GENERAL NEWS

Updated November 19, 2008

CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU ADJOURNS THE CASE OF SAM EDEM AND TIMI ALAIBE

The Code of Conduct Bureau Tuesday adjourned to January 28, 2008 the arraignment of Sam Edem and Timi Alaibe, former Chairman and managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.Sam Edem and Timi Alaibe are being tried for failing to declare their assets within 30 days of receipt of assets declaration form from the Code of Conduct Bureau, an office which is punishable under section 23, subsection2 of the Act.

Counsel to Timi Alaibe, Kaltungo Molteng asked the court that his client’s case be adjourned to enable him personally plead to the charge. As client was unavoidably absent. Chairman of the Tribunal, retired Justice Constance Momoh after hearing counsel for Federal Government, ruled that all matters be adjourned to January 29 2009, to enable the accused persons personally plead to the charge against them.

By the relevant provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, all public officers in Nigeria are required to declare their assets by completing the necessary documents with the Code of Conduct Bureau within 30 days of receipt of assets declaration forms.

NDDC CHAIRMAN TO BE ARRAIGNED

Former Chairman of Niger Delta Development, Commission, NDDC, SAM EDEM is to be arraigned before the code of conduct Tribunal on November 28, 2008. EDEM was dragged before the tribunal for failing to declare his assets as a public officer in line with the provisions of the law.

EDEM was to appear before the tribunal today but his counsel KATUNGO MELJENGO informed the tribunal that his client was in Geneva on an official assignment as he is a member of the Presidential technical committee on Niger Delta.

MELJENGO therefore asked for more time to enable  EDEM return from his overseas trip and Justice Constance MOMOH adjourned the case to November 28, when EDEM is expected to appear before the tribunal and take his plea.

PRESIDENT UMARU MUSA YAR’ADUA ASSURES INTERNATIONAL OIL COMPANIES

President Umaru Musa Yar’adua has assured international oil companies operating in Nigeria that their interests would be taken into consideration in the on-going reform of the oil sector.

President Yar’adua was speaking to Mr. Rich Kruger, president of Exxon Mobil, who led an eight-man delegation to the State House, on Monday.

“I assure you that as we reform the national oil company, we will  take into account the mutual interests of the international oil companies and the Federal Government. The reforms meant to restructure our national economy will be a win-win situation for Nigeria and the oil companies”, he stated.

President Yar’adua said Nigeria had enjoyed a long relationship with the companies, adding, “we will ensure mutual consultation, so that we can transform our national oil company without upsetting the relationship we have with our partners.

Earlier, Mr. Kruger had briefed the President about current activities of Exxon Mobil in Nigeria, the company’s plans for more investments in the oil sector and areas of mutual interest.
17.11.08

N300 MILLION SCAM: EFCC GETS ORDER TO RE-ARRAIGN ADUKU, OTHERS

An Abuja High Court today granted the EFCC an order to re-arraign former Minister of State for Health, Mr Gabriel Aduku; Prof. Simon Ogandi and Hanafi Mohammed. Justice Salisu Garba granted the order on the ground that judgment had not been pronounced in the matter for which the order was being sought.
The trio were among the 11 arraigned, following their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of N300 million unspent budget of the Ministry of Health for 2007.

The court had on Oct. 21 discharged the trio following an application by EFCC’s lawyer, Mr James Binang. Binang had filed the application on the ground that there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute them. The discharge of the three accused on Oct. 21, the EFCC also approached the court seeking an order to re-arraign them. 

EFCC’s new counsel, Mr Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), told the court that Binang filed the motion without the consent of the EFCC.  The judge granted the application, stressing that the earlier discharge of the accused by the court -- following an application by the EFCC -- was not an acquittal. Garba said the EFCC had the right to file a motion for amendment, since judgment had not been pronounced in the matter.

``After a careful study of the argument for and against the order being sought, the court is of the view that Pinheiro was proper before the court -- as against the argument of the respondents. ``The court is also of the view that the order being sought is not an abuse of court process since the court has not taken a position on the matter.

 ``Since the court has the right to grant an order for amendment in a matter where judgment had not been pronounced, leave is hereby granted the prosecution to add Aduku, Ogandi and Mohammed to the charge,” Garba said.

SENATE PLEDGES TO RESUCITATE AILING TEXTILE INDUSTRIES IN KADUNA

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said that efforts were being made to revive ailing textile industry in Kaduna . Ekweremadu, gave the assurance today when he led some 36 senators on an inspection visit to some of closed-down factories in Kaduna . He said the Senate was aware of the crisis that led to the closure of theaffected companies and was determined to make sure workers resume work as soon as possible. He said the Senate was concerned with the growing crime rate and general insecurity in the state resultant from the closure. 

Ekweremadu said efforts being made to restore normalcy to the state and the families affected by the closure. He also pledged to assist Kaduna state in getting enough funds for all federal projects in the state. Ekweremadu commended Gov. Namadi Sambo for executing projects that had positive bearing on the lives of the people.

 Sambo, who conducted the Senators round some of the factories had earlier appealed to them to assist the state in appropriating funds to complete all federal government  projects being executed in the state.  He had drew the attention of the senate to the deplorable state of Saminaka-Jos federal road which, he said, was begging for attention.

Sambo appealed to the Senate to assist the state government in its effort to resuscitate rail system in the state. According to him, residents use the ones revived by the state government more thanthey do taxis because they are cheaper and also help in reducing traffic problems faced by motorists. The governor, who outlined the various projects being executed by the government, said efforts were being made to implement the state's 11-point agenda which, he said, had security, education, health service delivery and Agriculture as priority. 

Sambo said crime rate had dropped by 80 per cent as police and security outfits had more than 100 patrol vehicles under `Operation Yaki'. He said the sate was implementing free and compulsory education at primary school level.  He also said that the government procured 70,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for farmers last season to ensure food security. Silos with capacity for 30,000 tonnes of grains were being constructed in addition to 60 irrigation sites, the governor added.
  

BANKOLES CONDOLES WITH MARK OVER AIDE'S DEATH

Dimeji Bankole, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has condoled with Senate President David Mark over the death of his Political Adviser, Mr Emmanuel Okpede.

A statement issued in Abuja by the speaker's Media Adviser, Mr Kayode Akinmade, said the political adviser, who died today during the Senate retreat in Kano ,was a selfless aide.` `This is a moment of grief for Sen. Mark and the deceased family but be consoled in the fact that the senator died while in active service,'' the speaker said.  

He recalled the invaluable service the deceased rendered to the nation when he served as senator between 2003 and 2007. Bankole said his remarkable service as a lawmaker must have informed his retention in the senate by the senate president as his adviser.
 The speaker prayed God to give the family and the senate president the fortitude to bear the loss.

YAR’ADUA URGES NIGERIANS TO HAVE FAITH IN VISION 2020

Nigeria’s President Umaru Yar’Adua says the country’s dream of becoming one of the world twenty largest economies by 2020 can only be realized if the people believe in it.

President Yar’Adua expressed this view while receiving members on course- thirty of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, on Thursday at the State House Abuja, he said private sector, government, political and other factors must come into play if the 2020 vision is to be actualized.

Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu is one of the sixty five course participants of the Institute that conducted the research on the vision 2020- the Economic blue print of President Yar’Adua.
13.11.08

JUDICIARY: NEW SENIOR ADVOCATES APPOINTED

Twenty five more Legal Practitioners are now Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) the highest rank of Legal Practice in the country. Usman Musale, announced the approved list of twenty five new Senior Advocates on Thursday.

The twenty five new senior advocates were selected from the list of one hundred and twenty six which applied for the elevation. Following a screening process, sixty one lawyers were presented to the Legal Practitioners priviledges committee for consideration.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Legal Practitioners priviledge committee, Justice Idris Kutigi will swear-in the twenty five new SAN”s at a special session of the court on Tuesday December sixteenth.
13.11.08

CHALLENGES OF POVERTY ERADICATION IN NIGERIA

The coordinator of Nigeria’s National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) Magnus Kpakol has advised that Nigerian women and youths to be creative and work towards self-sufficiency rather than wait for handouts from the government.

Kpadol who said this in Abuja at a capacity building session said learning from mistakes of the past poverty alleviation programmes, NAPEP is now committed to encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship among the rural poor.

NAPEP says it is exploring capacity building for undergraduates to tackle the soaring level of graduate unemployment in the country.
13.11.08

WORLD POPULATION REPORT SEEKS PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY, HUMAN RIGHTS

Development strategies sensitive to cultural values can reduce harmful practices and promote human rights, the state of the World Population Report 2008, has said. A statement issued by the United Nation Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) today in Abuja affirmed that such strategies would promote gender equality and the empowerment of women.

 Entitled ``Reaching Common Ground: Culture, Gender and Human Rights,’’ the report noted that culture was a central component of successful development of poor countries and must be integrated into development policy and programming. The report, which coincided with this year’s 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is based on the concept that the international human rights framework has universal validity.

