http://www.vanguardngr.com Latest updates from Nigeria, including business, politics, entertainment, fashion, health, technology, naija lifestyle Fri, 20 May 2011 19:41:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-raids-magazine-office/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-raids-magazine-office/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 19:41:18 +0000 alexsamade
By EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, ABUJA
Operators of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Friday, raided the premises of Market Magazine in Abuja an exercise it said was based on a search warrant obtained over a case of fraud and forgery of government documents being investigated by it.
The Commission said its operatives were detailed to execute the search warrant on the magazine’s office at Mississipi Street , Maitama, Abuja following an intelligence report that companies numbering over 20 operating from the same premises were being used to defraud government agencies.
Three of the listed companies were said to have been used to defraud a federal government agency of over N66 million in January this year. During the search, computers and documents were retrieved for forensic analysis and further investigations while some officials of the companies were also picked for interrogation.
The commission said the raid “has nothing to do with gagging of the press as being insinuated.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-raids-magazine-office/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/shocker-army-finance-officer-commits-suicide-in-abuja/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/shocker-army-finance-officer-commits-suicide-in-abuja/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 19:27:27 +0000 alexsamade
By KINGSLEY OMONOBI, ABUJA
Authorities of the Nigerian Army Garrison Command headquarters in Abuja were shocked ,Friday, to discover the body of a Sergeant attached to the finance department, located inside the Mogadishu Barracks after apparently committed suicide. The body was hangling from a ceiling fan in the apartment of the deceased.
A source said, SGT Simon Nwodo who lived at Block 17, Flat 17, Room 2, was not seen in the office on Thursday 18th May 2011 while many calls were made by his bosses and colleagues to ascertain his whereabouts without any reply.
Later that same day, some soldiers were sent to go and check his apartment to see if he was at home but ill.
On getting to the apartment, the soldiers discovered his body dangling from the ceiling fan..
The officer, who was said to have been posted from Lagos to Abuja a few years ago, left a wife and children living in Lagos. He was said to have told colleagues that his Abuja apartment was not be suittable for him and his family.
Contacted on the development, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the AHQ Garrison, Lt. Colonel Agim confirmed the incident but said the deceased officer did not leave any suicide note behind.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/shocker-army-finance-officer-commits-suicide-in-abuja/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/african-parliament-to-attend-jonathans-inauguration/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/african-parliament-to-attend-jonathans-inauguration/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 18:29:44 +0000 alexsamade
Johannesburg – The Pan African Parliament (PAP) will be represented at the May 29 inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan, its President, Dr Idriss Ndele, said in Johannesburg on Friday.
Ndele said Nigeria was playing a very important role in the continent and occupied a vital position in the AU.
“We are going to represent PAP just like other AU organs. The organisation has always maintained a close relationship with Nigeria.
“We will be very pleased to join our brothers and sisters in the inauguration,” Ndele said.
The PAP president also said plans to make PAP have full legislative powers was on course.
Ndele had during the 4th Ordinary session of PAP, which ended on Friday, expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of the elections in Nigeria and some other African countries.
He said Nigeria and eight other African countries, which had been able to hold credible elections, gave hope to the continent.
“The good conduct of these elections gives us hope for a systematic evolution of our states toward the democratic models that we wish for,” Ndele said.
Ndele congratulated all elected and re-elected Heads of State in the continent while also lauding the electorates for their political maturity.
He also said PAP was encouraging African states to adopt the African charter on democracy, elections and governance.
The PAP president stated that free and fair elections were the norms now in the continent, adding that there would no longer be room for life presidents or family monopoly of power with the charter..
“Africa needs change and if you want change, you must go through free and fair elections,” he said. (NAN)
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/african-parliament-to-attend-jonathans-inauguration/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/boat-operators-to-provide-passengers-life-jacket-in-bayelsa/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/boat-operators-to-provide-passengers-life-jacket-in-bayelsa/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 17:31:14 +0000 alexsamade
By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
Boat operators in Bayelsa State who failed to provide their passengers with life jacket may now be barred from plying the creeks.
The move, it was learnt, was part of measures taken to stem the rising cases of avoidable deaths resulting from boat mishaps in the waterways.
Bayelsa is predominantly riverine with labyrinth of creeks while most of its far flung communities in the deep mangrove swamp are not linked by road and could only be accessed by water.
The ‘operation life jacket’ measure Saturday Vanguard gathered may have been informed by tragic event of penultimate week in which two promising corps members lost their lives in tragic boat mishap along the Nembe creek.
The deceased corps members like many others who had drowned and lost their lives in the past were not putting on life jacket, a development which also forced the National Youths Service Corps directorate in the state to issue stern warning to its officials and corps members against embarking on riverine trips without putting on life jacket and unauthorized journeys.
Our correspondent who was in the creek yesterday observed that all the passengers on speedboats especially on the Brass-Nembe routes were made to put on life jacket before venturing into the creek while the marine police were on hand to ensure compliance with the directive reportedly put in place by the maritime workers union in the wake of the rising incidence of death resulting from boat mishaps.
Virtually all the passengers including the boat drivers sighted on the waterways were donning life jacket as against the practice in the past where most of the boat operators failed to provide their passengers with such safety wears as well as the refusal of some passengers to wear the safety kits provided them on the ground that they are stained with oily substance and may soil their clothes.
A boat driver who confirmed the development said it is now an offence for passengers to travel on their boats without life jacket.
According to him, the marine police will not allow any boat driver venture into the creek unless every passenger has life jacket.
Also reacting to the development, the field coordinator of Environmental Rights Action (ERA) in Bayelsa State, Comrade Alagoa Morris who criss-crosses the creek regularly in the course of carrying out his assignment while commending the authorities for the bold initiative called for the sustenance of the order with a view to curbing what he described as avoidable deaths in the waterways resulting from boat mishaps.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/boat-operators-to-provide-passengers-life-jacket-in-bayelsa/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/nba-urges-delta-judiciary-workers-to-end-strike/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/nba-urges-delta-judiciary-workers-to-end-strike/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 12:00:12 +0000 johnabayomi
Warri -The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Warri branch in Delta has called on the striking Judiciary Staff in Delta to consider the sufferings of the people awaiting trial and call off the strike.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, embarked on strike two weeks ago, agitating for an improved condition of service.
The action, which paralysed activities in courts, prompted the intervention of the Warri branch of NBA that issued a statement in Warri calling on the workers to save the judicial system.
In the statement signed by Chairman, Mr Gweke Akudihor, and the Publicity Secretary, Francis Okala, the NBA said that accused persons were languishing in police cell and prison custody without access to justice.
It said that the situation, if allowed to continue, could culminate in the breakdown of law and order and the introduction of anarchy.
The association blamed the striking union for being hasty in embarking on strike, and said that it did not exhaust all mechanism for resolution of trade disputes as provided by the law.
It also described as unfortunate the state government’s posture in the matter, as it did not show understanding and responsibility to the union’s agitation.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/nba-urges-delta-judiciary-workers-to-end-strike/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/bayelsa-election-tribunal-receives-21-petitions/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/bayelsa-election-tribunal-receives-21-petitions/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 11:03:21 +0000 johnabayomi
Yenagoa – The Election Petitions Tribunal in Bayelsa has received 21 petitions from various candidates who lost at the April polls in the state.
Secretary of the Tribunal, Mrs. Cecelia Adedeji, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Yenagoa that all the petitions were being compiled, preparatory to the commencement of the panel’s sitting.
“We have so far received 21 petitions from both the State and National Assemblies elections. Presently, the petitions are being filed, after which we expect to receive replies from the parties concerned.
“Then, after the replies, we will have the plenary session, after which the tribunal will commence sitting,” she said.
