The Nation Newspaper

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  • Tukur begs defectors to return to PDP

    Tukur begs defectors to return to PDP

    National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has appealed to aggrieved members of the party who defected to other political parties to return.
    Tukur promised prospective returnees a special arrangement by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP that will assign special roles to them in the party’s reform agenda.
    He said: “For us to be one indivisible and indissoluble party ruling Nigeria since 1999, it may be necessary for me to beg our members who are aggrieved and who left the party for different strange camps to come back home. It is time to re-build Nigeria and all hands are needed to do so.
    “The umbrella is big enough to accommodate all of us. So, our members who left us should please come back into the party so we can resolve our differences and begin to move on as one people for one nation.”
    The party chairman said he accepted to lead the party not to acquire fame or fortune, but to give back to Nigeria much of what the country had offered him.
    Tukur. who spoke at his Abuja residence on the occasion of his 77th birthday, called on party members and the Nigerian people to support the transformation agenda of the Jonathan administration.
    He said the PDP would soon engage its founding fathers, elders and other stakeholders in the task of rebuilding the party through reconciliation, based on equity and justice.
    The PDP chair ruled out automatic tickets for members in the 2015 general elections, insisting that merit, record of performance and credibility of political office seekers would be the yardstick for determining access to power at all levels.
  • Onshore/Offshore dichotomy: Northern elders slam Adoke

    Onshore/Offshore dichotomy: Northern elders slam Adoke

    Northern elders are angry with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed  Adoke, for declaring  the debate on the onshore/offshore oil dichotomy as closed.
     The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday said the Attorney General has no right whatsoever to say Nigerians cannot debate any issue of interest to them.
    “Who is he to say that the debate on onshore/offshore dichotomy is closed? Who is he to say that the debate on onshore/offshore dichotomy is closed? By who?” spokesman for the NEF, Prof. Ango Abdullahi fumed yesterday in Abuja in a reaction to the minister’s statement.
    Speaking at the  valedictory session in honour of retiring Justice Francis Tabai of the Supreme Court on Thursday, Adoke had warned the public to avoid overheating the polity through re-opening the debate on the onshore/offshore oil dichotomy in the allocation of revenue.
    But speaking to reporters on the sideline of the inaugural session of the Constitution Review Committee set up by the NEF in Abuja, Prof. Abdullahi lashed out at the minister: “Is he saying that Nigerians have no right to speak on issues which onshore/offshore dichotomy is, for him to say that the debate is closed? On what grounds?
    “It sounds stupid to me. It is a matter of continuous discussion and debate. He has no right to say that the matter is closed.”
    On the forum’s Constitution Review and Political Committees, the former  Presidential Adviser on Agriculture said the North is looking primarily at resource control, sovereign national conference and onshore/offshore dichotomy.
    He said: “Primarily, the issues the North is looking at are  resource control,  sovereign national conference as advocated and then  onshore/offshore dichotomy. These are on the front burner of the constitution review. And the legal think tank here would review those positions and know how the North would approach it.”
    On the 2015 presidential election, he said: “For us here, primarily we are involved first in securing the unity of our people. If our people are not safe and are not secured, 2015 will not make any meaning to us in this group because we believe that a united North will now be able to talk politics with sense.
    “We are already bedevilled by a lot of crises, security challenges, unemployment and poverty.  So with all these ones, I don’t think we have the luxury to be discussing 2015 for now at this level. We believe that if we are organised and united, we may be able to know where the balance stands in 2015.
    “The question is that the issue of politics as we understand it, particularly when it comes to elections, there are rules for elections and the elections will be contested on the basis of rules. So, let it be. And that is what it will be in 2015.
    He noted that the political committee set up by the NEF “is supposed to look at the politics of Nigeria and see how the North will fit into it or how Nigeria will fit into it in 2015.”
     On agitation for state police, he said: “The agitation for state police already has gathered momentum and it is clear that there are certain past leaders of this country that already are championing it. Most of the southern governors are pro-state police and majority of our governors here are not disposed to state police.
    “For us in the committee here, we are going to weigh the propriety of that vis-a-vis national interest. In fact, at the inaugural speech here, the chairman insisted that the North must not do anything that will be unjust to anybody living in Nigeria. We believe in the unity of this country.”
    He added: “To me personally again, the issue of zoning should be thrown away. Contest should be open, and so be it. The question of allocation of positions based on certain region should be thrown away and let people be free to contest.”
    He described the practice of the presidential system in Nigeria as expensive, but he did not say whether the NEF would be calling for a change of the system during the on-going constitution review process.
     “As a group, we feel that we have embarked on a change that has brought disaster to Nigeria. The presidential system of government is a major disaster to Nigerians,” he said, adding: ”I have never seen governance as expensive as what we have on ground today, and even if we are copying the presidential system from the United States, we are bad copiers of the system that operates in the United States today.
    “For example, a senator in Nigeria earns $1.5 million while the President of the United States earns $400,000 a year. So, something must be wrong in the manner in which we understand the presidential system of government, especially if we are copying from the United States.
    “But talking about cost of governance from the little project I am trying to undertake now, I have reached a stage where I can pronounce that the cost of governance under the presidential system that we have is three to four times more than the parliamentary system which we threw away in 1979.”
    Those who attended the meeting included the Convener, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule; Chairman of the session, Paul Unongo; Ustaz Yunus Usman, SAN; Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu; Senator John Wash Pam; Air Marshal Al-amin Daggash; Alhaji Lawal  Yusufari; Barr. Ibrahim Umar; Barr. Salmanu Rilwanu; Barr. Abdulfatah Bello and Barr. Solomon Dalong.
    Others were Barr. Mustapha Bashir Wali; Barr. Simon Orkuma; Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd); Alhaji Sanni Zango Daura; Barr. R.O. Yusuf; Barr Usman Abashiya; Barr Muhammed Sani Katu; Barr. Moses Tagifek; Kalli Gazali; Capt. Paul Thaha’al and Barr Muslim Maigari.
  • Tax Tribunal upholds Halliburton’s appeal against FIRS