 “Human rights express values common to all cultures and protect groups as well as individuals,’’ the report said.  ``Human rights are everybody’s work, and being culturally sensitive and understanding the context is everybody’s business,’’ Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA was quoted as saying.   Obaid said that partnerships between UNFPA and community-based institutions and leaders, would create effective strategies to promote human rights and end their abuses, such as female genital mutilation or cutting.  ``Culturally sensitive approaches seek out creative solutions produced within cultures, and work with them,’’ Obaid said.

``Communities have to look at their cultural practices and values, then determine whether they impede or promote the realization of human rights. They can then build on the positive and change the negative,’’ he was quoted assaying.  The report cautioned that cultural sensitivity and engagement "do not mean acceptance of harmful traditional practices, or a free pass for human rights abuses". ``Values and practices that infringe human rights can be found in all cultures; understanding cultural realities can reveal the most effective ways to challenge these harmful cultural practices and strengthen beneficial ones, she added.

Despite many declarations and affirmations in support of women’s rights, the report said, "gender inequality is widespread and deep-rooted in many cultures".  ``Coercive power relations underlie practices such as child marriage, a leading cause of obstetric fistula and maternal death, and female genital mutilation or cutting.  

``These and other harmful practices continue in many countries despite laws against them. Women may even support them, believing that they protect their children and themselves,’’ UNFPA said.  The report concluded that analyzing people’s choices in their local conditions and cultural contexts were a precondition for better development policies.

NIPOST BOSS URGES COMPLIANCE WITH STAMP DUTY ACT

NIPOST Area Manager in Borno, Alhaji Mundi Mohammed, has said that its customers in the state are not complying with the Stamp Duty Act of 1990. Speaking at the 2008 NIPOST customers' Forum today in Maiduguri, Mohammed said the affected customers failed to affix the N50 postage stamp on every receipts and payment vouchers that exceeded N1,000. 

According to him, the non-compliance with the Act and its implementation is affecting NIPOST revenue generation. Mohammed said apart from the University of Maiduguri , all government agencies and business outfits in the state failed to comply with the NIPOST Act.  ``The postal world today is undergoing enormous transformation where traditional techniques and yesterday’s wisdom no longer hold sway in delivering services to the general public,'' he said.

Mohammed appealed to the individuals, government agencies, business and corporate organisations to cooperate with NIPOST in the implementation of the Act. He said the traditional mailing system was being faced out to give way to E-mail, Fax and currently the global system of mobile communication system. He said the Internet café was launched at the Maiduguri territorial headquarters and Biu Post Office to provide a one-stop shop for customers to transact their traditional postal services and enjoy technology driven communication services.  

Other services provided by NIPOST, he said, were agency services, bulk mailings, cargo haulage and post cash services for people that wanted to send money to their children and business partners within and outside the country.

GOV. OSHIOMHOLE FREEZES ALL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo today ordered an immediate freezing of all government accounts in commercial banks until further notice. A government statement signed by Mrs Betty Igbehi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, directed all bank managers where all government monies were lodged, to keep a hold on all such accounts.

The statement also announced that all political appointees had been relieved of their posts and directed that they hand over all government property in their custody. It specifically directed them to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their ministries and at the Government House, the Director of Central Administration in the Governor's Office.

In another statement, Igbehi announced that the governor had approved the appointment of the first three key officials in the new administration. According to the statement, Mr Pally Iriase, a former Deputy Speaker of the Edo Assembly and former Local Government Chairman, has been appointed Secretary to the State Government. 

The post of Chief of Staff went to Mr Ogie Osarodion, while the position of the Director of Public Affairs and Strategy would be held by Mr Eric Osagie. The statement said the new appointees would be sworn-in today at Government House, Benin .  It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal inBenin had on Tuesday upheld the decision of theEdo Election Tribunal sacking Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor of PDP as Edo Governor and replacing him with Oshiomhole of AC.
 In compliance with that Court of Appeal verdict,Oshiomhole was sworn-in as the Governor of Edo on Wednesday in Benin.

NDUKWE URGES GOVT. USE ICT TO ACCELERATE ACHIEVEMENT OF VISION 2020

The Executive Vice President  of Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Ernest Ndukwe has advised the Federal Government to use ICT platform to achieve Vision 2020.Ndukwe gave the advice at the 8th Annual Leadership Lecture and Role Model Award organized by Leadership Watch, a non governmental organization in Lagos on Tuesday. He said the good ICT policies that had been put in place by the government could be deployed to accelerate the actualization of vision 2020.

The NCC boss said that although the vision sounded like a tall order, it could be achieved with the right leaders who know the important roles ICT could play in economic development.``It has been widely established that the economic development of a nation can be accelerated by improvements in the country's ICT infrastructure,’’ Ndukwe said. 

``The explosion in technology, which ushered in the information age, has become the basis for defining power in the modern age,'' he added. Ndukwe said that no modern economy could thrive without an integrated information technology and telecommunications infrastructure. According to him, ICT provides a veritable platform for development across the economic and other sectors, if well harnessed.

The President of Leadership Watch, Dr Martins Iwuanyanwu, said that the event was organized to contribute to national growth and development through intellectual discuss. He said that the choice of this year's theme `` Nigeria 's Leadership and Vision 2020: Imperatives of Knowledge-Driven Economy’’, was aimed at exploring the abundant opportunities offered by ICT. ``It will assist President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration in the rapid and successful relealisation of Vision 2020,’’ he said.

 The chairman at the occasion, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, said that actualisation of the vision must be a collaborative effort of everybody in the country. Ekuwem  advised that efforts at achieving the vision must start  now since it could not be achieved in a day.

NDDC TO COMMENCE WASTE MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN ABIA 

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will soon commence the implementation of a waste management scheme in Abia, Mr. Timi Alaibe, the Managing Director, said today. Alaibe made the statement in  Port Harcourt when Gov. Theodor Orji of Abia visited the commission. 

He said the project, billed to take off early next year, was conceived to take care of waste in the state.``In all our interactions with the people, the issue of a sound waste management system has always dominated discussion, so we commence the implementation of the regional master plan,'' he said. Orji said his administration was ready to partner NDDC to ensure the development of the Niger Delta.

The governor called for increased funding of the commission to enable it to function effectively and deliver on its mandate. ``I understand that part of theproblems of the commission is funding, I want to call on the Federal Government to give the commission more funds and also release all funds owed it. ``I must also have to thank the commission for what it has done so far with the funds available to it. ``I have a strong feeling that with better funding, results will be achieved,'' the governor added.

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION CAN ADDRESS CONFLICT - COMMISSIONER

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ebonyi State , Mabel Aleke, says information and communication can resolve violent conflicts. Aleke said this on Wednesday at a presentation on information as a panacea for conflict control, management and peace building at the ongoing All Nigerian Women Peace Conference in Kaduna. 

The commissioner said when conflicts occurred, information and communication would helpin coordinating better complex relief missions. She, however, said there was a need for conflict control and management through information and communication to curb violence and promote peace in the society. 
``Once violence has erupted, it can be difficult to get people to focus on dialogue and mutual understanding. Nevertheless, information operations intended to promote reconciliation are relevant in all stages of the conflict cycle,'' Aleke said.

In another paper, Gbenga Ibileye of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria said: ``Women's position must be identified within the society as this position helps frame women’s role. ``Only then can strategic thinking on the roles and responsibilities of women in governance and conflict prevention be undertaken,'' he added.
 He, however, said that peace-building efforts by women had been summarized into positive childcare.
 

UI ACCUSES NASU OF PLANNING TO DISRUPT 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The University of Ibadan (UI) has accused the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) of planning to disrupt the institution's upcoming 60th anniversary celebrations. UI NASU Chairman, Mr Fatoki Cole, has, however, denied any such plan. “Ours is a responsible union, we are not touts or thugs who will just wake up and start to cause trouble, not at all. ``Why do you think we will be interested in disrupting their graduation programme which they have tirelessly worked for in the past four, five or more years?  

``Rather than wanting to make us a scapegoat, let the management address the problem as we have presented it to them, no more no less," Cole said. A statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by the university's Public Relations Unit said NASU had demanded the payment of high risk allowance and threatened to disrupt  the anniversary celebrations if the demand was not met.

The statement stated that NASU accused the university authorities of collecting money for the allowance and diverting it. ``For the avoidance of any doubt, the university has not received any money from the federal government for the payment of such allowance. ''Even at the moment, the monthly subvention for personnel emoluments to the university is always short by close to N30m.

``This is to show that even as of now, the university does not receive enough to meet the monthly salaries and wages, not to talk of concealing any part of it," the statement stated. It said the university authorities was doing everything possible to enhance workers' welfare and pointed out that it could only be done within the purview of legality, peace and respect for constituted authorities. 

