Senate right to void Bakassi handover, says Akinjide * Utomi urges caution; CPP lauds upper chamber
Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said yesterday in Ibadan that the Senate was right in repudiating the transfer of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun. Akinjide said it was wrong for former President Olusegun Obasanjo to have ceded the Bakassi and other areas to Cameroun without legislative approval as required by the Constitution. MORE>>>
I’m back in PDP because AC has nothing more to offer — RIMI
Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Second Republic governor of old Kano State, chieftain of PDP and later AC has his head being asked for in a ‘platter’ during his recent re-decampment to PDP. Unsavoury remarks have been made about him on the front pages of newspapers but in this recent encounter, the former chairman of Nigeria Printing & Minting said he has no regrets about leaving AC for PDP and went further to explain why he did it. Many interpretations have been given to why you went back to the ruling PDP after leaving it for AC and campaigning with its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubabar. MORE>>>
Sahara Oil Invests $250m
The recent oil discovery is expected to accelerate economic growth in Ghana as Sahara Group of Companies, one of the largest energy sector players in Africa, says it will in the next five years open filling or fuel stations in all the 166 districts of the country. The company therefore says it is ready to commit about $260 million in investments not only in construction of filling stations but also in oil production in the country. MORE>>>
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
News Desk Thursday, November 22, 2007
How Bamaiyi, Mustapha plotted to kill Osoba, Ibru, others —Sgt Rogers
SERGEANT Barnabas Jabila, otherwise known as “Sgt Rogers,” yesterday wept profusely as he returned into the witness box, six years after his first public appearance, to give testimony on some of the gory operations of the deadly “Strike Force” established by the administration of the late Gen Sani Abacha. MORE>>>
Why UK can't try Ibori, say AGF
THE Attor ney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), ruled out yesterday, the possibility of granting the request of the United Kingdom (UK) to try the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, in London for alleged money laundering. MORE>>>
Election Results Forged in 12 States, Says INEC
A few days after it accused the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) presidential candidate in the last April 21 election, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, of tendering forged documents to prove his petition at the tribunal, the Independent National Electoral Commi-ssion (INEC) went a step further yesterday, saying its result sheets and other documents in 12 states had been tampered with. MORE>>>
EFCC Begins Probe Of Obasanjo
Investigation may have begun on the eight-year reign of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as news emerged on Wednesday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened a file on him. This is probably connected with the rolling allegations of personal enrichment, and gross abuse of office made against the octogenarian by critics, among them Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, and human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi. MORE>>>
Nigeria deploys troops to Camerounian border
THE Nigerian Navy has begun to send more of its men to the sea border with Cameroun following the killing of 21 Camerounian soldiers and the retaliatory killing of 10 Nigerians by the soldiers. MORE>>>
€10m scandal: ICPC seeks more facts from Siemens
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday said it had sought more information from the German telecommunications giant, Siemens AG, towards building its case against the indicted Nigerians. The commission has also confirmed that some of the 13 indicted Nigerians in the scandal have made useful statements to facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter. MORE>>>
IN GLOBAL NEWS:
Court upholds Musharraf election (BBC NEWS)
U.N. nuclear watchdog agency chief keeps pressure on Iran (LOS ANGELES TIMES)
Putin Links Rivals to West (WASHINGTON POST)
Pakistan to be kicked out of Commonwealth (GUARDIAN UNLIMITED)
China Changes Its Mind About U.S. Warship (NEW YORK TIMES)
Arms seizure threat sparks panic in Darfur camp (ALERT NET)
170 countries for Sunday's World Cup draw (REUTERS AFRICA)
SERGEANT Barnabas Jabila, otherwise known as “Sgt Rogers,” yesterday wept profusely as he returned into the witness box, six years after his first public appearance, to give testimony on some of the gory operations of the deadly “Strike Force” established by the administration of the late Gen Sani Abacha. MORE>>>
Why UK can't try Ibori, say AGF
THE Attor ney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), ruled out yesterday, the possibility of granting the request of the United Kingdom (UK) to try the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, in London for alleged money laundering. MORE>>>
Election Results Forged in 12 States, Says INEC
