More Than 800 Classrooms Lost In Borno State

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AfricCon Report - Friday From Afric-tv24

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State says the state has lost more than 800 classrooms to the activities of members of the Boko Haram sect.

The governor, who said this on Thursday in Maiduguri, the state capital, however, said he was glad that peace was already returning to the troubled state.

Shettima spoke during the traditional Sallah Durbar (horse parade), which was held amidst fanfare at the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri, Borno State.

It was the first durbar since 2009, when it was last held due to the security challenge in the state.

Shettima was in attendance as special guest of honour and it was the first time a sallah durbar was held since he became the state governor in May, 2011.

The durbar, which was generally described as peaceful and colourful, took place soon after the Eid prayers that was conducted at Ramat Square, about two kilometres away from the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri.

It was held following the emergence of relative peace in the state, owing to security operations and activities of youths volunteers, nicknamed ‘Civilian JTF’ , who have been haunting Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Elkanemi, was said to have suspended the traditional sallah durbar in 2009 for fear of terrorists’ attacks.

The first major Boko Haram crisis took place in July, 2009, leading to the deaths of hundreds of persons, amongst them insurgents, security agents and innocent citizens.

At the resumed durbar on Thursday, traditional rulers were on horse parade to the admiration of Shettima, the Shehu and other dignitaries, while residents cheered.

Shettima, while addressing guests at a sallah lunch he organised at the Government House after the durbar, commended the efforts of the military JTF and the vigilance group for sustaining the relative peace that led to the smooth celebration of the Eid-el Fitr in the state.

Shettima described as unfortunate the fact that since the inception of the crisis, “the Boko Haram insurgents had killed hundreds of residents and destroyed property worth hundreds of millions of naira, including over 800 public secondary and primary school classrooms set ablaze, in different communities in the state.”

The governor, however, said he was happy that normalcy was returning to the state. He, therefore commended the JTF, the vigilante youths and the patriotic citizens for their efforts in this regard.

He said, “Although, the state has encountered serious damages, we, as government, will not be deterred by the activities of terrorists as we will soon renovate and rehabilitate all the public structures destroyed by the Boko Haram sect in the state, even as we will continue to support security agencies with our scarce resources in the fight against terrorism.”

Arsenal has discover their opponents in the Champions League play-off draw.. Fenerbahce

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By AfricCon Blog - Arsenal prepare for Champions League play-off against Fenerbahce

Arsenal has discover their opponents in the Champions League play-off on Friday morning at the draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

Blogs - Arsenal drawn against Fenerbahce in the Champions League play-off
Arsenal prepare for Champions League play-off draw...Against Fenerbahce and will be played at the end of this month.

IG - Rivers State Police CP Charged To Be Professional

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AfricCon Report - Friday From Afric-tv24 — Abuja

The Inspector- General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, charged the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Mbu, to be a professional police officer

by providing safety and security for the people and development of the state.

He also said that the police should not be dragged into the politics of states.

Addressing State House Correspondents after paying the traditional Sallah visit to President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, Abubakar said: “We are not politicians, we cannot be brought into the politics of this country. Professional police officers are supposed to do what they are supposed to do: to protect lives and property  and that is why we remain where we are and we charge the Commissioner of Police (Mbu) to be a professional police officer by providing safety and security for the good people of Rivers State and for the development of the state.”

On the dismissal of a police Sergeant caught on video, while  extorting a motorist in Lagos, he said same was to send a strong message that he would not preside over a corrupt police force, noting that the fact that the police officer was caught in the act meant that he did not deserve any punishment less than what he got.

He added that the dismissal of the Sergeant  was an indication that the police authorities closely monitor the personnel to check their misdemeanour.

He said: “You can see that we are information technology compliant. We know what is happening on YouTube, we know what is happening all over the world. And because we believe that we have to do what is right, we warned our officers and men, sometimes we set them up, to ensure that we catch them in the act. And whoever is caught in the act is dismissed.

“There is a process that is on-going. If the man involved is willing and ready to give evidence in court, the dismissed police officer will also be charged to court.”

Speaking further, he explained that the peace being experienced during the Sallah celebration was as a result of collaboration between the police and other security agencies as well as the cooperation of Nigerians in fighting insecurity in the country.

“We want to thank Almighty Allah for His mercies, for His grace that the country is becoming more peaceful than ever before. We shall continue to pray and I want to use this opportunity to thank Nigerians for their support, cooperation, partnership in fighting crime and criminality in the country,” he added.

How Robbery Led By Godogodo In Ajao Estate Took Place

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AfricCon Report - Friday From Afric-tv24  — LAGOS 

On Sunday, July  14, 2013, a deadly gang of robbers, led by notorious robbery czar, Abiodun Ogunjobi, aka, Godogodo, attacked a warehouse belonging to Blessing Aporie Nigeria Limited

at Ajao Estate area of Lagos State and carted away mobile phones worth more than N50 million.

The robbers also killed a policeman on guard at the warehouse, leaving one other with severe bullet wounds.

Five members of that gang were later killed by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, during a shoot-out along Eko Bridge while three others escaped with bullet wounds.

Godogodo and his gang: From left: Leke, Yinusa, Adelawo and Godogodo at the Police Command Headqauters, Ikeja, Lagos, Wednesday.

Godogodo and his gang: From left: Leke, Yinusa, Adelawo and Godogodo at the Police Command Headqauters, Ikeja, Lagos, Wednesday.

However, operatives of SARS, led by Superintendent of Police, Abba Kyari, have arrested the three bandits who escaped during the shoot-out and they have confessed to the crime and narrated how Godogodo led them through the operation, which turned out to be his last in Lagos.

Sources at SARS said four teams of operatives were deployed that night to track down the robbers when news of the incident and the attack on policemen filtered in.

