Saudi Arabia Stampede: Nigerians Will No Longer ‘Stone The Devil’ During Hajj – Sanusi

Nigeria's Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, on
Friday night said except Nigerian pilgrims to the holy land get
accommodation close to Jamrat, Nigerians will no longer participate in
the stoning of devil ritual.

The emir's stance on the stoning ritual came on the heels of the
recent stampede in Saudi Arabia that killed several pilgrims,
including about 70 Nigerians.

The Amirul Hajj also reiterated his earlier position that blacks,
particularly Nigerians, were not responsible for the stampede.

Sanusi II, who quoted several verses of the Qur'an, said refusal to
perform the stoning of devil ritual does not in any way invalidate
one's pilgrimage.

He said, "During the era of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he permitted
pilgrims who came on camels to stay in Makkah after Arafat, instead of
staying in Mina and sleeping at Muzdalifa.

"So, if the Prophet can give such grace to some people, just to
protect their animals, why didn't our scholars educate our people
properly to avoid this untoward hardship and death?

"Therefore, it will be part of my recommendation to the Federal
Government that, if we cannot get accommodation close to Jamrat where
the Arabs reside in Mina, then this year may be the last time we will
sleep in Mina and Muzdalifa because we want to stone the devil.

"If one deliberately refuses to perform the stoning of the devil
ritual, all he needs to do is just to slaughter a ram. So, if this is
the situation, why do we go and suffer and die instead of sacrificing
a ram".

-INFORMATION NIGERIA

NYSC Apprehensive Over 100 Corps Members Who Went For Hajj Are Yet To Return

Officials at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Headquarters in
Abuja are anxious over the fate of about 100 corps members
participating in Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The scheme had granted about 100 corps members permission to embark on
pilgrimage, reports Vanguard.

A source told the newspaper that the management was worried about the
welfare of its corps members, adding that they had been taking
necessary steps to reach them but the efforts have proven abortive.

"About 100 corps members are participating in this year's hajj. They
were given permission but the management is concerned about their
wellbeing. The management started contacting their relatives to get
first hand information about their well-being," the source told
Vanguard.

Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest number of casualties
in the Hajj stampede which led to more than 700 deaths. The Nigerian
victims already identified are over 50.

-Vanguard

18 Killed In Abuja Female Suicide Bombings

Two female suicide bombers were actively responsible for the twin
bombings which occurred at Nyanya and Kuje towns of the Federal
Capital Territory last night while a third bomber, a male dropped the
bomb that had the greatest impact and killed 12 persons at the Zamfara
Market in Kuje.

According to eye-witness accounts, the first female suicide bomber (a
15-year-old), alighted from an motorbike, popularly called Okada in
front of the Kuje Police Station at exactly 9.25 pm Friday night and
made for the station but seconds after the Okada that dropped her
left, the bomb, apparently timed, exploded killing the bomber.

Fifteen minutes later, the male bomber who was also on an Okada,
arrived the entrance of the Zamfara Market which incidentally is a
massive market, carrying a leather bag.

He approach a roasted meat (Suya) seller and asked if he could assist
him with some change to enable him pay off the Okadaman.
When the Suya man told the bomber that he didn't have the change, the
bomber dropped his bag and told the roasted meat seller to help him
look after it while he ask's someone else. Minutes after the bomber
left, the bomb exploded, killing and ripping off anybody that was
close by.

According to the eyewitness, Abraham Gabriel, who was one of the first
persons to arrive the scene, the Suya seller, a pregnant woman, a
child were among the casualties.

Continuing Abraham said, initially when the first bomb went off, he
thought it was an electric transformer close to the Kuje Police
station that exploded but it was later discovered to be a bomb.
It was while the Police was trying to ascertain what was going on that
the market bomb went off 15 minutes later with a more deafening noise.

He further disclosed that before help came from the Police, Army and
NEMA, Fire Service, NSCDC for rescue efforts, he along with some
persons stopped a good Samaritan who used his car to evacuate the
injured to the Kuje General Hospital four times, adding that he saw
two persons die on the spot before they could be rescued.

At the Nyanya end of the city, a female suicide bomber was said to
have made attempt to scale the fence into the Nyanya Police station
when the bomb strapped to her body exploded, killing her and one
person while 21 persons were injured.

-Vanguard

Diezani Alison-Madueke Released On Bail -- Report

Diezani Alison-Madueke has been released on bail after she was
arrested on allegations of money laundering in London yesterday.

Alison-Madueke, who was arrested by the United Kingdom National Crime
Agency is however mandated to report at Charing Cross Police Station
on Monday after her passport was confiscated.

It is understood that the Seizure Organised Crime Agency within the
National Crimes Agency of the UK arrested Alison-Madueke and are
probing the allegations against her.

-GistReel

Cries And Wailings As Ladipo Market Is Demolished

Shrill cries and wailings rent the air yesterday at the popu­lar
Ladipo automobile mar­ket in Mushin Local Govern­ment Area of Lagos
State, as traders watched helplessly when bulldozers demolished their
shops to pave way for remodelling of the market.

Area boys helped themselves to the wares and goods of the traders.

Tension started building up in the mar­ket in June following the
disagreement between the traders and the council over the demolition
of the market, and its re­modelling.

Based on the protest, Ttracing the gen­esis of the crisis, the market
leader said, the problem started with the Mushin Lo­cal Government
that wanted to remodel the market by demolishing it, without carrying
the traders along and also to give them enough notice to remove their
goods.

The leader of the traders' association, Mr. Kingsley Ikechukwu Ogunor,
had told Saturday Sun last July, how they were coerced into signing
eviction notice by the authorities of Mushin council and the
developer. But Mushin council denied it.

Based on the protest, the demolition that had started in July, was stopped.

However, events took a sour note yes­terday when bulldozers ran over
the mar­ket.

Saturday Sun findings revealed that a group, Igbo Consciousness in APC
had tricked Mr. Ogunor into signing an undertaking that the
remodelling of the market should start by October 1, and by then the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the developers would have been
signed.

Few days after the leader of the traders signed the undertaking, the
developer was said to have travelled outside the country without
sealing the MoU as agreed, only to return on September 30, for
demolition to commence the following day.

Commenting on this latest develop­ment, Ogunor said the developer was
acting in line with the agreement they reached.

According to him, they agreed that demolition would begin by October
1, and each stall, after completion, will be leased for N20 million
for 10 years pe­riod.

-TheSunNews

Scores Feared Dead, As Multiple Explosions Rock Abuja

There have been multiple bomb blasts by suspected Boko Haram
terrorists in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, with two explosions
recorded in Kuje, a suburb of the city.

PHOTO: THE BLAST —Scene of the blast in Nyanya, Abuja, in 2014. Photos: Vanguard

The first occurred in front of the police station, while the second
occurred at the town's main market, 15 minutes apart from other.

A third explosion was reported at Nyanya Bus Station thereafter.
Nyanya was the scene of two bombings in 2014, leading to scores of death.

