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Be careful with hampers this Christmas – Police warn Nigerians

Nigerians have been warned to be careful with hampers this Christmas season.The security alert was issued by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, on Monday,cautioning Nigerians to be extra alert while receiving gifts during the Yuletide season so as to avoid receiving explosive-laden hampers as gifts.

In a statement signed by the Force Spokesperson, Acting, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, Arase warned against the use of fireworks such as “bangers” and other explosives as they could further heighten the fear of insecurity during the festive season.

The statement said, 

“The IGP also enjoined citizens to shun all forms of violence and unlawful acts, eschew bitterness, hatred and rancour and go about their legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from any quarter during and after the season.”

INEC Confirms Yahaya Bello's Nomination By APC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received the request by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace the late Abubakar Audu’s name with that of Yahaya Bello for the December 5 supplementary governorship election in Kogi State.

Mr Nick Dazang, INEC Deputy Director, Publicity, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. Dazang, however, did not disclose when the commission received the request. "They have sent the name of their replacement candidate, the second runner-up in their primaries, that is Yahaya Bello, to the commission," Dazang said. The deputy director also told NAN that the commission was much ready to conduct both Kogi supplementary and Bayelsa State elections scheduled for Saturday, December 5. "The commission is committed to conducting the two elections. That is why in respect of Kogi, in spite of what happened, we came out with public notice which invites the APC to submit its replacement candidate for the election," he said.

Dazang said that as part of the commission’s preparation for the Bayelsa poll, INEC would be holding stakeholders’ forum in the state on Tuesday.

The deputy director added that INEC had concluded the distribution of non-sensitive materials for the Bayelsa poll. He also said that the commission would be going to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to collect sensitive materials for onward distribution for the Bayelsa election on Wednesday. "After the stakeholders’ forum, the commission will immediately on Wednesday commence the distribution of sensitive materials in the state.

"We are inviting the representatives of political parties, their agents, observers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media to witness the distribution of sensitive materials," he said. 

Factory Worker Rapes 4-year-old Girl

The Police at Amukoko Divisional headquarters, Lagos, have arrested one Emmanuel Umanah, 21, for allegedly raping a four-old-girl (names withheld). The suspect allegedly committed the crime in his one-room apartment on Opeoluwa Street, Mosafejo-Amukoko area of Ajegunle. It was learned that the police arrested Umanah following a report from the girl’s grandmother that the factory worker who was her neighbour, allegedly lured and raped her granddaughter in his apartment.

According to her: “After preparing food, I did not see my grandchild who I was calling to come and eat. I was still searching for her when a little girl about her age told me she was in Umanah’s apartment watching a film. I knocked but nobody answered. So, I pushed the door open and behold my grandchild was Unclad and her body covered up with Fluid. I raised an alarm immediately and with the help of other neighbours, my daughter was taken to the hospital.” Vanguard learned that medical test conducted in a nearby hospital (names withheld) confirmed that the victim was raped as she had bruises and Fluid in her private part.

Suspect’s account

The suspect, a native of Akwa-Ibom State, told Vanguard;“I live at No 6, Opeoluwa Street, Mosafejo -Amukoko area of Ajegunle. I am 21-years old. I work at a factory located around Mile 2. I live alone because I am not married. I was inside my room watching a film when two little girls came into my apartment. Later, one of them left. I did not know she had gone to tell the victim’s grandmother that I was touching her. It was the grandmother of the victim that caught me while calling her to come and eat when they found her inside my room. That was the first time I was doing such and I was caught. I only released on her laps but the test carried out by the hospital said the victim had bruises and Fluid in her virginal.” Police sources said the case was presently being investigated by Amukoko Divisional headquarters as the parents of the victim wanted the case to be properly investigated and charged to court.

HID Awolowo set for burial today, Her 100th birthday if she were alive

The burial of Mrs HID Awolowo, the wife of late Obafemi Awolowo will hold in Ikenne Ogun state today November 25th. Mrs Awolowo died on September 19th at the age of 99. President Buhari and many governors are expected to be at her funeral. Mrs Awolowo would have been 100 years old today.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, turns 69 today

Former VP Atiku Abubakar is 69 years old today. He was born November 25th 1946. Happy birthday to him.

