The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Church Bombing: Police confirm 3 dead, 46 injured in Bauchi

    Church Bombing: Police confirm 3 dead, 46 injured in Bauchi

    The Police Command in Bauchi State said on Sunday that the explosion at St John’s Catholic Church, Bauchi, killed three persons, including the suicide bomber.

    The police spokesperson, ASP Hassan Auyo, also told newsmen that 46 other worshippers in the church were injured.

    He said that the incident occurred when a car-riding suicide bomber tried to force himself into the church.

    Auyo said the bomber hit a barricade and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device that caused the deaths and injuries.

    He, however, said that no arrest had been made, although investigation had begun into the incident.

    Earlier, the Nigeria Red Cross and the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bauchi chapter, had given the casualty figure as four persons dead, including the bomber, and 48 others injured.

  • Flood: Anambra urges FG to release Ecological Fund

    Flood: Anambra urges FG to release Ecological Fund

    The Secretary to Anambra State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has called on the Federal Government to release money from the Ecological Fund to states affected by flood and other natural disasters.

    Obaze, who made the call in a chat with journalists in Awka on Saturday, said the money would enable the affected states to render essential support to victims as well as repair damaged infrastructure.

    He said the damage done by the disasters was too severe for the states to manage alone.

    The SSG said there was need to construct embankment along the banks of the River Niger to avert recurrence of the flood in the state.

    “We are doing our best in Anambra to manage the ecological situation in the state by relocating the victims and providing relief materials but it is not enough.

    “The challenges are enormous; they are beyond the resources of the state; there is also need to build embankment along the bank of the Niger River.

    “And the ecological funds of the federal government are meant for such purposes,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the SSG as saying during the interactive session.

     

  • Poll: ACN, NCP pledge better government for Ondo people

    Poll: ACN, NCP pledge better government for Ondo people

     

    The govenorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday said there was need for the state to return the South West mainstream politics to enhance regional intergration.

    Addressing journalists in Lagos, Akerodolu, a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, said the reintegration would benefit the state the more.

    “We never said that every state in the South-West must belong to the ACN but in the case of Ondo, we must work to make it a part of the region for its benefit.

    “Ondo cannot afford to be a weakling among the six states making up the region. With regional intergration, states will be able to raise more funds together than individually for projects that will benefit its people,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Akeredolu as saying to journalists.

    He noted that the only way for positive change in Nigeria was for regions to grow at their pace, adding, “we will fight for Ondo to be part of the integration.”

    Akeredolu hinged his optimism of winning the election to “the clamour of the people for positive change”, saying the people of the state deserve a new government that would show greater concern for their plight.

    “The rural areas in Ondo have been neglected totally for too long, my government will open up all the rural areas in Ondo,” he pledged.

    On allegation that he was hand-picked as the candidate of the ACN, Akeredolu said: “I was not hand-picked by anybody. The process that produced my candidature cannot be faulted.”

    He also debunked allegations that the ACN was planning to rig the poll, insisting that it had no machinery with which to do so.

    NAN reports that the briefing was attended by ACN National Publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the governorship running mate, Mr. Paul Akintelure and Mr. Dele Aleke, the former Lagos State commissioner for information and strategy

    Meanwhile, the National Conscience Party (NCP), has launched its campaign in Akure with a pledge to address the issue of poverty in the state if elected on October 20.

    The National Chairman of the party, Dr. Yinusa Tanko, made the pledge while declaring open the party’s secretariat on Hospital Road, Akure on Saturday.

     

     

  • Hajj leader praises airport facilities

    Justice Umaru Abdullahi,Amirul Hajj and leader of Katsina State delegation to this year’s Hajj has expressed satisfaction with the facilities put in place at the Umaru Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina.

    Justice Umaru Abdullahi made the expression shortly after he led other members of his delegation to inspect facilities at the airport.

    He was particularly happy with report that Katsina International Airport has the best landing and take-off facilities in the country.

    While commending the state governor for his foresight in appointing capable hands in the delegation, the Walin Hausa promised to do their best to ensure the successful Hajj operation.

    Conducting the Amirul Hajj round the Airport, the Head of Operations, Alhaji Saddiq Gusau said the management of the airport is putting in place security network to ensure a hitch-free airlift of intending pilgrims.

    He lauded the state government for supporting the authority in an effort to make this year’s airlift a success.

    Meanwhile, government officials to this year’s Hajj in Katsina State have been called upon to work hand in hand to ensure success of Hajj exercise.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Anambra 2014: It is Anambra North or revolution, says Rep

    Anambra 2014: It is Anambra North or revolution, says Rep

    The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon Afam Ogene, yesterday vowed to lead a civil disobedience march if Anambra North senatorial zone is not allowed to produce the next governor in 2014.

