Many Killed In Buhari’s First Week In Office

The death toll from two blasts in northeast Nigeria rose to 35 on
Friday, raising the total number killed in suspected Boko Haram
attacks to 82 during President Muhammadu Buhari's first week in
office.

Rescue officials in the Adamawa state's capital Yola said 31 people
had been confirmed dead in the explosion that ripped through a market
on Thursday, with another 38 wounded.

The Yola blast followed a suspected suicide bombing in Maiduguri,
capital of neighbouring Borno state, that killed at least four people
when a truck carrying firewood rammed into a checkpoint outside a
military barracks.

>Photo: Nigerian police and civilians inspect the site of a suicide attack at a busy cattle market in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on June 2, 2015. At least 13 people were killed in the attack, the Red Cross and civilian vigilantes battling Boko Haram said. The blast in the Borno state capital happened as traders were wrapping up business for the day. AFP PHOTO

The violence on Thursday came as Buhari ended his first foreign trip
since taking office.

He visited Chad and Niger, which with Cameroon are Nigeria's key
allies in the battle against an Islamist uprising blamed for 15,000
deaths since 2009.

Buhari urged closer regional security cooperation, thanking troops
from Nigeria's neighbours for their efforts to date while demanding
more action from a multi-national force battling the insurgents on the
frontline.

He vowed to crush the Islamists when he was sworn in one week ago but
the spate of bombings through his first week in office highlighted the
severity of the challenge.

Boko Haram has been weakened by a four-nation offensive launched in
February but the extremists have proved resilient in the past.

A new video released by the group — its first for several months and
first under the banner of the "Islamic State in West Africa" —
insisted the rebels were still to be reckoned with.

– Toll rises –

Yola had been seen as a relative safe haven in Nigeria's embattled
northeast, with no confirmed Islamist attacks in several years.

The fresh explosion hit the popular Jimeta Main Market at about 7:40
pm (1840 GMT), as traders were finishing business.

"So far, we have 31 dead victims and 38 people in hospital receiving
treatment", the National Emergency Management Agency's coordinator in
the city Sa'ad Bello told AFP.

An inital toll from the Adamawa state police said two people were killed.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but the blast bore the
hallmarks of Boko Haram who have frequently targeted crowded markets.

The Maiduguri explosion outside the Maimalari Barracks at about 5:00
pm killed four people and also resembled past strikes by the
insurgents, who have made suicide attacks the military a key feature
of their uprising.

– Regional cooperation –

Buhari was on Thursday in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, for talks with
his counterpart Idriss Deby after visiting Niger on Wednesday.

"Your troops have stood shoulder to shoulder and fought gallantly with
ours in the fight against the forces of evil," the 72-year-old former
military ruler told Deby.

Deby for his part "reaffirmed Chad's involvement and availability" to
work with Nigeria, according to a statement from his office.

Anglophone Nigeria has typically viewed its Francophone neighbours
with suspicion, which has been blamed for the lack of a joined-up
approach in tackling the militants.

On Wednesday, the military in Abuja announced that a Nigerian officer
had taken charge of the new African Union-backed Multi-National Joint
Task Force based in N'Djamena.

The 8,700-strong unit, made up of military personnel, police and
civilians from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, had been due to be
deployed last November.

Buhari said "sustained and robust" regional cooperation was essential
because of the cross-border threat posed by Boko Haram.

– Deadly week –

Buhari has ordered the military's command centre be moved from the
capital, Abuja, to Maiduguri, where Boko Haram was founded in 2002 and
which is regarded as its spiritual home.

The army has since been tested with two rocket attacks on the city, as
well as an explosion opposite a military facility on Wednesday, which
left at least 18 dead.

There were also two suicide bomb attacks — one at a mosque on Saturday
that killed 26 and another on Tuesday at a cattle market, in which 13
people died.

While Maiduguri residents have come to expect relentless bombings, a
surge of violence in Yola will create new challenges for Buhari as he
strives to pacify the northeast.

Read more at Vanguard:
t.co/jEqyftllqC

Kidnapped NAN correspondent in Imo State Released; Child Kidnapping Syndicate Busted

The Imo State Police Command on Friday confirmed the release of the
state correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, Miss Chidi Opara,
who was abducted at her Uratta, Owerri residence.

Briefing newsmen on the incident yesterday, the state Commissioner of
Police, Austin Evbakavbokun, disclosed that no ransom was paid for her
release, adding that the police is still intensifying effort to
recover her Toyota Lexus SUV in which she was kidnapped and also
arrest her abductors.

"Yesterday, we were alerted about the kidnap of the state
correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, because of the pressure
from my men, she was released but we would not relent till we recover
her vehicle and arrest the kidnappers," Evbakvbokun said.

Meanwhile, Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit of the Imo State
Police Command have arrested members of a child kidnapping syndicate
in the state.

The suspects, Kelechi Nwogu (22) and Ebuka Ibe (23) grabbed the
victim, when they were returning from school at Amazu Amato, in the
Orsu Council area.

"The two victims were being conveyed by the suspects to a prospective
buyer before operatives pursued and arrested them", When a search was
conducted in the house of one of the suspects (Ibe), one locally made
pistol, with one round of 99mm live ammunition, one locally made short
gun with cartridge, one locally made single barrel gum and two big
iron cutters were recovered there.

Also following the report of the kidnap of one Mr. Martins Ndukwu of
Umuokanne Mgbirichi Road, in the Ohaji/Egbema Council Area
Evabakhavbokum, said that operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of
his Command arrested one Barnabas Chidiebere (34) Chinwendu Okaru (29)
Chibundu Amadi (32) and Kenneth Ordu (29), all of Ohaji/Egbema LGA,
stating that the suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap
of the victim who had been rescued unhurt.
—ImoStateBlog

Stop Chasing Foreign Helps — Balarabe, Others Tell Buhari

FOURTEEN opposition parties under the aegis of Credible Alternative
Alliance on Thursday in Abuja said it was "too early" for the
administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to be relying on foreign
countries for support and direction on certain policy issues
pertaining to governance.

The CAA, which also includes 13 civil society organisations, restated
their resolve to provide a credible opposition to the All Progressives
Congress.

Congregrating under the CAA are the Social Democratic Party, Peoples
Redemption Party, Fresh Democratic Party, Nigeria Advance Party,
People's Salvation Party, Change Advocacy Party, United National Party
for Development, Peoples Progressive Party and the Action Party of
Nigeria.

A former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa; elder
statesman, Dr. Tunji Braitwaite and former Minister of Finance, Chief
Olu Falae, who spoke at a press briefing by the National Coordinator
of CAA, Dr. Damian Ogbonna, on Thursday, said Buhari's
administration's "ability and readiness to meaningfully govern Nigeria
remain in doubt."

The elder statesmen said, "We note that APC appears to want to
cultivate and rely too much on the support of foreign governments.
This is not good for the sovereignty of our nation. CAA calls upon APC
to rely less on foreign support. The party should do more to cultivate
domestic support and more so from political parties in the country.
You cannot govern effectively when you do so alone; it is not
sustainable.

"In conclusion, we wish the new administration well. However, its
ability and readiness to meaningfully govern Nigeria remain in doubt.
We pray, wait and hope for clarity in the days to come.

"Both the President and other leaders of APC have been in government
for decades to warrant knowing exactly what they want to do and how
they want to do it. Even those of us here at CAA with less than a year
into our formation do have bold and visionary plan upon which we
predicate our drive to govern Nigeria."

According to them, when people lay claim to the ability to solve
problems, it is taken for granted that they have diagnosed the problem
and have ready solutions "otherwise, it amounts to a claim in
deception and an exercise in futility."

The CAA, according to its promoters, is formed to defend and advance
progressive, democratic and patriotic entities and ideals in Nigeria
"against reactionary tendencies of a rudderless and immensely corrupt
governing system."

Ogbonna said that after a careful review of the inaugural speech of
Buhari and the current state of the nation, the CAA found the speech
"embarrassingly tall on promises but depressingly short on vision and
boldness."

He said, "We searched for a silver lining in the speech laying out a
new framework for the emergence of the new Nigeria of our dreams, and
found none. There is no qualitative difference between the 2015
Presidential Inauguration speech and the inaugural speeches of past
presidents.

