Saraki and the 81 senators that accompanied him to CCT

Senate President Bukola Saraki was accompanied by 81 Senators to the resumed hearing of the alleged False declaration case against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal earlier today.

Fifa investigates Nigerian Amos Adamu

Nigerian Amos Adamu is under investigation by Fifa's ethics committee, it revealed on Wednesday.

Adamu is alleged to have breached Fifa's code of ethics but world football's governing body did not provide any more details.

The 62-year-old was a member of Fifa's executive committee for four years until 2010, when he was banned from all football activity for three years.

He was banned over claims he asked for money in exchange for World Cup votes.

Adamu's suspension expired in October 2013.

He was was a high-ranking government official for Nigerian sport for 20 years and was once considered to be a leading candidate to succeed long-serving Issa Hayatou as president of the Confederation of African Football.

JIMI AGBAJE LOSSES TO AMBODE AT SUPREME COURT ..THANKS LAGOSIANS

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday described the Supreme Court ruling upholding his victory at the April 11, 2015 governorship election as a welcome development, saying that the people's mandate which was expressly demonstrated on Election Day has been reaffirmed by the highest court in the land.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor in his reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, said "the decision of the Supreme Court has put all issues on election matters to rest once and for all”.
“Our Government is thus poised without further delay to provide the needed leadership to justify the confidence reposed in us, especially with the ruling coming in the wake of the swearing-in of members of the State Executive Council.”
Governor Ambode also commended the Judiciary for its consistency, saying that “the ruling has further proven the judiciary to be the critical institution that could further deepen our democratic values”.
“We have in the last four months embarked on reforms in the judicial and security sectors based on our conviction that these are the fundamental organs on which any government can carry out its duties optimally; we believe this is the way to go, we won’t relent until we achieve our goals to make life more comfortable for our people irrespective of creed or colour”, the Governor said.
It would be recalled that following Governor Ambode’s victory at the April 11, 2015 polls, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje filed a petition at the Election Petitions Tribunal challenging the victory at the polls.
The Tribunal had on Wednesday, July 1, struck out the petition filed against the election of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC by the PDP candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje following a preliminary objection filed by the counsel to the APC Candidate, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).
The Appeal Court also on August 26, upheld the ruling of the State Election Petitions Tribunal and also ordered the PDP candidate to compensate each of the respondents in the sum of N50, 000 each.
With the Supreme Court ruling putting to bed the issues surrounding the April 11 elections, Governor Ambode reiterated his call on the opposition to move beyond partisanship and join hands with his administration to move Lagos to the next level.

