December 2, 2008
December 1, 2008
Arsene Wenger Hails Fantastic Arsenal Win
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted he was delighted to watch his side come from behind to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game the Gunners' boss admitted he was relieved to bounce back after two consecutive defeats. He said: “We are very happy because we are in a period in the Premier League when we had lost two games and to come here and win is fantastic for the team.”
A Johann Djourou own goal opened the scoring before Robin van Persie hit a brace to secure all three points, and Wenger praised the character of his side.
“We have beaten Man United, we have beaten Chelsea away and I believe that shows we have potential, we have character, fantastic character in this side,” explained the Frenchman, “We now have to be humble and come back tomorrow and work hard.”
Arsenal’s equaliser looked to be offside, yet in true Wenger-style he admitted he had not seen the incident.
“I do not want to score offside goals but I did not see that frankly,” he said before adding, “It can sometimes go for you, sometimes go against you.”
Whilst Chelsea had their fair share of possession they failed to test Manual Almunia and the Arsenal boss admitted they did not pose much of a threat. He said: “We felt the only goal we conceded we scored. We scored all the goals today. I felt we had chances, they had very little chances.”
The win moves Arsenal back into fourth place, seven points behind the Blues and Wenger confessed he felt his side fully deserved the win.
“We had the quality in the second half I think we were on top,” he said before concluding, “We had a bad period in the Premier League. We were 1-0 down and we still won the game there is no better test of character.”
JOS MAYHEM Army takes over • 400 dead, Plateau govt confirms 200 • Tension pervades city • Abia, Anambra calm
The Nigerian Army on Sunday took over security in Jos, the Plateau State capital, two days after riots broke out in the city.
Chief of Army Staff, General Abdulrahman Dambazza, on Sunday personally led fully armed troops to take over security in the Plataeu State capital where hundreds have lost their lives since riots broke out in the city on Friday.
The police had earlier dispatched an Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Richard Chime, to assist in quelling the riots, but when security reports became alarming, Dambazzau had to be moved to Jos.
The announcement last Friday of the results of the local council polls result, which sparked the riots did not help matters as tempers rose to the highest level and the situation would have gone out of hand, but for the intervention of the soldiers.
Dambazza arrived the tin city on Saturday and personally supervised the deployment of soldiers to hot spots around the state early Sunday morning, amidst sounds of sporadic gunshots. He also led his men in patrolling the streets of the troubled state capital. He also visited displaced persons and assured them of relief materials.
Soldiers mounted checkpoints in parts of the city and patrolled the streets in jeeps and on foot. Passers-by were ordered to raise up their hands while passing even as the soldiers continued to enforce the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on the city by the state government.
Army spokesman, Brig. General Emeka Onwamaegbu told AFP on Sunday that the crisis was gradually abating.
"The situation is gradually returning to normal. There’s not been any cases this morning," he said.
About 400 people are believed to have lost their lives in the mayhem, even as property worth hundreds of millions has been razed.
Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Nuhu Gagara, told journalists on Sunday that hoodlums from neighbouring states unleashed fresh mayhem on the city at the weekend after Friday’s carnage had been successfully curtailed. He maintained that the riots and the subsequent destruction were pre planned as the elections had been concluded before some hoodlums decided to unleash mayhem on the state.
He expressed the state government’s regrets on the crisis and said a search and rescue committee put in place by the government was already working to locate the dead and the injured.
Contrary to reports that nearly 400 souls might have perished in the crisis, the commissioner said about 200 people died.
At the town’s Central Mosque, the Aid Group of the Ja’amatu Nasril Islam was preparing mass burial for the victims whose identities could not be ascertained.
Murtala Sani Hashim, who registered the dead as they were brought to the mosque, told Reuters on Sunday that 367 bodies had been brought in so far.
The Red Cross said about 7,000 people have fled their homes and had taken refuge in government buildings, army barracks and religious homes.
A spokesman for the Imam at the Jos Central Mosque, Samaila Abdullahi Mohammed, accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of fuelling the crisis.
"The PDP provided an all Christian ticket. They started the trouble because they couldn’t win," he observed. He accused policemen and troops deployed to quell the riots of "heavy-handed tactics." "As far as we are concerned, we have stopped the violence, but the police have not," he further said.
Meanwhile, the Abia State government has been appealing to people in the state to remain calm following the destruction in Jos. In a message continuously run on electronic media in the state since the Jos crisis commenced, the government urged the people not to embark on reprisal killings following the situation in the Plateau State capital.
Also in Anambra State, the situation remained calm on Sunday even as the government appealed to the people not to embark on violent attacks over the Jos crisis.
At the Vatican on Sunday, Catholic Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI, prayed for the victims of the Jos mayhem. He urged the world to express horror and disapproval at the senseless violence.
Executive Director of the Christian Foundation for Social Justice and Equity, (CFSJES), Mr. Joseph Sangosanya, described the situation as "genocide."
The CFSJES director said the state government mismanaged the whole situation because it allegedly ignored security reports about in-flow of people into Jos.
Sangosanya dismissed as untrue, the assertion by the commissioner for information that there was no security reports, stressing that "the letters written by the civil society to the security agencies that they should beef up security in Jos and its environs were ignored by the government.
"The information system by all the government agencies was not properly managed. Late deployment of soldiers contributed to the mass killings, which we see as genocide and the process of the election itself, which was not credible, led to the mayhem.
"And we see the aggressors as the few individuals who want to perpetuate their expansionist tendencies and we ask that the government should immediately set up a judicial commission of inquiry to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the carnage and those arrested should be charged to court immediately.
The CFSJES director called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, release all the past reports of all the commissions of inquiry into the Jos crises.
He urged the state government to arrest those indicted by those past reports no matter how highly placed so that it could serve as a deterrent.
November 28, 2008
Killer baby mixture: NAFDAC seals chemical company, insists two died in UCH
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has sealed a chemical company, Tranxell Limited, Ilasamaja, Lagos, over the alleged contaminated baby teething mixture, My Pikin.
Investigations by our correspondent on Thursday showed that the action followed an alleged claim by the producer of the teething mixture, Barewa Pharmaceuticals Limited, that its chemicals were supplied by Tranxell.
The closure of the company came as NAFDAC insisted that two children died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after allegedly taking the mixture.
It was gathered that three officials of Tranxell were arrested and taken to the NAFDAC office at Oshodi, Lagos. They were later transferred to the Ikoyi office of the agency for interrogation.
An official of the agency, who pleaded anonymity said, “We have not said that they were guilty. We just want them to answer some questions on the supply of chemicals to Barewa Pharmaceutical Company.”
NAFDAC also took on the UCH on Thursday, saying its insistence that no child died in the hospital after taking the drug was misleading and false.
The agency made available to THE PUNCH the report of the investigation of the children‘s death at the hospital. The report was signed by the Head of South-West Zone, NAFDAC, Mrs. O.A.Osibanjo.
In the report, NAFDAC said that it received a telephone call on November 24 on the death of children at UCH.
“The zonal head (South-West) was directed to immediately investigate a report of deaths of some children at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after being administered with My Pikin Syrup,” it said.
The agency stated that its officials, including the zonal head, a pharmacist, S.O.Adeyemi and Miss B.O.Fareo visited UCH on November 24.
It claimed that its official discussed with the UCH‘s Chief Medical Director, Prof. A.O.Ilesanmi; the Head of Pharmacy Department, Mrs. M.Oderinde; an assistant pharmacist, M.I.Irabor; an officer of the manufacturing unit, one Isola; a member of Pharmacovigilance Committee, Prince Osiyemi; an official of the Main Pharmacy Store, Mrs. Nwanko; a consultant paediatrician, Dr. A.O.Asinobi and Dr. Ademola of the Pediatric Department.
According to the agency, initially, the hospital management claimed ignorance of any report from the Pediatric Department.
”However, while the team was still discussing with the chief pharmacists, two doctors interrupted to make an official report on the death of some children referred to UCH,” it said.
NAFDAC stated that the doctors said that in the last two weeks, seven pediatric patients within the ages of one and three years old were referred to UCH from LUTH and two other hospitals in Lagos.
It added, “Seven toddlers had renal failure linked to administration of My Pikin teething mixture. Two of the seven toddlers died while on admission in UCH, Ibadan. The remaining four were taken back to Lagos by their parents against medical advice. One of the four toddlers died on the way back to Lagos.”
The agency claimed that the UCH doctors told its team that the seventh toddler was brought dead from Lagos on November 23.
“Samples of the drug products were not available in UCH hence no details description of the drug could be given,” it said.
NAFDAC said that its team recommended that further investigations should be carried out in Lagos since the patients were referred to UCH from there.
The Public Relations Officer of the UCH, Mr. Kunle Atinwore, had in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday said, “I wonder why the agency‘s Director-General (Prof. Dora Akunyili) was insisting that two children died in the UCH after being administered with teething mixture.”
Akunyili had at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday said that 25 children died after consuming the drug. But on Thursday she said in a statement that three more children had died at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, thus bringing the toll to 28 nationwide.
However, the figure differs from the 29 which the Lagos State Government said on Wednesday died in the state alone.
Akunyili, who also confirmed the closure of the chemical company on Thursday , explained that the contamination of the teething mixture was caused by addition of a chemical diethylene glycol, which is harmful to the kidney.
Diethylene glycol is a chemical used for freezing. It is very harmful to kidneys. According to the NAFDAC D-G, propylene glycol is used by pharmaceutical companies in the manufacturing of syrups.
Meanwhile, the Action Congress has called for an immediate probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the children.
It said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that the conflicting claims by NAFDAC, teaching hospitals and the manufacturer of the drug made its call imperative.
Hulk Can't Be Restrained, Ex Still Trying to Milk Him
Hulk Hogan's estranged wife thinks he isn't giving her enough, while her new beau thinks the wrestling star is dishing out way too much.
Less than a week after Linda Hogan's boyfriend's request for a restraining order against Hogan was denied, the former Hogan Knows Best matriarch publicly stated that she thinks the $40,000-per-month in support she's receiving is a "drop in the bucket" compared to what her hulking hubby earned over the course of their marriage.
