The Nation Newspaper

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  • Suspected armed robbers arrested

    The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers from Niger Republic who have been terrorising residents of the boarder area of Kangiwa and Kamba local government areas of the state.

    Addressing newsmen at the police headquarter, the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tonye E. Ebitibituwa said that one of the suspects, Hajiya Sa’adatu Mohammad, 40,  was arrested at Barki Daji in Kangiwa area of the state.

    The suspect was accused of being the leader of the notorious armed gang that operates along Kangiwa – Kamba Road. He further disclosed that the gang’s accomplices had also been arrested. He said: “We have arrested the matron of the armed  robbery syndicate that comes from Niger Republic to unleash terror on motorists on Kangiwa-Kamba Road. They are foreign elements, They come from their country, strike on this road by blocking and dispossessing motorists of their valuables. After operation, they run back to their country.”

    On how the suspects were arrested, he said his men mounted 24-hour surveillance on the area and villages surrounding it. He said they have since commenced investigation on the woman’s case.

    “The gang has stopped coming but in the course of our surveillance, the woman was acfingerd as their matron. We ransacked her house and found three young men. Though no weapon was found in her house, in the area she has been known as the matron of the armed robbers. Some time ago she was arrested for same offence,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the police commissioner reiterated his command’s commitment to make the state crime-free.He urged the people of the state to report any suspicious persons or movement in their communities to any nearby police formation for prompt action.

     

  • Senate pegs oil benchmark at $78

    Senate pegs oil benchmark at $78

    •National Assembly opens  Budget 2013 debate

    The Senate yesterday adopted a $78 per barrel oil benchmark for 2013 fiscal year.

    This is contrary to the position of the House of Representatives, which has adopted an oil benchmark of $80 for the fiscal year.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, in his 2013 Appropriation Bill, presented an oil benchmark of $75 per barrel.

    Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has cautioned that the $75 oil benchmark should be retained in order not to disrupt the economy, in the event of unfavourable oil sales in the international market.

    The Senate’s position followed the passing of 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, presented the report of the Joint Committee on Finance, National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which considered the MTEF and FSP, to the Senate for approval.

    Makarfi noted that after exhaustive deliberation on the 2013-2015 MTEF and FSP, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and consultation with stakeholders, the joint committee arrived at its recommendations.

    The Senate adopted the recommendation of crude oil production per day of 2.53mbp, 2.61mbp, and 2.65mbp for 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    It adopted that average exchange rate of N160/US$1 is appropriate.

    Makarfi said the joint committee opted for a higher benchmark price of crude oil but agreed to recommend the adoption of $75 for purposes of the MTEF and FSP, pending submission of 2013 budget details.

    The Senate adopted the recommendation that the Federal Government should exercise extreme caution on foreign borrowing.

    It also adopted the recommendation of corporate tax and vat rates of 30 per cent and 5 per cent for 2013-2015.

    The comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) account transferred to Nigeria Custom Service, the Senate said, adding that the government should strengthen its fiscal strategy to narrow the gap between projected and actual revenue for the period 2013-2015 by curtailing crude oil theft and diversifying the economy to increase tax bases as to increase tax revenue.

    It agreed that there should be specific provision for subsidy payments or a clear statement, if it is the intention of the Executive to stop subsidizing petroleum products.

    The lawmakers rejected the structures being set up in states, senatorial zones and local governments on Federal Government SURE-P intervention programme.

    It said that the details of SURE-P to be executed under the programme should be attached as an addendum to the annual Appropriation for scrutiny and approval of the National Assembly.

    Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal at plenary yesterday said the House would concentrate on the bill by shelving all other matters to quickly dispense with the budget.

    “We will dedicate the whole of tomorrow (today) and conclude on Thursday,” he said.

    House Leader Mulikat Akande-Adeola presented the budget proposal under the title: “A Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N4.924 trillion of which N380 billion is for statutory transfers, N591 billion is for debt service, N2.412 trillion is for recurrent expenditure while the balance of N1.540 trillion is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on the 31st day of December, 2013.”

    There are fears that the decision of the House to increase the $75 per barrel of crude oil benchmark proposed by the executive in the 2013 budget to $80 may impede the budget’s smooth passage.

    Sequel to the recommendation of the House’s joint Committees on Finance, Legislative Budget and Research, National Planning and Economic Development, and Aids, Loans and Debt Management, which considered the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), the House passed a resolution adopting the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2013-2015 earlier presented by the President with modifications.