STRIKE: NLC CALLS FOR URGENT INTERVENTION

The National Executive Council of Nigeria Labour Congress has called for urgent intervention to prevent the proposed national strike in polytechnics across the country. In a letter signed by the General Secretary of the Congress, John Odah, the body said there is need for the ministry of education to dialogue with aggrieved staff of educational institutions.
 
While urging the education minister to take advantage of the new ultimatum given by the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics to enter into meaningful dialogue, Odah condemned the attitude of rectors towards solving crisis. You may recall that the members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria polytechnics last month threatened to embark on indefinite strike over non-implementation of CONTISS fifteen among  other issues.
12.11.08

COURT ADJOURNS CASE OF THE OF GOVERNOR BABANGIDA ALIYU

The court of appeal in Abuja has adjourned to November 17, hearing of appeal of the ANPP candidate, challenging the election of Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State. The court adjourned the case following an appeal by Aliyu’s lawyers for more time to file their brief.On the next adjourned date of November 17, the court of appeal will also adopt the brief and probably adjourn for judgment.

The ANPPC candidate, David Umaru, had challenged Governor Aliyu’s election on the ground that he ran foul of the electoral act and the constitution by not resigning at least Three months before the elections. His petitions was dismissed by the lower tribunal on the ground that it was unmeritorious; following which he lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

COURT ADJOURNS CASE OF BELLO MASABA TO DEC 10

The Minna man with 86 wives Bello Masaba, is back in the news; this reprieve has come his way. A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered his unconditional release from protective bail granted him by a magistrate court in Minna, Niger State. Justice G. O Kolawole said the order of the release should be served on the Niger State Attorney-General, the State police Commissioner and the controller of Minna or Bida prison where the controversial Muslim cleric is being held.

The court said it made these orders to pressure and re-state an earlier one made on September 5 when Masaba filed a motion to enforce his fundamental rights. The court has adjourned the case to December 10 for argument on the motion challenging its jurisdiction.Masara is currently being tried by the Niger State sharia implementation Commission on the grounds that he insulted the Muslim creed by marrying 86 wives, 82 more than the four allowed a Muslim man. Masaba on his part said he would not divorce any of his wives because he married each of them under dive guidance.    

FG SAYS TRAINING VITAL TO HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The Federal Government has reiterated the significance of training to human development in the country. Dr Aliyu Hong, supervising Minister of Commerce and Industry, disclosed this at the 17th National Training Conference of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). He said unless there was general human development that was people-oriented, specific training  programmes would not be achieved. Hong said it was important because the people were finally taking the centre stage of all development effort, instead of economic consideration.

 According to him, such development will not come by accident but must be planned and provided for. He said the way forward to Vision 2020 was a crucial agenda whose outcome would be determined by many variables to which the Nation's future depended. Hong said because of this, the present administration focused on generating full employment and security of livelihood. 

He also said the human development strategy by the government would also promote optimal use of physical capital that leads to faster pace for sustainable development. The Minister therefore called on the ITF, as a human capacity development institution, to align its priorities and targets to the realization of the administration's seven-point agenda. 

Earlier, Prof. Longman Wapmuk, Director General of ITF, said the Fund had gone far in its bid to establish a model industrial skills training centre in Abuja , to complement the organization’s three industrial skills. He said the centers would train people in electrical/electronics, facility services, Information and Communications Technology and culinary skills.

Chairman of House Committee on Special Duties, Simon Osagie said he would ensure the education curriculum at all levels shifted from its predominant theoretical content to a practical orientation. ``In our new strive to strengthen our oversight functions, we will constantly monitor and access public expenditure in this regard,’’ he added.

FG TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF KANO FIRE DISASTER

The Federal Government says it will offer relief assistance to victims of Abubakar Rimi Market disaster in Kano .Vice-President Good luck Jonathan made this known when he visited the Emir of Kano , Alhaji Ado Bayero, at his palace in Kano , on Tuesday. He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had been directed to investigate the cause and assess the extent of damage caused by the fire. "I have directed the director general of NEMA to inspect and work with the state government to find out the cause of the fire and areas the federal government can assist the victims," he said. 

He sympathised with the Emir, the government and people of Kano State over the incident, and prayed against future occurrence of such calamity. He said the federal government would continue to partner with traditional rulers in ensuring rapid development of the country.  ``If as a country we must progress, develop and live in peace, we must respect the traditional institutions because they have vital roles to play in nation-building," he said. 

``We will continue to work with you because we believe that it is through you the country can succeed in terms of peace, development and social changes that will bring meaningful development to our people."   He congratulated the Emir on his 45 years anniversary on the throne and prayed God to provide him the opportunity of attending the his golden jubilee celebration.

Responding, the Emir thanked the vice-president for the visit, and reiterated the determination of the Kano Emirate Council to continue to support and cooperate with the federal and Kano state governments in ensuring peace in the state. The Emir ordered a special prayer for the success of Yar'Adua's administration, and called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the government.

 GERMANY READY TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NIGERIA 'S ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES  

   
German President Horst Koehler has said his country would provide technical support to Nigeria to strengthen its anti-corruption agencies. Koehler spoke at a joint press briefing he addressed with Gov.Babatunde Fashola of Lagos at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

He said the issue of corruption came up during his interactions with leaders in Lagos and Abuja ,which gave him the feeling that the leaders saw corruption as a heavy burden on development. Koehler, however, noted that anti-corruption agencies were addressing the issue, saying Germany would be willing to assist in capacity building and technical support when required. 

On his impression of Lagos , Koehler described it as ``most interesting'', and lauded Fashola for his positive efforts to overcome the challenges of governing the state. ``With its vibrant governor, it gives me a good feeling that it is possible to meet the challenges of the city,'' Koehler said.  He commended Fashola's attitude of seeing every challenge as an opportunity to serve, saying it was a positive feeling. Koehler, who said He had seen the challenges of global warming, transportation, infrastructure development, sewage and job creation, expressed the hope that German investors would be able to offer support in the areas.

The German president also said that there was the possibility of assisting in the area of vocational training with Germany 's system of Dual Education to help strengthen entrepreneurship. He promised to take his findings back to Germany , saying there were a lot of opportunities for investment in Lagos . 
Fashola said he had shared notes on various topics, including global warming, Germany-Nigeria relations and the challenges facing Lagos state, with the visiting president. ``We are working towards more partnerships to boost development and it was indeed a delight having Koehler in the state,'' Fashola said.

RIGHTS VIOLATION IN GAMBIA: AFRICAN LEADERS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY URGED TO INTERVENE

Rights group, Amnesty International has attributed the worsening human rights violation in the Gambia to the repression of the people by the authorities. It has therefore in conjunction with a coalition of civil society groups urged African leaders and the international community to put pressure on the Gambian authorities to stop the torture, killings and arbitrary arrests of the citizens by security forces.

Amnesty’s observation and plea were contained in a report issued on the West African country titled “Gambia, Fear Rules “released in Abuja.

In the 14years that President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia has been in power, there has been six foiled coup attempts with the most recent one in March 2006. This Amnesty International says has led to the deteriorating human rights situation in that country.

Some of the suspected coup plotters arrested were officials of the government, security forces and journalists. Only 21 out of over 59 arrested have so far been charged to court in connection with the foiled March coup attempt. The grave situation in the Gambia, Amnesty international and its civil society groups calls for action from other African Countries, the international community and regional bodies.

An adoption of a resolution by the African commission and International community would be an important step to ensure the respect for human rights and end the entrenched culture of impunity in Gambia.
11.11.08

HUMAN RIGHTS MUST BEGIN WITH TRANSPARENT POLITICAL SYSTEM – COMMISSION

Human Dignity Advocates at the 44th ordinary session of African Commission for Human and Peoples Rights on Tuesday in Abuja, say tackling the violation of electoral rights, is an effective way of addressing other forms of human rights abuses in the continent.  It is their argument that only a fair and transparent political system will produce leaders who will protect the dignity of the citizenry.

Gross violations of fundamental human rights have been at the centre of the challenges to development on the African continent. There has been the issue of recruiting child soldiers to prosecute rebellion, genocide, lack of food, shelter, employment and limited access to health-care- leading to soaring maternal and infant mortality.

These and other human rights abuses, according to guest speakers at the human rights session, have reached their current level, due to the failure of leadership; which is in itself an outcome of violations of the right to vote and be voted for, as well as free participation in governance.

The politicians have been largely blamed as the architect of the problem. But PPA Chairman, Clement Ebri and APGA chieftain Chekwas Okorie say it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to change the situation. The problem of unlawful evictions of citizens and demolition of their houses without adequate compensation is another fast spreading human dignity challenge that human rights activists across Africa consider as deserving urgent attention.
11.10.08

TURAI TASKS GOVERNORS' WIVES ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Nigerias First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar'Adua, has called on governors' wives and women leaders to make efforts to promote the well-being of women, youth and children in their countries. Yar'Adua made the call in Abuja when she recieved the wife of the German President, Mrs Luise Kohler, in her office.  ``There is a need for First Ladies, mothers and leaders to close ranks and come up with laudable programmes that will turn around the fortunes of women, youth and children,'' she said.

