'Our ambition is to win the Premier League and Arsène is the best person to help us' - Arsenal

Dear Arsenal fans, it is official Wenger is going no where! Arsenal Football Club and Arsène Wenger have agreed on a two-year extension to his contract as manager.  Announcing the news, the club's majority owner Stan Kroenke said: “Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe. It’s what the fans, players, staff, manager and board expect and we won’t rest until

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Lol. What is wrong with this photo?

 Can you see it?

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In India, Facebook and WhatsApp group Admins could go to jail for offensive posts

According to a joint order issued by the district magistrate of Varanasi and the city’s police chief, offensive posts such as rumours or fake new circulated through WhatsApp or Facebook groups can land the group admin in jail. Varanasi DM Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and SP Nitin Tiwari recently issued  a joint order that said an FIR (first investigation report) can be filed against a group

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Controversial activist, Stella Nyanzi reacts to the photos of the Ugandan students facing discipline for their outfits

Controversial activist and lecturer, Stella Nyanzi has condemned plan by Makerere University to discipline two female students who wore clothes deemed too revealing to a school function. See another photo of one of the students and Ms Nyanzi's Facebook post after the cut... "Policing and punishing adult women for what they choose to do with their bodies in 2017 is appalling archaic

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Like father, like daughter! Fierce new photo of North West

She's growing really fast, and beautiful too!

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Photos of one of the officers killed in clash between Navy and police in Cross River

Davies Adudu popularly called Odudu and Sgt. Emmanuel Mbang have been identified as two of the three officers, who died in the clash between Naval officers and Policemen in Cross River State.The incident which occurred early Tuesday evening along IBB way has different versions of what may have triggered the crises. While some people who spoke to our reporter claim the crises started after a

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Photos: Court convicts man for $7k internet fraud

Justice A.M. Nicol-clay of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, today convicted an Internet fraudster, Moka Chukwuemeka Pascal, for a $7,016 fraud. The accused was arraigned on an amended one-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretense to the tune of $7,016.00. Pascal had approached an Australian national, Russel Stanley Loach, demanding the sum of $7,016.00 to

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The president and a number of people know what Covfefe means - Sean Spicer

Wednesday evening, White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer addressed the President's viral 'Covfefe' tweet. While taking questions from journalists during the daily briefings, Spicer gave a whole new perspective to the word, saying, 'the president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant'. The big question now is, 'What is COVFEFE'?

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Adorable new photos of Dream Kardashian

Rob Kardashian shared the adorable photos on his Instagram page. Another photo after the cut...

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Reps secure release of kidnapped colleague

•DSS probes lawmaker’s abduction on Kaduna highway

From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja

Leadership of the House of Representatives, Garba Durbunde, who represents Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency, has been released, barely 24 hours after he was kidnapped by gunmen along Kaduna- Jere Road, on Tuesday.
Reports indicated he was abducted  while he was driving to Kano from Abuja on May 30, 2017, around 5:00pm.
Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas confirmed to Daily Sun that Durbunde was released yesterday night.
Daily Sun also gathered that the leadership of the House played a major role in getting the member released.
According to sources, the leadership of the House backed the negotiation for the release of the lawmaker, who was picked by his driver after he was set free. A Facebook post by indicated he was released before 8:00pm. A source in the leadership of the House of  Representatives confirmed Durbunde’s release last night.
The source also disclosed the Department of State Service (DSS) is already investigating the abduction.
Earlier, the House leadership  contacted the kidnappers and “negotiated for his release.
“We have people negotiating with the kidnappers on behalf of the leadership of the House. But, if we have our way, we wouldn’t want the case reported by the media, because we don’t want the men who have our colleague to  know he is a member of the National Assembly”, the source said.
It was also learnt that colleagues of the lawmaker in Kano State caucus met outside the National Assembly, on how to intervene in the matter.  About six members of the caucus left the White House wing of the National Assembly Complex around 11.30am yesterday and headed to the meeting.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has condemned Durbunde’s abduction.
A statement issued on Wednesday, in Kano, by his Commissioner  for Information and Culture, Mallam Mohammed Garba, said the governor was shocked by the incident, especially that it happened during  Ramadan.
Ganduje described Durbunde’s kidnapping as “an act of wickedness perpetrated by evil and cold-hearted elements.”
The governor called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue him and advised “members of the public to be extra vigilant and security conscious at all times.”

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Lagos gets Osinbajo’s nod to reconstruct airport road

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has approved Lagos State Government’s request to reconstruct the International Airport Road from Oshodi.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, yesterday, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode commended the acting president for his statesman-like approach to issues and for fast tracking the process.
“We are very appreciative of the good gesture of the acting president for acceding to our request which is not only timely but a very heartwarming one. Posterity will never forget this genuine developmental action,” Ambode said.
He also described the approval as a 50th birthday gift to the people of Lagos State, and said it is a demonstration of the determination of the current administration to ensure effectiveness of the executive order on improving the ease of doing business recently signed by the acting president.
Ambode also gave kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari for providing enabling environment to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the nation, adding that with the upgrading of the International Airport Road which is the gateway to the nation’s commercial nerve centre, the country will attract new investments.
The governor had, in early March this year, raised alarm about the present state of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport Road, when he described it as a national disgrace which required immediate attention to salvage the nation’s image. He said, then, that the state had already got a design for the reconstruction of the road as well as the funds to embark on the project but was yet to get the go ahead from the Federal Government.

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Ogun 2019: We’ll resist imposition of ‘imported politicians’ –Amosun

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has vowed not to allow ‘imported politicians’ succeed him in 2019.
The governor also said he would support only candidates from Ogun West senatorial district as his successor.
Amosun made the declaration, yesterday, at the inauguration of members of the Consultative Advisory Councils for the 57 local government and local council development authorities.
The governor vowed to openly support and actively campaign for a governorship candidate from the district.
He told a crowd of party faithful that in the interest of fairness, equity and justice, he would not support or campaign for any candidate from the Ogun Central Senatorial District that produced him as a two-term governor.
For Ogun East, Amosun said he would neither support any candidate from there nor campaign against such aspirants.
Amosun, however, admonished the people of Ogun West to be united ahead of 2019 elections and say no to ‘imported politicians’.
“This is Ogun state; we know ourselves and we should not allow anybody to impose people we don’t know on us as governor,” he warned.

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Diezani used 3 oil firms, 2 persons to launder $115m –EFCC

By Lukman Olabiyi

An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Usman Zakari, yesterday, narrated before the Federal High Court, Lagos, how former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, laundered $115 million, through three oil companies and two individuals.
Zakari was the EFCC second witness in the ongoing trial of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Mr. Mohammed Dele Belgore and former Minister for National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, who are standing trial in the alleged N450 million fraud.
Belgore and Sulaiman are being re-arraigned before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on an amended five counts, wherein the name of the former Petroleum minister was mentioned in the charge.
According to the amended charge, on or about March 27, 2015, Alison-Madueke was accused of conspiring with Belgore and Sulaiman to directly take possession of N450 million, which they reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act.
The two defendants were equally said to have taken the said funds in cash, which exceeded the amount authorised by law, without going through any financial institution.
They were also accused of paying N50 million to one Sheriff Shagaya, without going through financial institutions.