A few days after it accused the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) presidential candidate in the last April 21 election, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, of tendering forged documents to prove his petition at the tribunal, the Independent National Electoral Commi-ssion (INEC) went a step further yesterday, saying its result sheets and other documents in 12 states had been tampered with. MORE>>>
EFCC Begins Probe Of Obasanjo
Investigation may have begun on the eight-year reign of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as news emerged on Wednesday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened a file on him. This is probably connected with the rolling allegations of personal enrichment, and gross abuse of office made against the octogenarian by critics, among them Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, and human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi. MORE>>>
Nigeria deploys troops to Camerounian border
THE Nigerian Navy has begun to send more of its men to the sea border with Cameroun following the killing of 21 Camerounian soldiers and the retaliatory killing of 10 Nigerians by the soldiers. MORE>>>
€10m scandal: ICPC seeks more facts from Siemens
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday said it had sought more information from the German telecommunications giant, Siemens AG, towards building its case against the indicted Nigerians. The commission has also confirmed that some of the 13 indicted Nigerians in the scandal have made useful statements to facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter. MORE>>>
IN GLOBAL NEWS:
Court upholds Musharraf election (BBC NEWS)
U.N. nuclear watchdog agency chief keeps pressure on Iran (LOS ANGELES TIMES)
Putin Links Rivals to West (WASHINGTON POST)
Pakistan to be kicked out of Commonwealth (GUARDIAN UNLIMITED)
China Changes Its Mind About U.S. Warship (NEW YORK TIMES)
Arms seizure threat sparks panic in Darfur camp (ALERT NET)
170 countries for Sunday's World Cup draw (REUTERS AFRICA)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Congo Creates Great Ape Preserve
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo is setting aside more than 11,000 square miles of rain forest to help protect the endangered bonobo, a great ape that is the most closely related to humans and is found only in this Central African country.
U.S. agencies, conservation groups and the Congolese government have come together to set aside 11,803 square miles of tropical rain forest, the U.S.-based Bonobo Conservation Initiative said in a statement issued this week.
The area amounts to just over 1 percent of vast Congo — but that means a park larger than the state of Massachusetts.
Environment Minister Didace Pembe said the area was denoted as a protected reserve last week as part of the administration’s goal of setting aside 15 percent of its forest as protected area. The Sankuru announcement increased the amount of protected land in Congo to 10 percent from 8 percent, he said.
The Sankuru Nature Reserve aims to protect a section of Africa’s largest rain forest from the commercial bushmeat trade and from deforestation by industrial logging operations in the central part of the country known as the Congo Basin.
Sally Jewell Coxe, president of the Washington-based Bonobo Conservation Initiation, said the group has been working to establish the reserve since 2005, when it started meeting with leaders in villagers that ring the area to persuade them to stop hunting the ape.
Though local lore holds that washing a baby with the ashy remains of a bonobo will make the child strong, Coxe said many area villages have committed to ending the practice.
“We have agreements with many of the local villages that are on the edges of the park, and they will be the managers and be very involved in it,” she said.
Bonobos — often lauded as the “peaceful ape” — are known for their matriarchal society in which female leaders work to avoid conflict, and their sex-loving lifestyle.
The bonobo population is believed to have declined sharply in the last 30 years, though surveys have been hard to carry out in war-ravaged central Congo. Estimates range from 60,000 to fewer than 5,000 living, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
The Sankuru reserve also contains okapi, closely related to the giraffe, that is also native to Congo, elephants and at least 10 other primate species.
Startup funding has been provided through a grant of $50,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and about $100,000 from private donors, Coxe said.
“We’re really thrilled; now comes the hard work of funding it for long term,” Coxe said.
U.S. agencies, conservation groups and the Congolese government have come together to set aside 11,803 square miles of tropical rain forest, the U.S.-based Bonobo Conservation Initiative said in a statement issued this week.
The area amounts to just over 1 percent of vast Congo — but that means a park larger than the state of Massachusetts.
Environment Minister Didace Pembe said the area was denoted as a protected reserve last week as part of the administration’s goal of setting aside 15 percent of its forest as protected area. The Sankuru announcement increased the amount of protected land in Congo to 10 percent from 8 percent, he said.
The Sankuru Nature Reserve aims to protect a section of Africa’s largest rain forest from the commercial bushmeat trade and from deforestation by industrial logging operations in the central part of the country known as the Congo Basin.