Kogi Governor Wada Removes 15 LG Chairmen For Defecting To APC

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi on Tuesday removed 15 chairmen of local governments from office for defecting to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC). This is contained in a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr James Adedoyin in Lokoja. The statement cited section 20 sub section (1) and section 36 sub section 1 (d) of Kogi State Local Government Law 2000 as amended to back the action.

It explained that the sacked chairmen can no longer remain in office having decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that sponsored them. Some of the affected council chairmen include that of Lokoja, Ogori-Magongo, Idah, Adavi, Ankpa, Okehi, Bassa, Yagba East, Yagba West and Okene among others.

They defected to the APC during the grand finale of its governorship campaign held in Lokoja on Nov. 18. The statement warned the sacked council chairmen to stay away from offices, directing the vice chairmen or the council leaders to take over the affairs of the affected councils as may be appropriate. The governor said the handing and taking over should be completed by Wednesday Nov. 25, the statement said. One of the grounds for their defection was the refusal of Wada to implement a decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Oct 29 that nullified the removal of the elected chairmen from office. They were removed from office based on the order of a Kogi State High Court sitting in Koton Karfe which ruled that the election of May 4, 2013 which brought them into office was faulty.

Relying on the judgment, Kogi State Government asked the chairmen and councillors to vacate office but the affected officials approached the Appeal Court which set aside the ruling and declared that they resume immediately.

Kogi state government refused to give effect to the ruling until Nov. 23.

Kogi State Election Public Notice Coming From INEC

Here is a public notice from INEC regarding the just conducted election in Kogi State, where the APC Gubernitorial Candidate, Abubakar Audu died before the election is concluded and winner declared.... So sad!

ISIS Attack Imminent Through Boko Haram- Experts Warns

A security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, has warned of an imminent terror attack on the country, asking the Federal Government to take proactive measures in the fight against insurgency. He advised that the government should enlist the services of citizens in the war against terror to forestall a case of multiple terror attacks like it happened in Paris, France, recently. Ekhomu, who is the President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, in a statement on Monday, said recent intelligence intercepts indicated that an ISIS attack on Nigeria was imminent. He said, “ISIS could use its Nigerian affiliate, Boko Haram, to wreak havoc here in order to signal its capability to carry out worldwide terrorist attacks and add to its stocks of fear.

“Having millions of Nigerians on the lookout for terrorists, reporting suspicious activities to the authorities, is better than 400,000 police and military personnel searching for terrorists. “With proper enrolment, citizens can become the arrow-head in the search for terrorists as citizens are everywhere. With trained eyes, they can recognise Terrorist Attack Pre-incident Indicators in order to spot suicide bombers, bomb planters and active-shooters.” He advised the Federal Government to adopt a colour-coded security alert system, adding that the codes could aid mass mobilisation of people to prevent terror attacks. He said the system would also ensure that residents do not suffer “vigilance-fatigue”. He said, “The Federal Government can adopt the color-coded National Security Alert System where green means that attack is not likely and red means imminent attack.”

The chartered security expert stressed the need for the establishment of a national three-digit emergency number, saying the multiplicity of security numbers by various security agencies “shows that we are not serious about security”. He called for the setting up of emergency response centers in all state capitals with voice-logging recorders to enable trained professionals respond to citizens in emergency conditions. “It is the job of government to keep citizens safe from terrorists. Political leaders need to work hard to ensure that people are kept safe from attacks, rather than the fad of visiting victims of bomb blasts and offering to pay hospital bills. The primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of citizens. Security is a primary responsibility of the modern democratic state,” he added. He advised government at all levels to be guided by the pro-active and responsible actions of some developed countries in protecting their citizens from ISIS and other terrorist groups.

Alfred Akawe-Torkula, Tor Of Tiv Is Dead

The paramount ruler of the Tiv tribe in Benue State who is also the Tor Tiv, Dr Alfred Akawe Torkula, has died. Chairman of Benue State Council of Chiefs, Alfred Akawe Torkula, Tor Tiv IV, died yesterday in an Abuja hospital. Vanguard learned that Chief Torkula was rushed to Abuja a week ago for medical attention after taking ill in Gboko and the news came as Northern monarchs expressed regrets over his passage.

