PHOTOSPEAK: AWARD WINNING VANGUARD REPORTER, ISHOLA BALOGUN SHINES

From left: Babs Alasa, a Vanguard Consultant; Advert Manager, Emeka Nwocha; Saturday Vanguard Editor, Chioma Gabriel; Ishola Balogun, the NMMA Best  Investigative Reporter of the Year and Vanguard’s Assistant General Manager, Brand, Fred Odueme

From left: Saturday Vanguard Editor, Chioma Gabriel, Kayode Mathew, News Editor and Ishola Balogun,  the NMMA Best  Investigative Reporter of the Year. Photos by Lamidi Morufu

From left: Vanguard’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Victor Omoregie, Saturday Vanguard Editor, Chioma Gabriel and Ishola Balogun,  the NMMA Best  Investigative Reporter of the Year

Saturday Vanguard’s award winning story

It was first at the 2012 edition of Celebrity Media Awards, CMA, where Saturday Vanguard shone like stars as it won the Best Weekend Newspaper of the Year, then came the prestigious Nigeria Merit Media Awards, NMMA, where Ishola Balogun of the same desk won the 2012 Alex Ibru Prize for Investigative Reporter of the year last Saturday.
The event which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites   recognized media practitioners for their contributions to the growth of media industry in Nigeria with technocrats, captains of industries in attendance.
Presenting the award, Mr Yomi Jones, former Chief of Executive Officer, Nigeria Airways congratulated Balogun for working so hard to get the award.
The story had earlier fetched him the Aremo Olusegun Osoba Prize for Investigative Story which he won last year and a nomination for the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting 2011.

The Award winning story
Giving birth to seven babies in one year is a strange phenomenon that even those in the field of medicine have described inexplicable. But Precious Donatus Ogbonna, a 37 year old Pastor/General Overseer of Holy Ghost Power Salvation Ministry, Owerri, Imo state who had been barren for twelve years of her marriage suddenly claimed she delivered seven babies in one year within a space of one month interval. More stunning was the fact that she claimed she was expecting more babies from that same conception. She declined to mention the hospital where the delivery took place and did not give a clue on how to locate the place but insisted she was ready for a DNA test to prove the veracity of her claim. Following the reports in the newspaper, Police swung into action and arrested ‘Mummy P’  as she is fondly called with the seven babies.
Vanguard Media limited immediately sponsored a DNA test on her and the seven babies and it was soon revealed that maternity was excluded in all the seven babies. In fact, the test further revealed that none of the babies had same maternity.
But where she got these babies  became the nagging question as millions of Nigerians who followed the story in Saturday Vanguard newspaper posed the question.
Investigation continued and the reporter did not only get the places where she got the babies from but also squealed out how pregnancies were framed and how deliveries were arranged for some desperate women.
In far away Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Aba and Okigwe in Imo state, several unpublicized clinics which take the posture of  native maternity homes where such ‘arranged deliveries’ take place were uncovered. Desperate baby seeking habitué pay as much as N750,000 to N1million depending on the sex of the baby and N1.5million for twins; a delivery date is given pending when a baby will be arranged for the ”expectant woman”.
The challenges
The reporter had to employ an observant participant method to locate the places where she got her babies including several other places where such activities thrive. Posing like a desperate customer, he requested  for similar arrangement and was asked to pay the sum of N750,000 for a male child and they demanded to see his wife who would be given certain drugs before the arrival of the baby without passing through gestation period.
In one of the places, the owner of the home suspected that the reporter was gleaning information from her and secretly planned an attack, but the reporter got the move and found his way out of the area.
The reporter disguised to the orphanage in Owerri where the babies were kept to observe them a number of times. 
The reporter diligently followed every move of the controversial woman even to one of the homes he had earlier uncovered as carrying out this phony deliveries for her 9th baby which climaxed at 12:15am on Sept 21 last year. For about 24 hours, the reporter kept watching ‘Mummy P’ who neither showed any sign of pregnancy nor fed the baby she got out of this arrangement. The court is yet to give judgement on the matter.

Wicked mother abandons baby boy in a bush

Baby boy abandoned in a shrub in Ikorodu

Wonders as the saying goes shall never cease. It is very amazing to hear cases of child abandonment especially when one considers the fact that children are precious gifts from God.
A baby boy who appears to be less than 24 hours old was found abandoned in a deserted path surrounded by shrubs in Ikorodu area of Lagos state recently.
The innocent child was welcomed to the world in this most wicked manner by an unknown mother or parents. The baby boy who was neatly wrapped was found in a bush at the early hours of Monday November 26, 2012, along Ikorodu -Itokin road, close to the popular Lucky Fibre bus-stop, Ikorodu.
According to residents, the baby was found at about 7am that fateful day by passers-by who were alerted by the cries of  the baby.
Sympathisers quickly rushed to the scene and saw the baby crying. There was no  written note or inscription left by the run-away mother.  According to an eye witness, the good Samaritans were afraid to carry the innocent crying baby but on the orders of the chairman of the Community Development Authority, CDA, the innocent baby was immediately taken to the nearest police station.
Saturday Vanguard learnt that the child was immediately taken to Shagamu road Police Division, Ikorodu and then to an orphanage. The D.P.O Shagamu Road Police Division, SP Benard Ediagboya, told Saturday Vanguard and anyone who crave any information about the abandoned baby should call the Lagos State Police Public Relations officer (PPRO), adding that investigation had begun on the matter.

After the boy was taken to an orphanage

Former Primate Anglican Church, Abiodun Adetiloye dies at 83

Gov Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti paid condolence visit to Adetiloye's family

The former primate of the Church of Nigeria,Anglican Communion, Dr Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye is dead
Primate Adetiloye,83, gave up the ghost at  his Odo Owa Ekiti country home in Ijero Local Government area of Ekiti State at about 1.30 am on Friday after a brief illness

He is survived by a wife, Mrs Titilayo  Adetiloye and two children, Adeola and Adedoyin.His first child, Mr Adeola ,a Mining Engineer teaches  at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti
According to Chief Sunday Adetiloye,one of his siblings,he said his late brother finally gave up the ghost at about 1.30am on Friday

"Prior to his final exit, he had came down stirs  and he went upstairs,he was. restless
"He asked me many questions,he asked about the welfare of my children and blessed each of them,he said they ought to have come home


According to Odofin Idogun of  Odoowa Ekiti, he said the late cleric suddenly became unconscious and was running  temperature  and a doctor attended to him
"Shortly after this,he was not talking and could not sleep,we decided to call doctor again,before the doctor came,he gave up the ghost
Also his first son,Adeola,who claim to be the most closest person to the late cleric ,said he had called his father last week( Wednesday) and asked about his state of health where he assured him that he was okay
According to him,he said his late father had prayed for him fervently while talking to him through phone

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described the late former Primate  as a “global citizen who lived well, served well and died well.”
Fayemi made the remark when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former primate at his hometown, Odo-Owa yesterday

The governor urged the family of the deceased and Ekiti people at large not to mourn the demise of the cleric but to celebrate him for living a fulfilled life and living for the people he served
Fayemi promised that the state government will be fully involved in the obsequies of the late primate as soon as the family announce the burial plans.He noted that Adetiloye’s tenure as the spiritual head of the Anglican family in Nigeria was “great and remarkable” as the late primate used his position to advance the cause of the truth, equity and justice.
The governor recalled the roles played by Adetiloye during the long struggle to enthrone democracy by standing on the side of the people in the dark days of the Gen. Sani Abacha-led junta which earned him the sobriquet of “NADECO Bishop.
.“We are not mourning him but celebrating him because Baba does not belong to Nigeria alone but his place in the annals of faith is important and secured.“He was a global man and we owe him a duty of following the values he stood for.“Despite his pedigree, he was very humble to have returned to his country home although the government of Lagos State wanted him to stay in Lagos”,

Also the former governor of the state and the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Segun Oni has described the death of Ekiti born former Primate and Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye as a sad loss to Ekiti State, the entire Christians in Nigeria and the Anglican Communion worldwide, saying; "We have lost one of the masters of God's word in Nigeria."

Reacting to Adetiloye's death through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the PDP Chieftain said Primate Adetiloye will be sorely missed as a great man of God, who decided to become an Anglican priest at a very young age of six and followed his dream till the end.

