The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Court adjourns Kaduna ex-Speaker’s suit to October 28

    The Waff Road High Court in Kaduna, on Wednesday adjourned to October 28, the case instituted by the former speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muazu Gangara, challenging his removal.

    The Judge, Justice Dogara Malam, adjourned the case to enable all the defendants in the case to be properly served.

    Gangara, who was removed by some members of the assembly on September 26, is asking the court to declare the action as illegal and of no effect.

    The court took the decision after the counsel representing the defendants, Mr. Yunus Usman, said his clients were only served on October 14 and would require 21 days within which to respond as provided by law.

    He also said the defendants would challenge the jurisdiction of the court, when the case fully commences, arguing that the appellant erred in instituting the case on an issue that happened on the floor of the assembly.

    The counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Samuel Atung, did not object to the request to allow the defendants time to respond to the charges.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the judge ordered that the original summon be served on the 19 defendants, and fixed October 28 for hearing.

     

  • Army chief’s daughter marries UK-based heartthrob

    Army chief’s daughter marries UK-based heartthrob

    Tosin Oyebade, the United kingdom-based daughter of the Commandant of Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja, Brig. Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, on Saturday joined the exclusive group of married women when he walked down the aisle with her heartthrob, Titus Festus Agbara.

    The groom is also based in the UK.

    The colourful ceremony which attracted several dignitaries within and outside the military took place at the Nigerian Army Command Secondary School located within the cantonment premises.

    One of the major highlights of the event was the grand entry of the bride’s parents – Gen. Oyebade and his wife, accompaigned by friends and well wishers into the beautifully-decorated hall, used as venue of the reception.

    Those in attendance were – the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major. Gen. Obi Umahi, Major. Gen. Martins (rtd), Major. Gen. M.B. Obi (rtd), Major. Gen. O. Adebayo (rtd) and Brig. Gen. L.C. Iloh.

    Others were – the Commander, Nigeria Air Force Base, Ikeja; Air Commodore Ukwanga, Air Commodore Zakari and the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Security, Major Badmus (rtd), among others. Major Badmus represented Governor Babatunde Fashola at the occasion.

    In his address, the chairman of the occasion, Gen. Obi, urged the couple to draw inspiration from the bride’s father, whom he described as a gentleman officer.

    He also enjoined them to remember God in their new journey.

     

  • ‘FG surpasses targets in eight broad sectors’

    ‘FG surpasses targets in eight broad sectors’

    The Federal Government said on Tuesday that it had surpassed its growth targets in eight out of the 14 broad sectors of the Nigerian economy under the Transformation Agenda.

    The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, stated this in Abuja at the monthly news conference on the performance of the economy and the power sector.

    Maku listed the sectors as solid minerals, financial institution and insurance, building and construction, transport, education, road and estate, public administration and agriculture.

    According to him, the feat acheived is an indication that the Transformation Agenda is on course and that the economy is growing in the right direction.

    He said that claims by some analysts that the nation had gone bankrupt and that the economy was performing poorly was deceptive.

    The minister said that apart from the unprecedented growth recorded in some sectors, other micro and macro-economic indices sanctioned by reputable global organisations had indicated growth in the economy.

    Maku said the most interesting thing about Nigeria’s economic growth pattern was that the Gross Domestic Product growth was largely driven by the non-oil sector.

    “There is something that Nigerians need to know about this economy that has been run down by some pessimists, and that is the growth, which is driven largely by the non-oil sector of the economy.

    “Agriculture has recorded 27.64 per cent, wholesale and retail trade has 28.4 per cent, telecommunications – 24.38 per cent.

    “Foreign Direct Investments averaged 7.97 billion dollars in 2011 and 2012 from 6.10 billion dollars in 2010 and is still the highest in Africa.

    “Home remittances increased from 19.20 billion dollars in 2009 to 20.61 billion dollars in 2011 and 21.89 billion dollars in 2012, Gross External reserves improved from 32.34 billion dollars in 2010, to 48.8 billion dollars as of April 26, 2013,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the minster as saying at the briefing.

    On anti-corruption campaign, Maku said the administration had adopted electronic means to block leakages in the system and minimise waste.

    According to the minister, N118.9 billion has been saved from 215 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the electronic payroll system.

    He reiterated government’s resolve to block avenues for corruption in public service, hence the resolve to adopt automated means of resource management.

     

  • Court dissolves 29-year-old marriage

    An Ile-Ife Customary Court in Osun, on Wednesday dissolved a marriage contacted 29 years ago between Bolatito and Ismaila Jinadu, over lack of care and threat to life.

    The President of the court, Mr. Gani Awoyera, said he took the decision to dissolve the union, as efforts to settle the couple amicably had failed.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Awoyera dissolved the union and directed that four of the children should remain with the plaintiff while the last child should be in the custody of the defendant.

