I collected N4.2m from two women for ‘miracle babies’–Midwife

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  Africcon Report: I collected N4.2m from two women for ‘miracle babies’–Midwife
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  When women are unable to conceive and bear children, the huge psychological toll makes them fall prey to fraudulent people and patrons of ‘baby factories’.
  
  Desope Cecilia, 61, and Joy Ibe, 43, were among victims of a midwife, Oby George, who promised them ‘miracle’ twins and triplets respectively.
  
  While the midwife was being paraded before journalists at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, on Friday, the victims told their stories, with faces covered for security reasons.
  
  Cecilia said she had not been able to give her 78-year-old husband a child since they got married.
  
  She stated, “A lady who knew I had tried to conceive without success for a long time, told me about the midwife (George). The lady gave me the phone number of the woman and I learnt her clinic is in Port Harcourt.
  
  “When I got there in March 2012, she explained to me that she would be able to treat me with herbs and I would get pregnant. I was told to pay N1.5m, which I paid to her.
  
  “She gave me some herbs to take back to Lagos with me and take for nine months. I took the herbs religiously. My tummy began to swell, and my feet too. Those were the only signs I had that made me think I was pregnant.”
  
  Cecilia explained that George forbade her from going for any form of ante-natal session or scan.
  
  So, within the nine-month period that her tummy protruded like that of a pregnant woman, she visited no hospital.
  
  “The midwife told me not to go for any scan or ante-natal care. She told me that if I did, they would not see anything because what I was carrying was a ‘miracle’ pregnancy,” she said.
  
  Asked if she ever saw any sign associated like lactation during the period, Cecillia said she never knew it was a fake pregnancy.
  
  “I thought it was normal. Since my belly was growing bigger and my feet swell up, I thought I was indeed pregnant,” she said.
  
  In her ninth month, Cecilia embarked on her delivery journey to the house used by George as clinic for her ‘miracle deliveries’ in Omiagbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
  
  When she arrived the house, the midwife prepared her for delivery with another round of concoctions.
  
  “She also gave me a strange seed. I don’t know what it is called. When I chewed the seeds, I had to go to the toilet for bowel movement. She also gave me a drug that made me very tired.
  
  “I was laid on a bed after that. The midwife asked me to start pushing. I began to push really hard. I was half-conscious. Suddenly, I heard the cry of a baby, then another.”
  
  Cecilia said she left George’s clinic, thinking she had indeed been blessed with ‘miracle twins’.
  
  Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ngozi Braide, told journalists that on April 16, 2013, Cecilia took the twins for immunisation at the Amuwo Odofin Health Centre, Lagos.
  
  “But the medical officials at the centre were suspicious that Cecilia was not the biological mother of the twins. They then alerted the Area A Police Command. During investigation, she told the police that they were ‘miracle babies’.
  
  “Our men got the address of the midwife and went to Port Harcourt, where she was arrested. Investigation still continues to ensure we apprehend other members of her cartel. The twins are currently with the SOS Children’s Village, Isolo,” Braide said.
  
  Our correspondent learnt that the second victim (Ibe) was found in George’s house when the police got there.
  
  In Ibe’s case, she wanted triplets. For that, she had to pay N2.7m to George for the babies.
  
  Like Cecilia, Ibe was referred to George by a friend. She contacted the midwife few months after Cecilia did.
  
  “After I went to Port Harcourt to meet the midwife, I paid the N2.7m and I was given some herbs which I drank as concoction regularly.
  
  “My belly began to grow and my feet became swollen too. The midwife told me not to go to the hospital for scan or any ante-natal. I went to Port Harcourt to ask when I would be due for delivery.
  
  “She told me I was not due yet. Since it was too late to go back to Lagos, I slept over at her house. It was when I was there that police came to arrest her.”
  
  No one could have doubted that both Ibe and Cecilia were pregnant as both women appeared with swollen tummies and feet.
  
  George said her business was “helping women who want to get pregnant.”
  
  She told journalists, “I am 50 years old. I have been doing this business for over a year. In the case of the other woman (Cecilia), I was not the one who provided the babies.
  
  “Helen Okoro, who introduced her to me, was the one who brought the twins and we made it look like she was the one who delivered them. It is true I collected N1.5m from her and N2.7m from the other woman.
  
  “The herb I give them was to induce the swollen tummies and feet. Helen Okoro has run away now.”
  
  But George dodged questions as she was being interviewed by journalists.
  
  When asked about the name of the herbs and seeds she gave to her customers, she replied, “I don’t know.”
  
  Asked how many of such women she had ever ‘delivered’, she answered, “I cannot remember.”
  
  Curiously, Cecilia said she was bleeding like a freshly delivered mother during her ‘delivery’.
  
  George provided a frightening insight into how this was made possible.
  
  “When we asked her to push, we used a blade to cut part of her private part, so that she would bleed,” she said.
  
  George denied knowledge of where the babies given to Cecilia came from. She said Okoro was responsible for that part of the deal.
  
  This case is coming on the heels of the recent discovery of some baby factories in Abia and Enugu recently.
  
  The police have yet to confirm if the babies involved in this case were bought from one of such factories.

‘Jail handlers of collapsed buildings’

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  Africcon Report: ‘Jail handlers of collapsed buildings’
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Government’s failure to implement reports and the sanctions recommended on collapsed buildings has been blamed for the growing rate of building collapses in the country.
  
  A member of the Investigative Committee on Collapsed Buildings, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Mr. Benjamin Olamijulo, said this to Saturday PUNCH in an interview.
  
  He called on the states and Federal Government to begin to punish culprits to serve as a deterrent to members of the public.
  
  There has been an increase in the rate of building collapses across the nation, usually with many lives lost. The most recent occurred last week at Ojodu Berger area of Lagos.
  
  Olamijulo said many of the people involved in such cases were greedy quacks, who had no professional knowledge of building and construction.
  
  He berated the situation where investigations were carried out by the NSE and reports presented to the relevant government organs, and such reports were swept under the carpet because of sentiments.
  
  He said, “Until the government begins to prosecute and jail supervisors of collapsed buildings, the unfortunate trend will continue.
  
  “We need to look away from sentiments of who the culprits are and sanction them because of the value of every soul lost to such incidents. The reports should be published and implemented.”
  
  Olamijulo, a fellow of the NSE, said if the government truly valued lives lost to the collapses, it should not be deterred from applying sanctions no matter who the perpetrators are.
  
  “But what you hear is that the person has pleaded for mercy and should be pardoned or that he is related to some influential members of the society.
  
  “We can’t force the government to implement what has been recommended. They may also have their own way of implementing the reports. Recently, at a building in Jakande Estate, a WC seat crashed and tore the buttocks of a woman and she bled to death.
  
  “The crashed NIDB house report also showed some level of negligence, but people never want these reports to be published,” he said.
  
  Similarly, the Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, has called for sanctions against supervisors of collapsed houses henceforth.
  
  She said there would not be a significant change without sanctioning building supervisors, who she believes are professionals.
  
  Pepple spoke on a live television breakfast show monitored by our correspondent. She, however, believes that professional bodies should sanction the defaulting supervisors who are their members.

Court jails My Pikin workers 28yrs, dissolves firm

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  Africcon Report: Court jails My Pikin workers 28yrs, dissolves firm
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  A Federal High Court, Lagos has wound up Barewa Pharmaceutical Ltd, the manufacturer of My Pikin baby teething mixture, which allegedly killed about 80 babies in 2008.
  
  Justice Okechukwu Okeke, in his judgment on Friday, also sentenced two of the company’s employees to a total of 28 years imprisonment.
  
  Barewa Pharmaceutical Company, its Production Manager, Mr. Adeyemo Abiodun; and the Quality Assurance Manager, Egbele Eromosele, were convicted for conspiracy and selling of a dangerous drug.
  
  Okeke sentenced each of Abiodun and Eromosele to seven years for conspiracy to sell a dangerous drug and to another seven years for selling dangerous drug, but ordered that the sentences should run concurrently.
  