She said that it was the duty of women leaders to assist the weak, the needy, the less-privileged and other vulnerable groups in the society. Yar'Adua said that it was also part of the duties of the women leaders to rid the society of diseases, hunger and illiteracy. She said that efforts to combat the scourge of HIV and AIDS in Nigeria also led to the establishment of the National Coalition of Women against HIV/AIDS.  Yar'Adua said that chapters of the Coalition would be established in all the local government areas of the country. 

She said that the Coalition would serve as a platform for advocacies and enlightenment on HIV/AIDS issues. Besides, Yar'Adua said that at the continental level, the African First Ladies Peace Mission was making efforts to establish a mechanism that would promote peace in the region.  ``Peace is the only panacea to the growth and development of any nation.

It is our intention to visit troubled areas in the country and across the continent of Africa . ``We will voice the feelings of women, in particular, that we need peace in our region,'' she said.  Responding, Kohler described women as great pillars for societal development. She said that African women were known for their love and care, especially for the less-privileged in the society. 

Kohler solicited greater collaboration between Nigeria and Germany , particularly in improving the living standards of women, youths and other vulnerable groups in the society. The two First Ladies later visited Abuja Children's Home, Karu, and the Arts and Crafts Village.

BANKOLE REITERATES LAWMAKERS' SUPPORT FOR NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT

Nigeria Speaker  House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole,  has reiterated the support of the House for developmental efforts in the Niger Delta. Receiving the visiting German President Horst Kohlerin Abuja , Bankole called for strong capacity building for members of the parliament.

He told his visitor that the House would continue to support President Umaru Yar’Adua agenda for the development of the Niger Delta. Apparently reacting to concern raised by Kohler regarding the situation in the Niger Delta, Bankole said the security situation in the region had been put under control. 

He, however, called for support from the German government in the area of capacity building for Nigerian Legislature at all level. He said the parliament needed to be developed to enable it to discharge its constitutional duties of oversight functions, budget control and distribution of state revenue.``There is a need for parliament to place more emphasis on outcome to budgetary spending to ensure that leakages are blocked and gains of governance are delivered to the people.` `The House has been asking questions recently from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government regarding their revenue and expenditure,'' the Speaker said. 

``Such questions have led to the discovery of N450 billion unspent fund and lately the discovery of about N3 trillion unremitted funds,'' Bankole added. The Speaker, who noted with satisfaction that the nation needed the right input from the parliament for it to develop, gave the assurance that the current legislators would do the right thing to restore the country's lost glory.

Earlier, Kohler stressed the importance of parliament in governance, especially in the area of budget control. He expressed concern about the situation in the Niger Delta, saying the parliament should ensure that democratic dividends get to the people.

NIGERIA GETS NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Nigeria has adopted a National Action Plan for the Protection of Human Rights, the National Human Rights Commission said today in Abuja .  Mrs Kehinde Ajoni, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, said this at a consultative forum of West African national human rights institutions.

Ajoni said the commission was committed to the protection of human rights in the country.` `We, as a people, must resolve to face the many challenges facing the protection of human rights and overcome them. ``At the end of this programme, we should be able to establish networks and collaborations with every other human rights institution in Africa and beyond to fight human rights violation. 

``ECOWAS is ready to collaborate with human rights NGOs to protect the rights of citizens of ECOWAS member countries," she said. In a keynote address, Justice Chima Nweze, a justice of the Court of Appeal, called for independence of human rights commissions in the sub-region.
 He said the independence should cover both funding and appointments into the commission to help them to deliver their mandates.

AGF'S ABSENCE STALLS HEARING IN N37BN HEALTH CENTRE CONTRACT SUIT  

The absence of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), in court today stalled hearing in the N37 billion health centre suit. The suit, filed by Mathan Nigeria Ltd, is challenging the Federal Government’s revocation of the contract awarded it to construct  comprehensive health centres in the 774 local government areas.

The plaintiff's lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the Fefedral High Court, Abuja , at the resumed hearing, that the defendants were neither present nor represented. Awomolo, however,  prayed the court to adjourn the matter till Nov. 20 to give the defendants the benefit of doubt. 

He urged the court to take judicial notice of the fact that the previous adjournment was also at the instance of the AGF. But soon after Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case, a representative of the AGF, Mr Aikhunegbe Malik, appeared and informed the court that his boss was personally interested in the case.
Malik accepted the date taken by the plaintiff's counsel and said that Aondoakaa would be in court on the adjourned date. Mathan is asking the court among others, an order setting aside the Dec. 10, 2007 decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) revoking the contract.

 In defence of the action, the A-GF had said that the contract award did not follow due process. Mathan Managing Director, Chief Athan Nneji, had, however, testified in court that the contract award followed due process and there was no justification for its revocation.

The contractor also wants the court to declare that FEC acted in excess of its powers under the constitution by revoking the contract. Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Bank PHB.  

GERMANY PLEDGES TO SUPPORT ECOWAS

President of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Mohammad Ibn Chambas, says Germany would support ECOWAS in the areas of infrastructure and energy.Chambas told journalists in Abuja shortly after the German president, Horst Kohler, paid him a courtesy visit.

Chambas said the development of the infrastructures in the region would further boost trade, economic development and regional integration. He said the German president was particularly interested in the development of solar and wind energy since the region had these in abundance.

The ECOWAS president thanked Kohler for his support in the areas of peace and security especially as regards the ECOWAS stand-by force.Kohler, in his response, praised, ECOWAS achievement, especially in the areas of peace and security in the region.

The German President said there was need for peace and security as this was paramount to development and called on ECOWAS to intensify efforts at regional integration, as this was key to growth and development in Africa.           

NIGERIA SPEAKER LAGOS STATE  HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON 2009 BUDGET

The speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Adeyemi  Kuforiji, has described the budget of four hundred and five billion naira for 2009, as the biggest ever in the history of the state.

Kuforiji made the observation after the House had received the budget, presented by the state governor, Babatunde Fashola.He expressed the confidence that the fiscal estimate would accelerate the development of the state and also ensure the realization of the visions and aspirations of the people and the government.

The speaker explained that the 2008 Appropriation Act of four hundred and three billion naira was recorded on the request of the governor, for greater efficiency.

UNAMID CONDEMNS ATTACK ON NIGERIAN PEACEKEEPERS

The UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has condemned an attack on Nigerian Protection Force Company stationed at the Geneina Super Camp in West Darfur on Sunday. ``UNAMID strongly condemns this unprovoked and dastardly attack,  which will not deter it from resolutely pursuing its peacekeeping mandate and operations,'' a statement issued by the mission said.
 
The statement, which was made available to the Newsmen at the UN, stated that, ``UNAMID is investigating the circumstances of this ambush''. It also reminded all parties in the Darfur conflict that attacks against peacekeepers might constitute war crimes under international law.

A UNAMID patrol team comprising Nigerian peacekeepers in Darfur was ambushed on Sunday afternoon by a group of unknown men, armed with Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and AK-47 assault rifles in the Super Camp vicinity. But, UNAMID disclosed that, ``the patrol returned fire in self-defense`` and one peacekeeper was injured in the arm during the ensuing firefight''.

 ``The wounded soldier was evacuated to a UNAMID medical facility in El Fasher, North Darfur , where he was admitted for treatment and listed in stable condition,'' it said. It, however, said that a UNAMID vehicle was stolen by the attackers. Recently a Nigerian military delegation was in the war-torn Darfur region to visit UNAMID and to assess the Nigerian troops deployed there.

 Nigeria peacekeepers in Darfur had in recent times recorded heavy causalities following rebels' attacks and other forms of insecurity in the region. UNAMID is expected to have 26,000 troops and police officers as well as civilian personnel, making it the world's largest peacekeeping operation.

More than 10,000 uniformed personnel are currently deployed in Darfur , with Nigeria having about 3,000 troops and police personnel. Nigeria's Gen. Martin Agwai is the force commander and also the chairman of the Darfur Cease fire Commission.

YAR'ADUA CHALLENGES COLLEGE ON LIFE EXPECTANCY

President Umaru Yar'Adua today challenged the West African College of Physicians (WACP)to work toward raising life expectancy in the sub-region from between 40 and 50 to between 65 and 70 years by 2020. He gave the challenge in Abuja at the 32nd annual General and Scientific Meeting of the college ``You must strive to remain on top of new research and medical discoveries.  `` West Africa needs your knowledge and expertise to raise life expectancy from the alarming margin of 40-50 years, to at least 65-70 years by 2020," he said. 