And she's heading to court to ask for an additional $400,000, according to documents filed Nov. 21.
"It is all relative. That is what people don't understand. You can't compare what Linda gets to your own income of 50K a year, you have to compare it to Hulk's one time income of 12 to 16 million a year and the lifestyle that comes with it. That puts it into perspective," Linda's publicist, Gary Smith, said in a statement Tuesday.
Well, in that case...
November 25, 2008
Assault: Uzoma fails to appear before naval panel - Says she’s being frustrated
The lady recently assaulted by naval ratings attached to Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade, Miss Uzoma Okere, has accused the board of enquiry set up by the authorities of the Nigerian Navy to investigate the alleged assault of frustrating her efforts to testify before the panel.She made the allegation following the claim by a source, who is a member of the four-man board, that Uzoma had shunned all entreaties to appear before the panel to state her side of the November 3 incident in Lagos.
The source had told our correspondent on Monday that efforts made by the board headed by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sylvester Umosen, to convince the lady to appear before the panel had proved abortive.
But Uzoma, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, said it was not true that she declined to appear before the board.
Uzoma said she made desperate attempts to appear before the panel on three occasions, adding that her efforts were frustrated by the panel.
According to her, she was on her way to a venue in Victoria Island on the first appointed date before she was called that the venue had been shifted to another location in Apapa, adding that it was difficult for her to face Apapa on that day.
Uzoma explained further that she was indisposed on the next appointed date, adding that the board failed to turn up at the chamber of her lawyer in Onikan, Lagos, as agreed upon last Friday.
She said, ”It is not correct that I refused to appear before the panel. I was on my way to Victoria Island on the first date the panel asked me to come before they called again that they had moved to Apapa and I could not find my way to Apapa again that day. I was ill on the second appointment. But they later called me to pick a venue convenient for me.
”I picked my lawyer‘s chamber in Onikan and we agreed to meet there on Friday. (November 21) But they (naval board) did not come. All of us, including my lawyer, waited till evening before we dispersed. So it cannot be true that I did not want to appear before the panel.”
The panel was set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Isiah Ibrahim, on the order of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, to probe the incident and ascertain the culpability of the naval personnel.
The board of enquiry began sitting in Lagos on Monday, November 17.
The source had told our correspondent on Monday that efforts made by the board headed by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sylvester Umosen, to convince the lady to appear before the panel had proved abortive.
But Uzoma, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, said it was not true that she declined to appear before the board.
Uzoma said she made desperate attempts to appear before the panel on three occasions, adding that her efforts were frustrated by the panel.
According to her, she was on her way to a venue in Victoria Island on the first appointed date before she was called that the venue had been shifted to another location in Apapa, adding that it was difficult for her to face Apapa on that day.
Uzoma explained further that she was indisposed on the next appointed date, adding that the board failed to turn up at the chamber of her lawyer in Onikan, Lagos, as agreed upon last Friday.
She said, ”It is not correct that I refused to appear before the panel. I was on my way to Victoria Island on the first date the panel asked me to come before they called again that they had moved to Apapa and I could not find my way to Apapa again that day. I was ill on the second appointment. But they later called me to pick a venue convenient for me.
”I picked my lawyer‘s chamber in Onikan and we agreed to meet there on Friday. (November 21) But they (naval board) did not come. All of us, including my lawyer, waited till evening before we dispersed. So it cannot be true that I did not want to appear before the panel.”
The panel was set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Isiah Ibrahim, on the order of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, to probe the incident and ascertain the culpability of the naval personnel.
The board of enquiry began sitting in Lagos on Monday, November 17.
Camara seals victory for Latics
Henri Camara finally gave the JJB Stadium reason to cheer as his first Premier League goal in almost two years catapulted Wigan out of the relegation zone and condemned in-form Everton to a 1-0 defeat.The Senegal international striker replaced the ineffectual Olivier Kapo at half-time and needed just six minutes to rifle home a clinical low shot after a delightful piece of skill from Antonio Valencia.
It proved enough to give Steve Bruce's men only their second home league win of the season and their first since beating Manchester City 2-1 almost two months ago.
Moreover, it was the perfect fillip for Bruce after recent results raised fears of his side being dragged into a relegation dogfight.
The Latics are not out of trouble yet but this thoroughly deserved victory, in which midfielder Lee Cattermole was outstanding, was heartening for Bruce and no-one was happier than goal-hero Camara at the final whistle.
The nomadic forward, 31, spent last season on loan at West Ham but failed to score a single goal in a nightmare campaign.
Camara returned to the JJB Stadium in the summer and, having scored three times in the Carling Cup earlier this season, he finally found the net in the top flight for the first time since scoring against Middlesbrough for Wigan in December 2006.
Everton had made the short trip to Wigan unbeaten in five games but, after a bright start, they faded badly - and the defeat means none of the league's top 10 were able to produce a win over this latest round of fixtures.
Yet during the early exchanges, David Moyes' men looked full of confidence and Yakubu and Louis Saha again dovetailed to good effect.
Indeed the Toffees - backed by a huge travelling army of supporters - looked like they were the team playing at home in the opening quarter.
Tim Cahill spurned an opportunity in the fifth minute when he headed Mikel Arteta's corner wastefully over the crossbar from eight yards out.
Yakubu then showed some delightful footwork and a neat turn of pace to engineer the space to drive a low shot into the heart of the Wigan defence, but Paul Scharner was alert to the danger and cleared for a corner.
In the 14th minute, Everton crafted possibly the best move of the first half when the lively Yakubu broke clear down the left flank and delivered an inch-perfect cross into Saha's feet.
The France striker strode forward and rifled a low, first-time shot goalwards from around 16 yards - but his effort drew a fine one-handed save from Chris Kirkland.
In the 34th minute Emile Heskey used his aerial strength to flick a high ball into Valencia's path on the right side of Everton's six-yard box.
The Ecuadorian clipped a teasing cross across the face of goal and Wilson Palacios stopped to head goalwards but contrived only to send the ball over the bar from little more than four yards out.
Wigan went close twice within the space of a minute on the stroke of half-time whistle when Howard palmed away Cattermole's curling shot from 14 yards, then produced an even better save to repel Scharner's close-range header.
Bruce's decision to replace the ineffectual Kapo with Camara proved inspired.
The Senegal forward was clearly up for it and was the quickest to react when Valencia's individual skill handed him a goal on a plate six minutes after the restart.
Valencia showed a neat touch to control a long punt upfield on the right-hand side of Everton's 18-yard box.
He then drove at Joleon Lescott, slipping the ball between the England defender's legs with a cheeky nutmeg before spotting Camara lurking at the far post.
Valencia slid a vicious low cross across the face of goal and there was Camara to rifle the ball home in predatory fashion.
Bruce celebrated with a punch of the air pitchside and Camara blew kisses to the jubilant Latics supporters.
Wigan could have made the game safe in the 71st minute when Valencia broke clear and hit a powerful shot from 14 yards which Howard could only parry.
Three minutes later, Cahill attempted to tuck away a loose ball from 14 yards but Scharner blocked his effort.
Cahill had a golden chance to earn a point in injury-time - but he shot over the bar and victory was Wigan's.
MTN PROJECT FAME UPDATE
There were tears, heartbreak and an out pouring of love, as this week’s contestant left the MTN Project Fame West Africa Academy, and this was just from the faculty and judges. The fans, friends, and viewers had all of that and more as the Academy lost the two students with the lowest audience votes on the night. Composition eviction was all that was on the books as the 7 final students of MTN Project Fame West Africa Academy went on the stage to sing for survival as the show hit the 8th week. The students waxed, molded and some even did remixes as they looked to sell their special compositions to the public, judges and faculty, and special guest judge, OJB Jezerel was not immune to the charms of the students as he complimented them unendingly on their foresight and their extraordinary performances. In the audience were mother’s, brothers, sisters and in Kojo’s case, his pastor Pastor Solomon Oware. The day unfortunately had to come to a close and the tally was drawn to show which 5 students had the highest audience votes and which two will have to go home, the results were as follows:
Nii, Bisola, Annette, Praise and Iyanya.
The 2 with the least audience votes were: Kojo and Onyeamaechi, and the audience felt the impact, as the students cried and hugged in goodbye, we all know that this is the beginning of new and exciting things for them.
Nii, Bisola, Annette, Praise and Iyanya.
The 2 with the least audience votes were: Kojo and Onyeamaechi, and the audience felt the impact, as the students cried and hugged in goodbye, we all know that this is the beginning of new and exciting things for them.
Is Prison Break Ending?
Could Fox be shutting the doors on Prison Break—without any plan for future escape?
The Hollywood Reporter says the series might be coming to an end, because word is there might be two more episodes this seaon, which could be an attempt to wrap up storylines and send Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell on their merry way.
So what is the real story? Is Prison Break really on the way out?
We've checked in with the network, the studio and inside sources for exactly where things stand...
AWC: E’Guinea can’t stop Falcons – Okolo
Recuperating Super Falcons star, Vera Okolo, has charged the senior women national team to go out for a win against host Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday (today) in the semifinal of the ongoing Africa Women‘s Championship.
Despite a shaky start to their campaign that resulted in draws against Ghana and Tunisia, the Falcons, five-time winners of the AWC, secured a ticket to the semifinals after beating South Africa 1-0 in their last group game on Saturday.
Okolo said, “We cannot judge the team by its performance in its first two matches. Some people had written them off before they beat South Africa to qualify for the semifinals. I believe the players have learnt their lesson and have found their rhythm after their first win of the tournament.
“As for the Equatorial Guineans, the Falcons need to be serous. We played against them two years ago. Even when we were two goals down, we came back to beat them 4-2, so we know them. They can’t stop the Falcons. They are no threat at all.”
Okolo dismissed the fear that the Falcons would need to contend with the home fans, saying the players were prepared for the challenge.
“Which crowd do they have in Equatorial Guinea? The Falcons have played at the World Cup and Olympics competitions which have the largest crowds. How can they be scared of the fans in Malabo? The whole country can come to the stadium; there is no problem about that. The Falcons will still win,” she stressed.