    Tax Tribunal upholds Halliburton’s appeal against FIRS

    The Tax Appeals Tribunal sitting in Lagos yesterday upheld an appeal by Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Ltd against the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over $167,700,000 tax assessment.
    FIRS, in a notice of assessment dated February 24, 2009, had demanded 30 per cent of $559 million being fine payable to United States authorities in lieu of “bribes” allegedly given to Nigerian officials for operations in the country within the Halliburton group.
    “Since the entire bribe would have formed part of the expenses that was charged in the tax returns of FIRS, an amount of $559 million is hereby disallowed for tax purposes.
    “The relevant assessment notice for the tax arising therefrom amounting to $167,700,000 is herewith forwarded for your prompt payment,” FIRS had said in a covering letter dated February 25, 2009.
    Delivering judgment yesterday, the tribunal, chaired by Kayode Sofola, SAN, who led other commissioners including Catherine Ajayi, Mustapaha Ibrahim, D. Gapsiso and Chinua Asuzu, set aside the assessment of FIRS.
    It said the terms of settlement and a non-prosecution agreement between the parties exempted Halliburton from the imposition of the assessment numbered PDBA 20.
    “The said assessment is defective as being speculative, a contradiction and inconsistent with the relevant tax laws.
    “While foreign companies may be liable to the imposition of tax in Nigeria, in appropriate cases, Halliburton Inc USA is not chargeable to tax in Nigeria with regard to the fine it paid to the American government in the circumstances of the case,” the tribunal held.
    The tribunal said for the tax to be imposed on the sum in question, the law must unambiguously impose the tax on the party sought to be charged with it.
    It added: “The evidence shows that the fine was imposed for the bribery of Nigerian officials. What the quantum of the bribe was is not in evidence.
    “The respondent (FIRS) speculates that the fine of $559 million or the ‘entire bribe would have formed part of the expenses that was charged in the tax returns to FIRS’. The basis for this is not clear.
    “If a fine is imposed, it would be unthinkable for such fine to be claimed as an expense to be deducted in the tax returns. The purpose of the sanction, a criminal penalty, surely is a loss imposed on the party unless there is evidence to the contrary, which there is not.
    “We find that the fine is not profit and to the contrary, is a loss. Thus, the case the respondent has presented before us is untenable.”
    Halliburton had appealed the assessment on the grounds that it was not involved in the payment of any bribes, adding that it has never claimed any related revenue expenses or deductions in any of its tax returns to the FIRS.
    The appellant said the amount of the expenses the FIRS proposed to disallow by its assessment was higher than the combined revenue from its operations in Nigeria for “the last four years.”
    “The sum of $559,000,000.00 said to have been paid to the US authorities by Halliburton Inc (USA) was not representative of the amount of any alleged bribe payment,” Halliburton said, among others.
  • Fed Govt ready for logical conclusion with Boko Haram, says Maku