    Addressing political actors in a monitored media talk show in Awka, Ogene said he would do whatever it will take to fight the injustice against the people of Anambra North.

    According to him: ‘’I will lead a civil disobedience  in this state to fight the injustice of denying us from Anambra North an opportunity to govern our state after all the appeals.

    “Equity and fairness demand that somebody from Anambra North be given a fair chance of governing this state.”

    He added: ‘’Political offices must go round. It will be absurd for two political zones to continue to enjoy what belongs to the three zones of the state.

    “Anambra is 21 years old now and time has come for somebody from Anambra North to be Governor of Anambra state.

    The legislator also said: ‘’No Anambra North citizen will take the Deputy Governorship position from anybody.

    “We are serious about our agitation to govern Anambra state come 2014 and we are not kidding.”

  • Ijaw youths to Chevron: Employ our graduates or…

    Ijaw youths to Chevron: Employ our graduates or…

    A group, The Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change (NDIMRC) at the weekend issued a seven-day ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) to provide employment for Ijaw graduates from Egbema and Gbaramatu Kingdoms in Warri North and Warri South-West Areas of Delta State.

    It threatened to disrupt operations of the oil-giant if it does not change its hard stance towards unemployed Ijaw graduates from the two oil- producing communities in Delta State.

    A statement signed by its President, Nelly Emma, Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Officer, Mukoro Stanley, accused Chevron of marginalising Ijaw graduates from Egbema and Gbaramatu communities in its employment policy.

    The youths demanded immediate employment of 39 Egbema-Gbaramatu successful applicants in the Ogere training programme and Project Operating Team (POT) for the Escravos-Gas-To-Liquid (EGTL) Project.

    The statement reads: ”We are very sad about the treatment of unemployed Ijaw graduates from Egbema and Gbaramatu Kingdoms by Chevron Nigeria Limited.

    “We are aware that the company has been employing applicants from the other parts of Nigeria, especially the Yoruba and Igbo extraction and instead of CNL employing successful Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms graduates, the company is busy depleting the numbers of those already in her employment by the indiscriminate sack of Niger Delta indigenes for labour related issues, which occurred 7th February, 2011.”

    The group warned the oil-giant against blindfolding the communities with the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) signed with the Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF), alleging the company is conniving with some selfish leaders to undermine the interest of the indigenes.

    It said: “The imposition of certain individuals on the communities by the company through its GMoU must stop.

    “The GMoU is no longer serving the interest of the two kingdoms but that of few selfish leaders and others in Chevron.”

     

  • ‘Why parties lack internal democracy’

    ‘Why parties lack internal democracy’

    A former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), Elder Power Aginighan, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to direct the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and other parties to conduct internal democracy audit.

    He said the move is necessary to ensure compliance with internal democracy and avoid overbearing influences of some political bigwigs.

    Aginighan, a stalwart of the PDP, also called for a review of the Electoral Act 2010 to ensure that the PDP and other parties toe the line of internal democracy.

    He said: “After perusing the Electoral Act, 2010, I am constrained to call on the National Assembly to amend the Act to ensure that all political parties practise full blown internal democracy in Nigeria.”

    The PDP stalwart noted that Section 85 of the Act provides that registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21- day notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified.

    According to him: “I can boldly say that there is no party that has fully complied with this provision in the conduct of its congresses and primaries.

    “At best, the provision has only been observed mainly in the breach. The impunity with which political parties violate this very important provision of the law is traceable to the lack of sanctions for non-compliance in the Act.”

    He said the situation has led to the emergence “of hand-picked executives from the Ward to Local Government to State and National levels.”

    Aginighan added: “Most of the parties are run as private companies of some influential members who subvert the will of the generality of the members of their parties and impose their preferred executives, delegates and candidates on the party.

    “This has in turn led to the emergence of factions in many of the parties.”

  • U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria draw 1-1 with Canada

    U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria draw 1-1 with Canada

    Nigeria’s Flamingoes on Saturday played a 1-1 draw with Canada, in spite of dominating the proceedings in their opening match of the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals.

    In the Group A match played at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Nigerian side deserved all three points after having 27 shots on goal as against eight by their opponents.

    The Flamingoes who are making their third consecutive appearance at the competition and were meeting the north Americans for the first time dominated the game from the first half.

    But they could only hit the woodwork three times before the break, with Chinwendu Ihezuo hitting the bar from a header after a corner kick.

    Jiroro Idike’s corner-kick also caused a scare, while Chidinma Edeji equally hammered a shot onto the upright with the Canadian goalkeeper at her mercy.

