17th Interview Questions - What are your career options right now? - Answer is as follows

17th Question - What are your career options right now?
The Answer is as follows

18th Interview Questions - Explain how would You be an asset to this organization? - Answer is as follows

18th Question - Explain how would You be an asset to this organization?
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19th Interview Questions - What are your outside interests? - Answer is as follows

19th Question - What are your outside interests?
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20th Interview Questions - If you won $10 million lottery, would you still work? - Answer is as follows

20th Question -

If you won $10 million lottery, would you still work?
The Answer is as follows

PDP Crisis: We Will Resolve Our Internal Disagreements - Jonathan Assures Nigerians

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 President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the current political impasse in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will soon become history as efforts are being intensified by elders to resolve it.

Jonathan gave the assurance at a post convention dinner of the party at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential villa on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some governors staged a walkout at the Special PDP Convention in Abuja.

They later announced the formation of a new PDP during a news conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

Jonathan, however,  described the walkout of the aggrieved PDP members as a ‘’minor disagreement’’.

 "Everybody knows what happened on Saturday. In families we disagree. These are minor disagreements that can be resolved.’’

He, therefore, called on the dissenting party members to embrace dialogue as ‘’no other party can face PDP''.

According to him, without PDP, there will be no democracy in Nigeria.

‘’The party is intact and will remain intact. We will continue to show leadership and do everything possible to ensure that the party grows stronger.

"We will do our best to keep PDP one and Nigeria one," he said.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, called on those interested in contesting for elective posts in 2015 general elections to declare their intention.

He said the call had become necessary in view of the need for the party apparatus to prepare adequately for the exercise.

"We must be ready for the journey. By the end of September we would not be able to tell anybody that the time is not right; we will be able to tell them where we are going through.

‘’It is good that we tell our people where we are going and how the journey will be like," he said.

On the PDP crisis, Anenih, who called for speedy resolution of the problems facing the party, however, warned that the party would not recognise any opposition in PDP.

The party's Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, expressed its readiness to address all complaints by aggrieved members of the party.

Chairman of the special PDP convention committee, Prof. Jery Gana, said that the party ‘’is going through unnecessarily difficult times not because it deserves it, but because there are conflicting interests’’.

According to him, PDP stands for what is good, saying party faithful must stand as one and trust each other.

Former Gov. of Adamawa, Mr Boni Haruna, on behalf of ex-PDP governors, re-affirmed their support for the President, the chairman and the party.

Mrs Shola Benson, Woman Leader, Lagos State, also commended the president on behalf of the PDP women leaders.

Those who graced the event were Govs of Abia, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Plateau, Delta, Cross River, Kogi and Plateau.

Others are the Govs of Katsina, Gombe, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom, acting Gov. of Taraba and Deputy Gov. of Benue, Dr. Stephen Lawani.

Former PDP Chairmen: Chief Barnabas Gemade, Vincent Ogbulafor, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani also attended the event.

Others at the dinner were serving ministers, former Govs., former Speaker, Alhaji Ghali Na'aba; Senate Majority leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba and former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu.

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, aggrieved PDP Govs. and some members of the National Assembly were conspicuously absent from the event.(NAN)

You Can’t Threaten Atiku Or Northern Leaders, N’Delta Youth Leader Tells Militants

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Threats by some Niger Delta militants to declare former Vice President Atiku Abubakar a persona non grata in the region following his role in the ongoing crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been dismissed as nonsensical.

  Reacting to the position of former warlords under the aegis of Leadership Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, who made the threat at the weekend, Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Timi Frank,  said the position depicted the ignorance of the group and only showed total lack of understanding of the crisis in the PDP.

Comrade Frank said it was wrong for the group to declare Atiku or indeed any northerner and Nigerian involved in the current crisis a persona non grata as the issue at stake was purely a party matter that should be be devoid of tribal, ethnic, religious or regional sentiments.

“It is on record that the Niger Delta region and its youths have benefited immensely from the vast business interests of the former Vice President even as till date it remains to be challenged that Atiku remains the single highest employer of labour in the Niger Delta region and has empowered both investors and politicians  from the region like no other Nigerian has, making him the bridge builder between the north and the south- south region.

“The PDP crisis is not a regional crisis but purely a party affair. While it is not out of place for interests in this circumstance to be galvanised, as is being done by the former Niger Delta warlords for President Jonathan, doing so with resort to threats only shows the total purile manner that some persons understand the crisis and are wanting to drag the nation into war for obvious selfish reasons,” the youth leader said.

Frank reminded the group of the enormous role the north played in the enthronement of the Jonathan presidency, noting that a strong tie exists between the north and south-south region that will outlive the Jonathan presidency.

While calling on the security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute any individual or group(s) that aim to incite the public through inflammatory statements, Comrade Frank also called on security agencies to remain neutral in the ongoing crisis as actions such as the sealing off the New PDP secretariat was unlawful and could lead to the eventual breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile,the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has faulted the threat by some of Niger Delta ex-militants to declare Atiku a persona non grata  in the region and therefore asked the former fighters to withdraw the declaration, an online medium, the Premium Times reports

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, and made available yesterday, the ACF described the ex-militants threat as misguided, unacceptable and alien to democratic tenets.

The statement reads in part, “Threats such as the one from the Niger Delta ex-militants are a negation of dialogue and the political process playing itself out on account of the breakup of the PDP into factions.”

Some leaders of former militant groups under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative had during  a meeting in Yenogoa, Bayelsa state on Saturday, declared Atiku unwanted in the Niger Delta and accused  him of using the region’s oil wealth to fight against its interest-which is President Goodluck Jonathan.

Reason Why I Collapsed In Court - Tukur Mamu

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Publisher of Desert Herald newspaper Tukur Mamu, who last Thursday collapsed in an Abuja Magistrate Court 2 while standing trial for a case of defamation of character brought against him by embattled FCT minister Bala Mohammed, has recovered and will proceed with his trial.

Speaking briefly to our reporter at Wuse 2 General Hospital, Mamu said: “I suffered a sudden heart crisis as a result of my well-documented thyroid case and the failure to give me my drugs which necessitated my collapse, but I thank God for my partial recovery.

“This is a clear case of persecution and, Insha Allah, their evil machination will fail. Bala Mohammed and Bomoi are determined to hide their practices at the FCDA but they will ultimately not succeed.

