The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Independence: Killings in north must stop – Nigerian children

    As Nigeria celebrates its 53rd independence anniversary, the National Children Parliament has called on the Federal Government to find a solution to cases of killing in the northern part of the country.

    The Children, who spoke on Tuesday Abuja at a special sitting of the Parliament to mark the nation’s independence anniversary lamented the high level of insecurity in the country and also suggested life imprisonment for perpetrators of rape in the country.

    The Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Thompson Idara, who led the sitting said it is necessary for the federal government to do something to halt the trend of rape as it have continue to lead to untimely death of Nigerian children following the crises that arise from the heinous act.

    “The federal government should rise up and address the various challenges facing the children so that they can live to see the future that they have laboured for.

    “The present administration should work and ensure that the persistent killing of youths should stop so as to safeguard their future,” he added.

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, who received a resolution from the Parliament to be forwarded to President Goodluck Jonathan, said no one understands the problems faced by the children better than themselves.

    “I have listened with rapt attention to your deliberations and am making a commitment to forward your resolutions from this sitting to Mr. President for his consideration,” she assured.

     

  • Court faults seizure of suspect’s assets

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was wrong in confiscating two luxury cars belonging to a suspect.

    Justice Elvis Chukwu, in a judgment, held that the EFCC acted illegally in seizing the vehicles belonging to a former presidential candidate and National Chairman of the African Liberation Party (ALP), Dr. Emmanuel Osita Okereke, without court’s order.

    The judge ordered the commission to release both cars.

    The EFCC had on January 23 this year, arrested Okereke, also a former head of the now disbanded taskforce against unlawful importation and smuggling of goods, small arms, ammunition and light weapons, on suspicion of alleged criminal conduct.

    The two vehicles – Toyota Land Cruiser SUV with registration No. FE 03 ABJ and a Toyota Hilux pickup with registration number FE O16 ABJ – were confiscated by the EFCC.

    Although he regained freedom three days later, on January 25, the EFCC held on to his cars, a development that compelled him to sue the anti-graft agency.

    In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, Okereke challenged his undue detention and the continued seizure of his vehicles.

    He said both actions by the EFCC violated his rights as guaranteed under sections 35 and 44 of the Constitution.

    Okereke accused the EFCC of sponsoring publications in the media to smear his image and brand him a rogue.

    He sought a N5 million compensation against the commission.

    In its counter argument, the EFCC denied any wrong doing.

    It argued that the plaintiff was invited for questioning upon reasonable suspicion of his alleged involvement in criminal activities.

    The EFCC denied unduly detaining the plaintiff.

    According to the EFCC, Okereke was granted bail the same day he was arrested, but failed to meet his bail conditions.

     

  • Why Jim Iyke went to Synagogue

    Why Jim Iyke went to Synagogue

    With the news of the dramatic encounter of Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke, at the Synagogue Church, still going viral, many have been wondering if the mission of the thespian, last Sunday was a conscious effort by him to find a wife.
    Reports on the actor’s visit to the church indicated that he was being delivered of a negative spirit that has prevented him from getting married.
    But recent finding by The Nation revealed that Jim Iyke  accompanied a friend, whose mother was seriously ill to the church where he was caught in the web of what was said to be a rescue exercise.
    Jim’s friend’s mother is said to be on admission at a hospital, in Ajao Estate, from where she was taken to the church, but perhaps due to the popularity of the actor, the church ministers went for him, claiming there was more to his not being married than meets the eye.
    A two-minute video on the church’s website shows the actor struggling with several officers of Pastor TB Joshua, the head of the church, as they fought to keep him still.
    The session, as shown in the video got the thespian sprawling on the floor, after falling several times, and shouting incoherent words.
    “What do you guys want from me,” asked the actor, apparently recovering from frenzy. “Take it easy, the man of God will like to see you after the service,” replied one of the church ministers, as they led the actor away from the middle of the congregation, looking bewildered.
    Reports say the sick woman’s son was also attended to during the church service, but the woman, who was the real reason Jim and his friend went to the church was told to come back at a later date. The woman, whom we learnt was brought to Lagos from Abuja in search of solution to her health problem, had since been taken back to the Ajao Estate hospital where she is waiting for another appointment from the church.

  • Resident doctors commence strike nationwide

    The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria has announced an indefinite strike starting from October 1.

    President of the  association, Dr Jibril Abdulahi told reporters in Kano on Tuesday that the refusal of the federal government to meet their demands forced members  to take the painful decision.

