Luis Suarez Ban: Uruguayan President Slams FIFA, Claims It’s Punishment For Knocking Out England And Italy

Uruguayan President Jose Mujica has weighed into the Luis Suarez biting row with a stirring defence of his compatriot.

Suarez was yesterday banned by FIFA for nine international games, but also received a four-month suspension from all footballing activity and was fined around £85,000.

But Mujica, who is renowned for being one of South America’s more liberal premiers, claimed that the sanction against Suarez was excessive, and was punishment for knocking out European heavyweights Italy and England.

“They’ve gone too far,” said Mujica.

“They want to punish him severely and because we are Uruguayan and we are small it’s cheap for them to do so, it doesn’t cost them anything. GALLERY

“They measure him by a different yardstick and it is that which makes us indignant.

“We knocked out England and Italy, look how much money they’ve lost there!

“The issue is that we are a small country and our television rights aren’t worth very much money.

“I’m waiting for him to come back so I can give him a big hug.”

SEE How Michael Jackson’s Kids Spend Their Massive $8 Million A Year

On a hot, lazy Las Vegas day, Michael Jackson’s eyes were glued to a catalog as he shopped from his hotel room for mundane but expensive trinkets such as Rolex watches, Barbie dolls and artwork.

The 2002 shopping spree continued until Jacko exhausted his line of credit with the hotel. Frustrated, he reached in a duffel bag and handed his 4- and 3-year-old kids a stack of bills totaling $20,000 and ordered their nanny to “take them out and buy them whatever they wanted.”

“He said, ‘Go out and entertain yourselves’,” recalled former pal Marc Schaffel, who’s poised to marry the late singer’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe later this year.

Today, five years after Jacko’s death, the spending spree continues, with his three kids — now 17, 16 and 12 — enjoying a whopping $8 million allowance a year.

And that money — up from the $5 million stipend they used to split, thanks to the estate’s growing earnings — is separate from the $1 million-plus (up from $700,000) grandmother Katherine receives to watch over Prince, Paris and Blanket.

Among the expenses: Prince’s $30,000 yearly tuition at a private school and the six-figure yearly payout to house, educate and treat Paris at a therapeutic boarding school in Utah following her 2013 suicide attempt.

Prince, who’s already shown himself a ladies man, has showered more than $50,000 in custom-made jewelry and other gifts on at least three different girlfriends, a family insider said. That’s $10,000 more than he plunked down for a new Ford pickup truck.

Paris Jackson and Justin Bieber at the MICHAEL JACKSON HAND & FOOTPRINT CEREMONY CELEBRATING THE KING OF POP, January 26, 2012 at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Hollywood, California. (Photo Credit: Sue Schneider/MGP Agency)

Three vacations a year to destinations including Hawaii and Vegas annually set the kids back about $350,000 — after payments for bodyguards, relatives tagging along, chauffeurs, first-class airfare and plenty of luxuries.

In Hawaii, the family usually surfs the secluded beach and roams the Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu. They relax in the $5,500-per-night Signature Suite.

At school, Paris buys gifts such as footwear and athletic gear for her friends. In Vegas, the kids have often enjoyed the 2,000-square-foot Penthouse Suite at the Bellagio, which runs from $4,000 to $5,000 nightly, not including the cost of the concierge they regularly use and access to the fitness center and the room-service tabs that have run as high as the cost of the room itself.

Blanket regularly dips into his inheritance, paying $200 an hour for karate lessons and more for a personal trainer.

Blanket Jackson and body guard pictured at the Karate Dawn in Encino on May 2013

While he enjoys the personal chef at the Jackson family’s $26,500-a-month rented mansion in Calabasas, Calif., he regularly dials his cousins and treats them to dinner at trendy restaurants before taking in a movie. The tab: usually about $500 plus tips.

“These things that they’re doing they are mostly paying for themselves, with their own money. Look, they also get $15,000 to $20,000 every month just in walking-around money. No one else has that kind of dough around here,” one source said.

“This is why you have had so much of the fighting going on in the family. But the battles have calmed since their uncles have finally found consistent work and everyone has pretty much left [Katherine] alone about money.”

Still, family members believe the children are a lot more frugal than their father was with his.

Prince Jackson and friend (middle) and Blanket Jackson (right)

“They’re not [as bad] as their father… They also seem to have more of a sense as to when they may be going overboard,” the source said.

Jacko famously paid his pals Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando $1 million each to appear at his 30th anniversary concert in New York. He also regularly lavished Taylor with diamonds and other jewelry and perfume that easily cost him millions.

“There were times he and Liz would be sitting at her house or at Neverland, and she’d be looking through a catalog of jewels and she’d just point out the ones she liked,” another insider said.

“Once, when she pointed out the jewels, instead of ordering them, Michael hired a private jet and sent two security guys to Switzerland to buy the jewelry and he made sure that they came back right away so that he could give it to Liz before she would leave the ranch,” he said.

The Jackson children pictured with their aunt Latoya Jackson at the launch of the Pink drink

Jacko once dropped $4 million on a life-size bronze statue of a child and bought two $75,000 bottles of perfume because the flask was made of gold and diamonds.

He also spent $90,000 “wooing” child star Macaulay Culkin at a Hawaiian resort in 1991.

A spokeswoman for Culkin declined comment.“It was the damnedest thing, he paid for a radio advertisement to announce a false ceremony that he was supposed to attend and he thought that it would impress Mac, so that the child would find it cool to hang with him. Then, he takes him on this expensive gondola-like ride along the ocean and buys Mac’s caretaker an expensive necklace and sends her shopping just so he could spend time with him,” the insider recalled.

Two other close family sources said that despite his spending, Prince has a goal: to buy back Jacko’s Neverland Ranch, which has been in the control of creditors for more than a decade.

Prince Jackson pictured leaving a cafe

“The asking price right now is somewhere around $35 million, but the kid is already thinking about bargains,” one of the sources said, noting the price was more than $50 million before all of the exotic animals and amusement rides were removed. “Prince wants it back, and he wants it restored.”

Prince plans to put away as much cash as he can now but he stands to gain a windfall at age 33, when Jacko’s will grants the kids equal shares of half of the estate, whose value has already ballooned to $2 billion.

When each child turns 40, they inherit the rest.

Blanket Jackson and brother Prince Jackson signing autographs in Gary, Indiana hometown of their father, Michael Jackson

The teen even has the backing of at least one of his uncles, Jermaine, who still wants Jacko’s remains buried at the fabled estate.

“Jermaine definitely is in favor of this and he thinks it’s a great idea for Michael’s kids to have the place and do whatever it is that they wish,” the source continued. “He hopes that if the family does win control of Neverland, they can eventually put his brother’s remains there.”

From Left: Paris Jackson, Latoya Jackson, Prince Jackson, and Blanket Jackson at the unveiling of the artwork from Michael on the 8th of August, 2011

Nigeria hires U.S. lobby firm for N195 million to launder image over handling of Chibok abduction

                                 President Goodluck Jonathan

The Nigerian government has come under local and international condemnation over its far-from-impressive handling of the Chibok abduction.

In order to whitewash its inept handling of the kidnap of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, the Goodluck Jonathan administration has awarded a N195 million ($1.2 million) contract to U.S. Public Relations and lobby firm, Levick, to help change “international and local media narrative” surrounding its efforts to rescue the girls, Washington DC based newspaper, The Hill, is reporting.

Boko Haram militants kidnapped the girls, who were writing their final examination, more than 70 days ago from their dormitory at the Government Secondary School, Chibok near Maiduguri .

In a video, Boko Haram leader, Abubarka Shekau, threatened to sell the girls into slavery. However the group later offered to swap the girls for Boko Haram fighters held by the government.

The Federal Government has come under severe criticism from local and international media for its lethargic handling of the abduction, prompting the ruling party, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to accuse the opposition of sponsoring a media campaign to discredit the government.

