The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Boko Haram: US secretary of state Kerry meets Jonathan

    Boko Haram: US secretary of state Kerry meets Jonathan

    … Stresses respect for human rights

    United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, who last week expressed concern about allegations of gross human rights violations by Nigerian forces fighting the Boko Haram sect, raised the issue with President Goodluck Jonathan directly on Saturday, a U.S official said.

    Kerry sat beside President Jonathan at an African Union dinner and discussed the matter privately much as he has raised it publicly, defending Nigeria’s right “to combat terrorism but (saying) government security forces have to do so smartly (and) respect human rights,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

    Reuters reports that Nigerian troops last week used jets and helicopters to bombard targets in their biggest offensive since the Boko Haram group began a revolt almost four years ago to establish a breakaway Islamic state in the northeast of the country.

    On May 17, Kerry took the unusual step of saying that he was “deeply concerned by credible allegations that Nigerian security forces are committing gross human rights violations, which, in turn, only escalate the violence and fuel extremism.”

     

  • Mikel ‘ready’ for Eagles games

    Mikel ‘ready’ for Eagles games

    Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel , Obi has confirmed his availability for Nigeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Kenya and Namibia as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil next month, Supersport.com reports.

    The Chelsea ace, who was influential in Super Eagles triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February, said he has an appointment with the Brazilian Embassy in London on Monday.

    “I always love to turn out for my country. I wish to confirm that I’ll be in Kenya and Namibia for the World Cup qualifying games and will also be in Brazil for the Confederations Cup.

    “It’s also true that I would have loved to play in the friendly match against Mexico in Houston, United States of America but circumstances and logistics have made this impossible. I love to represent my country,” Supersport.com quoted the midfield maestro as saying in a chat with Eagles’ Team Secretary, Enebi Achor.

    Mikel will join the Eagles in Frankfurt, Germany on their return from U.S and fly with the contingent to Nairobi aboard a Lufthansa Airline flight in the early hours of Tuesday, June 4.

     

  • Hunt for French soldier’s attacker

    French police are hunting a man who attacked a soldier on patrol with two colleagues in the La Defense business district of Paris on Saturday evening, BBC reports.

    Private First Class Cedric Cordier was approached from behind and stabbed in the neck with a small-bladed knife.

    Defence Minister Jean Yves Le Drian told reporters that he had been targeted because of his profession.

    But President Francois Hollande refused to make any direct link with the murder of a soldier in London on Wednesday.

    Two men arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene of the London attack remain in custody in hospital in a stable condition. Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were shot and wounded by police.

    On Saturday, British police arrested three other men on suspicion of conspiracy to murder the soldier, Drummer Lee Rigby, who was not on duty. A sixth man was arrested on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, the Kenyan government denied allegations that its security forces had abused Mr. Adebolajo, insisting he had never been there.

    Photographs of him in a courtroom in Kenya more than two years ago have been published. He is alleged to have been arrested for seeking training from the Islamist militant group, al-Shabab, in Somalia.

    In Saturday’s attack in Paris, Pfc Cordier was on patrol with colleagues from the 4e Regiment de Chasseurs de Gap and police officers at La Defense’s metro and train station, when he was approached from behind and stabbed in the neck with a knife or a box-cutter.

     

  • Jonathan not in involved in NGF election – Abati

    *Urges Governors to resolve their differences

    The Presidency has disassociated itself from the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) election crisis maintaining  that President Goodluck Jonathan is not an interested party in the election.

    Following the victory of the River State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi in the NGF Chairmanship election for a second term on Friday, his rival, Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, who is believed to have the blessings of the PDP leadership has rejected the outcome of the election.

    Jang, who lost by 16 votes to 19 votes to Amaechi has also declared himself winner of the election on the basis of 19 PDP Governors’ signature endorsing his candidacy prior to the election.