The trail

Vanguard gathered that the team which was deployed to Surulere area,  spotted a Honda space bus, matching the description of the one used by the robbers and they chased it up to the Eko Bridge where a gun battle ensued, leaving four persons dead while three escaped. One of the suspects identified as Ganiu Mental was arrested with bullet wounds.

A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “Mental told us that Godogodo led the operation and that they snatched two Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, from the Island, where they also killed a policeman. He provided us with the information that led to the arrest of the three other bandits that escaped earlier.”

The source added that the police arrested the first suspect, Ahmed Adelawo, who sustained bullet injury on his leg, when they intercepted conversation between him and a native doctor, whom he paid N15,000 to prepare a charm that will prevent the police from arresting him.

“We arrested the native doctor and we used him to arrest Adelawo in Ikotun, where he was receiving treatment for his bullet wound.

“We then used Adelowo to arrest Leke Ayinde and Abiodun Yinusa,” the source said.

Meantime, the arrest of Yinusa didn’t come easy as he fled from Lagos State after the robbery incident.

The source said: “He ran to Akwa Ibom State when he learnt that we had arrested Adelawo, but he came back last Wednesday to attend to a case he had in court for stealing. Our operatives got information and stormed the court and arrested him on his way out.

The Ajao Estate  operation

“When the bandits were brought before Godogodo who was arrested penultimate Thursday in Egbeda area of Ibadan, after a massive manhunt by SARS operatives, they explained that they brought in Godogodo to help them dislodge the mobile policemen  that were on guard at the warehouse where the robbery took place.

Yinusa, who is a resident of Ajao Estate, said: “ I owned the job. I was the one who got Adelawo and others involved.  I, Adelawo and Chuks have been operating within Ajao Estate because we are all residents of that area and we are familiar with the terrain.

“The warehouse is located at the spot where I usually go to smoke Indian hemp  and I know they used to store expensive mobile phones.

“I have also assisted them in off loading one of their containers, an opportunity I seized to survey the place. Three months ago, I, Adelawo and Chuks went to rob at the warehouse and we stole phones worth only N200,000.

“We couldn’t get into the place where the expensive phones were stored. After that operation, the owner of the warehouse changed the doors, installed security camera and they also brought some armed mobile policemen to guard the place.

Godogodo’s involvement

“My friend, Adelawo, got broke and he said he wanted us to attack the warehouse again. I told him that it would be difficult because  there were policemen on guard, he said he knew people who could repel policemen and get what ever they wanted.

“I told him to contact them. One of them was Godogodo.

“On the night of that operation, Godogodo came to Ajao Estate in two Range Rover SUVs  and he called us to lead them to the place. On arrival, they cut the key to the gate of the warehouse, Godogodo and his friends went into the security house, opened fire on a  policeman on guard and collected his rifle, uniform and bullet proof shirt.

“Then they smashed the wall to the warehouse with a sledge hammer and gained entrance into the warehouse.  After about 30 minutes, they loaded the SUVs with mobile phones and other gadgets.

“But on our way out,  some policemen who attempted to confront us were repelled by Godogodo’s superior fire power  and we escaped.

5 members killed

“We drove down to a street in Oshodi where we shared our loot, but on our way to the Island, where we wanted to drop off Ganiu Mental, the policemen accosted us and killed five members of our gang. I managed to escape. I don’t know how Adelawo and Ayinde escaped.”

I didn’t know mobile phones were target—Godogodo

Reacting to the narrative, Godogodo told Vanguard that he wasn’t aware that their target in that operation was mobile  phones warehouse.

“I am bigger than mobile phones, I can’t steal such anymore. These boys told me that there was N70 million  in that warehouse; that was why I went with them.

“If I had known that what we were going to steal were just mobile phones, I wouldn’t have followed them.  Yes, they told me that policemen were there so I was prepared. I carried over 300 rounds of live ammunition, so I could stand any attack.  I don’t know these boys even if I see them on the road.”

LAGOS — On Sunday, July  14, 2013, a deadly gang of robbers, led by notorious robbery czar, Abiodun Ogunjobi, aka, Godogodo, attacked a warehouse belonging to Blessing Aporie Nigeria Limited at Ajao Estate area of Lagos State and carted away mobile phones worth more than N50 million.
The robbers also killed a policeman on guard at the warehouse, leaving one other with severe bullet wounds.
Five members of that gang were later killed by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, during a shoot-out along Eko Bridge while three others escaped with bullet wounds.

Godogodo and his gang: From left: Leke, Yinusa, Adelawo and Godogodo at the Police Command Headqauters, Ikeja, Lagos, Wednesday.