Sally Jewell Coxe, president of the Washington-based Bonobo Conservation Initiation, said the group has been working to establish the reserve since 2005, when it started meeting with leaders in villagers that ring the area to persuade them to stop hunting the ape.
Though local lore holds that washing a baby with the ashy remains of a bonobo will make the child strong, Coxe said many area villages have committed to ending the practice.
“We have agreements with many of the local villages that are on the edges of the park, and they will be the managers and be very involved in it,” she said.
Bonobos — often lauded as the “peaceful ape” — are known for their matriarchal society in which female leaders work to avoid conflict, and their sex-loving lifestyle.
The bonobo population is believed to have declined sharply in the last 30 years, though surveys have been hard to carry out in war-ravaged central Congo. Estimates range from 60,000 to fewer than 5,000 living, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
The Sankuru reserve also contains okapi, closely related to the giraffe, that is also native to Congo, elephants and at least 10 other primate species.
Startup funding has been provided through a grant of $50,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and about $100,000 from private donors, Coxe said.
“We’re really thrilled; now comes the hard work of funding it for long term,” Coxe said.
News Desk Tuesday, November 20, 2007
EFCC made me poor – Alamieyeseigha
Former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has accused the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of impoverishing him with the confiscation of his assets and about 1.7 million pounds sterling reportedly found on him by British police in London. MORE>>>
€10m bribe: ICPC summons ex-ministers, others
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Monday said it had invited the former ministers and other public officials allegedly involved in the 10m euro bribe scandal by a German multi-national engineering firm, Siemens AG. MORE>>>
Council of State confirms Okiro as IG
The first Council of State meeting under President Umaru Yar’Adua took place on Monday and took far-reaching decisions that bordered on the security of the country, economic stability and the welfare of the police. It also approved the promotion of Mr. Mike Okiro to the post of substantive Inspector- General of Police. Okiro had functioned in an acting capacity for about six months. The position was effective from June 1, 2007. MORE>>>
Nigeria rejects US presence in Africa
THE Federal Government announced on Monday that it would not host the United States military's new Africa-wide military command, taking Africa’s most populous nation and a top source of American oil imports out of contention. MORE>>>
IN GLOBAL NEWS
Walkout fuels French strike woes (BBC NEWS)
New York Tightens Shelter Policies (WASHINGTON POST)
Pakistani authorities release thousands of opposition supporters (LOS ANGELES TIMES)
Baghdad Starts to Exhale as Security Improves (NEW YORK TIMES)
Former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has accused the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of impoverishing him with the confiscation of his assets and about 1.7 million pounds sterling reportedly found on him by British police in London. MORE>>>
€10m bribe: ICPC summons ex-ministers, others
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Monday said it had invited the former ministers and other public officials allegedly involved in the 10m euro bribe scandal by a German multi-national engineering firm, Siemens AG. MORE>>>
Council of State confirms Okiro as IG
The first Council of State meeting under President Umaru Yar’Adua took place on Monday and took far-reaching decisions that bordered on the security of the country, economic stability and the welfare of the police. It also approved the promotion of Mr. Mike Okiro to the post of substantive Inspector- General of Police. Okiro had functioned in an acting capacity for about six months. The position was effective from June 1, 2007. MORE>>>
Nigeria rejects US presence in Africa
THE Federal Government announced on Monday that it would not host the United States military's new Africa-wide military command, taking Africa’s most populous nation and a top source of American oil imports out of contention. MORE>>>
IN GLOBAL NEWS
Walkout fuels French strike woes (BBC NEWS)
New York Tightens Shelter Policies (WASHINGTON POST)
Pakistani authorities release thousands of opposition supporters (LOS ANGELES TIMES)
Baghdad Starts to Exhale as Security Improves (NEW YORK TIMES)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
News Desk Sunday, November 18, 2007
Aso Rock budgets N2.3million daily for refreshment....N1.5m for eye glasses
THE National Assembly has been allocated N65 billion out of the N2.5 trillion spending plan for 2008 proposed by President Umaru Yar‘Adua. N2.2 billion of the proposal has been earmarked for food, details of the proposal obtained by Sunday Vanguard have revealed. The Presidency including the State House has been allocated N26.9 billion in the 2008 spending plan with N1.301 billion going for feeding and refreshment in the State House. MORE>>>
Trial for loitering: American ‘wrongly deported’ to Nigeria knows fate, Wednesday