    In adopting the MTEF, the House increased the benchmark by $5.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jubrin, has however said the House will stand by its decision, adding that the Finance Minister should resign if she is incapable of implementing the decision of the National Assembly.

     

  • Customs warns smugglers

    Customs warns smugglers

    The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has arrested smuggled goods with estimated duty paid value (DPV) of N3, 211,282.75 in September,it has been reported .

    A document made available by the Controller in-charge of the command, Comptroller Audu Zakka through the Public Relations Officer, Chado Zakari showed that within the first month of assumption of duties by the new controller, the command carried out the arrest on six different items. They include: 320 cartons of smuggled poultry products valued at N2.8 million and with estimated duty paid value put at the same amount; 150 bags of imported rice valued at N665, 025 and having dpv put at N864, 532. Other items were 110 kegs of petroleum products valued at N266, 750 and dpv at the same amount.

    The command said the arrests were made possible partly by information from good Nigerians when they noticed movement of smugglers.

    The command’s new controller who assumed duty on September 4, warned smugglers in the entire Western Region to stop their illegal activities, adding that the region is now a ‘no go area’ for them. He said he came into the command with the aim of stamping out smuggling from the Western part of the country.

    He called on all Nigerians especially those living within the command’s area of operation to give them all necessary support as they are poised to drive smugglers out of the area. He said the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Abdullahi Dikko, is doing everything within his powers to reposition the Customs Service generally and the Western Marine Command in particular to enable them achieve their set objectives.

  • Delta commissioner back in Asaba

    Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education Prof. Hope Eghagha has returned to Asaba, the state capital, it was learnt yesterday.

    Eghagha was freed on Monday at about 7pm in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, 15 days after he was abducted.

    He was kidnapped on September 30 at Owa-Ekei by gunmen, who killed his police guard and injured his driver.

    A source said a large ransom was paid for his release.

    Police spokesman Charles Muka confirmed the release, but refused to comment on whether ransom was paid.

    He said: “You know the police do not encourage the payment of ransom. I am not aware if any money was paid or not before the kidnappers released him. We will certainly arrest the kidnappers and bring them to justice.”

    Information Commissioner Chike Ogeah said Eghagha was back in Asaba.

    He said: “Eghagha is fine. I learnt he has returned to Asaba. He is still in a state of shock and needs to take good care of his health after being kidnapped for 15 days. He has to rest.”

  • Women urged to be role models

    There are distinct ways in which can shape the society and make it better for everyone.

    They can use their unique positions to inculcate positive values in their children, and by so doing, help to shape a new, peaceful society in which people will love and respect one another.

    This advice was given by the Plateau State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olivia Dazyam while speaking at a women’s forum organised by her Ministry for women of the Plateau North senatorial zone.

    The forum entitled “Peace Summit for women on the Plateau” was organised as part of continued efforts to bring lasting peace to the troubled zone.

    Speaking further at the one-day summit, Mrs Dazyam, a lawyer, identified early marriage, teenage pregnancy, prostitution, school dropout and other social vices as being responsible for the increasing moral degradation in the society thereby increasing violence in the country and Plateau State in particular.

    She noted the neglect of parental care among women in the state create room for these ills urging the women to be more responsive to their obligations as mothers in the society.

    According to the commissioner, most parents seems to have failed to live up to their parental responsibilities of ensuring proper child up-bringing, which she stressed was needed to caution children and youths against ill-behaviors.

    Dazyam lamented the rate of HIV/AIDS in the State stressing Plateau has the 6th position in the national rating of the diseases with women being the most affected.

    She urged women to engage in meaningful economic ventures to enable them to be self reliance and take proper care of their families instead of resorting to negative behaviours.

    In a lecture, the guest lecturer at the event, and Human Right Activist Mr. Gad Shamaki in a paper presentation entitled “the role of Women in peace building” noted that women are most vulnerable in times of crises, hence the need for women to preach peace through their day to day activities both at home and at their places of work.

    He pointed out that most women have suffered violence in the hands of their biological children as a result of lack of home training to the children and such children do not hesitate to extend violence to outsiders.

    Participants at the summit pledged to remedy the situation and contribute their quota and ensure that lasting peace is achieved in the zone and the State at large.