“Their attempt to connive with the police to frustrate my efforts by all means is not the solution. A similar case is pending at an Abuja high court and the police, for reason yet to be known to them, rushed to get me arrested without a thorough investigation, which has exposed an interest.”

Mamu added that, at this time of security challenges and the loss of confidence in the police by the public, some bad ones within the organisation still connive with high-profile crooks to frustrate efforts at exposing corrupt practices. “No amount of intimidation, threat or gross act of impunity can scuttle my effort to expose the rot within the FCT,” he said. “We are determined and we shall succeed. We have to join hands to weed out crooks from leadership positions for a better country. I have said it before that even if I die in the course of the job I love, I will be a fulfilled man because others must certainly continue.”

The publisher will be arraigned today before a magistrate’s court in Wuse2, Abuja.

Students Don’t Want Us To End Strike – ASUU

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said it is continuing its nationwide strike on the advice of university students.

In a telephone interview with SUNDAY Afric-tv24, the President of the union, Dr. Isa Fagge, said  students were tired of the incessant industrial actions by the university lecturers due to the Federal Government’s failure to implement the agreement it had with ASUU since 2009.

Fagge said the union had decided to heed the advice of the students to continue the strike until the Federal Government fully implemented the agreement.

“Our students have come out to say they don’t want us to call off the strike until the Federal Government answers us, because they don’t want us to call off now and later we go back to strike again. So, we are heeding the advice of our students,” he said.

On the complaint by the Federal Government that it lacked the funds to implement the agreement, Fagge said it was not all about money, noting that government did not need funds to start implementing some parts of the agreement.

“There are issues and agreement they can implement without money. Why don’t they begin with those ones?” he asked.

He added that it was unfortunate that the government had pulled out of dialogue with ASUU, stating that the union would not be intimidated.

He said, “Now, government has pulled out of the dialogue. We thought we were the ones going on strike, but now government has also gone on strike.”

Last Thursday, university students under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students reportedly staged a peaceful protest in Ado-Ekiti and flayed the Federal Government for failing to honour the agreement it had with ASUU since 2009.

The students, who were from public universities, threatened to disrupt activities of private universities, adding that the government was not bothered about their plight because children of government officials were studying either in private universities or studying overseas.

The university lecturers began an indefinite strike on July 1 and have been demanding full implementation of the agreement ASUU had with the Federal Government in 2009, which among other things include the UNESCO-recommended 26 per cent budgetary allocation for education. However, the government said it could not implement the agreement, and is seeking re-negotiation.

The Federal Government, last Wednesday, accused ASUU of being unrealistic by continuing its nationwide strike and asked it to rethink its demands, considering other commitments government has.

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who gave government’s position on the strike when he briefed journalists at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council, said apart from security, education was one of the sectors the government had expended a lot of money on.

PDP’ll Lose Osun Without My Support –Oyinlola

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Former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party in the state will, without his support, lose the 2014 governorship election.

Oyinlola, who is one of the leaders of the new faction of the PDP, said this on Sunday while addressing party supporters at the Odo Otin Grammar School, Okuku.

The supporters had thronged Okuku, Oyinlola’s hometown, to welcome him back home, in defiance of an order by the PDP Elders Committee in the state that any PDP member who attended any meeting called by Oyinlola or the ‘new PDP’ would be sanctioned.

The former governor described Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, whom he constantly referred to as a former PDP chairman, as a dictator who ran the affairs of the party without recourse to the provisions of the constitution.

He said that his crisis with Tukur started immediately after they both assumed office in March 2012. He explained that Tukur appointed a chief of staff and media aides which was against what the PDP constitution stipulated.

He added that his stand as the National Secretary of the party that those aides should not be paid from the party’s purse triggered off the crisis.

He also said that President Goodluck Jonathan victimised him because of his relationship with Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who he said he had known for over 30 years.

He said, “I am happy that despite the threat that you should no longer associate with me, you still come out in large number to honour me. God will honour you all. Without my support, it will be impossible for the PDP to win the governorship election in Osun State.

“They can only go round to campaign with what they intend to do but if I follow them I will tell the people what I have done in the state.”

Oyinlola explained that the manipulation of the delegates’ list for the mini convention led to the breakaway of the new PDP faction because some of the governors were stabbed in the back.

He said that the faction had booked the Sheu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, for an imaginary wedding reception for them to be able to use the venue to announce the emergence of the ‘new PDP’.

“They would have sealed the place off the way they did to our party secretariat, but we beat them to it by booking the venue for wedding without making our intention known,” he said.

Asked if he could join the All Progressive Congress, Oyinlola said, “ I will go elsewhere if I am no longer wanted.”

Meanwhile, a member of the Elders Committee of the PPDP, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, on Sunday described Oyinlola’s action of joining a factional group led by Abubakar Baraje as a betrayal of trust.

Ogundokun, who spoke with journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, berated Oyinlola for “rocking the boat of the party.”

He said that the former governor walked out of the party’s mini convention in Abuja after pretending that he was going to the toilet.

PDP Crisis Could Derail Democracy – Civil Rights Groups

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A Coalition of Civil Society groups has raised the alarm that except measures were put in place, the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party “could truncate the nation’s democracy.”

The coalition in a communique issued at the end of its meeting on Sunday in Abuja to discuss the political imbroglio in PDP and its implication, however, condemned the comment credited to PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, against the breakaway faction.

The communique which was signed by Mesele Joe, Chidi Nwabufo and Adamu Hussein, also advised all parties involved in the crisis to avoid making preemptive statements amid reconciliation.

The group included Conscience Nigeria, PAIN, Young Patriots, Centre For Democracy Advancement and Election Monitors.

The coalition stated, “The statement credited to the National Chairman of PDP Alhaji Bamanga Tukur in the media, threatening the breakaway faction of the party is uncalled for and we expect him to be working round the clock on how to reconcile the feuding parties rather than making unguarded statements that will further deepen the already tensed situation in the party.

“We also condemn in totality, the unwarranted and unprovoked attack on the Chairman, Board of Trustee of PDP Chief Tony Anenih, by Chief Edwin Clark. We appeal to him to act as a father to all in this dispute rocking the largest party.”

While calling on Clark to play the fatherly role as an elder statesman rather than been seen as a factor in the crisis, the coalition called on all the combatant parties to sheathe their sword in the intrest of democracy.

Also, Reform Network warned that the PDP crisis could truncate the constitution review process.

Specifically, they noted that Nigerians’ opposition to the plan by the National Assembly to legalise child marriage could be frustrated.