A Lagos Magistrate Court, Ebute-Metta, Lagos has fixed Wednesday for ruling in the case brought against a black American Mr. Grayson Ernest Eugene who was serving a jail term in the United States before his alleged deportation to Nigeria in error by the American government on December 12, 2006. Eugene, 44, is standing trial before Magistrate R.O. Davis on a one-count charge of “an act not warranted by law” which “causes inconvenience or damage to the public by loitering around American Embassy premises.” MORE>>>
Siemens Bribery Scandal: Suspects’ll be Prosecuted in Nigeria, Says EFCC
Siemens Bribery Scandal: SuspeThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it was investigating all suspects in the Siemens bribery scandal and assured that those found to be culpable would be prosecuted in Nigeria. Spokesman of the agency, Mr. Osita Nwajah, told THISDAY last night that: “We are already involved in the matter. Investigation is still on-going. All those found to be culpable will be brought to justice in Nigeria,” he added. MORE>>>
Nigerians Abroad to Remit $16b
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole yesterday told the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that it must ensure that all policies of the Federal Government are geared towards maximising the benefits of the nation’s foreign relationships in the best interest of the average Nigerian, just as he confirmed that Nigerians living abroad will remit over $16 bilion back home before the end of this year. MORE>>>
Real reasons INEC aborted PDP convention - The Iwu, OBJ connection
Indications have emerged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have stopped the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to fulfill the requirement of due process, but to assist some forces with enough time to re-strategise, with the aim of regaining the control of the party. MORE>>>
Imo AC Guber Candidate Teargassed At Tribunal
The gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress, AC in Imo State at the April election was allegedly assaulted and tear-gassed by the police at the venue of the ongoing Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Owerri the state capital. The candidate, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha told our correspondent in an exclusive interview at his Abuja Apo Legislative Quarters, that he had gone to the Tribunal on Monday, November 13, 2007, but his car was blocked by some police officers and Special Assistants to Governor Ohakim, demanding to know his identity. MORE>>>
Why Soludo Sacked Me - Wahir Mshelia (former deputy governor, CBN)
Until she resigned her appointment on May 3, 2005, Mrs. Wahir Mshelia, 57, was the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). After her resignation, she went into retirement, ending her voyage of 27 years in the public service. Recently, however, she opened up, alleging that she was actually hounded out of office by her boss and that he did so with the active connivance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Mshelia said her former boss and incumbent governor of the nation's apex bank, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, persecuted and sacked her because he could not abide by her principled stand on issues, especially her penchant for insisting on due process. She stated that Soludo was equally angered by her stout rejection of the bank's consolidation policy, which she believed was not in the overall interest of the North. MORE>>>
Six die in electoral violence in northern Nigeria
KAN0, Nigeria, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Six people were killed and over 250 arrested in the northern Nigerian state of Kano in weekend violence linked to local government elections, the state's chief of police said on Sunday. MORE>>>
THE National Assembly has been allocated N65 billion out of the N2.5 trillion spending plan for 2008 proposed by President Umaru Yar‘Adua. N2.2 billion of the proposal has been earmarked for food, details of the proposal obtained by Sunday Vanguard have revealed. The Presidency including the State House has been allocated N26.9 billion in the 2008 spending plan with N1.301 billion going for feeding and refreshment in the State House. MORE>>>
Trial for loitering: American ‘wrongly deported’ to Nigeria knows fate, Wednesday
A Lagos Magistrate Court, Ebute-Metta, Lagos has fixed Wednesday for ruling in the case brought against a black American Mr. Grayson Ernest Eugene who was serving a jail term in the United States before his alleged deportation to Nigeria in error by the American government on December 12, 2006. Eugene, 44, is standing trial before Magistrate R.O. Davis on a one-count charge of “an act not warranted by law” which “causes inconvenience or damage to the public by loitering around American Embassy premises.” MORE>>>
Siemens Bribery Scandal: Suspects’ll be Prosecuted in Nigeria, Says EFCC
Siemens Bribery Scandal: SuspeThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it was investigating all suspects in the Siemens bribery scandal and assured that those found to be culpable would be prosecuted in Nigeria. Spokesman of the agency, Mr. Osita Nwajah, told THISDAY last night that: “We are already involved in the matter. Investigation is still on-going. All those found to be culpable will be brought to justice in Nigeria,” he added. MORE>>>
