Blog

NAN-H-131
Adjournment
By Temitope Ponle
Abuja, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has adjourned until
Feb. 9, 2017 ruling in the suit of breach of fundamental human rights filed by Nnamdi Kanu against the Federal Government.

The presiding judge, Justice Micah Wright, adjourned on Tuesday for ruling after hearing arguments from both counsel.

Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Apata, argued that the court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the suit and that the matter was awaiting judgment before the Court of Appeal.

He said “on the preliminary objection we filed on April 7, we are seeking the indulgence of the court and informing it that it lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the application.

“While awaiting the judgment of the Court of Appeal, they (plaintiff) ran to this court; the plaintiff never disclosed that the same appeal had been refused in two municipal courts.

“The ECOWAS Court of Justice is an international court and is not supposed to be an appellate court; the plaintiff’s case borders on national security.”

Counsel to the defendant also argued that in line with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Federal Government had the right to prosecute suspects for criminal offences.

“The only exception is where the suspect has been arrested, detained and tried under a non-existing law.

“There is nothing before this court from the plaintiff to say he was arrested and detained under a non-existing law,” Apata said.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, however argued that the ECOWAS Court, as an international court, did not derive its jurisdiction from any member state.

Ejiofor urged the court to “discountenance all arguments canvassed by the defendant relying strongly on local laws which do not govern the jurisdiction of the court.

“It is clear that access to the court is open to individuals and corporate bodies,” Ejiofor said.

He also urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection filed by the defendant and proceed to the main arguments.

Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra and Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, sued the Federal Government for alleged illegal detention.

Joined in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Director-General of Department of State Service (DSS).

Kanu, in the suit, is asking for 800 million dollars compensation for violation of his human rights and an order directing his unconditional release and that of his personal belongings.

He is also asking the court to direct the defendants to respect, protect and promote his rights to life, liberty and freedom of movement, assembly and expression.

The plaintiff is praying the court to declare that his arrest and detention since Oct. 14, 2015 by the defendant is in flagrant disobedience to several orders of courts of competent jurisdiction.

He is also praying the court to declare that his continued detention is a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Charter of 1970. (NAN)
TOP/HAS/HA
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-H-126
Oronsaye

By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the prosecution in the ongoing trial-within-trial of Mr Stephen Oronsaye, a former Head of Service, to focus on how a witness’s statement is obtained, not its content.

The ruling followed an objection raised by Mr Oluwale Aladedoye, counsel to Osarenkhoe Afe , the second defendant, during cross-examination by the prosecutor, Mr Oluwaleke Atolagbe,nregarding the line of questioning.

Oluwale had objected to Atolagbe asking the defendant questions regarding the content of the statement, saying the only questions relevant were those related to circumstances surrounding how the statement was obtained.

Justice Gabriel Kolawale in his ruling agreed with the defendant that questions with regards to content were not relevant.

Kolawale said that the questions that were relevant for the purpose of the trial-within-trial were questions that were limited to the circumstances surrounding how the statement was obtained and not the content of the statement.

He adjourned till Nov. 23 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.

Kolawale had ordered a trial-within-trial to ascertain the veracity of the claim of the second defendant, that his statement was obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under duress.

The first prosecution witness, Miss Roukayya Ibrahim, an operative of EFCC, however, told the court on June 21 that the statement written by Afe on Feb. 24, 2011 was obtained from him without duress or oppression.

Oronsaye is standing trial for money laundering, fraud and breach of trust.

He is being tried with Afe and four companies – Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited, Cluster Logistic Limited, Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited, and Drew Investment and Construction Company Limited. (NAN)
WS/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha  (more…)

NAN-F-40

Protest

New York, Nov. 8, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Two protesters shouting anti-Trump slogans tore off their tops at the Manhattan polling place where the Republican nominee for president cast his ballot on Tuesday.

The women, from the feminist activist group Femen, had the phrases “Hate out of polls” and “Trump, grab your balls” written on their bodies, images posted on social media showed.