"Though Baba was 82, his death still came to me as a rude shock. This is because Baba was one of the beacons of hope for Christianity in Nigeria and a great apostle of God's word."

"No doubt, Baba's passion for evangelism and missions brought tremendous growth to the Anglican communion particularly in northern Nigeria.

"He was a shining light in the Anglican Communion, a religious icon, whose devotion to evangelism and religious tolerance in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. He will be sorely missed," Oni said.


Primate Adetiloye was born at Odo-Owa,Ekiti State on 25 December1929
.He lost his father aged 3years old, which was adevout Christian, beingraised by his mother likehis siblings. He entered school in 1937 and it was reported that "he wasalways neat in school eachday despite the fact thathe had only one uniform".He decided to become anAnglican priest at a veryyoung age.[1]He passed with distinctionis first school leavingexamination in 1944 andwas a teacher for 6 years.He was the acting churchagent at St. Paul's Churchin Ara-Yero, now calledAraromi at his 6th year.He decided to attendMelville Hall, in Kudeti,Ibadan, in 1949, tobecome a priest. He wasfurther educated inEngland at King's CollegeLondon (BD), and WycliffeHall, Oxford. He wasordained a deacon at theend of 1953 at theCathedral Church of Lagos,by the first Archbishop ofWest Africa, Leslie Vining.He was a curate at St.Peter's Church, in Ake,Abeokuta, since 1954,latter was a chaplain toArchbishop Vining andafterwards to ArchbishopHowells. This enabled himto move to Wycliff Hall, inOxford, England, tocontinue his studies. Hewas involved in someparish ministries at St.George in Leeds and was acurate at St. Mary's Churchin Plaistow. Returning toNigeria, the Rev. Adetiloyewas a teacher at theImmanuel College ofTheology in Ibadan, forfour years and threemonths. On 10 August1966, he became vicar andprovost at the CathedralChurch of St. James, inIbadan. On August 1970,he was elected andnominated bishop of theDiocese of Ekiti, latterbeing transferred to theDiocese of Lagos, of whichhe was bishop from 1985to 1999.He was enthroned as thesecond Primate of theChurch of Nigeria on 26December 1986, thefollowing day to his 57thbirthday, at the CathedralChurch of Lagos, by hispredecessor, ArchbishopTimothy O. Olufosoye. Hewould retire on December1999, after 13 years inoffice. During his tenure,the Church of Nigeriabecame a fast growingchurch, increasing from 27dioceses in 1986 to 76 in1999. In 1997, the growthof the Church of Nigerialead to a division intothree ecclesiasticalprovinces. Archbishop Adetiloye headed the Province One, consisting of the dioceses in the West, while remaining Primate of All Nigeria.

Council Watch Online: ALGON wants Imo governor to comply with Appeal Cou...

Council Watch Online: ALGON wants Imo governor to comply with Appeal Cou...: The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called on Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo to comply with the Appeal Court judgment...

Council Watch Online: Ilaje/Ajah communal clash: One feared dead, houses...

Council Watch Online: Ilaje/Ajah communal clash: One feared dead, houses...: Baale in handcuff, detained by police At least, one man was killed and several houses razed in a communal clash between the Ilaje and Ajah ...

Council Watch Online: Again, gunmen kills five in Borno

Council Watch Online: Again, gunmen kills five in Borno: For the first time in history, some gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram sect has launched another attack yesterday in the peaceful lovi...

Council Watch Online: Jonathan condoles Buhari

Council Watch Online: Jonathan condoles Buhari: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commiserated with former Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) on the death of his ...

Council Watch Online: Police arraign man, 27, for alleged abduction

Council Watch Online: Police arraign man, 27, for alleged abduction: The police today arraigned a man, Monday Apokwo, 27, before an Upper Area Court in Karu, Abuja, for allegedly abducting a woman. Pros...

Again, gunmen kills five in Borno

For the first time in history, some gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram sect has launched another attack yesterday in the peaceful loving Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, killing two Bakers, one of them an indegene of Michika Council area of Adamawa State and an Igbo man and two others suspected to be Immigration and Custom officers.
Damasak is a boarder town with Niger Republic and about 120 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the state capital.
This development is coming barely two weeks when Governor Kashim Shettima visited some communities in the area which were ravaged by flood, and almost 24 hours after one of their own who also hail from Damasak, the Chief of Staff, Government House Maiduguri, Alhaji Abu Kyari paid the affected Communities a sympathy visit two days ago.
We gathered that the gunmen numbering about six came in a Jeep at about 7am yesterday and opened fire at their victims before they fled without being arrested.
When contacted on phone, the Police Commissioner, Mr. Abdullahi Yuguda could not be reached, but the Information Officer of the Council, Mallam Babagana Mustapha told Saturday Vanguard that, six gunmen suspected to be terrorists laid ambush to Damasak on yesterday morning, killing two Michika boys, one Igbo man and two security men suspected to be an Immigration and Custom officers.
Mustapha said, "it is unfortunate that since 2009 when the Boko Haram insurgency started in Borno, we in Damasak have never witnessed any attack, only to wake up today and started hearing the sounds of gunshots killing five people," he regretted.
As at the time of filing in this report, the Information Officer said, they are working assiduously to compile all information related to the attack.

Jonathan condoles Buhari

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commiserated with former Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) on the death of his eldest daughter, Zulaihatu today.
In a condolence letter to General Buhari, President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty would comfort him, and grant him and members of his family succour from the pain of losing a beloved child who has been nurtured and raised to adulthood.
“I write to extend very sincere commiserations to you and your family on the death of your eldest daughter, Zulaihatu yesterday November 29th, 2012.
“I can well imagine the profound pain, sadness and sorrow brought upon you by the tragic loss of a beloved child whom you have nurtured and raised to adulthood.
My heart goes out to you as you mourn Zulaihatu. I pray that God Almighty comforts you and grants you and your family succour at this very traumatic time for all who knew and loved her,” President Jonathan wrote.

Police arraign man, 27, for alleged abduction

The police today arraigned a man, Monday Apokwo, 27, before an Upper Area Court in Karu, Abuja, for allegedly abducting a woman.

Prosecutor Silas Nanpam told the court that the complainant, Akpan Udoh, of Aso Gbagalape Village, Nyanya, Abuja, reported the case at the Nyanya Police Station on July 30.

Nanpam said that the accused took the complainant's daughter, Grace Akpan, 23, to his house without the consent of the father.

He said the accused also impregnated Grace and the pregnancy is currently three months old, noting the offence contravened Section 272 of the Penal Code.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Udo, in his testimony, told the court that the accused started a love relationship with his daughter through frequent visits to the area where he lives with his family.
He said that the accused had a friend he usually visits in the area, adding: ``I warned Apokwo to leave my daughter several times.
``I told him to leave her alone as she is only a student but he refused.
``When I noticed my daughter's disappearance from home and found out she was with him,
I reported to the police,’’ he testified.
Udoh added that when the accused was questioned by the police, he said he would marry
the girl.
Grace told the court that she stays at the accused's house because her father drove her away when he noticed she was pregnant.
She said that her father told her never to come back home until she was delivered of the baby and had given the baby to the accused.
The accused then told the court that he loved the girl and that he had gone to pay her dowry twice but the father refused to accept it.
Udoh, on the other hand, vowed never to accept the Akokwo’s proposal to marry his daughter, saying: ``Apokwo is rude, irresponsible and disrespectful’’.
The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, advised Apokwo to leave the girl alone since the father disapproves of it.
Kagarko also advised Udoh to forgive his daughter as the damage had already been done and her actions were based on ignorance.
He adjourned the case to Dec. 20, for cross examination.