Tor Tiv IV, Alfred Akawe Torkula

News of the death of the paramount ruler filtered into town yesterday morning but at the time of filing this report, his rumoured death had not been confirmed by the traditional council. The rumour was further heightened by the summoning of an emergency meeting of the Tiv Traditional Council in Gboko yesterday. It was gathered from an insider that after the meeting in Gboko, a delegation of the Tiv Traditional Council would depart for Makurdi to brief Governor Ortom on the development. “It is after the briefing that the Tiv Traditional Council will announce whether The Tor Tiv, Begha-U-Tiv Orchivirigh Dr Alfred Akawe Torkura,The Tor Tiv IV, has in actual fact joined his ancestors or not,” a source said. Meanwhile, Northern monarchs yesterday regretted the passing away of Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawu Terkula. Chairman of Northern Traditional Council of Chiefs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Abubakar Sa’ad II, announced the demise of Tor Tiv, who was also Chairman, Benue State Traditional Council of Chiefs, during a meeting of the council in Kaduna yesterday. Sa’ad described the late Tor Tiv as a bridge builder who has led his people into prosperity and peace in his chiefdom and the Northern region. He said: “It is with a sad heart we announce the demise of one of our own royal father the Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawu Tukula who recently passed away. “It is a sad moment to the Council but we take solace that during his reign he contributed immensely to the development of Tiv kingdom and the Northern region. Our only prayer is that whosoever succeeded him will continue with good works he set on ground. “We console the people of Benue State in general and the Tiv in particular. We know that losing someone like the late Tor Tiv is not easy but they should seek solace in the fact that he was a traditional ruler of exception. “An educationist who ensure that his people move from the level of illiteracy to literacy; a businessman who create avenues for incomes for many of his subjects.”

Enugu State University Sacks 153 Lecturers

The authorities of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu has sacked 153 lecturers from its employ.

Although no official reason was given for the exercise, but it was gathered that the sack, which also affected a Professor and a Reader cut across various departments in the university.

A statement announcing the sack dated November 23 and signed by the Registrar, Leonard Khama, and made available to Tribune Online, said: “I am directed to inform you and you are hereby informed that the university is presently not positioned to employ you. “You should, therefore, hand over university property in your possession to the Head of Department. If, however, your services are required in the future by the university, you will be informed accordingly.”

-Nigerian Tribune

Diezani To Visit Prophet T. B Joshua As Condition Worsens

The immediate family of former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison Madueke seems to have given up hope on the ailing health condition of their daughter. This is just as the embattled ex-minister has ordered her relatives to jet her back into Nigeria this Friday as her condition grew worse last weekend.

Daily Post  gathered that the former oil Minister has not been responding to treatment since Thursday, a development that has been given the family sleepless night, hence her decision to return to the country in other to seek for spiritual help. Mrs. Madueke has been bedridden in a London hospital following her removal as overseer of the oil ministry by the new government of President Buhari. She’s said to be battling cancer. A close insider who would not want his name in print, hinted that the family has concluded plans to visit popular Lagos-based Prophet, T.B Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations for prayers. “They have decided to fly her back into the country this Friday to seek for spiritual help. The condition worsened last weekend and she personally asked the family to return her to the country. “She has not tasted any solid food since last Monday. She did not speak throughout Thursday. When she eventually spoke Friday morning, she ordered them to return her to the country to visit Prophet T. B Joshua for prayers,” the insider further added. Meanwhile, the ailing former Minister had in a recent interview denied stealing a dime while in office.

According to her, she left $5.6billion in the NLNG account, contrary to the report that she milked the nation treasury dry before leaving office. “I actually left $5.6billion in the NLNG alone but no one is talking about it. I’m not seeking to be praised but to be acknowledged that I made some little contributions. “That money could have been wasted on frivolities but I was determined to keep something for the incoming government once we lost the election,” she said.

Robert Mugabe will Rule Zimbabwe till He's 100 years old from Special Wheelchair '' - Wife

Robert Mugabe will continue as President of Zimbabwe until he is 100, governing from a “special wheelchair”, his wife has said.Grace Mugabe, herself a cabinet minister, said in a speech over the weekend that while the 91-year-old’s mind might be willing, increasingly his body may not be. But that that isn't going to stop him.