"The President talked about enormous challenges; insecurity, pervasive
corruption, fuel and power shortages and so on, but in no paragraph of
his speech did he lay out new initiatives, new directions, new
structures, new federation, new constitution or even new sets of
legislation to tackle these enormous challenges."
—PUNCH

NERC Issues New Electricity Tariff For Nigeria, To Take Effect In July 2015

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has issued new
electricity tariffs residential homes in Nigeria to become effective
on 1 July 2015.

The tariff had already been implemented for industrial and commercial
electricity consumers since 1 April 2015.

The new tariffs are in the Multi-Year Tariff Order, MYTO, 2.1 for the
period 1 April 2015 to December 2018 and they replace the tariffs in
MYTO 2 for the period 1 June 2012 to 31 May 2017.

For Ibadan DISCO, the fixed monthly charge for residential R2 category
is N625 in 2015, N750 in 2016, N900 in 2017 and N1,080 in 2018. The
energy charge will rise from N14.23 per kWh to N18.00 per kWh, an
increase of 26 per cent, on 1 July 2015. The energy charge will be
N17.36 per kWh in 2016, N19.60 per kWh in 2017 and N17.93 per kWh in
2018.

However Eko, Ikeja and Benin DISCOs, the fixed monthly charge for
residential R2 category is N750 in 2015, N900 in 2016, N1,080 in 2017
and N1,296 in 2018.

The energy charge for Eko DISCO will rise from N12.87 per kWh to
N18.75 per kWh, an increase of 45 per cent, on 1 July 2015. The energy
charge will be N18.01 per kWh in 2016, N19.39 per kWh in 2017 and
N16.42 per kWh in 2018.

The energy charge for Ikeja DISCO will rise from N13.61 kWh to N14.96
per kWh on 1 July 2015. The energy charge will be N14.50 per kWh in
2016, N13.88 per kWh in 2017 and N12.85 per kWh in 2018.

For Benin DISCO the energy charge will rise from N12.54 per kWh to
N18.46 per kWh, an increase of 47 per cent, on 1 July 2015. The energy
charge will be N17.02 per kWh in 2016, N18.23 per kWh in 2017 and
N15.23 per kWh in 2018.

NERC believes that an estimated bill should not exceed 200kWh in a
month and if the DISCO believes the customer uses more than 200kWh per
month, the DISCO should as a priority provide the customer with a
meter.
—Vanguard

Seven Killed As Explosion Hits Baga

SUSPECTED Boko Haram terrorists detonated a bomb in Baga, Maiduguri,
Borno State, killing seven people, while eight others were injured.

An eyewitness account said the bomb exploded late on Wednesday night
at a military checkpoint near a mechanic workshop, opposite sector one
Military Base and NNPC mega station, Baga road in Maiduguri.

According to reports, some suspicious looking young men in a vehicle
were seen approaching a checkpoint.

They were stopped by soldiers, who tried to search them, and in the
process a bomb was detonated leading to the death of some people and
destruction of vehicles around the check-point.

This will be the fifth attack by Boko Haram and second this week since
Muhammadu Buhari assumed office on May 29, 2015.

Earlier on Tuesday, A bomb blast occurred at a busy meat market in
Maiduguri, killing at least 30 people.

The bomb, said to have been concealed under a butcher's table in the
market, went off around 1.pm local time, killing shoppers and
travellers, a military source said.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the explosion, but the Boko
Haram sect is suspected to have carried out the attack.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to crush the group
which has killed thousands of people in the North-East.
—DailyIndependent

Imo State Correspondent Of NAN Kidnapped

The Imo state correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Ms
Chide Okpara has been abducted by unknown gunmen.

She was taken by the gunmen at the gate of her residence in Uratta
road in Owerri on Wednesday when she arrived home in a car at about
8pm, a correspondent reports.

Man Sets Self Ablaze In Abia State After Stabbing Own Mother

A 27-year-old man, Tobechukwu Ogbonna, on Tuesday night set himself
ablaze after reportedly stabbing his mother severally at their family
house located at No 12 Bonny St.in Umuahia.

NAN learned that the incident happened at about 11 p.m. following an
argument that ensued between Tobechukwu and his mother, Mrs Linda
Ogbonna.

Eye-witness account said that the argument started when the woman
refused to oblige Tobechukwu's request for money.

"His mother might have refused to give him money because he would end
up using it to take drugs," a tenant alleged on the condition of
anonymity.

The tenant said that Tobechukwu, who was notorious for drugs-taking,
might have acted under its influence.

"After taking drugs, he returns home to terrorise everybody in the
yard, including the poor woman,'' the tenant said, adding that he
often manhandled the woman.

It was further learned that Tobechukwu locked up his mother in their
apartment before dealing several machete cuts on her.

Another tenant, Mr Joseph Mark, said that ''when we heard the
screaming from the woman, we rushed and forced the door open.

"At that point, Tobechukwu had inflicted some cuts on the woman and
she was bleeding profusely," Mark said.

He said that he was immediately overpowered and disarmed, while the
woman was taken to safety.

Tobechukwu was alleged to have also dealt a deadly cut on the woman's
pet-dog, which was found lifeless in the apartment.

NAN learned that a team of policemen invited to the scene later moved
the woman to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia for treatment.

It was, however, gathered that, shortly after the police left the
scene, Tobechukwu poured fuel on the building, set it ablaze and
suddenly jumped into it.

''He was burnt to death before fire fighters arrived at the place and
put out the fire,'' another eyewitness, Mr Abdulfatia Ayodele, said.

Ayodele said that the remains of the deceased were taken to the FMC
mortuary by the firemen.

When contacted, Mr Ezekiel Onyeke, the Police Public Relations
Officer, confirmed the incident, saying that the command had commenced
investigation into the matter.

Governor Okorocha Shuns Archbishop Obinna .Holds 2nd Term Thanksgiving Service In Orlu Diocese

An indication that there is no love lost between the Imo State
governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the powerful Archbishop of Owerri
Catholic Archdiocese, Anthony Obinna, has, manifested at the weekend
as the re-elected governor who took oath of office for another tenure
abandoned the Owerri Archdiocese, domain of Archbishop Obinna, to hold
his thanksgiving service at Orlu Diocese.

As part of his inauguration programme after being sworn in for second
term, Okorocha marked a thanksgiving service at the Holy Trinity
Cathedral, Orlu, in Orlu Catholic Diocese.

The exercise which surprised people of the state was in sharp contrast
to his earlier programmes where the state governor undertook several
church services including his first thanksgiving service in 2011 at
the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri.

In a rather surprise move, Okorocha jettisoned Owerri where he had
been having religious observations since he became governor for Orlu.

Trumpeta learnt that the governor's action might not be unconnected
with the seeming cold war between the governor and the fiery cleric
after the romantic relationship at the early stages of Okorocha's
administration.

After playing prominent roles that brought Okorocha into power in
2011, rancorous relationship stepped in with minor face-off between
the Catholic Church in Owerri Archdiocese and the governor. Apart from
the verbal lashes Archbishop Obinna extended to Okorocha during one of
the Christ the King celebrations in Owerri, the recently held
controversial governorship debate to herald the 2015 guber elections
held at Obiri Odenigbo, Assumpta Villa, Owerri further increased the
bickering even as the Okorocha government complained over the
editorial style of "The Leader Newspaper", operated by Obinna's Owerri
Archdiocese.

Having braced the odds to win for a second tenure, Okorocha may have
turned his back on Archbishop Obinna by failing to hold the
thanksgiving service in Assumpta.

Irrespective of the fact that Okorocha poached Archbishop Obinna's
elder brother Paddy Obinna as one of his appointees, a frosty
relationship still exists between the two persons.

Speaking at the event, Okorocha revealed that there is no failure in
his dictionary and his pattern of administration, adding that the next
four years which will elapse in 2019 will be superb and unique
pointing out that there will be lots of merriment and recognition for
those who merit it.

He further disclosed that at the commencement of the Imo Rescue
Mission administration on 2011, he promised the elimination of
kidnapping, insecurity, boasting that as it stands today, such vices
are things of the past which he promised to uphold till the completion
of his second term in office, with consolidation of his unfinished
projects.