Abuja, a bit remote from the frontline of Boko Haram war had seen
several bombings, beginning from the attack on Police Headquarters in
June 2011, UN Headquarters in August 2011, Nyanya Bus Station, April
2014 and Barnez Plaza in June last year.

All the bombs were claimed by Boko Haram.

-Vanguard

EFCC Storms Alison-Madueke’s Abuja Residence, As Ex-minister Is Arrested In London

The Asokoro, Abuja residence of the immediate-past Minister of
Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Friday, was stormed by
operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in
what has been described as part of a multinational investigation of
the former minister.

PHOTO: Former Nigerian petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke 

This is even as reports say Diezani was arrested in London, UK, today,
by the newly formed International Corruption Unit (ICU) of the
country's National Crimes Agency.
The agency announced on its website on Friday that it had arrested
five people "across London" as part of an investigation into suspected
bribery and money laundering offences but stopped short of naming the
suspects.
The operations it was gathered were being coordinated with several
international agencies because of the "sensitive" nature of the
investigation.
EFCC made "significant recovery" of documents at the Abuja of the
former minister, a senior security source informed.
"The raid on her Asokoro residence today (Friday) yielded vital
information that will help in the prosecution of the case," the source
said.
Details later.

-Vanguard

MINISTERIAL LIST: Why Buhari Holds On To 15 Other Nominees

There are feelers from the Presidency that the remaining 15 names of
ministerial nominees will hit the Senate early next week after what
sources described as 'laborious' security checks and vetting of the
prospective nominees.

The high-wire tension and expectations with which Nigerians awaited
President Muhammadu Buhari's ministerial nominees have been doused
with his submission of names of 21 nominees to the Senate.

As of last night, the various security agencies were said to be
working frantically to beat the new deadline said to have been given
to them by the President.

Vanguard reports that the security checks on the remaining nominees
are being carried out within and outside Nigeria.

PHOTO: NIGERIA @55— Third from left: Speaker, House of
Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo;
President Muhammadu Buhari; Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Chief
Justice of the Federation Mahmud Mohammed and others, cutting the cake
to celebrate the 55th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria at the
forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo from
Vanguard

The President on Wednesday forwarded to the Senate, names of 21
nominees for confirmation, with a promise to send the others in due
course.

Each state of the federation is, by virtue of the constitution,
entitled to a ministerial slot in the federal cabinet.

Vanguard gathered, yesterday, that the Presidency insisted that more
background checks be conducted on the nominees, especially against the
backdrop of the need to avoid making mistakes in appointing the wrong
persons into the cabinet.

It was further learned that the names of those transmitted to the
Senate on Wednesday were those whose background checks had been
concluded.

"It is not certain when the checks on the remaining 15 will be completed.
This explains why the President, in his independence anniversary
speech, did not give a time frame because it is dependent on when the
security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, will conclude their job on the nominees," a source
said last night.

The source said the 21 names already with the Senate had gone through
the same process, adding that the issue had taken so much time because
of the need to do a thorough job.

"If the President had his way, the process of appointing ministers
would have long been concluded but the security people handling the
checks pleaded for time to do a thorough job," a reliable source told
Vanguard.

Horse-trading
Apart from the checks, Vanguard investigation also revealed that the
cause of the delay in submitting the 15 names is the horse-trading
still going on within the All Progressives Congress, APC, over their
nomination.

It was further learned that there was no consensus yet on the choice
of the nominees by leaders in their states.
Next batch hits Senate next Tuesday – Garba Shehu
In his reaction last night, Senior Special Assistant to the President
on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the next batch would
be sent to the National Assembly, Tuesday.

He said: "To be honest with you, I have been travelling in the last
two days. I came in early today (yesterday). I am not privy to any
list.
However, every government from 1999 till date under this constitution,
has not given the names of ministers from day one.

"They (ministerial nominees) have always been sent to the National
Assembly in batches, this is nothing extraordinary.
Where is the balance? I do not know. May be by Tuesday next week when
they come back, they (National Assembly) will probably have the
balance waiting for them but if it will take a longer period, the
President will decide that."

Although the Senate is yet to officially make public names of the 21
nominees forwarded to it by the President, media reports reeled out
names, including Dr. Chris Ngige (Anambra), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti),
Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Gen. Abdurrahman
Dambazau, retd, (Kano), Aisha AlHassan (Taraba), Ogbonnaya Onu (Abia),
Kemi Adeosun (Ogun) and Abubakar Malami, SAN, (Kebbi).

Others are Senator Sirika Hadi (Katsina), Adebayo Shittu (Oyo),
Sulaiman Adamu (Jigawa), Solomon Dalong (Plateau), Ibe Kachikwu
(Delta), Osagie Ehanire (Edo, Udoma Udo-Udoma (Akwa Ibom), Ahmed Isa
Ibeto (Niger), Ibrahim Jibril, Audu Ogbeh (Benue), and Amina Mohammed
(Kaduna).

I doubt the names reported by the media – Babatope

However,former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said he
doubted the authenticity of the list. He said: "I am not a member of
the APC. What comment do I want to make on people who are not members
of my party? I do not know them, I only know them by their names.
All I can say is to wish them the best of luck when they are
appointed. Anyway, they have not all been appointed. Buhari told us
that he would be releasing their names piece-meal, so we will wait for
the rest of the names. We do not know if the list is authentic because
the President of the Senate said he would disclose their names on
October 6, so, let us wait and see what happens."

Be patient with Buhari – Ogunlewe

Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, appealed to
Nigerians to be patient with the President as far as the ministerial
list is concerned.
Ogunlewe said: "It is at the discretion of the President to send the
names but we must first commend him. Why can't we wait till October 6
because all these things we are reading are speculations.

"What Saraki said is that he has the list sealed and that he would not
allow anybody access the contents until Tuesday. My suggestion is:
Let everybody wait because we do not know the number of names on the
list. We have to be patient with our government and reasonable. It is
not every time we criticise, that is my own position."

Buhari wants the best – Fasehun

Founder of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, said:
"Probably the President does not want to over work the Senate. That is
why he is taking his time in sending the names, making it to look as
if he has embraced a piecemeal method. As a man with a vision of what
he wants for the country, I want to believe that the President is not
in a hurry to send all the list because he wants the best hands for
the job."

Also reacting, retired Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav,
urged Nigerians to support the President in his war on graft, saying
"we hope and pray that the corrupt and selfish elite will repent and
give Buhari maximum support to take Nigeria to the next level."

Nothing unique – Odumakin
National Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba socio-political group,
Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin said, yesterday, that President Buhari would
have submitted the names of the ministerial nominees at Eagle Square
rather than to the Senate.
Reacting to the speculated names of possible ministers, Odumakin, who
noted that there was nothing unique about the list, said the President
did not surprise anyone.

According to him, the names are not worth waiting for a period of four months.

"There is no excitement or surprise in the list. They are mostly
run-of-the-mill people that do not warrant the nation waiting four
months. Those names could have been submitted at Eagles Square on May
29."

