With Van Persie stunner, Netherlands humiliate Spain to 5-1 defeat.

 FORMER Chelsea star Arjen Robben and Manchester United hitman Robin Van Persie were on top form as Holland ran riot against reigning World Cup champions Spain.

Despite a slow start to the game, it was Spain who took the lead after half an hour through a Xabi Alonso penalty.

Sultan meets Jonathan over Sanusi

 

Five days after he was installed as the Emir of Kano, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) gained access to the palace for the first time yesterday.

The emir, who had made the Kano State Government House his home on account of the occupation of the palace by policemen, made his way to the palace in a triumphant entry of sort, soon after leading the Jummaa’t prayers and the 7th day Fidau prayer for the late Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

In his sermon at the prayers, the new emir sued for peace and unity among Muslims and Christians and the generality of Nigerians.

He rode in his official Rolls Royce car, waving through the car’s top-roof to his subjects who had lined the about two kilometre route from the Government House to the palace.

In his long convoy were title holders, district heads, Kano State Deputy Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tijani Mailafiya Wambai Kano and Senior Counsellor of the Emirate, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, among others.

Providing security were the same police who had denied him access to the palace until yesterday.

Gone were the pockets of protests launched by some youths after the announcement of his appointment as emir.

As tradition demands, a fresh gate was created on the Kofar Kudu wing of the palace wall for the emir to enter on a white horse.

Gun salutes and trumpets were complemented with praise songs by the crowd.

He was officially received into the palace by the four king-makers- Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani, (Madakin Kano), Alhaji Sarki Abdullahi (Makaman Kano), Alhaji Bello Tuta (Sarki Dawaki Mai-Tuta), and Alhaji Mukhtar Adnan (Sarki Bai).

Once inside the inner chamber, Emir Sanusi headed straight to the graves of his predecessors to pray for the repose of their souls.

Reconciliatory meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the new Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammad Sanusi, as he was renamed yesterday, is said to be next on the card after the withdrawal of the policemen who sealed off the emir’s palace.

Facilitating the reconciliation are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), who were said to have met with the President on the matter on Thursday.

Their intervention paved the way for the withdrawal of the policemen from the palace following which the new emir gained access into the palace yesterday; the first time since his emergence as the traditional ruler of the ancient city on Sunday.

It was gathered that the proposed reconciliatory meeting between Presidient Jonathan and Emir Sanusi is part of the effort to resolve issues surrounding the appointment of the new Emir of Kano.

Expected at the meeting, which may hold some time next week, are top emirs from the North.

Meanwhile, pressure is being mounted on the children of the late Emir Ado Bayero to pay homage to the new Emir with a view to laying any misunderstanding to rest.

Sources said that the NSCIA delegation, led by the Sultan, had audience with the President on Thursday where matters arising from the choice of Sanusi were sorted out.

The President reportedly told the delegation that neither him nor the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) was out to desecrate the stool of the Emir of Kano.

The meeting agreed to lay the controversy over the emergence of Sanusi to rest.

The source added: “We have had audience with the President and we got assurance from him that the row on Sanusi’s appointment is over.

“We also realised that personal issues bordering on communication gap, partisanship, and disrespect or suspicion for each other aggravated the emirate politics.

“We are going to facilitate a reconciliatory meeting between the President and the new Emir to bury the hatchet.

“I think in the next one week, we should be able to hold the session to put the past behind us.”

Another source said many prominent traditional rulers in the North have been prevailing on Bayero’s children to toe the peace and reconciliatory paths of their father.

“I think they are still mourning. They will pay the homage after all the religious rites have been concluded.

“Many northern emirs and leaders have persuaded them to forgive and forget the succession battle because they are from the same lineage with Emir Sanusi.”

Chibok girls: FG replies Obasanjo: you don’t need President’s clearance to engage Boko Haram

 

The Co- ordinator of the National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, yesterday said former President Olusegun Obasanjo does not need any clearance from President Goodluck Jonathan before engaging in dialogue with the Boko Haram sect over the abduction of the Chibok school girls.

