The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Suicide bomber kills 13 in Somalia

    A suicide bomber killed at least 13 people on Saturday outside a restaurant popular with Ethiopian and Somali troops in the town of Baladweyne in central Somalia, local officials said.

    More than 10 people were also wounded in the explosion near a military base, local legislator Dahir Amin Jesow told Reuters by telephone from Baladweyne.

    Reports said the bomber had strapped explosives around his chest.

    “A man with an explosives jacket entered unexpectedly in the tea shop where soldiers and civilians sat and blew himself up,’’ said local elder Ahmed Nur, speaking from the scene of the blast.

    “I can see the bodies of several soldiers being carried out, but I cannot make out whether they were dead or injured.’’

    However, no one has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Ethiopian troops have been fighting Islamist militants in neighbouring Somalia for much of the past decade.

    It waged an ill-fated war in Somalia in 2006 to 2009 and sent troops across the border again in 2011.

     

  • Economist Baba Omojola is dead

    Economist Baba Omojola is dead

    Renowned economist, 75, Dr Baba  Omojola  is dead.

    He died early Saturday morning after submitting  his contribution to the National Dialogue Committee zonal session in Akure Ondo state.

    Omojola, former United Nations (UN) economic consultant and was an active member of the Pro National Conference Organisation, PRONACO.

    PRONACO secretariat in a statement by the group’s spokesperson Olawale Okunniyi confirmed Omojola’s death describing him as a revolutionary teacher and leader.

    Okunniyi said Omojola  “ suddenly slumped on Saturday  in his hotel room in Akure, Ondo State, while preparing to leave for his base in Lagos after making a powerful presentation on behalf of PRONACO yesterday in Akure before the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference.”

    “Baba Omojola who lodged at De Johson hotel, Akure where he suddenly collapsed was immediately rushed to First Mercy Specialist Hospital, Gbogi Road, Akure where he was later certified dead by one Dr. Akinluwa who was prompt in attending to him.

    “Baba Omojola before his sudden passing this morning was at the forefront of the advocacy for the convocation of the Sovereign National Conference, SNC and was one the signatories to the communiqué of the National Political Summit held in Uyo between 2nd and 5th September 2013″.

    The statement also recalled that: “The resolution of the summit specifically demanded for a Peoples National Conference for the country among others.”

    “Baba Omojola at yesterday presentation before the Presidential Committee also insisted that the PRONACO draft Peoples Constitution adopted in 2007 under the leadership Chief Anthony Enahoro of blessed memory should be the working document of the proposed National Conference.

    “He later formally submitted the draft peoples’ Constitution to the Chair and Secretary of the Presidential Committee before leaving the podium, Baba Omojola was co founder of PRONACO with Chief Tony Enahoro, Prof Wole Soyinka, Dr Beko Ransome Kuti among others who fought for the restoration of the present democracy in the country and the production of the draft peoples constitution produced by the Peoples National Conference of Nigerian ethnic nationalities between 2004 and 2007.

    “As a revolutionary teacher and leader, Baba trained and led a horde of Political and Labour Activists who are currently leading the advocacy for a New Nigeria, where the diverse peoples of Nigeria can make and own their constitution and live a good and peaceful life.

    “Baba will be remembered for his immense sacrificial contributions to political direction and development of the country; suffering numerous detentions in the hands of the Nigerian ruling class. Baba as a thorough bred and versatile Economist has to his credit numerous thesis and publications that has continued to shape the life of the country. ”, Okunniyi  stated.

  • Jonathan greets Gowon at 79

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday felicitated with Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who turns 79 on Saturday.

    In a congratulatory letter to Gen. Gowon, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President thanked Gowon for his steadfast support for the present administration, and wished him many more years of good health and fulfilling service to the nation.

    He said: “As you mark your 79th birthday anniversary, I write to felicitate with you on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “It is gratifying to note that, your other onerous responsibilities notwithstanding, you have steadfastly demonstrated unwavering support for our administration and a willingness to readily avail us of your time and wise counsel whenever occasion has demanded.

    “I join your family, friends and admirers in praying that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of fulfilling service to our nation and humanity at large,” he stated.

     

     

  • Court bars new PDP

    Court bars new PDP

    …Restrains Atiku, Baraje, others from interfering in PDP’s operations

    It was a major loss on Friday for the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, as a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the faction’s officers from parading themselves as officers of the party.

    Justice Evoh Chukwu, in a judgment ordered Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Jaja Sam Jaja and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (claiming to be National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman and National Secretary of the New PDP) to stop parading themselves in that capacity.

    The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials from recognising Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola as national officers of the PDP, either new or old.

    Justice Chukwu further restrained the three and Atiku (described as the leader of the New PDP) and their aides or employees from “interfering and continued interference with the duties and functions” of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and other officers of the PDP elected at the August 31 special convention of the party.

    The judge also restrained Baraje, Jaja, Oyinlola and Atiku from opening or operating parallel national, states, local and ward secretariats of the PDP.

    The judgment was in a suit instituted by Tukur and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP against INEC, Baraje, Jaja, Oyinlola and Atiku.

    The plaintiffs had accused Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola of unlawfully holding themselves out as national officers of the PDP, with the backing of Atiku. The plaintiffs contended they were the truly elected officers of the party by virtue of the party’s last special convention and that unless Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola were restrained, INEC would accord them recognition as officers of the PDP.

    Justice Chukwu noted that although Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola claimed to have been elected as officers of the party at a convention held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja on August 30 this year, they failed to provide material evidence to support their claim.

