13:37 27/07/2015
Lagos - Former Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has reportedly
demanded the Nigerian Football Federation pay him a compensation package worth
1 billion Naira.
The tactician was sacked just a few weeks after signing a
new deal as Super Eagles head coach following claims he had applied for the
vacant role with the Ivory Coast team.
Keshi's lawyer has since contacted the NFF regarding the
demands, with an unnamed official telling African Football: "We have
received the notification.
"But we did not get it directly. We got it from the
National Sports Commission.
"I don't think it’s something we should be discussing,
but I can confirm that we have received the letter addressed to us through the
National Sports Commission."
News, Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Fashion, Beauty, Inspiration and yes... Gossip! *Wink*
Monday, 27 July 2015
Senate hails Nigerians for eliminating polio
Augustine Osayande
13:34 27/07/2015
Abuja - The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has congratulated Nigerians for preventing the spread of polio in the past year.
He said the successes recorded in Nigeria in Polio eradication in the past 365 days without a single case of the virus was as a result of the relentless hard work of partners, religious, community leaders and health workers.
The Senate President was pleased with the successes in Polio eradication from reported cases of 801 in 21 states in 2005 and with 62 wild cases and 34 Circulating Vaccine-Derived Cases (cVDPV) that had an endemic transmission rate in 2011 coupled with 122 wild cases and 8 circulating vaccine-derived cases.
He expressed his happiness in the containment of Polio in the country because the transmission rate in 2012 was endemic with reported 53 wild cases and three circulating vaccine-derived cases which were recorded as transmission endemic in 2013 to now having no documented case of poliomyelitis in 365 days.
Saraki credited the successes recorded in the eradication of the virus to the introduction of the Immunization Leadership Challenge.
He explained that the challenge, which was designed in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to reward states in Nigeria that made significant improvements in polio and routine immunization coverage, was to fast track achievement of the global milestone of interrupting further transmission of polio virus in Nigeria.
The Senate President urged Nigerians not to relent in this fight against polio.
The disease has been responsible for significant number of mortality and morbidity mostly, in children under years of age.
"As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the virus," Saraki said.
He emphasised the imperative need to continue the good work towards eliminating this crippling and potentially fatal virus until the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Nigeria as polio-free in 2017.
This will take Nigeria off the list of countries where the disease is endemic.
13:34 27/07/2015
Abuja - The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has congratulated Nigerians for preventing the spread of polio in the past year.
He said the successes recorded in Nigeria in Polio eradication in the past 365 days without a single case of the virus was as a result of the relentless hard work of partners, religious, community leaders and health workers.
The Senate President was pleased with the successes in Polio eradication from reported cases of 801 in 21 states in 2005 and with 62 wild cases and 34 Circulating Vaccine-Derived Cases (cVDPV) that had an endemic transmission rate in 2011 coupled with 122 wild cases and 8 circulating vaccine-derived cases.
He expressed his happiness in the containment of Polio in the country because the transmission rate in 2012 was endemic with reported 53 wild cases and three circulating vaccine-derived cases which were recorded as transmission endemic in 2013 to now having no documented case of poliomyelitis in 365 days.
Saraki credited the successes recorded in the eradication of the virus to the introduction of the Immunization Leadership Challenge.
He explained that the challenge, which was designed in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to reward states in Nigeria that made significant improvements in polio and routine immunization coverage, was to fast track achievement of the global milestone of interrupting further transmission of polio virus in Nigeria.
The Senate President urged Nigerians not to relent in this fight against polio.
The disease has been responsible for significant number of mortality and morbidity mostly, in children under years of age.
"As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the virus," Saraki said.
He emphasised the imperative need to continue the good work towards eliminating this crippling and potentially fatal virus until the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Nigeria as polio-free in 2017.
This will take Nigeria off the list of countries where the disease is endemic.
PDP describes Buhari's US trip 'fruitless'
13:37 27/07/2015
Abuja - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Muhammadu Buhari's trip to the United States as 'pointless and fruitless', Punch reports.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, at a media briefing in Abuja on Sunday, said events after Buhari’s visit to the US indicated that neither the President nor his party, the All Progressives Congress, had learnt anything from the trip.
He said he is disheartening that rather than secure any sort of tangible gain for the fight against terrorism, which has lost steam under the APC watch, with insurgents, who were pushed to the verge of surrender by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, now surging back and spreading into the country, the country got nothing but exchanges and disagreements between the Presidency and their American hosts.
He urged the government to face the business of governance and the fight against insurgency with every sense of seriousness.
Read more at Punch
Abuja - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Muhammadu Buhari's trip to the United States as 'pointless and fruitless', Punch reports.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, at a media briefing in Abuja on Sunday, said events after Buhari’s visit to the US indicated that neither the President nor his party, the All Progressives Congress, had learnt anything from the trip.
He said he is disheartening that rather than secure any sort of tangible gain for the fight against terrorism, which has lost steam under the APC watch, with insurgents, who were pushed to the verge of surrender by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, now surging back and spreading into the country, the country got nothing but exchanges and disagreements between the Presidency and their American hosts.
He urged the government to face the business of governance and the fight against insurgency with every sense of seriousness.
Read more at Punch
Friday, 24 July 2015
Obama leaves US for Africa trip to Kenya, Ethiopia
07:46 24/07/2015
Washington - President Barack Obama left Washington for Kenya on Thursday in a trip that will also include a stop in the Ethiopian capital and a visit to the home of the African Union.
The landmark trip to Obama's ancestral homeland of Kenya, where his father was born, is his first as president and is also the first time a sitting US president will visit Ethiopia and the AU's headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The first African-American president of the United States is expected to address regional security issues and trade, and also touch on matters relating to democracy, poverty and human rights in the region.
Joining him on the trip is National Security Advisor Susan Rice, foreign policy aide Ben Rhodes and White House spokesperson Josh Earnest.
Before heading off on the trip - Obama's fourth time to Africa since taking office - he spoke about the promise, and difficulties, on the continent.
Incredible dynamism
"Despite its many challenges - and we have to be clear-eyed about all the challenges that the continent still faces - Africa is a place of incredible dynamism, some of the fastest-growing markets in the world, extraordinary people, extraordinary resilience," Obama said ahead of the trip.
He said Africa "has the potential to be the next centre of global economic growth", speaking at an event for the African Growth Opportunity Act, US trade legislation which aims to help bolster Africa's prosperity.
Obama has travelled to Africa more than any other sitting US president, and talked about the "deep" ties between Africa and the United States before setting off on the trip.
"There have been times where there have been misunderstandings, and there have been times where there have been suspicions. But when you look at every survey, it turns out that the people of Africa love the United States and what it stands for," he said.
Rights row
Obama has not yet been to Kenya during his White House tenure, with a previous trip delayed by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's indictment for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
Those charges were suspended last year - in part, prosecutors say, because the Kenyan government thwarted the investigation.
His trip has also come under fire by rights groups, and more than 50 African and global human rights organisations have called on him to publicly meet democracy activists on the trip.
They voiced concerns about "grave and worsening" rights challenges in both Kenya and Ethiopia.
The charges against Kenyatta, and the fact Ethiopia's government won 100% of parliamentary seats in a recent disputed election, has raised questions about whether Obama should have made the trip at all.
In Kenya, Obama will attend a Global Entrepreneurship Summit, aimed at promoting businesses that promise to lift many more Africans out of poverty and help insulate societies against radicalisation.
In Addis Ababa, Obama is expected to address leaders of the African Union, remarks that may touch on Africa's democratic deficit.
There are no official visits scheduled for Obama to see his relatives while in Kenya, officials said.
Obama has said he had "never truly known" his father, was born in Kenya's far west, in a village near the equator and the shores of Lake Victoria.
A pipe-smoking economist, he walked out when Obama was just two and died in a car crash in Nairobi in 1982, aged 46.
Obama has previously made personal visits to Kogelo, the home of many of his Kenyan relatives, most recently in 2006.
Washington - President Barack Obama left Washington for Kenya on Thursday in a trip that will also include a stop in the Ethiopian capital and a visit to the home of the African Union.
The landmark trip to Obama's ancestral homeland of Kenya, where his father was born, is his first as president and is also the first time a sitting US president will visit Ethiopia and the AU's headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The first African-American president of the United States is expected to address regional security issues and trade, and also touch on matters relating to democracy, poverty and human rights in the region.
Joining him on the trip is National Security Advisor Susan Rice, foreign policy aide Ben Rhodes and White House spokesperson Josh Earnest.
Before heading off on the trip - Obama's fourth time to Africa since taking office - he spoke about the promise, and difficulties, on the continent.
Incredible dynamism
"Despite its many challenges - and we have to be clear-eyed about all the challenges that the continent still faces - Africa is a place of incredible dynamism, some of the fastest-growing markets in the world, extraordinary people, extraordinary resilience," Obama said ahead of the trip.
He said Africa "has the potential to be the next centre of global economic growth", speaking at an event for the African Growth Opportunity Act, US trade legislation which aims to help bolster Africa's prosperity.
Obama has travelled to Africa more than any other sitting US president, and talked about the "deep" ties between Africa and the United States before setting off on the trip.
"There have been times where there have been misunderstandings, and there have been times where there have been suspicions. But when you look at every survey, it turns out that the people of Africa love the United States and what it stands for," he said.
Rights row
Obama has not yet been to Kenya during his White House tenure, with a previous trip delayed by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's indictment for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
Those charges were suspended last year - in part, prosecutors say, because the Kenyan government thwarted the investigation.
His trip has also come under fire by rights groups, and more than 50 African and global human rights organisations have called on him to publicly meet democracy activists on the trip.
They voiced concerns about "grave and worsening" rights challenges in both Kenya and Ethiopia.
The charges against Kenyatta, and the fact Ethiopia's government won 100% of parliamentary seats in a recent disputed election, has raised questions about whether Obama should have made the trip at all.
In Kenya, Obama will attend a Global Entrepreneurship Summit, aimed at promoting businesses that promise to lift many more Africans out of poverty and help insulate societies against radicalisation.
In Addis Ababa, Obama is expected to address leaders of the African Union, remarks that may touch on Africa's democratic deficit.
There are no official visits scheduled for Obama to see his relatives while in Kenya, officials said.
Obama has said he had "never truly known" his father, was born in Kenya's far west, in a village near the equator and the shores of Lake Victoria.
A pipe-smoking economist, he walked out when Obama was just two and died in a car crash in Nairobi in 1982, aged 46.
Obama has previously made personal visits to Kogelo, the home of many of his Kenyan relatives, most recently in 2006.
PDP cries out over murder of six chieftains in Benue
18:12 23/07/2015
Makurdi - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has raised an alarm over the murder of six of its chieftains in the state, reports Vanguard.
The party said the heinous crimes against its members has so as far gone largely unchecked as security agencies had no tangible evidence of arrests of perpetrators of the crimes.
Godwin Ayihe, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state in a statement on Wednesday, said it is unacceptable to leaders of the PDP that six of the top party's members have been murdered in cold blood while security agencies seem to have no answers to the situation.
He called on security agencies and Governor Samuel Ortom to unravel the masterminds of the heinous crimes.
However, in a swift reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a statement by its state Chairman, Abba Yaro, absolved the party from the killings and blamed internal wrangling in the PDP for the development.
Read more at Vanguard.
Makurdi - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has raised an alarm over the murder of six of its chieftains in the state, reports Vanguard.
The party said the heinous crimes against its members has so as far gone largely unchecked as security agencies had no tangible evidence of arrests of perpetrators of the crimes.
Godwin Ayihe, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state in a statement on Wednesday, said it is unacceptable to leaders of the PDP that six of the top party's members have been murdered in cold blood while security agencies seem to have no answers to the situation.
He called on security agencies and Governor Samuel Ortom to unravel the masterminds of the heinous crimes.
However, in a swift reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a statement by its state Chairman, Abba Yaro, absolved the party from the killings and blamed internal wrangling in the PDP for the development.
Read more at Vanguard.
APC chieftain assures Igbos
21:53 23/07/2015
Abuja - A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Osita Okechukwu, on Thursday assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would not neglect the Igbos in appointments.
Okechukwu, who is the spokesman of the party in the South-East, gave the assurance in an interaction with journalists in Abuja.
He said that the president still had more than 500 appointments to make and that the Igbos would be carried along fully.
He said the appointments made so far were based solely on professional competence, but expressed confidence that Igbos won't miss out in Buhari's government.
''My message for my people is that in the next one or two years, they will have nothing to complain about because the Federal Government of Nigeria is a big elephant.
''He has more than 500 appointments to be made and the juicy ones are also there, and even the sensitive ones are also there; we cannot miss out,'' he said.
The spokesman urged the people to be patient as the government had just spent one month out of its 48-month mandate.
''My people from the South-East are complaining over the appointments made so far; yes, that's a valid argument but the arguments could be accessed on two grounds.
''One, the president has 48 months mandate; he has just completed one or two which falls below five per cent of the mandate he was given.
''On the other hand, he has over five hundred appointments to be made no matter the delay, to be made between now and December or by this time next year.
''I personally feel it is very much on the side of impatience to assess the president with less than 30 appointments, because there are other crucial appointments still waiting,'' he said.
He explained that the appointment of service chiefs should not be politicised, considering the current level of insecurity in the country.
He expressed confidence in the president's disposition to fairness.
''I do not see President Muhammadu Buhari whom I have worked with for over 12 years neglecting or trying to breach that area of the Constitution that says appointments must reflect federal character,'' he said.
Abuja - A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Osita Okechukwu, on Thursday assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would not neglect the Igbos in appointments.
Okechukwu, who is the spokesman of the party in the South-East, gave the assurance in an interaction with journalists in Abuja.
He said that the president still had more than 500 appointments to make and that the Igbos would be carried along fully.
He said the appointments made so far were based solely on professional competence, but expressed confidence that Igbos won't miss out in Buhari's government.
''My message for my people is that in the next one or two years, they will have nothing to complain about because the Federal Government of Nigeria is a big elephant.
''He has more than 500 appointments to be made and the juicy ones are also there, and even the sensitive ones are also there; we cannot miss out,'' he said.
The spokesman urged the people to be patient as the government had just spent one month out of its 48-month mandate.
''My people from the South-East are complaining over the appointments made so far; yes, that's a valid argument but the arguments could be accessed on two grounds.
''One, the president has 48 months mandate; he has just completed one or two which falls below five per cent of the mandate he was given.
''On the other hand, he has over five hundred appointments to be made no matter the delay, to be made between now and December or by this time next year.
''I personally feel it is very much on the side of impatience to assess the president with less than 30 appointments, because there are other crucial appointments still waiting,'' he said.
He explained that the appointment of service chiefs should not be politicised, considering the current level of insecurity in the country.