    But the Canadians broke the deadlock against expectations when substitute Nichelle Prince slipped the ball to Amandine Pierre-Louise who fired past goalkeeper Gift Andy in the 63rd minute.

    The Flamingoes, in spite of being stunned momentarily, however regrouped and again looked the better side, even as they spurned further chances.

    They eventually got the goal that did not look like coming when Yetunde Adeboyejo’s cross from the left was blocked, but fell to Ihezuo who volleyed home a deserved goal with nine minutes to go.

    The result left the Flamingoes with only one point, a disappointing outcome for a team from a country that had won its opening matches in the earlier editions of the competition in 2008 and 2010.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingoes will play their next group match on Tuesday in Lankaran against hosts Azerbaijan, while Canada face Colombia in Baku.(NAN)

  • Jonathan leads delegation to UN Assembly

    Jonathan leads delegation to UN Assembly

    President Goodluck Jonathan will on Sunday lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 67th General Assembly of the UN in New York.

    A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati Saturday stated that theme of the Assembly would be on peaceful resolution of international disputes.

    Abati said that the President of the 67th Assembly, Mr Vuk Jeremic of Serbia had announced the theme as “bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means.’’

    Abati recalled that the theme had been endorsed by Jonathan in his statement to the 66th General Assembly last year.

    He said that Jonathan had in his 2011 address to the General Assembly and called on the international community to muster the political will to promote preventive diplomacy for the peaceful resolution of international disputes through mediation.

    Jonathan had declared to the Assembly in 2011:

    “For too long, the international community has focused too little attention on mediation and preventive diplomacy and far too much effort and resources on military aspects of peace and security.

    “Yet measures to address the root cause of conflict, including dialogue and mediation, can be far more effective as means to achieving sustainable peace and stability.

    “As I see it, our goal should always be to present the peaceful alternative as a less costly and effective way of achieving political and social objectives.

    “By focusing on mediation as a tool for conflict prevention, we would be able to address the real triggers of conflict, without which we cannot achieve sustainable solutions.’’

    The president’s delegation, which will depart for New York on Sunday, includes governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Sen. Philip Aduda, Hon. Isa Mohammed, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Olugbenga Ashiru.

    Others are Ministers of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison- Madueke, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke.

    “In addition to participating in the 67th Session of the General Assembly, the President is scheduled to meet with other world leaders including the Presidents of China, France, South Korea, Brazil, Bulgaria, Finland and Switzerland in New York,’’ Abati said.

    He said that Jonathan would also deliver a statement to the High-Level Meeting on the Rule of Law at the UN Headquarters.

    The president, according to Abati, will join the Prime Minister of Norway, Mr Jens Stoltenberg in presenting a report to the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki Moon.

    Jonathan and Stoltenberg currently serve as co-Chairpersons of the UN Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children.

    Abati said that the president would attend a High-Level meeting on the Nigerian Economy and meet with the chairman and top executives of the global oil giant, Exxon-Mobil.

    The president will also attend the Secretary-General’s High-Level event on the eradication of polio and a reception to be hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama. (NAN)

  • Libyan Islamist swept out of bases

    Libyan Islamist swept out of bases

    The powerful Islamist militia Washington blames for an attack on its Benghazi consulate was swept from its heavily fortified bases in Libya’s second city in a mass popular uprising in support of the government early on Saturday.

    Reuters reports that the action against Ansar al-Sharia appeared to be part of a coordinated sweep of militia headquarters buildings by police, government troops and activists following a mass public demonstration against militia units on Friday.

    At least four people were killed and 34 wounded, hospital sources said, as militants fought demonstrators.

    Gunfire could be heard in the area before the fighters were forced out.

    Looters carried weapons out of the vacated Ansar al-Sharia military base compound as men clapped and chanted: “Say to Ansar al-Sharia, Benghazi will be your inferno.”

    Ansar al-Sharia has been linked to the attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi last week in which the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans died. It denies involvement.

    Chanting “Libya, Libya”, “No more al Qaeda!” and “The blood we shed for freedom shall not go in vain!” hundreds of men waving swords and even a meat cleaver, stormed Ansar al-Sharia’s headquarters in Benghazi.

    “After what happened at the American consulate, the people of Benghazi had enough of the extremists,” demonstrator Hassan Ahmed said. “They did not give allegiance to the army. So the people broke in and they fled.”

    Demonstrators pulled down militia flags and set a vehicle on fire inside what was once the base of former leader Muammar Gaddafi’s security forces who tried to put down the first protests that sparked last year’s uprising.