    Fed Govt ready for logical conclusion with Boko Haram, says Maku

    • Acknowledges sect’s claim of impersonation

    Information Minister Labaran Maku yesterday pledged Federal Government’s commitment to the on-going peace talks with the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, until the grey areas are resolved and peace ensured in the country.
    Earlier talks between the two parties were inconclusive on account of suspicion of insincerity by bot sides.
    Mr. Maku in a statement in Abuja said government is receptive to any initiative aimed at sustaining or bringing about harmony in the country.
    He was responding to comments on the Voice of America (VOA) by Boko Haram that it was in talks with government.
    He said: “The attention of the Federal Government has been drawn to the statement issued through VOA Hausa Service on Tuesday, 14th August 2012 by Ahlul Sunna lil daawa wal Jihad.
    “The Federal Government welcomes any initiative that will usher in peace, security and tranquillity in the country, especially in the light of the security challenges that we have faced in the last two years.
    “In this context, we welcome the statement by Ahlul Sunna lil daawa wal Jihad acknowledging that they have been in contact with the Federal Government through its representatives and have started negotiations with the objective of reaching a final solution to this crisis.
    “In this regard, the Federal government wishes to reiterate its willingness to listen to the grievances of the sect.  It is our hope that this process will lead to restoration of peace, security and tranquillity to Northern Nigeria.”
    He said the government has taken notice of information by the group that other unknown individuals are using its name to commit atrocities in the country.
  • Ibori’s $15m bribe sum: EFCC arrests businessman, begins fresh probe