RADIO BIAFRA CRISIS ....PROTEST SPREADS TO ENUGU,DELTA,ANAMBRA,PORT HARCOURT

Supporters of the Radio Biafra boss, under the umbrella of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, resident in Rivers, Delta, and Anambra states have taken to the streets demanding the unconditional release of their leader and presenter, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Mr. Kanu was arrested, weekend, in Lagos, and transferred to Abuja, wheree he was arraigned.
Many of the protesters were, however, arrested by the police.
The protesters in Rivers State, who stormed Port Harcourt, were split into seven groups appeared peaceful, although, chanting war songs also called for the creation of the sovereign state of Biafra.
The agitators, mainly business men and women of Igbo extraction, said it was an act of impunity for the federal government to apprehend a man who is championing the cause of his people.
The IPOB supporters claimed that they were not part of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, adding that the IPOB is fighting a true cause for the emancipation of the Biafrans.
The protesters who waved the Biafra flag as they marched, chanting Biafra solidarity songs said they were not satisfied with the bail conditions granted Mr Kalu, demanding that he should be released unconditionally.
They expressed grievance with the alleged unfair treatment of the Igbo by the Nigerian state, stressing that Biafra of their dream was a reality,
“We are hopeful that Biafra will come to be. We are not satisfied with the bail conditions granted Kalu. During the elections, they had strange radio stations blaring hate speeches and threats in some parts of the north but nobody harassed them. This unfairness against the Igbo must stop”, one of the protesters said as they marched on.
Some motorists blared their vehicles horns in solidarity as they drove through the protesters.
Speaking, one of the coordinators of IPOB, Mr. Chidiebre Aguodu said, “The reason for this protest is that our able chairman, the father and founder of IPOB worldwide has been held by President Muhammadu Buhari. We need him to be released to us unconditionally. The protest for now is peaceful, but we need Biafra and we need freedom. We are armless, we have not harmed anybody and we owe nobody any apology for what we are doing. As Biafrans, we stand for justice and justice will reign.
“Now our director has been held for days and we want him out and we want freedom in Biafra land.
“I advise the country to allow Biafrans go because the marriage has lasted for 101 years and there was no understanding. The battle lasted for 40 years and we have won three times. All we want now is freedom because we are tired of the marriage. Let Nigerians be Nigerians and Biafrans be Biafrans.”
Meanwhile, protesters, yesterday stormed the entrance of Delta State Government House, Asaba condemning the arrest and detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
Gathered under the aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Delta State chapter, the protesters, mainly women, demanded the immediate release of Kanu, describing his arrest as uncalled for and totally unacceptable.
Chanting songs of grievance and displaying placards which bore various inscriptions such as “Freedom for Biafra, free Nnamdi Kanu”, “We are not terrorists, we are freedom fighters”, “We are tired of intimidation and harassment by Nigeria Government”, “Biafra on the move” amongst others, the protesters said they were no longer comfortable with the Nigerian government.
Speaking during the protest, Secretary of IPOB, Delta State chapter, Nnenna Nwaoha, said: “The reason for the protest is for Nnamdi Kanu to be released; we have suffered enough in the hands of the Nigerian government and we are no more comfortable with it.
“We want our freedom. That is why we are here. We are not comfortable with the Nigerian government, the intimidation, killing and all that; that is why we want our freedom. We feel very bad about his detention and it is affecting each and every one of us.
“The federal government should release our Director, Dr. Nnamdi Kanu and we also want our freedom. As a nation that is due for freedom, we want to go; we are tired; the suffering is too much; it is not a crime to want our freedom; we want to go.”
On her part, Mrs. Judith Ihebiehi said: “This man is our voice, he is our mentor. We have been in darkness all this while, so this man has been speaking for us. The Nigerian government has no right to detain him; he has done nothing.
“Have they ever asked themselves if what this man has been saying is false? Have they bothered to verify what Nnamdi Kanu has been saying? So detaining him will bring problems; we have been calming our husbands down, we have been saying ‘wait’ we women will go to the government, we will talk to them and say this is what we want; we don’t want problem. That is why we are here.
Arrest in this vein, supporters of the embattled director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu were yesterday arrested by the Anambra State police command at various points in Awka as they embarked on protests in the state capital.
The protesters, including women, carrying placards with various inscriptions, marched from Amawbia to the Government House, demanding that Kanu be left alone.
However, as they approached Government House, the police men stationed at the place fired sporadically into the air and threw teargas canisters to scare them.
Another group protesting at the Arroma junction was also picked by the police.
Anambra State coordinator of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Ikechukwu Okoye said their protest was not meant to cause any trouble, adding that they were only on the streets to prevail on security operatives to release Kanu.
According to him, the protesters were marching to the Government House to plead with Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on the matter.
He said: “We are only agitators who obey the laws of the land. This is democracy and there is freedom of speech and freedom of movement.
“Why would anybody detain our leader and in the process be demanding bail fee of N2 million. We have not come to fight anybody because we are peace makers”
Breach of peace
Anambra Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, confirmed the arrest of the protesters, saying it was because they were parading along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway thereby causing breach of peace.
According to the CP, “there is nothing like Indigenous People of Biafra. Those people constituted nuisance on the high way and that was why they were picked.
“Right now, I do not know the number of people that were picked, but I want to assure the people that anybody who disturbs the peace that exists in this state will not go unpunished.”
Meanwhile, the factional leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has lent support to the Radio Biafra director.
In a press statement made available to reporters in Awka yesterday, the national director of information of the breakaway MASSOB, Mr Uchenna Madu said it was identifying with Kanu in the spirit of brotherhood and pursuing one strong force for self determination.
The statement read: “If Nigeria is shivering and catching cold when international sympathizers / supporters of Biafra are openly and diplomatically expressing positive concerns on Biafra and Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest which subsequently pressurizes the DSS to quickly but secretly arraign him before a court which also granted him bail, it evidently shows that the end of Nigeria domination of Biafra has come.
“MASSOB condemns the opposition of Ralph Uwazuruike- led faction of MASSOB on Nnamdi Kanu. How can Ralph Uwazuruike who claimed to be fighting for Biafra actualization openly support Nigeria government on this arrest of Nnamdi Kanu?
“Nnamdi Kanu was not suspended by Ralph Uwazuruike or MASSOB as claimed. Rather, he left MASSOB in 2009 when Biafra groups in Diaspora who jointly assisted and supported Ralph Uwazuruike in the quest for Biafra, found out that all the monetary dues committed to the struggle from abroad and at home for execution of Biafra project were not judiciously used.”
Also in Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr Musa Kimo said twelve persons have been arrested in connection with the protest by members of MASSOB in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The state Police Chief disclosed this yesterday evening, warning that the Police will not tolerate such protest in the state capital anymore.
The protest disrupted flow of traffic in some areas of the state capital. In New GRA axis of the state capital, motorists were stranded for several hours because of the traffic gridlock caused by the protests on adjoining major roads linking roads in the high brow residential area of Port Harcourt.