    Presidency on Saturday maintained that the President is not meddling in the affairs of the NGF as believed in many quarters.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati reads: “We have noted with regret the mischievous effort by sections of the mass media to portray President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as an interested party and the main loser in yesterday’s election of the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).”

    “Contrary to the impression of Presidential partisanship and interference in the affairs of the Governors Forum erroneously conveyed by some headlines in the media today, President Jonathan who is currently leading Nigeria’s delegation to the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa had no preferred candidate in the NGF elections and could therefore not have been “floored” by any other candidate as some newspapers sensationally reported.”

    “President Jonathan has the greatest possible respect for the Nigerian Governors Forum as an independent body of mature, responsible, and knowledgeable elected political leaders who have a critical role to play in strengthening democratic governance in the country, and who are quite capable of running their own affairs without being tele-guided, as some media reports misleadingly implied.”

    “The President has always shown a willingness to work harmoniously with any leadership freely and independently chosen by the Governors Forum for the collective progress and development of all sections of the country and will continue to do so.”

    “He has not in the present instance or ever before, interfered in elections to leadership positions in the Governors Forum. Reports in the media which convey that impression are totally off the mark and the handiwork of mischievous individuals and groups with the intention of sowing the seeds of discord and disunity in the polity.”

    “President Jonathan trusts that as true democrats and respected national political leaders, members of the Governors Forum will quickly resolve the issues and differences amongst them which emerged on Friday and continue to contribute effectively to national development as a strong, and progressive body.” It stated

  • Committee meets with Boko Haram suspects

    Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution on security challenges in northern Nigeria on Saturday held a closed door meeting with detained suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic group and visited victims of the various bomb blast in Kaduna.
    The committee members visited the St. Andrews Protestant Church inside the Jaji military cantonment and Rita’s Catholic Church, Ungwan Yero Kaduna before holding meeting with some of the detained suspects.
    The Committee members did not disclose the details of  the meeting which was attended by senior Police Officers in the state, while Journalists were told to leave the vicinity.
    There was however a mild drama at the headquarters of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) when the Chairman of the Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki led other members of the committee on a visit.
    The Chairman was told that the College Commandant, AVM Effiong Osim cannot receive them because he was at a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.
    An angry Chairman who is also the Minister for Special Duties said “I am a minister of the Federal Republic and this is a Presidential Committee. Who is that Permanent Secretary. How could you say the Commandant cannot receive use”.
    The College Commandant and his principal officers, including the Permanent later came out to meet the committee and still angry, the Minister said “how can you say you cannot meet with us because you are holding meeting with a Permanent Secretary? I am a Minister and this is a presidential committee.
    “I have left my job because of this assignment and have not attended council meeting for the past five weeks. Whatever we are doing here takes precedence over any other thing”.
    The commandant who was full of apologies told the Minister that there was a communication breakdown as he never said he cannot meet with the committee because he was attending a meeting saying “we are all here for the security of the nation”.
    After a closed door meeting with the officials of the college, the committee members addressed some of the victims, assuring them that the government was aware of their plight and will not abandon them, but will do everything possible to ensure that they are comfortable.
    The Committee members were conducted round the St Rita’s Catholic Church by the Chairperson of the caretaker committee of the church, Mrs Cecila Michael who told them that four people died from the October 2012 blast that hit the church.
    Speaking with newsmen after the visit, the Minister said they were surprised at the level of destruction, pointing out that they will do everything possible to ensure that a lasting solution was found to the insecurity in the country.
    He said “we have seen the damages that have been inflicted by several act of insurgency against public and private property. We have also met with some victims who have sustained various degree of injuries. We have also seen and interacted with family members of some of the victims across board.
    “This is regrettable, it is unfortunate and needless. People can see clearly from the high powered nature of this committee the cleat intention of government to send a clear message to victims and other people that have been affected directly and indirectly that government cares and will look at ways of assisting them.
    “However, government will not allow this unfortunate state of affairs to continue. That is why the President has offered an olive branch through this committee. So, we are calling on members of the Boko Haram and others aggrieved individuals to come and talk to us with a view to resolving all issues peacefully. I hope that people will realise that government will not sit down and allow itself to be blackmailed,” the Minister stated
  • Opposition determined to rescue Nigeria – Tinubu

    Opposition determined to rescue Nigeria – Tinubu

    Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said in Kano on Saturday that opposition leaders remain resolute in their desire to reconstruct Nigeria into a “sturdy and bright home” by creating a chance of a better future for the citizenry.