The latter phrase was a clear reference to lewd comments made by Trump in 2005 and captured by a hot microphone.

“I’m automatically attracted to beautiful (women), I just start kissing them.

“It’s like a magnet, just kiss, I don’t even wait, and when you’re a star they let you do it.

“You can do anything, grab them by the pussy,” Trump said in the leaked audio that rocked his campaign in October.

Security officials escorted the two women from the polling site, a Manhattan high school gym and the disruption was over within minutes.

Trump, who had not yet arrived to cast his ballot, missed the protest.

Femen, a group of Ukrainian origin, is known for its naked protests around the world.

On its website, Femen describes itself as “an international women’s movement of brave topless female activists painted with the slogans and crowned with flowers.”

dpa/NAN)

OYE/IEA

Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-H-130
Election
By Martins Odeh
Abuja, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed the election of Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of Bayelsa.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Timipre Sylva.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appeal had challenged the emergence of Dickson as governor.

Muhammad in a unanimous decision, however, reserved reasons for the verdict until Nov.18.

NAN recalled that the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal earlier dismissed the petition filed by the APC governorship candidate challenging the outcome of the election.

Sylva, who was dissatisfied with that outcome, approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The appellate court also dismissed his appeal, leaving with no option than to approach the apex court.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun also dismissed a cross-appeal filed by the governor challenging some aspects of the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

Sylva had contended that the tribunal misled itself, misapplied the law and came to a wrong conclusion in its verdict.

He then urged the apex court to set aside the decisions of the two lower court on the grounds that election was marred by irregularities. (NAN)
OMO/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-F-39
Selfie
New York, Nov. 8, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Eric Trump, the son of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, may find himself in trouble after he illegally posted a photo of his marked ballot on Twitter on Tuesday.

The photo, which has since been deleted from the 32-year-old Trump’s Twitter feed, was in violation of laws in New York State.

New York along with more than a dozen other states, prohibits voters from posting photos of their marked ballots.

Trump shared the photo of his ballot filled out in support of his father with the note, “it is an incredible honor to vote for my father! He will do such a great job for the U.S.A.’’

It is unclear if posting the image, also called a ballot selfie, will draw any legal consequences.

Last month, singer Justin Timberlake also broke the law by posting a photo of himself in a voting booth in his home state Tennessee, where he was casting his ballot early.

Local officials decided not to review the case but they warned Timberlake of the violation, which is punishable by a fine or up to 30 days in jail, according to local News Channel 3 Memphis.

“We’re thrilled; Justin can’t stop the feeling when it comes to voting so much that he voted early in person is promoting voting to his millions of fans.

“In Tennessee, using electronic devices inside polling locations to take pictures, videos or make calls is not allowed,” the office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/HA
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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Emmanuel Afonne and Donald Ugwu

NAN-S-19
Promise
Abuja, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr and Captain Mikel Obi on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the team will beat Algeria in the World Cup qualifying match on Saturday to maintain their streak in the World Cup qualifier.

They gave the assurance when the Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo visited the Eagles in training at the National Stadium Abuja.

Mikel thanked the vice president for making out time to visit the club, adding that it would spur the team to great victory.

Mikel said the team knew the task ahead on Saturday as it would be a difficult encounter but added that “we are focused, we have played and won the first game but it is still not done yet.

“This game is going to be a very difficult game as Algeria is a very good side; so, we know exactly what is ahead of us.

“That is why we are here, everyone is in camp early and being together is very good.

“We want to keep this because this is a very young team, we want to grow together and want to make sure we go to the World Cup’’, he said.

The Super Eagles captain said that with the help of the President and Vice President, the team would do the nation proud.

“We want to say thank you so much for all you have been doing for us and we pray that you continue to do more for us because we actually do need it.’’

Coach Rohr assured that he intended “to bring the German fighting spirit, playing well, and good organization to the team.

Rohr said he had confidence in the young team, adding that his mission was to find young players for the future.

“This will not stop only after the World Cup, we will continue; in this young team, we have possibilities to stay in the high level for a lot of years’’, he said.

