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July 31, 2006
UN Council 'shocked' by Qana raid
The UN Security Council has expressed its "shock and distress" at an Israeli attack in which 54 Lebanese civilians, many of them children, were killed.
A statement agreed by all 15 members said the council "strongly deplores this loss of innocent lives".
However, it did not call for an immediate truce as requested by the Secretary General Kofi Annan.
More than 30 children died in the raid on Qana on Sunday, the deadliest Israeli raid since hostilities began.
Ceasefire
The statement was approved by a unanimous vote of the 15-member council at an emergency session on Sunday.
It also called for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, but not an immediate truce as urged by Kofi Annan.
Washington continues to oppose calling for an immediate ceasefire at the UN.
President George W Bush said the US wanted "to develop a resolution that will enable the region to have a sustainable peace, a peace that lasts, a peace that will enable mothers and fathers to raise their children in a hopeful world".
The attack has led to the suspension of air strikes by Israel for 48 hours so that an investigation can be carried out into the Qana bombing.
Condemnation
Many countries condemned the attack, and France has circulated a draft resolution calling for an immediate end to the fighting.
Earlier, Mr Annan had told the council, "Action is needed now before many more children, women and men become casualties of a conflict over which they have no control."
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Sunday the situation could not continue and that all hostilities ought to cease once a UN resolution was adopted.
BBC political editor Nick Robinson, who is travelling with Mr Blair in the US, said the prime minister accepted that Qana had "changed things".
In a joint statement issued with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Mr Blair said "the tragic events of today have underlined the urgency of the need for a ceasefire as soon as possible".
Posted by Publisher at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
Israel 'not ready for truce yet'; Lebanon accuses Israel of war crimes
Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz has said that despite a 48-hour halt to air strikes on south Lebanon, Israel cannot agree to an immediate ceasefire.
Speaking in parliament, Mr Peretz said if the offensive stops, "the extremists will rear their heads anew" allowing the threat they pose to quickly return.
Israel will "expand and strengthen" its attack he said, ahead of Cabinet talks on possibly broadening the offensive.
Israel has halted air raids to allow an inquiry into civilian deaths in Qana.
At least 54 people, many of them children, were killed in Qana on Sunday when the house they were sheltering in was hit by Israeli war planes - the deadliest Israeli raid since hostilities began on 12 July.
Mr Peretz described the temporary cessation of air strikes on southern Lebanon, which Israel says is to allow an investigation into the incident and give civilians trapped in the region a chance to escape, as a "humanitarian gesture".
Mr Peretz was interrupted by Arab members of the Israeli parliament many times as he addressed the special Knesset session.
The defence minister's comments came after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the US will seek a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire this week.
UN resolution plan
Speaking after talks with Israeli officials in Jerusalem, Ms Rice said the US will call for UN Security Council action on a comprehensive settlement.
She said it will comprise three parts: "a ceasefire, the political principles that provide for a long-term settlement and the authorisation of an international force to support the Lebanese army in keeping the peace."
"As I head back to Washington, I take with me an emerging consensus on what is necessary for both an urgent ceasefire and a lasting settlement," Ms Rice said.
"I am convinced we can achieve both this week," she added.
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, on a trip to the US, said he was optimistic of the chances of an end to hostilities.
While calling for "maximum pressure" to get the Security Council resolution passed, he also called for "maximum restraint" in the region and welcomed Israel's 48-hour ceasefire in the south to allow the deaths at Qana to be investigated.
Ground battle
Meanwhile, fighting between Hezbollah militants and Israeli ground troops has been continuing in southern Lebanon.
According to the BBC's Richard Miron on the Lebanon-Israel border, Israeli war planes are circling the conflict zone, though with the Israeli air force saying it is maintaining the ceasefire it is unclear whether they are participating in the fighting.
There were Israeli air strikes in eastern Lebanon early on Monday, but Israel said they came before its suspension came into effect.
Israeli jets carried out two raids near Yanta, 5km (three miles) from the Syrian border, at 0130 (2230GMT Sunday), Lebanese security sources told the Associated Press.
An Israeli army spokesman told AP that the flights over southern Lebanon were only suspended from 0200 (2300GMT).
Despite the air raid stoppage, Israel is reserving the right to take action against any targets it says are preparing attacks against it.
Hezbollah militants have vowed to retaliate after the Qana air strike, though there have been no reports of rocket attacks on Israel since the pause in air raids began.
Lebanon's health minister says about 750 people - mainly civilians - have been killed by Israeli action.
A total of 51 Israelis, including at least 18 civilians, have been killed in the conflict.
Posted by Publisher at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
Funsho williams: Why We Brought In Scotland Yard – Obasanjo
Government wants to get to the bottom of politically motivated assassinations in the country, hence the invitation to the London Police over last week’s killing of Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Funsho Williams.
31st July
By Tunde Abatan, Rotimi Durojaiye and Femi Ogbonnikan (Lagos)
President Olusegun Obasanjo dropped the hint on Sunday to justify the invitation extended to Scotland Yard detectives.
He spoke for the first time on the murder of Williams and declared that the government had to bring in detectives from London in "order to find the killers and put a stop to such dastardly acts".
The president spoke in Lagos when he went to commiserate with the mother of late aspirant, Henrietta Ibidun, at her Yaba, Lagos residence.
According to him, the federal government is desirous of getting to the bottom of the matter so as to serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to carry out such acts in future.
Obasanjo who spoke in Yoruba during the visit which lasted 30 minutes, described the late Williams as "an apostle of politics without bitterness."
He said: "To me, his death is very shocking and that is why we have brought in local and foreign experts to try to get to the bottom of the matter and fish out the killers who will themselves die like common criminals.
"Those who killed Funsho will experience sorrow for the rest of their lives, they and their families and they will never know peace," he cursed.
"If this act is allowed to go on like this without fishing out the killers, it means all those killing will not stop the act and we are thus prepared to do everything possible to catch those doing the killings with the help of national and international experts to serve as deterrent to others who may wish to do such things in future".
The five governors of the PDP in the southwest states of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti accompanied him on the visit.
But the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) feels differently over the invitation of the London police in respect of the death of Williams, saying that the government has failed to equip the local police to live up to their responsibilities.
The group in a statement on Sunday said the high profile motivated killings in the country have not been resolved because the police are not competent to do so.
Said Osita Nwachukwu, CNPP National Publicity Secretary: "Police Force needs urgent reform, restructuring and modernization".
"Whereas, CNPP appraise the Federal Government for inviting the London Metropolitan Police to unravel those who committed the heinous murder of late Williams; we however regret that with state coffers brimming with unprecedented record income from oil revenue, the Obasanjo regime failed to train, equip, reform and modernize the Nigerian Police Force, to approximate the London Police.
"CNPP rates the invitation of London Police as the last straw that exposed the ineptitude of the Obasanjo regime and the system failure of the Nigeria Police Force. A Police Force with wage below living wage, obsolete equipment, pre-bendal recruitment, poorly motivated and poorly trained, cannot be entrusted to safeguard modern society.
"The urgency to overhaul the Police Force is to avoid in future, locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. The grave danger as highlighted by the vote of no confidence passed on the Force by the Inspector General of Police, S. Ehindero.
"Caution should be the word as we approach 2007 elections to avoid morbid scare mongering, for insecurity and political violence will scare away good people from participating in politics, thereby closing the democratic space. It will also scare foreign direct investment. A minus for a nation dependent on private sector to generate wealth and create employment.
"CNPP, consequently calls for urgent reform of the Police Force, to effectively perform its constitutional mandate. This will be a good lesson from Funsho William’s gruesome murder and a tribute to a great democrat and gentleman politician."
Meanwhile, Professor Wole Soyinka who once described the PDP as harbouring a nest of killers has declined comments over the murder.
"I have no comment. I don’t want to say anything now," was his response when reporters met him on Sunday in Lagos and sought his views on the assassination.
Soyinka was among prominent Nigerians that thronged the Dolphin Estate home of the late politician to sympathise with his family. Others included Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bello Masari; his deputy, Austin Okpara; Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili; Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Odili described the assassination as evil and called on the police to immediately unmask the killers.
Kanu stated that the killing was uncalled for. Funsho’s death, he said, has sent a wrong signal to the world about the nation’s political terrain. He too asked the police to find the assassins.
Describing it as sad, Omisore urged investigators to fish out the killers and bring them to book.
Masari expressed concern over the way the politician was murdered but implored Nigerians to be patient.
Besides, he canvassed the involvement of decent men and women in politics.
But, Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu warned that Funso’s killing will drive away decent people from the political arena. The masses, he said, will suffer the consequence.
Tinubu was at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos to receive Obasanjo.
He added that the introduction of violence will scare credible opposition.
He described the aspirant’s murder as painful and barbaric.
"Why do you kill to serve the people? You cannot and should not introduce violence because people will run away from politics. If you introduce thuggery and violence, decent, well educated people will run away from politics, then it will be left for mediocres," he said.
Politicians, Tinubu stated, become desperate to be named party flagbearers once they have the leadership assurance that votes do not count during elections.
When leaders give false assurances that they will hijack peoples’ votes, re-write election results and capture states "that is an invitation to violence".
He advised Nigerians to be aware of the dangers now lurking on the political terrain.
"All stakeholders should be conscious of the security arrangement around them. From the neighbourhood to the ordinary observer, everybody should be conscious of the movement of people around them and give information to the police."
He, however, said the police must be well equipped and motivated to make them more efficient and responsible.
Nigerians should be conscious of the welfare of the police, rather than condemn them, the governor counselled.
