The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Baby with four ears, no genital dies

    A baby born in Makurdi on Thursday with four ear lobes and no genitals has died, a hospital official said.

    The baby was delivered by Mrs. Mbanengen Emmanuel at about 5:30pm at Yima Hospital, located in International Market area, a suburb of Makurdi in Benue State.

    The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. John Dzike, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday that the baby died “few hours after delivery.”

    Dzike said the baby also had its intestines exposed at the lower part of the abdomen.

    According to him, it is the second time a baby with such type of complications was delivered at the hospital this year.

    He explained that the defect was caused by malformation during pregnancy.

    “This is a case of congenital malformation. Some women use un-prescribed drugs during pregnancy, that is why it is very important to attend ante-natal clinics, especially in the first 12 weeks.

    “Diseases like virus, chicken pox, and mumps which are viral, can cause congenital malformation,” Dzike explained.

    He advised pregnant women to always attend ante-natal clinics and avoid self medication.

    Efforts by NAN to speak with the mother of the baby proved abortive as she declined comment.

     

  • Strike: Labour unions over stressing their actions – Abdulsalami

    Strike: Labour unions over stressing their actions – Abdulsalami

    Former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), on Friday took a cursory look at the incessant industrial actions crippling the country and accused striking labour unions of unnecessarily over stressing their actions.

    He also advised the Federal Government to meet the legitimate demands of the unions.

    Abdulsalami spoke he paid a Sallah visit to the Niger State governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at his residence in Minna.

    He was accompaigned on the visit by the former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and some elders in the state.

    He said the government and the unions must compromise their positions with the aim of resolving the disputes.

    The former head of state said various actions embarked upon by the unions are affecting the masses.

    “I believe strike is legitimate but I think we are overdoing it in this country. In developed countries, strike is done within 24 hours or at most two or three days to draw public and government attention to workers plight. Nigerians are affected by these actions. The government and these unions should look at how these issues can be resolved, “Abdulsalami stated.

     

  • Syrian intelligence chief killed

    A senior Military Intelligence officer has been killed in eastern Syria, state media and activists say.

    State television reported on Thursday that Gen. Jamaa Jamaa had died while “carrying out his national duties” and “pursuing terrorists” in Deir al-Zour.

    The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said he was shot by a sniper during clashes between government and rebel forces in the city’s Rashdiya district.

    Gen. Jamaa was close to President Bashar al-Assad, the United Kingdom-based group added.

    BBC reports that he was commander of Syrian Military Intelligence’s headquarters in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, when former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated there in 2005.

    Gen. Jamaa was questioned as part of a United Nations inquiry into the killing after the Syrian withdrawal. Damascus has always denied any involvement, although five members of the allied Lebanese Shia Islamist group Hezbollah have been indicted.

    In 2006, the United States Treasury named Gen. Jamaa as a Specially Designated National, saying he had “significantly contributed to the Syrian government’s military and security presence in Lebanon.”

    Al-Arabiya TV reported that at the time of his death Gen. Jamaa was head of Military Intelligence in Deir al-Zour province, and was one of the most powerful security officials in the country.

    The Aisha bin al-Sadiq Brigade said one of its fighters had shot him.

     

     

  • Niger governor commends Jonathan’s decision on national confab

    Niger governor commends Jonathan’s decision on national confab

    Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger on Thursday commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to send the outcome of the National Dialogue to the National Assembly.

    Aliyu spoke at his residence in Minna when intending Christian pilgrims to Israel led by Mr. Abraham Isah paid him Sallah homage.

    “The President is right that everything discussed at the forum must go to the National Assembly.

    “Sending the report of the dialogue to the National Assembly will be in line with the prevailing political arrangement in the country where there is presently sovereignty,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the governor as saying during the visit.

    He was optimistic that the final document that would emerge from the National and State Assemblies after the national dialogue “would be a Nigerian constitution made by Nigerians.’’

    The governor said the country would remain as one even after the dialogue, adding that the nation would be better strengthened democratically.

    Aliyu promised to continue to give equal treatment to Christians and Muslims in the state.

    He urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and its members to continue to pray for the peace of the country and live in harmony with other religious groups in the state.

    Isah commended the governor for his non-discriminatory attitude.

     

  • Nigeria elected into UN Council

    Nigeria elected into UN Council

    Nigeria was on Thursday elected into the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council, scoring a total of 186 out of a possible 193 votes.

    This would be Nigeria’s fourth election into the seat since it became independent in 1960.

    It was also the second time the country would secure a seat in the Council under President Goodluck Jonathan. The first time was in 2010-2011.

    Meanwhile, President Jonathan has welcomed Nigeria’s election into the Council, thanking all member- countries that supported the country’s bid.

    A statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said, “On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Jonathan wishes to convey his sincere appreciation for the support of all member-countries of the United Nations who voted for Nigeria’s election to the Security Council.