He expressed confidence in the president's disposition to fairness.
''I do not see President Muhammadu Buhari whom I have worked with for over 12 years neglecting or trying to breach that area of the Constitution that says appointments must reflect federal character,'' he said.
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Boko Haram holds territories in the NE: governors
06:52 24/07/2015
Abuja - Boko Haram Islamists are still holding on to some territories in the troubled northeast, state governors from the region said on Thursday, after the military claimed a series of major victories against the Islamists.
Borno and Yobe governors told a monthly national economic council meeting in Abuja that the rebel group -- whose insurgency has claimed more than 15 000 lives since 2009 -- still controlled five municipalities within their states.
"On Boko Haram issues, governors of Yobe and Borno raised the alarm of five local government areas of the two states still being in possession of the insurgents," an official document made available to reporters after the meeting said.
Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the northeast have suffered the brunt of the Boko Haram insurgency.
A regional military coalition of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon has claimed a series of major victories against Boko Haram since launching sweeping offensives against the jihadists in February.
But the Islamist fighters, who recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State extremists who have captured swathes of Iraq and Syria, have been pushing back.
The Borno and Yobe governors called for an "increase in military deployment and provision of sophisticated military equipment in those areas", the three-page document said.
"Insurgents are still hiding in the Sambisa forest," it added.
It is widely believed that many of the more than 200 school girls kidnapped from their school in Chibok, Borno state, by Boko Haram jihadists in April last year are being held in the sprawling forest.
Gunmen killed eight people in a raid on a village in Borno state on Wednesday, in the latest violence blamed on the Islamists, a local resident and a vigilante said.
The attack was unleashed the same day as twin suicide bombings in Cameroon and a series of blasts at two bus stations in Nigeria that left at least 50 dead.
Abuja - Boko Haram Islamists are still holding on to some territories in the troubled northeast, state governors from the region said on Thursday, after the military claimed a series of major victories against the Islamists.
Borno and Yobe governors told a monthly national economic council meeting in Abuja that the rebel group -- whose insurgency has claimed more than 15 000 lives since 2009 -- still controlled five municipalities within their states.
"On Boko Haram issues, governors of Yobe and Borno raised the alarm of five local government areas of the two states still being in possession of the insurgents," an official document made available to reporters after the meeting said.
Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the northeast have suffered the brunt of the Boko Haram insurgency.
A regional military coalition of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon has claimed a series of major victories against Boko Haram since launching sweeping offensives against the jihadists in February.
But the Islamist fighters, who recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State extremists who have captured swathes of Iraq and Syria, have been pushing back.
The Borno and Yobe governors called for an "increase in military deployment and provision of sophisticated military equipment in those areas", the three-page document said.
"Insurgents are still hiding in the Sambisa forest," it added.
It is widely believed that many of the more than 200 school girls kidnapped from their school in Chibok, Borno state, by Boko Haram jihadists in April last year are being held in the sprawling forest.
Gunmen killed eight people in a raid on a village in Borno state on Wednesday, in the latest violence blamed on the Islamists, a local resident and a vigilante said.
The attack was unleashed the same day as twin suicide bombings in Cameroon and a series of blasts at two bus stations in Nigeria that left at least 50 dead.
Nigeria marks polio-free year, raising global eradication hopes
06:52 24/07/2015
London - Nigeria marked its first year without a single case of polio on Friday, reaching a milestone many experts had thought would elude it as internal conflict hampered the battle against the crippling disease.
It means the country could come off the list of countries where polio is endemic in a few weeks, once the World Health Organization (WHO) can confirm that the last few samples taken from people in previously affected areas are free of the virus.
This achievement turns up the pressure on Pakistan, where most of the few polio cases in the world remain, to follow suit.
Nigeria's polio-free period, dating from July 24, 2014, is the longest it has gone without recording a case. The hope is that next month the entire African continent will have gone a full year without a polio infection, with the last case recorded in Somalia on August 11, 2014.
All this brings tantalisingly closer the prospect that polio will soon become only the second human infectious disease after smallpox to be eradicated.
"It's an extraordinary achievement. It really shows the value of government leadership and taking ownership of the programme," said Carol Pandak, the director of Rotary International's polio program.
A disease that until the 1950s crippled thousands of people a year in rich and poor nations alike, the poliomyelitis virus attacks the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours of infection.
It often spreads among young children and in areas with poor sanitation - a factor that gives it freedom in areas of conflict and unrest. But it can be halted with comprehensive, population-wide vaccination.
Nigeria had struggled to contain polio since some northern states imposed a year-long vaccine ban in mid-2003. Some state governors and religious leaders in the predominantly Islamic north alleged the vaccines were contaminated by Western powers to spread sterility and HIV/AIDS among Muslims.
Traditional leaders throughout the country pledged in January 2009 to support immunisation campaigns and push parents to have their children vaccinated. But at about the same time Boko Haram militants began a bloody insurgency to carve out an Islamist state in the northeast.
Driving the project
In 2012, Nigeria still seemed to be losing the battle against polio, recording more than half of all the world's cases.
But Oyewale Tomori, Nigeria's chairman of the Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication says Abuja's prioritisation of the polio fight, including establishing emergency operations centres to coordinate vaccination campaigns and reach children in previously inaccessible areas, helped drive the project on.
Tactics such as engaging the traditional and religious leaders, and polio survivors in immunisation campaigns and using thousands of voluntary workers to build trust, were also vital, as will be the continuation of high levels of vaccine coverage to keep the virus at bay.
"We're well on the way," Tomori told Reuters. "It's a time of great happiness, but we don't want to celebrate prematurely."
Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988, there has been a more than 99 percent reduction in polio cases worldwide.
Back then the disease was endemic in 125 countries and caused paralysis in nearly 1,000 children a day. By contrast, so far in 2015, there were only 33 new cases worldwide - 28 of them in Pakistan, with the rest in Afghanistan.
Nigeria still has two more years before it, along with the whole of Africa, can be certified officially polio-free by WHO, but health experts say its achievement bodes well for wiping the disease out. Global health experts still hold out hope for an end to polio worldwide by 2018.
Pandak says it's now Islamabad's turn to feel the huge international pressure Abuja came under to commit itself to finding every last polio case and vaccinating every last child.
"When you're the last country in a region to still have polio, there's a lot of pressure from the global community and from your neighbours," she said.
"Everybody spurs you on, polio gets talked about at the highest levels of government, and that pressure is something Pakistan is acutely politically aware of."
While Pakistan has more polio cases than anywhere else this year - neighbouring Afghanistan has recorded five - it is doing better, with 70 percent fewer cases this year than last.
London - Nigeria marked its first year without a single case of polio on Friday, reaching a milestone many experts had thought would elude it as internal conflict hampered the battle against the crippling disease.
It means the country could come off the list of countries where polio is endemic in a few weeks, once the World Health Organization (WHO) can confirm that the last few samples taken from people in previously affected areas are free of the virus.
This achievement turns up the pressure on Pakistan, where most of the few polio cases in the world remain, to follow suit.
Nigeria's polio-free period, dating from July 24, 2014, is the longest it has gone without recording a case. The hope is that next month the entire African continent will have gone a full year without a polio infection, with the last case recorded in Somalia on August 11, 2014.
All this brings tantalisingly closer the prospect that polio will soon become only the second human infectious disease after smallpox to be eradicated.
"It's an extraordinary achievement. It really shows the value of government leadership and taking ownership of the programme," said Carol Pandak, the director of Rotary International's polio program.
A disease that until the 1950s crippled thousands of people a year in rich and poor nations alike, the poliomyelitis virus attacks the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours of infection.
It often spreads among young children and in areas with poor sanitation - a factor that gives it freedom in areas of conflict and unrest. But it can be halted with comprehensive, population-wide vaccination.
Nigeria had struggled to contain polio since some northern states imposed a year-long vaccine ban in mid-2003. Some state governors and religious leaders in the predominantly Islamic north alleged the vaccines were contaminated by Western powers to spread sterility and HIV/AIDS among Muslims.
Traditional leaders throughout the country pledged in January 2009 to support immunisation campaigns and push parents to have their children vaccinated. But at about the same time Boko Haram militants began a bloody insurgency to carve out an Islamist state in the northeast.
Driving the project
In 2012, Nigeria still seemed to be losing the battle against polio, recording more than half of all the world's cases.
But Oyewale Tomori, Nigeria's chairman of the Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication says Abuja's prioritisation of the polio fight, including establishing emergency operations centres to coordinate vaccination campaigns and reach children in previously inaccessible areas, helped drive the project on.
Tactics such as engaging the traditional and religious leaders, and polio survivors in immunisation campaigns and using thousands of voluntary workers to build trust, were also vital, as will be the continuation of high levels of vaccine coverage to keep the virus at bay.
"We're well on the way," Tomori told Reuters. "It's a time of great happiness, but we don't want to celebrate prematurely."
Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988, there has been a more than 99 percent reduction in polio cases worldwide.
Back then the disease was endemic in 125 countries and caused paralysis in nearly 1,000 children a day. By contrast, so far in 2015, there were only 33 new cases worldwide - 28 of them in Pakistan, with the rest in Afghanistan.
Nigeria still has two more years before it, along with the whole of Africa, can be certified officially polio-free by WHO, but health experts say its achievement bodes well for wiping the disease out. Global health experts still hold out hope for an end to polio worldwide by 2018.
Pandak says it's now Islamabad's turn to feel the huge international pressure Abuja came under to commit itself to finding every last polio case and vaccinating every last child.
"When you're the last country in a region to still have polio, there's a lot of pressure from the global community and from your neighbours," she said.
"Everybody spurs you on, polio gets talked about at the highest levels of government, and that pressure is something Pakistan is acutely politically aware of."
While Pakistan has more polio cases than anywhere else this year - neighbouring Afghanistan has recorded five - it is doing better, with 70 percent fewer cases this year than last.
Union decries killing of Nigerian in South Africa
08:46 24/07/2015
Johannesburg - The President of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Ikechukwu Anyene, on Thursday, decried the killing of a Nigerian in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
The Nigerian, Nonso Odo (30), from Amangwu-Nkwerre in Imo state, was allegedly tortured to death by South African Police officers on Thursday.
Emeka Ezinteje, Public Relations Officer of the union, disclosed in Johannesburg that the union decried the incident after receiving the report.
Ezinteje said reports indicated that the deceased, who was a barber, quarreled with a fellow Nigerian in their business centre.
"After the quarrel, the fellow Nigerian stopped a police patrol team. The barber ran when he saw the patrol team."
According to Ezinteje, the police patrol went after Odo; 30 minutes later, the police brought back the lifeless body of the barber.
"Not satisfied with the police report, some members of the union went to see the corpse in hospital."
He said Sergeant Nengobeni, a South African police officer at the hospital, denied that the police killed him.
The officer said the police were flagged down by somebody while the victim took to his heels.
Nengobeni said by the time the police got to the victim, he was tired and gasping for breath and was pronounced dead on getting to the hospital.
Ezinteje said the union suspected foul play and would get to the root of the case.
"We have also received reports by eyewitnesses that Odo was beaten to death.
"We have ordered a post mortem to ascertain the cause of Odo's death. The union will also take this case to the Independent Police Investigative Department, for more investigation.
"The department is responsible for investigating wrong doings by police officers," he said.
He also said the incident had been reported to Nigeria's Consulate General in Johannesburg and Hillbrow Police Station, also in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg - The President of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Ikechukwu Anyene, on Thursday, decried the killing of a Nigerian in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
The Nigerian, Nonso Odo (30), from Amangwu-Nkwerre in Imo state, was allegedly tortured to death by South African Police officers on Thursday.
Emeka Ezinteje, Public Relations Officer of the union, disclosed in Johannesburg that the union decried the incident after receiving the report.
Ezinteje said reports indicated that the deceased, who was a barber, quarreled with a fellow Nigerian in their business centre.
"After the quarrel, the fellow Nigerian stopped a police patrol team. The barber ran when he saw the patrol team."
According to Ezinteje, the police patrol went after Odo; 30 minutes later, the police brought back the lifeless body of the barber.
"Not satisfied with the police report, some members of the union went to see the corpse in hospital."
He said Sergeant Nengobeni, a South African police officer at the hospital, denied that the police killed him.
The officer said the police were flagged down by somebody while the victim took to his heels.
Nengobeni said by the time the police got to the victim, he was tired and gasping for breath and was pronounced dead on getting to the hospital.
Ezinteje said the union suspected foul play and would get to the root of the case.
"We have also received reports by eyewitnesses that Odo was beaten to death.
"We have ordered a post mortem to ascertain the cause of Odo's death. The union will also take this case to the Independent Police Investigative Department, for more investigation.
"The department is responsible for investigating wrong doings by police officers," he said.
He also said the incident had been reported to Nigeria's Consulate General in Johannesburg and Hillbrow Police Station, also in Johannesburg.
Gunman kills 3 at a Louisiana cinema
08:46 24/07/2015
Washington - A shooting in a cinema in the southern US state of Louisiana left three people dead, late on Thursday, local media reported.
Police chief Jim Craft in the city of Lafayette said seven people were injured and three killed after a gunman opened fire in the Grand Theatre in the city of Lafayette, local newspaper The Advertiser reported.
The shooter had killed himself after shooting at others in the cinema, the report said.
The shooting in Louisiana comes as a jury in the state of Colorado deliberates on the verdict for James Holmes, who killed 12 people at a cinema in the state in 2012.
Washington - A shooting in a cinema in the southern US state of Louisiana left three people dead, late on Thursday, local media reported.
Police chief Jim Craft in the city of Lafayette said seven people were injured and three killed after a gunman opened fire in the Grand Theatre in the city of Lafayette, local newspaper The Advertiser reported.
The shooter had killed himself after shooting at others in the cinema, the report said.
The shooting in Louisiana comes as a jury in the state of Colorado deliberates on the verdict for James Holmes, who killed 12 people at a cinema in the state in 2012.
ISIL-linked blast kills troops in Egypt's Sinai
08:46 24/07/2015
Cairo - A roadside bomb has killed four Egyptian soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula, where the army is battling fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), according to the Egyptian military.
One officer and three soldiers died in the attack on their vehicle near the border town of Rafah, a military spokesman said on Facebook on Thursday.
ISIL's affiliate group in Egypt claimed responsibility for the bombing, in a statement posted on one of its Twitter accounts.
The attack came a few days after seven soldiers died in an attack on a checkpoint.
Last week, ISIL-affiliate Sinai Province also claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on an Egyptian naval vessel near the coast of Israel and Gaza, less than a week after claiming a bombing in Cairo that heavily damaged the Italian consulate.
