Blog

NAN-H-104
Fear
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), says that Nigerians are living under a perpetual sense of insecurity and uncertainty in all parts of the country because of different forms of fear.

Okoh made this remark at the opening of the sixth edition of the Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON), a flagship programme of the church, with the theme, “Fear Not” on Monday in Abuja.

Okoh said while the fears might be dismissed as wrong perceptions of reality, events had left the ordinary man with no option than to be afraid.

He explained that people’s perception of the inclination of the present administration, was on its own a cause of mistrust and fear.

According to the Primate, the direction of the government is not clear on the issue of national unity as it is perceived to sideline some and favour some.

He said that there was also the fear of alleged Islamisation of the country, citing the belief that Muslims and Islamic issues were being priority as exacerbating the fear.

He wondered how anyone could explain the call for full implementation of the Sharia Criminal Code on Nigeria’s legal system in a country where there are Christians and people of other faith?

Okoh further urged the government to urgently address the menace of herdsmen attacks on farmers and communities by disarming them, to allow people engage in agriculture effectively.

He added that the fear of economic recession, Niger Delta militancy and unemployment were among other fears that Nigerians were currently grappling with, in view of their attendant effects on society.

“Fear is a very bad thing and it would appear as if the government is not taking adequate notice of what these fears are.

“The actions and activities of government or lack of actions in certain areas are generating fear in the heart of people and when there is fear, people act irrationally because they don’t have adequate information.

“It is important for government, through actions and explanations, take away fear from the people.

“So, for a child of God, faith in God will lay fear to rest but we live in a society where we don’t have that type of religious belief.

“It is therefore, important for government to recognise that this is a problem and take adequate steps to remedy them. It will not be right to say ‘don’t mind them’ because after all said and done, government is about the people,” he said.

On the release of the suspected killers of the 84-year-old business woman in Kano, Okoh said the decision was part of the activities that inspired fear, adding that Christians who live in such an environment would be subjected to fear.

He said that if every government began to act like that, the country would become unsafe for people to live in.

The Primate demanded that the government should explain what led to the release of the suspects.

“Government should not give the impression that people can take laws into their hands and go free, because that is not a good signal.

“Nigerians deserve an explanation from the Kano State Government to the effect that the court had tried them and found them not guilty or that wrong people were arrested,” he said.

The primate said the objective of the conference was to coalesce Nigerian Christians into a body to understand the teaching of the Christian Church, practice it and relate with other people in a more acceptable way. (NAN)
OYS/NKO/NKO

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Edited by Nkechi Okoronkwo

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NAN-H-103
Abuse
Uhogua(Benin), Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The International Christian Centre, Uhogua, in Ovia North East of Edo, on Monday said there is no record of sexual or physical abuse of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the camp being managed by it.

Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, coordinator of the centre, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) when Mohammed Sani-Sidi, Director- General(D-G) of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) donated relief items to the camp.

“We have never experienced any of the ugly incidences we hear in other camps probably because of the tight organizational structure of the centre. The operational organization of the camp is driven by the tenets of God. We will not experience such incidences by the grace of God,’’ he said.

He said: “we are grateful for the items brought by NEMA considering the economic hardship in the country.

”However, we will continue to appeal to both the Federal Government, private and corporate organizations to assist the camp with relief materials to enable the residents live normal lives,’’ he said.

He disclosed that the over 2,000 IDPs were mainly from Borno and Adamawa states.

Sani-Sidi, while presenting the items, commended the organisational ability of the coordinator of the camp for the staff and infrastructure on ground to cater for the IDPs.

Represented by Mr Fagbemi Kayode, Director, Relief and Rehabilitation at the NEMA headquarters in Abuja, Sidi commended the humanitarian effort of the centre in catering for the IDP’s, adding that ”what would have happened to these children but for your kind humanitarian gesture.’’

The D-G therefore called on individuals and well meaning corporate organizations to make donations to the centre for adequate upkeep of the children, especially in the completion of the several ongoing classrooms and administrative blocks project in the camp.

He promised to present Folorosho’s request to the appropriate quarters, in the clearing of relief material at the wharf to cushion the present hardship of the IDPs.

Some of the materials presented included bag of rice, packets of indomie, slippers and educational teaching and learning aids among others. (NAN)
KOO/IS/

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-H-101

Warning

By Martha Nuhu

Jos, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The Plateau Judicial Commission of Inquiry has warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) against late or non-submission of vital documents that will help the commission in carrying out its duties.

The chairman of the commission, Justice Stephen Adah, gave the warning while taking a witness from the Ministry of Finance in Jos on Monday.

The warning came after series of disappointments by the ministry to submit documents on time which resulted in adjournments.

