I will remain focused, Fashola assures

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has assured Lagos residents of his determination to remain focused on the infrastructural renewal as well as actualization of his electoral promises to the people of the state in particular and Nigerians in general.
Fashola, who gave the assurance at an interactive session at the banquet hall of Lagos House, ikeja yesterday to commemorate the second anniversary of his administration and Nigeria Democracy Day, stressed that those areas which developmental project is yet to reach would be covered as they are being done in phases.

Governor Babatunde FasholaWhile attributing the success achieved so far to the sustained team work by government officials and cooperation from members of the public, the governor listed various g achievement s in the last two years to include: Efficient transportation system which include rail and water, massive construction and modernization of hundreds of roads and bridges, provision of functional health services, improvement of the educational sector, dramatic improvement of the quality of the environment among other major accomplishments .

His words: “I intend to focus only on those key accomplishments of the last two years that sign post our commitment to the successful implementation of our Ten –point Agenda. For us massive infrastructure renewal and expansion across diverse sectors is a key opportunity of virtually constructing our way out of poverty.

“We should not distracted by any politicking, the enormity of our challenges remain our focus, we a great in terms of ideas, others are great in terms of numbers.

“We forsee a new global order where only the fittest and visionary will survive. While we prepare for this new era, we should always be prepared for sacrifice.”

Allaying the fears of negative impact of global economic crisis on the state, Fashola assured; “despite the hardships attendant on the current global economic crisis, the fundamentals of the Lagos State economy remain strong. Rather than retrenching workers as is happening across the globe, we have retained our public sector work force.

“Although, I am the most visible face of the progress of our state, I want to be the first to acknowledge that it has been a team effort of great men and women who have worked with me in the entire public service from my colleagues in the executive council to the most junior officer who have allowed me the privilege to be the leader.

On Lagos-Badagry expressway expansion project, Fashola lamented that some property owners along the route had already sued the state over the project charged those who had made such moves to support government’s initiative of expanding the route, which will serve as a modern international gateway to the country.

According to him, development all over the world had always enjoyed the support of the people, stressing that Lagos should not be an exception if the state must move with the trend of development.

He continued: “The international community is supportive and responsive. Concession operators have prepared their bids, we need to clear the right of way and relocate people, because we cannot build on air. It must stand on land.

“We have done it before when people vacated their land in order for the Eko Bridge to be built. We must reach back to that historic effort to find the inspiration for change once more.”

As a major breakthrough to addressing the transportation problem in the metropolis, Fashola also disclosed that design for the construction of an intra-city rail line had been completed.

He said, “Lagos remains probably the only intra-city-state of her size and stature without an intra-city rail transport. As your elected representatives, we are ready to make that a thing of the past and make Lagos take her rightful ranking in the international community.

“The designs for the 27km Blue line from Okokomaiko to Eric Moore and the 37 km Red line from Iddo to Ijoko are ready. The contract tenders have been reviewed. Only two issues stand on our way, finance and people. These are the tools that we require now by way of your support to break the shackle.”

The governor, who responded to myriads of questions raised by pressmen also talked on the need for religious leaders to start paying their taxes.

According to him, there is the need religious leaders who earn salaries to pay their taxes as they use the same public infrastructure that were built with other tax payer’s money. Fashola, who also commented on rumour of taxes on religious institutions and churches said, “Religious institutions will not be taxed as stipulated by the law, it is not a state law, but that of the Federal Government. They exempted from tax payment. But leaders of religious bodies who earn salaries will be taxed.

Nigeria makes N30 trillion in 10 years of democracy

Only N3.921trillion spent on capital projects

* Civil/Public servants wages gulp N8.307trillion

Nigeria has made over N30 trillion in federally generated revenue since the country’s return to democracy 10 years ago with the Federal Government retaining N10.881 trillion of this amount, according to figures obtained by Sunday Vanguard.

Federal Government’s expenditure outlay during the period is N12.548 trillion of which only N3.921 trillion is for capital projects while the balance of N8.307 trillion is for recurrent.

In clear terms, much of the public funds accruing to the centre during the last ten years has been spent not for the general welfare of Nigerians but to pay the salaries and allowances of civil and public servants.

The situation reveals an interlocking set of vicious circles that perpetuates economic stagnation and rural poverty.
One of such circles is the savings - investment gap in the rural parts of the country.
Another is the problem of shortage of dedicated government administrators.


The result is often incompetence, worsened by endemic bribery, corruption and favouritism. Besides the ineffective system of taxation over the years has failed to mobilize financial resources for capital formation. Bad as this situation is, it is worsened by investment allocation. Nigeria in the bid to foster unity in diversity set up and allocated investment in ways that hardly promote economic growth. Appointments to offices are not based on merit and performance but on ethnic arithmetic while public enterprises operated at a loss, draining off scarce capital rather than creating it.


Government, realising that it cannot do well in business, has made attempt to privatise enterprises that have been a source of economic rent to bureaucrats If Nigeria’s economy is to achieve a self sustaining growth, its workforce must develop the motivation and discipline essential to industrial production. Nigerian farmers must become commercial farmers open to technological innovation in agriculture as against the subsistence farming and the use of old implements that is of today


A large percentage of the capital votes all these years was not spent but held by the various Ministries, Department and Agencies of government. The lid on how this practice was dragging the nation backward was blown open when President Umaru Yar’Adua came on board and demanded that all unspent allocations be returned to the federal treasury.
Government recovered N360 billion of such unspent allocation to ministries, Department and Agencies. Unspent funds from last year’s budgetary allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) totalling N360 billion have been recovered by the Federal Government.


The MDAs, according to the Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, returned N 300 billion from their capital vote allocations and another N60 billion from their recurrent expenditures for last 2007.
The issue of unspent funds has become thorny under the present government, with two ministers losing their positions recently for failing to comply with the government policy.

National treasury

Dr. Yakubu Tanimu, the Chief Economic Adviser to the President told journalists that the Federal Government was expecting an additional N40 billion to be returned by the MDAs. This pushed the total returned funds to the national treasury to N 400 billion by the time the directive was fully complied with.

“When the present administration came on board, we discovered that government doesn’t have enough resources to implement what the president promised during his campaign. So, the president directed the recall of MDAs’ capital votes and we recovered over N300 billion. About N60 billion was also returned from their recurrent expenditure.


“So it was obvious that the MDAs were just executing projects without any feasibility study. Hence, it was clear that what needed to be done was to clean the Federal Government’s balance sheet,” he said.


Commenting on the power sector that has generated a lot of controversy, he explained that given the amount of funds already spent, additional 16,000 megawatts ought to have been generated but the reverse was the case because of the way it was executed. He said it was because of this development that Yar’Adua insisted that he would no longer pump money into the sector until he was sure that additional power would be generated.


In Nigeria, productivity is low because investment is low and investment is low because savings is low. In turn, savings is low because income is low; income is low because productivity is low.


The situation remains largely the same as savings has not improved beyond what it was in the 1980s if not worse off. Going by World Bank reckoning, while Korea achieved about 94 per cent level of secondary school and tertiary enrolment, Nigeria, during the same period (1965-1986) achieved 29 per cent.

The implication is that while these countries have reached a self sustaining growth, Nigeria has been trapped in poverty, deficit budgeting N315 billion in 2002, N202 billion, N172.6 billion in 2004, N161 billion in 2005 and N117 billion in 2007and population explosion of 140 million 2008. The effect is that the living standard of the populace is on onward decline and this has dragged more Nigerians into the poverty line. In fact, a recent study shows that more than 70 per cent of Nigerians live below one dollar a day. The situation has not changed much. These are the realities starring the populace in the face as Nigeria celebrates10 years of Democracy


In the financial management of Nigeria resources, two issues stand out, one that of unspent budget and resources generated by Agencies of government that are not well accounted for. According to those close to Aso Rock, the President “in keeping with his total commitment to upholding the principles of openness, transparency and full accountability in the management of public funds, has not approved the operation of any special account or the withholding of details of such accounts from the National Assembly and the public.

Indeed, the president directed the minister of finance to make an immediate and full disclosure to the National Assembly of all accounts kept and operated by the Federal Government.” The President his aides said has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the National Assembly for “speedy provision” of all required facts and figures. The Senate has resolved that, henceforth, funds appropriated but could not be expended within the years of appropriation must not be carried over or warehoused. It also urged President Yar’Adua to effect the establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission as provided for by the enabling Act.


For instance as it is the case with most budget the implementation of the 2004 budget fell below target as most ministries and parastatals did not show determination and willingness to execute capital projects for which money was made available by the federal government.


Only 43 per cent of the money released by the federal government to ministries and parastatal for budget execution was utilised in the first half of 2004. This being the first year of the implementation of Nigeria’s poverty reduction strategy NEEDS, except concrete steps are taken, implementation will once again stifle life out of the programme.


Figures released by the federal ministry of Finance showed that in the first six month of the year, out of the N174.788billion budgeted for capital project in 2004, N199.585billion was released to the various ministries and parastatal in which only N86.420billion was actually utilised by these ministries for capital project implementation. This show that only 43.3 per cent of the capital project was implemented by the federal government. It was the same story for the 2007 and 2008 budget where provisions for capital projects were not implemented.


Yet in Nigeria services such as power supply, transportation, storage, communication etc that are indispensable to modern industry and agriculture are grossly inadequate and not available on regular basis. What is more, power supply is erratic, transportation chaotic but budget allocation to these sector are never fully implemented.