WHY MUHAMMADU BUHARI REMOVED HEAD OF SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION (THISDAY INVESTIGATION)

President Mohammed Buhari has approved the removal of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, (HoS), Mr. Danladi Kifasi, who has been ordered to proceed on terminal leave to pave the way for geopolitical balancing in federal appointments.
The change, which was not made official by the presidency on Tuesday, was aimed at ensuring that the federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution is complied with.
It was learnt that Buhari might be looking at the southern part of the country to produce a possible replacement for Kifasi.
According to a statement by PR Nigeria, a media advisory for federal government agencies, the government may soon announce a new HoS.
When contacted, the Deputy Director of Communications, Office of the HoS, Mohammed Manga, refused to comment on the matter.
Kifasi who hails from Taraba State is from the same North-east zone with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal who is from Adamawa State. Kifasi was due to retire in January 2016.
PRNigeria stated that the current HoS who had served as Permanent Secretary in several ministries including the Ministries of Finance and Petroleum Resources had prepared for a smooth handover in the event of the announcement of new HoS who may likely from the southern part of the country.

LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONEBOSS KILLED BY POLICE BULLET.......IBEJU LEKKI COMMUNITY LEADERS

The leaders of Okunraye Community in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State have denied being culpable in the incident that led to the gruesome murder of the Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Limited, Mr. Tajudeen Disu, who was killed on October 12, 2015 while resolving a land dispute.

The leaders of the community, in an affidavit in support of fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed yesterday before the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, disclosed that contrary to initial accusation, it was indeed the stray bullet from the mobile policemen that hit Disu from behind and killed him instantly.
One of the leaders, Alhaji Surajudeen Olalekan Salami, who deposed to an affidavit in support of the suit on behalf of others, recalled that the Lagos State Government, sometime in 2007, forcibly acquired their land from them.
He said the people of Okunraye had their homes and native buildings on the land and also made their livelihood by farming on the land and fishing in river.
He added that on the day when Disu was killed, the leaders of the community were to meet with Dangote Group to discuss issues pertaining to the involvement of members of the community in the massive project that the company was erecting on their land, especially the provision of job opportunities for the youths in the community.
Salami said they had made several attempts to discuss with Dangote management but to no avail, and that the development forced the youths to barricade the entrance into the project site of Dangote in an attempt to compel the company to discuss with the community with the possibility of a lasting solution to the outstanding issue.
He said at about 9a.m., he was informed that a large group of mobile policemen had surrounded the entrance of the project and were burning down the barricade and other obstruction.
Salami, who described himself as a principal member of the Okunraye community, further recalled that the policemen stormed the community on the fateful day and started releasing tear-gas and shooting in the air.
He said at the time the shooting was on-going, the Divisional Police Office in charge of the area was at the palace of the Baale of Okunraye to discuss how the issue could be resolved, and that the DPO had promised that the Dangote management would communicate with the community.
At that point, Salami said: “Some members then rushed to the Baale’s House to inform him of a mayhem on-going outside and how the policemen had burnt down the barricade. The DPO left Baale’s House to go and confirm the report.
“When I got there, I met the Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Limited, Mr. Tajudeen Disu; Alhaji Jegede, Chairman of Resettlement Committee, and the Baale of Igiye Community.
“When we were imploring Disu, Jegede and the Baale of Igiye Community to stop policemen from shooting because the members of the Okunraye Community did not want to fight and only wanted to discuss with Dangote management, the police refused to stop shooting and then a stray bullet hit Disu from behind and he died instantly,” Salami narrated.
He said the bullet also hit a young woman from the community and she sustained injury on the arm.
Salami, who said he saw the policeman that pulled the trigger that killed Disu, alleged that the policemen stop shooting when they realised that a stray bullet had killed Disu.
He added that himself and others left the scene immediately to take the injured woman to the hospital, and that by the time they came back, the remains of Disu had been removed from the scene.
The applicants in the suit are Jubriala Balogun, Mr. Akibu Razak, Alhaji Surajudeen Salami, Baale Yesiru Amusa (suing for themselves and on behalf of the people of Okunraye Town), while the defendants are Nigerian Police, Inspector General of Police, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Security (DSS), Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Dangote Group and Ibeju Lekki Local Government.
They are seeking among others an order directing the respondents to release them unconditionally from custody, and an order declaring their arrest and continuous detention as wrongful and a sharp contravention of their fundamental human rights enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Constitution and Article 23 (1) (4) (5) (6) (7), 12 (1) and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, 2004.
They also want a declaration that the invasion of their community on October 12, 2015 and their subsequent arrests constituted a threat to life, freedom, and private and family life.
They further want a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, agents, servants, privies or any other person acting on their behalf from arresting, detaining, harassing, invading Okunraye community or otherwise violating their fundamental human rights.
When the matter came up before Justice R.I.B Adebiyi yesterday, the applicants’ lawyer, Akinlabi Apara informed the court of an ex-parte application and other processes filed in the suit.
But Justice Adebiyi said she would not rush to take any hasty decision in the matter without studying the file.
She said the matter was just brought to her knowledge and that she needed time to understand the issues involved.