Sinai Province earlier this month assaulted several military checkpoints in North Sinai, in what was the fiercest fighting in the region in years.
Fighters loyal to ISIL have killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the army overthrew President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
The military said it has killed more than 1,000 fighters in Sinai, which borders Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said the group poses an existential threat to Egypt, the most populous Arab country.
Cairo - A roadside bomb has killed four Egyptian soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula, where the army is battling fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), according to the Egyptian military.
One officer and three soldiers died in the attack on their vehicle near the border town of Rafah, a military spokesman said on Facebook on Thursday.
ISIL's affiliate group in Egypt claimed responsibility for the bombing, in a statement posted on one of its Twitter accounts.
The attack came a few days after seven soldiers died in an attack on a checkpoint.
Last week, ISIL-affiliate Sinai Province also claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on an Egyptian naval vessel near the coast of Israel and Gaza, less than a week after claiming a bombing in Cairo that heavily damaged the Italian consulate.
Sinai Province earlier this month assaulted several military checkpoints in North Sinai, in what was the fiercest fighting in the region in years.
Fighters loyal to ISIL have killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the army overthrew President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
The military said it has killed more than 1,000 fighters in Sinai, which borders Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said the group poses an existential threat to Egypt, the most populous Arab country.
APC, PDP in new war of words over Amaechi
10:04 24/07/2015
Abuja - All Progressives Congress has hit back at the People’s Democratic Party after the latter alleged President Muhammadu Buhari was shielding former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, from prosecution.
PDP made the allegation through a statement by Felix Obua, Rivers State PDP Chairman, signed by his media assistant, Jerry Needam.
“An overview of the eight-paragraph gibberish write-up undeniably offers a pen picture of an unstable state of mind of the writer, his boss and political party. Indeed, it tells of a group of persons who are operating within the horribly pathetic world of full-blown lunacy,” Chris Finebone APC Rivers State Publicity Secretary, said.
He said the APC believed that the “obsession with Amaechi by Jerry Needam and his so-called sponsors was a testimony of a deliberate plot to discredit the former governor at all cost.
“It underscores the real reasons for the so-called judicial commission of inquiry set up by the Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike. The APC is sure that those who are digging ditches for former Governor Chibuike Amaechi will ultimately become victims of their own devices.”
Finebone insisted no amount of blackmail on Amaechi and the ongoing blackmail on President Muhammadu Buhari would stir up ill feelings between the duo.
“As many times as they try shall they fail,” Finebone said.
Abuja - All Progressives Congress has hit back at the People’s Democratic Party after the latter alleged President Muhammadu Buhari was shielding former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, from prosecution.
PDP made the allegation through a statement by Felix Obua, Rivers State PDP Chairman, signed by his media assistant, Jerry Needam.
“An overview of the eight-paragraph gibberish write-up undeniably offers a pen picture of an unstable state of mind of the writer, his boss and political party. Indeed, it tells of a group of persons who are operating within the horribly pathetic world of full-blown lunacy,” Chris Finebone APC Rivers State Publicity Secretary, said.
He said the APC believed that the “obsession with Amaechi by Jerry Needam and his so-called sponsors was a testimony of a deliberate plot to discredit the former governor at all cost.
“It underscores the real reasons for the so-called judicial commission of inquiry set up by the Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike. The APC is sure that those who are digging ditches for former Governor Chibuike Amaechi will ultimately become victims of their own devices.”
Finebone insisted no amount of blackmail on Amaechi and the ongoing blackmail on President Muhammadu Buhari would stir up ill feelings between the duo.
“As many times as they try shall they fail,” Finebone said.
Navy destroys 12 illegal refineries in Delta communities
10:04 24/07/2015
Warri - Commodore Aliyu Sule, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, on Thursday said it destroyed 12 illegal refineries in Egbokodo and Kantu communities of Delta.
The commander made this known to newsmen at the Warri Naval Base in Warri Delta.
Egbokodo and Kantu communities are in Warri South and Warri South/West Local Government Areas of Delta State respectively.
"Two of the illegal refineries were destroyed in Egbokodo while others were ruined in Kantu," Sule said.
Sule addede that the command would continue to checkmate perpetrators of illegal bunkering until the criminal act was completely eradicated.
"In Kantu forest, we destroyed 10 illegal refineries and I understand there are more, so, we are going back to the place to destroy them.
"I understand that place is full of illegal refineries, that what we have just done was a tip of the iceberg, so we will not stop as long as they don’t stop," he said.
The commander said intelligence gathering was very vital in winning the war against oil theft.
He urged the public to always supply his personnel with useful information to stop the illegal bunkering in the state.
Sule, who decried the ecological effect of the illicit trade on the environment, said that destruction of the ill-gotten products was part of their regulations.
"We will carry out our mandate such that our environment and the people are winners against oil thieves," Sule said.
One wooden boat laden with a product suspected to be crude oil was burnt in Egbokodo.
Two pumping machines, five tents and over 20 metallic and plastic drums filled with illegally refined diesel and petrol were also destroyed in Kantu.
Sule said the command on Wednesday showed the media four suspected marketers of illegally-refined crude oil apprehended at the old Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in Warri.
"The suspects, who are middle-aged men, are still under our custody.
"They were alleged to have been in possession of 33 drums and 254 jerry cans filled with diesel and other products.
"We will hand them over to the relevant authority for prosecution as soon as investigation is concluded," he said.
He advised parents to monitor their wards and know the kind of friends they fraternised with to discourage them from indulging in oil theft.
Warri - Commodore Aliyu Sule, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, on Thursday said it destroyed 12 illegal refineries in Egbokodo and Kantu communities of Delta.
The commander made this known to newsmen at the Warri Naval Base in Warri Delta.
Egbokodo and Kantu communities are in Warri South and Warri South/West Local Government Areas of Delta State respectively.
"Two of the illegal refineries were destroyed in Egbokodo while others were ruined in Kantu," Sule said.
Sule addede that the command would continue to checkmate perpetrators of illegal bunkering until the criminal act was completely eradicated.
"In Kantu forest, we destroyed 10 illegal refineries and I understand there are more, so, we are going back to the place to destroy them.
"I understand that place is full of illegal refineries, that what we have just done was a tip of the iceberg, so we will not stop as long as they don’t stop," he said.
The commander said intelligence gathering was very vital in winning the war against oil theft.
He urged the public to always supply his personnel with useful information to stop the illegal bunkering in the state.
Sule, who decried the ecological effect of the illicit trade on the environment, said that destruction of the ill-gotten products was part of their regulations.
"We will carry out our mandate such that our environment and the people are winners against oil thieves," Sule said.
One wooden boat laden with a product suspected to be crude oil was burnt in Egbokodo.
Two pumping machines, five tents and over 20 metallic and plastic drums filled with illegally refined diesel and petrol were also destroyed in Kantu.
Sule said the command on Wednesday showed the media four suspected marketers of illegally-refined crude oil apprehended at the old Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in Warri.
"The suspects, who are middle-aged men, are still under our custody.
"They were alleged to have been in possession of 33 drums and 254 jerry cans filled with diesel and other products.
"We will hand them over to the relevant authority for prosecution as soon as investigation is concluded," he said.
He advised parents to monitor their wards and know the kind of friends they fraternised with to discourage them from indulging in oil theft.
Louisiana cinema shooting: Victims were teachers
10:05 24/07/2015
Louisiana - A lone gunman opened fire inside a crowded movie theater in Lafayette, Louisiana, on Thursday evening, killing two people and injuring seven others before taking his own life, police said.
The gunfire erupted during a 19:00 showing of the film Trainwreck and took place almost three years to the day after a massacre at a cinema in Aurora, Colorado, that killed 12 people.
Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft said two people died in the hail of bullets before the 58-year-old suspect killed himself with a handgun as officers rushed to the scene shortly after 19:30.
Seven people suffered injuries ranging from non life-threatening to critical, Craft said.
Authorities said they knew the gunman's identity but were not releasing his name during the early stage of the investigation. They offered no immediate motive and did not disclose any clues they might have found.
"The shooter is deceased. We may never know," Craft said, adding that the man appeared to have a criminal history that he described as "pretty old."
Batman
Police officials said that bomb-sniffing dogs had alerted on a backpack inside the theater and that they had also signaled "suspicious" items inside the suspect's car. A robot was being used to probe the vehicle further.
Investigators also headed to the gunman's home. His body remained inside the theater several hours later. None of the victims, who were described as ranging in age from teens to early 60s, were immediately identified by authorities.
Witnesses said the gunman abruptly stood up in the darkness of the theater about 20 minutes into the movie and began shooting.
"He wasn't saying anything. I didn't hear anybody screaming either," Katie Domingue, who was watching the film with her fiance, told the local Advertiser newspaper.
Republican Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal traveled to Lafayette, a city of about 120 000 people roughly 90km southwest of Baton Rouge.
"As governor, as a father and as a husband, whenever we hear about these senseless acts of violence it makes us both furious and sad at the same time," he said at a briefing.
Jindal said that two of the wounded victims were teachers and that one of them managed to pull a fire alarm in the theater after being shot.
The shooting came three years after a gunman opened fire at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight screening of the Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, killing 12 people and wounding 70 others.
James Holmes, a former neuroscience graduate student at the University of Colorado, was convicted last week on 165 counts of murder, attempted murder and explosives in the July 20, 2012, rampage.
Jurors in that case were trying to determine if Holmes should face the death penalty or life in prison during a penalty phase of that case.
The United States has witnessed several mass shootings in the last two months.
A gunman is accused of a racially motivated shooting at a black church in South Carolina that killed nine church members in June. More recently, a gunman attacked military offices in Tennessee last week, killing five US servicemen.
Jindal, who last month announced his candidacy for president, said he had ordered National Guard members at offices and other facilities to be armed in the wake of the Tennessee attack.
Louisiana - A lone gunman opened fire inside a crowded movie theater in Lafayette, Louisiana, on Thursday evening, killing two people and injuring seven others before taking his own life, police said.
The gunfire erupted during a 19:00 showing of the film Trainwreck and took place almost three years to the day after a massacre at a cinema in Aurora, Colorado, that killed 12 people.
Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft said two people died in the hail of bullets before the 58-year-old suspect killed himself with a handgun as officers rushed to the scene shortly after 19:30.
Seven people suffered injuries ranging from non life-threatening to critical, Craft said.
Authorities said they knew the gunman's identity but were not releasing his name during the early stage of the investigation. They offered no immediate motive and did not disclose any clues they might have found.
"The shooter is deceased. We may never know," Craft said, adding that the man appeared to have a criminal history that he described as "pretty old."
Batman
Police officials said that bomb-sniffing dogs had alerted on a backpack inside the theater and that they had also signaled "suspicious" items inside the suspect's car. A robot was being used to probe the vehicle further.
Investigators also headed to the gunman's home. His body remained inside the theater several hours later. None of the victims, who were described as ranging in age from teens to early 60s, were immediately identified by authorities.
Witnesses said the gunman abruptly stood up in the darkness of the theater about 20 minutes into the movie and began shooting.
"He wasn't saying anything. I didn't hear anybody screaming either," Katie Domingue, who was watching the film with her fiance, told the local Advertiser newspaper.
Republican Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal traveled to Lafayette, a city of about 120 000 people roughly 90km southwest of Baton Rouge.
"As governor, as a father and as a husband, whenever we hear about these senseless acts of violence it makes us both furious and sad at the same time," he said at a briefing.
Jindal said that two of the wounded victims were teachers and that one of them managed to pull a fire alarm in the theater after being shot.
The shooting came three years after a gunman opened fire at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight screening of the Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, killing 12 people and wounding 70 others.
James Holmes, a former neuroscience graduate student at the University of Colorado, was convicted last week on 165 counts of murder, attempted murder and explosives in the July 20, 2012, rampage.
Jurors in that case were trying to determine if Holmes should face the death penalty or life in prison during a penalty phase of that case.
The United States has witnessed several mass shootings in the last two months.
A gunman is accused of a racially motivated shooting at a black church in South Carolina that killed nine church members in June. More recently, a gunman attacked military offices in Tennessee last week, killing five US servicemen.
Jindal, who last month announced his candidacy for president, said he had ordered National Guard members at offices and other facilities to be armed in the wake of the Tennessee attack.
Body of teenage migrant found on train in Britain
10:05 24/07/2015
London - The body of a teenage migrant was found on a train that arrived in Britain from France on Thursday, police and a spokeswoman for the cross-Channel rail operator Eurotunnel said.
The male was "believed to be in his teens" according to Kent Police, who were called to the Folkestone train terminal in south-east England when the body was discovered.
"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances behind his death," the police statement said. A Eurotunnel spokesman said he was a migrant.
Earlier, the company blamed delays to train travel through the tunnel on "intensive migrant activity" at its French terminal.
Several migrants have died in recent weeks in desperate attempts to reach England from Calais in northern France, where thousands of people have converged on a makeshift camp after fleeing war and hardship in countries including Eritrea, Libya and Syria.
Authorities stopped more than 8,000 attempts at crossing the Channel over a six-week period in June and July, according to the British interior ministry.
Some have tried to break into lorries, others are believed to have drowned while attempting to swim across, and more have died trying to board trains travelling through the undersea tunnel that connects the two countries.
Eurotunnel have erected posters warning of the dangers of attempting to smuggle into Britain.
The situation has caused friction between British and French authorities.
"This is a reminder, if one were needed, that any attempt to get through is extremely dangerous," the Eurotunnel spokeswoman said.
"We reiterate our call to the authorities to address the situation in Calais."
On Wednesday, Eurotunnel announced it would seek 9.7 million euros ($10.67 million) in compensation from the British and French governments due to the disruption caused by the migrants.
The company said it had run up a security bill of 13 million euros trying to prevent migrants crossing from France to England.
London - The body of a teenage migrant was found on a train that arrived in Britain from France on Thursday, police and a spokeswoman for the cross-Channel rail operator Eurotunnel said.
The male was "believed to be in his teens" according to Kent Police, who were called to the Folkestone train terminal in south-east England when the body was discovered.
"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances behind his death," the police statement said. A Eurotunnel spokesman said he was a migrant.
Earlier, the company blamed delays to train travel through the tunnel on "intensive migrant activity" at its French terminal.
Several migrants have died in recent weeks in desperate attempts to reach England from Calais in northern France, where thousands of people have converged on a makeshift camp after fleeing war and hardship in countries including Eritrea, Libya and Syria.
Authorities stopped more than 8,000 attempts at crossing the Channel over a six-week period in June and July, according to the British interior ministry.
Some have tried to break into lorries, others are believed to have drowned while attempting to swim across, and more have died trying to board trains travelling through the undersea tunnel that connects the two countries.