He said the Federal Government will be happy to get suggestions from Nigerians on how to secure the release of the girls.

Omeri, who spoke in Abuja at the daily briefing, said he wondered why Obasanjo’s would be waiting for any formal clearance from President Goodluck Jonathan when, in actual sense, he had unfettered access to him(Jonathan).

Omeri, who expressed surprise at the development said “the government has not stopped any individual who has access to the sect not to come forward and intervene in this matter.

“In our last briefing, we reiterated that there are three options opened to the government to find these abducted girls, and the first is that any individual with access to the sect should help the government in securing the release of the girls. Second is for the army, in collaboration with our international allies, to secure their release and for the insurgents to voluntarily release the girls.

“If he actually said so, that means he has superior equipment to those of the government and its allies.

“Besides, as a respectable statesman and a former President, I think he has unfettered access to the President to discuss this. I don’t think the pages of newspapers are the appropriate avenue to make the claims that he has access to the insurgents. I sincerely don’t understand this,” he said.

Omeri said surveillance and patrols by land and air of troops are still ongoing in the entire mission area of the North East and other parts of the federation to curtail the activities of terrorists and armed groups.

“There have been occasional encounters necessitating continous cordon and search in many locations”he said

“In the same vein, consultations and contacts are still on-going with partners who have offered to support Nigeria’s endeavours to resolve the issues on the abduction of the Chibok girls as well as terrorism generally”

“Against this backdrop, the Nigerian military is in discussion with its counterpart from Sri Lanka in addition to other countries”he said.

Judge preaches amicable settlement over Sanusi’s suspension

 

The President of the National Industrial Court (NIC), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, yesterday advised President Goodluck Jonathan, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lamido Sanusi, to explore an amicable settlement of the dispute over Sanusi’s suspension from office.

Justice Adejumo gave the advice at the resumed hearing of the suit filed by Sanusi to challenge the propriety of his suspension from office by President Jonathan prior to the expiration of his tenure.

President Jonathan suspended Sanusi on February 20, following which he sued the President, the AGF and IGP at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging his suspension and seeking to restrain the defendants from arresting and prosecuting him.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja declined jurisdiction over the case and transferred it to the NIC. Parties were expected to argue their applications for stay of proceedings yesterday only for plaintiff’s lawyer, Kola Awodein (SAN), to inform the court of his intention to consult his client before taking any further steps in the case.

Awodein noted that between the last date and yesterday, some developments had occurred to necessitate Sanusi’s lawyers taking further instructions from him. He applied for time to enable him consult with his client.

Lawyers to the defendants, including Mike Ozekhome (SAN), did not object to Awodein’s application. He acknowledged being informed, before the court’s proceedings, of the plaintiff lawyer’s desire for time to consult with his client.

Before adjourning, Justice Adejumo said he would adjourn for parties to seek ways of ensuring an amicable settlement in the case. He said unlike other conventional courts, his court had the mandate to encourage disputing parties to engage in amicable settlement.

“I will strongly commend, by virtue of the provision of this court’s establishment Act, that parties seek amicable way of resolving this dispute. In industrial and employment relations, the court is not concerned about the consequence of its pronouncement on parties alone but on the entire society.

“In consulting with their clients, counsel should know what to say to contribute to the effort to ensure amicable settlement,” Justice Adejumo said.

He adjourned the case to July 4 for mention.

Yobe state governor charges Sanusi to sustain the legacy of the late Emir

 

Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam, has urged the new Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to  follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in order  so as to continue to sustain the peace and tranquility that reigned during his era.

Geidam, who was in Kano to commiserate with the people over the death of the late emir and to also congratulate the new monarch, said  the late Bayero was an apostle of peace in Kano and the country at large.

According to him, during the reign of the late emir, which spanned over 51 years, Kano was known for peace and tranquility.

He said: “During the reign of the late Ado Bayero, the people of Kano lived in peace among themselves. They lived together as one without religious difference.

“It is well known to all that the late Ado Bayero was a messenger of peace in Kano and Nigeria at large. Christians and Muslims would testify to this.”