On Wednesday, the U.S. government told Nigerians to hold the government accountable for the failure to rescue the girls more than two months after they were kidnapped.

Details contained in the contract document obtained by The Hill show that the firm will also be “assisting the government’s efforts to mobilize international support in fighting Boko Haram as part of the greater war on terror”.

The firm also promised to assist the government in effecting “real change” in the country.

“A more comprehensive approach using vehicles such as public diplomacy and engaging outside experts to enact real changes is how the advocacy industry is evolving,” Phil Elwood, a Vice President at Levick, told The Hill. “A communications strategy alone is not enough to solve the complex and multifaceted problems facing some of the more controversial nations.”

“For me, after talking to him, the priority for President Jonathan beyond any is finding and bringing home the girls,” said Lanny Davis, an Executive Vice President at Levick.

“There’s got to be a way to amplify what he’s saying and doing to find these girls because over here in America, we’re not hearing much about his effort,” Mr. Davis added.

Levick will also be working with Jared Genser, a human rights attorney, who has worked for notable personalities such as South African Nobel Peace Prize winner, Desmond Tutut and Burmese pro-democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi in the past to publicise “President Goodluck Jonathan Administration’s past, present and future priority to foster transparency, democracy and the rule of law throughout Nigeria.”

Mr. Genser told The Hill that he took the job following Mr Jonathan’s commitment to tackle Boko Haram.

“In terms of advancing human rights, however, the real work has to be done working with governments that are well meaning but lack the capacity — or as much capacity as they might like — and want to do the right thing,” he said.

“At the end of the day, the [Nigerian] president has said clearly to us that he wants results,” he said.
“I would not sit here and pretend that we are singlehandedly going to rescue the girls, that’s not our role,” Genser said. “What we can do is, we can provide advice and support about how to do so in accordance with international human rights norms and standards,” he added.

The contract shows that Levick will be paid N11,625,000.00 ($75,000.00) by month for its effort plus extra cost for advertisements, video production and website development. This will be done through an unnamed state-owned media agency.

The company will also receive additional fee of N3,487,500.00 ($22,500.00) if an associate of the company travels to Nigeria.

An associate of Mr. Genser company, Perseus Strategies, will get, N3,875,000.00 ($25,000.00) per month as retainer.

The hiring of Levick confirms the report by respected PR news website, www.holmesreport.com, that the government was in market for a PR firm to help bolster its dented image internationally over its far-from-impressive handling of the Chibok abduction.

At the time, the Nigerian government denied the publication while the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, (PRCAN) criticised the government describing its search for a foreign PR firm as a “needless strategic gaffe”.

“The purported search is premised on a wrong foundation of white washing Nigeria before foreign media and audiences. However, the real challenge before the Federal Government of Nigeria lies elsewhere and that is at the home front with its citizens, representing the primary stakeholders,” the PRCAN said in a statement at the time.

America honours NAPTIP boss as 2014 trafficking in person hero

Appointed Executive Secretary of NAPTIP in 2011, Mrs. Jedy-Agba leads Nigeria’s effort to eradicate human trafficking, as well as ensure justice for trafficked persons.

The Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons [NAPTIP], Beatrice Jefy-Agba, has been named a 2014 trafficking in persons hero.

The award was conferred on her by the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, in the Benjamin Franklin Room of the State department, Wednesday.

According to a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES by NAPTIP’s media director, Arinze Orakwue, the award is in recognition of her tireless efforts in fighting human trafficking and her passionate commitment to end modern day slavery.

The U.S. government said Mrs. Jedy-Agba is one of the 10 notable persons globally, who despite resistance, opposition and even threats to their lives protect victims, punish offenders and raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and beyond.

During the award ceremony, Mr. Kerry said “the crime of human trafficking affects all parts of the world and no government is doing enough to combat it”.

He lauded the efforts of NAPTIP, noting that Mrs. Jedy-Agba has transformed the anti-human trafficking landscape by incorporating anti trafficking issues into national development discourse, planning and policy.

He also called on all the awardees to form a global network of action and actors to combat the scourge.

The Secretary of State said “it takes a global village working together to combat a global crime”.

Apparently delighted by the recognition, Mrs. Jedy-Agba said the award would spur NAPTIP further towards more effective initiative in the fight against human trafficking.

The NAPTIP boss said “in the fact of justice and equality, all humanity are connected and criminals thrive when we disconnect”.

Other activities lined up for the awardees include a two-week programme of meetings.

During the period, the awardees will meet with officials from the U.S. Department of State, NGO representatives, some U.S. government agencies, and professionals.

The meetings are for sharing ideas in a continued effort to further end modern slavery.

Mrs. Jedy-Agba was appointed Executive Secretary of NAPTIP in 2011. She has since then taken the lead in Nigeria’s effort to eradicate human trafficking, as well as ensure justice for trafficked persons.

The 2014 trafficking in persons report placed Nigeria on tier 2 ranking which means the country needed to increase its efforts in all areas including but not limited to justice for victims, prosecution for traffickers, and increasing prevention efforts through awareness creation.

The report called on NIgerian legislators to urgently amend the draft of the anti- trafficking bill to increase penalties to traffickers and ensure that the activities of the agency receive adequate funding as a national priority. .

High-level corruption rocks $470million CCTV project that could secure Abuja

Since the installation of the CCTV cameras, criminal have launched violent attacks on Abuja without being detected.
 
The failure of the National Public Security Communication System, NPSCS; otherwise known as the CCTV project, has heightened the level of insecurity in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, PREMIUM TIMES checks have revealed.

The project which was initiated by late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was conceived to help security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory check the growing insecurity in the federal capital.

But since the installation of the CCTV cameras and allied equipment, criminals and insurgents have over and over again launched violent attacks on the city without being detected.

Between 2010 when the project was initiated and now, Abuja has come under seven deadly attacks, leaving scores of people dead and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.

The first bomb explosion in the city occurred on 1st October, 2010, a few meters from the Three Arms Zone, during the country’s 50th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations.

Three Arms Zone is home to the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly Complex and the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND claimed responsibility for the twin car bombs which killed 10 and injured many more.

On June 16, 2011, a suicide bomber drove a bomb-laden car and rammed into the parking lot of the Police headquarters, shortly after the convoy of the then Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, entered the complex.

Two persons died, including the traffic warden who prevented the bomber from ramming the bomb-laden vehicle into the main building, while several cars at the parking were burnt.

On August 26, 2011, another suicide bomber rammed a bomb-laden car into the United Nations building along the Diplomatic Drive in Abuja, killing about 20 persons.

Another suicide bomber, on April 26, 2012, attacked the Abuja office of the Thisday Newspaper, ripping off the roof of the building and killing innocent staff.

However, on April 14, twin blasts rocked the Nyanya Motor Park killing 71, while 124 persons suffered life-threatening injuries.

Barely two weeks after the April 14 attack, another one occurred opposite the same Nyanya Motor Park on May 1, killing nine and injuring scores of persons.

On Wednesday, June 24, another bomb went off at Emab Plaza, a busy shopping plaza in the heart of the capital, killing 21 persons.

In all the attacks, the CCTV cameras installed across the city could not pick up images of the perpetrators of the dastardly acts.

PREMIUM TIMES has learnt that some of the CCTV cameras installed around the capital city are mere toys, ostensibly fixed to deceive the public.

Top officers at the Force Headquarters, who pleaded not to be quoted because they were not authorized to speak on the matter, said while some of the cameras were functional, several others,
were dormant, making the task of policing the city a difficult and sometimes impossible one.

It was also found that most of the crimes in the city are committed outside the CCTV coverage area as most of the functional cameras are concentrated within the Three Arms Zone and some parts of the Business District.

One of our sources said, “The truth is that the CCTV cameras in Abuja are not helping us much in tackling insecurity in the city. It is like taking an inadequate dosage of a drug when you have a major health challenge.