Eurotunnel have erected posters warning of the dangers of attempting to smuggle into Britain.
The situation has caused friction between British and French authorities.
"This is a reminder, if one were needed, that any attempt to get through is extremely dangerous," the Eurotunnel spokeswoman said.
"We reiterate our call to the authorities to address the situation in Calais."
On Wednesday, Eurotunnel announced it would seek 9.7 million euros ($10.67 million) in compensation from the British and French governments due to the disruption caused by the migrants.
The company said it had run up a security bill of 13 million euros trying to prevent migrants crossing from France to England.
Tribunal summons 2 Perm. Secs. over non-declaration of assets
10:05 24/07/2015
Abuja - The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Thursday ordered two Permanent Secretaries from Adamawa, Dr Bala Usman and Mamud Abubakar, to appear before it on November 16 over charges on non-declaration assets.
Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, issued the summon in Abuja at the resumed trial of the duo.
"The accused persons must appear before this tribunal on November 16," Umar said.
Earlier, Aliyu Ahmad, Counsel to the accused persons, urged the tribunal to adjourn to give him time to study an application filed by the prosecutor.
Ahmad explained that he had filed a no case application and served same on the prosecutor.
He said the prosecuting counsel, Peter Danladi, had also filed a reply to his no case application and would need time to respond.
Danladi did not oppose the application for adjournment.
He apologised for the delay in filing and serving the defense counsel with the reply.
Abuja - The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Thursday ordered two Permanent Secretaries from Adamawa, Dr Bala Usman and Mamud Abubakar, to appear before it on November 16 over charges on non-declaration assets.
Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, issued the summon in Abuja at the resumed trial of the duo.
"The accused persons must appear before this tribunal on November 16," Umar said.
Earlier, Aliyu Ahmad, Counsel to the accused persons, urged the tribunal to adjourn to give him time to study an application filed by the prosecutor.
Ahmad explained that he had filed a no case application and served same on the prosecutor.
He said the prosecuting counsel, Peter Danladi, had also filed a reply to his no case application and would need time to respond.
Danladi did not oppose the application for adjournment.
He apologised for the delay in filing and serving the defense counsel with the reply.
Thursday, 16 July 2015
Gunmen kill university lecturer
11:19 16/07/2015
Osogbo - Gunmen suspected to be assassins on Tuesday murdered a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr. Deji Adejobi, reports The Nation.
Adejobi, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics of the university, was shot by his assailants, who trailed him to his house at The Dawn area, near Ife tollgate at 10 pm.
The deceased was shot twice at close range.
The deceased is the older brother of the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Read more at The Nation.
Osogbo - Gunmen suspected to be assassins on Tuesday murdered a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr. Deji Adejobi, reports The Nation.
Adejobi, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics of the university, was shot by his assailants, who trailed him to his house at The Dawn area, near Ife tollgate at 10 pm.
The deceased was shot twice at close range.
The deceased is the older brother of the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Read more at The Nation.
Obasanjo reveals why he chose Yar’Adua above Odili, others
12:21 16/07/2015
Abeokuta - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed why he chose the late former President Umaru Yar’ Adua as his successor, reports Punch.
Obasanjo said he decided to settle for Yar’Adua because all the other candidates vying to succeed him were corrupt.
Obasanjo, in an interview with a Lagos-based private television station, Channels Television on Wednesday, said his choice of the late Yar’Adua was guided by facts available to him then.
He noted that he took the decision with all sense of responsibility.
Obasanjo was, however, silent on those he alleged were corrupt and were angling to succeed him.
Read more at Punch.
Abeokuta - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed why he chose the late former President Umaru Yar’ Adua as his successor, reports Punch.
Obasanjo said he decided to settle for Yar’Adua because all the other candidates vying to succeed him were corrupt.
Obasanjo, in an interview with a Lagos-based private television station, Channels Television on Wednesday, said his choice of the late Yar’Adua was guided by facts available to him then.
He noted that he took the decision with all sense of responsibility.
Obasanjo was, however, silent on those he alleged were corrupt and were angling to succeed him.
Read more at Punch.
11 killed as cattle rustlers invade Niger villages
12:21 16/07/2015
Minna - Eleven persons have been confirmed killed after the invasion and attack on some villages in Shiroro local government of Niger state by armed cattle rustlers, reports Vanguard.
The cattle rustlers attacked the villages and carted away several cows belonging to the villagers
Some youthful local vigilantes chased the rustlers and confronted them resulting in the killing of eight of the rustlers while three of the vigilantes also lost their lives.
The lawmaker representing Niger East, Senator David Umaru, visited the villages.
He decried the activities of the cattle rustlers and urged the government to tighten security in the area.
Read more at Vanguard.
Minna - Eleven persons have been confirmed killed after the invasion and attack on some villages in Shiroro local government of Niger state by armed cattle rustlers, reports Vanguard.
The cattle rustlers attacked the villages and carted away several cows belonging to the villagers
Some youthful local vigilantes chased the rustlers and confronted them resulting in the killing of eight of the rustlers while three of the vigilantes also lost their lives.
The lawmaker representing Niger East, Senator David Umaru, visited the villages.
He decried the activities of the cattle rustlers and urged the government to tighten security in the area.
Read more at Vanguard.
Mother of three commits suicide in Ekiti
12:21 16/07/2015
Ado Ekiti - A 46-year-old woman, identified as Ajibola has reportedly committed suicide in Ekiti State, reports NewsDay.
Ajibola, a mother of three was found hanging in her residence located at 4, Ajebamidele Street, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Neighbours revealed that Ajibola had made several attempts to take her life in the past which had made them to place her under watch.
Prior to Ajibola’s death, she had reportedly informed landlords in the area of her intention to address a world press conference slated for 6.30 pm on Tuesday.
The landlords, who waited in vain to see her at the stipulated time, went to her residence only to find her lifeless body dangling from the roof.
Her corpse has since been deposited at a morgue in the state capital.
Read more at NewsDay.
Ado Ekiti - A 46-year-old woman, identified as Ajibola has reportedly committed suicide in Ekiti State, reports NewsDay.
Ajibola, a mother of three was found hanging in her residence located at 4, Ajebamidele Street, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Neighbours revealed that Ajibola had made several attempts to take her life in the past which had made them to place her under watch.
Prior to Ajibola’s death, she had reportedly informed landlords in the area of her intention to address a world press conference slated for 6.30 pm on Tuesday.
The landlords, who waited in vain to see her at the stipulated time, went to her residence only to find her lifeless body dangling from the roof.
Her corpse has since been deposited at a morgue in the state capital.
Read more at NewsDay.
Emeka Ike denies divorce
13:14 16/07/2015
Lagos - Actor Emeka Ike is insisting that his marriage is intact, and has denied divorce rumors, reports Vanguard
The actor denied that he was a wife beater and denied that his wife had filed for divorce.
Emeka Ike’s wife had allegedly filed for divorce and that the case will be coming up on the 22nd July.
The actor described the rumour as unfounded, blaming it on those who are envious of his marriage.
Read more at Vanguard
Lagos - Actor Emeka Ike is insisting that his marriage is intact, and has denied divorce rumors, reports Vanguard
The actor denied that he was a wife beater and denied that his wife had filed for divorce.
Emeka Ike’s wife had allegedly filed for divorce and that the case will be coming up on the 22nd July.
The actor described the rumour as unfounded, blaming it on those who are envious of his marriage.
Read more at Vanguard
Thursday, 9 July 2015
PDP warns APC to stop intimidating Ekweremadu
17:50 08/07/2015
Abuja - Chairmen of state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop the unnecessary intimidation and harassment of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, reports PM News.
The Chairmen in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja vowed to mobilize members of the party across the country to resist any further attempt to harass and intimidate Ekweremadu,
Emmanuel Agbo, Chairman of Conference of PDP States Chairmen, who signed the statement of behalf of his colleagues called on the APC to accept the outcome of the election of the presiding officers of both chambers of the National Assembly in good faith and concentrate on giving Nigerians the change they promised them devoid of complaint.
He noted that Ekweremadu election as Deputy Senate President despite the fact that he does not belong to the APC is as a result of Ekweremadu's outstanding performance in the previous sessions of the Senate.
Read more at PM News.
Abuja - Chairmen of state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop the unnecessary intimidation and harassment of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, reports PM News.
The Chairmen in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja vowed to mobilize members of the party across the country to resist any further attempt to harass and intimidate Ekweremadu,
Emmanuel Agbo, Chairman of Conference of PDP States Chairmen, who signed the statement of behalf of his colleagues called on the APC to accept the outcome of the election of the presiding officers of both chambers of the National Assembly in good faith and concentrate on giving Nigerians the change they promised them devoid of complaint.
He noted that Ekweremadu election as Deputy Senate President despite the fact that he does not belong to the APC is as a result of Ekweremadu's outstanding performance in the previous sessions of the Senate.
Read more at PM News.
NLC commends FG over bailout of states
07:50 09/07/2015
Abuja - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the Federal Government for the release of N714 billion as bailout fund to state governors to clear the backlog of salaries owed to workers.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the General Secretary of the congress.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday approved the release of N714 billion intervention fund to state governments to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries.
"We would want to register our appreciation to the Government of the Federation for releasing intervention fund to the states.
"This intervention, no doubt, is a gesture that will go a long way in enabling the states to discharge their obligations to the citizenry.
"It will be recalled that in our submission to the Presidential Transition Committee, we had made the point that Mr President needed to intervene in resolving the issue of backlog of salaries.
"We are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari has made this happen."
It said that the labour movement was happy that the intervention included all states and not only those owing workers as "this would have been tantamount to rewarding profligacy".
The statement said that the intervention could be appropriately viewed within the prism of legitimacy and normal duty of sharing.
It said it was worth pointing out that it was one thing to disburse funds to the states; it was another thing to ensure that the funds were appropriately applied.
NLC, therefore, urged the president to bring the full weight of his office to bear on the governors in order to ensure that the funds disbursed were well applied.
The statement also said that as a matter of priority, the Federal Government should pay the full arrears of salaries and pensions owed workers and retirees.
It said that NLC would ensure that the its state councils across the country monitored the disbursement and utilisation of the fund.
The statement stressed that the NLC would ensure that any reported case of misapplication elicits an appropriate response from the congress.
Abuja - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the Federal Government for the release of N714 billion as bailout fund to state governors to clear the backlog of salaries owed to workers.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the General Secretary of the congress.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday approved the release of N714 billion intervention fund to state governments to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries.
"We would want to register our appreciation to the Government of the Federation for releasing intervention fund to the states.
"This intervention, no doubt, is a gesture that will go a long way in enabling the states to discharge their obligations to the citizenry.
"It will be recalled that in our submission to the Presidential Transition Committee, we had made the point that Mr President needed to intervene in resolving the issue of backlog of salaries.
"We are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari has made this happen."
It said that the labour movement was happy that the intervention included all states and not only those owing workers as "this would have been tantamount to rewarding profligacy".
The statement said that the intervention could be appropriately viewed within the prism of legitimacy and normal duty of sharing.
It said it was worth pointing out that it was one thing to disburse funds to the states; it was another thing to ensure that the funds were appropriately applied.
NLC, therefore, urged the president to bring the full weight of his office to bear on the governors in order to ensure that the funds disbursed were well applied.
The statement also said that as a matter of priority, the Federal Government should pay the full arrears of salaries and pensions owed workers and retirees.
It said that NLC would ensure that the its state councils across the country monitored the disbursement and utilisation of the fund.
The statement stressed that the NLC would ensure that any reported case of misapplication elicits an appropriate response from the congress.
NLC commends FG over bailout of states
07:50 09/07/2015
Abuja - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the Federal Government for the release of N714 billion as bailout fund to state governors to clear the backlog of salaries owed to workers.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the General Secretary of the congress.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday approved the release of N714 billion intervention fund to state governments to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries.
"We would want to register our appreciation to the Government of the Federation for releasing intervention fund to the states.
"This intervention, no doubt, is a gesture that will go a long way in enabling the states to discharge their obligations to the citizenry.
"It will be recalled that in our submission to the Presidential Transition Committee, we had made the point that Mr President needed to intervene in resolving the issue of backlog of salaries.
"We are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari has made this happen."
It said that the labour movement was happy that the intervention included all states and not only those owing workers as "this would have been tantamount to rewarding profligacy".
The statement said that the intervention could be appropriately viewed within the prism of legitimacy and normal duty of sharing.
It said it was worth pointing out that it was one thing to disburse funds to the states; it was another thing to ensure that the funds were appropriately applied.
NLC, therefore, urged the president to bring the full weight of his office to bear on the governors in order to ensure that the funds disbursed were well applied.
The statement also said that as a matter of priority, the Federal Government should pay the full arrears of salaries and pensions owed workers and retirees.
It said that NLC would ensure that the its state councils across the country monitored the disbursement and utilisation of the fund.
The statement stressed that the NLC would ensure that any reported case of misapplication elicits an appropriate response from the congress.
Abuja - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the Federal Government for the release of N714 billion as bailout fund to state governors to clear the backlog of salaries owed to workers.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the General Secretary of the congress.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday approved the release of N714 billion intervention fund to state governments to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries.
"We would want to register our appreciation to the Government of the Federation for releasing intervention fund to the states.
"This intervention, no doubt, is a gesture that will go a long way in enabling the states to discharge their obligations to the citizenry.
"It will be recalled that in our submission to the Presidential Transition Committee, we had made the point that Mr President needed to intervene in resolving the issue of backlog of salaries.
"We are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari has made this happen."
It said that the labour movement was happy that the intervention included all states and not only those owing workers as "this would have been tantamount to rewarding profligacy".
The statement said that the intervention could be appropriately viewed within the prism of legitimacy and normal duty of sharing.
It said it was worth pointing out that it was one thing to disburse funds to the states; it was another thing to ensure that the funds were appropriately applied.
NLC, therefore, urged the president to bring the full weight of his office to bear on the governors in order to ensure that the funds disbursed were well applied.
The statement also said that as a matter of priority, the Federal Government should pay the full arrears of salaries and pensions owed workers and retirees.
It said that NLC would ensure that the its state councils across the country monitored the disbursement and utilisation of the fund.
The statement stressed that the NLC would ensure that any reported case of misapplication elicits an appropriate response from the congress.
NLC commends FG over bailout of states
07:50 09/07/2015
Abuja - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the Federal Government for the release of N714 billion as bailout fund to state governors to clear the backlog of salaries owed to workers.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the General Secretary of the congress.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday approved the release of N714 billion intervention fund to state governments to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries.
"We would want to register our appreciation to the Government of the Federation for releasing intervention fund to the states.
"This intervention, no doubt, is a gesture that will go a long way in enabling the states to discharge their obligations to the citizenry.