The group, however, stated that it had started  a strategic framework and action plan to push for the removal of Section 29 (4) (b) of the 1999 constitution under which underage girls were deemed to be adults.

The National Coordinator of    GECORN,   Abiola  Akiyode-Afolabi, and Secretary-General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, arrived at these resolutions in an interview with The PUNCH in Abuja during a meeting jointly organised by GECORN on the deletion of what they described as “offensive section.”

According to them, the meeting became necessary ahead of the resumption of the two sessions of the National Assembly on September 17.

The event was chaired by a former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili.

Mahdi said, “This is just the beginning of the struggle; we need to remain focussed because we have had many constitution review processes. We are at a point where the process is almost closed. The Senate is likely to complete the process. The split in the PDP may stall the constitution review process if care is not taken. We must not stop agitating for the deletion of Section 29 (4) (b) in the constitution.”

Kattey’s Abduction: Amaechi Laments Poor Security In Rivers

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THE Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has lamented worsening security situation in the state.

Amaechi described the kidnap of the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger Delta, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey, as a sad pointer to the dwindling level of security in the state.

Kattey and his wife, Beatrice, were last Friday kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Aleto in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State while on their way to Port Harcourt at about 10.30pm.

The cleric, who is the Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, second in hierarchy to the Primate of the Anglican Church Nigeria, was going to the state capital to receive a dignitary when the hoodlums struck.

While the archbishop’s wife was later abandoned the clergyman was taken away to an unknown destination with his car.

Reacting to the incident, Amaechi, who spoke on Sunday at the inter-denominational thanksgiving service to celebrate the Port Harcourt Centenary at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Elekahia, said it was unthinkable that a bishop could be kidnapped in such a manner.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Tele Ikuru, pointed out that the only way to plan for Rivers within the next 100 years was for everybody, especially the clergy to continue to pray for the state and the government.

“It is very unimaginable that our bishop could be so abducted. I am calling on the clergy to pray for the government and people of the state.

“The times are very challenging and the only way we can plan for the next 100 years for the state and our children is through prayers,” the governor said.

Earlier, the guest preacher and Bishop of Northern Izon Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Reverend Anga Nyanabo, said it was necessary for the people of the state to be grateful to God on the 100 years anniversary of Port Harcourt.

Nyanabo described the Port Harcourt centenary celebration as an event that would offer an opportunity to assess the past, chart a course for the future and appreciate the contributions of men and women who had been instrumental to the growth of the city.

“We have received numerous blessings from God and it is only right that we thank Him. When people turn back and thank God, the Lord blesses them even more.

“The celebration could not have come at a more appropriate time than now when we have unprecedented development in the city,” Nyanabo said.

Meanwhile, clergymen from the Diocese of the Niger Delta North comprising Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states have called for the unconditional release of Kattey.

The Chairman, Diocese of Niger Delta North Association, Venerable Richard Okpara, who made this call while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Port Harcourt, condemned the act.

Okpara explained that Kattey had not offended anybody and wondered why the religious teachers would be targetted for abduction in the country.

Palace Chiefs Ask Olu Of Warri To Rescind Statement

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WARRI — PALACE chiefs rose from a meeting in Warri, Delta State, Sunday, asking the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, to withdraw his controversial statement, last week, denouncing his “Ogiame” traditional title because it is purportedly associated to a river goddess.

The chiefs handed over the order to the monarch just as the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, weekend, intervened in the feud between the monarch and his subjects.

In the past two days, some Itsekiri youths have laid siege to the palace of the monarch for allegedly renouncing his traditional title of Ogiame on grounds that it is associated with a sea goddess and also dissociating himself from some of the kingdom’s age-long traditional practices, which he described as paganism.

As tension builds up in Warri kingdom over the affair, security agencies have been forced to beef up security, both at the palace and the monarch’s residence, while the governor cut short state matters in Asaba to personally mediate in the matter in Warri.

The governor is not alone in the peace moves. 37 members of the royal family had earlier waded into the matter. Vanguard learnt that when they met with the monarch in his palace, he stuck to his gun. They had to dissociate themselves from his action.

Itsekiri woman leader, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, had also met with Olu of Warri on the matter, but after their deliberation, she said there was no headway yet.

Uduaghan relocates to Warri

On his part, Governor Uduaghan, abandoned other state matters to meet with some of the contending parties, yesterday.

The youths who occupied the palace grounds said they do not want to listen to any emissary and asked the governor to come and address them himself.

A source said it was obvious to the governor when his emissaries returned with the message of the protesters that the crisis of confidence between the monarch and his subjects could go out of hand if not properly managed.

He, therefore, came and addressed the youths, urging them to maintain peace, as government would wade into the matter and ensure the matter was resolved amicably.

The governor implored them to allow the chiefs and elders to look into the matter, saying that dialogue was the only way out.

So far, his intervention has calmed down frayed nerves, as some leaders urged him to meet with all the parties and talk to the Olu to be more diplomatic, while some hardliners insisted he should tell the monarch to resign.

The source said: “As I speak with you now (time was about 3.00 pm on Sunday), the governor is to meet with Itsekiri chiefs at the residence of the Iyatsere of Warri kingdom, Chief Gabriel Mabiaku over the matter.

“After the meeting with the chiefs, he will meet with the youths. But the meeting is yet to start.”

An aide of the governor, who did not know that his boss left Asaba for Warri told Vanguard at about 5.00pm, “I do not know the position now, and it is only the governor that can speak to you on the matter. What I know is that we are expecting him in Warri tomorrow (today), but if you say he had arrived quietly and is already meeting with them, I do not know.

“What I can tell you, however, is that the governor is particular about his peace and security agenda and he will do anything possible to ensure that the boat is not rocked.”

Govt confirms Uduaghan’s intervention

Delta State Government, yesterday, in a press statement also confirmed that the governor has waded into the internal crisis between the monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse II and his people.

“The Governor appealed to the men, women and youths to remain calm and peaceful as efforts were on to ensure that reasons prevailed over the matter.” the statement said.

“Dr. Uduaghan who addressed them at the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atunwase II’s palace ground, assured the people that everything will come back to normal soon as all efforts were been made to address their grievances.

“He informed them that he has already discussed with Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, chiefs and youths and all parties were willing to give peace a chance.

A cross section of chiefs barricading the entrance to Olu of Warri's palace.

A cross section of chiefs barricading the entrance to Olu of Warri’s palace.