     

  • Eze Ndigbo loses mother

    THE death has been announced of Mrs Helen Nwachukwu (neeOdun).She was a n community leader and devout Christian.She was 95. Ezinne Lolo Helen Nwachukwu aged 95 years. The mother of Eze Ndigbo Lagos State, Dr Christian Udechukwu Nwachukwu, died on September 19 and will be buried on October 18, after a funeral Mass at Eze Nwachukwu’s country home, Ofeikpa, Umunwarahu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. There will be condolences from in-laws, friends and well-wishers on October 19 and 20. and thanksgiving service at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Obodo-Ukwu Imo State on October 21.

    She is survived by several children, many grand children and great grand children.

  • UNIPORT Four killings: Ruler incited mob, says IG

    UNIPORT Four killings: Ruler incited mob, says IG

    –Why police couldn’t stop them

    –Community leader, 18 others arrested

     

    MORE details emerged yesterday on how four University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) students were lynched in Aluu on October 5.

    The community’s traditional ruler instigated the mob action, Police Inspector-General Mohammed Abubakar said.

    A preliminary report, which the IG personally signed, said security information showed that Alhaji Hassan Welewa, the traditional ruler of Aluu in Omikiri community, Ikwere Local Government, River State, and 18 others being held for the killings, were culpable.

    The four lynched students are: Ugunna Obuzor (18) Geology, Lloyd Toku (19) 200 Level Civil Engineering, Tekena Elkanah, 20, (Diploma Technical) and Chiadaka Odinga, 20, (200 Level Theatre Arts).

    The police said they were unable to stop the mob because they were chased away by stone-throwing assailants, who accused the students of stealing laptops and mobile telephones.

    The lynchings have caused outrage, with a video showing the gruesome killings of the victims, aged 18-20, circulating through social media.

    “The police on getting to the scene met a mob attack on four victims who were supposedly the suspected armed robbers,” the statement said.

    “Attempts made by the police patrol team to take over the suspects were met with stiff opposition from the mob, who chased the team with stones.”

    The four police officers at the scene then called for reinforcements, but they arrived after the victims were “stoned and burnt to death, while the mob immediately took to their heels,” the statement said.

    It was not clear why police did not shoot into the air or fire tear gas as is often done to disperse crowds.

    The IG statement reads: “Intelligence report implicated Alhaji Hassan Welewa as being the person who incited the mob to unleash terror on the victims. Further investigation conducted by the police indicates that four (4) suspects, namely: Felemo Solomon; Cynthia Chinwo; Ozioma Abajuo and Chigozie Samuel Evans have been closely linked to this barbarous act.

    “The victims had gone to the area, where they met their unfortunate death earlier that morning, to demand for money allegedly owed to them by Coxson Lelebori Lucky, alias Bright, who raised a false alarm that the victims were armed robbers. Although Coxson has gone underground, detectives are on his trail.

    “Investigation is ongoing with efforts being intensified to track down others who are involved in the incident. Those who are found culpable shall be prosecuted

    “Efforts are being intensified to establish the motives behind this crime, arrest all who may be directly or indirectly connected with the crime and eventually bring all indicted persons to book.”

    The IGP added that normalcy had been restored in the area and that the university and other tertiary institutions within the area were being closely monitored.

    He maintained that policemen, including detectives had been deployed in the area to assist the police, with a view to forestalling any untoward reactions.

    Abubakar promised that the police would take every legitimate step within the ambit of the law to ensure that perpetrators of the dastardly act are identified and made to face the law.

    He advised members of the public against taking the law into their hands, stressing that two wrongs can never make a right.

    “More so, it is criminal and against the laws of the land and those that do so will surely be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “I wish to use this medium to advise and appeal to Nigerians to see it as their civic obligation in the fight against crime and criminality and to assist security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    “Security is everybody’s responsibility and so, should not be abandoned in the hands of security agencies alone. The maximum cooperation of the public is needed to ensure that Nigeria is safe for all.”

  • Court strikes out suit against Justice Salami

    Court strikes out suit against Justice Salami

    It was another victory for the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, yesterday.

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, struck out a suit seeking to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from reinstating him.

    Justice Abdul Kafarati granted the order, based on a notice of discontinuance filed on June 22 by the purported Plaintiff, Wilfred Okoli.

    Okoli had denied knowledge of the suit filed in his name by an Abuja lawyer, Amobi Nzelu. Okoli is a lawyer working in the chambers of Nzelu.

    The suit was filed to frustrate the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to Jonathan.