Describing the late Funsho as a complete gentleman and a decent politician, Tinubu said they both campaigned against each other, but noted that they never introduced violence into their campaigns.
He advised politicians to sell their programmes to the people by articulating their policies decently.
He enjoined members of the Lagos State chapter of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) to shelve the formal launch of the party earlier slated for Monday (today).
Politicians, he urged, must shun violence and see themselves as members of the same family.
Posted by Publisher at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
Funsho Williams’ guard on the run
Police detectives have begun a manhunt for a guard who worked in the home of the late Engr. Funsho Williams, in a bid to unravel the mystery behind the assassination of the Lagos State governorship aspirant.
By DIPO KEHINDE and OLUWATOYOSI OGUNSEYE
Monday, July 31, 2006
This is coming at a time a team of pathologists, led by one Col. Ayuba, conducted autopsy on the body of Williams at the Military Hospital on Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos.
Daily Sun gathered that the guard, whose identity was not disclosed for security reasons, until the murder of Williams last Thursday, kept watch over the unoccupied duplex in the twin-duplex owned by the late politician.
Police sources said the guard, who disappeared soon after news about Williams’ murder broke, is on a fresh list of persons declared wanted by the police in connection with the assassination. A top police officer, who preferred anonymity, said those on the fresh list are wanted for “informational interviews.”
It was further gathered that the assassins allegedly gained entry into Williams’ apartment through the vacant duplex watched over by the guard.
Meanwhile, as the search for Williams’ killers intensifies, more detectives have been drafted into the probe, just as all possible clues are being examined to track down the assassins. One of the theories being worked on by detectives is the possible involvement of a notorious campus cult group in the murder.
Police sources said the cult angle came about because a son of one of Williams’ opponents in the governorship race, believed to be a member of a cult group, was recently expelled from the Lagos State University (LASU).
Daily Sun gathered that no fewer than 11 persons have been arrested by the police over the killing. They include Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and Senator Musliu Obanikoro, FERMA boss, Mr Kehinde Oyenuga, Williams’ cooks, aides and his police guards. Senator Obanikoro has, however, been released after making a statement at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos.
Director General, Nigeria Maritime Authority (NMA), Festus Ugwu, was also quizzed by detectives on Sunday. Williams was chairman, board of the NMA until his death.
Medical examiners, who worked on Williams’ corpse for hours on Sunday afternoon, it was gathered, tried to establish if he had died through traumatic asphyxiation caused by strangulation. They also tried to establish if he was stabbed to death or shot, going by the holes on his body.
Daily Sun learnt that detectives from the Metropolitan Police, in United Kingdom, who are also working on the Williams’ case, will stay in Nigeria for a year. According to police authorities, after investigation on Williams’ murder case, the British cops will stay back to train policemen at the forensic laboratory in Alagbon, on how to handle scientific crime investigations.
The British officers, it was gathered, were being expected in Nigeria for the training programme even before Williams was killed.
Posted by Publisher at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)
Gana Gives Condition for S/South Presidency
Former Information and Orientation Minister, and presidential aspirant, Prof. Jerry Gana, has assured the South-south geo-political zone that he will support its presidential candidate if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones the position to the region.
From Omon-Julius Onabu in Warri and Oke Epia in Abuja, 07.31.2006
Gana said this while speaking with newsmen at the weekend in Warri, Delta State, during a campaign visit to the oil-rich city.
"We do understand, we do sympathise and we do identify with the aspirations of the people of the (South-south) zone. They are genuine, they are real, and, therefore, we are not competing.
"The party, at the approriate time, will decide who the candidate will be. If it is our turn, we know our friends from the South-South will fully support us; if it is from the South-South, we from the Northern part will wholly support."
He, however, maintained that he stood head and shoulder above all others who are presently aspiring to the 2007 presidency because he knew Nigeria - geographically, culturally and politically - more than any of the other contenders to the country's number-one position.
The former special adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo noted that the job of President demanded more than a superficial knowledge or even romantic feelings about Nigeria, saying good education and an indepth knowledge of the country were important qualifications.
On which faction of the PDP he belongs, Gana pointed out that he was a founding member of the party and observed: "I am a member of the Board of Trustees of the party and our role is to bring all together in one PDP. So I cannot and do not want to belong to a faction of the PDP.
"You know, I am one of the founding members of the PDP, and, I thank God of having the PDP actaully being born in my house in Abuja. I, therefore, have a very importnat responsibilty not to see this party factionalized.
"I support a great, united PDP because it is only in unity that we can give service and development to the people."
Meanwhile, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has said the nation痴 presidency in 2007 will elude the South-south if the geo-political zone痴 leaders and politicians failed to unite.
The PDP leader spoke weekend at a meeting of South-south elders and leaders of thought, which he hosted at Uromi, Edo State.
He regretted the 塗igh tendency towards mutual suspicion and recrimination, which lead to unnecessary quarrels, often conducted in the public domain,・adding that 鍍he greatest hindrance, which we are likely to confront is our lack of unity and suffocating individualism.・BR>Anenih said he was particularly unhappy that the South South Peoples Assembly (SSPA), which he contended ought to play a role like Afenifere, pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and even Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), had often been distracted by petty personality clashes.
According to him, 鍍he only goal which should consume all of us from now on is how the South-south will reverse the injustice which has been its lot since independence and take its rightful place in Nigeria痴 political life.・
He urged that all court cases between South-south brothers and sisters be withdrawn. 鄭s a long term measure, I wish to suggest that we focus our minds on the possibility of establishing common services, agencies and institutions, which will be the fulcrum of our efforts at integration,・he Said.
He stressed: 展e must, therefore, subject our partisanships and loyalties to a wholesome South-south agenda and identity. My desire is that, from today on, all the leaders of the South-south will bear a common banner and speak with one voice.・/P>
Anenih lamented that despite of the zone痴 contribution to the economy and stabilization of the polity in the country, it had not produced a President or Head of State, either military or civilian, since independence in 1960.
添et, this is a zone that can rightly be described as the anchor of Nigeria痴 unity and, without any doubt, the pillar of her economy,・he said.
The party leader added: 展e have stretched hands of fellowship across the Niger in all directions, and we have always pursued constructive engagement with all sections of the Nigerian nation. Our commitment to the Nigerian project has been total and we will not relent in seeking its achievement. Nowhere is this more clearly demonstrated than in the economic sector.
展e are, if the truth must be told, an oppressed Zone, if not an oppressed people. The good thing is that we are now aware of this oppression and, happily, our people are no longer willing to tolerate it. The noise of rejection is getting louder while the determination to break the chain is becoming stronger.
鄭nd, break the chain, we must, but through peaceful means, dialogue and negotiation.
展e recognize and applaud the concern of Pre-sident Olusegun Obasanjo and his concerted efforts at accelerating development in the Niger Delta area. We should thank him and members of the Federal Executive Council for the recent establishment of the Presidential Council on Socio-Economic Development of the Coastal States, in addition to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).・
Posted by Publisher at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)
Okonjo-Iweala wants states to tap economic reform gains
FOREIGN Affairs Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the states of the federation to take advantage of the on-going economic reform and go into partnership with the Federal Government to achieve growth in their different economies.
From Sunny Ogefere, Asaba
Besides, she also explained that the recent Federal Government's decision to increase the salaries of its workforce was an integral part of the public service reforms.
In her speech at this year's lecture of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, in Asaba, Okonjo-Iweala stressed the need for the states to key to the Federal Government reforms and make the best out of it for their development projects.
The minister who is the chairperson of President Olusegun Obasanjo's Economic Team, said that there was need for the partnership to enable the states take advantage of the Federal Government funds pooled together from the debt relief programme.
She said the Presidency expected that the states would use the system of matching grant to attract Federal Government funds.
"If a state comes forward and say I have X amount, then we may even put X plus 2 to help achieve a project on the ground," she stated, regretting the poor reception to the programme by the states.
"When we started it, we tried to put these ideas to the states but because it's a new programme and a new approach and this is the first year, we were not as successful," she added.
However, the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed the hope that given the same amount of resources next year, a state like Delta would come forward and make available part of their benefits from debt relief as matching grant for viable projects to be executed in communities across the state.
Specifically, Okonjo-Iweala wanted Delta State to grab the initiative of establishing a training institute, in partnership with the Federal Government, to provide the much need middle level oil and gas technicians not just for Nigeria but also for the neighbouring countries in the Gulf of Guinea.
"We (Federal Government) are inviting the Portuguese now to set up a training institute for this kind of skills in the country. Why can't we ask them to set one up in Delta State?" she asked.
Okonjo-Iweala explained that the expected new salary package was an integral part of the public service reforms which placed emphasis on rewarding competent and productive civil servants in the on-going re-professionalisation of the service.
She expressed support for better remuneration for workers but noted that the better pay should not be seen as an end in itself but rather as part of a package of incentives to motivate competent civil servants to achieve more for the country.
"In this context, the Federal Government instituted the Shonekan panel to review civil service remuneration. A white paper has been issued which is currently under review by a committee. We hope that a well-paid civil service will enable us to recruit some of our young and bright university graduates," she disclosed.
Former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, who chaired the Second Distinguished Annual Lecture, stressed the need to back up the reforms with adequate remuneration for the workforce.
According to Shonekan, any reform devoid of a living wage, whether in the public or private sector, will not be supportive of the drive to reduce corruption in the country.
In addition, Shonekan said that family, cultural, social values and the sense of social responsibility have to be inculcated in the populace.
The state governor, Chief James Ibori, represented by his deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, said that a lot has been achieved in the state in the past seven years, particularly in the area of infrastructural development.