The match will start at 2pm (Nigerian time).
Equatorial Guinea won its Group A matches to proceed to the last four as the only country with a 100 per cent record.
The Lioness of Cameroun will play Bayana Bayana of South Africa who topped Group B with six points in the other semifinal game at 5pm (Nigerian time).
Don’t judge Amodu by Colombia defeat – Lawal
Amid criticisms of the Super Eagles for the defeat to Colombia in a friendly game in the early hours of Thursday in Cali, versatile former Holland-based midfielder, Garba Lawal, has moved to save coach Shaibu Amodu from further bashing.
Amodu has come under intense criticisms since the poor showing against the Colombians, losing 1-0 in the encounter dominated by the South Americans.
Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone on Monday, Lawal, who was a prominent member of the Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games gold-winning Under-23 team, insisted that neither Amodu nor the players deserved the criticisms they had been subjected to since the defeat, appealing to Nigerians not to lose faith in the team.
The former senior national team star said, ”The problem with Nigerians is that they want to win every match. In football, this is not possible. There’s no team in the world that has won all its matches.
“The game against Colombia was only a friendly. It has not only afforded the coach an opportunity to assess the young players he featured, but also the old players.
“I did not expect the team to beat Colombia, given the situation Amodu found himself before the encounter.Some of the players he relied on withdrew from the game and you don’t expect him to force them.
“The result will help us plan for the World Cup qualifiers and I think Amodu has learnt one or two things from the defeat to Colombia. It means we have to take every match in the qualifiers seriously.”
Lawal called on the players no longer interested in playing for the national team to quit honourably rather than making excuses to avoid featuring in certain matches.
November 20, 2008
Shehu Musa Dies in London
Secretary to the Government in the Second Republic, Alhaji Shehu Musa, is dead. He was 73 years old.
Musa, who held the chieftaincy title of Makama Nupe, died yesterday in a London hospital.
Details of his death were sketchy last night but a press release by the family said the remains of the former Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) would arrive Abuja this morning from London.
His remains will be interred on Friday at Bida, Niger State, his hometown, according to Muslim rites.
Musa was born on January 16, 1935.
His last public service appointment was as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Ele-ctoral Commission (INEC) under the late INEC Chairman, Justice Ephraim Akpata.
Musa served as Secretary to the Government under President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic.
He was a frontline member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which held sway at the centre in the Second Republic.
In the aborted Third Republic, Musa pitched his tent with the National Republican Convention (NRC) and even vied for the party’s ticket to contest the presidency which he lost.
Musa was the chairman of the NPC that conducted the 1991 Census under the defunct regime of military President Ibrahim Baban-gida.
He was also chairman of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.
A distinguished retired public officer, Musa studied at the University College, Ibadan and graduated in 1960 with a B.Sc (London) degree in Mathematics and Physics.
He later proceeded to the University of Minnesota where he obtained a Masters degree in Public Administ-ration in 1962. Upon graduation, he joined the Nigerian Public Service where he rose to the position of a permanent secretary.
Musa was said to be a detribalised Nigerian who believed in the indivisibility of the country.
Responding to a question on the achievements of the country in an interview with a national newspaper on the occasion of Nigeria’s 48th independence last October 1st, he said: “This is a very general question in terms of expectations which differ but there are areas where one can say we should feel fulfilled and there are areas where things have really not been what our expectations are; they are much less.
“When I talk about where we should feel fulfilled, it is in the area of unity of the country. The country with all the hiccups here and there, I think we have done what I call satisfactory achievement. Like I said we have had hiccups here and there, both through very serious civil war but today, we are doing everything possible to remain united.”
Hajia Mamuna Jumai Musa, the eldest child of the deceased, said the former SGF would be buried in Bida, Niger State on Friday, adding that his body would be flown in from London where he was taken when he complained that he was not feeling fine.
“Daddy will be buried in his hometown, Bida on Friday. His body will leave London tomorrow morning (today). We are all moving to Bida for the burial,” she said.
Musa, who held the chieftaincy title of Makama Nupe, died yesterday in a London hospital.
Details of his death were sketchy last night but a press release by the family said the remains of the former Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) would arrive Abuja this morning from London.
His remains will be interred on Friday at Bida, Niger State, his hometown, according to Muslim rites.
Musa was born on January 16, 1935.
His last public service appointment was as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Ele-ctoral Commission (INEC) under the late INEC Chairman, Justice Ephraim Akpata.
Musa served as Secretary to the Government under President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic.
He was a frontline member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which held sway at the centre in the Second Republic.
In the aborted Third Republic, Musa pitched his tent with the National Republican Convention (NRC) and even vied for the party’s ticket to contest the presidency which he lost.
Musa was the chairman of the NPC that conducted the 1991 Census under the defunct regime of military President Ibrahim Baban-gida.
He was also chairman of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.
A distinguished retired public officer, Musa studied at the University College, Ibadan and graduated in 1960 with a B.Sc (London) degree in Mathematics and Physics.
He later proceeded to the University of Minnesota where he obtained a Masters degree in Public Administ-ration in 1962. Upon graduation, he joined the Nigerian Public Service where he rose to the position of a permanent secretary.
Musa was said to be a detribalised Nigerian who believed in the indivisibility of the country.
Responding to a question on the achievements of the country in an interview with a national newspaper on the occasion of Nigeria’s 48th independence last October 1st, he said: “This is a very general question in terms of expectations which differ but there are areas where one can say we should feel fulfilled and there are areas where things have really not been what our expectations are; they are much less.
“When I talk about where we should feel fulfilled, it is in the area of unity of the country. The country with all the hiccups here and there, I think we have done what I call satisfactory achievement. Like I said we have had hiccups here and there, both through very serious civil war but today, we are doing everything possible to remain united.”
Hajia Mamuna Jumai Musa, the eldest child of the deceased, said the former SGF would be buried in Bida, Niger State on Friday, adding that his body would be flown in from London where he was taken when he complained that he was not feeling fine.
“Daddy will be buried in his hometown, Bida on Friday. His body will leave London tomorrow morning (today). We are all moving to Bida for the burial,” she said.
We Won’t Reduce Fuel Prices, Says FG
Hopes that the falling crude oil prices would lead to cheaper petroleum products in Nigeria have been dashed by the Federal Government.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the end of its weekly meeting yesterday foreclosed any pump price reduction.
Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr Odein Ajumogobia, while briefing State House Correspondents, said the inability of the government to opt for a reduction in the domestic prices of petroleum products is because the sector is not deregulated.
The latest pronouncement of the Federal Government would seem to contradict earlier positions that the periodic hikes in the prices of petroleum products resulted from high price of crude oil in the international market, since Nigeria imports a significant percentage of what it consumes because of the inadequacy of local refining.
But the price of crude oil has fallen from a high of $147 per barrel last July to below $54 a barrel by yesterday.
U.S. crude fell to $53.30 a barrel, its lowest since January 2007, while London's Brent crude (equivalent of Nigeria’s Bonny Light) was off 54 cents at $51.30.
The current petrol pump price of N70 per litre was fixed when crude oil was selling for $80 per barrel June last year.
It had been expected – and government had consistently argued – that lower crude oil prices would lead to lower pump prices.
Ajumogobia said: “We can't enjoy the benefit of deregulation because it's only Automotive Gas Oil - AGO (diesel) that's deregulated. PMS (petrol) and kerosene are still regulated. Now we need to take a holistic view of the sector and see how we can put all petroleum products in one basket, so that as the prices go down in the international market, they'll also go down locally.
“However, the implication of that is that if the international prices of petroleum products go up, we'll also have to pay more locally. We need to look at the situation holistically and find a solution. We can’t eat our cake and have it. We agreed with Labour last year that the pump price would be N70. We don’t have a regulated market for PMS. It is something that we are looking at seriously and we will take a decision about it very soon.”
Last May, Ajumogobia had, while making a case for the removal of subsidy, put the total projected cost of subsidy for 2008 at about N700 billion when crude oil was selling for over $100.
“We are trying to be more systematic and thorough in handling the subsidy issue. We cannot sustain it. We believe that we must go through deregulation of the price. We are engaging the stakeholders work with us. The N700 billion subsidy is over N100 billion above this year’s capital vote,” he had said.
He did not say if the subsidy bill would still be as high with crude oil now selling for a little over $50.
In 2003, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) took the novel step of reducing petrol price by 50 kobo in line with a slight drop in crude oil price in order to demonstrate the “benefits of deregulation”.
Also briefing the press yesterday, Minister of Information and Communications, Chief John Odey, said FEC had approved a draft bill that would guarantee the security of jobs and freedom of people living with HIV/AIDS from discrimination.
The draft bill provides the legal framework for the prohibition of discrimination against affected people.
He said: “Council approved a proposal for the enactment of a bill for an Act to make provision for the prevention of HIV/AIDS based discrimination and to protect the human rights and dignity of people living with and people affected by HIV/AIDS and the related purpose. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice came to Council with a memo, seeking Council's approval for a bill for an Act to make provision for the prevention of HIV-based discrimination and to protect human rights and dignity of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and other related purposes.
“The Act is meant to prevent all forms of HIV-based discrimination in the work places. The Act is fundamental because it would help in the enforcement of fundamental rights of people as well as enhance a more supportive and proactive workforce that does not discriminate against employee for the mere reason that such employee is HIV-positive.”
Towards implementing this, the Council mandated the Minister of Labour to conduct periodic inquiries to ensure compliance and make recommendations when necessary.
He also said to increase generating capacity and sustain the functionality and reliability of existing generating units, the Council approved the award of contract for the supply of combustion inspection materials for Delta IV (4) at Delta electric power Business unit, Ughelli in the sum of N62,042,400 for a period of three months.
FEC also approved the award of contract for the construction of Block/concrete wall fence phase II at the permanent site of the petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Osubi, Okpe LGA of Delta State in the sum of N55,581,499.43 to be completed by the end of December, 2008.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the end of its weekly meeting yesterday foreclosed any pump price reduction.
Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr Odein Ajumogobia, while briefing State House Correspondents, said the inability of the government to opt for a reduction in the domestic prices of petroleum products is because the sector is not deregulated.
The latest pronouncement of the Federal Government would seem to contradict earlier positions that the periodic hikes in the prices of petroleum products resulted from high price of crude oil in the international market, since Nigeria imports a significant percentage of what it consumes because of the inadequacy of local refining.
But the price of crude oil has fallen from a high of $147 per barrel last July to below $54 a barrel by yesterday.
U.S. crude fell to $53.30 a barrel, its lowest since January 2007, while London's Brent crude (equivalent of Nigeria’s Bonny Light) was off 54 cents at $51.30.
The current petrol pump price of N70 per litre was fixed when crude oil was selling for $80 per barrel June last year.
It had been expected – and government had consistently argued – that lower crude oil prices would lead to lower pump prices.
Ajumogobia said: “We can't enjoy the benefit of deregulation because it's only Automotive Gas Oil - AGO (diesel) that's deregulated. PMS (petrol) and kerosene are still regulated. Now we need to take a holistic view of the sector and see how we can put all petroleum products in one basket, so that as the prices go down in the international market, they'll also go down locally.
“However, the implication of that is that if the international prices of petroleum products go up, we'll also have to pay more locally. We need to look at the situation holistically and find a solution. We can’t eat our cake and have it. We agreed with Labour last year that the pump price would be N70. We don’t have a regulated market for PMS. It is something that we are looking at seriously and we will take a decision about it very soon.”
Last May, Ajumogobia had, while making a case for the removal of subsidy, put the total projected cost of subsidy for 2008 at about N700 billion when crude oil was selling for over $100.
“We are trying to be more systematic and thorough in handling the subsidy issue. We cannot sustain it. We believe that we must go through deregulation of the price. We are engaging the stakeholders work with us. The N700 billion subsidy is over N100 billion above this year’s capital vote,” he had said.
He did not say if the subsidy bill would still be as high with crude oil now selling for a little over $50.
In 2003, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) took the novel step of reducing petrol price by 50 kobo in line with a slight drop in crude oil price in order to demonstrate the “benefits of deregulation”.
Also briefing the press yesterday, Minister of Information and Communications, Chief John Odey, said FEC had approved a draft bill that would guarantee the security of jobs and freedom of people living with HIV/AIDS from discrimination.
The draft bill provides the legal framework for the prohibition of discrimination against affected people.
He said: “Council approved a proposal for the enactment of a bill for an Act to make provision for the prevention of HIV/AIDS based discrimination and to protect the human rights and dignity of people living with and people affected by HIV/AIDS and the related purpose. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice came to Council with a memo, seeking Council's approval for a bill for an Act to make provision for the prevention of HIV-based discrimination and to protect human rights and dignity of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and other related purposes.
“The Act is meant to prevent all forms of HIV-based discrimination in the work places. The Act is fundamental because it would help in the enforcement of fundamental rights of people as well as enhance a more supportive and proactive workforce that does not discriminate against employee for the mere reason that such employee is HIV-positive.”
Towards implementing this, the Council mandated the Minister of Labour to conduct periodic inquiries to ensure compliance and make recommendations when necessary.
He also said to increase generating capacity and sustain the functionality and reliability of existing generating units, the Council approved the award of contract for the supply of combustion inspection materials for Delta IV (4) at Delta electric power Business unit, Ughelli in the sum of N62,042,400 for a period of three months.
FEC also approved the award of contract for the construction of Block/concrete wall fence phase II at the permanent site of the petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Osubi, Okpe LGA of Delta State in the sum of N55,581,499.43 to be completed by the end of December, 2008.
UK announces £148m health programme for Nigeria
The United Kingdom has begun moves to boost healthcare services in Nigeria with a £148m initiative aimed at improving the financing of the sector in the country.
An officer of the UK’s Department for International Development, Chris Hindley, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the health care plan was announced by the International Development Minister, Ivan Lewis, on Tuesday.
According to Lewis, the initiative will assist the Federal Government and selected states to build up the health system by identifying where the money should be spent.
He said that the initiative, known as Partnerships for Transforming Health Systems 2, would ensure that government provided health care and services rendered by non-governmental organisations.
The minister said, “The £148m will help ensure Better services across the country – not just in the cities - such as rural clinics to support pregnant mothers and provide immunisations to children.”
He added that it would assist government in planning and management by ‘ensuring it is spent where health needs are greatest.
According to him, it will focus on preventative health support to ensure people are better prepared to fight disease and illness.
“The scheme is expected to boost the use of health facilities by 25 per cent, reaching 30m people living across six states,” he said.
Under the scheme, Lewis added, £21m worth of drugs and equipment would be provided for 1,500 clinics and hospitals with a focus on maternal and child health.
He said, “With the programme’s money in partnership with other initiatives, the number of births where skilled birth attendants are present will rise from just a third to over a half, while full immunisation rates will rise from 18 to 60 per cent, to slash infant mortality.”
An officer of the UK’s Department for International Development, Chris Hindley, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the health care plan was announced by the International Development Minister, Ivan Lewis, on Tuesday.
According to Lewis, the initiative will assist the Federal Government and selected states to build up the health system by identifying where the money should be spent.
He said that the initiative, known as Partnerships for Transforming Health Systems 2, would ensure that government provided health care and services rendered by non-governmental organisations.
The minister said, “The £148m will help ensure Better services across the country – not just in the cities - such as rural clinics to support pregnant mothers and provide immunisations to children.”
He added that it would assist government in planning and management by ‘ensuring it is spent where health needs are greatest.
According to him, it will focus on preventative health support to ensure people are better prepared to fight disease and illness.
“The scheme is expected to boost the use of health facilities by 25 per cent, reaching 30m people living across six states,” he said.
Under the scheme, Lewis added, £21m worth of drugs and equipment would be provided for 1,500 clinics and hospitals with a focus on maternal and child health.
He said, “With the programme’s money in partnership with other initiatives, the number of births where skilled birth attendants are present will rise from just a third to over a half, while full immunisation rates will rise from 18 to 60 per cent, to slash infant mortality.”
Men's fashion mistakes to avoid
WE all make fashion errors now and again, but some fashion mistakes made by men are just unforgivable. Outlined here are some fashion mistakes to avoid at all costs:
* wearing socks with sandals - Who decided this was okay in the first place? It is understandable that when it is chilly outside we all dream of the warmth of the hot sun, but wearing socks with sandals doesn't make the seasons change any faster;
* spotting novelty ties, shirts, boxer shorts, etc.- There is nothing lasting about novelty clothing nor does it project a stylish, put together image. Leave the smiley faces, hearts, reindeer, shamrocks, animal and various other prints on the racks of the store where you found them;
* blaring designer labels - Who says it is chic to be a loud walking advertisement for designers. It's not a sophisticated look. Just because you are wearing a designer's name on your chest, sleeve, or wherever, doesn't make you stylish. Keep it understated and simple;
* parading in chunky shoes - These were okay back in the 90s, but the big chunky shoes, especially those with square toes, should be retired at this point. Choose something classic that stands the test of time;
* shiny or glittery shirts and suits - If you are looking for something to go out nightclubbing in, think of much better choices than those that are glittery, shiny and ultimately tacky. If you are at a loss, try a form fitting black T-shirt or black dress shirt, which can be worn with jeans or trousers and dress shoes or casual shoes.
* clothes that are too loose fitting - In a word, sloppy. Unless you are a hip-hop artist, it's not the right look. Choose clothes that fit your body. This might take some experimentation by mixing and matching certain cuts and styles until you find the right fit for your body that is flattering;
* unflattering colours - The colours you wear should compliment your natural features such as your eye colour, skin tone and body shape. Keep this in mind when putting your look together. French blue is always a good choice. French blue, which is a rich medium blue, is a flattering colour for most skin tones. It makes a great dress shirt, which is mainly where you will find this sumptuous hue;
* stay away from bright, solid-coloured socks - Colourful socks are okay if they have a design like stripes or argyle. But bright, solid-coloured socks are simply not a good idea;
* donning loud patterns - They are distracting and ultimately not a good thing. If it was ever in, it was the 80s, but we've thankfully moved on;
* ties are great way to express yourself - but keeping it tasteful is your best bet. You can't go wrong with diagonal stripes, modern polka-dots, plaids and subtle patterns. Just make sure your tie compliments your shirt, suit, sweater or whatever you will be wearing it with. Novelty ties are best avoided since the novelty is short lived;
* always match your belt with your shoes - This is a good rule to follow and it keeps things simple. It's best to stay with traditional colours such as black, dark brown or a rich tan. Other colours will be difficult to match, and generally speaking, should be avoided.
* Culled from the Internet.
* wearing socks with sandals - Who decided this was okay in the first place? It is understandable that when it is chilly outside we all dream of the warmth of the hot sun, but wearing socks with sandals doesn't make the seasons change any faster;
* spotting novelty ties, shirts, boxer shorts, etc.- There is nothing lasting about novelty clothing nor does it project a stylish, put together image. Leave the smiley faces, hearts, reindeer, shamrocks, animal and various other prints on the racks of the store where you found them;
* blaring designer labels - Who says it is chic to be a loud walking advertisement for designers. It's not a sophisticated look. Just because you are wearing a designer's name on your chest, sleeve, or wherever, doesn't make you stylish. Keep it understated and simple;
* parading in chunky shoes - These were okay back in the 90s, but the big chunky shoes, especially those with square toes, should be retired at this point. Choose something classic that stands the test of time;
* shiny or glittery shirts and suits - If you are looking for something to go out nightclubbing in, think of much better choices than those that are glittery, shiny and ultimately tacky. If you are at a loss, try a form fitting black T-shirt or black dress shirt, which can be worn with jeans or trousers and dress shoes or casual shoes.
