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Wednesday 28 May 2014

Polythechnics and Colleges of Education students protest in Lagos

By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 09:22
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  • Students from Polytechnics and Colleges of Education this morning took to the streets of Lagos to protest the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, ASUP, strike which has been on for over 9 months now. The strike has grounded academic activities in all Polytechnics and also halted the students' academic pursuits.

    Also heard that police shot at the students protesting in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos this afternoon. See more pics from the protest after the cut...













    Ronaldo gets another world crown

    By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 09:16
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  • Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's most marketable footballer, according to a study released by an international sports market research company on Wednesday.
    Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi ranked second in the study conducted by Repucom, ahead of club teammate and surprise third-placed entry Gerard Pique of Spain.
    The data measured the perceptions of over 6 500 people in 13 countries, including Britain, the United States, Brazil, China and India, which was reportedly claimed to represent the views of more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.
    2013 Ballon d'or winner Ronaldo, who helped Real Madrid clinch a 10th Champions League title on Saturday, was also found to be the most well-known player on the planet with 83.9 per cent of people aware of who he was.
    "Ronaldo is an endorser's dream. His value is as important to the teams he plays for as they are for the companies that endorse him," said Paul Smith, CEO of Repucom.
    "Global awareness of Ronaldo is what drives his commercial power and with over 82 million Facebook likes and 26 million Twitter followers, he is also one of the most liked in the business."


    Onazi: I escaped Jos blasts by 15 minutes

    By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 06:46
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  • Super Eagles and Lazio of Italy  midfielder,  Ogenyi Onazi

    Super Eagles and Lazio of Italy midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has said that he narrowly escaped being killed in last week’s suicide bombings in Jos, Plateau State.
    Onazi, who was born in Jos, told the British Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, that he left the popular Main Market in Jos, barely 15 minutes   before the first blast rocked the area.
    The first and second blasts at the crowded   market killed at least 150 people.
       “I am very, very lucky, just by the grace of God,”   said Onazi who   is now with the Super Eagles in London as they prepare for Wednesday’s(today) friendly against Scotland.
    The footballer added, “It was just like an ordinary day. Happy faces and friendly warmth that make you feel happy to be back home.
    “We had gone to the railway market to get something. I think it was 15 minutes later when we heard the loud blast from the place. And suddenly, people were just running.
    “There was chaos and pandemonium. There was smoke, I was confused, lost and just wondered what had happened. I had no idea ofwhat was going on and it was scary.
    “All my life I have never heard a bang or boom like that.”
    Onazi said the unrest in Nigeria had made it difficult for him to focus on football.
    “Some will say I should be happy to be alive but I just feel concerned about the security challenges in Jos and Nigeria as a country,” he said.
    “I was born and bred in a peaceful Jos. I may be fortunate enough to live outside the place right now, but I still have my family and friends who live in the city.
    “I always get worried when there are reports of terrible incidents there on a regular basis. It’s sad and depressing to live with this.
    He challenged the Federal Government to quickly “step up security across the country” because “innocent people are dying.”
    “Personally, I think there is a need for a holistic approach to solving this problem once and for all,” the player said.

    Convicted Boko Haram terrorist, Kabiru Sokoto begs President Jonathan for pardon

    By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 06:44
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  • A member of Boko Haram sect already convicted of terrorism charges, Kabiru Umar (aka Kabiru Sokoto), has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan for pardon.


    The convict appealed against the judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced him to life imprisonment on December 20, 2013.

    But he told the President through a letter written on his behalf by his lawyer, Sheriff Okoh, that he was innocent of the offences he was convicted of.

    Umar was jailed for being part of the mastermind of the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandala, Niger State.

    His letter dated December 23, 2013, appealing for presidential pardon was obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.

    In his letter, Okoh faulted the process leading to his client’s conviction, and assured that Umar had offered to help government to solve the Boko Haram crisis in the country.

