation”.

Kalu stated that he is alerting the country and the international community because some prominent Nigerians have been assassinated without any trace of the perpetrators.

His latest statement has heightened tension in the state as politicians and other citizens express worry that this coupled with Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha’s ordeal in London, Obasanjo’s feud with his deputy and other disturbing national issues may hinder the democratic experiment.

Kalu recalled that since the death of Bola Ige, Marshal Harry and Aminasoari Dikkibo no panel of inquiry has been set up to unravel the identity of the murderers.

“In addition, I have it on good authority that there are plans to change the policemen who have worked with me since assumption of office in 1999. What do they want to achieve by this if not to expose me to danger to enable them achieve their satanic plot. But I assure them that we shall resist it stoutly”, he said.

He said the second part of the plot is to poison him whenever he visits Abuja or Lagos, and that the masterminds have perfected their act, only waiting for an opportunity to strike.

“I wonder why I should be eliminated for an innocuous letter I wrote to the President drawing attention to the profligacy and looting of public funds that have characterised his government since inception.

“When did it become a capital offence to exercise one’s constitutional freedom of expression? It is a norm in any democratic system for the citizens to air their views freely, but sadly this deviates sharply from the fascist regime, which our nation has gradually turned into, militarism and coercion”.

He pledged that he will not toe the popular line of hero-worship and stressed that “I know the God I serve. I have implicit faith and trust in His ability to shield me from the snare of the fowler.

“Sshould any untoward thing happen to me, the Presidency should be held absolutely responsible. Let me also warn that this nation will be thrown into an unstoppable conflagration should they succeed at their callous and ungodly act.”

The Presidency has dismissed the allegations.

Presidential Assistant, Femi Fani-Kayode, said on Thursday: “We are not murderers in the Presidency. Obasanjo is not a murderer and his administration does not kill. All the allegations being made by Kalu are baseless, frivolous and cannot stand the test of time”.

Posted by Publisher at 03:50 PM | Comments (0)

Warships Deployed in Warri, P/Harcourt Now Calm; Asari Dokubo arraigned, remanded

Federal Government has deployed two Naval war ships around the Warri, Forcados and Escravos areas, to forestal threat to key crude oil production and export facilities.

By Mike Oduniyi in Lagos, George Oji in Abuja, Chuks Okocha in Port Harcourt and Segun James in Warri, 09.22.2005

However, while normalcy has returned to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, after Wednesday's protest by supporters of Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), militant youths have shut down a Chevron oil flowstation.
Dokubo, who was arrested and detained on Tuesday, was yesterday arraigned before an Abuja High Court and remand charges preferred against him. The court ordered that he should be remanded in prison.
THISDAY gathered from reliable security sources that the "NNS NWAMBA" war ship, has been deployed along the Forcados River to check attacks by militant youths possibly from Bayelsa State, on the 475,000 barrels per day (bpd) Forcados Oil Export Terminal owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Also, the "NNS Akowa" has been deployed to the Escravos River to protect the Escravos Terminal belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited.
THISDAY checks further revealed that all military operations in Delta State, most especially the Joint Military Task Force on the Niger Delta, Operation Restore Hope, the Warri Naval Base, NNS Delta and the 7th Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army, have been put on high alert.
The Nigerian Air force fighter jets and two helicopters that were deployed to Warri at the height of the Warri Crisis in 2003 have been brought back. Also, the mass redeployment of men of the 7th Battalion of the Nigerian Army out of Warri has been put on hold. Sources said the men being redeployed were familiar with the terrain of the Niger Delta creeks.
The security measures, officials said, followed threats by militant Ijaw youths to attack oil facilities in the Niger Delta in protest against the arrest of Governor Deprieye Alamiey-eseigha in London and Dokubo.
All effort to get the military to comment on the deployment proved abortive. A source however, told THIS DAY that the deployment may not be unconnected with a demand by the United States of America to the Nigerian government to prevent any disruption to oil production as this may destabilise world oil market.
While the government has taken measures to secure the west of the Niger Delta, militant youths yesterday stormed and forced the closure of Chevron's Idama flowstation, leading to the loss of 8,000 bpd of crude oil production.
A Chevron official said last night that the closure was not unconnected to the problem in the area as the youths made no demand on the company.
Meanwhile, commercial activities have picked up in Port Harcourt after two-days of protest by Dokubo's supporters, who paralysed the city. Taxis and other motorists alike were seen going about their daily jobs as the combined patrol of the Military and Police combed all the major streets of Port Harcourt.
Following the return of normalcy, Shell said it would re-open its offices in the area today.
Army Spokesman, Captain Kalu Onyeman told newsmen that soldiers in the streets were enough to complement the police in the maintenance of law and order within the city metropolis.
The Federal Government also reiterated yesterday that no citizen of the country would be allowed to take the government to ransom.
Minister for Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo stated this while answering reporters' questions shortly after an Abuja High Court granted the order that Dokubo should be remanded in prison.
The Minister who was also the prosecution counsel read out the charges and said government was in court to formally obtain a proper remand order of court on Dokubo before filing formal charges against the suspect.
Ojo disclosed that Dokubo would be charged for treason and unlawful assembly in the next two weeks after police would have concluded investigations on him.
Dokubo's initial absence in court during Ojo's oral application prompted the following exchange with the presiding Judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko.
Court: Where is the accused?
Ojo: He is not here, he is with the police at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Court: No time frame when the investigations would be concluded?
Ojo: Within the next two weeks.
Court: The reliefs are hereby granted pending the time when a formal charge would be brought against him. Suspect should be remanded in prison custody.
Fielding questions from newsmen later, Ojo explained why government had to bring Dokubo to a State High Court instead of a Federal High Court.
"We brought him here for cognisance pending when we shall file formal charges at the Federal High Court.
"We are here to get a formal order of court to remand him in custody pending when we file formal charges before the court.
"The court has ordered that he should be remanded in police custody. The charge we are going to bring against him is treason and unlawful assembly. "In the next two weeks we shall be able to draw up a formal charge against him," he said.
Reacting to the ultimatum issued by Dokubo's supporters that he should be released by 2:00p.m. yesterday, the Minister remarked that, "No citizen of this country can hold the government to ransom. Nobody can intimidate the government. Government will not fold its arms and allow anybody to over-awe it."
"We shall do everything we can to protect every citizen of this country. So, government is doing everything it can to maintain peace and order all over the country particularly in the Niger Delta," Ojo said. Dokubo was later brought to court by 11.40 am in a police Fiat bus with registration number NPF 4074 B sandwiched by about nine police men.
The suspect who adorned a green Kaftan dress came in company of Deputy Commissioners of Police, Columbus Okaro and Amusa Bello and other police officers. Incidentally too, Dokubo was detained together with his lawyer Barrister Uche Okuku from Port-Harcourt.
While in court, Dokubo clutched a copy of the Koran with calm demeanor.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) yesterday reported that his arrest was based on a public statment he made that he would continue his campaign for Nigeria's disintegration.
Speaking later after the court session to nobody in particular, but apparently to the police, Dokubo said, "You denied me of the services of a lawyer. My lawyer came to see me, you arrested him. If this is what you call democracy, this is the worse dictatorship I have ever seen."
Immediately, he was whisked into the car together with his arrested lawyer and taken away in the same police bus that brought him.

Posted by Publisher at 03:48 PM | Comments (0)

Threats close Nigeria oil station

A second oil pumping station has been closed in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta region, following threats by militant groups.

On Thursday, more than 100 armed men in boats stormed a flow-station, sources close to the Chevron oil company said.

The unrest follows the arrest of militia leader Mujahid Dokubu-Asari, who has been remanded in custody for two weeks by a judge in Abuja.

He wants more control of oil resources for the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta.

A Chevron spokeswoman said the Robertkiri station had been shut "based on our assessment that it was under imminent threat".

The spokeswoman said that the Idama station, which was stormed on Thursday, had now been vacated.

Together, the two stations account for less than 1% of Nigeria's normal output of 2.5m barrels a day.

'Dictatorship'

The deputy leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, Alali Horsefall, has threatened to blow up the stations they occupy unless Mr Asari is released.

The militia has warned all foreign oil-workers to leave the area.

At his first appearance in court since being arrested on Tuesday, Mr Asari said the government was acting like a "high dictatorship" after his lawyer, Uche Okoko, was also detained.

Justice Minister Bayo Ojo said Mr Asari would be charged with "treason and unlawful assembly".

Mr Okoko, the lawyer, is expected to face similar charges - he was outraged at his treatment.

"I came from Port Harcourt to bail him out and I've been arrested for treason," he shouted to reporters as he was led off.

A police spokesman said Mr Asari was being held over a newspaper interview, in which he allegedly said he would continue his fight until Nigeria dissolves.

Last year, the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force contributed to a sharp rise in world oil prices when it threatened war against oil companies.

The Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria's poorest and least developed regions, although it accounts for most of the oil produced by Nigeria, Africa's largest oil-producer.

Posted by Publisher at 03:47 PM | Comments (0)

Mobitel: Police suspect shooting

Indications emerged on Thursday that the late Mobitel President, Mr. Alaba Joseph, who died in controversial circumstances last Thursday, was shot.

Olalekan Adetayo

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Ade Ajakaiye, hinted at that possibility in a statement in which he said the command had “forwarded its interim post-mortem and ballistician reports to the Inspector-General of Police for further directives.”

The lifeless body of Joseph was found on the ICON House premises of his firm on the day a receiver/manager moved in to take possession over an indebtedness.

There were earlier reports that Joseph committed suicide by jumping from his three-storey office. But his wife, Folasade, debunked the claim, saying her husband was murdered.

Our correspondent's investigations on Thursday revealed that the report of the autopsy conducted on the body showed that Joseph was shot and that the police were taken aback by the sophistication of the gun used.

But the state police command, contrary to its promise, was not forthcoming on the content of the report. Ajakaiye, in his statement, said due to the sensitivity of the case and the controversy it had generated, the command had forwarded the reports to the Acting IG, Mr. Sunday Ehindero.

He restated his command's determination to solve the mystery of the death.

Investigations revealed that the police may be working on the theory that Joseph died from a shot fired from a gun with silencer, since there was no reported case of gunshot.

Our correspondent learnt that it was against this backdrop that the police were critically looking into the internal board wrangling in Mobitel.

A source said the police's decision to chat with the company board members was hinged on the discovery that some of them were ex-intelligence officers.

The PUNCH, Wednesday, September 22, 2005

Posted by Publisher at 03:46 PM | Comments (0)

Nigerians Laundered $10bn, Says EFCC; CBN warns banks against deceptive tactics

The Economic and Fina-ncial Crimes Comm-ission (EFCC) said yesterday in Abuja that out of about $1 trillion laundered all over the world, an estimated $10 billion of that sum is handled by Nigerians.

From Kunle Aderinokun in Abuja, 09.22.2005

Acting Director, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) of the EFCC, Mr. A.B. Okauru who disclosed this in Abuja while fielding questions from newsmen at the 11th Annual Banker's Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Bank of Nigeria (CIBN), said the funds were invested mainly in properties.
"When you talk about money laundering, it's in the millions. By estimate, we have over $10 billion of laundered funds. If you were to value the money invested in properties, you can imagine what we are talking about. It is not that we have chunk there; we have funds scattered all over the place. It's a lot.
“The World Bank puts it at $1 trillion being laundered all over the world and we are looking at over $10 billion being laundered by Nigerians," Okauru explained.
He explained that, "by our calculation we are looking at over $10 billion being laundered in the West African sub-region. Most of the monies are laundered by Nigerians. Our economy is the most buoyant. In the West Africa. We have a population of about 210 million people, in Nigeria, we have a population of about 150 million and it's the most commercially buoyant."
"There is nothing new about people inputting a lot of money in real estate. It's one very popular way to launder funds and that is true all over the world," he said.
Okauru however assured that EFCC has sharpened its strategies for tracking down money laundering and ensure adequate implementation of the strategies.
Okauru noted that EFCC is currently investigating cases of the involvement of some banks in money laundering activities but declined to mention names of banks that were under investigations. He described the banking sector as a conduit pipe for money laundering activities.
He lamented that the banks did not possess proprietary solutions to money laundering activities and advised them to be cautious.
He assured that his commission was moving to help the banks to adequately tackle the problem.
According to him, "it's going to be difficult for you to zero in on the number of banks or whatever, but the truth is that we see the banking sector as a veritable avenue for laundering funds and to manage that we think that banks have to be more cautious. We will think they have to beef up their compliance strategies for anti-money laundering. For instance, banks do not have anti-money laundering proprietary solutions for flagging money laundering. It's still done manually.
“This is probably the only country in the world with this level of commercial activities where banks do not use anti-money laundering solutions to flag money laundering transactions. We are moving in that direction, we are sensitizing banks letting them know that there is a new way to doing this thing, ICT will help and all others."
On the claim that EFCC has failed in its duty to track down corrupt public officials, since the law enforcement agencies of other countries, especially the Metropolitan Police of London, were arresting such officials, Okauru argued that "it's a small world now and you could be trapped any where else. You could be trapped here, or you could be trapped outside the country. Once you route your funds through any financial sector, there is a tendency for them to track what you have. It's a network now. NFIU in Nigeria has a relationship with the FIUs around the world and what we are saying is that every time there is a problem any where, we can track that easily unlike what it used to be. If you move funds here and there and if you are trapped in London, so be it.
The Brazilian people were trapped in Miami."
The NFIU, he explained, is a unit responsible for managing suspicious transactions in this country.
He added that, "we have observed substantial improvement in the compliance amongst banks, when we came in, it was virtually non-existent."
Also yesterday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warned banks to stop keeping separate accounts to deceive the public about their true financial situation of their banks.
CBN Deputy Governor, Mr. Tunde Lemo said that many banks have three separate accounts for their shareholders, the public and the regulatory authorities.
He noted that such practice was deceptive to the public and assured that the banking watchdog was ready to put a stop to the practice. He said CBN would no longer condone such fraudulent acts.
Lemo however said the CBN was working on a proposal on sound corporate governance practices in banks in post consolidation era and that it's management was still considering the document.

Posted by Publisher at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)

Alamieyeseigha: EFCC investigates 10 banks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has begun investigation of 10 banks over money allegedly laundered through them by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamie-yeseigha.

Oluyinka Akintunde, Abuja

Sources said that the EFCC operatives visited 10 banks in Lagos on Wednesday during which top management staff of the banks were quizzed.

There was apprehension on Thursday evening that the Chief Executive of one of the banks at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, was arrested by the commission.

The Commission confirmed that it was following up on its lead on Nigerian banks used by state governors for money laundering.

The acting Director, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit of the EFCC, Mr. A.B. Okauru, told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, that the commission was tightening the noose on money launderers and financial institutions used for such transactions.

He said Nigerians laundered $7billion annually, out of $10billion laundered across West Africa.

Okauru said, “By our calculation, the sum of $10billion is laundered in the West African sub-region, out of which Nigeria accounts for $7billion. The Nigerian economy is the most buoyant in the sub-region. In West Africa, you have a population of 210million, out of which Nigeria accounts for 150million.

“The EFCC is responsible for the enforcement of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act and a new department, the NFIU, is responsible for managing suspicious transaction in the country.”

The World Bank had in the first quarter of this year disclosed that a total of $1.5trillion is laundered annually across the world.

Asked if the arrest of two Nigerian governors by the Metropolitan Police in London for money laundering did not suggest failure on the part of the commission, Okauru said the apprehension of money launderers resulted from a collaboration between the EFCC and the rest of the world through the Financial Intelligence Unit.