     

     

  • Jonathan condoles Dangote over brother’s death

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday commiserated with the leading entrepreneur, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on the death of his eldest brother, Alhaji Garba Dangote.

    The President prayed for the repose of the deceased soul.

    He also commiserated with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Ayogu Eze, on the death of his mother, Mrs. Paulina Omadaja Eze.

    The President urged Senator Eze to be comforted by the knowledge that she lived a long and very fulfilled life of notable accomplishments in agriculture, entrepreneurship and community leadership.

     

  • Gowon a promoter of national unity – Northern governors

    Gowon a promoter of national unity – Northern governors

    The Northern States Governors Forum has hailed former military head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as a true Nigerian who spent many of his years in the cause of promoting national unity, nation building, national integration and conflict resolution through dialogue.

    Gowon turns 79 on Saturday.

    The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, in a goodwill message to the former head of state described him as a symbol of statesmanship, patriotism, vision and courage which are some of the excellent leadership qualities that have guided him throughout his years of active public service life.

    The governor said that although Gowon got into leadership position at a rather young age, he found the ability to rally distinguished political leaders and technocrats to work with him for the preservation of the nation’s unity.

    The governors commended the former head of state for his “ingenuity in coupling back the constituent regions which make up Nigeria in the wake of a tragic civil war, using the slogan “GO ON WITH ONE NIGERIA” (coined from the name GOWON),” and noted that in and out of offices, the former military leader has continued to display amazing degree of charisma, charm, uncommon patriotism and has continuously rendered himself to the common man.

    They asked God to grant him excellent health, courage and many more years of selfless service to God and mankind.

     

  • IGP to seek support on intelligence, counter-terrorism in U.S

    IGP to seek support on intelligence, counter-terrorism in U.S

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, would during a visit to the United States seek the support of international security agencies on intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, on Friday in Abuja, Abubakar is expected to visit the United Nations headquarters in New York between October 21 and October 25.

    “The IGP is expected to discuss the challenges militating against effective and efficient deployment of the Nigeria Police personnel and equipment for peace-support missions.

    “He would seek the support and collaboration of the UN towards addressing these challenges,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the Force spokesman as saying in the statement.

    According to the statement, efforts being made to improve the performance of the Nigeria police contingents in sub-regional, regional and UN peacekeeping missions would be discussed.

    The statement said that during the visit, the IGP would meet with officials of U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York Police Department.

    It said that he would also meet with State Department officials to exchange ideas and strategies on intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism measures.

     

     

  • Nigeria to work for ‘preventive diplomacy’ at UN Council

    The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, has assured the international community that Nigeria would continue to work in the area of preventive diplomacy as it takes a seat in the United Nations Security Council in 2014.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Nigeria was elected on Thursday as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council along with four other countries.

    Speaking at a media briefing in New York, Onwuliri also said that Nigeria would focus on mediation and prevention of conflict situations in Africa.

    “We need to have a strong voice to help the UN to deal with issues in Africa. African issues are the majority of issues facing the UN Security Council today.

    “We have been overwhelmingly given the mandate to serve in the UN Security Council on non-permanent category for the next two years.

    “Nigeria came to this assignment with rich antecedents and history being the fifth time we have been elected.

    “We want to thank the global community for this huge mandate of 186 votes out of 191. It shows confidence given to us and we will not disappoint the global community,’’ Onwuliri stressed.

    Also speaking, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu, described Nigeria’s election as an indication of the confidence member states had in the country.

     

     

  • Jonathan’s Israel trip is spiritual not state visit – Commission

    Jonathan’s Israel trip is spiritual not state visit – Commission

    President Goodluck Jonathan pilgrimage to Israel is spiritual and not a state visit, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Mr. John-Kennedy Opara, has said.

    Opara made the clarification at an interactive session with journalists on the president’s participation in the 2013 pilgrimage in Abuja on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing of a bilateral agreement on aviation with Israel has sparked a debate on the nature of Jonathan’s visit to Israel.

    There is divided opinion as to whether it is a state visit or a spiritual journey for pilgrimage.

    Opara said Jonathan’s visit to Israel would strictly be for pilgrimage, insisting that the visit would be different from the president’s usual state visits abroad.

    He said the Israeli authorities might choose to accord the president the honour it usually gives to visiting Heads of State.

    He said the president would only facilitate the signing of the agreement, all other arrangements had been put in place by officials from Ministries of Aviation and Foreign Affairs.

    “It is not a state visit, he is going on a spiritual journey. However, a president is a president anywhere he goes to.

    “The bilateral agreement that we are talking about will be concluded upon on the October 29 which is about his final activity in Israel.

    “Of course, the Israeli authorities are aware of his coming and they will accord him that respect as a sitting president of Nigeria, that it is not a state visit,’’ Opara explained.

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  • First Lady’s mum funeral begins October 31

    The final burial ceremonies of the late Madam Charity Oba, the mother of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, will commence on October 31.

    A statement by the Director of Information in the Presidency, Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, made this known in Abuja on Friday

    The statement said the ceremonies, which would take place in Port Harcourt and Okrika, were expected to attract dignitaries and people from all walks of life.

    “On Thursday, October 31, there will be a brief Service of Songs at the Port Harcourt Polo Club in GRA at 9 a.m.

    “ Thereafter, the body will leave immediately for her husband’s compound in Okrika, Rivers.

    “On Friday, November 1, the lying-in-state will be at her husband’s residence at Ambemebiri, Okrika, while the funeral service will take place at 10am at the National Field, Okrika.

    “This will be followed by the interment at her husband’s compound,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Adesugba as saying in the statement.