  He however, discharged and acquitted the convicts, including the company, of the rest of the four counts relating to adulterating, manufacturing and distributing the said drug (My Pikin).
  
  The judge said though the prosecution failed to prove the allegations relating to adulteration of the said drug, there was sufficient evidence that the drug contained “dangerous chemical,” which the convicts allegedly sold to a pharmacy shop in Agege, Lagos.
  
  The prosecution, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, had, during trial, alleged that the drug (My Pikin) contained a chemical called “diethylene glycol,” which allegedly led to the death of the children who used the drug.
  
  The judge, who paused while writing the sentence to be passed on the convicts, quickly asked Abiodun to be given a seat in the dock and also called for a doctor to look after him when he began to gasp for breath soon after the judgment was delivered.
  
  The judge continued writing the sentence while the doctor looked after him. The doctor later announced in the court that the man was hypertensive and that his blood pressure was high at that moment.
  
  He said, “My understanding of the word, adulterated, is that somebody has tampered with the original product and changed the quality and efficacy of the drug.
  
  “There must be evidence that the manufacturer of the adulterated drug changed or tampered with the ingredient to reduce the standard of the original drug.”
  
  But the judge said, throughout the period of trial, which lasted about five months, the prosecution failed to provide any evidence proving the allegations.
  
  He, therefore, found them guilty only on two counts one of which was that the convicts “on or about October 2008 sold dangerous drug to wit: My Pikin Baby Teething Mixture to Roca Pharmacy of 34, Balogun Road, Agege, Lagos, which did not represent the quality you represented it to be.”
  
  The offence was said to be contrary to Section 1(18)(a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Sections 1(8)(a)(ii); 1(18)(b)(ii) and 3 of the same Act.
  
  The second count upon which the accused were convicted was the conspiracy for the selling of the drug to the same Roca Pharmacy contrary to and punishable under the same law.
  
  The prosecution had on January 6, 2013 re-arraigned the three on an amended charge of six counts following the death of the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Kola Okunola, in October 2012.
  
  Okunola, 67, was said to have died of stroke.
  
  One of the defence counsel, Mr. Osaro Eghobamien (SAN), however, vowed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc Career Opportunity

• First Bank of Nigeria Plc Career Opportunity
  
  
  First Bank of Nigeria Plc is seeking for vibrant candidate to fill their vacant position below:Vacacy - Graduate Trainee Programme 2013
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  Not more than 27 years old by June 2013
  Must have completed NYSC with a valid certificate
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  The application process requires you to subscribe to First Bank of Nigeria Plc [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription! Then, Click here  to apply online  if you know you fit the required profile
  
  
  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Two teachers fired after putting on diaper for 5-year-old as punishment

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Africcon Nigerian Entertainment Report: Two teachers fired after putting on diaper for 5-year-old as punishment

Africcon Media Entertainment plus, – Africa

Two teachers were fired after imposing a cruel and inhumane punishment on their student in school, according to a statement by school officials in Indiana.

A northern Indiana teacher was suspended and her classroom aide was fired after allegedly putting a diaper on a 5-year-old, for “acting like a baby.”

The incident at children’s Earth Montessori School in Highland, about 10 miles south of Chicago, was raised by the student’s parents at a meeting last week. According to eyewitnesses, the diaper was put on the outside of the child’s pants.
The girl’s mother, who asked not to be named, said her child was humiliated during the incident.

“There was no excuse for any of the two teachers present in the classroom at the time to do that,” Alejandra Keefe, the school administrator said. “They made a very bad choice,” he added.

“This was totally uncalled for. This is definitely a case of a child being bullied by the teachers as the child will be teased for a long time by other students. I hope no one hires these two teachers. Teaching is not their thing,” Cynthia Harris, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana told after learning about the diaper incident.

The main teacher of the classroom was suspended indefinitely, the administrator added.

11 Women Arrested For Shooting Adult +18 Movie With Dog

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Africcon Nigerian Entertainment Report: 11 Women Arrested For Shooting Adult +18 Movie With Dog

Africcon Media Entertainment plus, – Africa

Eleven women and one foreign man have been arrested after they were caught shooting an adult movie with a dog in Nyali Mombasa.

The 12 are said to have been engaging in sex with a dog while the camera was on.

According to Mombassa boss, the area has been infested with foreigners who come with different motives. Others are said to have come for tour while others come to engage in prostitution.

The 12 were caught performing one of the most embarrassing sexual crime ever. The man was capturing the Kenyan ladies on tape as they had sex with his Dog, a German Shepard.

The police boss noted that many ladies have turned into such acts for money. He confirmed that the camera was confiscated and will be used as evidence. The 12 will be arraigned in court to answer to the charges.

‘Jonathan must run in 2015’

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  Africcon Report: ‘Jonathan must run in 2015’
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Youths of Urhobo extraction in Delta State under the aegis of the Urhobo Youths Leaders Forum have asked President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015.
  
  President, Movement for the Advancement of Urhobo Nation, Mr. Rex Anigoro, said Jonathan was left with no option but to re-contest in 2015.
  
  He spoke on behalf of leaders of youth organisations under the UYLF, when they visited the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, in Abuja on Thursday.
  
  Anigoro said Urhobo youths would not hesitate to protest if Jonathan failed to contest.
  
  He said, “We have come to stand in solidarity with the President; Jonathan is a very experienced leader, he is not an accidental leader. Some Urhobo elders visited the Arewa Consultative Forum, and I must say that it is their right to do so.
  
  “However, we youths from various organisations wish to say that the Urhobo people are not enemies of Mr. President.
  
  “I won’t say if he contests, rather I would say ‘when’ because he does not really have any choice here. And if he doesn’t contest, we will march naked in the streets to protest; and when he contests, will vote enmasse for him again as we did in the past.”
  
  The President, he said, had done well especially in fixing the nation’s dilapidated roads, addressing the  intractable issues in the power sector, ensuring industrial harmony and creating an atmosphere for democratic growth among others.ime will come when there will be nothing to share.”

Post-election violence: FG disburses N5.7bn to eight states

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  Africcon Report: Post-election violence: FG disburses N5.7bn to eight states
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The Federal Government on Thursday disbursed a total of N5.747bn to eight of the states affected in the post-2011 presidential election violence in Nigeria.
  
  Vice President Namadi Sambo presented the money to the representatives of the affected states at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
  
  The breakdown of the disbursement showed that Bauchi State collected N1,574,879,000; Zamfara State – 93,253, 485.00; Niger State – N433,375,875; Jigawa State – N208,667, 634.00; Katsina State – N1,973,209,440.00; Kano State – N944,827,000.00; Adamawa State – N420,089,840.00; and Akwa Ibom State – N43,504,000.00.
  
  Borno, Yobe, Nassarawa, Gombe and Kaduna states are expected to get their disbursements at a later date.
  
  Sambo said two years after the violence, President Goodluck Jonathan remained pained by the incident which necessitated the disbursement.
  
  “It  is with deepest sense of sorrow that President Goodluck Jonathan and indeed the entire government and people of Nigeria remain deeply pained by the violent acts and civil disturbances which necessitated today’s event,” he said.
  
  He regretted that the violence erupted after all the efforts put into ensuring that the elections were free and fair.
  
  Sambo vowed that no amount of crisis or violence would hinder government’s promises as well as ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
  
  He said the President approved the disbursement of financial assistance to the victims after a painstaking process of assessments, verification and collaboration between the Federal Government and the concerned states.
  
  He commended members of the the panel of Investigation of the 2011 Election Violence and Civil Disturbances led by Sheik Ahmed Lemu for showing courage, dedication and sound judgement, which has helped the country at during that trying time.
  
  He noted that the disbursement of the funds was part of the panel’s recommendations which looked at the need for political/constitutional reforms, as they tried to ascertain the number of persons who lost their lives or sustained injuries, the spread and extent of loss and damage to means of livelihood as well as the cost of damage to persons and public properties and places of worship.