The phantom power probe that has stalled Integrated Power Project is an example. Yet, the problems are not being adequately tackled by subsequent government. Inadequate transportation and communication block the exploitation of rural resources in Nigeria. As a result poverty has taken over the land.

Man U Fan Kills 4 Barcelona Supporters

Tragedy struck Wednesday night in Ogbo, Ahoada, Rivers State, when a bus driver, said to be a fan of Manchester United Football Club, rammed his bus into the jubilant Barcelona fans crowd and killed four persons.
It was another tale of tragedy as a two-passenger aircraft belonging to Nigeria Air Force (NAF) crashed yesterday in Kaduna, killing a Group Captain and a Flying Officer.
The Man United fan was allegedly miffed seeing Barcelona fans celebrating their club’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the final of the European Champions League played in Rome, Italy. He was said to have also injured 12 persons.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson in Rivers State, Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, said the culprit, named Daniel Uzor, had been arrested and was being investigated for the alleged offence.
"The man confessed to doing it on purpose," Abbey. "He now says he doesn't know why he did it, but it was an intentional act."
This is the third similar incident in the state in recent times. The first was when a student shot a colleague who taunted him over the defeat of his favourite team while a second one was stabbed to death over similar issues surrounding English club sides.
Uzor was alleged to have been returning from where he went to watch the UEFA Champions League final when he saw a crowd of youths celebrating the victory of their favourite team and apparently angered by that, he rammed his bus into them at high speed. However, a witness gave a more graphic account of the accident.
“We were all angered by the loss of our team. You cannot imagine Barcelona beating
Manchester United. The bus driver came by and shouted at them (the jubilant Barcelona fans). Some of the youths replied him and before we knew what was happening, he made a U-turn and rammed into them,” he said.
He said that the crunching of bones and the crushing of the fans resulted into a large bang that reverberated round the community while the injured cried for help as no one expected the reaction of the driver.
In Lagos two years ago, an Arsenal Football Club fan had a knife stab in his skull after an argument with another fan who had an argument with the Arsenal supporter that Bolton Football Club would beat his team.
Last month, an Arsenal in Kenya committed suicide after his team had been eliminated from the Champions League by Manchester United.
In Kaduna inicident, the aircraft which is known as Air Beetle is a training airplane which is regularly used by the NAF and it crashed during training in a place located between Jaji and Kachia.
At press time the reason for the crash was not known.
This is the first air crash in Nigeria this year. Since 2006 there has not been any major air accident in Nigeria.

Warri refinery to shut down -By Sola Adebayo, Warri

Indications emerged on Tuesday that the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company may be shut down due to lack of crude oil for its operations.

It was learnt that the stock of crude in the crude refining plant could only last for the next few days.

The pipeline servicing the plant with crude oil from the production platforms of the American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, was blown up by suspected militants on Saturday, May 16.

The flow line, popularly known as Chanomi Creek pipeline, runs from the Abiteye fields of CNL in Escravos, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State to WRPC. The pipeline had been ruptured three times in the past three years.

The last repair of the pipeline gulped $57m.

Our correspondent learnt in WRPC on Tuesday that crude supply to the plant was cut off on Sunday, 24 hours after the militants launched premeditated attacks on the pipeline.

A source at WRPC said, “We have not received crude oil supplies since Sunday because of the damage to the Chanomi Creeks pipeline by suspected militants. The crude oil from the various fields of Chevron in Abiteye through the pipeline is the only source of crude supplies to the plant.

“Although we have crude in our tanks which we are using for our operation for now, what we have can only last for about one week. The management will have no other choice than to shut the plant down thereafter.”

Also, the Nigerian Gas Company has cut gas supplies to industrial users, especially in the northern part of the country. A few companies in the southern axis of the country may also suffer similar fate.

The NGC action was sequel to the destruction of the Escravos/Warri Gas Pipeline from the Escravos base of CNL to the Ekpan operational headquarters of the subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, the same day the Chanomi pipeline was blown up.

The NGC lost about 200million standard cubic feet of gas daily due to the incident.

Reliable sources in NGC told our correspondent on Tuesday that the Geregu Power Plant owned by the Power Holding Company in Kogi State, had been shut down due to lack of gas to operate it.

Meanwhile, tension persisted in the Niger Delta on Tuesday as the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Restore Hope, insisted that the ongoing military operation in Delta State would be carried out in other states of the region.

The Commander of JTF, Maj.-Gen. Sarkin-Yarkin Bello, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, said there was no limit to the scope and coverage of the military operation in the region.

He said the raid on the militant camps in Delta would come to an end on Wednesday (today), adding that all the militant camps in the creeks of the state would have been captured and taken over by the agency by Wednesday evening.

But he was quick to add that the JTF would not relax the grip on the coastal Gbaramatu communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

He said the search for the 18 troops feared dead before and in the ongoing military operation would continue within and outside the state.

Bello gave the impression that the federal troops would proceed to other states in the region, especially Bayelsa, Ondo and River States in quick succession in desperation to rid the region of militancy and criminality.

He said, “We are almost through with the militant camps in Delta State. Possibly, the JTF would have wiped out all the militant camps in Delta State within the next 24 hours. By tomorrow (Wednesday), we would have uprooted all the militant camps in the creeks of Delta State.

“But we are not going to relax our operation in Gbaramatu and the entire region.”

Also, the JTF on Tuesday destroyed another militant camp allegedly operated by Tompolo in Gbaramatu axis of Delta State.

In Abuja, no space for ponographic billboards By Akeem Lasisi

A new outdoor regime is expected to be launched in the Federal Capital, Abuja, soon, as the FTC authority and the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria have, in the past few months, been jointly developing guidelines for operations.

What foregrounds a smooth relationship between regulators and operators was displayed on Tuesday, when top FCT officials paid the OAAN executives a visit in Lagos, where both parties examined a draft policy guideline that resulted from their earlier deliberations.

Led by the Director of Administration in Finance, Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiybu, the FCT top shots expressed the desire of the FCT Minister, Alhaji Adamu Aliero, to see outdoor advertising flourish in Abuja. As a result, he told the OAAN team led by its President, Chief Kole Ademulegun, that a department that would oversee the working of the sub-sector was being strengthened.

”When your executive paid a courtesy call on the FCT minister, you had succeeded not only in creating awareness concerning your business, you also succeeded in inspiring his interest in your coming full time to Abuja,” Tsaiybu told his hosts at the meeting held at the OAAN office in Onipanu area of Lagos. ”I can assure you that the minister has been following our deliberations, and he is ready to give needed support as soon as the policy issue is cemented.”

As comparatively humane as the guidelines are, however, the policy seriously frowns on adverts that portend immorality. Particularly, the Abuja regulating authority warns that it will not entertain copies that spur unrestricted sensual images.

In section 5. 0 of the guideline, which highlights items that are prohibited, it rejects, ”Signs containing statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character with appeal to prutient interest in sex, or which are patently offensive and do not contain any serious literary, artistic political or scientific value.”

Also in the prohibited categories are those that cause hazards to traffic signs, or those that imitate such signs in a manner that will interfere with their messages; advert signs erected in such a manner that any portion of the sign or its support attached to, or will interfere with, the free use of any fire escape, standpipe, or obstruct any required stairway, ventilator or window.

Among the general requirements for practising outdoor advertising in Abuja, the intending operator must show evidence of having practised in Nigeria for not less than five years, while a company must show evidence of its membership of OAAN. Besides its chief executive must also have been registered by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, just as it must maintain a corporate office in Abuja, and produce tax certificate.

Among adverts types that require formal approval are those on ad vehicles, undeveloped land, on gardens, playgrounds, and recreation centres.

The same applies to ads on banners and posters, light box billboard, telephone booths and wall drapes.

