The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Kenya’s deputy president goes on trial at ICC

    Kenya’s deputy president goes on trial at ICC

    Kenya’s deputy president appeared before the International Criminal Court on Tuesday charged with co-orchestrating a post-election bloodbath five years ago, a case that will test the stability of a country seen as vital to security in East Africa, Reuters reports.

    The trials of William Ruto and that of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, which will start in November, have split public opinion, and witness testimonies of the violence in 2007-08 that killed more than a thousand people could stir tension.

    The cases are also a major test for prosecutors at the decade-old Hague-based ICC, who have had a low success rate and face accusations of focusing on African countries, while avoiding war crimes in other global hotspots.

    Kenyatta, Ruto’s former rival who became a political ally, faces similar charges of crimes against humanity.

    Rival members of Kenyatta’s Kikuyu and Ruto’s Kalenjin tribes, wielding machetes, knives, and bows and arrows, went on the rampage after a disputed 2007 election, butchering more than 1,200 people and driving hundreds of thousands from their homes.

    This year, Kenyatta and Ruto joined forces for another election, which was comparatively peaceful. Their joint Jubilee Alliance ticket was elected in March after a campaign in which the ICC charges against the two men played a central role.

    Western leaders, who see a stable Kenya as central to the fight against militant Islam, have already found their ties with east Africa’s biggest economy complicated by the charges.

    Ruto, who is voluntarily obeying a summons to attend sessions, is expected to enter a plea of “not guilty” on Tuesday in court. He appeared in The Hague wearing a grey suit, accompanied by several supporters.

     

  • Anenih to Jonathan: Declare your intention on 2015

    Anenih to Jonathan: Declare your intention on 2015

    The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tony Anenih, on Sunday night challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to make his intention towards the 2015 presidential election known to Nigerians on or before the end of next month.

    Speaking during the PDP post- convention dinner, which was held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, Anenih said that taking such a decision is necessary in order to give the party a proper direction.

    The dinner earlier scheduled to hold immediately after the special convention of the party was postponed because of the crisis rocking the party.

    It would be recalled that seven governors – Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulafatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto), and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) left the venue of the convention with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to form a parallel executive for the “new PDP.”

    Before the new group named its executive including the National Chairman, Kawu Baraje, National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja, the aggrieved governors had demanded the sack of Bamanga Tukur, citing lack of internal democracy in the party.

    The Sunday night dinner party was attended by those loyal to the Tukur -led PDP faction as none of the aggrieved governors attended the dinner.

    Also, some of the elders mediating in the crisis rocking the party like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida were conspicuously absent at the dinner.

    Anenih said, “I will appeal to our leader, the President of this country that at the end of September or as we enter October, we should not tell anybody that the time is not right, I think the time is right. It is good that we tell our people where we going to, what our journey will be like.”

    Referring to the on-going reconciliatory efforts in the party, he said that even though the task ahead is enormous, “we must be seen as a team and not as a group.”

     

     

  • Bicycle dealer ingests 1.7 kg heroine

    Bicycle dealer ingests 1.7 kg heroine

    A 40 year-old bicycle parts dealer has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 1.700kg of heroin.

    The suspect, Nweke Livinus Uchenna whose journey originated from Pakistan was found to have ingested narcotics during routine search of passengers on Etihad flight at the arrival hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

    NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Hamza Umar said that the suspect excreted 100 wraps of substances that tested positive for heroin weighing 1.700kg.

    “While he was under observation, Nweke Livinus Uchenna excreted 100 wraps of heroin. He has provided useful information that the investigation team are working on” Hamza stated.

    The suspect who is married with a child said that he is heavily indebted. “I was a successful dealer of bicycle parts until I lost 9 million naira to fraudsters in 2009. That was the beginning of my problems.

    As I speak, I am heavily indebted to the extent that I am afraid to switch on my cell phones. My brother is also bedridden for three years and they look unto me for assistance. I feel sad that I am in this condition. Circumstances forced me to collect 450,000 naira to smuggle drugs from Pakistan. I pray for forgiveness” Nnweke apologized.

     

     

  • Baraje’s faction elects NWC members

    Despite the security siege at its national secretariat, the Abubakar Baraje faction of the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday ratified the election of its national officers.

    Ahead of its reconvening on Tuesday, there is however pressure on ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Peace Team to sanction the G-7 governors and all those behind the new PDP.

    The list of the National Working Committee members was contained in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

    The statement said: “Despite the security siege at its national secretariat, the Abubakar Baraje- led Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has ratified the election of its national officers.

    “The stakeholders of the party across the country at a meeting in Abuja have ratified the election of members of its National Working Committee.

    “The NWC members are: Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, (Chairman); Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, (Deputy National Chairman); Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, (National Secretary); Hon. Maode Umar Hiliya (Deputy National Secretary).