Governor thanks the youths

“The Governor thanked the youths for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner and urged them to remain peaceful.

“The leader of the youths, Mr. Omolubi Newuwumi , had appealed to the youths to listen to the governor as he has come to ensure that peace was maintained in the kingdom.”

Pastor urges Itsekiri to support Olu

However, Pastor K. Okoni, of Power Grace Ministries, Effurun, near Warri, urged the Itsekiri sons and daughters who have risen against their monarch because of his decision to renounce idolatry and other fetish practices to simmer down, as he was on the right track.

His words: “The Olu of Warri has taken the right decision by giving his life to Jesus Christ and renouncing everything that has to do with idol worship.

“All Christians in Itsekiriland should stand by him and support him in prayers. His fight is for the Lord’s people in Itsekiriland, it is not for himself alone, they should pray. This is the time to pray, they should pray ceaselessly for the Lord to take control and speak to those who do not understand what the battle is all about.”

Olu should resign —Newuwumi

A royal blood of Iwere (Warri) kingdom, Prince Omolubi Newuwumi, who led the protesters on the siege to the palace, told Vanguard, yesterday, “There is no going back on our position, it is either the Olu vacates the position, resign or we will force him to leave office. He cannot sit on the throne and abuse our tradition.”

He said leaders from over 112 Itsekiri communities would form a congress to dethrone the monarch if he did not retrace his steps.

His words: “Yes, I am the leader of the protesters, Ogiame Atuwatse should withdraw his statement , he is not in the position to make a law on our traditional beliefs and let nobody deceive him, there are protocols that must be followed before certain things can be done.

“You must read what he said about the title of Ogiame being synonymous with the goddess of the sea. Let me tell you, there is nothing he can do about it, 75-80 per cent of Itsekiri people live within the sea environment. They are things that are natural to the sea, which he cannot change.

“Sometimes, you could see some violent moves in the sea, it suggests something, maybe a corpse refused to float or something happened, the gods have something to say in such cases. When we do Umolokun, it is respect we give to the goddess of the sea, it is our tradition, he cannot change it.

“Nobody is stopping him from being a Christian, he should vacate the stool and go and practice his Christianity but not to tell us that we should no longer sing the Itsekiri national anthem because he is a Christian – is he the first Christian in Warri?

“If he says the tradition of Itsekiri people is making him ungodly or unholy, he should leave it for us and go with his holiness elsewhere. Does he know that a two-year Itsekiri boy can recite our national anthem and that there is a bond that ties us together when we sing it.

Pic. Itsekiri masquerades join the protest. Px Akpokona Omafuaire

Pic. Itsekiri masquerades join the protest. Px Akpokona Omafuaire

“As far as I am concerned, some of us now see him as a past Olu of Warri until he retraces his step. More than 50 per cent of the chiefs of Warri kingdom are with us in this battle that Olu must go if he does not come back to his senses.”

Vanguard gathered that the Olu of Warri had sent emissaries to the protesting youths to meet with him, but Newuwumi said, “we are not ready to listen to him as long as he is not ready to listen to us.

“We have taken over the palace, it is our palace, he cannot dictate to us on our traditions. If he is not ready to abide by them, he should go.”

How crisis started

Trouble started, last Wednesday, when the monarch allegedly read out to a small crowd of Itsekiri people at his palace a message that he had renounced the title of “Ogiame”, as it is associated with a water deity and other gods.

He also said he was renouncing all pagan religious practices of his ancestors till date and submitted Warri Kingdom and its people to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, as a born again Christian.

As soon as the news spread to Iteskiri towns and villages, anger was stirred against the monarch, who made it clear that he was changing the Ogiame title to a yet to be announced title.

Those against him said Warri kingdom has been synonymous with the Ogiame title since 1480 and it was wrong for the monarch to wake one day and upturn history.

Protests

In a swift reaction, Itsekiri youths from across Delta State mobilized to the palace at Ajamimogha to protest what they termed sacrilegious and unacceptable action of their monarch.

They set up bonfires everywhere, chorusing the Itsekiri national anthem, which the monarch prohibited by his new order.

Comrade Omolubi Newuwumi, a prince of Warri Kingdom, confirmed that he was leading the “mutiny” against the monarch.

Vanguard learnt that night masquerades overtook the palace’s surrounding throughout Friday night such that the DPO in-charge of the “A” Division had to come and inspect the place midnight to verify an allegation that some parts of the palace fence had been broken by the protesting Itsekiri youths, which turned out to be a false alarm.

Omolubi, however, said the youths were not out to destroy or cause any havoc but only to ensure that the culture was not bastardized further and the name, Ogiame, retained as of old.

Royal family rejects Olu’s stand

In the face of the tense atmosphere, members of the ruling house of Warri Kingdom, the Emikos, went into the palace to discuss with the monarch, last Friday.

The meeting was deadlocked as 37 members of the royal family came out with a statement, dissociating themselves from the declaration made by HM Atuwatse 11, the Olu of Warri.

The statement read in part: “That historically when Prince Ginuwa left Benin to become the first monarch at about 1480, it was with the authority and blessing of his father (Olua, then Oba of Benin) to reign over the rivers, hence the title, OGIAME, meaning King of the rivers.

“That the whole gamut of history behind the Itsekiri throne is captured or encapsulated in the title, Ogiame.

“That the property in the title ‘Ogiame’ belongs to the Itsekiri people who have so addressed the monarch right from inception over 500 years ago.

“We consider the history/pedigree of the Ogiame title as sure that the Itsekiri people hold it dear and sacrosanct to the extent that it should not be cancelled for whatever reasons.”

Lori-Ogbebor, other chiefs meet Olu

Itsekiri chief and amazon, Mrs. Rita Lori-Ogbebor, led other chiefs to consult with the monarch for about three hours only to come back with no positive result. She promised that they would return for further consultation with the hope of gaining some compromise from the king.

Presidency Goes Tough On nPDP Members

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ABUJA — STRONG indications emerged, Sunday, that members of the Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, may have gone underground following planned clamp down on them especially those without immunity.

This development is coming barely 24 hours after the Police sealed off the Baraje office located on Plot 3206A, 4, Oyi River Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

Afric-tv24 gathered, yesterday, that besides the seven governors who belong to the new PDP who have immunity, others have decided to hide against the backdrop that the closure of the faction’s secretariat on Thursday took them unaware especially following the Friday meeting convened by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other elders of the party as part of moves to end the lingering political quagmire in the PDP.