Buhari didn't need to wait this long —
Sen. Urhoghide

Senator Matthew Urhoghide (PDP, Edo South) shared Odumakin's views. He
said it was not necessary for President Buhari to have waited this
long before coming up with the list he made available.

According to Senator Urhoghide, the persons whose names were submitted
have been around and known to the President, especially the nominee
from Edo State, Osagie Ehanire.

Urhoghide, who noted that though the character and personality of the
nominees were not in doubt, said what was paramount was performance as
ministers.

-Vanguard

EFCC Detains Bankole In Underground Cell

FORMER Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, who is
currently facing trial in two courts for alleged fraud and loan
conversion, was in a dejected mood yesterday following his week-long
detention in the not-so-cosy EFCC custody.

An EFCC operative, who would not like to be mentioned, told Vanguard
that Bankole has obviously lost his cool after more than seven days in
custody.

He said: "The man has lost some of his 'swag' after all these days in
almost solitary confinement. He appears dejected and frustrated at his
condition.

Everyone who is accustomed to living lavishly would feel the same way
when those niceties are taken away, even if momentarily."

The operative noted, however, that the former number four man in the
polity was not enjoying any preferential treatment from the operatives
detailed to guard him, adding: "No; he is treated like any other
suspect in our custody, though we make sure that he gets access to his
lawyers and other people who matter to the case. Don't forget that he
is being held under orders from the court."

Those who have visited him say the former speaker is being detained in
an underground cell at the EFCC headquarters with only a mat for him
to sleep on."

He said: "Our cells are relatively new and well-kept. Don't forget
that they are the same cells that held other high profile suspects
including former governors, former ministers and chief executives of
banks, and I do not remember anyone of them coming back to say we
treated them badly."
Bankole was arrested penultimate Sunday at his Asokoro residence after
weeks of 'hide and seek' with operatives of the EFCC.

-Vanguard

Full List Of 21 Ministerial Nominees Submitted By Buhari To Senate

Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday received the first set of 21
names of would-be ministers to be screened by lawmakers presented to
him after plenary at about 5pm by the President's Chief of Staff,
Abba Kyari and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on National Assembly
Matters Ita Enang.

Earlier reports are that some of the names in the list submitted in
a sealed envelope by Kyari and Enang.

However online news portal, Sahara Reporters has confirmed
authoritatively the full 21-member President Muhammadu Buhari's
ministerial nominees submitted to the National Assembly.


See Full List Below:

Ministers nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari

1.Dr. Chris Ngige (Anambra)

2. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)

3. Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)

4. Babatunde Fashola (Lagos)

5. Abdurrahman Dambazau (rtd) (Kano)

6. Aisha AlHassan (Taraba)

7. Ogbonaya Onu (Abia)

8. Kemi Adeosun (Ogun)

9. Abubakar Malami SAN (Kebbi)

10. Senator Sirika Hadi (Katsina)

11. Barrister Adebayo Shittu (Oyo)

12. Sulaiman Adamu (Jigawa)

13. Solomon Dalong (Plateau)

14.Ibe Kachikwu (Delta)

15. Osagie Ehanire (Edo

17. Udoma Udo-Udoma (Akwa Ibom)

18. Ahmed Isa Ibeto (Niger)

19. Ibrahim Jibril

20. Audu Ogbeh (Benue)

21. Amina Mohammed (Kaduna)

-SkyTrendNews

UCL: Ronaldo Breaks Club Goals Record As Madrid Beats Malmo

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to pass the 500 goal mark and equalled
an all-time club record as Real Madrid beat Malmo 2-0 in the Champions
League.

The Portugal international, who had drawn blanks against Granada,
Athletic Club and Malaga in recent weeks, finally hit the milestone in
the 29th minute of Wednesday's Group A clash with the Swedish
champions.

He doubled his tally to equal Raul's all-time record of 323 goals for
the club, diverting home Lucas Vazquez's right-wing cross in the final
minute of the match.

The victory means Madrid have won both of their Group A matches, a
record matched by Paris St-Germain, who were 3-0 winners at Shakhtar
Donetsk.

—ChannelsTV

Fashola, Amaechi, Ngige, Onu Others Make Buhari's Ministerial List

At last, Senate President Bukola Saraki Wednesday received the first
twenty – one names of nominees to make President Buhari ministerial
list , just as the names would be forwarded in batches.

Vanguard reports that a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi
and his counterpart in Lagos, Babatunde Fashola were among the names
forwarded to the senate.

Others in the list are, former governors, Anambra, Chris Ngige; Abia
State, Ogbonaya Onu, Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; a one time APC governorship
flag bearer in Taraba, Aisha Alhassan,

Also said to be on the list are Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of
Ekiti State; a former Governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige; and a
one-time Governor of Abia State, Ogbonaya Onu; Amina Mohammed; A
former commissioner of Ogun State, Kunle Adeosun; Malami Abubakar
(SAN) and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation, Ibe Kachikwu

Kachikwu's appointment as Vanguard reported yesterday, will be to
function as the junior minister taking charge of day-to-day affairs in
the sector while Buhari oversees it as stated by him at the New York
on Tuesday, while attending the UN General Assembly, that he, Buhari
would be minister of petroleum resources ( see more on this).

A source told Vanguard that instead of thirty – six names, President
Buhari sent twenty – one names as Ministerial nominees to the Senate
President, with plans to send others very early on Tuesday before
plenary session.

Senate President Saraki received the long awaited ministerial list
from the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari at 4.59 pm.

The Chief of Staff to the President was accompanied to Saraki's office
by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters,
Senator Ita Enang.

There was a new twist to the submission of Ministerial list to the
Senate as it was received directly by the Senate President and brought
by the Chief of Staff to the President as against the tradition where
the office of the Senate President through the registry receives it
from the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matter(
Senate).

—Vanguard

Read Full Text Of President Buhari’s 2015 Independence Speech

"October 1st is a day for joy and celebrations for us Nigerians,
whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in because it is the day,
55 years ago; we liberated ourselves from the shackles of colonialism
and began our long march to nationhood and to greatness.

"No temporary problems or passing challenges should stop us from
honouring this day. Let us remind ourselves of the gifts God has given
us. Our Creator has bequeathed to us Numbers – Nigeria is the ninth
most populated country on the planet. We have in addition arable land;
water; forests; oil and gas; coastline; and solid minerals

"We have all the attributes of a great nation. We are not there yet
because the one commodity we have been unable to exploit to the
fullest is unity of purpose. This would have enabled us to achieve not
only more orderly political evolution and integration but also
continuity and economic progress.

"Countries far less endowed have made greater economic progress by
greater coherence and unity of purpose.

"Nonetheless, that we have remained together is an achievement we
should all appreciate and try to consolidate. We have witnessed this
year a change in our democratic development.

"The fact that an opposition party replaced an entrenched government
in a free and fair election is indicative of the deeper roots of our
democratic system. Whatever one's views are, Nigerians must thank
former President Jonathan for not digging-in in the face of defeat and
thereby saving the country untold consequences.