He said that the commission was currently investigating some banks used by governors in the country for money laundering.

He, however, refused to name the affected banks and the governors under investigation for money laundering.

He said, “There are a number of leads that we have and we are looking at a number of issues around the question you asked on banks conniving with governors to launder money abroad. I am not in a position to verify anything or to tell you the banks. There are a number of cases under investigations and I will like to leave it at that.

“When you say failure on the part of EFCC, I don’t understand. We are doing what we are supposed to do. It is a small world now and you could be tracked anywhere. The beauty about the new regime is that the world is one community and you could be tracked either within or outside a country.

“It is no longer possible to pick up money here and run to North America or to Europe. Once you route your funds through any financial system, there is tendency for them to track what you have. We have FIU in Nigeria and a pre-condition for having FIU is that you have relationship with other FIUs.

“Every country has got one FIU. The NFIU under EFCC has relationship with virtual all other FIUs around the world. Every time there is a problem anywhere, we can track that easily unlike what it is before.”

The PUNCH, Wednesday, September 22, 2005

Posted by Publisher at 03:44 PM | Comments (0)

Govs Tinubu, Haruna; Oshiomhole, Masari, others pay tributes to Oyeleru, Ubani

ABUJA — SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bello Masari, and two governors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of Lagos State and Boni Haruna of Adamawa, have expressed shock at the death in a car crash of Vanguard’s photographer, Tunji Oyeleru, and frontline human rights activist, Chima Ubani.

By Okey Ndiribe, Innocent Anaba, Funmi Komolafe, Umar Yusuf, Anayo Okoli, Chike Agunwa & Habib Yakoob
Posted to the Web: Friday, September 23, 2005

Reactions also came from pan-Yoruba socio-economic organisation, Afenifere; Campaign for Democracy (CD); Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); founding president of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); labour leaders and NLC President, Mr Adams Oshiomhole who visited Vanguard to personally pay his condolence.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Masari, in his reaction said the death of the two was a loss not only to their families of the deceased but the nation.
But Governor Bola Tinubu was more caustic in his reaction, saying: “Like millions of Nigerians, I received with deep shock the news of the death yesterday in a ghastly motor accident of the prominent human rights activist, Mr. Chima Ubani and Vanguard's Deputy Photo Editor, Mr. Tunji Oyeleru. It is so sad that these patriotic Nigerians lost their lives in the course of the on-going popular struggle against incessant fuel price increases in the country. They died on active duty for their fatherland, sacrificing their today for present and future generations

“I have never ceased to marvel at the consistency and courage of Chima Ubani who had been at the vanguard of the struggle for a free, just, humane and democratic Nigeria ever since his student days. He remained faithful and committed to the Nigerian people throughout his life when he could easily have compromised with the forces of retrogression by selling his conscience for a mess of pottage. Ubani did not amass millins of Naira but his progressive idealism will ensure that he lives forever in the fond memories of millions of Nigerians.

“Equally painful is the loss of Mr. Tunji Oyeleru, an ace professional photographer. This is another reminder of the hazards of the journalism profession and the need to evolve a welfare scheme for their families when tragic cases like these occur.

“These unfortunate and avoidable deaths should remind those of us in public office of the need to be sensitive and responsive to the will of the people in the formulation and implementation of policies.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I express my sincere condolence to the civil rights community, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the painful loss. I also condole the families of the deceased and pray that God Almighty will grant them the strength to bear the loss.
“It is also my prayer that all the others injured in the accident will recover speedily by the grace of God. Amen.”

Agbakoba

Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) in his condolence message described the late Chima Ubani as perhaps the greatest strategist the human rights movement has ever known.

Oshiomhole visits Vanguard

NLC President, Mr Oshiomhole, visited Vanguard yesterday to pay tribute to the late Tunji Oyeleru and condole the management of the company. He narrated how the late ace photographer missed his flight at the Maiduguri airport and had to embark on that ill-fated journey by road.

He said: “I am here to register my personal sympathy and my condolence and that of the NLC to the Editor and Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers over the death of Mr Tunji Oyeleru. I feel particularly terrible over the accident which resulted in his death. In a sense, I feel personally responsible for what has happened. I was just reflecting on how to organise our rally in Kano and thinking of what would happen or not happen. From my past experience, given the local political situation, it is sometimes safer to work with journalists from Lagos because we know their judgement and are sure of their impartiality.

“When I assessed the coverage of the Lagos rally, I was impressed by Vanguard’s front page photograph of last week Thursday. So I enquired to find out who took that beautiful photograph of the rally and was informed it was the late Tunji Oyeleru. I directed that he be contacted so that he could also take photographs of our rally in Kano. This was at about 8 p.m. in the night and the rally was scheduled to hold the following day. There was little time left for him to come over to Kano for the rally considering the fact that he was still in Lagos. We wondered how we could get him to come over to Kano the following day. We were not even sure there would be a direct flight. When he was eventually contacted, he volunteered to make the trip by air to Kano by himself and he did with IRS flight. For me that showed an unusual depth of commitment since he was willing to part with his family at short notice and pay for his flight to Kano.

"After the Kano rally which was a huge success, I requested that he should also cover the Maiduguri rally. Maiduguri is about six hours by road from Kano. The late Oyeleru joined us together with the late Chima Ubani and an AIT cameraman. We drove in the NLC official car all the way to Maiduguri and we got there at about 10.15 in the night. We realised we took a risk especially regarding reports about robberies in that part of the country. Our comrades there were waiting for us and would have been disappointed if we hadn’t made it that night.

“After the Maiduguri rally, we wanted to fly back to Abuja but there were only two seats available on the plane and we were seven. And Maiduguri to Abuja is about nine hours by road. I had to travel because today (yesterday), I was supposed to be in Yola. My plan was that I would catch the evening flight from Abuja to Yola. They were supposed to return to Lagos together with Ubani. He and I should have taken the two available seats on the aircraft since himself and myself were at the head of the delegation that went for the Kano and Maiduguri rallies.

He advised that I should travel by air with another member of the delegation who was junior since we needed to travel by air more than himself. This other member of the delegation was supposed to follow us to Yola and from there we were supposed to return to Delta tomorrow. So Ubani left with Oyeleru and others in two NLC official vehicles. Ubani and Oyeleru were in the jeep together with four other persons. We had just landed at Abuja and I wanted to make enquiries about the evening flight to Yola.. Just after we came out of the airport, we received a call that the jeep was involved in a fatal accident after one of its tyres went off and the car somersaulted several times and that Ubani and Oyeleru died on the spot. The other two persons were unconscious in the hospital.

“At that point I did not know what to do. One felt that if I had not asked Oyeleru to come with us perhaps he would have still been alive today. I feel personally guilty. But I believe that he himself must have realised he decided to come with us to demonstrate his own commitment to sustain our shared struggle.

"I have come to tell you how deeply sorry I feel. We had thought the worst was over since we travelled along that Kano-Maiduguri road at night and arrived safely. In fact, at a point we almost ran into armed robbers and we parked and waited for them to leave the road before we continued with our journey.

“In the morning of the day this accident occurred I did not feel quite strong. I told Ubani that my spirit was low and that I did not have the kind of confidence I used to have to address rallies. When I was asked to address the rally at a certain point, I even declined and said I would do so later. Along the way I didn’t feel okay but I didn’t know what was wrong. It was the same Ubani who said to me: “Don’t worry comrade, it would be okay.” Maybe it was because the crowd wasn’t much yet. He urged me to move on and that my spirit would build up when more people would have joined the rally.

“Mr Editor, I wish to join in conveying our deepest sympathy to the family of Oyeleru. I have told my colleagues in the leadership of our organisation that when people pay the supreme price for our struggle and they have young dependants, we should do something to mitigate the pains which the widow and children would go through even if we can’t bring their loved ones back to life.

“Unfortunately the NLC is not strong on ground in that particular area. I am told that Ubani had twin children about a year ago. He also has a young wife. So, one is really devastated. I want to assure you that we would look for a way to support the family. That is the least we can do to demonstrate that those with whom Oyeleru worked haven’t abandoned the family.”

Fadugba, others pay tributes

Immediate past Chairperson of Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs Funke Fadugba, who also paid a condolence visit to Vanguard, wrote: “It is very tragic that you went away with your smile and professional brilliance. Adieu, rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, in a condolence register opened at CLO’s Soji Adepegba Close, Ikeja, Lagos office, notable human rights activists who visited the organisation, including Mr Olisa Agbokoba (SAN) wrote: “This is a great loss, we have lost perhaps the greatest strategist the human rights community have produced.”
Richard Akinola of the Centre for Free Speech (CFS) wrote: "It is a good irony to die on a course you believed in. Beyond the emotion, we should think of what to do for your widow and children. Rest in peace.”

Francis Abayomi of Peace and Development Project (PEDEP) wrote: “Chima, you were a bridge for our collective struggle to make Nigeria better. This is how far you can be with us physically. You have made your mark. You will be surely missed by all that genuinely care about the struggle to free the common man. You have not died in vain.”

CLO has, meanwhile, announced the setting up of a committee comprising representatives of the family, CLO, other pro-democracy and labour groups to give Chima a befitting burial.

Afenifere, too

Campaign for Democracy (CD) of which late Ubani was one of its founders said: “We shall greatly miss Chima but we shall always remember him anywhere the oppressed are gathered to shake off their chains.” Afenifere in its reaction after a meeting at Ijebu-Igbo said the death was unnecessary and that it would not have occurred if the Federal Government had been responsible and responsive.

Labour leaders blast FG

There was an outpouring of emotions at the Labour Summit organised by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies yesterday as speakers expressed their condolences to Vanguard Media and the Civil Liberties Organisation over the death of Mr. Tunji Oyeleru of Vanguard and the chief executive of the CLO, Mr. Chima Ubani. A minute's silence was observed for the repose of their souls.

General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress, Chief John Kolawole, described their death as a great loss to the nation. Ms. Adebola Soyoye who represented the Director-General of NECA, Mrs. Remi Ihejirika of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation also expressed their sympathies on the loss of the two comrades.

The representative of the Nigeria Labour Congress president, Comrade Issa Aremu said: “The burden is on our government. What are we demonstrating for? We are not celebrating uninterrupted power supply, recorded remarkable development growth. We are at pains that we are on the streets. The promise of democracy is that when we protest, there are results for us.” He said apart from God, citizens looked up to governments for protection.

Secretary of the Kwara State Council of the NLC, Comrade Mumunk Onagun, regretted that the Federal Government failed to implement the Mantu Committee report “If they had implemented it, we would not have these protests.”

Comrades Aremu and Onagun prayed that God will use the deaths of Tunji Oyeleru and Chima Ubani to touch the heart of our leaders and make them listen to the people.

Posted by Publisher at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

Labour blames govt for death of Chima Ubani, Oyeleru; Shelves protest rallies

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it holds President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration responsible for the auto crash which claimed the lives of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) Executive Director, Chima Ubani and Vanguard Newspapers Deputy Photo Editor, Mr. Tunji Oyeleru.

From Sunny Ogefere (Asaba), Collins Olayinka (Abuja) and Wole Shadare (Lagos)

Labour's position was contained in a statement by the NLC's President, Adams Oshiomhole, made available to The Guardian in Abuja last night

Oshiomhole said: "The NLC and allies hold President Olusegun Obasanjo Administration squarely responsible for this national loss because these rallies would have been unnecessary but for the insensitivity and arrogant contempt of this government for the wishes and interest of Nigerians."

The central labour body expressed condolences to the families of Ubani and Oyeleru. "We in the NLC feel a great sense of loss and anguish over the untimely death of these two gentlemen in such tragic circumstances. Our hearts are with their families and colleagues at this trying moment. We express our deepest commiseration with their families and organisations - Vanguard Media and Civil Liberties Organisation," Oshiomhole said.

The statement paid glowing tributes to Ubani, describing him as an activist, who though lived a very short life, was outstanding in humanitarian works that spanned his university days to his adult life.

He said: "Ubani was an activist whose commitment and dedication was of the deepest hue. He cut his teeth in the students' movement. He was President of the University of Nigeria Students' Union in the peak of the tyranny of General Ibrahim Babangida's regime. Chima's ideological clarity, mobilizational acumen, courage and commitment came in handy in empowering the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to become the arrowhead of wider democratic struggles in the dark days of military rule."

The statement also described Ubani as a dependable ally of the NLC who was a revolutionary par excellence.

"As a revolutionary socialist, Chima believed resolutely in the socially redemptive mission of the working class.

"Therefore, he was ever so passionate, forthright and committed in his relationship with the movement, becoming in the process one of the most profound repositories and support," the statement added.

The NLC described Oyeleru as a photo-journalist who used his camera lenses to capture events that adequately conveyed meaning to the Nigerian people.

"The nation has lost in Oyeleru a first rate photo-journalist, who was driven by a high level of excellence that cultivated for him a wide followership, including in the Labour and pro-democracy movement. As a professional, he was of exotic vintage, whose shots had the stamp of painstaking finesse for which he became famous."

Oyeleru was not only a professional but equally combined his job with some social responsibilities such as struggle for popular agitation, the NLC said.

"Beyond his professional calling, Oyeleru demonstrated great commitment in projecting popular struggles through his lenses, often at great risk to his life and limb. This was not just as a professional obligation but also out of his deep conviction in the pursuit of social justice and the concerns of popular movements," the statement observed.

Meanwhile, as a mark of honour for Ubani and Oyeleru, the NLC has postponed its protest march billed for today in Asaba, Delta State. It will take place on Tuesday.

Delta State NLC Secretary, Mr. Victor Ogbagu said in Asaba yesterday that the decision was to honour the deceased and commiserate with their families.

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) also said that Ubani's death put to a sad end a robust life dedicated to the service of humanity. "All the years of his adulthood have been dedicated to the cause of the oppressed, the downtrodden and the neglected," the CD said.

In a statement by its secretary, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, the CD said: "It is to the eternal shame of the deaf Obasanjo regime that it could allow the protests against its unjust and inhuman policy to drag on till Chima and others lost their lives. A responsive and responsible government would have done something to assuage the people's feelings after the mass movement in Lagos. We, therefore, hold the Obasanjo regime squarely responsible for the death of Chima.

"We shall greatly miss Chima but we surely will always remember him anywhere the oppressed are gathered to shake off their chains. His moral grandeur shall always be present at the barricades. His fond memories shall be eternal. And those who are responsible for the policies that led to his untimely exit would be unsung when their time comes."

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi yesterday described Ubani, as a man who gave "his everything for a better Nigeria."

In a statement, Afikuyomi said: "Reflecting on the selfless life he led and his unalloyed commitment to the struggle for the termination of military rule in Nigeria, I cannot but conclude that the Nigerian nation has lost a significant proportion of her conscience symbolised by the personality, ideals, commitment and selfless zeal of the young man, Ubani."

The lawmaker added: "The circumstances of his death have again brought to the fore the need for the Civil Society to demand more strongly for explanations from those saddled with the responsibilities of rehabilitating the nation's roads since the restoration of civil democratic rule in 1999 as to what happened to the billions of naira voted for such repairs. This is no doubt one loss too many.

"We must demand for a comprehensive probe into the activities of the Federal Ministry of Works since 1999 to assuage the vexed spirit of Ubani whose dreams were thwarted by the irresponsibility of the authorities of the ministry.