According to Adedeji, the tribunal is fully prepared to hear the petitions, adding that its members will discharge their duties with justice and fairness.
In one of the Senatorial election petitions, an oil magnate, Chief Pere Ajuwa of the ANPP is seeking to invalidate the election of Sen. Emmanuel Paulker of the PDP for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District.
Also in the House of Representatives, former Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Mr Udengs Eradiri of the Labour Party, is seeking to nullify the election of Warman Ogoriba of PDP from Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/bayelsa-election-tribunal-receives-21-petitions/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/lagos-gets-approval-for-traffic-radio-station/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/lagos-gets-approval-for-traffic-radio-station/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 07:02:16 +0000 johnabayomi
By Monsur Olowoopejo
Lagos State Government has secured a license to operate a radio station to be solely dedicated to traffic information and other safety issues.
Commissioner for Transportation, Prof. Bamidele Badejo, who disclosed this during the 2011 ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry in the last one year as well as commemoration of the fourth anniversary of Governor Babatunde Fashola in office, said the radio station, will be commissioned soon.
Badejo said: “The station, whose license and approval had been procured by the state government, will keep the public informed with live information and reports on traffic and transportation related issues all over Lagos as events unfold.”
He explained that one of the objectives of the station will be to empower the commuting citizens with needed information on the situation of the roads within the different axes of Lagos at any point in time, to enable them know the best possible routes available if they are to make most efficient use of the road and thus reduce traffic time and congestion.
Speaking further, he said the station will form an invaluable avenue for the education of the populace on best traffic and road use practices and also form a feedback system for data and correspondence between the government and the populace, which will then help achieve best results in traffic management and control.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/lagos-gets-approval-for-traffic-radio-station/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/jtf-kills-fleeing-ndlf-militant-nabs-another/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/jtf-kills-fleeing-ndlf-militant-nabs-another/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 02:59:23 +0000 azuakanwa
By Emma Amaize
THE Joint Task Force, JTF, on the Niger Delta, shot dead a fleeing militant, suspected to be a member of John Togo’s Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, at Aladja, near Warri, Delta State, yesterday.
The soldiers also arrested another militant, who was fleeing to Warri to seek refuge, following the intensive manhunt for NDLF members by the JTF in area.
JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, who confirmed the incident, said, “as part of the on-going mop up operation, following the sacking of several John Togo camps in Bobou Creek and environs, the JTF is continuing in the pursuit of fleeing militants. In this regard, a JTF check point in Aladja area of Delta State, acting on a tip-off at about 12p.m., yesterday, apprehended two John Togo militants, who were sneaking into Warri.
“One militant attempted to escape, but was shot on the leg. I regret to inform you that the victim later died. His corpse has been handed over to the police for further investigation,” he said.
“JTF wishes to warn law abiding citizens to disregard the purported death of John Togo, remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals milling around their communities to appropriate security agencies for immediate action,” he added.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/jtf-kills-fleeing-ndlf-militant-nabs-another/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-nba-president-move-against-judge-over-akingbola-co%e2%80%99s-trial/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-nba-president-move-against-judge-over-akingbola-co%e2%80%99s-trial/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 02:33:58 +0000 alexsamade
By Innocent Anaba & Emma Ovuakporie
LAGOS —The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has petitioned the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, over an alleged conduct of Justice Charles Archibong of the court in the suit by former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr Erastus Akingbola.
This came as, the president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, has also petitioned Justice Auta, questioning the conduct of Justice Archibong in the same case.
Daudu, who is lead counsel to the EFCC, had on Wednesday, walked out on Justice Archibong in protest over a ruling dismissing EFCC’s application for stay of proceedings in the fundamental rights suit by Akingbola against the EFCC.
The commission in a petition by its Chairman, Mrs Farida Waziri, disagreed with the conduct of the judge as it relates to matters it was prosecuting in connection with former bank chiefs.
EFCC accused Justice Archibong of undue interest and manifest bias in favour of the bank chiefs in proceedings before the court, which it claimed was demonstrated on May 18, 2011 in one of the related matters, where it lead counsel, Mr Dauda, led.
According to commission, “in view of the judge’s manifest and unconcealed interests in the Akingbola case and other EFCC matters, his compromised stance cannot ensure justice in the matters.”
EFCC noted that since the judge had held the EFCC in contempt, he should excuse himself from all EFCC matters or be excused.
The commission in the petition said, “it is with the greatest reluctance but with a high sense of responsibility to the institution for the administration of justice as represented by the judiciary that I write this petition as a strong objection to the serial conducts of Justice Archibong as it relates to matters being prosecuted by our Commission in connection with erstwhile bank chiefs.
“The anti climax of his undue interests and manifest bias in favour of the bank chiefs in proceedings before the court was graphically demonstrated on May 18, 2011 in one of the related matters, where our lead counsel Dauda, SAN led.
The facts are already before you vide a petition and we will not bore you by repeating them. For the records, however, we attach a copy for ease of reference.
“The above mentioned matter is still before Justice Archibong and will be coming up on May 20, 2011. In view of his manifest and unconcealed interests in Dr. Akingbola and obviously other EFCC matters, we regret to say that his compromised stance cannot ensure justice in these matters. On the contrary, his continued participation in these matters will bring the administration of justice to doubt,” EFCC added.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-nba-president-move-against-judge-over-akingbola-co%e2%80%99s-trial/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/dominique-strauss-kahn-granted-bail-for-1m/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/dominique-strauss-kahn-granted-bail-for-1m/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 01:38:53 +0000 johnabayomi
The embattled former IMF managing director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn was granted bail by a New York judge, Thursday, five days after he was arrested on charges of trying to rape a hotel maid.
According to reports, he will be under house arrest in an apartment rented by his wife, where he will be watched around the clock by an armed guard.
A New York judge says Strauss-Kahn, 62, can be released on $1 million cash bail and placed under 24-hour home detention with electronic monitoring – conditions that had been proposed by his lawyers.
The judge also said Strauss-Kahn must have one armed guard at all times at his own expense and have a $5 million insurance bond.
*Strauss-Kahn
Quotes during the bail hearing:
WILLIAM TAYLOR, LAWYER FOR STRAUSS-KAHN:
“I have to say that the prospect of Mr. Strauss-Kahn teleporting himself to France and living there as an accused sex offender, fugitive, is ludicrous on its face.
“This is a man whose face is recognized … to many if not most of the people in that country and elsewhere, and the idea that he would attempt to live the rest of his life as an accused sex offender in France as a fugitive is ridiculous. You can look at him and his lovely family and draw that conclusion for yourself.”
“We expect that Mr. Strauss-Kahn will be vindicated at the conclusion of these proceedings. But that’s for another day.
“Frankly, I was going to ask the court to release on a cash bail with no conditions, but it seems to me that under the circumstances, in light of the people’s strong objection, at this point we have made the decision to accept these most onerous conditions because his need to be released from custody is so extreme and frankly his right to it is so great.”
Taylor produced an itinerary for Strauss-Kahn’s European trip and an Air France ticket which had been bought on May 11.
“These two pieces of evidence authoritatively rebut the notion that Mr. Strauss-Kahn was in a panic mode attempting to make his way onto an international flight to avoid detention in New York.”
“Indeed, it’s undisputed that the reason the police knew his whereabouts is because he called the hotel… from JFK Airport to inquire whether the hotel had located his cell phone. The hotel advised that it had and asked him his whereabouts, which he promptly told them. Indeed, he called the hotel a second time, called security a second time to advise that the plane was boarding and to urge the hotel delivery people to please promptly bring him his cell phone. We also know that immediately after the incident, alleged incident, he enjoyed a leisurely lunch with a member of his family at a restaurant in midtown, and that he got in a taxi cab at 2:15 more or less to make the 4:30 flight to JFK.”