“The drug will not work because it does not meet the required dosage. But when you take the required dosage, the drug will be able to deal with the ailment.

“That is the same situation we have with the CCTV cameras installed here in Abuja. Some of the cameras are working but a lot more are not working thereby creating many dark spots in the city.

“The camera is not helping much because most of the crimes occur in some of the dark spots. If a crime is committed in some of the coverage areas, it will be possible to detect them with the cameras.”

Another official revealed that the NPSCS project has been a subject of hire-wired intrigue and corruption by top officials of the Police Affairs Ministry and the Presidency.

“The contract was awarded and paid for, long before the present IGP came on board but a lot of people are trying to rope him into the problem when they know those who were responsible for the failed project,” he said.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the NPSCS project was initiated to help Nigeria tackle the increasing level of insecurity in the country as far back as 2010.

Investigation showed that late President Umaru Yar’Adua was persuaded by some of his powerful aides to award the $470 million project to the Chinese firm, ZTE Corporation, in August 2010 without carrying out due diligence on the company.

The project, which was funded through a $600 million credit facility obtained from the Chinese EXIMBANK, was slated for completion in May, 2011.

Part of the project consisted of the installation of Close Circuit Television Cameras, CCTV, in many parts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The NPSCS project is based on the Global Open Trunking Architecture (GoTa), a new technology that provides strategic telecommunications solutions to targeted clientele.

Olusegun Aganga, the then Minister of Finance, led the Federal Government’s delegation to Beijing where the loan agreement for the project was signed with the Chinese EXIMBANK in June 2010.
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Waziri and the then Inspector-General of Police, Halfiz Ringim, were also part of the delegation.

The $600 million financing portfolio for the project was secured as a soft credit loan with three percent interest repayable in 10 years after an initial 10 years of grace.

The project was expected to create a dedicated trunk system for inter-agency communications and linkages as well as remove critical national security agencies from private network operators and service providers.

Late Mr. Yar’Adua had during a visit to China on March 1, 2008, made a brief stop at Shanghai where he held talks with top executives of ZTE Researching and Development Centre.

The outcome of the discussion culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government of Nigeria and ZTE Corporation.

The government, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, made a down payment of $70, 500,000 which is 15 percent of the total contract sum and signed a Sovereign Guarantee to the tune of $399, 500, 000 to enable ZTE source the loan from the Chinese Government.

However, the project was piloted with the installation of solar-powered security cameras and allied security infrastructure in many parts of Abuja.

But PREMIUM TIMES has learnt that some of the materials deployed for the critical national security infrastructure are of low quality compared to what those used in China. Yet Nigerian authorities are not known to have lifted a finger in protest.

This newspaper also learnt that the contract was signed and executed in secrecy based on the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed between the Nigerian government and the Chinese firm.

Article 4 of MoU specifically indicated that the terms agreed upon by the parties be kept secret.
“The terms of this MoU are agreed by both parties to be confidential. All confidential information shall not be disclosed to third parties or used for any other purpose or the possibility of a business relationship between the parties unless agreed by both parties,” the document read.

The secrecy clause in the MoU, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, was created to allow top officials of the Police Affairs Ministry and the presidency to negotiate away some of the critical elements of the project.

The source at the Presidency further confided in PREMIUM TIMES that the secrecy clause violated every rule of transparency and accountability and should not have been allowed in the MoU.

When contacted, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, told PREMIUM TIMES he was not competent to speak on the NPSCS contract.

The Chief Press Secretary at the Police Affairs Ministry, James Odaudu, told PREMIUM TIMES the CCTV project is a sensitive national security operation that should not be discussed publicly.

When further pressed for comments, he said, “It is not possible that the whole of Abuja can be covered in one phase of the project. It is an ongoing project with a lot of rooms for expansion.

“If there are challenges, we will sort them out with time. There are no projects without challenges.”
Mr. Aganga, the then Finance Minister, now Minter of Trade and Investment would not speak to PREMIUM TIMES or reply to an email sent to him on the matter.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited ZTE Corporation Nigeria at No. 5 Dep Street, Maitama, Abuja to speak with its officials on the matter, a security man at the gates said visitors are not allowed into the premises unless on invitation.

Attempts to convince the private security staff on the need to alert top officials of the company on the presence of our staff, also failed.

An email to the corporate headquarters of the company in China was not also replied, weeks after it was sent.

Nigerian government acted right in dropping corruption charges against Abacha – Adoke

The government said that it adhered to “international best practices” in dropping the charges against Mr. Abacha.

The Federal Government has said it dropped corruption charges against Mohammed Abacha, the son of late Nigeria dictator, Sani Abacha, in the “best interest of the country.”

It also said that it adhered to “international best practices” in dropping the charges against Mr. Abacha.

In a statement reacting to the criticism of the deal reached with the Abacha family by global anti-corruption organisation, Transparency international, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, said the government dropped the charges to facilitate the repatriation of the country’s fund held by the Abachas and their associates in Europe and America.

Rather than criticism, Mr. Adoke said, the Jonathan administration deserves praise for what he described as its “effective strategies” of putting pressure on the Abacha family and its associates through sustained criminal proceedings in various jurisdictions to facilitate the return of the stolen funds.

He said this strategy has led to “significant increase, both in the quantum and rate of recoveries.”
The government had accused Mohammed of receiving stolen property worth N100.38 billion. The money is believed to have been stolen by the late dictator when he was the Nigerian head of state from 1993 to 1998.

The Federal Government’s lawyer, Daniel Enwelum, however, made an oral application asking the court to withdraw the criminal charges against the suspect. He also applied to discontinue the case.

Transparency International condemned the dropping of the charges against Mohammed Abacha, saying the Federal Government is encouraging impunity in the polity by its action.

“Allowing the theft of public funds to go unpunished sends the wrong message that those with powerful connections can act with impunity. The case should have been fully prosecuted, and the government has not given adequate reasons for dropping the charges,” read a statement signed by TI Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Chantal Uwimana.

However, Mr. Adoke said the criminal proceeding originally instituted against the Abachas has forced them to discontinue contesting cases filed in Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

He said the Federal Government has succeeded in repatriating a sizeable amount from this jurisdiction as a result of that:

“The aforementioned steps have led to the recovery of 226.3 million US Dollars from Liechtenstein in addition to the 7.5 Million Euros that was recovered from an associated company of the Abachas’ in Liechtenstein in 2011. It will also be recalled that in 2011, the Federal Government was able to recover and repatriate through negotiated settlement with the Jersey, the sum of 22.5 million pounds confiscated from an associate of the Abacha family by the Island of Jersey.”

Mr. Adoke projected that by dropping the charges against the Mohammed Abacha, the Federal Government will recover “the sum of $380 Million US Dollars from the Luxembourg proceedings and $550 Million US Dollars from forfeiture proceedings instituted by the US Department of Justice.”

He said it is false for TI to state that “the Abachas have been allowed to get away with little loss”; as the aim of “prosecution of corruption cases is the deprivation of the criminal offender of the proceeds of crime. This is achieved by the taking away of such proceeds of crime by the State (regurgitation and restitution). This principal objective has been achieved to a very significant degree in the Abacha proceedings.”

Mr. Adoke said while he understands the yearning of people who are calling for the custodial sentencing of Mohammed Abacha, they should also realise that the case has been on for 16 years with little or no progress made in that regard.

He further added that the case against the Abachas is not as straightforward as many assume. He said the norm of criminal prosecutions, which requires “proof beyond reasonable doubt” poses great difficulty for the prosecution as any shadow of doubt is resolved in favour of the accused person.”

He said the government consulted widely with international experts and partners that included development agencies and its decision to discontinue the criminal proceeding was informed by the feedback it received.

He said the government acted in the best interest of the country judging from the constraint posed by the case.