Senate orders probe of plans for 2013 flooding

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  Africcon Report: Senate orders probe of plans for 2013 flooding
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The Senate has mandated its committees on Environment and Ecology; Special Duties; Water Resources and Marine Transport to commence an investigation into the preparedness of the relevant government agencies for the predicted flooding this year.
  
  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had predicted heavy rains for 2013 and warned about severe flooding in the year.
  
  After considering a motion brought by Senator Ita Enang, to call attention to the envisaged flood disaster, the Senate adopted a single prayer to “mandate her committees on Water Resources, Environment, Marine Transport and Special Duties to as a matter of urgency ascertain the state of preparedness of the Federal and state governments, their ministries of water resources, Environment and Health, National Inland Waterways Authority and the National Emergency Management Agency to contain the predicted flooding and excess rainfall and report on the continuing basis to the Senate within two weeks.”
  
  Enang, in the motion, which was co-sponsored by 69 other senators, noted that there was an urgent need to dredge the coastlines of major rivers and oceans within the country’s inland territories where sand has accumulated in order to further reduce the impact of the restriction of water channels on seasonal flooding.
  
  He said whereas the rainfall and flooding prediction said there would be excess rain this year in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia and Ebonyi states with attendant effect, the resultant water would not have enough channel to flow through the Atlantic Ocean which would then result in flooding of farmlands and residential houses thus constituting danger to human and marine life.

Mark, Tambuwal stopped Jonathan from sacking govs —Reps

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  Africcon Report: Mark, Tambuwal stopped Jonathan from sacking govs —Reps
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  House of Representatives on Thursday said prior deliberations between President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the National Assembly saved the governors of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states from sacking.
  
  The President on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in three states, leaving the governors to continue to be in office.
  
  The states, in recent time, have witnessed severe violent attacks orchestrated by members of an insurgent group, Boko Haram.
  
  The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Ogene, said Jonathan held a meeting with the presiding officers of the National Assembly where they prevailed upon him to retain the governors in office while implementing the emergency rule.
  
  Ogene explained that the “understanding” by the two sides was to ensure that the proclamation would not send the wrong signals to stakeholders.
  
  Ogene stated this at a briefing in Abuja.
  
  He said, “The leadership met with Mr. President and discussed the emergency proclamation to restore normalcy to these states. But, in supporting it, they reached the understanding that democratic structures like the governors and state Houses of Assembly will not be touched.
  
  “This is because, it will send the wrong signals if these structures were to go as had been the practice in the past.”
  
  Ogene’s clarification came, as there was indication that Jonathan had sent a request to the National Assembly, seeking an approval of the directive in compliance with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
  
  However, during Thursday’s plenary, Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, did not read any communication from Jonathan to members.
  
  There was also no reference to the emergency rule throughout the sitting.
  
  But, Ogene said the President was not in breach of the constitution by not writing the National Assembly as of Thursday.
  
  He argued, “It will be hasty to conclude that Mr. President has not written the National Assembly and is therefore in breach of the law.”
  
  Meanwhile, the Senate has scheduled the debate on the emergency rule for next Tuesday.
  
  It also clarified that the two days period specified in the constitution for the National Assembly to either approve or reject the declaration would begin to count after the proclamation had been published in a gazette and communicated to the legislature.
  
  Senate President, David Mark, who urged all senators to attend the Tuesday session, said their presence was imperative for the senate to form a quorum to deliberate on “an important national issue”.
  
  He added, “I would like to appeal to all distinguished colleagues here present and those who are not here, that they should be present on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.’’

Search for bodies ends

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  Africcon Report: Nasarawa: Search for bodies ends
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  There are strong indications that the Police High Command has called off the search for bodies of slain policemen and State Security Service operatives in Alakyio village,  Nasarawa State following security threat to the search and rescue team.
  
  Findings by our correspondent in Lafia on Thursday showed that the search team were warned to stop combing the Alakyio forest and environs by the villagers, who felt threatened by the presence of the security men.
  
  Though the search and rescue team had recovered a number of bodies, including the late Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Momoh, who led the security men that were ambushed, the police authorities were said to have taken the decision to suspend further search operations to avoid precipitating another confrontation between security personnel and the villagers.
  
  When asked about the decision, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, declined to comment, saying it was a security issue.
  
  “How can I speak on such a matter and expose ourselves to the enemy? I can’t, it’s a security issue,”he said.
  
  Wives and relations of the policemen have been coming daily to the Nasarawa State Police Command in the hope of getting news about the possible  recovery of the bodies of their husbands, but they have yet to see any sign that their expectations would be met.

Troops capture Boko Haram’s camp

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  Africcon Report: Borno: Troops capture Boko Haram’s camp
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  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  EARLY reports of military operations in the three North-East states under emergency rule, on Thursday, indicated that Nigerian soldiers had recaptured three of the local government areas where insurgents had been in control in northern Borno.
  
  The names of the recaptured councils could not be confirmed out of the lot in possession of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram. The areas where the insurgents were said to have been in total control before the military operation launched on Thursday were Marte, Magumeri, Mobbar, Gubio, Guzamala, Abadamin, Kukawa, Kaga, Nganzai and Monguno.
  
  Also, the troops reportedly invaded and took over a training camp of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, known as Sambisa on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in the early hours of Thursday.
  
  Borno as well as Adamawa and Yobe states fell under emergency rule by presidential proclamation on Tuesday.
  
  President Goodluck Jonathan said all efforts to bring the violence in the area under control had failed hence the need to use force to force insurgents out of the states, especially Borno where the President said insurgents had taken control of the northern part.
  
  A soldier who spoke to one of our  correspondents from Maiduguri, on the condition of anonymity, said, “We have succeeded in taking over Sambisa Games Reserve, which the sect had been using as its camp. Scores of people found in the camp were arrested.
  
  “We will interrogate them and those who are not members of the sect will be set free. The operation is being carried out in such a way that there is no harassment. The innocent should not be afraid.”
  
  The source however declined to comment on the number of casualties already recorded and the number of persons arrested.
  
  The PUNCH learnt that troops on Thursday shut down almost half of the state as they attacked suspected Boko Haram enclaves.
  
  A man who spoke to one of our correspondents on the telephone from Maiduguri narrated that the military operation in the city had disrupted normal life.
  
  He said the number of roadblocks had increased and that “farmers are no longer going to the farm, only a few traders are venturing out to the market.
  
  “Shop owners who sell provisions are finding it difficult to replenish their stock.”
  
  The source further explained that even residents of Maiduguri, considered safe were living in fear.
  
  This, he explained, was because they feared that the insurgents could sneak into town. The Boko Haram insurgency began in Maiduguri in 2009 and Borno State is seen as the operational base of the sect that has killed at least 2,500 persons in attacks on military and police facilities, drinking joints, worship houses and markets.
  
  Director of Defence Information, Brig.- Gen. Chris Olukolade, said in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents that more troops had been deployed in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
  
  He declined to comment on the number of troops that were billed to participate in the major military operations planned to flush out the insurgents from the area.
  
  Olukolade said that it was not strategic to disclose the number of soldiers or security personnel that would be used for the operation.
  
  “All I can say is that more soldiers have been deployed today; that I can confirm to you. On the issue of the numbers that are being quoted, they are not from the DHQ. We are not quoting any number.
  
  “The operation is continuing satisfactorily. Details will be made available to the public at the appropriate time.”
  
  Another source in the besieged area said, “We now have more soldiers and weapons than I have ever seen in my life. Although some of them are moving towards the north, some are remaining here in Maiduguri.
  
  “I have no idea what is going on in places like Bama, Marte, Magumeri, and Monguno where the Boko Haram people have taken control of some towns and villages. But movement in-and-out of these areas has been restricted.”
  
  The Nigerian Army on Thursday announced an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew in Adamawa State.
  
  Public Relations Officer of 23rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola, Lt. Ja’afaru Nuhu, in a statement on Thursday said the curfew would be between 6 pm and 6 am until further notice.
  