JUDGE MICHAEL OBUS:
“Whether or not he has international friends, he is a citizen of a country that does not have an extradition treaty with this country, and we know that it is possible that once a person leaves the country, it could be very difficult if not impossible to get him back. And in this case the defendant certainly has resources to live comfortably in his home country, from which he could not be extradited, so that the real issue for the court is whether there are conditions, along with any financial conditions, that would give the court sufficiently assurance that the defendant will be here.”
“If there is a way to secure the defendant’s appearance in court, that is really what the court is almost entirely concerned with at this point, if not entirely.”
“I recognize that the defendant’s wife has extensive assets. It’s one reason why I’m requiring the bond, so there will be some additional assurance. I realize… that money alone is not going to be sufficient to give us the assurance that we need to have. It is primarily these other conditions that I am expecting will simply make it impossible for the defendant to leave, which is really what I am concerned with.”
OBUS (ADDRESSING STRAUSS-KAHN):
“You will be subjected to and you will have the benefit of the protection of the criminal court system, the criminal justice system of this state and this country. I expect that you will be here for the occasion. I am accepting the conditions that have been proposed with the modifications I have made because I believe they are sufficient to ensure, to the extent one can possibly do this, to ensure that you will be here when we need you.
Source : Reuters
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/dominique-strauss-kahn-granted-bail-for-1m/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/sultan-condemns-post-election-riots-hails-jonathans-victory/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/sultan-condemns-post-election-riots-hails-jonathans-victory/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 01:01:36 +0000 johnabayomi
*President pledges to cooperate with monarchs
*Ooni urges nationwide support for Jonathan
By OKEY NDIRIBE
ABUJA – The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, has condemned the post-election violence that erupted in some parts of the country following the declaration of the result of the April presidential election.
A statement issued by Mr. Mitaire Ikpen, on behalf of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Ima Niboro, quoted the Sultan as describing the violent eruption as an “unfortunate” occurrence which “must be condemned by all right- thinking individuals all over the world.”
The President’s Special Adviser further stated that the “Sokoto monarch made the declaration on behalf of other traditional rulers who are chairmen of the traditional rulers council of the states and the FCT, during a courtesy visit to President Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.”
The Sultan, who co-chairs the royal fathers’ council with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, expressed sadness over some miscreants’ recourse to violence due to instigation, adding that royal fathers across the country were particularly saddened by the killing of 10 members of the National Youth Service Corps.
According to the statement, the Sultan said: “We felt bad that somebody will leave his state to another state only to have his corpse brought back . We were indeed saddened by the unfortunate incident.”
He urged traditional rulers across the country to do all they can to protect corps members in their domains and make their safety a priority.
The Sultan further stated that the traditional institution fully supports the steps taken by President Jonathan to set up a panel to investigate the violence and bring perpetrators to book, adding that the council of traditional rulers will do all it can to assist the committee in its task.
The Sultan also congratulated President Jonathan on his victory at the presidential polls and pledged the solidarity of all royal fathers for his administration, saying “we are solidly behind you and your government, and we will continue to do all it takes, Insha Allah, to assist this government achieve its programmes.”
Ooni urges support
Contributing, the Ooni of Ife and co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional rulers, enjoined all Nigerians to rally around the present administration, and place the unity and stability of the country above parochial interests.
President Jonathan thanked the royal fathers for their support towards the success of the April polls, and towards his election as president for a fresh term.
President pledges cooperation
The President said his administration will continually engage the traditional institution and push for its constitutional recognition.
He solicited for their continued cooperation in maintaining law and order not only in their domains but across the nation.
He noted that while the investigation panel into the post-election crisis is a fact-finding and not a punitive committee, government will not shy away from investigating and prosecuting anyone found wanting in the panel’s recommendations.
According to him: “We will look at the committee’s recommendations and pass them to the security agencies.
”Anybody found culpable will be investigated and if the security agencies feel they should be prosecuted, then they will be prosecuted. We will not tolerate the culture of impunity because ours is not a lawless society”.
The meeting was attended chairmen of traditional rulers councils in the 36 states and the FCT.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/sultan-condemns-post-election-riots-hails-jonathans-victory/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/akala-daniel-others-shun-govs-abuja-parley/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/akala-daniel-others-shun-govs-abuja-parley/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 01:00:40 +0000 johnabayomi
*Tinubu, Igbinedion in attendance
By ADELEKE ADESERI, South-West Regional Editor
LAGOS – Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and his Ogun State counterpart, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, were absent at yesterday ’s gathering of former, serving and governors-elect under the aegis of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF.
The event, which held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja, was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan who also delivered a speech.
Although it could not be ascertained if Gov. Alao-Akala was not invited to the event or he merely turned his back on his colleagues, a reliable source at the Agodi Governor’s Office, Ibadan, said while the Abuja talks were on, the governor was on his way to the Oke-Ogun area of the state to commission a project.
Also, Gov. Daniel spent the day at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office in Abeokuta
Others who were absent at yesterday’s event are governors Danjuma Goje of Gombe State and Ibrahim Idris of Kogi State.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, was said to be abroad sourcing foreign participants for some of his projects but his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was there. He sat beside former Edo State governor, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion.
Two main issues discussed yesterday, according to sources, were how in-coming administrations will easily pick their staff and that of the Peer Review Mechanism for the governors.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/akala-daniel-others-shun-govs-abuja-parley/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/tough-bail-conditions-for-atuches-wife/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/tough-bail-conditions-for-atuches-wife/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 00:58:21 +0000 johnabayomi
By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Oamen Areguamen
LAGOS-Justice Bisola Okunnu sitting in Ikeja High Court, yesterday, granted bail to Mrs. Elizabeth Atuche, the detained wife of the former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc, Mr. Francis Atuche, on the condition that she must produce two sureties, who must deposit N100 million and also possess a landed property worth N25 million in Lagos.
The trial judge had ordered Elizabeth to be remanded in prison custody after she turned down the application by her counsel for her to be remanded in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, office pending the determination of her bail application.
Ruling on the bail application after hearing counsel representing the prosecution and defence, Justice Okunnu said that it was her discretion to grant the accused person bail, especially when she was still presumed innocence of the offences preferred against her in court.
Atuche’s wife, who is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on stealing of about N5.4 billion belonging to the bank, was also ordered to produce sureties, who must be gainfully employed in a reputable firm or doing personal businesses, one of whom must be a member of Board of Directors in a reputable firm or public corporation which operates in Nigeria and has its head office either in Lagos or Abuja.
The judge added that the other surety must be a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 14.
The trial judge said she had to admit the accused to bail premised on the principle of presumption of innocence, fair hearing and personal liberty, which the accused has right to.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/tough-bail-conditions-for-atuches-wife/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/plateau-pdp-wants-jang-to-sack-deputy-tallen/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/plateau-pdp-wants-jang-to-sack-deputy-tallen/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 00:14:52 +0000 johnabayomi
*Moves against Shagaya, Tapgun, Hirse, Lar, others
By HENRY UMORU
ABUJA-The fact that the governor or deputy governor of a state can only be removed by ill- heath, impeachment or other conditions as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, notwithstanding, the leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Plateau State has urged Governor Jonah Jang to, immediately sack his deputy, Mrs. Pauline Tallen.
The state PDP Chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin, in a letter to the acting National Chairman, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, stressed that the call for Mrs Tallen’s sack became imperative because she decamped from PDP to Labour Party on which platform she contested the April 26 governorship election.
Other former PDP bigwigs also listed by Dabin who can no longer serve in any organ of the party from the state are Senator John Shagaya, currently representing Plateau South who also moved to the Labour Party; former Minister of Industry, Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse; Emmanuel Danboyia and Dina Lar.
