Medical Student Mistakes Baby"s Private Part For Umbilical Cord, Chops It Off

A baby in Mexico, was rushed to a pediatric hospital after medical students cut off his private parts, thinking they are cutting his umbilical cord, according to a complaint filed by the parents.

Scoop reports that the father of the boy, Diego Rangel Izaguirre, said that doctors tried to cover up the injury by keeping him away from the newborn for hours. Hospital staff in Saltillo, told the father that the child had a minor accident, but soon he discovered the truth. Fortunately, the boy’s private parts were successfully sewn back together, but the baby suffered three additional cuts during surgery.

The mother of the boy, Zulem Contreras, said that the boy should have been left in the care of professionals and not medical students. The couple filed an official complaint with the hospital, but officials insist that the baby is healthy and that the operation was minor. The hospital has launched an internal investigation.

PDP Chieftain, 12 Others Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Benue

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Atoza Hidan was shot
dead yesterday in Katsina Ala, Benue State.

Also shot dead around Yoyo District in the town were 12 other people
after an attack the gunmen launched on the settlement.

According to an eyewitness, Chief Hindan was shot while inspecting a
work done at his building near the Federal Low Cost Housing estate in
Katsina Ala.

He was said to have been shot dead in the presence of his police
orderly and his assistant, who were with him at the site of the
building project.

The gunmen were said to have arrived on a motorcycle and immediately
opened fire on the Second Republic lawmaker who was sitting under a
tree.

He was said to have been shot in the head by the gunmen who fled immediately.

With the killing of Chief Hindan, the number of PDP members killed by
unknown gunmen in Katsina Ala in recent times has risen to seven.

The son of the late politician and the Commissioner for Commerce and
Industry under the Gabriel Suswam administration, Terfa Hindan,
described the death of his father as shocking and unfortunate.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the
state, DSP Austin Ezeani, added that three bodies had been evacuated
from the scene of the shooting.
Ezeani, however, vowed that the culprits will be apprehended as
detectives have already commenced investigations.

—INFORMATION NIGERIA

Policeman In A Moving Patrol Vehicle Knocks Head Against Highwaybarrier, Dies

Tragedy occurred on Sallah day in Bauchi when a policeman on special duty knocked his head against a barrier meant to restrict heavy trucks from plying a road, and died.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the policeman, Corporal Solomon Paul, attached to Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, Bauchi Police Command, became unconscious and later died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH) Bauchi.
Confirming the incident, Bauchi State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Haruna Mohammed, described it as “tragic”.
“ On the 17/7/2015 at about 09:00hrs, The Bauchi State Police Command lost one F/N 499348 PC Solomon Paul, attached to Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, Bauchi.
“The incident occurred when the victim brought his head out of the roof of a moving patrol vehicle while on special duty.
“As a result, he hit the overhead barrier meant to restrict heavy trucks from plying the road, and became unconscious.
“He was rushed to ATBU Teaching Hospital, Bauchi , for treatment but was later certified dead by a medical doctor while on admission,” he said.

--Vanguard

We've Arrested Radio Biafra Operators, Confiscated Their Broadcast Equipment — NBC

They National Broadcasting Commission [NBC] on Friday said it has arrested operators of Radio Biafra, blocked the station from Nigeria’s airwaves and seized its transmission equipment in many part of Nigeria’s South-East zone.
  NBC’s Director General, Emeka Mba, said this on Friday to newsmen. 
Radio Biafra was floated by some Nigerians in the South-East of the country, who appear nostalgic of the defunct Biafra Republic, which ceased to exist at the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970.

While its backers say the radio caters for the needs of people from the region, the network is also known for propagating falsehood, dangerous propaganda and ideology of the former secessionist Republic.
  Mba added that his commission has effectively neutralised the illegal broadcast from the pirate radio station he said had shattered the peace of South-East Nigeria with unsavoury messages.   “Working with security operatives, the commission has also tracked down, neutralized and confiscated transmitter equipment from several locations in the region,” he said.

“Some suspects involved in the illicit broadcasts have also been arrested and taken to Abuja for questioning and prosecution.   “The commission has also worked with other agencies to remove the transmissions of the illegal station from the satellite, and this has put paid to the divisive and disruptive transmissions.”   "The commission appreciated the concerns expressed by Nigerians over the seditious activities of the illegal radio station and urged the people of the region to disregard the messages purveyed by it.  Earlier, the government had claimed it had successfully jammed its signals.   The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Shade Yemi-Esan, made this known Tuesday while briefing  journalists at the presidential villa after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the activities of her ministry.   She claimed the Earlier, the government had claimed it had successfully jammed its signals.  The station however denounced the claim by government, tweeting that its terrestrial transmission remained alive as well as its online radio.   “Radio Biafra is live in Biafra land: NBC woe to you and your lies: NBC lied to their master and gullib…,” the radio tweeted. 

--Premium Times

Buhari Recounts Narrow Escape From Mob At Prayer Ground

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday admitted that the heavy security cordon around him is not capable of protecting him.

He said only God can protect him from being harmed.

Photo: Crowd Meet Buhari During Sallah

President Buhari made the submission while granting audience to the Muslim community in the Federal Capital Territory that paid him the traditional Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The President recalled his experience earlier in the day when some youths, who were desperate to catch a glimpse of him at the prayer ground located on the Airport Road during the Eid-el-Fitri prayers, almost overwhelmed security operatives.

Amidst laughter from his guests, Buhari told the story of how he had to hold tight to his agbada and quickly rushed into his car.

He added that with what happened with Ronald Reagan during his time as United States President, it was clear that only God could protect leaders.

He said anybody armed with a sharp knife could have caused havoc in that kind of riotous situation.

The President said, “I thank you most sincerely for fulfilling the tradition of greetings whoever occupies this place. I thank you very much for your loyalty to the country, as represented by our institutions and to the system.

“Today, during and immediately after the prayers, I think I was bombarded by the youths, who almost overwhelmed the security, and I had to hold tight to my gown to get to my car.

“I was advised to enter the car from the ADC side and I refused. I went across trying to wave my hand to the wild youths, who wanted to see me.

“On an occasion like this, it shows that after what happened to (former) President Ronald Reagan of the USA, it is only God Almighty that protects leaders because in a mob like this, anybody with a sharp knife can get access and do a lot of damage.