Nigerians Abroad to Remit $16b
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole yesterday told the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that it must ensure that all policies of the Federal Government are geared towards maximising the benefits of the nation’s foreign relationships in the best interest of the average Nigerian, just as he confirmed that Nigerians living abroad will remit over $16 bilion back home before the end of this year. MORE>>>
Real reasons INEC aborted PDP convention - The Iwu, OBJ connection
Indications have emerged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have stopped the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to fulfill the requirement of due process, but to assist some forces with enough time to re-strategise, with the aim of regaining the control of the party. MORE>>>
Imo AC Guber Candidate Teargassed At Tribunal
The gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress, AC in Imo State at the April election was allegedly assaulted and tear-gassed by the police at the venue of the ongoing Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Owerri the state capital. The candidate, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha told our correspondent in an exclusive interview at his Abuja Apo Legislative Quarters, that he had gone to the Tribunal on Monday, November 13, 2007, but his car was blocked by some police officers and Special Assistants to Governor Ohakim, demanding to know his identity. MORE>>>
Why Soludo Sacked Me - Wahir Mshelia (former deputy governor, CBN)
Until she resigned her appointment on May 3, 2005, Mrs. Wahir Mshelia, 57, was the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). After her resignation, she went into retirement, ending her voyage of 27 years in the public service. Recently, however, she opened up, alleging that she was actually hounded out of office by her boss and that he did so with the active connivance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Mshelia said her former boss and incumbent governor of the nation's apex bank, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, persecuted and sacked her because he could not abide by her principled stand on issues, especially her penchant for insisting on due process. She stated that Soludo was equally angered by her stout rejection of the bank's consolidation policy, which she believed was not in the overall interest of the North. MORE>>>
Six die in electoral violence in northern Nigeria
KAN0, Nigeria, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Six people were killed and over 250 arrested in the northern Nigerian state of Kano in weekend violence linked to local government elections, the state's chief of police said on Sunday. MORE>>>
Friday, November 16, 2007
News Desk Friday, November 16, 2007
London appeal court freezes Ibori’s assets
Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, on Thursday suffered another setback in the bid to free himself from prosecution over corruption. A London Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, in an unanimous decision, ruled that the Southwark Crown Court, which had discharged a restraint order on Ibori’s assets, erred by lifting the order. MORE>>>
Militants bomb Shell's oil pipeline in Delta
PORT-HARCOURTMILITANTS in the early hours of yesterday blew up with explosives a crude oil delivery pipeline, belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Delta State amidst fears that the execution of the multi billion dollars Escravos Gas -to –Liquid project of the American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, may be truncated following a fresh threat by the people of oil – rich Ugborodo community, Warri South West local government area. MORE>>>
Two police officers, two armed robbers killed in gun battle at Apapa
Police sources said a gang of about eight armed robbers were spotted somewhere around Trebbor junction, Apapa at about 11pm on Tuesday. It was gathered that men of anti-robbery squad who were scattered around Apapa and environs were put on the alert. However, sources said the gang quickly made a U-turn and headed towards Tin Can Island where another team led by the late Inspector were on a pin down point at a black spot. MORE>>>
Bakassi Killings: Nigerian Soldiers Not Involved, Azazi Insists
Chief of Defence Staff, General Andrew Azazi, insisted yesterday that Nigerian military did not attack Cameroonian soldiers in Bakassi. Also yesterday, leader of Nigerian delegation to the United Nations, Prince Bola Ajibola, reiterated that Nigerian government had no hand in the November 12, 2007 killings of the 20 Cameroonian soldiers. MORE>>>
Illegal Bunkering: Navy Arrests 260 Ships – Adekeye
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, yesterday said 260 ships involved in illegal bunkering have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy. Adekeye disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen during the maiden tour of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, to Naval headquarters, to enable her interact with principal staff officers. MORE>>>
Nigeria's Niger Delta Militants Issue New Threat