Posted by Publisher at 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
Vehicle insurance fraud rocks NAICOM * Top officials indicted, EFCC invited
LAGOS—THERE are strong indications that heads will roll shortly at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) over alleged N17.5 million fraud and forgery of documents concerning the controversial Vehicle Insurance Stickers for which top officials of the commission have been indicted.
By Patience Saghana
Posted to the Web: Monday, July 31, 2006
The fraud which those close to the commission said was perpetrated by a highly placed official came to the open when some members of the board of NAICOM raised questions about the clearing documents, customs papers and bank statement of payment of duties used in supporting the payment claims for N17.5 million fees charged by the clearing agent who claimed the items were imported.
Documents which the board members suspected to be forged and a report by an investigation panel set up by the commission which Vanguard sighted, had directed that the commission invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the financial dealings of principal officers of the insurance regulatory body to unveil the fraud and also fish out the accomplice in the commission.
Those close to the panel investigating the fraud said the scam was carried out by some top officials of the commission.
But the skepticism surrounding the production of the VISER from inception coupled with the cost of production put at N92.4 million caused the board to delay the approval for payment to those involved in the importation.
The VISER committee, it was learnt, had from the on set expressed its displeasure over the hidden circumstances besetting the approval of the agent to execute the job. It wrote: “The committee felt that the agent should feel the impact of his failure to seek and obtain formal appointment prior to executing the job hence substantial 66.2/3 reduction in his agency fee.”
The grand total presented by the agent was N18. 4 million (N16.8 million for customs duty and N1.67 million for clearing) before the VISER committee slashed it to N17.5 million.
According to documents pertaining to the matter sighted by Vanguard, the Ministry of Finance had approved the VISER contract for execution by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), unfortunately it could not and Printpoint Industries Limited was then contracted to execute the contract but the said agent emerged to execute the job.
Posted by Publisher at 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
EU Donates 57 Million Euros to Nigeria; Grant will assist states that are committed to reforms
Determined to contribute to the reduction of poverty and the improvement of public services in Nigeria, the European Union has committed €57 million (US$73 million) to the country under its Support to Reforming Institutions Program (SRIP), which began in 2005.
Abdullahi Bashir Saadu (elbashir)
Published 2006-07-31 16:42 (KST)
According to a pamphlet distributed to journalists in Dutse, the grant is to assist states in Nigeria that are committed to reforms in providing service delivery, such as through a more efficient and transparent budget management.
The program is managed by a central "project management unit" based in Abuja and by "state technical units" in six target states, namely Osun, Cross River, Anambra, Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe.
Meeting the Millennium Development Goals is an objective many countries and donor agencies have signed up to.
"Achieving the goals, however, remains a challenge. In Nigeria where foreign aid doesn't amount to 1 percent of the country's GNP, donor contributions can only make meaningful impact by channeling their funds toward supporting Nigeria's own efforts at public sector reforms," the pamphlet said.
The financing agreement between the European Union and Nigeria, signed in December 2004, justified the support of Nigeria's efforts to reform the use of public funds as the most significant contribution donors could make to reduce poverty in Nigeria.
In that spirit, the SRIP will assist reform-oriented states and local governments within Nigeria to enhance government transparency and accountability, ensuring that pro-poor policies are successfully implemented.
The goal of the SRIP, as noted in the pamphlet, is to ensure that the authorities and citizens of target states make the budget and budgeting process a more transparent, effective, and accountable means of managing public finance.
The SRIP also works in close collaboration with the Water and Sanitation Sector Reform Program. The desire for improved service delivery in water and sanitation is seen as an entry point for improved public finance management in that sector.
Posted by Publisher at 09:06 AM | Comments (0)
Coal discovered in Gombe
Large quantities of coal have been discovered in Gombe, the state government said weekend. A whole community is to be moved from their homes to allow a mining contract worth billions of naira to go ahead.
By Leke Adelere
The governor of Gombe state called for the people to remain peaceful and work with the government so that they can be relocated at a special inauguration ceremony for the payment of compensation programme.
An exploration conducted within the selected area of 64 hectares of land in Akko local government area of the state revealed an estimated 4.5 metric tons, enough coal to make further mining worth-while. According to the assessment conducted, it was revealed that the project will gulp about N5.5 billion (34.2m Euro), with the federal government granting approval for exploratory licence for 21 years.
The Special Adviser on Media/Publicity to the Governor of Gombe state, Mohammed Ahmed Pindiga, said the prospecting company; Ashaka Cement Plc, has paid compensation to all the villagers affected by the relocation exercise around the mining areas. The compensation by Ashaka Cement was in agreement with the state government, having completed the land assessment supervised by the ministry of land and survey in the state.
Maiganga, the community covered in its entire by exploration in Akko local government, has been relocated along with several other villages that are likely to be affected by the activities of the company. In the agreement signed with the state government, Ashaka Cement Plc is to undertake the resettlement exercise and provide infrastructure such as construction of new houses, 8 kilometres of feeder road, two bridges and 14 culverts.
Other amenities required to be built include a primary school, a mosque and church for the communities affected. Also, the prospecting company is to pay N42m as matching bonus while about 60% of its labour force will be from the catchment areas when operation commences. By October 2006, the Special Adviser said, initial opening up of exploration will begin while proper mining is expected to commence in October 2007 while the coal burning for power production will start in January 2008.
Governor Goje, while performing the commen-cement of the compensation exercise in Kumo, the headquarters of Akko local government where the coal was discovered, urged the host communities to maintain peace and cooperate with Ashaka Cement Plc. Goje also commended the company for promptly paying compensation to the affected villages and their readiness to commence operations and implored the federal govern-ment to encourage the mining of solid minerals like gypsum, limestone and others available in the state to provide more revenue as an alternative to petroleum.
At the presentation of cheques to the relocating communities Ashaka Cement revealed that the company recorded a short fall in its production for two weeks due to the shortage experienced in fuel supply. This according to the Adviser resulted in the loss of 1.8m Euros by the company.
With the discovery of coal in commercial quantity in the state, the mineral can serve as an alternative to power supply as it will boost the production capacity of the company without experiencing power failure any longer, the governor said. Ashaka Cement is the second largest producer of cement in West Africa after the West African Portland Cement.
It started operations in 1978 in collaboration with the Nigerian government and the UK cement producer, Blue Circle. In 1990, the federal government sold its shares in the company leaving Blue Circle as the largest single shareholder in, according to the Mbendi business directory.
Posted by Publisher at 09:04 AM | Comments (0)
Marwa health team treats 4,000 in Ogun
The welfarist programme of a leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd). got a boost in Ogun State over the weekend as volunteer medical practitioners and nurses from the United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK) offered free medical services for hypertensive and diabetic patients.
By Sun News Publishing
Monday, July 31, 2006
Under the aegis of “Marwa International Movement”, the five medical doctors from the United States, comprising Dr. Tomi Kadiri, Prof. Aminu Gusau, Dr. Emilia Orubele, Dr. A. Afeez and a Nigerian medical practitioner, Dr. B.A. Akinola, with 12 nurses, attended to over 4,000 patients throughout Friday and Saturday at the palaces of Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Alake of Egbaland, Abeokuta, Awujale of Ijebuland at Ijebu-Ode, and the Akarigbo of Remo palace at Sagamu
The medical team, which had performed similar medical services in Adamawa, Edo and Kogi States, with the plan of covering the six geo-political zones in the country, gave anti-hypertensive and antidiabetic medications freely to people, to last them for three months.
They also examined and treated arthritis patients.
In a chat with newsmen, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Tomi Kadiri, said over 6,000 admirers of Brig. Gen. Marwa in the United States of America and United Kingdom, contributed money for the drugs and free treatment of the patients to support the Buba Marwa Foundation that has given scholarship to indigent tertiary education students in the 36 states of Nigeria and has also built classroom blocks and provided water boreholes in equal proportion.
Their decision to support Marwa, he said, was informed by his excellent track record of being an achiever in Borno and Lagos states, coupled with his humanitarian gesture, milk of human kindness and his detribalised mind.
Dr. Kadiri said while treating the people, most of whom were having the experience of their blood pressure being examined for the first time in their life, the team discovered an abnormal case of a 27-year old woman whose blood pressure was 220/180, an aftermath of lack of job after six years of leaving school and failure in akara frying business which she commenced with N3,000.
The woman after being treated, given medication and advised to rest completely for three days was later offered some money by the “Marwa International Movement”, while Olori Abimbola Dosunmu, wife of Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, also provided her with foodstuffs and some new clothings.
Dr. Kadiri enjoined the Nigerian public to pay more attention to being their brothers keeper, as a little amount of just N5,000 can be a source of incentive to embark on a business venture by an unemployed who is willing to work.
A random sample of the beneficiaries of the free medical treatment were full of prayer for Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa and his medical team volunteers, stressing that what the nation requires at the helm of affairs is a young energetic and humanitarian mind with commitment to the welfare of the people like Marwa.
Posted by Publisher at 09:03 AM | Comments (0)
States, LGs shared N6trn...From 1999--2005, says ministry report
More than N6 trillion was shared to states and local governments from the federation account between June 1999 and December last year.
A federal ministry of finance publication released under the transparency initiative, captured the funds released to include federation shares, excess crude and value added tax.
The allocations to the 36 states and FCT and the 774 local government councils indicated that the oil producing states of Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Ondo, recorded the highest earnings of between N321 billion and N238 billion.
Bauchi state which got more than N146.2 billion was placed among the top 20 states that collected more than N140 billion during the period.
The state also ranked among the top three in the North with Kano which got N254.4 billion and Kaduna N177.4 billion.
Bauchi received more than N58.2 billion for its 16 local governments with the Metropolitan and Toro councils as top earners.