"As I said in my inaugural speech, I bear no ill will against anyone
on past events. Nobody should fear anything from me. We are not after
anyone. People should only fear the consequences of their actions. I
hereby invite everyone, whatever his or her political view to join me
in working for the nation.

"My countrymen and women, every new government inherits problems. Ours
was no different. But what Nigerians want are solutions, quick
solutions not a recitation of problems inherited.

"Accordingly, after consultations with the Vice President, senior
party leaders and other senior stakeholders, I quickly got down to
work on the immediate, medium-term and long-term problems which we
must solve if we are to maintain the confidence which Nigerians so
generously bestowed on us in the March elections and since then.

"As you know, I toured the neighbouring countries, marshalled a
coalition of armed forces of the five nations to confront and defeat
Boko Haram. I met also the G-7 leaders and other friendly presidents
in an effort to build an international coalition against Boko Haram.

"Our gallant armed forces under new leadership have taken the battle
to the insurgents, and severely weakened their logistical and
infrastructural capabilities. Boko Haram are being scattered and are
on the run.

"That they are resorting to shameless attacks on soft targets such as
I.D.P. camps is indicative of their cowardice and desperation. I have
instructed security and local authorities to tighten vigilance in
vulnerable places.

On power, government officials have held a series of long sessions
over several weeks about the best way to improve the nation's power
supply in the safest and most cost-effective way.

"In the meantime, improvement in the power supply is moderately
encouraging. By the same token, supply of petrol and kerosene to the
public has improved throughout the country. All the early signs are
that within months the whole country would begin to feel a change for
the better.

"Preliminary steps have been taken to sanitize NNPC and improve its
operations so that the inefficiency and corruption could be reduced to
a minimum.

"Those of our refineries which can be serviced and brought back into
partial production would be enabled to resume operations so that the
whole sordid business of exporting crude and importing finished
products in dubious transactions could be stopped.

"In addition to NNPC, I have ordered a complete audit of our other
revenue generating agencies mainly CBN, FIRS, Customs, NCC, for better
service delivery to the nation. Prudent house-keeping is needed now
more than ever in view of the sharp decline in world market oil
prices. It is a challenge we have to face squarely. But what counts is
not so much what accrues but how we manage our resources.

"We have seen in the last few years how huge resources were
mismanaged, squandered and wasted. The new APC government is embarking
on a clean up, introducing prudence and probity in public financing.

“At an early stage, the federal government addressed the issue of salary arrears in many states, a situation capable of degenerating into social unrest. The APC government stepped in to provide short-term support to the debtor states and enabled them to pay off the backlog and restore the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.
“Fellow Nigerians, there have been a lot of anxiety and impatience over the apparent delay in announcement of ministers. There is no cause to be anxious. Our government set out to do things methodically and properly. We received the handing over notes from the outgoing government only four days before taking over. Consequently, the Joda Transition Committee submitted its Report on the reorganization of Federal Government structure after studying the hand over notes. It would have been haphazard to announce ministers when the government had not finalized the number of ministries to optimally carry the burden of governance.

“Anyway, the wait is over. The first set of names for ministerial nominees for confirmation has been sent to the senate. Subsequent lists will be forwarded in due course. Impatience is not a virtue. Order is more vital than speed. Careful and deliberate decisions after consultations get far better results. And better results for our country is what the APC government for CHANGE is all about.

“I would like to end my address this morning on our agenda for CHANGE. Change does not just happen. You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring change about. We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices. To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.

“Happy Independence Celebrations. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Full List Of 83 Senators Who Passed Vote Of Confidence On Saraki

As the 8th Senate, on Tuesday, resumed from its 4th recess in 110
days, no fewer than 83 Senators passed a vote of confidence on the
leadership of the embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki,
amidst rowdy session.

Despite Saraki's trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over
alleged corrupt practices and false declaration of assets, he
initially got the backing of 84 of his colleagues. But as the
Chairman, Senate Committee on Business and Rules, Babajide Omowarare
(APC-Osun East), backed out, 83 Senators threw their weight behind
Saraki.

The proposal titled: "Vote of Confidence on Principal Officers of the
Senate," in pursuant to Orders 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Order
2015, had the names of 48 Senators from the opposition Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) and 35 from the majority All Progressives
Congress (APC).

Senator David Umaru (APC-Niger East), was the one who read the Vote Of
Confidence motion on the floor of the Red Chamber.

See the full list:

1. Sen. David Umaru

2. Sen. Mohammed A. Ndume

3. Sen. Godswill Akpabio

4. Sen. Biodun Olujimi

5. Sen. Malam A. Wakil

6. Sen. Isah Hamma Misau

7. Sen. Emmanuel I. Paulker

8. Sen. Ogola Foster

9. Sen. Gershom H. Bassey

10. Sen. James Manager

11. Sen. Babajide Omowarare (Backed out)

12. Sen. Ahmadu Abubakar M.

13. Sen. Joshua M. Lidani

14. Sen. Achonu A. Nneji

15. Sen. Shehu Sanni

16. Sen. Salihu H. Egye

17. Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa

18. Sen. Mohammed S. Ohiare

19. Sen. Philip Aruwa Gyunka

20. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu

21. Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu

22. Sen. George T. Sekibo

23. Sen. Monsurat J.A. Sunmonu

24. Sen. Jeremiah T. Useni

25. Sen. Ogba Joseph Obinna

26. Sen. Aliyu S. Abdullahi

27. Sen. Sunny Ogbuoji

28. Sen. Gilbert Nnaji

29. Sen. Bala IBN Na'allah

30. Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda

31. Sen. Duro Samuel Faseyi

32. Sen. Kabiru Gaya

33. Sen. Muhammad Aliero

34. Sen. Bukar A. Ibrahim, CON

35. Sen. Abubakar Kyari

36. Sen. Rose Okoji Oko

37. Sen. Osinachukwu I. Ideozu

38. Sen. Matthew A. Urhoghide

39. Sen. Fatimat O Raji-Rasaki

40. Sen. Tijani Yahaya Kaura

41. Sen. Sabo Mohammed Nakudu

42. Sen. Danjuma Laáh

43. Sen. Mohammed S. Lafiagi

44. Sen. Dino Melaye

45. Sen. Abdulrahman Abubakar

46. Sen. Bassey A. Akpan

47. Sen. Olanrewaju A. Tejuoso

48. Sen. Buruji Kashamu

49. Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe

50. Sen. Samuel O. Egwu

51. Sen. David A.B. Mark\

52. Sen. Aliyu M. Wamakko.

53. Sen. Marafa Bachir Abba

54. Sen. Mohammed Hassan

55. Sen. Utazi G. Chukwuka

56. Sen. Francis Alimikhena

57. Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha

58. Sen. Joshua Chibi Dariye

59. Sen. Uche L. Ekwunife

60. Sen. Murray-Bruce Ben

61. Sen. Binta Masi Garba

62. Sen. Jang Jonah David

63. Sen. Ighoyota Amori

64. Sen. Ibrahim A. Gobir

65. Sen. Mohammed Goje, CON

66. Sen. Ahmed Rufa'i Sani

67. Sen. Ibrahim Abdullahi

68. Sen. Muhammad U. Shitu

69. Sen. Andy E. Ubah

70. Sen. Nelson A. Effiong

71. Sen. Rafiu Adedayo Ibrahim

72. Sen. Abdul A.M. Nyako

73. Sen. Theodore A. Orji

74. Sen. Olaka Johnson Nwogu

75. Sen. Abubakar S. Danladi

76. Sen. Yele Omogunwa

77. Sen. Stella Adaeze Oduah

78. Sen. Hope O. Uzodinma

79. Sen. John Owah Enoh

80. Sen. Peter Nwaboshi

81. Sen. Clifford A. Ordia

82. Sen. Donald Alasoadura

83. Sen. Mustapha Sani

84. Sen. Gbolahan Dada

—Vanguard

Boko Haram Poisons Water Sources In Borno Villages

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday warned residents of Borno State to
avoid cattle water ponds in Kangallam Village along Marte and Abadam
axis in Borno State.