    The former Lagos governor, who was among eminent Nigerians conferred with Honourary Doctorate degrees by Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, (KUST), noted that there are leaders in this country with the ability and capability to turn the nation around by chasing away, “the demons,” whose activities have remained a source of impediment to the general growth of the Nigerian society.

    “History teaches that those who stay resolute shall win in the end. We are resolute for there is no shame in wanting democracy, no shame in wanting prosperity, fighting against poverty, ignorance and diseases, just as there is also no shame in believing in justice, striving for a better life and demanding good governance,” he told the gathering.

    The ACN leader said all that is needed to address the country’s problem is to possess the willpower to face the challenges, stressing that education plays a vital role in this direction.

    “To lift this nation from its low state, you must equip the people with the knowledge needed to face the challenges on ground. Education is a dynamic thing that must be adapted to our needs and reflect our circumstance; it must give us the skills needed to become architects of the destinies we seek and not idle bystanders in our lives,” Tinubu added.

     

  • ‘Nigeria one of world’s most promising democracies’

    ‘Nigeria one of world’s most promising democracies’

    The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has said that Nigeria has grown to become one of the most promising democracies in the world.

    Jonathan said this on Saturday in Abuja at the distribution of wrappers to various groups to commemorate the celebration of Democracy Day on May 29.

    She was represented at the occasion by the Peoples Democratic Party National Women Leader, Dr. Kema Chikwe.

    She said: “The celebration of Democracy Day is significant to Nigerians because it has restored dignity to the people.

    “Democracy has also given Nigerians a strong voice in decision making within the context of governance of our nation whereby our desires and opinion are reckoned with in the process of development.

    “It is therefore a thing of joy that the country has become one of the most promising democracies of the World.

    “The government is making conscious efforts to ensure that Nigeria is peaceful, united and an independent nation, in spite of the many challenges facing the country.’’

    The First Lady urged women to engage in activities that would promote the unity of the country and to contribute their quota, “no matter how little’’, to make Nigeria a better place.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Jake Epelle of the Albino Foundation, presented a world report on Albinism to the First Lady.

    Mr. Samuel Kehinde, who spoke on behalf of people “Living with Disabilities,” appealed to the First Lady to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to ascent to the bill on people living with disabilities.

     

  • Jang leads factional NGF as governors split over Amaechi

    Jang leads factional NGF as governors split over Amaechi

    The division thrown up by Friday’s election of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has taken a twist as a faction of the Governors Forum has declared Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State as chairman of the Forum.

    At a briefing attended by 18 of the Governors at the Benue State Governor’s lodge on Saturday, the faction said Jang remained the authentic chairman of the Forum, with Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State as vice chairman.

    According to the governors, the election that threw up Ameachi as chairman was flawed and therefore cannot stand.

    A communique released at the end of the meeting and read by Mimiko stated:
    “The new chairman of the NGF thanks the northern Governors Forum, the PDP Governors Forum and all the governors for the support and confidence reposed in him (Jang) and vowed to work for the interest of the Forum and country.

    “The chairman of the NGF, Governor Jonah Jang vows to unite members of the Forum, work for the interest of the Forum and country.

    “The Forum restates its commitment to continue being a platform for peer review, productive and collaborative engagement with all levels of government.

    “The Forum also resolves to continue to encourage and collaborate with Mr. President to restore peace and security in the country.