  He said, “Sequel to the Presidential declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan, a 6pm to 6am curfew has been imposed on Adamawa State.
  
  “All law-abiding citizens are advised to abide by the curfew,” the statement said.
  
  There are reports that business and other activities are going on as usual in Yola in spite of the heavy deployment of soldiers and policemen in strategic places.
  
  The BBC reports on Thursday indicated that mobile phone networks were not functioning in many parts of North-East states, though the reporter said it was not clear if the situation was related to the current military offensive.
  
  The insurgents had previously attacked mobile phone masts in the area in an effort to disrupt communications.
  
  The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Inuwa Bwala, and the Director of Press, Mallam Isa Gusau, could not be reached as of the time of this report.

Emergency rule has derailed amnesty – Northern elders

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  Africcon Report: Emergency rule has derailed amnesty – Northern elders
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Northern elders have said the declaration of a state of emergency and massive troop deployments in three states in the North East is ill-timed and ill-conceived.
  
  They also said the action had effectively ended the proposed amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.
  
  In separate interviews with our correspondents, in Abuja, on Thursday, Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, Prof. Ango Abdullahi and Dr. Junaid Mohammed described the President’s action as counter-productive.
  
  Abdullahi said, “The states have always been in a state of emergency in the states that were announced the other day.
  
  “The states have always been occupied by soldiers anyway; I think this measure is just a formality. From all indications, those areas that have been announced as coming under the emergency, except Adamawa, Yobe and Borno, have always been practically under the state of emergency.
  
  “Our own interpretation of the crisis and amnesty or reconciliation committee, the surprise here is that the committee has not even been allowed to start serious work before their undermining because you can’t have the two together.
  
  “You can’t have war while you are talking about peace and this is what we have on the ground now. We have this war and dialogue; I don’t know which one will succeed.”
  
  According to him, if allegations that members of the sect have taken over a part of Borno State are true, it is a demonstration of the failure of the state.
  
  He said, “If it is true that this has happened it is the failure of the previous military effort against their activities. It remains to be seen whether the intensification of the military effort will succeed in an area where they failed before.
  
  “It remains to be seen whether this is a good strategy but from all rational analysis, it is ill timed, and ill advised because if the President was thinking of a state of emergency, he would have refrained from agreeing to set up this amnesty or reconciliation committee and concentrate on the war effort.
  
  “To me, the work of the amnesty committee is practically terminated and we will wait for the outcome of the war.”
  
  He explained that, “I cannot see how this will go together when you are more or less pursuing the same people that you want to come forward to discuss with you.”
  
  Abdullahi insisted that there was no military solution to the insurgency as such dialogue remain the best option.

Mata eyes Premier League title

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Africcon Sport Report: Mata eyes Premier League title
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From: Africcon Sport  Media

Juan Mata is targeting winning the Premier League with Chelsea after adding the Europa League to his already impressive haul of silverware.

The 25-year-old playmaker has won the World Cup and European Championships with Spain and has now added the Europa League to the Champions League Chelsea won in 2012.

Following the 2-1 win over Benfica in Amsterdam, Mata hopes to realise his ambition of winning the Premier League in his third season at Stamford Bridge next term.

"I feel very proud of what I have done, but I want to do more," Mata said.

"I want to win more trophies, for example the Premier League. It would be very special for me.

"It's the first time for a club to win the Champions League one season and the Europa League the following season.

"It's very difficult to do it in two consecutive seasons and I think we feel really proud of this team."

Brazil defender or midfielder David Luiz shares Mata's desire for a Premier League title.

"We need to win titles," Luiz said. "This is a big club. Always you have the opportunity to play big games, play important competitions, so next year Chelsea want more Europe titles, want the Premier League, want everything.

"The team has a lot of quality that's why we won two big trophies in two years.

"The Premier League this season was a little bit bad [but] I think this team has a lot of quality for the Premier League next year."

If Chelsea are to mount a Premier League title challenge Mata and Luiz will be key figures and so too will Frank Lampard.

Lampard, who lifted the Europa League trophy at the Amsterdam ArenA after captaining Chelsea in the final, has signed a one-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge to end the uncertainty over his future.

Mata said: "He has showed this season, scoring 16, 17 goals, he's one of the best midfielders in the world."

Luiz's influence has grown under interim boss Rafael Benitez, who will leave this summer, so much so that he has been mentioned as a possible future captain.

"I just try to show my personality, just try to help my team-mates," Luiz said.

"I just try to be involved in the club, because I love this club, I love to play for Chelsea and I love football."

In The Name Of Progress, Mancini Had To Go

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Africcon Sport Report: In The Name Of Progress, Mancini Had To Go
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From: Africcon Sport  Media

Some will see the dismissal of Roberto Mancini for finishing second as a harsh decision, but Nick Miller believes the City board have done this with the future in mind...

On the face of it, a manager being sacked for coming second in the league and reaching the FA Cup final would seem to be a harsh move.

However, that's not why Roberto Mancini is on his way out of Manchester City - as seems very likely - perhaps even by the time you read this article.

City's season has, by their own standards, been very disappointing, if not disastrous. And in such a circumstance, a manager should only be retained if firstly the club think he can improve things next season, and secondly if there is nobody else out there they believe to be better.

On both of those counts, Mancini's case is weak. The title win last season was not an end for City, but more a beginning. Given the investment in the City squad over the past few years, that should have been the start of something, with another title and some sort of progression in Europe the aim. Not only has Mancini failed to achieve that, City have gone backwards.

The title race was over in February, they limped out of the Champions League and while the decision to dismiss Mancini appears to have been taken before the FA Cup final, he could not even collect a relative consolation prize to at least give the season a bit of gloss.

And all this after City spent around £50m in the summer and somehow managed to make their squad worse. Of course, Mancini will blame Brian Marwood's transfer dealings for that one, which may indeed be the case, but City still had the majority of the side that won the league last season available, and they gave the trophy up without a fight.

Similarly the Champions League. Of course they had an incredibly tough group, facing Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Ajax, but a squad built for that cost should at least manage to win one game. City didn't, for which Mancini must take the blame.

This isn't a knee-jerk decision either. If Sheikh Mansour was a true knee-jerker, Mancini would have gone well before now. This was a call made on the basis that the City hierarchy could not see things getting better next season, a conclusion this season has given them plenty of evidence to support. As an aside, given the criticism Manchester United have received for appointing a manager who has never won anything, it's worth noting that Manuel Pellegrini hasn't won a trophy of note since 2002 - despite this, he still looks like a better bet than Mancini.

City have been criticised for handling the situation badly, but while it was hardly ideal that the news about Pellegrini was leaked on Friday, it would have been negligent of them not to have a replacement lined up. It isn't a great way to treat a person, but one struggles to have sympathy for Mancini in this one, given this is exactly how he got the City job back in 2009, discussing the role two weeks before Mark Hughes was sacked. If you marry the person you have an affair with, don't be surprised if they eventually run off with someone else.

It seems that City fans want to keep Mancini in place, which is perfectly understandable - for a club with their history of making a mess of things, letting go of a man who won them the title might seem strange.

But for the rest of us, this decision should seem logical. It seems harsh, but in the name of progress for a club of City's means and ambitions, Mancini had to go.

Golden Balls Hangs Up His Boots: Beckham Announces Retirement

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Africcon Sport Report: Golden Balls Hangs Up His Boots: Beckham Announces Retirement
Africcon Media – Sport  News

From: Africcon Sport  Media

Former England captain David Beckham is to retire at the end of the season.
The 38-year-old signed a five-month deal at Paris St-Germain in January and donated all of his salary to charity.

Beckham joined Manchester United as a 14-year-old and made 398 appearances, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
"I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level," he said.

Including PSG's recent Ligue 1 title win, Beckham has won 19 trophies - 10 of them league titles - in a playing career spanning 20 years, and is the only English player to win championships in four countries.
"If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over 100 times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy," he said. "I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams."