The meeting which took place, Friday, was held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, but was inconclusive, though there were assurances from the elders that the two factions will once again come together as one indivisible party members and Chief Obasanjo disclosed that discussions and consultations would continue.

New PDP Faction: From Left, New National Secretary and Former Governor of Osun State Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Former Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Adamu, Kwara State Governor Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amechi , New PDP Factional National Chairman Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kawankwazo and Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido at Press conference announcing new PDP Factional Leadership in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

From Left,  National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ex-Nasarawa Gov Abdullahi Adamu, Kwara Gov Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Rivers  Gov Rotimi Amechi, PDP Factional Nat. Chairman Abubakar  Baraje, Kano Gov Rabiu Kawankwazo and Jigawa Gov Sule Lamido at Press conference announcing new PDP Factional Leadership in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Vanguard also gathered that as part of the punishment for the Baraje’s group, the board of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, which has the Alhaji Baraje as Chairman, will soon be dissolved and will later be reconstituted after his name must have been removed.

Another problem confronting the new PDP is the sharp split and disagreement over the All Progressive Congress, APC and the new Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM.

A source told Vanguard that while some members of the new group want to move to APC, majority of them want to identify with the PDM because they do not want to be identified with the APC, thus further causing a big problem in the new PDP.

It was also learnt that the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee, NWC, was said to have infiltrated the new PDP, thereby causing the bickering.

My life in danger—Baraje

Meanwhile, Baraje who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, said his life was in danger following the withdrawal of his security personnel and threat to his life.

He said if anything happens to him, Nigerians and the world will know who to blame. He said: “My security personnel have been removed from my house and in Abuja and somebody of my social status needs such. It is like when you hear the cry of a witch at night and a child dies the next day, you will know where to point the accusing fingers at.”

Bukola Saraki’s security aides withdrawn

Also yesterday, former governor of Kwara State and a member of the new PDP, Senator Bukola Saraki, raised alarm that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the withdrawal of his security personnel, just as he said that the Police boss admitted that it was order from the above.

A statement by Saraki ‘s aide, Bamikole Omishore, read: “Yesterday, the Inspector General of Police directed the immediate withdrawal of security personnel detailed to the former Governor of Kwara State and current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki (CON). The security personnel withdrawn are from the Senator’s residences in Abuja and Ilorin.

“The inspector, who carried out the exercise, when confronted, disclosed that it was an order from above. It should be noted that the withdrawn security men are legal rights as prescribed by virtue of Kwara State Pension Law of 2010, Third Schedule, Section 2 (3) paragraph H.

“The security details attached to Senator Saraki are therefore formally processed, approved and dispatched to his residences not out of favour or luxury demands.

“In view of this new development, it is evidently clear to us that this cannot be unconnected with the recent political activities going on in the country.

“No doubt, recent events in the nation have been taking strange and tragic dimensions but we have to look beyond our individual interests and let the weight of making Nigeria great dominate our minds as leaders and citizens as Nigeria is bigger than an individual.”

ABUJA — STRONG indications emerged, Sunday, that members of the Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, may have gone underground following planned clamp down on them especially those without immunity.
This development is coming barely 24 hours after the Police sealed off the Baraje office located on Plot 3206A, 4, Oyi River Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
Vanguard gathered, yesterday, that besides the seven governors who belong to the new PDP who have immunity, others have decided to hide against the backdrop that the closure of the faction’s secretariat on Thursday took them unaware especially following the Friday meeting convened by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other elders of the party as part of moves to end the lingering political quagmire in the PDP.
The meeting which took place, Friday, was held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, but was inconclusive, though there were assurances from the elders that the two factions will once again come together as one indivisible party members and Chief Obasanjo disclosed that discussions and consultations would continue.

From Left,  National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ex-Nasarawa Gov Abdullahi Adamu, Kwara Gov Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Rivers  Gov Rotimi Amechi, PDP Factional Nat. Chairman Abubakar  Baraje, Kano Gov Rabiu Kawankwazo and Jigawa Gov Sule Lamido at Press conference announcing new PDP Factional Leadership in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Vanguard also gathered that as part of the punishment for the Baraje’s group, the board of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, which has the Alhaji Baraje as Chairman, will soon be dissolved and will later be reconstituted after his name must have been removed.
Another problem confronting the new PDP is the sharp split and disagreement over the All Progressive Congress, APC and the new Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM.
A source told Vanguard that while some members of the new group want to move to APC, majority of them want to identify with the PDM because they do not want to be identified with the APC, thus further causing a big problem in the new PDP.
It was also learnt that the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee, NWC, was said to have infiltrated the new PDP, thereby causing the bickering.
My life in danger—Baraje
Meanwhile, Baraje who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, said his life was in danger following the withdrawal of his security personnel and threat to his life.
He said if anything happens to him, Nigerians and the world will know who to blame. He said: “My security personnel have been removed from my house and in Abuja and somebody of my social status needs such. It is like when you hear the cry of a witch at night and a child dies the next day, you will know where to point the accusing fingers at.”
Bukola Saraki’s security aides withdrawn
Also yesterday, former governor of Kwara State and a member of the new PDP, Senator Bukola Saraki, raised alarm that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the withdrawal of his security personnel, just as he said that the Police boss admitted that it was order from the above.
A statement by Saraki ‘s aide, Bamikole Omishore, read: “Yesterday, the Inspector General of Police directed the immediate withdrawal of security personnel detailed to the former Governor of Kwara State and current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki (CON). The security personnel withdrawn are from the Senator’s residences in Abuja and Ilorin.
“The inspector, who carried out the exercise, when confronted, disclosed that it was an order from above. It should be noted that the withdrawn security men are legal rights as prescribed by virtue of Kwara State Pension Law of 2010, Third Schedule, Section 2 (3) paragraph H.
“The security details attached to Senator Saraki are therefore formally processed, approved and dispatched to his residences not out of favour or luxury demands.
“In view of this new development, it is evidently clear to us that this cannot be unconnected with the recent political activities going on in the country.
“No doubt, recent events in the nation have been taking strange and tragic dimensions but we have to look beyond our individual interests and let the weight of making Nigeria great dominate our minds as leaders and citizens as Nigeria is bigger than an individual.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/09/presidency-goes-tough-on-npdp-members/#sthash.zcQ7uQXt.dpuf

Tension In Borno As Govt Moves To Demolish Churches Schools

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ABUJA —There is tension in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as the state government has intensified efforts to demolish about 25 churches and schools, Vanguard has learnt.