Geidam said he was in Kano to commiserate with the people of Kano and to felicitate with the new emir, noting that some of the tasks confronting the new emir include ensuring peaceful co-existence in Kano and carrying his subjects without recourse to their differences.

“I am in Kano to commiserate with the government and people of Kano, the late Ado Bayero’s family, and the Kano Emirate Council over the demise of the late Ado Bayero, praying that God in his infinite mercy will forgive the deceased and grant him eternal rest,” Geidam said.

He added: “We are also in Kano to felicitate with Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. We prayed for him, requesting the almighty God to guide and protect him.”

Colleagues and friends mourn gospel singer Kefee

 

 Friends and associates of Nigerian music act, Kefee Obareke, otherwise called Kefee, are mourning over the passing away of the gospel musician.

Confirming the news of her death Mr. Oluwale Oni, a friend to the singer’s host in America, said the husband of the Branama crooner, Teddy Esosa, was devastated by the incident.

Oni, who said he had been in touch with family members of the deceased,  said Esosa was in serious mourning.

The late singer had been admitted in a Las Vegas hospital, United States, after slipping from the stairs of a plane and going into coma.

Her husband and colleagues in the entertainment industry have for weeks been asking her fans to pray for her recovery.

Oni said that Kefee died on Friday at about 4 am Nigerian time.

He said in a telephone conversation: “My friend stays in Chicago. Whenever Kefee is in Chicago, she stays in her house. She has been checking on her in the hospital. They attend the same church in America. So when she died at about 4am on Friday, she called to tell me.

“It was actually about midnight there when she called me, but she said that she couldn’t sleep. That is all I know.”

News of Kefee’s death has since gone viral, with colleagues and fans displaying her photographs on various social media platforms.

Equally devastated by the news, gospel music artiste, I have met her several times. We have been on stage together several times. We interacted as colleagues. I won’t say that we were very close, but we knew each other well.

“I will miss her drive. She seems to me like a very determined woman who had been through so much and yet kept her faith in God. For me, that is one of the biggest testimonies that one can have.

“She kept her focus on God in spite of whatever life threw at her. In her, I admired the drive to succeed and the drive to keep at what she was doing and to keep on expanding her frontiers and enlarging her territory.”

While the singer was rumoured to be pregnant and suffered pre-eclampsiaher, her UK Manager, Adeline Adelicious Adebayo, refuted the rumour in an official statement.

Adebayo said: “On behalf of the family… it is with great sadness but grateful hearts that we announce the passing to glory, due to lungs failure this morning, of our God’s mouthpiece, chorus leader, daughter, wife, sister, friend Kefee Branama Queen … May her beautiful, gentle and precious soul rest in perfect peace.

“In contrast to earlier rumours and stories in circulation, Its clearly state that Kefee wasn’t six months pregnant and neither did she have pre-eclampsia.”

APC UNCOVERS PLOT TO SPLIT PARTY

 