Beckham moved to Real Madrid in 2003, winning the La Liga title in 2007 before a switch to the United States with LA Galaxy.
The midfielder made his England debut against Moldova in 1996 and captained the side from 2000 to 2006, making his 115th and final England appearance in a 3-0 win over Belarus in 2009. He has two more games to go before the end of the season, concluding on 18 May at home to Brest.
He is the currently ambassador for Chinese football.

Man (48) claims to be Jesus, says he can raise people from the dead

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  Africcon Nigerian Entertainment Report: Man (48) claims to be Jesus, says he can raise people from the dead
  
  Africcon Media Entertainment plus,
  
  Man (48) claims to be Jesus, says he can raise people from the deadThe 48-year-old Phetole Selepe, from Dan Village outside Tzaneen in Limpopo, South Africa claims he is Jesus Christ and was sent by the ancestors to save the world.
  
  He has been living on the banks of the Letaba River since 2004, where he conducts his rituals.
  
  The local municipality has failed to evict him and he has been arrested more than eight times. But he is "untouchable" because apparently he is being protected by a mamolapo, a large water snake.
  
  He believes he can bring people back from the dead and will one day lead his people to Canaan and wash away their sins. Phetole doesn't have an ID document because he has "many identities".
  
  He said he uses one of his names, Molalatladi, to control the world, blocking people's progress if they don't follow his orders. He said he realised he was Jesus in 1999!
  
  "I was ordered to leave my family and come here to help the lost and suffering. I'm not allowed to fall in love with a woman and I can only eat bread, fish and bananas. I want the government to turn the place I'm living in into a museum. I tried engaging the municipality about this and told them I can give power to senior officials in the government. I'm carrying the spirits of all the people who died in horrible accidents," he said.

Man sends ghost to have sex with ex-lover

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  Africcon Nigerian Entertainment Report: Man sends ghost to have sex with ex-lover
  
  Africcon Media Entertainment plus, – Africa
  
  Parishioners at a Bulawayo apostolic sect were shocked after one of their own confessed to having sent a ghost on a number of times to have sex with his ex-lover, who is also a member of the church.Madzibaba Gundani allegedly made the confession after the woman who had been subjected to abuse by his forces of the underworld told the gathering that she was having sleepless nights and needed prayers.
  
  A source said the incident took place at the sect's base in Pumula South over the weekend. On narrating her story, the elders are said to have agreed that she needed prayers
  
  "She told elders that on a number of times, she had felt someone having sex with her while whispering words that she did not understand but when she woke up there would be no one on top of her," said the source.
  
  It is reported that while one of the prophets was praying, Madzibab Gundani suddenly sprung up from where he was sitting and shouldered the blame for the woman's woes. He is said to have told the gathering that he had sent a ghost to 'haunt' the woman because he was bitter over sour ending of their relationship.
  
  Asked by the prophet to elaborate on what he meant by 'haunting', Madzibaba Gundani said whenever the ghost was having sex with the woman, he would be the one enjoying.
  
  "The man is respected within the church and no one can think he is capable of doing such things. It is just shocking," added the source.
  
  The Christian-cum-peddler of evil spirits also said he was finding it hard to comprehend the ending of his relationship with the woman as it ended before they could formalise it.
  
  "He did not hide that he was bitter and said the woman had robbed him of a chance of having her as his wife. Madzibaba Gundani got the ghost making juju from a traditional healer. People always say bad things about traditional healers but they are quick to rush to them when they have problems," said the source.
  
  After making the confession, Madzibaba Gundani was reportedly subjected to rigorous prayers as a way of cleansing him of the demonic spirit. The source said the man is still undergoing cleansing.
  
  When reached for comment, the woman who was allegedly raped by a ghost referred all questions to the elders of the church.
  
  "I don't have anything to say. Talk to church elders," she said.
  
  An elder at the sect CONFIRMED the incident after being pressed hard by the news crew, though he begged for anonymity.
  
  "This is a sensitive issue and I don't want to say anything further," he said.

Swaziland Bans Witches From Flying-High Above 150metres

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  Africcon Report: Swaziland Bans Witches From Flying Above 150metres
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Swaziland has launched a crackdown on high-flying witches after banning them from hovering above 150metres.
  
  It has been a long time since witches were burnt at the stake in Europe but the accusation remains a serious one in the landlocked African country.
  
  Anyone caught flying their broomstick above the height limit faces arrest and a hefty R500,000 fine, the country’s Civil Aviation Authorities said this week.
  
  According to the Corporate Affairs Sabelo Dlamini‘A witch on a broomstick should not fly above the [150-metre] limit,’
  
  The new aviation law was highlighted after a private investigator was caught flying a helicopter equipped with a video camera to gather surveillance information.
  
  Witchcraft is taken seriously in Swaziland where many people believe in the power of black magic.
  
  Last year a leading Swazi MP called for a hike in tax paid by witch doctors to help ease the cash-strapped country’s financial woes.

‘Ladoja seeking undeserved attention’

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  Africcon Report: ‘Ladoja seeking undeserved attention’
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Action Congress of Nigeria in Oyo State has accused former Governor Rashidi Ladoja of seeking undeserved attention from the people.
  
  The party said this on Wednesday while reacting to a statement  by the Accord Party Director of Publicity, Mr. Dotun Oyelade.
  
  The AP had accused the state government of failing to cater for teachers in the state.
  
  But the ACN, in a statement, on Wednesday, described the allegation that the state government collected N78bn in the last one year without catering for the needs of teachers as “frivolous.”
  
  The statement added, “The ACN accused Ladoja’s AP of being a nest of liars as the state government had already paid the 27.5 enhanced teachers’ salary.
  
  “It, as well, paid the minimum wage of N18,000 to the least paid worker in the state for over a year now.
  
  “We understand Ladoja’s beef. His cheap mantra of being the only governor, who catered for the interest of teachers while in office, has been effectively punctured by Ajimobi.
  
  “He (Ladoja) and his party needed to mourn their departure from the hearts of the workforce and replacement with Ajimobi, who has touched the lives of the state workforce in the last two years through training  as well as taking care of their welfare.”

INEC hasn’t rejected UPN’s application – Fasehun

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  Africcon Report: INEC hasn’t rejected UPN’s application – Fasehun
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Coordinator, Committee for the Resuscitation of the Unity Party of Nigeria, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission has not rejected UPN’s application.
  
  Instead, Fasehun, who is also the Founder and President, Odu’a People’s Congress, said the electoral umpire had issued the party with registration form after paying N1m.
  
  He said this at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, according to a statement.
  
  Fasehun said, “Rumours have gone to town insinuating that INEC rejected UPN’s application for registration. Quite contrary to what antagonists will want people to believe, INEC has issued UPN with the registration form –upon the payment of N1,000,000.
  
  “We are in the process of registering the party. And we shall keep you posted on developments.
  
  “In the next one month, UPN shall be releasing its list of protem officers for the central national leadership, 36 states and Abuja, 774 local governments and 9,572 wards designated by the INEC. UPN is a moving train.”
  
  He said the promoters of the party would not be stopped by the hostility of antagonists, who had made it their responsibility to embark on “self-serving character assassination of UPN’s protagonists, dead and alive”.
  
  He said the evil antics of such critics had been defeated by the outpouring of goodwill and support from appreciative Nigerians, who he said, had their hopes recharged.
  
  Fasehun added, “In the current political dispensation, disillusion reigns. People wonder if this is democracy. They easily recall that under UPN in the Second Republic, much progress was made. The UPN states did not fall under the plague of misrule and maladministration that gripped other parts of the country.
  
  “The UPN states set the pace. People remember. And when they benchmark what obtains in government today, at the local, state or federal level, against what UPN achieved in only four years, they know our people have the capacity to dispense productive democracy.
  
  “And as the depth of darkness only highlights the brightness of light; so the depression of this current political dispensation holds up the glory of UPN’s past records. People yearn for that lost glory, people yearn for UPN. And we in UPN are here to make a difference. We have an article of faith –we shall not fail, we shall not disappoint. We will walk in the footsteps of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

Senate demands state burial for Achebe

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  Africcon Report: Senate demands state burial for Achebe
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Senate on Wednesday eulogised the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, demanding a state burial for him.
  