In Nigeria, the militant group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it intends to spread its agitation from the oil-rich region to other parts of Nigeria. In an email sent to journalists late Thursday, the group said it will attack major bridges and other non-oil sector-related infrastructure throughout Nigeria. MORE>>>
Militant Group Says Nigeria Military Behind Attacks of Cameroon Soldiers
One of the most potent militant groups operating in Nigeria's oil-rich delta region, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, says the Nigerian military were behind a cross-border raid that left 21 Cameroonian soldiers dead on Monday. Nigerian authorities deny the accusation. The attack took place in the Bakassi Peninsula, an oil-rich strip of territory recently ceded to Cameroon after international courts overturned neighboring Nigeria's claim to the land. Sarah Simpson has more from Lagos. MORE>>>
IN GLOBAL NEWS
U.S. deserters lose bid for Canada refugee status (BOSTON GLOBE)
China spying 'biggest US threat' (BBC NEWS)
U.S. to urge compromise in Pakistan (LOS ANGELES TIMES)
Home Run King Bonds Charged With Perjury (WASHINGTON POST)
Report Raises New Doubts on Iran Nuclear Program (NEW YORK TIMES)
Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, on Thursday suffered another setback in the bid to free himself from prosecution over corruption. A London Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, in an unanimous decision, ruled that the Southwark Crown Court, which had discharged a restraint order on Ibori’s assets, erred by lifting the order. MORE>>>
Militants bomb Shell's oil pipeline in Delta
PORT-HARCOURTMILITANTS in the early hours of yesterday blew up with explosives a crude oil delivery pipeline, belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Delta State amidst fears that the execution of the multi billion dollars Escravos Gas -to –Liquid project of the American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, may be truncated following a fresh threat by the people of oil – rich Ugborodo community, Warri South West local government area. MORE>>>
Two police officers, two armed robbers killed in gun battle at Apapa
Police sources said a gang of about eight armed robbers were spotted somewhere around Trebbor junction, Apapa at about 11pm on Tuesday. It was gathered that men of anti-robbery squad who were scattered around Apapa and environs were put on the alert. However, sources said the gang quickly made a U-turn and headed towards Tin Can Island where another team led by the late Inspector were on a pin down point at a black spot. MORE>>>
Bakassi Killings: Nigerian Soldiers Not Involved, Azazi Insists
Chief of Defence Staff, General Andrew Azazi, insisted yesterday that Nigerian military did not attack Cameroonian soldiers in Bakassi. Also yesterday, leader of Nigerian delegation to the United Nations, Prince Bola Ajibola, reiterated that Nigerian government had no hand in the November 12, 2007 killings of the 20 Cameroonian soldiers. MORE>>>
Illegal Bunkering: Navy Arrests 260 Ships – Adekeye
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, yesterday said 260 ships involved in illegal bunkering have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy. Adekeye disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen during the maiden tour of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, to Naval headquarters, to enable her interact with principal staff officers. MORE>>>
Nigeria's Niger Delta Militants Issue New Threat
In Nigeria, the militant group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it intends to spread its agitation from the oil-rich region to other parts of Nigeria. In an email sent to journalists late Thursday, the group said it will attack major bridges and other non-oil sector-related infrastructure throughout Nigeria. MORE>>>
Militant Group Says Nigeria Military Behind Attacks of Cameroon Soldiers
One of the most potent militant groups operating in Nigeria's oil-rich delta region, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, says the Nigerian military were behind a cross-border raid that left 21 Cameroonian soldiers dead on Monday. Nigerian authorities deny the accusation. The attack took place in the Bakassi Peninsula, an oil-rich strip of territory recently ceded to Cameroon after international courts overturned neighboring Nigeria's claim to the land. Sarah Simpson has more from Lagos. MORE>>>
IN GLOBAL NEWS
U.S. deserters lose bid for Canada refugee status (BOSTON GLOBE)
China spying 'biggest US threat' (BBC NEWS)
U.S. to urge compromise in Pakistan (LOS ANGELES TIMES)
Home Run King Bonds Charged With Perjury (WASHINGTON POST)
Report Raises New Doubts on Iran Nuclear Program (NEW YORK TIMES)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Election Tribunal Sacks Adamawa State Governor
The drama in the April elections continues apace. The Adamawa State Election Petition Tribunal in its ruling moments ago has nullified the election of Governor Murtala Nyako on the ground that Ibrahim Bapetel, Action Congress' gubernatorial candidate's name was unlawfully removed in the April 14 election eve by EFCC on trumped-up indictment for fraud. The ruling states fresh election must be held "within 90 days."
However, Nyako is expected to appeal the ruling.
However, Nyako is expected to appeal the ruling.