Posted by Publisher at 09:01 AM | Comments (0)
UPDATE: Nigeria Agip Workers, Guards Freed - Report
ABUJA, Nigeria -(Dow Jones)- Sixteen workers of Nigeria's Agip Oil Co., a unit of Eni SpA (E), and eight soldiers captured and held by Niger Delta militants at a flow station belonging to the company have been released, the News Agency of Nigeria reported Sunday.
Monday July 31st, 2006 / 11h14
(Updates item published at 0642 GMT with Nigerian attackers vacating flow station.)
The workers and soldiers were released early Sunday following negotiations involving officials of Bayelsa State, Agbainbiri community and Agip, the report said.
The Nigerian attackers also vacated the flow station early Sunday, the report added.
The attack late Tuesday on the Agbainbiri flow station had forced Agip to shut in 35,000 barrels a day of crude oil.
-By Vincent Nwanma, Dow Jones Newswires; +234-802-358-4996; vinwanma@beta.linkserve.com
Posted by Publisher at 08:59 AM | Comments (0)
INEC assures Atiku
INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that it would conduct a credible election in 2007.
Clement Nwoji, Abuja
It, therefore, urged the vice president to show restraint in his comments against the commission.
The commission made the appeal in a statement endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Andy Ezeani and made available to Daily Champion weekend.
It noted that this crucial moment requires the commitment and cooperation of all Nigerians and politicians to ensure political stability the country deserves by strengthening the electoral process.
According to INEC, "unfortunately, not all politicians seem to want a free and fair election in 2007 in spite of various public pretensions. There is mounting evidence that a section of the political class is indeed up in arms against the plan leadership to close all avenues to crooked victory in elections".
INEC allayed the Vice President’s fears, stressing, "the platform which INEC is building for 2007 election is such as will not permit politicians to win elections the way many of them used to".
According to the commission, with the electronic voter register that does not condone multiple registration, authenticator that ensures the voting of only duly registered persons, counting at the polling centres and instant transmission of results, free and fair elections are assured.
Posted by Publisher at 08:57 AM | Comments (0)
2007: US to support free, fair elections
UNITED States of America (USA) Embassy in Nigeria, weekend, expressed readiness to partner Nigerians especially media professionals to ensure successful general elections in 2007.
FUNKE ODUWOLE and FLORENCE UDOH
Head, Public Affairs Section of the American Consulate in Lagos, Mr Tim Gerhardson, who made the pledge also disclosed that policy governing the issuance of U.S visas is the same worldwide.
The policy, he said, is nondiscriminatory, transparent and allows non-Americans visit the U.S. without hinderance.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to Champion House, the corporate headquarters of Champion Newspapers Limited (CNL) in Lagos, Mr Gerhardson who was accompanied by Mr Femi Omowunni, said he had noticed with interest the commitment and dedication of the Nigerian media in promoting sustainable democracy.
He expressed the willingness of his country’s government to further encourage media practitioners with training and exchange programmes.
Mr Gerhardson stated that his office would be glad to work with the Nigerian media towards promoting good governance and entrenching the values of democracy.
He said Nigeria was a great country with wonderful opportunities: "Since I came here about three weeks ago, I’ve enjoyed good relationship with Nigerians and we’ll do everything we can to encourage Nigerians and promote democracy in the country.
"It is really a very interesting time to be here as elections are around the corner. We would like to work with the people, the media especially to ensure successful elections. I am happy to say that Nigerians are interesting and very talented people that are very serious about what they do," Mr Gerhardson stressed.
He said his office would be very happy and ready to give whatever assistance that might be required by the media to promote good relationship between Nigeria and the U.S: "One important thing for the U.S. Government is that we have a good relationship built on trust".
The Public Affairs Officer noted that the media, especially the newspaper is like oxygen without which, one cannot breathe.
He commended Champion newspapers for supporting programmes and activities of the consulate: "We are very impressed by all you have been doing and we really appreciate it."
Group Managing Director (GMD) Champion Group, Mr Emma Agu who received the visiting officers said Champion newspapers is committed to the ideals of good governance and democracy.
He told the diplomat that the way he approached his job in Nigeria matters.
"We want to see the seriousness with which you approach your responsibility in Nigeria. You need to have an open mind to help. You approach your duty to the satisfaction of your government," he stressed.
The GMD stressed that Nigeria is truly a country of opportunities, "it is a great country, it is possible you face some challenges, because it may not always be rosy but I assure you, you will find your stay very interesting."
Earlier, General Manager, Publications, Mr Sam Ibemere who conducted the officers round Champion facilities had informed the visitors that the company was committed to the pursuit of developmental journalism which also strives to keep pace with modern democracy.
He also noted on-going efforts to reposition the company.
According to him, "this is very important because Champion newspapers is being repositioned as a brand leader in the industry.
Posted by Publisher at 08:56 AM | Comments (0)
July 28, 2006
Ogunlewe quizzed
STRONG indication emerged yesterday that immediate past Works Minister, Adeseye Ogunlewe has been arrested by the police over the killing of Chief Funso Williams.
KAISE ABONE
Indeed Daily Champion learnt that Senator Ogunlewe and other suspectes arrested in connection with the incident are being detained at Zone 2 headquarters, Onikan, Lagos Island.
The former minister was reportedly driven in his jeep with registration number CH 350 ABJ to the headquarters at 4.45pm accompanied by the Commander Area H, Ogudu, Lagos, Mr. Olusan, Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Our correspondent gathered that homicide detectives from the Federal Criminal Investigatyions Department (FCID) Annexe led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Marcus Donaldi have commenced full investigation into Williams’ death last night.
However, another account said Senator Ogunlewe travelled abroad Tuesday night.
Contacted on the issue on phone last night, Force Public Relations Officers, Mr. Haz Iwendi declined comment.
Posted by Publisher at 08:41 AM | Comments (0)
How Funso Williams was stabbed to death * His legs were tied with cloth stuffed into his mouth
LAGOS—WITH his legs and hands tied, a piece of cloth stuffed into his mouth, and several knife wounds to the body inflicted by suspected assassins, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Lagos, Engineer Funso Williams, lay dead, yesterday, at his Ikoyi residence.
By Emma Nnadozie, Paul Odili, Albert Akpor, Olasukanmi Akoni, Evelyn Usman & Idowu Olaide
Posted to the Web: Friday, July 28, 2006
Gone with him was the hope of thousands of his supporters who, in the last two years or so had laboured and prayed that he might emerge governor next year.
As news of his death spread, friends, supporters, associates, and sympathisers in their hundreds besieged his 184A Corporation Drive twin-duplex residence to ascertain the story.
He was found dead at about 9a.m. by his personal driver popularly called Ajiroba who had gone into his bedroom to wake him up for the day’s meetings/appointments.
By then, scores of supporters and associates had gathered at the gate for the continuation of Engineer Williams' ward-to-ward campaigns ahead of the PDP primaries. They were scheduled to campaign in Eti-Osa and Lagos Island local government areas.
But what Ajiroba saw was shocking. He raised an alarm that attracted everyone including the six security men at the house, four of them policemen. His Personal Assistant (PA) called Frank was also there. The police were immediately alerted and the security men and the PA were taken in for questioning.
Governorship aspirant quizzed
A report last night said a prominent governorship aspirant of the party was also being quizzed by the police.
Mr. Williams was all alone inside the house when he was killed. His wife had travelled abroad to see their children.
Vanguard gathered that the three-time gubernatorial aspirant retried to bed around 2 a.m. yesterday after series of meetings with his supporters. He had earlier on Wednesday met with the Police authorities at the Zone 11 Command in Onikan, Lagos together with other PDP stalwarts including the state Chairman of the party, Chief. Rasheed Williams.
It was gathered that during the meeting which was convened by the Police authorities to warn PDP political aspirants on the need to maintain peace in the state, Engineer Williams and other aspirants were made to sign an undertaking to maintain law and order while going about their campaigns.
One of the supporters told Vanguard that when they arrived his residence, the guards opened the gate for them and they sat down waiting for him. He said one of his drivers arrived later around 9a.m. and went straight upstairs to inform Engineer Williams that they were around only to raise an alarm few a seconds later.
According to him, “we all went upstairs only to see his lifeless body lying in a pool of his blood with his hands and legs tied and his mouth gagged. He was lying face down.”
The death of Engr. Williams who recently threw a party to mark his mother’s 80th birthday sent shock waves all over the state.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, personally visited the house at about 4p.m. yesterday and was ushered into the room where Williams was killed. The IG was accompanied by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, Mr. Adeoye, and the State Police boss, Mr. Emmanuel Adebayo, who were already on ground assessing the situation. The Police boss who declined to speak to reporters left a few minutes later amidst shouts by sympathisers who called for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the death of Engr. Williams.
Prominent politicians and leaders of the People’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state including, Chief Olabode George; Minister of Works, Chief Femi Anibaba; Security Adviser to Governor Bola Tinubu, Major Tunde Pinnox (rtd) and many others were also at his residence to sympathise with members of his family and his teeming supporters.
Chief George, Chairman of the party in the South-West later addressed the crowd and called on them to maintain peace, stressing that “perpetrators of the senseless and dastardly act must be brought to book.”
Forensic experts from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Alagbon arrived the scene at about 3.30p.m. and proceeded to the bedroom where his body was for examination. As at 6p.m, the body of the politician was yet to be taken to the mortuary but sources said it would be taken to Creek Mortuary in Apapa, Lagos.
There were several theories yesterday on how the assassins gained entry into the apartment without the security men knowing.
One theory suggested that the killers entered through the vacant second duplex in the building.