Ilaje/Ajah communal clash: One feared dead, houses destroyed

Baale in handcuff, detained by police
At least, one man was killed and several houses razed in a communal clash between the Ilaje and Ajah communities in Ajah area of Lagos Island Thursday.
An eye witness told Saturday Vanguard that the fracas broke out as a result of payment of dues by Keke Marwa Operators by the Ilaje Community without regards to the interest of Ajah community.
Baale of Ajah, Chief Murziqu Ojupon of Ajah was whisked away by the Police in handcuffs Thursday in a circumstance that raised tension in the area. According to our source, the chairman of the Eti-Osa East LCDA, Alhaji Owolabi Isa invited the Baale along with five other eminent members of the community to Area J, Ajah command, but on reaching the venue for the purported peace talk between Ajah and Ilaje community, the Baale was molested and arrested by the police.
When Saturday Vanguard called Baale Murziqu on phone, he told the reporter that he was being driven to Panti, Area Commad in Yaba. A few minutes after, his phone was switched off. All attempt to speak with the PPRO proved abortive.
Our source added that a couple of weeks ago, the matter was deemed to have been settled after Alhaji Owolabi brokered a peace meeting with members of the two communities, where both communities were said to have entered into a peace agreement.
We gathered that one person was killed Wednesday night while fleeing the combat zone with several houses in both communities vandalised and destroyed. But another source denied that no live was lost. He however confirmed that guns and cutlasses were freely used by the combatants, who were mostly youths from both sides to the conflict.
As at press time normalcy was said to have returned as armed policemen had been deployed to the area to restore peace and order.

ALGON wants Imo governor to comply with Appeal Court judgment

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called on Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo to comply with the Appeal Court judgment which returned council chairmen sacked by him. In a communiqué issued in Enugu after its three-day National Conference, the association regretted that the Imo government was yet to comply with the judgment.
It threatened to use all legitimate means to ensure that the governor obeyed the court judgment.
The association also amended its constitution with a resolution that the office of its national president should oscillate between the north and south of the country.
It also resolved that the tenure of the national president should be a single term of three years.
The communiqué also said the chairman of the association’s board of trustees should not come from the same zone with the national president and should also serve a renewable term of three years.
It increased the membership of the board to two from each of the six geo-political zones.
The association also resolved that their members should enjoy pension benefits as being paid to the heads of other tiers of the government.

CJ charges LG election tribunal on justice to all parties in Benue

The Chief Judge of Benue , Justice Iorhemen Hwande, on Thursday urged members of the state Local  Government Election Petitions Tribunal to ensure that justice was done to all.
Hwande made this known while inaugurating members of the tribunal in Makurdi.
He said the tribunal would hear and determine all disputes that arose from the conduct of the Nov. 2012 council poll in the state.
The chief judge urged all the members to keep to their oath to do justice to all who would appear before them ``without favour or ill will to any person’’.
``You are to decide every petition brought before you on its merit.
``Where you are convinced that the peoples’ will had been subverted from the evidence before you, it will be right for you to restore the peoples’ mandate.
``Similarly, where a petitioner is crying wolf where you have not seen any, you have to tell him in clear terms, giving your reasons in writing,” Hwande said.
He said that tribunal registries had been opened at the three senatorial districts in the state and called on aggrieved parties wishing to challenge the result to file their petitions.
Hwande said that members of the tribunal and lawyers appearing before them ``should be guided by the Practice Direction I issued in 2008’’.
He then urged non-lawyers on the tribunal to base their judgment on the facts before them, adding that they were not on the panel merely to complete the number.
``You are expected to form your opinion and express it articulately during the conference that would be held on each petition,” he stressed.
He enjoined them to handle their assignment with utmost seriousness, bearing in mind its sensitivity as it determined the stability of the state.
He warned members of the public to desist from writing frivolous petitions against members where there was no basis for such.
Hwande further advised that aggrieved persons should use the channels provided by the law to seek redress where they were not satisfied.
Earlier, the members promised on oath that they would eschew corruption and protect the constitution in the discharge of their duties.
The Chief Registrar, Mr Edwin Arri, said in an interview that the duration of the tribunal was 180-days.
Council Watchreports that an Appeal Tribunal was also constituted to hear and determine all appeals arising from the decisions of the low tribunal.
Council Watch also reports that the panel, which would be sitting in Katsina-Ala, Makurdi and Otukpo, comprises High Court judges, top judiciary officers and journalists.

Magistrate orders arrest of LG chairmanship candidate Kaduna

The Daura Road Chief Magistrates' Court in Kaduna, on Thursday ordered the arrest of the PDP chairmanship candidate for Soba Local Council, Kawu Yakassai, barely two days to the election.
Yakassai was standing trial over alleged certificate forgery and failure to honour summons of the court.
Chief magistrate Hamza Mohammed, who had to adjourn the sittings of the court three times in order to allow the accused to be present in court, finally issued a warrant of arrest against Yakassai at about 6 p.m.
Yakassai was dragged to the court by Musa Mustapha and Ubale Matasa who alleged that the secondary school certificate he presented for the election was fake.
The defence counsel,  D I Habib had claimed that the accused was ill and the magistrate requested for medical certificate.
Mohammed, however, rejected the certificate tendered due to irregular signatures.
``I have noticed that the two medical reports presented were from one medical officer, Dr Mohammed Kabir, but I also noticed two different signatures on the medical certificates.
``The accused is not on admission in any hospital to warrant his absence in court, in this circumstance, the court finds  the submission of the defence counsel insufficient and therefore issues a warrant for the arrest of the accused person.''  Mohammed adjourned the case to Dec. 3, for hearing.

Oyedepo identifies covetousness as bane of African leaders

The Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Dr David Oyedepo, today identified covetousness as the bane of most African leaders.
 Oyedepo said at the 11th matriculation of the institution that unless a new generation of leaders takes the stage in the art of governance, Africa might ``risk total collapse’’.
He explained that covetousness amongst African leaders had become ``a cancer of the leadership structure’’ across the length and breathe of the continent.
``We believe there is a dearth of leadership in our nation today and many other African nations as we equally have quite an army of able men but mostly godless individuals.
``They have every kind of academic degrees but lack of integrity has become the norm rather than the exception amongst the vast majority of them.
``The conscience of many has been seared with hot iron and this has remained our awful situation today.
``It will take only discipline to turn around this verdict because it is the only fundamental price for all positive achievements,’’ he said.
Oyedepo said that authorities of the university had embarked on the task of raising new generation of leaders in various fields of human endeavours.
``We have a strong passion to see this change take place in our land and in our time. We believe that until something changes within us, nothing changes around us.
``The requirement of character and learning in preparing solution-providing leadership for our continent and our nation is a task.’’
Oyedepo assured of the institution’s commitment of shielding its students from the social and environmental pollution that had destroyed the fabric of the society.
``I want to appeal to every one of us here, especially our students that we must arise as one man to salvage the image of our great nation, and indeed, our beloved continent.’’
The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, said that the under-development of Africa today could be attributed to the influx of the colonial masters.
Ayo said that African nations had bemoaned the state of under-development of the continent long enough, adding that it was high time they began to face reality.
``Some of these countries became independent several decades back with little or no tangible development across the socio-economic and political landscapes.
``Africa relies on foreign solutions to its local problems in the areas of health, food scarcity, environment, energy and ICT.’’
He urged the matriculating students to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the institution by ensuring that they eschew vices that were capable of compromising their future.
Council Watch reports that no fewer than 1,620 fresh students and 137 post graduate students, were formally admitted during the ceremony.