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Oyo citizens brainstorm on repositioning

Concerned citizens of Oyo recently converged on the Durbar Stadium, Oyo State to appraise economic and social viability of the town at an event tagged: ‘Amoriwu Fun Omo Oyo’, an initiative of a group – Reset Oyo Movement, sponsored by an America-based industrialist, Anthony Ibukunoluwa Ashamu.
The group, in a bid to chart a roadmap to alleviate untold hardship of the masses and arrest poverty in the state, vowed to transform the economic and social life of the citizens taking special cognisance of the individual talent to tap into latent will to become prosperous citizens.
Among the keynote speakers on the occasion were eminent citizens, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (retd.), Chief Missioner, Alquareeb Mission of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oladele,  Mr. Ishola Babatunde, Mojisola Adeyemi, Mrs Olawale Adebola, Christian Association of Nigeria, Awe chapter chairman, Evangelist Babajide Folarin, Ven. Joshua Ademola Ogundara as well as a youth leader, Timi Olagunju among others.
Ashamu appealed to the elite in the state to look out for the less fortunate ones in the society and show compassion in tandem with God’s admonition to be each other’s keepers.

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Schools to teach Maths, Science in indigenous languages – Minister

The Federal Government has said primary and secondary schools in the country will soon start teaching Mathematics and Science subjects in indigenous languages.
Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu said this at the inauguration of inter-ministerial committee in teaching of Mathematics and Science subjects in Local languages in Abuja on Wednesday.
The inter-ministerial committee involved Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Education.
He said the inter-ministerial committee would help to develop the capacity of the local languages to serve as effective tools for teaching mathematics and science subjects.
According to him, the project will help Nigerian students to understand mathematics and science subjects better. He said the project would also promote the application of science and technology for national development. The minister expressed concern of the government over the low interest in mathematics and the science subjects by students.
Onu said various countries like India, China adopted a related strategy by teaching mathematics and the science subjects in their indigenous languages at the primary school level.
He added that those countries were making advancement in science and technology.
“For us to build the country of our dreams, for us to make Nigeria a truly great nation, a nation that is able to feed and house its citizens, a nation with a stable currency, we must embrace science and technology.
“ Nigeria will remain dependent nation if the citizens did not embrace science and technology, because no nation can become great without science and technology.
“If Nigeria is to be great then, Nigerians must embrace science and technology.
“The socio-economic challenges we are facing in the country is as a result of inadequate application of science and technology,“ he said.
Onu said that graduates were no longer able to get jobs after their studies because the nation imports everything it needed.
Earlier, Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, said using mother tongue to teach Science and mathematics would certainly help and ensure better understanding of the of the subjects.
Adamu, who was represented by Dr Useni Adamu, Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that the project would facilitate a major breakthrough in the area of Science and Technology.

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Presidency: I didn’t challenge Buhari in 2014, says Saraki

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has explained he didn’t contest the 2014 presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which produced Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s flagbearer.
Saraki, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said he decided to support Buhari when the latter indicated interest to run for president.
The Senate President said this in response to a report in Africa Confidential, which claimed that he contested against Buhari.
The report, an analysis of how succession politics within the ruling party was allegedly frustrating president Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign, also claimed that the Senate president retained the services of a London-based communications consultant, Aequitas, to help him work on his public image.
All the claims contained in the publication are not correct, Saraki said in the statement.
“Dr. Saraki publicly announced in a statement in Ilorin on October 12, 2014 that he would not contest against Major General Muhammadu Buhari, who was then an aspirant because ‘some of us need to make sacrifice and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem of the party.
“He, then, declared that he would support the candidacy of the General.
“Dr. Saraki was one of the people who worked tirelessly to ensure General Buhari won the APC ticket and the general election.
“Again, contrary to the claim in your article, Dr. Saraki did not retain the services of Aequitas.
“He formerly engaged Aequitas for strategic policy services while he was governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, and, at the initial stage of his period as Senate President.
“He no longer retains the services of Aequitas effective from January 1, 2017.”
Saraki said in the statement that his interest, for now, was how to reform the country’s Senate and “make it an institution whose impact and relevance is felt and appreciated by the generality of the people.”

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Senate amends Customs law, insists on insider as CG

•Scraps NCS governing board, sets up service commission

From Fred Itua, Abuja

Two months after a face-off between Senate and Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS),      Hameed Ali, the upper legislative chamber, has passed a new law which compels the president to appoint an insider as the CG.
Also, with the new law, the CG’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Senate has also scrapped the NCS Governing Board and replaced it with a Commission, which will oversee the administration of the NCS.
The commission, when set up, will be headed by a chairman, who will be a retired career Comptroller-General or Deputy Comptroller-General.
He or she will be appointed by the president, for a period of four years.
The appointment of the chairman of the commission will also be subject to confirmation by the Senate and the tenure is only renewable once.
The Senate bill, tagged “A Bill for an Act to repeal the Customs and Excise Management Act, to establish the Nigeria Customs Service, reform the administration and management of Customs and Excise in Nigeria”, was passed, following adoption of a report by the Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff.
On the appointment of the CG, section 13 of the Bill makes it very clear that only a serving officer would be qualified to be so appointed.
“The president shall appoint from the Customs Service, subject to the confirmation of the Senate, a Comptroller General who shall be responsible for the over all management of the Customs Service.” The bill also said that the Customs CG shall execute policies and decisions of the commission.
Senate explained that the office of the CG is sufficiently sensitive to warrant scrutiny by the Senate and, therefore, ensure that best possible candidate occupies that position.
The commission would be responsible for managing policies of the NCS, or matters pertaining to administration, assessment, collection and accounting for revenues, as may be directed by the Minister of Finance from time to time.
It would also be responsible for managing all issues relating to employment, training, welfare, and discipline of officers of the NCS, with the approval of the appropriate authority of the Federal Government.  The bill consolidates into a single reference document, the NCS legal authority which is scattered in multiple enactment, and to bring the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) 1958, in line with modern day reality and international best practices.
Committee Chairman Senator Hope Uzodinma, explained that the Service would also be financed from a seven percent cost of collection of import duty, excise and fees, special levies, revenues derived from assessment and collection of cost based user fees, and from budgetary provisions.
He said: “The new bill will substantially enhance revenue generation and facilitate trade through full implementation of modern customs procedures that will evolve consistent, transparent and predictable environment for international trade in line with internally accepted norms and practices.
Uzodinma added that the bill would also ensure pre-shipment and post shipment inspection at point of origin, and destination, to reduce the incidence of import of dangerous items.
“It strengthens the full implementation of pre-shipment laws of the country through the provisions for screening as a prerequisite for clearing goods into the country not only adds to the expedited clearing system, but empirically improves the security of the nation by minimising the unfettered access into the country of illicit goods, prohibited narcotics, proliferation of small arms and toxic cargoes,” he added.

