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Tag: Sambo

  • Sambo, ex-DSS chief aware of my contact with Boko Haram, says Ndume

    Sambo, ex-DSS chief aware of my contact with Boko Haram, says Ndume

    •Court to rule on no-case submission July 4

    FORMER Vice President Namadi Sambo and the erstwhile State Security Service (SSS) Director-General under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, were aware of Senator Ali Ndume’s interactions with a Boko Haram member, Ali Konduga, the senator’s counsel claimed yesterday.

    The counsel to suspended senator (APC, Borno State), Ricky Tarfa (SAN), said his client’s link with Konduga, who has since been convicted on terrorism related charges, was at the behest of the presidential committee set up under the Jonathan government to help address security challenges in the Northeast.

    Ndume, who was former Senate Leader, made the claim in a no-case submission in his trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The senator was arraigned on December 12, 2011, on a four-count terrorism charges.

    He was accused of, among other counts, sponsoring the Boko Haram sect, maintaining a link with the sect member and failing to disclose the phone number of Konduga, which was alleged to be in his (Ndume’s) possession.

    The prosecution commenced trial on July 3, 2012 and closed its case on June 22, 2016, after calling nine witnesses, following which Ndume opted for a no-case submission.

    Adopting Ndume’s no-case submission yesterday, his lawyer, Rickey Tarfa (SAN), urged the court to discharge and acquit his client on the ground that the prosecution was unable to establish a prima facie case against the defendant.

    Tarfa said the prosecution failed to give sufficient evidence linking his client with the alleged offences.

    He said Ndume’s contact with Boko Haram came about when the senator was a member of the Presidential Committee on Security Matters in the Northeast.

    Tarfa said: “We have taken the counts from one to four and have analysed them. Clearly, there is nothing in the evidence led by the prosecution that will necessitate the defendant to be called upon to enter his defence in the charge.

    “Clearly from the totality of the evidence placed before the court, the defendant coming into contact with the Boko Haram sect came about when he was acting on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the presidential committee set up to look at the security challenges in the Northeast part of the country.

    “The evidence is clear and has been confirmed through cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses. We have shown how the alleged analysis of the mobile phone did not disclose any fact which will necessitate the defendant to defend the charge.

    “Clearly, having regards to the four counts before the court, we have analysed the ingredients of the counts and shown how the prosecution has failed to proffer any evidence in support of the ingredients in the four counts.”

    Arguing on point of law, Tarfa said the allegation that Ndume failed to disclose material facts about his communication with Konduga, was baseless on the grounds that all necessary information was disclosed to then vice president and the then director-general of the SSS.

    Tarfa said: “We have made the point on the issue of non-disclosure of information and we have demonstrated clearly that the defendant has done everything possible to bring peace and security to the country, the Federal Republic Nigeria.”

    Responding, prosecuting lawyer, Mrs. G.N Okafor, argued that the prosecution has sufficiently linked the defendant to the alleged crimes and that there was the need for him to offer some explanations through his defence.

    Mrs. Okafor said: “The prosecution submits that at the stage of no-case submission, the court as the umpire is called upon to determine whether a prima facie case has been established against the defendant to warrant him to enter his defence or whether the defence discredited the evidence offered by the prosecution.

    “The prosecution submits that the charge before this honourable court against the defendant has to do with the failure of the defendant to disclose material information to law enforcement agency as well as rendering support to a terrorist group, Boko Haram.

    “My lord, the prosecution has tendered in evidence, exhibits P1, P2, P3, which are the statements made by the defendant. This statement by the defendant connect him the charges levelled by the prosecution.

    “We submit that the defendant has even corroborated the evidence of the prosecution to the effect that there was a communication between the defendant and members of the terrorist group.”

  • Osinbajo, Sambo meet in Aso Rock

    Osinbajo, Sambo meet in Aso Rock

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met with the immediate past Vice President, Namadi Sambo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Sambo arrived at the vice president’s office around 4p.m.

    Osinbajo came out of his office to receive Sambo and led him to the closed door meeting.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Sambo said: “I have  come to pay a visit to Mr. Vice President and Mr. Acting President. It is a usual familiarisation visit.

    “As you know, former Presidents visit Mr. President and former Vice Presidents visit the Vice President.

    “I am happy to see all of you, our good friends. I want to thank you very much for this reception,” he added

    He then declined to answer any further questions as he walked past reporters.

  • Buhari, others mark independence anniversary in Aso Rock

    Buhari, others mark independence anniversary in Aso Rock

    The Federal Government on Saturday celebrated the nation’s 56th independence anniversary in a low-key fashion at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    There was also Presidential change of guard to mark the occasion.

    The celebration was the second in the democratic administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ceremony, which lasted for about two hours at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, started around 10:00 a.m.

    It replaced the full military parade, drills and entertainments which used to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja, before 2010.