  • NNPC debunks allegations of shortfall in revenue remittance

    NNPC debunks allegations of shortfall in revenue remittance

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has debunked allegations by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, that the corporation had not remitted N320.654 billion to the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs, NNPC, Ms Tumini Green, on Monday in Abuja.

    “ We refer to a statement credited to Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, alleging that the NNPC has short-changed the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee to the tune of N320.654 billion between January and September,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the corporation’s spokesperson as saying in the statement.

    It said the figure did not emanate from the NNPC, adding that it “only exists in the imagination of the peddler.”

    The statement noted that the management of NNPC had been operating an open-door policy and would have responded if the member had requested to be informed on the issues raised.

    It recalled that the House Committee on Petroleum, Upstream, one of the three committees responsible for oversight function on NNPC, was at the corporation’s headquarters on September 26 where NNPC management presented all the facts relating to oil production and sales to them.

    “Members of the committee sought clarifications on a number of issues and were pleased with the explanations given.

    “The committee indeed commended NNPC management for its openness and unprecedented disclosure of information on its operations and activities.

    “ We note that the said member of the House of Representatives was not on that delegation, ’’ the statement added.

    It said the corporation was at all times ready and willing to provide information to stakeholders and members of the public.

     

  • Bangladesh MP sentenced to death

    An MP for Bangladesh’s main opposition party has been sentenced to death by a war crimes court for charges including murder and genocide during the 1971 war of independence with Pakistan.

    BBC reports that Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, the first member of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) to be tried by the court, was found guilty of nine out of 23 charges.

    The BNP has consistently argued that the trial is politically motivated.

    Previous verdicts against Islamist leaders have been followed by protests.

    The war crimes tribunal was set up by the Awami League-led government in 2010 and opposition parties have accused it of pursuing a political vendetta against its opponents.

    Human rights groups have also said the tribunal falls short of international standards.

    Security was tight in Dhaka where the verdict was being heard and also in Chittagong, the home district of Chowdhury, where there is likely to be anger at the verdict.

    Analysts say the tribunal’s verdicts have exposed profound divisions in Bangladeshi society.

     

  • Jonathan sets up committee for national conference

    Jonathan sets up committee for national conference

    President Goodluck Jonathan has announced the setting up of an Advisory Committee to establish modalities for a national conference aimed at resolving issues that currently cause friction in the polity.

    In his Independence day broadcast on Tuesday, President Jonathan said that the committee which will have Dr. Femi Okurounmu as its Chairperson and Dr. Akilu Indabawa as its Secretary, is expected to complete its assignment within one month.

    “Our Administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a national dialogue on the future of our beloved country.

    “When there are issues that constantly stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.

    “In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an advisory committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a national dialogue or conference.

    “The committee will also design a framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process.

    “The full membership of the committee will be announced shortly. I expect its report to be ready in one month, following which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the dialogue,” President Jonathan said in the broadcast.

    The President urged Nigerians to remain fully committed to building a strong, united, progressive and prosperous nation in spite of present challenges.

    “In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles we face.

    “History has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And there is no more crucial time for us to be united than now.

    “The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victories we snatch from the jaws of possible defeat.

    “This is a time to pull together behind the national cause: the cause of our freedom, and our future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free, peaceful and secure Nigeria,” President Jonathan said.

    Against the background of recent terrorist atrocities in the country, President Jonathan reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to taking all necessary action to bring the war against domestic terrorism to a successful conclusion as quickly as possible.

    “My heart goes out to the families of all those who have fallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear.

    “I implore every Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you speak, whatever your religious persuasion, whichever political party you support – let us join together to fight this evil of extremism,” President Jonathan declared.

    The President rededicated himself “completely” to the service of the nation, assuring Nigerians that the country will not fail under his leadership.

    “As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service, duty, responsibility and the next generation, not the next election. Those who are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish ambition.

    “This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline.

    “We must stand as one, with absolute commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity of our union,” President Jonathan said.

    He congratulated all Nigerians as the nation marks 53 years of independence.

    “If we look back over the years, we can confidently say that there is every reason to celebrate. The past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale.

    “I want to thank all our country men and women who have stood by this administration in the midst of mounting challenges and enormous expectations.

    “I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantly challenged, But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shall reap the reward of our labour in due season,” President Jonathan concluded.

  • Niger boat mishap death toll hits 26

    The death toll for last Friday’s boat mishap on River Niger in Malali in Borgu local government area of Niger State has increased from 22 to 26.