  The renowned author died on March 21 in the United States at the age of 82.
  
  Senator representing Anambra Central, Chris Ngige, brought a motion, signed by all the senators, drawing attention to Achebe’s contributions to the growth of literature and political activism.
  
  Ngige noted that Achebe was a world figure and personality, who brought fame and prestige to humanity through his literary work.
  
  Describing Achebe as “a social critic, an activist poet, a principled personae, who denied himself several accolades”, Ngige noted that the late professor of Literature marketed and exported Nigerian and African culture to many countries of the world.
  
  Ngige added, “Despite his incapacitation, he continued to be active in his work and intellectual contributions to the richness of life, the arts and culture of Nigeria and Africa during that period, published several works, including his latest work, There was a country.
  
  “Achebe’s death was a monumental loss to his family, the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District, Anambra State, Nigeria, Africa and the world.
  
  “Achebe was a patriot, who loved his country and was always in constant touch with home even while on his wheelchair in the USA. He criticised government at home when necessary, especially when they had not done well.”
  
  The Senate later unanimously adopted the prayers in the motion, and urged the Federal Government to grant him a state funeral in order to promote and highlight his excellence.
  
  The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to name a major highway or street in Abuja as well as a monument after Achebe.
  
  After the vote, the senators rose for a minute’s silence in his honour and raised a delegation to visit and commiserate with his family and the government of Anambra State.
  
  President of the Senate, David Mark noted that as students in the 1960s, they did not consider Achebe and other authors as humans, adding that it was not possible to describe the personality of Achebe in words.
  
  Mark said, “He was a patriotic Nigerian, who took the country to the highest possible levels.  He was a detribalised Nigerian, a nationalist to the core. His use of simple words to explain complex situations cannot be matched by any Nigerian in the country.
  
  “The most befitting farewell, tribute, or burial that can be given to him, is to ensure that things do no longer fall apart in this country and he will remain at ease wherever he is.”

Nigeria not borrowing enough —FG

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  Africcon Report: Nigeria not borrowing enough —FG
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The Federal Government on Wednesday said contrary to concerns being raised on the nation’s debt profile, Nigeria is not borrowing enough and that it is in the best interest of the country to borrow more.
  
  The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, said this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.
  
  Vice-President Namadi Sambo was absent at the meeting because he is currently in Brussels, Belgium, attending the International Donors Conference on the Development of Mali organised by the European Union and the Mali’s transitional government.
  
  Ngama addressed journalists alongside the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku; and Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe.
  
  He said the council approved a medium-term debt management strategy, which will run till 2015.
  
  Ngama added that the strategy would make the federal and state governments to create opportunity for members of the Organised Private Sector to access more credit.
  
  He said, “This strategy is being put together because of the current situation we find ourselves as far as the structure and level of our debt is concerned. The structure of our debt is not optimal. The bulk of the debt of our country, in fact 80 per cent, is domestic and only 20 per cent is foreign.
  
  “And, then, the level. We have a total of over N6tn worth of debt; however, it is not just the level but the cost of servicing that debt. Nigeria has one of the highest interest rates in the developing world, and if there are high levels of debt, then debt servicing will become very expensive.”
  
  The minister said in presenting the strategy to FEC, the Ministry of Finance suggested four options of long-term borrowing that could be used to pay short-term debts; long-term borrowing that could be used to pay long-term; accessing of concessionary windows as well as borrowing outside to pay domestic debts.
  
  He said the problem with Nigeria’s debt was the high rate of servicing it.
  
  Ngama said, “Nigeria’s debt is about 18 per cent of the nation’s GDP. The nation is under-borrowing. The standard is 40 per cent of GDP; it is when it is over that that there is a problem.
  
  “We should borrow more, considering our economic activities. There is no problem with the level of our debt. The problem is the domestic debt. Interest rates are too high. Yes, we must continue to borrow. It is only poor people that do not borrow. Dangote and others borrow; you can borrow once you are credit worthy. America is the most indebted country in the world. Borrowing is good. The more money you have, the more money you need. There is nothing like satisfaction.
  
  “If we are not oil rich, nobody will lend to us. We are borrowing because we have many projects.”
  
  Ochekpe, who had earlier presented her ministry’s 2012 report to FEC, said out of the N79.34bn appropriated for the ministry in 2012, N43.68bn was cash-backed, while N43.66bn was utilised.

ACN demands Rivers Speaker’s resignation

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  Africcon Report: ACN demands Rivers Speaker’s resignation
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria has asked the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Otelemaba Amachree, to resign from his position as a result of his failure to manage the current crisis affecting the House.
  
  The ACN also demanded the resignation of the Speaker following the House of Assembly’s controversial decision to suspend the chairman and councilors of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
  
  In a statement by its publicity secretary in the state, Mr. Jerry Needam, the ACN expressed disappointment at the actions of the Speaker.
  
  The party also asked security agents to arrest the Speaker for alleging plan to kill Governor Rotimi Amaechi. It described the handling of the House of Assembly affairs by Amachree as a display of immaturity.
  
  The ACN said the House under Amachree’s leadership ought to have served as a proctor to lawmakers whose rights had been infringed upon and members of the public that were denied justice and fair hearing.
  
  The party added that its call for the resignation of the Speaker was also based on the disclosure by some lawmakers that Amachree had rolled out laws that would further impoverish the state and the people.
  
  The ACN statement read in part, “It is also an incontrovertible fact that the Rivers State House of Assembly is at the whims and caprices, or better put, Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s rubber stamp, leaving the people who voted for them helpless and defenceless.
  
  “One would have expected a neutral and convincingly objective action taken by the Rivers State House of Assembly in dealing with the crisis in the leadership of the PDP.
  
  “We hereby call on the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General, State Security Service and all relevant security agencies in the country to arrest and interrogate the Speaker over spurious allegations of plans to release notable robbery and  kidnap kingpins from detention to carry out mayhem on government officials, innocent citizens and residents of the state and plot to kill the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.”
  
  Meanwhile, the political crisis rocking the Rivers State Peoples Democratic took a fresh dimension on Wednesday when hundreds of women marched to the State Police Command to protest against the calls for the sacking of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu.
  
  The protest came barely 24 hours after another group of women had trooped to the Government House in Port Harcourt demanding Mbu’s sacking over his alleged role in the crisis in the state PDP.
  
  While Tuesdays protest was in support of the pro-Rotimi Amaechi faction of the PDP, Wednesday’s protest was in solidarity to the Minister of State for Education and arch rival of the governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
  
  The protesters, who were led by Mrs. Victoria Allison, cautioned that Mbu should be allowed to do his job, adding that the state police commissioner had shown himself as a thoroughbred police officer.
  
  “Government has no right to remove the state Commissioner of Police. Rivers State belongs to all of us and we believe in justice and all we want is justice,” she said.

PDP govs, NLC support emergency rule

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  Africcon Report:  PDP govs, NLC support emergency rule
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The chairman, Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio,  has lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for the bold step he has taken by declaring a state of emergency  in order to stop the bloodletting in some parts of the North.
  
  A statement on Wednesday stated that Akpabio also denied knowledge of a purported Nigeria Governors Forum meeting opposing emergency declaration in any part of the country by the President, as reported by a section of the media.
  
  Speaking to newsmen on the emergency rule declared by the President on Tuesday, Akpabio commended Jonathan for enabling the elected governors to remain in office and work with the relevant security agencies  to restore sanity to the affected states, describing the decision as one that would continue to deepen democracy.
  
  Also, National President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, warned that attempts by President Goodluck Jonathan to withdraw the security attached to Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and members of the state House of Assembly may amount to treason.
  
  The labour union leader in Ibadan on Wednesday also threw his weight behind the declaration of State of Emergency in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states by the president.
  