    Ibori’s $15m bribe sum: EFCC arrests businessman, begins fresh probe

    •More suspects to be nabbed

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested a businessman, Mr. Chibuike Achigbu, in connection with a $15 million bribe allegedly offered a former chairman of the commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, by ex-Governor James Ibori.
    Following the conviction of Ibori by a UK Court, the Delta State Government had gone to a Federal High Court to apply for the return of the bribe sum which is being kept with the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).
    But Achigbu initially filed an application on August 29 before a Federal High Court claiming that  the money belongs to him.
    He said he gave the money to a former presidential aide, Dr. Andy Uba, to finance the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2007 elections.
    Barely 72 hours after filing an application for the return of $15 million bribe sum to him, he made a U-turn by withdrawing the matter.
    The withdrawal made the EFCC to launch a full-scale investigation into how the bribe sum came about and the sponsors of the botched suit.
    According to a reliable source in the commission, the embattled businessman was arrested in Lagos on Thursday and flown to Abuja for interrogation.
    The source said: “The suspect, who was interrogated for many hours, has made a useful statement to our investigators, which could lead to how the $15 millon bribe was offered.
    “It is obvious that some forces were using Achigbu as a shield  over the bribe sum. We hope to effect more arrests on the curious suit.
    “If you look at the affidavit sworn to by the businessman, it contained many revelations which require in-depth  probe.”
    As at press time, it was gathered that although  the businessman had been granted bail, he was yet to meet the terms.
    The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest and grilling of Achigbu.
    “We have started investigation on issues that we feel he should clarify,” he said.
    Following the withdrawal of the case, the Congress for Progressive Change had insisted on a fresh probe of the $15 million donation.
    In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party. Eng. Rotimi Fashakin, the CPC asked the EFCC to probe alleged donation of the $15 million to the PDP.
    “The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) is appalled by the controversy generated by the alleged $15 million bribe money (currently in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria) offered to the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in 2007 by the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori.
    “With the formal conviction and subsequent incarceration of Chief James Ibori (for money laundering offences) by a British Court, the need for  proper disposal of the money became a front-burner issue.
    “Understandably, the Delta State Government showed up as the rightful owner since the money was purloined from it by Chief James Ibori, in his capacity as the then substantive governor.
    “Whilst the matter was pending in court, a Nigerian business man, Mr. Chibuike Achigbu, stepped forward as the authentic owner. In a deposition, filed by a team of ten lawyers (including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria), Achigbu averred, inter-alia, that he raised the money for the purpose of donating to the electioneering campaigns of the PDP in the 2007 general elections.
    “Furthermore, the money was allegedly given to Dr. Andy Uba, the then Senior Special Assistant on domestic Affairs in a PDP Presidency and now a PDP Senator, for the purpose of authenticating (with the EFCC) its suitability for donation.
     “Uba was alleged to have passed the money to  Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, the then Director of Operations of EFCC and now the substantive Executive Chairman.
    “As a party, we view the portent of this latest twist to the bribe money saga as foreboding for the fight against institutionalised corruption in the Nigerian polity.
    “Section 7(1)b of the EFCC Act 2004 states: ‘The Commission has power to cause investigation to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by the source of income.’
    “ This twist to the saga  has thrown up some questions:
    •    Does the EFCC Act empower the Commission to authenticate the suitability of a donation to a political party?
    •    Does the EFCC not have sufficient powers to investigate Mr. Chibuike Achigbu with a view to ascertaining the source of his income vis-à-vis justification for making such huge donation?
    •  Should the EFCC not investigate Senator Andy Uba as the locus in the latest controversy of the alleged bribe money?
    •  With the EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde’s name mentioned in the deposition, should he not tell the Nigerian people all he knows about this case?
    •  Has this deposition by an acolyte of a serving PDP Senator not exposed the ruling party as mostly responsible for the festering corruption in the Nigerian state?
    “The unexplained illegal jerking up of the expenditure for the 2011 fuel subsidy from N240 billion to N2.67 trillion is part of the continuing story of PDP’s unsuitability for the electoral trust of the Nigerian people.
    “As a Party, we owe it a sacred duty to the Nigerian people to expose the infra-dig in the polity for the purpose of ensuring its sustainable growth.”
  • Anti-Islam film: US flag burnt as soldiers open fire to disperse protesters