"We must challenge insensitivity of those responsible for the senseless increase in the price of petrol at a time when Nigeria's external reserves have been on a progressive increase and a time when a Nigerian citizen still lives on less than a dollar per day. But for the increase, Ubani would not have had to go to Yobe and he would not have had to die."

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has described the death of the duo as a big blow to the nation.

Speaking to The Guardian in Lagos yesterday, NUATE's President, Mr. Imonihie Itua, said: "It is painful, we lost the men at a time we needed them most."

He, however, stated that the unfortunate incident will not stop the struggle "to put to an end to the obnoxious policies of government."

Their deaths, he reiterated, would aggravate the struggle, rather than stop it.

He noted that the duo died for a cause they believed in, even as he described Ubani as an intelligent and amiable person.

He blamed the harsh economic reality imposed on the people by the Federal Government as being responsible for their untimely deaths.

Posted by Publisher at 03:42 PM | Comments (0)

Fuel price hike: NLC holds rally in Asaba

POLICEMEN have been deployed to strategic routes in Asaba, Delta State capital, to ensure a hitch-free rally organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the recent hike in fuel price in the state capital today (Friday).

CAJETAN MMUTA, Asaba

Already, the state chapter of the NLC said it had in collaboration with Trade Union Congress (TUC) and civil society mobilized workers, student bodies, traders, commercial motor operators, Okada riders and bankers to ensure the success of the rally.

Commissioner of police in the state, Mr. Udom Ekpoudom, yesterday warned individuals and groups participating in the protest rally to conduct themselves in orderly manner and avoid acts that may run in conflict with the prevailing peace in the state.

Mr. Ekpoudom said his men would be on ground to guide protesters while the exercise lasted but directed officers not to use firearms rather smoke (teargass) to check, extreme cases during the rally.

The police boss who spoke through the command’s public relations officer (PPRO) Miss Olabisi Okuwobi, said the force personnel are more than ready for the rally with water tight preparation geared towards ensuring that law and order take precedence and to protect lives and property throughout the exercise.

Posted by Publisher at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)

September 22, 2005

Obasanjo ’ll go in 2007 - Atiku

Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his stand against the extension of President Obasanjo’s tenure beyond 2007. Stating that there is no question of President Obasanjo remaining in office after 2007, he described the present stalemate between him and the President as personal.

From Musa Umar Kazaure

“There is a difference between differences of opinion and official differences. Officially we are still together working for the people of Nigeria, he as the President and I as his Vice President. As Vice President, I will do whatever assignment he gives me. If he gives me a job to do, I will do it; if he does not, I will just sit in my office. But I don’t see any reason why our differences of opinion should interfere with our official relationship,” the Vice President stated.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who was answering questions yesterday on the Kano-based Freedom Radio’s Hausa programme, ‘Kowane Gauta,’ refuted the PDP national scribe’s allegation that his recent utterances on his agreement with President Obasanjo amounted to disloyalty. He added that what he said was the truth, and that those who knew him well would testify that he is a loyal and honest person in his dealings with people.

Vice President Atiku Abubakar also stated that his recent statements were not intended to cause confusion or dissension in the party, but were made in a genuine effort to put things right and save the party from imminent collapse.
He added, “what we did was for the interest of the party, so that rules and regulations laid down by the party are respected and followed. If we fail to respect our own party’s rules and regulation as embodied in the party’s constitution, we are not likely to respect the Constitution of the land. So we are fighting for the interest of the party by our present stand that the party’s constitution must be followed and respected.”

The Vice President was speaking on the heels of a court action instituted by his supporters in the PDP over the undemocratic method of selecting the party’s leadership. He described such intra-party squabbles as “normal,” especially where breaches of the party’s constitution were observed.

Citing South Africa’s ANC, which is over 100 years old but is currently embroiled in crises, he added that the present differences among PDP members would soon be overcome. He called on all PDP members to be loyal and law-abiding, and to respect the party’s constitution especially during the conventions that are soon to be conducted.

Vice President Atiku Abubakar also congratulated Freedom Radio for being the “vanguard of democratic principles and voice of the people,” which he described as the main ingredients of a true democratic system.

Posted by Publisher at 04:05 PM | Comments (0)

Alamieyeseigha accuses Obasanjo of vendetta; No comment - Fani Kayode

Governor Deprieye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa state, who is currently under investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police for alleged money laundering, has accused the Nigerian leadership of persecuting him through the use of government and political machineries which were being diverted to fight imaginary foes instead of providing strong and visionary leadership.

By Austin Odo

Alamieyeseigha, who spoke through his lawyer, Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN yesterday, also expressed surprise and disappointment with the British government and London’s Metropolitan Police for allowing themselves “to be used as a tool for the Nigerian government’s overtly political objectives without proper understanding of its implications.”

Describing his arrest as unlawful and neo-colonialistic in a bigoted manner, the governor alleged that it was perpetrated with the full knowledge, co-operation, and co-ordination of the Nigerian government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring him to disrepute.

“It is apparent that the Metropolitan Police were informed of my movements by the federal government, hence the unlawful arrest aboard the aircraft,” he said.
Noting that the arrest was an affront to the sovereignty of Nigeria and does not augur well for the country’s democracy, the governor said that if left unchecked the use of government and political machineries in settling political scores portends grave dangers for the country’s profile.

According to the governor no allegation of any criminal conduct has been made against him in the United Kingdom or elsewhere despite the claim by the Metropolitan Police that he had been under investigation since March 2005, and there is no law in the UK that prevents anyone from bringing in or taking out cash as long as the source and use of the cash is legitimate.

“Indeed, there is no requirement in the UK to declare any cash brought in or taken out of that country,” he asserted.

He pointed out that contrary to the information circulated within Nigeria, he posses the immunity from criminal prosecution under all applicable laws as the head of the Bayelsa state government, including the laws of Nigeria, England, and international law.

“We must rise to the challenge and demand that our leaders eschew chicanery, nepotism, and political brinkmanship and face the challenging task of nation building,” he said.

He expressed the hope that the British government will respect international conventions as well as local legislation on diplomatic and sovereign immunity and proceeds of crime, and desist from meddling in what he termed “a wholly Nigerian political affair.” He assured his people that he is well represented in the UK by a team of Nigerian barristers and solicitors.

When contacted for a reaction to the governor’s charge, the senior special assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on public affairs, Mr. Femi Fani Kayode, said he had no comments.

Meanwhile, the governor has appealed to the people of Bayelsa state and his kinsmen, the Ijaws, for calm and patience. He advised them to avoid taking the law into their own hands and assured that he would be vindicated, by God’s grace.

His appeal came in the wake of threats by Ijaw youths to disrupt oil exploitation by British and Nigerian interests in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

The youths had demanded the immediate release of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha on pain of risking the safety of Britons and their investments in the region. They said that the federal government, in collusion with the British authorities, set out to deliberately provoke the people of the Niger Delta to violence so as to invoke a state of emergency. They said they would reject all such pretences and resist such evil plans of the politicians to take over the only Ijaw state in Nigeria.

The youths issued the threat as the leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Sari Dokubo, was being quizzed by the national security outfit.

A statement jointly signed by the international president and national spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Oyeinfie Jonjon and Dr. Peter Ajube and made available to Daily Trust in Port Harcourt ordered the British and Nigerian authorities to henceforth cease all acts of exploitation, intimidation, and oppression against the people of the region.

It urged various youth groups and affiliate organisations in the region to mobilise, be on full alert, and await further instructions. It particularly appealed to the Ijaw people at home and abroad to unite in fighting what they described as their “common enemy” and not to consider the travail as the political victory of one group over another.

“The Ijaw nation cannot be divided. This is not an anti-corruption war. It is dangerously political and directed at capturing our resources and dominating our land.

“We invite all other ethnic nationalities within the Niger-Delta region not to see the present fight as that of the Ijaws alone. You may well be the next victims,” the statement added, urging them to join hands to fight oppression and Nigeria’s common enemies.

“Our struggle for freedom, control of our God-given resources, and environment did not begin today. We recall the Akassa war, the invasion and destruction of various Ijaw communities of Nembe, Brass, and Okpoama in 1895 by the British forces. The hallmark of the Ijaw-British relationship has been that of exploitation, domination and oppression,” the statement said.

The youths accused President Obasanjo of subjecting opponents of his 2007 self-succession agenda to intimidation and public ridicule, adding that but for the president’s involvement, the London Metropolitan police had no business with an elected state government official enjoying diplomatic immunity.

They also noted that the recent questioning of officials of the Bayelsa state government by the EFCC, which was based on frivolous petitions, was part of a grand plan to destabilise the Ijaws and turn the people’s attention away from the central issues of survival and struggle for self-determination.

“If the federal government is serious about fighting corruption,” they wondered, “what has it done about the huge public funds donated to the Obasanjo presidential library? How about the oil blocs acquired through cronies of his children? What about the president’s brazen use of powers to seize farmlands belonging to poor citizens in several states, allegedly for his farms and schools?”

Posted by Publisher at 04:02 PM | Comments (0)

FG to Charge Dokubo for Treason; Shell evacuates workers

Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Muja-hid Asari Dokubo will be arraigned before an Abuja High Court today for treasonable felony. He was arrested on Tuesday by the Rivers State Police Command and currently detained at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.

By Mike Oduniyi, Idowu Sowunmi in Lagos, Chuks Okocha in Port Harcourt, Josephine Lohor and Funmi Peter-Omale in Abuja, 09.21.2005

But to forestal threat to peace by Dokubo's supporters, the Federal Government yesterday deployed troops around Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
Already, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has evacuated its workers from the creeks in Rivers and Bayelsa states following threats by Ijaw militant youths that they would attack oil workers in retaliation for Dokubo's arrest.
THISDAY gathered that Dokubo is being interrogated by top officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Depart-ment (CID). Checks revealed that the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Sunday Ehindero, was also involved at some point in the interrogation.
Police sources told THISDAY that, “The Director of Public Prosecution have prepared all the papers and have filed same at the High Court." "Tomorrow morning (that is, today) Dokubo will be arraigned. There is no wasting time on this issue at all,” disclosed a senior police officer.
The source said the war-lord is to be tried for “treason and seditious publications.” He is said to be co-operating with his interrogators.
Ehindero however, later said yesterday that the Police was holding Dokubo in order to extract relevant information from him on Security in the Niger Delta.
The IGP who was answering questions from newsmen after appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Ethics and Values said, "I was the one that invited him to answer questions bordering on the security in the Niger Delta."
Also, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke, said although investigations concerning the arrest and subsequent attempts to disrupt the peace in the Niger Delta area are going on, no serious government would take the threat to security of lives and properties of its citizens lightly. Speaking during the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that was chaired by President Olusegun Obasanjo, the minister declared that the Federal Government was committed to protecting the sovereignty of the nation and would not condone the “seditious and inflammatory” statements of the NDPVF.
Nweke said “only this morning, Wednesday, I confirmed that Asari Dokubo was arrested, but the truth is that these matters are under investigation at the moment, especially that of Asari Dokubo and I have not received any security briefing on this."
“But I want to say that government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and to preserve the integrity of our country. And you would agree with me that there is no responsible government that would sit back and condone these kinds of inflammatory and seditious statements that have been credited to Dokubo”, he said.
Yesterday, Ijaw militants known as "Asari boys", blocked Aba Road, a major link road to Port Harcourt from the South-eastern part of the country. They were harassing motorists and smashing windscreen of vehicles as they march, chanting war songs asking that their leader be released from police custody.
The protesting youths moved from Aba road to Tombia Street. They were about to move into the busy Ikwerre Road when they met a Police Mobile and Military Patrol team which overpowered them and forced them to retreat.
Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Alhaji Haruna Yesufu who arrived Port Harcourt yesterday, warned that the police would not condone any act of lawlessness as “Nobody is above the law.”
Yesufu said he was in Port Harcourt to co-ordinate the activities of Police in the state and that there is no cause for alarm as police would do everything within the law to see that law and order is upheld in Rivers State.
The Rivers State Govern-ment also in a statement signed by its Commissioner of Information, Magnus Abe, said the state government was aware of the tension in certain parts of the state.
Text of the statement reads: "The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to the state of unease in certain parts of the city of Port Harcourt. Information available to Government, is that it is connected to the arrest of Alhaji Asari Dokubo by the Inspector General of Police.
"We have confirmed that Alhaji Asari Dokubo is in safe custody of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja. We therefore urge all members of the public to remain calm and law abiding. The Rivers State Government is committed to the protection of all the rights and liberties of all Rivers men and women, and indeed all people resident in Rivers State.
"In the interim, Government would like to warn all those who are trying to capitalize on the present situation to harass innocent persons and cause breach of peace, to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law," he stated.
It was further gathered at the Force headquarters that the threats of retaliation issued by Dokubo's group has been sending jitters into the diplomatic community in the country; thereby generating concerns about the safety of their nationals and oil installations.
Sources disclosed that no fewer than seven embassies including Britain, Japan, Korea and United States of America have sought clarification from police headquarters, about the safety of their nationals, their oil installations and their businesses especially in the Niger Delta region.
A statement issued by the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) last weekend, threatened to blow up oil installations in the Niger Delta region if Bayelsa State Governor Deprieye Alamieyeseigha who was held in London on charges of money laundering is not released.
Yesterday, Shell, Nigeria's biggest oil producing companies with the highest concentration of onshore oil facilities East of the Niger Delta, directed its workers in the area to vacate offices and facilities for safety reason. The company said while oil production was yet to be affected, it took the decision because of escalating tension in Port Harcourt.
Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited, another major oil producer in the area, said yesterday it was equally monitoring the situation closely. An official of the company told THISDAY that the company would not hesitate to take a decisive step if the security situation worsens.
Meanwhile, the Pro National Conference (PRONACO) group, said it had dispatched a team of lawyers led by Mr. Tony Oganah Esq. to Abuja to ascertain the welfare and situation of Dokubo.
"The lawyers of PRONACO are expected to see Alhaji Asari-Dokubo and top Police officials in Abuja in ensuring that his release is effected without further delay according to the law of the land which does not allow anybody to be detained more than twenty-four hours without being charged to court," the group stated.
"PRONACO leadership has also been appealing to its members in the Niger Delta for calm and to await the report/results of PRONACO intervention in the matter," it added.

Posted by Publisher at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)

Nigeria militia lawyer arrested

A lawyer representing a separatist leader from Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta region has been arrested in court in the capital, Abuja.

Mujahid Dokubu-Asari angrily denounced the government as a "dictatorship" after his lawyer, Uche Okoko, was detained when he arrived at the court.

Mr Asari's group had threatened to sabotage oil installations unless he were freed on Wednesday.

They seek more control of oil resources for the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta.

Mr Asari was arrested on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the centre of Nigeria's oil industry.

A judge ruled that the authorities could keep him in custody for a further two weeks.

Justice Minister Bayo Ojo said Mr Asari would be charged with "treason and unlawful assembly".

Mr Okoko, the lawyer, is expected to face similar charges - but he was outraged at his treatment.

"I came from Port Harcourt to bail him out and I've been arrested for treason," he shouted to reporters as he was led off.

Interview

A police spokesman said Mr Asari was being held over a newspaper interview, in which he allegedly said he would continue his fight until Nigeria dissolves.

A statement issued by the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force on Wednesday warned of "grave mayhem" if Mr Asari were not released by early afternoon.

More than 150 of Mr Asari's supporters, armed with machetes, demonstrated in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

But there have been no reports of violence since the deadline passed.