They had apparently entered his room through a wall opening meant for air conditioner.
Posted by Publisher at 08:28 AM | Comments (0)
Anambra: Taskforce Kills Five MASSOB Members In Nnewi
Federal Government’s effort to curtail violent uprising in Anambra State has started yielding results.
28th July
By Bukola Ojeme (Abuja) and Okey Maduforo (Awka)
The Joint Military/Police Task Force deployed to the state killed five members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on Sunday. They were suspected to have spearheaded the sacking of the Central Police Station in Nnewi.
The team’s success was not without an initial cost. In a preliminary report of the incident, the police said four patrol vehicles were burnt, while several arms and ammunition were declared missing during the attack on the station.
This was in addition to the killing of two policemen and the release of 14 suspects from detention much earlier.
It was learnt that the MASSOB members were trailed to their hideout, from Nnewi, where they engaged members of the Task Force in a gun battle.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, has ordered the immediate redeployment of over 3000 police officers and men out of Anambra.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Haz Iwendi, confirmed the posting in Abuja on Thursday.
Officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent (ASP) and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) are mainly affected.
"All the Area Commanders and senior officers, from ASP to CSP have been moved, apart from the CP, as part of measures to restore sanity in Anambra. That is the directive of the IG," he stated.
Iwendi also confirmed that the MASSOB activists were among those who burnt the Central Police Station in Nnewi.
"Five of them (MASSOB members) were killed in a gun battle with the police. They were killed after burning down the police station," he added.
About 300 members of MASSOB took part in the operation, according police investigative report on the mayhem.
The report said: "On July 22, a Joint Task Force of the Military and Police raided the enclave of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and engaged them in a gun duel. In the process five of the hoodlums died, while other members of the gang escaped.
"The Task Force recovered 11 assorted buses, one jeep, five military camouflage uniforms, three military boots, six machetes, two motorcycles, one power generating set, assorted clothes and food items."
"The raid and recovery is sequel to the attack on the police by the hoodlums, numbering over 300. They invaded the Central Police Station, Nnewi and set free the 14 suspects detained in the cell.
"Moreover, they set four police patrol vehicles ablaze and killed two policemen. Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing members of the gang," the report added.
Anambra State Police Commissioner, John Haruna, also spoke on the redeployment on the floor of the state House of Assembly on Thursday.
He said: "The Inspector General of police has ordered the immediate transfer of more than 3000 police officers and men of Anambra State with immediate effect.
"They will be replaced by same number of officers and men drawn from every part of the country. This is the first time a transfer of this magnitude is taking place in the South-East zone."
He was at the House to brief the lawmakers on the operations of the command since the mayhem started. The commissioner claimed the previous administrations in the state had neglected the police.
"We have no serviceable vehicles, no functional radio communication facilities, less than 10 per cent of the strength of police officers and men are officially quartered while the remaining 90 per cent are either squatting or living in rented houses far away from their places of work."
In their response to the posting, the lawmakers vowed to resist any move to transfer Haruna. They said the state has recorded high turnover of police commissioners.
Frank Igboka, representing Njikoka II constituency who raised the issue said: "We have had situations whereby a commissioner spends just two weeks or one month and he is transferred because of one flimsy reason or no reason at all. We would not allow that to happen (again)."
The Speaker, Mike Balonwu, however, pledged the Assembly’s support to the police. He also promised to convince Governor Peter Obi to offer the assistance needed in combating crime.
The legislators also told Haruna that there is a law establishing the Anambra State Vigilante Service (AVS). They contended that the AVS was set up as neighbourhood watch to work with the police in fighting crime.
The House also blamed the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) for the crisis in the state.
"We are not saying that MASSOB does not have its own problems but we are looking at NARTO, a group that set Anambra State ablaze, and that was why we outlawed them by an Act of the parliament. When we did that people said (former Governor Chris) Ngige was fighting NARTO, but what is happening today was envisaged some years back. We urge you (the police commissioner) not to dance to the whims and caprices of some people who sponsor and influence the crisis in Anambra State. Be of good courage and be bold and we in Anambra Assembly would stand on your side," Deputy Speaker Ozo Ughamadu said.
Posted by Publisher at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)
Adedibu, Oyo Assembly on collision course over reinstatement of LG bosses
Tension rose again in Ibadan, Oyo State Thursday, as members of the State House of Assembly went into hiding over alleged disagreement with the strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.
By AKEEB ALARAPE, Ibadan
Friday, July 28, 2006
Daily Sun investigations showed that the lawmakers were alleged to have crossed the path of Adedibu with the re-instatement of two council chairmen earlier suspended by the House.
It was learnt that the two chairmen, Hons. Amos Oladejo and Nafiu Bamiji of Lagelu and Atisbo Local Government Areas, have also been barred from entering their offices.
It would be recalled that Chairmen of Saki-West, Ido, Lagelu and Atisbo Local Government areas were suspended on July 4 for disobeying the order of the House. Messrs Nureni Adisa and Basiru Lawal, Ido and Saki-West, respectively were later removed by the House for alleged financial misconduct.
But last Tuesday, both chairmen of Lagelu and Atisbo, were cleared and reinstated by the House.
The action of the lawmakers was said to have drawn the ire of Adedibu, who, sources said, threatened to deal with the lawmakers. The old politician was said to have queried the legislators on why they dabbled into the matter.
The threat, according to Daily Sun sources, was not taken lightly by the lawmakers, who hurriedly went into hiding Wednesday afternoon, a development that led to the cancellation of the House sitting slated for the day.
None of the lawmakers was seen at the House yesterday until around 1.30p.m, when about six of them came in a convoy of cars to attend a book launch in honour of one of their colleagues, slated for the House of Chiefs. Nonetheless, security was tight at the venue of the launch.
Efforts to get the Spokesman of the House, Hon. Muhammed Inakoju, to speak on the rumoured disagreement with Adedibu yielded no result as he had switched off his handset.
But one of the lawmakers, Hon Shakirudeen Fajimi, who acted as the chairman of the House committee that investigated the accused chairmen, confirmed that there was actually a minor agreement but said that it has been resolved.
“There was actually a minor disagreement but not to the extent that people are carrying it. There have been a lot of insinuation that there was plan to attack us. Nobody is attacking us. What we have is a minor disagreement. It is a party matter and it had been resolved,” Fajimi stated.
Posted by Publisher at 08:19 AM | Comments (0)
Nigeria team in money palaver
Nigeria's preparations for next month's U-20 Women's World Championship has been disrupted by financial problems.
By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos
The players, camping in Lagos ahead of the championship, were locked out of their hotel rooms on Wednesday after the Nigeria FA failed to pay their bills.
They were also barred from using their training ground, belonging to the Nigeria Air Force, for the same reason.
Russia host the 16-team world championship between 17 August and 3 September.
"This is an unnecessary distraction for these young girls, months after securing a world cup ticket," said Emmanuel Teteh, the team's head coach.
"I don't think this should be the case with the championship just a few weeks away.
"I'm very worried because we have a target of going a step better than we did in Thailand two years ago.
"It's really sad that things like this happen at this crucial stage.
"But everyone is aware of the administrative crisis that has affected our football.
"Now that it is over, we can hopefully look ahead.
"We are facing teams who are in a better psychological state and if we want to do well we do not need this distraction."
Quarter-finalists at the 2004 tournament, Nigeria are in the same group as China, Finland and Canada.
Posted by Publisher at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2006
2007: Riggers should write their will, says Buhari
Retired General Muhammadu Buhari has threatened that anyone who tries to rig next year’s elections or repeat the widely acknowledged fraud that denied him victory in 2003 will have to face dire consequences.
From Sani Babadoko
The presidential aspirant of the All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP) in the 2003 election, said: “whoever wants to rig the 2007 elect-ions should write his will because Nigerians will no longer accept the massive fraud that characterised the 2003 election.” He said this during a reception for a delegation of the Progressive Action Congress (PAC), led by its national chairman, Mr. Charles Agadenya Nwodo, who paid him a solidarity visit in Kaduna on Tuesday night. He said after the defeat of third term Nigerians must remain vigilant to ensure a free and fair election in 2007, if need be, defend their votes after casting their ballots
“If I may quote the fireb-rand lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, whoever wants to rig the 2007 elections should write his will because Nigerians will no longer accept the massive fraud that was the 2003 elections. “Nigerians should be able to have the moral confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will do its job ensure a free and fair election”, Buhari declared.
He said the on-going political realignment is a “natural development following the heroic defeat of the third term agenda” ruling out any collaboration between him and Vice President Atiku Abu-bakar and former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, both of who belong to the ruling Peoples Demo-cratic Party (PDP). He said: “Today, the PDP is divided into five factions while the Alliance for Democracy (AD) is non-existent.
The ANPP is the only party intact despite loosing two of its seven governors to the DPP and PDP. “I disown the reports that I am in any party other than the ANPP. The question of my going into any party and backing the Vice President does not arise at all.
That has not crossed my mind”. In his address, the PAC chairman, Mr Nwodo, said the visit was to initiate a good working relationship with General Buhari. He said: “In its desire to unearth a purposeful leadership for Nigeria, the PAC is willing to look beyond its party and work with progr-essives like Buhari.
“Our desire for a change to a purposeful leadership for our great country is why we are here today as progressives”, Nwodo added. In the PAC delegation were Malam Saliu Mustapha, the organizing secretary, Alhaji Abdulfatai Yusuf, the treasurer and Dr Sadeeq Abba, the political adviser to the chairman.