However, operatives of SARS, led by Superintendent of Police, Abba Kyari, have arrested the three bandits who escaped during the shoot-out and they have confessed to the crime and narrated how Godogodo led them through the operation, which turned out to be his last in Lagos.
Sources at SARS said four teams of operatives were deployed that night to track down the robbers when news of the incident and the attack on policemen filtered in.
The trail
Vanguard gathered that the team which was deployed to Surulere area,  spotted a Honda space bus, matching the description of the one used by the robbers and they chased it up to the Eko Bridge where a gun battle ensued, leaving four persons dead while three escaped. One of the suspects identified as Ganiu Mental was arrested with bullet wounds.
A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “Mental told us that Godogodo led the operation and that they snatched two Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, from the Island, where they also killed a policeman. He provided us with the information that led to the arrest of the three other bandits that escaped earlier.”
The source added that the police arrested the first suspect, Ahmed Adelawo, who sustained bullet injury on his leg, when they intercepted conversation between him and a native doctor, whom he paid N15,000 to prepare a charm that will prevent the police from arresting him.
“We arrested the native doctor and we used him to arrest Adelawo in Ikotun, where he was receiving treatment for his bullet wound.
“We then used Adelowo to arrest Leke Ayinde and Abiodun Yinusa,” the source said.
Meantime, the arrest of Yinusa didn’t come easy as he fled from Lagos State after the robbery incident.
The source said: “He ran to Akwa Ibom State when he learnt that we had arrested Adelawo, but he came back last Wednesday to attend to a case he had in court for stealing. Our operatives got information and stormed the court and arrested him on his way out.
The Ajao Estate  operation
“When the bandits were brought before Godogodo who was arrested penultimate Thursday in Egbeda area of Ibadan, after a massive manhunt by SARS operatives, they explained that they brought in Godogodo to help them dislodge the mobile policemen  that were on guard at the warehouse where the robbery took place.
Yinusa, who is a resident of Ajao Estate, said: “ I owned the job. I was the one who got Adelawo and others involved.  I, Adelawo and Chuks have been operating within Ajao Estate because we are all residents of that area and we are familiar with the terrain.
“The warehouse is located at the spot where I usually go to smoke Indian hemp  and I know they used to store expensive mobile phones.
“I have also assisted them in off loading one of their containers, an opportunity I seized to survey the place. Three months ago, I, Adelawo and Chuks went to rob at the warehouse and we stole phones worth only N200,000.
“We couldn’t get into the place where the expensive phones were stored. After that operation, the owner of the warehouse changed the doors, installed security camera and they also brought some armed mobile policemen to guard the place.
Godogodo’s involvement
“My friend, Adelawo, got broke and he said he wanted us to attack the warehouse again. I told him that it would be difficult because  there were policemen on guard, he said he knew people who could repel policemen and get what ever they wanted.
“I told him to contact them. One of them was Godogodo.
“On the night of that operation, Godogodo came to Ajao Estate in two Range Rover SUVs  and he called us to lead them to the place. On arrival, they cut the key to the gate of the warehouse, Godogodo and his friends went into the security house, opened fire on a  policeman on guard and collected his rifle, uniform and bullet proof shirt.
“Then they smashed the wall to the warehouse with a sledge hammer and gained entrance into the warehouse.  After about 30 minutes, they loaded the SUVs with mobile phones and other gadgets.
“But on our way out,  some policemen who attempted to confront us were repelled by Godogodo’s superior fire power  and we escaped.
5 members killed
“We drove down to a street in Oshodi where we shared our loot, but on our way to the Island, where we wanted to drop off Ganiu Mental, the policemen accosted us and killed five members of our gang. I managed to escape. I don’t know how Adelawo and Ayinde escaped.”
I didn’t know mobile phones were target—Godogodo
Reacting to the narrative, Godogodo told Vanguard that he wasn’t aware that their target in that operation was mobile  phones warehouse.
“I am bigger than mobile phones, I can’t steal such anymore. These boys told me that there was N70 million  in that warehouse; that was why I went with them.
“If I had known that what we were going to steal were just mobile phones, I wouldn’t have followed them.  Yes, they told me that policemen were there so I was prepared. I carried over 300 rounds of live ammunition, so I could stand any attack.  I don’t know these boys even if I see them on the road.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/how-godogodo-led-ajao-estate-robbery/#sthash.53thK3T6.dpuf

Difficulty In APC Over The Presidential Election.

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AfricCon Report - Friday From Afric-tv24

 The newly formed All Progressives Congress, APC , is faced with the difficult predicament of containing the determination of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to contest the next presidential election.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

His last military posting before he was proclaimed military head of state in December 1983 was as General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Brigade, Jos. Giving that military backdrop, it is not surprising that he is being accused of confusing the newly registered APC with the Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, one of the military vehicles used to position him in power 30 years ago.

Though General Buhari has renounced the utilization of force in the realization of political goals, many of his new political allies are still apprehensive about him. Their fear is his determination to contest the next presidential elections due in 2015.

Receiving visitors from the Democratic Emancipation Movement, who paid him a courtesy call in his Kaduna home last Tuesday, the former military ruler vowed that he would present himself for nomination to the APC for the 2015 presidential election. He, nevertheless, pledged that he would abide by the result of the primary contest if he loses out.

“My decision will be tied to the constitution of the APC. If the party chooses me as its candidate. I will contest. If the members do not consider me, I will not contest, but I will still support the party,” he said.

Refusal to rule himself out

After contesting and failing in the last three presidential elections, 2011, 2007 and 2003, many of his allies in the APC are bothered by the refusal of the retired general to rule himself out of the next contest.

Their fear is essentially based on their suspicion that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP see him as the easiest candidate of the APC to defeat. It is not for nothing. Apparently filed somewhere in the national headquarters of the PDP, is the election manual: Easy steps to defeat Muhammadu Buhari in an election.

His refusal to rule himself out of the contest was just too irritating for some.

Indeed, once his assertion emerged on Wednesday, a senior member of the new party close to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and also close to Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal came out to chastise the former military ruler for attempting to use his personal ambition to derail the collective goal of the new party to oust the ruling party.

“By our calculations, a younger and vibrant politician should run as our candidate so as to give the Peoples Democratic Party a good fight; but from the way things are, we are stocked in between telling Buhari outrightly not to run and allowing him to continue with some ripple effects coming our way later,” the ranking member of the National Assembly told newsmen.

The response of the lawmaker which was on the basis of anonymity because he apparently did not want to further stir crisis in the party that has just been registered. It was nevertheless reflective of the increasing difficulties of party officials in handling the Buhari question. The Buhari question is, remarkably, not suggestive of any moral or integrity deficit in the former military ruler.

While most Nigerians readily would not fault Buhari on the crucial issues of corruption facing the country, most would readily agree that he has been so much painted in the negative by the PDP in the last three elections as an Islamist and one who would put the majority of corrupt elite to jail should he get his hands on the levers of power again.