Sanusi reiterates commitment to cashless policy

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has reiterated his call on stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the cashless policy in the country.
Sanusi made the call in Enugu on today in a message to the symposium on MSME Cluster Forum on Cash-lite Economy/4^th Enugu Christmas Shopping Festival organised by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).
The governor, who was represented by the Head, Shared Services Office in Lagos, Mr Chidi Umeano, said the bank had identified key issues to make the policy a success.
They include mass enlightenment campaign, massive deployment of Points of Sales (POS) terminals, licensing of mobile payment operators and terminal service providers as well as inauguration of the Nigeria electronic fraud forum.
``I wish to state that the cashless policy has gained traction with a lot of achievements in the areas of adoption basically because of the efforts of the concerned stakeholders such as the organisers of this event,’’ he said.
Sanusi, who spoke on the theme of the fair entitled ``The challenges and opportunities of the cashless economy in Nigeria: Evolving strategies for its successful implementation,’’ said the apex bank had taken steps to mitigate the challenges.
``There are challenges like connectivity issue, infrastructure, high illiteracy rate, availability of functional channels and so on.
``We have taken steps to mitigate these challenges,’’ he said.
The governor commended the efforts of ECCIMA in sensitising the masses on the policy, hoping that by the end of the fair, the cashless policy would receive a boost.
Earlier, the President of ECCIMA, Dr Theo Okonkwo, said the symposium and 4^th Christmas Shopping Festival would enlighten the general public on the mobile money options and the attendant opportunities.
Okonkwo said the festival would feature a great level of shopping and buying at a discounted rate in preparation for the festive season.
Some of the stakeholders who spoke with newsmen lauded the cashless policy but urged the CBN to urgently address its attendant challenges.
Mr Odega Jideonwo, the Chairman of Oakland Amusement Park, said the cashless policy was long over due in the country.
``Nigerians should welcome the policy with open arms for our own good in spite of its challenges,’’ he said.
Jideonwo advised regulators to monitor the telecommunication service providers who were the backbone of the policy to ensure that they improved their network availability.
Ven. Emeka Ezeji of the Enugu Diocese of the Anglican Church described the policy as a welcome development as it would reduce the high usage of cash.
Ezeji, however, advocated that religious bodies should be given concession in the area of charges.
The 10-day festival holding at the old trade fair ground on Abakiliki road will end on Dec. 10

20 mini-skirt ladies slaughtered in Maiduguri

Barely 24 hours after over ten people were slaughtered in Maiduguri, twenty ladies in mini skirts and trousers were yesterday slaughtered in their separate homes in the metropolis by yet to be identified terrorists.

This ugly development is one of its kind, as many believed that most of the daily killings in Borno are only targeted at men and security agencies.

The slaughtering of about twenty different ladies ,our correspondent gathered, took place in the early hours of yesterday precisely at about 1 to 2am when most of residents were still asleep in their houses due to the 6am to 9pm curfew imposed on the state in the past five months.

A source told our correspondent that the most hit areas were Mary wards, few meters away from the University of Maiduguri, one of the places accommodating students of the institution living off-Campus due to accommodation shortage.

Also affected according to investigation, were ladies living close to the black spots areas of Gwange, London Chiki, Abbagaram, Kaleri areas where series of killings and bomb blasts had occurred in the past, killing JTF officers.

When contacted on phone, both the JTF spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa and the Police Commissioner, Mr. Yuguda Abdullahi said that they are not in Maiduguri, the state capital to confirm the incident.

But a top JTF Commander said, he had directed his men to the affected areas yesterday morning to evacuate the remains of over twenty girls slaughtered within the Maiduguri metropolis.

Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force, Operation 'Restore Order', Maiduguri, have declared the suspected terrorists wanted and placed a reward on each of them. They are wanted in connection with terrorist activities particularly in the region that led to the killings, bombings and assassinations of some civilians, religious leaders, traditional rulers, businessmen, politicians, civil servants and security personnel amongst others. They are also wanted for arson and destruction of properties worth several millions of Naira.

A statement listed 19 alleged senior members of the extremist group blamed for hundreds of deaths in connection with its insurgency in northern and central Nigeria as suspects.

The rewards ranged from N50million for the suspected leader of the group, Abubakar Shekau, to N10 million for various Boko Haram "commanders".

Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, who issued the statement on behalf of the Military Task Force operating in the region did not respond to phone calls.

Violence linked to Boko Haram's insurgency is believed to have left over 3,000 people dead since 2009, including killings of security forces.

20 mini-skirt ladies slaughtered in Maiduguri

Man, 27, bags 6-month jail term for stealing N1,200

An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced 27-year-old Lekan Azeez of Gishiri village, Abuja, to six months imprisonment for stealing N1,200 from one Alhaji Bala.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Ann Akobi, however, gave the convict an option of N2, 000 as fine.
Akobi said that the offence, commonly known as ``pick pocket’’ was becoming a common practice in the FCT and the best way to curb it was punishment.
She said that the sentence would serve as deterrent to other offenders of like minds.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Monday Akor had told the court that the case was reported at the Maitama Police Station by one Inspector Ayuba attached to the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Akor said that Azeez stole N1, 200 from Alhaji Bala of No. Katsina-Ala Street, Maitama, Abuja, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He said that the money was recovered from Azeez during investigation, an offence which contravened the provisions of Section 287 of the Penal Code.
Azeez pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for mercy.
He said: ``I was hungry. I did not know what came over me on that day that made me to steal. I have never stole before and pray the court to forgive me.’’
Magistrate Akobi said that the accused had not been able to give tangible reasons to the court on why he should not be punished for the offence.
She also ordered that the money recovered be returned to Bala.

My husband always beats me, strips me naked, wife sues for divorce

A housewife, Abibat Omotosho, of Panada area, Ilorin, on today told an Ilorin Area Court to dissolve her three-year-old marriage to Suleiman Sa'idu for alleged battering.
The 29-year-old woman told the court that her husband was fond of beating her and stripping her naked.
``There was a time my husband beat me to the extent that I was hospitalised for a week,” she said.
She prayed the court to dissolve her marriage to her husband as there was no issue in their union which could have delayed the divorce process.
In his response, the husband accused his wife of infidelity, adding that she was having extra-marital affairs.
He said this was one of the reasons why he always beat his wife as he could not tolerate her going out with another man.
``My Lord, yes, I always beat her, but she was the one who caused it. She is having extra-marital affairs.”
He, therefore, appealed to the court to help him salvage his marriage, adding: “I still love her and I don’t want to lose her.”
In her response, the wife told the court that the only condition that would make her go back to her embattled husband’s house was if he signed an undertaking that he would not beat her again.
The Presiding Judge, Mr Yusuf Abdulkareem, adjourned the case to Dec. 24 for the two parties to reconcile and report back to the court.

Army uncovers bomb factory in Mubi

You remember Mubi where not less than 46 students of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa were massacred early last month, yet a bomb factory has been uncovered in the volatile town by the Joint Military Operation overseeing security of the area.
The latest discovery brings to three such feet by the security operatives.
Conducting newsmen round the premises of the building housing the bomb manufacturing equipment in Mubi today, the Brigade Commander, 23 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army Yola, Brigadier General John Nwaoga disclosed that the discovery followed the arrest of one
Mohammed Ibrahim at a road block in the area.
He stated the Ibrahim Mohammed was nabbed at a checkpoint with over N3 million and $200 and a pistol stuffed in his Honda car with registration no. CF 26 SMK.
According to the Brigade Commander, the arrest of the suspect and upon subsequent interrogation led the security operatives to the house along Mubi - Maiha road in the outskirt of the town.
Items discovered in the building include bags of fertilizers, gas cylinders, thousands of ready-made cans of Explosive Devices, remote controls of different makes, car batteries and wires of various types.
Also uncovered in the building located in a rice farm include police uniforms, locally made grenades, charms among other things.

FACING THE KAABA: Celebrating New Hijri 1434 AH, Ashurah day

One unique thing about Islamic calendar is that it did not commence with something less significant. With divine guidance, it started with the sacrifice of the early Muslims and the triumph of truth over evil. That is Hijrah.

In ordinary terms, Hijrah was a journey between Makkah and Madinah, about 300 miles apart; a migration that changed the situation of the early Muslims for better. It marked the beginning of an era, a civilization, a culture and a turning point for Muslims in history. Some would argue that there is no special religious ceremony to mark the New Year. Yes! but it is one of the appreciated developments which will continue to be new every twelve lunar months especially when the need for a shift for Islamic calendar becomes necessary for the Muslim Umah. Hijrah as a principle that is integral to Islam, should not be relegated to a mere date; its celebration should be loud and be seen to impact positively in the lives of Muslims. Essentially, the celebration should remind us about the meaning and significance and make us to be focused on the need for absolute compliance.

The meaning of the word Hijrah is often translated as “exile, exodus, flight or migration”. It is also used to mean leaving a wrong condition and moving to a better condition, even though it may involve some difficulty. In this context, Allah says: “And Lot believed him. [Abraham] said, “Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Al-Ankabut 29: 26) In some other places, like in Baqara, Anfal and At-Taobah, the word is used together with Iman and Jihad. “Those who believe, and migrate, and struggle in the cause of Allah, as well as those who give (them) asylum and aid, these are (all) truly the Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.”(Al-Anfal 8 : 74) This shows the importance of the word has in the activities of Muslims.