“So, all the policemen that were deployed and soldiers since 6 o’clock in the morning, before I came out two hours later in the rains, cannot protect you; only God protects. I hope God will continue to protect us.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who also joined the delegation, commended the President for giving an enabling environment for people of different faiths to co-exist in the country.

This, he said, was in fulfillment of Buhari’s electoral promise that no religion would be given undue advantage over others under him.

Osinbajo assured Nigerians that they would soon be enjoying the good of the nation that would be made possible by the present administration.

“Our country is one with a great potential. We should contribute our quota to its development and in no time, we will see a great change. All of us will enjoy this nation. Even our children and grandchildren will enjoy the good of the land,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the FCT, Mr. Obinna Chukwu, urged all Nigerians to be their neighbours’ keepers and continue to work for the peace of the country.

He said he led the delegation to pledge loyalty and commitment to the President and his administration.

He later presented Sallah gifts, consisting a giant greeting car, a photo frame and a mat designed in the national colours to the President.

Top government officials, members of the National Assembly and Presidential aides, among others, were part of the delegation.

-SaharaReporters

Imo Workers May Forfeit Salary Arrears As Okorocha Advocates Full Commercialisation Of Parastatals

The harsh economic condition hitting the states will soon begin to
claim casualties with workers in government parastatals in Imo State
becoming victims.
Sinister signals that workers in parastatals in Imo State are likely
going to forfeit their salary arrears emerged after the
representatives of the state government and labour unions issued a
communiqué at the end of the meeting held on Monday 6th July, 2015 at
Government House, Owerri.
The various parastatals are owed three to seven months salary arrears
since Okorocha took over reins of power in 2011.
In the paragraph three of the agreement where the secretary to the
state Government Sir Jude Ejiogu leading the head of service,
Callistus Ekenze for government side, labour and the government
reviewed the issue of parastatals where it was agreed that June 2015
salaries alone will be paid, while the outstanding balance of the
previous months will be spread for a period of six months.
However, the later part of the agreement in the concluding part of the
paragraph added that "if, however, the economic situation continues to
be unfavourable, Government and Labour will meet to review the
matter".
Trumpeta learnt that the concluding part of the agreement which was
also endorsed by labour leaders including the NLC chairman, and
secretary, JNC chairman and secretary, TUC chairman and secretary as
well as NULGE chairman present at the meeting was an indirect means by
the state government to avoid paying the outstanding arrears owed the
workers.
This newspaper gathered that the pay to start from June was a well
designed formula the state government has employed to cancel all
outstanding salary arrears and allowances workers of parastatals are
claiming government is owing them. The review is said to be a wishful
thinking as the government is beginning on a clean state which is June
2015.
It would be recalled that workers in some parastatals like Imo Water
Corporation, IWC, IWADA, Statesman Newspapers, IBC and others are yet
to receive their salaries up to date.
Another tactics employed by the state government to forgo the payment
of arrears is the planned self-sustaining agenda of the Okorocha
government which was also reflected in the agreement with the labour.
According to the details as enshrined in the agreement, the
"parastatals should be fully commercialized to make them more
productive"
The document in Trumpeta's possession also stated that immediate
pension Audit be carried out to ascertain the actual number of
pensioners and amount payable adding that "Government and labour
therefore agreed to commence payment of pensioners by the month of
July 2015 when the audit exercise must have been completed. It was
also agreed that the outstanding pensions for the previous months will
be spread for a period of 36 months from August 1, 2015"
Interestingly, the retired permanent secretaries using their
association has not only kicked against the development but described
it as "shocking and unbelievable that the so called agreement was
reached according to the communiqué to spread the payment of owed
pension to Imo State pensioners for 36 months".
Despite earlier press conference indicating that it would be suicidal
going for another audit with empty stomachs, a statement from their
secretariat noted that the conditions are not acceptable since they
were not represented at the said meeting.
According to the release "we were not represented at the said meeting
and we do not understand the forces that led to the agreement against
the Nigerian constitution and the pensions Act. Especially as every
senior Civil Servant is expected to know that pension is the first
change on the consolidated fund of the state"
Explaining further the pensioners said "Section 210(2) of the Federal
Constitution 1999 as amended provides "Any benefit to which a person
is entitled in accordance with or under such a law as is referred to
in subsection (1) of this section shall not be withheld or altered to
his disadvantage except to such an extent as is permissible under any
law, including the code of conduct." These are the exact wordings of
section 190(2) of the 1979 constitution so every Public Officer or
labour union officer ought to be familiar with the provision.
"It is therefore amazing that such unpatriotic, illegal and
unconstutional agreement would be reach in respect to pensioners'
rights in Imo State. The agreement is therefore unacceptable to the
Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries of Imo State.
"The Imo State Government and leaders of the organized labour in Imo
State should withdraw the agreement and settle, without further
subjecting the pensioners to indignity and miserable death threat ,
the outstanding pension benefited .
The communique talks about pensioners Audit. This is very strange in
view of the fact that the pensioners were retired by Imo Government
who issued them the papers; the Government is demanding copies of.
Does a pensioner cease to be a pensioner if his papers are lost? Is it
not The Government who will replace those papers? Why is Imo
Government determined to quicken the death of Imo State pensioners by
constant harassment?
"We call on Imo Government to allow pensioners some peace and always
to pay them as and when due in accordance with the Federal Republic of
Nigeria Constitution 1999 as amended", the statement added.

-Trumpeta

10-Year-Old Girl Gives Birth After Complaining Of Stomach Ache

A 10-year-old girl has been delivered of a healthy baby in Brazil hours after she complained of stomach ache at school.

The girl, who was rushed to the hospital by teachers, turned out to be in her late stages of labour – she was seven months pregnant.

She was said to have given birth normally, and both mother and newborn are doing fine.

According to Irish Mirror, the girl told the police that her 40-year-old ex-stepfather abused her.

The girl’s mother said she had no idea her daughter was pregnant, but said she noticed that the little one started to struggle at school and became more introverted from October last year.

“The mother alleges that she, along with other family members, hadn’t noticed, taking into consideration the child’s small frame,”Police in Belo Horizonte, south-east Brazil said.

The girl said the ex-stepfather had threatened to kill her mother and brother if she attempted to make the abuse public.

The man has been charged with r*pe of a child and illegal possession of firearms.

--pulse.ng

Emeka Ike Denies Divorce Report, Claims He Knows Nothing About Divorce And Domestic Abuse Reports

Veteran and controversial Nollywood star, Emeka Ike has revealed that he knows nothing about the reports of his wife getting a divorce, and stories of him physically abusing his wife, Emma Ike.