Others are James Ayuba, Ibrahim Hassan, Abbas Wokdung, Sadat Garga, and Nanpon Bongden.
The letter, which was copied the Senate President, Senator David Mark; Governor Jang; the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Istifanus Mwansat read in part, ‘’since these defected members were elected on the platform of our great party, we are by this letter requesting you to use your good offices to remove them from office, especially the Deputy Governor, who is seeking for election on the platform of another party.
”Same treatment should be applied to those in national and state assemblies, who hold party positions.”
Vanguard recalls that Tallen contested the last PDP governorship primaries with Jang after some disagreements and lost.
Later, Jang replaced her with Ignatius Datong Longjan thus necessitating the Deputy Governor’s defection to the Labour Party where she also contested the governorship election and lost to Jang.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/plateau-pdp-wants-jang-to-sack-deputy-tallen/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/cnpp-faults-moves-to-de-register-political-parties/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/cnpp-faults-moves-to-de-register-political-parties/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:41:52 +0000 johnabayomi
BY VINCENT UJUMADU
AWKA-THE South-East zone of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, said yesterday it was opposed to the proposal by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister political parties that could not win any seat during the last general elections.
The zonal chairman of CNPP, Mr. Isaac Onuka, who is also the chairman of Anambra State chapter of CNPP, said in an interview in Awka that any attempt to deny some political parties their right of existence would be tantamount to disenfranchising millions of Nigerians who belong to the affected political parties.
According to him, INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, should provide a level playing field for all political parties in the country, instead of trying to introduce a two-party system in the country through the back door.
His said: “President Goodluck Jonathan should prevail on Professor Jega to shelve the idea because it infringes on the fundamental human rights of those who are either members or supporters of the political parties who have the right to free association.
“The INEC chairman has succeeded in denying political parties the funds they were receiving from the commission in the past and wants to add salt to injury by planning to de-register them.
“Instead of trying to find ways of conducting free and fair election in the country, he is toying with the idea of reducing the number of political parties. Our stand is that all the parties should be allowed to exist and work harder to win elections in future.”
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/cnpp-faults-moves-to-de-register-political-parties/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/1-dead-houses-cars-razed-as-youths-protest-vigilantes-excesses/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/1-dead-houses-cars-razed-as-youths-protest-vigilantes-excesses/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:34:00 +0000 johnabayomi
Aguleri (Anambra) – One person was killed, two houses and four cars burnt as angry youths of Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Wednesday, went on rampage over the killing of one of them by a vigilante group.
Fifty mobile policemen, 10 soldiers, eight police vans and an armoured personnel carrier were deployed in the area to quell the riot.
About 7,000 youths took to the streets armed with cutlasses, axes, gallons of petrol and other dangerous weapons, chanting war songs.
No fewer than five cars were smashed before police intervened.
Genesis
According to an eyewitness, trouble started when a vigilante group chased four youths who were manual sand dredgers.
The eyewitness said the youths were suspected to be smoking India hemp at the bank of the Otuocha stream at about 9am.
He said: “When the suspected Indian hemp smokers escaped by swimming across the stream, the vigilance group pursued them until they shot dead one of them, identified as Chikelu Chukwuma, from Ezi-Agulu Village in Otu Aguleri.
“When youths in the community heard about it, they went on rampage, destroying all the houses and property of the vigilante group members.”
The vigilante members were said to be taking refuge in Aguleri Divisional Police Station when the rampage was going on, the eyewitness narrated.
Addressing the restive youths, Mr. Larry Osita, Police Area Commander in Onitsha, noted that their aggression was human but added that they should stop the destruction.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/1-dead-houses-cars-razed-as-youths-protest-vigilantes-excesses/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/acn-again-accuses-daniel-of-looting-govt-property/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/acn-again-accuses-daniel-of-looting-govt-property/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:26:58 +0000 azuakanwa
*Allegations spurious, malicious and idiotic- Ogun govt
THE plethora of allegations of wrong doing against the outgoing Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Olugbenga Daniel, by the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state continued yesterday with the party accusing him of carting away appliances and amenities from both the Government House and his office in the wake of the May 29 handover date.
According to the party, the governor has ordered the removal of all the rugs and air conditioners inside the Government House, Oke Igbein, Abeokuta as well as generating sets from his office.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the ACN in Ogun State, Mr. Sola Lawal, the party said eight of the generating sets have been taken to a church which has just been built by the Governor at the Government Reservation Area, GRA, Sagamu and scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday.
The ACN said just like the governor has been disposing of choice properties of the state for paltry sums, his has also sold off government owned buildings in the Ibara GRA of Abeokuta to his cronies for N5 million.
It said the dilemma of the government was now how to eject the occupants of the houses who are not willing to vacate them few days to the end of Governor Daniel’s tenure.
The party said the present alarm and previous ones, including the one raised over the sale of the Ogun State Liaison office at Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos were not politically motivated but borne out of the desire not to only to protect the properties of the state but also preserve legacies of past leaders.
The party said: “Visionary leaders, including the late sage, Papa Obafemi Awolowo, laboured tirelessly to lift the state into an enviable stage, but the government of Otunba Gbenga Daniel has just within eight years robbed the state of its glory through arrogant and selfish use of power.”
Govt rects
Meanwhile, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, has said the allegation was not only spurious, malicious and idiotic.
Adegbenro said what was going on in the Government House was simple renovation for the new occupant and that it was being handled by the civil servants.
He explained that it was normal for new things to be put in place for the new governor as it was done in 2003, adding any sane man would refurbish a house before giving it out.
According to him, “it was done before and I am sure the new governor will do it when he is going. I can tell you that there is a brand new generator there now.
“It is spurious, idiotic, petty and malicious to say that. I am sure the person who said that did not know what he is saying. No single item has been removed from that house.”
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/acn-again-accuses-daniel-of-looting-govt-property/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/pdp-suspends-unongo-over-alleged-anti-party-activities/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/pdp-suspends-unongo-over-alleged-anti-party-activities/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:18:22 +0000 johnabayomi
BY PETER DURU
Makurdi-The ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State has suspended one of its prominent members and former Minister of Steel in the Second Republic, Wantaregh Paul Unongo over alleged anti-party activities.
Addressing reporters on the outcome of the State Working Committee, SWC, meeting of the PDP yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi, the party’s Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, said the suspension would be for one month in the first instance.
Agbo also said that Wantaregh Unongo has also been referred to the state Disciplinary Committee of the PDP for further action on his alleged anti-party activities just as he was stripped of the privileges attached to his position as the chairman of the party’s caucus in Kwande Local Government Area of the state in addition to his being relieved of his membership of the state caucus of the PDP.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/pdp-suspends-unongo-over-alleged-anti-party-activities/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/anglican-communion-charge-nigerians-on-peace/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/anglican-communion-charge-nigerians-on-peace/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:16:17 +0000 johnabayomi
BY FESTUS AHON
UGHELLI-WARRI Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has urged Nigerians to tread the path of law and order in the spirit of the peaceful coexistence of all parts of the country.
The Diocese in a communiqué at the end of its 10th synod, condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property in the crisis that trailed the results of the April 9, presidential election in some Northern states.
The church expressed worry at the protracted and reoccurring incidents of insecurity and violent deaths of their young graduates, who went for youth corps service in some Northern states and called for “a review of the NYSC programme to save our promising youths from untimely deaths in their attempt to answer a national call to service.”
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/anglican-communion-charge-nigerians-on-peace/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/n20bn-road-projects-for-c-river/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/n20bn-road-projects-for-c-river/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:14:49 +0000 johnabayomi
BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU
Calabar-Cross River State Government has signed a contract agreement for the construction of 474 kilometres of rural roads, valued at N20.325 billion, under the Cross River Rural Access and Mobility Project, CRRAMP.