Aviation expert warns Nigeria to be wary of airfare slash

The aviation expert urged the airlines to explore professional recommendations in line with the International Air Transport Association.

The Sabre Travel Network, STN, an aviation service provider, on Thursday warned the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to be wary of the recent reduction in airfares by some domestic airlines.

The President of STN, West Africa, Gbenga Olowo, said in Lagos that passengers were more interested in their safety rather than airfare slashes.

Airfares in the sector have dropped in the last few months by 60 per cent in the local scene as a result of new entrants into the sub-sector.

An hour flight between Lagos and Abuja now goes as low as N10, 656 and N18, 000, depending on the time of booking and the airline a passenger is purchasing the ticket from.

Earlier in the previous week, Dana Air announced a starting price of N9, 000 on all its routes, while other airlines like Med-View, Aero and FirstNation have followed suit.

Mr. Olowo said he was surprised at the sudden crash of airfare.

“I read with shock that a one hour tariff will be selling for between N7, 000 and N15, 000 due to the emergence of new airlines and competition in the market.

“Beyond the misconception of being capitalist, this should worry Nigerians and the regulator.

“With authority, I submit that this is not a sensible market penetration strategy, but a confirmation of cash flow problem and survival need.

“A one hour flight in 1994 was 100 dollars, how could it come cheaper 20 years after given all environmental and market considerations?” Olowo said.

He charged the airlines to explore professional recommendations in line with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in respect of the airfares.

(NAN)

Nigerian lawmakers kick against CBN’s N35 million capital base for bureau de change

Some lawmakers say the increase in the capital base for operators of bureau de change would worsen the unemployment rate.

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the new requirement of N35 million increment in capital base for operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria.

The CBN had on June 23, increased the capital base for Bureau De Change by 25 per cent, representing N35 million as against the N10 million.

The House also mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to invite the CBN to brief it on the new requirement.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau (PDP-Zamfara), which was unanimously adopted.

Leading the debate, Mr. Shehu-Gusau noted that the mandatory cautionary deposit was equally reviewed from N3 million to N35 million to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN.

He said that the licensing fee was also increased from N500,000 to N1 million, while the annual renewal fee was increased from N10,000 t N25,000.

He stated that the new requirement was likely to send many operators out of business as it had provided millions of Nigerians with job opportunities.

“The increments are outrageous against the backdrop that the CBN will also reduce the amount of dollars being issued to bureau de change from 50,000 to 15,000 dollars per week.’’

Contributing to the debate, Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) said that the new requirement by the CBN would affect his constituents’ livelihood negatively.

He said there is the need for the apex bank to review the requirement to allow operators continue with their jobs.

Ali Madaki (APC-Kano), said that the new requirement, if allowed to stay, would cause unemployment which is already high in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the increment in the capital base would also kill the informal sector which had provided job opportunities for a large section of the population.

In his remarks, Asita Honourable (APC-Rivers), said that the increment was wrongly timed as the nation was experiencing high unemployment.

Some members, however, spoke against the motion and said that the action of the apex bank is in order as it would strengthen the sector.

Victor Nwokolo (PDP-Delta) said the new requirement would not only strengthen the sector, but would also strengthen the value of the Naira.

In his contributions, Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said the increase in the capital base would strengthen operations of bureau de change in the country, as groups would put resources together to operate.

Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo) said the new requirement was aimed at ensuring that things were done properly.

He suggested that officials of the apex bank should be invited to interface with the relevant committee of the house on what necessitated the increment.

(NAN)

Nigerian lawmakers kick against CBN’s N35 million capital base for bureau de change

Some lawmakers say the increase in the capital base for operators of bureau de change would worsen the unemployment rate.

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the new requirement of N35 million increment in capital base for operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria.

The CBN had on June 23, increased the capital base for Bureau De Change by 25 per cent, representing N35 million as against the N10 million.

The House also mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to invite the CBN to brief it on the new requirement.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau (PDP-Zamfara), which was unanimously adopted.

Leading the debate, Mr. Shehu-Gusau noted that the mandatory cautionary deposit was equally reviewed from N3 million to N35 million to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN.

He said that the licensing fee was also increased from N500,000 to N1 million, while the annual renewal fee was increased from N10,000 t N25,000.

He stated that the new requirement was likely to send many operators out of business as it had provided millions of Nigerians with job opportunities.

“The increments are outrageous against the backdrop that the CBN will also reduce the amount of dollars being issued to bureau de change from 50,000 to 15,000 dollars per week.’’

Contributing to the debate, Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) said that the new requirement by the CBN would affect his constituents’ livelihood negatively.

He said there is the need for the apex bank to review the requirement to allow operators continue with their jobs.

Ali Madaki (APC-Kano), said that the new requirement, if allowed to stay, would cause unemployment which is already high in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the increment in the capital base would also kill the informal sector which had provided job opportunities for a large section of the population.

In his remarks, Asita Honourable (APC-Rivers), said that the increment was wrongly timed as the nation was experiencing high unemployment.

Some members, however, spoke against the motion and said that the action of the apex bank is in order as it would strengthen the sector.

Victor Nwokolo (PDP-Delta) said the new requirement would not only strengthen the sector, but would also strengthen the value of the Naira.

In his contributions, Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said the increase in the capital base would strengthen operations of bureau de change in the country, as groups would put resources together to operate.

Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo) said the new requirement was aimed at ensuring that things were done properly.

He suggested that officials of the apex bank should be invited to interface with the relevant committee of the house on what necessitated the increment.

(NAN)

Nigerian lawmakers kick against CBN’s N35 million capital base for bureau de change

Some lawmakers say the increase in the capital base for operators of bureau de change would worsen the unemployment rate.

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the new requirement of N35 million increment in capital base for operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria.

The CBN had on June 23, increased the capital base for Bureau De Change by 25 per cent, representing N35 million as against the N10 million.

The House also mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to invite the CBN to brief it on the new requirement.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau (PDP-Zamfara), which was unanimously adopted.

Leading the debate, Mr. Shehu-Gusau noted that the mandatory cautionary deposit was equally reviewed from N3 million to N35 million to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN.

He said that the licensing fee was also increased from N500,000 to N1 million, while the annual renewal fee was increased from N10,000 t N25,000.

He stated that the new requirement was likely to send many operators out of business as it had provided millions of Nigerians with job opportunities.

“The increments are outrageous against the backdrop that the CBN will also reduce the amount of dollars being issued to bureau de change from 50,000 to 15,000 dollars per week.’’

Contributing to the debate, Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) said that the new requirement by the CBN would affect his constituents’ livelihood negatively.

He said there is the need for the apex bank to review the requirement to allow operators continue with their jobs.

Ali Madaki (APC-Kano), said that the new requirement, if allowed to stay, would cause unemployment which is already high in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the increment in the capital base would also kill the informal sector which had provided job opportunities for a large section of the population.

In his remarks, Asita Honourable (APC-Rivers), said that the increment was wrongly timed as the nation was experiencing high unemployment.

Some members, however, spoke against the motion and said that the action of the apex bank is in order as it would strengthen the sector.

Victor Nwokolo (PDP-Delta) said the new requirement would not only strengthen the sector, but would also strengthen the value of the Naira.

In his contributions, Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said the increase in the capital base would strengthen operations of bureau de change in the country, as groups would put resources together to operate.

Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo) said the new requirement was aimed at ensuring that things were done properly.

He suggested that officials of the apex bank should be invited to interface with the relevant committee of the house on what necessitated the increment.

(NAN)

Nigerian lawmakers kick against CBN’s N35 million capital base for bureau de change

Some lawmakers say the increase in the capital base for operators of bureau de change would worsen the unemployment rate.

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the new requirement of N35 million increment in capital base for operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria.

The CBN had on June 23, increased the capital base for Bureau De Change by 25 per cent, representing N35 million as against the N10 million.

The House also mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to invite the CBN to brief it on the new requirement.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau (PDP-Zamfara), which was unanimously adopted.