    “Others are Mr. Timi Frank (National Youth Leader); Hon Binta Koje, National woman leader; Mallam Nasir Issa (National Organising Secretary); Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze(National Publicity Secretary); Hon. Wadada (National Financial Secretary)and Mallam Tanko Isiaku Gomna (National Treasurer).

    “The positions of National Auditor and that of National Legal Adviser which are zoned to the South East and South West respectfully will be announced soon.”

    A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The presidency is insisting on sanction against the rebellious members to serve as deterrent to others.

    “But the elders are of the opinion that the party should adopt no victor, no vanquished policy to move forward.

    “This demand for sanction will top the resumption of peace talks in Abuja when Obasanjo’s team reconvenes.”

     

  • Atiku to police: Stay out of politics, Keep Nigeria safe

    Atiku to police: Stay out of politics, Keep Nigeria safe

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday asked the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to order the policemen currently occupying the headquarters of the “new” Peoples Democratic Party to vacate the place immediately.

    Atiku, who is currently in China leading a private economic trade mission at the invitation of the Chinese government, interrupted his schedule to issue a statement, declaring that the police invasion of the party’s office has no justification in law, but borne out of political control.

    The statement reads, “While it is embarrassing that the police had yet to give a reason on why its personnel are laying siege to a political party office, the whole world knows these are acts prompted by unscrupulous politicians who do not even have the moral conscience not to involve the police in politics.

    “This goes to the root of the current crisis within the PDP: priorities. What does it say to our citizens, who live daily with the fear of violence and kidnappings, that our police priority is raiding a political party office?”

    “I call on the leadership of the Nigerian Police, especially its Inspector General, to steer clear of political entanglements, and immediately vacate our party offices. Our national law enforcement priority must be the safety and security of Nigerians, not politics.”

    The former vice president said it is embarrassing that in a week when a top Christian clergy, top lawyer and senior advocate and countless others are being held captive by kidnappers, the Nigeria Police could muster the resources to seal the headquarters of the “new” PDP in negation of a court order.

    According to Atiku, “further, a politically partisan police force sets a dangerous precedent, as they will be entrusted to supervise free and fair elections in the future.”

    He said the latest development has put a big question mark on the sincerity of the IGP to effectively reform the police.

     

     

  • Factional state chairmen, others shun Tukur’s meeting

    Factional state chairmen, others shun Tukur’s meeting

    The seven states whose governors joined the Abubakar Baraje-led breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday stayed away from the meeting convened by PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

    Besides the seven, ten others did not attend the meeting, where those present pledged their loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan and the party’s national chairman.

    States whose chairmen did not show up at the meeting were: Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger and Kwara. Also, factional chairmen loyal to Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) were also absent.

    Tukur told the gathering of state chairmen that only the PDP can guarantee Nigeria’s unity and that of the West African sub-region. He added that there is hope for the nation under the Jonathan’s administration.

    The chairman said no other party has a national spread like the PDP, adding that the chairmen were the managers of the party at the state level.

    Tukur enjoined them to defend the interests of the PDP at all times, stressing that “it is possible to have dissidents and it is also possible to have good men to defend what the party stands for.”

    He stated further: “Today, no party in Nigeria has the spread like PDP. That means the people accept our party and that means it is a big responsibility; hence the people believe there must be equity and justice.

    “I am analogue, while you are digital. I will give you wisdom to tackle tomorrow. We believe that every member of the party has the right to express himself. Majority will always have their way, while minority will have their say.”

    In a communiqué issued by the state chairmen and signed by their leader, Mr. Emmanuel Agbo (Benue) and Makanjuola Ogundipe (Ekiti) they declared support for President Jonathan and Tukur.

    The communique reads: “We believe in the structure of this party, we do not intend to have disunited and fragmented party at the state and local level.

    “We are prepared to carry out the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and (NWC) of the party, while we shall ensure discipline and membership drive.”

     

     

  • Man found inside locked tomb in Edo

    Residents of Akenzua Street in Benin City woke up on Monday to find a 25- year old man inside a locked tomb of one Emmanuel Obasogie Obayuwana without any visible signs of break in or entry.

    The man, who was dressed in red, wore white hand gloves and tied a red cloth on his forehead.

    He was found sitting on the grave and stained clothings were found inside a wooden box with him.

    Some spiritualists and pastors who were invited to pray against whatever evils the man brought were afraid of going inside to bring the man out of the tomb after the first son of the deceased, Isaac, brought the keys.

    Eyewitnesses said they were afraid of going near the man inside the tomb for fear of possible spiritual attack.

    The Nation gathered that was some chiefs from the Oba of Benin Palace later came to take the unknown man away.

    Isaac said he has been holding the keys to his father’s tomb for over 11 years.

    He said, “The place was locked. I don’t know his mission in my father’s graveside. He was taken to the palace. We don’t know him from anywhere and how he got inside the locked house remains a mystery.”