The proposed demolition, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, told Vanguard might heighten insecurity challenges created by the Boko Haram.

The development has, therefore, continued to fuel speculations to Islamize the country, beginning from Northern Nigeria.

Vanguard reliably gathered that “the state government will embark on the demolition any moment from now.”

Although there are conflicting figures of the number of churches and schools to be affected, sources confirmed that it would be close to 25.

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and owners of farmlands in the area had been served quit notices by the state government, intimating them of the plan to acquire the structures to construct 1,000 housing units.

A leaflet from the office of Borno State Ministry of Lands and Survey, dated August 20, and signed by one Musa Ummate (O/C Land Administration) on behalf of the commissioner, was obtained by newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja.

The leaflet is entitled, “Notice of acquisition and assessment/valuation of structures on proposed site for 1,000 housing units along Gubio road.”

It read: “I am directed to refer to you farmers and holders of structures on the proposed site for caption matter above and regret to inform you that the executive governor has on the power conferred on him by Section (2)b of the Land Use Act 1978 has directed through high powered committee on Construction Ref. no: HPCC/2500/HE/S/TEC/1 to notify you of his intention to acquire your farmlands and assessment/valuation of the structures on the proposed site situated along Gubio road, Maiduguri.

“The acquisition is necessary, in view of requirements of the land by the state government for overriding public interest to construct housing estate. The affected farmers and holders of structures are to take note and appear on site for the above exercise, please.”

However, investigation revealed that the state government had no plan to develop any housing estate, but to destroy the churches and over 20 private schools built by the churches.

A source told Vanguard: “Over 20 churches and many schools will be affected. The lands on which the churches were built were bought from farmers and have the authority and certificate of the District Head in Maiduguri, popularly called Bulama. The land was not under the ministry when it was bought.

“The Christians went for the meeting called by the governor and for several hours, the governor didn’t come out to see them. It is always difficult for Christians to get a land in Maiduguri. Even after getting the land, the government won’t give you Certificate of Occupancy. They compensated Borno Muslims who are victims of Boko Haram. But how many Christians were compensated?”

It’s a ploy to persecute Christians — CAN

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, said the demolition was another plot under the guise of public interest to persecute Christians in the state, saying it would not take it lightly.

The General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, who confirmed the development when contacted, called on Borno State government to have a rethink.

Dr. Asake said: “We have seen the eviction notice from Borno State government. We are Nigerians and there are other places where the state government can develop. The areas being earmarked for demolition are already developed with churches and schools.

“We condemn the action and I think government should be sensitive to what the Christians in that state are going through not to come and add another problem, through demolition.

“Christians have suffered enough in Borno State. If the state government wants to destroy churches and build any housing estate, no Christian will see it as a sign of progress.”

Although, Asake disclosed that they had not been able to authenticate the source of the letter, he added “we are going to reach out to the state government to make sure that Christians don’t lose their churches and lands.

“But we have no reason to doubt the source of the letter. We have suffered enough in Borno State and enough of all these things which are coming in another disguise.

“Borno State government should reconsider the decision to demolish churches and property because in Borno State, there are many vast lands. They should do that instead of going to these areas where Christians have settled. We are asking the Borno State government not to try it.”

Oil Theft: Navy Arrest Cameroonian, Nigerians

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The Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy says it has arrested a Cameroonian and nine Nigerians for stealing crude oil in Bayelsa State.

A statement on Sunday by the Command Operations Officer, the CNC, Commodore Emmanuel Enemor, said the suspected oil thieves were arrested by the operatives of the Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Navy, codenamed FORMOSO.

Enemor said the suspects were arrested along the offshore of the Brass River in Brass Local Government Area of the state on Friday aboard a vessel identified as MT Pauline and loaded with over 360,000 litres of Automotive Gasoline Oil suspected to have been stolen.

Enemor said, ‘The captain of the seized vessel was unable to tender relevant documents, such as the NPA bunkering permit, the certificate of registration with the Joint Military Task Force and the approval for the movement of petroleum products by the Naval headquarters.

“On the 6th of September, 2013, at about 0800, a naval patrol team from FORMOSO intercepted and arrested MT Pauline offshore Brass Rivers in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. At the time of arrest, the vessel was loaded with over 360,000 litres of automotive Gasoline.

“The ship was arrested with 10 crew members made up of nine Nigerians and a Cameroonian. Besides, the captain was unable to tender relevant documents. Currently, FOB has commenced investigation into the sources of the suspected stolen petroleum product on board the vessel.”

He said the arrest and many others recorded in the past were a clear display of the determination of the naval commands to completely eradicate oil theft, illegal bunkering and other illegalities in the maritime environment.

‘This further demonstrates the zero tolerance stance of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, against oil theft and related criminalities in the maritime domain,” he said.

OBJ/PDP Elders To Jonathan: Sack Tukur, Baraje; Hold New Convention

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LAGOS — The Kawu Baraje and Bamanga Tukur factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP were last night poised for a long standoff, following apparent efforts by the Presidency to fight off proposals being articulated by the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led elders’ committee.

The elders committee which met at the weekend following meetings with the two factions, it was learnt, had made some proposals towards resolution of the crisis in the party. Among the recommendations were dissolution of the executives of the Tukur and Baraje-led factions of the party and the scheduling of a fresh convention for the election of a fresh and united executive.

DINNER: President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by Vice President Namadi Sambo (L) and the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, while the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih (R) watches during the Post-National Convention Dinner of the party at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

DINNER: President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by Vice President Namadi Sambo (L) and the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, while the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih (R) watches during the Post-National Convention Dinner of the party at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Under the arrangement it was learnt the office of National Chairman will be conceded to President Goodluck Jonathan; Deputy National Chairman conceded to either the Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih, or Governor Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. Both Anenih and Akpabio are from the South-South where the office of Deputy National Chairman is zoned to.

Obasanjo favours Ladoja as National Secretary

The office of National Secretary and other offices zoned to the South-West it was learnt, would be conceded to President Obasanjo who, it was learnt, was already set to shove his new-found friend, Senator Rasheed Ladoja for the prime position.

Proposal for Amaechi’s return

 Under the proposals, the Adamawa and Rivers State executives of the party that were put at abeyance on account of the lingering crises in the party will be restored just as Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State who was suspended would be reinstated upon expiration of the 30-day period as provided by the constitution.