News Desk Thursday, November 15, 2007
Corruption Charges: Group Drags Obasanjo To EFCC
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo's name re-echoed yesterday on the streets of Lagos as youths marched in their hundreds and thousands protesting what they described as eight years of dictatorial and corrupt regime of a "civilian czar" which should call for immediate probe. Their first port of call was the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC in Lagos. MORE>>>
I Am Not In Any Battle Of Supremacy –– IBB
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida has refuted insinuation that he is in a supremacy battle with former president Olusegun Obasanjo over who becomes the national chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). MORE>>>
FG takes over NICON, Nigeria Reinsurance Plc
The lingering imbroglio that beset the insurance sub-sector since the recapitalisation of the industry has now been rested with the Federal Government dissolving and taking over the boards and managements of NICON Insurance Plc and Nigeria Reinsurance Plc. MORE>>>
Gulf of Guinea: Nigeria, US Collaborate over Oil Theft
The Federal Government is collaborating with the United States Government and some European countries in a bid to forestall crude oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea.
The collaboration would be under the aegis of the Gulf of Guinea Energy Security Strategy (GGESS). MORE>>>
Cameroun retaliates - Kills 10 Nigerians
THE Camerounian government said on Wednesday that its soldiers killed 10 suspected Nigerian gunmen in a retaliatory attack after they killed 21 soldiers in the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula. MORE>>>
Senatorial candidate arrested over forgery
THE person identified by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, as the lawful candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ondo South Senatorial District in the April 14 election, Chief Olusola Oke, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday by the police for allegedly forging the signature of the party’s national chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali. MORE>>>
‘We ’ll deliver 2nd Niger bridge in 36 months’
Mr. Domenico Gitto, Managing Director of Gitto Construzioni Generali Nig. Limited, the Italian firm handling the construction of the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha, assured yesterday that the bridge which has a 36 month completion time would be delivered on schedule. MORE>>>
Foreign reserves hit $49bn – CBN
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo said yesterday in Abuja that the nation’s foreign reserves had hit $49 billion. Soludo also said that the aggregate credit lending to the private sector of the Nigerian economy had tripled from N1.2 trillion in 2004 to N4 trillion as at the end of October, 2007. MORE>>>
We’re ready to probe Obasanjo – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Wednesday, said that it would investigate allegations of corrupt enrichment against former President Olusegun Obasanjo. MORE>>>
Araraume Concludes Submission At Tribunal
Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Imo State in the last election, Ifeanyi Araraume, on Wednesday concluded the submission of documents in the petition he filed at the Election Petitions Tribunal against the declaration of Governor Ikedi Ohakim by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as governor. MORE>>>
IN GLOBAL NEWS
Pakistan opposition begins to unite against Musharraf (BOSTON GLOBE)
Iraqis Wasting An Opportunity, U.S. Officers Say (WASHINGTON POST)
Musharraf 'will quit army soon' (BBC)
Working in a Warzone (The Guardian Weekly)
LAPD's Muslim mapping plan killed (Los Angeles Times)
African Crucible: Cast as Witches, Then Cast Out (New York Times)
Zionist official was first to hear of Final Solution (Jerusalem Post)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
News Desk Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Obasanjo, IBB Battle for the Soul of PDP
The cold relationship between former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and immediate past president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, may have shifted to the National Convention of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as both appear set for a fierce battle. The convention, which has been shifted from December 8, 2007 to January 5, next year, as a result of a procedural error, has seen the party divided into Obasanjo and Babangida camps with each supporting different candidates for the office of the national chairman of the party. MORE>>>
Yar’Adua Blocks Buhari’s Witnesses
For the second time, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has frustrated the efforts made by General Muhammadu Buhari to get his witnesses a platform to give a situation report on the inspection of documents and materials used for the April 21 presidential polls. Counsel to the president yesterday opposed fiercely an application made by Buhari’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), before the presidential election tribunal seeking to bring five witnesses to adopt the depositions they tendered before the court. MORE>>>
London court hears Ibori’s asset case today
A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division will today in London hear former Governor James Ibori’s money laundering case. The panel, scheduled to begin sitting at 10:30 a.m., will be led by Justice William Gage and assisted by Justice Dame Staal and Ms. Justice Cox. MORE>>>