    On May 10, the NJC, after its meeting in Abuja recommended the reinstatement of Justice Salami.

    Okoli stated two grounds for seeking to “discomtinue the suit against all the Defendants”.

    He said: “I neither gave consent nor authorised that the suit be instituted, in the first instance. I did not brief anybody whatsoever to commence the suit on my behalf”.

    “I do not have any cause of action against any of the Defendants,” he added

    At the resumed hearing yesterday, Justice Salami’s counsel, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), urged the court to strike out the suit.

    According to him, Nzelu committed a gross professional misconduct by filing a suit in the name of a person whose consent he did not seek.

    The NJC agreed with his position.

    Justice Kafarati struck out the suit.

    Nzelu, In the suit filed on behalf of Okoli, had asked the court to stop Jonathan from acting on the recommendation sent to him by the National Judicial council (NJC).

    The Defendants are the NJC, Justice Salami, the Attorney General of the Federation and Jonathan.

    The plaintiff urged the court to hold that NJC can not deliberate on an issue which is a subject of litigation.

  • NJC to consider options on Salami tomorrow

    NJC to consider options on Salami tomorrow

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) is to meet tomorrow. The council is likely to discuss Justice Salami’s non-reinstatement and weigh options on the fate of the acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu.

    But it was not immediately clear whether the NJC will intervene in the ongoing investigation of Chief Judges of two states and three Federal High Court judges. They are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Going by the notice issued, the NJC members will meet on Wednesday on issues confronting the judiciary.

    “The challenge at the Court of Appeal over its suspended President, Justice Ayo Salami, and the continued stay in office of the acting PCA, Justice Dahiru Adamu, is one of the matters to be considered.

    “Of course, the council will address a few issues bordering on how to fast-track the judicial process, indiscipline and ongoing investigation of some judges by the EFCC.

    “Some NJC members are certainly unhappy with the approach adopted by the EFCC in going about the investigation. I think they believe there ought to be consultations with the council before it is put in the public domain.

    It was learnt that some members of the council have been pushing for a sustainable solution to the stalemate at the Court of Appeal.

    The source spoke about the displeasure about the interim leadership arrangement at the Court of Appeal; the NJC will surely address this challenge.

    “We are aware of ongoing court processes but the council can find a common ground for all the aggrieved parties. What is important is that we want to move forward,” he said.

    But another source said: “Any intervention on Justice Salami by the NJC may be subjudice because of the ongoing cases in court.

    “Although one of the cases was struck out on Monday, we still have a few others outstanding in court.

    “Without going through all these courts, the NJC might be a bit handicapped. But one does not rule out the application of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism. The ball is in NJC’s court.”

    Through its lawyer, Usman Isa Kana, the NJC had a few weeks ago told a Federal High Court that President Goodluck Jonathan has no disciplinary power over any Justice of the Court of Appeal or its President.

     

  • No to secession, says Ekweremadu

    No to secession, says Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday urged anyone planning a secession to have a re-think, saying that it amounts to selfishness.

    Speaking at the 2nd Zik Annual Lecture series in Awka, Ekweremadu said it was a negation of the ideals of the founding fathers of the country for anyone to think of secession.

    He said Nigeria is better off as one country, saying that the founding fathers of Nigeria, especially Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, stood strongly against secession.

    The senator said the founding fathers knew that the country would be a better nation if all the regions stood as one country.

    “I personally believe that if we are united, we will be stronger and enjoy the benefits of the population and size of our country.

    “We are better when we are united than going our separate ways, and this was exactly what Azikiwe preached and lived for all his life.

    “And I think those of us, the younger generation and those coming after us, need to follow that path,” he prayed.

    Ekweremadu, who was the guest lecturer at the event organised by the Anambra State council of the NUJ, extolled the leadership qualities exhibited by the first president of Nigeria.

    Pointing out that he was totally a detribalised Nigerian, Ekweremadu said the late Dr. Azikiwe, worked for the common good and unity of Nigeria.

    “Zik indeed showed the light so that men could find their way, as many believed that his spirit bound the nation and provided the basis for continued unity.

    “Zik was always quick to sacrifice his personal interest as a politician, so long as it will advance the cause of the Nigerian project,” he added.

    The Chairman of the council, Mrs Tochukwu Omelu, urged Nigerians to keep the faith and tenets of the Great Zik of Africa and thanked the deputy Senate president for honouring the invitation.