Its denotative meaning however, is much more dynamic and active in the lives of Muslims. It means “to leave, to move, to shun and to quit”. It is used for cases like dumping an idea or habit and turning a new leaf. It means a total and radical departure to a new way whether as an individual or as a group.

We should use this occasion to remind ourselves not only about the movement of early Muslims from Makkah to Madinah but to do what is required from all of us now and at all times. Let the leaders and politicians including those who lead in offices at all levels do hijrah from the part of corruption to righteousness, let the followers move away from sin to virtues, let us all shun all acts of division and strife to harmony and unity; and let us dump what can incur the wrath of Allah to what will earn us His acceptance and pleasure.

Ashurah

The Hijri calendar is not just a sentimental system of time reckoning and dating important religious events. The beginning of Hijrah and the 10th of Muharram have much deeper religious and historical significance. Some of the historical events that took place in Muharram particularly on the tenth of the month which is called the Day of Ashurah suggest that there is more to it than a mere date.

On that day, Allah chose Adam (as) to be father to human beings on that day after forgiving him. He raised Prophet Idris (as) to heaven on that day; rescued Prophet Nuh (as) with his people in his ark on mount Judi. Jacob’s reuniting with his son, Joseph also occurred on that day. He saved Prophet Ibrahim from the burning fire (as) on that day; forgave Prophet Dawud (as) on that day. It was also on the tenth of Muharram that Allah (SWT) returned Prophet Sulayman’s (a.s) kingdom to him. It is also on record that Allah (SWT) relieved Prophet Ayyub (a.s) of his afflictions on that day. Allah raised Prophet Isa (Jesus a.s) to heaven on that day. Allah made Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) to marry Khadijah (r.a) and of course the much talked about Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah occurred on that day.

Besides, scholars have continued to point out that Allah would have created the heavens and earth on Ashurah; and created the Pen (al-Qalam) on that day which scholars say it was on a Friday.

Apart from the pomp and glory of celebrating either the new Hijri year or the Ashurah day, it is a time for reflection, a time for sacrifice and a time and opportunity to change from bad deeds and move to acts that will earn the pleasure of Allah.

Happy new year!

CJN bows, agrees to swear-in Jombo-Ofor

The National Judicial Council, NJC, after an emergency meeting in Abuja yesterday, persuaded the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Muhktar, to rescind her decision and swear-in Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofor to the Appeal Court Bench.
The council, which has  former CJNs and ex-Presidents of the Court of Appeal and Nigerian Bar Association as members, regretted that the issue “has generated so much controversy in Nigeria, especially in the print and electronic media.”
The CJN had on November 5, declined to swear-in Justice Jombo-Ofor alongside 11 other newly appointed Justices of the Appeal Court, following a petition challenging the state of origin declared by the judge, who was nominated under a slot reserved for Abia State.
Investigations had revealed that the CJN decided to step-down her swearing-in following agitation from some quarters that going by the prevailing judicial policy in the country; she was not qualified to represent Abia State on the appellate court bench.
The petitioners had contended that though Justice Jombo-Ofor is currently serving under the Abia State judiciary, she lacked the requisite locus to take a slot meant for the state since she was originally from Anambra State, notwithstanding the fact that she is married to a man from Abia State.
The embattled judge, who was asked to vacate the row reserved for the new justices shortly before the swearing-in ceremony was conducted, was said to have transferred her service from Anambra to Abia State after her marriage, and has served in the Abia State judiciary for over 14 years.
She is currently the Chief Judge of the State.

CJN not happy with Senate

Meanwhile, a source who attended the meeting, yesterday, told Vanguard that the CJN, while conceding to administer oath of office on Justice Jombo-Ofor, however expressed her displeasure over the way the Senate dabbled into the matter and issued a resolution without deeming it fit to hear her own side of the story.
It would be recalled that the Senate had after its deliberations on November 7, ordered the CJN swear-in Justice Jombo-Ofor without further delay.
While debating on a motion moved by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and 107 others, the President of the upper legislative chamber, David Mark, described the decision of the CJN as unfortunate and endangering the sanctity of marriage.
Disclosing the decision of the CJN swear-in Justice Jumbo-Ofor, yesterday, the NJC, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye, maintained that “the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had, without any consultation with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, proceeded to pass a Resolution on  November 7, 2012, to the following effect:-
“(a) That the Senate urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to swear-in Honourable Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo as a Justice of the Court of Appeal; and
“(b) That the Senate urged all Government Employing Agencies to note in terms of employing a married woman, shall lay claims to her State of origin and that of her husband in relation to the Federal Character Regulations.
“That the binding principles and formulae for the Distribution of all Cadres of Posts (S.I.23 of 1997) provide in Part II, Section 2 as follows:-
“A married woman shall continue to lay claim to her State of origin for the purpose of implementation of the Federal Character formulae at the National level.
“That the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council had by letter dated November 5, 2012, duly written to Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to inform His Excellency of the matter of Honourable Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofor and the fact that she was not sworn-in on November 5, 2012, would be tabled before the National Judicial Council.
“That the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Council, being Federal Executive Bodies established in pursuance of Section 153(1(i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are bound and obliged to observe and obey the provisions of the Constitutional Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Federal Character Commission Act.
“That the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is also bound and obliged to observe and obey the stipulations of the Constitution and Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Federal Character Commission Act; without prejudice to the undisputed power of the National Assembly to amend and\or repeal the said Act.
“That the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council must be commended for exercising sufficient caution, diligence and maturity in the matter, especially in the light of the documents, materials and other information available to her, and for taking the decision to put on hold the swearing-in of Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofor as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, to await a Meeting of the National Judicial Council to review the matter in all its ramifications.
“And after full and dispassionate deliberations on the matter, council unanimously decided that Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofor be sworn-in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.”

NJC silent on Salami

Meantime, the council, yesterday, was silent on the prolonged suspension of the embattled President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami, who has reportedly been mandated to withdraw all the suits he filed in court with a view to regaining his position for a period of three-months after which he will proceed on compulsory retirement with full benefits.

Why EFCC can't convict big thieves - Lamorde

CHAIRMAN, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, Thursday , told the Senate that the commission finds it difficult to convict those it termed high profile thieves who have looted the nation’s wealth because they have huge sums of money and resources to delay court processes. Speaking when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes to defend the 2013 budget, Lamorde, who expressed dismay with the development, said  it was against this backdrop that the commission established a strong assets forfeiture unit that would seize their property leaving those arrested with no money to spend.
Lamorde said: “Unfortunately, these are people who have the resources to drag these cases indefinitely and perpetually. That is why we have established a very strong assets forfeiture unit.
“The first thing we do now is that we try to recover and confiscate the assets of individuals that we are investigating because it is only when you deprive them of their resources that you will be able to force them to stand trial. Once they have access to their resources and assets, they will use it to continue to delay and drag some of these trials.”

Senate queries N500m spent on cases

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Victor Lar, Plateau South having x-rayed the 2013 budget and what has been spent this year, however queried why the EFCC had to spend N500 million to prosecute cases, just as Lamorde was asked to go and return today with receipts of how the money was spent.
Speaking further, the EFCC boss who noted that the commission recorded no less than 200 convictions this year alone, however, admitted that most of the convicts were advance fee fraudsters, adding: “The truth is no case has been concluded. I don’t think it is correct to say that whether the charges framed are not properly done or the prosecution is not putting the case properly. Of course the fact on ground is that no case has been concluded.”
In fact it will be working with us to say you have concluded the case, the man is discharged and acquitted but the man is discharged or whatever it is but what we have is that the trial is on-going.
“We have example of a case we charged to court in 2006; for this very case, we have gone to the Supreme Court twice on just interlocutory applications. They will file this, the judge will overrule them, they will go to Court of Appeal and lose there, but they will still go to the Supreme Court. At Supreme Court when they lose, they will be asked to go to the trial judge for the case to continue.
“They will come with another application and certainly for lawyers among us we know how long it takes for a trial to go to Court of Appeal and get listed, then go to the Supreme Court get it listed and decided upon. This is the fate of most of the cases we have in court.
“This year alone we recorded over two hundred convictions in various courts across the country but they are mostly advance fee fraud, we have the yahoo yahoo, we have the commercial cases, we have the executives of financial institutions that are involved in currency trafficking. The cases that most people are interested in its conclusion are those before the Supreme Court.
“It is important to note that for 2013, we requested for N6,514,525,127 for personnel cost and only N5,804,294,192 was appropriated by the Budget office of the federation leaving a short fall of N710,230,935 due to this short fall, the commission would not be able to meet its personnel cost fully in 2013.”
According to him, 85 percent of the commission’s allocation had been released by the Ministry of Finance, just as he stressed that only 1.5billion representing 15 percent of the appropriation was still outstanding and may be released before the end of the year. Only 57 percent of capital projects was realized in the year 2012, personnel cost 97.68 percent, 92.02 percent overhead cost.”
In a related development, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy,  Senator Chris Anyanwu yesterday said that crude oil theft in the Niger Delta was a hemorrhage on the nation’s economy.
Speaking yesterday when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba led Naval top brass to defend the 2013 budget, Senator Anyanwu said, “On the issue of oil theft,Nigeriahas never had it this bad. It’s unprecedented. There’s a hemorrhage on the country’s projected revenue and I believe the Navy can do very well if they are supported.”