The National Assembly member told journalists in the off the record session, that Buhari and Tinubu had reached an agreement in the preliminary talks leading to the merger of the three parties that formed the APC for the duo to abstain in the 2015 presidential primary of the party.

He said it was the opinion of party stakeholders for the APC to look for fresh blood to confront the PDP. Such suggestions, however, do not go down well with many in the Buhari fan club, especially in the North who see him as the only one with the moral fiber in the ruling class able to deliver the country from its demons.

Internal democracy

Senator Sulieman Nazif, a one time fervent supporter of Atiku Abubakar but now a vibrant fan of Buhari said as much during a press interaction with newsmen in Zaria, last month.

“What I am trying to point out is that when we talk of internal democracy, General Buhari is a member of APC, he is a Nigerian, he was one of those that fought for the unity of this country, so he has the mandate to contest.

“He is one individual alive today in the history of Nigeria that has more than 12 million votes uninfluenced by money or anything, so if he contests again he will win.”

Claimingthat Buhari’s past failures were because of rigging, he said: “Today in Nigeria, there is nobody that can beat him in a fair and free election. I am a young man, I know what the man can do, I know the kind of overwhelming support he has, and we are talking about democracy, government of the people by the people and for the people.

Another Buhari enthusiast, Osita Okechukwu, who is a chieftain of the APC, responded to what he claimed to be the negative mud being deliberately poured on his man. He said yesterday: “They rigged him out in 2003. They rigged him out in 2007, the outcome was Doctrine of Necessity. They rigged him out in 2011, the outcome was rudderless leadership.”

Buhari who is presently 71, would be 73 at the time of the next presidential election. Though he has not been reported to have suffered any major health challenge, many are of the opinion that at his age he should better give his moral support to any of the younger elements in the party.

Speaker Tambuwal, who is a member of the PDP and has been the focus of many eyes as the most likely candidate of the APC, was endorsed by the National Assembly member.

One possible response of those aiming to resolve the Buhari question is to conduct a presidential primary which they claim Buhari would lose.

In the last three elections he conducted he almost always emerged on the basis of consensus. In 2007 he was nominated as the candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP only after Ahmed Yerima was forced to step down on the convention ground.

In 2011, he was easily adopted as the candidate of the Congress for Progressive, CPC without a contest. In the APC, the former military head of state is, however, bound to meet strong opposition especially from those desperate to stop the PDP.

How the new party responds to the issues concerning Buhari would be a major factor in determining its prospects in the 2015 election which is now less than two years away.

Boko Haram’s Doctor Arrested

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AfricCon Report - Friday From Afric-tv24 - ABUJA

The Joint Task Force, JTF, implementing the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, has arrested a medical doctor (names with-held) in Borno State,

who is the  medical consultant to the  terrorist group. He is at the same time a consultant with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Vanguard gathered from reliable security sources that the arrest of the medical doctor followed a tip-off  that the terrorists had a well organized mobile medical facility with which wounded insurgents are treated.

The international connection of the medical doctor was, however, brought to the fore when suddenly, the international human rights watch dog, Amnesty International, sent its officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the supposedly WHO consultant.

“In fact, what gave him out was his suit case containing sophisticated medical equipment with which he provided diagnostic services to the terrorists”, the source said.

Disclosing how the doctor was arrested, the source said: “A truck suspected to be carrying insurgents and IEDS as well as other dangerous weapons was stopped at a check point but it sped off. Unknown to the truck’s driver and other occupants of the truck, there was another checkpoint which had been alerted of their coming. When the truck got to that checkpoint, the security operatives fired  at it while the occupants ran into the bush.

“When the truck was searched, various types of IEDS, AK 47 rifles and other bomb-making materials were found. Also found was a suit case containing medical equipment. After some time, when the doctor felt the Special Forces had left, he came back to retrieve his suit case but was ambushed and arrested”.

The source added that “immediately the doctor was arrested, Amnesty International was calling the military authorities alleging that an innocent doctor has been arrested by the JTF forces and that he should be released because of his human rights, though the military authorities are not moved by their plea”.

In another development, Vanguard gathered that the recent attack at Government Secondary School, near Potiskum in Yobe State during which 29 students and a teacher were killed, was the fallout of the arrest of a lawyer with alleged links with the sect.

Vanguard gathered that the lawyer (names with-held), was the one who always provided legal services for suspected Boko Haram terrorists each time they were arrested and he was said to be an ideological/ intellectual contributor to their activities in Yobe State.

Following his arrest by JTF forces, the lawyer allegedly said, “So you have arrested me. Let me warn you that this town will know no peace until I am released”.

The source said that two days after, the secondary school near Potiskum was attacked and the children (students) slaughtered”.

After the massacre of the children, neighbours living in the area said they heard the terrorists shouting “Allahu Akbar, yes we have taken revenge for his arrest”.

The source said: “The most horrifying aspect of the students’ killing was that they asked the students, both boys and girls to pull off their dresses, and any student found with pubic hair on  his or her private parts, was not only shot and killed, they also used axes or machetes to cut off their legs from their body”.

Both the medical doctor and the lawyer are however said to be in custody of the JTF forces and would not be released until investigations into their alleged connivance with the terrorists are concluded and they are prosecuted”.

Those Of Them Who Say Nigeria Will Be Reduced To Fragments Or Particles In 2015 Will Be Disappointed - President Jonathan

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AfricCon Report - Friday From Afric-tv24

President Goodluck Jonathan declared, yesterday, that those who predicted that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015 will be disappointed even as former heads of state

, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida(rtd.) and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar(rtd.) and other prominent Nigerians, have called for peaceful co-existence among different ethnic groups for the country to develop.

They spoke, yesterday, at the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri, marking the end of Ramadan fasting.