On July 8, 2015, news hit social media that Emma Ike is currently filing divorce after years of physical abuse from her actor husband.

Speaking to E-Rave, the actor says he has no knowledge about the story. “I know nothing about what you are saying, so what do you want me to comment on“.

At the first proceeding of the court case Mrs. Ike reportedly said “It was when my husband beat me mercilessly that I believed people truly saw stars whenever they were unconscious. It was my brother who took me to the hospital where I spent two months. There was also a day I was feeding our last child with tea, my husband, out of anger took the tea and poured it on my head.”

This is not the first time a story of Emeka Ike assaulting his wife has come up.

In 2014, Emeka Ike reportedly separated from his wife over domestic violence reports.

--INFORMATION NIGERIA

Rochas Okorocha’s Son Graduates From A US University

Imo state Governorm, Rochas Okorocha's son, Ahamefula Okorocha
graduated from the University of Manchester with a first class in
mechanical engineering.

The Governor and his wife Nneoma Theresa Okorocha were in Manchester
where they attended the graduation.

--GistReel

50 Die In Bomb Explosions In Damaturu – Army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of 50 persons in two
separate bomb explosions in Damaturu, Yobe, on Friday morning.

A statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Acting-Director of Army
Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said that the explosions occurred
at screening areas of the Eid prayer ground.

According him, many other persons are injured in the explosions
suspected to have been masterminded by insurgents.

"This is to confirm that there were two suicide bomb explosions today
at about 7:40 a.m. in Damaturu, Yobe, in which two female suicide
bombers — one elderly woman and a ten year-old girl –detonated the
devices.

"It occurred at screening areas for intending Muslim worshippers at
Layin Gwange, Damaturu and at Phase1, in front of former state
secretariat, Damaturu,'' he said.

He said that 43 persons died in the first explosion while seven people
died in the second explosion.

The spokesman however assured the public that the relevant authorities
had brought the situation under control.

He reiterated that no amount of terrorist act would deter the Nigerian
Army's resolve to stamp out terrorism and insurgency.

Usman said both Gov. Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe and the Chief of Army
Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had called on the residents of the
area to stay calm and be security conscious.

—NAN

Full Text: Eid-El-Fitr Message To The Nation From President Muhammadu Buhari

EID-EL-FITR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR,
PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
NIGERIA, JULY 16, 2015

Fellow Compatriots,

I greet and felicitate with you all, especially our citizens of the
Islamic faith on this auspicious occasion of the 2015 Eid-el-Fitr
celebrations.

I congratulate all those who have successfully completed the Ramadan
fast in keeping with the injunction of our Creator.

Although we have come to the end of this year's month of Ramadan, I
believe that a greater acceptance by Nigerians of its key lessons of
self-denial and sacrifice will serve our dear country well as we
strive to overcome our present challenges, undo the damage done by
years of bad governance and accelerate the pace of national
development.

Reviewing our dire circumstances and the many missed opportunities of
the past, some commentators and observers have said that this is
Nigeria's last chance to get its act together and finally begin to
fulfill its God-given potential for greatness.

While not going that far, I certainly believe that now, more than ever
before, our country needs greater self-denial, sacrifice and
patriotism from all of its citizens, if we are to quickly recover from
our numerous problems and start moving in a positive direction.

This current period of our life as a nation offers us a great
opportunity to break from the vicious triangle of insecurity,
corruption and under-development. We must collectively resolve to
seize this opportunity and unite to confront our problems.

I remain wholly committed to giving the required leadership towards
undoing the wrongs of the past, ensuring that Nigeria truly begins to
unlock its great potential and that the benefits of our immense
national resources are shared and enjoyed by all, not just by
successive cabals of corrupt leaders and their cronies.

I was very aware of your high expectations when I assumed office and I
reassure you, my fellow citizens, that since my inauguration on the
29th of May this year, I have been working with utmost dedication to
meticulously plan and tackle the many national challenges which we
identified and promised to resolve.

To succeed however, I need your continued support, understanding and patience.

I fully understand and share the thirst of my long-suffering
compatriots for corruption-free government institutions that work
efficiently to deliver visible development for the benefit of all
citizens.

I also share the feelings of those who think that we should be moving
faster. But I urge them and all Nigerians to trust that my commitment
to real and positive change in our nation is as firm as ever.

There is indeed much work to be done, but we must do it well and
carefully to ensure that the great opportunity which we now have is
not lost to the "business as usual" group who selfishly or
shortsightedly prefer a status quo that panders to their personal or
group interests.

The adverse effects of years of rot, corruption, inept and bad
governance on our nation are immense, but certainly not insurmountable
if we all resolve now to place the well-being of our nation above all
other considerations and work whole-heartedly with the present
administration to achieve greater peace and security across the
nation, and reposition our country for faster economic development and
progress.

May Almighty Allah continue to guide us and bless our dear nation.

I wish you all happy Eid-el- Fitr celebrations.

Muhammadu Buhari
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Sunday Oliseh Unveiled As Super Eagles’ Coach

Former super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh and his foreign counterpart, Jean Francois Losciuto arrived the National Stadium in Abuja few hours ago where they were unveiled today July 15 as the new Super Eagles coach and assistant coach.

They signed a 3-year contract as the new head coach of Nigeria’s National Team, Super Eagles.

The NFF president Amaju Pinnick said, “We have just signed the Pep Guardiola of Africa. And I believe he will succeed”.

I'm Yet To Receive Divorce Notice From My Wife -- Emeka Ike

Contrary to rumour making the rounds that Emeka Ike’s wife, Emma has filed for divorce after 13 years of living with the actor, the former has refuted the claims, insisting that his marriage is intact.

The actor also denied being a wife beater. The buzz last week was that Emeka Ike’s wife had filed for divorce and that the case will be coming up on the 22nd  July.
In a chat with Vanguard, the actor described the rumour as unfounded, blaming it on those who are envious of his marriage.
According to him, “As I’m talking to you now, I have not received any divorce notice. There is nothing like that happened. I have not received any letter from anybody. I am a Christian, we don’t divorce.”
--Vanguard

Cashless Policy: Banks Start Penalizing Customers Who Withdraw “Excess” Cash. See How Much Is Too Much

Deposit money banks in the country have commenced implementation of charges on cash withdrawal in excess of the stated limit.