Hundreds of soldiers and riot police are manning checkpoints in Nigeria's oil capital, Port Harcourt, reports Reuters news agency.

Last year, the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force contributed to a sharp rise in world oil prices when it threatened war against oil companies.

The Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria's poorest and least developed regions, although it accounts for most of the 2.4 million barrels of oil produced by Nigeria, Africa's largest oil-producer, each year.

Posted by Publisher at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)

Asari-Dokubo: Shell shuts N/Delta offices

•Production unaffected

•PRONACO sends lawyers to Abuja

•MASSOB, AD react

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other oil firms operating in Rivers and Bayelsa states yesterday shut their offices indefinitely even as hundreds of militant Ijaw youths protested the arrest of their leader, Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, sporadic gunshots were heard in Borokiri area and Agudama Street, bringing government and commercial activities to a halt in parts of the Garden City.

But in Abuja, the Federal Government yesterday confirmed Asari-Dokubo’s arrest even as it warned militant Ijaw youths against violence or making "inflammatory and seditious statements" capable of breaching public peace.

Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteers Force (NDPVF), Asari-Dokubo was arrested by the police in Port Harcourt on Tuesday ostensibly in response to threat by youths in the region to attack British nationals and oil installations if Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State was not freed.

Reacting to the Asari-Dokubo’s arrest NDPVF spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte gave the government 48 hours to release him or face stern action from the group. That ultimatum expires today.

However early yesterday, a group of armed men said to be loyal to Asari-Dokubo protested in Diobu area shooting sporadically into the air.

There were also reports of shooting in Borokiri area while heavy explosions suspected to be dynamite were heard around Nembe waterside.

At Agudama Street where NDPVF has its secretariat at House number 13, member of the group barricaded the Isiokpo-Emekuku Junction and the NITEL junctions as well as fired guns shots till late in the afternoon.

The NDPVF activists who were chanting war songs displayed machetes, guns, charms and danced along the major streets.

Consequently business premises along Agudama, Garrison Junction and the environs were closed as residents scampered for safety.

Business activities were also paralysed at the Trans Amadi industrial layout while civil servants at the state secretariat hurriedly left for home as they claimed that there was a directive that offices be closed to avoid possible attack.

Afraid of possible attacks by angry youths, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other oil companies in Port Harcourt shut down their administrative operationsWednesday afternoon.

SPDC, External Relations Manager Mr. Don Boham said "As a precautionary measure, SPDC management asked workers in the corporate office to go home at 2 p.m following security situation in parts of Port Harcourt. Production is unaffected;" he assured.

However in Warri, Delta State a statement signed by SPDC Corporate Safety Manager, Mr. O.A Adedipe and obtained by Daily Champion said the company has suspended operations in Eastern Division comprising Rivers and Bayelsa states.

According to the release, employees in the division would remain at home until the security situation improves in the region.

The company which also put its workforce in the Western Division (Warri) on high alert said the move was precautionary.

Meanwhile government yesterday read fresh riot act to militant Ijaw youth groups, pledging that it would not condone the "kind of inflammatory and seditious statements" for which the Alhaji Asari-Dokubo is being interrogated by the police.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr, who commented on the arrest of the Ijaw youth leader, said no group could intimidate the administration.

Explaining government’s position after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Olusegun Obasanjo, he added that government would do everything possible to protect the lives and property of Nigerians and foreign nationals in the country.

Mr. Nweke while confirming, the arrest and his interrogation by the police, revealed that the detained activist was being quizzed for seditious and inflammatory statements.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Government has called for calm among the citizens.

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information said Asari-Dokubo is in safe custody of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

Abe said the state government is committed to the protection of the right and liberties of residents of the state hence law abiding citizens should go about their business without fear or molestation.

Also, addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Police Commissioner Mr. Samuel Adetuyi said Asari-Dokubo was not arrested in connection with the Alamieyeseigha’s case.

Rather, Adetuyi said Asari-Dokubo was invited to Abuja for a chat with the acting inspector general of police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero adding that such invitation was a routine exercise to clear some issues and not to witch-hunt anybody.

Leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has issued a one week ultimatum to the Federal Government to release Alhaji Asari Dokubo, or charge him to court if he had committed any offence.

Chief Uwazuruike who reacted to Dokubo’s arrest in an interview with Daily Champion in Owerri on Wednesday warned that he will mobilize members of MASSOB nationwide to go into the streets to protest if the Ijaw leader was not released or charged to court in the next one week.

In a related development Pro National Conference Organisation (PRONACO) yesterday dispatched a team of lawyers led by Mr. Tony Oganah to Abuja to ascertain the welfare and whereabouts of Alhaji MujaheedAsari-Dokubo.

The lawyers are expected to see Asari-Dokubo and top police officers in Abuja in ensuring that his release is effected without further delay according to the law of the land which does not allow anybody to be detained more than twenty-four hours without being charged to court.

Meanwhile, National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Bisi Akande has condemned the arrest of Asari-Dokubo, describing it as the arrest of the wind, which will have no effect.

Posted by Publisher at 03:57 PM | Comments (0)

Congress: Atiku accuses PDP of denying his supporters registration cards

ABUJA—THE stand-off between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar took a dramatic twist yesterday, when the vice president stormed the People’s Democratic Party national Secretariat in Abuja to protest an alleged plot by the party to deny his supporters registration cards.

By Rotimi Ajayi & Umoru Henry
Posted to the Web: Thursday, September 22, 2005

The party is at the moment engaged in fresh a registration of members preparatory to next month’s congresses and national convention.

Vice President, who arrived the Wadata plaza at exactly 4.18p.m. and left at 5.35p.m. was said to have opted to meet personally with the National Chairman of the party, Dr Ahmadu Ali over petitions sent to him by his supporters all over the country.

It was learnt that the Vice President had called the National Chairman to inform him of the petition upon which the National Chairman offered to meet with him at the Presidential Villa.

The Vice President, however, declined the offer, saying he would personally come to the party office to meet with the leadership over the development.

It was learnt that before the Vice President could get to the national secretariat, Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees had arrived to attend the meeting.

Sources within the party said the Vice President had complained to the National Chairman and the BOT Chairman that the issuance of cards to members of the party was being done to deny those members who were seen to be loyal to him.

He listed some states where the alleged lopsided distribution of membership cards was taking place.

Only the party National Chairman and chairman, Board of Trustees attended the meeting with the Vice President. The party Secretary and the National Publicity Secretary were absent at the meeting.

According to the source, the states are: Adamawa, Ebonyi, Delta, Gombe and Imo. The source said the Vice President complained that the issuance of the cards in Adamawa had been handed over to loyalists of Gen. Mohammed Marwa and Professor Jubril Aminu, a game plan to deny Atiku of grips of his immediate constituency.

It was also gathered that cards meant for Imo State were given to Chief Hope Uzodinma, Oyo are speculated to have been given to Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Ebonyi to Minister of Culture and Tourism, Franklin Ogbuewu even with the presence of the state party chairman, Mr Obinna Ogba while that of Abia went to the party Secretary, Ojo Maduekwe.

Gov. Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State who arrived the party secretariat at 6.15 p.m. as soon as the Vice President left said he was at the secretariat as a party loyalist. "I came to pay homage," he said.

Meanwhile, the meeting of North and South-South leaders called by former President Shehu Shagari for Abuja Tuesday night was boycotted by the invitees. Sources close to the meeting revealed that the leaders had informed Alhaji Shagari that the timing of the meeting was not suitable.

It was learnt that leaders particularly advised that the meeting be put off until after the congresses and national convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) starting next month.

Posted by Publisher at 03:56 PM | Comments (0)

Explosions, gunshots, war in Bayelsa, Rivers

*Dokubo's supporters on the rampage

*FG deploys troops in Port Harcourt

YENAGOA— EXPLOSIONS, Tuesday night, rocked Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State whose governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was arrested last week in London for alleged money laundering.

By John Ighodaro & Sam Oyadongha
Posted to the Web: Thursday, September 22, 2005

About 11 hours later, supporters of Asari-Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta People Volunteer Force NDPVF) went on the rampage in Port Harcourt, capital of the neighbouring Rivers State, demanding (Dokubo’s) immediate release.

But the Federal Government vowed yesterday that it would not succumb to any threat or intimidation. Indeed, government deployed troops to Port Harcourt to clear the street of security risks, while Warri and Yenagoa were placed on security alert.

Counsel to Governor Alamieyeseigha in a statement said his "unlawful arrest" was a dangerous precedent in Nigeria, and appealed to the people of Bayelsa State not to take the laws into their hands.

The Yenagoa explosions—four of them— came one after the other at about 11p.m. Tuesday on Aretahin Street. An uncompleted building was badly damaged. It was not immediately clear what could have caused the explosions.

Fun seeking residents of Amarata, Onopa, Swali and Ovom took to their heels thinking it was a mortal attack on the capital city. The fear stemmed from the ultimatum given by supporters of the NDPVF leader calling for his release and the statement of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) threatening British nationals and investments in the Niger Delta if Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was not released immediately. back home. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Oborududu (DSP), who confirmed the incident said the police had stepped up investigation in the matter. He said a police patrol team rushed to the scene on hearing the deafening blasts but that no arrest was made. He, however, dismissed insinuations linking the explosions to the arrest of Asari-Dokubo. Armed Mobile Police were sighted at strategic locations in the state capital with more concentration around the Yenagoa waterfront.

A cloud of apprehension was to hang over Port Harcourt 10 hours later after followers of the Niger Delta People Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Asari-Dokubo, went on the rampage, demanding his release. He was arrested Tuesday by the Police and taken to Abuja.

As early as 10a.m, hundreds of the NDPVF’s members, most of them in white dresses took over areas of D_Line in Port Harcourt. Brandishing knives, bottles and machetes. They mounted a roadblock on Tombia Street and proceeded to burning tyres on the road, while demanding the release of their leader, Asari-Dokubo.

A top lieutenant of Asari-Dokubo, Mr. Erekosima, who spoke in Port Harcourt threatened, saying: "I am the second in command to Asari and I am saying that the world will hear it that we’ve gone round and have given a time frame that Alhaji Asari-Dokubo should be released and the time frame expired at 2.00p.m.today (yesterday).

"Meanwhile, we are saying that if the Nigerian State does not release Alhaji Asari at 2.00pm today (yesterday) whatever they see they should not blame anybody."

The Assistant Inspector_General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters in Calabar, Mr. Yusuf Haruna, has, however, been drafted to coordinate the activities of the security forces that are on ground to maintain law and order.

Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt, the AIG Zone 6 Headquarters Calabar and the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Adetuyi, Mr. Haruna said: "I am here to co_ordinate the activities of the law enforcement agencies and to reassure the people of the state that there is no curse for alarm and we are going to do all within the limits of the law to ensure that law and order is maintained in Rivers State.

"I wish to tell you that nobody is above the law. And it is the responsibility of every good government to see that lives and property of its citizen are well protected. And for that I am here to reassure you that the police have taken every step to make sure that no person is going to be molested. No person will be disturbed if the course of its lawful duties. Every person within the state is advised to pursue his legal business freely without any molestation.

"Any person who tries to disturb the peace of the state, we are definitely going to disturb his own peace too because it is a routine for any citizen when the government feels he has something to answer to be called and have a chat with and nothing has happened to this man and he is in safe custody and I can assure you nothing will happen to him. That’s why I advise every citizen in the state to go about his lawful business without molestation. The police are on ground to make sure that you are all protected."

Rivers govt reacts

Reacting to the development, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Magnus Abe, said: "The attention of the Rivers State government has been drawn to the state of unease in certain parts of the city of Port Harcourt. Information available to Government is that this is connected to the invitation of Alhaji Asari-Dokubo by the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

"We have confirmed that Alhaji Asari-Dokubo is in safe custody of the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja. We, therefore, urge all members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding. The Rivers State Government is committed to the protection of the rights and liberties of all Rivers men and women, and indeed all people resident in Rivers State.

"In the interim, government would like to warn all those who are trying to capitalise on the present situation to harass innocent persons and cause a breach of the peace, to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law. Law-abiding citizens are advised to go about their business without fear."

Meanwhile, former Security Adviser to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Sara Igbe, in a radio broadcast, while condemning the arrest of Asari-Dokubo, appealed to members of NDPVF not to resort to violence as efforts were on to resolve the impasse.

His words: "In as much as we condemn the arrest, intimidation and embarrassment of our leader in South-South geopolitical zone, we must approach the situation with wisdom and caution so as to effect the release of our leader. I appeal to all youth organisations in the state and the Niger Delta to exercise restraint by stopping any from of violence."

Ijaw insist on closing oil wells

Ijaw youths said they would make good their threat and shut down oil wells by mid-night if Dokubo was not released at the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum handed down Tuesday.

In another reaction, the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) yesterday condemned the arrest as barbaric and called for the immediate release of the NDPVF leader.

Reacting to street protests in Port Harcourt yesterday over the arrest of Alhaji Asari-Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) in Port Harcourt, Comrade Joseph Evah, said the tension generated was a welcome development. "There is already tension in Port Harcourt because the deadline we handed the Federal Government is fast running out. So, foreign nationals should not hold the Ijaw responsible for what is about to befall them," he said.

Comrade Evah described the excuse that the government was holding Alhaji Asari-Dokubo on a holden charge as frivolous and ambiguous, noting that this is a democratic dispensation and not a military government.

FG deploys troops

The Federal Government yesterday ordered the deployment of troops in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State even as security alert has been placed on the Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa, and Warri in Delta State.

The troops deployment followed shootouts and threats to lives and security by rampaging youths of the Niger Delta People Volunteer Force (NDPVF) of Asari-Dokubo and other Ijaw militant groups in Port Harcourt between the early hours of Tuesday and yesterday.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia, in a telephone chat, said the troops were currently patrolling the city of Port Harcourt to contain any attempt by the militant youths to take laws into their hands.

The action of the youths who were said to be in their hundreds, driving in open roof vehicles, dressed in combat gear and shooting sporadically into the air, followed what they called refusal of the Federal Government to heed their warning to release the Niger Delta warlord, Asari-Dokubo who was arrested by the Police and brought to Abuja on Tuesday.

According to General Ogomudia, the armed youths planned to move to Yenagoa in Bayelsa State to cause mayhem and violence but were prevented from doing so by troops of the 35 Amphibious Brigade of the Nigerian Army based in the Port Harcourt.

...dismisses threats

Also yesterday Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke, emerging from Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, in Abuja said government would not succumb to any intimidation by the Ijaw youths that are threatening mayhem unless Asari Dockubo was released. Nweke said that the militant Ijaw Youth leader was being interrogated over his seditious comments, insisting that interrogation and investigation against his activities would continue unabated. "Only this morning I confirmed that Asari Dokubo was arrested, but the truth is that these matters are under investigation at the moment, especially that of Asari Dokubo and I have not received any security briefing on this.

"But I want to say that government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and to preserve the integrity of our country. And you would agree with me that there is no responsible government that would sit back and condone these kinds of inflammatory and seditious statements that have been credited to Dokubo."

DSP’s counsel speaks

And in a statement yesterday through his counsel, Mr. Charles Oditah (SAN), Governor Alamieyeseigha appealed for calm by Bayelsans.

The statement: "At about 2.30p.m. on 15 September 2005, the governor was unlawfully arrested by officers of the Special Unit of the Metropolitan Police aboard a British Airways aircraft which had just arrived from Germany where the governor had gone for medical treatment. The governor was interviewed by officers of the Metropolitan Police and released without charge. He is confident of returning home and resuming normal duties as soon as he finishes recuperating. In the meantime, he continues to be kept fully abreast of developments in the state.