According to reports in the Zimbabwean press, Mr Mugabe has recently had trouble walking, as his advanced years begin to catch up with him. “We are going to create a special wheelchair for President Mugabe until he rules to 100  years, because that is what we want,” Mrs Mugabe said. “That is the people’s choice. We want a leader that respects us.” The people will get the chance to voice their opinion in 2018 when Zimbabwe next goes to the polls to decide who rules them. Mr Mugabe, who has suffered a number of embarrassing public stumbles in recent months, has already been declared as the Zanu-PF candidate despite the fact that he will be 94 at the time of the election. Mr Mugabe has been President in Harare since 1980.

Mrs Mugabe did not give details about quite how the wheelchair would be special, but vowed to push it herself. The 50-year-old Mrs Mugabe has herself been mentioned as a possible successor to her husband, who has insisted he will not retire.

EFCC declares man wanted for withdrawing N45m mistakenly credited into his account

Press statement from the EFCC...

The public is hereby notified that Jerry Ogbonna Obike Phillip, whose photograph appears below, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case of stealing. Phillip allegedly withdrew the sum of N45, 000,000.00 (Forty Five million naira) which was mistakenly credited into his account in a new generation bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria before the money could be reversed to its rightful owner.

Abubakar Audu To Be Buried Monday As Wada Declares 7-day Mourning

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Kogi state who died on Sunday will be buried today, Monday morning according to Muslim rites. His opponent at the polls, Idris Wada who is incumbent governor of the state has declared seven days mourning for the late Audu.The APC governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, who was waiting to be declared the winner of the election, has instead been declared dead.He was said to have had a massive stroke around 3:10 pm today in his village of Ogbonicha and died.Some minutes after INEC returning officer Professor Emmanunel Kucha declared the result of the poll inconclusive.

Family sources told PM News that Audu has had a history of heart-related problems. He was said to have fallen ill after casting his vote Saturday afternoon. Sources said at a stage, he was vomiting blood.According to sources, Audu was said to have fallen ill after he cast his ballot in his village of Ogbonicha yesterday. Sources said he was vomiting blood at some stage, but was stabilized by doctors around him. However his condition worsened in the morning, culminating in a massive stroke. Just when an air ambulance was being organised to lift him for better medicare, he gave up the ghost.

Audu, from the results declared by the INEC, from the 21 local councils in the state, had won 16 and was clearly ahead of the PDP opponent and incumbent, Idris Wada.

INEC declared the election inconclusive, despite projections by the media that he had won. A lesson to the media not to project election results again.

Abubakar Audu Is Dead

Abubakar Audu, APC's Governorship Candidate In Kogi Election Is Dead

The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi state, Mr. Abubakar Audu is dead. Mr. Audu died of undisclosed medical reasons shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared his victory at the elections inconclusive. Saharareporters could not determine the cause of Mr. Audu.

President Buhari departs for Iran Sunday on a 2-day working visit

President Buhari will travel to Tehran (Iranian capital)on Sunday to participate in the 3rd Gas Exporting Countries' Forum (GECF) opening on Monday, Nov. 23, 2015.According to the presidency ,the president,the leaders of other member-countries of the GECF are expected to review the current market outlook on gas and  discuss strategies for boosting gas production.

While in Tehran, he will meet with Nigerians resident in Iran. Accompanying him on the trip are, the Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu...and the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.).He is scheduled to be back in Abuja on Tuesday, November 24, 2015.

Happy Birthday to Davido a.ka. OBO

Music Star, David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido is a year older today. Many Happy Returns Bro!!

I Will Soon Launch My Foundation; Obasanjo Wanted Third Term – Jonathan Opens Up

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has for the first time bared his mind on the alleged third term controversial bid of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo has never admitted that he sought an extension after the expiration of his tenure in 2007.“People say that it was obvious that I wanted a third term and I ask those who say I was behind the third term to bring concrete evidence to prove that I spearheaded it,” Obasanjo noted during the launch of My Watch, his autobiography.“Third term was not my agenda or intention. I didn’t mastermind third term. Those who were telling me to go on were the governors that were going to benefit from it.”

However, speaking at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, Jonathan said: “I was a governor at that time, but due to strong resistance from the national assembly, the third-term bid failed.”

Jonathan noted that Africa needed strong parliaments to checkmate presidents desperate for prolonged stay in office.“Changing constitutions to eliminate term limits in order to favour incumbents is inconsistent with democratic principles and reduces confidence in democratic institutions.

“This is a disturbing precedent for the region and continent”, he added.