This is following the end of the suspension of charges on withdrawals for both individual and corporate account holders in 30 states of the federation till July 1, 2015.

The Central Bank of Nigeria had in June 2014 explained that the waiver was to give banks time to deploy adequate infrastructure needed to support the and sensitisation of bank customers on the importance of the policy.

Consequently, messages have been flying from the banks reminding their customers of the nationwide implementation of charges on excess withdraws.

A statement from Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) to it numerous customers reads (We refer to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy, and the previous communication deferring charges on cash withdrawals above the daily limits, in 30 states of Nigeria till July 1, 2015.

Please be informed that the following modalities which are currently operational in Lagos, Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Abia, Anambra, Kano, Ogun and Rivers States will now be effective nationwide, including the previously exempted 30 states of Nigeria”.

Cashless-Nigeria

The bank explained that for individual account holders, charges will apply when daily cumulative withdrawals and deposits are in excess of N500,000. For corporate account holders, charges will apply when daily cumulative withdrawals are in excess of N3,000,000

The Cashless policy applies to all accounts including Collection accounts that all sub-accounts linked to the same account holder would be treated as one account for both corporate and individual accounts.

“Kindly note that the above limits apply so far as it involves cash, irrespective of channel i.e. over the counter, ATM, 3rd party cheques cashed over the counter etc. For example, if an individual withdraws N450,000 over the counter, and N150,000 from the ATM on the same day, the total amount withdrawn by the customer is N600,000, and the service charge will apply on N100,000 – the amount above the daily free limit of N500,000″

Exemptions have however been granted on lodgments and withdrawals for accounts operated by Embassies, Diplomatic Missions, Multilateral Agencies, Aid Donor Agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (revenue collections only), Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs).

--Business Day

We’ll Compel Nigeria To Accept Gay Marriage – US

As President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to meet with his United States counterpart, Barack Obama, in the White House next Monday, the US government is expected to make another case asking the Nigerian government to repeal its law against same-sex unions.

Making this known Monday, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that the US would continue to pressure Nigeria until it legalises same-s*x marriage.

According to the Nigerian Pilot, Thomas-Greenfield revealed America’s plans yesterday during a live-web chat with journalists in Washington DC.

US recently legalised gay marriage, a development, which sparked off mixed reactions across the globe.
Thomas-Greenfield, who said the US had adopted the protection of the rights of same-s*x people as part of its foreign policies, vowed that Washington would continue to mount and sustain pressure on Nigeria and other countries to reverse their laws against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) community.

She said: “As a government, it is one of the highest priorities and strongest values that discrimination against anyone based on their s*xual orientation and gender identity is wrong. We believe human rights should be available to everybody.
“As a policy, we will continue to press the government of Nigeria, as well as other governments which have provided legislation that discriminate against the LGBT community.”

Thomas-Greenfield, who did not agree that pressuring Nigeria to reverse the anti-gay law amounted to interference, said Nigeria and Uganda have the hardest legislation on the gay community.

She said: “This is very much a work in progress, but I think you will agree with me that the law in Nigeria really went far in discriminating against this community but also people who associate with them. So, we will continue to press the government, to press the legislature to change these laws and provide human rights for all Nigerian people regardless of their s*xual orientation.”
Thomas-Greenfield was optimistic that the US would win the fight to protect the LGBT community.

She continued: “With what is happening in the US, you can determine how far we are willing to go. We strongly believe human rights for all people and we are particularly opposed to legislation that actually targets the gay community for discrimination.
“So we are prepared to push this as a policy, not just in Africa but across the world.”

--This Day

Stan Dara's Petition Crashes At Election Tribunal As Judgement Favours Alagbaso

The first casualty to be in the ongoing election petition tribunal going on in Owerri is the rejection of a petition filed against the victory of Chief Gerry Alagbaoso in the March 28,2015 national Assembly Election , by Stan Dara.
Ruling on the matter which came to an end yesterday, the election tribunal noted that based on technical flaws, Dara’s petition lacked merit before it was struck out.
The petition was struck out on two grounds, which include the inability of the petitioner to list the score of candidates that contested for the federal house of assembly seat in his federal constituency.
It was also ruled by the tribunal panel that the pre-trial notice was filed out of time by the petitioner.
Dara of the APC ran for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru east federal constituency which he lost to Alagbaso forcing him to approach the tribunal for redress
However, Dara was stunned when his petition was thrown out allowing Alagbaso the PDP candidate continue functioning as member representing the area.

Yet, Another Building Collapses In Lagos

Barely a week after a building collapsed in Yaba, Lagos, another three-storey building on Wednesday collapsed in Ebute Meta.

About half of the building located at on No. 29 Oloto Street, collapsed on the right side leaving the other half hanging dangerously over adjoining buildings. The building has not been occupied since 2012 after a portion at the back collapsed forcing residents in front apartments to vacate.

A source observed that rescue workers from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) were at the scene working.

The officials were using sledge hammers to demolish the building from the point of the partial collapse.

Some residents of the area expressed the fear that if the demolition was not properly carried out, it might endanger other buildings in the area.

Mr Folami Goriola, a tenant in one of the buildings on the street appealed to the state government to ensure a controlled demolition to safeguard other buildings.

Goriola said that the occupants of No. 27 Oloto Str. where he resides had been given notice to run an integrity test a second time.

He noted that the test would ensure stability of their building which was adjacent to the remaining portion of the collapsed building.

“We are nursing the fear that the wrecks may fall over our building,’’ he said.

An eye witness who pleaded anonymity, said that the building collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday.

“The collapse happened at exactly at 5.28 a.m. precisely and I called the police emergency number and they responded immediately,’’ he said.

He explained that the building had been marked for demolition since 2012 and that the occupants had made efforts to ensure it was pulled down without success.

He lamented that the building was a hideout for social miscreants and refuse dump posing danger to the people’s health.

Another resident, Mr Rotimi Azeez, said that the back portion of the building had killed about 10 persons when it collapsed in 2012, leading to its being marked for demolition.

“The demolition was delayed till it collapsed after 5 a.m. in the morning today,’’ he said.

Efforts to get the reaction of LASBCA on the issue failed as an official said that they were not allowed to speak to the press.

Reverend Father Abducted In Imo

A Reverend Father, Francis Ugoo Egbebu, the parish priest of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Umuola, Amaigbo, Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State, has been kidnapped.

According to the report, it was not clear where the priest was abducted, but it was gathered that the kidnappers had contacted close relations of the priest and demanded N5 million as ransom.