* clothes that are too loose fitting - In a word, sloppy. Unless you are a hip-hop artist, it's not the right look. Choose clothes that fit your body. This might take some experimentation by mixing and matching certain cuts and styles until you find the right fit for your body that is flattering;
* unflattering colours - The colours you wear should compliment your natural features such as your eye colour, skin tone and body shape. Keep this in mind when putting your look together. French blue is always a good choice. French blue, which is a rich medium blue, is a flattering colour for most skin tones. It makes a great dress shirt, which is mainly where you will find this sumptuous hue;
* stay away from bright, solid-coloured socks - Colourful socks are okay if they have a design like stripes or argyle. But bright, solid-coloured socks are simply not a good idea;
* donning loud patterns - They are distracting and ultimately not a good thing. If it was ever in, it was the 80s, but we've thankfully moved on;
* ties are great way to express yourself - but keeping it tasteful is your best bet. You can't go wrong with diagonal stripes, modern polka-dots, plaids and subtle patterns. Just make sure your tie compliments your shirt, suit, sweater or whatever you will be wearing it with. Novelty ties are best avoided since the novelty is short lived;
* always match your belt with your shoes - This is a good rule to follow and it keeps things simple. It's best to stay with traditional colours such as black, dark brown or a rich tan. Other colours will be difficult to match, and generally speaking, should be avoided.
* Culled from the Internet.
Nigerians in U.S. divided over 'missing' satellite
SHOULD the Federal Government seek the assistance of the United States (U.S.) space agency to help resolve the Nigerian Communications Satellite's (NigComSat-1) disappearance in orbit? Nigerians in the U.S. are offering divergent opinions.
While some of them are offering the Federal Government assistance regarding the satellite, which is facing an almost certain disappearance in space, others are urging caution since Nigeria had chosen to go with China and not the U.S. to launch it.
In fact, some U.S.-based Nigerians who are also American citizens have already contacted the Federal Government offering to get help through the U.S. National Space and Aeronautics Agency (NASA), according to Dr. Baba Adam, a top university administrator.
Adam, who spoke on behalf of some Nigerians who have access to NASA, said its competence in such matters is well known. He believed that the U.S. agency's intervention "may resolve the issue of losing N40 billion and also address the usage disruptions caused by the satellite's failure."
Adam, who confirmed that an initial contact has been made with top Federal Government officials, said even it was Nigeria that is being ridiculed. "This may be a technical or design flaw from the Chinese," who designed and installed the satellite.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Mr. Ahmed Rufai, had confirmed to The Guardian that the chances of recovering the satellite were very slim. He said although the project contractors, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, were yet to make any categorical statement on the possibility of recovery, yet he affirmed that "from our observatory here in Abuja, the chances are slim."
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) may have, therefore, foreclosed the recovery of the parked NigComSat-1 powered down eight days ago as a result of a solar panel power shut-out.
But Adam insisted that NASA could help identify the problem, while also calling on the National Assembly to investigate the matter thoroughly in order to "avoid future embarrassments."
Stressing the urgency of the situation, Adam noted that "everyday the un-powered satellite loses altitude/orbit - as it happens right now - it will become harder to fix this problem - so sooner this issue is addressed the better."
Besides, Adam said the planned launch of the second satellite should put on hold until the issue of the current satellite is resolved."
He added that with "the exception of NASA - I am not sure who has the capabilities of quickly assisting Nigeria on this issue. May be a new battery pack or Solar Arrays may be installed on the Nigerian satellite - just like the upgrade to the U.S. Hubble Space telescope, International Space Station and other space-crafts and satellites serviced in orbit," all of which were handled by NASA!
On the other hand, there is also the concern among Nigerians in the U.S. that the NigComSat-1 crisis may have international political dimensions bothering on the possibility of a sabotage.
For instance, a Nigerian expert, who did not want to be named, said: "When China builds and launches a communications satellite for Nigeria and other African countries, it means rival powers are shut out from possible intelligence benefits of monopolistic access to communications (SIGINT) in the affected countries.
"It is not far-fetched, therefore, to envisage sabotage, followed by negative publicity and a reflexive review of the whole Sino-Nigerian or Sino-African relationship - resulting in an invitation for those same rival powers to get in on the show 'to help' and thus get access to previously unavailable secret data about Nigeria's space programme that until now was monopolised by the Chinese."
The Guardian yesterday learnt that preparatory to the eventual shut-down of the satellite, the power supply to the system had dropped from 42 amps to 33 and hit 18 amps by Monday night, a situation which may have created bigger problems for NigComSat and its owners, the Federal Government, if it was not powered down.
It was also gathered that the Chinese contractor was yet to properly handover the management of the satellite to NigComSat, and that this is due on May 13, next year. The Chinese had entered into an agreement for 15 years technical back-up, which began on May 14, last year when the satellite was launched.
Sources said that if the system was not powered down, the insurers would have denied any culpability for what could have amounted to negligence on the side of Nigeria and the managers of the system.
NigComSat-1 thus joins 18 other satellites that disappeared and parked in orbit since January this year.
In fact, it is the 18th. Its safe mode power failure occurred the same day, November 10, that Orbcomm satellite had its problems announced to the global community.
Meanwhile, Rufai yesterday said that satellite was insured for 120 million Euros (about N20.4 billion) by the Chinese company.
Rufai, who disclosed this at a meeting the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, however, allayed fears that a lot would be lost, saying that it could still be rectified. He urged the committee to appeal to the Federal Government to still negotiate with the Chinese government and manufacturer of the facility for an alternative satellite.
Rufai also urged the committee to prevail on the government to approve the utilisation of $500 million (about N57.5 billion) China EXIM Bank concessionary loan for NigComSat-2 and 3 advance series for expansion.
He said the award of contracts for manufacturing and launch of the NigComSat-1 followed due process and was given to this Chinese while the supervision was given to Telesat, Canada."
He further said: "The short-term strategy involves minimising the company's exposure to contractual liabilities to its customers whilst provisioning for the many projects undertaken by the company, including the community TeleCentres, NITEL revitalisation plan, etc.
The short-term strategy includes the bulk purchase of bandwidth under a back-up services agreement with a foreign operator with a satellite with footprints and powerful eire as NigComSat-1.
"This will not only provide the necessary succour to the company's numerous customers but also go a long way towards restoring confidence in the company's goodwill."
Rufai, who maintained that the unfortunate situation was not the first incidence, explained that a private satellite operator recorded six failures on six satellites on the same day while the industry recorded a total of over 18 losses last year.
Rufai, who expressed regrets over the incident said: "The batteries are only supposed to discharge during eclipse and recharge when in non-eclipse situation while the solar array serves as the source of power to the satellite.
"This anomaly was noticed by NIGCOMSAT LTD engineers on night duty and reported to the satellite manufacturer.
"The satellite was consequently de-orbited to avoid total loss of power and control of the satellite which could result in damages to other satellites in the orbit or even aircraft in flight." guardian online
While some of them are offering the Federal Government assistance regarding the satellite, which is facing an almost certain disappearance in space, others are urging caution since Nigeria had chosen to go with China and not the U.S. to launch it.
In fact, some U.S.-based Nigerians who are also American citizens have already contacted the Federal Government offering to get help through the U.S. National Space and Aeronautics Agency (NASA), according to Dr. Baba Adam, a top university administrator.
Adam, who spoke on behalf of some Nigerians who have access to NASA, said its competence in such matters is well known. He believed that the U.S. agency's intervention "may resolve the issue of losing N40 billion and also address the usage disruptions caused by the satellite's failure."
Adam, who confirmed that an initial contact has been made with top Federal Government officials, said even it was Nigeria that is being ridiculed. "This may be a technical or design flaw from the Chinese," who designed and installed the satellite.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Mr. Ahmed Rufai, had confirmed to The Guardian that the chances of recovering the satellite were very slim. He said although the project contractors, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, were yet to make any categorical statement on the possibility of recovery, yet he affirmed that "from our observatory here in Abuja, the chances are slim."
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) may have, therefore, foreclosed the recovery of the parked NigComSat-1 powered down eight days ago as a result of a solar panel power shut-out.
But Adam insisted that NASA could help identify the problem, while also calling on the National Assembly to investigate the matter thoroughly in order to "avoid future embarrassments."
Stressing the urgency of the situation, Adam noted that "everyday the un-powered satellite loses altitude/orbit - as it happens right now - it will become harder to fix this problem - so sooner this issue is addressed the better."
Besides, Adam said the planned launch of the second satellite should put on hold until the issue of the current satellite is resolved."
He added that with "the exception of NASA - I am not sure who has the capabilities of quickly assisting Nigeria on this issue. May be a new battery pack or Solar Arrays may be installed on the Nigerian satellite - just like the upgrade to the U.S. Hubble Space telescope, International Space Station and other space-crafts and satellites serviced in orbit," all of which were handled by NASA!
On the other hand, there is also the concern among Nigerians in the U.S. that the NigComSat-1 crisis may have international political dimensions bothering on the possibility of a sabotage.
For instance, a Nigerian expert, who did not want to be named, said: "When China builds and launches a communications satellite for Nigeria and other African countries, it means rival powers are shut out from possible intelligence benefits of monopolistic access to communications (SIGINT) in the affected countries.
"It is not far-fetched, therefore, to envisage sabotage, followed by negative publicity and a reflexive review of the whole Sino-Nigerian or Sino-African relationship - resulting in an invitation for those same rival powers to get in on the show 'to help' and thus get access to previously unavailable secret data about Nigeria's space programme that until now was monopolised by the Chinese."
The Guardian yesterday learnt that preparatory to the eventual shut-down of the satellite, the power supply to the system had dropped from 42 amps to 33 and hit 18 amps by Monday night, a situation which may have created bigger problems for NigComSat and its owners, the Federal Government, if it was not powered down.
It was also gathered that the Chinese contractor was yet to properly handover the management of the satellite to NigComSat, and that this is due on May 13, next year. The Chinese had entered into an agreement for 15 years technical back-up, which began on May 14, last year when the satellite was launched.
Sources said that if the system was not powered down, the insurers would have denied any culpability for what could have amounted to negligence on the side of Nigeria and the managers of the system.
NigComSat-1 thus joins 18 other satellites that disappeared and parked in orbit since January this year.