Owelle Okorocha assured the clergymen and Imolites of a proud
governance which will embrace everybody so as to meet up to the
standard of making Imo State the envy of other states in the country.
He solicited for their prayers as he takes up the mantle of leadership
of Imo State for a second term.

However, Governor Okorocha made a donation of one hundred million
naira (N100,000,000) on behalf of the state government to Orlu
Cathedral for the roof renovation, while his supporters, Senator
Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, Chief Chidi Felix Idiga, Chief Jerry
Chukwueke, Senator Osita Izunaso and other APC appointees made a
donation of forty-five million, six hundred and seventy thousand naira
(N45,670,000) to the church.
Highlight of the civic reception celebrated by the two Bishops of Orlu
Diocese, Bishop Augustine J. Ukwuoma and Bishop Emeritus Gregory
Ochiagha with priests conferred a title of "Nnaoma di Ebube" to the
governor and Her Excellency, Nkechi Okorocha as "Nneoma".

The Chief Celebrant, Bishop Ukwuoma thanked God for a successful
electioneering period in Imo and Nigeria, describing it as handwork of
God to elect the right leaders. He prayed for God's wisdom on Okorocha
so as to lead in the order of Solomon in the bible, advising the state
governor not to see his political opponents as personal enemies and to
have a listening ear in order to do better in his second term.
—Trumpeta

Rivers Ban Consumption Of Local Gin After Death Of 22 Persons

>Photo: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State

Rivers State Government has banned the consumption of local gin
popularly called Ogogoro following the death of about 22 persons in
Bonny Island, Bonny, and Woji in Obio Akpor local government areas of
Rivers.

According to PMNews, they died after consuming dog meat delicacy and
local gin popularly called 'Kai-Kai' or Ogogoro which allegedly
contained poisonous ethanol.

The Rivers government through the Department of Disease Control said
the ban became necessary measure to avoid more people consuming the
toxic substance.

The Director of Disease Control in state ministry of Health, Dr.
Roland Obed Whyte, however expressed concern over the difficulty in
getting samples of the particular gin through clinical analysis
because the irate youths of Woji had set ablaze the shop of Friday
Dickson, aka Etiaba where the suspected toxic gin was bought and
consumed erasing the remaining samples of the gin. Dickson is
presently in the custody of the Police.

Whyte however said that health officials from the Ministry have been
dispatched to Woji for house-to-house enlightenment on dangers in the
consumption of highly toxic local gin.

He also said that preliminary findings revealed that the symptoms
exhibited by the affected victims include, vomiting and blindness.

PM NEWS also learnt that another challenge facing the state ministry
of Health is that some of the remains of the deceased were buried
without autopsy making further medical examinations a Herculean task.

In Bonny Island, Simon Wilcox, a youth leader and spokesman for Bonny
kingdom confirmed yesterday the death of 17 persons after the
consumption of the toxic local brew popularly kai-kai imported into
the Island.

"As I speak with you 17 persons have been confirmed dead.We are going
to the hospital to attend those who are lying critically ill.We need
the help of World Health Organization, WHO, Federal and Government
agencies to assist people of Bonny kingdom," Wilcox said.
—pmnews

French Tourist Robbed, Killed In Ebonyi; Wife Molested

A French couple, Mr. Nagnan Denis, 52, and his wife, Mrs. Nagnan Mee
Lavaud Liana, 53, were on Monday night attacked by gunmen in their
home at Abomege axis of Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The attack led to the death of Denis, who was allegedly shot in the
leg and given machete cuts in different parts of his body, until he
lost consciousness and died.

The state Commissioner of Police, Maigari Dikko, said 32 suspects were
in the early hours of yesterday arrested in connection with the
incident, and that they were being transferred to the State Criminal
Investigation Department, SCID, for further interrogation and
prosecution where necessary.

Dikko said the victims were tourists, who travelled through several
countries to get to Nigeria, adding that about 1,150 Euros and N13,000
were stolen from the victims by the hoodlums.

Arrested

Dikko said: "32 suspects were arrested in the early hours of this
morning (yesterday) and they were currently being transferred to the
SCID for investigation and screening."

According to him, the wife of the victim who reported the incident to
the police said she will be able to identify the people who killed her
husband if she saw them.

He said: "We got the report yesterday from the DPO of Onicha council
about the French nationals, a couple; they were tourists who left
their country in December 2014 and arrived Nigeria through Badagry on
May 3.

"They passed through Abeokuta, Benin, Onitsha, Enugu to Ebonyi with
their vehicle; they were passing through Ebonyi to Calabar, when the
incident happened.

"They arrived Abomega in the night. According to the widow, her
husband had complained that he was tired and since it was late, they
decided to pass the night there.

Attacked

"They did not report their presence to any law enforcement agents
around, but decided to look for a place that has natural shelter and
so they went two kilometres off the road to pass the night.

"They found a quarry site and decided to camp there. According to the
wife, when they were at the location, a motorcyclist and another man
asked them who they were.

"Unless investigation proves otherwise, we are thinking that the
motorcyclist was the informant to the hoodlums because an hour after
he left, three people came into the camp. By then, they had already
erected their tent atop the vehicle."

Dikko, who noted that the police headquarters and the French Embassy
had already been communicated over the incident, said the deceased was
shot by the hoodlums during an argument, and then further inflicted
machete cuts on him.

He stated that arrangements were on to ensure that the deceased, whose
body had been deposited in a mortuary in Enugu State, was transferred
to France without delay.

Dikko also reiterated the readiness of the command to clampdown on the
activities of miscreants in the state.
—Vanguard

Senate Approves Life Sentence For Rape, 10 Years For Incest

HENCEFORTH, anybody found guilty of rape, child sex tourism or
deliberate passage of HIV/AIDS to innocent citizens, and other sexual
offences, will face life imprisonment.

This was contained in the Sexual Offences Bill sponsored by Senator
Chris Anyanwu, which was passed into law yesterday by the Senate.

The bill, among others, prescribes life imprisonment for gang rape, 10
years for incest, another 10 years imprisonment for child pornography
or more and a fine of N2 million as well as 14 years jail term for
sexual offences.

Presenting the report in the chamber yesterday, Chairman of the
Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Umaru Dahiru,
said the bill seeks to redefine and consolidate existing laws on
sexual offences.

Sponsor of the bill and Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Navy,
Senator Anyanwu who represents Imo East, expressed happiness on the
passage of the bill, which had been pending in the Senate since 2013.

Senator Anyanwu said the Sexual Offences law "seeks to make a
comprehensive legislation on sexual offences by criminalising certain
acts such as sexual tourism, child pornography and cultural and
religious sexual offences in our criminal jurisprudence.

For witnesses, too

"The new law also provides for effective witness protection programme
to protect victims and witnesses in trial for sexual offences.

"It also provides for compulsory documentation, supervision of sexual
offenders and medical treatment for victims, which is in line with the
global trend and finally, and most importantly, it provides for
adequate and stringent punish-ments to perpetrators."

The new sexual offences law also criminalises people who deliberately
lace drinks with drugs to sexually abuse victims, prostitution of
persons with mental disabilities, among others.

How Senate Passed 46 Bills In 10 Minutes

THE Senate was thrown into rowdy session, yesterday, following the
passage of 46 bills into law less than 10 minutes they were introduced
by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita
Enang.

The 46 bills had recently been passed by the House of Representatives
and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

Before the passage, the Senate had said the life of the 7th Assembly
would expire in few days time and that enough resources had already
been expended in processing the bills, hence there was the need to
pass them and forward same to the President for his assent.

Consequently, the Red Chamber invoked Order 1 (b) of the Senate
Standing Order 2011 as amended to adopt a special procedure on the
bills for concurrence.

Besides, the Senate suspended Order 79 (1) of the Senate Standing
Orders and deemed that all the bills as having passed first, second
and third readings on the floor of the Senate and concurred same as
well as reproduced and circulated them to Senators.

According to Enang, the "bills by this resolution are hereby read and
deemed read a third time and passed, to be transmitted to the
President for assent in accordance with the Acts (Authentication) Act,
and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

"That the votes and proceedings containing all bills be produced for
adoption, as passed by the House."