Council Watch Online: Woman, 28, narrates how a woman bite off her breas...

Council Watch Online: Woman, 28, narrates how a woman bites off her breas...: A 28year-old woman, Hawa Musa, of Kurudu village, on Thursday told a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, how the nipple of her breast w...

Ondo election tribunal begins hearing

The Ondo State 3- man election petition tribunal panel has begun sitting to hear and deliver judgment on the petitions filed by the governorship candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Congress for Progressive Change CPC, Accord Party (AC) and Peoples Democratic Change (PDC) to change the outcome of the elections. The three judges are Justice A. Kaka’n, Justice H.S Mohammad and Justice Kadi M.M Alkali.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kaka’n warned politicians to bury the thoughts of using any machinery to influence them.
According to him, the tribunal judges have sworn to an oath of allegiance of discharging their duties without fear or favour to any party or parties involved.
The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC declared Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party as the winner of the gubernatorial elections of October 20^th.

Pres. Jonathan advocates for greater interaction amongst D8 nations

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on member countries at the D-8 Summit to encourage exchange of visits among Heads of Government in order to maintain closer cooperation to make the D-8 the engine of growth and prosperity in various countries. The President who stated this at the ongoing D-8 Summit in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday said he believed “working together to promote shared vision and common objectives could build the D-8 into a model of successful south-south cooperation.”
“When I took over the leadership of our Organization I had the intention of visiting all our Member Countries. However, because of the demands of governance, I was only able to visit Turkey. It is still my fervent desire to pay a visit to other member countries of our Organization in that spirit. Let me seize this opportunity to appeal to Your Excellencies, especially our incoming Chairman, to try and encourage exchange of visits among Heads of State and Government. This, I believe, will bring our countries, peoples and their Governments closer, because such visits will open other vistas of cooperation among the D-8 countries” he said.
President Jonathan who handed over as the Chair of the D-8 to President of the Islamic Republic Pakistan, H.E. Asif Zardari, noted the achievements of the D-8
in the last two years.
“Some of our notable achievements in the past two years include the entry into force of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement in August 2011; the Multi-lateral Agreement among D-8 Countries on Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, which came into force in October 2011. The Agreement of Simplification of Visa Procedures for Businessmen of the D-8 Member States, which had been ratified much earlier, completes the three main Agreements pivotal to trade promotion and cooperation among D-8 countries.”
“The ratification of these Agreements by almost all Member States attests to the faith we all have in the D-8 as a viable platform for fostering economic and trade relations among our various countries. Fully implemented, these agreements have the potential of boosting D-8 intra-trade volume to much higher levels” he said.
He highlighted that “the Abuja Declaration of 2010 directed the Commission to finalize work on the draft D-8 Charter, the Statutory Documents and the Global Vision. The conclusion of work on these core documents remains one of the major accomplishments of our Organization in the last two years.”
The President mentioned that the driving force propelling the member countries’ programmes and activities is an empowered private sector. “I believe this is the right road to take, because it reflects our shared vision to limit the role of governments in the day-to-day activities of the D-8 to merely that of catalysts and enablers of economic and trade cooperation among our various countries.”
He commended the D-8 Member countries for their strong support and strong commitment during his tenure as Chair. “I also must acknowledge the commendable work done by the outgoing Secretary-General of our Organisation, Dr. Widi Agoes Pratikto, whose tenure coincided with Nigeria’s stewardship of the D-8. Dr Pratikto worked closely with Nigeria during the past two years, and always displayed great passion and professionalism in his work. I wish him well and success in his future endeavors” he also noted.
President Jonathan pledged Nigeria’s support to President Zardari, and assured that the country will remain an active collaborator with other D-8 family members.

CEO Bi-Courtney, Babalakin charged for money laundering

The Chief Executive Officer of Bi-Courtney Ltd, Wale Babalakin, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering. The EFCC filed a 27 count charge against Babalakin at a Lagos High Court including his involvement in facilitating the siphoning of about N2 billion belonging to Delta State on behalf of former Governor James Ibori.
This is coming just two days after the Federal Government terminated the concessionary agreement between Bi- Courtney and federal government on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
Although the charges were filed, no date had been fixed for the commencement of Babalakin’s trial

Why I can contest 2015 election – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has told an Abuja Federal High Court that he is eligible to contest the presidential election in 2015, even if it would mean staying in office for a total of more than eight years from the date he was initially inaugurated as President on May 6, 2010, following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua. The President made the statement through his lawyer, Mr. Ade Okeaya-Inneh, SAN, in response to a suit in which a Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Mr. Henry Amadi, asked the court to declare that Jonathan no longer qualified to run for office in 2015.
Amadi had argued that in doing so, Jonathan would be spending more than the constitutionally stipulated maximum period of eight years in office.
The plaintiff said he was a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The suit is similar to another one filed by another self-declared member of the PDP, Chief Cyriacus Njoku, before an Abuja High Court.
Njoku’s suit, which asked the court to stop Jonathan  from running for office in 2015 on the grounds that he was currently serving his second term in office, having taken the oath of office as President twice already, has been adjourned for judgment.
In the new suit, which came up before an Abuja FHC presided by Justice Adamu Bello, on Wednesday, Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission were listed as the defendants.
The court was also asked to stop Jonathan from once again running for office when his current term expires in 2015.
However, in his counter affidavit to the plaintiff’s originating summons, Jonathan averred that he took the first oath of office on May 6, 2010, following Yar’Adua’s death.

Jonathan

Jonathan asked the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the plaintiff had no locus standi to ask the court to stop him from running for office in 2015.
He described the plaintiff’s claims as “hypothetical and academic”, noting that he failed to disclose reasonable cause of action.
The matter was adjourned to January 23, 2013.
Okeaya-Inneh said, “The question that arises for determination is whether, having regard to the facts of this case, he (Jonathan) is in his first or second term.
“In other words, given that the Constitution prescribes a maximum of two terms of four years each totaling a maximum of eight years as President, is he eligible to run for re-election in 2015?
“In resolving this issue, the court is invited to make a determination whether the period of May 6, 2010 to May 28, 2011 wherein Jonathan occupied the office of the President, can in law be regarded as one term of office and relevance of the oath of office Jonathan took on May 6, 2010 in computing the tenure of office of Jonathan in line with sections 135 (1) and (2), 137 (1)(b), 140 (1) and (2) and 146(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

Explosive Talents as Nigeria’s Got Talent Semi-Final Rounds Continue

It was a display of exciting, entertaining and thrilling talents as the continent’s most entertaining talent hunt show; Nigeria’s Got Talent continued in its semi-final rounds.

Kate Henshaw

Opening the show was sensational ballet and contemporary Nigerian dancer, 8-year-old Amarachi Uganne from Benin. Her routine earned her a standing ovation and high praise from the judges. “I wish I were your father Amarachi, I would have been a very proud father today,” said one of the judges, Yibo Koko. Also Kate Henshaw couldn’t hold back her delight as she described Amarachi as someone with a young but daring talent.