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2019: Gulak, Modibbo fight over Adamawa guber bid

Quest for Adamawa Government House in 2019, is generating squabbles amongst political stakeholders in the state. They
Former special adviser to ex-President Goodlcuk Jonathan on Political Matters, Ahmed Ali Gulak and Mallam Ibrahim Modibbo, ex-spokesman to former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are at each other’s throat over a Facebook post of  purported endorsement of Ribadu by Murtala Nyako, impeached governor of the state.
Modibbo had, in an apparent show of solidarity and garnering support base for Ribadu on Facebook, displayed an All Progressives Congress (APC) poster with pictures of Nyako and Ribadu on top and bottom, respectively.
The poster also had “security, accountability and transparency” boldly written on it, and called on people to vote for Ribadu in the 2019 governorship election. Modibbo wrote: “Profile of integrity, accountability and high moral fibre. If you want development, food on your table, social security, job opportunities, a leader with human face, not a liar, vote Baba Mai Mangoro’s anointed candidate for Adamawa Government House 2019.  When others have controversial narrative of bring dealers, he is a leader. When others are parrots, he is a patriot. As 2019 approaches, be guided by your inspirations to form your impressions and make your expressions.”  Irked by Modibbo’s action, Gulak commented on his page. “So, it is now clear that Ribadu would not sell unless you involve Nyako to anoint him. Modibbo, it is not fair to Ribadu. But, in a swift reaction, Modibbo wrote: “Haba Ahmed, you had all the educational background, the experience and full capacity to be PDP National Chairman, but, sadly, you have now been reduced to a megaphone of an illiterate-money miss road never do well. How sad!”

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Reps task IGP on kidnapped Lagos students

…Probe road, power, other projects

From Ndubuisi Orji,  Abuja

House of Representatives, yesterday, gave the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Idris Abraham a marching order to rescue the six students kidnapped in a secondary school in Epe, Lagos State last week.
The lower chamber said the students, Peter Jonah, Isiaq Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf, of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, who were abducted by gunmen should be rescued as soon as possible.
It also mandated its committees on Basic Education and Services, Police Affairs and Navy to investigate the spate of insecurity in the riverine areas, waterways and schools in Lagos State.
The committees are expected to come up with recommendations on how to stem the spate of militancy and kidnapping as well as visit the state to commiserate with the government over the kidnap of the students.
This is sequel to a motion moved by Tasir Olawale Raji in which he drew attention to the plight of residents of Ishawo in Ikorodu, Igbodu in Epe, Ebute Lekki in Ibeju Lekki and Ise in Epe who have been under siege by gunmen.
He recalled that the Lagos State Model College,  Igbonla, Epe was earlier attacked by kidnappers on October 6, last year,  duringt which four students were kidnapped.
Raji stated that apart from the students, other residents of the riverine communities have also been kidnapped. He said the Baale of Ebute Lekki, Alhaji Salina Kareem, who was abducted on May 19, was yet to be released.
“If this spate of kidnapping is not arrested, it may pose a threat to the ongoing investment worth billions of dollars in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, which include the first indigenous private refinery in Nigeria and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, among others,” he said.
Also,  the House directed its Committees on Finance and National Planning and Economic Development to investigate ongoing and abandoned critical Federal Government projects in the road, power, education and transportation sectors
The probe would also extend to projects in the education, agricultural, security, science and technology and environment sectors.
The committees are to ascertain the number and locations of ongoing or abandoned Federal Government capital projects across the six geo-political zones, the total sum committed to the projects, amount so far paid and the outstanding payment.
They are to report back to the House within eight weeks for further legislative action.
Babangida Ibrahim, in a motion tagged: “Need to determine the status of ongoing/abandoned Federal Government projects” observed that there was infrastructure deficit in the country characterized by dilapidated road network, epileptic power supply, moribund railway system, dilapidated structures in the education, health sectors among others.
He expressed regret that implementation of capital budgets since 2000 has never reached 50 per cent.

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AGF under fire over restructuring

From Chidi Nnadi, Enugu, Moshood Adebayo, Gabriel Dike, Chinelo Obogo, Lagos and Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

Nigerians from different walks of life have thrown their weight behind the agitation for restructuring, saying it is the only way the country could attain greatness.
Groups and persons including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Youths Consultative Forum and dons said the country was at the precipice and the only way to salvage it was by restructuring.
They spoke in reaction to the statement by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Alhaji Abubakar Malami that the clamour for restructuring of the country would not work.
Barely 24 hours after his statement, the AGF came under scurrilous attack from those who believe that the remedy for the country’s malady was to restructure the polity into what they called true federalism.
Malami had said during a conference on federalism in Abuja, that no amount of advocacy or agitation would lead to the restructuring of the federal structure.
Prof. Tunde Babawale of the department of Political Science, University of Lagos, said “it will not be right to agree with the position of the AGF.’’
He declared that every association or relationship must be constantly reviewed or renegotiated.
“There is no one in the country that will agree that the current structure is perfect. It has been a harbinger of crisis, of distrust, injustice and equity,’’ he said.
He argued that restructuring would bring about justice for all, equity in the distribution of power and resources and restore confidence to all nationalities.
In his reaction, Senator Femi Okurounmu said he was not surprised by Malami’s position.
“I am not surprised by the statement of the AGF that the north will not support restructuring. The north does not want the status quo to change. They have always seen themselves as the only people fit to rule Nigeria. Anyway, we did not expect them to say otherwise; we must now force them.
“The people supporting restructuring are in the majority, hence, the minority cannot override us. And if they don’t want, we can then break Nigeria into two. They can go their own and we go on our way. That is the solution. We should stop asking them but force it on them, whether they want it or not.”
Chief Nnia Nwodo, President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, cautioned the AGF to guard his utterances in order not to incur the wrath of the people.
He reminded the AGF that restructuring of the federal structure was long overdue.
“You cannot continue to impose a military constitution on Nigerians for this length of time. You cannot prevent Nigerians from saying that this is what they want; it’s their inalienable right to decide what kind of system they want,” he said.
He also reminded Malami that he was not a legislator to take a decision on a very critical issue on behalf of other Nigerians.
Nwodo noted that democracy was founded on the rule of law, which he said the AGF must respect.
Nwodo who said Ndigbo elected him the President General of Ohanaeze to champion their cause and protect their collective interest, warned Malami not to engage in statements that could provoke the people.
Also, the Director of Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof Anthony Kila, said if the statement credited to Malami was true, “then we must conclude that Mr. Malami has spoken as a careless public officer.”
Kila noted that “the politician Malami” ought to know that history itself was borne out of a restructuring of the present.
In his contribution, National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, said Nigeria was sitting on a keg of powder if it was not immediately restructured.
“Such a statement (that Nigeria would not be restructured) coming from the AGF is quite unfortunate, particularly when the country is at the precipice of disintegration.
“I don‘t want to think that such an opinion was personal. It is also unfortunate that the AGF could not read between the lines and not know that this is the time to arrest the drift of agitation for self-determination by Nigerians.
“The shame, arrogance, the impunity and the ‘I don’t care’ attitude is disgusting and embarrassing. It is clear that if things continue the way they are going, Nigeria will go into blazes that they want it to go, because it is not an accident that the very day the AGF was making the arrogant statement on behalf of his bosses was the day the entire South East was shut down by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“If they could not read what is going on, it means they are not only deaf, but they are dumb and blind. When finally the whole thing crashes on their heads, they will not have anyone or group to blame for it.”
A lawyer, Chief Andrew Oru, described the AGF’s statement as highly inflammable and capable of dis-uniting the country the more.
“Under the United Nations Charter, everyone has the right to self determination and  statement like that from the AGF will not dampen the spirit of agitation, but promote it the more.”
He appealed to the AGF to  be mindful of his statement, “because this country belongs to all of us irrespective of the office one is holding.”
To the National President, Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shetima, those opposed to restructuring were living in a fool’s paradise.
“Those, who are against restructuring of the country are enemies of the country and her progress, because as it is currently configured, it can’t progress further without restructuring. Nigeria is long over due for restructuring, because the centre, which is too strong and must be decentralized, can no longer hold.”
However, elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai, insisted that restructuring would not solve the country’s problems. He said those calling for restructuring have not been honest enough.
“I do not know why people are asking for restructuring. Till today, those who are asking for restructuring have not given any blueprint on how restructuring should go. We talk about it all the time, but there is no detail or proposal for us to know how it would work, what type of structures we should have or which powers should be devolved from the centre to the states and local governments, how would it look like, and in what way would it affect you and me? How are you going to dissolve the state legislatures and the state governments? Some say that more power should be given to the states and the federal should be weak, but that can only be done when someone proposes a bill either in the state Assembly or at the National Assembly, advocating for more power to be transferred to the states. If it is in the state Assembly, they can pass it and forward it to the National Assembly, and when that is passed, a constitutional amendment would begin.
“If the proponents of restructuring say we should go back to the regions, then how do you dissolve the states? Will the people be willing to give out their states to be merged with other states?
“In my honest opinion, there was no need for the creation of Jigawa State because there is no difference between the people of Jigawa and Kano. There is no justification for the creation of Kebbi and Zamfara states from Sokoto because they are all the same people and have the same culture. There is no justification for the creation of Osun, Ogun  and Ekiti because they all speak the same language and they have the same culture. But there are grounds for the creation of Cross Rivers, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta because they have different cultures and speak different languages. How do you now convince the Yoruba in Ogun, Ekiti, Osun to merge?
“These are the areas where there are difficulties. So, those who are calling for restructuring should be honest enough to tell the people, ‘this is the way we are going to merge Jigawa and Kano states’. Will the people of Jigawa accept it? How will you merge Ekiti and Ondo states or merge Anambra and Enugu? But you should tell people how it would be done. That is why I say that the proponents of restructuring should have a blueprint and tell us how these things would be achieved.
“States are weak because they are too many and that is why they can’t generate enough revenue to take care of their commitment. If they want to reduce the cost, they would have to retrench up to half of their workforce and that would lead to a nationwide strike. When you are calling for restructuring, you have to think about the consequences, he stated.