    Anti-Islam film: US flag burnt as soldiers open fire to disperse protesters

    •Tight security in Kaduna, Kano, Borno, Yobe

    Soldiers opened fire  in Jos yesterday to disperse youths who had gathered to protest a film critical of the Prophet Muhammed.
    Protesters in Sokoto, the Islamic spiritual headquarters  in Nigeria, burnt a US flag, but Kano, Kaduna,  Maiduguri and Damaturu, which have been flash points of religious violence in the country, were generally calm.
    The short-lived demonstrations in Jos,  where hundreds have been killed in religious and ethnic violence, began after the jumat  prayers.
    The youths, some wearing white shirts that read “To Hell With America, To Hell With Israel,” chanted slogans and called for the arrest of the makers of the film that has sparked protests across the Middle East and North Africa.
    Satisfied that they had a sufficient number to commence a protest, the youths approached a police officer to inform him that they were ready for a peaceful rally around the Central Mosque. They promised to make it peaceful.
    They were still discussing   when a patrol van filled with Special Task Force (STF) soldiers arrived the scene.
    The soldiers quickly disembarked and asked the youths to disperse.
    The protesters were apparently too slow in leaving the  scene  or angry at the soldiers’ position and within seconds gunshots rang out. So ended the protest.
    There were no reports of injury to anyone on account of the gunshots or the melee.
    Many residents kept indoors following rumour of a likely  protest after the jumat while those who went to work had to return home by 1 pm when the jumat would have been over.
    Motorists also avoided  roads leading to or out of Masalanchin Juma’at and other worship centres as well as Muslim-dominated areas, causing massive traffic jam.
    Spokesman for the STF, Captain Salisu Mustapha, said: “Even as I am talking to you now, I am among the troops surveying Zololo area and Bauchi Road. Our men are fully on ground and we are on top of the situation.
    “We have since restored peace and we will not fold our arms to allow any protester sabotage  all the peace we have laboured to build so far.
    “The survellance will continue in the city even after today.”
     It was a different situation in Sokoto where protesters burnt a US flag.
    “Time has come when the world should respect Islam as religion, because Muslims respect other people’s religion,” protester Abubakar Ahmed Rijia said.
    Another protester, Nai’u Muhammed, said he believed people were deliberately trying to instigate Muslims into violence through criticising the Prophet Muhammad.
    “Islam is a religion of peace, but we cannot tolerate somebody abusing it,” Muhammed said.
    In Maiduguri, the spiritual home of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, the streets were generally quiet yesterday.
    Abubakar Mustapha, an imam, asked  Muslims to be restrained in their actions, no matter how angry they may feel over the film.
    “How can we earn the respect of others when we as Muslims kill ourselves, when we do things that smear the name of our religion?” Mustapha asked while preaching yesterday.
    “We have to go back to the basic and hold firm unto our religion with love and true devotion so that others will respect our religion and our prophet.”
    Security remained tight across the city before, during and after the prayers with the Joint Task Force (JTF) saying it has “taken pro-active security measures, increased surveillance and 24-hour patrol in and around Maiduguri.”
     Kano was peaceful with residents moving about their businesses. Security was also tight. Armoured vehicles  were deployed in the streets.
    Chief Chris Osuji, President-General of the  Imo Community Association in Kano, was happy  at the development.
    “It is indeed a welcome development and a different scenario from the experience we used to have before in Kano. God has really intervened and we are now living in peace and harmony with our Muslim brothers,” he said.
    The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said the police and religious leaders were liaising to ensure continued peace.
    “I want to tell you that there is no cause for alarm. One of our major strategies is to adopt preventive measures, and that is what we are using to control the situation. We are meeting with leaders of all the Islamic sects and they have  assured us of their full cooperation to ensure that peace continues to reign in the state.
    Kaduna was similarly calm despite the circulation, the previous day, of a text message  by some Muslim groups calling for protest.
    The  foremost Islamic group in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), appealled for caution, saying Nigeria could not afford any form of unrest at this point in time.
    In a statement in Kaduna, Secretary General of the organisation, Dr. Khalid Aliyu Abubakar said: ”Jama’atu Nasril Islam, under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, expressed its shock and consternation on the film released on You-tube, aimed at belittling our noble Prophet (peace be upon him) in a derogatory manner and smearing his dignity.
    “It is  disrespectful to Muslims, intended to cause their anger, and therefore unacceptable not only to Muslims but to all right thinking people. It is, however,  condemned in the strongest terms.
    “However, Muslims are enjoined to pertinently persevere for the sake of the Almighty Allah, the way our revered Prophet used to whenever his personality was attacked by his foes.
    “He was called all sorts of derogatory names and persecuted, but he never revenged and forwarded his complaint to Allah the Almighty for relief.
    “It is rather unfortunate at this time when all efforts should be geared towards peace and calm, some elements want to create tension by insinuating that non-Muslim interest will be attacked.
    “We cannot afford any upheaval in this trying moment of insecurity our country is passing through.
    Therefore, all Muslims are called for restraint and perseverance.
    May Allah the Exalted console all.”
     Civil Rights activist, Mallam Shehu Sani, described  the movie as an unprovoked attack against Muslims and the peace loving people of the world.
    “The producers and actors of such a movie are anarchists and men of evil attempting to incinerate the world.
    ”The movie threatens world peace and stability. This movie and the culture of inciting attack on Muslims and Islam as prevalent in some western countries must be halted by all means in the interest of peace and mutual respect,” he said.
    He said while Muslims have the right to object and peacefully protest, ”retaliatory attacks against innocent persons or institutions are detrimental and unacceptable. There is no justification for any violence against Americans or any westerner  resulting from this.”
  • I was invited to Democratic Party’s convention, says Tinubu