Breaking News: Tribunal Orders Rerun Of Akwa Ibom Governorship Election

The Akwa Ibom State governorship election tribunal has ordered for a rerun of the governorship election in the state.The Tribunal ordered Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct re-run election in 18 local government areas of the state out of the 31 LGs in Akwa Ibom.The Tribunal said in its verdict on Wednesday that it was satisfied that there were discrepancies during the governorship election held on April 11.

An Uber driver has been found guilty of rape

play

Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav (centre) was found guilty of rape, kidnap and criminal intimidation

 (bbc)

 According to various media reports, an Indian court has found an Uber taxi driver guilty of raping a female passenger in an incident that happened last year.

The driver, Shiv Kumar Yadav, has also been convicted of criminal intimidation and kidnapping, the prosecution lawyer said, according to the BBC.

Last December, a 26-year-old woman was taken to a secluded area and raped after booking a journey home with Uber.

The Indian capital later banned Uber and several other web-based taxi firms for failing to carry out adequate driver checks

The woman also filed a suit against the service in the US, a case which was later settled out of court. The company apologized for the incident at the time and affirmed that it “must do better.”

Request granted by the judge As Khloe and Lamar call off their divorce

Khloe and Lamar have jointly, through their lawyers, gone to court to dismiss their divorce case, because they want to give their marriage a second chance and remain husband and wife .

According to several media reports, Khloe's lawyer Laura Wasser went before a judge this morning, asking a judge to withdraw the papers they both signed to end their marriage. The file was sitting in a pile waiting to be processed and signed by a judge and the file has now been closed.

Niger Delta Ex-militants threaten Senate, demand for Amaechi’s screening

Ex-militants from the Niger-Delta region have issued a warning to the Senate, asking them to screen the former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi.

The group, under the aegis of Niger-Delta Coalition, referred to Amaechi as the Lion of the Niger Delta, describing him as a true change evangelist.Speaking to newsmen, the President of the group, Mr. Young Piero, who was flanked by his secretary, Toriomo Excel said “It is time for the Senate to recognised him and some others who worked for the peace enjoyed during the last general election. The Niger Delta Coalition does not see any reason why he has not been screened by the Senate. He is a leader, a coach, an instructor, a mobiliser and a motivator who put his life, family and the lives of many that believed in the struggle to bring about the change Nigeria is talking about today.”He said “We supported Buhari-led APC because we wanted change. The Senate should know better that a fight against Ameachi is a fight against the progressives; a delay to screen Ameachi is against the peace-loving people of Niger-Delta and millions of Nigerians.”Adding that “We are using this medium to call on the leadership of the Senate not only to screen this notable personality for the benefit of Nigerians and Niger Delta, but his contributions to President Muhammadu Buhari’s success.”