Leading the debate, Mr. Shehu-Gusau noted that the mandatory cautionary deposit was equally reviewed from N3 million to N35 million to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN.

He said that the licensing fee was also increased from N500,000 to N1 million, while the annual renewal fee was increased from N10,000 t N25,000.

He stated that the new requirement was likely to send many operators out of business as it had provided millions of Nigerians with job opportunities.

“The increments are outrageous against the backdrop that the CBN will also reduce the amount of dollars being issued to bureau de change from 50,000 to 15,000 dollars per week.’’

Contributing to the debate, Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) said that the new requirement by the CBN would affect his constituents’ livelihood negatively.

He said there is the need for the apex bank to review the requirement to allow operators continue with their jobs.

Ali Madaki (APC-Kano), said that the new requirement, if allowed to stay, would cause unemployment which is already high in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the increment in the capital base would also kill the informal sector which had provided job opportunities for a large section of the population.

In his remarks, Asita Honourable (APC-Rivers), said that the increment was wrongly timed as the nation was experiencing high unemployment.

Some members, however, spoke against the motion and said that the action of the apex bank is in order as it would strengthen the sector.

Victor Nwokolo (PDP-Delta) said the new requirement would not only strengthen the sector, but would also strengthen the value of the Naira.

In his contributions, Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said the increase in the capital base would strengthen operations of bureau de change in the country, as groups would put resources together to operate.

Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo) said the new requirement was aimed at ensuring that things were done properly.

He suggested that officials of the apex bank should be invited to interface with the relevant committee of the house on what necessitated the increment.

(NAN)

Nigerian lawmakers kick against CBN’s N35 million capital base for bureau de change

Some lawmakers say the increase in the capital base for operators of bureau de change would worsen the unemployment rate.

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the new requirement of N35 million increment in capital base for operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria.

The CBN had on June 23, increased the capital base for Bureau De Change by 25 per cent, representing N35 million as against the N10 million.

The House also mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to invite the CBN to brief it on the new requirement.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau (PDP-Zamfara), which was unanimously adopted.

Leading the debate, Mr. Shehu-Gusau noted that the mandatory cautionary deposit was equally reviewed from N3 million to N35 million to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN.

He said that the licensing fee was also increased from N500,000 to N1 million, while the annual renewal fee was increased from N10,000 t N25,000.

He stated that the new requirement was likely to send many operators out of business as it had provided millions of Nigerians with job opportunities.

“The increments are outrageous against the backdrop that the CBN will also reduce the amount of dollars being issued to bureau de change from 50,000 to 15,000 dollars per week.’’

Contributing to the debate, Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) said that the new requirement by the CBN would affect his constituents’ livelihood negatively.

He said there is the need for the apex bank to review the requirement to allow operators continue with their jobs.

Ali Madaki (APC-Kano), said that the new requirement, if allowed to stay, would cause unemployment which is already high in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the increment in the capital base would also kill the informal sector which had provided job opportunities for a large section of the population.

In his remarks, Asita Honourable (APC-Rivers), said that the increment was wrongly timed as the nation was experiencing high unemployment.

Some members, however, spoke against the motion and said that the action of the apex bank is in order as it would strengthen the sector.

Victor Nwokolo (PDP-Delta) said the new requirement would not only strengthen the sector, but would also strengthen the value of the Naira.

In his contributions, Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said the increase in the capital base would strengthen operations of bureau de change in the country, as groups would put resources together to operate.

Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo) said the new requirement was aimed at ensuring that things were done properly.

He suggested that officials of the apex bank should be invited to interface with the relevant committee of the house on what necessitated the increment.

(NAN)

Nigerian lawmakers kick against CBN’s N35 million capital base for bureau de change

Some lawmakers say the increase in the capital base for operators of bureau de change would worsen the unemployment rate.

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the new requirement of N35 million increment in capital base for operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria.

The CBN had on June 23, increased the capital base for Bureau De Change by 25 per cent, representing N35 million as against the N10 million.

The House also mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to invite the CBN to brief it on the new requirement.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau (PDP-Zamfara), which was unanimously adopted.

Leading the debate, Mr. Shehu-Gusau noted that the mandatory cautionary deposit was equally reviewed from N3 million to N35 million to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN.

He said that the licensing fee was also increased from N500,000 to N1 million, while the annual renewal fee was increased from N10,000 t N25,000.

He stated that the new requirement was likely to send many operators out of business as it had provided millions of Nigerians with job opportunities.

“The increments are outrageous against the backdrop that the CBN will also reduce the amount of dollars being issued to bureau de change from 50,000 to 15,000 dollars per week.’’

Contributing to the debate, Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) said that the new requirement by the CBN would affect his constituents’ livelihood negatively.

He said there is the need for the apex bank to review the requirement to allow operators continue with their jobs.

Ali Madaki (APC-Kano), said that the new requirement, if allowed to stay, would cause unemployment which is already high in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the increment in the capital base would also kill the informal sector which had provided job opportunities for a large section of the population.

In his remarks, Asita Honourable (APC-Rivers), said that the increment was wrongly timed as the nation was experiencing high unemployment.

Some members, however, spoke against the motion and said that the action of the apex bank is in order as it would strengthen the sector.

Victor Nwokolo (PDP-Delta) said the new requirement would not only strengthen the sector, but would also strengthen the value of the Naira.

In his contributions, Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said the increase in the capital base would strengthen operations of bureau de change in the country, as groups would put resources together to operate.

Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo) said the new requirement was aimed at ensuring that things were done properly.

He suggested that officials of the apex bank should be invited to interface with the relevant committee of the house on what necessitated the increment.

(NAN)

Nigerian lawmakers kick against CBN’s N35 million capital base for bureau de change

Some lawmakers say the increase in the capital base for operators of bureau de change would worsen the unemployment rate.

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the new requirement of N35 million increment in capital base for operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria.

The CBN had on June 23, increased the capital base for Bureau De Change by 25 per cent, representing N35 million as against the N10 million.

The House also mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to invite the CBN to brief it on the new requirement.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau (PDP-Zamfara), which was unanimously adopted.

Leading the debate, Mr. Shehu-Gusau noted that the mandatory cautionary deposit was equally reviewed from N3 million to N35 million to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN.

He said that the licensing fee was also increased from N500,000 to N1 million, while the annual renewal fee was increased from N10,000 t N25,000.

He stated that the new requirement was likely to send many operators out of business as it had provided millions of Nigerians with job opportunities.

“The increments are outrageous against the backdrop that the CBN will also reduce the amount of dollars being issued to bureau de change from 50,000 to 15,000 dollars per week.’’

Contributing to the debate, Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano) said that the new requirement by the CBN would affect his constituents’ livelihood negatively.

He said there is the need for the apex bank to review the requirement to allow operators continue with their jobs.

Ali Madaki (APC-Kano), said that the new requirement, if allowed to stay, would cause unemployment which is already high in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the increment in the capital base would also kill the informal sector which had provided job opportunities for a large section of the population.

In his remarks, Asita Honourable (APC-Rivers), said that the increment was wrongly timed as the nation was experiencing high unemployment.

Some members, however, spoke against the motion and said that the action of the apex bank is in order as it would strengthen the sector.

Victor Nwokolo (PDP-Delta) said the new requirement would not only strengthen the sector, but would also strengthen the value of the Naira.

In his contributions, Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said the increase in the capital base would strengthen operations of bureau de change in the country, as groups would put resources together to operate.

Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo) said the new requirement was aimed at ensuring that things were done properly.

He suggested that officials of the apex bank should be invited to interface with the relevant committee of the house on what necessitated the increment.

(NAN)

82 students bag 1st Class degree at Covenant University

He said the institution had received recognitions nationally and internationally.

Eighty two students of the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, on Friday bagged first class degrees at its 2013/12014 convocation.