Father Egbebu, who is the first vicar of the parish, resumed duties on November 2014 when the parish was created and inaugurated by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma.

Confirming the kidnap to journalists, the parish council chairman, Mr. Adolphus Ogbonna, said: “We have heard the news of the kidnap of our parish priest. Some people said he was kidnapped around Owerri, while others said he was kidnapped in our community.”

When contacted, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Enwerem, said he was not aware of the kidnap, but assured that he would give details when he was fully briefed.

Radio Biafra Group Claims It Is Still Live On Air, Calls Buhari A Paedophile

Radio Biafra has debunked claims by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), that it has shut-down the signals of the rogue radio station.

You will recall that Dr Yemi Folasade-Esan, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information, to spoke to newsmen saying “We also gave a report on (Radio Biafra) that because right now the signals from Radio Biafra have been jammed. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has successfully jammed that.”

Well, Radio Biafra via their Twitter handle, said it is not true.

Also, a statement released on their official website, thebiafraherald reads: “NBC lied to their master and gullible baboons and monkeys are jumping up and down. Radio Biafra is live in BiafraLand. They cannot even ban our local station, do they even know we also transmit via satellite and online as well? Have you seen why we call Nigerians baboons and monkeys, it’s because they are incapable of reasoning. No one baboon even the so-called terrorist in chief Buhari, were able to ask NBC which platform they jammed. Nigerians stupidity is appalling.”

Also, on their website they showed a video that referred to President Muhammadu Buhari a paedophile.
--Pulse

Imo Pensioners Give Government Ultimatum To Pay Arrears

Pensioners in Imo State under the aegis of National Union of Pensioners (NUP) Imo State Chapter, has given the Imo State government a 14-day notice to pay up their six months pension arrears.

The Imo State Chairman of the NUP, Mr Gideon Ezeji, gave the ultimatum on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Union in Owerri, the capital of  Imo State in south-east Nigeria.

Ezeji described the new plan by the State government to start new verification of pension payment as unrealistic and a delay tactics to defer their payment.

He noted that apart from the civil pensioners in the state, the Imo State Government should commence speedy payment of 18 months pension arrears of retired primary school teachers, who had sacrificed greater part of their youthful age to impart knowledge on the populace.

The Union further appealed to the State Government to immediately pay pensioners in the state from the Federal Government Intervention Fund made available by President Muhammadu Buhari, as a respect for the senior citizens.

In another development, the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Jude Ejiogu, had appealed to pensioners in the state to be patient with the government, as their plight remained utmost in the mind of the State government.

He also explained that the verification process was part of measures to check ghost pensioners, which had become a major issue in the payment of pensioners.
--ChannelsTV

50 Traditional Rulers Accuse Okorocha Of Not Paying Their Monthly Stipends

The 50 traditional rulers who have issues with Governor Rochas Okorocha, are in for fresh trouble as they have been denied their monthly stipends.
According to one of the traditional rulers, Eze Donald Nnabue, “this latest action is a pointer to what would have befallen us if we had appeared before the illegal panel set up by Eze Sam Ohiri”.
While saying that the 40 monarchs who dragged Governor Rochas Okorocha to court, have vowed to pursue their case to a logical conclusion, despite the palpable intimidation they are facing, the royal father however reasoned that the defendants had already made their conclusions on what to do with them before inviting them to the panel.
When pressed further to prove his allegation of non-payment of their stipends, Eze Nnabue said that on Friday last week, they received a text message which read: “please come on Monday for your April and May cheques at the Parliament but on getting there, the cashier told us that they had instruction not to pay us”.
The monarchs accused Eze Ohiri of ensuring that this punitive action against them are carried out to the letter but restated that they will not be deterred.
“This is a fight between justice and rule of law against injustice and impunity. We remain unshaken”, the royal father said.
Feelers emanating from government circles maintained that the punishment for the traditional rulers have been categorized.
It was gathered that the royal fathers who appeared before the Panel will have their six months allowances seized, while the 40 monarchs that went to court will not be paid for one year.
Similarly, the four first class traditional rulers that were earlier suspended by government would not be paid for two years.
Vanguard recalls that this development was playing out despite a restraining order by an Owerri High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Ngozi Ukoha.
The court had on June 23, 2015, ordered Governor Okorocha, Eze Samuel Ohiri and eight other defendants, to respect the pendency of the suit before the Court by refraining from doing anything punitive against the 40 monarchs.
The Court also reiterated this order on July 8, 2015 when the matter also came up for hearing.

--Vanguard

Why Nnamdi Kanu’s Biafra Project Must Be Stopped -- Joe Igbokwe

Ever since former President Jonathan lost the presidential elections on March 28, 2015, which some of us knew he could never win based on the facts that we had access to and the statistics available, a majority of Igbo people have been unhappy and angry.

They have been cursing and abusing the president and APC leaders, wishing that President Buhari never existed and APC was never formed. Many of them have been so frustrated after the elections that they are now looking for ways to get back to the APC-controlled federal government.
Now, one Nnamdi Kanu who has been dreaming about the State of Biafra has provided a space for them to vent their anger. Some of them have joined this small boy to begin to wish for the State of Biafra. Suddenly the so-called Radio Biafra has created a momentum for them. On Facebook, I have watched with keen interest what these guys dish out on daily basis in the name of fighting for Biafra. They tell blatant lies; they create havoc; they make terrible noise; they abuse other Nigerians; and they preach unimaginable propaganda and hate that, at once, puts Igboland in potential danger. I have been waiting for the South-East Governors to speak up but they have maintained a deafening silence that suggests complicity. I have also waited for our elders to call this small boy to order but nothing has happened.

Last week, I saw the photo of a group of people who gave the impression that they are receiving military training somewhere in Igboland. This afternoon, I saw another photograph on Facebook, with some youths bearing guns and Nnamdi Kanu standing with them. I may not know where these pictures are coming from and what they are planning to do, but this is the time to speak out and I urge anybody who is somebody, and who understands where we are coming from to stand up now to be counted. Woe betides a nation whose leaders are children. If we elders do not speak against this evil, posterity will never forgive us. Let us speak out and if these children do not hear us, then it should be on record that we spoke.