Nigerians react to Pastor Sarah Omakwu’s opinions on marriage and sex

Earlier today, an Abuja-based pastor, Sarah Omakwu of family Worship Centre, took to Twitter to write a stream of conscious tweets on marriage and sex, what she feels is a sin, how couples should have sex, who should have sex, how not to have sex, and more
The Pastor, who is happily married with three children, is trending over some comments she's making with #SexualPerversion hashtag.She has since deleted the tweets though..."Dear All - it was brought to my attention that some tweets went out from my account without my approval today.Quite a few things I said in a prior sermon were taken completely out of context. I apologize. Tweets from me are signed-SO." Not long after, Twitter caught fire as folks hopped on the topic and she became the no. 1 trending topic in Nigeria, and remains still. See some of her tweets:

JONATHAN TO TANZANIA POLITICIANS: "Concede defeat if you lose"

 The Chair of the Commonwealth election observers, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has said the Sunday elections will only be peaceful if losing candidates gracefully concede defeat.

He said it was equally important to realise that, for the poll  to be free and fair all stakeholders, namely, National Electoral Commission (NEC), political parties, police as well as voters must play their part.

Jonathan, who was defeated by former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari in Nigerian general election in March, and conceded defeat, told journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the Commonwealth Observers Group started its work in the country yesterday and expects to meet with a wide range of stakeholders including NEC officials, political parties, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community as well as other international and national observer groups.

“If you lose, accept defeat,” he said, warning that any attempt to reject the will of the people can only lead to chaos.

The Nigerian former president insisted that Commonwealth Observers Group will issue  an interim statement on the  preliminary findings shortly after the elections and a final report will be prepared in Tanzania.

“We will also submit the report on the Tanzanian elections to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and subsequently shared with relevant stakeholders and the public. The group is scheduled to depart in Tanzania on 31st October 2015,” he said.

He added: “I am greatly honoured and privileged to have been asked by the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma to lead the Commonwealth Observers Group to Tanzania’s general election that will be taking place on 25th October 2015”

He pointed out that during their time in Tanzania, they will seek to assess the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post election period, against the backdrop of Tanzania’s national legislation, regional and international commitments. 

“Commonwealth Observers Group in Tanzania was constituted following an invitation extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, and we will work according to the rules and regulations,” he said.

Jonathan noted: “Our group comprises of 14 eminent persons drawn from across the different regions of the Commonwealth countries including Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, The group which includes experts in politics, election, media, conflict prevention and youth affairs. We arrived in Tanzania on Monday and will stay here until 31st October 2015.” 

He went further saying that the Commonwealth Observers Group will perform their observation role with impartiality, independence and transparency.

He disclosed that on Friday this week, members of the Commonwealth Observers Group will deploy in small teams to various regions across the country to observe preparations ahead of the poling day.

He also said that on Election Day, members of the Commonwealth Observers  Group will observe opening, voting, closing, counting and the results management process.

“If all parties including the National Electoral Commission, Political Parties, and Police Forces will play its role, nothing will stops Tanzania to record a free and fair election this year,” he said.

He insisted: “We hope that our group’s presence in Tanzania will demonstrate the commonwealth’s solidarity with the people of this country. The success of these elections depends on every stakeholder playing their part in the peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner, we are very confidence that we will achieve the goal.”

However, The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states. It is home to 2.2 billion citizens of which over 60 percent are under the ages of 30.

The Commonwealth includes some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, Spanning five regions. The thirty one of its members are small states, many of them island nations.

Commonwealth countries are supported by an active network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil societies, cultural and professional organisations.

In the same vein, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has hailed the appointment of former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as leader of a 33-nation observer mission to the Sunday, October 25, 2015 general election to be held in Tanzania, describing it as “a global recognition of the former president’s democratic credentials.”

He said: “Jonathan’s appointment to lead the Commonwealth observer team, comprising 33 countries, is recognition of his remarkable role in the last presidential election, in which he conceded defeat, thereby saving Nigeria from catastrophe that even the international community thought would befall the country.”

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said; “Jonathan should be celebrated and I am happy that the world is beginning to give him the deserved recognition and celebration less than five months that he left office.”

He said Dr Jonathan’s courage and spirit of sportsmanship in accepting the outcome of the presidential election despite the obvious shortcomings saved the nation from political chaos and violence, adding that “Jonathan provided the foundation on which democracy is standing in Nigeria today and one is not surprised that he is being asked to lead the Commonwealth election observer team from 33 nations to Tanzania.

“Even if those who benefitted from his show of love and commitment to the peace and development of Nigeria are paying him back with persecution and victimisation, I am happy that the former President and those who worked with him are being celebrated globally.

“I therefore congratulate Dr Jonathan and urge those currently holding power in Abuja to emulate him by putting Nigeria and its interests first.”