    He insisted that Umar was innocent of the charges he was convicted of.

    The appeal letter reads in part, “Your Excellency sir, an innocent man was convicted by the court on the date aforementioned. It is for this singular reason that we are applying to you for presidential pardon in the circumstance pursuant to your exclusive legitimate constitutional powers as enshrined in your golden conscience and under Section 175(a) and (b) of the Constitution.

    “Your Excellency sir, we are applying for respite and pardon for the convicted felon Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto) because we have absolute faith in your compassion and highest sense of fairness, equity and justice first as a God-fearing man and next, as the leader of the most compassionate nation on earth.

    “Had Kabiru Sokoto been sentenced in open court for the corporate acts of Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation, we would not have spared a thought to make this application, but he was sentenced alone for acts committed by other members of Boko Haram (an organisation that was only proscribed after his arrest, detention and the making of his no-case submission before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division).”

    The convict also offered to help to resolve the Boko Haram crisis if his request for a pardon was granted by the President, adding that the President had the power to “right the wrong” against any Nigerian citizen.

    His letter further reads, “Your excellency, we vow to reach out beyond the imagination and work with you in resolving the Boko Haram imbroglio, with the firm belief that no quarrel of brotherhood is eternal. We shall undertake this national task for the pleasure of God Almighty, believing in His divine will for our peaceful, united, symbiotic and mutual coexistence as brothers and sisters under a fair and just leader.

    “We most honestly and sincerely urge you to exercise your prerogative of mercy and grant pardon or respite in this matter in the interest of justice. The law permits you to right each and every wrong in Nigeria, including those of the courts and this is one good situation where such powers under Section 175 of our grundnorm serve the collective interest of our beloved nation towards peace and harmony.”

    Umar was convicted of two counts of terrorism charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja on December 20, 2013 and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

    The court found him guilty of facilitating terrorism acts and concealing information from security agencies on the December 25, 2011 bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandala, Niger State.

    In his notice of appeal dated January 17, 2014, which he filed before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, the convict faulted the judgment of the Federal High Court, which it said was tantamount to a miscarriage of justice against him.

    My services are still available – Boko Haram negotiator, Saldika

    By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 06:43
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  • Northern-born journalist widely reported to have strong ties with the Boko Haram sect, Ahmad Salkida, has said that he is still readily available to render his services to bring an end to the insurgency in the country.


    Salkida was said to be close to the late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf, as well as many top shots of the group.

    He had since fled to the United Arab Emirates on account of an alleged threat to his life over what he described as his “professional closeness” to the insurgents.

    “My first-rate exclusive reports on the insurgency in northern Nigeria served by the Boko Haram militant group unsettled a section of the local authorities. This consequently led to threats to my life. I now live with my family and work part-time in the United Arab Emirates,” a post on his LinkedIn page read.

    But, writing on Twitter, Salkida stated that despite being “gagged for doing his work dutifully and lawfully,” he is still willing to make use of his “rare” working relationship with members of the sect to restore peace to northern Nigeria.

    According to him, terrorism as seen today in the country is a tactic used by “a few extremists” against an overwhelmingly peaceful population.

    “There is nothing wrong in having professional access to insurgents as long as it is used to save lives and promote peaceful co-existence. I will forever be readily available to use my rare professional access and knowledge to end this madness and senseless violence in Nigeria.

    “Speculations should not becloud the fact that there are many well-meaning patriots, including myself, that are working quietly day and night for peace. Nigeria is our country. We have no other country to call our own. So let’s get it right. I love Nigeria, I cherish its unity. I will do anything legitimately to make it better than it is, if I can,” he wrote on his Twitter feed.

    The 40-year-old who grew up in Maiduguri, Borno State added that the most effective way the Federal Government can fight terrorism was to “study those behind it and review what strategy works and what doesn’t work.”

    He also urged Nigerians to unite against the Boko Haram insurgency by not seeing it as a menace ravaging the northern Nigeria but a threat to the entire country.