Meanwhile, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh has fended off insinuations of a role by the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC in the crisis in the party. Metuh, in a session with newsmen in Lagos, said the APC is too insignificant and minuscule to be a factor in what he described as an intra-party dispute. He also put in a robust defence of  Tukur’s leadership of the party, describing the National Chairman as the kind of elixir needed to manage the PDP at this time.

The Obasanjo panel included Anenih and former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

The report is yet to be presented to President Jonathan who is the leader of the party.

In proposing a fresh convention, sources disclosed that the Obasanjo panel was not unmindful of the financial implications of holding a new convention but as it was learnt, panellists were said to have affirmed that “money should not be a hindrance to doing the right thing.”

Jonathan 2015

The panel report did not touch on the sensitive matter of President Jonathan contesting another term in office. Vanguard learnt that the panel decided not to touch the issue because of both parties’ strong positions on it.

However, there were indications that President Jonathan may not acquiesce to the proposals as raised by the elders.

Presidency sources disclosed that dissolving the Tukur executive and going with most of the other recommendations would mean the Presidency losing its present advantages.

In an apparent effort to bolster its forces in the ensuing battle, it was learnt that three ad-hoc committees were constituted by the President before he travelled to Kenya last week to articulate possible solutions to the crisis.

The committees it was learnt include Legal, Political and Contact. The committees are now working on ways of quenching the crisis in the party and to contain the Baraje forces. Presidency sources disclosed that the committees are to propose their recommendations to the President tomorrow.

The President, it was learnt, was inclined towards a holistic solution of the crisis to restore order in the party without condoning indiscipline.

In that direction, the President it was understood, may not give in to the demands of some of the governors that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC be pulled out from investigating some states. Some of the seven governors aligned to the Baraje faction of the party were alleged to have bitterly complained of being harassed by the EFCC purely on political grounds.

We give no attention to APC

Meanwhile, the Chief Olisa Metuh has dismissed insinuations of the involvement of the APC in the unfolding crisis in the ruling party.

Metuh in an interview in Lagos said:

“The APC as currently constituted has no capacity, no power to have any influence whatsoever in the challenges in the party and they are of  no consequences whatsoever and we do not pay any attention to them. They have no power, no influence, no position, no capacity to influence anything that is happening in the party.

“The APC is insignificant and they are unimportant in the scheme of things. What is important to us as a party is to resolve with our brothers and to have a final resolution of this matter, to be in one accord and have unity with our brothers so that the PDP can continue to rule. But the role of APC is non-existent in this matter. They are unimportant, they are insignificant and of no effect and we do not pay attention to the APC as a body and the individuals therein. They are of no consequence whatsoever.”

Female Hairdresser Arrested For Children Trafficking - ENUGU

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ENUGU — An Enugu-based female hairdresser, Ifeoma Obike, who allegedly combined her business with the illicit trade of baby factory, has been arrested by operatives of Anti Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department of Enugu State Police Command.

Ifeoma, who claimed to be a native of Oguta in Imo State and a popular hairstylist in New Haven, Enugu, according to the police, allegedly tried to augment her earnings from her legitimate business by engaging in the “baby for sale” trade which had been thriving in many parts of the South-East for some time.

Ujunwa (middle), Ifeoma (2nd right) with the baby and suspected members of the syndicate

Ujunwa (middle), Ifeoma (2nd right) with the baby and suspected members of the syndicate

Ifeoma who claimed to have five children out of wedlock, however, denied being involved in child trafficking but she was found with a baby, which she claimed belonged to her sister in Lagos.

The police said she would be taken to Lagos to confirm her claim though the operatives doubted her because the baby was too tender to be cared for by any person other than her mother.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who announced the arrest of Ifeoma and three members of the syndicate, weekend, said the long arm of the law caught up with them last Thursday when men of the Anti Human Trafficking squad, acting on a tip off, swooped on them.

He said: “On September 5, 2013, the long arm of the law visited Ifeoma as the operatives of the Anti Human Trafficking Unit of the state Criminal and Investigation Department of the Enugu State police command, acting on information received that Ifeoma combines the newly discovered lucrative business of baby factory with the saloon business, arrested her and someone whom she identified as a would-be husband.

“The alleged fiancé, a patent medicine dealer and self-acclaimed doctor and the pregnant girl, who was on the verge of delivery, Ujunwa, were apprehended and are now being interrogated.”

He said Ifeoma had taken Ujunwa into custody to enable her deliver her baby from an unwanted pregnancy with the intention of taking the baby, adding that they had agreed that Ujunwa would upon delivery be settled with N100,000 to forfeit her baby.

My ordeal, by Ujunwa

Ujunwa, who narrated her ordeal to the police, said she was impregnated by someone and had wanted to abort the pregnancy.

Confused about what to do with the pregnancy, Ujunwa who hails from Ituku in Awgu Local Government Area of the state, went to a patent medicine dealer identified as Obinna of Obofia Awkunanaw but resides in New Haven Extension, Enugu, to abort it but was advised to keep the baby.

Before then, she had made attempts to get rid of the baby to no avail.

“Obinna, however, linked Ujunwa with Ifeoma who would take care of her pregnancy and later be given N100,000 after delivery to forfeit the baby which Ifeoma will at the appropriate time, sell to couples desirous of baby,” the police spokesman said.

According to him, Ujunwa further disclosed that while she was with Ifeoma, “the woman insisted that if her financial condition dwindles, that the initial agreed amount of N100,000 could be reduced to an amount that she can afford.

“One of the accomplices, a native of Ezeagu, who was also apprehended, denied being part of the syndicate. But he revealed that there was a certain time a pregnant girl was brought to him to be delivered of a baby, which he carried out and later the baby was released to someone identified as a sister to the girl and that he also issued a receipt for the hospital expenses incurred.”

On his part, Obike from Isiukwuato, Abia State, whom Ifeoma described as her fiancé, revealed that he was yet to marry Ifeoma even though they have five children, whose whereabouts could not be explained.

Obike, who claimed to be a businessman dealing on wears, however, declined to give further details about the baby found in possession of his alleged fiancée.

Amaraizu said that full investigations into the matter had already commenced with a view to ascertaining further details of the illicit activities of the syndicate.

17 Killed In B’Haram, Vigilance Group Clash

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No fewer than 17 people were killed and 17 others injured when suspected Boko Haram sect members attacked some members of the civilian vigilance group in Benisheik village, near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Saturday night.

The attack came barely 48 hours after the Nigeria military raided an Islamic insurgent camp and killed about 50 sect members in the North.