"The governor notes that his unlawful arrest by the Metropolitan Police was apparently perpetrated with the full knowledge, co-operation and co-ordination of the Federal Government and the EFCC.. "It is apparent that the Metropolitan Police were informed of the governor’s movements by the Federal Government, hence his unlawful arrest aboard the aircraft. The incident of 15 September 2005 is an affront to the sovereignty and integrity of the Nigerian nation of which Bayelsa State forms an integral part. It does not augur well for our nascent democracy. Indeed, it is a deliberate attempt to weaken the institutions upon which our democracy is based.

"Like the Federal Government, Bayelsa State has three arms of government— the executive, legislature and judiciary. Accordingly, as the Head of Bayelsa State, the governor has immunity from criminal jurisdiction under all applicable laws including the laws of Nigeria, England and international law, contrary to the misleading information being circulated within Nigeria. Under all applicable laws, it is only the governor that can waive this immunity. He has not done so."

"The British Police claim that the governor is being investigated for money laundering offences. The governor has not been charged with any offence and indeed is innocent of any wrongdoing. He will demonstrate his innocence should it ever become necessary for him do so. Under the English law, a crime must be committed before anyone can be guilty of money laundering.

"On any view, if any crime has been committed by the governor and this is totally denied by the governor, the crime must have been committed in Nigeria. No one has ever alleged any wrongdoing against the governor in Nigeria, still less has any allegation of criminal wrongdoing been made against the governor. The British Police say they have been investigating the governor since March 2005. Yet despite six months of investigation— a period which is ample to discover a crime if indeed one exists — no allegation of any criminal conduct has been made in the United Kingdom or elsewhere against the governor. It should be emphasised for the avoidance of doubt that there is no law in the United Kingdom preventing anybody from bringing in or taking out cash, as long as the source and use of the cash is legitimate. Indeed, there is even no requirement in the United Kingdom to declare any cash brought in or taken out of that country.

"Given that no criminal allegation has or can be made against him, the governor is surprised that the British government thought it appropriate even to contemplate the investigation or to effect his unlawful arrest. The British government has acted unlawfully and improperly and in a neo-colonialistic and bigoted manner. The Metropolitan Police has allowed itself to be used as a tool in furtherance of the Federal Government’s overtly political objectives.

Posted by Publisher at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)

Mobitel: Lagos releases autopsy report

The Lagos State Government has handed over the autopsy report on the late Mobitel President, Mr. Charles Joseph, to the police.

Olalekan Adetayo and Kemi Obasola

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Jide Idris, said on Wednesday that the report was given to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, on Tuesday.

Idris, in a statement, said the police deposited the body in the mortuary of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja at about 4pm on September 15, but the post-mortem examination did not commence until about 1.50pm on September 16.

He added, “It (the autopsy) ended at 4.30 pm same day.

“On receiving the body, the hospital pathologist conducted preliminary studies, which included a radiological examination as well as a visit to ICON House, Victoria Island, to assess the scene of the incident.

"In view of the need for other ancillary studies, the report writing and typing took a few additional days".

Idris said details of the report would be made public at the appropriate time.

He said that it was expected that the report and other documents would be made available to the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

Joseph died in mysterious circumstances last Thursday on the premises of ICON House after a team headed by a receiver/manager arrived in his office to take over Mobitel.

There were reports that Joseph committed suicide by jumping from his three-storey office, but his wife, Folasade, debunked the claim, saying he was murdered.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Mr. Olubode Ojajuni, said the autopsy report would be made public on Thursday.

The mystery surrounding Joseph’s death appears far from over as the management of the company has said the account of the Receiver/Manager on the incident contradicted what transpired on the fateful date

According to a statement issued by the company on Wednesday, the account of the Receiver, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, published in some national dailies that he (receiver) came to Mobitel with only three Policemen was not true.

The statement read in part, “In the press release of Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, he failed, refused and/or neglected to mention that he came to Mobitel premises with about ten (10) policemen, most of whom were armed.

“It is pertinent to note that whilst three (3) of the armed policemen followed the staff into the conference room, the remaining were stationed along the corridors and strategic entry/exit points of Mobitel premises.”

The PUNCH, Thursday September 22, 2005

Posted by Publisher at 03:54 PM | Comments (0)

Govt warns Ijaw youths, protests in Port Harcourt

THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday warned youth groups against destabilising the nation's economic interests under any guise. The warning came on a day hundreds of youths staged street demonstrations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to protest the detention of a militant group's leader, Alhaji Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari.

From Madu Onuorah and John-Abba Ogbodo (Abuja), Kelvin Ebiri (Port Harcourt) and Charles Ogugbuaja (Owerri)

Dokubo-Asari of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) was on Tuesday quizzed by security operatives in Port Harcourt and later flown to Abuja.

The acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero yesterday sued for peace over the arrest, pledging that Asari-Dokubo would be released as soon as possible.

The Police chief said that the militant group's leader was still being quizzed over some security issues in the Niger Delta region.

But the FEC described as empty the threat to hurt the economic interests of Nigeria and Britain over the on-going investigation of Bayelsa State governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in London.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr told journalists after the FEC meeting presided by President Olusegun Obasanjo that the Federal Government was fully committed to protecting the lives of Nigerians and the sovereignty of the nation.

He warned that the government would not condone the "seditious and inflammatory" statements of the group.

Nweke said that Asari-Dokubo is being held for seditious comments.

The arrest came a day after British High Commissioner in Nigeria and his country's Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Ingram Adams, met with Obasanjo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, over the security of British interests in the Niger Delta.

Nweke said: "Only this morning, I confirmed that Asari Dokubo was arrested. But the truth is that these matters are under investigation at the moment, especially that of Asari-Dokubo and I have not received any security briefing on this. But I want to say that government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and to preserve the integrity of our country. And you would agree with me that there is no responsible government that would sit back and condone these kinds of inflammatory and seditious statements that have been credited to Asari-Dokubo."

The Council also approved the declaration of August 1 every year as Emancipation Day, in solidarity with African descendants in the Caribbean and West Indies. Obasanjo recently visited the Caribbean nations of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Bermuda. Nweke explained that the leaders of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and others had, during the visit, enjoined the President to give them an improved sense of belonging by having the Emancipation Day marked in Nigeria and other African nations which they recognise as their roots.

The Council also endorsed the institution of a Monitoring and Control Unit in the Ministry of Commerce to facilitate the implementation of the Money Laundering Bill recently passed by the National Assembly.

The measure is expected to help get Nigeria de-listed from the global Financial Action Task Force list.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, told the council that N976. 41 million had been realised out of a target of N85 billion, from the sale of government houses in Abuja.

The President also directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to sell off their houses.

The NNPC, the President noted, is expected to sell its own houses through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

But, hundreds of Ijaw youths and supporters of Dokubo-Asari, the detained leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), protested his arrest and continued detention.

Soldiers were promptly deployed to the streets of Port Harcourt.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6 (Calabar), Mr. Yusuf Haruna, was also sent to Port Harcourt to co-ordinate the activities of the law enforcement agents.

Already, two prominent groups, the Pro-National Conference Organisations (PRONACO) and the Movement for the Actualisation of Biafra (MASSOB), have demanded the release of the militant.

Ehindero told the Anti-Corruption Committee of the House of Representatives that Dokubo-Asari is still in the custody of the police in Abuja.

The police boss sued for patience, stressing that investigation was still being conducted into his arrest.

" Dokubo-Asari is in the custody of the police. He was invited over security situation in the Niger Delta," Ehindero said.

He gave assurance that the detainee would be released as soon as the police completed their work. Asked how long that would take, Ehindero said "very soon".

Earlier, the police boss had told the committee on Anti-Corruption, National Value and Ethics, headed by Uduese Essien that the mass recruitment of policemen ordered by the Federal Government in 2000 over-stretched their training facilities and was responsible for some operational lapses noticed in the force.

Due to the precarious security situation in Port Harcourt, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as a precautionary measure directed all its workers at the corporate headquarters to leave for their homes at 2.p.m.

As a mark of their preparedness for a showdown with the police, hundreds of suspected members of the NDPVF converged at Dokubo-Asari's secretariat at 13, Agudama Avenue, D/Line and started chanting war songs.

The youths barricaded the street and brandished machetes and other lethal weapons. Dynamites were detonated, forcing the residents to run for safety. All business activities along the busy street were crippled as all shops and offices around Agudama and other adjoining streets were hurriedly closed.

Following the expiration of the 24 hours ultimatum issued by the NDPVF for the release of Asari-Dokubo's by 2 p.m. yesterday, the Ijaw youths took to the streets.

In the melee that ensued, several cars had their windscreens smashed by the irate protestors. This forced motorists to desert Aba Road.

All the banks along the road also shut down operations. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat was also deserted. There were sporadic guns shots in most parts of the State capital

The State Government has already called for calm. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Magnus Abe, the state government said its attention had been drawn to the unease in certain parts of Port Harcourt owing to the arrest of Dokubo-Asari.

According to him, the government had confirmed that the NDPVF leader was in safe custody of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

"The Rivers State government is committed to the protection of the rights and liberties of all Rivers

men and women, and indeed all residents. In the interim, government would like to warn all those who are trying to capitalise on the present situation to harass innocent persons and cause a breach of the peace to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law," he said.

Haruna, the police chief, told journalists at the state Police headquarters that he was there to maintain law and order. He explained that Dokubo-Asari was invited to the Force Headquarters to clear some unspecified issues, which the security agents suspected he was a party to.

"If government feels that somebody has something to clarify, it remains the duty of its agents like the police to invite the person to clear the issue," he said.

"The arrest of Asari-Dokubo is in no way connected to the arrest of the Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in London for money-laundering," he said.

"Asari-Dokubo's invitation is a routine. It's a routine for any citizen, when government feels he has something to answer to be called and be chatted with. Nothing has happened to this man and he is in safe custody. I assure that nothing will happen to him. He is invited to clear some issues concerning some matters which we are suspecting he is a party to," Haruna said.

Similarly, the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Adetuyi, who arrested and took Asari-Dokubo to Abuja on Tuesday, explained that the militant was invited by the Inspector-General of Police for a chat.

He said the police merely wanted Dokubo-Asari to clear some topical issues, adding that the security agents were not out to witch-hunt or put him in a position of disadvantage.

The 2 Amphibious Brigade Public Relations Officer, Captain Onyema Kalu, explained to The Guardian that due to the spate of gunshots and violence, the command decided to deploy hundreds of solders to the streets of Port Harcourt and other strategic places like oil and gas installations in the state. Armed soldiers and policemen were also stationed around the Government House in the metropolis.

The President of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly, Werinipre Digifa, described the arrest of Asari as provocative.

In their reactions to Asari-Dokubo's ordeal while PRONACO gave the police 48 hours to release him, MASSOB asked the security operatives to free him within seven days or arraign him before a regular court.

The PRONACO ultimatum expires today.

Similarly, MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, said that those who arrested Dokubo-Asari had seven days to release him or arraign him before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Uwazurike told The Guardian yesterday in Owerri, Imo State that he was speaking for other ethnic militia groups.

Posted by Publisher at 03:53 PM | Comments (0)

Shekarau swears-in 5 new SAS ...As perm secs change guards

IN continuation of his efforts to refocus the machinery of governance, Kano state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has created five additional offices for special advisers.

By ADAMU ABDULLAHI

The governor announced the new appointees during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, yesterday.
According to the governor, the struggle to identify areas of neglect and which equally deserve attention, informed the decision of the government to create additional ministries of transport and tourism as well as that of rural development.
Governor Shekarau pointed out that in line with government’s desire to provide better services to the people of the state some few areas have once again been identified and required special attention of the government hence prompted the appointment of special advisers.
He explained that the state had depended on oil despite the fact that it does not produce it and neglected its mineral resources deposited beneath its surface.
To this end, the governor announced the creation of the office of the special adviser on solid minerals and Alhaji Umar Gwarzo was appointed to man the affairs of the office.
Malam Shekarau also stated that the area that suffers most is adult education in spite of the international award the state Agency for Mass Education had received in the early 1980s.
He said in view of the government’s desire to resuscitate the sector and have special focus on all adults to receive education; Alhaji Shu’aibu Muhammad has been appointed as adviser on adult education.
Also, the governor disclosed that the former ANPP chairman in the state, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gwangwazo is now the special adviser on state and local government joint projects and former director-general of Hisbah Board, Alhaji Sunusi Muhamamd Kani, is now special adviser on special assignment.
Governor Shekarau also revealed that some people have for mischievous reasons been describing Kano as one city state, hence in order to disabuse the minds of such people, an office of the special adviser on urbanisation has been created to be manned by Alhaji Hussaini Dukurawa who has incidently been an adviser to the governor on that aspect.
The governor noted that some further adjustments have been done to make the work of the special advisers as perfect as possible.
He said Alhaji T.M. Bashir is the new adviser to the governor on inter-party affairs, Alhaji Mukhtari Dankadai, adviser on Assembly matters and Alhaji Abdulhamid Minjibir replaced Alhaji Ali Ado Bagwai who was made commissioner, as adviser on rural development.
Similarly, the governor announced the swapping of some permanent secretaries and the appointment of a new one.
The permanent secretaries affected were Alhaji Abdu Lawal Kofar Mazugal who moved from health ministry to environment ministry, while Hajiya Salamatu M. Garba, moved the other way.
Other permanent secretaries were Alhaji Aminu Sani who moved to ministry of commerce, Alhaji Baffa Bello ministry of water resources, while Alhaji Muhammad Haruna was appointed permanent secretary at the new ministry of rural and community development.
Meanwhile, the governor has explained that the swearing-in of the new director-general of the state Hisbah Board and the new commander of the guards has been suspended until the state House of Assembly amends the law that established the structure of the board.

Posted by Publisher at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)

IMF Moves Nigeria Closer to Debt Relief; Sets to approve PSI • MD hails anti-corruption and reform stance

The Policy Support Instrument (PSI) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which the Paris Club required to commence negotiations with Nigeria on the debt reprieve granted the country may be approved by the Fund's Executive Board after the 2005 Annual Meetings in Washington DC this weekend.