    Calling on Nigerians to render “unconditional support” to the military, he counselled the armed forces to endeavour to be “more accountable” in the ongoing war against the insurgents.

    Salkida frowned on summary killing of Boko Haram detainees, saying the development amounted to extrajudicial executions opposed by international laws.

    “Is there a good understanding of the structure, composition and lifeline of the Boko Haram by our leaders? Has there been a counter-terrorism strategy in Nigeria that has worked in the last three years beyond summary execution and detention without trial?

    “Will the Boko Haram crisis end? It may never be totally eliminated, but a cohesive community that trusts its authorities can curb it. The day we begin to see this war as a threat to Nigeria and not a threat to the Beroms, Christians or Muslims, that is the beginning of our victory,” he added.

    Confronting terrorism, he argued, would be futile if the Federal Government does not move to confront “lesser evils” which he reeled out as corruption, electoral fraud and bad governance.

    The journalist, who has won grants from organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalist and Reporters without Borders, carpeted President Goodluck Jonathan for blaming the opposition for terrorism.

    “I’m frustrated each time my dear President blames the opposition and the opposition blames him. You all need to sit down in the interest of Nigeria and learn. How can this crisis stop when security and political leaders, with the onus of responsibility for public safety, politicise insurgency?

    “This is a case of corrosive doctrine that is poorly managed by the authorities. If effective measures are not taken today, at the end of GEJ’s administration – whether it is General Muhammodu Buhari, (Babatunde) Fashola or Atiku (Abubakar) that is taking over – the crisis will intensify. It’s not who is in power.The central theme of the Boko Haram insurgency is to undermine the institution of democracy and those that support it,” he added in a series of tweets.

    Churches, mosques now to pay tax – CONFAB

    By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 06:32
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  • DELEGATES at the on- going National Conference Tuesday voted that henceforth, Churches and Mosques will be paying tax to the federal government, just as they also agreed that Federal and state governments should no longer fund Christian and Muslim pilgrimages to the Holy lands.


    These were part of the resolutions reached yesterday during discussions of report of Religion Committee.

    The decision to make religious bodies pay taxes came up when a delegate representing Civil Organisations, Mallam Naseer Kura during his contribution on the report had raised it that religious leaders were making much money and should be taxed.

    Also in his contribution, a delegate representing the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Isaac Ighure however frowned at the situation where pastors and heads of churches make too much money with some of them owning private jets, just as he stressed that they should be made to pay taxes and the elite class must stop abusing the little ones in the society, “some people buy private jets when people in their churches are suffering and living in abject poverty, they should be made to pay taxes.


    Governor Suswam Reacts To The Boko Haram Sect’s Threat To Attack The State

    By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 06:18
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  • Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam on Tuesday reacted to the threat made by the Boko haram of their plans to attack the Mount St. Gabriel Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State and abduct male pupils.



    CaptureIt was reported in May 18, that the Principal of the College Godfrey Ugudu had informed the Governor after receiving two letters from the Boko haram sects of their intention to attack the College and the neighbouring catholic Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School either on Friday (May 16) or on Monday (May 19) and kidnap the boys then marry them to the over 200 Chibok school girls they kidnapped on April 14 in Borno state.
    The Governor while speaking to House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja described the purported letters from Boko Haram warning of an impending attacks on schools in the state as a mischief saying:
    “I think that letter was from some mischievous people.“The way the letter was couched show it was from some mischievous elements and not from the quarters that it was purported to have come from’.
    “The way the letter was couched show it was from some mischievous elements and not from the quarters that it was purported to have come from,’’ he said.
    The Governor who said he has taken adequate measures to protect the lives of the students also urged Nigerians should assist the government in the fight against Boko haram Insurgentsand the search of the missing Chibok school girls rather than condemn the President.
    He said: “People should not play politics with security matter in the way that I have seen people play politics with Chibok girls.
    “Instead of condemning the animals that are perpetrating these acts, people are condemning the government.
    “If people are throwing bombs, kidnapping our children, instead of people to join hands with government, they are demonstrating against government.
    “It has become job for the jobless who will gather everyday to condemn government instead of condemning the act itself.
    “People are playing politics with this and it has the tendency and potential of consuming everybody not just President Jonathan or the PDP government.
    He expressed optimism that there was light at the end of the tunnel for country with the security and other challenges facing it saying the country would emerge from the crises victorious, stronger and more united.