Uproar in the chamber

But immediately after the Senate President put the bills to voice vote
where the "ayes" had their way, there was uproar in the chamber as
some senators, especially Senator Domingo Obende, Edo State, and
George Sekibo, Rivers State, opposed the passage of the bills in less
than ten minutes.

Senator Mark's efforts to calm down frayed nerves could not yield any
positive results and he then told the aggrieved Senators, who did not
agree with the passage of the bills, to write their names and
signatures so that it would be looked at again today.

46 bills passed

The 46 bills are: Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment etc)
Act (Amendment), 2015; Office of the Nigerian Financial Ombudsman
Bill; Institute of Chartered Trustees of Nigeria Bill; National
Convicts and Criminal Records (Registry) Bill, 2015; Community Service
Bill; People's Bank of Nigeria Act (Repeal) Bill and Nigerian Bank for
Commerce and Industry Act (Repeal).

Others are National Commission for Rehabilitation Act (Repeal) Bill;
Maintenance Orders Act (Repeal) Bill, 2015; Federal Saving Bank Act
(Repeal) Bill 2015; Loan (State Development) Act (Repeal), 2015;
Nigerians in Diaspora (Establishment) Commission, 2015; Electronic
Transactions Bill, 2015; and Chartered Institute of Statiscians of
Nigeria, 2015.

Also passed are the Nigerian Metallurgical Industry Bill, 2014,
Federal Audit Commission Bill, 2015, National Centre for Agricultural
Mechanisation Act (Amendment,) Bill, Nigerian International Financial
Centre (Establishment, etc) Bill, Investment and Securities
(Amendment) Bill and Nigerian Communications Satellite, Bill, Federal
Capital Territory Education Resources Centre (Establishment) Bill;
Labour Institutions (Establishment); Witness Protection Programme
Bill; Institute of Mediators and Conciliators Bill; Legal Education
Act (Establishment) Bill; National Health Insurance Commission Bill;
National Economic Intelligence Committee (Establishment) Act (Repeal)
Bill.

The rest include Federal College Dental Technology and Therapy Bill,
Federal Capital Territory College of Nursing and Midwifery Bill, Oaths
Act (Amendment) Bill, Federal Capital Territory Hospital Management
Board (Establishment) Bill, Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions)
(Amendment) Bill, Chartered Institute of Management Accounts of
Nigeria.

Read more at Vanguard:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/senate-passes-46-bills-in-10-minutes/

See Robert Mugabe Taking His Legendary Daily Nap During Buhari's Inauguration In Abuja

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe arrived Nigeria on Friday to
attend the inauguration ceremony of President Muhammadu Buhari in
Abuja. Soon after entering the "State Box" with other dignitaries, the
90 year old Zimbeabwean dictator slumped over and began observing his
daily siesta.

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe arrived Nigeria on Friday to
attend the inauguration ceremony of President Muhammadu Buhari in
Abuja. Soon after entering the "State Box" with other dignitaries, the
90 year old Zimbeabwean dictator slumped over and began observing his
daily siesta.

—SaharaReporters

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Nigeria Get Into Gear With 4-0 Win Against Korea DPR

A spirited second-half display saw Nigeria get their FIFA U-20 World
Cup back on the rails as the romped to a 4-0 win over Korea DPR.

After weathering a tight first-half, An Ye Gun's side went to pieces
after the break as a quick-fire brace from Saviour Godwin undid all
that good work. A fine final two goals secured all three points for
Nigeria and put them back in the mix for qualification from Group E.

Manu Garba's team almost put their disappointing second-half against
Brazil behind them inside the opening two minutes. Captain Musa
Muhammed looked to lead by example as he struck a thunderbolt of a
shot off the inside of the post from 25 yards, for which keeper Cha
Jong Hun was only an airborne spectator.

From there, though, Korea DPR improved for a spell. They contained the
threat of Nigeria and had occasional forays forward, but were
ultimately blunt in attack. The Flying Eagles looked more menacing as
the half wore on.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Bernand Bulbwa threatened, before a Muhammed
free-kick and Awoniyi follow-up brought out a superb double save from
Jong Hun in a half in which he was busy, but rarely tested to his
limits.

The second half saw all that change, as the Korea DPR goalkeeper
spoiled what had been an impressive display. His misjudgement to come
and challenge Saviour Godwin for a Bulbwa cross saw the Asian side
lose their foothold, as Godwin scored.

It only took the same player just three minutes to double his tally,
after a lucky ricochet allowed Awoniyi to skilfully progress up the
field before playing in the FC Sports forward, who coolly slotted
through legs of defender and goalkeeper.

The third was a peach. A corner found its way out to Kingsley Sokari
and his laser-guided shot from the edge of the area screamed into the
top left corner. The final one wasn't bad either, following a slick
team move. Awoniyi and substitute Success Isaac's exchanged passes
sliced through the Korea DPR defence before the latter slammed home
from a tight angle to revive the African champions' last 16 hopes.

I’ll Make Naira Equal In Value To Dollar — Buhari

RETROSPECTIVE: Read Buhari's promise in Owerri to make Naira equal in
value to dollar as was reported by NAN/Vanguard on March 23, 2015
>LINK IT:
t.co/YWzZn79edT

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday said he would ensure that the Naira was
equal to the dollar in value, if voted into office.

Buhari stated this during the South-East presidential rally of the
party at Dan Anyima Stadium, Owerri.

"It is sad that the value of the naira has dropped to more than N230
to one dollar; this does not speak well for the nation's economy,'' he
said.

He urged the people to vote for APC, noting that he would ensure that
corruption was tackled headlong if elected.

Earlier, Gov Rochas Okorocha had urged APC supporters to vote for the
party's candidates at all levels, noting that a vote for Buhari
without support to others at the state would amount to nothing.
Okorocha said Buhari would address the problem of electricity, bring
back the kidnapped Chibok girls and promote industrial growth.

He said that Buhari was loved by the people in the region and urged
them to elect him and other APC candidates during the March 28 and
April 11 general elections.
Former governor of Anambra, Mr Chinwoke Mbadinuju and former Minister
of Education, Chinwe Obaji, were formally welcomed to the APC at the
rally.

The rally was attended by APC supporters from Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra,
Enugu and Imo.
—NAN

I’ll Make Naira Equal In Value To Dollar — Buhari

RETROSPECTIVE: Read Buhari's promise in Owerri to make Naira equal in
value to dollar as was reported by NAN/Vanguard on March 23, 2015


The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday said he would ensure that the Naira was
equal to the dollar in value, if voted into office.

Buhari stated this during the South-East presidential rally of the
party at Dan Anyima Stadium, Owerri.

"It is sad that the value of the naira has dropped to more than N230
to one dollar; this does not speak well for the nation's economy,'' he
said.

He urged the people to vote for APC, noting that he would ensure that
corruption was tackled headlong if elected.

Earlier, Gov Rochas Okorocha had urged APC supporters to vote for the
party's candidates at all levels, noting that a vote for Buhari
without support to others at the state would amount to nothing.

Okorocha said Buhari would address the problem of electricity, bring
back the kidnapped Chibok girls and promote industrial growth.

He said that Buhari was loved by the people in the region and urged
them to elect him and other APC candidates during the March 28 and
April 11 general elections.

Former governor of Anambra, Mr Chinwoke Mbadinuju and former Minister
of Education, Chinwe Obaji, were formally welcomed to the APC at the
rally.

The rally was attended by APC supporters from Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra,
Enugu and Imo.
—NAN

Five Die After Eating Dog Meat In Rivers

At least five persons have been confirmed dead at Woji, Obio/Akpor
Local Government Area of Rivers State, after eating dog meat from a
popular inn in the area.

Information gathered that Etiaba had been in the area for a long time,
running an inn where he cooks only dog meat in Mini-Woji Road at Woji
Town.The mysterious death has raised tension in the community as
people have begun to question the tragic result that has followed the
eating of dog meat alleged to have been cooked by one Friday Dickson,
popularly called Etiaba.

Mr Brain Ogbondah, a member of the community, revealed that five
people who ate the dog meat prepared by Etiaba, among others, had been
confirmed dead some hours after eating the dog meat.