Jonathan, who also shared his experience as an international observer in Tanzania, also disclosed that he will soon launch his foundation.

-Daily Post

New Ebola case confirmed in Liberia - WHO

The World Health Organization has confirmed that a new case of the deadly Ebola virus has surfaced in Liberia. "There is one confirmed case," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP, without providing further details. Liberia was declared free in September.

Happy 58th Birthday to Former President Goodluck Jonathan!

Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is 58th today!He was born November 20th 1957. Many Happy Returns Sir!!!

Brothers Arrested For Using Mom’s Car To Rob In Lagos

Detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two brothers for using their mother’s car to rob unsuspecting ladies on Lagos Island. According to the state Commissioner Police, Fatai Owoseni, the brothers, Ikenna Onunkwo (28) and Chinedu Onukwo (23), every morning use to dress up and leave their home as if they are going to the office. Nobody knew they used to go out each morning to rob. It was gathered that in the evening, after office hours, the brothers, still using their mother’s Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), would offer to give female passengers at bus stops lift. They would later rob them of their valuables before pushing them out of the car. He said: “Luck ran out on the two brothers after robbing a lady on November 13, on their way from Lagos Island. The lady was able to get the registration number of the vehicle. “She reported the incident to the Bar Beach Police Station. Through the assistance of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the vehicle was traced to a mechanic workshop at Surulere area of the metropolis.” One of the suspects, Ikenna, the elder, vehemently denied that he and his brother were robbers. He said: “My brother and I studied at the Pan American University in Cotonou. I went to school to defend my project only for me to receive a phone call from my younger sister in Nigeria that my mother and brother had been arrested for using her jeep to rob.

I was urged to return home and come to the police station or my mum would remain in police custody. “I rushed down to Nigeria and went straight to the station, only for two ladies to appear and pointed at me and my brother. They claimed that we were two men that robbed them of their valuables. We were wrongly accused. We don’t know anything about this crime. My brother and I are innocent.” Recalling how he was arrested, Chinedu said: “Some detectives came to our house to say that my elder brother was involved in armed robbery. My mother and I were taken to their station. “When my mother and I got to the station, the ladies who identified my brother as the person who robbed them also accused me of being among the robbers. I denied ever being involved in any robbery operation.

The vehicle actually belongs to my mother. I don’t drive the jeep. It’s only my elder brother who drives the car.” Owoseni said the suspects would be charged after investigation. He added: “The general public should learn how to report any complaint to the nearest police station. People should stop reporting crime on the Facebook.”

-New Telepgraph

NAFDAC Staff Begins Nationwide Strike

Activities were brought to a halt in all NAFDAC offices nationwide due to the ongoing 7 days warning strike declared by the Federal Area Council (FAC) of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), which is saddled with the responsibility of protecting the interests of its staff members. 

The chairman of the NAFDAC branch of MHWUN, Comrade Olu Ogundola, said that NAFDAC offices will remain under lock and key until their plights are met by the management and the Federal government. Com. Ogundola also declared that after the 7 days warning strike and nothing happened, the Union may consider an indefinite strike, which may last for months. The issues were contained in a communique issued by the NAFDAC branch of MHWUN at the end of their 6th extra-ordinary congress held at NAFDAC Headquarters, Isolo, Lagos on Ocyober 4, 2015. The contending issues include:

Review of salary/allowances.

Appointments of Deputy Directors In-Charge for Laboratory services and Food Safety & Apllied Nutrition Directorates respectively.

Drivers mandatory training by the Ministry of Works Training School, Abeokuta.

Appointments of Consultants in NAFDAC.

2015 Productivity Allowances.

Suspension of staff members without trial.

Also, the FAC Chairman, Com. Attah Ibrahim, said that activities were grounded due to NAFDAC management's insincerity and insensitivity to the sufferings of the entire staff of the award-winning agency. And that until the NAFDAC management meets the plights of its staff members, the gates will remain locked. Eye-witnesses disclosed that so many customers and visitors were denied entrance into all NAFDAC offices. Below are photos showing the ever-busy Isolo Lagos office of NAFDAC looking so deserted, not even a single vehicle or person in sight.