From Samuel Famakinwa in Washington, D.C., 09.21.2005

The Paris Club, while expressing their readiness to enter into negotiations with the Nigerian authorities on a comprehensive debt treatment last June said creditors welcomed Nigeria's willingness to conclude a policy support instrument (PSI) which would be approved by the board of the IMF.
In an exclusive interview with THISDAY Monday night in his Washington DC office, Managing Director of the IMF, Mr. Rodrigo de Rato, who hailed the anti-corruption and economic reform programme of the Federal Government, said the PSI has not been approved up to now but will be discussed very shortly after the Annual Meetings.
"The idea of having a PSI has been approved. Now, the specific details of how the PSI is going to work is already being worked out. The last step is to have a Board meeting where it would be approved. Maybe there would be some minor changes but it would be approved. From a practical point of view, the PSI would be an issue that would be discussed in September and beginning of October in the Board. So we are going to make it a reality very soon.
"I think the Nigerian government has been making a very impressive and important work in addressing its macro-economic instability and I think the reform agenda has been important.
"The Nigerian government has arrived at an agreement with its creditors which we are not part of but which we have been able to provide advice. The fact is that agreement supposes that Nigeria will be the first country to have a PSI.
"It was also true that at the request of the Nigerian authority, we were already closely following up on your economy. So we are very engaged in the process of the Nigerian economic programme.
"The PSI is a new instrument that I think shows that we are changing our instruments to serve different needs of different countries and Nigeria is an example. I think it is a very good step forward. We see in Nigeria that the government is really committed to a very important issue of strengthening the country", he said.
de Rato, however, warned that Nigeria will have to adhere to strict budgetary and monetary policies and ensure that expenditure patterns are prudent, transparent and sustainable.
"Yes. They (Nigerian government) will have conditions regarding the budgetary policy and conditions regarding structural reforms, efficiency in the management of expenditures, banking reforms, monetary policy. These are issues that have been in discussions. Basically, it is something that came out of the home-grown programme and not something that came out of the blues.
"The key actions that the Nigerian authority is implementing and designing will be reflected in the feature of the PSI. As you know, the Nigerian government put forward a very important reform agenda and asked the Fund to help monitor it every quarter. As we are reminded, this is a home-grown programme but we are now giving that monitoring a formal status to suit the Paris Club requirement. In practical terms, we are going to be doing what we were doing before because we agree with the terms of the Nigerian government home-grown programme", he said.
The IMF boss said "it is clear that in terms of growth, in terms of vulnerabilities, in terms of structural policies, in terms of governance and corruption, in terms of making stronger banking sector, I think that Nigeria has moved in the right direction and has moved substantially. Some of these movements, you might say, have not immediately produced results."
"My impression is that they have because one of the important results is the debt deal. The credibility of Nigeria has increased sufficiently for its creditors to be willing to accept an agreement that will allow the Nigerian authority to devote important amount of resources to the structural policies instead of paying debt. Why that? There is a consciousness in the world that the Nigerian government is doing something worthwhile," he said
While advising that oil windfalls should be used in an efficient way to reduce vulnerabilities in the economy, the IMF boss also said there is need to fund social policies targeted at the people who need it instead of having subsidies that would benefit speculators.
He said expenditure is not only good in economic policies and that sustainability is also very important because "if you have an unsustainable expenditure pattern, sooner than later, you start going backwards and that is the experience of Nigeria."
"You have to have good management of expenditure practices so that you spend on the correct issues and in a transparent and an efficient way and you have to have a corruption free environment so that expenditures are real expenditures and not windfall for somebody and I think Nigeria has had its fair share of that too.
"You have to have a good tax base to sustain your expenditure and you have to start having good social policies instead of having subsidies that are a good business for speculators", the IMF MD said.

Posted by Publisher at 03:46 PM | Comments (0)

RMAFC, Finance Ministry differ on 2006 budget

Disagreement has broken out between the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the Finance Ministry together with the Budget Office (BO) over the crude oil benchmark for 2006 budget.

By Sanya Adejokun
Snr Correspondent, Abuja

The RMAFC also disagreed with oil production and export projection for the year.

It recommended that the budget be based on an exchange rate of N132 to the dollar.

Again, in continuation of its quest for budget transparency and fiscal federalism, the RMAFC has written to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to submit its projection on fuel subsidy to the National Assembly for it to be appropriated in 2006.

The RMAFC decided at its 26th plenary session in Abuja last week that $40 per barrel (bp) is the realistic price to base the next budget, against $33 pb projected by the Finance Ministry.

RMAFC Public Relations Committee Chairman, Mohammed Alkali, declared at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday that this benchmark would be more realistic than the one already projected.

“With the high crude oil prices throughout the year, the commission wishes that the benchmark for crude oil prices and exchange rate in 2006 would be more realistic so as to sustain the nation’s economic growth”, he stated.

A communiqué issued after the RMAFC’s 26th session said given current global indices, it is not likely that oil prices would drop. It recalled that last year the ministry recommended $27 pb but the commission insisted on $30 pb, which the President later accepted.

It argued that it is better for more money to be appropriated than to have an excess that would be spent without budget, thus creating microeconomic instability.

However, the commission agreed with the ministry over its projection of 2.50 million barrels of oil production per day for the year.

It clarified that the exchange rate for the budget should be based on N132.85 to the dollar and oil production at 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd), 60 per cent of which should be in line with OPEC quota and the rest for domestic consumption.

“While acknowledging some commendable steps taken by the revenue agencies in their revenue drive, the session enjoins the NNPC and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to always remit revenues in their custody to the Federation Account”, the communiqué added, “it also urged the NNPC to always include oil subsidy in its annual budget proposals. These … are for the purposes of accountability and transparency in its operations”.

On State Joint Local Government Account, the session considered the report for June and July and noted full compliance to the rule by some states while others are still trying to streamline their accounting procedures according to the new law on joint account.

Alkali said all commissioners assigned to monitor the accounts in states other than their own would travel to the states next week to monitor the disbursement for September so that the accumulated report for the three months would be submitted to the National Assembly.

Posted by Publisher at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)

September 21, 2005

Reps in violent session, member caught with knife

ABUJA— THE House of Representatives yesterday resumed from its three-week budget performance monitoring recess to a violent session with a member caught with a table knife. At the end of the scuffle between two members of the House, Messrs. Chinonyerem Macebuh and Igho Aguma, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker who had been at the centre of an alleged certificate forgery scandal.

By Ben Agande
Posted to the Web: Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Though there was palpable tension before the commencement of sitting yesterday, the turn of events took most members by surprise. Trouble started when one of the opponents of the speaker, Mr Sylva Boulos, began to distribute copies of a statement, asking the speaker to step aside to allow for investigation of allegations that he did not possess the requisite qualification to be a member of the House of Representatives. But most members tore the statement in his presence and heaped the shreds on his head, leading to the littering of the chambers.

As he was distributing the statement, the speaker walked into the chambers, prompting Mr Macebuh to move towards the mace, the House symbol of authority, apparently to take possession of it. But in a deft move, six-footer Igho Aguma seized him by the neck, moved toward the back exit of the House chambers and dealt him several blows before he was rescued. Mr Aguma also dealt Mr Ojinaka who came to the aid of the embattled Mr Macebuh some blows.

At the end of the scuffle, the House leader, Alhaji Abdul Ningi, announced that the hallow chambers of the House of Representatives was desecrated by the members who came with a knife. The House then went into an executive session to allow the speaker explain his position to members.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privilege was mandated to investigate Messrs. Macebuh and Ojinaka to explain who brought the knife into the chambers.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the speaker, Alhaji Aminu Masari. Adopting a motion sponsored by the House Leader, Alhaji Ningi, and 320 others, the House said after investigation of the allegation that the speaker forged certificates to enable him contest, no truth was found in the allegation.

Mr Sylvia Boulus who had been in the forefront of the fight to have the speaker step down seconded the motion after he had explained that "I have received more clarification" on the true position of the speaker’s qualification. In moving the motion, Alhaji Ningi also called for the suspension of the House rule to allow the deputy speaker, Mr Austin Opara, preside since the speaker could not be a judge in his own case. The motion was passed with the only dissenting voice coming from Mr Macebuh.

Addressing a press conference at the end of yesterday's session, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity, Mrs Abike Dabiri, said the speaker had at an executive session clarified to members that he did not lie about any qualification. Mrs Dabiri said the speaker’s story was that of the typical case of grass to grace, pointing out that out of sheer determination and commitment, the speaker rose from a poor background to become the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Posted by Publisher at 04:33 PM | Comments (0)

Marwa to Atiku: You’re Treacherous; He's being used, say VP's loyalists

Former military governor of Lagos State, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (retired) yesterday described as treacherous and provocative last Friday's statements by Vice President Atiku Abubakar in which he accused the nation’s leaders of being insensitive to public feelings.

From Josephine Lohor and Bolaji Adebiyi in Abuja, 09.20.2005

But two loyalists of Atiku, Senator Maina Maaji Lawan and Dr. Usman Bugaje have dismissed Marwa's call for the Vice President to resign and said the former military governor was being used.
Marwa at a Press Conference inAbuja also called on Atiku to resign since his heart is clearly not with the government.
Atiku had at THEWEEK leadership award ceremony made remarks that are considered critical of President Olusegun Obasanjo. In his speech at the occasion, he said it behoves a good leader tolisten to the protests of the people against the fuel price hike. "We have had political leaders all these years but for most of our history we have not had good leadership... we must deepen democracy, we must move away from arbitrariness and impunity that are the hallmarks of military regimes," he said.
But Marwa in an eight page speech titled "Drawing the line" said Atiku had demonstrated that he "no longer owes any allegiance to the government he was elected to serve in and... has become a traitor to the cause of regime stability and survival, corporate governance and responsibility and the sustenance of our democracy."
“His heart is clearly not in it any longer. Rather than being a plus in the system of governance, he is now a huge albatross in the realization of government’s set objectives and a cog in the wheel of its structured programme of social and potential mobilisation and economic transformation” he said.
Accusing the Vice President of lacking in trust, confidence and loyalty, he said, “When these are lacking in an individual who is centrally placed in the top most hierarchy of government, the only path of honour left for that individual is to bow out gracefully.”
Marwa said the remarks showed efforts by Atiku to distance himself from the policies of the government and warned that his language was not only bad, but indirectly inciting the polity against the government.
“He has disparaged the democratic process and claimed ignorance of various government policies and programmes,” he said.
Wandering about the motif of the Vice President, he accused Atiku of falling prey to the machinations of opponents of the President who were bent on discrediting its policies. Marwa said, “The Vice President has made himself a prisoner to desperate forces whose only area of agreement is a Baconian Union against the President of the Federation and the government he leads.
“These are elements, vociferous in their anger and intemperate in their vicious passion against the established political order at the centre, who have virtually transformed the nation’s number two citizen into a fifth columnist within the system.
“Let it be said loud and clear, Vice President Atiku Abubakar has gone way out of line and must be called to order before further harm is done,” he said.
Marwa also berated Atiku for his critical comments on the recent reforms in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the decision of its National Executive Committee to hold non-elective convention in November, saying the Vice President had approached equity with soiled hands.
“Is it not strange and surprising that the Vice President should fault the nation’s democratic process and the internal dynamics of the party organisation, particularly in the area of level playing fields and even-handedness in managing situations given his track record and that of his surrogate in Adamawa State?” he asked.
Since Atiku in an interview with THISDAY in August said the President swore to him that he would go in 2007 and Obasanjo in his monthly media chat accused him of disloyalty, it has become public knowledge that the two men are not in good terms. The Vice President’s statements last Thursday were believed direct attack on his boss.
But in a statement signed by Mallam Garba Shehu, media consultant to the Vice President, Bugaje was quoted as saying that Marwa's statement confirmed that he was being used to play the role of a spoiler for Atiku.
"The fact that Marwa's diatribe was littered with such words as 'treachery', 'sedition' and so on, point at the danger our hard-won democracy faces in the hands of coupists and military dictators, who style themselves as new day democrats and are desperate to supplant democratic tenets of free speech, consultations, consensus building and so on, with anti-democratic military temperament and conduct," he said.
Senator Lawan in his own reaction was quoted as saying that it was Marwa not Atiku who should be accused of treachery having shifted loyalty from General Ibrahim Babangida to Late General Sani Abacha inthe last period of military intervention inthe nation's politics. He accused Marwa of fuellingthe crisis between Obasanjo and Atiku while some other people are working hard to douse the tension.
"Nigerians should beware of self-addressed democrats who are fuelling the crisis. I was sacked as a member of House of Representatives by soldiers in 1983. I was sacked again by soldiers in 1993 as Governor of Borno State. I don't want soldiers to derail this democracy again. So, people like Marwa should beware", he said.

Posted by Publisher at 04:29 PM | Comments (0)

Atiku group asks court to stop PDP non-elective convention

Four members of the People’s Democratic Party [PDP] who are loyalists of the vice president have asked an Abuja High Court to restrain the party and its agents from holding any election, convention and congresses which is non-elective for the purpose of nominating a presidential candidate for the party.

By Habeeb I. Pindiga & Ruby Rabiu

The suit filed by Godie Ikechi, Abubakar Gomina, Salisu .S. Abba and Yemi Ajayi against the PDP, its Chairman, Col. Ahmadu Alli, and the National Secretary of the Party, Chief Ojo Maduekwe is asking the court to declare as null and void the decisions made by the National Executives Committee, [NEC] on September 9th concerning the convention.
It would be recalled that on September 9th the NEC of the People’s Democratic Party had adopted a memoFour members of the
People’s Democratic
Party [PDP] who are loyalists of the vice president have asked an Abuja High Court to restrain the party and its agents from holding any election, convention and congresses which is non-elective for the purpose of nominating a presidential candidate for the party.
The suit filed by Godie Ikechi, Abubakar Gomina, Salisu .S. Abba and Yemi Ajayi against the PDP, its Chairman, Col. Ahmadu Alli, and the National Secretary of the Party, Chief Ojo Maduekwe is asking the court to declare as null and void the decisions made by the National Executives Committee,[NEC[ on September 9th concerning the convention.
It would be recalled that on September 9th the NEC of the People’s Democratic Party had adopted a memorandum titled ‘congresses and convention guidelines for 2005’, and herein approved that the congresses and convention shall be non-elective, and that it would be held during the second half of 2005 simply to nominate the presidential candidate of the party as well as to fill all zoned public offices at the congresses.
They had also given the NWC the power to appoint members of the congresses and convention committee.
In the applicants relief, they had urged the court to declare that the principal public offices and elective offices of the PDP can only be assumed by a democratic election as stipulated by sections 223 and 224 of the constitution of Nigeria; a declaration that any procedure set out for the assumption of office by principal party officers, elective offices and executives committee which is not in accordance with and or does not comply with the provisions of sections 221, 223 and 224 of the Constitution of Nigeria is null, void and has no legal effect whatsoever;
A declaration that the decision of the National Executives Committee at the 27th meeting of the party to the effect that the congress and convention be non-elective is null, void while declaring that the party is under obligation to conduct an election into public offices every four years.
They also stated that the decision taken by the NEC has breached their constitutional right as enshrined in the constitution thereby asking the court to restrain them from executing their decision and demanding that the party be made to comply with the provisions of the constitution.
Also yesterday the Orji Kalu presidential campaign organisation summoned all its state and zonal leaders to an emergency meeting in Abuja to take a stand on the non-elective congresses and convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The meeting, holding at the NICON Hilton Hotel, was still going on as at the time of going to press yesterday evening.
PDP has scheduled “affirmative” congresses and convention at wards, local governments, states and national levels between next month and December.
Declaring the emergency session open, national coordinator of the Kalu campaign group, Alhaji Usman Alhaji said the PDP was on the verge of being hijacked by a clique.
He pledged, however, that the group championing the presidential aspiration of Kalu, the Abia state governor, would put on a stiff resistance to restore the party to its initial conception.
Alhaji said: “PDP is a great party with a great manifesto. Unfortunately the manifesto is not being implemented. Instead it’s an individual’s manifesto that’s being implemented… PDP is great, what is lacking is good leadership. Unfortunately this party is being hijacked.”
Though he was not specific on who was hijacking the party, the coordinator said if Kalu wins the presidential election, the governor would wrench PDP from the hijackers and put it back on track.
“Orji Kalu is going to refocus this party. He is a true democrat, he will not abuse the sovereignty of the Nigerian voters, he will give back PDP members their great party.” Alhaji said.
According to him, Kalu would be “a listening president” who will address the pains inflicted on the people by previous administrations.
Alhaji also said Nigeria needed a detribalised president to unite the nation, adding that Kalu was such a person.