He said the situation has mounted tension in the community, resulting
in an emergency meeting by the council of chiefs and elders, with a
view to locating other members of the community who also ate the dog
meat.

He said the suspect fled the community after the five people were
confirmed dead.

Outgoing Senators, Reps To Leave With 109 Jeeps, 360 Exotic Cars

Senators and members of the House of Representatives will go home with
the operational vehicles of the National Assembly currently in their
possession as the 7th Assembly winds down on Friday.

Each of the 109 senators has a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, commonly
referred to as 'jeep', assigned to them for "operational" purposes
like carrying out committee and oversight duties.

The story is the same at the House, where each member has a 2011 model
Toyota Camry attached to them for operational duties.

Apart from the operational vehicles, principal officers, including the
President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, have
additional vehicles assigned to them.

The Prado jeeps and Camry are properties of the National Assembly that
should have ordinarily been left behind by the departing legislators.

But,The PUNCHgathered on Tuesday that, with the understanding of the
management of the legislature, the vehicles have been valued, taking
note of the years of depreciation, to allow lawmakers who wish to go
home with them to do so by paying 30 per cent of the purchase price.

The money is to be deducted from the severance package of the senators
and the House members.

Findings showed that in line with the arrangement, the Prado jeeps,
valued at the market price of about N9m, would be given away to
senators for around N2.7m.

In the same vein, members of the House will each part with about N1.9m
to go home with the Camry, valued at N6.5m.

An official of the National Assembly management, who confirmed the
"deal" toThe PUNCHin Abuja on Tuesday, said, "The cars have been used
for four years, so this valuation has taken cognisance of the years of
depreciation.

"The vehicles are not taken away free of charge and as a matter of
fact, it is optional. A lawmaker who does not want to go with the
vehicle will submit it to the National Assembly and it will be so
documented.

"The deduction will be done from their severance package at source,
which makes it easier.

"It is a practice that has been on over the years."

Investigations also showed that, aside the operational vehicles, each
of the senators, on resumption in 2011, was given 300 per cent of
their total basic salaries as car loans and 300 per cent as housing
allowance. About 250 per cent was advanced to them as furniture
allowance.

Each of the senators, according to investigations, is receiving N1.8m
basic salary monthly while the Senate President's basic salary per
month, is N2m.

One of our correspondents learnt that the car loan, which was about
N6.5m per senator and N7m for the senate president, was used to buy a
brand new Toyota Camry car each.

The amount, according to a senior member of staff of the National
Assembly, was deducted from the basic salaries of the senators within
two years.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not
authorised to speak to the press, said the arrangement was a departure
from the past practice whereby some senators went away with their
operational vehicles as parting gifts.

He said, "The loans were obtained for the lawmakers through the banks
where their salary accounts are domiciled, hence the bankers usually
deduct certain percentage agreed upon from their monthly payments to
service the car, housing and furniture loans."

Attempts to get an official reaction from the Deputy Director of
Information at the National Assembly, Mr. Ishaku Dibal, were
unsuccessful as calls put through to his mobile telephone did not
connect.

However, the Deputy House Majority Leader, Leo Ogor, confirmed
that the operational vehicles would be taken away "but certainly not
for free."

Ogor explained that the "normal procedure" was that the vehicles would
be evaluated and an agreed sum deducted from the severance package of
departing legislators.

"I don't know what the amount will be; but I know that the cars are
not for free. The management of the National Assembly will work it out
and communicate to members accordingly", he stated.

Investigations further revealed that members of the House were also
offered the choice of taking home the plasma TV sets in their offices
on the condition that they would pay 50 per cent of the purchase
price.

—PUNCH

Suicide Bomber Screamed “Sai Buhari” Before Killing 5 In Maiduguri — Police

The Police in Borno said five persons died when a suicide bomber
attacked an abattoir in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

The Commissioner of Police in the State, Aderemi Opadokun, stated this
when he spoke with journalists in Maiduguri.

Mr. Opadokun said the attack occurred at about 11.30 a.m.

"A suicide bomber, who was shouting "Sai Buhari", and dancing in the
abattoir, detonated Improvised Explosive Device strapped on his body
when people had gathered around him.

"Five people, including himself, died, while eight others sustained
injuries," he said.

Mr. Opadokun added that policemen were mobilised to the scene to
evacuate the corpses and the convey the injured to the hospital,
adding that investigation into the blast was ongoing.
—nigeriacamera

Boko Haram Claims Control Of Maidugiri In Latest Video, Spells Out How It Plans To Fight Buhari, Military

A video uploaded Tuesday by Boko Haram shows several militants, their
faces covered with scarves, claiming that the Nigerian Muslim
extremist group is still in control of their territory and that
African coalition armies have not made meaningful advances in the days
since President

Muhammadu Buhari's inauguration on Friday. The video pokes fun at
claims from the Nigerian military that it has dented Boko Haram's
power in recent months.

The video has three parts: One in which a speaker claims control over
Maiduguri in northeastern Nigeria and that Boko Haram is in possession
of military ID cards of dead Nigerian soldiers, another with militants
fighting in a field and shooting fallen soldiers, and a third with the
militants inspecting what they claim is a downed jet.

The video follows a string of attacks since Friday that have left
dozens dead in northeastern Nigeria. A suicide bombing Tuesday killed
up to 20 people at a cattle market in Maiduguri, and 30 people were
killed in fighting over the weekend, the Associated Press reported.
Heavy gunfire and bombing were heard elsewhere in Maiduguri Tuesday.

The video is intended to signal that Boko Haram still has strength,
according to Peter Pham, head of the Atlantic Council's Africa Center.
"As underscored by the string of attacks around Maiduguri and other
northeastern towns over the weekend and continuing into this week, it
is clear that Boko Haram is far from a spent force. Although there is
no indication of when the footage in the video was shot, the timing of
the release reinforces this message of an organization that remains a
force to be reckoned with," he said. "President Buhari has a
significant challenge ahead of him as the group continues to evolve
and adapt, demonstrating again the resilience that has always
characterized it – all the more reason he needs international
support."

The fighting in the video is graphic. Soldiers approach several men
bleeding on the ground and shoot them in the head from behind. One man
appears to be stabbed repeatedly in the neck. One man is seen hanging
out the broken window of a minivan.

At the end, a group of militants celebrate around what they say are
the destroyed fragments of a jet. The man speaking challenges the
presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, the United States and
France, and the prime minister of Israel, telling each, "here are your
goods."

The video also shows that Boko Haram, which goes by the name ISWAP
since pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group in March, is
mimicking the style and format of its Middle Eastern ally, according
to Jasmine Opperman, Africa analyst at the Terrorism Research and
Analysis Consortium.

"Boko Haram has clearly spelled out what it is set to bring to the
fight against the new president: determination to continue with
attacks by small groups of fighters that still has arms such as
rockets, the use of suicide bombings and bombings," she said. "The
targets will remain public places, and Maiduguri will not be handed on
a plate to the Nigerian government."

Buhari, a former general and military dictator, has said the
headquarters of the Nigerian military will be moved to Maiduguri,
where Boko Haram originated. Buhari sent a tweet Tuesday that showed
him meeting with soldiers in the capital, Abuja.
—nigeriacamera

Ihedioha Will Win “Imo Governorship Seat” At Election Tribunal —Ahamba

Legal guru, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Mike Ahamba has
said that Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Speaker of House of
Representatives, and Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic
Party PDP, in Imo State, will retrieve his mandate as the Governor of
Imo State soon from the Tribunal.

Ahamba who spoke during the inauguration of the Tribunal in Owerri,
said that in the end either the Tribunal hands Ihedioha the Imo
Governorship mandate, or the election is nullified for a fresh
election which will usher Ihedioha into Douglas House Owerri.

The SAN who is spear-heading Ihedioha's case in the Tribunal, leading
other seven SANS, maintained that his client will get justice and be
declared winner of the Governorship election.

"Our target is to return Emeka Ihedioha to the Government House or in
the alternative, have the election nullified. We pray we don't miss
both" Ahamba said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Imo Governorship Tribunal, Justice David
Wyom has sent a warning to all parties to mind their words while
delivering their prayers in the Tribunal, as he would not entertain
foul words from any counsel.