Breaking: Aliko Dangote Reportedly Among Hostages At Radisson Blu, Mali

Gunmen attacked a five-star hotel in Mali's capital Bamako on Friday and are holding 170 hostages, witnesses said. Attackers shouting "Allahu Akbar" opened fire outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in the centre of the capital before storming it. Automatic weapon fire could be heard from outside the 190-room hotel where security forces set up a security cordon.

Speaking to Al Jazeera by phone from Bamako, business owner Garba Konate said a group of attackers showed up about three hours earlier. "About 10 gunmen arrived early in the morning and shot all the guards in front of the Radisson," Konate said.  One of the guests reportedly staying at the hotel is Nigerian Aliko Dangote - the richest person in Africa.  "I started hearing gunshots coming from the hotel," said Ibrahim, 28, who works at a cultural centre 40 metres away from the hotel. "Soon after I saw one of the guards running out, injured... The security guard told me the shooters were so quick that he doesn't even know how many came in," he told Al Jazeera. The hotel's owner said it "is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today... As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees," the company said in a statement. The shooting follows a 24-hour siege and hostage-taking situation at another hotel in August in the central Malian town of Sevare. Four soldiers, five UN workers, and four attackers were killed in that attack.

Armed groups have continued to wage attacks in Mali despite a June peace deal between former Tuareg rebels in the north of the country and rival pro-government armed groups. Northern Mali fell in March-April 2012 to al-Qaeda-linked groups long concentrated in the area before being removed by a France-led military operation launched in January 2013. Despite the peace deal, large swathes of Mali remain beyond the control of government and foreign forces.

9 Soldiers Pay Fine, For Using BRT Lane

Nine soldiers who plied the lane designated for the Bus Rapid Transit in Lagos State on Tuesday have paid fines to the state government. It was reported that some soldiers, including one Major Dickson Okpor and one Lt.Col L.A. Bello, allegedly led scores of soldiers to assault officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority who had accosted them for plying the BRT lane on the Onipanu end of Ikorodu Road. It was reported that after the soldiers left, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bashir Braimoh, came to the spot where he personally enforced the traffic law.

About nine soldiers were subsequently accosted for taking the BRT lane and their vehicles impounded.

Speaking with Punch correspondent on Wednesday, the spokesman for LASTMA, Mr. Mamud Hassan, said the soldiers whose vehicles were impounded, had all paid fines. He said, “The nine soldiers who were arrested for taking the BRT lane have paid fines and their vehicles have been released to them. “The fines paid ranged from N20, 000 to N30,000. Those who gave up their vehicles willingly, paid N20,000 while the ones that resisted arrest, paid N30,000.” The LASTMA spokesperson, however, said the soldiers who assaulted LASTMA officials had not yet been traced. Hassan urged Lagosians, especially security agents, to be role models and respect the laws of the land. He said, “They (security agents) should be role models in society by virtue of their training. We need their cooperation in order to restore sanity to our roads in Lagos State. “Even Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, commissioners and senior civil servants do not ply the BRT lane. Security agents must therefore live by example.” Meanwhile, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Col. Mustapha Anker, said the army authorities had yet to identify the soldiers that assaulted the LASTMA officers.

Anker said even though the names of the major and lieutenant colonel that led the attack had been published, it would not be easy to track them down because there were many army formations in the state. He said, “The army authorities are not happy about the incident. It is shameful. It is not as if we are trying to shield them, but we have not been able to trace the people who assaulted the LASTMA officials.

“There are many army formations in Lagos but give us time. Even the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj.Gen Isidore Edet, does not use the BRT lane. No soldier, therefore, has a right to use that lane.”

105 Nigerian Soldiers Missing After Fierce Gun Battle With Boko Haram

More than 105 soldiers of the 157 Battalion, including their commanding officer, are feared missing after they came under intense attack from Boko Haram insurgents at Gudunbali, Borno State, on Wednesday, military sources have told PREMIUM TIMES.

According to one of our sources, the terrorist also captured a T72 tank as well as several artillery weapons from the unit. “Gudunbali was attacked this morning and some weapons were captured from the battalion. Two officers and 105 soldiers are still missing,” our source said. They captured a T72 tank from the unit and some artillery weapons were also captured. The commanding Officer (CO) of the battalion is yet to be seen but no one has not been confirmed dead yet,” the source added.