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Lagos school kidnap: Police arrest 3

By Christopher Oji

The deployment of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, in the rescue operation relating to the kidnap of students in Lagos recently has paid off, as three of the suspects have been arrested.
Six students of Lagos State Model College, Epe, were abducted last Thursday and taken to the creeks, near Ode Omi, Ogun State. The kidnappers had demanded a N400 million ransom.
Following the delay in their rescue, Idris ordered the IRT, led by ACP Abba Kyari, to assist the Lagos State Police Command to fish out the hoodlums and rescue the school children.
Daily Sun gathered that the IRT yesterday arrested three key members of the militant group believed to be behind the crime.
The  suspects, who were arrested in Edo State, reportedly left the creek for Benin to visit one of their key commanders injured during the  recent gun battle with security agents at Ode Omi.
A senior police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The suspects, Egelu, aka Jubby, 25, a native of Abere town in Ovia South LGA of Edo; Stanley, aka Powei, 25, from Ovia South, and   Bentel, 24, also from Ovia South, confessed  to have participated in the kidnap of the Epe school  children.
“They have also confessed to the kidnappings of prominent personalities in Lagos and Ogun states, including the Oniba of Iba, Turkish School kidnapping and the Isheri landlords’ kidnapping.
“The suspects equally confessed that  they came to Benin to see their injured gang member and relax for a while before going back to the creek.”
The police officer said useful information had been got from the suspects.
He, however, said the police would not make their findings public, even as more efforts were being made “to see that we arrest the remaining gang members and rescue the school children.”
About 24 hours after the Epe kidnap, marine police had traced the hoodlums to their hideouts in Ogun State, but were ambushed by the bandits who engaged them in a gun battle.
In the confrontation, over 20 hoodlums were shot dead, while nine policemen were seriously injured.

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2 prostitutes arrested for allegedly killing man

By Lawrence Enyoghasu

The liaison between one Adeyinka Olayinka and a commercial sex worker, Kudirat, in Ifo, Ogun State, has ended in tragedy, with the man stabbed to death.
Daily Sun gathered that Olayinka, who was supervising construction work, had taken Kudirat to a hotel to pass the night on Tuesday, but it turned out to be a fatal error.
According to ASP Abimbola Oyeyemi, spokesman for the Ogun State Police Command, when Olayinka had a disagreement with Kudirat, popularly called Angela, over payment, the lady invited her friend, Esther, to join her to retrieve the money. In the melee, the man was stabbed to death.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim contracted Kudirat to pass the night with him on an agreed amount, but the deceased reneged on their agreement, which led to hot argument between them. While the argument was going on, Esther, who is a friend to Angela, broke a bottle and injured the deceased’s friend who was at the scene, while Angela used the broken part of the bottle to stab the deceased in the armpit, thereby cutting one of his nerves, consequent upon which he bled to death,” Abimbola stated.
It was also gathered that the manager of the hotel quickly alerted the police. The DPO, Ifo Division, CSP Anthony Haruna, led his men to the scene and promptly arrested the suspects.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discrete investigation and prosecution of the suspects.

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Delta community begs IGP, Okowa to save them from thugs’ attacks

By Christopher Oji

Following Sunday’s attack on Idumuje-Ugboko community, in Aniocha North Local Government, Delta State by thugs, residents have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, demanding protection.
One person was killed, many houses destroyed and scores injured during the invasion of the community by thugs believed to be hired by a notable prince in the community.
Since the Sunday mayhem, residents have remained indoors for fear of being abducted by hoodlums who claimed they had some targets.
One of the victims, Mr. Kennedy Chuks Iloh, told Daily Sun in a telephone interview that his home was  destroyed and property looted  by hoodlums.
He said: “Our king, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Agbogidi Albert Nwoko 111, joined his ancestors in January and since his demise, the Idumuje Ugboko community has been thrown into crisis following divisions among palace chiefs and some youths in the community.
“While some agitators in the community believe that the throne rightfully belongs to the second son of the late king, Uche Nwoko, due to an age-long belief that only the son of a king whose mother is an indigene of the town can lay claim to the throne, others believe such tradition had long been relaxed, and therefore, Prince Nonso should step into the throne of his forefathers.
“The arguments have been breeding frayed nerves between the two groups contesting for stool. The narrative has, however, threatened the peace in the kingdom and led to destruction of property worth millions of  naira.
“The root of the crisis is that our former king died in a mysterious circumstance. What happened to him is still a question begging for answer. We called for investigation into the death, but a group was not happy. The group destroyed my house and that of Odogwu and Iyase of Idumuje Ugboko.
“They invaded my supermarket and carted away goods. We are begging the Inspector General of Police to protect us from the evil of these killers. We now live in fear.