He said that everybody coming to the Tribunal must prepare their cases
well, as the Tribunal would not have time for frivolities, because the
Tribunal has only 180 days to wrap up its sittings.

"It is pertinent to warn that this Tribunal will not tolerate any act
capable of compromising any or all its members, the staff of
secretariat or appearing to impugn its integrity". Justice Wyom said.

Even though Owelle Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Congress,
APC was declared the winner of the election by the INEC and is being
sworn-in today as the next governor of Imo State, the Ihedioha camp
still believes it is just a temporary stop-gap, as the Deputy Speaker
of House of Representatives is poised to remove Okorocha from the
coveted seat soon.
—Trumpeta

Aftermath Of Okorocha's Loss At Douglas House Polling Unit: Massive Redeployment Hits Govt House

Despite the fact that the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas
Okorocha was declared the winner of the Imo Governorship election, and
has been sworn-in for a second term, but the disappointment meted to
him by the electorate at Government House Polling Booth, Owerri, is
consuming its casualties.

Trumpeta reports that the Governor has directed the Head of Service to
do a massive redeployment of staff in Government House, Owerri.

Already, Eighteen staff have been posted out of Douglas House, to
"obscure" places as a mark of punishment for biting the fingers that
feed them.

Trumpeta was told that Governor Rochas Okorocha and his political
party, the All Progressive Congress, APC lost both the Governorship
and Presidential elections at the seat of power in Imo State to the
PDP, which rankled the Governor and his Aides to no end.

Following this shocking development, the immediate past Head of
Service Mr Ekenze is said to have posted out eighteen staff from
Government House to elsewhere.

When Trumpeta reporter visited the office of the Head of Service at
the State Secretariat, the names of the Eighteen Staff were pasted on
the notice Board

A source from the Secretariat told Trumpeta that more names will be
released next week to join the first released eighteen, as Government
House is still short-listing names of the staff who voted for PDP in
the last election.

"From all indications, more staff will be posted out from Government
House. We learnt that the new Head of Service has been directed to
compile more names, as eighteen is not enough" Trumpeta was told.

Trumpeta further reports that despite entreaties from the staff that
the Government House polling Booth is populated by electorate from
outside the Government House fell on deaf ears, as Government is bent
on weeding out the "saboteurs".

"It is true that Owelle and Buhari lost in Government House Polling
Booths. But that Polling Booth is not only for Staff of the Government
House. Some of us even registered in our villages, but we are now
suffering for what we know nothing about" one of the Staff told
Trumpeta.

This Newspaper learnt that the Government House authorities have
decided to do a parade of all Staff in Douglas House where they will
present their voters cards, to ascertain how many of them registered
in the Government House Polling Booth.

Meanwhile, some of the Staff posted out said they prefer their present
situation, as they work longer hours in the Government House without
over time and other allowances, pointing out that Imo Government House
is no more like it used to be during the Udenwa and Ohakim eras when
staff were treated like kings with their allowances and salaries paid
as at when due.
—Trumpeta

EFCC Releases Ex-Adamawa Governor, Nyako On 'Administrative Bail'

A former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, who was detained by
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday, has been
released.

Mr. Nyako was held after he turned himself in to the anti-graft agency.

Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for the EFCC said Mr. Nyako was
released on what he called "administrative bail".

Mr. Uwujaren said the former governor, who is 73, was also released
based on his age and health situation.

He said Mr. Nyako was allowed to go home at about 7p.m. but asked to
report frequently at the commission until the case is fully
investigated.

Mr. Nyako was impeached as the Adamawa State governor on July 16, 2014
and later declared wanted by the anti-graft agency alongside his son
Abdul Aziz Murtala Nyako, a retired naval officer in February.

They were both wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse
of office and money laundering.

The EFCC had alleged massive looting by top officials in Mr. Nyako's government.

This led to the arrest of key officials in the state including the
then Secretary to the State Government, the State Commissioner for
Finance, the Commissioner for Higher Education, the Accountant General
of the State and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local
Government.

The EFCC at the time said its investigation was triggered by petitions
alleging massive looting of the treasury by the governor and his
cronies through an illegal department called Special Programme and
Project Units, SPPU, which engaged in over invoicing and inflation of
contract.

At the commencement of the EFCC's investigations, Mr. Nyako left the country.

He returned on Saturday, nearly a year later.
—PremiumTimes

Buhari's Fight Against Corruption Begins: DPP Withdraws N2.45bn Fraud Charges Against Sylva

>photo: Mr. Timipre Sylva

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federal Ministry of
Justice, Mr. M.S Diri, on Monday withdrew the N2.45bn fraud charges
instituted against a former governor of ‎Bayelsa State, Mr. Timipre
Sylva.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on May 18, 2015
re-arraigned Sylva on six counts of fraud before Justice Evoh Chukwu
of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

But the EFCC, represented by its Assistant Director, Legal and
Prosecution, Mr. J.O Ojogbane, said the anti-graft agency was not part
of the decision to withdraw the charges.

Following the withdrawal of the former prosecuting counsel, Mr.
Festus Keyamo, from the case on May 25, 2015, it was handed over to
the DPP.

But instead of the DPP appearing in court on Monday for commencement
of trial‎, he issued a fiat to a private lawyer, O.J Nnadi (SAN), to
continue prosecuting the case.

Nnadi, during the Monday's proceedings tendered the freshly issued
fiat before the court and told the judge that the EFCC had instructed
him to withdraw the suit. He then urged the court to strike out the
case.

He said, "‎We are ready for trial, but following the instruction this
morning, EFCC directed that this charge be withdrawn.‎

"I received instruction from Ojogbane that this charge against the
defendant be withdrawn. We urge this court to strike out the charge."

‎But Ojogbane, who appeared together with Nnadi and other lawyers for
the prosecution, expressed surprise over the team leader's claim that
the EFCC gave the instruction for the withdrawal of the case.

The EFCC lawyer said, "I'm a little bit surprised by the submission of
the learned silk (Nnadi).

"The instruction from my own director, legal and prosecution of the
EFCC, Mr. Chime Okoroma, is for me to appear with the DPP of the
Federation‎ who he said would be coming to court this morning to
withdraw this charge on behalf of the Attorney General of the
Federation.

"When I got to the court this morning I did not see him (DPP) but I
saw the name of the learned silk on the cause list. I approached him
and he confirmed to me that he had been briefed by the office of the
AGF. He (Nnadi) told me he has the fiat of the AGF which is already
admitted as exhibit in this court.

"He (Nnadi) put a call through to the DPP Federation whom I had the
privilege of speaking with on the learned silk's phone and he told me
that the learned silk was going to withdraw the charge.

"It is not correct to say that EFCC asked him to withdraw the charge.
EFCC did not instruct me to come and withdraw the charge."

Ojogbane explained that the ‎reason given by the the DPP for
withdrawing the case was that the Sylva had similar charges pending
against him before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the same Federal High
Court in Abuja.

‎He said, "I can confirm that this charge is to be withdrawn this
morning by the office of the DPP and the reason given was that there
are two similar matters against the accused person in this court –
one before your lordship and another one beofre Justice A.R Mohammed
which has progressed more than the one before your lordship."

Sylva's lawyer, Mr. Israel Olorundare (SAN), did not oppose the
application for the withdrawal of the suit.

He urged the court to strike it out as prayed by the prosecution but
he also urged the court to order the release of his client's passport
which had been in the custody of the court since he was first
arraigned in 2012.

Olorundare also urged the court to restrain the EFCC from arresting
Sylva based on the charges that were withdrawn.

While Nnadi did not oppose the release of ‎Sylva's passport to him,
the lawyer said the court could not possibly give any order in
anticipation of his arrest.

Justice Chukwu in his ruling struck out the case as he held that the
Attorney-General of the Federation possessed the power under the
constitution to delegate his power to issue a fiat as it was done in
the case.