According to the coach, the federation and the sports ministry were very cooperative with the team and had accorded him support in his task.

“We are good to go and we have some young and experienced players and we have some tricks to defeat Algeria.

“It is a great match and we are ready, we know the public is with us and we have a lot of confidence to win the game’’, he added.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, assured the presidency that the Eagles would not disappoint Nigerians.

He, however, pleaded for more funds to enable the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to succeed in the qualifying series.

“As it is the tradition, the team always train close to the environment of play and this evening our players have started a campaign with a lot of focus; they are committed and patriotic about this World Cup campaign.

“They are determined to pick a ticket for Nigeria for the World Cup just the way we demonstrated in our first outing in Ndola against Zambia.

“That was our first time of beating them at home and that is a good signal for us in this campaign; the team are organised in spite of the challenges and we are committed to deliver the ticket to Nigeria.

“We will appeal to you that sport is an expensive project; that is why we are always in front of your office.

“This project t is about money; we need more because we have more matches to play. We need to maintain good welfare to enable them put in their best,’’ Dalung said.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, assured the Vice President that the Eagles were capable of defeating the Algerians in Uyo.

He expressed the hope that the Algerian team would fall like their Zambian counterparts but noted that adequate funding was key to the team’s success.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Vice President also used the visit to talk with the female national team and pledged the support of the Buhari administration toward realisation of their aspirations.  (NAN)
EMAF/DCU/IEA
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Edited by Idahosa Asowata

NAN-S-18
Tickets
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government has announced that tickets for Saturday’s World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Algeria will go for N1,000 and N500 for covered seats and popular side respectively.

The information is in a statement by Ademola Olajire, Spokesman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), made available in Abuja on Tuesday.

Olajire quoted Mr Nse Edem, the Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom Ministry of Youth and Sports as saying the match tickets were worth more than the price they were being sold for.

Edem said “given the importance of the match and high expectations of Nigerians, the match tickets are certainly worth more than what they are being offered.

“However, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom Emmanuel has charged the Organizing Committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren to make the tickets affordable.

“This is to enable us to have a full house to cheer the Super Eagles on the day.”

Edem, who is also the Chairman of Media and Publicity Committee for the big game, assured that the Akwa Ibom Government, working in harmony with the NFF would deliver a hitch-free game on Saturday.

Present at the briefing on Tuesday in Uyo were Elder Albert Patrick (State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists), Aniedi Dickson (Director of Sports), Emmanuel Ibah (Chairman, Akwa Ibom FA) and Mr Paul Bassey, Chairman of Sports Services in Akwa Ibom, the statement noted.

It added that Bassey had been saddled with general coordination of the match by the state government.

The World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Algeria’s national football team – Les
Fennecs, also referred to as the ‘desert fox’ is a big soccer event to watch. (NAN)
VO/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cassava traders union in Niger decries high cost of produce

NAN-AE-15

Cassava
‎
Minna, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Cassava Traders Union, Minna chapter has  decried the high cost of cassava as they now buy a pick up load for N90, 000.

The Chairman of the association, Malam Bawa Isah, who spoke  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Minna, said the same quantity sold for between N35, 000 and N40, 000 in 2015.

“Price of cassava has continued to increase indiscriminately and we are not making gains.
‎
“The people that are bringing the cassava to us keep on telling us that cost of maintaining their cars is high as a result of bad roads, “ he said.

Similarly, the Secretary of the association, Mr Benjamin Animekwe, said cassava is now expensive due to the inflation in the country.

“ Prices of other food stuffs had quadrupled, that is the reason why we must sell at an advantaged price so that we can purchase other food items.

“If we don’t sell at a costly price we would go starving and we would not be able to pay house rents or meet up with other expenses, “ he said.

Animekwe said they were also constrained to sell to consumers at high price to make some profit.
‎
Also speaking, Mrs Eneh Ochaba, a `fufu `seller, said a heap of cassava she bought for N2, 500 in 2015 is now sold for N6, 000.