In fact, it is the 18th. Its safe mode power failure occurred the same day, November 10, that Orbcomm satellite had its problems announced to the global community.
Meanwhile, Rufai yesterday said that satellite was insured for 120 million Euros (about N20.4 billion) by the Chinese company.
Rufai, who disclosed this at a meeting the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, however, allayed fears that a lot would be lost, saying that it could still be rectified. He urged the committee to appeal to the Federal Government to still negotiate with the Chinese government and manufacturer of the facility for an alternative satellite.
Rufai also urged the committee to prevail on the government to approve the utilisation of $500 million (about N57.5 billion) China EXIM Bank concessionary loan for NigComSat-2 and 3 advance series for expansion.
He said the award of contracts for manufacturing and launch of the NigComSat-1 followed due process and was given to this Chinese while the supervision was given to Telesat, Canada."
He further said: "The short-term strategy involves minimising the company's exposure to contractual liabilities to its customers whilst provisioning for the many projects undertaken by the company, including the community TeleCentres, NITEL revitalisation plan, etc.
The short-term strategy includes the bulk purchase of bandwidth under a back-up services agreement with a foreign operator with a satellite with footprints and powerful eire as NigComSat-1.
"This will not only provide the necessary succour to the company's numerous customers but also go a long way towards restoring confidence in the company's goodwill."
Rufai, who maintained that the unfortunate situation was not the first incidence, explained that a private satellite operator recorded six failures on six satellites on the same day while the industry recorded a total of over 18 losses last year.
Rufai, who expressed regrets over the incident said: "The batteries are only supposed to discharge during eclipse and recharge when in non-eclipse situation while the solar array serves as the source of power to the satellite.
"This anomaly was noticed by NIGCOMSAT LTD engineers on night duty and reported to the satellite manufacturer.
"The satellite was consequently de-orbited to avoid total loss of power and control of the satellite which could result in damages to other satellites in the orbit or even aircraft in flight." guardian online
Budget '09 still hangs, Senate to screen 13 ministers
PRESIDENT Umaru Yar'Adua will not present the 2009 budget to the National Assembly today as earlier scheduled. The earliest the budget may be presented to the National Assembly is next week.
But the President yesterday submitted names of 13 ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
The shift in the date of presentation of the budget was at the instance of the leadership of the National Assembly. It cited the need for more consultations between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government on details of the budget proposals.
A source said that there was a need for the harmonisation of areas of disagreement between both arms of government in order to ensure an easier passage of the Appropriation Bill when it comes to the national legislature.
The Presidency had earlier moved today's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to 2.00 p.m. in order to present the budget proposals to the National Assembly. With the change, the Council resumes today's sitting at its usual time of 10.00 a.m.
A source said: "It is not that the budget is not ready. Everything about the budget is ready for presentation. But the National Assembly is not ready. And we have to wait until they are ready to receive the President. We expect a new date to come from the leadership of the National Assembly."
Special Adviser to the President, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, had last Sunday told journalists that the President would present the budget estimates this week. He, however, stated that the actual date for its presentation would be decided by the National Assembly leadership.
Quoting Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Yar'Adua in a letter read by Senate President David Mark named as his nominees Prof. Dora Akunyili from Anambra State; Senator Ibrahim Kazaure, Jigawa; Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, Kaduna; Dr. Ibrahim. Y. Lame, Bauchi; Dr. Shettima Mustapha, Borno; and Dr. Sam Egwu, Ebonyi.
Others are Mr. Nuhu Somo Way, Kaduna; Mr. Ibrahim Isa Bio, Kwara, Mr. Sani Mohammed Ndanusa, Niger; Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, Ogun; Senator Bello Jibril Gada, Sokoto; Alhaji Jibril Maigari, Yobe and Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, Zamfara.
Yar'Adua wrote: "It is my hope that this exercise will receive the usual kind expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic."
The President also told the lawmakers in another letter that he would be in the National Assembly to present the 2009 Appropriation Bill.
He wrote: "I crave the indulgence of the National Assembly to grant me the slot of 12:00 noon, Wednesday, November 19, 2008, to formally address the joint session of the National Assembly on Budget 2009.
"While I thank the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic for the constancy of your co-operation and understanding, please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurance of my highest consideration.
The ministerial nominees and their profiles are:
Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili: Current Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC). Born on July 14, 1954, she holds a 1985 Ph.D. from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she was Senior Lecturer before her appointment to NAFDAC. Prof. Akunyili is a Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of London, Fellow of the West African Post-Graduate College of Pharmacists, holds a Certificate on Senior Management Skills from Royal Institute of Public Administration, London, and is currently Chairman, West African Drug Regulatory Agencies Network and Vice Chairman, International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force. A member of numerous international professional organisations, she has received over 540 awards and recognitions, including from Transparency International, Time Magazine New York, International Chamber of Commerce, the International Pharmaceutical Federation, and holds National Honour of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, OFR. She became a professor in 2000.
Dr. Rilwanu Lukman: Currently Honorary Adviser on Petroleum to the President, Dr. Lukman was born on August 26, 1938. Trained at the Royal School of Mines, University of London, he has also attended the Institute of Prospecting and Mineral Deposits, University of Mining and Mineral Exploration, Austria, and McGill University, Canada. He was OPEC President for eight consecutive times, and later served as Secretary-General of the Organisation for two terms. His international awards and recognitions include honorary degrees from Italy, USA, Knight of the British Empire, Officer of the Legion d'Honneur, France, Order of Liberator, First Class, Venezuela, as well as doctorate degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Maiduguri and University of Benin. He also holds the national honour, CFR.
Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin: Currently Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, he was born on February 6, 1949, and attended University of Ibadan, University of Birmingham, Cornell University Medical School, New York and Harvard Centre for Population Studies. A member of the Royal College of Physicians, Fellow of the Post-graduate Medical College of Pathology, Fellow of the West African Post-graduate Medical College and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Prof. Osotimehin is also member of numerous other professional bodies. He has been a consultant to the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, UNFPA and has published over 60 papers.
Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, former Governor of Ebonyi State, was born on June 20, 1954. He holds a doctorate degree in agronomy from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology and was Commissioner for Education in Ebonyi State. He was also Head of Department of Crop Science, ESUT; Chairman, University Staff School Management Board, among many other positions. He has published over 10 papers and has 30 awards and 21 traditional titles.
Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio: Currently, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly. Bio was born on April 24, 1957 and holds a Pharmacy degree from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and an MBA from Ogun State University. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. A two-term member of the State House of Assembly, Bio was the state Commissioner for Health between 1990 and 1992. He is a member and Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) as well as Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of Nigeria (CPA).
Dr. Shettima Mustapha, former Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was born on November 26, 1939, and holds a 1979 doctorate in plant breeding/agronomy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. A Fellow of the Genetic Society of Nigeria and member of the American Society of Agronomy as well as the Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha has many publications and has the national honours of CON and OFR. He has been a consultant to the FAO, IFAD and UNDP. A consummate politician, Dr. Mustapha has participated in the formation of several political parties, including NPP/GNPP, PSP/SDP, APA, UNCP and the PDP. He was the pioneer National Treasurer of the PDP, a position he held between 1998 and 2001.
Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, B.Sc Political Science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and Ph.D. higher education administration, Ohio University, Athens, USA, was born on February 10, 1953. An educationist of outstanding quality, he had been the Assistant Registrar of Bauchi College of Arts and Science, Bauchi State, in 1978 and rose to become the college's principal in 1984. He was Commissioner for Education between 1985 and 1987. Dr. Lame was elected senator in 1992. He was the PDP pioneer deputy national secretary in 1998, a position he held until he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo in August 1999.
Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis was born on February 13, 1957 and holds an advanced diploma in Public Administration. He was member, House of Representatives (1992-93). He was for a brief period, January 10 - May 29, 2007, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development, 2007. Shortly before then, he had been the National Chairman of the Accord Party of Nigeria (May-November, 2006). Bilbis was also a two-term Chairman, Tsafe Local Government Council, Zamfara State (1997-2001 and has been a member of the Board of Trustees of ALGON since 2001.
Alhaji Sani Mohammed Ndanusa was born on May 5, 1957 and holds a master's of science degree in waste and waste water engineering from Louhborough University of Technology, UK. Ndanusa has extensive civil service experience that spans over two decades. He served as General Manager, Niger State Water Board between 1999 and 2001 from where he became a permanent secretary in charge of the board. He is presently the state Commissioner for Transportation and Infrastructural Development.
Nuhu Somo Wya was born on July 15, 1952, holds a master's degree in architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He worked briefly with the Kaduna Polytechnic from 1978 to 1981 before going into private practice. Currently the chairman/chief executive officer of Cibi Nigeria Limited, a Kaduna-based indigenous granite quarrying and processing company, Wya is a member of many business organisations including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and NACCIMA.
Senator Ibrahim Musa Kazaure was born on November 12, 1954 and holds a national diploma in building and civil engineering. He was Commissioner for Health in Kano State in 1983. He was elected senator in 1992 and served as the Majority Whip. He was Chairman, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (2000-2004) and thereafter served as Ambassador of Nigeria to Saudi Arabia with concurrent accreditation to Oman, Yemen and Qatar from 2003 to 2007. Within that period, he was also Nigeria's Permanent Representative to OIC Mission in Jeddah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Jibril Maigari: Born in 1958 he holds a higher national diploma in public administration and has held senior positions in the State Ministry of Agriculture.
Senator Bello Jibril Gada: Born in 1954, Gada attended Bayero University, Kano and Ahmadu Belo University Zaria. He was in the Senate between 1999 and 2003 on the platform of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) representing Sokoto East Senatorial District. guardian online
But the President yesterday submitted names of 13 ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
The shift in the date of presentation of the budget was at the instance of the leadership of the National Assembly. It cited the need for more consultations between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government on details of the budget proposals.
A source said that there was a need for the harmonisation of areas of disagreement between both arms of government in order to ensure an easier passage of the Appropriation Bill when it comes to the national legislature.
The Presidency had earlier moved today's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to 2.00 p.m. in order to present the budget proposals to the National Assembly. With the change, the Council resumes today's sitting at its usual time of 10.00 a.m.