Ex-SKorean leader Roh commits suicide at 62

Former President Roh Moo-hyun, embroiled in a penetrating corruption investigation, leaped to his death Saturday — a shocking fall from grace for a man whose rags-to-riches rise took him from rural poverty to Seoul's presidential Blue House. He was 62.
Roh, a self-taught lawyer who never attended college and didn't have the elite background typical of Seoul politicians, had prided himself on being a "clean" leader immune to South Korea's traditional web of corruption.
Allegations that Roh, president from 2003-08, accepted $6 million in bribes from a businessman while in office weighed heavily on the ex-leader, who appeared emotionally wrought last month as he prepared to face prosecutors.
Roh hurled himself off a 100 foot (30 meter) high cliff early Saturday while hiking, trailed by a security guard, near his home in Bongha, police in the nearby southern port city of Busan said. Life had become unbearable and "too many people are suffering because of me," Roh wrote in a note found on his computer, police said.
"What's left for me for the rest of my life is just to be a burden to others," his note said. "Don't be too sad. Aren't life and death both part of nature? Don't feel sorry. Don't blame anybody. It's destiny." He asked to be cremated, a small gravestone erected near his home.
Roh's suicide stunned the nation. At train stations and shopping malls across the country, South Koreans stopped in their tracks to watch the news. Many snapped up special newspaper editions about Roh. Tens of thousands flooded his Web site, many posting condolences.
"I was utterly shocked," said Chun Soon-im, 63, of Seoul. "They say 'hate the sin but not the sinner,' and that's how I feel. The investigation must continue and we must get to the truth, but I cannot help feeling sorry for the man and those left behind."
Mourners wailed as Roh's coffin, draped in red, returned to Bongha from a Busan hospital. His two children, sobbing, followed the casket to the community center near his birthplace of Gimhae, some 280 miles (450 kilometers) from Seoul. Hundreds lined up late in the night to pay their respects.
In the capital, more than 2,500 people held a somber candlelight memorial service at a makeshift mourning site, many bowing, burning incense and leaving white chrysanthemums, a traditional Korean symbol of grief.
Roh's is the latest high-profile suicide in a country with the highest suicide rate among the 30 nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The corruption allegations against Roh were by no means the worst leveled against a South Korean president.
In 1997, two ex-presidents were convicted of pocketing hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes while in office. Chun Doo-hwan, president from 1981-88, was fined $270 million; Roh Tae-woo, leader from 1998-93, was fined $350 million.
But the accusations were deeply shameful to Roh, who built a reputation as anti-corruption crusader.
"I feel ashamed before my fellow citizens. I am sorry for disappointing you," Roh told supporters three weeks ago before turning himself over to prosecutors who grilled him for more than 10 hours.
During the interrogation, Roh denied the allegations against him, the prosecution spokesman Cho Eun-sok said.
He previously acknowledged that a local businessman indicted in December in a separate bribery scandal — gave his wife $1 million, which he did not consider a bribe. He also said he was aware the man gave $5 million to another relative but thought it was an investment.
Prosecutors suspect all $6 million eventually reached Roh, and were expected to announce soon whether they would seek to arrest him. His wife and children also were summoned for questioning, and last week his elder brother was sentenced to four years in prison in a separate bribery scandal.
A worried Roh wasn't eating properly and had taken up smoking recently, news reports said.
Roh's backers accuse conservative supporters of President Lee Myung-bak, who took over from Roh in February 2008, of carrying out the probe as political revenge. Near Seoul's City Hall, Roh supporters stood in line to sign a petition seeking Lee's impeachment.
Lee, who learned of Roh's death just before a summit with European Union officials, appeared grim Saturday. He found news of Roh's death "truly hard to believe," spokesman Lee Dong-kwan quoted him as saying.
Roh's death was a tragic end for the humble son of farmers who never attended college but still managed to pass the country's tough bar exam in 1975 and opened his own practice three years later.
He forged a reputation as a human right lawyer, defending students accused of sedition under previous military-backed administrations. He once was arrested and his law license suspended for supporting an outlawed labor protest.
Roh's political career took off with his election as a liberal lawmaker to the National Assembly in 1988.
His ascension to the presidency came in a surprise 2002 election win on a campaign pledge not to "kowtow" to the United States, one that resonated with young voters.
But in 2004, Roh made the costly misstep of urging voters to support candidates from his Uri Party in a violation of political neutrality laws. He was impeached, then reinstated months later after a court ruled in his favor.
Roh maintained liberal predecessor President Kim Dae-jung's "sunshine policy" of offering North Korea aid to facilitate reconciliation, holding a summit in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in 2007, the second such meeting between leaders of the two countries that technically remain at war.
"I lost my lifetime democracy movement comrade. I feel like half of my body has collapsed," Kim said, according to an aide.
Though criticized as inexperienced and confrontational by some, Roh was praised by others as a humble, candid leader who pushed for political reform and fought against corruption.
"He shocked us twice: first, by betraying our trust in him as the keeper of justice when it was revealed that he'd received the illegitimate money; now, in showing that he was not even responsible enough to face the consequences of his action," said Kim Hye-jung, 35, of Seoul. "As a supporter of the values he stood for, I feel greatly let down."
Roh is survived by his wife, Kwon Yang-sook, son Roh Gun-ho and daughter Roh Jeong-yeon. Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

Militants are fighting just cause, says Amaechi...

The Niger Delta militants were forced into carrying arms against the state by long years of marginalisation, injustice and lack of implementation of government’s policies on the region, Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said

Ameachi made the statement yesterday in Abuja at a breakfast meeting with heads of foreign missions and governors of states in the Niger Delta.

He said the region is blessed with oil “but there is a deliberate attempt to take away oil revenue to a different region.”

Amaechi said the ongoing crisis is brought “by an attempt by the poor people of the region to compel themselves on other ways of benefiting from Niger Delta oil just to live.

“Niger Delta people have resolved that they will not allow the Nigerian government to continue to cheat on them, they have to let the world know about what is happening in the Niger Delta. But the move was hijacked by criminals and leading to death of our brothers and mothers who were killed in the streets of Port Harcourt.”

“It is the responsibility of the government to provide security in the country which the government failed and showed lack of concern,” Amaechi added.

He also blamed the Federal Government for leaving Niger Delta area behind by using “its money to develop Lagos and Abuja.”

According to him, the Federal Government complicated the problem of Niger Delta by giving ransom to kidnappers at the initial stage, making it a new way of making money for the criminals.

In his speech, the chief host and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe said the Federal Government has recorded 307 cases of kidnappings and 407 hostage takings since January 2008 to date.

Madukwe assured diplomats who attended the meeting of their safety in Nigeria, emphasizing that the ongoing military campaign against the militants was not a war.

He explained that from January 2008 to date, 33 officers and men of the Joint Military TaskForce had been killed by the militants but not in active combat.

The minister said 55 personnel of the JTF were wounded while 38 were declared missing and five military gunboats were destroyed by the militant groups while the militants seized three military gunboats and 34 automatic rifles.

Tompolo, richest militant leader, gets money through bunkering —JTF

The coordinator of joint media campaign centre, Col. Rabe Abubakar, said one of the sources of fund for Tompolo, is through oil bunkering, which that region is notorious for, Okerenkoko and the rest.
"The bunkering going on in Delta State is more than any other part of Nigeria. I believe Tompolo will be influencing roles in that region'.

Major-General Sarkin Yarkin-Bello displays the uniform of a Lieutenant declared missing by the JTF. I think it also a common fact that he is the most endowed militant leader in terms of resources in Niger-Delta, he has more money, he has more arms, and he has more wherewithal than any militant leader. On the 13th when they attacked us, we had missing in action, one by 10, that is 11 and on the 15th, the day we launched the attack, we had missing in action, one by five.

No suspect in custody

Right now, we don’t have any suspect in custody, we have arrested some but this morning, I ordered them to be released because I found out they have no connection whatsoever with the militants we are after.

"They were arrested around Okerenkoko, they were brought here and this morning, we asked them to be released. Be that as it may, we have also through their knowledge of the area being able to gain more information, which will help us in our operation".

Gbaramatu infested with militants

There is still need to comb that area more, a lot of them (militants) have escaped with their weapons and the region is still not safe.

There are still militants running up and down and I am just telling you, on the day I was there, between Oporoza and Camp 5, we saw a militant boat that came out from one creek and entered another creek in a jiffy. But our boat could not enter the place, it was a shallow place. So, what I am trying to tell you is that that area is still infested with militants".

JTF recovers duty roster, photographs of militants

THE Joint Task Force, has said that it has recovered duty roster, photographs and some other documents from the militants' camp.

The coordinator of joint media campaign centre, Col. Rabe Abubakar said that “the last time we met I told you we were able to gather a lot of information in Camp 5, we got a lot of documents from Camp 5 as well as ‘Aso Rock”, which we gather is what they call the house of Tompolo in Oporoza.

"In the first place, in Camp 5 we have been able to understand and gather information to show the nature of the place. It is truly a militant camp despite the weapons cache we were able to get from that region”.

“We have been able to get documents that have revealed even pictures of that have shown the number of recruits, past and present, some people who performed duty there, we have a duty roster here, got camp 5, which concerns troops’ pay and duty roster.

"The various duties that are being performed, the various ammunitions that are being signed on daily basis, just like a military unit, the various people who supply foodstuff, how they are paid and from which part of that kingdom they come from is all contained here. I would have loved to give you the details of the names, payment lists and everything but that will compromise our investigation".

“This particular payment list (displays it) Some people are being paid N30, 000, N35, 000 amounting to almost N1, 380, 000 with date and everything and also we have a roster, which shows the number of ammunition that each person signs for rifle and he goes to duty to various camps and locations of Camp and environs, including the Aso Rock, the number of people that guard it for day duty, for afternoon duty and what have you.

This one (shows another register) is for security posting, it shows the people who are posted to where, morning duty, even the people who supply firewood to the camp, including diesel department and they are even called soldiers you know, some are drivers, secretaries, cooks, generator man, all sorts of things.

It is a well-organized quasi military establishment that was running in that place. These are soldiers (displays another recovered register from the camp) with guns, all of them with registration numbers, with the number of bullets, you can see 90 bullets, 25 bullets.

Also in that camp, we were able to get some photographs, you can see some of them posing with their AK 47 and other weapons. We are on their trail, many of them”, he said.


***Summons Gbaramatu royal father over Tompolo

COMMANDER of the Joint Task Force on the Niger-Delta, Major General Sarkin Yarkin-Bello yesterday invited the fleeing traditional ruler of Gbaramatu kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Pere Godwin Bebemibo to explain his relationship with the wanted militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who was declared wanted by the task force, five days ago.

HRH Bebebimibo fled his palace on May 20 when the task force bombarded his house and he has not been seen in public since then. He is a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). According to the JTF boss, “I am really looking for him; I want to talk to him.

I really want to talk to him on how his house is close to that of Tompolo, they are just by each other and how he was even able to get to the throne, you know, I just want to find out his relationship with Tompolo.

“I am using this medium to say that he should please come and see the JTF Commander. I have not declared him wanted.

"Anybody who has information about Tompolo should come, I also intend to meet with the traditional rulers, I was told they came en masse here while I was away in the creeks". and I believe he should be one of them and then if they come, even if he is not there, I will them that I want to chat with so and so person”, he said.

“Anybody who is close to him (Tompolo) who is willing to give me more insight as to his character, I am really
interested.

Alleges sabotage of Chevron pipelines

The coordinator of joint media campaign centre, has said "there was sabotage of Chevron pipelines around that area and sadly, we have traced that to one miscreant, he is a small miscreant called Kingsley Odiete, alias Opuye, we have his picture, we are also on his trail now.
"He is the owner of the militant camp we destroyed".

I drink hot water three times a day to stay young–Eryca Freemantle

When Eryca Freemantle turned her posh car into the filling station, she had no sense of foreboding. She did not feel the need to look back as she opened her handbag to pay for the fuel she had just bought and so she was unaware of the huge metallic Volvo car that drove straight at her as she backed the driveway. The car rammed into her, sending her head first into the pumping machine, her scalp came off when they tried to extricate her lifeless body from the glass. When she came to after spending weeks in coma, what was left of her were over 200 facial injury marks, a dangling right foot, a hairless scalp and a shattered self confidence.

Years of recovery later, she attempted to go back to modelling but was turned down by her former employers. “The industry at the time was not ready for a black woman without hair” she explains. Undaunted by the rejection, she picked, dusted herself and turned her pretty face towards another angle, determined to make something out of her life. ”I went into the study of corrective make-up and camouflage, I became very good at it because I was my own number one client. That was the beginning of my work to teach people to overcome the special challenges that life might throw at them”

Freemantle it was who taught Seal, the award winning Rhythm and Blues crooner to turn his scars into a trademark. ”He had come to me at the time, long before winning the Grammy, wearing dreadlocks which he used as mask for his scars. I encouraged him to take off the locks and start taking pride in his looks. I tell my clients that even if they are born with scars, it does not take anything out of them, I would tell them, this is how you were born, you have lived with it; you also have to deal with it.”

When she tells the reporter that she has a 26-year-old son, the instant reaction is a look of amazement. Her teenage appearance belies the mid life reality of her age. At 45, Freemantle does not look a day older than 20. Refusing to wear wigs because of her sensitive skin, she chooses to go around in skin cut, this and her slim frame coupled with her heart shaped face adds to the overall illusion of youth. Asked how she could manage to look so unbelievably young, Freemantle responds by reeling out a list of diet routine that would be almost impossible for a Nigerian woman to follow. ”I eat vegetables mostly. I could eat fish occasionally but not red meat. I drink hot water three times a day. Hot water purges and purifies your skin. We always wonder why the Chinese stay so young; it is because they take hot water with their meals. My meal does not contain salt because to me, most foods have natural salts in them. My meals also do not contain sugar. I don‘t drink or smoke.”

Freemantle who shies away from talking about her personal life is dark on the issue of her love affairs especially where it concerns the father of her two children. She is quick to reveal that at the time of her ordeal, her immediate family stood by her like a rock. ”Members of my family helped me learn to walk by teaching me to put my right foot forward first, this they did for two years. They revived me and helped me restore confidence in myself which had gone along with my face that had become totally unrecognizable.”

Her current expertise and skill is a testimony to the ease with which she has been able to put the ugly episode behind her and move on. ”At present, I am setting up a foundation to teach young people corrective make-up. As part of our job, we also encourage who have gone through similar experience to come out of it and move forward. The foundation also empowers women to make use of natural products like Shea butter as ingredients for make-up.”

Her multifaceted job also include lecturing at the London school of fashion and cosmetology and this she does from a respectable position as a member of the London guild of fashion and beauty. She talks about her foray into the black continent.” I am home. My objective is to bring my expertise to where it could be best appreciated; I think I can relate with the Nigerian women very well because I can understand their make-up. They are very strong and I understand that fashion is very important to them apart from the fact that they are very intelligent.”

At present, she is working as the industry intelligence consultant for prominent players in the industry like Tara and Sleek International. The only daughter out of six children, she says her greatest challenge has been to stay alive.” Whatever comes to me does not constitute a challenge; I leave challenges behind in order to build myself into the woman I am now.” Born to a construction engineer and property developer, Eryca has also mastered the art of designing and building houses with ease, she is a chef as well. ”I and my partner have brought a food franchise into Nigeria, it is called JERK kitchen. It is Jamaican, people like it because of the spicy nature of the meal and they eat against the backdrop of reggae music.”

...US senator urges Obama to intervene

A prominent United States Senator, Senator Russ Feingold, has called on President Barack Obama to intervene in the military offensive in the Niger Delta.

This is coming as Nigerians especially Niger Delta indigenes resident in the United States on Saturday canvassed the need for dialogue in resolving the crisis.

Also the Ijaw National Congress has called for the immediate suspension of the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Alhaji Bala N’Allah for saying the nation could afford to waste 20 million people in the Niger Delta to save the remaining 100 million population.

Feingold, who is the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Africa, said on Friday that there was the urgent need for a multilateral approach by the Obama administration towards the quick resolution of the crisis. Feingold, who expressed concern at the high death toll and number of displaced persons, said in the statement posted on his website that a wider political strategy was needed to resolve the situation in the restive region.

In a related development, the Ijaw in the US, Empowered Newswire reports have called for introspection with the Niger Delta crisis.

Following this, the Ijaw National Alliance of the Americas has fixed, Saturday, May 30 for its 13th convention in New Jersey.

It is entitled the Niger Delta Question: Imperation for Self Introspection.

Also the Ijaw National Congress has called for the immediate suspension of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Alhaji Bala N’Allah, for declaring that the nation could afford to waste 20 million people in the Niger Delta to save the remaining 20 million population.

The congress also ordered him to retract the statement in the interest of peace and true reconciliation.

Similarly, the Izon Community in Lagos State has called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, to either resign his position or apologise to the people of the Niger Delta for saying that the military presence in the area was for ‘peace keeping’.

The INC President, Dr. Atuboyedia Obianime, who stated this in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos on Friday, said the likes of N’Allah thrived in crisis and, as such, should not be in the House.

He said, ‘‘Bala N’Allah belongs to the cabal who are just interested in the oil in the Niger Delta. He should retract the statement; the business and rules committee in the House of Representatives should suspend him for being a disgrace to the House. Hon. Dimeji Bankole should use his good offices to call the man to order and inform him that in the chamber, you don‘t make reckless statements.”

Obianime said if the lawmaker was interested in those that voted for him, he would not have made that remark.

He queried, “Who voted him to power in the first place? It all shows that the products of our democracy are those we shouldn‘t just rely on. He should not be in the House.”

The congress condemned the military invasion of Gbaramatu kingdom, saying such display of military might smack of genocide.

According to Obianime, “We do not believe in the use of violence dispute resolution, neither do we believe in using violence to seek legitimate justice. We do not support criminality. What was done in the area was very bad. We believe the police should have been used to stop the crisis. This is the practice in civilized societies, not use of Army, Navy and Air Force

CBN: Why Soludo was denied second term

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof Charles Soludo, may have failed to secure a second term due to a crisis of confidence.

Group Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, had reportedly accepted an offer from President Umaru Yar’Adua to be the next governor of the apex bank.

Top government sources and economic players said on Saturday that Soludo’s tenure, which had been credited with far reaching reforms in the monetary and banking systems, ended up polarising the operators.

Some banking sector players, it was learnt, felt that Soludo had developed a personality cult whose members were unduly favoured.

Chief executives of banks, especially those with substantial foreign ownership, were miffed that some of their colleagues were being given first mover advantage in respect of certain policy decisions.

Soludo’s attempt to redenominate the naira and the controversial $480m investment in the African Finance Corporation, which he was ordered to liquidate, had already earned him black marks with Yar’Adua.

”Soludo is one of the most brilliant people in the world, but the governorship of the Central Bank of Nigeria is a character test; not an Intelligent Quotient test. When you begin to use academics to justify conflicting positions, then you lose credibility,” a top Presidency official, who did not want to be named, said on Saturday

Soludo was also said to have lost the support of the international community, which backed the reformist agenda he set when he began pandering to the dictates of the rent-seeking establishment.

The source explained, ”He came on a reform agenda supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and United States Agency for International Development along with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Mansur Muhtar and Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili and others to revolutionise the economy.

”It was about shared philosophy and belief, but the whole thing fell apart when he became beholding to the man in Ota and he started to use economic policy as a political tool.”

However, our correspondents learnt on Saturday that Soludo had not received any letter informing him of a likely change in leadership at the apex bank.

Senior officials of the CBN contacted on Saturday denied any knowledge of the impending change of baton.

The Chairman, First Bank Plc., Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, said on Saturday that he was unaware of the development.

”I have been out of circulation and I have not seen the papers. So I do not know anything about what you are talking about,” he told one of our correspondents on the telephone, when asked for comments.

However, Sanusi, who met with senior management of the bank on Saturday said the news of his appointment was speculative.

In response to our correspondents’ enquiries, he said, ”It would be inappropriate for me to either confirm or deny a private discussion I may or may not have had with the President. I can only say that the process of appointing the CBN governor begins with a written nomination of a candidate from the President to the Senate and ends with confirmation by Senate.

”Until such a nomination is made, all newspaper stories are in the realm of speculation, guesswork or unofficial information. Thank you for kindly contacting me, but I am unable to confirm your story at this time.”

It had been speculated, that given the lavish commendations given the Soludo-led CBN by President Umaru Yar‘Adua and Senate President, David Mark, during the recent CBN‘s 50th anniversary celebrations that the governor would get a tenure extension.

The President, who spoke through the Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, had said that the banking sector consolidation saved the country from being mercilessly hit by the ongoing global financial meltdown, while the Senate president had described it as a divine intervention.

The President‘s pronouncement was generally believed to be a silent endorsement of the CBN governor for a second term.

However, sources close to the Presidency said on Saturday that Soludo was given a verbal assurance by Yar’Adua shortly after the apex bank‘s anniversary.

It was, however, not clear at what point the President changed his mind.

Calls to the Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola‘s phone were not answered. He, however, responded in a text message that he was indisposed.

Experts have, however, expressed confidence that Sanusi, can take the central bank to the next level based on the foundations laid by the current administration.

A top executive of one of the biggest banks in the country, who declined to speak on the record, since the decision had not been made public, said Sanusi, being an economist as well as a tested banker, would do a good job as the CBN governor.

”I do not see tribal sentiments colouring his monetary and regulatory decisions like people have insinuated. The edge he has over the outgoing governor is that he is a banker even though his job has been made easy by the solid foundation he is meeting on ground,” he added.

Sanusi’s former boss, the erstwhile Managing Director of First Bank, Mr. Jacobs Ajekigbe, said he has vast knowledge of enterprise risk management, an area described as critical to banking, adding that he also had sound leadership skills.

”Sanusi is very intelligent. He has taken time to develop himself. He is an authority in enterprise risk management today and there are very few of them. He is extremely hardworking; he is in fact a workaholic. His sense of value and judgement is superb.

”On a personal note, I will say he was extremely loyal to me as an executive director. He sees the big picture in everything. It was not easy bringing him from UBA Plc to First Bank because they did not also want to leave him,” he said.

Sanusi‘s anticipated exit from First Bank, according to insiders, has created dilemma of sorts for the board as to who will replace him.

Already four executive directors at First Bank are being tipped to replace Sanusi, if he eventually leaves.

They are: Mr. Alex Otti, the Executive Director, South; and Mr. Oladele Oyeola, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, who were both top contenders to replace Ajekigbe.

Also in the race are Mr. Stephen Onasanya, who is the ED, Banking Operations and Service, and Dr. Yerima Ngama, who joined FBN recently from Diamond Bank.

Insiders said the board would face a hard time making a decision, as the bank‘s policy on appointment is on a ”best fit basis.” “I do not envy those who will make the decision,” a senior industry source said on Saturday.

Groups, colleagues mourn AIT gmd, Ladi Lawal

Journalism in Nigeria lost another icon on Saturday following the death of the Group Managing Director of DAAR Communications Plc, Mr Ladi Lawal, whom his boss and Chairman of DAAR Group, Mr. Raymond Dokpesi, described as his friend and his pillar.

“For me, he was not only my friend, he was my pillar and that is the pillar that is now smashed. I don‘t know how I am going to hold it but I have lost one of the major foundations of my existence.” Dokpesi told Journalists in an emotion – laden voice shortly after the body of late Lawal was laid to rest at his Alagbole – Akute residence in Lagos.

Lawal, a former president of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (1994), died in Abuja after a brief illness. He was 54.

Among other eminent Nigerians and associations that paid him glowing tributes are the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, the Guild of Editors, the Governors of Lagos , Edo and Ogun states, Ambassador Segun Olusola, Festus Keyamo as well as several former presidents of the NUJ.

The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Guild of Editors on Saturday said the death was an irreparable loss. Specifically, NPAN in a statement by its President, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, described the deceased as a solid professional, a passionate activist and a committed family man.

The association’s statement read: “Mr. Lawal was a pillar of strength at Daar Communications, where he was also a pioneer. He was, for many years, a passionate activist and, always, a solid professional who earned his place through 31years of assiduous journalism and dedicated service.

”He was a family man and a role model to his peers and to younger journalists.

”May his family and Daar Communications receive the grace to bear a loss so profound. We shall miss him.”

The Guild, similarly, through its President, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, described him as ”a committed journalist, a passionate activist and leader who made his mark in broadcasting and NUJ politics.

”We shall all miss him. We commiserate with his family, Daar Communications Plc, the entire Nigerian journalists on this irreparable loss. We seek God‘s forgiveness for his sins and peaceful rest for his soul,” the NGE added.

The Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel in his condolence message said Lawal contributed greatly to the growth of journalism in the country.

The Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described him as a well-trained journalist whose exit would create a vacuum in the media industry in general and AIT in particular.

Lawal, a founding member of Daar Communications, held several strategic positions in the company including the Director of News and Current Affairs, Deputy General Manager (Operations), General Manager (Television), Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Chief Operating Officer and as an Executive Director in charge of Operations.

His journalism career spanned both the print and electronic media, where he served in public sector broadcasting as a member of staff of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. He took up appointment in the print media as Chairman, Editorial Board of The News/Tempo, where he maintained a regular column.

He studied at Ladi-Lak Institute, Yaba; Lagos City College, Yaba and the School of Management and Vocational Studies, Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin. He also studied journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism as well as History and International Relations.

He was a former Vice president (Africa) of the defunct International Organisation of Journalists.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, who represented his boss, Governor Babatude Fashola, said the profession would miss Lawal‘s upright stand on issues and sense of dedication. ”He also fought hard to end military rule in this country. His was not a wasted life and that is our consolation,” Bamidele said.

Ambassador Segun Olusola also described late Lawal as diligent and focused.

Lagos Lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, said, ”He was one of the few people that encouraged me in my profession at the earlier part of my life. He is a fantastic personality.

Mrs Funke Fadugba, former chairman of the Lagos NUJ, said, ”He was my political tutor. When I am confused politically, I always consult him. Now that he is no more, I will miss him because he taught me to be resilient and not to be assumptious. The profession will miss his level of dedication.”

Siasia, a disciplined manager

Former Super Eagles’ striker and the current Coach of Flying Eagles, Samson Siasia, has been described as a disciplined coach, who knows what he wants and goes for it. This description came from a London-based invitee to the Flying Eagles’ camp, Rotimi Taylor.

Taylor, who is managed by former Enugu Rangers and Super Eagles’ defender, Kingsley Onye, also said he was pleased with Coach Siasia’s level of professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of his responsibilities.

The player, born of Nigerian parents, has spent most of his life in the United Kingdom. Coach Siasia invited him for the first time to represent the country. And according to the young player, who is still a student in the UK, he was born in Nigeria, but was taken to London while he was only four years old. His father is from Lagos State while his mother is an indigene of Warri in Delta State.
Said he: "I am a Nigerian. My dad is from Lagos while my mother is from Warri in Delta State. I left the shores of Nigeria when I was just four years old and since then, I have been living in London with my parents.

"I was invited by Coach Samson Siasia to play for Nigeria and if I eventually make his final list for the World Youth Championship that is billed for Egypt, I will be highly delighted.
"Coach Siasia is a highly disciplined coach, who knows what he wants and how to go for it. He is a great manager and I have respect for him. He is a thorough professional. I admire his managerial clout.
"In fact, I admire the entire members of the technical crew of the Flying Eagles because they are all professionals, who love to do their duties accordingly. They are all doing very well and I think it is Siasia’s good leadership quality that is rubbing off on his assistants.

He continued: "The life in camp is great. The feeling is great, all the players in camp are happy. The coach invited some foreign-based professionals to camp recently and they are already in camp. The whole environment is bubbling as we try to get used to one another because most of us are meeting for the very first time."

On Flying Eagles’ recent friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago, Taylor said the team did well since they were playing together for the first time. According to him, it’s true that they did not win the match, but they result was not a bad one.

"Nigerians should know that our match with Trinidad and Tobago was the first game we played together as a team. We came from different places and we had not trained together for too long before that friendly, in spite of that, we still pulled a draw with the visitors, who came with their complete team against us. Trinidad and Tobago have been on playing tour of the world but we are just starting.

So, for me, we had a good outing in that friendly and I believe we will do better in subsequent matches.
The player, who travelled back to London recently, said he had an understanding with Coach Siasia concerning his trip as he went back to London to write his school examinations, because he is still a student. He expressed the hope to rejoin camp immediately he rounds off what took him to London.

"I had an understanding with the coach and he advised me to come back as soon as I finish taking my exams and that is what I am going to do because I cherish this invitation to come and serve my fatherland. It is a rare privilege, which no right-thinking person would like to toy with.
"I am likely to return either at the end of June or early July depending on how my exams are arranged by the school," Taylor revealed.

War in the creeks:US Senate seeks end to military offensive

The United States(US) Senate is seeking an immediate cessation of the military offensive in Delta State, and the adoption of a creative political process in resolving the Niger Delta crisis.

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a statement by its chairman, Russ Feingold, deplored the killing of defenceless civilians in the area, asking President Barack Obama to intervene with a view to halting the military onslaught.

He spoke on a day the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Nigerian Delta continued with its “cordon and search operation” against militants in the creeks of Delta State, attacking the Benikrukru community.

Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark asked President Umaru Yar’Adua to ignore the House of Representatives over its hardline position on the matter.

Expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis resulting from the military offensive the US Senate chairman called for “genuine peacemaking” that “will require not only legitimate political negotiations but a convincing case for transforming the illicit war economy into one of peace.”

Full text of the statement:
“I am very concerned by reports that hundreds of civilians have been killed and potentially thousands displaced by the Nigerian military’s ongoing offensive in Nigeria’s oil rich Delta region. Some military actions may be justified to stop the criminality, kidnappings and killings by militants in the Niger Delta, but such measures should be accompanied by a larger political strategy.

Genuine peacemaking will require not only legitimate political negotiations but a convincing case for transforming the illicit war economy into one of peace. The Nigerian government needs to undertake a serious and sustained initiative to address the underdevelopment of the region.

I urge the Obama administration to think creatively about how we can work multilaterally to help end this long_standing crisis in the Niger Delta.” Senator Feingold is an independent progressive reputed for the courage of his strong convictions. In 2005, he was the first senator to call for U.S. withdrawal from
Iraq. On March 13, 2006 and again on July 22, 2007, Sen. Feingold boldly called for Congressional censure of President Bush. He was also the lone Senator who voted against the USA Patriot Act, despite pressure for a unanimous vote. He voted against the Iraq War in 2002, and was the first senator to call for a specific timetable for US exit from Iraq.

A number of houses were razed and one Chief Kuku Olobio killed in yesterday’s raid by the JTF. Sources at Benikrukru said the aerial attack on the community started yesterday afternoon but the coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the task force, Colonel Rabe Abubakar said there was no attack on the community when he was contacted by Sunday Vanguard. A resident who called Sunday Vanguard from the community said, “they are bombing Benikrukru. As I am speaking to you now, they have burnt down many houses and many people are dying”.

He said many people, including old men and women were still trapped in the forest in Oporoza, Kurutie and other Ijaw communities, yet the JTF was continuing with the bombardment. “They left for Kokodiagbene community after the attack on Benikrukru but I don’t know whether they are going to bomb the place too”, he said.

Commander of the JTF, Major-General Sarkin Bello told newsmen on Thursday in Warri that the Cordon and Search Operation was not targeted at Ijaw communities but at militants responsible for the disappearance of 12 Nigerian soldiers. The JTF had earlier attacked Gbaramatu and Oporoza, both of which are Ijaw communities.

Peace process on course – DWSC Delta Waterways Security Committee (DWSC) announced, yesterday, that the peace process in Delta State was still on course. “The face-off between the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta and the militants in the creeks of the state is only a hiccup. It is not a key threat to the existing peace in the state, rather it would strengthen it”, the committee said in a statement by its secretary, Mr. O.P Origho.

It also said everything was being done to ensure that normalcy returned to the creeks of the state, which was the scene of conflict in the last one week between a group of armed youths and JTF. “We are liaising with relevant authorities to make sure the waterways are opened up by the JTF for normal social and economic activities”, the stated said.



Refugees at the Ogbeh-Ijoh camp in Delta StateThe committee, which was set up by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to maintain peace, among other things, on the waterways of the state appealed to the warring parties in the conflict with the JTF to drop their arms. The JTF at the weekend also said Warri was now peaceful and urged the people to go about their normal duties. Its spokesman, Col Abubakar said, “The Warri metropolis and the entire Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State are now peaceful and safe for lawful businesses after the rift between the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Restore Hope and the militants in the Chanomi Creek general area”.

Ignore Reps’ position - Clark counsels Yar’Adua
Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, asked President Yar’Adua to ignore the House of Representatives’ resolution on the crisis in the Niger Delta. He also dismissed calls for the resignation of Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, for his alleged apathy to the plight of the Niger Delta people, saying that he (Jonathan) was committed to the Niger Delta cause.

Chief Clark said: “ That resolution is reckless. That irresponsible resolution passed by the House of Representatives of Nigeria shows that what was going on in Gbaramatu does not mean anything to them as long as they get the petrol dollar from the area where the oil money comes from to pay them the salary which nobody else earns in Nigeria

“They were blinded to the whole fact. These people are not sympathetic to the situation and they made a resolution that a full scale war should be declared in the Delta and on the Gbaramatu people For it to be extended to Rivers and Bayelsa states, is callous. One would have expected them to say please, let us settle this thing politically especially now that this has happened in Gbaramatu. In any government you don’t expect the President and the Vice to take different decisions.

But he (VP) is appealing to his people to take it easy and for peace to reign. At the same time he is appealing to the president that enough is enough with the genocide. The calls for his resignation are not proper. Who is he resigning for?”

He said the Reps should have called for peace, rather than passing resolution for military action. “They should have sued for peace. Then we will appeal to the boys to lay down their arms because of the amnesty promised by the president.



Dispalced persons in the camp.This is what the legislature should have done, but they did not do it because they are blinded to the fact and they are receiving fat salaries above what other legislatures are receiving in other countries,” Clark fumed. Besides, he advised the federal government to gazette the amnesty for militants, even as he called on politicians to stop arming the boys at the expense of the needed peace in the region.


His Words: “I am appealing to politicians who are also contributing to the problem by arming the youths.

They do this for their own supremacy and success. I would want the government to investigate and prosecute those behind it. The amnesty offered to the youths is good, but I expect the government to have it gazetted.

“As the leader of the Ijaw people, I appealed to the boys through IYC (Ijaw Youth Council) and they accepted to drop their arms. But some of the boys are not comfortable that the President made the amnesty statement at a party meeting. They really want to know why.”

He expressed his condolence to the president and the families of those who have lost their lives so far. “Until recently when, the Attorney General made a statement that a lot of military officers were killed or missing, it was very painful indeed, these were soldiers that were employed to protect Nigerians and I also mourn the death of Ijaw people that died and I also mourn the death of the soldiers,” Chief Clark added.

While suggesting measures at solving the crisis, he called on the government to initiate a political dialogue. “The government must show sincerity in the development of the region, because if these boys have job, militancy would be a thing of the past. This sincerity should be extended to the proposed amnesty. I am not saying that they should grant amnesty to criminals,” he noted.

JTF approves distribution of relief materials to victims

* Restricts movement on Delta waterways to wooden boats

THE Rehabilitation committee set up by Delta State Government to ameliorate the plight of victims caught in the face-off between the military and militants in the creeks of Delta state has secured the approval of the JTF to give relief materials to the people. A source close to the committee, led by an Ijaw youth leader, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro said, “Discussions with the JTF to allow the flow of relief materials and limited movement of people in the Gbaramatu area and other parts of the creeks have yielded positive fruits as the military authorities have given blessing to the proposal.

Recouverd ammunition by JTFThere is, however, a proviso that only wooden boats would be allowed to move on the waterways”, he added. The committee has also expressed readiness to collaborate with relief agencies and other persons and organizations in bringing succour to all those displaced and in distress arising from the crisis in Gbaramatu, Warri South West Local Government Area. Receiving foodstuff, toiletries, beddings and other essential materials provided by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA at Ogbe Ijoh, the chairman of the Rehabilitation Committee, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro pledged that the State Government would continue to stand by the displaced persons in this moment of need.

Accompanied by other members of the committee, Mr. Otuaro said one of the challenges before it was how to reach many of those who are stranded in neighbouring communities and creeks and are in dire need of the basic needs such as food, water and medication.

He expressed happiness that discussions with the Joint Task Force in this direction yielded positive fruits as the Military has agreed to allow supplies and a limited movement of people. According to him, “What we got from the military is a reprieve. At least now we can concretize our preparations to reach our brothers and sisters, our children and aged ones who are stranded and have gone days without food and the basic necessities”.

Continuing, Mr. Otuaro said “the situation in the area is in itself difficult”, adding, “ We are indeed glad that the military authorities have agreed to give us passage to reach our people with relief materials.” He however explained that the military would not tolerate the use of speed boats for now while all movements on the waterways in the affected area must have adequate clearance as there would be strict monitoring. Mr. Otuaro appealed to elders in the affected areas to come together and assist in the plans to bring succour to those in distress.

Some donated relief materialsHis words, “along with the elders we are asking the various community leaders to contact us and team up with the Rehabilitation committee in pursuance of the State Government’s vision of ensuring that those in distress due to this unfortunate incident get adequate relief materials while plans are underway to restore normalcy in the area”.

Addressing the refugees at Ogbe Ijoh, Mr. Otuaro said more materials would come to them while efforts have been stepped up to move relief materials to those stranded in the creeks, adding ‘”We are co-coordinating and collaborating with other bodies to make life a bit bearable for you all. We are also asking all those who want to assist to link up with the Rehabilitation Committee so that we can help our people”.

Director general of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Audu-Bida (rtd) while presenting items such as foodstuff, clothing, beddings and toiletries said the Federal Government is very concerned that Nigerians are displaced in their own country. He assured that more materials would be sent to the people to alleviate their plight and promised to take up the plea for immediate return to their homes in the creeks with the Military authorities.

JTF warns Tompolo to come out of hiding
Also yesterday, the JTF asked militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who was declared, wanted on Thursday to come out of hiding and surrender himself, just as it rescued three more Filipinos, in Gbaramatu.

The JTF gave the fresh directive, yesterday, barely 48 hours after it declared the militant wanted. Its spokesman, Colonel Rabe Abubakar in a statement said, ‘Tompolo’, the militant leader who master minded the whole trouble in the Niger Delta in recent times should hand in himself to the JTF or any security agencies or he would be smoked out”. “You have to be a man by accepting responsibility for your actions, because as it is, you can only run, but you cannot hide”, he stated.

On the freed Filipinos, he said, the task force, early yesterday, “rescued three more Filipinos kidnapped by the militants in the eve of the ensuing hostilities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government of Delta State. “The three men were rescued during a Search and Rescue Operations conducted around the Chanomi Creeks general area to ensure it was safe again for legitimate activities”, he explained.

The JTF promised it would search, search and search again to ensure all hostages were rescued within the shortest possible time. “ People of substance should disregard MEND and its activities and claims, “as it is only an empty vessel that makes the highest sound, falsehood will fade away but truthfulness will endure forever”, he asserted Meanwhile, the task force has advised all the innocent citizens of the region to bear with it in this testing period, which cannot stand the taste of time in our present history as a nation.

ASUU strike paralyses UNILAG, OAU, six others

Academic activities were paralysed in some universities across the country as more institutions joined the two-week warning strike called by the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The strike is aimed at forcing Federal Government to implement agreement reached with the union in June 2001.

The union has also rejected an invitation for a dialogue by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, saying that the ministry was not the appropriate institution to negotiate the terms of agreement with the lecturers.

Both parties had agreed on improved welfare condition and infrastructural development of the nation‘s public university system and the review of the law that set up the Education Trust Fund.

According to the agreement, government is expected to inject increased funding in phases into the system, while negotiations are to be done at intervals to review the success and otherwise of the implementation.

But since the agreement was brokered, government had consistently reneged on these promises, thus forcing the leadership of the union to call for another round of strike to press home its demands.

And in obedience to the call, lecturers in universities in Ile-Ife, Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Ado-Ekiti, Ago-Iwoye, Ijagun and Yola refused to turn up for lectures on Thursday.

The ASUU, University of Abuja chapter, on Thursday, formally declared its support for the ongoing two-week warning strike; and rejected any negotiation with the Ministry of Labour and Productivity as suggested by the Education Ministry.

Its Chairman, Dr. Abu Mallam, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, said the withdrawal of the Federal Ministry of Education from the agreement earlier reached between it and ASUU was a step in the wrong direction

The Education Ministry had refused to sign the agreement on the grounds that the Ministry of Labour and Productivity was the most appropriate institution to negotiate the terms of the agreement with ASUU.

But Mallam, who said he had the authority of the National Executive Committee to speak, said the union was not prepared to commence any discussion with the labour ministry.

He noted that since the university system was under the FME, it was necessary for ASUU to first discuss with the ministry as its parent body.

Mallam added, ”The Ministry of Education did not make any mistake when it negotiated with ASUU. We reached a number of agreements and we were supposed to have signed the agreements.

“But the ministry kept on postponing the signing of the agreement. It cannot now be running away from its responsibility.”

Also, lecturers at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have joined their counterparts nationwide in the warning strike.

One of our correspondents, who visited the school, noted that some of the students expected to be having their first semester examinations were seen loitering around the compound.

Other students were seen sitting in groups at different corners and discussing the effects of the strike on their academic activities.

One of the lecturers, who spoke with our correspondent on Thursday, said there was no going back on the warning strike.

The lecturer, who preferred anonymity, argued that it was wrong for the Federal Government to continue to pay lip service to the development of education.

At the University of Lagos, the lecturers‘ union at a briefing with journalists, announced their decision to join the strike.

The ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Yomi Akinyeye, said the Federal Government should be blamed for the action.

Nigeria not ready! FIFA condemn preparation for U-17 World Cup

Shock waves of embarrassment greeted the world football ruling body, FIFA’s verdict, when head of delegation, Jack Warner, yesterday, said that Nigeria was not ready to host the Under-17 World Cup.

According to the FIFA head of inspection, Nigeria might lose the right to host the championship if facilities in other four cities already picked among the six for the event were not properly upgraded.

A FIFA Inspection Committee had in recent time toured around the various cities bidding for the right to host the event and had reported that only two cities – Lagos and Abuja were ready to host the championship.

The build up to the tournament has witnessed delays and difficulties at various cities. However, the organisers were given another one month to ensure they got well prepared for the event scheduled to take place in October. And if no improvement is made after the period of grace, FIFA might announce an unnamed country, which is already on standby to step in.

Nigeria formally withdrew from holding the tournament at one stage after the government said hosting the event was not her priority. They were however persuaded to rescind their decision after the intervention of FIFA and CAF.

The FIFA Inspection Committee, lead by the body’s Vice President, Warner, revealed that the alternative hosts, who are outside Africa, had already been on standby for the past nine months.
FIFA had picked Lagos, Calabar, Abuja, Kano, Enugu and Ijebu-Ode as host cities for the event. Warner said that Bauchi and Kaduna were dropped, while approval for Warri as the seventh host city was still tentative.

He told a large gathering of local and international journalists, as well as top football officials that his team were disappointed by the state of non-preparedness of some candidates in providing the needed facilities for the football event.
Warner, who looked quite pained as he spoke, said it was unfortunate that the promise given by Nigeria’s Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan early in the year that all the facilities would be ready by the time they arrive for the just concluded inspection was not fulfilled as concerning what the team saw on ground.

The FIFA official said it was also unfortunate that the past first five months of 2009 had been wasted by the lack of seriousness exhibited by the governments of some states bidding for the hosting rights.
He commended Lagos and Enugu states for working tirelessly to provide world-class facilities for the event, and urged stakeholders in other states where the candidate cities are located to find out from Governor Babatunde Fashola how his administration was able to meet FIFA’s standards.

Warner said the state of things in many of the candidate-cities showed that Nigeria was not ready to host the tournament. He, however, added that the country would be given 30 days from date to get the facilities in Ijebu-Ode, Kano, Enugu and Calabar ready or the country would lose the hosting right to another country by the time the FIFA team visit next in July.

Warner stated that in spite of the violence in the Niger Delta, Warri still stood a chance to be a host city if government could make concrete assurances that they would provide adequate security for the visitors during the tournament.
He advised Nigerian leaders to live up to their responsibilities and advised the lagging cities to work an put their facilities in order.
He also commended the governments of Bauchi and Kaduna states for making efforts in preparing for the competition.

Policeman arrested with 17 cartons of ammunition meant for militants

The arrest of a police Sergeant for allegedly planning to supply ammunition to militants in the Niger Delta on Wednesday triggered heavy shooting in Warri, Delta State.

The naval component of the Joint Task Force, otherwise known as Operation Restore Hope, acting on a tip off, had stormed Makaiva Jetty, in Warri South Local Government Area and apprehended the policemen, whose name was given as Dickson Abere.

It was gathered that 17 cartons of ammunition were recovered from the Sergeant said to be serving with Mopol 31, Asaba, the Delta State capital.

A source told our correspondent that the naval team, on arrival at the Jetty around 11am on Wednesday, fired shots into the air to prevent possible resistance or attack by militants.

The shooting, which lasted for over 30 minutes, shattered the prevailing peace in the oil community as panic-stricken residents scampered for safety.

Warri is close to Gbaramatu Kingdom where some communities had, in past eight days, come under heavy bombardment by the JTF operatives in search of militants.

Our correspondent gathered that 13 suspected militants were also picked up from the Jetty by the security operatives.

Abere with service number 151149 and 13 suspected militants were being grilled at the Naval Intelligence Unit of the NNS Delta, as at 6pm on Wednesday.

When contacted, the JTF spokesman, Col. Rabe Abubakah, said he was yet to get details of the incident.

Meanwhile, the security situation in Gbaramatu Kingdom worsened on Wednesday as the JTF continued with its operations there.

Findings by our correspondent showed that the palace of the Pere of Gbaramatu and other properties, mostly those owned by suspected militants in the Kingdom, were destroyed by the soldiers.

The residents of the community, including the monarch, who was given a staff of office by the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, last month, were said to have fled the area before the military personnel arrived.

Abubakah confirmed the development, which he described as “the usual cordon and search operation.”

He said arms and ammunition were recovered in the operation, adding that the troops neither killed nor injured any of the residents.

Abubakah said, “Large quantity of arms and ammunition which include, anti-aircraft guns, general purpose machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, locally made guns, machetes and native charms, were recovered at Okerenkoko and Oporoza communities, all of Delta State, when the Joint Task Force moved its foot soldiers there for a search and rescue operation.

“The operations at the two communities were executed after a reliable intelligence source fingered them as grouping points for the dislodged militants from former camps presently being occupied by the JTF.”

However, Uduaghan arrived in Warri from Abuja on Wednesday, where he briefed President Umaru Yar’Adua, Vice- President Goodluck Jonathan, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Paul Dike, on the security situation in the state.

Reliable Government House sources said the governor had reached an accord with the Presidency on how to end the lingering face-off between the JTF and the militants in the state.

Uduaghan, in company with Brig.-Gen. Dominic Oneya (rtd.), later chaired an emergency security council convened to review the security situation in the state.

Abacha loot: Court fixes June 26 for judgment

Justice Mohammed Lawal Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Kaduna has reserved till June 26, 2009, judgment in the suit brought by the sons of the late head of state, General Sani Abacha, challenging the decision of Federal Government, to bring into the country a foreign magistrate from Switzerland to try them on alleged money laundering charges in the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, General Sarki Mukhtar (retd).

Alhaji Mohammed Sani Abacha and his brother, Abba Sani had through their counsel, Reuben Atabo approached the court for a reprieve, when it got wind of FG’s plans.
But before fixing judgment date, Justice Shuaibu took time out to lambaste the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), whom he accused of lying against him (judge) in a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) where he allegedly claimed that he granted an exparte order against the FG without following due process.
Justice Shuaibu had last year restrained the AGF and the FG from bringing into the country a magistrate to try Mohammed Abacha and Abba Sani Abacha at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), to the president.

This followed a suit, filed by the plaintiffs, complaining that it was unconstitutional for a foreign magistrate to try Nigerians in their own country.
They also complained that it was wrong to try them in the office of the NSA since the office is not a court of law and not also open to the public.

The court order was given after Magistrate Sonja Nachabur had arrived the country to take evidence from the plaintiffs in a case of forfeiture of assets proceeding against them at Liechtenstein, Switzerland.
The late Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige (SAN), had issued the first freezing order on General Sani Abacha’s assets and those of his children in Switzerland, following which the sons challenged the powers of the FG to issue such an order without trying them in court.

However, when the case came up for the written addresses of both the plaintiffs and the defendants to be adopted, Justice Shuaibu said Aondoakaa petitioned him to NJC based on false claims.
According to Justice Shuaibu, “the petition to the NJC got to the press; he knew that as a civil servant and a judge for that matter, I am not supposed to grant press interviews.
“I appeared before the disciplinary committee of the NJC. Aondoakaa was summoned but he refused to appear. He wrote that his office was not served, but he went ahead to restrict FG knowing fully that he was served.

“I am an ordinary judge and cannot grant press interviews. It takes two to tango. I was an Attorney Counsel of a state, not the Federal Government.
“If I am not here, I would probably be there before him. I was called to the Bar before him. There was proof of service and the Solicitor General of the Federation was my colleague in school. This case involves tax payers’ money.

“I have had more serious intimidation in the past, whatever the decision; justice is not a one-way traffic.“There is no separate justice for any individual, justice is justice and it is for everybody. If the institution is dislocated, we will all be thrown out of our jobs.”
In his adopted brief, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Atabo stated that Chief Aondoakaa had contrary to the tradition, written to the Swiss authorities to seek their views on the visit of Magistrate Sonja Nachabur to the country while the suit was already pending in court.

In a letter with reference DPPA/MA/79/2002/23, dated May 28, 2008, the Minister had stated: “Your Excellency, will recall that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has offered Declaration of Reciprocity to the Ministry of Justice of the principality of Liechtenstein for mutual assistance in criminal matters of the princely court in Vanduz and based on which Magistrate Sonja Nachabur is expected to conduct proceedings on the above subject in Nigeria.
“It is our understanding that Magistrate of the principality of Liechtenstein in exercise of their jurisdiction has both investigative and adjudicative powers.

“I am therefore directed to confirm whether Magistrate Sonja Nachabur will be exercising investigative or adjudicative powers with regard to the proceeding in Nigeria whereby he intends to interview witnesses.
“The purpose of this letter is to be able to submit before the Honourable Federal High Court Kaduna at the next adjourned sitting that the Honourable Magistrate Sonja Nachabur will be acting in an investigative capacity if that is the case, as sitting of a Foreign Court in Nigeria has been held to be unconstitutional.
“The case will come up sometime in June, 2008; and therefore, it will be appreciated if you can kindly give us your reply by 10th June, 2008.

“While anticipating your early reply, accept please, the warm regards of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN,” the letter reads in part.
But the FG represented by the Chief State Counsel, Mr. Clement Assam urged the Court to dismiss all the plaintiffs’ claims saying that the exhibits attached to their claims were offensive to the rule of proceedings.

Yar’Adua can’t deliver – Buhari

Barely 48 hours after Professor Ango Abdullahi, former special adviser to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, declared that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua lacks the political will to move Nigeria forward, another prominent northerner, and the president’s main challenger in the last presidential election, General Mohammed Buhari (retd), has also said the president cannot deliver.

Speaking on a BBC Hausa service, monitored in Kaduna, on Tuesday, the ANPP presidential flag bearer insisted that Yar’Adua was never sincere ab initio on all the promises he made to Nigerians.
Specifically, Buhari said: “My position is that first of all, for those who are following what happened, I sat down and observed the stand of Yar’Adua on the problems of Nigeria, after he swore with the holy Qur’an, what he said was that the election was marred by irregularities and when election matters have been concluded in the courts, committees would be formed to look after cases where some people were wronged. I heard him said this with my own ears.

“But he has not lived up to his words. When he appointed the retired Chief Judge, Alhaji Lawal Uwais, I was against the appointment because Uwais was Chief Justice of the Federation when we lost our election appeal in the court, after spending 30 months in court.

“Yes, I said that Uwais was not competent to be appointed. For now to say that Uwais has presided over the report on electoral reform, which will not impress me. Even the president himself said that the committee would not be formed until after all election petitions have been settled in court. He said that would be time when all the gray areas would be known. If that very tape would be played now without been edited, you will see that was exactly what he said.

“But as soon as he appointed Uwais, I knew that nothing would happen. Nigerians are feeling the negative impact of the Yar’Adua administration. They are not doing what they are supposed to do but they keep on saying they will do this and that. Does that mean when they were seeking for the votes of Nigerians, they were not prepared and ready with the things they intended to do for Nigerians? Don’t they have a manifesto? Is the PDP not having a manifesto with the details of what they intended to do when they are elected?

“The people are crying. They were promised water to drink, good schools, drugs in hospitals and good roads. But after two years, when these topics are brought to the fore, government will say they are thinking about it. But these thoughts supposed to have been planned and articulated since, and should have bear fruits by now,” he added.

Nigeria safe for visiting world leaders’ –Yar’Adua

President Umaru Yar’Adua yesterday, declared that Nigeria is very safe for world leaders desirous of visiting frowning at a suggestion that world leaders were scared stiff of visiting the country because of security threat.

The president, who was fielding questions from State House correspondents at a joint briefing with visiting Togolese President, Mr. Faure Gnassingbe in Abuja yesterday, said no foreign leader had ever called him to say he was scared to come to the country.

Reacting to a question alluding to President Barrack Obama’s preference for Ghana in his next month’s trip, blaming it on insecurity in the country, he said, despite the on-going battle between the military and the militants in the Niger Delta region, the security situation in the country had not changed significantly in the last eight years to warrant any world leader’s refusal to visit.

“I am not aware that many leaders are scared stiff of coming to Nigeria. I am not aware of any world leader who has called me to say he is scared to come to Nigeria. The situation in Niger Delta region has been there remotely for decades and the escalation of violence and criminality that has taken root has been there for about between eight to nine years.

“There is no different situation that has happened today to warrant the statement you have made. I think that statement is just your own judgement of the situation but I am not aware of any leader, anywhere in the world, who has that position because I am not aware. I don’t know how to answer your question,” a disturbed President Yar’Adua told the reporter who had asked for the comment of the leaders on the current situation in the region over which he said world leaders were scared stiff of visiting Nigeria.

President Gnassingbe, on his part, said: “I think everybody recognizes that President Yar’Adua has started many political processes to wards solving the problem of Niger Delta. But we have to make a clear separation between economic and political agitation and criminality.”

Stressing the need for a halt in the criminal activities, he expressed the hope: “There will be a national consensus to condemn what is seen as national criminality and I hope there will be a strong will also to solve the problem through dialogue. From our modest experience in Togo, that is what we can say.”
The Togolese leader said he was in the country to brief President Yar’Adua on the progress made so far with the disturbing political situation in his country last month.

El-Rufai to face 150 more charges over N3bn fraud By Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission may soon prefer 150 criminal charges against a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, over an alleged N3bn fraud.

An EFCC source, who made this known to our correspondent in Abuja on Monday, claimed that a former aide to el-Rufai, Mr. Jimmy Lawal, one Mr. Abas Umar, and an unnamed person (now at large), were used by the former minister as the conduit pipes for misappropriating the N3bn.

The former minister is currently having a pending case bordering on abuse of office before a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Our source said that a fresh investigation into el-Rufai’s tenure in the FCT ministry revealed that he sold about 22,0052 Federal Government houses without proper accountability.

It was gathered that after the Federal Government and the FCT administration had shared about N27bn out of the proceeds of the sales of the houses, it was expected that there would be a balance of N34bn.

The source added that due to an alleged criminal conspiracy by the former minister and the ad hoc committee set up to supervise the sales, the N3bn had been misappropriated.

According to him, the committee members, in a bid to cover their activities, failed to keep proper records and accounts.

For instance, they were alleged to have paid about N104m into its “operation account,” instead of the proceeds account.

Apart from that, about N168m was also said to have been spent by the committee without any records showing how the money was disbursed.

“All the payments made into the committee operation accounts were a breach of due process and a ploy to divert public money into their own private pockets,” the source said.

It was, however, gathered that Lawal, a former managing director of the liquidated Alpha Merchant Bank, and Umar had since left the country to prevent their arrest.

When contacted, the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed that fresh charges would be brought against El-Rufai.

Pressed further, he said, “I can only tell you that fresh charges will be filed against the former minister very soon.”

El-Rufai, who is currently undergoing a study at the Harvard University, United States, was arraigned before an Abuja High court on an eight-count charge of corruption before the Federal High Court 2 in Abuja.

He was accused of fraudulently allocating 10 plots of lands to his family members and cronies, an act considered as a breach of oath of office.

The case is being pursued by the EFCC in order to set in motion, the process of his extradition to face trial.