    I was invited to Democratic Party’s convention, says Tinubu

    •Tells PDP to face governance

    Former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola  Tinubu  returned to Lagos yesterday from the United States of America (USA) and said he was properly invited to the just concluded convention  of the Democratic Party where President Barack Obama was nominated for the November election.
    He deplored the  “unwarranted” criticism of his attendance at the convention, espec ially by the PDP. The ruling party, he insisted, lacks the moral right to query the mode of his invitation to the convention, having failed to address the issues of electricity and inability to put food on the table of the average Nigerian.
    The Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN) leader said he seized the opportunity of the convention to discuss with great minds  ideas that are central to the development and sustenance of democratic institutions.
    Tinubu said: ”It is unfortunate that we have not been able to distinguish between public contact and a proper democratic convention. There is a great exhibition of Nigerian ignorance and those scavenging power in its corridors.
    “They do not even appreciate  the fact that we fought for democracy.
    During the struggle for this democracy, there was a lot of precedence and people outside this country are still watching us.
    “ I  was at the convention. I was invited properly.Who are the people asking me to prove anything?
    “Is it about the high rate of unemployment in this country? Is it about the inability of the ruling party to provide food on the table for hungry Nigerians? Is it about the state of electricity in the country that they cannot privatise properly  without blackmailing the former minister of power, who the government forced to resign because they have an agenda of turning everything into a family affair?
    “The ruling party should busy itself with the infrastructure  that is lacking in this country. There is need for our leaders to share knowledge with others to know what we need and how to move the nation forward.”
    The ACN leader hailed the  robustness of the American democracy, which he said is based on ideas and the resolve of its leaders to create a platform for promoting values and vision.
    On the lessons Nigeria could draw from US leaders, Asiwaju Tinubu said: “Our  airport, is it a friendly one that is inviting business and tourism we should take Nigeria and its governance more seriously?
    “I represented my party, ACN,  the progressives  at the convention with Hon. Dele Alake, Speaker Adeyemi  Ikuforiji. Whatever they insinuate does not bother me. I am glad I represented my party.”
    On the chances of the ACN in next month’s  governorship election in Ondo State, TInubu said: “We are working hard for the October  gubernatorial election  in Ondo state. Our candidate is working hard and the party is working very hard.
    All our structures are in place and as long as the election is well monitored and controlled, we are very sure of victory.”
    Commenting on the killing  of the US ambassador in LIbya, TInubu  said: “We need to pay more attention and not lip service to  the question of security. The world is getting smaller because of technology and the wild rumours that have no credibility can cause  problems of security.
    “It has become a serious problem all over the country and we have to pay special attention to security effectively and not just react but be very proactive.
    “Look at the case of Oshiomhole‘s  PA that was murdered. The case is disjointed, uncoordinated between the police and the SSS,  parading different suspects; they are not communicating, not sharing information for the good of  Nigerians.“
    He described the planned introduction of N5000 bank note by the Central Bank (CBN) as a clear  invitation to devalue the naira.
    He said: “N5000  is a  clear indication of depreciation, a clear devaluation. They failed economically in  this  country. The ruling party should pack their load and go. Nigerians should be wiser.”
  • Threat of violence:US  embassy, facilities cut work hours