A statement by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Col. Tukur
Gusau, said "a large number of cattle died after drinking water from
the ponds", maintaining that in view of this development "citizens are
called upon to avoid as much as possible drinking water from
unverified sources especially in locations that troops routed out Boko
Haram terrorists".

Col. Tukur further noted that "information reaching the Theater
Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE indicates that Boko Haram terrorists
have now resorted to poisoning water sources like wells and streams in
areas they were dislodged by gallant troops or areas threatened by
offensive operations.

"Credible information available to the Theater Command indicates that
though no human life was lost as a result of the barbaric act of the
terrorists, however, some cattle were killed after drinking water from
some poisoned sources", he said.

He added that "the action of the terrorists is no doubt aimed at
taking their own pound of flesh on the innocent citizen and livestock
as a result of the unbearable offensive operations through the
combined effort of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force to
route them out completely from their enclaves and hide-outs all over
the northeast".

—ChannelsTV

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Receives Ministerial List

Nigeria's Senate President and the Chairman of the 8th National
Assembly, Dr Bukola Saraki confirmed receipt of the ministerial
nominee list from President Muhammadu Buhari.

The list was submitted to Dr Saraki by the Chief of Staff to the
President, Mr Abba Kyari and the SSA to the President on National
Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen Ita S.J. Enang.

Dr Bukola Saraki confirmed the receipt via a tweet.

I can now confirm that I just received #Thelistof Ministerial nominees

— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) September 30, 2015

More details Soon…
—ChannelsTV

Judge Handling Saraki’s Case Bows Out Over Negative Reports

Justice Ahmed Mohammed, of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who heard
Senate President Bukola Saraki's ex parte application to stop the Code
of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has withdrawn from the case.

Justice Mohammed who on Wednesday, remitted Saraki's case to the Chief
Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, for reassigning to another judge,
cited "negative reports" on the case as informing his decision


Recall that Saraki late on September 17 had approached Mohammed to
give an order halting his trial by the CCT for alleged corruption and
false declaration of assets.

‎The judge ordered the parties to the case – the CCT, and the ministry
of justice – to appear before him on September 21. Saraki's lawyers
interpreted the order to mean the suspension of their client's trial
at the CCT.
‎
The trial nevertheless went on September 21.

Mohammed said: "While it is not my intention to join issues with the
authors of the said publication, I strongly feel that the records
should be set straight.

"In the first instance, I have never made any restraining order
against any of the defendants and in particular, the code of conduct
tribunal vide a motion ex parte or any motion at all.

"Those who are conversant with the workings of this court know it is
not in the habit of granting restraining orders to stop public
institutions from carrying out their statutory duties‎."

—Vanguard

Cheques Issued By Imo State Govt To Workers Bounce

The last may not have been heard about the disbursement of the Federal
Government bailout fund in Imo State, as cheques issued to scores of
workers employed under the state government's Youths Must Work
Programme allegedly bounced.

Some of the youths that spoke to Vanguard yesterday in Owerri, claimed
that the cheques they collected last Wednesday, could not be cleared.

"We were obviously happy when we were handed the cheques for our
unpaid stipends. Our happiness was however short-lived as our
respective banks returned the cheques as uncleared effects", one of
the aggrieved youths said.

While the affected youths expressed fears about what they called "the
seriousness of government to clear their arrears of stipends",
Vanguard however gathered the cheques issued to a fraction of the
angry, hungry youths, sailed through.

While cross-examining the complainants, they affirmed that they had
properly informed their heads of department about their present
predicament.

"We were only advised to continue listening to the radio, where any
further instruction would be aired. This is a sad day for us," the
youths chorused.

When Vanguard visited one of commercial banks for clarification, a
staff that spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, confirmed that "there
was a definite instruction from government to stop honouring the
cheques."

All efforts made to extract further information from the banker failed
as he simply said: "That is the much you can hear from me. Just make
sure that I will not read my name in your paper tomorrow."

—Vanguard

Ministerial List: Buhari appoints Self As Petroleum Minister

A glimpse into the cabinet list of President Muhammadu Buhari has been
revealed by the President himself.

He will head the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in the new cabinet.

But he added that he will appoint a minister of state for the ministry.

Addressing some select reporters in New York on Tuesday, after
addressing a Global Leaders' Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent
Extremism, he said: "I wil remain Minister of Petroleum.

"I will appoint a minister of State for Petroleum".

According to him, this step is being taken as part of efforts to
sanitise Nigeria's oil industry which is said to be plagued by
corruption, massive fraud, and crude oil theft.

Buhari restated his determination to sanitise Nigeria's oil industry
and free it from corruption and shady deals.

He said that the first step in this direction had already been taken
with the appointment of a new management for the NNPC and its
subsequent reorganisation.

The President said that the prosecution of those who misappropriated
NNPC's revenue under past administrations would soon commence.

On Corruption, he pledged that the federal government will fight
corruption, because it has been identified as the root of all problems
hindering Nigeria as a nation.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for most part of his tenure, was
the minister of petroleum.

—PM News

CAF Fines Nigeria $5,000 For Fans’ Misconduct At Nigeria vs Chad Match

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Nigeria 5,000
Dollars for fans misconduct during its first leg 2017 African Cup of
Nations (AFCON) qualifier match on June 13.

The decision of the continent's football governing body was released
on its website in Abuja on Tuesday. It said that the decision was
reached at its disciplinary board meeting on Sept. 20.

NAN reports that fans rushed into the pitch to celebrate the Super
Eagles' second goal in the match played at the Kaduna Stadium, Kaduna.
The encounter ended in 2-0 in favour of the Eagles. The victory placed
Nigeria is the second position in Group G with four points behind
Egypt which has six points.
-

Mecca Stampede: Nigeria Death Toll Rises To 64 As NAHCON Identifies More Bodies

Mecca (Saudi Arabia) – The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
(NAHCON) on Tuesday said 10 more corpses of deceased Nigerian pilgrims
had been identified, bringing the number of pilgrims who died at Mina
stampede, to 64.