Posted by Publisher at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)

Ikoyi prisons inmates riot

Attempt by Prison authorities to decongest the Federal Prisons, Ikoyi in Lagos, yesterday, turned violent with some prisoners allegedly injured and some offices burnt.

Daily Champion gathered that trouble started when a black Maria van arrived the prison in a bid to transfer some prisoners to other such facilities, so as to decongest the prison which has been a source of worry to government.

The prison, buillt to house about 800 prisoners, Daily Champion learnt, currently has a population of over 1000.

However, the clash followed a resistance by the prisoners who protested the transfer of their colleagues.

Daily Champion gathered that the prisoners had met to stand against the relocation following which they chanted war songs and threw stones and other objects to warders who had come to effect the evacuation.

Some warders involved in the evacuation, were also manhandled leading to a distress call to the Lagos State police command.

In response to the call, Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Ade Ajekaye, was said to have deployed a team of anti-riot policemen to the prison, escalating the crisis as some prisoners attempt a jail break.

In the ensuing melee, some inmates were allegedly shot by the police, but Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Mogaji Mohammed, who arrived the scene about 4:30 p.m said "no casualty was recorded".

The minister arrived the prison in company of Controller-General of Prisons, Alhaji Ademoh Bello and Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Thelona Iremere.

Prior to his arrival, Public Relations Officer of the prisons, Mr. Fatinikun Ope, who locked the door against journalists, had said only five people were injured.

He also ruled out any fire incident at the prison. "No person died, no fire", he said as armed guards tuned journalists back.

However, some inmates who shouted their distress from the prison said some of their colleagues had been killed.

When Daily Champion arrived the prison, billows of smoke was seen emitting from the prison while a Lagos State Ambulance marked LA 116 AOE and state fire service trucks were stationed at the entrance to the prison.

Though operation of the ambulance service personnel was shielded, they were observed wearing plastic hard gloves.

However, some inmates who were arrested and locked away in a Black Maria, shouted their innocence while alleging that over 10 others where shot.

But Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Mr. Olubode Ojajuni said no shot was fired in the incident adding that no prisoner was killed.

He also told Daily Champion that there was no incidence of fire at the prison adding that anti riot policemen were drafted to help calm situation.

"No gun was shot. It was only tear gas cannisters that was fired", he said.

Posted by Publisher at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)

Nigeria militia violence threat

Separatists in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta region have threatened to sabotage oil installations as they call for the release of their leader.

Mujahid Dokubu-Asari, head of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, was arrested in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Mr Asari's group seeks more control of oil resources for the Ijaws, the biggest group in the Niger Delta.

Last year the group contributed to a sharp rise in world oil prices when it threatened war against oil companies.

The Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria's poorest and least developed regions, although it accounts for most of the 2.4 million barrels of oil produced by Nigeria, Africa's largest oil-producer, each year.

'Mayhem'

A statement issued by the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force on Wednesday warned of "grave mayhem" if Mr Asari were not released by early afternoon.

A BBC correspondent in Port Harcourt says at least 150 of Mr Asari's supporters, all armed with machetes, were demonstrating on Wednesday, following an overnight protest. Gunshots were heard in the area.

"If word has not been received from our leader, all state agencies, oil companies and their agents should cease functioning in their Niger Delta flowstations and related facilities must be shut down," the statement read.

Mr Asari's group warned all oil company staff to leave the Delta region.

The Nigerian arm of Shell later told Reuters that staff were being sent home from its Port Harcourt offices because of "general insecurity", but that the oil multinational's other operations in the Delta were continuing.

Sensitive issue

Nigerian Oil Minister Edmund Daukoru told Reuters in London it was too early to tell whether the threat to oil production was serious.

"It is premature to say if the threats are unfounded or frivolous," he said.

"It is a sensitive security issue. We have lived through this threat for 10 years or so."

Police told the BBC that Mr Asari was being taken to the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

A police statement said he could face prosecution over comments which according to the police may be seditious and treasonable.

There has been no word on this from Mr Asari himself.

Posted by Publisher at 04:01 PM | Comments (0)

September 20, 2005

CERTIFICATE FORGERY: Masari to face colleagues today

As the House of Representatives reconvenes today after about three weeks of recess, Daily Trust gathered authoritatively that the House would go into an executive session to exhaustively thrash the certificate forgery allegation against the Speaker, Aminu Bello Masari.

By Hammeed M. Bello

At the closed-door session, Masari is expected to address his colleague and to clear himself tothe allegation.

A reliable source who confirmed this meeting to Daily Trust yesterday said the Speaker will for the first time since the controversy started provide explanations to his colleagues on the disputed certificates for the House to decide on the next line of action.

The source said that Masari will deny the allegations before his colleagues on grounds that he never claimed any certificate he does not genuinely possess.
He said the Speaker will lay bare the fact that though he had his primary and secondary education, he however did not sit for his final secondary school examination due to some difficulties.

This, he believes, is why he has never presented or claimed any secondary school certificate, and could not be accused of falsifying one.

On the PGD certificate, Masari, according to our source, will defend it with the argument that it is genuine and verifiable.

We leant also that the Speaker will attempt to justify his contest for election by invoking the provisions of Section 318 of the constitution.

Section 318 of the constitution, provides that for anybody to aspire to elective offices, he must acquire education up to secondary school certificate level, or primary six school leaving certificate or its equivalent; and service in the public or private sector in the federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for a minimum of ten years; and attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to INEC; and the ability to read, understand and communicate in English to the satisfaction of INEC; and any other qualification acceptable by INEC.

However, Daily Trust checks show that while some members are still rooting for the impeachment of Masari, many others have resolved to pass a vote of confidence on him for what they believe was undeserving attacks on Masari by those who could not prove his offences.

There are indications also that a member of the House who was ruled against by election petition tribunal would lose his seat today as the House is said to be disposed to swearing-in the appellant.

The said member was said to have been one of the anti-Masari campaign sponsors.
There were also rumours that some members were heading to court to challenge Masari on alleged perjury and falsification of documents.

Posted by Publisher at 04:01 PM | Comments (0)

Balogun, EFCC strike deal

An undisclosed deal, struck between prosecution and defence counsel, yesterday, forced an Abuja High Court, to adjourn trial of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mr. Tafa Balogun to October 10.

Balogun has been on bail, while standing trial for allegedly stealing money and property, amounting to over N17 billion, belonging to the police.

For this, his prosecutors, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), slammed a 70 count charge against him.

However, on resumption of trial yesterday, lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, who was absent, told Justice Salisu Garba, through his junior, Adebisi Adeniyi, that parties had reached an agreement to adjourn the matter.

Though he did not give details of the agreement, Adebisi said: "I confirm My Lord, that adjournment be granted in this case. For some reasons, it will not be good to go on trial today Sir.

"The defence counsel had discussed with my principal and we are not opposing the adjournment," he added.

Corroborating, Balogun’s counsel, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, also refusing to disclose details of the agreement, told the judge, "I cannot go on for some very serious personal reasons and I have discussed this with the prosecution. He however apologised for the request saying, "I am sorry, My Lord."

Justice Garba later adjourned the matter while also extending an interim bail granted Balogun till October 10, when the former police boss’ pleas are expected to be taken.

It will be recalled that Abayomi had on August 15, 2005 told journalists that there was a "plea bargain" deal with the EFCC.

The deal if sealed, will make Balogun to foreifeit all the money and property seized from him by EFCC, to the government.

Posted by Publisher at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)

Alamieyeseigha: We Acted on FG’s Request – Britain; Deputy gov expresses solidarity

The arrest of Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepr-eye Alamieyeseigha last Thursday in London over allegations of money laundering was the fall-out of a request two years ago by Nigeria seeking the assistance of the British government in the war against money laundering.

From Josephine Lohor in Abuja, 09.19.2005

British High Commissi-oner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Grozney disclosed this in Abuja yesterday after a closed door meeting with President Olusegun Obasanjo.
"The police will let matters take their course in London. They (Alamieyeseigha's supporters back home) can be assured that the governor is under no special persecution or anything like that. The police investigation that led to his questioning was entirely routine and normal," Grozney said.
But in Yenagoa, Alamieyeseigha's deputy, Chief Goodluck Jonathan also yesterday expressed solidarity with the embattled governor.
Commenting on threats by some militant youth groups in the Niger Delta against British oil firm, Shell Production and Development Company (SPDC) in retaliation for Alamieyeseigha's arrest, Grozney said such actions were unwarranted.
"We see no reason why the Ijaws should need to act against the British people," he said and added that it was reassuring that the Federal Government had ordered increased security around oil facilities belonging to Shell and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
The British envoy said "well, I think we are grateful for the reassurances given over the weekend by security authorities here. We have full confidence in the police and others in protecting British citizens wherever they are in Nigeria. But it is good to have the statement made over the weekend."
He however said although he cannot "say more than that as regards individual cases, but I am grateful for the assurances of the police authorities in Nigeria about the security of British citizens in the Niger Delta."
Alamieyeseigha whose travelling documents were seized after he was released on bail last Friday had accused the Presidency of collaborating with the London Police to embarrass him.
"I don't have to contact the Presidency, the people here told me that they (Presidency) are behind it. They said the tip was given by Abuja. All I would say is that God bless them. I know that they are involved. I leave them in the hands of God," he told THISDAY from his London home last Saturday.
Also, Obasanjo told Cable News Network (CNN) on Saturday that "the fact that the police arrested this man (Alamieyeseigha), no matter his position, is an indication that our anti-corruption measures are working. In the history of Nigeria, up till the life of this administration, nobody has been arrested and being charged. Is it because they haven't committed an offence?"
In a press statement signed by his press officer, Mrs. Rosemary Oputa, Goodluck Jonathan, dismissed reports that he was under pressure to distance himself from Alamieyeseigha.
"Dr. Jonathan wishes to state in unambiguous terms that he is one with the governor in these difficult times and there is no iota of truth in suggestions that there is any division between him and his boss."
"He wishes to use this opportunity to declare his unflinching solidarity with, and loyalty to, Chief Alamieyeseigha. He wishes to point out that the Bayelsa State Executive Council remains one indivisible family committed to the lofty ideals of democratic governance put in place by the governor.
“Jonathan wishes to assure Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation and the country at large that the present travails of the governor are normal challenges that leaders face and that this will soon be over," Oputa stated.
Meanwhile, two Ijaw groups, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) were yesterday sharply divided in their reactions to Alamieyeseigha's travail.
INC President, Professor Kimse Okoko yesterday in Yenagoa said the governor's arrest was a "the national embarrassment" of the Ijaw nation masterminded by the Presidency.
Okoko also described the arrest of the Bayelsa State governor as "premeditated action by the powers that be in conjunction with their hatchet men through a sectional anti-corruption campaign to actualise their evil desire to hang on to power beyond 2007."
He wondered "how else can one explain the arrest and detention in handcuffs of a serving governor with immunity and the silence of the Federal Government over the actions of the London metropolitan police."
Alamieyeseigha was arrested on Thursday afternoon in London on his way from Germany where he had gone for surgery, by British officers from the Specialist and Economic Crime Unit of the London Metropolitan Police.
There were reports that his arrest may not have been unconnected to the earlier interrogation of a lady who was said to have tried to transfer between £10 million to £20 million from an account with the HSBC in London.
About one million pounds was also said to have been found in the governor’s London house when it was searched by the police.

Posted by Publisher at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)

Our Parties Are Weak, Says Shagari

Former President Shehu Shagari yesterday said political parties in the country are weak and therefore need to be strengthened to ensure the survival of democracy.

From Donald Andoor in Abuja, 09.19.2005

Shagari in a keynote address at the opening of the All Party Summit in Abuja organised by the House of Representatives Committee on inter and intra party affairs regretted that six years into the present democratic dispensation. "Only a few people knew what the constitutions and manifestoes of the existing parties are all about."
He noted that political parties were among the most important institutions of democracy and that political parties in the country have never had the opportunity to firmly establish themselves due to frequent interventions by the military in the governance of the country.
He said each time democracy was about to be restored "we had to start all over again in establishing new political parties before we embark on the process of elections. This has been repeatedly done so much so that we hardly have any well established parties and politicians. The result is that we are still learners in the art of democracy"
He recalled with nostalgia how elaborate preparations were made in the Second Republic between 1977 and 1978 during the formation of political parties which gave them ample time to draw their constitutions and manifestoes in contrast to what has been happening thereafter.
"This is in contrast to the other subsequent elections which were carried out in such a hurry even before the people were given the chance to know anything about the new parties," he said.
He urged politicians to strengthen existing political parties and protect them to become strong democratic institutions that would neutralise undemocratic intervention in the future.
"I strongly advise that whatever happens, the political parties we have formed should never again be allowed to die out even if by any misfortune we have yet another interruption.
"I suggest that after the interruption (God forbid) whenever democracy is restored once again we should continue with parties already established instead of creating new ones - otherwise we will be back to square one (God forbid)," he said.
While noting that politics remains the most powerful centripetal force that is pulling all people together despite differences in languages and religions, he urged members of the National Assembly to forget their political differences and work for the common good of the country through quality legislation.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari in his remarks at the event acknowledged the supremacy of political parties over individuals and said party discipline can only be attained where the political parties play the proper role of political education, community development, interest articulation and aggregation apart from serving as the vehicle on which power is sought.

Posted by Publisher at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

PRONACO invites memoranda from interest groups

Ethnic, religious and interest groups across the country have been requested to submit memoranda on the kind of Nigeria they want on or before the inauguration of the Sovereign National Conference (SNC) on October 1.

Although the conference being organised by the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO) would be declared opened on October 1, deliberations would not start until after Ramadan, Moslems’ period of fasting, and after the National Population Census scheduled to begin in November.

These, among other things, are contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its General Assembly last Saturday in Port Harcourt (South-South) under the tutorship of its leader, Pa Anthony Enahoro.

It resolved also to set up a Conference Organising Committee of one representative from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria to support the management committee in preparing for the national conference as contained in a memo sent to the meeting by Prof. Wole Soyinka, deputy leader of PRONACO.

Posted by Publisher at 03:39 PM | Comments (0)

CBN extends deadline for banks granted forbearance

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the deadline given the 13 banks it granted debt relief since none is yet to meet the conditions.

By Esan Sunday
Snr Finance Correspondent

It was learnt that the deadline was shifted indefinitely and that the decision has been communicated to the banks.

However, some of them may no longer be keen on the offer as they are in the process of finalising merger agreements.

The chief executive of one of them said his bank has been acquired, making forbearance least of its concerns at the moment.

He said the acquiring bank knows too well that acquisition comes with both assets and liabilities.

The CBN board had on April 6 approved a debt write-off for 13 banks heavily indebted to the CBN to make them attractive to participate in the consolidation process.

It offered to cancel 80 per cent of their debt each, provided the current owners meet a set of conditions.

The CBN insisted that the forbearance was not going to be a free lunch and that the banks must within two months recover non-performing insider/owner-related credits, inject fresh capital to beef up the affected bank’s re-capitalisation to the solvency status.

The balance of 20 per cent of the debt would be converted to a term loan of seven years at three per cent interest per annum, with a moratorium of two years.

Banks which benefited included Bank of the North (N41 billion); Societe Generale (N14 billion); AIB International (N10 billion); City Express; Afex; Gulf and Fortune International.

“The ‘debt forgiveness’ does not stop the EFCC from prosecuting the owners and management of the affected banks under the ‘Failed Banks Act’. Indeed, two of the cases, the Bank of the North and the Societe Generale Bank, are already before the EFCC for investigation and prosecution,” the CBN said after it announced the forbearance.