With the so-called Radio Biafra, this boy, whose age I do not know, has unleashed an unimaginable trailer-load of lies and potentially dangerous propaganda that has put the Igbo nation in danger. It is now 45 years after the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War and I think that Igbos must rise up to stop this small boy who never saw the 1967-1970 Civil War and who may not know the implications of what he is doing. He has never consulted anybody to seek their opinion. He has been speaking to the gullible and not too educated people in Igboland, and very soon these uneducated people will take a dangerous decision that may decimate and destroy Igboland. Soon our people will start complaining that they were not consulted. To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed.

Can someone tell Nnamdi Kanu that wars may be fought for 50 years, and should people die in order to achieve Biafra? The war may even consume Nnamdi and all the members of his family and millions of others without achieving its purpose. We have been so inter-married, interwoven, intertwined, inter-related that the idea of separation should not be encouraged.

Last week, I saw the photo of a group of people who gave the impression that they are receiving military training somewhere in Igboland. This afternoon, I saw another photograph on Facebook, with some youths bearing guns and Nnamdi Kanu standing with them. I may not know where these pictures are coming from and what they are planning to do, but this is the time to speak out and I urge anybody who is somebody, and who understands where we are coming from to stand up now to be counted. Woe betides a nation whose leaders are children. If we elders do not speak against this evil, posterity will never forgive us. Let us speak out and if these children do not hear us, then it should be on record that we spoke. About a month ago, the barrage of lies and uncontrolled propaganda Radio Biafra dished out everyday

About a month ago, the barrage of lies and uncontrolled propaganda Radio Biafra dished out everyday drew the attention of the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), which asked Nigerians to stop listening to this useless radio station.

Now here are compelling reasons why the Igbo must remain in Nigeria in their own interest:

(1) The Igbo fought a war of self-determination between 1967 and 1970 and lost about one million people. This should be taken as a huge price for the unity of this country. Having paid this monumental supreme price, I think Igbo should work for the unity of this country on the basis of social justice, equity and fair play;

(2) Nigeria has three major ethnic groups: Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo. The Hausa/Fulani Empire has Hausa people stretching all through the Sahel to the Sudan. They are mostly muslims and they have contacts with the Arab world. The Yoruba nation has Togo, Benin Republic, and Sierra Leone, even up to Brazil and Cuba to run to where their kinsmen are. The Igbo nation has no other place in the world where the Igbo language is spoken. Therefore the people must see Nigeria as where they belong and work for its survival;

(3) Nigeria provides a big space for Igbo to spread their tentacles, explore, excel and blossom. The South-East is too small for this highly mobile and dynamic people to thrive;

(4) The world pays attention to Nigeria today because of our size and population. If Nigeria splits into smaller countries the world will pack their bag and baggage and leave. Population and size make a nation a destination;

(5) Assuming we manage to get a State of Biafra, which state in the South-East will produce its first President? When Enugu State was created, the late governor C.C Onoh sacked all the civil servants and teachers from Anambra State. Recently, former governor Orji of Abia State sacked workers from Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States. Now, how can we manage Biafra with this attitude?

(6) The Igbo control 60 to 70 percent of all the imports in Nigeria, and other Nigerians, Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani, Ijaw, Efik, Birom, Tiv, Idoma etc. provide the huge market for Igbo’s mobile and big time traders;

(7) Monumental inter-marriages between Igbos and Yorubas and other ethnic groups have thrived for close to 70 years now, and we cannot just dismiss all these with a wave of the hand;

(8) Igbos own huge and massive investments in property in Lagos and Abuja, and other state capitals in Nigeria. Now are you going to wish all these away?;

(9) Other Nigerian cities have provided safe haven for Igbos, as places to run to cool off whenever self-inflicted crisis arise or other problems. When kidnapping became a way of life in the South-East, our people moved to other parts of Nigeria to settle. Now, where will the Igbo go when confronted with these problems in Biafra?;

(10) How can Igbos thrive without their Lagos and Abuja or Port-Harcourt? What happens to all their connections and relationships in these places?

Can someone tell Nnamdi Kanu that wars may be fought for 50 years, and should people die in order to achieve Biafra? The war may even consume Nnamdi and all the members of his family and millions of others without achieving its purpose. We have been so inter-married, interwoven, intertwined, inter-related that the idea of separation should not be encouraged. I do not want to lose my friends from the other parts of Nigeria for anything.

When a writer is silent he is lying. A story that must be told never forgives silence. The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in any society is for good men to do nothing.

I can go on, and on, but there is no need to continue to do so. We must be strong enough to stop this world’s old problem of looking down on people who are different from us. This is a problem with Nigeria. Nigeria’s diversity is a big plus for all of us to excel. United we stand, divided we fall. I confess that Igbos have not played better politics in Nigeria since 1970 and that has been our bane. Anytime we want to change bad leadership in the country, Igbos as a block would resist this. It happened in 1993 and we lost everything. In 2015, Igbos were at it again, but the forces of history prevailed. Igbos can do better than this.

If the truth must prevail, Nigeria has not been fair to Igbos since the end of civil war. They tell us that there is no victor and no vanquished but in actions and deeds the victors are still celebrating and enjoying the spoils of the war, while the defeated are still languishing in abject neglect.

Now we must collectively stop this small boy called Nnamdi Kanu who is still sucking his mother’s breast before he endangers the whole of Igboland and plunges us into a civil war once again. When a writer is silent he is lying. A story that must be told never forgives silence. The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in any society is for good men to do nothing.

We have found solace in all these because we have found out that those who are still oppressing the Igbos in Nigeria are not better. We also take solace in the findings of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council that all acts of indignity against human persons, against human society debase the perpetrators more than the victims. It is not that the offended cannot forgive but have the offenders repented?

However, I want Nigerian leaders to show leadership by carrying all Nigerians along in distributing power and resources. If there is no justice, there will be no peace. If there is no peace there will be no progress. Let justice prevail. Let us be fair to all concerned. If the truth must prevail, Nigeria has not been fair to Igbos since the end of civil war. They tell us that there is no victor and no vanquished but in actions and deeds the victors are still celebrating and enjoying the spoils of the war, while the defeated are still languishing in abject neglect. For instance, of all the six zones in Nigeria, only the South-East zone has five states.

President Buhari must address this injustice.

We have found solace in all these because we have found out that those who are still oppressing the Igbos in Nigeria are not better. We also take solace in the findings of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council that all acts of indignity against human persons, against human society debase the perpetrators more than the victims. It is not that the offended cannot forgive but have the offenders repented? This injustice must stop now for the sake of unity of this country. I wrote Igbos: 25 Years After Biafra in 1995 thinking that the book would prick the conscience of other Nigerians but they have not paid any attention to it. It has been business as usual. Now, President Buhari must address this injustice. Case rested!