Court discharges Judith Asuni, others
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday discharged Judith Asuni, an American woman, charged with felony and espionage against Nigeria. A Nigerian, Saidu Danjuma and two German journalists, Florian Orpitz and Andy Lehman, who were charged alongside her, were also discharged. MORE>>>
Adedibu: AC, Balarabe slam Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday came under strong criticism for describing a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, as ”the only father of the PDP.” Obasanjo, during his visit to the politician in Ibadan on Sunday, was quoted as saying that Adedibu, as the father of the PDP, could not be looked down on. MORE>>>
IMF ready to cancel Liberia debt
The International Monetary Fund is ready to start cancelling Liberia's debt to the agency after securing sufficient funding for the process. The IMF says donor nations have pledged $842m (£407m) which will start the process once the pledges are honoured. MORE>>>
The cold relationship between former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and immediate past president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, may have shifted to the National Convention of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as both appear set for a fierce battle. The convention, which has been shifted from December 8, 2007 to January 5, next year, as a result of a procedural error, has seen the party divided into Obasanjo and Babangida camps with each supporting different candidates for the office of the national chairman of the party. MORE>>>
Yar’Adua Blocks Buhari’s Witnesses
For the second time, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has frustrated the efforts made by General Muhammadu Buhari to get his witnesses a platform to give a situation report on the inspection of documents and materials used for the April 21 presidential polls. Counsel to the president yesterday opposed fiercely an application made by Buhari’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), before the presidential election tribunal seeking to bring five witnesses to adopt the depositions they tendered before the court. MORE>>>
London court hears Ibori’s asset case today
A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division will today in London hear former Governor James Ibori’s money laundering case. The panel, scheduled to begin sitting at 10:30 a.m., will be led by Justice William Gage and assisted by Justice Dame Staal and Ms. Justice Cox. MORE>>>
Court discharges Judith Asuni, others
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday discharged Judith Asuni, an American woman, charged with felony and espionage against Nigeria. A Nigerian, Saidu Danjuma and two German journalists, Florian Orpitz and Andy Lehman, who were charged alongside her, were also discharged. MORE>>>
Adedibu: AC, Balarabe slam Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday came under strong criticism for describing a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, as ”the only father of the PDP.” Obasanjo, during his visit to the politician in Ibadan on Sunday, was quoted as saying that Adedibu, as the father of the PDP, could not be looked down on. MORE>>>
IMF ready to cancel Liberia debt
The International Monetary Fund is ready to start cancelling Liberia's debt to the agency after securing sufficient funding for the process. The IMF says donor nations have pledged $842m (£407m) which will start the process once the pledges are honoured. MORE>>>
Monday, November 12, 2007
Nigeria Discuss Early Deployment of Hybrid to Sudan
ABUJA (AFP) — US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Nigeria's Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe on Monday discussed the importance of a rapid deployment of the United Nations-African Union hybrid force to Sudan's troubled Darfur region. "I think there is work to be done in Darfur. It's very important that a heavy support package should be deployed as soon as possible and then followed by the UN-AU hybrid force," Negroponte told reporters after the talks in Abuja. MORE>>>
AL QAEDA IN NIGERIA
Nigeria arrests alleged Al Qaeda operatives
The U.S. embassy warned in September that Nigeria, Africa's top oil producer, was at risk of "terrorist attack", and Osama bin Laden once named the country as ripe for jihad, but Nigeria has yet to see any major attack in the style of al Qaeda. Nigerian police and the secretive (State Security Service) have made sporadic arrests of suspected jihadists for some years and trials have been launched, but there has been no conviction and no conclusive evidence of al Qaeda's presence in Nigeria has been made public. MORE>>>
The U.S. embassy warned in September that Nigeria, Africa's top oil producer, was at risk of "terrorist attack", and Osama bin Laden once named the country as ripe for jihad, but Nigeria has yet to see any major attack in the style of al Qaeda. Nigerian police and the secretive (State Security Service) have made sporadic arrests of suspected jihadists for some years and trials have been launched, but there has been no conviction and no conclusive evidence of al Qaeda's presence in Nigeria has been made public. MORE>>>
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Why ‘Democratic Neutrality’ Is An Overlooked Threat To American Democracy
Protesters participate in a ‘We The People 250’ march during 2026 Fourth of July celebrations in Washington. Joe Raedle/Getty Images BY MATH...