A source said: "It is not that the budget is not ready. Everything about the budget is ready for presentation. But the National Assembly is not ready. And we have to wait until they are ready to receive the President. We expect a new date to come from the leadership of the National Assembly."
Special Adviser to the President, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, had last Sunday told journalists that the President would present the budget estimates this week. He, however, stated that the actual date for its presentation would be decided by the National Assembly leadership.
Quoting Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Yar'Adua in a letter read by Senate President David Mark named as his nominees Prof. Dora Akunyili from Anambra State; Senator Ibrahim Kazaure, Jigawa; Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, Kaduna; Dr. Ibrahim. Y. Lame, Bauchi; Dr. Shettima Mustapha, Borno; and Dr. Sam Egwu, Ebonyi.
Others are Mr. Nuhu Somo Way, Kaduna; Mr. Ibrahim Isa Bio, Kwara, Mr. Sani Mohammed Ndanusa, Niger; Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, Ogun; Senator Bello Jibril Gada, Sokoto; Alhaji Jibril Maigari, Yobe and Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, Zamfara.
Yar'Adua wrote: "It is my hope that this exercise will receive the usual kind expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic."
The President also told the lawmakers in another letter that he would be in the National Assembly to present the 2009 Appropriation Bill.
He wrote: "I crave the indulgence of the National Assembly to grant me the slot of 12:00 noon, Wednesday, November 19, 2008, to formally address the joint session of the National Assembly on Budget 2009.
"While I thank the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic for the constancy of your co-operation and understanding, please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurance of my highest consideration.
The ministerial nominees and their profiles are:
Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili: Current Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC). Born on July 14, 1954, she holds a 1985 Ph.D. from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she was Senior Lecturer before her appointment to NAFDAC. Prof. Akunyili is a Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of London, Fellow of the West African Post-Graduate College of Pharmacists, holds a Certificate on Senior Management Skills from Royal Institute of Public Administration, London, and is currently Chairman, West African Drug Regulatory Agencies Network and Vice Chairman, International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force. A member of numerous international professional organisations, she has received over 540 awards and recognitions, including from Transparency International, Time Magazine New York, International Chamber of Commerce, the International Pharmaceutical Federation, and holds National Honour of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, OFR. She became a professor in 2000.
Dr. Rilwanu Lukman: Currently Honorary Adviser on Petroleum to the President, Dr. Lukman was born on August 26, 1938. Trained at the Royal School of Mines, University of London, he has also attended the Institute of Prospecting and Mineral Deposits, University of Mining and Mineral Exploration, Austria, and McGill University, Canada. He was OPEC President for eight consecutive times, and later served as Secretary-General of the Organisation for two terms. His international awards and recognitions include honorary degrees from Italy, USA, Knight of the British Empire, Officer of the Legion d'Honneur, France, Order of Liberator, First Class, Venezuela, as well as doctorate degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Maiduguri and University of Benin. He also holds the national honour, CFR.
Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin: Currently Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, he was born on February 6, 1949, and attended University of Ibadan, University of Birmingham, Cornell University Medical School, New York and Harvard Centre for Population Studies. A member of the Royal College of Physicians, Fellow of the Post-graduate Medical College of Pathology, Fellow of the West African Post-graduate Medical College and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Prof. Osotimehin is also member of numerous other professional bodies. He has been a consultant to the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, UNFPA and has published over 60 papers.
Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, former Governor of Ebonyi State, was born on June 20, 1954. He holds a doctorate degree in agronomy from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology and was Commissioner for Education in Ebonyi State. He was also Head of Department of Crop Science, ESUT; Chairman, University Staff School Management Board, among many other positions. He has published over 10 papers and has 30 awards and 21 traditional titles.
Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio: Currently, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly. Bio was born on April 24, 1957 and holds a Pharmacy degree from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and an MBA from Ogun State University. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. A two-term member of the State House of Assembly, Bio was the state Commissioner for Health between 1990 and 1992. He is a member and Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) as well as Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of Nigeria (CPA).
Dr. Shettima Mustapha, former Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was born on November 26, 1939, and holds a 1979 doctorate in plant breeding/agronomy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. A Fellow of the Genetic Society of Nigeria and member of the American Society of Agronomy as well as the Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha has many publications and has the national honours of CON and OFR. He has been a consultant to the FAO, IFAD and UNDP. A consummate politician, Dr. Mustapha has participated in the formation of several political parties, including NPP/GNPP, PSP/SDP, APA, UNCP and the PDP. He was the pioneer National Treasurer of the PDP, a position he held between 1998 and 2001.
Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, B.Sc Political Science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and Ph.D. higher education administration, Ohio University, Athens, USA, was born on February 10, 1953. An educationist of outstanding quality, he had been the Assistant Registrar of Bauchi College of Arts and Science, Bauchi State, in 1978 and rose to become the college's principal in 1984. He was Commissioner for Education between 1985 and 1987. Dr. Lame was elected senator in 1992. He was the PDP pioneer deputy national secretary in 1998, a position he held until he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo in August 1999.
Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis was born on February 13, 1957 and holds an advanced diploma in Public Administration. He was member, House of Representatives (1992-93). He was for a brief period, January 10 - May 29, 2007, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development, 2007. Shortly before then, he had been the National Chairman of the Accord Party of Nigeria (May-November, 2006). Bilbis was also a two-term Chairman, Tsafe Local Government Council, Zamfara State (1997-2001 and has been a member of the Board of Trustees of ALGON since 2001.
Alhaji Sani Mohammed Ndanusa was born on May 5, 1957 and holds a master's of science degree in waste and waste water engineering from Louhborough University of Technology, UK. Ndanusa has extensive civil service experience that spans over two decades. He served as General Manager, Niger State Water Board between 1999 and 2001 from where he became a permanent secretary in charge of the board. He is presently the state Commissioner for Transportation and Infrastructural Development.
Nuhu Somo Wya was born on July 15, 1952, holds a master's degree in architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He worked briefly with the Kaduna Polytechnic from 1978 to 1981 before going into private practice. Currently the chairman/chief executive officer of Cibi Nigeria Limited, a Kaduna-based indigenous granite quarrying and processing company, Wya is a member of many business organisations including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and NACCIMA.
Senator Ibrahim Musa Kazaure was born on November 12, 1954 and holds a national diploma in building and civil engineering. He was Commissioner for Health in Kano State in 1983. He was elected senator in 1992 and served as the Majority Whip. He was Chairman, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (2000-2004) and thereafter served as Ambassador of Nigeria to Saudi Arabia with concurrent accreditation to Oman, Yemen and Qatar from 2003 to 2007. Within that period, he was also Nigeria's Permanent Representative to OIC Mission in Jeddah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Jibril Maigari: Born in 1958 he holds a higher national diploma in public administration and has held senior positions in the State Ministry of Agriculture.
Senator Bello Jibril Gada: Born in 1954, Gada attended Bayero University, Kano and Ahmadu Belo University Zaria. He was in the Senate between 1999 and 2003 on the platform of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) representing Sokoto East Senatorial District. guardian online
Victim of naval ratings’ assault back in hospital
Miss Uzoma Okere, the lady assaulted by six naval ratings recently in Lagos, is back in hospital over complaints of lumbar pains.
Her father, Col. Emeka Okere (rtd) told our correspondent on Wednesday that Uzoma had complained of spinal problem even though she was still receiving treatment for the injuries she suffered from the beating by the naval ratings.
Okere said Uzoma had the problems some time last year, but was treated by Dr. Felix Ogedengbe of the National Hospital, Abuja.
He said, “When she had the problem, she was treated by Ogedengbe early this year, but she seems to have relapsed into the problem after the beating.”
Okere added that Uzoma would begin treatment at the National Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Ogedengbe.
He said the intervention of the Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had given him some relief, but the new development was raising some concerns for his family.
Okere had earlier petitioned the Senate committees on Navy and defence for action to be taken against those involved in the maltreatment of her daughter.
While awaiting the action of the Senate committees, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello brought a motion before the Senate, complaining about her assault and that of Uzoma.
The military authorities have instituted a probe into the action of the naval ratings to redeem the image of the Nigerian Navy.
Meanwhile, the Oodua People‘s Congress has promised to render assistance Uzoma.
The Founder of the group, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun, said this at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday.
Fasheun said the group‘s intervention in the case became imperative because of its belief that “injury to one is injury to all.”
He described as disgraceful to the military for their personnel to assault defenceless civilians, moreso a harmless lady.
Fasehun noted that the assault came at a time of worldwide condemnation of America troops’ excesses against prisoners of war and some civilians in Iraq and the Guatemala Bay.
He urged all Nigerians to support Okere by storming the court during hearings to show solidarity for the victim.
He said, “It will be very much in order to use these offensive naval ratings as scapegoats to curtail this unending harassment that uniformed men unleash against civilians. It is a shame that the military would defend this perfidy.”
Her father, Col. Emeka Okere (rtd) told our correspondent on Wednesday that Uzoma had complained of spinal problem even though she was still receiving treatment for the injuries she suffered from the beating by the naval ratings.
Okere said Uzoma had the problems some time last year, but was treated by Dr. Felix Ogedengbe of the National Hospital, Abuja.
He said, “When she had the problem, she was treated by Ogedengbe early this year, but she seems to have relapsed into the problem after the beating.”
Okere added that Uzoma would begin treatment at the National Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Ogedengbe.
He said the intervention of the Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had given him some relief, but the new development was raising some concerns for his family.
Okere had earlier petitioned the Senate committees on Navy and defence for action to be taken against those involved in the maltreatment of her daughter.
While awaiting the action of the Senate committees, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello brought a motion before the Senate, complaining about her assault and that of Uzoma.
The military authorities have instituted a probe into the action of the naval ratings to redeem the image of the Nigerian Navy.
Meanwhile, the Oodua People‘s Congress has promised to render assistance Uzoma.
The Founder of the group, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun, said this at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday.
Fasheun said the group‘s intervention in the case became imperative because of its belief that “injury to one is injury to all.”
He described as disgraceful to the military for their personnel to assault defenceless civilians, moreso a harmless lady.