    The state Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Garba Mohammed, on Monday released the manifest of the 26 victims as he announced government approval for the release of N13 million to the victims’ families.
    Addressing journalists in Minna, Mohammed said that 20 adults including a village head Tunga Illo, Alhaji Garba Mekeri and a staff of National Parks, Abubakar Dangudu and six juveniles were among the victims.
    The boat capsized on Friday while conveying passengers, who are mostly traders from Malale Village to Tunga Illo village on River Niger.
    The commissioner, who said the captain of the boat who survived the accident, said the boat ran into storms under the water and before the captain could salvage the situation, the boat split into two.
    He, however, blamed operators of the boat service for not adhering to existing laws regulating water transport service in the state, by not providing life jacket for their passengers.
    This, according tom him, accounted for the casualties recorded.
    Mohammed added that the state governor has approved the release of N.5million for the victims’ families.
    “Aside from the inter-ministerial committee set up by government to visit the Emir of Borgu to commiserate with him and the people of the area, the governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has approved the release of N.5million to families of each of the 26 victims,” Mohammed disclosed.

  • Eight artisans rape teenager to death

    Miss Chekwube Mbaka was yesterday allegedly raped to death by 8 Artisans at Odume Obosi in Idemili North Council Area, Anambra State.

     

    A 20 years male family friend suspected to be brain behind her abduction and rape with his friends is helping the Anambra police state command in investigation as the police have already swung into action to unravel the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.

     

    The boy went out with the late Chekwube for the errand sent her by her father even as one artisan has been arrested.

     

    Chekwube was from Ogboji Ezzagu, Ishielu Loccal Government Area of Ebonyi State but was residing at MINAJ village, Odume Obosi.

     

    Family sources said she was sent to buy a-hundred Naira garri by her father who came back from work at about 9 pm, because there was no food for him in the house but she never came back.

     

    The sources said a meter away to their entrance gate gate, the hoodlums allegedly dragged Chekwube to an uncompleted building where she was raped violently to death.

     

    Narrating his daughters ordeal, Mr. Mbaka regretted that if he had known that sending his daughter out to buy food for his family could bring about people laying ambush for her, he should have preferred the entire family sleeping without dinner.

     

    Mbaka said he is suspecting the artisans from Okposi also of Ebonyi State who are living close to their yard to have masterminded the barbaric act, following the alleged regular sexual demands they have made to his daughter in the past.

     

    He appealed to Corporal Ibrahim Idris Aboki attached with Divisional Crime Bureau, DCB of Obosi Police Division to do a thorough investigation and bring the peperators to book.

     

    The Nation leant this was the fourth rape case Odume Obosi has recorded within the space of three months. Two deaths were also recorded in the barbaric acts of the hoodlums.

     

    Divisional Police Officer of Obosi Division, CSP Dimale J.O confirmed the incident, stating that two people have been arrested in connection with the ugly story, adding that investigation is now on to unveil all that have hands in the death but declined further comment on the matter.

     
  • Fashola commissions Lagos ‘first five star’ hotel

    Fashola commissions Lagos ‘first five star’ hotel

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has unveiled the first five star hotel constructed at the cost of about N30 billion in the state.

    Governor Fashola commissioned the massive edifice name Intercontinental Lagos, situated at Kofo Abayomi, Street Victoria Island, before a large audience including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Oba of Lagos and stakeholders in hospitality industry.

    He said the development would help boost tourism opportunities in the state as well as generate employment for youths.

    Fashola added that his administration provided the enabling environment for investors in hospitality industry to invest in the state, while urging residents to take full advantage of the various opportunities that the facility offers.

    Fashola noted that one major challenges confronting the state in its drive to promote tourism is insufficient hotels, saying the state government is committed to supporting investors in that sector.

    “I salute the commitment of Millian Group on the Lagos economy and the passion to deliver the project and conviction that Lagos is a place to put their money, “he stated.

    Earlier the Chairman of Millian Group, Ramesh Valechha, said the hotel would change the landscape of Lagos and boost the hospitality industry in the state.

    He disclosed that Memorandum of Understanding for the project was signed on March 31, 2004 while it took two years to complete the design work before the conceptualization of the project began.

    Valenchha added that the Lagos State Government, Skye Bank and Wema Bank were in supportive of the project, adding that the building of the hotel gulped over N30 billion while 650 jobs were created for Nigerians.