"It will be recalled that in our submission to the Presidential Transition Committee, we had made the point that Mr President needed to intervene in resolving the issue of backlog of salaries.
"We are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari has made this happen."
It said that the labour movement was happy that the intervention included all states and not only those owing workers as "this would have been tantamount to rewarding profligacy".
The statement said that the intervention could be appropriately viewed within the prism of legitimacy and normal duty of sharing.
It said it was worth pointing out that it was one thing to disburse funds to the states; it was another thing to ensure that the funds were appropriately applied.
NLC, therefore, urged the president to bring the full weight of his office to bear on the governors in order to ensure that the funds disbursed were well applied.
The statement also said that as a matter of priority, the Federal Government should pay the full arrears of salaries and pensions owed workers and retirees.
It said that NLC would ensure that the its state councils across the country monitored the disbursement and utilisation of the fund.
The statement stressed that the NLC would ensure that any reported case of misapplication elicits an appropriate response from the congress.
Abuja - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the Federal Government for the release of N714 billion as bailout fund to state governors to clear the backlog of salaries owed to workers.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the General Secretary of the congress.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday approved the release of N714 billion intervention fund to state governments to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries.
"We would want to register our appreciation to the Government of the Federation for releasing intervention fund to the states.
"This intervention, no doubt, is a gesture that will go a long way in enabling the states to discharge their obligations to the citizenry.
"It will be recalled that in our submission to the Presidential Transition Committee, we had made the point that Mr President needed to intervene in resolving the issue of backlog of salaries.
"We are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari has made this happen."
It said that the labour movement was happy that the intervention included all states and not only those owing workers as "this would have been tantamount to rewarding profligacy".
The statement said that the intervention could be appropriately viewed within the prism of legitimacy and normal duty of sharing.
It said it was worth pointing out that it was one thing to disburse funds to the states; it was another thing to ensure that the funds were appropriately applied.
NLC, therefore, urged the president to bring the full weight of his office to bear on the governors in order to ensure that the funds disbursed were well applied.
The statement also said that as a matter of priority, the Federal Government should pay the full arrears of salaries and pensions owed workers and retirees.
It said that NLC would ensure that the its state councils across the country monitored the disbursement and utilisation of the fund.
The statement stressed that the NLC would ensure that any reported case of misapplication elicits an appropriate response from the congress.
Electoral officers maintain governorship election credible in Enugu
07:50 09/07/2015
Enugu - The 17 electoral officers involved in the April 11 governorship election in Enugu State have maintained that it was 'credible, free and fair'.
They told the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu on Wednesday that the election was not marred by irregularities as alleged by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Electoral Officer for Aninri Local Government Area, Eric Ani, said that the election was conducted in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and regulations.
“When I received the election materials, sensitive and non-sensitive, I distributed them to the various polling units in the local government area,” he said.
“The card readers were used for accreditation of voters before the commencement of voting and those wards that had problems with their card readers were taken care of.
“When I got information from the presiding officers that the card readers were malfunctioning, I immediately deployed the ICT officer sent to us from the head office to address the problems,” he said.
Ani denied tampering with the election result from the area, adding that he returned all the materials used for the election to the INEC headquarters in Enugu.
He submitted that the scores awarded to the political parties were lawful votes, pointing out that all the party agents were present during accreditation, voting, counting and announcement of results.
The electoral officer said the number of votes cast was not higher than the number of accredited voters except those with special cases in which incident forms were used.
“Our records and documentation showed that there are some cases of people whose finger prints were rejected by the card reader and incident form was issued to them,” he said.
The Electoral Officer for Igboeze South, Hyacinth Nwoba, who corroborated the submissions of Ani, said that apart from the problems encountered by the card readers, the governorship election was free, fair and peaceful.
Meanwhile, the counsel to APC, George Ogara, stopped the cross examination midway and urged the court to order the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukogu, to provide all the materials used for the election.
The tribunal gave the party two hours to produce the REC.
The APC requested the tribunal to allow it to cross-examine all the 17 electoral officers on their conduct of the election.
Enugu - The 17 electoral officers involved in the April 11 governorship election in Enugu State have maintained that it was 'credible, free and fair'.
They told the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu on Wednesday that the election was not marred by irregularities as alleged by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Electoral Officer for Aninri Local Government Area, Eric Ani, said that the election was conducted in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and regulations.
“When I received the election materials, sensitive and non-sensitive, I distributed them to the various polling units in the local government area,” he said.
“The card readers were used for accreditation of voters before the commencement of voting and those wards that had problems with their card readers were taken care of.
“When I got information from the presiding officers that the card readers were malfunctioning, I immediately deployed the ICT officer sent to us from the head office to address the problems,” he said.
Ani denied tampering with the election result from the area, adding that he returned all the materials used for the election to the INEC headquarters in Enugu.
He submitted that the scores awarded to the political parties were lawful votes, pointing out that all the party agents were present during accreditation, voting, counting and announcement of results.
The electoral officer said the number of votes cast was not higher than the number of accredited voters except those with special cases in which incident forms were used.
“Our records and documentation showed that there are some cases of people whose finger prints were rejected by the card reader and incident form was issued to them,” he said.
The Electoral Officer for Igboeze South, Hyacinth Nwoba, who corroborated the submissions of Ani, said that apart from the problems encountered by the card readers, the governorship election was free, fair and peaceful.
Meanwhile, the counsel to APC, George Ogara, stopped the cross examination midway and urged the court to order the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukogu, to provide all the materials used for the election.
The tribunal gave the party two hours to produce the REC.
The APC requested the tribunal to allow it to cross-examine all the 17 electoral officers on their conduct of the election.
Terrorist attacks: Army confirms arrest of mastermind
07:50 09/07/2015
Abuja - The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the mastermind of the two recent bomb and gun attacks in Jos and Zaria towns of Plateau and Kaduna states, respectively.
The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, and made available in Abuja.
It said the suspect, in company of two other persons were arrested at a checkpoint in Dadin Kowa town of Gombe state while attempting to flee.
The statement said their arrest was made possible following a security cordon of the general areas especially along the volatile areas on the North Eastern axis.
It said the security cordon which led to the arrest of the suspects was conducted by troops of 3 Division, Special Task Force and the Department of State Services.
"The terrorist kingpin and his colleagues who disguised in a trailer while trying to evade checks were fished out by troops of Nigerian Army.
"The arrested terrorists are currently being processed for further action and would soon face the full wrath of the law," the statement quoted the army spokesman as saying.
The statement urged the general public to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons, movements and facilities to security agencies.
On Sunday, July 5, suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated bomb and gun attacks on worshippers at Yan Taya mosque, Dilimi Street, Jos.
Another attack was unleashed on Shagalinku Restaurant, along Bauchi Road, Jos, which led to death of over 48 persons, injuring several other persons and destruction of property.
A similar attack was executed by suspected terrorists on workers undergoing verification exercise at Sabon Gari local government secretariat, Zaria, which claimed more than 25 lives.
Abuja - The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the mastermind of the two recent bomb and gun attacks in Jos and Zaria towns of Plateau and Kaduna states, respectively.
The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, and made available in Abuja.
It said the suspect, in company of two other persons were arrested at a checkpoint in Dadin Kowa town of Gombe state while attempting to flee.
The statement said their arrest was made possible following a security cordon of the general areas especially along the volatile areas on the North Eastern axis.
It said the security cordon which led to the arrest of the suspects was conducted by troops of 3 Division, Special Task Force and the Department of State Services.
"The terrorist kingpin and his colleagues who disguised in a trailer while trying to evade checks were fished out by troops of Nigerian Army.
"The arrested terrorists are currently being processed for further action and would soon face the full wrath of the law," the statement quoted the army spokesman as saying.
The statement urged the general public to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons, movements and facilities to security agencies.
On Sunday, July 5, suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated bomb and gun attacks on worshippers at Yan Taya mosque, Dilimi Street, Jos.
Another attack was unleashed on Shagalinku Restaurant, along Bauchi Road, Jos, which led to death of over 48 persons, injuring several other persons and destruction of property.
A similar attack was executed by suspected terrorists on workers undergoing verification exercise at Sabon Gari local government secretariat, Zaria, which claimed more than 25 lives.
Buhari meets campaigners for girls abducted by Boko Haram
07:02 09/07/2015
Abuja - President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday held his first meeting with campaigners calling for the release of more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram militants in the northeastern town of Chibok last year.
The militant group, whose six-year insurgency has seen thousands killed in the country, caused an international outcry when it took the girls from secondary school dormitories in April 2014.
Buhari praised members of the Bring Back Our Girls group for their efforts to prevent the missing children being forgotten.
"Nobody in Nigeria or outside could have missed your consistency and persistence," said Buhari during the meeting at his presidential villa in the capital, Abuja.
"I think you will agree that the present government takes the issue very seriously," he said, adding that the military was working with neighbouring countries to ensure a regional task force could fight the insurgency.
Earlier this year an Amnesty International report said that Boko Haram had kidnapped at least 2,000 Nigerian women and girls since the start of 2014, many of whom were sexually abused or trained to fight.
In a statement, the Bring Back Our Girls campaigners said the safe return of the schoolgirls would "amount to the strongest statement that our government has respect for the sanctity and dignity of every Nigerian life".
The frequency of attacks by suspected Boko Haram militants in northern states has increased since the president vowed in his inauguration speech of May 29 that the group would be crushed.
More than 200 people died in a string of attacks last week and dozens more have been killed in northern Nigeria and Chad in the last few days.
Abuja - President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday held his first meeting with campaigners calling for the release of more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram militants in the northeastern town of Chibok last year.
The militant group, whose six-year insurgency has seen thousands killed in the country, caused an international outcry when it took the girls from secondary school dormitories in April 2014.
Buhari praised members of the Bring Back Our Girls group for their efforts to prevent the missing children being forgotten.
"Nobody in Nigeria or outside could have missed your consistency and persistence," said Buhari during the meeting at his presidential villa in the capital, Abuja.
"I think you will agree that the present government takes the issue very seriously," he said, adding that the military was working with neighbouring countries to ensure a regional task force could fight the insurgency.
Earlier this year an Amnesty International report said that Boko Haram had kidnapped at least 2,000 Nigerian women and girls since the start of 2014, many of whom were sexually abused or trained to fight.
In a statement, the Bring Back Our Girls campaigners said the safe return of the schoolgirls would "amount to the strongest statement that our government has respect for the sanctity and dignity of every Nigerian life".
The frequency of attacks by suspected Boko Haram militants in northern states has increased since the president vowed in his inauguration speech of May 29 that the group would be crushed.
More than 200 people died in a string of attacks last week and dozens more have been killed in northern Nigeria and Chad in the last few days.
Terrorist attacks: Army confirms arrest of mastermind
07:50 09/07/2015
Abuja - The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the mastermind of the two recent bomb and gun attacks in Jos and Zaria towns of Plateau and Kaduna states, respectively.
The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, and made available in Abuja.
It said the suspect, in company of two other persons were arrested at a checkpoint in Dadin Kowa town of Gombe state while attempting to flee.
The statement said their arrest was made possible following a security cordon of the general areas especially along the volatile areas on the North Eastern axis.
It said the security cordon which led to the arrest of the suspects was conducted by troops of 3 Division, Special Task Force and the Department of State Services.
"The terrorist kingpin and his colleagues who disguised in a trailer while trying to evade checks were fished out by troops of Nigerian Army.
"The arrested terrorists are currently being processed for further action and would soon face the full wrath of the law," the statement quoted the army spokesman as saying.
The statement urged the general public to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons, movements and facilities to security agencies.
On Sunday, July 5, suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated bomb and gun attacks on worshippers at Yan Taya mosque, Dilimi Street, Jos.
Another attack was unleashed on Shagalinku Restaurant, along Bauchi Road, Jos, which led to death of over 48 persons, injuring several other persons and destruction of property.
A similar attack was executed by suspected terrorists on workers undergoing verification exercise at Sabon Gari local government secretariat, Zaria, which claimed more than 25 lives.
Abuja - The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the mastermind of the two recent bomb and gun attacks in Jos and Zaria towns of Plateau and Kaduna states, respectively.
The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, and made available in Abuja.
It said the suspect, in company of two other persons were arrested at a checkpoint in Dadin Kowa town of Gombe state while attempting to flee.
The statement said their arrest was made possible following a security cordon of the general areas especially along the volatile areas on the North Eastern axis.
It said the security cordon which led to the arrest of the suspects was conducted by troops of 3 Division, Special Task Force and the Department of State Services.
"The terrorist kingpin and his colleagues who disguised in a trailer while trying to evade checks were fished out by troops of Nigerian Army.
"The arrested terrorists are currently being processed for further action and would soon face the full wrath of the law," the statement quoted the army spokesman as saying.
The statement urged the general public to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons, movements and facilities to security agencies.
On Sunday, July 5, suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated bomb and gun attacks on worshippers at Yan Taya mosque, Dilimi Street, Jos.
Another attack was unleashed on Shagalinku Restaurant, along Bauchi Road, Jos, which led to death of over 48 persons, injuring several other persons and destruction of property.
A similar attack was executed by suspected terrorists on workers undergoing verification exercise at Sabon Gari local government secretariat, Zaria, which claimed more than 25 lives.
WikiLeaks: NSA targeted German chancellery, Merkel aides
21:33 08/07/2015
Berlin - WikiLeaks on Wednesday published a new list of German phone numbers it claims showed the U.S. National Security Agency targeted phones belonging to Chancellor Angela Merkel's close aides and chancellery offices for surveillance.
Wednesday's publication came a week after WikiLeaks released a list of numbers it said showed the NSA targeted officials at various other German ministries and elsewhere. That rekindled concerns over U.S. surveillance in Germany after reports two years ago that Merkel's own cellphone was targeted.
Merkel's chief of staff last week asked the U.S. ambassador to a meeting and told him that German law must be followed.
There was no immediate comment from the German government on the latest publication.
The list includes a cellphone number attributed to Ronald Pofalla, Merkel's chief of staff from 2009-13; a landline number that appears to belong to the leader of Merkel's parliamentary caucus; various other connections at Merkel's office; and a cellphone number for the chancellor that WikiLeaks says was used until 2013.
It was unclear when exactly the partially redacted list of 56 German phone numbers dates from and it wasn't immediately possible to confirm the accuracy of that and other documents released by WikiLeaks.
Those documents, WikiLeaks said, are NSA reports based on interceptions including one from 2009 that details Merkel's views on the international financial crisis and another from 2011 summarizing advisers' views on plans for the eurozone's rescue fund.