     

  • Anambra: Relocation will not affect voters – INEC

    Anambra: Relocation will not affect voters – INEC

    Voters in Anambra State who could have been disenfranchised due to relocation have been assured of partaking in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. Chikwuemeka Onokaogu, said such people should approach the commission a month before the election to effect necessary changes that will afford them the opportunity to participate in the election.

    Besides, he said the issue of late deployment of election materials will not arise in the coming election, saying a refined logistics management process had been put in place to ensure prompt and efficient distribution of materials on the day of the election.

    Onukaogu also allayed the fears of election monitors on security, saying that adequate security measures are already in place to ensure safety during the election process.

    The REC spoke on Monday during a Civil Society/ INEC dialogue on Anambra State governorship election organized by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).

    The dialogue was attended by accredited civil society groups for the election and INEC staff.

    He said the issue of intra-state transfer will be handled, stressing that the affected people should come forward when they are sure of where they will be during the election and their cards would be changed to reflect the new address.

     

     

  • Cross River teachers resume strike

    Primary and secondary school teachers in Cross River State on Monday resumed their strike just as schools reopened for the new term.

    A communiqué issued at the end of an Emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers held on September 5 stated that they resolved to resume the strike following the state’s government refusal to implement the Teachers’ Specific Allowance (TSA).

    The TSA translates to 27.5 per cent increase in the teachers’ salary.

    The communiqué, which was made available to The Nation, was signed by the chairman of the union, Comrade Eyo-Nsa Eyo Itam, its Secretary, Comrade Livinus Eta Omini and its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Dennis Monche.

    It reads, “Arising from the meeting which was attended by state elected officer and local government branch leaders, the state wing has noted that the government has failed to respect the agreement signed with the union to restore the Teachers Specific Allowance from July 2013.

    “It was also discovered that promotion are yet to be completely and correctly implemented.

    “All efforts by the union through the memo and contacts to government to respect the terms of agreement and commitment proved abortive.

    The SWEC demanded “the implementation of TSA from July 2013 be fully and correctly paid to both primary and secondary school teachers without further delay; the correct implementation of promotion to both primary and secondary school teacher who benefitted from it with the correct financial arrears as indicated with the promotion letters; and the complete release of promotion letters to teachers who benefited.”

    The communiqué further read, “The government having failed to respect the agreement and commitment reached with the union, the suspended strike of June 2013 is hereby resumed.

    “Teachers from public primary and secondary schools are therefore expected to sit at home from Monday, September 9, 2013 when schools would resume.

    “SWEC in session resolved that the teachers should not be held responsible for any lost of their academic calendar.

    “SWEC in session also resists further attempt by the government to treat teachers as second class civil servants as it is only the teachers that are ill-treated in their statutory demand for job satisfaction.

    “Once again be assured of our cooperation when demands are fully met.”

     

  • PENGASSAN petitions Jonathan over oil workers’ abduction

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to address the kidnapping of oil workers in the Niger Delta region with a view to guaranteeing safety of lives and property of its members.

    This was contained in a statement issued by PENGASSAN in Lagos and signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Seyi Gambo.

    Gambo, who said the situation is worrisome also, lamented what he described as, “seemingly uncontainable oil theft, illegal bunkering and abysmal petroleum refining which has put the oil and gas revenue prospects on the alarming brink with attendant deficit impact on the committed expenditure and capital projects across the various levels of government.”

    He called on the president to stem this ugly incident, saying the vulnerable business environment in the oil and gas industry is capable of deterring any serious investor from doing business.

    He said, “Nothing could be more pleasing than the news that government has been able to stem the nefarious acts of kidnapping and killing of innocent oil workers in the course of doing their lawful duty. The reappearance of such traumatic and daring criminal acts would worsen the preconceived Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), induced slow investment climate and divestment propensity in the Sector.”

    Gambo pointed at the recent event where two contractors were taken from the creeks including the wife of an SPDC staff from her poultry farm, while another staff member was abducted and subsequently assassinated while on a private business.

    “Workers’ fundamental rights to life, right to mobility and the right to work without fear of victimization/molestation is again being challenged. Opinion are that the Federal Government and states in the Niger Delta have relaxed their intelligence, security and law enforcement responsibility that had given room to renewed hostage taking for ransom.

    With the resurging threats to the oil and gas industry, the International Oil Companies (IOCs) have issued security alert and warnings to their employees..

    “As labour union, we will equally not shy away from our moral and constitutional role to direct our members to take cover accordingly. This may possibly lead to the withdrawal of services until the government and the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies can ensure appropriate safety and security of lives as required,” the PENGASSAN spokesman warned.

    He insisted that the association would not hesitate to withdraw it staff from duty if their safety cannot be guaranteed, saying “the association may in the above regard have no other option than to yield to the intense pressure from our members, whose lives are at risk, to withdraw their services from the industry if the security and safety of lives and that of their families could no longer be guaranteed by the government.”