  He said the Federal Government should devise measures that would expose terrorists.
  
  Omar said security should be beefed in other parts of the country to curtail any backlash.
  
  He stated, “It is within the responsibilities of Mr. President to take whatever step he deems fit to ensure that there is peace and stability. For Mr. President to take that decision it means he must have exploited all avenues and discovered that this is the best option.”

PDP faction pledges support for Mimiko

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  Africcon Report: PDP faction pledges support for Mimiko
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Prominent leaders and members of the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday promised to work with the government of Governor Olusegun Mimiko in building an enviable and prosperous Ondo State in its second term.
  
  The group, led by its Chairman, Mr. Akin Olowookere, stated this when it paid a visit to Mimiko in his office in Akure to congratulate him on his victory at the election petitions tribunal.
  
  Notable leaders of the party in the state, who went to the governor’s office included the Director-General of Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation in the October 2012 governorship election, Dr. Dare Bada; PDP chief, Chief Segun Adegoke; and a former Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice in the state, Chief Yemi Alao.
  
  Also in the team were a former Majority Leader in the state House of Assembly, Mr. Kunle Agunbiade; Otunba Alex Akinnadeju; Mr. Niyi Ogungbuji, and Mr. Afolabi Ayinuola, among others scores of PDP members in the state.
  
  Mimiko, while receiving his guests, particularly appreciated President Goodluck Jonathan for his fairness and commitment to the enthronement of genuine democracy in the country.
  
  Mimiko, who cited the cases of Edo and Ondo states governorship elections in which the wishes of the people prevailed, noted that Jonathan had never allowed selfish interest to reign above the interest of the majority in both states, where governorship elections were held last year.
  
  The governor, who described his victory as a vindication of the efforts he had put into governance solely to add values to the living standards of the people, vowed to continue to take decisions that would benefit the majority of the people.
  
  However, he appealed to political leaders to stop playing politics with the security challenges facing the country. Rather, he said they should offer collective support for the President to succeed in the fight against insecurity.

Dry Cleaning And Laundry Services Company Jobs Opportunities

• Dry Cleaning And Laundry Services Company Jobs Opportunities
  Dry Cleaning And Laundry Services Company Currently Recruitings Fresh Graduates for their vacant position Below:
  
  Our Client a top-flight dry cleaning and laundry services company with three branches in key locations in Lagos. Due to rapid business growth, weare looking for bright, dynamic and self-motivated persons to fill the following positions in our organization:
  
  VACANCY - MARKETERS
  Candidates should have a minimum of OND from a reputable institution, with a natural flair for marketing and relationship management. Experience working in the marketing function of an organized drydeaning outfit will be an added advantage.
  
  VACANCY - CUSTOMER RELATIONS OFFICER
  Candidates for this position should possess a good Bachelor's degree or HND from a reputable institution, with good communications skills, drive and emotional intelligence. The ideal candidate should also be a self• starter and is expected to build and nurture the company's relationship with its clientele.
  Minimum of two years working experience in a similar function in an organized drycleaning firm will be an added advantage.
  
  VACANCCY - ACCOUNTANT
  The ideal candidate should have a good Bachelor's degree or HND in Accounting from a reputable institution with a sound knowledge of Accounting principles and Financial Managernent. Holders of ICAN or ACCA certificates will have added advantage.
  The candidate is also expected to head the Administration Unit of the company and should have a minimum of 3 years post•NYSC experience, ideally in the Accounting function in a medium-sized organization.
  
  HOW TO APPLY:
  The application process requires you to subscribe to Dry Cleaning And Laundry Services Company [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription!
  Then, send your resumes and a cover letter to: jobluckhunt@yahoo.com within 2 weeks of this publication.. If you think you fit the profile.
  
  Compensation and incentives for these positions are attractive and comparable to the best available in the country.
  
  DUE DATE: 28 May, 2013

Latest Jobs in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company

• Latest Jobs in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company
  
  
  Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company is Currently Looking For vibrant Candidates to fill the the below positions:A Pharmaceutical manufacturing Company, with a network of sales depot around the country has vacancies for the following categories of qualified Staff
  
  VACANCYC - IN-PROCESS CHECKERS (Q.A./LAB.)
  NATIONAL DIPLOMA in Science Laboratory Technology or in any Sciences, with 2 years cognate experience in a Pharmaceutical manufacturing factory. (HND/Degree qualifications not required)
  
  VACANCY - SECRETARY
  B.Sc or HND in Secretarial Administration or any related qualification with good computer knowledge preferably Microsoft office and Corel draw.
  
  VACANCY - REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS (LAGOS AND WEST)
  B.Pharm. with minimum of 2 years cognate experience as a Regional Sales Manager.
  
  VACANCY - MEDICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES
  B. Pharm. B,Sc. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related qualification with a minimum of 3 yrs cognate experience in medical sales.
  
  VACANCY - IO TONES TRUCK DRIVERS
  SSCE/NECO, with a valid driver's license and 3 years driving experience.
  
  TO APPLY:
  The application process requires you to subscribe to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company  [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription! Then,forwarded your Applications with updated CV to THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER hcmpharm@gmail.com... If you think you fit the profile.
  
  DUE DATE: 24 May, 2013

Daca Consults Ltd... Career Recruiting

• Daca Consults Ltd... Career Recruiting
  Daca Consults Ltd is Looking for a vibrant candidate to fill the the Post of an Audit Manager
  
  As a result of expansion in our Audit and Assurance, Advisory and Consulting practice, there exists in our firm for independent minded, dedicated, enthusiastic, result-oriented, imaginative and experienced.
  
  VACANCY - AUDIT MANAGER
  
  The ideal candidate will report directly to the Managing Partner.
  
  DUTIES:
  Implementation of Corporate Objectives of the firm.
  Routine Statutory Audit of companies in different sectors of the economy.
  Review and Finalization of Audited Accounts.
  Designing and implementation of accounting systems for companies.
  Plan, review and report on all audit and consulting assignments in line with Clients dellverables/tlmetlnes.
  Develop and implement comprehensive internal control procedures for Clients.
  Direct and coordinate activities of the firm.
  Handle and Implement Process Restructuring and Reorganization for clients.
  Serve as arrowhead for ctients !FRS conversion procedures/assignments.
  Perform administrative functions necessary to ensure smooth running of the firm.
  
  JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
  A university degree in any field with a minimum of second class upper degree.
  A professional certification (ICAN/ACCA), not later than 200S is a must.
  Must be between 35 40 years old.
  A second degree in Management wilt be an added advantage.
  Should be IFRS certified.
  
  THE IDEAL CANDIDATE MUST:
  Have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a medium-sized firm of Chartered Accountants,
  Have been leading Audit of large Manufacturing Companies/Commerce and Public Sector organizations/Donor Assisted Projects in the last three years.
  Computer literacy (advance use of Excel is very primary) and proficiency in the use of accounting packages such as SUN or Peachtree or Tally etc is a must.
  Be proactive and used to working efficiently in a highly pressured competitive environment.
  Be full of initiatives and able to lead professional colleagues especially at critical times.
  
  TO APPLY:
  The application process requires you to subscribe to Daca Consults Ltd  [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription! Then,send your applications with detailed curriculum vitae to: dacaconsult@yahoo.com, training@dacaconsults.com.ng ... If you think you fit the profile...
  
  within 2 weeks from the date of the advert
  DUE DATE: 28 May, 2013

Existing Opportunities at Delta State Hospital Management Board

• Existing Opportunities at Delta State Hospital Management Board
  
  Delta state Hospital Management Board hereby invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant positions below:
  
  VACANCY - GENERAL SURGEONS
  
  JOB QUALIFICATIONS
  Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) or Fellow of the National Post-Graduate College of Nigeria (Surgery) or equivalent qualification.
  
  VACANCY - PAEDIATRICIANS
  
  JOB QUALIFICATIONS
  Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) or Fellow of the National Post-Graduate College of Nigeria (Paediatrics) or equivalent qualification.
  