According to the secret-spilling site, the list of phone numbers was updated for more than a decade after 2002 and a "close study" of it shows it evolved from an earlier target list dating back into the 1990s.
Berlin - WikiLeaks on Wednesday published a new list of German phone numbers it claims showed the U.S. National Security Agency targeted phones belonging to Chancellor Angela Merkel's close aides and chancellery offices for surveillance.
Wednesday's publication came a week after WikiLeaks released a list of numbers it said showed the NSA targeted officials at various other German ministries and elsewhere. That rekindled concerns over U.S. surveillance in Germany after reports two years ago that Merkel's own cellphone was targeted.
Merkel's chief of staff last week asked the U.S. ambassador to a meeting and told him that German law must be followed.
There was no immediate comment from the German government on the latest publication.
The list includes a cellphone number attributed to Ronald Pofalla, Merkel's chief of staff from 2009-13; a landline number that appears to belong to the leader of Merkel's parliamentary caucus; various other connections at Merkel's office; and a cellphone number for the chancellor that WikiLeaks says was used until 2013.
It was unclear when exactly the partially redacted list of 56 German phone numbers dates from and it wasn't immediately possible to confirm the accuracy of that and other documents released by WikiLeaks.
Those documents, WikiLeaks said, are NSA reports based on interceptions including one from 2009 that details Merkel's views on the international financial crisis and another from 2011 summarizing advisers' views on plans for the eurozone's rescue fund.
According to the secret-spilling site, the list of phone numbers was updated for more than a decade after 2002 and a "close study" of it shows it evolved from an earlier target list dating back into the 1990s.
PDP warns APC to stop intimidating Ekweremadu
17:50 08/07/2015
Abuja - Chairmen of state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop the unnecessary intimidation and harassment of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, reports PM News.
The Chairmen in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja vowed to mobilize members of the party across the country to resist any further attempt to harass and intimidate Ekweremadu,
Emmanuel Agbo, Chairman of Conference of PDP States Chairmen, who signed the statement of behalf of his colleagues called on the APC to accept the outcome of the election of the presiding officers of both chambers of the National Assembly in good faith and concentrate on giving Nigerians the change they promised them devoid of complaint.
He noted that Ekweremadu election as Deputy Senate President despite the fact that he does not belong to the APC is as a result of Ekweremadu's outstanding performance in the previous sessions of the Senate.
Read more at PM News.
Abuja - Chairmen of state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop the unnecessary intimidation and harassment of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, reports PM News.
The Chairmen in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja vowed to mobilize members of the party across the country to resist any further attempt to harass and intimidate Ekweremadu,
Emmanuel Agbo, Chairman of Conference of PDP States Chairmen, who signed the statement of behalf of his colleagues called on the APC to accept the outcome of the election of the presiding officers of both chambers of the National Assembly in good faith and concentrate on giving Nigerians the change they promised them devoid of complaint.
He noted that Ekweremadu election as Deputy Senate President despite the fact that he does not belong to the APC is as a result of Ekweremadu's outstanding performance in the previous sessions of the Senate.
Read more at PM News.
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Ambode elated at confirmation as Lagos governor
06:55 02/07/2015
Abuja - The Lagos State Government has welcomed the confirmation of Akinwunmi Ambode as the governor.
Ambode said the ruling of the State Election Petition Tribunal, headed by Justice Mohammed Sirajo, on Wednesday, as a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of Lagos State.
“I am elated at the ruling of the tribunal which is an affirmation of my victory at the polls. On April 11, 2015, the people of Lagos spoke with their votes about continuity and that is what the tribunal has just reaffirmed,” said Ambode.
“The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone. I urge all my opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship join hands with me to take Lagos to the next level” Ambode said.
The Election Tribunal on Wednesday struck out the petition filed against the election of Ambode of the All Progressives Congress by the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Jimi Agbaje, following a preliminary objection filed by the counsel to the APC Candidate, Wole Olanipekun.
The winner polled 14 696 votes to his closest rival’s 11 292.
He added that it was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned the election result which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Now that the right thing has been done which of course the people expected, we should all come together above partisanship and move the State forward,” Ambode said.
Abuja - The Lagos State Government has welcomed the confirmation of Akinwunmi Ambode as the governor.
Ambode said the ruling of the State Election Petition Tribunal, headed by Justice Mohammed Sirajo, on Wednesday, as a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of Lagos State.
“I am elated at the ruling of the tribunal which is an affirmation of my victory at the polls. On April 11, 2015, the people of Lagos spoke with their votes about continuity and that is what the tribunal has just reaffirmed,” said Ambode.
“The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone. I urge all my opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship join hands with me to take Lagos to the next level” Ambode said.
The Election Tribunal on Wednesday struck out the petition filed against the election of Ambode of the All Progressives Congress by the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Jimi Agbaje, following a preliminary objection filed by the counsel to the APC Candidate, Wole Olanipekun.
The winner polled 14 696 votes to his closest rival’s 11 292.
He added that it was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned the election result which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Now that the right thing has been done which of course the people expected, we should all come together above partisanship and move the State forward,” Ambode said.
APC addresses in-house squabbling in Imo State
09:48 02/07/2015
Lagos - The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has charged members of the party in the Ezinihitte Mbaise local government area in Imo State to remain united and as well shun any act capable of bringing the image of the party to ridicule.
The call by Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Sir Jude Ejiogu, came in the wake of alleged infighting in the region.
“The only thing necessary for any devout APC member to do after the general election was to thank God for making the Governorship candidate of the party, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to emerge victorious in the poll, instead of throwing themselves into factional groups which he said, was capable of disintegrating the peaceful co-existence of the party,” Ejiogu’s spokesperson, Ikenna Onuoha, said in Owerri, the state capital.
Onuoha said Ejiogu, while assuring the APC members of government’s sincere commitment in carrying everyone along, further enjoined them to remain peaceful as “no person would be thrown away from the party”, after contributing heavily for the success of the party in the just concluded election.
“He advised them to emulate the Governor of the State, Owelle Okorocha whom he said, tolerates his political rivals, even after seeing that they were meant to pull him down, describing it as one of the qualities of a good leader.”
Lagos - The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has charged members of the party in the Ezinihitte Mbaise local government area in Imo State to remain united and as well shun any act capable of bringing the image of the party to ridicule.
The call by Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Sir Jude Ejiogu, came in the wake of alleged infighting in the region.
“The only thing necessary for any devout APC member to do after the general election was to thank God for making the Governorship candidate of the party, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to emerge victorious in the poll, instead of throwing themselves into factional groups which he said, was capable of disintegrating the peaceful co-existence of the party,” Ejiogu’s spokesperson, Ikenna Onuoha, said in Owerri, the state capital.
Onuoha said Ejiogu, while assuring the APC members of government’s sincere commitment in carrying everyone along, further enjoined them to remain peaceful as “no person would be thrown away from the party”, after contributing heavily for the success of the party in the just concluded election.
“He advised them to emulate the Governor of the State, Owelle Okorocha whom he said, tolerates his political rivals, even after seeing that they were meant to pull him down, describing it as one of the qualities of a good leader.”
Rivers APC against alleged incessant borrowing by Wike
Okoro Chinedu
09:48 02/07/2015
Lagos - The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged it had unearthed plans by Governor Nyesom Wike to obtain loans worth N100 billion, saying this would plunge the state into debt.
According to the allegations, the governor “in the few months he will be in power” plans to collect the said amount in tranches within a period of two months.
“APC, Rivers State Chapter has uncovered a strategic plan by Governor Nyesom Wike to obtain loans totaling N100b in the few months he is expected to be in power as the governor of Rivers State thereby plunging the state into an abyss of debt and economic servitude,” Chris Finebone, APC State Publicity Secretary, said.
Finebone said meanwhile, within the past two weeks, Wike had already sought and gotten the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly to obtain N10 billion and N20 billion loans from Zenith Bank PLC and Access Bank PLC respectively.
Information APC was privy to strongly indicated that the governor and “his men” had started negotiation with Heritage and Eco Banks to obtain another loan of N30b in the coming week or so.
“This will bring the total amount of loan obtained by the embattled governor to N60 billion in less than 45 days as Governor of Rivers State,”
Finebone said.
“The APC can only agree that the good people of Rivers State have ended up in the notorious Lagos buses used in robbing unsuspecting citizens popularly called ‘one chance.’ With the short-term Wike-led government of Rivers State, indeed, we have all entered a ‘one chance’ bus.”
Finebone said beyond the argument Wike was borrowing to complete projects which he has been selling to Rivers people, the real intention of Wike’s borrowing was to provide funds for alleged cronies “who have started showing signs of disenchantment and the need to deepen his war chest preparatory to a re-run election that is looming.”
APC is contesting Wike’s election and is confident the Election Tribunal will overturn the result as schedule a re-run.
Amid the uncertainties Finebone thus slammed the borrowing by the state government, whose officials could not be reached for comment.
“As long as the scheme of this governor succeeds, we and our children yet unborn will be eternally tied to the apron-strings of those cavalier banks that are conniving with the governor while he walks free after being sent packing as governor in a few months time.”
Lagos - The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged it had unearthed plans by Governor Nyesom Wike to obtain loans worth N100 billion, saying this would plunge the state into debt.
According to the allegations, the governor “in the few months he will be in power” plans to collect the said amount in tranches within a period of two months.
“APC, Rivers State Chapter has uncovered a strategic plan by Governor Nyesom Wike to obtain loans totaling N100b in the few months he is expected to be in power as the governor of Rivers State thereby plunging the state into an abyss of debt and economic servitude,” Chris Finebone, APC State Publicity Secretary, said.
Finebone said meanwhile, within the past two weeks, Wike had already sought and gotten the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly to obtain N10 billion and N20 billion loans from Zenith Bank PLC and Access Bank PLC respectively.
Information APC was privy to strongly indicated that the governor and “his men” had started negotiation with Heritage and Eco Banks to obtain another loan of N30b in the coming week or so.
“This will bring the total amount of loan obtained by the embattled governor to N60 billion in less than 45 days as Governor of Rivers State,”
Finebone said.
“The APC can only agree that the good people of Rivers State have ended up in the notorious Lagos buses used in robbing unsuspecting citizens popularly called ‘one chance.’ With the short-term Wike-led government of Rivers State, indeed, we have all entered a ‘one chance’ bus.”
Finebone said beyond the argument Wike was borrowing to complete projects which he has been selling to Rivers people, the real intention of Wike’s borrowing was to provide funds for alleged cronies “who have started showing signs of disenchantment and the need to deepen his war chest preparatory to a re-run election that is looming.”
APC is contesting Wike’s election and is confident the Election Tribunal will overturn the result as schedule a re-run.
Amid the uncertainties Finebone thus slammed the borrowing by the state government, whose officials could not be reached for comment.
“As long as the scheme of this governor succeeds, we and our children yet unborn will be eternally tied to the apron-strings of those cavalier banks that are conniving with the governor while he walks free after being sent packing as governor in a few months time.”
April 11 election: Ambode hails tribunal ruling
10:45 02/07/2015
Lagos - Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday described the confirmation of his victory at the polls as a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
Ambode said this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Habib Aruna while reacting to the ruling of the State Election Petition Tribunal headed by Justice Mohammed Sirajo.
“I am elated at the ruling of the tribunal which is an affirmation of my victory at the polls.
"On April 11, 2015, the people of Lagos spoke with their votes about continuity and that is what the tribunal has just reaffirmed.
“The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone," he said.
Ambode urged all his opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship, join hands with him to take the state to the next level.
“It was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned my election which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
"Now that the right thing has been done, which of course the people expected, we should all come together above partisanship and move the state forward," Ambode said.
The tribunal on Wednesday struck out the petition filed against the election of Ambode by the PDP candidate, Jimi Agbaje following a preliminary objection filed by the governor's counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun.
Lagos - Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday described the confirmation of his victory at the polls as a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
Ambode said this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Habib Aruna while reacting to the ruling of the State Election Petition Tribunal headed by Justice Mohammed Sirajo.
“I am elated at the ruling of the tribunal which is an affirmation of my victory at the polls.
"On April 11, 2015, the people of Lagos spoke with their votes about continuity and that is what the tribunal has just reaffirmed.
“The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone," he said.
Ambode urged all his opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship, join hands with him to take the state to the next level.
“It was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned my election which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
"Now that the right thing has been done, which of course the people expected, we should all come together above partisanship and move the state forward," Ambode said.
The tribunal on Wednesday struck out the petition filed against the election of Ambode by the PDP candidate, Jimi Agbaje following a preliminary objection filed by the governor's counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun.
Six students killed in Lagos boat mishap
10:45 02/07/2015
Lagos - Six students died on Wednesday in the Ojo area of Lagos when a boat conveying them capsized, reports Vanguard.
Eight other students, including the driver were , however,rescued.
The incident occurred after a fibre canoe reportedly ran into the passenger boat at about 9 a.m.
The bodies of dead students were yet to be found.
Five of the survivors have been taken to the Igando General Hospital and three discharged to go back home.
Read more at Vanguard.
Lagos - Six students died on Wednesday in the Ojo area of Lagos when a boat conveying them capsized, reports Vanguard.
Eight other students, including the driver were , however,rescued.
The incident occurred after a fibre canoe reportedly ran into the passenger boat at about 9 a.m.
The bodies of dead students were yet to be found.
Five of the survivors have been taken to the Igando General Hospital and three discharged to go back home.
Read more at Vanguard.
Buhari commended for appointing first female INEC chairman
11:47 02/07/2015
Lagos - Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, the Archbishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Amina Zakari as the acting Chairman of INEC.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday appointed Zakari, as INEC chair in an acting capacity following the expiration of Professor Attahiru Jega’s tenure.
The cleric said that he was not surprised by the appointment of Zakari as "females seem to be taking the positions" in almost every aspect of Nigeria’s life.
"We thank God for the phase in which Nigeria is; if you look at every aspect of our nation, females seem to be taking the positions down; so am not surprised."
Many females have occupied eminent positions and have held their own sway.
"So appointing a female as an acting INEC chair, I have every confidence she will deliver; Nigerian women, excellent."
Until her recent appointment, Zakari, a pharmacist from Jigawa, was a National Electoral Commissioner with INEC.
She attended Queens College, Lagos and in 1980, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Pharmacy from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
After her National Youth Service, she worked as a pharmacist in various hospitals between 1983 and 1996.
She served in various capacities as a consultant in health and social services from 1997 up till her appointment as National Commissioner in INEC.
Lagos - Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, the Archbishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Amina Zakari as the acting Chairman of INEC.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday appointed Zakari, as INEC chair in an acting capacity following the expiration of Professor Attahiru Jega’s tenure.