“Recall that the CBN’s exposure (credit) of N75 billion is already ‘sunk’. These loans have also been provided for as loan losses in the CBN accounts, in accordance with the Prudential Guidelines. In other words, it does not cost the CBN or the taxpayers any new money to write-off part of the debt.

“If the CBN did not write-off part of the debt, the affected banks will die – and the CBN will not be able to recover any of the debt. Under the current policy, at least part of the debt (20 per cent or N15 billion) could be salvaged. Our goal under the banking sector consolidation is to save the banking system from crisis; draw a thick line with the past; and lay a solid foundation for the future”.

The CBN argued that had it failed to take action on the 13 banks, depositors would have lost about N91.1 billion.

It added that the liquidation of the banks could also lead to a systemic crisis as part of their uninsured deposits are inter-bank placements with possible contagious effects on healthy banks.

The CBN said the jobs of 7,429 employees in the banks could be lost.

CBN spokesperson, Tony Ede, explained at the last Bankers Committee meeting that none of the banks had met the conditions.

His words: “If they don’t meet the conditions that means they are not qualified for it but if they eventually meet the conditions, then they will be qualified for it.”

Most of the 13 banks have employed the services of the EFCC to recover their insider related credits from former directors.

Meanwhile, the new management of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) has resolved to lay off about 40 per cent of the staff strength of 1,890 to reposition the company for better performance.

NSPM Managing Director and Chief Executive, Ehi Okoyomon, said in Lagos on Monday that the 690 staff to be affected will be fully equipped for future challenges.

He said: “We have provided for the payment of all the terminal benefits of these people, so that they collect their letters of disengagement. They will also collect their severance pay-cheques. With this, many of them can at least start small scale business for themselves; start life anew!”

“The company has engaged consultants to advise them on investment opportunities and to organise some training for others in their areas of interest”..

Okoyomon enumerated the problems the new management contended with on assumption of office to include old equipment at the Lagos factory, low IT-capability and literacy level and poor internal communications.

Posted by Publisher at 03:34 PM | Comments (0)

Cabinate reshuffle: Shekarau drops 3 commissioners ..Appoints 4 new ones, swap others

THREE commissioners have been dropped by Governor Shekarau of Kano state in a cabinet reshufflement yesterday.

Stories by ADAMU ABDULLAHI

Governor Shekarau announced the removal of the commissioners during the swearing-in of the newly appointed commissioners into the state executive council.
During the ceremony, the governor also revealed the creation of a new ministry of rural and community development from the water resources and rural development ministry.
Malam Shekarau also announced the swapping of two commissioners of information, Alhaji Garba Yusuf Abubakar to the ministry of land and physical planning while Ibrahim Garba of land ministry was appointed the new commissioner of agriculture.
According to the governor, all other commissioners have however, maintained their portfolios while commissioners of commerce, Alhaji Mahmoud Ishaq Umar, environment, Alhaji Kabiru Abubakar Bichi and that of agriculture, Alhaji Ahmad Garba Riruwai have been dropped.
The new commissioners sworn-in by the governor are: Alhaji Muhammad Adamu Bello, environment ministry; Alhaji Ali Ado Bagwai, new ministry of rural and community development; Dr. Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, commissioner of information, youth sports and culture; and Alhaji Ahmad Ibrahim Yakasai, for commerce ministry.
Governor Shekarau reminded the new commissioners to be transparent and ensure that their actions and dealings are fully guided by the principles of Sharia.
To this effect, Malam Shekarau highlighted the 10-point cardinal principles of the administration and charged the new commissioners to abide by them.
He also drew the attention of the commissioners to the fundamental target set for the government to achieve which according to him, is human development.
Malam Shekarau cautioned the new executive members to adhere to strict budget discipline while administering their respective ministries.
The governor further charged them to lead by example and adopt the principles of Societal Reorientation which is aimed at attitudinal change of the people.

Posted by Publisher at 03:30 PM | Comments (0)

Shekarau Re-states commitment to Sharia

GOVERNOR Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano state has restated his government’s commitment towards operating within the ambits of Sharia legal system.

The governor made the assertion yesterday during the swearing-in of four newly appointed commissioners at Government House.
Malam Shekarau pointed out that since the inception of his administration, it has identified human development as main focus with Societal Reorientation as its major target.
Governor Shekarau listed seven areas of concentration of his administration which include youth and women empowerment, noting that thousands of youth and women have been trained and provided with capital.
He noted that the administration accords high premium to provision of infrastructure such as roads in both urban and rural areas with attachment to quality.
To this end, the governor stated that the quest to ensure rural people feel the presence of government, a new ministry of rural and community development has been created.
He further explained that security has been receiving full attention under his administration, saying that 40 patrol vehicles, 100 motorcycles and other facilities have been provided to the Kano command of the Nigeria police to ensure effective operation.
The governor maintained that the administration would not deviate from its line of operating along the Sharia legal principles, noting that, that was why Sharia machineries were established.
Malam Shekarau while addressing the new commissioners, said government is bound to experience changes and adjustments and therefore advised them to carry everybody along.
‘’I want to remind you that you are certainly not the best of the entire people of Kano, rather you are God chosen ones,’’ the governor maintained.

Posted by Publisher at 03:29 PM | Comments (0)

Autopsy of late Mobitel boss out in 48 hrs—POLICE

LAGOS— LAGOS State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ade Ajakaiye, said yesterday that the autopsy report on the slain Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mobitel, Mr Charles Alaba Joseph, and other preliminary reports would be made public in the next 48 hours. He dismissed reports that the autopsy report had been released.

By Emma Nnadozie
Posted to the Web: Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Addressing reporters last night at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, Mr. Ajakaiye said: "We will address the press on this issue so that people will know the true situation of things about the unfortunate death of the Mobitel boss.

"It is very unfortunate that unnecessary insinuations are being made over this pathetic matter and it is pertinent to inform all of us that I was the person that ordered that the autopsy should be carried out immediately that incident took place. I want to assure Nigerians that in the next 48 hours, both the autopsy report and our preliminary report will be made open to the press and members of the public.

"It is unfortunate that insinuations are being made that the autopsy report had been released. This is not true. As I am talking to you now, we do not have the autopsy report and we cannot stampede the experts who are doing their work. In the next 48 hours, it will be out and we will address the press on it," he stated.

In another development, Police sources hinted yesterday that about seven persons were presently being held in connection with the death of the Mobitel boss. It was also gathered that the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero directed that all those currently detained over the matter be thoroughly investigated to ascertain the extent of their involvement in the matter

It was also gathered that a team of ballistic experts had already examined the rifles and the bullets issued to the four policemen that accompanied the receiver-manager to the premises of the company on the day of the incident. Sources said their report would also be made known in the next 48 hours.

Posted by Publisher at 03:29 PM | Comments (0)

Mobitel: Detectives link Joseph's death to boardroom war

LAGOS—THERE are indications that the Mobitel Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Charles Alaba Joseph, may not have committed suicide afterall as detectives, last Thursday, retrieved documents pointing to serious internal wrangling in the telecommunication outfit.

By Emma Nnadozie & Albert Akpor
Posted to the Web: Monday, September 19, 2005

The development which Vanguard learnt shocked the detectives who were earlier focusing attention on many theories including suicide. Meanwhile, Intercontinental Bank PLC came out with an official statement, weekend, absolving itself of complicity in the death of Mr. Joseph.

Police sources said the documents which were in two parts included a letter from a brand development and management company (name withheld) entitled: ‘Requisition for an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting of members of Mobitel Limited’ and a resignation letter written by Mr Joseph dated September 1, 2005 entitled: "Resignation as President/CEO and from board membership of Mobitel Limited."

In the letter dated June 11, 2005, the brand development and management outfit which claims to own 31.71 per cent of the issued and paid up shares of Mobitel and copied to The Law Union-Company Secretaries, All Directors of Mobitel Limited, Vice-Chairman/CEO, Intercontinental Bank PLC and Managing Director/CEO, Equity Bank of Nigeria Limited, stated that the main purpose of the meeting was to discuss a petition and adopt a resolution for the appointment of a reputable accounting firm to carry out a special investigation into the affairs of Mobitel based on the issues raised in the petition.

The petition which was made available to Vanguard suggested that those that invested their hard earned money into Mobitel had been taken for a ride after a careful consideration of the present financial condition of the company. It noted with sadness that after seven years of operations and investment in plant and equipment of over N2 billion, the company had less than 10,000 subscribers and shareholders funds had been eroded by nearly 70 per cent with bank borrowing in excess of N1.6 billion and creditors liabilities of over N1.5 billion, including unpaid interconnect obligations of over N600 million.

"This is an abysmal and unacceptable failure amounting to gross mismanagement and incompetence for which all those responsible must be identified to make restitution and be brought to book under relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if and where criminal negligence and/or breach of trust is established."

The petitioners called for an investigation to verify all outstanding creditors and debtors. It also called for the assessment of the outstanding creditors to establish whether each outstanding obligation was wholly, exclusively and necessarily for the business as well as the benefit and contribution to shareholder value.

In the same vein, Mr Joseph's resignation letter dated September 1, 2005 and signed by the deceased himself stated among other things that the event of the past two to three years had eroded the gains of the past and the reputation the company had painstakingly built over the years. "The atmosphere of a happy, hardworking and responsible family built on internal cohesion, technical competence, responsive customer care, purposeful and transformational leadership and loyal staff has been fouled.

"We have become insensitive to our financial obligations and unresponsive to the needs of our customers. Our focus has shifted to destroying those who toiled and laboured to build the company. It is in this regard and with every sense of responsibility that I have chosen to exit to allow for a change in the leadership of our beloved company. I have absolute faith that Mobitel will overcome its present ordeals and come out stronger and better equipped to survive and thrive in the highly competitive and lucrative telecommunications market. It has been a long journey and I thank God for his guidance and protection."

Intercontinental refutes allegation

However, Management of Intercontinental Bank PLC said in a statement that some insinuations connecting it to the incident were misplaced as the lender-borrower relationship is between the bank and Mobitel and not Mr Joseph as a person. "Even if it were to be between our bank and Engineer Joseph, we just know that no reasonable creditor would wish his debtor to die. Though some media reports quoting police authorities are saying the deceased jumped to death while trying to escape and other reports indicating he was shot, as a responsible corporate citizen, we want to refrain from comments in this regard pending the outcome of the autopsy report and police investigations. We deeply sympathise with the family and colleagues of Engineer Joseph on his death," it said.

Contacted for comments on the twist in the case, Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Bode Ojajuni, said: "All I know is that we are still waiting for the result of the autopsy. What I will assure you is that we will definitely get to the root of this matter. It is the report that will give us clue to what happened to the man."

Meanwhile, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos weekend quizzed Mobitel company secretary and personal secretary (names withheld) to the President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joseph, who died in mysterious circumstance in his office, Tuesday. The secretary and lawyer gave their respective accounts of what transpired in the premises before Mr Joseph was found dead at the terrace of the company’s ICON building.

The detectives who were led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the SCID, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, conducted crime journalists round the company’s premises and the various offices including the deceased’s office as well as the spot where his lifeless body was found before it was evacuated.

Posted by Publisher at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)

Plateau Speaker takes INEC, senator to conduct bureau

SPEAKER of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Simon Lalong, has dragged the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Maurice Iwu and the Senator representing Plateau South, Captain Cosmos Niangwan, before the Code of Conduct Bureau over the handling of the recent botched attempt to recall him.

From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos

In a petition to the bureau by his lawyer, Profesor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), Lalong alleged that the two breached the code of conduct for public officers in the handling of the matter and wanted them charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The letter stated that the actions of the two were a breach of paragraph nine of the Code of Conduct for Public Officer which states that "a public officer shall not do or direct to be done in abuse of his office any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing that such act is unlawful contrary to any government policy."

He accused the INEC chairman of allegedly openly violating due process by refusing to make available a copy of the petition against him and denying him the opportunity to make representations on the allegations therein to show that the petition did not comply with the provisions of Section 110(a) of the Constitution.

The letter said Niangwan allegedly abused the authority and influence of his high office as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by collaborating with one John Shainaan and others to contrive a petition to be presented to INEC for Lalong's recall.

It said for INEC to have gone ahead with the referendum on the recall move on August 27, 2005 in clear defiance of an order of a Jos High Court on the excuse that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case was a "contemptuous flouting of the rule of law".

"It would spell the end of the Rule of Law and enthronement of the anarchy if every individual or government agency were to be free to refuse to obey a court order because in his judgment the court lacks jurisdiction to make it. The course open to him in accordance with the dictates of the rule of law is to appeal against the order to a higher court," he argued.

It added that the fact that some 55 voters whose names appeared on the petition went to court to claim that their purported signatures on the petition were forged was a violation of Section 110(a) of the Constitution which contemplated that only genuine signatures would be appended for such petitions.

"It needs hardly be stated that the complaint as outlined above establishes a clear breach of paragraph 9 of the Code of Conduct which makes reference to the Code of Conduct Tribunal pre-eminently appropriate," he added.

Posted by Publisher at 03:26 PM | Comments (0)

September 19, 2005

No immunity for govs outside Nigeria — FG

*Alamieyeseigha: Oil firms beef up security in Niger-Delta

ABUJA — THE Presidency said, yesterday, that Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State who was arrested in London last Thursday for alleged money laundering, or indeed any Nigerian elected government official cannot enjoy diplomatic immunity outside the shores of the country.

By Rotimi Ajayi, Ise-Oluwa Ige & Okay Ndiribe
Posted to the Web: Monday, September 19, 2005

The state government has, however, dismissed reports that the governor was arraigned in court, while the Ijaw People’s Assembly has written to the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, protesting his arrest.

Reacting to suggestions that Governor Alamieyeseigha ought not to have been arrested since he was carrying a diplomatic passport at the time, Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, said the fact that some government officials carry diplomatic passport does not confer immunity on them outside Nigeria.

He said: "Please leave Mr President out of this matter. I am reluctant to comment on this issue because it is an on-going investigation but what I can say is that the idea of Mr President in anyway waiving diplomatic immunity for someone who is being accused of a very serious crime is not possible in law and as such does not arise.

"I don’t know where these people read their law. I don’t know where people that are saying this read their law but it is certainly not possible, neither is it desirable for Mr President to get involved in an on-going investigation in a foreign country.

"Under the British law, there is no immunity attached to a state governor. It is as simple as that and the relevant laws here (in this case) are British laws not Nigerian laws.

"Therefore, our hands are completely tied. In any case, it is not even desirable for us to get involved or to say too much about this issue other than to say as Mr President has said himself, that it is part and parcel of our on-going fight against corruption and we in government will continue to play our role in this respect.

"We are focused on what we are doing to rid this country of corruption. Those who are saying this should direct their question to the British police or EFCC."

Also speaking on the issue in an interview, an Abuja-based legal practitioner and member of the Inner Bar, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), said: "The Federal Government has the competence to withdraw the diplomatic immunity of any of its citizenry to confer on the host country the rights to investigate such citizen if the need arises as being witnessed in the Bayelsa governor’s case.

"But the immunity conferred on the governor by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be waived on behalf of the beneficiary. It is not within the province of the Federal Government to waive or purport to waive such immunity," he said, adding that such domestic immunity only operates within the boundary of Nigeria.

Alamieyeseigha was not charged, says Bayelsa govt

The Bayelsa State Government says Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha has not been charged with any wrong-doing. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Oronto Douglas