Another source however said the T-72 tank was recovered after a prolonged fight with Boko Haram insurgents. The gunner and tank commander were injured in the process; also reportedly captured by the insurgents eight vehicles, 60,000 rounds of AA ammunition and three artillery pieces. Similarly, soldiers of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) stationed at Baga, Borno State also recently came under attack. The attack occurred in Geringiwa at about four kilometres to the headquarters of MNJTF, PREMIUM TIMES has also been told.

According to a source, the military has been unable to completely clear the insurgents from Baga and nearby towns due to inadequate equipment. Our source explained that the equipment recently provided by the military hierarchy were inadequate and were not enough to go round to all units involved in the war against the insurgents.

Boko Haram carried out a series of mass killings in Baga between January 3 and January 7, 2015 after the army headquarters there was sacked by the insurgents. Although the military has liberated the town, soldiers stationed in the area have come under constant attacks from the insurgents. Also on Sunday, Boko Haram insurgents attacked advancing soldiers about four hours drive to Damasak, in Borno state.

When contacted on the telephone, the spokesperson of the Army’s 7 Division, Maiduguri, Tukur Gusau, said the commander of the division would hold a press conference on the issue today (Thursday) and that it was not proper for him to pre-empt his commanding officer. The attacks on the military came on the heels of the suicide attacks on Yola and Kano respectively.

After a lull of several weeks, the recent spike in attacks on military and civilian targets suggests the insurgents might have regrouped after coming under heightened attacks from the Nigerian military.

The Nigerian military has claimed series of victories over the militants in recent weeks.

On Monday, the army claimed that it captured and destroyed a factory where the group makes rockets and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

-Premium Times

Samuel Eto'o sends heartfelt condolence to victims of Yola & Kano bomb blast

Justice Lambo Akanbi sacked over judicial misconduct

The National Judicial Council, NJC, in a statement it Abuja, said it has directed Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to, with immediate effect, proceed on compulsory retirement after Pres. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, approved the sack of the justice after the  NJC, found him guilty of judicial misconduct. The NJC said it had at the meeting, considered various allegations that were levelled against Justice Akanbi by Shell Petroleum Company Nigeria Limited and recommended his sack to the President.

According to the Council, the allegation against the judge was that he “unilaterally appointed Mr. Emeka Nkwo of CYN-JAC (NIG) Ltd., who was not proposed by any of the parties as referee or valuer in Suit Nos FHC/PH/CS/434/2012 and FHC/PH/CS/435/2012.

“He also appointed the same referee or valuer in Suit FHC/PH/CS/25/2003, which is another matter involving one of the parties in the first suit.

“He heard and concluded the case without dealing with the notice of preliminary objection on the jurisdiction of his court. “He sat on the case in the Federal High Court, Yenegoa in Suit FHC/YNG/CS/30/2013 after a new Judge had been transferred to the state without a fiat from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. “The judge also delivered the ruling in suit No FHC/PH/CS/07/2009, four months after final addresses were taken without any cogent reason contrary to the constitutional provisions that judgment should be delivered within a period of 90 days. “Justice Akanbi also dismissed the application to set aside the report prepared by the valuer, CYN – JAC (NIG) Ltd and later changed the ruling to judgement which prevented the respondent from pursuing the application for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

“Justice Akanbi also failed to give a copy of his ruling delivered on June 12, 2013 to the complainant until June 28, 2013. “In the exercise of its constitutional powers, at the same meetings of  November 4 and 5,  2015, council had suspended Justice Akanbi from office before the approval for his compulsory retirement by President Muhammadu Buhari,” read the statement that was signed by the acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye.

-Vanguard

Nollywood Actress Maureen Ihua Kidnapped, Abductors Demand N10m

Nigerian Actress Maureen Ihua Kidnapped In Port Harcourt Rivers State, Abductors Demand N10 Million Ransom.One of the latest victims of abduction in Rivers State has been identified as Maureen Ihua, a popular Nollywood actress based in Abuja.

The excellent role interpreter was abducted at a function in Port Harcourt on Tuesday the 17th of November 2015.

According to eyewitnesses, 3 gunmen kidnapped Maureen Ihua on Ada George road in the capital city of Rivers State yesterday. She is said to have been taken to an unknown location in Port Harcourt. Today her abductors contacted her family members and demanded for 10 million Naira ransom.