A plot to disrupt the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) coming up in Abuja on Friday has been uncovered.
Some forces in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are said to be working on a chairmanship aspirant, a former governor and their followers to walk out of the convention if the result does not favour the aspirant.
The PDP’s plan, it was learnt, is to disrupt the convention the way some governors and party leaders walked out of the last PDP National Convention.
The PDP elements are blaming APC for the emergence of the defunct New PDP at their convention in Abuja on August, last year.
Four candidates are interested in APC’s National Chairmanship.
They are former Edo State Governor John Odigie-Oyegun; former Minister of Foreign Affairs Chief Tom Ikimi; former Bayelsa State Governor Timpreye Sylva, and a former PDP Deputy National Chairman Sam Jaja.
A highly-placed source said: “Intelligence reports have shown that some PDP elements have been meeting covertly with one of the chairmanship aspirants, a former governor and their followers to stage a walkout at the national convention.
“After the walkout, the affected stalwarts will use the scene as an excuse to defect to PDP which they had been working for.
“The plot is to show that APC is a party which cannot put its house in order. These forces are also embarking on vengeance mission following assumptions that APC fueled the emergence of the former New PDP.
“These forces are also scared of having a formidable opposition party in the country which may lead to a change at the centre in 2015.
“So, their target is to cause disaffection in the party and embarrass the leaders. We have got wind of this and those behind it cannot go far.”
Another source said: “We are aware that some of those behind the plot had paid a nocturnal visit to a former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur before it boomeranged.
“One thing I can assure you is that APC is irrevocably committed to its mission and we will not allow the plot to succeed.
A former governor, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Naturally, you expect that some black sheep will try to undermine the APC but the party is well-intended that nothing can stop its progress.”
Yesterday in Abuja the Convention Secretary, Senator Chris Ngige told reporters that APC had not zoned any position.
Asked to confirm whether the positions were zoned, the former Anambra State Governor said “No! Zoning is an arrangement. Even if we are zoning, it has to be a consensus. So even if we are zoning it is going to be a consensus arrangement. But we will not deprive anybody his right as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.”
Ngige, who confirmed that some people have obtained nomination forms, however, declined to mention their names.
He earlier rolled out the names of different sub- committee members in preparation for the convention.
Ngige said the fact that there were complaints in only about five out 36 states where state congresses were held, showed that the exercise was a success.
The 12 sub-committees are Accreditation Committee, Appeals Committee, Screening Committee, Entertainment Committee, Transport Committee, Medical Committee, Media/ Publicity Committee, Accommodation Committee, Security Committee, Election Committee, Constitution Committee, and Protocol Committee.
Each sub-committee comprises six members, Ngige said, stressing that the meeting at Agura Hotel was to assign roles to the different committees.
He confirmed that the National Convention Committee was prepared to conduct a successful exercise on Friday.
Ngige asked Nigerians to look forward “to seeing a convention that is transparent from which democratically elected leaders will emerge for our party in the next four years. In November or December, this particular executive we are going to put in place will organise another National Convention to elect our presidential candidate.”

CHELSEAFC WELCOMES FABREGAS

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.

The 27-year-old has joined on a five-year contract and will wear the no. 4 shirt.

He said: 'Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.

'I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return.

'I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing.'


A versatile, technically gifted midfielder, Fabregas has acquired a wealth of experience from playing in two of the strongest leagues in Europe and representing the most successful Spain international side of all time.

Comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder, he can also perform in a deeper role, and on the international stage he has been used in wide areas, as a second striker or, on occasions, as a 'false no.9'.

Fabregas arrives at Stamford Bridge following a three-year spell at Barcelona during which he helped the Catalan club win the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

He is no stranger to the Premier League having enjoyed an eight-year spell with Arsenal prior to moving to Camp Nou.

His time in north London was an important period in his development, during which he made the transition from being a young, inexperienced player to arguably the most important member of Arsenal's squad.

However, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe chasing his signature, his departure from the Emirates was almost inevitable, and so it proved when he returned to the club that had nurtured him.

Born near Barcelona, Fabregas joined the Barça academy at the age of 10 but having flourished in their youth sides, he left his boyhood club and moved to Arsenal in 2003 at the age of 16.

With his first season in England one of adaptation, he began to make his mark during the following campaign, and at the end of the season he started the FA Cup final as Arsenal beat Manchester United on penalties in Cardiff.

Patrick Vieira's departure to Juventus afforded Fabregas the opportunity to establish himself as a regular in midfield and he grabbed it with both hands, shining en route to the Champions League final in 2006 where Arsenal were beaten by Barcelona.

At the end of the 2006/07 season he was nominated for both the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards as well as being named in the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year.

Aged 20, he was again nominated for both PFA awards at the end of the following campaign, winning the Young Player of the Year prize, as well as being named in the Premier League Team of the Season.

In 2008 Fabregas took on the Arsenal captaincy and, buoyed by the responsibility, added goals to his game on a consistent basis before moving back to Barcelona in the summer of 2011.