Giving newsmen update on the incident in Mecca, Alhaji Uba Mana, the
Director, Public Affairs of the commission, said 244 pilgrims had been
declared missing.

Mana said 71 pilgrims were injured as against the 61 pilgrims earlier
announced by the commission.
He said of the 64 deceased pilgrims, 46 were transported to Saudi
Arabia by state pilgrims' welfare agencies and 18 by private tour
operators.

Mana also said that 12 of the 71 injured pilgrims were transported to
Saudi Arabia by tour operator and 59 by state pilgrims' welfare
agencies.

He said the deceased were from Adamawa,Bauchi, Borno, Ekiti, Jigawa,
FCT, Cross Rivers, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara,
Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers Sokoto, Yobe, Taraba,
and Zamfara.

NAN recalls that more than 749 pilgrims were reported to have died,
and 805 others injured, during Thursday's stampede on the way to the
Jamrat complex (stoning site) in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

-Vanguard

Let’s Treat Buhari’s Ministerial List With Urgency -- Saraki Tells Senators

Incumbent Chairman of the 8th National Assembly and Senate President,
Dr. Bukola Saraki, has urged members of the Red chamber to ensure that
the long-awaited ministerial list of President Muhammadu Buhari is
treated with urgency, when it is eventually submitted by President
Buhari this week.

Saraki, whose led Senate resumed on Tuesday, after its 4th recess in
110 days of its existence, in his Resumption Address, expressed
optimism that the presence of ministers will create the space for
greater policy engagement between the legislative and executive arms
of government, adding that it will also enable the Senate to begin to
respond in a more systematic manner to the various economic and social
challenges confronting the nation.

The full text of the address tweeted by the Senate President via his
Twitter handle, @bukolasaraki read in part:

"As we await the list of ministerial nominees this week, I believe the
presence of ministers will create the space for greater policy
engagement with the Executive Arm of government and enable us to begin
to respond in a more systematic manner to the various economic and
social challenges before us, especially through our various Committees
that will also be constituted soon.

"On this note, I want to urge you all my colleagues to ensure that
what is uppermost in our minds as we begin the constitutional task of
screening of ministerial nominees is the overall interest of our
country, informed by the enormity and the urgency of the challenges
before us.

"Once the list is submitted, let us ensure that we treat it with
dispatch. We must not be held down by unnecessary politicking. The
enormity of our national challenges at this time does not give room
for pettiness or politics of vendetta."

Read full text of the Senate President's address here:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/?p=565750

84 Senators Pass Vote Of Confidence On Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki

84 senators have passed a vote of confidence on Senate President, Dr
Bukola Saraki.

Following the vote of confidence, a rowdy session ensued in the Senate.

There are also reports that pro-Saraki protesters have barricaded the
National Assemblycomplex.

More details soon.

—ChannelsTV

Nigeria's Foreign Reserves In Steady Decline

Nigeria's foreign reserves is now on a steady decline against the
backdrop of the decision by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to protect
the Naira from depreciation.

As at last trading day on Wednesday, September 23, the reserves had
fallen to $30.485 billion, about $1.139 billion drop from this year's
peak of $31.624 billion recorded about six weeks ago, August 9.

Foreign reserves, which mirrors an economy's relative strength and
ability to finance its imports and foreign investors' obligations, had
witnessed an upward growth since June from $29 billion, reversed the
trend on August 9 and has since been on the decline.

The declining trend, according to financial sector analysts, is a
result of CBN's operations in the foreign exchange market, where it
tries to meet demands at a predetermined exchange rate amidst
declining oil revenue.

However, foreign exchange market reports still indicate continued
excess demand which has continued to put pressure on exchange rate,
while premium on parallel market continue to widen.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, said that the weak performance
of the external sector and its vulnerability to external shocks
reflect the dismal contributions of the non-oil sector and low
produc-tion in the economy.

Many financial analysts have also attributed the outflows to recent
announcement by USA investment banker, JP Morgan, that it was
withdrawing Nigeria from its Government Bond Index for Emerging
Markets, GBI-EM.

Afrinvest Group, a Lagos-based investment banker, said the development
would further pressure the external reserves as funds attracted to the
economy through GBI-EM, will be expected to leave the financial
system.

—Vanguard

Abia Govt. Begins Recall Of Disengaged Non-Indigene Staff

The Abia State Government has started executing the implementation
process of total reabsorbing of the non-indigene staff that were
disengaged some years back.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, during an interactive session with them at
Umuahia, said that government was willingly to recall all of them in a
systematic procedure, so as not to take more than it can afford to
pay.

Calling on them to co-operate, he said that the ongoing civil service
biometric verification has created opportunities that close up
loopholes of wastage.

Although some of the disengaged workers expressed appreciation for the
effort, they appealed to government to recover them at once because
the suffering and state of unemployment was taking a toll on their
families.

Out of about 4,000 non-indigene workers of Abia State that were
disengaged, only more than 2,000 have been recalled to work, while
processes are on going to reinstate the others.

—ChannelsTV

PDP Queries FG Over Alleged Absence From UN "Boko Haram" Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has queried President Muhammadu
Buhari and his delegation to the United Nations 70th General Assembly
meeting in New York for failing to attend a humanitarian session of
the meeting where issues about Internally Displaced Persons was
discussed.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, told
journalists at a press conference in Abuja that failure to attend that
meeting was not just an embarrassment to the country but a
manifestation of ineptitude on the part of the presidential delegation
to the United Nations meeting.

Metuh also accused the ruling All Progressive Congress of running
government affairs as a sole administrator.

We Were Not Invited

The Presidency had debunked reports that Nigeria missed outfrom the
meeting where countries affected by Boko Haram insurgency, sought help
from United Nations (UN) member states.

The Presidency claimed that Nigeria was not listed for that meeting
called by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and
Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Stephen O'Brien.

The President's Media Adviser, Femi Adesina said, "When we have
meetings such as the UN General Assembly, there are also sideline
meetings.

"This meeting that you referred to, called by Mr. O'Brien, was one of
the sideline meetings, and Nigeria was not invited for it," he said.

"We have a schedule of all meetings to be attended by President
Muhammadu Buhari, and that is not included in our schedule," Mr
Adesina added.

—ChannelsTV

Buhari Misses Meeting On Boko Haram At The UN, Gives An Explanation

Contrary to the erroneous impression that may have been created by
reports that the Nigerian delegation to the 70th Session of the United
Nations General Assembly missed a meeting on help for displaced
persons, President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration remain
fully committed to the rehabilitation and well-being of all persons
who have been displaced or adversely affected by the Boko Haram
insurgency.

Indeed, the war against terrorism, improved security across Nigeria
and additional measures to give succour to internally displaced
persons have been central to discussions President Buhari has had
with other world leaders since his arrival in New York on Thursday
night.