Yar'Adua urged them to show greater dedication to the service of their  countries and peoples. ``It is disheartening that these days, our doctors refer patients from West Africa to South Africa , India and evenEgypt," he added.Yar'Adua, represented by the Vice-President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, said it was unfortunate that in the sub-region, some of the best doctors preferred to workabroad, because of ``better pay packages''.`` West Africa cannot achieve its true potential if all our best brains choose to stow away in societies that others have developed. 

``We must seek ways to achieve and reverse the brain drain, and there is no better time to start than now," he said. Yar'Adua said it was satisfying that the college was forging international relationships and working on collaborations among physicians from the sub-region.  He said the Nigerian government would continue to encourage useful linkages that would keep its doctors abreast of international best practices. The president challenged delegates at the meeting to come up with far-reaching, workable suggestions to assist the government in achieving health-related MDGs. 

``It is important that all hands must be on deck, and we must have our topmost medical professionals at the fore-front of bringing the health MDGs to reality," he added. Dr Aderonke Manuwa-Olumide, the Vice-President of the college, urged governments in the sub-region to  strive to overcome the challenges of poverty, ignorance and ineffective health system, which constituted a threat to the realization of MDGs.

She said the meeting was not only going to deliberate on such challenges, but would also strive to find solutions to them. Theme of the conference is: ``Health Millennium Development Goals in the West African Sub-region: Overcoming the challenges."

UNIABUJA EXPELS 202 STUDENTS, RUSTICATES 4

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) today announced the expulsion of 202 students for cultism and examination misconduct. Mallam Mohammed Modibbo, the university Registrar in a statement issued today in Abuja , also said four students were rusticated for cultism and examination misconduct.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 41 students were expelled for cult related activities while four were expelled for assault and one for alleged theft.  The statement also said those expelled for cult activities cut across various Faculties including Law, Computer Science, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration and Banking and Finance.It further said students on Remedial Studies, Geography , Mathematics and  Statistics were similarly expelled for cult activities. 

According to the statement, students expelled for examination misconduct cut across vitually all the Departments from History, Political Science, Chemistry, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Banking and Finance , Public Administration and  Geography to Education, among others.

COMMISSIONER URGES YOUTHS TO EMBRACE OBAMA  AS ROLE MODEL

 The Bayelsa Commissioner for Information and Communications, Chief Asara Asara, has advised the youth in the state to see U.S. President-elect, Sen. Barack Obama,as a role model.  He gave the advice today in Yenagoa, while receiving some youths under the aegis of Pan-Ogbia Youth Congress. Asara said the emergence of an African-American as President of the U.S. , was God's design to dismantle racial inequality in the world.

``It is not the making of the white and the black voters in the U.S. that Obama recorded his historic victory. Even the white Americans would not have believed any prophesy in that regard,'' he added.  Asara advised the youth to learn a lesson from Obama, ``who by dint of hard work and fear of God, has become the leader of one of the most populous and powerful countries in the world''.

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO GO ONLINE

 U.S. President-elect, Barack Obama is poised to be the first ``wired'' president, as aides said they will use the Internet and other e-venues for outreach. U.S. media report as stating that Obama aides and allies are preparing a huge expansion of the White House communications operation.

 This, they said would enable White House officials to reach out directly to supporters without using mainstream media.  ``He is going to be the first president to be connected in this way, directly, with millions of Americans,'' Joe Trippi, a Democratic strategist who helped integrate the Internet into campaigning four years ago, told the Washington Post on Monday.  It reported that the president-elect launched the transition Web site that features a blog and a suggestion form.  

He also plans to appoint a technology czar called a Chief Technology Officer.  ``At the core of Obama's wired policy is an e-mail database of more than 10 million supporters, considered so valuable, the Obama camp once offered it as collateral during a cash-flow crunch late in the campaign, even though the campaign did not need the loan,'' senior aides told the Post.

MAKANJUOLA RAISES ALARM OVER INFLUX OF TOBACCO COMPANIES

President of West African College of Physicians, Dr. Roger Makanjuola has raised alarm over the possible health hazard posed by the influx of tobacco companies in the sub-region. Makanjuola spoke at the 32nd Annual General and Scientific Conference of the West African College of Physicians today in Abuja.

He said the multinational companies, faced with declining sales in the industrialized nations, have flooded West African markets with cheap cigarettes. This, he held has killed the local tobacco industry and its associated agricultural benefits.

``They came into our countries, bought up the farmlands and built cigarette factories from which they are now flooding the market with their lethal products. ``We must combat this threat if we are to avoid the major health disasters that have been recorded in the industrialized nations as a result of tobacco smoking," he said.

 He identified the dangers of cigarette smoking as lung cancer, chronic respiratory disease, stroke, heart attacks and a multiplicity of other problems. He  said that Cigarette/tobacco smoking damages almost every organ in the body.  The president therefore called for the total ban on tobacco advertisement, removal of tax incentives and to increase duty on tobacco products. He commended the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory for its recent introduction of a law banning smoking in public places.

 Makanjuola urged the federal and state governments to emulate the FCT by passing similar law ``The tobacco companies profit from selling their deadly products to our people. ``We should drive them out of our country by making their business unprofitable," he said.

GATES VISITS NIGERIA NEXT YEAR

World’s acclaimed second richest man and founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, is billed to visit Nigeria early next year, if all arrangements to that effect succeed.  Gates is expected to attend the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum for Africa, scheduled for Abuja from Feb. 4 to Feb. 8,2009. 

The American would use the opportunity to boost Microsoft's ongoing effort to foster social and economic well-being of the continent. Also expected at the Forum are African heads of government, the private sector and representatives of government agencies saddled with the responsibility of implementing ICT policies.

Meanwhile, Information and Communications Minister John Odey on Monday, inaugurated a seven-man committee for the Forum headed by Mr Gerald Ilukwe, Managing  Director, Galaxy Backbone. The Minister said the choice of Nigeria as hosts was predicated on the recognition of the country's achievement in ICT development.  

`` Nigeria is the fastest growing telecoms market in Africa and is a favorable destination for investors in ICT.  `` The Forum will no doubt project Nigeria in the context of national brand, as a dynamic, forward-looking environment that recognizes the role of ICT in national development,'' he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Gates  attended the Government Leaders Forum for Africa held at Cape Town in South Africa in 2006. The Forum focused on how African countries could streamline service delivery and empower their citizens through the use of ICT.

DEFENCE HQTS SUMMONS JTF COMMANDERS

The Defence Headquarters in Nigeria has summoned all the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commanders in the troubled Niger Delta in a bid to enhance overall security in their various areas of responsibility. Col. Christopher Jemitola, Director, Defence Information, announced this in a statement issued today in Abuja.

Jemitola said that the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike, had tasked the JFT Commanders to take all necessary measures to enhance a secure environment for all peace-loving citizens of the areas. “The CDS has assured the JFT Commanders of all necessary support to enable them to carry out their mandate more effectively,” the statement said.
10.11.08

NSE LAMENTS FREQUENT FIRE IN KANO

The chairman of the Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr. Ali Rabi'u, has lamented the frequent fire outbreaks in Kano, describing the trend as "unfortunate".

Rabiu told Newsmen in Kano that the recent fire incidents at the Sabon Gari market, Singer market, Kano Government Printing Press and the state's board of internal revenue, destroyed property worth millions of naira. He implored the state government to take urgent steps to check the trend and forestall future occurrence of the disaster.

He said the appointment of NSE members into the committee investigating the incidents in the state would allow for professional assessment of damaged structures. The NSE chief equally welcomed the inclusion of technocrats in the 11-member body, saying this would facilitate a comprehensive report on the fire incidents.

The deputy governor of the state, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, last week inaugurated an 11-member committee headed by Rabi'u to investigate and identify the causes of the Sabon Gari market fire so as to prevent a reoccurrence. Goods such as chemicals, perfumes, electronics, shoes and textiles worth millions of naira, as well as cash belonging to traders, were also destroyed in the Kano market fire.
10.11.08 

SOKOTO SENDS 30 INDIGENES TO STUDY MEDICINE, PHARMACY IN THE UK

Dr Ali Inname, Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor on Scholarship and Student Matters, says the government is sponsoring 30 indigenes to study Medicine and Pharmacy in the United Kingdom.

Inname told Newsmen in Sokoto that the government has approved N189.6 Million for the sponsorship. He said that the first batch of 20 students left Nigeria earlier today for the commencement of the programme.

"The second batch of ten students is expected to leave next week when their visas are ready,’’ he said.

In a pre-departure message, Inname urged the students to be good Ambassadors of the state and the country.