Speaking after the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, led other Muslim faithful on a Sallah homage to him, President Jonathan noted that some of the problems the country was experiencing were temporary and largely fueled by some selfish elite.

The President said: “Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters and we must live together. For those who are predicting that this country will disintegrate in 2015 based on the fault lines at the time of the amalgamation, will know that this prediction will not be of any consequence. Nigeria will continue to remain one indivisible country.”

*SALLAH: President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo, 2nd right Chief Imam of Abuja Sheik Musa Mohammed, and FCT CAN Chairman Rev, Isreal Akanji during the Sallah Homage to the President by the FCT Muslims Communities at the State House Abuja STATE

‘We’re unique’

He said that Nigeria’s uniqueness is borne out of its position as a deeply religious people and that it was the country’s unique advantage.

He said: “For us, we cannot imagine a Nigeria without Muslims and Christians. It is a blessing that this is one country that you have significant population of Muslims and Christians and this religious diversity will enhance our development because we can get across the whole world and wherever we go we are accepted.

“It helps us in so many ways. We are not even exploiting our diversity because of the myopic views of the elite about our situations.”

While congratulating all Muslims for a successful fasting, which he described as a “tempting period,” President Jonathan reiterated the commitment of his administration to reposition the country for better.

He called for more prayers, not just for peace in the country, but in the world, saying that there can be no development without peace.

Jonathan said: “Today is a unique day. I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters that they should continue to pray for peace, not just in Nigeria, but all over the world. If you watch television these days, more than 60 percent of the time is spent on showing crises all over the world.

“For the world to move ahead and for Nigeria to move ahead, for us to develop first and foremost, there must be peace and security. Nobody will come and invest in an environment where you are not sure of the safety of your workers and investment.

“As a nation, for our children to get where we want them to be, we must create a very peaceful environment for them so they can develop mentally and be focused and use their brains in a manner that will bring economic changes to us.

“In Nigeria, we are a very religious people and we believe in one Almighty God and as we continue to pray, God will see us through. Yes, we have some few challenges, but surely Allah will see us through.”

Thank you Mr. President — Sambo

Earlier in his remarks, Vice President Namadi Sambo, thanked President Jonathan for providing the required leadership in the country.

He said: “We are here to pay homage and to thank you for what you have been doing for Nigeria. The month of Ramadan is a holy month.

“The imam, during the sermon, reminded us that God will forgive the sins of whoever fasted throughout that period, and accept all our prayers.

“We prayed for peace, for God to grant you good health and wisdom and the grace to transform Nigeria to a better country.”

IBB, Abubakar preach peace

Meanwhile, as Muslims across the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, former leaders and other prominent Nigerians have called for peaceful co-existence among different ethnic groups for the country to develop.

Former Head of State, Abubakar, in his message, called on all Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the Ramadan fasting by living peacefully with one another for the progress of the country.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the prayers in Minna, yesterday, he enjoined Nigerians to join hands with government at all levels, pointing out that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of chaos and crisis.

Speaking in the same vein, former Military President, Babangida, called on Nigerians to co-exist and respect the religion and culture of one another, adding that it would make peace to reign in the country.

Ado Bayero, too
Similarly, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, called on the people of the state to continue to pray for the sustenance of peace and stability in the state and the country.

Bayero told Muslims faithful at his palace after the Eid-el-Fitri prayer at the Central Mosque, Kano, that no society could achieve any meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancour and uncertainty.

Represented by Wamban Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Emir warned the people, particularly Kano residents, to desist from indiscriminate building of structures on water ways to avoid flood disaster.

Sultan of Sokoto tasks clergy

In his Sallah message, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, called on Islamic and Christian clergy to preach with the absolute fear of God in the country.

Abubakar said the clergy should fear Allah and live above their own selfish interests, while preaching to their followers.

He said: “They should avoid provocative statements that could lead to the breach of peace and lead to violence in the country.

“They should also know that staying attuned to the religious teachings is the only way that bring mutual respect and love, which eventually lead to the desired peace in the nation.”

The monarch also said that it was not right for a non-Muslim to interfere in the affairs of Muslims and Islam or to impose his views on the religion he did not profess.

On security c’ttee

Abubakar then commended Federal Government for constituting the committee on the security challenges in the north.

He said that those calling for the scrapping of the committee were enemies of peace and were “unpatriotic,” and charged Nigerians to give the committee the necessary support to accomplish its job.

The Sultan said: “It is a known fact that no peace could be achieved except through constructive dialogue.

“On our part, we are satisfied with the work of this committee and we are ready to give it all necessary support.”

The Sultan also called on leaders at all levels to fear Allah by accomplishing the trust placed on them in leading their subjects.

He said: “The precarious situation of the nation is only due to bad governance and neglect of divine injunctions.

“Most of the leaders are busy amassing wealth and forgetting their subjects they are meant to serve.”

Clash Over Jonathan More 4 Years Tenure In Office

Afric-tv24 - Zamfara...   

AfricCon Report - Friday From Afric-tv24

 *You are unfit to speak for North, Abdullahi, Mohammed reply Abba-Gana…

Former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mohammed Abba Gana, has come under attack from northern political leaders for daring to canvass for four more years for President Goodluck Jonathan.

The former minister incurred the wrath of the northern leaders when he advocated in Lagos on Monday that giving Jonathan another four years would not hurt the North in any way.

Abba-Gana, who was flanked by a lawmaker from Taraba State, had argued that giving Jonathan a second term would enable the North to use the period to groom a successor to the President.Abba-Gana-250

But the Secretary General of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi and a second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, dismissed Abba-Gana’s suggestion for a second term for Jonathan as ill-conceived, pointing out that the President did not deserve it.

According to the two northern leaders, Jonathan has failed to tackle myriad of challenges confronting the nation, thereby showing that he lacks the capacity to move Nigeria forward.