Next was singer and pianist, Jude James took on 2face Idibia’s hit song, ‘African Queen.’ He was commended for his originality, but the judges thought they would see a better performance from him.
Adding humour to the night was MC Pincode from Warri, who was able to crack up the audience with his jokes. Again, the judges expected more from him.

Next was Michael Onyinye, from Ibadan, used a comb and paper to produce rhythmic sounds, though Dan Foster thought that the sound were a bit offensive to the ear, the audience loved him. Singer Matilda Oni-Edim from Calabar, gave a sweet rendition of Omawunmi’s song, ‘If you ask me.’

Then there was dance! Crystal Code, a dance group from Lagos performed next. Their performance was described as entertaining, brilliant and full of confidence by Kate Henshaw. Following was Ekeng Bassey, a singer from Lagos who gave a solemn rendition of Josh Groban’s song, ‘You are loved’ which got the judges and audience  fascinated by the texture and dexterity of his voice.  Idowu Adekaka, a magician from Lagos, displayed some magical acts that left the judges and audience entertained and rather confused.

The show was wrapped up with performances from Nathaniel Oliva, who produced music instrumental using his mouth as the only instrument Code Red, a dance group from Benin, who impressed the judges with their dance moves.

From dance to singing, to magic, Nigeria’s Got Talent has shown each weekend that there is always something to look forward to. The semi-finals continue next week and viewers still have the power to save their favorite talent. Nigeria’s Got Talent is aired on Sunday on AIT (10:30 PM), STV (8:00 PM), NTA (4:00 PM), TVC (9:00PM) and Soundcity (6:30 PM). Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the show on HITV UK Sky 193 (8:00 PM).

The result shows are aired on Saturdays on the following stations; AIT (1:00PM), STV(7:30PM), NTA(5:30PM), TVC(9:30PM) and Soundcity (7:30PM). Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the show on HIT UK Sky 193 (8:30PM).

Hosted by Andre Blaze, the judges for the season are radio host Dan Foster, actor Kate Henshaw and entertainment entrepreneur, Yibo Koko. The Airtel-sponsored first season of Nigeria's Got Talent began to air on 16 September and will run until December 2012.

The Got Talent franchise worldwide, which is in its sixth year, has produced many notable performers in the last couple of years including Diversity, Bianca Ryan and Britain’s Got Talent’s 2009 1st runner up Susan Boyle, whose debut album became the fastest selling UK debut album of all time, selling over 3 million copies in the U.S. alone. It is the only talent competition show that is open to any age and any talent with auditions taking the show to numerous cities in search of incredible and exceptional talent.

Nigeria’s Got Talent is sponsored by Airtel and supported by Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info 99.3 FM, and Tastee Fried Chicken.

5 men charged with stealing bags of rice worth N50m

Five men, who allegedly stole N50 million worth of bags of rice, property of their employer, were on Thursday charged before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The five men -- Azeez Akinlade, Mutiu Olajide, Suleiman Inaboya, Shefiu Lawal and Richard Akpan --- are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Effiong Asuquo, told the court that the five accused persons and others, who are still at large, allegedly committed the crime between 2011 and Oct. 2012.
“They are employees of Lakeem Nigeria Ltd., Lagos,  a rice-importing company owned by Mr Lawal Akeem.
``They were able to steal bags of rice from sometime in 2011 until they were caught in October 2012,” he said.
Asuquo explained that it was an internal audit initiated by the management of the company that exposed the activities of the accused and their accomplices.
He said the offences contravened sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Adedayo, granted each accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case to Dec. 19.
Also, a 64-year-old man, Alhaji Muhammed Adeniji, who allegedly defrauded his victim of N3 million, on Thursday appeared before Adedayo.
The prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Okoye, told the court that Adeniji and others still at large committed the offence on May 25 at No. 64, Nnamdi Azikiwe St., Lagos, Island
“Ibikunle Olusegun, a staff of Gazolak Nig. Ltd, Lagos, gave the sum of N3 million to Adeniji and his accomplices, who are estate developers, to renovate a property at No. 56 Dosumu St., Lagos Isla
 ``But they never did any work and refused to refund the money to him,” he said.
Okoye said the offences contravened sections 409 and 312 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2011.
Adeniji, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
 The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum and also adjourned the case to Dec. 19.

Woman, 28, narrates how a woman bites off her breast nipple

A 28year-old woman, Hawa Musa, of Kurudu village, on Thursday told a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, how the nipple of her breast was bitten off by a woman
Musa in her evidence-in-chief said ``I came out of our room that morning to throw away the water I used to wash my face.
``Mistakenly, I threw the water away in front of my neighbour, Anastasia Uche’s, house who came out and started raining insults on me.

``I told her I was sorry and even swept the area where I poured the water. She then attacked me and tore off my cloths, including my bra.
``As I was trying to run for cover, she grabbed me and bit my nipple.
``I was immediately rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that my nipple was missing,’’ she said, adding that after a thorough search, the nipple was not be found.
A medical doctor at a hospital in Gwagwalada said that the affected part required disinfecting as it was already bringing out pus, therefore, surgery could not be carried out till January.
The Counsel to the accused, Mr Michael Ejeh, was not in court and no reason was given for his absence.
Earlier, Prosecutor Pascal Njoku, told the court that the offence contravened Section 241 of the Penal Code
During the first hearing, the accused had pleaded not guilty.
Njoku adjourned the case to Dec. 10, for the defence to open its case.

Court grants N2m bail to man accused of fraud

An Enugu High Court presided over by Justice Catherine Nwobodo on Thursday granted bail in the sum of N2 million to a 37-year-old man accused of fraud.
Nwobodo granted the bail on the ground that the state did not object to his bail application filed since Feb. 23.
Sunday Agbowo was accused of defrauding a company, Nnolum and Sons Ltd, between August 2009 and January 2011.
He was said to have promised to supply 296,100 litres of premium motor spirit (petrol) valued at N5.04 million but failed to deliver.
He was also accused of defrauding the company of another N6.2 million for the same purpose within the same period.
The court said Agbowo should produce two sureties recommended by his counsel and who had evidence of tax paid for the past three years and should be resident within its jurisdiction.

Second Niger bridge for 2013, says Onolomemen

The Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen in Abuja on Thursday, said the ground breaking ceremony for the second Niger bridge would  take place in the third quarter of 2013.  
Onolememen said this during budget defence with the House of Representatives committee on works.
He said the ministry was pursuing all the processes judiciously as it was committed to accomplishing the project. 
According to him, the project will be executed under the Private-Public-Partnership (PPP), where the Federal Government will contribute 30 per cent and the concessionaires 70 per cent.  
" There are about two to three milestones on the second Niger bridge and the project is on PPP basis.
"Government will contribute 30 per cent  while the concessionaires will bring 70 per cent, " he said. 
Onolememen said a total of N183 billion had been proposed for the ministry.
He said the budget was aimed at completing all ongoing projects. 
He said that out of the N199 billion appropriated to the  ministry  in 2012, N73 billion representing, 51 per cent had so far been released. 
Onolomemen added that N540 million was also released for overhead between Jan and oct. 
Earlier, Rep. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi (PDP-Enugu), the chairman of the committee, promised that the budget would be critically looked into by the committee and appropriate recommendations would be made to the House.
He said the committee was not pleased with the state of roads in the country and advised the minister to step up efforts in monitoring of projects.

Gov. Ajimobi says new markets will be ready in 3 months

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Wednesday said that the first set of new markets being constructed by his administration in Ibadan would be ready in the next three months.
Ajimobi, who announced this while receiving the Chairman of Wemabod Estates Limited, Dr Ismail Adewusi and other board members on a courtesy visit, said the second phase would begin immediately after the first one.
You will recalled that the government had embarked on the construction of new markets in some areas in Ibadan to relocate traders who were affected by the recent demolition of illegal structures.
The markets will be located at both sides of the old toll gate at the Ibadan end of Lagos-Ibadan Express Road, Temidire Market, New Ife Road, Scout Camp, Challenge, Samonda, adjacent to Oyo State Trade Fair Complex and others.
The governor said that sites had also been found in other towns like Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin and Saki for the construction of markets to ease the traders' hardships.
He expressed commitment to massive infrastructure development and urged Wemabod Estates to cooperate with government through a public private partnership arrangement in the construction of the market.
Ajimobi said that government was ready to partner with Wemabod Estates, owned by the O’dua conglomerate, in the planned construction of new motor parks and development of a new reserved area at Idi-Ishin, Ibadan.
``Now that we have succeeded in achieving peaceful, safe and secured environment, the next on our agenda is massive infrastructure development and we are committed to achieving this within the shortest possible time,’’ the governor said.
Responding, Dr Adewusi said that the company had shifted from its old pedestrian commitment to property development and facility management.
He commended the governor for his achievements in the areas of education, health, social infrastructure, peace and harmony in the state.