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Man disappears after phone threats from suspected kidnappers

From Chuks Onuoha, Umuahia

An Aba-based businessman, Nwanagum Ejikeme, has disappeared from his home, after series of phone threats by unknown persons suspected to be kidnappers or ritual killers.
Nwanagum was last seen on the evening of Sunday, April 2, 2017, when he reported that he was going to buy some personal items.
His uncle, Israel Chunedum Ojimba, who reported the matter to the office of the DPO, at Ogbo Hhill Police Station, Aba, said Nwanagum, who is 5ft 6 inches tall, hails from Isuikwuato LGA, of Abia North Senatorial Zone.
“He is dark in complexion and speaks Igbo and English fluently and resides at No. 3, Nkoro Avenue, off Imo Iboko Street, Aba, Abia State,” he said.
According to Ojimba, before his disappearance, Nwanagum complained that some unknown persons had been after him, threatening him on the phone daily.
“He said that he would sometimes turn off his phone for hours and each time he switched it on, they would come with their threats.  I don’t know if they succeeded in kidnapping him or if another thing has happened to him, since we cannot trace him,” his elder brother said.
He described Nwanagum as an easygoing person, adding: “Our fear is that he may have been kidnapped. If he had fled, he should have contacted us to know where he has gone as this development is causing crises in the family.”

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Police arrest 2 suspected killers hired by woman to hit ex-lover in Edo

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command are in search for a lady who allegedly hired assassins to kill her ex-lover, Mr. Okundolor Omoruyi.
Omoruyi, 39, was reportedly killed in May at Utagban Quarters, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State a few weeks after he arrived Nigeria from Italy.
The unidentified lady was said to have plotted the killing of Omoruyi because he jilted her.
Parading two suspects arrested in connection with the killing, the Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, announced that another 18-year-old girl was killed by the gang for recognising one of them.
He gave assurance that other suspects in the killing would soon be arrested.
One of the suspects, who gave his name as Odion, said the two other fleeing suspects were Power and Moses.
He claimed that Power pulled the trigger that killed Omoruyi, adding that he was only asked to accompany them on the mission.
According to the suspect, the deal to kill Omoruyi was sealed at a bar, but he could not recognise the lady that gave out the job.
He said: “My friend put me into this problem. He said I should follow them somewhere. When we got to a shop, he said I should collect the apron from the seller. I didn’t know how much was in the apron.
“I later saw my friend bring out a gun and kill the girl. They later said we should go to another place, where we killed the man.”

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David-West clarifies position on Tinubu

Former minister of Petroleum Resources, Prof Tam David-West has clarified a statement earlier attributed to him, on the support given the campaign and election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, by former Lagos State governor and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
David-West said contrary to claims credited to him in Saturday Sun of May 13, 2017, that Tinubu didn’t fund Buhari’s campaign, he actually meant that the party leader contributed immensely to the election of president Buhari and still supports his government.
The outspoken and respected professor of virology said his statement must have been taken out of context in the initial report because he holds Tinubu in high esteem and would not say anything that will undermine the enormous contributions of the party’s leader to the enthronement of Buhari’s government.

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10 LUTH doctors injured in clash with security men

Ten members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), were allegedly injured by some security men during a clash in the hospital.
President of the association,Adebayo Sekunmade, disclosed this to reporters at a news conference, yesterday.
He said the doctors sustained injuries when they attempted to take over their secretariat from the security men stationed there by the management of LUTH.
Sekunmade said one of his members was inside the ARD’s secretariat at 2:00am on Tuesday but security men ordered him out and locked it up.
“We decided to monitor developments around the secretariat after the incident. On Wednesday morning, we saw security men loading our belongings from there into a waiting bus.
“When we confronted them, they said that they were directed to lock up the secretariat by the management of LUTH.
“We went to the chief medical director’s office for dialogue but he refused to attend to us. He, however, directed us to the chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of LUTH.”
Sekunmade said Olufemi Fasanmade, the CMAC, told them that the management of LUTH was retrieving the secretariat from the association.
He said he demanded a court order from Fasanmade to justify his action but he could not present it.
When contacted, the CMAC told journalists that six months ago, the management of LUTH gave ARD a letter asking it to vacate the building serving as its secretariat.
“Nine days ago; we gave them another letter as a reminder to leave the building but they refused, and we decided to lock up the place,” he said.
Fasanmade said the association should not have found it hard to vacate one of the seven accommodations it had within the hospital complex.
He said that the management wanted to use it for an important purpose.
“The doctors wanted to forcefully enter the building on Wednesday’s morning and LUTH’s security men had to disallow them.”
Fasanmade said the doctors resorted to attacking the security officials.
“We had to invite some police officers from the Ilasamaja and Bode Thomas Police Stations to secure the building and other LUTH’s belongings,” he said.

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NASS’ll raise teachers’ retirement age to 65 – Dogara

From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has disclosed plans by the National Assembly to increase the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, so as to retain more experienced teachers in public schools.
Speaking when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, yesterday, Dogara said the House supports upward review of teachers’ retirement age for Nigerian children to benefit from.
“We have done it for the tertiary institutions and the judiciary, so nothing should stop us from taking the bull by the horns. They say that wine gets better with age, it was the same consideration that motivated us to raise that of university lecturers,raise that of judges. So this is something we can pursue.
“Thankfully, it doesn’t require constitutional amendment, it is something we can achieve by amending the existing law. That is the responsibility of the parliament and we assure you that we will do something about that so that the benefit that comes with experience and wisdom will not be lost,” he stated.

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Equity, justice, answer to ethnic agitations – Osinbajo

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has advised separatist campaigners and those advocating for restructuring to embrace dialogue. He said it is better to “shoot ideas than shooting guns.”
He also noted that the issue of ‘national question’ will continue go on in Nigeria, even as he posited that it can only be resolved by justice.
Speaking at the 2017 Democracy Day lecture, organised in Abuja, by the Save Democracy-Africa,yesterday, Osinbajo maintained that what is important is for the needs of the people to be met.
Represented by Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, he pointed out that the attraction about the country is its big size and urged Nigerians to take advantage of the diversity.
“The issue of federal question is not what can be resolved even in the next 100 years. In countries like Britain, that have been in existence for more than 1,000 years, it has not been resolved up till now. That’s why we have Scotland still demanding for its independence from Britain, today.  Soviet Union thought that when it scattered and separated and we have Russia that the issue of national question would have been fixed, but, today, the same issue still pervades and permeates Russia. Even in America, people are still asking questions; what is the position of blacks; what’s the position of women?
“It’s not something we can resolve in one lecture or in a country in one year or in one generation. It’s going to continue; our sons, our grand sons and daughters, our great grandchildren will continue to debate it.
“But, in between debating our national question, what do we do? That’s why I subscribe to the professor who said the issue of equity, justice, freedom must be resolved.  If we are able to resolve these issues; bannish hunger in our land, provide housing for the homeless, if we are able to provide education free to our people, make sure that our infrastructures are working like in other parts of the world; if we ensure that there is justice for everybody, the issue of national question will become a luxury  to be discussed just for the sake of discussing.”