"This is a life-time opportunity and you should not misuse it. You should also justify the confidence reposed in you by dedicating yourselves to your studies,’’ he advised. 
10.11.08

RWANDA PROTESTS GERMAN ARREST OF TOP GOVT OFFICIAL

 Rwanda has protested to Germany over the arrest of a top government official wanted in France, Rose Kabuye, over the death of a former president that sparked 100 days of genocidal killings in the central African nation.
Kigali said the Director General of State Protocol, Rose Kabuye, was travelling on official government business when German police arrested her at Frankfurt airport on Sunday.

Rwanda broke off diplomatic ties with Paris after a French judge issued warrants in 2006 for nine associates of President Paul Kagame, including Kabuye, over the 1994 plane crash that killed then president Juvenal Habyarimana.
Foreign Minister, Rosemary Museminali, who disclosed this to journalists Sunday says they sent a protest note to the German embassy in Kigali and emphasised that Rose Kabuye holds a diplomatic passport  therefore the German government should not have arrested her

The German Ambassador was also summoned.  In a statement, Rwanda 's Information Ministry said the arrests were a political game designed to blur the truth and weaken the government.
It said Kabuye had been warned against going to Germany due to the arrest warrants, but she had travelled there and other European countries earlier in the year without incident.

According to the statement, "Kabuye is innocent, which is why she undertook the trip despite warnings, and ultimately why she is ready to face trial in France".
In April, Kagame made a four-day state visit to Germany .
 According to media reports, Kabuye was on that trip but German law prohibits the detention of any members of an official delegation. 

Under French law, a warrant cannot be issued for Kagame because a serving Head of State has immunity.
Habyarimana's plane was hit by a missile, and his death triggered the killing of about 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Kagame was then leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front which defeated the Habyarimana government's Hutu militias to end the genocide.

Though Rwanda was a Belgian colony until independence in 1962, France kept close links with Kigali from 1975 to 1994, giving financial and military support. 

GERMAN PRESIDENT `NOT AWARE' OF GERMAN FIRMS BENEFITING FROM ENERGY PARTNERSHIP FROM NIGERIA

President Horst Koehler of Germany today said he has not been informed about the latest representatives of German companies that would help Nigeria improve its energy infrastructure. Nigeria and Germany had signed a special energy partnership to address the country's energy challenge. In August, the Federal government announced a German company, Siemens, as one of the firms to benefit from the energy partnership deal.

 
The firm was in December 2007 suspended from doing business with government while its supply contract was cancelled for allegedly offering multi-million dollar bribe to Nigerian officials.   Speaking at a news conference to mark the end of fourth German-Africa forum in Abuja , Köhler said he hoped to `know-more' about the partnership when he starts a state visit to Nigeria on Monday.

`` Germany and Nigeria have already agreed on energy partnership and it is also of partiular interest to look at a stable network for electricity, gas flaring and new technologies. ``It is a good example that Germany , which has the particular capacity know how on energy issues, is partnering to improve the needs and interests of Nigeria .

``We are working on that partnership and at the moment I have not been informed about the latest representatives of German companies and the Nigerian government that are working on an MOU to lay down the concrete possibitlies of the energy partnership,'' he said.  In his contribution, President Umaru Yar'Adua noted that the problem of energy and power was very critical to the development of Nigeria and Africa , as a whole.

 He said the government's reform in the power sector had lead to the deregulation of the generation, transmission and distribution of the state-owned power company.  He added that recently government had announced an appropriate tariff for electricity for producers to sell their electricity at a commercial rate comparable to anywhere in the world. He assured of government’s readiness to ensure the realisation of the objective of the energy partnership with Germany .

YAR'ADUA UPBEAT ABOUT END TO DR CONGO CRISIS

President Umaru Yar'Adua said in Abuja that he was ``very confident’’ that ongoing mediation in the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by the AU would produce an enduring solution.  `` Nigeria as the current chair of the Peace and Security Council of the AU, the Foreign Minister has just called a meeting with this council to deliberate on the way forward in the DRC crisis, he said at a news conference to end the 4th German-African Forum.

``I believe that with the ceasefire holding on now and efforts being made by regional leaders, including our own former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a UN special envoy, a solution will be found and the situation will not deteriorate,'' he said. On the Zimbabwean crisis, he also expressed confidence that efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) would resolve the dispute arising from that country’s presidential election. 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who is considered a crucial figure in defusing the tension across his western border with the DRC, cancelled plans to attend the Abuja conference. He travelled to a Congo summit in Nairobi on Friday aimed at resolving the dispute in the region. In his contribution, German President Horst Koehler, expressed regret that Kagame was not at the forum. He, however, expressed optimism that the meeting in Nairobi ``would pave the way to stopping the killings and the violence in the DRC’’.

He said that African leaders must continue to `think regional' as a way for a sustained solution to crises on the continent. Koehler urged world leaders to unite and stop the violence on the African continent. He wondered what the international community was doing regarding the exploitation of raw material in the eastern part of Congo .

 ``Part of the complexity in the East of the Congo is also the question of who wants the commodity, the raw materials and who is exploiting the raw materials and who is behind these exploitations.   ``There is no doubt that the international community and the European community is in close contact with African leaders to find out what should be the sustainable solution, Kohler noted.  

OSUNBOR ASSURES EDO ON PEACE, SECURITY

Edo State Gov. Oserheimen Osunbor has appealed to the people to go about their normal businesses without any anxiety as they await the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the state governorship election. The governor told newsmen in Benin City that there was no cause for alarm over the judgment slated for Tuesday. 

Osunbor explained that his administration had been striving to sustain peace and security in the state as well as reduced criminality. He urged the people to ensure that Edo State remains a peaceful and safe society where people respect laws and civilized conduct and expressed hope on the outcome of the appeal.

 Osunbor thanked the Oba of Benin, Omon’Oba Erediauwa for declaring three days of fasting for peace in the state and Nigeria, stressing that the initiative was quite timely.  The governor called on the people to remain prayerful, saying that everything would be well with the state and expressed confidence that God would hear their prayers.

NSCDC DEPLOYS 500 MEN FOR EDO GOVERNORSHIP JUDGMENT

The Commander of Zone G of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Nasiru Mohammed says 500 of its officers will be on ground for the Edo State governorship judgment on Tuesday.  Nasiru told newsmen in Benin that the officers would join other security agencies to ensure peace during and after the judgment.

He said that 98 officers from the national headquarters, including an anti-terrorism team, had been in the state in the past two days, adding that they have been shown round the state division. He said that half of these men would be on plain clothes while others would be in uniform. ``This is aimed at providing defense for any eventuality,” he said.

Mr. Nasiru explained the deployment was part of NSCDC’s constitutional role to ensure the maintenance of peace before, during and after any election in the country.  He called on the people not to jeopardize the peace that exists in the state and warned that anybody caught would be sanctioned.

 Nasiru said: ``I have to call on the public that they have to be extra careful. Wining election is not a do or die affair. This is a matter of who God has destined.
`I am therefore calling on them to maintain peace. If there is any sign that would undermine peace during this period, they should please draw the attention of the security agencies.  ``It is our humble prayers that we record a very peaceful verdict.”

HOUSE OF REPS THREATEN TO CLOSE DOWN ALABA INT’L MARKET LAGOS

The House of Representatives committee on Information and National Orientation says it would set up a task force to close down the Alaba International Market in Lagos over alleged acts of piracy.

The Chairman of the committee, Dino Melaye, made this known in an interview with journalists in Abuja. Melaye, who spoke shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the committee on the problem of piracy in Nigeria, said the task force would be made up of representatives of Army, the police and the National security  and civil defence corps.

He said closure was the only way to check the sale of pirated products in the market, noting that efforts in the past to rid the market of pirates had not yielded positive results. Earlier, a Nigerian musician, D-banj, who appeared before the committee said piracy was killing the initiative of Nigerian artistes, noting that some musicians had remained poor although they had produced works that should have improved their financial conditions. He lamented that the crime of privacy was growing by leaps and bounds inspite of efforts to check it.

POLICE I.G BLAMED BULK OF CRIMES ON NIGERIAN YOUTH

The Inspector-General of police, Mike Okiro, says eighty per cent of crimes committed in the country are perpetrated by youths.Okiro, who made the statement at a workshop on Police, Youths and Students Relationship, organized by Nigeria police in Gusau, the Zamfara state capital, said eighty per cent of the criminals involved in armed robbery, drug abuse and trafficking are people within the youth age bracket.

Okiro, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, zone 10, Audu Abubakar,said the development was a cause for serious concern.
He also noted that the activities of youth in the Niger-Delta had adversely affected the socio-economic development of the area and oil exploration in Nigeria adding that the problem was attracting serious attention because oil was a major source of revenue for the country.

The I.G said many programmes designed to keep youths away from criminal activities were in the pipeline and advised students in tertiary institutions to participate in the Mike Okiro Football Competition, aimed at strengthening the relationship between students and the police.