Posted by Publisher at 01:10 PM | Comments (0)
Graft: Fayose's aide, 3 others charged; I am being persecuted, says Fayose
LAGOS—PERSONAL Assistant to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Goke Olatunji and one Gbenga James, alongside two companies— Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited and Avian Specialities Nigeria Limited— both contractors to the Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project, were yesterday arraigned at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on a 15-count charge of diverting public funds and money laundering.
By Innocent Anaba & Gbenga Ariyibi
Posted to the Web: Thursday, July 27, 2006
But in a swift reaction, Governor Fayose alleged he was being persecuted on account of the 2007 gubernatorial race. He vowed to remain unintimidated.
The accused persons’ plea was not taken yesterday following an objection by their counsel, who argued that they (the accused) had just been served with the charges and they needed to go through same before they could enter their plea. This prompted the court to adjourn reading of the charges to the accused persons.
The 15-count charge filed against the four accused persons reads:
That you Mr. Gbenga James on February 19, 2005 at 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court with intent to mislead made a false statement under caution to Abubakar Madaki, an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that you did not give Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State any money out of the money received by Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited for the Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Act 2004
*That you Mr Goke Olatunji on July 24, 2006 at 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court with intent to mislead, made a false statement under caution to Abubakar Madaki, an official of EFCC that you did not receive any money from Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited for onward transmission to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited sometime in 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court while being holders of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government, converted the sum of N1.25m, the amount meant for the execution of the contract, to the construction of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s House at Ibadan knowing the said sum represented the proceeds of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 4(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited sometime in 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court while being holder of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government, expended the sum of N9.25m the amount for the execution of the contract on the construction of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s House at Ibadan knowing the said sum of N9.25m to represent the proceeds of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited on or about September 4, 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court while being holder of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry project entered into with the Ekiti State Government, transferred the sum of N4m from the amount meant for the execution of the contract to Avian Specialities Nigeria Limited knowing the said sum of N4 million to represent the proceeds of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 4(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited on or about the 28th of April 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court while being holders of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government, transferred the sum of N55,636,171.15 from the amount meant for the execution of the contract to Specialities Nigeria Limited knowing the said sum of N55,636,171.15 to represent tile proceeds of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceed and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(J) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004
*That you Avian Specialities Nigeria Limited on or about April 28, 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court collaborated with Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited through the receipt from the said Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited the sum of N5 5,636,171.15 from the amount meant for the execution of Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project contract with the aim of concealing the nature and origin of the said sum and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Avian Specialities Nigeria Limited on or about September 4, 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court collaborated with Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited through the receipt from the said (Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited the sum of N4m the amount meant for the execution of the Ekiti State Integrated poultry Project contract with the aim of concealing the nature and origin of the said sum and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money .Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited, sometime in 2004, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court while being holder of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government transferred the sum of N7million from the amount meant for the execution of the contract, converted it to 37,600 pounds sterling and gave the same to Governor Ayodele Fayose and Goke Olatunji, his Personal Assistant knowing the said sum of N7m represent the proceed of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceed and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Goke Olatunji on or about September 4, 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court collaborated with Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Ltd through the receipt from the said Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited the sum of N7m from the amount meant for the execution of the Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project contract with the aim of concealing the nature and origin of the said sum and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 4(I) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited, sometime in 2004, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court while being holders of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government transferred the sum of N7m from the amount meant for the execution of the contract, converted it to $50,000 and gave the same to Governor Ayodele Fayose and Goke Olatunji, his Personal Assistant knowing the said sum of N7m to represent the proceed of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Goke Olatunji sometime in 2004 within the Lagos Judicial division of the court collaborated with Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited through the receipt from the said Gbenga James and Biological Concept Nigeria Limited the sum of N7m from the amount meant for the execution of the Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project contract with the aim of concealing the nature and origin of the said sum and thereby committed an offence punishable, under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited sometime in 2004 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court while being holders of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government, expended the sum of N2.1m from the amount meant for the execution of the contract, on the purchase of a Mercedez Benz car for the mother of Governor Ayodele Fayose, knowing the same sum of N2.1m to represent the proceeds of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited on or about May 26, 2004, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court while being holders of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government transferred the sum of N10m from the amount meant for the execution of the contract to Governor Adedele Fayose, knowing the said sum of N7m to represent the proceeds of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
*That you Gbenga James and Biological Concepts Nigeria Limited on or about September 29, 2004, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court while being holders of a contract named Ekiti State Integrated Poultry Project entered into with the Ekiti State Government transferred the sum of N1.5m from the amount meant for the execution of the contract to Chief Boboye Olanipekun knowing the said sum of N1.5m to represent the proceeds of a crime and with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.
Fayose reacts
But in a chat with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Governor Fayose alleged that he was being persecuted because of the 2007 governorship election. He vowed that he would not be intimidated. He would not comment on the arrest and trial of his personal assistant, Goke Olatunji, saying to do otherwise was subjudice.
Fayose said he was forced to cry out because of the conduct of his political opponents who he said were bent on destroying him politically, by denting his image ahead of the 2007 governorship election.
He said: “I want to recall my ordeal before the 2003 governorship election. There was a coalition of strange bed fellows who cooked up a story that I did not have the minimum certificate to lead the people of the state. When the thing got to court, the court proved them wrong.
“I am not surprised that when another election is coming up, especially when PDP primary is about four months away my opponents have gone to the field. But definitely, God would not make it possible for them.”
On the allegation that he instructed the State House of Assembly to review the state chieftaincy law with a view to removing the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Fayose said he did not need to review the law before an erring Oba could be removed.
He, however, added that though himself and the monarch were not having the best of relationship, the development had not reached a point he (Ewi) could be queried or removed, adding that there was still ample opportunity for reconciliation.
On whether a date had been chosen for the reconciliatory meeting initiated by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Fayose said no date had been fixed, adding that he would be prepared for the reconciliatory meeting on any date chosen by the President.
Posted by Publisher at 12:24 PM | Comments (0)
London Police denies aiding Alamieyeseigha’s escape
The London Metropolitian Police has denied ever assisting former governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha to escape from London while under bail after being charged with money laundering.
By GBENGA OGUNBUFUNMI
This denial has come in the wake of the recent claim by the embattled former governor that his escape from London was facilitated by the Metropolitan Police. The impeached governor through his counsel had last week while trying to secure his bail on health grounds told the court that he did not jump bail from London as widely publicised.
Alamieyeseigha said that rather than escaping from justice, he was assisted by the Metropolitan Police to leave Britian. He told the court presided over by Justice Mohammed Shuaibu that the Metropolitan Police came to his abode bundled him into a waiting aircraft and that he eventually found himself in Cote d'Ivoire. He claimed he was given the sum of 3,000 pounds sterling to transport himself to Nigeria.
However, counsel to EFCC while opposing the bail application yesterday on the ground that the former Bayelsa State governor will again jump bail as he has such antecedent, said that the Commission has contacted the Metropolitan Police on Alamieyeseigha's claim about his escape and that they (Metropolitan Police) denied having any hand in it. The Metropolitan Police response came as a result of to EFCC's request and was contained in a letter dated July 24, 2006.
The Metropolitan Police said that the former governor and his wife who had been also jumped bail after being charged to court for money laundering. They denied ever taking him to an airstrip[ and forcibly removing him from the country. His story about being taken to Cote d'Ivoire and given 3,000 pounda sterling were also described as fabrications.
The hearing continues next week.
Posted by Publisher at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)
Militants Hold 40 Oil Workers Hostage; Agip shuts-in 35,000 bpd oil production
About 40 workers, mostly employees of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, are now trapped on an oil flow-station offshore Bayelsa State, following a raid on the facility by unknown gunmen.
By Patricia Ubaka, 07.27.2006
The attack on Tuesday has forced Agip, Nigeria’s fourth largest oil producer, to shut the Ogbainbiri flow-station, leading to a loss of 35,000 barrels per day (bpd). The loss raised total crude oil production shortage by Nigeria in the last five days to 215,000 bpd as oil major, Shell, had equally shut-in 180,000 bpd last weekend.
Agip said in a statement yesterday that a group of armed individuals stormed the flow-station about 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday.
“As a consequence of the attack, a significant decrease in the amount of oil treated in the plant has been reported. When the attack occurred, there were about 40 people, among whom were NAOC personnel, subcontractors, security and catering staff,” the company said.
Sources told THISDAY that the attackers engaged some military personnel guarding the facility and succeeded in driving them away before seizing the facility.
The source said while none of the militia groups tormenting operators in the Niger Delta had claimed responsibility, the latest attack might have stemmed from a dispute between the local community and the oil company.
Tuesday’s incident was the latest in the militants’ siege to oil production facilities, and kidnapping of oil workers, which began in full swing last February when gunmen attacked a Shell facility, killed 10 soldiers and kidnapped nine foreign oil workers.
Last month, another six expatriates were kidnapped and released nearly two weeks later. Also, four naval officers escorting a convoy of boats working for Chevron were killed by militants near Chanomi Creek in Delta State two weeks ago.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) had on Tuesday threatened to attack US oil major, Chevron, over an allegation that the oil firm planned to invite military personnel to attack Ijaw villages.
Nigeria is losing nearly 500,000 bpd of oil production since the insurgence started.
In monetary terms, this might have resulted in revenue losses of about $35 million (or N5 billion) daily.
Posted by Publisher at 12:18 PM | Comments (0)
How I killed my mum, by ex-Commissioner’s son
Twenty seven-year-old Chuka Okoli has sensationally revealed how he killed his mother, Chief (Mrs) Uzo Obi-Okoli, former Anambra State Commissioner for Woman Affairs and founder, Tender Love Orphanage.