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Winner emerges in NB’s Hi-Life Fest audition

By Chinenye Anuforo

A winner has emerged from the Life Continental Beer, third regional auditions for its on-going Hi-Life Fest.
The winner, Chibest David, emerged after a kin contest.
Life Continental Beer, from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc held the event, which is part of the brand’s initiative to promote the culture and heritage of the people of the South East, at the New Berries Park in Enugu.
A team of judges consisting seasoned music producers and guests witnessed numerous performances while they also engaged the audience in deciding the best acts at the event.
The winner expressed his excitement saying: “Being a part of this competition is a wonderful journey for me and winning the Enugu regional auditions makes me exceedingly happy. When I was auditioned, I wasn’t sure I would win and qualify for the grand finale. Life Continental Beer has authenticated my talent and I am thankful .”
David joins past winners, Roselyn Akpan and Umunnakwe Nwajiaku from Port Harcourt and Owerri respectively as they await winners from other regional auditions in the grand finale in Onitsha where the overall winner will be rewarded with N1 million and a one-year recording deal.
Speaking at the regional finale, Emmanuel Agu, portfolio manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout, NB Plc., said the beer company is using Hi-Life Fest to uphold the culture and tradition of the people of the South East and extend the boundaries of progress.

 

 

 

 

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Killing of IPOB members: Biafran war veterans exonerate Obiano

From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi

Anambra State chapter of Biafran War Veterans has exonerated Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano of any complicity in the killing of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The group also commended Obiano for being fearless and having demonstrated that he believed in the survival of Biafrans by according those who died during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war a befitting burial.
The war veterans said this when the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to Governor Obiano who also doubles as the governor’s Liaison Officer to the Biafran War Veterans, Arinzechukwu Awogu hosted them.
They commended the governor for appointing a liaison officer for them and for all his support and care over the years. The war veterans, speaking through their Anambra State chapter President, Major Emmanuel Udemezue, lamented that combatants on the side of Biafra were not rehabilitated as their counterparts on the Nigerian side. He called on Igbo to continue to remember the sacrifices of those who died, that they might live, adding that it was not a crime to say no to the senseless killings of Igbo in1966/67. The war veterans advised that those still holding such erroneous views should jettison it as the governor is innocent.
Responding, Awogu appreciated the war veterans for the sacrifices they made in the defense of Ndigbo and reminded them that they were not the aggressors in the conflict; that they were in their homes and war was brought to them and that they committed no crime by defending themselves and Ndigbo.
The aide to the governor said: “For the fact that you are still together after 50 years of being in the trenches shows that a regiment of old is still intact and potent.” He assured them of Governor Obiano’s continuous care and implored them to continue to support the governor.

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Biafra republic near –Kanu

IPOB leader, Uwazuruike celebrate sit-at-home success

From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha, George Onyejiuwa, Owerri and  Godwin Tsa, Abuja

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has said realisation of a Baifra republic is near.
He spoke against the backdrop of the sit-at-home on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 in the South East and some parts of the South South.
Also, Kanu and founder of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike have also commended Ndigbo for the success of the sit-at-home.
Kanu also commended Biafrans, friends of Biafra  World over for  the success and total compliance of sit-at-home order declared to honour fallen heroes who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970. Speaking through IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, Kanu said he was encouraged by the compliance and vowed that he would stop at nothing in ensuring that the South East is liberated from the stranglehold of their oppressors.
He thanked “friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom all over the world for their tenacious efforts that made our heroes day sit-at-home order a resounding success.
“I will not fail to thank road transport workers, teachers, civil servants, market leaders, artisans, clergymen, businessmen, traders, Okada/tricycle drivers, school children, parents, transport owners, women organisations, community leaders, youth leaders in every community, wheel barrow/truck pushers,  politicians and all Biafraland, who defied every odd and pressure from Aso Rock to make our sit-at-home order a memorable and resounding historical event.
“In line with this remarkable sit-at-home held on Tuesday, I will not hesitate to congratulate the people of Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers states including the good people of Igbanke in Edo State, Igala clan in Kogi State and Idoma/Igede/Agatu in Benue State for sending a clear and unmistakable message to the world that this Biafra self-determination effort driven by IPOB is uncompromising. The fact that our people obeyed the order to sit at home is confirmation that IPOB, which I lead has the mandate of all Biafrans to spearhead the ongoing Biafra restoration effort. Special thanks goes to my deputy, Mazi Uche Mefor, our Directorate of State, led by Mazi Chika Edoziem and the indescribably incredible IPOB family all over the world.
“I thank those in the Diaspora who poured themselves into the streets in distant and foreign lands in more than 98 countries of the world to honour and remember our fallen heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price during the genocidal war against our people between 1967 and 1970. I appreciate your enormous work because IPOB has made it possible in less than four years for every president and head of state around the world to know about Biafra.
“Biafra restoration is a priority to all and sundry and I promise never to let Biafra down even upon the pain of death because you never let me down. I also wish to acknowledge and appreciate the presence of international observers and foreign journalists who were on ground to monitor this epic historical event. It demonstrates that the unique formula adopted by IPOB to restore Biafra is working. By the grace of Almighty God, (Chukwu Okike Abiama), IPOB, under our divine leadership, will restore Biafra in no distant future.”
On his part, Uwazuruike said the major aim is the independent state of Biafra and freedom for the entire people of former eastern region. He said this in Owerri, capital of Imo State, yesterday, when he briefed newsmen in his residence, where he disclosed that the first sit -at – home ordered by the pro-Biafra group was in 2004.
“There is nothing else that we are agitating for, except for Biafra independence and until that is achieved, we will not chicken out of the struggle for Biafra freedom.”
He revealed that his “major aim of starting MASSOB is not to become the president” and urged all pro-Biafra groups to “focus on the main objective which is the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra.”
IPOB leader dares court on bail conditions
For the second time in three days, Kanu has violated the conditions of the bail granted to him.
Part of his bail conditions was that he would not grant media interviews and to avoid being seen in a crowd of more than 10 people.
But, last Saturday, Kanu addressed a crowd of supporters, numbering more than 10, at his father’s palace in Abia State.
Kanu’s father is the traditional ruler of Isiama Afara, a community in Umuahia, capital of Abia. Three days after addressing his supporters, Al Jazeera published an interview where Kanu was quoted as saying the bail conditions were too stringent. Asked if the interview could get him into trouble, he was quoted to have said: “I don’t care.”
He also lamented the effect of the restrictions imposed on him.
“It’s like asking me not to breathe. I can’t go outside to call for a press conference. I can’t go on Biafra Radio to broadcast. I can’t allow large groups of people to basically congregate outside to see me.”
Meanwhile, the  South East Peoples Assembly (SEPA) has called on the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to revoke the bail granted to leader of IPOB, Kanu. Justice Binta Nyako had, on April 25, 2017 admitted Kanu to bail on health grounds.
In her ruling, Justice Nyako said Kanu must not hold rallies, grant interviews or be in a crowd of more than 10 people.
The judge, however, refused bail to the three other defendants standing trial for treasonable felony and other sundry offences with Kanu, namely Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.
However, in a May 31, 2017 letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, signed by SEPA president, Prince Chukwuemeka Okorie, the group said “Kanu has continued to conduct himself in a manner we consider totally at variance with the terms and conditions of the bail.”
In a related development, Anglican Bishop, Diocese of Okigwe South, Rt. Rev. David Onuoha has called on the Federal Government to dialogue with  pro – Biafra groups, saying it will enable government to understand why after 47 years of the end of the civil war, the idea and glamour for the state of Biafra seems to be gaining fresh momentum. The prelate stated this yesterday while delivering his address at the Third Session of the Eighth Synod of the Diocese held at St. Stephens Church, Umuduruegwelle, Ehime Mbano Local Council of Imo State, yesterday.
He  said dialogue would be a better approach  to addressing the obvious injustice, marginalisation, suffering and hardship the South East geo-political zone.