UNION WANTS MINISTER FOR POWER IMMEDIATELY -- NUEE

Chief Abdulhameed Obadaki, Chairman, National Union of Electricity Employee (NUEE), FCT branch, today called on President Umaru Yar’Adua to immediately appoint a minister for the power sector. The Minister of State for Energy (Power), Mrs. Fatima Ibrahim was one of the victims of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s cabinet shake up on Wednesday.

``I have just heard the information (of the sack of the minister) this morning. I have not got any information about which minister the government had appointed to oversee the power ministry.
``My advise to the government is that a ministry, as sensitive as that of Power, should not be left without a minister for too long,'' he said.

On the minister’s removal, Obadaki said that Nigeria needed to borrow a leaf from other countries where portfolios were determined by professional background.

``It is only in this country that somebody who read horticulture is appointed to head veterinary clinic. How do you define that? ``It is annoying that it is only in this country that positions are given to people without adequate knowledge of the sector they are coming to manage,’’ he said.

``The government should give us a very sound and responsible person who knows what the power industry is all about. ``The sector can not move forward until you give the proper medication to it. If you give panadol to somebody with stomach disorder, then it is a problem to the person,'' he said.

He told Newsmen that the union was concerned about last week’s purging of the top management official of PHCN.

``We have sent a letter to the management and they have agreed to call us to a meeting to, at least explain to us why the 14 top officials were removed,'' he said.

Mr. James Onotu, the Managing Director, National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), and Mr. Godwin Osakue, the Chief Executive Officer, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were among those affected by the restructuring exercise. Obadaki said the outcome of the meeting with the management would determine the actions to be taken by the union concerning the sack
02.11.08

NAWOJ GIVES AWARD TO FIRST LADY

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has awarded the wife of the President, Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua, the title of Beacon of Hope' and the grand patron of the association.

Speaking at the investiture on Thursday in Abuja, The National President of the association, Mrs Fatimah Abdulkareem, called on the Federal Government to empower women so as to boost their socio- economic status.

``Women occupy a reasonable percentage of Nigeria's population and as such, represent an important force for sustainable national development particularly in the agenda of the MDGs,'' Abdulkareem said.

She said women faced traditional and non-traditional prejudices such as discriminationin employment and low participation in politics. Abdulkareem said that women were also discriminated against in other areas such as education and political appointments.

However, she said that a network project tagged: ``Journalist against violence against women'' targeted at women empowerment, would be inaugurated in November.

Similar arrangements have been concluded for the inauguration of NAWOJ chapter of the U.S in February 2009. She also said that a one-day seminar on the education of the girl-child would also be organised with the support of IPAS Nigeria to enhance the capacity of women.

While commending the First Lady for her remarkable roles in women empowerment, Abdulkareem called for her support in actualising the NAWOJ project.

The First Lady, represented by Mrs Binta Muktar, wife of the National Security Adviser, said campaign on girl-child education should be strengthened. Turai noted that non-enrolment of girl-child could contribute to poverty, adding that ``Sound and quality education should be the key to prosperous future..''

She, therefore, commended NAWOJ for its roles and pledged to collaborate with the association in women and youth empowerment.

In a lecture entitled, ``Women and poverty'' Dr Kabir Mato, of the University of Abuja, said that marginalisation of women contributed to illiteracy and unemployment in the country. Mato said that political parties should encourage women participation in order to promote national development.

FG RETRAINS 7,135 TEACHERS IN NASARAWA

No fewer than 7,135 Primary School Teachers are being retained i Nasarawa Sate. The training was funded by the Federal Government through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs.

Mr Jasper Abimiku, the State Coordinator of National Teachers Institute (NTI), disclosed this to in an interview in Abuja. He said that NTI was mandated to organise programmes for the upgrading and updating of practising teachers at all levels.

Abimiku said that the training was focused on innovative techniques of teaching core subjects and improvisation of instructional materials. He said the training, which was organised in six centres between 2006 and 2007, involved all teachers in the state teaching service.

The coordinator noted that a screening test was carried out by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to determine eligibility and qualifications of teachers. He, however, lauded the Federal Government for giving Nigerian teachers especially the rural dwellers, the desired attention.

BAKASSI MILITIAS THREATEN TO KILL FRENCH HOSTAGES

Two militia groups from Cameroun's Bakassi peninsula said they had seized 10 mostly French hostages from an oil vessel and a militia commander threatened to kill them if their demands were not met in three days.

"I personally led the attack during which we seized 10 men whom we are holding as I am talking to you now." said Col. Ebi Dari, a Niger Delta Defence and Security Council (NDDSC) commander.

"If the Cameroon government does not respond to our requests in three days' time, we will start killing them one by one," Dari said.

He said the attack was carried out jointly with another group called the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF)

NSCDC DEPLORES VANDALS

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said in Abuja that the activities of vandals were stalling the infrastructural development of the country.

Dr. Ade Abolurin, Commandant General (CG) of the Corps, said in an interview that the corps was therefore prepared to vandals to a stand still. Abolurin said that the activities of vandals had led to drastic reduction in Nigerian oil export capacity. ``According to report, Nigeria lost N53.8 billion to pipeline vandals between 2006 and 2007.

``Imagine the change that such a large amount of money could have brought to the country's economy,'' he said. Abolurin also deplored the environmental degradation caused by oil spillage resulting from the activities of oil pipeline vandals.

He observed that many people living along various vandalised oil pipelines have suffered a lot of environmental degradation.

``The most worrisome effect of oil pipeline vandalism is the fire outbreak they sometimes generate. ``Several hundreds of Nigerians have lost their lives due to this kind of inferno. ``Also, the activities of the vandals as reported on televisions all over the world, give impression that the tradition of hard work, integrity and community effort, which Nigeria was known for, no longer exists,'' he said.

According to the CG, the reports had continued to create the impression that Nigeria had become a haven for criminals. ``This is definitely not good for a society that seeks to promote sustainable development through accelerated foreign investment. ``I thank God that foreigners who have taken the pain to visit the country have discovered that the reports did not reflect the reality on the ground,'' he said.

EX-MINISTER SAYS FEDERAL CABINET RESHUFFLE POLITICAL

The former Minister of State for Information and Communications, Ibrahim Nakande, has described the recent dropping of 20 ministers by President Umaru Yar'Adua as ``a political battle that was lost and won.’’ President Umaru Yar’Adua had on Wednesday relived the 20 ministers of their appointment, including Nakande, a member of the ANPP.
 
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at a send-forth dinner for the 2008 retirees of the Ministry of Information and Communications, the former minister said he was leaving public office a better person. He thanked the ministry officials for their support during the 18 months he spent in the ministry as a minister.
 
 
``A lot of people have been coming to the office to tell me sorry and I tell them don't say so, you should be congratulating us because we are leaving peacefully. ``As a politician, I know that we are always in a state of war, maybe I lost one battle yesterday but the war is still on, we have not lost the war.
 
``We will continue the war and the fight, and by God's grace the victory will be ours by the end of the day,'' he said. On the retirees, the former minister said he considered himself as one of them because he had also paid his ``dues'' to the nation. ``Those of us in the communications sector know that I am not an engineer but I know a lot and I know all the fundamentals of the ICT industry. 
 
``I have learnt a lot and I have interacted very well with the people and I feel very proud that I can come back to this ministry to any of the parastatals in the ministry with my head held high. ``I am not the same person that came in here about one year and half ago, I am leaving here more educated, more enriched and more exposed, he said.
 
In his speech, the Minister of Information and Comunications, Mr John Odey, congratulated the retirees for serving the nation well and wished them the best in their future endeavours. ``Those of you who are leaving us will still be working for us from the within, you have left as full time staff but you will remain as part-time,'' he said.
 
The Minister stressed the need for the ministry staff to see each other as one big united family, working together for the growth of the nation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,
was among the retirees who were sent-forth. Agary called on civil servants to give priority to the welfare needs of each other.
                                                         

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT VOWS TO TACKLE ACTIVITIES OF KIDNAPPERS THROUGH LEGISLATION 

The Nigerian Government has vowed to deal ruthlessly with anyone or group of people caught in the act of kidnapping innocent citizens in the country. The Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, gave the warning in Lagos, while delivering a paper entitled 'The Niger Delta: A Future Assured’’ as part of activities to mark the 65th anniversary of the Island Club of Lagos.
 
He said the Nigerian Government had already commenced the process of putting in place a strong policy and relevant legislations to arrest the problem. ``We feel that so far, our laws are not hard enough to handle such cases and very soon Government will come up with pronouncement that must stop this criminality,' he said.

Jonathan said that the government was determined and committed to stop the spread of what he described as 'commercial kidnapping'. 'Government is committed and we will soon come up with pronouncement on this, we must stop it,' he said.

The Vice President reiterated the Nigerian Government’s commitment in ensuring that the sound of gunfire in the Niger Delta would become a thing of the past. He said that anger and frustration of the people would be brought under the control of hope and opportunity. He, however, stressed that government alone could not achieve an effective and long lasting resolution of the crises of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta.