The cleric said that he was not surprised by the appointment of Zakari as "females seem to be taking the positions" in almost every aspect of Nigeria’s life.
"We thank God for the phase in which Nigeria is; if you look at every aspect of our nation, females seem to be taking the positions down; so am not surprised."
Many females have occupied eminent positions and have held their own sway.
"So appointing a female as an acting INEC chair, I have every confidence she will deliver; Nigerian women, excellent."
Until her recent appointment, Zakari, a pharmacist from Jigawa, was a National Electoral Commissioner with INEC.
She attended Queens College, Lagos and in 1980, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Pharmacy from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
After her National Youth Service, she worked as a pharmacist in various hospitals between 1983 and 1996.
She served in various capacities as a consultant in health and social services from 1997 up till her appointment as National Commissioner in INEC.
PDP rejects Zakari as acting Chairman of INEC
19:44 01/07/2015
Abuja - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has kicked against the appointment of Amina Zakari as the Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reports Punch.
Zakari was appointed as the acting head of the commission on Tuesday by President Muhammadu Buhari following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Attahiru Jega.
The party noted that Zakari was too close to the Presidency to occupy such sensitive position.
Olisa Metuh, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary stated his party’s position at a crowded press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
He noted that Zakari needs to convinced Nigerians that she merits the position by explaining her closeness to the Presidency and one of the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North-West.
Read more at Punch.
Abuja - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has kicked against the appointment of Amina Zakari as the Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reports Punch.
Zakari was appointed as the acting head of the commission on Tuesday by President Muhammadu Buhari following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Attahiru Jega.
The party noted that Zakari was too close to the Presidency to occupy such sensitive position.
Olisa Metuh, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary stated his party’s position at a crowded press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
He noted that Zakari needs to convinced Nigerians that she merits the position by explaining her closeness to the Presidency and one of the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North-West.
Read more at Punch.
Commercial taxi drivers protest in Bwari over alleged harassement
21:41 01/07/2015
Bwari - Members of the Commercial Taxi Drivers Union in Bwari, FCT, on Wednesday staged a protest against what they called harassment and maltreatment by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Ushafa Community, the drivers said that the activities of the road traffic officials caused road crashes.
The drivers said that their protest was triggered by the death of a pregnant woman last Saturday in a car accident caused by officials, who tried to maltreat a commercial driver who was in motion.
While some of the drivers carried tree branches, some others ensured they forced passengers in painted taxis to disembark to allow their colleagues to participate in the protest.
Mr Mohammed Daudu, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said they were protesting to attract the attention of the Federal Government and to demand its intervention to stop the incessant harassment.
"They disguise themselves in mufti to arrest defaulters.
"The officials waylaid a driver on Saturday and in their bid to catch him, they hooked the hand break in the vehicle.
"The incident resulted in the car hitting an electric pole; that was the main cause of the death of a pregnant woman who was a passenger in the vehicle.
"We have embarked on the strike to press home our protest that no commercial vehicle will carry passengers from Bwari to the central area.
"We appeal to the government to intervene in the matter and also help us to recover the 20 impounded vehicles belonging to our members from the officials.
"The officials must release our vehicles and give them back to us.
"The officials should wear their uniform when on duty instead of wearing mufti and disguising as passengers intimidating us."
Speaking with NAN, the Divisional Police Officer of Bwari, Mr Danladi Isa said that the protest, which started at about 6 a.m., attracted security operatives, who went to the scene to ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens.
According to him, normalcy has been restored to the community and everybody can go about their business.
Early hours of this morning, we received information that the taxi drivers union (was) demonstrating at Ushafa junction.
I quickly mobilised my men and I am still on ground; I have addressed them and they have complained about maltreatment by the officials and that was the basis of their protest this morning.
I have talked with them on the need to conduct themselves peacefully; a lot of them have dispersed; the road is clear and commuters are moving without hindrance on the highway.”
NAN reports that an attempt to get the view of the Chief Officer of the VIO, Bwari Branch on the matter did not yield result, as he rebuffed all efforts to have him speak.
Bwari - Members of the Commercial Taxi Drivers Union in Bwari, FCT, on Wednesday staged a protest against what they called harassment and maltreatment by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Ushafa Community, the drivers said that the activities of the road traffic officials caused road crashes.
The drivers said that their protest was triggered by the death of a pregnant woman last Saturday in a car accident caused by officials, who tried to maltreat a commercial driver who was in motion.
While some of the drivers carried tree branches, some others ensured they forced passengers in painted taxis to disembark to allow their colleagues to participate in the protest.
Mr Mohammed Daudu, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said they were protesting to attract the attention of the Federal Government and to demand its intervention to stop the incessant harassment.
"They disguise themselves in mufti to arrest defaulters.
"The officials waylaid a driver on Saturday and in their bid to catch him, they hooked the hand break in the vehicle.
"The incident resulted in the car hitting an electric pole; that was the main cause of the death of a pregnant woman who was a passenger in the vehicle.
"We have embarked on the strike to press home our protest that no commercial vehicle will carry passengers from Bwari to the central area.
"We appeal to the government to intervene in the matter and also help us to recover the 20 impounded vehicles belonging to our members from the officials.
"The officials must release our vehicles and give them back to us.
"The officials should wear their uniform when on duty instead of wearing mufti and disguising as passengers intimidating us."
Speaking with NAN, the Divisional Police Officer of Bwari, Mr Danladi Isa said that the protest, which started at about 6 a.m., attracted security operatives, who went to the scene to ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens.
According to him, normalcy has been restored to the community and everybody can go about their business.
Early hours of this morning, we received information that the taxi drivers union (was) demonstrating at Ushafa junction.
I quickly mobilised my men and I am still on ground; I have addressed them and they have complained about maltreatment by the officials and that was the basis of their protest this morning.
I have talked with them on the need to conduct themselves peacefully; a lot of them have dispersed; the road is clear and commuters are moving without hindrance on the highway.”
NAN reports that an attempt to get the view of the Chief Officer of the VIO, Bwari Branch on the matter did not yield result, as he rebuffed all efforts to have him speak.
El-Rufai inaugurates 16 man committee to end killings in Southern Kaduna
21:41 01/07/2015
Kaduna - Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Wednesday inaugurated a 16-member committee to find solutions to the incessant killings in the Southern part of the state.
The committee, headed by retired Gen. Martins Agwai, a former Chief of Defence Staff, had 30DAYS to unravel the causes of the attacks.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that statistics released by the National Emergency Management Agency showed that 23, 890 people were displaced by communal clashes in Kaura, Kachia and Sanga Local Government Areas of the state in 2014.
El-Rufai said that government was determined to end the circle of violence through dialogue.
"The circles of killing in Southern part of Kaduna have been a source of great concern to us.
"We are concerned because communities that have lived together for hundreds of years have suddenly turned against each other.
"We know this problem can only be solved through community dialogue so as to get to the root of the problem and bring everyone to the table and hear their side,’’ the governor said.
According to him, the setting up of the committee is part of the government's multi-dimensional approach in finding lasting solutions to the problem.
"The idea behind the committee was started by the previous administration, but for some reasons the committee never took off.
"When we came in and saw the idea, we thought it is a very good idea that can contribute in no small way in resolving the problems that had resulted to the killings in Southern Kaduna.’’
El-Rufai commended Agwai for agreeing to serve, and hoped that he would deploy his experience in crisis management at national and international levels, to end the conflict in the area.
He pledged that the administration would use the committee's recommendations and that of the Peace and Reconciliation ``to lay the foundation for sustainable peace, reconciliation and progress in the state’’.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Agwai pledged to deliver on the mandate given to them.
"I promise that we would do our best and meet the 30 days deadline to come out with the report on the findings,’’ Agwai said.
Kaduna - Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Wednesday inaugurated a 16-member committee to find solutions to the incessant killings in the Southern part of the state.
The committee, headed by retired Gen. Martins Agwai, a former Chief of Defence Staff, had 30DAYS to unravel the causes of the attacks.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that statistics released by the National Emergency Management Agency showed that 23, 890 people were displaced by communal clashes in Kaura, Kachia and Sanga Local Government Areas of the state in 2014.
El-Rufai said that government was determined to end the circle of violence through dialogue.
"The circles of killing in Southern part of Kaduna have been a source of great concern to us.
"We are concerned because communities that have lived together for hundreds of years have suddenly turned against each other.
"We know this problem can only be solved through community dialogue so as to get to the root of the problem and bring everyone to the table and hear their side,’’ the governor said.
According to him, the setting up of the committee is part of the government's multi-dimensional approach in finding lasting solutions to the problem.
"The idea behind the committee was started by the previous administration, but for some reasons the committee never took off.
"When we came in and saw the idea, we thought it is a very good idea that can contribute in no small way in resolving the problems that had resulted to the killings in Southern Kaduna.’’
El-Rufai commended Agwai for agreeing to serve, and hoped that he would deploy his experience in crisis management at national and international levels, to end the conflict in the area.
He pledged that the administration would use the committee's recommendations and that of the Peace and Reconciliation ``to lay the foundation for sustainable peace, reconciliation and progress in the state’’.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Agwai pledged to deliver on the mandate given to them.
"I promise that we would do our best and meet the 30 days deadline to come out with the report on the findings,’’ Agwai said.
Buhari advised to merge airlines to form national carrier
21:37 01/07/2015
Abuja - Nigeria should merge its debt-laden airlines and create a national carrier in partnership with a global airline to boost revenue and create jobs, a ruling party strategy report seen by Reuters on Wednesday shows.
Muhammadu Buhari, who was sworn in as president of Africa's top oil producer and biggest economy on May 29, is considering recommendations in the strategy document produced by a 19-member committee from his All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
The report may influence policy decisions by Buhari, who was elected on an anti-corruption ticket and has vowed to recover billions of dollars allegedly stolen by officials. He has, however, been criticised for not naming a cabinet yet and party officials say it may not happen until September.
Three years ago, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), a state-backed "bad bank" established in 2009, took on more than 132 billion naira ($663 million) of debts from 12 Nigerian airlines including the biggest carrier, Arik, and Aero.
The APC strategy document says the aviation ministry should create a national airline "in partnership with a global airline", which would involve "merging all airlines currently with AMCON", to serve as a West and Central African hub.
The report, submitted to Buhari about two weeks ago, says the proposals would lead to "increased revenue, reduce capital flight, expand the local aviation industry and create more employment opportunities due to the scale created".
British billionaire Richard Branson set up domestic and international carrier Virgin Nigeria in 2000, but pulled out in 2010 in frustration at what he said was interference by politicians and regulators.
The airline he created, which was later rebranded Air Nigeria, closed in 2012 after collapsing under about 35 billion naira of debt which left it unable to pay staff, a former finance director of the company told Reuters at the time.
The APC strategy report also proposes upgrading the airport in the capital Abuja by building a second runway, as a possible way to increase passenger numbers.
The report says airline operators should be required to have a minimum of five planes, rather than three now, and capital requirements should be increased to 2.5 billion naira for a domestic carrier and 5 billion for an international one.
Abuja - Nigeria should merge its debt-laden airlines and create a national carrier in partnership with a global airline to boost revenue and create jobs, a ruling party strategy report seen by Reuters on Wednesday shows.
Muhammadu Buhari, who was sworn in as president of Africa's top oil producer and biggest economy on May 29, is considering recommendations in the strategy document produced by a 19-member committee from his All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
The report may influence policy decisions by Buhari, who was elected on an anti-corruption ticket and has vowed to recover billions of dollars allegedly stolen by officials. He has, however, been criticised for not naming a cabinet yet and party officials say it may not happen until September.
Three years ago, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), a state-backed "bad bank" established in 2009, took on more than 132 billion naira ($663 million) of debts from 12 Nigerian airlines including the biggest carrier, Arik, and Aero.
The APC strategy document says the aviation ministry should create a national airline "in partnership with a global airline", which would involve "merging all airlines currently with AMCON", to serve as a West and Central African hub.
The report, submitted to Buhari about two weeks ago, says the proposals would lead to "increased revenue, reduce capital flight, expand the local aviation industry and create more employment opportunities due to the scale created".
British billionaire Richard Branson set up domestic and international carrier Virgin Nigeria in 2000, but pulled out in 2010 in frustration at what he said was interference by politicians and regulators.
The airline he created, which was later rebranded Air Nigeria, closed in 2012 after collapsing under about 35 billion naira of debt which left it unable to pay staff, a former finance director of the company told Reuters at the time.
The APC strategy report also proposes upgrading the airport in the capital Abuja by building a second runway, as a possible way to increase passenger numbers.
The report says airline operators should be required to have a minimum of five planes, rather than three now, and capital requirements should be increased to 2.5 billion naira for a domestic carrier and 5 billion for an international one.
Ambode elated at confirmation as Lagos governor
06:55 02/07/2015
Abuja - The Lagos State Government has welcomed the confirmation of Akinwunmi Ambode as the governor.
Ambode said the ruling of the State Election Petition Tribunal, headed by Justice Mohammed Sirajo, on Wednesday, as a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of Lagos State.
“I am elated at the ruling of the tribunal which is an affirmation of my victory at the polls. On April 11, 2015, the people of Lagos spoke with their votes about continuity and that is what the tribunal has just reaffirmed,” said Ambode.
“The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone. I urge all my opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship join hands with me to take Lagos to the next level” Ambode said.
The Election Tribunal on Wednesday struck out the petition filed against the election of Ambode of the All Progressives Congress by the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Jimi Agbaje, following a preliminary objection filed by the counsel to the APC Candidate, Wole Olanipekun.
The winner polled 14 696 votes to his closest rival’s 11 292.
He added that it was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned the election result which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Now that the right thing has been done which of course the people expected, we should all come together above partisanship and move the State forward,” Ambode said.
Abuja - The Lagos State Government has welcomed the confirmation of Akinwunmi Ambode as the governor.
Ambode said the ruling of the State Election Petition Tribunal, headed by Justice Mohammed Sirajo, on Wednesday, as a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of Lagos State.
“I am elated at the ruling of the tribunal which is an affirmation of my victory at the polls. On April 11, 2015, the people of Lagos spoke with their votes about continuity and that is what the tribunal has just reaffirmed,” said Ambode.
“The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone. I urge all my opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship join hands with me to take Lagos to the next level” Ambode said.
The Election Tribunal on Wednesday struck out the petition filed against the election of Ambode of the All Progressives Congress by the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Jimi Agbaje, following a preliminary objection filed by the counsel to the APC Candidate, Wole Olanipekun.
The winner polled 14 696 votes to his closest rival’s 11 292.
He added that it was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned the election result which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Now that the right thing has been done which of course the people expected, we should all come together above partisanship and move the State forward,” Ambode said.