The rural road projects, which cut across 16 of the 18 local government areas of the state. will cover 28 communities.
The African Development Bank, AfDB, is expected to contribute N7.016 billion constituting 34.5 percent of the cost while the Cross River State government will contribute N13.308 billion or 65.48 percent of the total sum.
Speaking after signing the agreement, Governor Liyel Imoke said the projects represented a major step in the administration’s desire to serve the people, ensure economic growth and creation of wealth.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com Latest updates from Nigeria, including business, politics, entertainment, fashion, health, technology, naija lifestyle Fri, 20 May 2011 19:41:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-raids-magazine-office/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-raids-magazine-office/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 19:41:18 +0000 alexsamade
By EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, ABUJA
Operators of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Friday, raided the premises of Market Magazine in Abuja an exercise it said was based on a search warrant obtained over a case of fraud and forgery of government documents being investigated by it.
The Commission said its operatives were detailed to execute the search warrant on the magazine’s office at Mississipi Street , Maitama, Abuja following an intelligence report that companies numbering over 20 operating from the same premises were being used to defraud government agencies.
Three of the listed companies were said to have been used to defraud a federal government agency of over N66 million in January this year. During the search, computers and documents were retrieved for forensic analysis and further investigations while some officials of the companies were also picked for interrogation.
The commission said the raid “has nothing to do with gagging of the press as being insinuated.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-raids-magazine-office/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/shocker-army-finance-officer-commits-suicide-in-abuja/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/shocker-army-finance-officer-commits-suicide-in-abuja/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 19:27:27 +0000 alexsamade
By KINGSLEY OMONOBI, ABUJA
Authorities of the Nigerian Army Garrison Command headquarters in Abuja were shocked ,Friday, to discover the body of a Sergeant attached to the finance department, located inside the Mogadishu Barracks after apparently committed suicide. The body was hangling from a ceiling fan in the apartment of the deceased.
A source said, SGT Simon Nwodo who lived at Block 17, Flat 17, Room 2, was not seen in the office on Thursday 18th May 2011 while many calls were made by his bosses and colleagues to ascertain his whereabouts without any reply.
Later that same day, some soldiers were sent to go and check his apartment to see if he was at home but ill.
On getting to the apartment, the soldiers discovered his body dangling from the ceiling fan..
The officer, who was said to have been posted from Lagos to Abuja a few years ago, left a wife and children living in Lagos. He was said to have told colleagues that his Abuja apartment was not be suittable for him and his family.
Contacted on the development, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the AHQ Garrison, Lt. Colonel Agim confirmed the incident but said the deceased officer did not leave any suicide note behind.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/shocker-army-finance-officer-commits-suicide-in-abuja/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/african-parliament-to-attend-jonathans-inauguration/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/african-parliament-to-attend-jonathans-inauguration/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 18:29:44 +0000 alexsamade
Johannesburg – The Pan African Parliament (PAP) will be represented at the May 29 inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan, its President, Dr Idriss Ndele, said in Johannesburg on Friday.
Ndele said Nigeria was playing a very important role in the continent and occupied a vital position in the AU.
“We are going to represent PAP just like other AU organs. The organisation has always maintained a close relationship with Nigeria.
“We will be very pleased to join our brothers and sisters in the inauguration,” Ndele said.
The PAP president also said plans to make PAP have full legislative powers was on course.
Ndele had during the 4th Ordinary session of PAP, which ended on Friday, expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of the elections in Nigeria and some other African countries.
He said Nigeria and eight other African countries, which had been able to hold credible elections, gave hope to the continent.
“The good conduct of these elections gives us hope for a systematic evolution of our states toward the democratic models that we wish for,” Ndele said.
Ndele congratulated all elected and re-elected Heads of State in the continent while also lauding the electorates for their political maturity.
He also said PAP was encouraging African states to adopt the African charter on democracy, elections and governance.
The PAP president stated that free and fair elections were the norms now in the continent, adding that there would no longer be room for life presidents or family monopoly of power with the charter..
“Africa needs change and if you want change, you must go through free and fair elections,” he said. (NAN)
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/african-parliament-to-attend-jonathans-inauguration/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/boat-operators-to-provide-passengers-life-jacket-in-bayelsa/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/boat-operators-to-provide-passengers-life-jacket-in-bayelsa/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 17:31:14 +0000 alexsamade
By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
Boat operators in Bayelsa State who failed to provide their passengers with life jacket may now be barred from plying the creeks.
The move, it was learnt, was part of measures taken to stem the rising cases of avoidable deaths resulting from boat mishaps in the waterways.
Bayelsa is predominantly riverine with labyrinth of creeks while most of its far flung communities in the deep mangrove swamp are not linked by road and could only be accessed by water.
The ‘operation life jacket’ measure Saturday Vanguard gathered may have been informed by tragic event of penultimate week in which two promising corps members lost their lives in tragic boat mishap along the Nembe creek.
The deceased corps members like many others who had drowned and lost their lives in the past were not putting on life jacket, a development which also forced the National Youths Service Corps directorate in the state to issue stern warning to its officials and corps members against embarking on riverine trips without putting on life jacket and unauthorized journeys.
Our correspondent who was in the creek yesterday observed that all the passengers on speedboats especially on the Brass-Nembe routes were made to put on life jacket before venturing into the creek while the marine police were on hand to ensure compliance with the directive reportedly put in place by the maritime workers union in the wake of the rising incidence of death resulting from boat mishaps.
Virtually all the passengers including the boat drivers sighted on the waterways were donning life jacket as against the practice in the past where most of the boat operators failed to provide their passengers with such safety wears as well as the refusal of some passengers to wear the safety kits provided them on the ground that they are stained with oily substance and may soil their clothes.
A boat driver who confirmed the development said it is now an offence for passengers to travel on their boats without life jacket.
According to him, the marine police will not allow any boat driver venture into the creek unless every passenger has life jacket.
Also reacting to the development, the field coordinator of Environmental Rights Action (ERA) in Bayelsa State, Comrade Alagoa Morris who criss-crosses the creek regularly in the course of carrying out his assignment while commending the authorities for the bold initiative called for the sustenance of the order with a view to curbing what he described as avoidable deaths in the waterways resulting from boat mishaps.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/boat-operators-to-provide-passengers-life-jacket-in-bayelsa/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/nba-urges-delta-judiciary-workers-to-end-strike/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/nba-urges-delta-judiciary-workers-to-end-strike/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 12:00:12 +0000 johnabayomi
Warri -The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Warri branch in Delta has called on the striking Judiciary Staff in Delta to consider the sufferings of the people awaiting trial and call off the strike.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, embarked on strike two weeks ago, agitating for an improved condition of service.
The action, which paralysed activities in courts, prompted the intervention of the Warri branch of NBA that issued a statement in Warri calling on the workers to save the judicial system.
In the statement signed by Chairman, Mr Gweke Akudihor, and the Publicity Secretary, Francis Okala, the NBA said that accused persons were languishing in police cell and prison custody without access to justice.
It said that the situation, if allowed to continue, could culminate in the breakdown of law and order and the introduction of anarchy.
The association blamed the striking union for being hasty in embarking on strike, and said that it did not exhaust all mechanism for resolution of trade disputes as provided by the law.
It also described as unfortunate the state government’s posture in the matter, as it did not show understanding and responsibility to the union’s agitation.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/nba-urges-delta-judiciary-workers-to-end-strike/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/bayelsa-election-tribunal-receives-21-petitions/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/bayelsa-election-tribunal-receives-21-petitions/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 11:03:21 +0000 johnabayomi
Yenagoa – The Election Petitions Tribunal in Bayelsa has received 21 petitions from various candidates who lost at the April polls in the state.