The ministry which was asked to submit all financial documentation, transactions due to the state as well as loan grants collected failed to do so on time.

Adah added that the commission would no longer extend time to any MDA nor tolerate any adjournment on any instance of non-submission of documents.

He said that if any document was brought after what was admitted before the commission, it would be treated as if the ministry was hiding the document.

Adah said in such cases, the ministry would be made to remit any amount if it had any transaction

The Ministry of Finance did not give reasons on why the documents presented were not brought to the commission on time before taking the stand.

The chairman of the commission, thereafter, stood down the memo until Nov. 9 for all parties to study the documents.

Adah directed that all directors and staff in the ministry who were in possession of vital and needed documents to should submit such to the commission on or before the next adjourned date. (NAN)

ADY/ORO/IS
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Edited by Razak Owolabi/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-H-94
Dissolution
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) A 31-year-old trader, Oluwatoyin Ibikunle, on Monday asked an Agege Customary Court, Lagos, to dissolve her 14-year-old marriage to her husband, Okiki, citing constant beating

Oluwatoyin, who resides at Fagba, a Lagos suburb, told the court that  Okiki was irresponsible.

“He has turned me into a punching bag, I am no longer interested in the marriage. He keeps threatening my life, embarrassing and harassing me.

“He is so abusive, always raining curses on me and accusing me of having illicit affairs with different men.

“He made the police to arrest and detain me and l slept in their cell for two days before l was released, ” she said.

The mother of four, described her husband as an irresponsible man, who could not cater for her and the children.

Oluwatoyin pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage, saying “I am no longer interested in the union; the love I have for him has faded.

“l also want my husband to give me custody of the children for good and proper upbringing.”

Okiki, 44, a driver,  denied the allegations, and said:“my wife is not submissive and wayward; she is not a good wife.

“She enjoys doing what l don’t like and has moved out of the house over two years now.

The respondent said that his wife used to be honest, faithful and straightforward, but suddenly changed after he lost his job and she started keeping bad friends.

He further alleged that the petitioner started keeping late nights and receiving strange calls till very late at night.

“I couldn’t talk much because l was not working and couldn’t provide for the house financially.

The respondent accused the wife of infidelity having caught her on several occasions with different men at different hotels.

He told the court that his wife had on several occasions lied that she was going for parties and leave the house for days.

There was a time she went for a party and did not return, claiming she slept over at her sister’s house, which l later discovered were all lies.

He said that he confronted her on a particular day when he saw her with one of her man friend.

She told me to my face not to disturb her, that the man has been of immense help to her.

The respondent told the court that he made efforts to resolve the issues between them, but has always been fruitless.

He said that he later realised that her family were dancing to her tune because she credits her father’s and family’s account with money she gets from her man friends.

He also said his wife did not care about the welfare of the children; all she was good at was her business and to frolic with men.

The petitioner debunked all that the respondent said as fabricated stories.

She told the court that she moved out of the house due to constant beatings, which she sometimes sustain injuries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during mediation, the children did not want their parents to live separately as this could lead to psychological trauma.

The court’s President, Mr Philip Williams, then admonished the estranged couple and told them that they do not love their children.

The court president charged them to be careful, saying, “If care is not taken, you will ruin the lifes of this children and turn them to societal nuisance.”

Due to the insistence of the couple to go their separate ways, the case was adjourned to Dec. 1 for judgment. (NAN)
LAW/KOLE/OFN

Edited by Remi Koleoso//Felix Nwadioha

NAN-DS-12
Lynching
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Nov.7, 2016 (NAN) The Ebonyi Police Command has confirmed the lynching of a commercial motorcyclist, Francis Uroh, by a mob for stealing a motorcycle.

DSP George Okafor, Ebonyi Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, that the incident occurred at Afikpo North LGA of the state.

According to him, the police stormed the scene on receiving the information and took the victim to a nearby hospital where he later died.

“We have arrested the man who claimed to be the motorcycle owner while efforts have been intensified to apprehend others suspects on the run.

“We have commenced investigations into the incident and assured the public that all those found culpable would be prosecuted,” he said.

A witness told NAN that Uro, a native of Amasiri community, had conveyed a passenger to Ehugbo, a nearby community where he met his death.

“Someone stated shouting that he had seen his stolen motorcycle and this attracted the attention of fellow commercial motorcyclists and youths who surrounded Uroh.

“They started beating him despite his plea of innocence and when they discovered that he was lifeless, everybody fled the scene,” he said.

The Caretaker Chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Chief Oko Enyim, condemned the incident and said that the council would ensure that the perpetrators were prosecuted.