They said another four years for Jonathan would push the country into the abyss and Nigerians cannot afford to take such a risk, pointing out that Abba Gana was not qualified to speak for the north, going by his antecedents.

 Junaid Mohammed and Ango Abdullahi dismissed Abba-Gana as a politician who had always fraternised with the wrong political group for his personal interest and asked him to speak for himself and leave the North alone.

In separate interviews with Vanguard, Abdullahi and Mohammed insisted that Abba-Gana did not have the pedigree to serve as an advocate for the north and should not be taken seriously by Nigerians.

Abdullahi said: “Even in Borno where Abba-Gana hails from; he has never been part of the mainstream political arrangement and for that reason, he lacks the locus standi to speak for Borno and the North.

“Abba-Gana is more of a businessman than a people-oriented leader from the north. Having failed to advance any reason why the north should wait for another four years to enable Jonathan to run again, he should hide his face in shame.

“His advocacy is an insult to the north and a product of compromise,” the former ABU Vice Chancellor said.

Adding his voice to the debate, Mohammed described the former minister as someone who lacked clout and challenged him to show one thing he had achieved in his state of origin to qualify him to speak for the entire northern Nigeria.

Mohammed said, “Abba-Gana was one of the errand boys when we were in active politics and should not be taken seriously because he has no political clout even in Borno State.

“If the former minister insists he should speak for the north, he should be kind enough to demonstrate his political relevance in Borno, his home state or shut up forever. He does not really merit any response from right-thinking northerners”.

But while cautioning the northern elite on their utterances, Abba-Gana said if the North had produced between eight and nine heads of state and presidents, with poverty as a proof and underdevelopment, then, four years of Jonathan would not kill them.

Abba Gana noted, “some people in the North want Jonathan to come back and some don’t want him to return. But allowing Jonathan another four years will not take away anything from us. We’ve had between eight and nine heads of government. But what do we have to show for it? Poverty and underdevelopment!

“So, if their person did not bring development to them, another four years of Jonathan will not cause any havoc.

  “The North needs the four years to plan, learn, relate better with other parts of the country, work harder, talk less and groom a leader that will unite the nation and tackle the challenges facing the country.”

*You are unfit to speak for North, Abdullahi, Mohammed reply Abba-Gana…
Former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mohammed Abba Gana, has come under attack from northern political leaders for daring to canvass for four more years for President Goodluck Jonathan.
The former minister incurred the wrath of the northern leaders when he advocated in Lagos on Monday that giving Jonathan another four years would not hurt the North in any way.
Abba-Gana, who was flanked by a lawmaker from Taraba State, had argued that giving Jonathan a second term would enable the North to use the period to groom a successor to the President.
But the Secretary General of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi and a second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, dismissed Abba-Gana’s suggestion for a second term for Jonathan as ill-conceived, pointing out that the President did not deserve it.
According to the two northern leaders, Jonathan has failed to tackle myriad of challenges confronting the nation, thereby showing that he lacks the capacity to move Nigeria forward.
They said another four years for Jonathan would push the country into the abyss and Nigerians cannot afford to take such a risk, pointing out that Abba Gana was not qualified to speak for the north, going by his antecedents.
 Junaid Mohammed and Ango Abdullahi dismissed Abba-Gana as a politician who had always fraternised with the wrong political group for his personal interest and asked him to speak for himself and leave the North alone.
In separate interviews with Vanguard, Abdullahi and Mohammed insisted that Abba-Gana did not have the pedigree to serve as an advocate for the north and should not be taken seriously by Nigerians.
Abdullahi said: “Even in Borno where Abba-Gana hails from; he has never been part of the mainstream political arrangement and for that reason, he lacks the locus standi to speak for Borno and the North.
“Abba-Gana is more of a businessman than a people-oriented leader from the north. Having failed to advance any reason why the north should wait for another four years to enable Jonathan to run again, he should hide his face in shame.
“His advocacy is an insult to the north and a product of compromise,” the former ABU Vice Chancellor said.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Adding his voice to the debate, Mohammed described the former minister as someone who lacked clout and challenged him to show one thing he had achieved in his state of origin to qualify him to speak for the entire northern Nigeria.
Mohammed said, “Abba-Gana was one of the errand boys when we were in active politics and should not be taken seriously because he has no political clout even in Borno State.
“If the former minister insists he should speak for the north, he should be kind enough to demonstrate his political relevance in Borno, his home state or shut up forever. He does not really merit any response from right-thinking northerners”.
But while cautioning the northern elite on their utterances, Abba-Gana said if the North had produced between eight and nine heads of state and presidents, with poverty as a proof and underdevelopment, then, four years of Jonathan would not kill them.
Abba Gana noted, “some people in the North want Jonathan to come back and some don’t want him to return. But allowing Jonathan another four years will not take away anything from us. We’ve had between eight and nine heads of government. But what do we have to show for it? Poverty and underdevelopment!
“So, if their person did not bring development to them, another four years of Jonathan will not cause any havoc.
  “The North needs the four years to plan, learn, relate better with other parts of the country, work harder, talk less and groom a leader that will unite the nation and tackle the challenges facing the country.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/2015-northern-leaders-clash-over-jonathan/#sthash.Yy8KldOV.dpuf