The Chancellor of the University, David Oyedepo, disclosed this at the 9th convocation and the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and presentation of prizes to deserving students and eminent citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 1,429 students comprising 1,334 undergraduates and 95 post graduates received various degrees during the convocation.

In addition to the 82 students that bagged first class honours, 594 bagged second class upper division honours, 531 bagged second class lower division honours while 127 bagged third class honours.

Mr. Oyedepo said that the institution in its 12 years of existence had maintained a culture of excellence in education and this had produced significant results.

He said the institution had received recognitions nationally and internationally.

He said that for two years running, first class graduates of the institution emerged tops in the Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) in Nigeria (2013 and 2014).

“Our graduates are recognised all over the world while most of them have gained postgraduate admissions to world-class universities where they stamped their indelible footprints in the academia and the world,” Mr. Oyedepo said.

He urged the Federal Government to partner with the nation’s universities to provide solution to the security challenges in the country.

He said that the only way the Nigerian universities could be relevant in solving societal problems was to continue to carry out researches that would resolve political and cultural challenges.

Chance Ayo, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, said that the university was committed to producing quality graduates for accelerated national development.

(NAN)

Fasting Muslims to know time of iftar, imsak via Twitter

Twitter announced this saying it has partnered with news organization, Al Arabiya, to keep Muslim Twitter users informed of Ramadan.

Muslims worldwide can maximize social media tool, Twitter, to aide their religious Ramadan fast which is expected to commence on Saturday or Sunday.

With the use of Twitter, Muslims can know the time for iftar (for the breaking of the fast) and Imsak (for beginning the fast) in their respective countries.

Twitter announced this saying it has partnered with news organization, Al Arabiya, to keep Muslim Twitter users informed of Ramadan.

According to Twitter, users simply tweet @AlArabiya with #iftar (for the breaking of the fast) or #imsak (for beginning the fast) followed by the name of their city with a # in front (e.g. #Lagos), and the @ AlArabiya account will reply with the correct time.

Also, ahead of the holy month, Twitter has created two customs hashtags- #Eid and #Ramadan- to be used during the Islamic month.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar when the hundreds of millions of adult Muslims worldwide are required to abstain from food and purge themselves from all types of immorality.

Twitter also revealed that people sent more than 74.2 million tweets about Ramadan worldwide last year.

Insecurity: Nigerian Military pledges cooperation with stakeholders

That Mr. Badeh received a delegation from the National Institute of Legislature Studies, NILS, at the Defence Headquarters.

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Alex Badeh, said on Friday that the military would cooperate with other stakeholders to tackle insecurity in the country.

Mr. Badeh, an Air Chief Marshall, pledged that the synergy would also be extended to the West African sub-region to ensure the survival of democracy.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, in Abuja.

The statement said that Mr. Badeh dropped the information while receiving a delegation from the National Institute of Legislature Studies, NILS, at the Defence Headquarters.

It said that the CDS lauded the efforts and achievements of the Institute under its Director-General, Ladi Hamalai.

Mr. Badeh, according to the statement, assured the director-general that the military would partner with the institute through its Department of Civil Military Relations.

Ms. Hamalai had earlier told the CDS that the institute was mandated to provide human and information resources to facilitate legislative processes.

She said the mandate also included building capacity by providing training programmes that are certificated by the University of Benin and accredited by the National Universities Commission.

Ms. Hamalai, according to the statement, said NILS also provide back-up services for state legislative assemblies.

The statement quoted her to have disclosed that the institute was working to develop strategies and policies to encompass all major stakeholders in the polity.

The director-general, however, urged the Defence Headquarters to participate in a programme tagged “Parliamentary Security Summit”.

The programme, she said, was designed by the institute in collaboration with the ECOWAS parliament under the auspices of NILS CAP.

Ms. Hamalai said the programme would address capacity building and bring major stakeholders together at both national and sub-regional levels.

She said the programme would deliberate on ways and means of solving security challenges and threat to democracy in the sub-region.

The statement said that the visit provided the opportunity for an interactive session between the principal staff officers of the Defence Headquarters and the management of the institute.

Plateau killings would have been worse without police efforts – Official

In May, some communities in Riyom raised an alarm after discovering a training camp of suspected terrorists.

The killings of scores of people in separate attacks in Riyom, Plateau State, in the past year would have been worse if the police was not up and doing, an official has said.

A Police Superintendent, Babayemi Akomolede, stated this during the 8th meeting of the Plateau Peace Architecture Dialogue series held at the Cabinet office in Jos on Thursday.

Mr. Akomolede denied that the Plateau Police ignored warnings by communities in Riyom Local Government Area of a suspected terrorist training camp in the area.

“The police did not ignore the alarm of an illegal training camp in parts of Riyom. To the best of my knowledge, arrests have been made from those areas,” said Mr. Akomolede.

In early June, some communities in Riyom raised alarm after discovering a training camp of suspected terrorists around Rim and Shonong villages.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the community members called on the police to come to their aid.
Days after the call, in separate attacks, yet to be identified armed men unleashed terror on communities in the area killing no fewer than 14 people including a youth leader.

In one of such attacks on June 11, gunmen attacked Gako and Tanjol communities in Riyom, killing at least six people.

Two churches were also burnt in the attack which took place at about 1:00 a.m.

Residents of the area said apart from the six civilians killed, five uniformed security officials, believed to be members of the Special Task Force, STF, were also killed.

The police in the state, however, confirmed the death of only the six civilians; while saying five others were injured.

“On June 11 at about 1 a.m., unknown gunmen invaded two villages of Gako and Tanjol, shooting sporadically and in the process killing 6 persons, and injuring 5 others,” the Plateau Police Command spokesperson, Dominic Esin, had told PREMIUM TIMES in his office.

Mr. Akomolede, however, denied that the police did nothing to avert the crisis, and several similar ones in the area that have killed scores of people.

“If not for the prompt response of the police … the security situation in Riyom would have been worse than what it is today,” he said. “So I believe strongly something is being done in that regard.”
He called for the creation of vigilante groups in communities to help secure their areas and compliment the efforts of the police.

In his address, the Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Management to Governor Jonah Jang, Timothy Parlong, said “The abnormal security situation in the state requires the involvement of vigilante groups.

He said the state governor, Jonah Jang, made it a policy for communities to form vigilante groups due to the prevailing security situation.

The peace parley was organized by the Search for Common Ground, SFCG.

'Missing Airplane Not In Nigeria' - NAMA Reveals

ollowing the disappearance of a four-seater plane on Monday night, the  after taking off from Kano airport, en-route to Libreville, Gabon, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has said the plane did not get missing in Nigerian airspace.

According to the Managing Director of NAMA, Mr Ibrahim Abdulsalam, the plane had already been officially handed over to the Cameroonian authorities by the Air Traffic Controllers in Kano airport, Nigerian Tribune reports.

Abdulsalam explained that NAMA could not partake in the search for the missing plane as it did not get missing within Nigerian airspace.

“It did not occur within the Nigerian airspace. So, there is nothing we can do about it. We handed over the aircraft to the Cameroonian airspace,” he said.

The plane, owned by the US company Global Aviation, had taken off from Kano in northern Nigeria at 6.00p.m on Monday en route Libreville in Gabon, where it was scheduled to arrive at 11.00p.m, after a stopover in Douala, Cameroon but the plane which had only an American pilot on board, did not make it to Douala.

Related: Gabon-Bound Plane Flying From Nigeria Goes Missing

So far, the search and rescue mission for the missing plane has not yielded any positive result.

It would be recalled that a Malaysian plane carrying 239 people to China had gone missing in March and till date it is yet to be found.

Sources: Naij.com news, Punch Nigeria, Nigerian Tribune

Gastroenteritis Outbreak Kills 7 In Jigawa

Jigawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tafida Abubakar, has announced that seven people lost their lives in Hadejia community, Hadejia Local Government Area of the state following an outbreak of gastroenteritis.