After making his debut in the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid, he scored his first goal for the Barça first team in a UEFA Super Cup victory against Porto, before netting on his La Liga debut, a 5-0 win over Villarreal. He later scored six goals in a four-game period, including one in a 3-1 victory away at Real Madrid, as well as finding the target in the FIFA World Club Cup final, a 4-0 win over Santos.

Fabregas featured in both legs of the 2012 Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, when the Blues came out on top to secure a place in the Munich final, and he scored his first Barcelona hat-trick the following season against Mallorca, Barça finishing that campaign as champions of La Liga. There was little doubt Fabregas had played a pivotal part in their success with 11 goals to his name.

His third and final season at Barcelona promised much for long spells but ultimately Gerardo Martino's side ended the season with the Spanish Super Cup to their name.

Fabregas started both legs of the Champions League quarter-final as Barcelona were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Atletico Madrid, and played an hour of the Copa del Rey final, a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid. He also started the La Liga title decider against Atletico before being replaced by Xavi with 13 minutes left to play, his final appearance for the club.

At international level, Fabregas has represented Spain at every major tournament since the 2006 World Cup when he was just 19, winning three trophies along the way.

After an impressive Euro 2008, in which he scored a decisive penalty against Italy in the quarter-finals, it was he who supplied the pass from which Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.

At Euro 2012, another triumphant campaign for Spain, he scored the winning penalty in a semi-final shoot-out against Portugal as well as starting the final, a 4-0 win against Italy.

DAVID LUIZ DEPARTS CHELSEAFC

David Luiz has today completed his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian signed for the Blues from Benfica on the final day of the 2011 January transfer window, the same day we acquired the services of Fernando Torres.

He made his debut as a late substitute at home to Liverpool, before making his first start in a goalless draw at Fulham soon after. An acrobatic overhead cross deep in the opposition half in the game at Craven Cottage provided Chelsea supporters with a glimpse of his flair and technical abilities, and there would be far more examples during his time at the club.

Major highlights of his first season as a Chelsea player were two important goals, both scored against the Manchester clubs.

His first for the club came against Man United at the Bridge in an eventful midweek contest. Trailing 1-0 to a Wayne Rooney goal, David Luiz fired us level with the sweetest of strikes before Frank Lampard netted the winner from the penalty spot. Soon after he set us on our way to an important 2-0 victory against Man City, expertly heading home from a Didier Drogba corner.

Injury sustained on international duty led to him missing the start of the 2011/12 season, Andre Villas-Boas having now taken over from Carlo Ancelotti, but he returned to the side in September, scoring his first Champions League goal for the club against Bayer Leverkusen and subsequently establishing himself as a regular at the heart of our defence.

The second half of that season is one that will live long in the memory of all Chelsea supporters, and David Luiz more than played his part.

Roberto Di Matteo was now at the helm and, in one of the Italian's first matches in charge David Luiz was outstanding alongside John Terry as we overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Napoli to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Unfortunately he picked up an injury in our 5-1 FA Cup semi-final win against Tottenham Hotspur which ruled him out of the final, as well as both legs of our Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

However, following an intense rehabilitation programme he was passed fit to play in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich and did brilliantly to come through the entire 120 minutes, with the Blues under pressure for long spells. He went on to score in the penalty shoot-out as we lifted the trophy for the first time in our history.

The following campaign began with the Brazilian a regular, and in the FIFA Club World Cup in December, Rafael Benitez, who had replaced Di Matteo, deployed David Luiz in a central midfield role for the first time at Chelsea. His defensive qualities enabled him to offer protection to the back four, while his unquestionable talent on the ball provided a useful option in the opposition half.

In April 2013 he scored three times in quick succession, including in both legs of our Europa League semi-final against Basel, and a goal in our 3-0 win at Fulham was a stunning effort from 35 yards.

He also started in the Europa League final, against his former club Benfica, as we tasted success on the European stage for the second consecutive season.

In David Luiz's final season at the club, under Jose Mourinho, his involvement was limited early on due to injury.

He came back into the side and played in the centre of defence at times, although some of his best displays came when he was used in midfield, as he was in wins against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

David Luiz's final appearance for the club came as a second-half substitute against Norwich City, the penultimate game of the 2013/14 campaign.