Secretary of the Tribunal, Mrs. Cecelia Adedeji, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Yenagoa that all the petitions were being compiled, preparatory to the commencement of the panel’s sitting.
“We have so far received 21 petitions from both the State and National Assemblies elections. Presently, the petitions are being filed, after which we expect to receive replies from the parties concerned.
“Then, after the replies, we will have the plenary session, after which the tribunal will commence sitting,” she said.
According to Adedeji, the tribunal is fully prepared to hear the petitions, adding that its members will discharge their duties with justice and fairness.
In one of the Senatorial election petitions, an oil magnate, Chief Pere Ajuwa of the ANPP is seeking to invalidate the election of Sen. Emmanuel Paulker of the PDP for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District.
Also in the House of Representatives, former Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Mr Udengs Eradiri of the Labour Party, is seeking to nullify the election of Warman Ogoriba of PDP from Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/bayelsa-election-tribunal-receives-21-petitions/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/lagos-gets-approval-for-traffic-radio-station/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/lagos-gets-approval-for-traffic-radio-station/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 07:02:16 +0000 johnabayomi
By Monsur Olowoopejo
Lagos State Government has secured a license to operate a radio station to be solely dedicated to traffic information and other safety issues.
Commissioner for Transportation, Prof. Bamidele Badejo, who disclosed this during the 2011 ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry in the last one year as well as commemoration of the fourth anniversary of Governor Babatunde Fashola in office, said the radio station, will be commissioned soon.
Badejo said: “The station, whose license and approval had been procured by the state government, will keep the public informed with live information and reports on traffic and transportation related issues all over Lagos as events unfold.”
He explained that one of the objectives of the station will be to empower the commuting citizens with needed information on the situation of the roads within the different axes of Lagos at any point in time, to enable them know the best possible routes available if they are to make most efficient use of the road and thus reduce traffic time and congestion.
Speaking further, he said the station will form an invaluable avenue for the education of the populace on best traffic and road use practices and also form a feedback system for data and correspondence between the government and the populace, which will then help achieve best results in traffic management and control.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/lagos-gets-approval-for-traffic-radio-station/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/jtf-kills-fleeing-ndlf-militant-nabs-another/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/jtf-kills-fleeing-ndlf-militant-nabs-another/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 02:59:23 +0000 azuakanwa
By Emma Amaize
THE Joint Task Force, JTF, on the Niger Delta, shot dead a fleeing militant, suspected to be a member of John Togo’s Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, at Aladja, near Warri, Delta State, yesterday.
The soldiers also arrested another militant, who was fleeing to Warri to seek refuge, following the intensive manhunt for NDLF members by the JTF in area.
JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, who confirmed the incident, said, “as part of the on-going mop up operation, following the sacking of several John Togo camps in Bobou Creek and environs, the JTF is continuing in the pursuit of fleeing militants. In this regard, a JTF check point in Aladja area of Delta State, acting on a tip-off at about 12p.m., yesterday, apprehended two John Togo militants, who were sneaking into Warri.
“One militant attempted to escape, but was shot on the leg. I regret to inform you that the victim later died. His corpse has been handed over to the police for further investigation,” he said.
“JTF wishes to warn law abiding citizens to disregard the purported death of John Togo, remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals milling around their communities to appropriate security agencies for immediate action,” he added.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/jtf-kills-fleeing-ndlf-militant-nabs-another/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-nba-president-move-against-judge-over-akingbola-co%e2%80%99s-trial/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-nba-president-move-against-judge-over-akingbola-co%e2%80%99s-trial/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 02:33:58 +0000 alexsamade
By Innocent Anaba & Emma Ovuakporie
LAGOS —The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has petitioned the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, over an alleged conduct of Justice Charles Archibong of the court in the suit by former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr Erastus Akingbola.
This came as, the president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, has also petitioned Justice Auta, questioning the conduct of Justice Archibong in the same case.
Daudu, who is lead counsel to the EFCC, had on Wednesday, walked out on Justice Archibong in protest over a ruling dismissing EFCC’s application for stay of proceedings in the fundamental rights suit by Akingbola against the EFCC.
The commission in a petition by its Chairman, Mrs Farida Waziri, disagreed with the conduct of the judge as it relates to matters it was prosecuting in connection with former bank chiefs.
EFCC accused Justice Archibong of undue interest and manifest bias in favour of the bank chiefs in proceedings before the court, which it claimed was demonstrated on May 18, 2011 in one of the related matters, where it lead counsel, Mr Dauda, led.
According to commission, “in view of the judge’s manifest and unconcealed interests in the Akingbola case and other EFCC matters, his compromised stance cannot ensure justice in the matters.”
EFCC noted that since the judge had held the EFCC in contempt, he should excuse himself from all EFCC matters or be excused.
The commission in the petition said, “it is with the greatest reluctance but with a high sense of responsibility to the institution for the administration of justice as represented by the judiciary that I write this petition as a strong objection to the serial conducts of Justice Archibong as it relates to matters being prosecuted by our Commission in connection with erstwhile bank chiefs.
“The anti climax of his undue interests and manifest bias in favour of the bank chiefs in proceedings before the court was graphically demonstrated on May 18, 2011 in one of the related matters, where our lead counsel Dauda, SAN led.
The facts are already before you vide a petition and we will not bore you by repeating them. For the records, however, we attach a copy for ease of reference.
“The above mentioned matter is still before Justice Archibong and will be coming up on May 20, 2011. In view of his manifest and unconcealed interests in Dr. Akingbola and obviously other EFCC matters, we regret to say that his compromised stance cannot ensure justice in these matters. On the contrary, his continued participation in these matters will bring the administration of justice to doubt,” EFCC added.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/efcc-nba-president-move-against-judge-over-akingbola-co%e2%80%99s-trial/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/dominique-strauss-kahn-granted-bail-for-1m/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/dominique-strauss-kahn-granted-bail-for-1m/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 01:38:53 +0000 johnabayomi
The embattled former IMF managing director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn was granted bail by a New York judge, Thursday, five days after he was arrested on charges of trying to rape a hotel maid.
According to reports, he will be under house arrest in an apartment rented by his wife, where he will be watched around the clock by an armed guard.
A New York judge says Strauss-Kahn, 62, can be released on $1 million cash bail and placed under 24-hour home detention with electronic monitoring – conditions that had been proposed by his lawyers.
The judge also said Strauss-Kahn must have one armed guard at all times at his own expense and have a $5 million insurance bond.
*Strauss-Kahn
Quotes during the bail hearing:
WILLIAM TAYLOR, LAWYER FOR STRAUSS-KAHN:
“I have to say that the prospect of Mr. Strauss-Kahn teleporting himself to France and living there as an accused sex offender, fugitive, is ludicrous on its face.
“This is a man whose face is recognized … to many if not most of the people in that country and elsewhere, and the idea that he would attempt to live the rest of his life as an accused sex offender in France as a fugitive is ridiculous. You can look at him and his lovely family and draw that conclusion for yourself.”
“We expect that Mr. Strauss-Kahn will be vindicated at the conclusion of these proceedings. But that’s for another day.
“Frankly, I was going to ask the court to release on a cash bail with no conditions, but it seems to me that under the circumstances, in light of the people’s strong objection, at this point we have made the decision to accept these most onerous conditions because his need to be released from custody is so extreme and frankly his right to it is so great.”
Taylor produced an itinerary for Strauss-Kahn’s European trip and an Air France ticket which had been bought on May 11.
“These two pieces of evidence authoritatively rebut the notion that Mr. Strauss-Kahn was in a panic mode attempting to make his way onto an international flight to avoid detention in New York.”