Sokoto recruits 1000 staff for LG service

Sokoto state government has recruited 1000 natives the local governments service, chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, LGSC, Alhaji Bello Adamu has disclosed.
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Sokoto recently, the Chairman stated that the gesture by Governor Wamakko was aimed at "consolidating, strengthening and streamlining the local governments administration in the state as well as to further enhance service delivery at the grass roots."
The recruited staff are from junior and senior cadre have been posted to the 23 local governments of the state.
Adamu reiterated the Commission's "resolve and commitment to make local governments more vibrant, viable, productive and effective."
"We will continue to give top priority to rigorous and sustained training and retraining within and outside Nigeria."
While commending Governor Wamakko for his sustained moral and financial support to ensure the success of the activities of the commission, Adamu called on all the staff of the 23 local governments in the state to continue to be punctual and dedicated to their duties to reciprocate the gesture of the state government.

Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA election: ACN appeals judgment

The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has appealed against the judgement of the Lagos State Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal which declared Mr. Babajide Obanikoro of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Chairman of Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area.
The ACN and its candidate, Mr. Adewale Adeniji, filed the appeal yesterday before the Lagos State Local Government Election Petitions Appeal Tribunal.
We gathered that Babajide is the son of Ambassador Musiliu Obanikoro, a chieftain of the PDP and a former gubernatorial candidate in the state.
The lower tribunal sitting in Ikeja, had on Oct 4 declared Babajide the winner of the election conducted on Oct. 22, 2011.
The five-member tribunal presided over by retired Justice Dolapo Akinsanya held that Babajide scored the highest number of valid votes in the election.
It said that the evidence before the tribunal showed that he scored 3,770 valid votes, while Adeniji scored 3,248 votes.
The tribunal, therefore, ordered the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, to issue a Certificate of Return to the PDP candidate.
However, in the appeal, the ACN stated that the tribunal erred on four grounds of law. The appeal was filed on the ACN’s behalf by its counsel,  Mr. Olayinka Okedara.
It said: “The lower tribunal erred in law when it held that the ward collation results tendered by the respondents cannot be ascribed any value, and that there is no credible evidence before the tribunal to relate them to.

Council Watch Online: How 13-yr-old girl miraculously escaped from ritua...

Council Watch Online: How 13-yr-old girl miraculously escaped from ritua...: When Emmanuela, 13, a JSS student of Shadoff Secondary school, Igbogbo, set out on that fateful day for her usual Thursdays fellowship and ...

How 13-yr-old girl miraculously escaped from ritualists 10 others used for rituals ...entered a bus, slept off and landed in a shrine

When Emmanuela, 13, a JSS student of Shadoff Secondary school, Igbogbo, set out on that fateful day for her usual Thursdays fellowship and faith clinic service at the church, little did she know that it was going to be the most horrifying experience of her life as a teenager. But by divine intervention, Emmanuela returned to tell the grueling story of her kidnapp and how she was slated for rituals before God set her free. But other ten passengers could not live to tell their stories.

Emmanuela

According to her, “I entered the bus  from Igbogbo around 7pm. I was going to my church for our Thursday vigil.  When I entered the bus, I noticed that all the passengers in the bus were sleeping. They were about ten. I felt something was wrong and I quickly told  the driver to stop for me that I  had forgotten my transport fare at home.  The conductor then said that I should not worry that he would not collect money from me.  I insisted I would get down, shouting that I was going to church and I would not be able to come back home even if he did not collect money from me.  But he refused. As we were arguing on that, the conductor immediately brought out a handkerchief and waved it on my face and that was the last thing I remembered.
“I then saw myself at a shrine with other victims. The  following day at the shrine, they began to kill others with knife and machete one after the other. Although we were blindfolded, yet, I was able to see a bit of what was going on.   They decided Sunday would be my turn when they would conclude their  rituals.”  
“We were there without food or water, and when it got to my turn on Sunday, I was taken to the shrine again along with  the remaining two. But I heard one of them saying ‘no, they should return me back to where they picked me. We were three left  out of about eleven people.”
But instead of returning me back to where they picked me , they kept me somewhere.  The following day which was Monday, they took the three of us back to the  shrine.  The other two were killed that day, leaving only me. One of them again told the  men that they should look for another person to replace me and that they should return me immediately.  But they refused saying that they cannot return me and that they should manage and use me like that. After the argument, I was laid at the shrine, at that point, with the little consciousness I had, I was praying, I was weak and could not even move  my body.  I realised that the killer could not bring his knife on me. The next thing I heard was that ‘take this girl away’. 
Again, that was what I saw until I found myself at the Ita Elewa, Ikorodu late at night.”
Emmanuela said: “It was dark, I didn’t know how I got there; I just suddenly discovered I was out of  their hands, but I was very weak. There, I saw a man in a suit walking on the street. I approached him and asked him where I was? He told me Ita-Elewa; I begged him to take me to my church because it was very close to the area they dropped me.  He obliged me.  When I entered the church, I fell and lay by the gate.
"As a member of the drama group, we usually hold drama rehearsals every Tuesdays. So, it was co-incidental that the members of the group  were  there at that time. 
"Somebody who was sent by our leader to check the gate saw me and took me inside, prayed for me and gave me food to eat.
"Throughout my stay there, I was never hungry, until I came out."
Asked to describe the area where the ritual took place, Emmanuela said what she saw were materials and accessories used by ritualists, such as charms, knives, machetes among others.  
She explained that it was an isolated area, adding “there is no living house in the area. I really don’t know the place, but what I saw there were things used by ritualists. I can’t really say whether it was in Ikododu or its outskirts and I can’t determine the time we spent on the road because I didn’t even know how I got there.”

Grandma  rejoices
"It was on a Thursday and we use to have our Faith Clinic in the Church. The Drama group which she belongs, had a vigil and she was going to attend that vigil when she left home. Usually, she comes  home  after the vigil the following morning around 6:30am.  But that Friday, I was expecting her to come but she did not come.  I initially thought she slept off in the church. Three hours later, I called the leader, and to my amazement, he said she didn’t come to church.  I rushed down to the church to tell them when and how she left home the previous day.   The following day, I reported the matter at  Ikorodu police station. I also reported to our Pastor and other Churches in the area for prayers. Throughout this period, I was devastated. I knew something was wrong because I knew she couldn’t stay outside for days without seeing me. I have always trusted her.  She has grown to know me very well, she has been with me since she was born.  I know what she is capable of doing.  She finds it difficult to stay outside our home even when I traveled out of town. So, I knew something terrible was about to happen to her. I told people she must have been kidnapped or held somewhere. So, I engaged pastors to help me in prayers. But the revelation from all angles was that she was alive and will return.
My son went to Ajegunle to see a man-of-God and we were assured she would come back.  He was even told to mention the day we want her to return. My brother said tomorrow being Tuesday, and the man-of-God said she will come back either Monday or Tuesday.  I vacated my house at Igbogbo to my sister’s house at Sabo to keep in touch with people who assist me in prayers.
At about 11pm, my phone rang and I was told she was brought to the church late Tuesday around 11pm.  I could not go immediately because it was late as there was no vehicle on the road, but then, I couldn’t sleep.
You know in this kind of situation, people will say a lot of funny and unpalatable things, some said she went after a boyfriend and other things.  She was so weak and atrophied when she returned. I couldn't imagine a girl will stay with a boy for days and look so dirty, weak and emaciated. So, I decided to take her to a hospital for a test.  She was tested, and I can tell you that she was not touched, she remains intact.” said Emmauela’s grandma.
The other unknown ten passengers could not live to tell their story, their identities are not known just as their families most probably would still be searching every nook and cranny for their whereabouts.