  TO APPLY
  The application process requires you to subscribe to Delta state Hospital Management Board [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE  & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription! Then,submit 5 (five) copies of letters of application including 5 (five) copies of their Curriculum Vitae (CV) addressed to The Permanent Secretary... If you think you fit the profile.
  
  Delta State Hospitals Management Board,
  No. 7, Ezenei Avenue,
  P.M.B. 5041,
  Asaba.
  
  DUE DATE: 3rd June, 2013

Career Opportunity at Digital Printing Press Company

• Career Opportunity at Digital Printing Press Company
  Digital Printing Press Company is Currently in of of Marketers
  
  Our client, a fast growing Digital printing press company in Lagos requires the services of Marketing Executives
  
  
  VACANVY - MARKETERSSuitable candidate must possess the following skills:
  Excellent interpersonal relationship skill
  Driven and result oriented
  Good marketing skill.
  
  LOCATION: Ajao isolo.
  QUALIFICATION: HND/B.SC
  
  EXPERIENCE:
  Minimum of 2years experience as a marketer in a Digital printing press company.
  
  TO APPLY:
  The application process requires you to subscribe to Digital Printing Press Company  [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription! Then, submit your C.V to info@brydenconsulting.com stating the post as the title of the email... If you think you fit the profile.
  
  PLEASE NOTE:
  Application must be received 7days from the date of this publication.
  ONLY qualified candidates with years of experience in digital printing will be contacted.

President Goodluck Jonathan Has Just Declared a State of Emergency

• Africcon News
  Africcon Report:  President Goodluck Jonathan has just declared a state of emergency
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in three states after a series of deadly attacks by Islamist militant groups.
  
  The military will take "all necessary action" to "put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists" in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, he said.
  
  Mr Jonathan also ordered more troops to be sent to the north-eastern states.
  
  Militants from Boko Haram have been blamed for most of the violence, which has left 2,000 people dead since 2010.
  
  The Islamist group, whose name means "Western education is forbidden" in the local Hausa language, is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state in the north.
  
  The chief of defence staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations.
  
  "The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action... to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists."
  
  At the same time, he stressed that - despite the state of emergency - politicians in the three states would remain in their posts.
  
  The president has the power to sack local politicians and install a caretaker government in emergency circumstances.
  
  "Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance are to different flags than Nigeria's," he said.
  
  Later, a spokesman for the president, Doyin Okupi, said the governors of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa had been "very well briefed" and were "in full support" of the decision to declare a state of emergency.
  map
  
  "There's a need for the government to step in and do the necessary to once and for all find a way out of this quagmire," he told the BBC.
  
  On Monday, the Nigeria Governors' Forum, which represents the leaders of the country's 36 states, warned Mr Jonathan against imposing emergency rule.
  
  It is not the first time that the president has declared a state of emergency, but this is a clear admission that far from being weakened by the army offensive, the threat of the Islamist militants is growing, says the BBC's Will Ross in Lagos.
  
  And it is the first time that Mr Jonathan has admitted that parts of the country are no longer under central government control, says our correspondent.
  
  Last week, Mr Jonathan had to cut short a trip to South Africa to deal with the growing violence.

11 killed, others missing in Kaduna village attack

• Africcon News
  Africcon Report: 11 killed, others missing in Kaduna village attack
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Again, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, on Tuesday, stormed Zangang in Akakar, Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State, killing 11 persons and injuring many others.
  
  Many of the injured, our correspondent gathered, were currently on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital in Plateau State.
  
  In addition, the attackers razed many houses, including that of the District Head of the community.
  
  Gunmen, who wore masks and rode on motorcycles, on Sunday had raided the community.
  
  Our correspondent gathered that the invaders’ attack on the village on Sunday was not successful following the presence of soldiers in the community.
  
  Last April, suspected herdsmen raided the village killing 19 persons and injuring many others.
  
  A source, who craved anonymity, told our correspondent that the Tuesday hostilities followed a reprisal on Fulani herdsmen,  in the area on Monday by Atakar youths.
  
  But, the District Head of Atakar, Yohana Daniel, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said he escaped the invaders by a whisker.
  
  Alleging that the gunmen used sophisticated guns, the monarch said they stormed the village in large numbers, shooting and killing people indiscriminately.
  
  The invaders, the district head added, wore black and red attire and wielded AK 47 guns.
  
  He said, “We have found 11 corpses. We are still searching for more bodies because many people are still missing.
  
  “The police ordered us to do the burial. The police came and took pictures of everything and the names of those killed.
  
  “We are under serious threat of elimination and nobody seems to be telling the world about the danger we are facing in the hands of these Fulanis.
  
  “We are told that there is security, whereas there is no security. If there is security, why are these people always attacking and killing us at will?”
  
  Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has condemned the attack, promising to forestall a recurrence.
  
  Governor Mukhtar Yero spoke through his Director-General, Media and Public Affairs, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki.
  
  He said, “This incident has happened repeatedly, what government has resolved to do is to have direct engagement with the people of this community and the Fulani leadership for a lasting solution to the problem.
  
  “Government commise-rates with the victims of the unfortunate attack. Government has also directed security agencies to intensify the provision of security.”
  
  Meanwhile, an attempt by our correspondent to speak to the Kaduna Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Lawan, failed, as calls to his telephone did not go through.

Reps demand list of private jets in Nigeria

• Africcon News
  Africcon Report: Reps demand list of private jets in Nigeria
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  House of Representatives on Tuesday demanded the details of all private jets operating in the country as it waded into the row between the Rivers State Government and aviation authorities following the grounding of Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s jet.
  
  The Joint House Committee on Justice/Aviation gave the directive to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority following the conflicting accounts before it on the legal status of the Bombardier BD-700 jet.
  
  The committee is investigating the circumstances, which led to the grounding of the aircraft by the NCAA.
  
  The Lead Chairman of the committee, Mr. Ali Ahmad, said the details of private jets required would include the names of the owners, registration documents, expiry dates, place of purchase and “the nature of their operational status, whether they are ad-hoc, leased or fully purchased”.
  
  The Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, claimed at the hearing that Amaechi’s jet was a “foreign aircraft” unknown to law in the country.
  
  She alleged that the documents of the jet were “falsified” to evade detection of its full status.
  
  Oduah added, “We have no way within our system to know why a foreign aircraft will be flying in Nigeria with the Coat of Arms. We have seen this impunity.
  
  “We are perplexed as we sit here because we do not know the owner of this aircraft. It came into our country with falsified documents.
  
  “We are investigating this and a report will be made public; all the documents before us are of doubtful origin.”
  
  She threatened to drag the Rivers State Government before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission over the alleged “infractions.”
  
  But, Rivers, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, debunked the claims of Oduah and the NCAA.
  
  Feyii argued that the status of the aircraft had never been in doubt, adding that all legal papers to fly the jet in the country were available.
  
  He also stated that the government never received any prior information from regulatory authorities before the April 26 flight manifest incident in Akure, Ondo State.
  
  Feyii told the committee that the trustee arrangement between the state government and the Bank of Uta in the United States did not alter the legal status of the jet as the property of Rivers State Government.
  
  “We never received any information on breach of regulation. The aircraft is the property of Rivers State Government till date.
  
  “It is not of doubtful origin and we have not breached any due process procedures”, he added.
  
  However, members of the committee became confused when Caverton Helicopters, a licensed operator that facilitated the importation of the aircraft in August 2012, tried to disown the state government.
  
  The Executive Vice-Chairman of the company, Mr. Adeniyi Makanjuola, denied knowledge of flight permits the aircraft had to fly in the country on its approval.
  
  Makanjuola added that any letter “purported” to have been written by his company seeking flight approvals for Amaechi’s jet “did not come from us”.
  
  Makanjuola’s persistent denial of any transactions between Caverton Helicopters and the state government enraged a member of the committee, Mrs. Nkoyo Toyo.
  
  She flared up, “Caverton is not telling us the truth here; you are holding back a lot of issues.”