He ends his time as a Chelsea player having made 131 starts and 12 substitute appearances. He scored 12 goals during his Stamford Bridge career.

The Brazilian leaves with the best wishes of everybody at Chelsea Football Club and we would like to thank him for his fantastic service.

Africa’s Youngest PhD Holder

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) awarded yesterday a PhD to Mr. (now Dr.) Olaoluwa Oluwadamilola (24), Africa’s youngest PhD holder.

Olwadamilola had the best PhD thesis, titled: “Studies on Fixed Points of Contractive and Expanding Maps in Multi-Dimensional Spaces”. He scored 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as Bakre Oluwafemi Abubakar, a graduate of Electrical/Electronics, emerged the 2012/2013 Convocation Valedictorian — he graduated with a superlative CGPA of 4.86.

Oluwadamilola’s parents are missionaries with the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

They gave birth to him while on missionary work in African Central Republic, a French-speaking country, where Oluwadamilola had his basic and tertiary education.

He got a B.SC in Mathematics and M.SC and Physics before returning to Nigeria in October, 2009.

According to Oluwadamilola, he began his PhD in 2010, courtesy of a scholarship from the General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Mission, Pastor Williams Kumuyi. He spent the minimum three years for a PhD scholar in school.

Speaking with reporters at UNILAG Auditorium One, Oluwadamilola said: “I used to come first in my secondary school days, but not always. My performances became better when I entered the university.”

On his challenges during the programme, he said: “As a Christian, my schedule is very tight. I am focused. There were times when I faced distractions from friends who wanted to take me out. There is nothing bad in it, but it can make you concentrate less. There were times when I had job offers and was tempted to take them.

“I was discouraged at the beginning. One gets a feeling at the beginning of one’s doctorate programme that all the research topics had been considered by previous scholars and so there is nothing else to do, except for the most complicated ones that are most times beyond one’s ability. “Sometimes when you send your papers to international journals, they return it for one reason or the other. That does not mean your work is not good enough, but it can be very discouraging.”

On his next plan, he said: “I want to take another doctoral programme, which will be in either Mathematics or Physics. I will think of what topic to choose before I eventually go ahead.”

Abubakar, the valedictorian, described himself as someone from a privileged home.

Born of banker parents, he said it was not too difficult for him to study Electrical/Electronics, adding: “I will not describe myself as a bookworm, as I try to normalise everything I do. I am not a party freak, but once in a while, I attend social functions with my friends. I am privileged to have been born into a comfortable home. I must confess that I am a product of good advice. I chose the kind of friends I knew would influence me positively and you will always find me in their company.”

Executive-Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Prof. Julius Okojie, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, urged the university’s management to be more creative in boosting its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).

Okojie, who also commended UNILAG for the prudent use of funds, underscored the need for universities to seek help from the alumni.

The week-long convocation wrapped up yesterday with the inauguration of three projects – the Central Laboratory donated by an alumnus and the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministry, Dr. Daniel Olukoya; the Biodun Shobanjo Mass Communication Multimedia Centre of Excellence, courtesy of the Chairman of the Troyka Group, Chief Biodun Shobanjo; and the Alumni Jubilee House built by the UNILAG Alumni Association in collaboration with Guarantee Trust Bank.

Court Directs Member To Put APC On Notice Over Suit

Justice James Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Lagos directed yesterday an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Mr. Bamidele Avoseh, to put the party on notice of his suit against it.

The plaintiff is praying the court to nullify the party’s state congress.

He is seeking an order setting the congress aside on ground that it was allegedly irregular.

Avoseh, through his lawyer, Mr. Aruwayo Omoniyi, is seeking a declaration that the alleged refusal to submit his name as a delegate to the congress was contrary to the Electoral Act.

The respondents are the APC, Mr. Joseph Ayodeji, Mr. Tayo Sanyaolu, Mr. Tunde Balogun, Lagos APC Chairman, APC National Chairman and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Yesterday, Omoniyi informed the court of his motion exparte and sought to move it.