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday in Hadejia, he said that the deaths were recorded on Monday and Tuesday, adding that about 306 other persons were affected by the endemic but have been treated at the community's General Hospital. 

According to him, the affected persons were treated freely by the state government in order to curb further casualties as well as bring the situation under control.

"The disease is caused by bacterial infection from consumption of contaminated water" Abubakar said, adding however, that sample of faeces of some affected persons had been taken for laboratory analysis to ascertain the cause of the epidemic."

Related: Ogun Cholera: Monarch, 106 Others Hospitalised

Abubakar further revealed that the state government had set up a technical committee, comprising representatives of the ministries of Health, Water Resources and Environment to investigate the outbreak, adding that government had also ordered a total overhaul of old water pipes and upgrade of the reticulation system in Hadejia to avoid a re-occurrence of the misfortune.  

The commissioner stressed that his ministry had sensitised inhabitants of Hadejia and other communities in the area on personal hygiene and sanitation as measures of controlling the spread of the disease.

Related: Gastroenteritis Ravages Kebbi Community: Eight Dead, Many Hospitalised

Meanwhile, gastroenteritis or infectious diarrhea is a medical condition from inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves both the stomach and the small intestine. It causes some combination of diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain and cramping. Dehydration may also occur as a result. Gastroenteritis has been referred to as gastro, stomach bug, and stomach virus. Although unrelated to influenza, it has also been called stomach flu and gastric flu.

Building Collapse In Lagos Kills One, Leaves Five Injured

A building collapse claimed a life of one of the builders leaving several injured at Okegbo village in Ikorodu, Lagos, yesterday, June 24.

It was gathered that earlier the building was used as a poultry farm until its unnamed owner took a crucial decision to construct a multi-storey building on it. The incident occurred when six construction workers were working on the decking when it suddenly fell dragging them along.

Three of them Olaoluwa Olayinka, Mubarak and Yaya have been trapped under the debris. Unfortunately Olayinka passed away while two other workers were rescued. Shagamu road division police officers, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Lagos State Fire Service officials were seen at the scene of the accident.

A food seller and a witness of a tragedy, Toyin Alabi, who escaped the death narrated: “I went to the building site to sell amala to the workers. But for Yinka, I would have been dead by now. He was the last person to buy food. While I was waiting for them to finish eating so as to take my plates get paid, he angrily told me not to hasten him, that I should come back for my plate and money. I left angrily. But barely had I stepped down than the building collapsed. Had I stayed back, perhaps, I would have been dead by now or be among those in the hospital.”

Woman gives birth to a lizard [Photo]

A midwife in Indonesia was shocked after apparently delivering a lizard instead of a human newborn.
A lizard apparently oozed out of the ‘pregnant’ woman, named Debi Nubatonis.

The lizard was apparently covered in mucus and blood as she was giving birth.

Bebi reportedly had all the usual signs of being eight-months pregnant.

Authorities in Indonesia are actually taking the incident rather seriously even going as far as launching an official investigation into the incident.

After further investigation, it was suggested that the woman, already a mother of two human children, was suffering from pseudocyesis, or phantom pregnancy, with an empty womb.

A doctor, the Chief Medical Officer of nearby Kupang City, Indonesia, gave this rather sobering conclusion.

‘So the gecko coming out is probably some kind of hoax.

‘Childbirth of another species has never been reported in science.’

Some news organisations have quoted neighbours claiming that Ms Nubatonis and her family apparently practice ‘witchcraft.’

Nigeria Football Federation showered encomiums on TB Joshua

Following Nigeria’s heroic performance against The Dragons of Bosnia early Sunday morning, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) top brass has showered encomiums on The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations for their constant prayers and support for the Super Eagles.

NFF co-coordinator Emmanuel Attah expressed the board’s delight toward the church for standing behind the team, given the number of successes recorded since the board came into office.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board, I wish to express our profound gratitude to The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations for their support towards the Super Eagles. 

They were there with us in prayers during the AFCON which we won; they have been praying and supporting the team too at the World Cup. 

“We thank Prophet T.B. Joshua for praying for the team’s success and raising a top player like Onazi who has been of immense blessing to the country,” he said.

Peter Odemwengie’s first-half goal was the difference between the sides, as Nigeria reached four points in Group F ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Argentina, who have already qualified for the knockout stages.

Nigeria to build new ‘Labour Camp’ in Abuja

About 7000 families in the Nyanya labour camp will be relocated.

—————————————————

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Wednesday approved a contract of N14 billion to build a new Labour Camp to replace the ‘deplorable’ one which was built 30 years ago in Nyanya, Abuja.

The contract, with a 36 months ultimatum, will see those living in the Nyanya labour camp relocated to the Gidan Diya Area of Kurudu District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the weekly Council meeting chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of information, Labaran Maku, alongside the Abuja Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide, said the new camp will house 8,064 flats.

Giving a background of the project, Ms. Akinjide said the Nyanya labour camp was built as a temporary labour camp 30 years ago when Abuja was being built.

“It housed the labour eras who worked to build this great city of Abuja and after that, the houses were sold to the junior workers, some students and security personnel. However, upon review, the FCTA found that the Nyanya labour camp is very over crowded, the houses dilapidated, with poor sanitary conditions, inadequate social amenities and minimal infrastructure,” she said.

“In-fact the UN Habitat declared the Nyanya labour camp as unfit for human habitation.

“As a result, as a responsible administration, we felt it is not right for us to leave our citizens in such a condition. Hence the relocation of the residents of Nyanya labour to the Gidan Daya Site in Kurudu District,” she added.

The relocation site is 152 hectares along the Jikwoyi-Karshi road.

The Minister also said the contract will include the provision of roads, electricity, water supply, and drainage sewage system. She added that support facilities planned for the site will include schools, markets, police station, primary healthcare facilities, fire station and everything that is needed to have a viable community.

The expected population to occupy the new site when fully relocated is about 50,000 inhabitants.

“Not only will we relocate the current residents of Nyanya labour camp, but we will also be able to accommodate some new residents in the Gidan Daya, and all those who are already living in Gidan Daya will benefit from the enhanced infrastructure that is coming into the area,” she explained.

Ms. Akinjide said the project is in keeping with the President Jonathan’s directives that there should be equitable distribution of infrastructure and social amenities throughout Abuja. She said the project will generate employment opportunities for at least 25 professionals, 40 technicians and at least 800 unskilled labourers.

Responding to questions from journalists on compensation for those who already bought the houses at the Nyanya Labour Camp, Ms. Akinjide said those who paid for the houses will be provided with alternative houses.

“As we said, the houses have been declared by the UN Habitat as unfit for human habitation . So this is the first stage of the two-stage process. We first need to put in infrastructure in the chosen site at Gidan Daya. We are going to put standard infrastructure in accordance with the standards of the FCTA (Federal Capital Territory Administration) for the satellite towns. After that, we will then build houses amounting to 8,054 flats, which will be developed.

We have funding for that given to us by the African Development Bank, we are currently undergoing the processes for the procurement of that facility, that is why this memo is simply for the first stage, the infrastructure,” Ms. Akinjide said.

She said the FCTA will not start the relocation process until the new site has houses that will be allocated to owners of homes in the Labour Camp.

She said “those who have not fully paid will probably wait until they complete the payment before they get the houses.

Even those who have not paid anything will be given the rights of first refusal and thus will be given an allocation and be given the opportunity to purchase their houses in the relocation site,” she said.

After the relocation, Ms. Akinjide noted that the old camp site will undergo urban renewal and will be available for use by the FCT in accordance with the land use act that will be developed.

Spanish Princess to face charges

A Spanish judge has formalised charges against Princess Cristina, King Felipe’s sister, in a tax fraud and money laundering case, the BBC reports.

The princess, 49, was questioned in court in February about the business dealings of her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, and could now face trial.