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Buhari’s health: No cause for alarm – FG

•Presidency consults on 2017 budget

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Federal Government has, for the umpteenth time, assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm over President Muhammadu Buhari’s health.
Government insisted, yesterday, that Buhari is in competent hands in London, the United Kingdom, where he is undergoing treatment.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said this on Wednesday, when he briefed State House Correspondents, after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo.
The minister said this in response to a question on the president’s health status.
“Once again, I want to make myself very very clear, on the issue of Mr. President; he is in very competent hands and there is no cause for alarm,” the minister said.
President Buhari left Nigeria for the United Kingdom on May 7, 2017, for follow-up consultation with his doctors.
He had earlier gone to London on January 19, 2017, on medical vacation and returned to Nigeria after 49 days.
On his return, the president disclosed he had never been that sick to the point where he needed blood transfusion.
Buhari also said he would go back for further medical treatment, which he did  24 days ago.
This time around, the president said he would not entertain visitors while he recuperates.
His wife, Aisha, stayed behind and was busy with her pet project, Future Assured, in the North East, with the focus on empowering women, the girl-child education and providing care for internally displaced persons in the region.
Aisha, however, joined him in London, on Tuesday, May 30.
Regardless, speaking on the status of the N7.4 trillion 2017 budget, Mohammed said all ministers are working with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, to reconcile details.
On May 11, 2017, the National Assembly  approved the 2017 budget and raised it from an initial N7.28 trillion to N7.44 trillion.
Osinbajo received an official copy of the 2017 Appropriation Bill on May 19, 2017.
The budget, which was finally submitted to the Presidency, 12 days after it was approved by the National Assembly, was delivered by Buhari’s Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.
Sources for the funding of the 2017 will, according to the budget, come from oil revenue, from which N1.985 trillion is expected while non-oil revenue will bring in N1.73 trillion, as well as other federal government’s independent revenue generating agencies.
Although there were reports, yesterday evening, that Osinabjo may sign the new budget today, Senator Enang refuted the report.
“Further to several enquiries regarding action on the 2017 Appropriation Bill by the Executive, please, be informed that assent to same is not yet scheduled as consultations and engagements are on going,” Enang said in a statement.

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Who lifted the veil on Biafra?

A major thematic concern of Chinua Achebe’s last literary work, “There Was a Country”, is the official ring of secrecy, which was run around the subject matter of Biafra by successive Nigerian governments. Achebe’s concern here is that Nigeria as a country is living in denial. A country called Biafra existed. A war of attrition was fought over it. While the war lasted, the world quaked. The big powers were involved. British armoured tanks and Russian planes were freely deployed. The Arab League joined in the war. They were all on the side of the federal aggressors. In the face of mounting humanitarian crisis, the World Council of Churches, the Caritas and the Red Cross came in to save lives. They provided Biafra with food aids. At the end of the fratricidal strife, some three million lives were lost. The war was the inevitable consequence of a state-sponsored pogrom directed at the Igbo people in 1966. After 30 gruelling months, the Biafran resistance caved in. The new republic was crippled by huge odds. It collapsed.
This momentous event did not escape the attention of writers. They penned their experiences and concerns in various genres. Strangely, however, the Nigerian state did not want to commit the events of the war to history. It shut it out both from current affairs and historical studies. The country conveniently ignored the subject by refusing to talk about it. It treated the matter as if it never took place. It censored any form of discussion, bordering on Biafra. It decreed that the subject must never be discussed officially. History was not allowed to incorporate it. It must never be taught in schools so that those who were not old enough to witness the events of that period will never get to know about it. The result was that the lessons that ought to have been learned from the historical upheaval were, regrettably, lost.
But the ploy of keeping the matter secret did not work. Regardless of the fact that our schools are barred from broaching the subject matter of Biafra in their curricula, the issue has remained an open enterprise. Younger Nigerians whose mothers were not yet married when the cataclysm took place know that there was a country called Biafra. They do not just know that, post-Civil War men and women from the defunct republic are very much aware of what transpired between 1966 and 1970. They are very conscious of the events of those years. They know about the republic in which their people found solace. They romanticise it. They yearn for it. They are not interested in the odds. They do not even imagine any hang-up. They want the dream republic because they believe that it would guarantee their generation and future generations of Igbo the space and freedom they need to actualise their potentials. They feel claustrophobic in the Nigerian environment. They are aware of the fact that Nigeria discriminates against them on the basis of their place of origin. They have borne the degradation for too long. Their patience has run out. That is why they are insisting on Biafra. What all this tells us is that in spite of the restrictions imposed on the subject matter, the silences are so loud that even the unborn are already thinking Biafra.
For these and related reasons, Biafra has become a leitmotif. It has become the keynote in the symphony to which the strange melody will always return. The way it is, Nigeria cannot run away from the subject matter. It has become a recurring decimal in the Nigerian equation.
It was probably in the light of the foregoing that the veil of secrecy has been taken off Biafra. But the lifting of the veil is sudden and unexpected. Suddenly, everybody is talking about Biafra, even from unexpected quarters. Before now, Biafra did not have that privilege of open discourse. It was one word that was avoided publicly. It could only be talked about in muffled tones. Those who wanted to be politically correct ensured that Biafra did not intrude into their vocabulary. It was such a delicate subject matter. It was so delicate that one of my lecturers in the Department of English of the University of Lagos ran into a storm over it. The year was 1985, 15 years after Biafra. The subject of study was Eddie Iroh’s “Toads of War”. Biafra was the subject matter of the novel. The lecturer, while taking us through a literary analysis of the novel, had described the Biafran debacle as a “wasted emotion”. The pronouncement was greeted with murmurs. Moments later, the murmurs graduated into an open disagreement. A section of the class revolted against that unsavoury label placed on Biafra. The lecturer, a young woman in her 30s at that time, was shocked to her marrows. We were first year students, just a few months old in the university community. Yet we had the courage of our convictions. We joined issues with the woman. We felt she did not understand the issue. Thereafter, the lecturer was advised by her more experienced colleagues to tread softly whenever the subject of Biafra was involved.
This has been the sort of delicateness and sensitivity that has trailed the subject of Biafra over the years. But all of that seem to be giving way. Biafra has just turned 50 and the subject matter, for the first time since its advent, is being discussed openly and publicly. At a public forum last week on Biafra, the acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, freely talked about Biafra. Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, also spoke matter of factly on the same subject. With the way they spoke, and considering the fact that a public forum was solely organised for the purpose of re-examining the Biafran question, it should be taken for granted that the veil of secrecy has been taken off the subject. Biafra is no longer an issue that can be discussed in muffled tones. Suddenly, Nigeria has come to realise that the ghost of Biafra cannot be buried. As a matter of fact, the subject has left the hands of the Igbo. It has become a matter for international discourse. The way things stand; it is impolitic for Nigeria to continue to treat the Biafran issue with irritation and belligerence. The matter has to be confronted. The Nigerian state has to engage the agitators. The time to climb down from the high horse has come. Experience shows that high-handedness has not driven the agitation underground. It has not deterred those who believe in the cause. What this tells us is that the issue cannot be wished away.
As the Nigerian state tries to purge itself of the prejudices with which it has been approaching issues about Biafra, its attention should be directed at its security agencies. The Department of State Service (DSS), the Army and the Police are major culprits here. The high-handedness they have been visiting on the agitators is begging for redress. It is at the root of the anger in Biafran circles. Their disposition is fueling tension. They must be called to order. That is the least we expect the authorities to do.
The more substantive stage will involve the enthronement of justice and equity in the land. As Buhari’s government of hate winds down, Nigeria should begin to think of enthroning a new order where every section of the country will have a sense of accommodation. When they do that, we will begin to make sense of the veil of secrecy that has been taken off Biafra.