But Justice Tsoho ordered that the defendants be put on notice.

He said it would be tidier to do so before the motion is moved.

In a supporting affidavit, the plaintiff said the APC guidelines required the State Congress Committee to display the names of candidates vying for party positions in wards, local government and state congresses.

He said the committee was to announce aspirants’ names within 48 hours before the election and forward them to INEC, informing it of the congress venue.

Avoseh said his name and that of four others were listed as state congress aspirants from Apapa Ward C in a harmonised list signed by the second defendant, who is local government chairman.

He said Sanyaolu was listed as an aspirant for the council election in Apapa Ward C.

According to Avoseh, on April 25, the list of all wards in Apapa council was published and delegates’ tags were given to aspirants, except him and others whose names were listed in the harmonised list.

Avoseh said on April 26, the Election Day, he was not allowed into the congress venue, the APC State Secretariat, because he was not accredited.

He alleged that the third defendant was hand-picked as an aspirant for the state congress and elected youth leader.

Avoseh is seeking a declaration that the non-accreditation of aspirants and the exclusion of his name were illegal.

He is seeking a court order setting aside the results of the local government and state congresses.

Justice Tsoho adjourned the case till July 11.

Emir of Kano Sanusi Begs Jonathan As Police Ends Siege On Palace.

The newly-crowned Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has shelved his public defiance and begged President Goodluck Jonathan, personally and through intermediaries, to lift police siege on his palace and forgive him his trespasses

Police ended the siege late Thursday, four days after Mr. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank, emerged monarch of the powerful Kano emirate.

Police authorities deny neither the blockade nor its lifting was on the instructions of the president.

Mr. Jonathan has been embroiled in months of acrimony with the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“My men have left the palace because there is peace now,” Kano State police chief, Aderele Shinaba, said. “All the hoodlums that are threatening the palace have left. All those threatening the place have dispersed.”

He denied acting on the orders of the presidency.

“I don’t know why people are saying that,” he said. “As a commissioner of police, I should be able to use my initiative. That is what I have done. If I can’t use my initiative, it means something is wrong,” he said. “My own interest is peace and we will continue to ensure there is peace here.”

But multiple sources, including presidency insiders, palace sources and others familiar with all that transpired, have debunked that claim.

They say the siege was authorised by the president, and was lifted on his orders after Mr. Sanusi detailed influential Nigerians to intervene on his behalf.

Our sources said behind the public defiance by the former CBN governor and the Kano State governor, both men have reached out to Mr. Jonathan to seek a soft-landing.

Mr. Sanusi specifically is said to have capitulated after it became clear the government might be in possession of a purported “damning evidences of mismanagement” against him.

.

Sources close to the Emir insist the government has nothing on the Emir.

“He served transparently and accountably and no one can say he did anything wrong while at the CBN,” an aide of the monarch said.

But officials well informed about the matter confirmed to this newspaper that influential mediators contacted the president on behalf of Mr. Sanusi, and begged him to re-consider the decision to cordon the palace.

One of the emissaries who intervened was the minister of defence, Aliyu Gusau.

Despite the efforts, the officials said, the president only acted after Mr. Sanusi personally spoke to him on Thursday, and pledged his “loyalty and friendship”.

The president’s principal secretary, Hassan Tukur, two of our sources said, arranged the communication.

“Sanusi told the president he was sorry for anything he might have done wrong in the past and asked the president to consider him henceforth as a friend,” one source said.

The new emir also assured the president he will not be partisan during his reign, and will not aid the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in any way, the source added.

The officials asked not to be named as they were not authorised to speak on the matter.

Mr. Sanusi was removed as CBN head by the president in February after he accused the government of failing to account for $20 billion oil money.

While investigations into the allegations were far from completion, the president fired the outspoken former banker, accusing him of “financial recklessness”.

Mr. Sanusi’s appointment as emir Sunday, clearly opposed by the presidency and the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, revved up months of rancour between Mr. Jonathan, the former CBN chief, and Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The Kano’s traditional stool is considered key ahead of the 2015 elections, given the state’s population and influence.