*You are unfit to speak for North, Abdullahi, Mohammed reply Abba-Gana…
Former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mohammed Abba Gana, has come under attack from northern political leaders for daring to canvass for four more years for President Goodluck Jonathan.
The former minister incurred the wrath of the northern leaders when he advocated in Lagos on Monday that giving Jonathan another four years would not hurt the North in any way.
Abba-Gana, who was flanked by a lawmaker from Taraba State, had argued that giving Jonathan a second term would enable the North to use the period to groom a successor to the President.
But the Secretary General of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi and a second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, dismissed Abba-Gana’s suggestion for a second term for Jonathan as ill-conceived, pointing out that the President did not deserve it.
According to the two northern leaders, Jonathan has failed to tackle myriad of challenges confronting the nation, thereby showing that he lacks the capacity to move Nigeria forward.
They said another four years for Jonathan would push the country into the abyss and Nigerians cannot afford to take such a risk, pointing out that Abba Gana was not qualified to speak for the north, going by his antecedents.
 Junaid Mohammed and Ango Abdullahi dismissed Abba-Gana as a politician who had always fraternised with the wrong political group for his personal interest and asked him to speak for himself and leave the North alone.
In separate interviews with Vanguard, Abdullahi and Mohammed insisted that Abba-Gana did not have the pedigree to serve as an advocate for the north and should not be taken seriously by Nigerians.
Abdullahi said: “Even in Borno where Abba-Gana hails from; he has never been part of the mainstream political arrangement and for that reason, he lacks the locus standi to speak for Borno and the North.
“Abba-Gana is more of a businessman than a people-oriented leader from the north. Having failed to advance any reason why the north should wait for another four years to enable Jonathan to run again, he should hide his face in shame.
“His advocacy is an insult to the north and a product of compromise,” the former ABU Vice Chancellor said.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Adding his voice to the debate, Mohammed described the former minister as someone who lacked clout and challenged him to show one thing he had achieved in his state of origin to qualify him to speak for the entire northern Nigeria.
Mohammed said, “Abba-Gana was one of the errand boys when we were in active politics and should not be taken seriously because he has no political clout even in Borno State.
“If the former minister insists he should speak for the north, he should be kind enough to demonstrate his political relevance in Borno, his home state or shut up forever. He does not really merit any response from right-thinking northerners”.
But while cautioning the northern elite on their utterances, Abba-Gana said if the North had produced between eight and nine heads of state and presidents, with poverty as a proof and underdevelopment, then, four years of Jonathan would not kill them.
Abba Gana noted, “some people in the North want Jonathan to come back and some don’t want him to return. But allowing Jonathan another four years will not take away anything from us. We’ve had between eight and nine heads of government. But what do we have to show for it? Poverty and underdevelopment!
“So, if their person did not bring development to them, another four years of Jonathan will not cause any havoc.
  “The North needs the four years to plan, learn, relate better with other parts of the country, work harder, talk less and groom a leader that will unite the nation and tackle the challenges facing the country.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/2015-northern-leaders-clash-over-jonathan/#sthash.Yy8KldOV.dpuf

*You are unfit to speak for North, Abdullahi, Mohammed reply Abba-Gana…
Former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mohammed Abba Gana, has come under attack from northern political leaders for daring to canvass for four more years for President Goodluck Jonathan.
The former minister incurred the wrath of the northern leaders when he advocated in Lagos on Monday that giving Jonathan another four years would not hurt the North in any way.
Abba-Gana, who was flanked by a lawmaker from Taraba State, had argued that giving Jonathan a second term would enable the North to use the period to groom a successor to the President.
But the Secretary General of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi and a second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, dismissed Abba-Gana’s suggestion for a second term for Jonathan as ill-conceived, pointing out that the President did not deserve it.
According to the two northern leaders, Jonathan has failed to tackle myriad of challenges confronting the nation, thereby showing that he lacks the capacity to move Nigeria forward.
They said another four years for Jonathan would push the country into the abyss and Nigerians cannot afford to take such a risk, pointing out that Abba Gana was not qualified to speak for the north, going by his antecedents.
 Junaid Mohammed and Ango Abdullahi dismissed Abba-Gana as a politician who had always fraternised with the wrong political group for his personal interest and asked him to speak for himself and leave the North alone.
In separate interviews with Vanguard, Abdullahi and Mohammed insisted that Abba-Gana did not have the pedigree to serve as an advocate for the north and should not be taken seriously by Nigerians.
Abdullahi said: “Even in Borno where Abba-Gana hails from; he has never been part of the mainstream political arrangement and for that reason, he lacks the locus standi to speak for Borno and the North.
“Abba-Gana is more of a businessman than a people-oriented leader from the north. Having failed to advance any reason why the north should wait for another four years to enable Jonathan to run again, he should hide his face in shame.
“His advocacy is an insult to the north and a product of compromise,” the former ABU Vice Chancellor said.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Adding his voice to the debate, Mohammed described the former minister as someone who lacked clout and challenged him to show one thing he had achieved in his state of origin to qualify him to speak for the entire northern Nigeria.
Mohammed said, “Abba-Gana was one of the errand boys when we were in active politics and should not be taken seriously because he has no political clout even in Borno State.
“If the former minister insists he should speak for the north, he should be kind enough to demonstrate his political relevance in Borno, his home state or shut up forever. He does not really merit any response from right-thinking northerners”.
But while cautioning the northern elite on their utterances, Abba-Gana said if the North had produced between eight and nine heads of state and presidents, with poverty as a proof and underdevelopment, then, four years of Jonathan would not kill them.
Abba Gana noted, “some people in the North want Jonathan to come back and some don’t want him to return. But allowing Jonathan another four years will not take away anything from us. We’ve had between eight and nine heads of government. But what do we have to show for it? Poverty and underdevelopment!
“So, if their person did not bring development to them, another four years of Jonathan will not cause any havoc.
  “The North needs the four years to plan, learn, relate better with other parts of the country, work harder, talk less and groom a leader that will unite the nation and tackle the challenges facing the country.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/2015-northern-leaders-clash-over-jonathan/#sthash.Yy8KldOV.dpuf