Duncan Mighty and wife welcome first child

Singer, Duncan Mighty and his wife Vivien have welcomed their first child, a boy. He shared the good news on his Instagram page with the photo above and wrote "God I praise your holy name for this blessing and honour added to me today. And to my wife am short of words chai nne. thanks u" congratulations to the couple.

Multiple bomb blast in Kano phone market this evening

Multiple bomb blast has been recorded at Kano's major phone market. Residents say the incident happened this evening, and number of casualty is yet to be ascertained. This attack comes barely 24 hours after a bomb blast killed 34 people in Yola, Adamawa state yesterday. More details later.

The Promised Unemployment Benefit Of N5,000 Would Take Effect In 2016

The Federal Government has started the process of fulfilling its promise to pay N5,000 monthly allowance to 25 million unemployed youths in the country with 2016 as the take-off date. The All Progressives Congress, which defeated the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the March 28 presidential election, had promised during its campaign that if elected to the central government, it would pay N5,000 monthly to 25 million jobless youths as well as introduce a free school feeding programme. A motion to compel the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to fulfil the campaign promise of paying the unemployed youths was recently rejected in the Senate. 

On Monday, the Federal Government had, however, commenced plans to start the payment of the allowance while it had also taken steps to capture the free school feeding programme in the 2016 budget. It was further learnt that the government had saddled some officials with the task of ascertaining the number of the unemployed youths, who would benefit from the scheme. A top government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday, told one of our correspondents that the compilation of data was necessary in order to ensure that the programme was not sabotaged. The source said, “You know that if the scheme is left open-ended, even Nigerians, who are employed and are by no means vulnerable, will still struggle to benefit from it. “You also know that if not properly handled, politicians will hijack the scheme and it will become a means of settling their constituents, whether they qualify to benefit from it or not. This is why the government will come up with data on the beneficiaries very soon.” The source added that the fund meant for the scheme would be built into the 2016 budget. He explained that it was only when a decision had been reached on the number of people that would benefit from the scheme that the government would have an idea of how much it would spend on the programme. He agreed that as a result of the process to get ready the 2016 budget and passed it into law, the scheme might not take off either in January or February, 2016. The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, confirmed that work was ongoing on the identification of beneficiaries, saying it was the desire of government to ensure the commencement of the programme in 2016. Akande stated, “Work is ongoing on various aspects of the implementation of that social investment plan, including the identification of those that will benefit from it. Very soon, we shall be concluding work on that; that is a very important aspect of the programme. “The plan of the government is to start as much as possible in the area of social investment, and conditional cash transfer is part of it. “It is the plan of the government to explore how to start this with the 2016 budget.” Cash transfer scheme to gulp N125bn monthly Investigations at the Ministry of Finance as well as that of Budget and National Planning showed that the process for the payment of the allowance to the unemployed had started with the compilation of the 2016 budget. According to analysis, the cash transfer programme, when fully implemented, will cost the Federal Government N125bn monthly and a total sum of N1.5tr annually. This is amidst dwindling oil price, which has led to a reduction in government revenue by about 50 per cent. This development has led to the government recording fiscal deficit of about N676.47bn within the first six months of 2015, according to statistics from the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

Top government officials, involved in the preparation of the budget, confided in one of our correspondents that both initiatives had been identified as part of the six priority programmes that would be implemented under the social development sector of the economy. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said apart from the cash transfer and school feeding programme, other social protection and welfare schemes were being planned to take care of Internally Displaced Persons. Details of the initiative for IDPs were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report. The official said, “We have started working on the budget since September this year at the Ministry of Budget and Planning. “Since the ministry is the one coordinating the plans of government, what we did was to identify six priority programmes by pillars which have already been communicated to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government. “So while preparing the medium term plan, what we did was to look at the manifesto of the APC and prepare our plan based on what its campaign promises were to Nigerians before the elections. “And since social development is a key aspect of its campaign, we identified social protection schemes such as the conditional cash transfer and the school feeding programme as key to the programmes for 2016.” The spokesman for the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Salisu Haiba, could not be reached for comments as calls and text messages put to his number did not connect as of the time of filing this report.  Shortly after the Senate shot down a motion meant to compel Buhari to fulfil the promise, the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, had appealed to the ruling party not to renege on its campaign promise of paying N5,000 to the 25 million unemployed youths. 

She also urged the party to fulfil its promise of giving schoolchildren one free meal a day.

-Punch