By GEOFFREY ANYANWU, Awka
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Okoli, who was paraded alongside 39 other suspects for various crimes by the police at the command headquarters, Awka, on Tuesday, revealed that he executed the dastardly act with a gun he found in his father’s room.
Chuka, who spotted tattoo on both arms, had some weeks ago killed his mother because he said she kept reminding him of his past. He, however, described the killing as "very unfortunate.".
Said he: "It is issues of problems in the family. It is very unfortunate."
Mrs Obi-Okoli, until her murder, was a director of the first indigenous refinery in Nigeria, Orient Petroleum Resources, which she midwifed when she was a special adviser to former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju on energy and petroleum. She was shot dead in her bedroom by Chuka, her second son, described as her favourite.
After murdering her, the young man fled Awka in her late mother’s Mercedes Benz 500 SEL car. He abandoned the get-away car at a mechanic workshop in Auchi Street, Benin City, Edo State, before moving to Lagos. He was later arrested by the police in Lagos and taken to Awka.
Posted by Publisher at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
Uwua raises alarm over Flying Eagles
Flying Eagles’ coach Godwin Uwa has raised alarm over the sudden withdrawal of his players by their clubs in the under-20 camp.
By Joe APU
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Uwua told Daily Sunsport in Kaduna during one of his team’s training sessions that the absence of some players have distrupted his coaching programmes.
" As you can see, things are being done here to give the team some relevance, but they don’t seem to be going according to plans because the clubs are in the attitude of recalling their players, to the detriment of my programmes.
At the moment, you can see that the camp is not as full as I would have wanted, but I will do my best to see that I give the best to Nigeria. The task is not one that we will take with kid gloves, but I can assure you that at the end of the day, we will present a solid team," he said.
Asked why he has suddenly been on the quiet side since he was appointed, coach Uwua said he no longer owns himself. "As you may have been aware, I’m a chief in my village and cannot be seen to be making some statements in public, which will reduce the respect my people have for me. I want my work to speak for me and where I feel that things are not going on as it should, I will talk to the NFA secretariat.
But there is need for Nigerian especially the clubs to give us the nececsary cooperation that we need to make progress with the team we’re building. The job is not just for me and my coaching staff. We need everyone that is concerned to make the difference," he stressed.
The Flying Eagles are preparing for the AfricaYouth Championship qualifiers, which will be hosted by Congo in 2007 with the Nigerian team playing their first game against Gabon.
Posted by Publisher at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
Kano LG commissioner announces voluntary resignation...Challenges to be probed
AMIDST the political controversy raging between the Kano state House of Assembly and the executive arm of government, the state commissioner for local government, Alhaji Abdullahi Sani Rogo, apparently in the centre of the crisis, has, on matters of principle, voluntarily resigned.
Announcing his resignation as a commissioner at exactly 8.34 p.m yesterday night during an emergency press conference in his office, Alhaji Rogo said he resigned his appointment for the love and progress of Kano and its teeming populace.
‘’I believe,’’ he opened up, ‘’members of the press are aware of the happenings at the House of Assembly culminating into the resolution seeking for my removal.’’
To this end, the commissioner informed the press that, ‘’having carefully analysed the situation, I have indicated my intention to voluntarily resign my appointment as commissioner for local government.’’
He said in an emotion-laden address, that his decision to resign was based on personal discretion predicated on the events at the state Assembly which seemed to have pitched itself against the government ‘’on account of their opposition against me personally.’’
According to Rogo, as a responsible citizen who believes and commits himself to the lofty vision of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s administration which charts the destiny of the state on the basis of Sharia, he felt morally inclined to avoid what would derail this worthy course of the government.
‘’As a stakeholder, I remain prepared to make any sacrifice in or outside the government to ensure that no effort to sabotage or discredit the government under any guise is allowed to prevail,’’ he told the crème of journalists present.
Hear him again: ‘’I will hasten to underline that the opposition to my position is a long standing effort directed at ruining my image and political career for reasons best known to few individuals and their sponsored cohorts in the Kano state House of Assembly.’’
He recalled how a similar resolution for his removal was passed by the same House in 2004 but which came to pass, pointing out that the resolution was only the latest of such design in the game plan of his adversaries.
Alhaji Rogo observed further that the principled stand of the state government is resisting to be stampeded to act irrationally and contrary to the tenets of Sharia, ‘’by removing me as a commissioner without proper investigation of allegations concocted against me by some elements in the House,’’ adding that this situation had impeded the affairs of government and its concomitant effect on service delivery for the general good of Kano citizens.
‘’With all sincerity and belief in ultimate accountability to Allah,’’ he stated, the allegations of withholding as much as one billion Naira as well as other allegations were all misplaced.
‘’As the record will bear me out, the whole amount approved for the purchase of fertilizer for the 44 local governments for the 2006 fiscal year is just N496,500,000, but the House said that the ministry for local government under my supervision has collected the sum of N2.4 billion,’’ he explained, asking how the House as the approving body can reconcile this?
The commissioner elaborated further that the allegation by the House ‘’is more of a pigment of imagination of mischievous minds seeking to implement the long-standing sponsored agenda to ruin my political career.’’
For this reason, he said, he had appealed to the kind understanding of the governor to allow him to resign which he has now done ‘’in good faith and as a personal sacrifice I have to make for the continuity of public-spirited and morally-inclined government in its efforts to cater for the aspirations of our people.’’
The commissioner then challenged anybody ‘’even outside the government for any probe on this or any other issue the House may wish to take up with me regarding management of the affairs/transactions in the ministry for local government and the 44 local governments in the state.’’
Expressing his gratitude to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau for according him the opportunity to serve as commissioner, Alhaji Rogo further thanked the governor for the trust he bestowed in him in spite of ‘’the cruel efforts to derail the government not on account of any shortcomings but just for hatred being perpetrated against me.’’
The commissioner concluded by saying: ‘’In my own case, I have now stepped aside leaving the stage for posterity to judge me and the state Assembly,’’ adding, ‘’but since the noble pursuit of the government will continue, we live to see what other gimmicks will emerge from adversaries of the government and their sponsored agents in our midst.’’
See page 5 for the full text of the briefing.
Posted by Publisher at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)
FG To Enforce Oil Acreage Policy
The Federal Government has said it is committed to the enforcement of the policy on mandatory acreage relinquishment by all categories of oil production license (OPL) holders in the oil and gas industry.
27th July
By Bassey Udo, Energy Editor
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), is now holding talks with all oil bloc licensees as well as those granted oil mining leases (OML) for upwards of 10 years without any significant operation or development programme.
DPR Director, Tony Chukwueke, said the major focus of the discussions was to identify those that are just sitting on the oil acreages with a view to recovering them and reintroduced into the nation’s basket of oil blocs to be put on offer in future oil licensing rounds.
The provisions of the Petroleum Act, number 51 of 1969 grants the Minister of Petroleum the rights to approve operational license to interested applicants to be operated for an initial period of 10 years at the expiration of which the oil bloc is withdrawn and reverted to government if the licensee does not find oil.
However, if at the expiration of the 10 years the licensee shows sufficient capacity to develop the acreage to economic value, by hitting commercial production, the Oil Prospecting Licenses (Conversion to Oil Mining Leases Regulations 2004), stipulates that it applies for conversion to an OML, and upon conversion relinquish half of the acreage for government to move in and exercise its "back-in-right" in the converted OML by taking over 50 per cent of the licensee’s interest.
"All the oil blocs that were on offer during the various bidding rounds held so far in the country were relinquished 50 per cent by all operators, whether indigenous and multi-national.
"The policy is not targeted at any particular individual or group. It is not a punitive measure, but a matter of implementing an existing law.
"Prior to 1973, Shell was granted the whole of Nigeria as one oil mining concession by the British colonialists. It was the review of the Petroleum Act of 1969 that forced Shell to relinquish half of its acreage and open for competition the investment space, with the coming of new operators like Mobil, Chevron and others in the industry. "
"If the entire Nigerian oil concession were to remain in the hands of Shell alone till today, Nigeria would probably not attain its current daily production capacity of 2.3 million barrels," Chukwueke explained.
Posted by Publisher at 12:14 PM | Comments (0)
Fuel Price Hike Likely In 2007
A rise in the pump price of fuel is in the works for next year. Perhaps beyond.
27th July
By Chesa Chesa,State House Correspondent, Abuja
The government says it will withdraw more subsidy and, thereby, allow the market to top up the current rate of N65 per litre.
That would generate a long list of multiplier effects, after months of price stability.
Abuja says it is for the public good, anyway; although Labour is not likely to be impressed.
The news emerged on Wednesday when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a N1.9 trillion budget for 2007, the same amount in this year’s budget which has been implemented 40 per cent, according to Finance Minister, Nenadi Usman.
On immediate concerns, the government has concluded arrangements to pay the N75 billion it owes 300,000 pensioners.
The payment is through bonds issued to four banks that will start to pay out in cash by the end of this month.
Usman informed journalists after the FEC meeting in Abuja that the budget approval was based on her memorandum the FEC considered a framework on which to fine-tune the proposal.
The meeting was chaired by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The strategy paper will get to the National Assembly next week. The Appropriation Bill is expected there by September.
Usman expressed optimism that the budget will be passed by the lawmakers before the year runs out.
The budgets for this year and 2007 (even with an increase of one per cent) are similar because no heavy expenditure is envisaged.
She narrated: "For 2006, the Appropriation Act authorised an aggregate spending of N1.9 trillion for the Federal Government. This is made up of statutory transfers of N92 billion, debt service of N290 billion. Expenditures of ministries, departments and agencies stood at N1.5 trillion.