However, an appeal has been lodged against the decision.

The judge’s ruling will come as an embarrassment to Felipe VI, who came to the throne only six days ago.

The tax fraud case was one of several scandals that weakened the popularity of the Spanish monarchy and prompted the abdication of King Juan Carlos.

Princess Cristina’s appearance in court in Mallorca was unprecedented for the royal family and if she goes to trial, she could face up to 11 years in jail.

Judge Jose Castro has been investigating allegations that the princess’s husband embezzled millions in public funds with a former business partner.

Mr. Urdangarin, who is the Duke of Palma, and Diego Torres were alleged to have received 5.6m euros (£4.6m; $7.5m) by overcharging regional governments for organising sporting events as part of a not-for-profit organisation called Noos.

Eagles will stop Messi, say Keshi, Enyeama

Eagles coach Stephen Keshi said yesterday that his side will play for a win in today’s last group game against Argentina in Porto Alegre.

The Super Eagles need just a point to reach the second round for the first time in 16 years. However, a defeat will see them through if Iran fails to beat Bosnia in the other encounter.

Expected to garner support from Brazilians against their arch-rivals who expect 80,000 supporters from across the border, the 51-year-oldsaid his boys will not be intimidated by the predominant support base that Porto Alegre will offer to the Albiceleste.

“We’re here to play, if we have the support of the Brazilians we will appreciate it. But we are not looking at that, we are just here to win our game,” Keshi told reporters.

It is the fourth time both teams will meet in the World Cup, with the South Americans having won all three previous encounters.

All attention is on one man, captain Lionel Messi who has scored twice already and is familiar with the Nigerians. The talisman got a birthday message from the Nigeria coach.

“My team and I want to wish him a very happy birthday. We want to wish him a healthy long life, all his heart’s desires,” Keshi said.

“If there is a way to stop him, it is something that I will share with my players and coaches.”

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who gave a yeoman performance against Messi at the 2010 World Cup also praised the player but said he is not up against one man but the whole Argentina frontline.

“He’s one of the best players in the world and has made a lot of progress since the last time we met,” Enyeama said.

“It might not be a game between him and me, it’s going to be Nigeria against Argentina. There are other players like [Sergio] Aguero and [Angel] di Maria.

“I watch tapes of opponents, I have done that. We have studied their tapes, their strengths and weaknesses.”

“Every game has its own character. I will study the game but I’m sure tomorrow is going to have a different character,” Keshi said.

European giants Italy, four-time champions, became the latest former winners of the FIFA World Cup to exit Brazil 2014. They lost 1-0 to Uruguay in the last Group D match at the Estadio das Dunas, Natal on Tuesday.

Captain Diego Godin scored in the 81st minute as Uruguay edged 10-man Italy to reach the second round of the World Cup.

The match boiled over in the second half when Claudio Marchisio went in hard on Egidio Rios and was shown a red card.

However, Uruguay were lucky to not be down to 10 men themselves as Luis Suarez seemed to sink his teeth into the shoulder of Giorgio Chiellini as they tussled in the box.

The Liverpool striker escaped punishment and went on to celebrate with Godin as the defender rose highest from a corner to score the crucial goal with nine minutes remaining.

Italy however became the third former World Cup winner to be sent home from the tournament after Spain and England.

With the victory, Uruguay joins Brazil, Germany, Argentina and France as the remaining past winners still in the race.

Ihonvbere on firing line at 58

At 58, Edo State Secretary to Government Prof. Julius Ihonvbere stands before the mirror of history.But, what the future holds for him is more important as the succession battle rages in the Southsouth state. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE reports.

As Secretary to Edo State Government Prof. Julius Ihonvbere marks his 58th birthday today, he is on the weighing scale.

To many people, the political scientist from Owan West is a professional in politics. Ihonvbere is one of the patriotic Nigerians whose pro-democracy activities heralded the restoration of civil rule in 1999. Thus, the NationalDemocratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain has paid his due as a university don and activist. When he joined the government, his past activities continued to shape his post-1999 intervention in socio-political affairs of the country.

The eminent teacher has rubbed shoulders in intellectual output with his contemporaries in the advanced world-Canada, United States of America andAustralia. But, in answering the call to duty, he decided to return home to contribute to nation-building.

Today, he is the rallying point for the political class in Owan. Ahead of 2015, the people have urged him to indicate interest in the Senate. They believe that he will add value and make impact in the Upper Chamber. Although there are some elements in Owan who loathe his towering profile, the support he has also garnered from Esan Local Government has silenced his detractors who are jealous of his popularity and track record. A lawyer from Esan Local Government Area, who wondered why a prophet is not honoured at home, said: “Since they don’t know his value, Esan people need him in the next world to come”.

Grassroots politicians in the two councils have been paying homage to Ihonvbere for his leadership qualities. Among them are councillors, supervisors, legislators and other party leaders.

A stakeholder from Sobe, Mr. Joseph Uwaifo, said: “The number one person we are following is Professor Julius Ihonvbere. I am from Sobe and we know the value of good people like Ihonvbere.

Our future will never be the same again, if we follow the right way, which is where we are now.”
A politician, Obazee Osuma from Ward One, said that it in the interest of Owan and Edo State that  scholars like Ihonvbere should constitute the intellectual structure of governance. Lauding the SSG for his loyalty to a rational cause. He advised Ihonvbere to develop a thick skin to the activities of detractors. “The divisive tendency of our people cannot stop us. Our youths are looking up to us.

Professor Ihonvbere is our leader. I want to appeal to him to forgive those who may offend him.No matter the degree of offence, please ,we want you and I personally want to beg you to take such persons as prodigal sons and forgive them.

“Owan West cannot remain like this.  But, I sympathise with you; you are not supposed to be born here. You are supposed to be born in places like Canada, America, Australia, but today, you are born into Owan West and some people do not respect you or know your value. You have helped so many of them, but they are paying you in bad coin.”

To Prince Osomaye Monday, the Majority Leader of Owan West Legislative Arm, the SSG has the support of the local All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains. He said: “We are proud of our Professor. Nobody can take him away from us to America or Canada. We are G7 Councilors out of 10 and we are solidly behind Professor Julius Ihonvbere.”

A lawyer from Esan,  Mr. Enereba, advised the people to see ihonvbere as a role model and mentor to the younger generation.

But, a politician Hon. Peter Ologun, said that the younger generation should imbebe his ideology of progressivism. Progressivism, he said, “is the political attitude that favours change or reforms in governmental action; it is the act of enforcing ideas that oppose elitism, subjectivity, conservatism and reactionary governance. Ihonvbere believes in this school of thought.”

Ologun added: “One character that fits this bill in the contemporary Edo State politics is Ihonvbere. He is a man of the people, a philanthropist, teacher and a progressive politician, who has not betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in him.”

A Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, John Mayaki, said: “Professor Ihonvbere represents different things to different people. To some, he is a rare writer who has authored many books that have served and still serving the needs of readers, a respected public commentator, opinion leader, a teacher and mentor.

“To others, he is intelligent and very bold. He is such an enigma and a hugely successful public servant with an uncommon courage and deter-mination to succeed.

“Professor Ihonvbere is among the few in public office who has shunned opulence and personal aggrand-isement. He left a legacy of honour and integrity at the Ford Foundation and the Presidency.

He is one man who sees public office as potent weapon for social change. He is committed to the good of the society. He is the friend of the masses.

Describing Ihonvbere as a man of the future, he advised him to be focussed, honest and loyal to the government and people of Edo State.

“As John Maxwell, the world acclaimed authority on leadership, in his book; The Right to Lead, asked : What gives a man or a woman the right to lead? He provided the answer:  the right to lead is not gained by election or appointment.

Having position, title, rank, or degrees does not come automatically from age or experience either. No, it would be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead, the right to lead can only be earned. Ihonvbere has earned the right to lead.”