While the 12 vigilance group members were killed, five Boko Haram members lost their lives and four AK-47 rifles were also retrieved in the clash.

According to an operative of the Civilian Joint Task Force Vigilance Group, Zannah Fannami, the vigilance members were killed while repelling Boko Haram’s attack on the town.

The 27-year-old operative, with the Civilian Joint Task Force vigilante group, who is receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for a bullet to his right thigh said, “We heard that they would be coming since Friday and had been keeping vigil all nights.

“Late Saturday night, when we least expected it, we heard a thunderous sound like that of a bomb coming from the direction of a soldiers’ post, then we decided to advance toward the sound and the Boko Haram gunmen, carrying sophisticated arms, opened fire on us, killing 12 of our members.”

The survivor explained that the vigilance group, which was formed to fight the Boko Haram insurgents,  killed five of the sect members and took possession of four of that AK-47 rifles.

Another injured Civilian-JTF operative, 32-year-old Muhammed Abuwar, blamed the military for the attack, saying the soldiers refused to shield them from the “expected” attack.

Borno State Government labour adviser, Garba Ngamdu, who also hails from Benisheik, said one of vigilance members had died in the hospital as doctors tried to remove bullets from his body.

He also confirmed the death of the five Boko Haram members at the hands of vigilance members with machetes and said their corpses were on the outskirts of the town.

PDP Crisis, Minor Disagreement – Jonathan

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President Goodluck Jonathan has described the lingering crises within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party as a minor disagreement.

The President said this at a post-convention dinner held in honour of the newly elected members of the national executive committee of the party, in Abuja, on Sunday.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and seven serving governors on the party’s platform walked out of its mini-convention, in Abuja penultimate Saturday and announced a formation of a new faction.

Jonathan noted that what was happening was normal in every human organisation.

He accused the media of exaggerating recent happenings within the party.

“We are all adults and we all know that in all human institutions there must be some disagreements.

“There is no human institution that shouldn’t have any disagreement. In families, we disagree. So, what happened I believe is a minor disagreement we will be able to solve,” he said.

Jonathan noted that disagreements were normal within a family but that care should be taken to ensure that such disagreements were handled in a manner that cohesion would remain.

Rid Passport Offices Of Touts, CG Orders Officers

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The Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service, Mr. David Parradang, has urged immigration officers to rid all passport offices of touts and shun corruption.

Parradang added that officers who had cases of indiscipline would not be promoted.

The CG stated this during his first visit to passport offices in Lagos on Friday.

Parradang, who became the CG in June 2013, visited the passport offices at FESTAC, Ikoyi, Alausa and Ikeja areas of the state.

While addressing his men, Parradang said touts must be expelled completely from the system.

He said, “We are not satisfied with what we hear about passport offices and airports. There are very few people that are spoiling this job. Try to be as transparent as possible. We are not running a secret society.

“Do not give our work to touts. Do not patronise touts.  I do not want to hear anything about touts. No form of extortion will be accepted. I will never entertain touts here.”

Parradang said he was going to transfer officers and men in the Ikoyi and FESTAC passport offices to create room for other officers to work in the departments, adding that the FESTAC passport office would be relocated because it was no longer conducive to provide service and security at its present location.

The CG promised to make the welfare and training of officers his top priority.

“Welfare is paramount on my agenda. It is primary to us. We do not only speak grammar we will actually take action. Government owes you salary and you owe government hard work. I will support anybody that wants to buy a house,” he said.

The Passport Control Officer, Alausa Passport Office,Mr. Joshua Ajisafe, complained that the new passport office depended solely on one generator saying it was grossly inadequate.

He therefore requested for another 150KVA generator to serve as a back up to the one being used.

Ajisafe further disclosed that within the last four months of the office being operational, 23,454 applications had been received out of which 21, 404 passports had been issued and a revenue of N205, 222, 500 accrued to government.

The PCO, Ikoyi Passport office, Mrs. Modupe Anyalechi, pleaded with the CG to offset its electricity bills of over N2.8m.

She said her office had about 4,000 unclaimed passports from July 27, 2007 to date. She also noted that from January 2 to date, about 89,750 had been processed.

Can Kicks As Borno Plans To Demolish Churches

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The   Borno State Government has begun moves to demolish over 20 churches and schools built by them.

Our correspondent gathered on Sunday that the state government would embark on the demolition exercise any moment from now.

Sources hinted that the state government had already dispatched a notice to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and owners of farmlands in the area intimating them of the plan to acquire the site for a 1000 housing units.

A leaflet from the office of the Borno State Ministry of Lands and Survey dated August 20 and signed by one Musa Ummate (O/C Land Administration) on behalf of the commissioner was obtained by journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

The leaflet is titled, ‘Notice of acquisition and assessment/valuation of structures on proposed site for 1000 Housing Units along Gubio Road Highway.’

It reads: “I am directed to refer to you farmers and holders of structures on the proposed site for caption matter above and regret to inform you that the Executive Governor has, on the power conferred on him by Section (2)b of the Land Use Act 1978, directed through high powered committee on Construction Ref. no: HPCC/2500/HE/S/TEC/1 to notify you of his intention to acquire your farm lands and assessment/valuation of the structures on the proposed site situated along Gubio Road, Maiduguri.

“The acquisition is necessary in view of requirements of the land acquisition by the state government for overriding public interest to construct a Housing Esate. The affected farmers and holders of structures are to take note and appear on site for the above exercise, please.”

But a CAN source said, “Over 20 churches and many schools will be affected. The parcels of land on which the churches were built were bought from farmers and have the authority and certificate of the District Head in Maiduguri popularly called Bulama. The land was not under the ministry when it was bought.”

When contacted, the General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, confirmed the development but called on the Borno State Government to have a rethink.

He said, “We have seen that eviction notice from the Borno State Government. We are all Nigerians and there are other places where the state government can develop. The areas being earmarked for demolition are already developed with churches and schools.

“We have enough problems at hand and we don’t want to add another one. Christians have suffered enough in Borno State. If the state government wants to destroy churches and build any housing estate, no Christian will see it as a sign of progress.”

Asake promised that CAN would take up the  matter with Borno State Government as soon as it was confirmed that the letter actually emanated from the government.

Several calls and text messages to the mobile phone of the Borno State Commissioner for Information,  Mr. Inuwa Bwala, as at 3:45 pm on Sunday for the state government’s reaction were not replied.