“Indeed, it’s undisputed that the reason the police knew his whereabouts is because he called the hotel… from JFK Airport to inquire whether the hotel had located his cell phone. The hotel advised that it had and asked him his whereabouts, which he promptly told them. Indeed, he called the hotel a second time, called security a second time to advise that the plane was boarding and to urge the hotel delivery people to please promptly bring him his cell phone. We also know that immediately after the incident, alleged incident, he enjoyed a leisurely lunch with a member of his family at a restaurant in midtown, and that he got in a taxi cab at 2:15 more or less to make the 4:30 flight to JFK.”
JUDGE MICHAEL OBUS:
“Whether or not he has international friends, he is a citizen of a country that does not have an extradition treaty with this country, and we know that it is possible that once a person leaves the country, it could be very difficult if not impossible to get him back. And in this case the defendant certainly has resources to live comfortably in his home country, from which he could not be extradited, so that the real issue for the court is whether there are conditions, along with any financial conditions, that would give the court sufficiently assurance that the defendant will be here.”
“If there is a way to secure the defendant’s appearance in court, that is really what the court is almost entirely concerned with at this point, if not entirely.”
“I recognize that the defendant’s wife has extensive assets. It’s one reason why I’m requiring the bond, so there will be some additional assurance. I realize… that money alone is not going to be sufficient to give us the assurance that we need to have. It is primarily these other conditions that I am expecting will simply make it impossible for the defendant to leave, which is really what I am concerned with.”
OBUS (ADDRESSING STRAUSS-KAHN):
“You will be subjected to and you will have the benefit of the protection of the criminal court system, the criminal justice system of this state and this country. I expect that you will be here for the occasion. I am accepting the conditions that have been proposed with the modifications I have made because I believe they are sufficient to ensure, to the extent one can possibly do this, to ensure that you will be here when we need you.
Source : Reuters
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/dominique-strauss-kahn-granted-bail-for-1m/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/sultan-condemns-post-election-riots-hails-jonathans-victory/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/sultan-condemns-post-election-riots-hails-jonathans-victory/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 01:01:36 +0000 johnabayomi
*President pledges to cooperate with monarchs
*Ooni urges nationwide support for Jonathan
By OKEY NDIRIBE
ABUJA – The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, has condemned the post-election violence that erupted in some parts of the country following the declaration of the result of the April presidential election.
A statement issued by Mr. Mitaire Ikpen, on behalf of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Ima Niboro, quoted the Sultan as describing the violent eruption as an “unfortunate” occurrence which “must be condemned by all right- thinking individuals all over the world.”
The President’s Special Adviser further stated that the “Sokoto monarch made the declaration on behalf of other traditional rulers who are chairmen of the traditional rulers council of the states and the FCT, during a courtesy visit to President Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.”
The Sultan, who co-chairs the royal fathers’ council with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, expressed sadness over some miscreants’ recourse to violence due to instigation, adding that royal fathers across the country were particularly saddened by the killing of 10 members of the National Youth Service Corps.
According to the statement, the Sultan said: “We felt bad that somebody will leave his state to another state only to have his corpse brought back . We were indeed saddened by the unfortunate incident.”
He urged traditional rulers across the country to do all they can to protect corps members in their domains and make their safety a priority.
The Sultan further stated that the traditional institution fully supports the steps taken by President Jonathan to set up a panel to investigate the violence and bring perpetrators to book, adding that the council of traditional rulers will do all it can to assist the committee in its task.
The Sultan also congratulated President Jonathan on his victory at the presidential polls and pledged the solidarity of all royal fathers for his administration, saying “we are solidly behind you and your government, and we will continue to do all it takes, Insha Allah, to assist this government achieve its programmes.”
Ooni urges support
Contributing, the Ooni of Ife and co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional rulers, enjoined all Nigerians to rally around the present administration, and place the unity and stability of the country above parochial interests.
President Jonathan thanked the royal fathers for their support towards the success of the April polls, and towards his election as president for a fresh term.
President pledges cooperation
The President said his administration will continually engage the traditional institution and push for its constitutional recognition.
He solicited for their continued cooperation in maintaining law and order not only in their domains but across the nation.
He noted that while the investigation panel into the post-election crisis is a fact-finding and not a punitive committee, government will not shy away from investigating and prosecuting anyone found wanting in the panel’s recommendations.
According to him: “We will look at the committee’s recommendations and pass them to the security agencies.
”Anybody found culpable will be investigated and if the security agencies feel they should be prosecuted, then they will be prosecuted. We will not tolerate the culture of impunity because ours is not a lawless society”.
The meeting was attended chairmen of traditional rulers councils in the 36 states and the FCT.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/sultan-condemns-post-election-riots-hails-jonathans-victory/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/akala-daniel-others-shun-govs-abuja-parley/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/akala-daniel-others-shun-govs-abuja-parley/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 01:00:40 +0000 johnabayomi
*Tinubu, Igbinedion in attendance
By ADELEKE ADESERI, South-West Regional Editor
LAGOS – Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and his Ogun State counterpart, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, were absent at yesterday ’s gathering of former, serving and governors-elect under the aegis of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF.
The event, which held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja, was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan who also delivered a speech.
Although it could not be ascertained if Gov. Alao-Akala was not invited to the event or he merely turned his back on his colleagues, a reliable source at the Agodi Governor’s Office, Ibadan, said while the Abuja talks were on, the governor was on his way to the Oke-Ogun area of the state to commission a project.
Also, Gov. Daniel spent the day at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office in Abeokuta
Others who were absent at yesterday’s event are governors Danjuma Goje of Gombe State and Ibrahim Idris of Kogi State.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, was said to be abroad sourcing foreign participants for some of his projects but his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was there. He sat beside former Edo State governor, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion.
Two main issues discussed yesterday, according to sources, were how in-coming administrations will easily pick their staff and that of the Peer Review Mechanism for the governors.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/akala-daniel-others-shun-govs-abuja-parley/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/tough-bail-conditions-for-atuches-wife/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/tough-bail-conditions-for-atuches-wife/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 00:58:21 +0000 johnabayomi
By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Oamen Areguamen
LAGOS-Justice Bisola Okunnu sitting in Ikeja High Court, yesterday, granted bail to Mrs. Elizabeth Atuche, the detained wife of the former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc, Mr. Francis Atuche, on the condition that she must produce two sureties, who must deposit N100 million and also possess a landed property worth N25 million in Lagos.
The trial judge had ordered Elizabeth to be remanded in prison custody after she turned down the application by her counsel for her to be remanded in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, office pending the determination of her bail application.
Ruling on the bail application after hearing counsel representing the prosecution and defence, Justice Okunnu said that it was her discretion to grant the accused person bail, especially when she was still presumed innocence of the offences preferred against her in court.
Atuche’s wife, who is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on stealing of about N5.4 billion belonging to the bank, was also ordered to produce sureties, who must be gainfully employed in a reputable firm or doing personal businesses, one of whom must be a member of Board of Directors in a reputable firm or public corporation which operates in Nigeria and has its head office either in Lagos or Abuja.
The judge added that the other surety must be a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 14.
The trial judge said she had to admit the accused to bail premised on the principle of presumption of innocence, fair hearing and personal liberty, which the accused has right to.
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*Moves against Shagaya, Tapgun, Hirse, Lar, others
By HENRY UMORU
ABUJA-The fact that the governor or deputy governor of a state can only be removed by ill- heath, impeachment or other conditions as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, notwithstanding, the leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Plateau State has urged Governor Jonah Jang to, immediately sack his deputy, Mrs. Pauline Tallen.
The state PDP Chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin, in a letter to the acting National Chairman, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, stressed that the call for Mrs Tallen’s sack became imperative because she decamped from PDP to Labour Party on which platform she contested the April 26 governorship election.