*You are unfit to speak for North, Abdullahi, Mohammed reply Abba-Gana…
Former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mohammed Abba Gana, has come under attack from northern political leaders for daring to canvass for four more years for President Goodluck Jonathan.
The former minister incurred the wrath of the northern leaders when he advocated in Lagos on Monday that giving Jonathan another four years would not hurt the North in any way.
Abba-Gana, who was flanked by a lawmaker from Taraba State, had argued that giving Jonathan a second term would enable the North to use the period to groom a successor to the President.
But the Secretary General of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi and a second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, dismissed Abba-Gana’s suggestion for a second term for Jonathan as ill-conceived, pointing out that the President did not deserve it.
According to the two northern leaders, Jonathan has failed to tackle myriad of challenges confronting the nation, thereby showing that he lacks the capacity to move Nigeria forward.
They said another four years for Jonathan would push the country into the abyss and Nigerians cannot afford to take such a risk, pointing out that Abba Gana was not qualified to speak for the north, going by his antecedents.
 Junaid Mohammed and Ango Abdullahi dismissed Abba-Gana as a politician who had always fraternised with the wrong political group for his personal interest and asked him to speak for himself and leave the North alone.
In separate interviews with Vanguard, Abdullahi and Mohammed insisted that Abba-Gana did not have the pedigree to serve as an advocate for the north and should not be taken seriously by Nigerians.
Abdullahi said: “Even in Borno where Abba-Gana hails from; he has never been part of the mainstream political arrangement and for that reason, he lacks the locus standi to speak for Borno and the North.
“Abba-Gana is more of a businessman than a people-oriented leader from the north. Having failed to advance any reason why the north should wait for another four years to enable Jonathan to run again, he should hide his face in shame.
“His advocacy is an insult to the north and a product of compromise,” the former ABU Vice Chancellor said.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Adding his voice to the debate, Mohammed described the former minister as someone who lacked clout and challenged him to show one thing he had achieved in his state of origin to qualify him to speak for the entire northern Nigeria.
Mohammed said, “Abba-Gana was one of the errand boys when we were in active politics and should not be taken seriously because he has no political clout even in Borno State.
“If the former minister insists he should speak for the north, he should be kind enough to demonstrate his political relevance in Borno, his home state or shut up forever. He does not really merit any response from right-thinking northerners”.
But while cautioning the northern elite on their utterances, Abba-Gana said if the North had produced between eight and nine heads of state and presidents, with poverty as a proof and underdevelopment, then, four years of Jonathan would not kill them.
Abba Gana noted, “some people in the North want Jonathan to come back and some don’t want him to return. But allowing Jonathan another four years will not take away anything from us. We’ve had between eight and nine heads of government. But what do we have to show for it? Poverty and underdevelopment!
“So, if their person did not bring development to them, another four years of Jonathan will not cause any havoc.
  “The North needs the four years to plan, learn, relate better with other parts of the country, work harder, talk less and groom a leader that will unite the nation and tackle the challenges facing the country.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/2015-northern-leaders-clash-over-jonathan/#sthash.Yy8KldOV.dpuf

Mandela International Challenge Excites Super Eagles; Victor Moses

Afric-tv24 - Zamfara...

By AfricCon Blog - Mandela Challenge International soccer friendly

The build-up to the August 14 Mandela Challenge international soccer friendly between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana

is begging to grab exciting headlines, with Nigeria striker Victor Moses declaring that he cannot wait to reunite with his teammates.

SaharaReporters understands that Moses, who plays his club football with Chelsea in England, was the first player to call team officials to assure them he will be available for the game and will be among the earliest players to arrive in South Africa.

Returnee Obinna Nsofor has also made early enquiries about his return to the team, promising to arrive early for the contest, which will take place in South Africa’s warmest city of Durban on August 14.

Other players who have made enquiries about the friendly so far, underlining palpable excitement about the national team, include Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa and Brown Aide Ideye.  Arrival for all the players, the NFF says, is August 11 in South Africa.

The NFF leadership, through the Secretary General, Musa Amadu, has reacted quickly to the initial position of Russian side Spartak Moscow that it will not release Cup of African Nations 2013 goleador Emmanuel Emenike for the match. “The NFF will not accept any such claims that it’s not a FIFA free window, because it is and as I speak with you the NFF scribe has also made his position known to Spartak,” team sources declared.  Emenike has himself already declared his interest in appearing for the match and possibly meeting Nelson Mandela.

Indications are that all invited players for the prestige international friendly in honour of Africa’s foremost nationalist will be available for the encounter, the NFF determined to counter efforts by foreign clubsides to deny Nigeria the services of the players.

“Don’t forget that the game is also a dress rehearsal for the September World Cup qualifier against the Flames of Malawi and we can’t afford to let anything to chance,” the NFF scribe was quoted as saying.

Hawk-Eye inventor Dr Paul Hawkins; Called its a goal decision system

Technology: If the ball goes over the line then it will flash up on the watch

Afric-tv24 - Zamfara...

By AfricCon Blog - Hawk-Eye inventor Dr Paul Hawkins; A simple signal, for the Goal Line goal-line technology.

Referee Taylor (wearing watch) displays what officials will see when the ball crosses the line

View inside the Goal Decision System truck

Hawk-Eye inventor Dr Paul Hawkins (left), FA general secretary Alex Horne (middle) and Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore (right) speak at the launch

The object of the game is to put the ball into the goal and the system will help referees to make the correct decision.'

The Hawk-Eye system will also be used in all 20 Premier League grounds.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore added: 'It's a very exciting development in world football.

'It is a goal decision system - it is no longer just goal-line technology.'

When announcing the decision to bring in goal-line technology for this season, Premier League chief executive Richard Scuadmore said: 'Football is fundamentally a simple game; whichever side scores most goals wins. So, when one is scored, or indeed not scored, and we have the ability through technology to definitively know whether the ball crossed the line we should absolutely use it.