    “The Forum resolves to secure a befitting permanent secretariat outside any Governor’s lodge.

    “The Forum thanks all Nigerians for their support and promised not to let them down”.

    The communique was jointly signed by Jang and Mimiko as chairman and vice chairman respectively.

    The governors said the fact that Ameachi refused to step down as chair of the Forum before the election had rendered the process null and void, adding that the Rivers Governor failed to yield to the demand of the majority of the governors to step down and dissolve the last executive of the Forum before the election.

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio insisted that it was wrong for Amaechi to preside over the election in which he was a contestant, saying that the Jang faction had the majority by affirmation.

    Governors that attended the meeting were: Jang (Plateau); Idris Wada (Kogi); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi); Theodore Orji (Abia); Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Garba Umar (Taraba); Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Peter Obi (Anambra); Mimiko (Ondo); and Thaanod Rubainu (Deputy Gov. Gombe).

    Although the names and signatures of Governors Sullivan Chime and Martin Elechi of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively appeared on the attendance list, the two governors were not physically present at the meeting.

    The protesting governors insisted that 19 governors of the NGF had endorsed Jang and Mimiko for the election.

  • Enyeama returns to Lille

    Enyeama returns to Lille

    Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has confirmed that he will return to French club, Lille in July.

    The 30-year-old, who joined the Ligue 1 club for free in the summer of 2011 from Hapoel Tel Aviv was loaned out to another Israeli club, Maccabi Tel Aviv at the start f the 2012/13 season, Supersport.com reports.

    He impressed for The Yellows, leading them to the 2012/13 Ligat ha’Al (Israeli League) title after making 27 league appearances for the club.

    Enyeama, who was part of the 2013 African Nations Cup-winning Nigerian side, has now confirmed that he will be returning to France in July for pre-season training with Lille.

    “I have two years left on my contract so it is obligatory that I go back to France. I was only on loan at Maccabi Tel Aviv so logically, I have to return to France,” he told Supersport.com.

    The former Enyimba shot-stopper endured a torrid time while in France as he did not play a single league game for Lille in the 2011/12 season with the club’s Manager, Rudi Garcia preferring to play former France international goalkeeper, Mikael Landreau instead.

    Enyeama said he never had any problems with Garcia’s decision at the time.

    “I don’t think it is proper t start talking about whether Landreau was better than me at the time but the fact remains that two goalkeepers cannot play in goal simultaneously. He (Landreau) was there at the club before I arrived so I respect the fact that the manager chose him ahead of me,” he explained.

    Landreau left Lille in 2012 but Enyeama does not believe the first team shirt at the Metropole club will be a shoo-in in the coming season especially with 32-year-old Steve Elana impressing last term.

     

  • M5 ‘approached Woolwich suspect’

    MI5 asked Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo if he wanted to work for them about six months before the killing, a childhood friend has said.

    Abu Nusaybah told BBC Newsnight his friend – one of two men arrested after Drummer Lee Rigby’s murder in south-east London on Wednesday – had rejected the approach from the security service.

    The BBC could not obtain any confirmation from Whitehall sources.

    Abu Nusaybah was arrested at the BBC after giving the interview.

    The Met Police said a 31-year-old man had been arrested at 21:30 BST on Friday in relation to suspected terrorism offences and search warrants were being executed at two homes in east London.

    The arrest was not directly related to the murder of Drummer Rigby, it said.

    The soldier was killed in front of dozens of people near Woolwich Barracks, where he was based, on Wednesday afternoon.

    Mr. Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, who was also arrested at the scene, remain in hospital after being shot by police.

    In his Newsnight interview, Abu Nusaybah said he thought “a change” had taken place in his friend after his detention by security forces on a trip to Kenya last year.

    Abu Nusaybah said Mr. Adebolajo suggested he had been physically and sexually abused during an interrogation in a prison cell in the African country.