Nigeria Jams Radio Biafra Signals

National Broadcasting Commission, NBC has successfully jammed signals
from Radio Biafra, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information,
Dr. Shade Yemi-Esan has said.

This is as President Mohammadu Buhari has ordered the reopening of
federal information centers abroad to boost the Nigeria's image
abroad.

The president also frowned at the conditions of Journalists and other
media practitioners whose salaries are being delayed or outrightly not
paid.

The development was the outcome of a meeting between officials of the
Ministry of Information and president Buhari who took briefing from
them on the activities of the ministry.

According to Esan who briefed Journalists after the the meeting,
president Buhari also directed that producers of Nollywood movies
should be made to have uninhibited access to what is due to them to
ease their work, charging the Ministry to reduce the menace of piracy.

She said "The Federal Ministry of Information went to tell Mr
President what we have been doing. The major activities in the
ministry which are geared towards publicity of government programmes
and how we get the feed back from Nigerians which influences policy
decisions.

"We also talked to him about the nine parastatal that are under the
ministry, the work they are doing and some of the challenges they
face.

"We are happy with the response we got and the concerns of Mr
President on the work we are doing, especially the publicity aspect.
He wants us to intensify publicity because he wants every Nigerian to
know about the policies and programmes of this government.

"He also raised concerns about piracy in Nollywood and he has
instructed us to work harder to ensure that the producers of Nollywood
films get what is due to them and that we reduce piracy to the barest
minimum.

On Radio Biafra, she said "We also have a report on that. Right now
the signals from radio Biafra have been jammed successfully by the
NBC.

The commission is also working with security agencies to get those
that are behind that radio because it is an illegal radio. It is not
licensed by anybody to be on the airwave in Nigeria."

—Vanguard

President Buhari Appoints New Service Chiefs, Meet Them

President Muhammadu Buhari approves the appointments of new service
chiefs and National Security Adviser for the country.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the
President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, following the
sacking of the former occupants of the offices earlier today.

The new appointments, according to the statement are:

1. Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff

2. Maj.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai – Chief of Army Staff

3. Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff

4. Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff

5. Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan – Chief of Defence Intelligence

6. Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.) – National Security Adviser

The new Chief of Defence Staff, Olonishakin (N/6901) hails from Ekiti State.

Until his new appointment, he was the Head of the Nigerian Army
Training and Doctrine Command in Minna, Niger State.

The new Chief of Army Staff, Buratai hails from Borno State.

He was, until his new appointment, the Commander of the Multinational
Joint Task Force which has its headquarters in Ndjamena.
He has previously served as Commander of the Nigerian Army's 2nd
Brigade in Port Harcourt and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of
Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The new Chief of Naval Staff, Ibas (NN/0746) hails from Cross River State.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 26th
Regular Course in 1979 and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in
1983.

His previous appointments include Naval Provost Marshal, Chief Staff
Officer, Naval Training Command, Chief of Administration, Naval
Headquarters, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Chief
of Logistics, Naval Headquarters. Until his appointment as Chief of
Naval Staff, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Navy Holdings
Limited.

The new Chief of Air Staff, Abubakar (NAF/1433) hails from Bauchi State.

His previous appointments include Chief of Standards and Evaluation,
NAF Headquarters; Chief of Defence Communications and Air Officer
Commanding, NAF Training Command. Until his new appointment today as
Chief of Air Staff, he was the Chief of Administration, NAF
Headquarters.

Adesina said the new service chiefs will hold their appointments in an
acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate.

The spokes person said the President thanks the outgoing Service
Chiefs and National Security Adviser for their services to the nation
and wished them well in their future endeavours.

--NTA

Buhari Sacks Security Service

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday relieved the nation's service
chiefs of their appointments.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi
Adesina, said this while speaking to State House correspondents on
Monday.

Adesina, who did not give more details, added that the Presidency was
preparing a statement on the sacking, which would be made available to
newsmen.

Their replacements had neither been named as of the time of writing this report.

There has been an escalation in terror attacks by Boko Haram militants
in the country in recent times, leading to the killing of more than
500 people in less than four weeks.

Details later.
--PUNCH

Buhari Sacks Bianca Ojukwu, Ojo Maduekwe, Other Ambassadors

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked all ambassadors appointed by
former President Goodluck Jonathan.

They were recalled home Friday night by Buhari after three years of
service abroad.

Topping the list of the disengaged envoys are a former Foreign Affairs
Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe (Canada); Chairman of the Jonathan
Presidential Campaign Organisation in the 2011 election, Dr. Dalhatu
Tafida (UK); Professor Ade Adefuye (USA); widow of the late Ikemba
Nnewi, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Bianca (Spain); and former deputy
governor of Oyo State, Mr. Taofeek Arapaja (Jordan).

Others include, a former aviation minister, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze
(Switzerland); ex-General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority
(NTA), Ibadan, Mr. Yemi Farounbi (Philippines); a one-time
governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Mr. Olatokunbo Kamson (Jamaica);
a PDP front liner in Ondo State, Mr. Cornelius Oluwateru (UAE); Alhaji
Abubakar Shehu Bunu (Saudi Arabia); a former Commissioner for Justice
and Attorney General in Benue State, Mr. Chive Kaave (Argentina); a
former financial secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Tukur Mani (Iran); and
former permanent secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration,
FCTA Biodun Nathaniel Olorunfemi (Namibia).

Also on the list are: Chief Asam Asam (SAN), (Russia); Mr. Okwudili
Nwosu (Burundi); Mr. Okeke Chukwuemeka (Vatican); Mr. Eric Aworahbi
(Italy); Dauda Danladi (Pakistan); and Mrs. Katherine Okon (Czeck
Republic); Mr. Nwofe Alexander; Princess Victoria Bosede Onipede
(Republic of Congo); Senator Haruna Garba (Kuwait); Mrs. Nonye
Rajis-Okpara (Singapore); Chief Eddy Onuoha (Hungary); Mr. Adamu
Babangida Ibrahim (Syria); Dr. Sam Jimba (Poland)

They were among the 93 envoys posted out in June 2012.

Nation reports that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, had communicated the President's directive to the affected
ambassadors.

They were told to hand over to the highest ranking officer in their
various locations.