Police took over the sprawling palace in Kano city shortly after Mr. Sanusi was declared the emir, claiming the move was necessary to stop looters and arsonists angered by the emergence of the new emir.

Police however denied barring the new emir from accessing the facility, and also denied acting on the instructions of the president.
 Wednesday, Governor Kwankwaso said the police acted on the orders of the president to arrest Mr. Sanusi, and accused Mr. Jonathan of plotting to eliminate him.

The presidency is yet to responded to those claims.

Jonathan Cancels Kano Trip As Police Seal Off Palace

President Goodluck Jonathan has shelved his planned trip to Kano following the emergence of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as emir.

The police yesterday sealed off the palace, fueling reports of a plot by the Federal Government to stop Sanusi from ascending the throne.

Sanusi got his letter of appointment and staff of office from Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso at Government House yesterday.

The President was expected to pay a condolence visit to Kano yesterday, but the trip, sources said, was cancelled on Sunday night following Sanusi’s emergence.

A source said: “The President wanted to be in Kano on Monday (yesterday) but the emergence of Sanusi and the protests that accompanied it made the President to stay away from any controversy.

“I think the President may find a more auspicious time to be in Kano. He loves the people of the state; he shares their pain on the loss of the late emir.”

It was gathered that the protest that greeted Sanusi’s choice on Sunday was instigated.

A source said one of the contestants for the stool may go to court to challenge Sanusi’s emergence. Yesterday, Sanusi waved the olive branch, urging his fellow contestants to join hands with him in running the emirate.

Some forces are pushing for the maintenance of the status quo once the dispute over the stool is in court to deny Sanusi access to the palace.

The source said: “The police have deployed some of their men in the palace to protect it for security reasons. These policemen were drafted to the palace on Sunday night after the emergence of the new Emir.

“The police said they were acting on intelligence report including the invasion of the Emir’s personal room in the palace by some people who stole some items. They said they are investigating the theft.

“There is however a strong suspicion that the policemen were brought to the place to stop Sanusi from having access to the palace following protests.

“They are under stern instruction not to allow any person, including the new Emir, from entering the palace until all issues surrounding the appointment are resolved.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “The police might have got wind of plans to go to court by some people to stop the installation of Sanusi.

“They said they expect all stakeholders to stick to the status quo.”

Findings also revealed that a tight security ring had been woven around the four kingmakers, Alhaji Yusuf Nabani (Madakin Kano); Alhaji Sarki Abdullahi (Makaman Kano); Alhaji Bello Tuta (Sarki Dawaki Mai-Tuta); and Alhaji Mukhtar Adnan (Sarki Bai).

Another source added:  “Some riot policemen have been provided for the kingmakers to protect them from any harm.

“Virtually everyone is besieging the kingmakers to know what really transpired at their session on Saturday and Sunday.

“So, these kingmakers are central to the appointment of a new Emir and aftermath in Kano. This is why they are being protected.”

The plot to stop Sanusi’s installation is believed to have been hatched by some aggrieved princes and bigwigs in Kano.

A third source added: “Those aggrieved have perfected their papers which they would file a court in Kano any moment from now.”

Youths barricaded the gate of the Palace and some streets leading the to the turbaning of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano yesterday.

Fierce-looking soldiers and riot policemen have been drafted to prevent the irate mob from vandalising the Palace.

Some youths said they have been there since Sunday.

“We have been sleeping here for the past two days since the announcement of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir by Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s government”, they said.

Security men blocked the gate leading to the Palace with their vehicles to prevent the protesters from entering.

Contacted on telephone, Kano State Commissioner of Police Adenrele Shinaba said: “Ours is to take control of security and that is what we are doing.”

The family of the late Emir Ado Bayero is still living inside the Palace contrary to reports that they have been relocated.

Our reporter learnt that four people may have died and several others injured during a clash between Sanusi’s supporters and those who opposed his appointment.

Both groups made bon fires on the road leading to the Emir’s palace and Kofar Nasarawa. The police put out the fire and dispersed the crowd. But they regrouped for another free-for-all.