“Youths of Amasiri where the victim hails from mobilised for reprisal attacks but I quickly intervened. The person who sold the motorcycle to the deceased has escaped from the community on hearing of the incident,” he said.

Chief Idu Igariwey (PDP-Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency) also condemned the killing and blamed the youths for taking laws into their hands.

Igariwey, in a statement, said that the youths should have reported the incident to law enforcement agents rather than take laws into their own hand.

“I charge relevant agencies to apprehend and prosecute all those involved in the act to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement read. (NAN)

RCO/AOS/IS
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-H-100
Condolence
By Ahmed Ubandoma
Abuja, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has commiserated with the families of late Lt.-Col. Mohammad Abu-Ali and six others who died in the battle field.

Mrs Buhari offered her condolences to the families during the burial of the soldiers on Monday at the Military Cemetry in Abuja.

The wife of the President, who was among top dignitaries that attended the burial, also interacted with the families of the slain soldiers.

She said the soldiers died as heroes and would remain in her mind and the minds of Nigerians.

Mrs Buhari commended the efforts of Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali and his colleagues for the successful return of some of the Chibok girls and other persons held in captivity by the insurgents.

She prayed for the repose of the slain soldiers’ souls, saying that late Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali and his colleagues paid the supreme price.

The wife of the President, who was accompanied by the wife of the Senate President,
Mrs Toyin Saraki, said that the soldiers laid their lives for peace and security in the North East.

Also in her entourage were the wives of Borno, Kebbi and Kogi State governors, Mrs Nana Shettima, Mrs Zainab Bagudu and Mrs Rashidat Bello respectively, as well as wives of some ministers.

The families of the slain soldiers were later presented with the National Gorail for fallen heroes by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The presentation was performed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who represented the President at the burial ceremony.

The slain soldiers are Late Lt. Col. Mohammad Abu-Ali, Patrick Paul (SM), Salihu Lawal (PRT), Hussaini Jafaru (SGT), Muazu Ibrahim (SGT), Bassey Okon (SGT) and Chukwu Simon (CPL). (NAN)
AMU/HAS/HA
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-H-98
Weapons
Makurdi, Nov, 7. 2016 (NAN) The Benue Police Command recovered 76 assorted weapons, 31 cars and arrested 479 suspects in 100 days, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bashir Makama, has said.

Makama, who made the disclosure on Monday in Makurdi while briefing newsmen to mark 100 days in office, said the state now enjoys relative peace.

He said that a total of 479 suspects were arrested within the period for involvement in 93 different criminal cases.

He said that more than N2 million was recovered from criminals during operation.

He said: “seventy nine suspects were arrested for involvement in 10 armed robbery cases; 66 suspects were arrested for involvement in 15 homicide cases.

“Nineteen suspects were arrested for involvement in two kidnapping cases and 64 suspects were arrested for involvement in 21 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.

“Also, 13 suspects were arrested for involvement in 12 cases of cultism; 50 suspects were arrested for attacking two police teams and 64 suspects were arrested for involvement in two cases of disturbing public peace among others.

“We also recovered 76 assorted weapons which included nine AK 47 rifles, 43 locally made guns, nine locally made revolver pistols, two pump action guns, one English pistol, among others.”

Makama said the command also recovered 31 different brands of cars, 17 motorcycles, 22 cattle, among other items.

He said that Mr Sekar Iyortyom, the state Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, who is being investigated for alleged culpable homicide had petitioned the police high command for “unsatisfactory investigation’’ of his case.

He said that the matter was already under investigation and assured that justice would prevail at the end of the day.

The CP said that the children of Terwase Akwaza aka Gana, a notorious criminal declared wanted by the police, who were earlier taken into protective custody had been released to his family.

He added that the manhunt to arrest Gana had been intensified.

Akwaza was declared wanted for the alleged assassination of Denen Igbana Gov. Samuel Ortom security aide and involvement in cases of kidnappings, cattle rustling, armed robbery among other crimes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iyortyom is being investigated for the alleged assassination of Joseph Tondo chairmanship aspirant in Buruku local government area. (NAN)

AEB/AEA/AEA
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Edited by Archibong Asuquo

NUC approves take off of Borno State University
NAN-H-30
University
Maiduguri, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday granted approval for the take off of Borno State University, its Executive Secretary, Prof. Adamu Rasheed, has said.

Rasheed announced the approval while receiving Gov. Kashim Shettima, who led a delegation comprising Senators, members of House of Representatives, professors and other stakeholders to the NUC in Abuja.

Malam Isa Gusau, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Shettima, said this in a statement in Maiduguri.

Gusau said that with the approval the university was free to commence academic activities in the shortest possible time.

“With the approval, the Borno State University, a legacy of Shettima’s administration, is free to begin recruitment of staff and admission of students which the Borno Government is planning for January, 2017.”