“I spend a lot of money before I can produce fufu, 20 small wood I used to buy for N300 is now sold for N1, 300‎, “ she said. (NAN)

MNO‎/MOL/OU
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/ Obike Ukoh

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NAN-ELS-4
Cooperation
By Collins Yakubu-hammer
Abuja, Nov.8, 2016 (NAN) The South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Noh Kyu-duk,
has assured Nigeria of continuous cooperation and positive relations.

Kyu-Duk said this at the Korean National Day Reception and Opening of Korean Cultural Festival on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said “this year marked the 36th anniversary of peaceful mutual relations between Nigeria and South Korea and during the years, the two countries built friendly relationship.

“Korea will continue to strengthen the mutual cooperation with Nigeria.

“Today is the 4,349 year of the anniversary of the Korean nation; the nation’s history has been associated with many stories, from love stories to drones and others.

“It is a special day for our country; the Korean community in Lagos is also here to mark the day.”

According to the ambassador, the celebration will continue until Nov. 12.

He added that there would be a “Zuma Grill” from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where Korean delicacies would be displayed for sale.

“Three latest Korean movies will be shown at the Silverbird Gallaria Abuja on Nov. 10
and admission is free.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highpoint of the event was a Jazz musical performance by a Korean Jazz Group called ‘Se:um’ who came all the way from Soul, South Korea.

The group sang songs like ‘Korean Breath 3’, ‘Nike Nike (Nigerian Song)’, Isn’t she lovely’ among others.

NAN also reports that those present at the event include former Governor of Rivers,
Dr Peter Odili and his wife, Mrs Mary Odili.

Also at the event were Mrs Ayotunde Adeshugba, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, some members of the National Assembly, other government functionaries and the diplomatic community.

Guests were treated to a Korean buffet and music at the fountain area, Transcorp Hilton. (NAN)
CMY/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-H-120
Justice
By Sumaila Ogbaje/Victor Michael
Abuja, Nov. 8 2016(NAN) Mr Benson Iwuagwu, the Executive Director, Prisons Fellowship
of Nigeria, has called for the introduction of restorative justice system to encourage reconciliation and harmony in the society.

He made the call at the National Prison Ministry Conference and Investiture of Patrons of Prison Fellowship of Nigeria with the theme “Rebuilding Lives and Repairing the Harms of Crime” on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said restorative justice system would help to deal with issues of restiveness in the society,
as well as promote communal harmony and prevent victim losses.

Iwuagwu disclosed that the fellowship had been partnering with the Lagos State Government to
carry out pilot projects on restorative justice as pre-trial diversion.

He explained that the objective was to ensure that a significant number of minor offences and misdemeanour were diverted from usual criminal trial that usually took time and led to prison
remand.

According to him, change comes from the inside because when people reconcile themselves with
God, they will have better platform to behave and to conduct themselves in a pro-social way.

“That way, prisons will begin to be decongested ; there will be better sense of judgment and
victims will have a say in how their matters are resolved.

“Our Sycamore Tree Project helps people to see how the other person feels, and then to build a platform because prison ministry is not what one organisation or Church can do.

“So, when we synergise, we can make better impact on penal and criminal justice system.”

Iwuagwu added that the essence of the conference was to bring to the fore the changing nature of prison ministry which encompassed the spiritual, social and economic, as well as societal aspects.

Mrs Dorcas Din, the Chairperson of the Fellowship, said it was aimed at filling vital gaps in the welfare and rehabilitation of prison inmates in the country.

Din said members of the Fellowship made sacrifices because they were passionate about sharing the transforming love of God with prisoners.

She added that the peace and security of prisons should be priorities of every society, especially as Nigeria grappled with security challenges that had ruffled community harmony and distorted national development.

“In this respect, prison fellowship is ready to partner with government to foster systems which are both restorative, transformational which will reduce crime and produce safer communities.

“Through our flagship programme called the Onisimus Project, we were able to prepare and empower ex-convicts back to the society.”  (NAN)
VIC/OYS/DO
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Edited by David Onilede/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu