PDP after my life – Amaechi

The Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, was after his life following his decision to claim his mandate as the reelected chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Amaechi, who vowed to challenge his suspension by the National Working Committee of the PDP on Monday in court, said the only reason for the action was his decision to fight for his right.
Amaechi, who spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at a youth forum, said the NWC suspended him without any invitation or fair hearing.
He said: “I was not invited by the National Working Committee of PDP.
“I was not given fair hearing.
“What I heard was that why did I refuse to reinstate the suspended Obio/Akpor Council executive?
“Who suspended them?”
The youths at the forum replied: “The Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Amaechi: “Who has the power to reinstate Obio/Akpor council executive?”
The youths replied: “The state Assembly.”
Amaechi continued: “So, you see the political witch-hunting.
“It is so ridiculous.
“My party must rise above political witch-hunting.
“Governor Amaechi did not suspend Obio/Akpor Council (executive).
“I hope you know I have the power and my power is to dissolve.
“I can dissolve Obio/Akpor Council (executive).
“But I have not done that.
“What the Assembly is doing is that they are investigating corruption.
“But the party said they should not investigate corruption.
“Is it fair?
“If they are not guilty, then they will re-instate them.
“But if they are guilty, then we will ask for the dissolution of the council.
“We have not even gone half way and the party says re-instate them.
“It means that the party likes corruption.
“Let the Assembly resume and commence investigation.
“Let’s see what goes on.
“Whether there is corruption or not, it is the business of the Assembly.
“I have been a Speaker and I know the powers of a Speaker and the legislature.
“I used it when I was a Speaker.”
The governor further advised the State Police Command to obey court orders by vacating the Obio/Akpor council premises and allow normalcy to return to the council, adding: “What is the police still doing at the Obio/Akpor Council building?
“The court gave an order to the police to vacate Obio/Akpor Council, they disobeyed and the police are still stationed there.
“The Federal Government does not care.
“They only stationed police at Obio/Akpor council.
“Even if everybody dies, they don’t care.
“Now the whole state will be grounded because the police have refused to vacate the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat.
“They don’t want to know.
“We are not important to the Federal Government.
“We are not important at all.
“You know what it took for us to stop militancy in the state.
“But only last week, they organised militants to return to the streets of Port Harcourt.
“Is that not shameful?
“You all knew how the militants spent our money, raped our women, killed our parents and young men.
“Immediately the militants stopped protesting, the police said nobody should protest again.
“Internal democracy is important in our party.
“If they fought me by all means and I still won the Nigeria Governors’ Forum election, what should they do?
“They should have joined me to thank God.
“Because what it means is that God has spoken.
“It happened when I was in Ghana.
“I fasted and prayed for six months, 6am to 6pm, and God made me governor.
“I will not leave the PDP.
“I will go to court.
“The plane issue is same politics, pure politics.
“For one year plus, a minister refused to sign import permit.
“I am sure you are aware of the House of Representatives Committee report on the plane issue.
“They should allow the police to work for the benefit of the public.
“And imagine, if you and I cannot go to court to seek for protection, where else can we go to?
“They have refused to accept the court decision.
“And if the police continues, we shall mobilise Rivers people to come out en masse and I will be in front to lead the protest.”
On the NGF election, Amaechi said: “You will see it on the internet when the governors were voting.
“All the governors were there and you will also see the counting.
“We (governors) agreed to voting and all the governors voted.
“So any governor who said he didn’t vote is lying against the nation because all of us are on oath to govern properly.
“So we should not lie.
“Every governor voted.
“You will see the video.
“If we leaders of Nigeria today are refusing to accept the results of a properly-organised election, supervised by the Director-General of the Governors’ Forum, then where is the future?
“And somebody brought a paper that was signed in April.
“If you check that list, it was signed in April and you brought it on May 24 after the governors had finished voting their chairman into office.
“That list is not part of our election.
“There is a rumour that they want to go to court to stop me as NGF chairman.
“We are ready to meet them in court but they should not go through the backdoor to get an order.
“I want to say the way these people at the federal level are acting, they may come for my life.
“So when you pray, please, pray for me.”
And just a few hours it announced the suspension of Amaechi on Monday, the national leadership of the PDP raised an 11-member committee to investigate the petition by some members of the party in the state against the governor.
The investigative panel is headed by Joe Gadzama, SAN.
Other members of the panel are Victor Kwon, Inalegwu Onche, Friday Nwosu, Udorji Amedu, Ola Kukuyi, Wakil Mohammed, Yusuf Jangwe, Bola Doherty and Tanimu Adamson, while Anicho Okoro will serve as secretary.

Ajah crisis: Chief, others in police detention

The last has not been heard about the fight, which erupted among three factions of land speculators, at the Lekki/Ajah area of Lagos State on Saturday.
Six people allegedly died during the clash on Saturday.
The clash continued on Monday and led to the arrest of one of the chiefs in the area.
It was gathered that sick and tired of the constant fighting, a team of policemen had arrested several of the hoodlums, believed to be at the centre of the storm.
The police in the state had earlier on Sunday arrested a popular chief in the area, who was said to be the financier of one of the warring factions.
On Saturday it was gathered that about three factions of thugs, the Olumegbon boys, Ajah boys and Ilaje boys, clashed over what had been described by eyewitnesses as battle for supremacy over motor parks.
Another version claimed that the thugs, as usual, were fighting over land acquisition and ownership.
Eyewitnesses accounts claimed that on Saturday morning, the thugs agreed to meet at a certain area of Lekki/Ajah, at about 6am.
By the time police got the information and raced to the scene, the battle had been fought, won and lost.
It was gathered that scene of the fight was like a river of blood.
The wounded were rushed to the hospital, while the dead were taken away by their respective factions.
The Olumegbon boys were said to have lost three men, the Ilaje boys lost one, while the Ajah boys also recorded the death of one man.
The grieving Olumegbon boys were said to have carried the corpses of their dead colleagues to the palace of Chief Olumegbon.
The reason for the present clash was vague, but there had always being an ongoing feud between the three factions.
The factions came to be years ago, after the leaders of the factions started fighting over parcels of land in the area. Apparently determined to win the land acquisition war at all cost, the leaders had gone to different parts of the Lagos to hire thugs, who would always be ready to fight.
These thugs metamorphosed into land speculators and soon had different motor parks.
For peace to reign, the Olumegbon, Ilaje and Ajah boys ought not to trespass into one another’s boundary at motor parks.
A faction, going into another motor park to collect toll, had often been the cause of their clashes, if not over land.
The policemen had on Monday afternoon brought the arrested chief to his Ajah Roundabout home for a search.
When the cops invaded the hideouts Chief Olumegbon’s thugs, there was pandemonium.
An eyewitness said: “When the police went to the chief house, they saw many hoodlums around the place and they started to arrest them.”
Attempt by the policemen to arrest the hoodlums was met with stiff resistance from the thugs.
The policemen in an attempt to stop the boys from bolting, shot sporadically into the air, causing panic.
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, could not confirm the arrest of the chief and his thugs since she was yet to get the facts of the case.
Briade promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as she found out the situation from the Area Commander in charge of Area J.

Woolwich murder probe: suspect Michael Adebolajo held in Kenya in 2010

One of the suspects in the Woolwich murder case was arrested in Kenya in 2010, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
It said Michael Adebolajo was arrested there and it gave consular assistance “as normal” in the circumstances.
He was believed to have been preparing to train and fight with Somali militant group al-Shabab, Boniface Mwaniki, head of Kenya’s anti-terrorism unit, told the Associated Press.
He said Mr Adebolajo was arrested with five others and later deported.
The Kenyan government had previously denied he had ever visited the country, but spokesman Muthui Kariuki said there had been some confusion as he was arrested under a different name.
Islamist insurgent group al-Shabab is affiliated to al-Qaeda and is thought to have 7,000 to 9,000 fighters. It killed 76 people in a double bomb attack in Uganda as they watched the 2010 World Cup.
Mr Adebolajo, 28, and a second man, Michael Adebowale, 22, were arrested on suspicion of the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich on Wednesday.
They remain in custody in hospital in a stable condition after being shot and wounded by police at the scene after the killing. The family of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was slain in Woolwich last week, visit the scene of his death
Three further men, aged 21, 24 and 28, were arrested in London on Saturday evening on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder – a Taser was used on two of them.
A 29-year-old man arrested earlier on suspicion of conspiracy to murder was released on bail on Saturday.
In an update on Sunday, Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Osborne said officers were examining CCTV footage, social media and forensic material as part of their investigation into Drummer Rigby’s murder.
He appealed for any associates of Mr Adebolajo and Mr Adebowale who believed they might have useful information to come forward.
Earlier on Sunday, Home Secretary Theresa May told the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme “500 officers and others” were working on the case, including counter-terrorism officers brought in from elsewhere in the country.
Senior Whitehall sources have previously confirmed to the BBC both suspects arrested at the scene of Drummer Rigby’s killing were already known to security services.
A friend of Mr Adebolajo, Abu Nusaybah, told the BBC’s Newsnight on Friday that MI5 tried to recruit Mr Adebolajo as an operative after he returned from a trip to Kenya in 2012 – a request he rejected.
When asked if there were mistakes made by the security services in dealing with this case, Mrs May said: “What we have is the right procedures which say when things like this happen we do need to look at whether there are any lessons to be learned.”
She also said a new taskforce was being set up to look at whether new powers were needed to tackle extremism. It will be chaired by the prime minister and include senior cabinet ministers and security chiefs.
Mrs May said “thousands” of people were potentially at risk of radicalisation in the UK, and the government had introduced “a new programme, which is not for those immediately at danger of radicalisation, but for those who are perhaps ‘further out’”.
Several senior politicians, including former Labour home secretaries Lord Reid and Alan Johnson, and former independent reviewer of terror laws Lib Dem peer Lord Carlile, have urged the government to revive its controversial Communications Data Bill in the wake of the Woolwich murder.
The bill would have given police and security services access, without a warrant, to details of all online communication in the UK – such as the time, duration, originator and recipient – as well all citizens’ web browsing history.
It was shelved after opposition from the Liberal Democrats, but former Conservative Party leader and home secretary Michael Howard said the Tories could form a pact with Labour to push the bill through.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the government must “reach agreement on communications data so it doesn’t become a political football”, adding: “The challenges faced by the police with new technology should be addressed whilst protecting people’s freedoms.”

BBC

We must stop Boko Haram’s excesses at all cost – Jonathan

Federal Government will sustain the ongoing onslaught against the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, no matter what it will cost until when peace and tranquility return to the northern part of Nigeria.

President Goodlcuk Jonathan again made this declaration on Sunday while fielding questions from journalists on the sideline of the ongoing Special Summit of the African Union holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Jonathan said: “The excesses of Boko Haram must stop.
“That is the decision of this present government now.
“It must stop.
“Whatever it will cost the government, it must stop.
“Niger Republic had been relatively calm although they have been noticing the movement because it is a general area from Mali, Niger, Chad to Nigeria but because Nigeria is fairly big, we now said ‘no, this must stop.’
“They are now moving.
“Central Africa, North Africa, West Africa, East Africa is not also safe.
“Even in Ethiopia here, there were a lot of terrorist activities before but it is now coming down.
“Same with Somalia.
“So, it is only southern Africa that is relatively peaceful in terms of terror.
“It is a serious business.
“That it why all presidents and heads of government on this continent must come together to fight, otherwise they will create more problems, especially for countries that cannot contain them.
“Luckily, Nigeria is fairly rugged, fairly robust.
“So, we can confront it and we are confronting it now because we can no longer watch people being killed and it must stop.”
A very determined Jonathan also said that the government has the wherewithal to contain the reign of terror in the north.
He expressed delight that the emergency rule that is in place in Borno, Yobe Adamawa States was already yielding fruits.
According to him, government would tackle the insurgency in terms of immediate, medium and long term approaches, adding that as a short term measure, the military intervention was compulsory.
He added: “For the short term, of course, there must be military intervention, we must beef up security, we must change the security architecture to make sure that we detect that something is about to happen before it happens so that we will be able to stop it.
“We have stopped a number of incidents in the country.
“It is just that the few that happened affect life and whenever life is affected, you will not even think that somebody is doing anything.
“That is why recently, I even had to declare a state of emergency in three states so that we go all out to make sure that we seize these weapons.
“We must comb the whole place to seize all these weapons and so on.
“A lot of free weapons come in because of the Libya crisis.
“We must seize them.
“They are illegal weapons and must be seized and you cannot do that without declaring a state of emergency to enable the military enter any house, whether it is a residential building, it is a church, a mosque, a shrine, anywhere, hotel, anything that we suspect.
“We will be able to enter and seize these weapons.
“In the short term, it is to seize these weapons.
“That is why those three states we have the worst cases, we declared a state of emergency.
“By the time we finish combing, we would have not just stopped it there but we would have seized most of the weapons they are using.
“That is the short term.”
In the medium term, President Jonathan said priority would be given to education in the north, noting that the parts of the country where there are prevalence of Boko Haram activities have the highest rate of school dropouts.
Meanwhile, contrary to report being circulated online, President Jonathan did not go missing as at the time he was scheduled to address the AU Assembly, his Media Adviser, Reuben Abati, has said.
Abati said: “It is perfectly normal for Presidents to meet on the sidelines of any international meeting, and as the AU plenary went on, many Presidents stepped out to hold bilateral meetings and returned to the hall.
“Where they are listed to make a statement in a plenary session and as it happened in our case, the President had gone to attend a meeting on the sidelines, the minister sitting in for the President can ask for a different slot to enable his principal return to the hall to make the statement.
“Where he does not do this, he may opt to present the country’s statement. It was not only Ambassador Gbenga Ashiru who presented the country statement on behalf of their principals.
“So, as you can see, there is nothing amiss here. President Jonathan was perfectly in order. He did not abandon his duty post. He was in fact busy at work on behalf of Nigerians. I see the mischief that has suddenly erupted around this matter as a classic case of much ado about nothing.
“President Jonathan is an accomplished diplomat; under his watch, Nigeria’s relationship with other countries has continued to grow strong. We are witnessing under this administration, a truly golden and glorious moment in Nigeria’s foreign policy process, an achievement which President Jonathan cherishes.”

State of emergency: More troops arrive in Adamawa

Some 200 troops arrived in Yola, Adamawa State on Monday in continuation of the deployment of troops in the state following the declaration of a state of emergency.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the three north-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe on May 14, following prolonged insurgency by the Boko Haram Islamic group.
Addressing the troops at the headquarters of the 23 Armoured Brigade in Yola, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Fatai Alli, urged the soldiers to adhere to all necessary rules of engagement in their assignment.
Alli said necessary areas for deployment in the state had been identified for action and that more troops were on their way to join those on ground.
He appealed to members of the public to accord maximum support and corporation to the troops to facilitate the successful execution of their assignment.
The commander commended the support and corporation so far shown by the public in the state since the declaration of the state of emergency and urged the people to sustain the relationship.
Meanwhile, the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on the state is still being enforced.

NGF: Jonathan arm twists governors, seeks to change election process

President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be seeking to change the election process of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in his bid to oust the Chairman of the body and Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

The election into the NGF is expected to hold anytime from now.
It was learnt that the plot in the Presidency is to obtain the signatures of a minimum of 20 governors who will express their opposition to Amaechi’s continued stay as their chairman.
Sources in the Presidency said the plot is that it is this list that will be presented at the meeting of the NGF where Amaechi will be seeking re-election.
Amaechi will then be told that since majority of the governors have decided not to continue under his leadership, a new person should emerge as governor.
To achieve this agenda, a source said that Jonathan has started the compilation of names and signatures of the governors.
The governors are being forced to sign the paper, a source told The Eagle Online.
Security reports alleging massive fraud, it was learnt, have been used to whip some of the governors into line while some have been promised roles in Jonathan’s government post-2015 after they must have ended their tenures.
It was learnt that Jonathan summoned the governors of Kebbi, Yobe, Kwara and Borno States – Alhaji Usman Dakingari, Ibrahim Geidam, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Kashim Shettima – to his office after a meeting of the National Economic Council in Abuja last week.
While three of the governors – Dakingari, Geidam and Ahmed – signed the paper expressing opposition to Amaechi’s continued leadership of the NGF, Shettima vehemently refused to join the plot, it was learnt.
It was equally learnt that the Presidency has changed its mind about who to field as replacement for Amaechi.
The initial plot was to use Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State.
But Shema has been dropped for Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State.
A source told The Eagle Online that the number of signatures required by the Presidency is still far from the expected target.
The constitution of the NGF however makes it mandatory that election into the office of the chairman must be by voting.
A source within the NGF expressed worry over the new plot by the Presidency in the bid to oust Amaechi.
The source said: “It is quite worrisome that the President can hatch this totally illegal plot.
“What it means is that we should expect a worse scenario if President Jonathan runs in 2015.
“It then means that all illegal means, including using the police and the military to intimidate Nigerians into accepting the continuation of Jonathan in office without election, would be employed.”
None of the presidential spokespersons was available for comments on Sunday.
Governor Amaechi could also not be reached for his comments.

JTF apprehends 65 insurgents, kills 10 – DHQ

No fewer than 65 persons suspected to be members of the Islamist insurgents, Boko Haram, have been apprehended by the military Special Forces, Defence headquarters announced on Saturday.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, the terrorists were arrested while attempting to flee the various camps that had been raided by the military.
Olukolade said items seized from the insurgents included vehicles, tricycles and mobile handsets, adding that the suspects are now in the custody of he Joint Task Force.
Olukolade said authorities at the Defence Headquarters were so far satisfied with operation since the declaration of state of emergency in three states, enjoining “the troops to sustain the intensity of the operations”.
His statement reads: “In continuation of the mission to rid the nation’s territories of all insurgents activities, the Special Forces have apprehended 65 persons confirmed to be terrorists as they made attempt to infiltrate Maiduguri while fleeing from various camps now under attack.
“A total of 11 vehicles, 4 tricycles and 24 handsets were also seized in the process. All the suspects are in custody of Joint Task Force and are currently being interrogated.
“Meanwhile of the camps of the terrorists have been found deserted by fleeing insurgents when troops of the Special Task Force stormed the localities. The facilities have been occupied by troops.
“In another development, troops have engaged and dislodged elements of insurgents groups who carried out attacks on citizens in localities such as Gamboru ward yesterday.
“At the end of the encounter, a total of 10 suspected terrorists were confirmed dead while weapons such as Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, assorted ammunition and rifle magazines were recovered. The area is being combed to fish out any of the surviving insurgents.
“Also, some of the fleeing insurgents from various camps have been noted to be in search of fuel from neighboring communities. Citizens are advised to report to JTF, any group of persons roaming around the local communities with large quantities of conta

Members of Boko Haram may face war crimes charges for population cleansing - UN

Members of Boko Haram and other extremist groups in Nigeria could face war crimes charges for deliberate acts leading to ethnic and religious cleansing, the United Nations has said.
Rupert Colvile, the spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said this in a statement made available at the UN Head quarters in New York, United States of America on Friday.
Colvile reiterated calls on Boko Haram and other extremist groups in Nigeria to cease their “cowardly attacks” against civilians, members of government institutions, security forces and foreign nationals.
The statement added: “The High Commissioner noted that members of Boko Haram, if judged to have committed systematic attacks against a civilian population on grounds such as religion or ethnicity could be found guilty of crimes against humanity.
“Deliberate acts leading to population ‘cleansing’ on grounds of religion or ethnicity could also amount to a crime against humanity.”
In recent weeks, more than 220 people have been killed in violent clashes between military forces and the Islamist group, Boko Haram.
OHCHR has urged the Nigerian government to abide by human rights principles during security patrols.
The rights body also said it was concerned about the large number of casualties, reportedly including many civilians and massive destruction of houses and property.
Colville urged the government to ensure that international human rights law was respected during its emergency operations.
Similarly the Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, had said he remained very concerned about the ongoing instability in the country.
Ki-Moon underscored the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and to safeguard the lives of all Nigerians.
NAN.

Post-2011 election violence: FG disburses funds to states

The Federal Government on Thursday disbursed N5,747,649,780 to the eight states affected by the 2011 post-election violence and civil disturbances.
Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who presided over the disbursement at the State House, Abuja, said: “It is with deepest sense of sorrow that President Goodluck Jonathan and indeed the entire government and people of Nigeria remain deeply pained by the violent acts and civil disturbances which necessitated today’s event.”
Sambo regretted that after the transparent efforts that produced the election that was universally acknowledged as being highly successful, the national joy was marred by sporadic acts of violence and civil disturbance in some parts of the country.
However, he restated that the programmes of the administration are on course and no amount of crisis or violence will pose a challenge to the resolve to deliver on government’s promises as well as ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
“President Jonathan in his magnanimity has graciously approved the disbursement of financial assistance to the victims of the 2011 post-election violence after a painstaking process of assessments, verification and collaboration between the Federal Government and the concerned States,” he said.
Sambo commended the Investigative Panel chaired Sheik Ahmed Lemu and Justice Samson O. Uwaifo as Vice Chairman, for showing great courage, dedication and sound judgement, which has helped the country at a very trying time.
He noted that the disbursement of the funds was part of the panel’s recommendations, which looked at the need for political/constitutional reforms, as they tried to ascertain the number of persons who lost their lives or sustained injuries, the spread and extent of loss and damage to means of livelihood as well as the cost of damage to persons and public properties and places of worship.
The following states affected by the post-election violence and the corresponding amount given to it are: Bauchi State, – N1,574,879,000; Zamfara State – 93,253,485.00; Niger State – N433,375,875; Jigawa State – N208,667,634.00; Katsina State – N1,973,209,440.00; Kano State – N944,827,000.00; Adamawa State – N420,089,840.00; Akwa Ibom State – N43,504,000.00.
Other states such as Borno, Yobe, Nassarawa, Gombe and Kaduna would be paid their due accordingly.
For proper supervision of disbursement of the funds, Sambo said Mr. President has approved that for each state there will be an Implementation Committee that will consist of the Governor of his Deputy as chairman.
Other members will include representative of the State, Secretary of the Sheik Lemu-led Panel of Enquiry, representative of the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, representative of the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the representative of various Pay Offices of the each state.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiary states, the Governor of Bauchi State, Isah Yuguda, expressed appreciation to President Jonathan for the assistance and assured that justice and equity would be done to the funds.

CAN lauds FG on emergency rule, urges dissolution of amnesty committee

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oristejafor, has urged the Federal Government to dissolve the committee constituted on granting amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents.
Oritsejafor’s reaction, contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by his media aide, Kenny Ashaka, also commended government for declaring emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.
He said the committee, tagged “the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North”, was no longer relevant, following government’s decision.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee, headed by Kabiru Turaki, was set up to design a plan for granting amnesty to the Boko Haram sect.
Oristejafor said that government’s decision to explore a more intensive military action to end the insurgency was a vindication of CAN’s stand that amnesty for the sect’s members was not a solution.
“The statement by Ashaka said: “With the declaration of a state of emergency in the three states, the amnesty committee is no longer relevant and should be dissolved. Government should suspend the amnesty committee.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in three north-east states is a justified action and a vindication of CAN’s position that negotiation with terrorists will always end up a futile exercise.
“We are being vindicated that no reasonable agreement can be reached with terrorists.”
It stated that President Goodluck Jonathan deserved commendation for the resolve to adopt a measure that would bring an end to the bloodshed in parts of the North-East.
The statement further expressed CAN’s support for the kind of emergency rule adopted by the Federal Government.
It described Jonathan as a “true democrat and an advocate of human rights protection”.
Oristejafor, the statement said, called on political leaders in and outside the affected states to reciprocate Jonathan’s gesture by co-operating with security forces to end the mayhem.
“While saying that the state of emergency declared in the three states is not unexpected, CAN calls on the three concerned governors to reciprocate the kind gesture by co-operating with those charged with the responsibility of bringing down the insurgency,” it stated.

Jonathan declares state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday night declared state of emergency in three Northern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa but could not muscle up courage to send the governors of the affected states packing from their respective Government Houses.
The three states more than others in the North have been turned into battle grounds by Islamist insurgents, Boko Haram, whose frequent attacks have left thousands of people dead and property worth millions of naira destroyed in the past few years.
President Jonathan lamented that despite effort by the government to establish channels for dialogue, the insurgents seem determined to overrun other parts of the North, saying government viewed their activities as rebellious.
Addressing the nation in a live broadcast, the President said he was left with no option than to exercise his powers to declare emergency rule in the affected states.
He said: “Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.”
However, Jonathan said all political structures will remain intact in the three states, calling for cooperation from the political leaders and the people to make the exercise succeeds.
He said: “But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.”
To ensure adequate protection of lives and property and further breakdown of law, the President said the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim, has been directed to deploy adequate troops to the three states.
Recalling what led the decision, the President noted that the “activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilise the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.
“These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.
“They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.
“Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.
“Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.
“While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside”.
President Jonathan said the troops and other security agencies that would be deployed “have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.”
According to President Jonathan, the orders “will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.”
He therefore, called on the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States “to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.”
However, in line with the provision of the constitution, President Jonathan said he will transmit the Proclamation to the National Assembly for ratification.
He also said he would approach governments of neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, “for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.”

Nasarawa killing: Police appeal for information

As part of efforts at encouraging a wider and communal participation in the investigation into the recent killing of policemen in Nasarawa State, the Police High Command has established a dedicated telephone line for members of the public who may wish to provide vital and useful information.
To this end, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has appealed to Nigerians who may be in possession of information that could aid ongoing investigation not to hesitate in providing same to the police, promising that all such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Such information can be provided via phone number 07066228200.
It could be by call or SMS.
The police could also be reached by email at policemonitor@npf.gov.ng.
Abubakar reminded the public that an attack on the security forces of any nation is an attack on the entire nation.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians to support the police as it strives to tackle this and other security challenges facing the nation.
Meanwhile, in a bid to ameliorate the plight of the dependents and family members of the fallen police officers, the IGP has ordered the immediate relocation of the Force Welfare Officer, Abiodun Ige, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, to Nasarawa State to enable her effectively and speedily coordinate all welfare related issues touching on the families of the late officers, including but not limited to the payment of all statutory and relevant compensations.
He appealed for patience and understanding of the family and friends of the slain officers, particularly as it relates to the issue of the release of the bodies of the officers, promising that all corpses will be released as soon as preliminary enquiries were concluded.

Nigeria descending into lawlessness - Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto and leader of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Sunday said Nigeria was descending into lawlessness.
Abubakar thus called for urgent steps to be taken to stop the slide into anarchy.
Abubakar, who was reacting to the recent killings in Nasarawa and Borno States, said the government must halt the lawlessness pervading the country.
In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the Sultan and the JNI said: “Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and its President-General the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, received with shock the cruel and merciless attacks on innocent people at Bama in Borno State and Alakyo in Nasarawa State.
“It is quite unfortunate, regrettable and condemnable that, after the unfortunate Baga massacre which should have been the last in such attacks at these times, a more devastating attack would be unleashed on innocent citizens of Bama in Borno State, and would continue unabated for a number of days. Equally condemnable are the Nasarawa State killings where some reported members of Ombatse cult laid ambush and caused the death of 88 persons, including dozens of policemen. The JNI and the Sultan lament this sorry state of affairs in strongest terms, for the nation seems to be gradually sliding into lawlessness leading to multiple losses of lives.
“The JNI therefore calls on all and sundry to be wary of happenings around them and take proactive measures by reporting to appropriate authorities doubtful persons and events. Equally, the JNI calls on all citizens to give their unflinching support to the constituted Federal Government Amnesty Committee, whose mandate is not only recommending amnesty but dialoguing with insurgents towards opening doors for the restoration of peace and stability in the North and Nigeria at large. There is therefore the need to partner with the Committee as well as affected state governments in order to bring to an end these acts of barbarism.
“The JNI sends its condolences to the Government and good people of Borno State as well as to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, CON, over the unfortunate recurring attacks in Bama, Borno State. In the same vein, JNI condoles the Government and good people of Nasarawa State as well as His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji (Dr) Isa Mustapha Agwai I, over the Ombatse cult massacre in Nasarawa State.
“The JNI however reiterates its earlier call that rules of engagement should be professionally employed by the Nigerian Army, the Police and other security agencies in curbing insurgencies, so as to reduce collateral damages recorded in such types of upheavals. More importantly, in dealing with such restive areas, we advise the security agencies to supplement firmness with such measures that is sufficiently seen to be just and humane to earn the people’s trust, support and co-operation to enable overcome criminal elements.”

Fanny Amun arrested for assault

The legendary former Golden Eaglets Coach, Fanny Amun, has been arrested by policemen from Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos State for assault.
Amun was said to have attacked a man identified as Okechukwu while he was walking along the street in Surulere.
Amun allegedly tore Okechukwu’s clothes, after beating him to a state of stupor.
According to eyewitnesses, Amun attacked the man because he had the impression that his wife was dating and sleeping with Okechukwu.
Okechukwu later went to Bode Thomas Police Station to report.
Amun was subsequently arrested.
His wife was also invited and bore witness against him, insisting that she was at the scene when Amun assaulted Okechukwu.
She further explained to policemen that she and Amun had separated since 1991, after which Amun married another woman and has had four children and lived at Maryland with his new family.
The wife said that she believed that Amun had moved on, so also had she.
She however said that she did not know why Amun was suddenly interested in her affairs after years apart.
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, who confirmed the incident, said that Amun assaulted Okechukwu on the street and tore his clothes.
Braide said that Okechukwu claimed that in the process of the attack, he was dispossessed of his N40,000 and a wrist watch.
According to Braide, Amun would be charged to court for assault.

Obaigbena escapes mob action, meets with management staff at Apapa Club

The Chairman of THISDAY newspaper, Nduka Obaigbena, on Thursday escaped a mob action as protesting staff of the company moved to beat him up.
Obaigbena, who showed up at the headquarters of the company in Lagos where the staff were protesting the failure of the management to pay their salary for four months, was practically rough handled and booed.
The leaderships of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and NUPPROW had stormed the company on Thursday morning to picket it.
THISDAY is owing the staff four months salary and the belief of most of the staff is that Obaigbena has the capacity to pay the money but prefers to live large at the expense of the staff who generate the money.
Meanwhile, competent sources within the company us that Obaigbena is in a meeting with the management staff of the company as at the time of filing this report.
The meeting, it was learnt, is holding at the prestigeous Apapa Club.
Among those at the meeting are the Managing Editor, Eniola Bello, the Daily Editor, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu; and Collins Edomaruse.
It was gathered that the picketing of the company would not stop until the salary arrears are cleared.

Nigerian security services out of control, by John Campbel

The May 8 New York Times carries above the fold an Adam Nossiter story, “Bodies Pour in as Nigeria Rounds Up Islamists.” The story mostly consists of horrific reports of Nigerian security services (army and police) abuses of Northern Nigerian citizens, alleged members of or connected to Boko Haram, a radical Islamic insurgency. Nossiter notes that Boko Haram is “thoroughly enmeshed” in the local population making it difficult to root out the insurgents. He observes that security service brutality “…has turned many residents against the military, driving some toward the insurgency…” The security services and the Jonathan administration in Abuja continue to flatly deny that any abuses are happening, much less systematically carried out; despite the testimony of a wide range of credible northern observers.
Many of us have heard reports similar to Nossiter’s from Nigerian contacts for some time. Human Rights Watch also issued a report that, in effect, argued that the International Criminal Court should investigate both Boko Haram and the security services for crimes against humanity. For a long time I have heard that the security services round up large numbers of young men who simply disappear. They are never formally arrested, prosecuted, tried or, if convicted, punished. They simply disappear, outside the justice system altogether. I had assumed that most so detained were quietly released after a time, in part because there were few reports of mass graves. To some extent, that may be true. But, Nossiter’s grim report confirms what many local people say; that in fact, many are murdered. The disposal of so many corpses is posing a problem.
The Council’s Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) has long followed security service abuses in northern Nigeria. NST data—current through April 30—confirms that violence involving Boko Haram and the security services continues to escalate in northern Nigeria. April 2013 had the highest death toll since the NST started, in May 2011. The numbers of dead that Nossiter saw are a reflection of the escalating carnage.
Among the security services, training is often poor or non-existent; pay is also poor. As a matter of policy, soldiers and police are deployed outside their region of origin. Hence, security service personnel often have little understanding or sympathy for the populations they are supposed to protect. Literally, many don’t even speak the same language. But, such factors are no excuse: the security services, an arm of a state with democratic aspirations, must be held to a higher standard than vicious insurgents. Boko Haram terror is no justification for what Nossiter and others report the security services are doing. And the government’s stonewalling is counterproductive.
New York Times coverage will raise the profile of Nigeria’s dirty war in the United States. Hopefully there will be more American political pressure on the Jonathan administration to take concrete steps to control its security services.
John Campbell, a former Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria wrote this on the website of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Another Air Force plane crashes

Another plane in the fleet of the Nigerian Air Force has crashed, this time in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Earlier in the week, an Alpha Jet in the fleet of the NAF crashed in Niamey, Niger Republic.

The Port Harcourt accident occurred on Thursday morning, it was learnt.

The aircraft crashed within the NAF base runway in the process of taking off.

It was gathered that on impact with the ground, the aircraft burst into flames.

Sources told The Eagle Online that the pilot and co-pilot, who were the only two persons onboard, survived.

The crash area has been cordoned off as at press time.

Movement into the NAF Base airport has also been restricted.

Commercial airlines that make use of the NAF base for landing have also had their flights put on hold.

20 policemen killed in clash with cultists in Nasarawa

Governor Ibrahim Tanko al-Makura of Nasarawa State has confirmed that no fewer than 20 policemen were killed on Tuesday by cultists in the state, known as the Ombatse militia group.
The governor spoke with State House correspondents after briefing Vice President Namadi Sambo on the security situation in the state.
He said the unfortunate incident occurred at Alakio village, about 10 km from Lafia, the state capital.
According to him, the policemen, who were going about their lawful duty of dislodging the militia group that has besieged the state, were attacked by the cultists.
The word ‘Ombatse’, in the local Eggon language, means ‘time has come’.
It is believed that the group is causing the commotion and insecurity so as to destabilise the state, which is being controlled by the Congress for Progress Change.
Al-Makura sought the assistance of the Federal Government in tackling the fresh security challenge, recalling that the state government had a year ago dislodged the group.
The governor however expressed the resolve of his government to permanently dislodge the cultists, using whatever means available.
Al-Makura said: “I am here to meet with the Vice President to brief him about the security situation in my state.
“Just yesterday, we had a very bitter security problem that has caused the death of some security officers in the state.
“Two weeks ago, we discovered a certain militia group holding arms and carrying out cultist activities in the state.
“Since January, this thing has not abated and in the past two weeks, it took a total different dimension.
“They have been going from one place to another, including churches, and taking people for that particular ethnic group to come and take portions that are meant to empower them to do what they want to do.
“This escalated and is causing serious concern for the state.
“We decided to hold security meeting to find a way of solving the problem.
“The solution was to go to the shrine and pick on the cult leader so that the problem will be solved once and for all.
“As security operatives were approaching the shrine, unknown to them that ambush has been laid for them, these people attacked them and resulted in the death of more than 20 policemen.
“This is a situation that is so grave and I feel it is very important that I come to brief the Vice President about the security situation and to seek assistance so that we can handle the matter once and for all.
“Already, the group that is from Eggon extraction and called ‘Ombatse’ has been proscribed since the beginning of this year because of the activities of the members.
“The position of this militia is unacceptable to the government.
“Already, we are taking appropriate steps to see that the perpetrators of this act are brought to book.”

Ex-Governor Timi Sylva arrested, plus photographs

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday arrested a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Sylva was picked up at his 3, Niger Street, Maitama, Abuja home.

On arrival at the facility at about 10am, the Commission’s operatives were told that the ex-governor was not in town but they insisted on conducting a search on the house having obtained a warrant from the court.

During the search, vital documents were obtained.

Ironically, the ex-governor who was said to be out of town was later found hiding in a dingy corner in the upper chamber of his expansive mansion.

He was immediately whisked away and is currently being interrogated at the Abuja headquarters of the anti-graft agency.

He is being grilled in connection with fresh evidence linking him with a bouquet of fraudulent transactions that borders on money laundering.

Part of the new evidence includes a number of eye-popping real estate acquisitions in Abuja.

The arrest of the former governor is sequel to his refusal to honour invitations by the Commission.

Rather than appear before the EFCC, Sylva got his lawyers to inform the Commission that he was unable to appear because he was sick and hospitalised in Lagos.

The lawyer had promised to appear with his client on May 7, 2013 but failed to do so.

The Commission, in a statement by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, warned that it would no longer tolerate the antics of suspects who treat its invitation with levity.

Jonathan addresses South African Parliament

In demonstration of the strong ties between Nigeria and South Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan is billed to address the South African parliament this morning in Cape Town.
The President, who is on a two-day state visit to the country, is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his host, President Jacob Zuma, after which he will proceed to the Parliament.
President Zuma was in Abuja recently.
It was during Zuma’s visit that the first round of bilateral talks were held at the Presidential Villa.
On President Jonathan’s delegation were the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru; Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Petroleum, Deizani Alison-Madueke; Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, among others.
President Jonathan is also billed to lead members of his Economic Management Team to attend the Summit of the World Economic Forum on Africa holding in Cape Town this week.
The Forum will be focusing on “Delivering on Africa’s Promise.”

Violence erupts in Ibadan as ACN, NURTW members disrupt Ladoja's rally, plus photographs

Violence erupted on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when known members of the Action Congress of Nigeria and the National Union of Road Transport Workers made to disrupt a political gathering put together by the leader of Accord Party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.

The ACN and NURTW members, apart from injuring several members of the Accord Party, also destroyed the Public Address System, chairs and canopies to be used for the meeting.

Ladoja was to address some members of the ACN and the Peoples Democratic Party, who were dumping their parties for the Accord Party.

The meeting was for Olomi, Oluyole Local Government Area.

Sources at the venue of the incident said the attackers were led by the Chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, better known as Fele.

Fele was allegedly aided by men of Operation Burst.

They allegedly fired gunshots into the air, burnt some canopies and vandalized the vehicles of Ladoja’s supporters.

The car of a reporter with Newswatch Daily, Laide Oyelude, was also vandalized.

Ladoja told newsmen shortly before he left his Bodija, Ibadan home for the political gathering: “He (Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State) is the Chief Security Officer of the state.

“Is this what they want to do?

“Can he prevent us from doing what we want to do?

“Is this not worse than the politics of (late Chief Lamidi) Adedibu’s era?

“After Tokyo, it was Eleweomo.

“Have they been able to suppress us?”

Ladoja later told his supporters at Olomi after the police had taken control of the situation: “They said we should not come, but we have come.

“We know the people who are emboldening the party members to attack us.

“Such people give support only for three days after which things will change.

“We know from history.

“Today, God is with us and that is why we have come to Oluyole to show our appreciation to the people for their support.

“They tried for us when we were just three months old.

“We are not out to disrupt the peace of the state, but rather to talk to our people.

“Why should the people come to attack us?

“Part of what is causing them displeasure is that our lawmakers and other political nominees, who were sacked, all returned to the Accord Party.

“It is rare in the history of politics to have all such members back without some of them compromising and joining the ruling party.

“They were sent away because they were not part of the government’s decision of destruction of people’s shops and their means of livelihood.”

Ladoja commended the security agents also.

He said: “They really performed their duty today.

“I commend them very well.

“People should know that government is for everybody.”

But the ACN has denied responsibility for the attack.

The Publicity Secretary of the ACN in Oyo State, Kolawole Dauda, said the party does not encourage violence.

Muslim Militants Turn Nigeria Into Christian Killing Field

Last year more Christians were killed in Nigeria than any other country. The onslaught of bombings gave Nigeria the sad distinction of being the nation with the highest Christian death toll.

More than 900 Christians reportedly were killed in Nigeria in 2012, all victims of the Boko Haram group and other Islamic militants.

"They are so radical they don't even spare Muslims. If Muslims are sympathetic to any cause at all...if they are sympathetic to the Christians cause, or the minorities cause, they are also termed as infidels," Mark Lipdo, program coordinator for the Stefanos Foundation, said.

In 2013, radicals have killed more than 120 Nigerians, most of them Christians.

Gregory Lar, an international human rights attorney, said, "It is happening at this time because it appears there is a new resurgence, a new Islamic awareness in the need to propagate their religion."

The new wave of violence has caused various groups in Southern Nigeria to take up arms. They are determined to protect Christians.

Attorney Emmanuel Ogebe warns the country may be on the brink of broader conflict.

"Because of the massive Christian Muslim population in Nigeria, there is no country on Earth that is as rich and as ready for a religious war. All the elements, all of the ingredients are there," he said.

Ogebe's spoke at a recent conference sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based Jubilee Campaign. Some panelists criticized the U.S. State Department's reluctance to blame the violence in Nigeria on Islamic extremism.

"The route they are taking is dangerous. It's against American interests and it is not positive. It's not sensible. The ultimate aim of this extremism--it's not just to wipe out Christians. It will hit back here ultimately," Ogebe argued.

For years, Islamic militants limited their attacks on Christians to the 12 northern Nigerian states where Shariah law is in place.

Now, they are pressing into central and southern states where Christians are in the majority.

World Magazine reporter Mindy Belz said the pattern is all too familiar.

"We've seen it happening in Sudan, we've seen it in Mali, we've seen it in parts of the Middle East and other parts of North Africa. When that happens what is growing up in there are also the seeds of terrorism that is targeting the West."

So, what is the solution to stop the attacks against Christians and others?

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has proposed a possible amnesty for Boko Haram terrorists, but Lipdo said amnesty would be a mistake.

"It goes to say that the government must have to succumb to the pressure of terror and then we see that it will go into reward for the perpetrator to continue to carry out his carnage. That is wrong," he said.

"The problem has gone beyond Nigeria alone," Lar said. "It actually has it's roots in Mali and Libya. So, even if the Nigeria situation is well contained and the borders are not secure, you have not solved the problem,"

It seems the future is dismal for Christian in Nigeria, but Lipdo suggests Christians united in prayer can make a difference.

"What we see is disunity that has taken on the Church, so the voiceless are not being represented," Lipdo said. "If we look to the person of Christ and avoid all these differences and come together, we will be able to give a voice to the voiceless and that is what we are called to do."

Eight feared killed in attack on Bayelsa community

Gunmen, again, were on the prowl in a Bayelsa community, killing eight persons at the weekend. This tragedy came after 12 policemen were killed in the state recently.
Armed men suspected to be renegade militants in the Niger Delta launched the attack in Lorbia community of Southern Ijaw Local Council that claimed eight.
Among those killed were five ex-militant youths that embraced amnesty under the leadership of Pastor Reuben Wilson, popularly known as General Wilson.
It was learnt that the attack occurred on Saturday night at the Lorbia waterside. It was also learnt that the murdered youths were tricked into the creek where they were shot dead. Community sources said the killers were suspected to be the same killers of the 12 policemen.
While a version of the report on the killing claimed that eight youths were shot dead in a shootout between two armed gangs, the other version by the families of the slain youths claimed that the victims were tricked to the spot of the killing by some hired hands to the militia group.
Members of families of the victims are insisting that their brothers were set up by some persons in the Lorbia community.
It was learnt that after they were killed, some community people quickly buried two of the victims. Others are still missing.
The Guardian learnt that the suspicious movement of the gunmen on the waters attracted the attention of fishermen who were said to have alerted the community development executive council. During an investigation, it was discovered that the gunmen had killed some persons in the area.
At the home of the ex-militant leader, Reuben Wilson, in Yenagoa, the state capital, mourners and sympathisers were seen wailing. Wilson confirmed the killing to The Guardian.
Contacted on the development, spokesman of the Joint Military Task Force, Lt.-Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu, said he was not aware of the details, but would call back after getting the details of the incident.
And Nigeria’s twin obstacles to development, corruption an insecurity were in focus in London as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, gave thought to the challenges facing the country.
The opposition Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) also lamented Sunday the country’s rising insecurity as it decried what it termed President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘aloofness’ to the destruction of lives and property in Baga, Borno State.
In an interview with The Guardian at the Commonwealth’s headquarters in London, Sharma stressed the need for transparency to check corruption in Nigeria.
He said: “If you (Nigeria) can regulate, organise and make transparent your finances, then you’re taking a big step forward. We have opened an Anti-corruption Centre in Botswana and the idea is that, on a continuous basis, the best practices, which are visible all over, should be exchanged between all the member- states. What causes corruption has common features, so what the solutions can be for everybody put together, can be forwarded to the secretariat and we shall be very happy to work on them. We are doing a lot of remarkable work in many fields, as far as corruption is concerned.”
He attributed the Boko Haram’s insurgency in the northern part of the country to the “huge challenges of diversity.”
Explaining the Commonwealth’s efforts to assist Nigeria contain the insurgency, Sharma observed that the body’s approach had been looking at the various elements involved in various agitations that should be fully integrated, and finding a way to broker a truce.
His words: “We have countries that are so diverse that I often say that we used to talk about two Ds – which are democracy and development. We can now add a third one, which is diversity. Respect for diversity is a huge challenge in contemporary societies, not just in Nigeria, but everywhere. What we are doing is to help look at what the principal elements are, socially, that have to be integrated.”
Sharma said a commission on Respect and Understanding, set up in 2005 at the request of Commonwealth Heads of Government, with the mandate to explore initiatives to promote mutual understanding and respect among all faiths and communities in the Commonwealth, produced a report titled “Civil Paths to Peace,” which was published in 2011, to address the problem.
He also said the organisation was also developing some applications, to have the contents of the report embedded in education curriculum. Another roundtable was held at the organisation’s secretariat in London on May 2, during which member-countries shared experiences on reconciliation.
On visa restrictions that hamper freedom of movement of citizens across the Commonwealth countries, the Secretary- General recalled that contrary to the existing situation, there used be a lot of Commonwealth identity in the early years of the organisation, which encouraged educational exchanges, favourable visa and work permit policies, all of which guaranteed freedom of movement across the member-nations.
He regretted that many of the privileges were withdrawn several decades later. “We are doing an exercise right now,” he assured, “to promote the movement of people.” According to him, while it is true that the world has become “much more complex” than it was 50 years ago, efforts are being made by the association to work out a modality, taking into cognisance, all the immigrations and other concerns, that could be presented to the Commonwealth Heads of Government for consideration, on how to ease the movement of Commonwealth citizens, as is obtainable in the Schengen area, where a group of 26 European countries have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders.
On what the organisation is doing to help Nigeria and other African member-nations entrench democracy, Sharma responded: “through institutional building.” He explained: “What the Commonwealth does is to become a partner in what the member-states want to do. Here, we concentrate a lot on institutions, like the electoral commission, the judicial services commission, human rights commission, independent media commission.”
According to him, the organisation offers assistance in creating working methods, best practices, to ensure sustainability. He said that if such channels were improving on a continual basis and serving citizens, “then the resilience of the society is increased.”
Sharma, who was appointed in 2008, admitted that having to deal with the 54-member countries has been challenging. On the continued relevance of the organisation, he declared: “The Commonwealth will remain relevant. I have been very ambitious about this organisation and making it a contemporary organisation.” “The world is moving so swiftly around you, that you’re either moving backwards or you’re moving forward. There is no such thing as staying still anymore. So, as an organisation, you always have to ask yourself; how are you moving forward? But also, how are you helping the marginalised, the small, the vulnerable, in real economic terms in every possible way, given your strengths. Politically, economically and socially, how are you making those contemporary contributions in terms of outcomes?”
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, entitled “President Jonathan and the Baga gaffe,” the CPC accused President Goodluck Jonathan of not showing the concern expected of somebody in his exalted position.
On April 16, 2013, there was an armed confrontation between persons suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents and military personnel in Baga, a small fishing community in Nigeria’s border with Chad, resulting in destruction of lives and property.
The CPC expressed sadness that since the incident occurred, Jonathan has not taken a cue from his predecessors and peers across the world by acting responsibly on a disaster of this magnitude.
It noted: “The Nigerian Federal authority has so far shown more interest in controlling the information on the casualty figures, as different statistics continue to be bandied around, than in ensuring rehabilitation of the victims of the Baga disaster.
“What is more galling is the refusal of President Goodluck Jonathan in visiting the area to get first-hand information after more than two weeks of this unfortunate incident. It would be recalled that on March 1, 2013, the progressive governors of the yet-to-be-registered All Progressives Congress (APC) walked on the streets of Maiduguri in a manner that befuddled the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“In a clear obfuscation of the issues, the motley of spin-doctors in the nation’s Presidency responded that the long-overdue visit of the President was pre-empted by these governors. It is our belief that the refusal of the President in visiting Baga does not only show insensitivity but is a conduct that is not statesman-like for those that bear presidential authority over a jurisdiction!”
Giving examples of leaders who performed well during emergencies, the CPC said: “On September 7, 1980, President Shehu Shagari visited Ibadan, Oyo State, within days of the Ogunpa flood disaster. On touring the areas affected by the devastation which left 240 people dead and thousands rendered homeless, he quipped: ‘I have seen real disaster!’
“On January 28, 2002, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited Ikeja Military Barracks barely 24 hours after bomb explosions had destroyed lives and property. In a rare show of empathy for the distraught victims – including women and children- who had lost loved ones and rendered homeless, the President preferred to tread bare-footed!
“Shortly after the Boston Marathon Bombing, President Barack Obama was on hand to offer words of comfort to the bereaved and assuage the pains of the wounded. Thereafter, he made pronouncements that sent clear message of his strength of character as the nation’s commander-in-chief.
“The wider implication of President Jonathan’s demeanour is seen in his refusal to embark on duty tours to the servicemen that are daily hazarding their lives for the nation’s security. As a party, we believe that the gravitas of the authority of the commander-in-chief is not just in adornment of ceremonial military wears on special occasion but in providing the right leadership that galvanizes a followership geared for greater service and commitment to the national cause.”
The party added: “We hereby remind the President that part of his oath of office is to preserve the fundamental objectives and directive principles of State policy in chapter two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Firmly entrenched in this section is the declaration that the purpose of government shall be the security and welfare of the people.
“The aloofness evinced by the President to the plight of the Baga people, is in our opinion, an infraction of this relevant provision of the Nigerian Constitution. We consider this conduct as very unacceptable.”

Amaechi obtained aircraft fraudulently, forged documents - Aviation ministry

The face-off between the Rivers State Governor, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and the aviation authorities in Nigeria assumed another dimension on Thursday when the embattled governor was accused of having fraudulently obtained the aircraft and used forged documents to register it.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Aviation on Thursday, the aircraft, based on available documents, still belongs to the Bank of Utah and the registration not transferable.
The statement, signed by Joe Obi, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, stated that Amaechi also fraudulently used Claverton Helicopters name to fly the aircraft in Nigeria.
Obi said that a letter, dated April 26, 2013, by Claverton Helicopters, denied giving the Rivers State Government the permission to use its name for its flight operations.
Obi said in the light of this, there is the need to further investigate how Amaechi and the Rivers State Government came about the aircraft.
The statement by Obi reads in full: “The aircraft in question with Registration Number N565RS is currently listed on the U.S. Department of Transport (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration Registry. The registration was issued to “BANK OF UTAH TRUSTEE” of 200 E, South Temple, Suite 210, Salt Lake City, UT 84111-1346.
“The registration was issued on 28 September 2012 and will expire on 30 September 2015. The registration certificate explicitly states that the aircraft registration is NOT TRANSFERABLE.
“The aircraft is currently insured with Alliance Global Risks US Insurance Company. The Policy Holder noted on the Certificate of Insurance is “ACASS CANADA LIMITED” of 6700 Cote de Liesse, Suite 206, Montreal, QC H4T 2B5, Canada. The Certificate of Insurance is dated 28 September 2012 to expire on 12 August 2013, and it appears to have been issued with respect to a “Ferry Flight Agreement” of September 2012.
“On 26 April 2013 the said aircraft was refused start-up at Akure airport due to insufficient and improper documentation. Specifically, the pilot failed and/or refused to file a proper Passenger Manifest declaring the full identity of all passengers on the aircraft for the intended flight as mandatorily required by the regulatory authorities.
“Upon review of the aircraft’s records, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) discovered that the aircraft was operating illegally within the Nigerian airspace. Specifically, it was revealed that the aircraft did not have a valid flight clearance for its operations on 26 April 2013 as the last purported clearance obtained for the aircraft expired on 2 April 2013.
“Upon further investigation however, it also emerged that the last purported flight clearance (and indeed several flight clearances previously obtained for this aircraft) had been obtained using the name of Caverton Helicopters. A letter from Messrs. Caverton Helicopters dated 26 April, 2013 expressly disclaimed any knowledge of or involvement with the flight clearances previously obtained in its name for the said aircraft.
“The NCAA’s investigations specifically further revealed that the following flight clearances were obtained for the aircraft using the name of Caverton Helicopters:
(i) Flight Clearance for 04 – 06 January 2013
(ii) Flight Clearance for 23 – 27 January 2013
(iii) Flight Clearance for 28 March – 2 April 2013
“In view of Caverton’s letter expressly denying its involvement with the said clearances applications, the Ministry has directed the NCAA to commence a full investigation into all the circumstances surrounding the false clearance applications.
“The flight clearance process is a vital safety and security component of civil aviation worldwide. It requires the involvement of both the civil aviation authorities and the national security agencies before approval is given and full disclosure of the aircraft, passengers and crew must be provided as required by law. The security implication of this requirement is further emphasized where a foreign-registered aircraft (such as the current aircraft) is engaged in domestic flight operations. Failure to fully disclose or attempting to conceal the identities of passengers aboard an aircraft is considered a serious security breach both locally and internationally.
“Furthermore, the presentation of false information or forged documentation to regulatory authorities in the processing of official approvals or permits is clearly a serious violation of the Civil Aviation Act, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations and other extant criminal laws in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The facts currently available to the Ministry suggest that the operators of the aircraft in question obtained several flight clearances from the Nigerian civil aviation authorities using documentation purportedly emanating from Caverton Helicopters. Furthermore, the aircraft attempted to and did operate within the Nigerian airspace on 26 April 2013 without any flight clearance whatsoever in total violation of all extant civil aviation laws and regulations.
“There is also the matter of the Coat of Arms and Identity of the Government of Rivers State being emblazoned and displayed on the aircraft in question, when there is no record or evidence of the state government’s ownership, lease, or other recognized legal or beneficial interest in the aircraft presented to or filed before the civil regulatory authorities.
“As stated above, available records indicate that the aircraft is currently registered to “Bank of Utah Trustee” until 30 September 2015, and the said registration is not transferable. The Ministry has therefore further directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the actual ownership of the aircraft in question.
“Upon conclusion of these internal investigations, the Ministry will take all necessary steps required by law.