    Threat of violence:US  embassy, facilities cut work hours

    The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and all associated facilities in the country   shut down  as early as  11:30 a.m. yesterday as a precautionary measure following outrage in many parts of the world over a film said to have insulted Prophet Mohammed.
    Its  Consulate General in Lagos was  closed at 11:00 a.m.
    The Embassy in a statement said : “ Protests against a controversial film may occur in Jos, Kano, and other parts of Nigeria.  U.S. citizens may wish to limit their travels beyond their residential compounds during the afternoon of September 14.
    “The Embassy continues to work closely with Nigerian Police and security agencies, which continue to take proactive security measures to ensure public safety.  U.S. Citizens in Nigeria should consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning.
    “This year, extremists have attacked many locations in Nigeria, killing and injuring hundreds of people.  They have threatened churches, mosques, media houses, police stations, immigration and customs offices, financial institutions, large hotels, shopping malls and markets, state government offices, communications centers, beer gardens, and nightclubs.  Attackers have also burned and destroyed several public and private schools in Borno, and targeted several educational institutions in Kano and churches in Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno states.  Additionally, extremists continue to target westerners for abduction.  As such, the situation in the country remains fluid and unpredictable.
    “All U.S. citizens should use caution and discretion when deciding to attend large functions or visit establishments identified as potential targets, and respond appropriately if they detect suspicious activities.  Because of ongoing security concerns within the Federal Capital Territory, U.S. citizens should continue to expect heavy traffic congestion, road blocks, and significant police/security force deployments.  All U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, pay attention to their surroundings, limit exposure to large crowds, and keep their cellular telephones in close proximity for use in cases of emergency.
    “U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to contact you in case of emergency.”
  • US secretary condemn anti-Islam film

    US secretary condemn anti-Islam film

    The US Secretary of State,Hillary Clinton,on Thursday denounced the anti-Islam film as disgusting and reprehensible. “It appears to have a deeply cynical purpose to denigrate a great religion and to provoke rage ,”she said  at a meeting in Washington D.C. with  Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister .
    The speech:“We are closely watching what is happening in Yemen and elsewhere, and we certainly hope and expect that there will be steps taken to avoid violence and prevent the escalation of protests into violence.
     “I also want to take a moment to address the video circulating on the internet that has led to these protests in a number of countries.  Let me state very clearly – and I hope it is obvious – that the United States Government had absolutely nothing to do with this video.  We absolutely reject its content and message.  America’s commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation.  And as you know, we are home to people of all religions, many of whom came to this country seeking the right to exercise their own religion, including, of course, millions of Muslims.  And we have the greatest respect for people of faith.
    “To us, to me personally, this video is disgusting and reprehensible.  It appears to have a deeply cynical purpose:  to denigrate a great religion and to provoke rage.  But as I said yesterday, there is no justification, none at all, for responding to this video with violence.  We condemn the violence that has resulted in the strongest terms, and we greatly appreciate that many Muslims in the United States and around the world have spoken out on this issue.
    “Violence, we believe, has no place in religion and is no way to honor religion.  Islam, like other religions, respects the fundamental dignity of human beings, and it is a violation of that fundamental dignity to wage attacks on innocents.  As long as there are those who are willing to shed blood and take innocent life in the name of religion, the name of God, the world will never know a true and lasting peace.  It is especially wrong for violence to be directed against diplomatic missions.  These are places whose very purpose is peaceful:  to promote better understanding across countries and cultures.  All governments have a responsibility to protect those spaces and people, because to attack an embassy is to attack the idea that we can work together to build understanding and a better future.
     “Now, I know it is hard for some people to understand why the United States cannot or does not just prevent these kinds of reprehensible videos from ever seeing the light of day.  Now, I would note that in today’s world with today’s technologies, that is impossible.  But even if it were possible, our country does have a long tradition of free expression which is enshrined in our Constitution and our law, and we do not stop individual citizens from expressing their views no matter how distasteful they may be.
    “There are, of course, different views around the world about the outer limits of free speech and free expression, but there should be no debate about the simple proposition that violence in response to speech is not acceptable.  We all – whether we are leaders in government, leaders in civil society or religious leaders – must draw the line at violence.  And any responsible leader should be standing up now and drawing that line.”