    “The President believes that today’s endorsement of Nigeria’s candidature for the Security Council seat by the vast majority of member-countries is a glowing expression of support and encouragement for Nigeria’s active participation in the promotion of peace, security and political stability in Africa and other parts of the world.

    “This is the fourth time since it became independent in 1960 that Nigeria is being elected to the UN Security Council. It is also the second time (2010-2011 and 2014-2015) that Nigeria would be elected to the Council under the Jonathan Presidency.

    “The President is particularly delighted by this historic victory and assures the global community that Nigeria, under his leadership, would continue to make very significant contributions towards the achievement and sustenance of global peace and security.”

     

  • Fitch rating excites Presidency

    Fitch rating excites Presidency

    The latest Fitch’s rating of the Nigerian economy has continued to excite the Presidency, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, on Thrsday went celebrating.

    The latest Fitch report had rated the Nigerian economy in the ‘BB’ category.

    Okupe, in a statement, enthused that the rating was an acknowledgement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s “robust” fiscal policies and “landmark” reform agenda.

    He stated: “It is indeed gratifying that the respected rating agency acknowledged the robustness of Federal Government’s fiscal policies which has among others ensured that inflation rate declines to eight percent (the lowest in five years) as well as ensured that Nigeria successfully avoids exogenous shocks, which could have occurred as a result of severe flood in 2012 and various security challenges occasioned by insurgent activities in some parts on the north.”

    According to him, the report is consistent with the verdict of other global rating agencies on the Nigeria economy, adding that the non-oil sector is recording appreciable growth in line with the policy framework of the administration’s transformation agenda.

    “Nigeria’s sovereign and overall external balance sheets, current account surplus, debt service ratio and external liquidity are all stronger than BB category medians,” he added.

    Okupe stated further that the confidence expressed in the Nigerian economy is also attested to by the volume of investments coming into the country in the last two years, especially in critical sectors of the economy.

    He continued: “Nigerians will particularly note that the painstaking and transparent execution of critical components of the power sector road map launched by President Jonathan shortly on assumption of office, has been commended by economic experts and analysts who described it as one of the largest singular privatization exercise in the world.

    “The 3.0 billion dollars privatization exercise in the power sector, which had suffered terrible hiccups in previous years, has now been successfully carried out by the Jonathan administration in line with best global practices and in a manner devoid of vested interests and official manipulations.

    “This has effectively put Nigeria on a sure path to uninterrupted power supply. It has also attracted a guaranteed investment of over 4 billion dollars from the World Bank and other multilateral agencies.

    “It is significant to note the unprecedented growth in Foreign Direct Investments in the Agricultural sector (8 billion dollars); manufacturing (7.3 billion dollars); Housing (300 million dollars); Rail Transportation (over 4 billion dollars) as well as other sectoral growth are essential pivotal to creation of direct and indirect jobs for millions of Nigerian youths in due course.

    “The 300 million dollars World Bank investment in the Housing sector is particularly significant in that it will boost the mortgage industry, create millions of jobs and provide long term loan to first time home owners in order to drastically reduce housing deficit in rural and urban areas in the country. The loan which is at zero percent and a 0.7 commitment charge has a 40 year repayment period and will definitely revolutionize the housing sector. “

     

  • FG committed to boosting local production, job creation – Jonathan

    FG committed to boosting local production, job creation – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said that his administration will continue to promote the rapid diversification and industrialization of the Nigerian economy in order to create more employment opportunities in the country.

    He made this remark while receiving a delegation from Alstom Worldwide which won the bid for the Afam Power Plant at the State House, Abuja. The delegation was led by Mr. Patrick Kron.

    The President stressed that the Federal Government will also continue to do its best to encourage investors who will support its efforts towards creating more jobs for qualified Nigerian youth.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said: “The population of our young people is high. If we are unable to provide jobs for these young people, the country could face serious problems. That is why we will continue to encourage companies like yours which can contribute to the training and employment of young Nigerians,”

    Reaffirming his administration’s full commitment to the efficient implementation of its road-map for the development of Nigeria’s power sector, he said that government will continue to ensure that international best practices and standards were maintained in the ongoing privatization of the sector’s assets.

    Jonathan said that he was particularly pleased that the recent bidding for some of Nigeria’s power generation and distribution companies had been considered transparent and fair by the international business community.

    He said: “We will continue to do more in line with globally-accepted business standards and ethics.”

    Mr. Kron, who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Alstom, told President Jonathan that Alstom which is one of the world’s leading power engineering and infrastructure companies, will work with the Federal Government and the French Government on capacity-building schemes to train more Nigerian youth in the field of power engineering and technology.

    He was accompanied to the Presidential Villa by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jacques Champagne de Labriolle and the Managing Director of Alstom (Nigeria) Limited, Mrs. Victoria Adefala.

     

  • Odimegwu resigns as NPC Chairman

    Odimegwu resigns as NPC Chairman

    *Nwabueze replaced on Dialogue Committee

    The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Festus Odimegwu has resigned his appointment from the Commission.

    The Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso had few weeks back demanded the sack of Odimegwu for allegedly criticizing the works of his predecessor.

    Kwankwaso had claimed that Odimegwu was incapable of conducting the 2016 national census.

    The Federal Government then had issued Odimegwu query to explain the reasons behind his utterances.

    But a statement issued Thursday  by the Special Assistant (media) to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sam Nwaobasi said that President Goodluck Jonathan has already accepted the resignation.

    The statement reads: “His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR has accepted the resignation of Eze Festus Odimegwu as Chairman of the National Population Commission with effect from Thursday, 17th of October, 2013.”

    “Dr. Sam Ahaiwe, the Commissioner representing Abia State in the Commission, will act as chairman pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman.”

    It also disclosed that President Jonathan has approved the appointment of Prof. Anya. O. Anya, as a member of the Advisory Committee on National Dialogue to replace Prof. Ben Nwabueze, who is still abroad on health grounds.

    Mr. Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi was also appointed yesterday as Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Technical Aids Corps.

  • Kidnappers of Jonathan aide’s sister want N500m ransom

    Kidnappers of Jonathan aide’s sister want N500m ransom

    Abductors of Auguster Douglas-Ayam, the sister to the Presidential Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Oronto Douglas, broke their silence on Thursday morning.

    They were said to have contacted the husband of their victim and demanded N500 million ransom to free the 48-year old woman.

    Douglas-Ayam was seized and whisked away to an unknown area in the creeks by nine gunmen who wore army uniforms.

    The assailants that operated on a black speedboat abducted her at the Ogbia waterside at about 8.45pm on Monday after shooting into the air.

    But after keeping mum for four days, the kidnappers contacted the woman’s husband at about 2am on Thursday and asked for a whooping N500 million.

    A source from the family said the call was brief and straight to the point.

    The source, who pleaded anonymity, said efforts by the family to contact the kidnappers again through the number proved abortive.

    But he said the kidnappers allowed the husband to speak to the wife.

    He said: “The kidnappers said the money should be given to them on or before Friday this week otherwise they will kill our sister and drop her corpse where we will pick it.

    “We tried to call the number they used in calling the husband but it did not go through. The amount they asked for is outrageous. Where do they expect us to get that kind of money?

    “We know they are in business but this particular demand is not reasonable. The kind of money they asked for could only be gotten from the Central Bank or from the treasury. We asked them to make their demand reasonable but they angrily cut off the phone.

    “We could hear our sister crying at the background. She was sick before she was kidnapped. This is very painful. We are still waiting for their call. We appeal to them to release our sister. We don’t have such money.”

    A top security source also confirmed that the kidnappers demanded the ransom but said it would surely be negotiated downwards.

    He said security operatives were monitoring the situation with care because of its delicate nature.

    “The kidnappers should have a rethink and release the woman because no matter what they do, we will get them,” he said.

     

  • Father of slain Nigerian student wants justice

    President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to intervene in the shoddy handling of the death of a Nigerian student in Cyprus, Gabriel Peremiyentei Soriwei.

    The father of the deceased, Comrade Soriwei Patrick Dubamini, said his 20- year old son, a student of Electrical/Electronic Engineering at the Cyprus International University, (CIU), Nikosia in the Republic of Cyprus died following the injury he sustained when he was knocked down by a car driven by an unnamed Turkish woman.

    In an open letter to the President, Comrade Soriwei, said instead of prosecuting the driver who was allegedly drunk when the accident happened, the Turkish police has shielded her and insisted that she lost control of the car.

    “On July 13, 2013, I received a call from the agent who facilitated his admission processes at 9:30pm that my son was knocked down by a vehicle and was in a coma in Cyprus. Immediately I arranged a trip to Nikosia, North Cyprus the following week and met my son on admission in the intensive care unit of the Nikosia General Hospital. By their rules, I was given a five minutes access to the unconscious boy on Mondays and Thursdays.

    “I went with The President of the Foreign Students in Nikosia to the police station to know how the matter was handled and see the lady who drove the vehicle that knocked him down. But from all indications, the police built a web of protection around the Turkish Woman,” Soriwei added.

    The father of the deceased said it was unfortunate that the university flew the body of his son to the country on September, 12 in a most traumatic manner “as a cargo” without his belongings.

    “The Leadership of the CIU did not find it expedient to send representatives from the school neither did they write any condolence letter to my agonizing family. Almost a month after his death, the lady who killed my son has not found it weighty enough to call the grieving Soriwei family to commiserate with us,” he said.

    Comrade Soriwei urged President Jonathan to intervene in the matter to prevent a reoccurrence of “such injustice in the future.”