    Bolatito had on September 14, dragged her husband before the court for abandoning her and their five children.

    The children are – Monsurat (26); Fasilat (22); Semiu (19); Sarafadeen (16) and Ismael, 13.

    She accused her husband of uncooperative attitude, constant beating, lack of care, public harassment and threat to life after three years of desertion.

    Ismaila, however, denied all the allegations against him, saying the woman was only seeking for an excuse to opt out of the marriage.

     

  • Facebook unveils new rules on shared materials

    Facebook unveils new rules on shared materials

    Facebook has removed a video clip showing a woman’s decapitation and issued new rules about what can be shared on its site.

    The U-turn comes two days after the BBC revealed the firm had dropped a ban on clips showing extreme violence.

    That move was criticised by the British prime minister and the company’s own safety advisers.

    Facebook now said it will still allow some graphic content but will take a more comprehensive look at its context.

    It outlined its revised policy in a press release.

    “First, when we review content that is reported to us, we will take a more holistic look at the context surrounding a violent image or video, and will remove content that celebrates violence,” it said.

    “Second, we will consider whether the person posting the content is sharing it responsibly, such as accompanying the video or image with a warning and sharing it with an age-appropriate audience.

    “Based on these enhanced standards, we have re-examined recent reports of graphic content and have concluded that this content improperly and irresponsibly glorifies violence. For this reason, we have removed it.”

    The announcement follows a series of flip-flops by the company.

    On May 1, when questioned about death clips being shared on the site, the firm told the BBC that its users had the right to depict the “world in which we live.”

     

     

  • Eaglets’ striker to undergo scan in Dubai

    Eaglets’ striker to undergo scan in Dubai

    Golden Eaglets striker, Isaac Success, could undergo a scan following the injury he sustained in his team’s 3-3 draw with Sweden in the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup game in United Arab Emirates.

    The team coach, Manu Garba, disclosed that the striker will be scrutinised medically to ascertain his fitness ahead of Friday’s clash against Iraq.

    “The doctor has told me Isaac Success will have to be checked when we get to Dubai. It is possible to have a scan on his injury to be sure the extent of damage as we cannot say for now.

    “I’m trusting that barring anything serious he should be fit for our next game. But we will wait to hear from the doctor (of the team) to know what is next,” supersport.com quoted the Eaglets’ coach as saying to journalists on Wednesday.

    Garba also took time to decipher the performance of the Golden Eaglets against Sweden at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

    He blamed the three goals his team conceded against Sweden on “lack of concentration.”

    “We did well against Mexico and I scored the players 90 percent. But today (Tuesday), I can only give them 60 percent because all the three goals we conceded were due to lack of concentration,” Garba said.

    “We knew that the Swedes would play a direct kind of game which is typical of their style and we told the players but it was unfortunate that we conceded those goals through lack of concentration.

    “Of course, we came out to win but we are happy with the draw and I believe this is how God wanted it to be. We knew how they were going to play and I don’t think it was the size, that mattered rather the timing of our defence was poor.”

    Garba has, however, promised that “the Iraqis would live to tell the story” when they face Nigeria in one of the final games of Group F in Dubai.

     

  • Gunmen burn down council boss house

    The Benue Police Command on Wednesday confirmed that some gunmen burnt down the house of Mr. Teryima Nguher, Chairman of Ukum Local Government, in Kyado village.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ezeala, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Makurdi that the incidence occurred on Tuesday.

    Ezeala said investigation so far showed that the gunmen invaded the house between 8.00pm and 10.00 pm.

    He said the police had not made any arrest but gave the assurance that the culprits would be arrested and brought to book.

    Ezeala said that apart from Nguher’s house, no other one in the village was burnt during the incidence.

     

  • U-17 World Cup: Nigeria, Sweden settle for draw

    U-17 World Cup: Nigeria, Sweden settle for draw

    Nigeria and Sweden on Wednesday played a thrilling 3-3 draw in the ongoing U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

    The Golden Eaglets, who defeated Mexico 6-1 on Saturday, showed some defensive frailties in today’s encounter, FIFA.com reports.

    The Scandinavians, playing in their first FIFA U-17 World Cup, stuck to their game-plan and were thoroughly deserving of their share of the spoils against the Group F favourites as both sides now look in good shape to reach the knockout rounds.

    The Swedes only needed 11 minutes to shock the much-feared Golden Eaglets and the goal came from a hopeful ball lofted into the penalty area from deep in midfield. Nigerian keeper Dele Alampsu thought he had a chance at intercepting and raced out of his net, but Erdal Rakip got to the ball first and nodded across the face of goal. Valmir Berisha was on the spot to guide the ball home on the volley.