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IGPS who saw tomorrow (1)

The ability to foresee and plan for the days or years to come, confers on the person a spiritual  advantage and power like Nostradamus  the renowned seer of old and prophets who were privileged to see what the future holds and would look like.  These set of people were mere mortals that built themselves and dreamt of what they want to see not only from their own perspective but for the benefit of many others. When the Federal government established the police, it was to last  and develop  like the nation. Those to be opportuned to lead the institution were expected to have a vision that would translate into legacy for the upliftment of the institution.
The Nigeria police force is not devoid of such leaders.  Late Mr Sunday Adewusi  was one Inspector General of police( IGP) who saw ahead the need for the force to be strengthened and advocated  for the establishment of the Police Mobile force popularly known as ( Mopol). The department has inferred on the police a stigma of strength  and bravado that even sister security organisations are scared of their ability. The mobile force of the police is like the soldier ants  that has the raw ability to withstand any physical obstacle. Today members of that squad are referred to as “Adewusi boys” as a memorial to its founder who foresaw the need to have a para-military squad that would have the ability to face every  riotous challenges that disturbed the internal security of the country.  Unfortunately, the mobile force has become an eyesore to members of the public. It has been turned into an errand squad  for the high and mighty in the society thereby loosing its former integrity and bite.
Another IGP who foresaw the need to establish a financial institution for the police is the 8th indigenous IGP Alhaji Aliyu Atta who foresaw the need to establish a micro- finance bank. As at the time he birth the idea, those who opposed it claimed that there was no need for the police being a security organisation, to have anything doing with finance. Today, virtually every police officer has an account with the bank and according to records, the police micro- finance bank is the most buoyant and successful bank  of its cadre in the country.  Atta also  established the Police insurance scheme.
On assumption as the Inspector General of police, Alhaji lbrahim Coomassie foresaw the personnel explosion of the police force and thought of a better mordern and befitting building for the Police, he was shut down by his colleagues in the federal military council while his colleagues in the Policee doubted the possibility of such a structure describing it as  “ an extravagant venture”. Not too long,  with a strong will, a gigantic seven storey  edifice was constructed by Julius Berger construction company. Today that monumental structure is the headquarter of the Nigeria Police Force and one that has helped to glorified the Federal capital Territory ( FCT) Abuja. He was not done as he also built the  first police officers  cantonment and many other structures for the expansion of the police force in Abuja
Impressively, when in 2002, he introduced  the first  eight point agenda which included  a nation wide Operation fire -for -fire aimed at openly carrying the war  to robbers’ hide-out, his fame became well noticed. Mr Mustafa Adebayo Balogun was one of the best brains ever to lead the Nigeria Police Force.  He won the commandant all round  best student  award at the Defence  Academy college and had an second class upper  division from the law school. No wonder his sound intellect helped him to articulate sound policies for the police. Among his legacies are the establishment  of the police computer information technology training college in Abeokuta. He also built barracks in most states of the country.  He extended the police micro – finance bank to other states of the federation. Mr. Tafa Balogun came up with the novel idea to despatch some senior police officers to some foreign countries  for a train -the -trainer programme in the art of community policing. Many openly discarded  and disparaged the idea arguing that the country was not ripe for such an innovation. It  was said at the time that he was wasting the meager resources of the police adding that, it was a ploy to send his  officer friends abroad for six whole months. Today, Tafa Balogun, has been vindicated despite being one  of the most celebrated IGP amongst  all the ranks, his Ideas have continued to resonate and being implemented as the only better alternative to good policing in the country. Tafa , it was who first carried out a massive promotion of all the ranks  and file including officers especially those whose ranks were stalked and whole have triggered police unrest if it was not implemented at the time.  Tafa Balogun also introduced the  first female mobile police squadron in the Nigerian Police Force .
Another name Nigerians and the security community cannot forget in a jiffy  for his style of leadership is Mike Mbama Okiro who served between 2007  and 2009 . There  are many pluses attached to his administration. Okiro foresaw the insurgency and violent militancy in the Niger-Delta  years before it emanated and sought for approval to train a fortified squad of policemen in four foreign countries including Israel, Egypt, Spain and South Africa on how to combat terrorism and violent crime which he envisaged were becoming a big concern to many countries of the world. The then National Assembly kicked against it so we’re many lslamic scholars  and the budget for its establishment was not approved. Before the police team returned, Okiro had retired and unfortunately, his successor scattered the team and  five months after his retirement, insurgency commenced  and when the Police wanted to reassemble the team, it was already too late.  He also foresaw the need to improve the marine department of the Police by acquiring more speed boats for the Marine police which were later used to fight sea pirates. He was also the brain behind the surrender of the Niger – Delta militants that resulted to the presidential Amnesty programme. Okiro it was who foresaw the need to assist serving officers own their own  accommodation just like civil servants  in Abuja and other parts of the country. Apart from these laudable projects, Okiro approved the establishment of the first  Police security newspaper: The Dawn newspaper.  He first saw the need to start the online  application  for police recruitment.
Two other IGPs that foresaw the need to overhaul the intelligence department of the police to stand the taste of time are Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar  and Solomon Arase (the wise IGP) both saw the need  for the police to be intelligence driven. MD Abubakar laid the foundation but. Arase went all the hog with the gospel  of a police driven lntelligence led policing. No wonder  Arase is popularly known as the apostle of  intelligence led policing in Nigeria.
MD Abubakar foresaw the need to have a more modernized environment and he carried out a comprehensive restructuring of the two police structures in Abuja and the mobile town in  Abuja. Abubakar also
also established the police intelligence school,  and when the police started having great numbers of casualties from the insurgency, he seized the opportunity to expand  the police medical unit and more doctors were recruited than ever before.
To be continued.

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