Fasehun noted that the assault came at a time of worldwide condemnation of America troops’ excesses against prisoners of war and some civilians in Iraq and the Guatemala Bay.
He urged all Nigerians to support Okere by storming the court during hearings to show solidarity for the victim.
He said, “It will be very much in order to use these offensive naval ratings as scapegoats to curtail this unending harassment that uniformed men unleash against civilians. It is a shame that the military would defend this perfidy.”
November 17, 2008
Controversy trails Daniel, Iyabo-Obasanjo face-off
The Oyo State Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, on Sunday described the clash between the Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, in Ogbomoso on Saturday as most unfortunate.
Daniel and the daughter of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo were among hundreds of dignitaries who graced the wedding of the daughter of Alao-Akala, Olamide; and her husband, Mr. Olayode Alabi.
The incident drew the attention of guests at the First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, venue of the wedding. This forced Alao-Akala to demand that the programme be rounded off on time to avoid a major clash.
Alao-Akala, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, told our correspondent on the phone on Sunday afternoon that the governor viewed the incident as very embarrassing.
He insisted that the duo carried over the disagreement between them to his party and that the incident should have been avoided in the church.
He said, “The governor will not make further comments on the issue. I can assure you that the incident was an importation of a local politics that would not distract the governor from the sublime and profound joy of the occasion.”
However, a clearer picture of what actually happened during the church service between Daniel and Obasanjo-Bello emerged on Sunday when our correspondent learnt that the clash did not take place on the dancing floor.
Contrary to media reports, it was learnt that Obasanjo-Bello, who sat directly behind Daniel, was checked by a security aide of the governor that her movements was disturbing his boss.
Rather than taking the coreection in good faith, Obasanjo-Bello, allegedly hit the security man on the chest, a situation that drew the attention of everybody in the church.
Efforts by our correspondent to get a detailed account from the church authorities failed on Sunday. But a guest who sat close to the scene explained on a condition of anonymity, that the security man went to Obasanjo Bello when he discovered that his boss was feeling uncomfortable with the Senator’s head-gear and her body movements.
Meanwhile, the Senate has said it cannot do anything about the alleged physical assault on an aide of Daniel until it hears from Obasanjo-Bello.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Media, Senator Ayogu Eze said this in a telephone interview with our Correspondent, on Sunday.
Panel to probe Rear Admiral, six naval ratings begins sitting today
The board of enquiry set up by the Naval Headquarters to investigate the assault on a lady, Miss Uzoma Okere, by some naval ratings will begin sitting in Lagos today.
Investigation revealed that the four-man board headed by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Lagos, Rear Admiral Sylvester Umosen, has only a week to complete its assignment.
A top naval source, who made this known to one of our correspondents on Sunday, said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Isaiah Ibrahim, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Friday.
Uzoma, daughter of the Sergeant-At-Arms of the National Assembly, Col. Emmanuel Okere (rtd.), was assaulted and stripped in public by six naval ratings attached to the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Logistic Command, Oghara, Delta State, Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade, in Lagos on November 3.
Arogundade was subsequently summoned to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja last week over the incident which had been widely condemned within and outside the country.
Our source told one of our correspondents in Warri that the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Paul Dike, had on Saturday directed the panel to move to Lagos in order to facilitate its access to principal witnesses required for the thorough execution of its assignment.
He said that the panel was given seven terms of reference, which included ascertaining the culpability of Arogundade and his subordinates in the assault on the 27-year-old lady.
It was learnt on Sunday that Uzoma and other victims of the November 3 incident had also been invited to appear before the Umosen-led panel.
Our source said, “The board of enquiry set up the naval authorities to probe the incident of November 3 in Lagos in which a lady claimed that she was assaulted by the naval ratings attached to our FOC (Arogundade) will commence public sitting in Lagos on Monday, November 17.
“It is a four-man panel with the FOC in charge of the Western Naval Command, Lagos, Rear Admiral Umosen, as chairman.
“In view of the latest development, our FOC (Arogundade) and the six ratings attached to him are now in Lagos in readiness for the panel’s inaugural sitting tomorrow (today).
“The lady who claimed that she was assaulted by the naval men and eyewitnesses are expected to also appear before the panel apparently to provide useful information on the incident.”
When contacted on the telephone, Umosen confirmed that the panel would sit in Lagos from today.
He said, “I can confirm to you that I am the chairman of the board of enquiry on the incident (assault on Uzoma) and we are starting our assignment in Lagos tomorrow (today).
“But I am not prepared to speak further on the matter for now. You may wish to call back next week when we must have concluded our job for further clarification on the issue.”
Meanwhile, the Action Congress has warned that it will not allow the assault on Uzoma to be swept under the carpet.
It said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that efforts must be made to stop such attacks by military personnel on civilians.
The party also expressed the hope that the investigation into the attack on Uzoma would lead to the prosecution of all those found culpable, irrespective of their ranks.
It added that the “brutal and barbaric attack” on the lady had highlighted a problem that was not limited to the Navy, the Army or the Air Force, but the Police.
The statement reads in part, ”Everyday across Nigeria, the police engage in senseless attacks and extra-judicial killings of the same citizens they are paid to protect, using the guns purchased for them through taxpayers‘ funds.
“The unfortunate case of Ms. Okere should be an opportunity to take a holistic look at these attacks and bring an end to them.‘‘
It said bullion vans escorted by the police across the country drive around “so recklessly, harassing, maiming and killing innocent citizens, yet they carry no number plates by which they could be identified.”
The AC said, ”This is illegal and we hereby call on the Inspector-General of Police to order the arrest of bullion van drivers whose vehicles do not have number plates.
“This is a serious issue, as offending bullion vans can never be traced under the present, inexplicable system whereby the menacing vans cruise around without number plates.”
Apart from the problem of bullion vans, the party said the police, especially in Lagos, had recently started targeting upwardly mobile young men and women around Ikoyi, Ikeja, Victoria Island, among others, under the guise of carrying out ‘stop and search.’
It said, “This harassment must stop before it snowballs into another deadly chain of extra-judicial killings. The police can carry out their important responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property without killing and maiming the same people they are paid to protect.‘‘
The party commended Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State for his pro-active efforts to stem the harassment and attacks on defenseless civilians by banning the use of sirens in the state.
AC also praised Fashola for backing Uzoma.
Investigation revealed that the four-man board headed by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Lagos, Rear Admiral Sylvester Umosen, has only a week to complete its assignment.
A top naval source, who made this known to one of our correspondents on Sunday, said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Isaiah Ibrahim, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Friday.
Uzoma, daughter of the Sergeant-At-Arms of the National Assembly, Col. Emmanuel Okere (rtd.), was assaulted and stripped in public by six naval ratings attached to the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Logistic Command, Oghara, Delta State, Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade, in Lagos on November 3.
Arogundade was subsequently summoned to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja last week over the incident which had been widely condemned within and outside the country.
Our source told one of our correspondents in Warri that the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Paul Dike, had on Saturday directed the panel to move to Lagos in order to facilitate its access to principal witnesses required for the thorough execution of its assignment.
He said that the panel was given seven terms of reference, which included ascertaining the culpability of Arogundade and his subordinates in the assault on the 27-year-old lady.
It was learnt on Sunday that Uzoma and other victims of the November 3 incident had also been invited to appear before the Umosen-led panel.
Our source said, “The board of enquiry set up the naval authorities to probe the incident of November 3 in Lagos in which a lady claimed that she was assaulted by the naval ratings attached to our FOC (Arogundade) will commence public sitting in Lagos on Monday, November 17.
“It is a four-man panel with the FOC in charge of the Western Naval Command, Lagos, Rear Admiral Umosen, as chairman.
“In view of the latest development, our FOC (Arogundade) and the six ratings attached to him are now in Lagos in readiness for the panel’s inaugural sitting tomorrow (today).
“The lady who claimed that she was assaulted by the naval men and eyewitnesses are expected to also appear before the panel apparently to provide useful information on the incident.”
When contacted on the telephone, Umosen confirmed that the panel would sit in Lagos from today.
He said, “I can confirm to you that I am the chairman of the board of enquiry on the incident (assault on Uzoma) and we are starting our assignment in Lagos tomorrow (today).
“But I am not prepared to speak further on the matter for now. You may wish to call back next week when we must have concluded our job for further clarification on the issue.”
Meanwhile, the Action Congress has warned that it will not allow the assault on Uzoma to be swept under the carpet.
It said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that efforts must be made to stop such attacks by military personnel on civilians.
The party also expressed the hope that the investigation into the attack on Uzoma would lead to the prosecution of all those found culpable, irrespective of their ranks.
It added that the “brutal and barbaric attack” on the lady had highlighted a problem that was not limited to the Navy, the Army or the Air Force, but the Police.
The statement reads in part, ”Everyday across Nigeria, the police engage in senseless attacks and extra-judicial killings of the same citizens they are paid to protect, using the guns purchased for them through taxpayers‘ funds.
“The unfortunate case of Ms. Okere should be an opportunity to take a holistic look at these attacks and bring an end to them.‘‘
It said bullion vans escorted by the police across the country drive around “so recklessly, harassing, maiming and killing innocent citizens, yet they carry no number plates by which they could be identified.”
The AC said, ”This is illegal and we hereby call on the Inspector-General of Police to order the arrest of bullion van drivers whose vehicles do not have number plates.
“This is a serious issue, as offending bullion vans can never be traced under the present, inexplicable system whereby the menacing vans cruise around without number plates.”
Apart from the problem of bullion vans, the party said the police, especially in Lagos, had recently started targeting upwardly mobile young men and women around Ikoyi, Ikeja, Victoria Island, among others, under the guise of carrying out ‘stop and search.’
It said, “This harassment must stop before it snowballs into another deadly chain of extra-judicial killings. The police can carry out their important responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property without killing and maiming the same people they are paid to protect.‘‘
The party commended Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State for his pro-active efforts to stem the harassment and attacks on defenseless civilians by banning the use of sirens in the state.
AC also praised Fashola for backing Uzoma.
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