The judge also ordered that Sylva's passport be released to him with
the striking out of his case before the court.
—PUNCH

Nigeria First Lady Aisha Buhari Slammed For $52K (N10m) Cartier Watch Amid Husband's Vow To Crackdown On Corruption

>Photo: Chief Justice of Nigeria Mahmud Mohammed swears in Muhammadu Buhari (C) as Nigeria's president while Buhari's wife Aisha looks on at Eagle Square in Abuja, Nigeria May 29, 2015. Reuters

The Nigerian media was in an uproarthis week over a watch first lady
Aisha Buhari wore during her husband's inauguration ceremonies. She
also wore the accessory described as a Cartier Baignoire Folle
18-Carat White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch in her newly unveiled
official portrait. Nigeria media have estimated the watch costs
roughly $52,000, or more than what President Muhammadu Buhari earnsin
three months from his official salary.

The timepiece triggered outrage from some Nigerians as the newly
elected president has vowed to crackdown on government corruption,
including overpaid public officials. Buhari played up his modest
background while on the campaign trail, claiming he was a pastoral
farmer with 150 cows who could barely afford to pay for his
presidential nomination form. More than 50 percent of Nigerians live
below the international poverty line of US$1.25 per day, accordingto
the United Nations.

Some have claimed that the watch is merely a knockoff and doesn't cost
more than $129. But critics said the watch is the real deal and is
made of white gold and brilliant-cut diamonds. The official portrait
of Aisha Buhari was released hours after the inauguration last week
attended by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, among other world
leaders.

#IsThisTheChange? First Lady Aisha Buhari wore a 18-Carat White Gold
Diamond watch worth N10m http://t.co /K4bnf1Tv27 pic.twitter.com/MTf
y5SppSU
â€" Bishop Ikedi (@BishopIkedi1) June 2, 2015

Buhari defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in April by about 2
million votes, according to Nigeria's Independent National Electoral
Commission. He first ruled Nigeria after a military coup in 1983
before he was forced out of office in 1985. He is a Sunni Muslim from
Nigeria's low-income North.

Buhari's office did not reply to request for comments about the watch
on Monday, local media reported. Nigerians debated whether it was
appropriate for Aisha Buhari to wear the watch in her official
portrait on social media this week.

@TeamTalkMuzik"Nice watch our first lady Mrs Aisha Buhari you deserves
the best as Nigerians first lady..May God guide & bless ur leadership
— charles (@billronaldo2000) June 2, 2015

Buhari's Wife and Her Very Expensive Wrist Watch. she should be
moderate in all ways. If she indeed wore a N10m wrist watch as First
Lady.
— self made channels (@selfmadechanne1) June 2, 2015

SHOCKING: "Poor" Nigeria First Lady Aisha Buhari Wears US$50,000
Watch to Inauguration | Nigeria... http://t.co /4h350ZeF1N
— chidinma onyejiuwa (@chidinma1999) June 1, 2015

—International Business Times

Why Men Are Not Eager To Get Married Today

Article by Jerome (Vanguard)

Recently I came to the conclusion that a lot of our men are no longer
eager to get married. I believe they have their reasons and like most
of them say, they never have enough money for the wedding day and
maybe afterwards.

That makes me realize that we may not have prepared our men enough for
marriage, to help them understand what measure of blessings are poured
down on the man who chooses to take the bull by the horn and trust God
enough to go into this institution that has been ordained by God
himself.

I am yet to see anyone who consulted God before getting married, and
didn't pull through despite all the lessons that we learn on the way
which gives us room to grow up.

I can understand some of the reasons why men don't want to marry these
days, but the one I find strange is when I discover that some men
don't actually want to get married because they are ashamed and very
uncomfortable about the size of their penis.

One of the texts I have been bombarded with lately says "Dear sir, can
small Penis satisfy a woman with big buttocks? How many inches is
long, and what do you consider as short. You may flash me and I will
call you so you can tell me".

I later found out he has not tried to get close to anything called
marriage because he thought he will be ridiculed for the rest of his
life. What do you make of that? Meanwhile I will like to take you
through some of the reasons why some men don't get married.

1. They can get sex without marriage more easily than in time past.

A lot of men realize now that they can get sex more easily than in
times past, when women insisted in getting married before sex. I am a
man and I can tell you that a lot of women have lost it when it comes
to keeping themselves whole.

I am not so sure who is more promiscuous these days anymore, because
it seems women offer sex like no man's business this time around.
There are women now who are sleeping with about 4 men at the same time
and probably accommodate more if they can.

When women come to me to tell me how their husband was caught in
Adultery, and seek my opinion as per if they should leave him, I
always reassure them that most men who commit adultery these days,
don't go out looking for these ladies, but that the ladies seem to be
everywhere making themselves available and have removed the fun we men
use to have chasing them, since they are just there not to be chased
but to be taken and dropped.

When men realize that they can have all the sex they want without
getting married, they just don't see the point GETTING MARRIED.

2. They can enjoy the benefits of having a wife by cohabiting rather
than marrying.

I believe it must have come to your attention now that a lot men and
women are living together now without being married to each other. It
came to my own attention through my counseling sessions.

By the time I ask the lady or man where the husband or wife will be
right now, they go like "actually Jerome, I think there is one more
thing you need to know and that is we are not legally married, but are
just living together".

Now that blows my mind, because you are not legally married, you are
living together and also have a child or two, in Africa, yes in
Africa!

I know some of these starts on Campus where a lot of girls are just
not staying in their hostels, but have moved in with their boyfriends
who probably have a room at the BQ of the lecturer's Quarters on
Campus or in their rented apartment in town, and most of their school
mates consider it acceptable.

Please note that this is also happening amongst those who profess to
be religious on Campus as well. So continuing in that way of life
isn't a problem later. How do you expect these men to consider getting
married when they have found a short cut to it?

3. They want to avoid divorced and its financial risks.

The rate of divorce is on the increase and lot of financial
implication to go with it. So the guys figure out why marry if it can
cost you more than having a family and catering for them at the end.

4. They want to wait until they are older to have children.

Most men today don't express "burning desire" for children, saying
they are not ready yet. Another factor may be at play, "They know they
will have to be there equally with a wife and provide hands-on child
care."

5. They fear that marriage will require too many changes and compromise.

Most of the time you will realize that a man just wants a wife "to
look good, provide great sex, join in his recreational activities and
tell him he is wonderful, while the Women's requirements are much
broader." They want affection.

Read more at Vanguard:
t.co/vKZ2mOSnVI

Read What Buhari’s Spokesman Said About Ministerial List

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity)
to President Muhammadu Buhari has called for the understanding of the
public as the President took time to form his cabinet.

Shehu had sought the patience of the public on Monday in Abuja while
fielding questions from newsmen on the issue.

He said the president must be left alone and given sufficient time to
select members of his cabinet.

"We are calling for the understanding of Nigerians in this regard as
any attempt to rush the process could result in disservice to the
administration and the country," he said.

According to him, the 8th National Assembly must be in place to
approve nomination list from the President, adding that the life span
of the 7th Assembly still lingered.

He said: "I have no idea, absolutely no idea, but it is not something
anybody will rush because you know that the National Assembly will
have to approve the president's nominees.

"The incoming 8th National Assembly must be given the opportunity to
fully participate in the process."

On why the President is still operating outside the presidential
villa, Shehu said renovation of the presidential lodge was ongoing.

"The contractors are working probably at their own pace, if I need to
know or if you need to know why, probably we have to talk to someone
there.

"At the moment, I am not saying the president is comfortable where he
is at a rented apartment, nevertheless, he is operating from there."

According to him, the president would move into the Presidential Villa
as soon as it is ready.

In another development, Gov. Abu Bello of Niger had promised to
improve the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through
investment promotion.

Bello said this in an interview with newsmen after a closed door
meeting with the president in Abuja.

"Once the minister of Trade and Investment swings into action, we
intend to promote a lot of investment in Niger State, especially in
the agriculture sector.

"And once industries come up, I believe our IGR will improve. We know
that there are some gaps that need to be filled to block wastage and
leakages.

"We are still studying the situation and hopefully in the next few
days we will have the situation reports ready," he said.

Bello said the focus would be to create jobs for the youths by
concentrating on agriculture, education and health sectors.

"We need to train a lot of our youths in these sectors, so hopefully
once that is achieved, it will reduce the level of unemployment in the
state and the country in general."
—pmnews

Sepp Blatter To Resign As FIFA President After 17 Years In The Role

Sepp Blatter has announced that he was standing down as president of
Fifa after a week of scandal engulfed football's governing body.