The issues were dominant in the President's conversations on Friday
with Chancellor Angela Merkel, the King of Spain, His Majesty Don
Felipe VI and former Prime-minister Gordon Brown who came with former
President Olusegun Obasanjo to discuss the actualization of the safe
schools initiative, which is of special interest in parts of Nigeria
most vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

President Buhari is handling his duty as leader of the Nigerian
delegation to this year's General Assembly with the greatest possible
diligence and will certainly not tolerate any tardiness on the part
of the delegation in seizing every possible opportunity to advance
Nigeria's interests.

This notwithstanding, it must be realized that it will be near
impossible for any national delegation, no matter its size, to
participate in all the meetings that are simultaneously happening
in and around the General Assembly in New York.

The meeting at which Nigeria was reportedly absent was not one the
official events of the United Nations for which President Muhammadu
Buhari and his modest delegation are in New York.

While the meeting referred to in media reports is commendable, it was
not the only one or the most important of such meetings in New York
that are paying attention to the problem of insecurity, migration and
violent extremism in the Lake Chad area and the rest of the world.

Nigeria was represented earlier today at an important side event
devoted to the North-East called by the UN Population Fund, UNFPA on
"Building Stability and Resilience in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin
Countries."

President Buhari fully conscious of his responsibility to Nigeria and
will accept nothing short of the best for Nigerians in the meetings
taking place in and around the United Nations.

Anyone trying to create an impression of dereliction of duty, based on
the Nigerian delegation's absence at an unofficial meeting, is only
being mischievous and uncharitable.

Garba Shehu

SSA to the President
(Media & Publicity)

September 26, 2015

AMAA Awards 2015 Winners List

On Saturday, September 26, 2015, Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA
2015, was held at Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Nollywood stars present at the event includeDesmond Elliot, Eniola
Badmus, Iyabo Ojo, Kunle Afolayan, Robert Petersand more.

Check out the list below.

Best Animation

The Legacies of Rubbies (Nigeria)

Best Child Actor

Layla Walet Mohammed and Mehdi A.G Mohammed – Timbuktu

Best Nigerian film

October 1

Best Documentary

Egypt Modern Pharaohs

Best Diaspora

Supremacy (USA)

Best Short Film

Twaaga – Burkina Faso

Best Film/Picture

Timbuktu – Mauritania

Best Film By An African Living Abroad

Fevers (Morocco)

Best visual effect

INumber Number

Winner for Achievement In Make-up

Njinga: Queen of Angola – Angola

Winner for Achievement In Costume Design

October 1 – Nigeria

Achievement in sound

Lobraz Kaan (Mauritius)

Best achievement in soundtrack

Triangle Going to America (Ethiopia)

Achievement in editing

Timbuktu

Best Comedy Film

30 days in Atlanta – Nigeria

Achievement In Screenplay

Le President – Cameroun

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Samson Tadese (Triangle Going to America, Ethiopia)

Best Promising Actor

Joint award Kemi Lala Akindoju (Dazzling Mirage) and Hassan Spike
(Boda Boda thieves)

Best Act in a supporting role

Hilda Dokubo (Nigeria)

Best supporting actress

Ama Amphofo

Best Actress in a leading role

Njinga, Queen of Angola

Best actor in a leading role

Sadiq Daba

Best First Feature Film By A Director

Destiny Ekaragha – Gone Too Far

Special Jury Prize

Le President (Cameroon) and Triangle: Going to America (Ethiopia)

Life achievement award

Tony Vander Heyden (Movie director/producer)

Posthumous award

Oronto Douglas

Here’s Why I Can’t Date A Celebrity — Chidinma

Nigerian singerChidinmatold Pulse TV why she can't date a celebrity.

Chidinma said,
"I am actually not a fan of celebrity relationships. I don't know how
others feel about it, but for me I am not a big fan of it. I just
think it is a lot of headache. You are both in the same line of work.
Who calms who?So it's a lot of madness already and we are both in it
and we are both running around. It doesn't work for me.

"It can be anything not music but if God says that's what is going to
be then who am I to argue but as human as I am I don't think I will
like that."

Saraki’s Arraignment Before CCT ‘ll Die A Natural Death

SECOND Republic Politician, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite is not happy over
the deep rot in the polity occasioned by mindless graft especially
among the leadership class. This was the reason he made eradication of
corruption (clearing rats, mosquitoes and cockroaches) the fulcrum of
his presidential campaign in 1983 when he ran on the platform of the
Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) which he founded. Currently, Braithwaite
says President Muhammadu Buhari has not started fighting corruption
despite claims to the contrary.

He said the arraignment of Senate President Bukola Saraki before the
Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) is a misstep that will make Saraki a
free man soon in spite of the criminal charges slammed against him.
Braithwaite, who has been practising law since 1961, in this interview
at his Victoria Island, Lagos home, fears that Nigeria is not
completely free of military opportunism and its influence in the
polity. Going down memory lane, he disclosed why Chief Obafemi Awolowo
and Malam Aminu Kano could form an alliance in 1979 and why he ran
against Awolowo in 1983 in spite of their closeness.

His assessment of President Muhammadu Buhari administration so far

I spoke on a TV programme where people asked me questions on the
latest appointments that he made – chief of staff, secretary to the
government of the federation, etc, whether they were not slanted to
the North.

Latestappointments

I said may be so but I have other insight to the latest appointments
because I know Buhari very well and he knows me. I said forget about
the northern slant and look at other more significant things. The date
of the announcement of those appointments was significant. The
announcement was made on August 27, which was the anniversary of the
Babangida coup that toppled Buhari in 1985.

I said people should think about that. Why would he make such pivotal
announcement on such an anniversary? People should think. We should
not take things on face value. So, it is clear to me that, Buhari for
the moment, is not thinking about North and South. My analysis is that
Buhari is thinking of the military. He wants to do something about the
Nigerian military. If you looked at his latest appointments, two of
the appointments were his former military colleagues. It shows that
Nigeria is not yet out of the woods when it comes to military
opportunism and he wants to clear his backyard first.

Much noise, no action against graft

We have heard a lot of noise being made about attacking corruption.
What has he done about attacking corruption four months after he was
sworn in? The fact that we are having better electricity supply and
the refineries are working cannot be what he has done.

His body language, may be. But what we got all this time is military
news. To me, he wants to make sure that military opportunists,
military looters, who are still very much around in the control and
administration of this country directly or through their proxies are
adequately handled.

How many people have been charged for corruption? Nobody. One military
fellow, Sambo Dasuki, the former NSA has been taken to a Magistrates'
Court. Put your two and two together if you are a thinker.

What about Senate President Bukola Saraki being taken to the Code of
Conduct Tribunal, CCT?

That is what I am saying. Saraki's arraignment before the CCT will die
a natural death. The charges that I heard read against Saraki were
criminal, why take him to the CCT, which is like a bull dog without
teeth? The CCT has not got criminal power.

Where should Saraki have been taken to?

He should have been taken to a court with criminal power to send
people to jail if found guilty. The CCT cannot jail. You will find
that this circus show will die a natural death.

Read full interview on Monday Vanguard.

Okorocha Lays Embargo On Promotion Of Civil Servants

The problems of civil servants in Imo State, multiplied at the weekend
as Governor Rochas Okorocha announced immediate embargo on promotions.