    Since October 1, 2010 when the anniversary celebration was marred by bomb blasts at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan has marked all subsequent anniversaries in Aso Rock.

    The event on Saturday started with the arrival of President Buhari, although he didn’t appear in the ceremonial military uniform as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    He inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem.
    There was also 21 gun salute in the honour of the President.

    The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and color parade, weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

    Shortly after the ceremony, President Buhari signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from cage and was assisted by some top dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake.

    The ceremony was also attended by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    A former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice Presidents Alex Ekwueme and Namadi Sambo, service chiefs and other top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.

  • Taraba confirms Sambo as Kpanti Zingelect Jalingo

    The Taraba Government yesterday  announced Alhaji Suleiman Sambo as the Kpanti Zing-elect to succeed late Alhaji Abass Sambo who died in the 2015 Hajj stampede in Mecca.

    Alhaji Bello Yero, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, told reporters  in Jalingo that the confirmation followed Sambo’s election by the 22 king makers of the Zing kingdom.

    Sambo, according to him, polled 22 votes to defeat four other candidates who each got got no vote.

    He named the other contestants as  Alhaji Muhammed Tumba, Alhaji Abdu Kombranko, Malam Dahiru Kombranko and Alhaji Abubakar Kombranko.

    The permanent secretary said the final pronouncement and coronation would soon be done by Gov Darius Ishaku after due consultation with the Taraba Traditional Council.

    He urged the people of Zing to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the new chief to enhance development in the area.

  • Sambo recuperates in U.S after leg surgery

    Sambo recuperates in U.S after leg surgery

    Former Vice President Namadi Sambo is recuperating in the United States (U.S.) after undergoing a surgery to save his leg from amputation.

    An online news agency stated that Sambo was staying in Washington, DC area after a surgery last August to repair a severe knee ligament disorder. Before the operation, Sambo walked with a limp as a result of a previous car accident.

    “The former vice president visited or consulted several hospitals in the U.S. before he was admitted by a DC-area hospital for an extensive ligament reconstructive surgery.

    “He was not able to walk for some weeks due to the nature of the surgery,” the report quoted a source as saying.

  • We’re ready for questions on handover notes, says Sambo

    We’re ready for questions on handover notes, says Sambo

    Vice President Namadi Sambo has expressed the readiness of members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to clarify any issue in the handover notes.

    He spoke yesterday while presenting copies of the handover notes to the Ahmed Joda-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Transition Committee at the State House, Abuja.

    He said the report comprises the activities of the Federal Government between 2011 and 2015.

    He said: “The handover notes of the Federal Government of Nigeria of this administration between 2011 and 2015 have been properly articulated and printed.

    “The Permanent Secretaries of each ministry have signed each page of this report to authenticate it and it is our pleasure to present it to you and pray that it will guide you, guide the incoming administration towards the achievement of positive objectives, development and progress of Nigeria.

    “And I want to add that all of us are always available, after this report between now and May 29, anytime you need to meet with us. We are ready to come and sit and clarify.

    “All the (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) MDAs will also be ready to meet with you, give you any clarification that you would want to have on this report that we are presenting.”

    He thanked the members of the two transition committees for their support and contributions.

    Joda said his committee would examine the report before final submission to the incoming administration.

    He said: “It is my honour and my privilege to receive this comprehensive set of the report from the government transition committee, which was chaired by the vice president.”

    “It appears that nothing has been left out. It is now our challenge to give careful study and examination of what is contained in these volumes.”

    He added that his committee is duty bound to ensure continuity in government and governance, for the general progress of the nation.

  • We are ready for questions on handover notes – Sambo

    We are ready for questions on handover notes – Sambo

    Vice-President Namadi Sambo has expressed the readiness of members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to clarify any issue in the handover notes.

    He made the remark on Monday while presenting copies of the handover notes to the Ahmed Joda led All Progressives Congress (APC) Transition committee at the State House, Abuja.

    He said the report comprises the activities of the Federal Government between 2011 and 2015.

    He said: “The handover notes of the Federal Government of Nigeria of this administration between 2011 and 2015 have been properly articulated and printed.”

    “The Permanent Secretaries of each ministry have signed each page of this report to authenticate it and it is our pleasure to present it to you and pray that it will guide you, guide the incoming administration towards the achievement of positive objectives, development and progress of Nigeria.”

    “And I want to add that all of us are always available, after this report between now and May 29, anytime you need to meet with us. We are ready to come and sit down and clarify it.”

    “All the (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) MDAs will also be ready to meet with you, give you any additional information or clarification that you would want to have on this report that we are presenting.”

    He thanked members of the two transition committees for their support and contributions.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Joda said his committee would examine the report before final submission to the incoming administration.

    He said: “It is my honour and privilege to receive this comprehensive set of report from the government transition committee which was chaired by the vice-president.”