Australia prison riot ends with police assault
06:55 02/07/2015
Sydney - Three hundred prisoners who rioted in a Melbourne jail ahead of a smoking ban were back in their cells on Wednesday, prison authorities said, after police stormed the compound with tear gas and water cannon.
Four injured prisoners, two with dog bites, were taken to hospital after police teams moved in at 03:30 am (17:30 GMT on Tuesday), about fifteen hours after the riot began.
Prisons across the state are in lockdown with inmates confined to their cells.
Victoria State Corrections Commissioner Jan Shuard told reporters the smoking ban, which began on Wednesday, was probably the cause of the riot, but an investigation would be held.
The state government said the ban would be enforced despite the riot, and smoking was now unlawful in Victorian jails.
Meanwhile, prison staff in the larger state of New South Wales are bracing for similar disturbances when a smoking ban in prisons starts there on August 10.
About 85% of prisoners smoke, and state governments across Australia have brought in bans for health reasons.
Prisoners advocate Brett Collins of Justice Action said the smoking ban was causing enormous stress and tension inside jails.
He told broadcaster ABC the smoking ban was a "denial of their rights" and it was like taking away prisoners' wages as cigarettes were like currency inside jails.
"It shows a lack of concern for these people as human beings and a lack of appreciation that jail is their home," Collins said.
Sydney - Three hundred prisoners who rioted in a Melbourne jail ahead of a smoking ban were back in their cells on Wednesday, prison authorities said, after police stormed the compound with tear gas and water cannon.
Four injured prisoners, two with dog bites, were taken to hospital after police teams moved in at 03:30 am (17:30 GMT on Tuesday), about fifteen hours after the riot began.
Prisons across the state are in lockdown with inmates confined to their cells.
Victoria State Corrections Commissioner Jan Shuard told reporters the smoking ban, which began on Wednesday, was probably the cause of the riot, but an investigation would be held.
The state government said the ban would be enforced despite the riot, and smoking was now unlawful in Victorian jails.
Meanwhile, prison staff in the larger state of New South Wales are bracing for similar disturbances when a smoking ban in prisons starts there on August 10.
About 85% of prisoners smoke, and state governments across Australia have brought in bans for health reasons.
Prisoners advocate Brett Collins of Justice Action said the smoking ban was causing enormous stress and tension inside jails.
He told broadcaster ABC the smoking ban was a "denial of their rights" and it was like taking away prisoners' wages as cigarettes were like currency inside jails.
"It shows a lack of concern for these people as human beings and a lack of appreciation that jail is their home," Collins said.
Young Greeks flee abroad as crisis deepens
06:55 02/07/2015
Athens - What does the future look like for young people in crisis-hit Greece, where years of hardship and sky-high unemployment were followed this week by bank closures? The answer: self-imposed exile.
"I don't see a future in Greece," sighs Dani Iordake. The 21-year-old, who proudly sports self-styled tattoos on his arms, was forced to drop out of university to help his mother pay the bills.
"It's a beautiful country... [but] I couldn't imagine living here and struggling every day," he said.
With youth unemployment at nearly 50% and a breakdown in negotiations with Greece's international creditors heralding further financial woes, many of Iordake's contemporaries are packing their bags.
Over 200 000 Greeks have quit the country since the financial crisis began in 2010, according to Endeavor Greece, a local chapter of an entrepreneurial promotional group. They have been driven away by a dearth of jobs, pitiful wages, endemic corruption and lack of meritocracy.
Thirty-two year old Christos Pennos left in 2013 because of a scarcity of opportunities in the scientific field, and managed to snap up a post as a university researcher in Norway.
"My brother lives in Spain, my best friend in Germany. I have a lot of friends in Britain, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and even in Poland," he said.
At first he had only planned to spend two or three years in Norway, but now believes he'll stay longer - though he admits "I really miss my friends and family, and most of all the Greek sun and Greek food".
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his radical left Syriza party were elected on the promise to help those worst hit by years of austerity, but instead have been forced to impose capital controls and close banks.
'Situation is awful'
Friends Marilena and Josie, 22 and 33, catch up over a beer and falafel sandwich, which they eat on a bench in the street while they discuss their future.
As a massage therapist, Josie cannot find full-time work and has been forced in the past to take baby-sitting and cleaning jobs to make ends meet.
"Before the crisis, I was paid $1 440 net. Today, I don't get even half that, gross."
Her boyfriend, a Syrian refugee she met while volunteering for a migrants association, is currently in the Netherlands and she's thinking of going to live with him.
Marilena may also pack up and head to Germany, where her brother lives. He signed up with the military there and earns a 2 000-euro salary, with practically no expenses to pay, she said.
The decision to leave her homeland is not one she will take lightly, however. "It's an option, not a must."
Unemployed civil engineer Giannis Grigoriou does not have the luxury of waiting the crisis out, and is planning to immigrate to an Arab country because he thinks he'll have more luck finding work.
"The situation is awful. Had I known this four to five years ago I would have studied to be a chef or hairdresser, which have more appeal in this country," he said.
Emigration increasing
Greek emigration, particularly among the young, "is not a new phenomenon, but it increased considerably during the crisis," said Lois Labrianidis, economic geography professor at Thessaloniki University.
Labrianidis has been called in to help at the economy ministry, and wants more done to boost investments and develop high-value industries to encourage young graduates to stay in Greece.
He hopes the government will be able to renegotiate with the country's creditors, saying: "If we don't have to pay more money, we'll have more money to put in the economy".
"These days are crucial for Greece, but especially for the young," he said.
Athens - What does the future look like for young people in crisis-hit Greece, where years of hardship and sky-high unemployment were followed this week by bank closures? The answer: self-imposed exile.
"I don't see a future in Greece," sighs Dani Iordake. The 21-year-old, who proudly sports self-styled tattoos on his arms, was forced to drop out of university to help his mother pay the bills.
"It's a beautiful country... [but] I couldn't imagine living here and struggling every day," he said.
With youth unemployment at nearly 50% and a breakdown in negotiations with Greece's international creditors heralding further financial woes, many of Iordake's contemporaries are packing their bags.
Over 200 000 Greeks have quit the country since the financial crisis began in 2010, according to Endeavor Greece, a local chapter of an entrepreneurial promotional group. They have been driven away by a dearth of jobs, pitiful wages, endemic corruption and lack of meritocracy.
Thirty-two year old Christos Pennos left in 2013 because of a scarcity of opportunities in the scientific field, and managed to snap up a post as a university researcher in Norway.
"My brother lives in Spain, my best friend in Germany. I have a lot of friends in Britain, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and even in Poland," he said.
At first he had only planned to spend two or three years in Norway, but now believes he'll stay longer - though he admits "I really miss my friends and family, and most of all the Greek sun and Greek food".
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his radical left Syriza party were elected on the promise to help those worst hit by years of austerity, but instead have been forced to impose capital controls and close banks.
'Situation is awful'
Friends Marilena and Josie, 22 and 33, catch up over a beer and falafel sandwich, which they eat on a bench in the street while they discuss their future.
As a massage therapist, Josie cannot find full-time work and has been forced in the past to take baby-sitting and cleaning jobs to make ends meet.
"Before the crisis, I was paid $1 440 net. Today, I don't get even half that, gross."
Her boyfriend, a Syrian refugee she met while volunteering for a migrants association, is currently in the Netherlands and she's thinking of going to live with him.
Marilena may also pack up and head to Germany, where her brother lives. He signed up with the military there and earns a 2 000-euro salary, with practically no expenses to pay, she said.
The decision to leave her homeland is not one she will take lightly, however. "It's an option, not a must."
Unemployed civil engineer Giannis Grigoriou does not have the luxury of waiting the crisis out, and is planning to immigrate to an Arab country because he thinks he'll have more luck finding work.
"The situation is awful. Had I known this four to five years ago I would have studied to be a chef or hairdresser, which have more appeal in this country," he said.
Emigration increasing
Greek emigration, particularly among the young, "is not a new phenomenon, but it increased considerably during the crisis," said Lois Labrianidis, economic geography professor at Thessaloniki University.
Labrianidis has been called in to help at the economy ministry, and wants more done to boost investments and develop high-value industries to encourage young graduates to stay in Greece.
He hopes the government will be able to renegotiate with the country's creditors, saying: "If we don't have to pay more money, we'll have more money to put in the economy".
"These days are crucial for Greece, but especially for the young," he said.
Libya peace talks stall again
06:55 02/07/2015
Tripoli - Libya's rival governments will not return to peace talks this week after rebel forces on Wednesday rejected the latest proposal, defying threats the UN Security Council would impose sanctions on anyone who stands in the way of a deal.
The National General Congress parliament in Tripoli, which was seized by rebel forces last year, said it would consult for a week on the new draft, ruling out returning to the talks due to begin in Morocco on Thursday.
"The amendments introduced in the latest text submitted by the UN did not include [our own] proposals," it said in a statement released late on Wednesday.
Libya Dawn, the coalition of militias that controls the capital, also rejected the latest peace plan as "treason, because it sanctions the creation of a fascist dictatorship under the auspices of the UN".
Dozens of people protested against the new draft in front of the CGN's headquarters in Tripoli on Wednesday, burning pictures of the UN envoy leading the peace talks Bernardino Leon, according to an AFP journalist on the scene.
Libya's leadership is split between Libya Dawn forces, who seized the capital last year, and the internationally recognised government that was forced to flee to Tobruk, in the northeast of the country.
The factions are facing international pressure to form a national unity government and end years of chaos in the war-torn country, which has become a hotbed of jihadist groups and a starting point for migrant smugglers sending people across the Mediterranean to Europe.
UN sanctions
The UN Security Council on Wednesday warned that "there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya" and urged all sides to "sign the proposal presented by the UN support mission in Libya in the coming days".
A national unity government "is in the interests of the Libyan people and their future, in order to end Libya's political, security and institutional crises and to confront the rising threat of terrorism," it added.
The 15-member council said it was "prepared to sanction those who threaten Libya's peace, stability and security or that undermine the successful completion of its political transition".
In Tobruk, the seat of Libya's internationally recognised government, lawmaker Osama Mohamed Faraj al-Chaaf said parliament was ready "in principle to endorse" the text, according to a news agency close to the authorities.
Previous bid blocked
A previous bid by Britain, France, Spain and the United States to step up pressure on the sides with sanctions was blocked by Russia and China.
The United Nations has been brokering talks between Libya's various groups with a view to establishing a government that could confront the threat from Islamic State extremists, who have gained a foothold in several towns.
A surge of jihadist violence across the region, including the killing of 38 people, most of them British tourists, at a Tunisian beach resort on Friday, has prompted mounting international pressure for a deal.
Libyan factions agreed during Geneva talks in January to set up a national unity government to restore stability that has been shattered since the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
Tripoli - Libya's rival governments will not return to peace talks this week after rebel forces on Wednesday rejected the latest proposal, defying threats the UN Security Council would impose sanctions on anyone who stands in the way of a deal.
The National General Congress parliament in Tripoli, which was seized by rebel forces last year, said it would consult for a week on the new draft, ruling out returning to the talks due to begin in Morocco on Thursday.
"The amendments introduced in the latest text submitted by the UN did not include [our own] proposals," it said in a statement released late on Wednesday.
Libya Dawn, the coalition of militias that controls the capital, also rejected the latest peace plan as "treason, because it sanctions the creation of a fascist dictatorship under the auspices of the UN".
Dozens of people protested against the new draft in front of the CGN's headquarters in Tripoli on Wednesday, burning pictures of the UN envoy leading the peace talks Bernardino Leon, according to an AFP journalist on the scene.
Libya's leadership is split between Libya Dawn forces, who seized the capital last year, and the internationally recognised government that was forced to flee to Tobruk, in the northeast of the country.
The factions are facing international pressure to form a national unity government and end years of chaos in the war-torn country, which has become a hotbed of jihadist groups and a starting point for migrant smugglers sending people across the Mediterranean to Europe.
UN sanctions
The UN Security Council on Wednesday warned that "there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya" and urged all sides to "sign the proposal presented by the UN support mission in Libya in the coming days".
A national unity government "is in the interests of the Libyan people and their future, in order to end Libya's political, security and institutional crises and to confront the rising threat of terrorism," it added.
The 15-member council said it was "prepared to sanction those who threaten Libya's peace, stability and security or that undermine the successful completion of its political transition".
In Tobruk, the seat of Libya's internationally recognised government, lawmaker Osama Mohamed Faraj al-Chaaf said parliament was ready "in principle to endorse" the text, according to a news agency close to the authorities.
Previous bid blocked
A previous bid by Britain, France, Spain and the United States to step up pressure on the sides with sanctions was blocked by Russia and China.
The United Nations has been brokering talks between Libya's various groups with a view to establishing a government that could confront the threat from Islamic State extremists, who have gained a foothold in several towns.
A surge of jihadist violence across the region, including the killing of 38 people, most of them British tourists, at a Tunisian beach resort on Friday, has prompted mounting international pressure for a deal.
Libyan factions agreed during Geneva talks in January to set up a national unity government to restore stability that has been shattered since the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
Bus falls off bridge, kills 10 in South Korea
07:55 02/07/2015
Beijing - A bus carrying a group of South Koreans fell off a highway bridge in northeastern China, killing 10 of them, officials said Thursday.
The accident took place on Wednesday after the vehicle left the north-eastern Chinese city of Ji'an and was about halfway to its destination of Dandong, which borders North Korea, the official Xinhua News agency said.
The Ji'an government said on its official microblog that 10 people died, all of them South Korean. Earlier state media reports had said two of the victims were Chinese.
South Korean officials said 26 South Koreans were on the bus as part of a 140-person delegation of mainly South Korean government employees.
They were in China to tour historical sites, including places where Korean independence fighters resisted Japan's colonial rule before the end of World War II, according to officials from the South Korean Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.
The bus was part of a six-bus caravan, South Korean officials said.
The bus was said to be resting on its top in shallow water under the bridge.
Beijing - A bus carrying a group of South Koreans fell off a highway bridge in northeastern China, killing 10 of them, officials said Thursday.
The accident took place on Wednesday after the vehicle left the north-eastern Chinese city of Ji'an and was about halfway to its destination of Dandong, which borders North Korea, the official Xinhua News agency said.
The Ji'an government said on its official microblog that 10 people died, all of them South Korean. Earlier state media reports had said two of the victims were Chinese.
South Korean officials said 26 South Koreans were on the bus as part of a 140-person delegation of mainly South Korean government employees.
They were in China to tour historical sites, including places where Korean independence fighters resisted Japan's colonial rule before the end of World War II, according to officials from the South Korean Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.
The bus was part of a six-bus caravan, South Korean officials said.
The bus was said to be resting on its top in shallow water under the bridge.
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