    It was 2-0 to the Scandinavians eight minutes later when Anton Saletros bamboozled his man on the left flank and crossed deep into the penalty area. Berisha showed he had his shooting boots on as he expertly headed home his second goal of the contest.

    The Nigerians, traditionally slow starters, hit back in spectacular fashion with one of the goals of the tournament. Kelechi Iheanacho, four-goal scorer from the first game against Mexico, floated in a ball from midfield. It was met by Success Isaac, who swiveled and slammed into the far corner without the ball ever hitting the grass, all in one motion, in the 20th minute.

    The Africans then went close to drawing twice in the last five minutes of the half. Samuel Okon tried an audacious lob from 40 yards that had Sixten Mohlin in the Swedish goal back-peddling desperately, before tipping over the bar. Shortly after, substitute Taiwo Awoniyi’s snap-shot was saved again by Mohlin, the effort not able to match the outstanding approach work up the right side.

    Mohlin went from hero to villain for the Swedes early in the second half. He failed to get his body behind the ball when Musa Yahaya tried a speculative shot from way out. The ball trickled between the keeper’s legs and bobbled, almost apologetically, over the line as he tried desperately to recover.

    The Nigerians were in the driving seat, and the Swedes were increasingly camped in their own half. But a fast-break up the left side in the 65th minute saw the Swedes back into the lead. Saletros chested the ball on goal from close range and Alampsu could only parry away. Unfortunately for the keeper, substitute Mirza Halvadzic was lurking on the doorstep and slid home to make it 3-2.

    But the talented and irrepressible Africans still had something left in the tank. Awoniyi’s powerful header with ten minutes to go was too much for Mohlin to keep out and the game ended honours even.

     

  • Jonathan leaves for Israel Wednesday

    Jonathan leaves for Israel Wednesday

    President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to leave the country on Wednesday for pilgrimage and official visit to Israel

    He will also meet with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.

    A statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said talks between President Jonathan’s delegation and Israeli government officials are expected to focus on the enhancement of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel in areas including trade, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, communications, culture, education and tourism.

    The President, according to the statement, is also slated to meet with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas.

    It added that President Jonathan, who will be accompanied on the trip by Senator Emmanuel Paulker, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen, the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Viola Onwuliri, and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, will undertake a tour of some locations in Israel which are revered by Christians because of their association with the earthly mission of Jesus Christ.

    The statement also dismissed reports that the President will lead 19 governors to the Asian nation.

    “While the President may meet and interact with some other Nigerians who are already on a pilgrimage to Israel, reports in the media that he is leading 19 state governors and about 30,000 Nigerians to Israel are a misrepresentation of facts.

    “Irrespective of President Jonathan’s visit, thousands of Nigerians visit Israel annually during the pilgrimage season which goes on for months and they will undoubtedly do so again between now and early next year.

    “It is entirely fortuitous for some of these Nigerian pilgrims therefore that their visit to Israel this year will coincide with President Jonathan’s,” it stated.

    The President  is expected back in the country early next week.

     

  • Ex-governors’ trial: Court dismisses withdrawal rumour

    Ex-governors’ trial: Court dismisses withdrawal rumour

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has denied report that its Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Bukar , has ordered the withdrawal of cases involving former governors from the judges handling them.

    The court contended on Tuesday that it was impossible for such development to occur as cases are hardly withdrawn once assigned, except where either of the parties raises issue of bias.

    Former governors of Taraba, Plateau and Kogi namely – Jolly Nyame, Joshua Dariye and Abubakar Audu are some of the ex-governors being tried in the court.

    The court’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Tabita Kangiwa, said there was no iota of truth in the report.

    “I do not know where the online medium that published the false report got its information. That can never happen in this court,” she said.

    A senior official of the court, who pleaded not to be named, said it would be foolish for Justice Bukar to exhibit such crude bias, having just assumed office.

    He said the judge would be unwise not to learn from the mistake of his predecessor, who left office in a controversial circumstance.

    Justice Bukar’s predecessor, Justice Lawal Gummi left office suddenly even before his retirement period, in the midst of allegation that he abused his office and influenced the outcome of a case in favour of his state governor.

    Although Justice Gummi retired voluntarily, the National Judicial Council (NJC), who investigated the allegation against him, found him guilty of “gross misconduct.”

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar, alluded to this fact when, while swearing-in Justice Bukar on October 11, charged him on integrity.

    The CJN reminded Justice Bukar that he was assuming the headship of the FCT High Court at a time when the court was experiencing a troubled time.

    The Nation, however, gathered that the Chief Judge has effected the transfer of some judges.

    Some administrative officials of the court have also been transferred.