    OBJ Holds Meeting With Relatives Of Senior Boko Haram Fighters

    By: Emmanuelomobhude On: 06:12
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  • OBJ Holds Meeting With Relatives Of Senior Boko Haram Fighters
    OBJ Holds Meeting With Relatives Of Senior Boko Haram Fighters


    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has met with people close to the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, in an attempt to broker the release of more than 200 kidnapped schoolgirls, a source close to the talks told AFP.
    The meeting took place last weekend at Obasanjo’s farm in Ogun State and included relatives of some senior Boko Haram fighters as well as intermediaries and the former president, the source said.
    “The meeting was focused on how to free the girls through negotiation,” said the source who requested anonymity, referring to the girls seized on April 14 from the remote northeastern town of Chibok, Borno State.
    Reports of the talks emerged as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, said the girls had been located while casting doubt on the prospect of rescuing them by force.
    Obasanjo, who left office in 2007, has previously sought to negotiate with the insurgents, including in September 2011 after Boko Haram bombed the United Nations headquarters in Abuja.
    Then, he flew to the Islamists’ base in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to meet relatives of former Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf, who was killed in police custody in 2009.
    The 2011 talks did not help stem the violence and some at the time doubted if Obasanjo was dealing with people who were legitimately capable of negotiating a ceasefire.
    Spokesmen for the former head of state, who remains an influential figure in Nigerian politics, could not be reached to comment on the latest reported Boko Haram talks.
    But the source told AFP that Obasanjo had voiced concern about Nigeria’s acceptance of foreign military personnel to help rescue the girls.
    Obasanjo is said to be worried that Nigeria’s prestige in Africa as a major continental power had been diminished by President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to bring in Western military help, including from the United States.
    Mustapha Zanna, the lawyer who helped organise Obasanjo’s 2011 talks with Boko Haram, said he was at the former president’s home on Saturday.
    But he declined to discuss whether the Chibok abductions were on the agenda.
    “I was there,” he told AFP, adding that Obasanjo was interested in helping orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria’s embattled northeast and that possible charitable work was on the agenda.
    Zanna had represented Yusuf’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the government following his death in police custody.
    It was not clear if Obasanjo’s weekend meeting had been sanctioned by the government.
    Obasanjo, who backed Jonathan’s 2011 presidential campaign, fiercely criticised him and his record as president in a letter released to the public last December and the two are widely thought to have fallen out.
    According to the source, Obasanjo supported a prisoner-for-hostage swap that would see some of the girls released in exchange for a group of Boko Haram fighters held in Nigerian custody.
    As a private citizen whose ties to the presidency have been damaged, Obasanjo likely does not have the authority to negotiate any deal on the government’s behalf.
    The government, which has officially ruled out a prisoner swap, sent intermediaries to meet Boko Haram in the northeast to negotiate for the girls’ release.
    The source identified one of the envoys as Ahmad Salkida, a journalist with ties to Boko Haram who had been close to Yusuf before his death.
    “There was contact but it was bungled by the government,” according to the source, saying Jonathan backed away from the deal after returning from a security conference in Paris earlier this month.
    The conference saw Nigeria and its neighbours vow greater co-operation to tackle Boko Haram because of the potential threat to regional stability.
    The chief of defence staff on Monday said that despite having located the girls, the risks of storming the area with troops in a rescue mission were too great and could prove fatal for the hostages.