"We do not foresee that there would be much of an increase in the budgeted figure. We still believe that we will keep it at about N1.9 trillion again. This is basically so because there are some expenditures which we incurred this year that are of a one-off kind. So, next year we would not have such expenditure".
Budget Office Director, Bode Augusto, added: "There are some major expenditures that we incurred in 2006 that are not going to be repeated in 2007. First, that on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The bulk of the spending for the 2007 elections is already in this year’s budget.
"Second, the National Population Commission. The census has already held this year. Third, we have contractors whose arrears we are spending N27 billion to clear. And lastly, we have the petroleum subsidy of N75 billion this year; the level of subsidy is not likely to be as high next year.
"So, all these will lead to healthy increases to what the ministries, departments and agencies will spend. The major ministries that are receiving the bulk of the money will be education, health, power, works and water. We are also looking at a deficit of not less than one per cent of GDP next year".
Specific capital and recurrent expenditure as well as the benchmark for oil earnings in the 2007 budget are yet to be concluded.
But Augusto said N230 billion will go for debt servicing – N80 billion for foreign debts and N150 billion local debts. Ministries and agencies will share N1.6 trillion.
Would the decision to slash fuel subsidy not translate into another increase in pump price, after a moratorium of one year?
His explanation: "The President promised that for the whole of 2006, there would be no increase in the pump price of gasoline and the other products.
"The price of crude, which is the principal component, has been going up, as much as over $70 per barrel. Clearly, there will be need for some adjustments, but it is left for the President to decide the level of adjustments.
"We have had informal discussions with members of the Appropriation Committees of the National Assembly and we will formally transmit the document of the fiscal strategy paper before the end of this week.
"We will also begin to talk with the Organised Private Sector and the civil society about the budget. The ministries, departments and agencies have been advised of their expenditures".
Posted by Publisher at 12:13 PM | Comments (0)
Budget: FEC proposes N1.9trn for 2007
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N1.9 trillion proposed as budget for 2007.
Daniel Idonor, Abuja
Minister of Finance, Mrs. Nenadi Esther Usman explained that the amount was equal to that of 2006, which has reached 40 per cent implementation with the release of the first and second quarter capital allocations.
The minister and the director-general of budget, Mr. Bode Agusto, stated these while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the weekly FEC meeting.
They said the bulk of the proposal would be spent on education, health, power, works and water sectors, while more funds would be made available to ministries, departments and agencies.
Speaking further on the 2007 budget that is expected to be passed to the National Assembly by the end of September, Mrs Usman said: "We do not foresee any more increase in the budgeted figures. We still believe that we will keep it at about N1.9 trillion. It is basically so because there are some expenditures which we incurred this year which are of a one-off kind. So, next year we would not have such expenditure".
Meanwhile, the Director –General of Budget Mr. Agusto had while analyzing the 2007 budget proposal, stated that "…we are talking about aggregate spending by the Federal Government of Nigeria of N1.9 trillion. It is actually a one per cent increase on a year and year basis. But, if you look at the breakdown by the major expenditure heads, you have about N100 billion in 33 transfers. We have a little bit over N200 billion in debt service that is largely domestic and N1.6 trillion for the ministries, departments and agencies to spend."
According to him, there has been no material growth on a year by year basis because there are some major expenditure that we incurred in 2006 that is not going to be repeated in 2007 and these are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because the bulk of the spending for the 2007 elections is this year.
"Second is the National Population Commission (NPC) because census has already held this year. Thirdly, we have contractors that we are spending N27 billion to clear their arrears. And lastly, we have the petroleum subsidy of N75 billion this year and the level of subsidy is not likely to be as high as that of next year. So, all these will lead to healthy increases to what the ministries, departments and agencies will spend," he said.
"The major ministries that are receiving the bulk of the money will be education, health, power, works and water. We are also looking at a deficit of not less than one per cent of the GDP next year", he added.
In the fiscal strategy paper for 2007 that is expected to be passed to the National Assembly next week, the Council approved a total of N230 billion for debt services with servicing of the nation’s foreign debts taking N80 billion and the domestic debts taking the remaining amount of N150 billion.
The Director-General who did not however say whether there would be increase in the price of petroleum products, stated that "you remember that the President promised that for the whole of 2006 there would be no increase in the pump price of gasoline and other products. You will also notice that the price of crude has been going up as much as $70 per barrel. So, clearly there will be need to make some adjustments but again, it is left to the President to decide the level of adjustments he wants to make".
While, reviewing the 2006 budget, Agusto said that "for 2006, the Appropriation Act authorized an aggregate spending of N1.9 trillion for the Federal Government and this is made up of Statutory transfers of N92 billion, debt service of N290 billion and expenditures of the Ministries, departments and agencies stood at N1.5 trillion".
Speaking on the physical strategy paper, the Minister of Finance said that "the aim and the objective of having this physical strategy paper in place is just to ensure that our planned spending is set at a very prudent and sustainable level and that this planned spending is consistent with our overall physical objective which we have tried to carry along from the last few years".
The D-G Budget, had while disclosing how far preparations have gone into the 2007 budget, stated that "we have had informal discussions with the members of the Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly and we will formally transmit the document of the Physical strategy Paper before the end of this week. And we will also begin to talk with the Organised Private Sector, civil society about the budget. The ministries, departments and agencies have also been advised of their expenditures".
The Council also approved the payment of N75 billion to about 300,000 pensioners nationwide who will be paid Federal Government bonds through four unidentified banks that would convert the bonds into cash for the pensioners.
Posted by Publisher at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
Govt okays three-year expenditure plan
THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved the 2007 to 2009 medium-term revenue and expenditure framework for Nigeria. It also approved next year's fiscal strategy paper with a total expenditure profile of N1.9 trillion.
From Madu Onuorah, Abuja
The Olusegun Obasanjo tenure ends on May 29, 2007, after which a new administration may present a new budget plan.
The bulk of the 2007 budget as approved by the federal executive will be spent on the education, health, power, works and water resources sectors.
The N1.9 trillion is one per cent higher than the figure of the 2006 budget. Of the sum, N92 billion is for statutory transfers, N290 billion for debt services and N1.3 trillion for the federal ministries and agencies.
The council also approved a memorandum from the Ministry of Finance for the payment of N75 billion to the over 300,000 pensioners nationwide. They are to be paid as government bonds through four yet unidentified banks. The banks will thereafter collect the bonds, pay the beneficiaries the cash value, and collect the full value on maturity.
Under the fiscal strategy paper for 2007, the Council approved N230 billion for debt services, with the London Club getting N80 billion and the domestic debts the remaining N150 billion.
The strategy paper also votes N100 billion for statutory transfers and N1.6 trillion for expenditures by federal ministries and agencies.
The projected increase in expenditure for federal agencies is a carry-over from the 2006 budget.
They include the bulk of the expenditure for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Population Commission (NPC), a total of N25 billion for payment to local contractors and N75 billion earmarked as petroleum subsidy for 2006.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Esther Nenadi Usman, disclosed after the Council meeting that INEC and NPC had the bulk of their expenditures being taken care of in the 2006 budget.
Usman, who addressed journalists alongside the Minister of Information, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr. and Director-General, Budget Office, Dr. Bode Augusto, said that the expenditures which would not be repeated next year "are savings to be spent."
Meanwhile, Augusto declared that it was not for him to know what President Olusegun Obasanjo would do by next year when the N75 billion voted for petroleum subsidy elapses.
He said: "The price of crude has been going up. There may be a level of adjustment. But it is up to Mr. President (Obasanjo) on the adjustment to make."
The projected deficit for next year is put at one per cent of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product.
According to Usman, "the aim and the objective of having this physical strategy paper in place is just to ensure that our planned spending is set at a very prudent and sustainable level and that this planned spending is consistent with our overall physical objective which we have tried to carry along from the last few years."
She added: "We do not foresee that there would be much of an increase in the budgeted figure. We still believe that we will keep it at about N1.9 trillion. Again, some people may wonder why is this so? It is basically so because there are some expenditures which we incurred this year which are of a one-off kind. So, next year we would not have such expenditure."
Augusto, stated that the N1.9 trillion is the expenditure profile of the Federal Government. He said: " It is actually a one per cent increase on yearly basis. But if you look at the breakdown by the major expenditure heads, you have about N100 billion in 33 transfers. We have a little bit over N200 billion in debt service that is largely domestic and N1.6 trillion for the ministries, departments and agencies to spend."
Explaining further on the savings from the 2006 budget, which would be spread as expenditure to federal ministries and agencies, he said: "There has been no material growth on a year and year basis because there are some major expenditure that we incurred in 2006 that is not going to repeat in 2007 and these are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because the bulk of the spending for the 2007 elections is already in this year. Second is the National Population Commission, because census has already been held this year. Thirdly, we have contractors that we are spending N27 billion to clear their arrears. And lastly, we have the petroleum subsidy of N75 billion this year and the level of subsidy is not likely to be as high as that next year."
All these "will lead to healthy increases in what the ministries, departments and agencies will spend." He added: "The major ministries that are receiving the bulk of the money will be education, health, power, works and water. We are also looking at a deficit of not less than one per cent of the GDP next year."
Usman added: "We have had informal discussions with the members of the Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly and we will formally transmit the document of the physical strategy paper before the end of this week. We will also begin to talk with the organised private sector and civil society about the budget. The ministries, departments and agencies have also been advised of their expenditures."
Posted by Publisher at 09:50 AM | Comments (0)
NIGERIA: No respite for people of Niger Delta
Environmental damage from an oil spill in Kegbara-Dere in the Ogoni district of the Niger Delta. Residents say the spill is mor