    “It appears that nothing has been left out. It is now our challenge to give careful study and examination of what is contained in these volumes.”

    He said his committee is duty bound to ensure continuity in government, governance, for the general progress of the nation.

     

  • Sambo, wife seek forgiveness

    Sambo, wife seek forgiveness

    Vice-President Namadi Sambo, and wife, Amina Sambo, on Monday urged those they offended to forgive them.

    The vice-president, who spoke to newsmen shortly after a valedictory meeting with his supporting members of staff, at Aguda House, Abuja, said he had forgiven all those he had interracted with in the last five years.

    According to him, he has enjoyed good and cordial working relationship with all his supporting members of staff.

    “Whether in government or outside government, we will continue to contribute towards the development of the country.

    “And also, we have enjoyed working together and we have become one family with our staff and we assure them that we shall always be there for them.

    “Also, we pray that all those that we have offended during this period, we beg for their forgiveness and we forgive all those that have done anything wrong to us.’’

    Sambo thanked the staff for their support and cooperation and urged them to extend the same to the incoming administration.

    In her remarks, the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, said the Sambo’s family would forever remain grateful for the support, encouragement and prayers they enjoyed from the staff.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the farewell meeting was attended by all the supporting staff, including Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the vice-president and his wife.

  • Sambo seeks support for Buhari

    Sambo seeks support for Buhari

    Vice President, Namadi Sambo on Saturday urged Nigerians to give the incoming administration the maximum support to enable it succeed.

    He made the call during the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Stakeholders Conference held at the Main Conference Auditorium, National Mosque Complex, Abuja.

    According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Umar Sani, Sambo said “Government as you are aware is a continuum and with the coming of a new democratic dispensation, it has ushered in a new government, which will soon be inaugurated.”

    “I urge you to continue to give them maximum support and cooperation to enable them succeed.”

    Noting that the contributions of the MSSN is positively shaping the moral upbringing of the Muslim youth, he said “I am delighted to note that it has remained one of the veritable tools for grooming our youths to becoming responsible future leaders leading to the emergence of outstanding and eminent personalities. Most importantly, MSSN has continued to promote national unity and harmony in the country.”

    He assured of the “Federal Government’s support for this forum and all others with similar objectives and will also do our best in encouraging you to achieve peace and stability by forging inter and intra religious harmony.”

    The Vice President therefore stressed the need for the MSSN and the entire Muslim Ummah to propagate the true message of Islam as encapsulated in the Glorious Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah, saying “The Message of Islam is the Message of peace, hope, harmony, goodwill and Brotherhood.”

    While congratulating the MSSN for successfully celebrating its 60th anniversary, having been founded in 1954, he expressed worries over the absence of a befitting national monument as its headquarters.

    “As a student member in my secondary and university days, and now as stakeholder, I assure you of my continued support in and outside government whenever the need arises.” He said

  • FG names Abuja streets after Jonathan, Sambo, Atiku, 185 others

    FG names Abuja streets after Jonathan, Sambo, Atiku, 185 others

    The Federal Government has honoured eminent Nigerians and other accomplished Africans by naming major streets in Asokoro Extension, Guzape, Wupa, Wuye and Maitama Extension districts as well as expressways and roads after them.

    The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who disclosed this during the FCT Executive Committee meeting held at his Life Camp, Gwarinpa official Residence, on Monday, reeled out the names of the honorees as President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, former Speaker of House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapha, Business moguls, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and several others.

    The soon-to-be commissioned Inner Southern Expressway which dissects Abuja city centre was named after President Jonathan while the longest Wuye district boulevard express road measuring 1,730 metres was named after Abubakar.

    Another major road in the same district was named after Sambo.

    According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant  on Media to the Minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi, other prominent personalities also honoured by naming streets after them in Asokoro extension district extension include former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Anan, South African anti-Apartheid activist, late Walter Sisulu, former President of Sudan, Gaafar al-Nimeiry, former Minister of State for FCT, late Prof. Miriam Ikejiani-Clark, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi and 16 others.

    Those having roads and streets named after them in Guzape district include former FCT Minister and Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Adewusi, former Science and Technology Minister, Major-Gen. Sam Momah, former Special Duties Minister, late Alhaji Wada Nas, former Attorney General of the Federation, late Mr. Clement Akpamgbo, incumbent FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and 60 others.

    The statement reads in part: “Some Nigerians who had distinguished themselves in various sporting activities were also among those honoured with Abuja streets named after them. They include first Nigerian single Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, first Nigerian footballer to have scored in FIFA senior World Cup, late Rashidi Yekini, former world wrestling champion, late Power Mike Okpala, first Nigerian to win World Boxing title, Dick Tiger Ihetu and the youngest Nigerian to play at the African Cup of Nations, Mr. Daniel Amokachi. They all had streets named after them in Wupa district.