Other former PDP bigwigs also listed by Dabin who can no longer serve in any organ of the party from the state are Senator John Shagaya, currently representing Plateau South who also moved to the Labour Party; former Minister of Industry, Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse; Emmanuel Danboyia and Dina Lar.
Others are James Ayuba, Ibrahim Hassan, Abbas Wokdung, Sadat Garga, and Nanpon Bongden.
The letter, which was copied the Senate President, Senator David Mark; Governor Jang; the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Istifanus Mwansat read in part, ‘’since these defected members were elected on the platform of our great party, we are by this letter requesting you to use your good offices to remove them from office, especially the Deputy Governor, who is seeking for election on the platform of another party.
”Same treatment should be applied to those in national and state assemblies, who hold party positions.”
Vanguard recalls that Tallen contested the last PDP governorship primaries with Jang after some disagreements and lost.
Later, Jang replaced her with Ignatius Datong Longjan thus necessitating the Deputy Governor’s defection to the Labour Party where she also contested the governorship election and lost to Jang.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/plateau-pdp-wants-jang-to-sack-deputy-tallen/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/cnpp-faults-moves-to-de-register-political-parties/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/cnpp-faults-moves-to-de-register-political-parties/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:41:52 +0000 johnabayomi
BY VINCENT UJUMADU
AWKA-THE South-East zone of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, said yesterday it was opposed to the proposal by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister political parties that could not win any seat during the last general elections.
The zonal chairman of CNPP, Mr. Isaac Onuka, who is also the chairman of Anambra State chapter of CNPP, said in an interview in Awka that any attempt to deny some political parties their right of existence would be tantamount to disenfranchising millions of Nigerians who belong to the affected political parties.
According to him, INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, should provide a level playing field for all political parties in the country, instead of trying to introduce a two-party system in the country through the back door.
His said: “President Goodluck Jonathan should prevail on Professor Jega to shelve the idea because it infringes on the fundamental human rights of those who are either members or supporters of the political parties who have the right to free association.
“The INEC chairman has succeeded in denying political parties the funds they were receiving from the commission in the past and wants to add salt to injury by planning to de-register them.
“Instead of trying to find ways of conducting free and fair election in the country, he is toying with the idea of reducing the number of political parties. Our stand is that all the parties should be allowed to exist and work harder to win elections in future.”
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/cnpp-faults-moves-to-de-register-political-parties/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/1-dead-houses-cars-razed-as-youths-protest-vigilantes-excesses/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/1-dead-houses-cars-razed-as-youths-protest-vigilantes-excesses/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:34:00 +0000 johnabayomi
Aguleri (Anambra) – One person was killed, two houses and four cars burnt as angry youths of Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Wednesday, went on rampage over the killing of one of them by a vigilante group.
Fifty mobile policemen, 10 soldiers, eight police vans and an armoured personnel carrier were deployed in the area to quell the riot.
About 7,000 youths took to the streets armed with cutlasses, axes, gallons of petrol and other dangerous weapons, chanting war songs.
No fewer than five cars were smashed before police intervened.
Genesis
According to an eyewitness, trouble started when a vigilante group chased four youths who were manual sand dredgers.
The eyewitness said the youths were suspected to be smoking India hemp at the bank of the Otuocha stream at about 9am.
He said: “When the suspected Indian hemp smokers escaped by swimming across the stream, the vigilance group pursued them until they shot dead one of them, identified as Chikelu Chukwuma, from Ezi-Agulu Village in Otu Aguleri.
“When youths in the community heard about it, they went on rampage, destroying all the houses and property of the vigilante group members.”
The vigilante members were said to be taking refuge in Aguleri Divisional Police Station when the rampage was going on, the eyewitness narrated.
Addressing the restive youths, Mr. Larry Osita, Police Area Commander in Onitsha, noted that their aggression was human but added that they should stop the destruction.
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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/1-dead-houses-cars-razed-as-youths-protest-vigilantes-excesses/feed/ 0 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/acn-again-accuses-daniel-of-looting-govt-property/ http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/acn-again-accuses-daniel-of-looting-govt-property/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:26:58 +0000 azuakanwa
*Allegations spurious, malicious and idiotic- Ogun govt
THE plethora of allegations of wrong doing against the outgoing Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Olugbenga Daniel, by the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state continued yesterday with the party accusing him of carting away appliances and amenities from both the Government House and his office in the wake of the May 29 handover date.
According to the party, the governor has ordered the removal of all the rugs and air conditioners inside the Government House, Oke Igbein, Abeokuta as well as generating sets from his office.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the ACN in Ogun State, Mr. Sola Lawal, the party said eight of the generating sets have been taken to a church which has just been built by the Governor at the Government Reservation Area, GRA, Sagamu and scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday.
The ACN said just like the governor has been disposing of choice properties of the state for paltry sums, his has also sold off government owned buildings in the Ibara GRA of Abeokuta to his cronies for N5 million.
It said the dilemma of the government was now how to eject the occupants of the houses who are not willing to vacate them few days to the end of Governor Daniel’s tenure.
The party said the present alarm and previous ones, including the one raised over the sale of the Ogun State Liaison office at Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos were not politically motivated but borne out of the desire not to only to protect the properties of the state but also preserve legacies of past leaders.
The party said: “Visionary leaders, including the late sage, Papa Obafemi Awolowo, laboured tirelessly to lift the state into an enviable stage, but the government of Otunba Gbenga Daniel has just within eight years robbed the state of its glory through arrogant and selfish use of power.”
Govt rects
Meanwhile, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, has said the allegation was not only spurious, malicious and idiotic.
Adegbenro said what was going on in the Government House was simple renovation for the new occupant and that it was being handled by the civil servants.
He explained that it was normal for new things to be put in place for the new governor as it was done in 2003, adding any sane man would refurbish a house before giving it out.
According to him, “it was done before and I am sure the new governor will do it when he is going. I can tell you that there is a brand new generator there now.
“It is spurious, idiotic, petty and malicious to say that. I am sure the person who said that did not know what he is saying. No single item has been removed from that house.”
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BY PETER DURU
Makurdi-The ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State has suspended one of its prominent members and former Minister of Steel in the Second Republic, Wantaregh Paul Unongo over alleged anti-party activities.
Addressing reporters on the outcome of the State Working Committee, SWC, meeting of the PDP yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi, the party’s Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, said the suspension would be for one month in the first instance.
Agbo also said that Wantaregh Unongo has also been referred to the state Disciplinary Committee of the PDP for further action on his alleged anti-party activities just as he was stripped of the privileges attached to his position as the chairman of the party’s caucus in Kwande Local Government Area of the state in addition to his being relieved of his membership of the state caucus of the PDP.
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BY FESTUS AHON
UGHELLI-WARRI Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has urged Nigerians to tread the path of law and order in the spirit of the peaceful coexistence of all parts of the country.
The Diocese in a communiqué at the end of its 10th synod, condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property in the crisis that trailed the results of the April 9, presidential election in some Northern states.
The church expressed worry at the protracted and reoccurring incidents of insecurity and violent deaths of their young graduates, who went for youth corps service in some Northern states and called for “a review of the NYSC programme to save our promising youths from untimely deaths in their attempt to answer a national call to service.”
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BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU
Calabar-Cross River State Government has signed a contract agreement for the construction of 474 kilometres of rural roads, valued at N20.325 billion, under the Cross River Rural Access and Mobility Project, CRRAMP.
The rural road projects, which cut across 16 of the 18 local government areas of the state. will cover 28 communities.
The African Development Bank, AfDB, is expected to contribute N7.016 billion constituting 34.5 percent of the cost while the Cross River State government will contribute N13.308 billion or 65.48 percent of the total sum.
Speaking after signing the agreement, Governor Liyel Imoke said the projects represented a major step in the administration’s desire to serve the people, ensure economic growth and creation of wealth.
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