He said that the visit followed last week’s inspection by the NUC technical team which visited the proposed site of the university in Maiduguri.

Gusau quoted Rasheed as saying that the approval was based on the level of commitment shown by the state government towards the take off of the university.

“It is my honour and privilege to hereby present to His Excellency, Governor Kashim Shettima a letter of recognition by the National Universities Commission for the take off of Borno State University located in Maiduguri.

“This recognition will be communicated to JAMB, NYSC, TETFUND and all relevant stakeholders,’’ he said.

Gusau said Shettima told the Executive Secretary that the state government has recorded tremendous progress in physical development of the university as confirmed by assessment teams that visited the campus.

“In our first phase of physical development, we awarded contracts of N3.4 billion for construction five faculties of Science, Social Science, Management Science, Arts and Education while we are putting in students’ hostels and other facilities.

“At full maturity, the university is expected to have 12 faculties, 77 departments, 281 undergraduates and school of post graduate studies as well as basic and remedial studies.

“We have made giant progress and to quote some members of the NUC’s technical team that saw things for themselves.

“Many state universities took off with far less than what we have seen. The Borno State University has more than what it requires for take off by January, 2017,’’ he said.

The governor also explained that education has suffered setback in the state as result of severe attacks by Boko Haram. (NAN)
ABI/FF/MST

Edited by Fela Fashoro/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-F-20
Zuma
Johannesburg, Nov. 7, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) South African President Jacob Zuma has lodged a complaint with the office of the Public Protector over a leaked audio recording of his meeting with the anti-graft watchdog, his office said on Monday.

A statement from the presidency said Zuma’s discussion with the former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, during her investigation into allegations of influence-peddling was broadcast on a private television channel at the weekend.

“The Presidency has sought clarity from the Office of the Public Protector on the policy of the institution regarding the release of audio recordings of interviews conducted during the course of investigation,” it said.

A transcript of the four-hour interview was made public by the Protector’s office last week when it released a report calling for a judge to investigate allegations of influence peddling in Zuma’s government.

Zuma is due to face a no-confidence vote in parliament later this week over the 355-page report by the constitutionally mandated watchdog.

It focused on allegations that members of the Gupta family of business tycoons influenced the appointment of ministers.

However, it called for an investigation into whether Zuma, some of his cabinet members and some state companies had acted improperly.

It stopped short of saying crimes had been committed, saying it lacked the resources to reach such conclusions.

Zuma denied granting undue influence to the brothers who run a business empire ranging from media to mining, or to anyone else.

Through their family spokesman, the Guptas also denied seeking influence. (Reuters/NAN)
OYE/HA
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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-H-97
OAU
By Dorcas Elusogbon
Ile-Ife (Osun), Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Barely two weeks after the reinstatement of the activities of the Students’ Union of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, new leaders have been appointed, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The leaders, who were elected across faculties in the university, were to serve in the capacity of electoral commissioners and petitioners.

The activities of the OAU-SU were reinstated on Oct. 27 by the authorities of the university in a letter referenced Ro.2/Vol. VI/217.

“This is to inform the generality of the students and the entire university community that the order of the suspension of Students’ Union activities by the university authorities via a release referenced Ro.2/Vol. VI/180, dated Dec. 3, 2015 has been lifted,” the reinstatement notice read in part.

After the election held on Nov. 4, Fadele Olusola emerged as the electoral chairman;  Secretary, Akande Paul; Public Relations Officer, Durodola Lukmon; Financial Secretary, Sodiq Rauf; Welfare Officer, Aina Oluwasanmi.

Also, Bolutife Olusola emerged as the electoral petitions chairman; financial secretary, Faleye Kolawole; PRO, Moses Abundance; and welfare officer, Akoledowo Eniola.

The election for the secretary of the electoral petitions Commission was postponed after the contestants had equal votes on three consecutive times.

Before the election, the OAU’s acting Dean of Divisional Students’ Affairs, Prof. Grace Akinola, challenged the elected students to be responsible leaders.

She explained that the school management was interested in moulding leaders that would change the world.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students, in a press statement by its Senate President, Comrade Salam  Oyejide, asked the new electoral commission and petition leaders to be transparent.

He said, “It is important to note that your emergence at this critical period of our Union naturally bestows enormous responsibilities on your shoulders.

“We at the Senate Secretariat of NANS enjoin you to conduct free, fair, and credible elections into the various organs of our dear Union.

“We equally besiege you to excuse your personal interests from this all important task in order to have a responsible and responsive Students Union leadership.” (NAN)
EDA/PIO/PIO
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Edited by Idonije Obakhedo