According to a source: "the President has issued a directive to the
Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recall all the
political appointees currently serving as ambassadors in all parts of
the world. It doesn't matter whether they have just few months to the
end of their tenure.

"I am sure the envoy in Saudi Arabia is already on his way and quite
many others should be reporting to the ministry by Monday. I really
don't have a comprehensive list of the number of people that are
affected but they were posted in different continents mostly in key
European, Asian and American countries," the source said.
—DailyPost

Jonathan Returns To Nigeria From UK After A Month Vacation

According to NTA news reports, former President Goodluck Jonathan has
returned home after a short vacation in the U.S. and the UK. His close
aides confirmed this.

DSS Transfers Marilyn Ogar To Maiduguri

The changes at the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria's
secret police, entered another phase during the week, with new
postings and a series of reversals.
DSS spokesperson, ‎Marilyn Ogar, who was until recently, DSS deputy
director, public relations, was transferred to Maiduguri, Borno State.

The posting has however been put on hold, following insinuations that
it was "punitive."
Ogar, as spokesperson, was responsible for defending the activities of
the agency in the media and she is believed to be paying for some of
her pronouncements, notably in the face-off with the Bring Back Our
Girls movement and the DSS raids on the Lagos office of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) last year.

She has already lost her promotion, following the nullification of the
recent exercise.

"Right now, she is just hanging around in Abuja, awaiting the next
order," a source at the agency told an online platform, the Cable.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently appointed Lawal Musa Daura as the
acting DSS director-general, following the resignation of Ita
Ekpenyong, who was reportedly asked to go because of the alleged
"partisanship" of the agency under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Also, about 45 new state directors who were promoted under Jonathan,
have lost their new ranks as their promotions have been reversed.
Buhari refused to swear them in last Thursday, an indication that the
promotion exercise had been annulled. Daura has also ordered the sack
of fresh graduates who were recently employed after an eight-month
training.

Daura, it was learnt, has been mandated to probe the tenure of his
predecessor. An official from the office of the secretary to the
government of the federation (SGF) has been pencilled down to do the
job.

The official, from Katsina state, is expected to be appointed as the
new director of finance, taking over from an operative from Plateau
State, who was only appointed recently.

"Daura's mandate is to probe Ekpenyong, but it is not looking bright
because some of the allegations being examined are difficult to prove.
It has now been established that the raids on the APC office in Lagos
were based on a tip-off by an APC member. This has complicated
matters," the source added.

The DSS had raided the office on the allegation that the voters'
biometric cards were being illegally produced there, a move that
generated public outrage. The agency did not charge any suspect to
court.

Some top DSS operatives, meanwhile, are beginning to question the
capacity of the new DG to pilot the affairs of the agency.The
reorganisation exercise is expected to continue as new governments
usually fill strategic positions at the agency with loyalists.

—

Buhari Refuses To Meet With Saraki

President Muhammadu Buhari has resisted fresh moves by the Senate
President, Senator Bukola Saraki, to formally meet with him.An
official in the Presidency who confided in one of PUNCH correspondents
on Saturday said the President and the Senate President had only met
once since the latter's emergence as the
leader of the senate.

The official said all efforts by Saraki to have another meeting with
the president, after the party's National Executive Council meeting
penultimate Friday, were rebuffed by Buhari.

The reliable source said the president of the Senate had at different
times reached out to people to help him persuade Buhari to grant him
audience.

Saraki had defied the All Progressives Congress to contest for the
position of the senate president on June and emerged victorious after
a controversial election that excluded a sizeable number of senators.
The APC had endorsed Senator Ahmed Lawan as its candidate for the
senate presidency.

The government official who spoke to PUNCH said, "The truth is that
the President is still displeased with what transpired in the National
Assembly, especially the Senate.

"Their encounter during the APC National Executive Council meeting,
when they shook hands, was the first meeting between President Buhari
and Saraki since he emerged as the President of the Senate.

"We are aware that Saraki has been going about begging people to
assist him to plead with the President to meet with him. That was one
of the reasons why he visited former President Obasanjo.

"I can tell you that the President is very pained by what happened. He
felt that since he had been transparent with the party, everybody
should play that way. But since Saraki took that path, the President
was and he is still pained. Let us just hope that at the end of it
all, they will be able to put the matter behind them."

Also speaking to PUNCH, a highly placed party official, who spoke on
condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, told
one of our correspondents that the handshake between the President and
Saraki during the recent NEC meeting of the APC "was for journalists."

He stated, "President Buhari is still upset because of what happened.
If you read in-between the line his speech during our last NEC
meeting, he reminded people who joined the party after it was formed
not to rubbish the sacrifices made by party leaders.

"It was not for the fun of it that the President took time to go down
the memory lane to trace the genesis of the APC.

"Although the President said he was prepared to work with anybody who
emerged as leader in the National Assembly, he did not envisage a
scenario where Saraki would emerge as the Senate President and Ike
Ekweremadu, a member of the PDP, would emerge as the deputy president
of the Senate."

Asked whether or not the President might change his mind anytime soon,
the source said, "Not until the governors, who were mandated by the
NEC to resolve the matter in the National Assembly, bring the matter
under control."

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media
and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said there was no cause for
alarm. During a telephone interview on Saturday, Olaniyonu said Buhari
had repeatedly told Nigerians that he believed in the independence of
the parliament.

He explained that Buhari had had cause to formally communicate with on
"state issues" and that they exchanged warm pleasantries at the APC
NEC meeting held in Abuja.

He said, "The president of a nation can have private discussions with
the Senate President or the Speaker of the House of Representatives
anytime he likes.

"At the moment, President Buhari, probably wants the issue around the
National Assembly leadership positions formally resolved before
calling for such meetings. He has said that he would not involve
himself in the affairs of the legislature and we should respect his
views."

Olaniyonu explained that Saraki and Buhari had been having regular
official communication and that such would continue because the Senate
would have to approve all appointments made by the President.

Asked why the President had met with the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, without meeting with Saraki up till
now, Olaniyonu answered that he was not aware of the Buhari-Dogara
meeting.

—PUNCH

Multiple Blasts Rock Jos ECWA Church

Thousands of worshipers escaped death by the whiskers as four powerful
blasts rocked Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Tudun Wada area
of Jos North Local Government of Plateau State.

The blasts were said to have gone off in quick succession at about 8am
Sunday morning.

No death was however recorded.
Details later.
—PUNCH