Blatter, who has been president since 1998 and won a fifth term at
last week's elections, called an extraordinary congress "as soon as
possible", saying "a new president will be elected to follow me".

"I will organise extraordinary congress for a replacement for me as
president," said the 79-year-old Swiss. I will not stand. I am now
free from the constraints of an election. I will be in a position to
focus on profound reforms. For many years we have called for reforms.
But these are not sufficient.

"I have thoroughly considered and thought about my presidency and the
last 40 years in my life. These years were closely related to Fifaand
the wonderful sport of football. I appreciate and love FIFA more than
anything else.

"I only want to do the best for Fifa and my institution. I decided to
stand again as the best option for football. The elections are closed
but the challenges we face haven't come to an end.

"While I have a mandate from the membership of Fifa, I do not feel
that I have a mandate from the entire world of football – the fans,
the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football
as much as we all do at Fifa," continued Blatter in his statement.

Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary
elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as Fifa
President until that election."

Domenico Scala, chairman of the Fifa audit and compliance committee,
followed Blatter on to the stage to give details of the process for
replacing the president, and future changes to the organisation.

"As the president has stated, these reforms will include fundamental
changes to the way the organisation is structured," said Scala.

Due to existing Fifa rules on the notice periods required for
elections and for candidates to present themselves, the election may
not take place until at least December.

"While the timing will ultimately be up to the executive committee,
the timing of election is likely to be between December and March
[2016]."

Scala went on to say that Fifa will consider wide-ranging changes to
the structure of the executive committee, with further measures to
ensure greater transparency.

"These steps will ensure that the organisation cannot be used by
individuals seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of the game,"
said Scala.

Blatter's announcement comes after Fifa had admitted it paid
$10million destined for the South Africa World Cup to an account
controlled by the disgraced former vice-president Jack Warner. The
payment followed a letter from the South African FA to Fifa secretary
general Jérôme Valcke.

The Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has welcomed Blatter's
resignation, telling the BBC that it is "brilliant for world
football".

Sepp Blatter resigns as Fifa president – read full statement at TheGuardian:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/02/sepp-blatter-fifa-resignation-statement-full-text

Another Bomb Blast At Maiduguri Market Kills At Least 30

A bomb blast has occurred at a busy meat market in Maiduguri in
Nigeria's north-east, killing at least 30 people.

Channels Television's correspondent in Borno State confirmed the attack.

The bomb, said to have been concealed under a butcher's table in the
market, went off at around 1:00pm local time, killing shoppers and
travellers, a military source said.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the explosion, but the Boko
Haram terrorist is suspected to have carried out the attack.

The attack comes days after two bomb attacks killed at least 30 people
in the state.

Nigeria's new President, Muhammadu Buhari, has vowed to crush the
group which has killed thousands of people in the north-east, as they
push for the establishment of an Islamic State.

Reuters quoted a paramedic, Lawal Kawu, as saying that 31 charred
bodies had been evacuated to the teaching hospital in Maiduguri and
several other people were brought in with severe injuries.

Witnesses said they heard a loud explosion.

"It shook our school building and I had to run away. I saw military
vehicles with soldiers moving toward the area," Abubakar Mohammed, a
college student few meters away from the blast scene told Reuters.

The terrorist group has been chased out of Adamawa and Yobe States by
military troops, but they are increasing attacks in Borno State.

Wike Reopens House Of Assembly Complex In Port Harcourt

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesome Wike, on Tuesday reopened the
House of Assembly complex that had been shut down for almost two years
following crisis that engulfed the House.

The reopening of the complex in Port Harcourt, the state's capital,
brought together a crowd of men and women who staged a red carpet
reception for the governor of the state.

Although cameramen could not gain access into the complex due to the
crowd, the reopening came as a big relief for many people who gathered
at the complex to witness the occasion.

The governor told the gathering that the event was in keeping with one
of his campaign promises to ensure that lawmakers in the state would
no longer have their sitting anywhere else apart from the hallowed
chamber.

According to him, the lawmakers will not just be an appendage of
government but a functional arm of government.
—ChannelsTV

Governor Okorocha Sacks Awuzie As IMSU VC, Makes Uche Nwosu Chief Of Staff

Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha on Monday dissolved his cabinet.

Jude Ejiogu, who was the former chief of staff to the Government House
is now the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Former commissioner for lands and urban planning, Uche Nwosu, the
governor's in-law retained his position but went a little step
further, doubling as the chief of staff to the state government.

Former Senior Special Assistant to the governor on media, Sam
Onwuemeodo has been given the position of the Chief Press Secretary.

Other positions are to be announced.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University (IMSU) has
been sacked by Governor Okorocha.

Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Matters,
Adaobi Obasi has been directed to take the seat in acting capacity.
—DailyPost Nigeria

Onitsha Tanker Fire Death Toll Hits 85

Emergency workers on Monday picked 25 more dead bodies from the scene
of the Onitsha tanker fire that occurred on Sunday, thus increasing
the figure from 50 to 85.

The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra State
chapter, Prof. Peter Katchy, said this in his office in Onitsha.

He added that 29 others were still in critical conditions at various
hospitals in the state.

Katchy spoke just as the Vice Chairman of the Onitsha Newspaper
Distribution, Directors Association, Emmanuel Uwakwe, told PUNCH that
four members of the body were among the dead.

Katchy said, "The state Governor, Willie Obiano, shortly after
visiting the scene on Sunday, gave a directive to the management of
Toronto Hospital, which is not far from here, to give proper medical
attention to all the injured victims of the incident at the expense of
the government."

The Senator-elect for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Uche
Ekwunife, who was at the scene on Monday, described the incident as a
national disaster.

Ekwunife promised to propose a legislation that would put an end to
unnecessary loss of lives and property on the highways.

She said, "It is unfortunate that we continue to lose our loved ones
in such careless manner. I want to express my deepest condolence to
the families that lost their loved ones in this incident. I promise to
make legislation along with my fellow senators that would put an end
to horrible incidents on Nigerian roads."

Families search for members

Relatives of the victims besieged various hospitals in the area on
Monday in search of their members.

In Onitsha General Hospital, a medical worker, who spoke on condition
of anonymity, said those admitted to the emergency and accident unit
of the hospital had been transferred to the Chukwuemeka
Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hopsital, Awka, the state capital
.

At the hospital, the leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation
of Sovereign State of Biafra in Anambra North Local Government Area
said it had identified one Chief Donatus Nweke, the Regional
Administrator in charge of the Anambra West Local Government Area, as
one of the victims of the inferno.

The leader of MASSOB in Anambra North Zone, Mazi Chris Mocha, said the
group was trying to prevail on the hospital management to release the
remains of Nweke, 54, to them for burial.

Mocha said, "The sad news was broken to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the
MASSOB leader, who commiserated with all the family members of the
deceased. Now, we are in the hospital with Nweke's wife to take the
body home for immediate burial."

Four newspapers distributors die

Uwakwe said the newspapers distribution association lost two
distributors and two vendors.

He identified two of the victims as Ifeanyi Nzekwe and Ifeoma. He said
he did not remember the names of the other two.

He said, "We are in pains and agony. We have visited the injured ones
at the hospital where they are receiving treatment. What happened on
Sunday is a national calamity."

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, DCP
Makama, who also visited the scene, suggested that government should
always take proactive measures in forestalling future occurrences by
providing all the necessary materials in anticipation of fire
outbreaks.

The Onitsha Unit Commander of the FRSC, Anthony Metta, said his men
were still at the scene trying to handle the situation.

Buhari, Atiku mourn

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday extended his condolences to
Governor Willie Obiano and the people of the state over the tanker
fire .

Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and
Publicity, Garba Shehu, described the incident as a sad and
unfortunate.

"My deepest sympathies are with you at this most trying time," Buhari
said in the statement.

Also, a former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives
Congress, Atiku Abubakar, expressed shock and sadness over the
incident.

In a statement in Abuja on Monday, Atiku said, "I commiserate with
the government and the good people of Anambra State in whose abode
this huge loss has taken place."

Atiku advised motorists and road safety agencies on safe and
considerate driving.
—PUNCH