Jonathan noted with delight ``the already great signals from the states of the Niger Delta, regarding peace-building and peace-keeping'. 'We must encourage those who have demonstrated courage in taking the hard decisions at difficult times regardless of politics,' he said.
 
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Island Club, Olufemi Adeniyi-Williams, described the anniversary lecture topic as appropriate, noting that it was an issue that had been agitating the country. He observed that the visit of the Vice President to the Club was in continuation of a tradition which started 65 years ago. Adeniyi-Williams’ further stated that the Club had been providing a veritable Pan-Nigerian meeting point for the elite in the society.
 
He said that the club also served as a platform for notable pronouncements, consultation and agenda setting by government, the business elite, and the diplomatic community.

In a message to the occasion, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, said the state government would continue to collaborate with the club in ensuring rapid transformation of the State.The governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Special Duty, Tola Kasali, assured that the state government would continue to support the Club. 

CAN SEEKS ROLE IN RESOLVING NIGER DELTA CRISIS

President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), John Onaiyekan, said CAN was ready to intervene in resolving the Niger Delta crisis. Onaiyekan said this in Asaba during a courtesy visit to Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan.  ``We want to make ourselves available in whatever ways that might be possible for a religious organisation to intervene in the crisis.

``There is also the belief in the spiritual dimension to the Niger Delta issue, which we think it is our role to fulfill.  ``How it can be done, how it will be done, we do not know yet, but at least our readiness is hereby being expressed,''' he added.

He also appealed to Christians in government to ensure that freedom of worship, as enshrined in the constitution, was guaranteed in their areas. ``Wherever such rights are infringed upon, we don't see it as religious rights but fundamental human rights,''Onaiyekan said.

``Let them know that it is in the interest of Nigeria and peace if everybody within their domain is allowed their fundamental human rights,'' he said. Responding, Uduaghan assured the CAN leadership that he would interact with colleagues in other states to foster religious tolerance in Nigeria.

The governor, who said that Christians were instrumental to his election, said state government was also ready to partner with the Church to empower adherents. Describing Onaiyekan's visit as a great honour, the governor said Delta was prepared to return mission schools to their original owners.

2008 HAJJ: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT TO STOP UNFIT AIRPORT

The Federal Government said it would not use any airport whose facilities did not meet international standards for the 2008 Hajj operations. The government gave the warning in Kaduna, shortly after the committee on Aviation inspected the Kaduna Airport, ahead of the November 6, scheduled for the pilgrims' flight.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Shehu Iyal, told newsmen that the Nigerian government would not use any unfit airport, no matter how beautiful it might be. He said the president had given a standing order that no airport should use substandard products.

Meanwhile, the committee had given approval to the Kaduna airport for the transportation of intending pilgrims for the 2008 Hajj operations. The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Aviation, Musa Bello, gave the approval during a courtesy visit to Namadi Sambo, the Kaduna state Governor.

Bello, who is also the chairman of the National Hajj Committee, spoke through Badmud Yusuf, a National Commissioner at the commission. He said the airport had been upgraded and that the facilities conformed to the set standards. The chairman lauded Sambo for the renovation work done at the airport and appealed to the governor to assist in ensuring hitch-free Hajj operations in Kaduna Zone.

Responding, Sambo lauded the Federal Government's efforts at ensuring a hitch- Free Hajj operations and pledged to assist intending pilgrims. Newsmen reports that over 8,000 Muslims had been registered to perform the Hajj from the state.

 NGO CHALLENGES NLC, TRADE UNIONS ON VISION 2020   

Secretary-General, Alliance for Credible Election, Emmanuel Ezeazu, in Abuja advised the Nigerian Labour congress NLC, trade unions and Non governmental Organisations NGOs, to form social movements that would help to achieve the vision: 2020 initiative.
 
He told the Newsmen at a memorial lecture in honour of patriots who died in the Bellview air crash, organised by an NGO, ActionAid Nigeria, that Nigerians needed to be economically empowered.
 
Ezaezu said: ``We have intelligent people in Nigeria. China is doing so well, because the people who are running the country know that they need to empower their people, “ China is so united just like the United States. You will be surprised that within a few years, Chinese companies will buy over America, and this is a reality.’’   
 
He urged the NLC, NGOs, trade unions and civil society organisations to organise and fight against ``cabals hijacking government in Nigeria’’. ``Foreign funds never allow you to plan actively, they will only help you to organise workshops,’’ he said. 

FAO CHIEF URGES NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

The Food and Agriculture Organisation FAO Representative in Nigeria, Helder Muteia, called on the Federal Government to address the climate change which is affecting agricultural production in the country.
 
Muteia, who made the call in an interview with the Newsmen in Abuja, said that the global phenomenon had to be addressed locally.``But they are issues that have to be addressed locally and Nigeria has the responsibility to address it because it affects the environment in different ways.
 
``We are going to see rains, excessive rains, sometimes, shortage of rains. Sometimes, we are going to see drought, flood and also see adverse climate phenomenon. ``So according to the vulnerability of some areas, we have to be specific in addressing them,'' he said.
 
Muteia said that the effect would be that some people might be forced to migrate from their areas because of the effects of climate change which would make some areas flooded.He continued by saying, the consequences of climate change could be similar in many areas, as most of the lands would be degraded and rendered infertile.

 He urged the Nigerian Government to provide adaptation technology in those areas, saying: ``The problem is inevitable.''The FAO Representative said that the world was not doing enough to reduce the impact of global warming and urged the government to develop strategies that could help the farmers to cope with the emerging challenges.
 
``For the northern part of Nigeria, drought is the main problem. What you are going to see is less rains, that means we have to help them with technology that will help them to respond to this drought situation. ``Basically, we need to help them with varieties of crops that are resistant to drought and help
them to adopt irrigation technology.

``The adaptation strategies are different from place to place. In Nigeria, we have the combination of the two extremes: areas that are going to be flooded and areas with less rain,'' Muteia said. He, however, called on the government to be committed to addressing agricultural problems, adding that such efforts would encourage the farmers to produce more.
 
``The farmers need enabling environment So, government should provide not only the framework but also support them by providing access to credit, insurance and land,'' he added.

MEDIA OUTFITS URGED TO EMULATE AIT'S COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

A fresh call has gone to Nigerians to do more in holding the government accountable for poor infrastructure and disaster management in the country. The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja by participants at a memorial lecture in honour of victims of the 2005 Bell View Aircraft accident. The guest speaker at the occasion, Emma Ezeazu, accused successive government of using civil society development and safety blueprints as budgetary sub-heads for embezzlement.

On October 22, 2005, a Bell View Airline Boeing 737 en route Abuja crashed shortly after taking-off from Lagos. All 111 passengers among who were government officials and six crew members perished in the crash. It is to keep alive the need to forestall such ugly in the country, that Actionaid Nigeria, which last three of its staff in that crash, organized the memorial lecture.

The lecture highlighted the need for Nigerians to insist on participating in governance and holding their leaders accountable for failures in emergency management and infrastructure development. The event also celebrated the Africa Independent Television for breaking the suspense at that time, by locating the wreckage of the plane, after a fruitless search by government’s emergency and rescue officials.

The event again brought to the fore the need to properly equip the country’s emergency management agencies to be able to rise to emergencies immediately they occur especially as their inefficiency recently reflected in the failure to trace the wreckage of the Beechcraft plane which crashed en route Obudu in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.
29.10.08

VILLA: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT SET TO IMPROVE ECOLOGY IN THE SOUTH EAST

The Nigerian Government is to set up a joint committee with the five states in the South East Geo-political zone to suggest how best to tackle the ecological problems of the area. The decision came after a meeting of Vice President Good luck Jonathan with Governors of the Southeast States of Nigeria at the State House Abuja.

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State told newsmen after the meeting that the Governors had demanded that their area be declared an ecological disaster area. The South East Governor who held similar meeting with President Umaru Yar’ Adua some few months ago are demanding special attention for their area which they said is being marginalized by other parts of the country.

COURT RESERVES JUDGMENT ON GOVERNOR SYLVA’S ELECTION

A Federal High Court in Abuja will on January 19th, 2009  deliver judgment in a suit challenging the candidacy of Bayelsa State Governor, Timpre sylva in the May 24, 2008 re-run election in the state. The suit was filed by three members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Victor ebiyekon, dengye ubanigu, and Agoro-owei egbe.

Timpre Sylva was picked as the PDP’s Governorship candidate for the April 14, 2007 election following the nomination of Good luck Jonathan as the Vice- presidential candidate.The plaintiffs are insisting that Governor Sylva did not secure the constitutionally described number of votes in the primaries, which were worn by Good luck Jonathan.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Onome Okodiya argued that following the nullification of Sylva’s election by the court of Appeal, the party ought to have held