Okorocha, who made the announcement, weekend, in Owerri, while
addressing labour leaders, also decreed that there was no going back
on his administration's plan to concession nearly 30 government
parastatals.

Apart from the lingering unpaid salaries and allowances owed workers,
the current position of the state government, according to Vanguard
checks, has started fueling palpable anger and apprehension among the
famished workforce.

Owing to "the dwindling resources of the state," Okorocha insisted
that the identified parastatals, which includes the health
sector, "must be handed over to private investors to make them
viable."

—Vanguard

Imo Govt. To Concession Non-Productive Parastatals

The Imo State Government has concluded plans to concession the
management of some parastatals in the state that has been perceived
dormant and non-productive for a long period of time.

The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, disclosed this at a meeting
with Labour Union heads and workers of parastatals in the state, at
the Sam Mbakwe expanded Executive Chambers at the Government House in
Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The Governor said that the move is to ensure that some parastatals are
more viable and productive, so as to increase the Internally Generated
Revenue (IGR) for the state and also cut down on government spending.

However, this decision by the state government did not go down well
with Union and workers in the state which made the over four hours
meeting end in a deadlock, as they insisted on payment of arrears
before considering concession.

Meanwhile, some stakeholders in government have also appealed to the
Union and workers in the state to support the decision of the
government which is aimed at increasing productivity in government,
and also enhance growth and development of the public service.

—ChannelsTV

Why Deeper Life Demands Medical Reports From Recipients Of Faith Healing – Church Secretary

Not a few people, mem­bers and non-members alike, raised an eyebrow,
some years ago, when Deeper Life Christian Ministry began to demand
that doctor's reports attesting to or corrobo­rating faith healings
that had tak­en place in some of the church's programmes, be attached
to the testimonies being submitted by recipients of such healings from
ailments like tuberculosis, goitre, diabetes, fibroid, rheumatism,
can­cer, anemia, elephantiasis, kidney problem, hunchback,
stroke/paral­ysis, mental disorder, infertility, high blood pressure,
etc. Since then many of them have been wonder­ing why. Is it because
the church does not believe in what the Lord has done in the bodies
and lives of sick people through Pastor W.F. Kumuyi's prayers? Or, is
it being forced to embark on such a course to please sceptics and
critics?

As the ongoing Lagos city-wide crusade tagged "Supernatural En­counter
With the God of Wonders," and being organised by Deeper Life, in
conjunction with Christian Asso­ciation of Nigeria (CAN) and
Pente­costal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), enters its third and final
stage, with an edition fixed for today at Sports Cen­tre Playground
located on Orile-Igan­mu-Mile 2/Badagry Expressway, and the grand
finale slated for tomorrow, at the National Stadium, Surulere, a
crusade, which has witnessed surfeit of faith healings since it began
on September 8, at Police College, Ikeja, Pastor Jerry Asemota, the
Deeper Life Church Secretary, explains to Saturday Sun why the church
insists on medical reports from beneficiar­ies. Excerpts:

"The whole idea started when we travelled to Jamaica and were
pub­lishing, through fliers, some of these wonderful healings and
deliverances that had taken place in G.S' pro­grammes held in Nigeria
and in other parts of Africa and some brethren that attended the
programme from the United States of America said that in America
people are very cynical; they don't just want to read about
testimonies; they want proofs. They, therefore, suggested that for
people outside the Christian faith to believe those testimonies, there
might be need for confirmation or corrobora­tion from qualified
medical personnel and authorities.

"We thought about it and said why not, after all, it is not as if
these won­derful testimonies that recipients are giving, some of them
by otherwise intellectual people and, sometimes, agnostics, is
make-believe. We dis­cussed it with the General Superin­tendent
(Pastor W.F. Kumuyi) and he approved, saying there's no way their
findings will undermine our faith. That's why we insist on that. It
will also help the doctors who have been treating those patients or
handling their cases to know that this is not the handiwork of drugs
but of God.

"In fact, since that directive came into existence, the Lord has been
proving Himself mighty and om­nipotent in the lives of people, in the
face of medical examinations. Let me start with this miracle that took
place somewhere in Oke-Afa, Isolo, Lagos. There, one of our Christian
sisters who did not have a child while her marriage was young and who
was well into menopause, miraculously conceived, at the age of 59, and
gave birth to a bouncing baby boy if I am not mistaken. I think one of
your ti­tles, Sunday Sun, later made its front-page story after
carrying out its own independent investigation and talking to both the
sister and medical doctors who handled the case. To show that it is
not a fluke, she conceived again and gave birth to another baby, at
the age of 61 or so. These are some of the things that medical science
cannot explain but they are happening, to the glory of God.

"In Nembe, Rivers State, a cou­ple who are non-Deeper Lifers,
at­tended one of our annual December Retreats. It happened that the
man had a younger sister who lives in the US but who was diagnosed of
can­cer. According to what they said, the woman had been in the
hospital for many years. During the programme, the couple called the
woman to say that they were at the Deeper Life campground and that the
GS (Gen­eral Superintendent) had just prayed for those suffering from
cancer and that they believed God would touch her and heal her. Now,
it wasn't as if they put the phone on and the GS was praying. No, he
had finished praying when they communicated with the woman by phone
that the GS had prayed and that they believed on her behalf. That was
on a Saturday. Some days later, the lady's family in the US called
back to say that the cancer­ous tumour had dried up completely.
Initially, they did not know until they went back to the doctors who
had been handling the chemotherapy for years and they, after carrying
out some medical check-ups, confirmed that the cancer is gone for
good. So, the family called to tell the couple in Nigeria and the
couple went back to our church to say this is what hap­pened. That was
how the Lord solved that problem.

"Then the GS was in Zambia. He ministered to people with diverse
sicknesses and illnesses. It so hap­pened that there were two
partici­pants who were suffering from HIV. But they believed the word
of prayers from the man of God. You can always confirm this from
Pastor John Amo­ni, the National Overseer of Zambia. He is a solid
intellectual who does not believe in peddling make-believe stories.
After the prayers, as directed, they went back to the hospitals which
had been handling their cases, to find out if, indeed, the healing is
genuine. By that time the GS had, after the pro­gramme, left the
country and returned to Nigeria. Initially, their doctors who did not
share such religious belief were said to have been sceptical and even
passed some comments that showed their scepticism. But they were
surprised when a test was con­ducted and there was no trace of HIV in
their patients' blood. Not satisfied with their findings, they ordered
for a rerun in two other reputable medical laboratories in the
country, known for handling cases of HIV. But the result was the same.
There was no trace of the virus in their system.

"Since he started the programme, the Lord actually has been moving
very wonderfully. On some of the occasions I have had the privilege of
going with him. I was with him in Aba crusade programme. That was last
year. In that programme, as usual, we had deaf and dumb class. After
his prayer for all classes of people with different ailments, he also
prayed for the deaf and dumb. A boy instantaneously got his hear­ing
and speaking organs healed. I have forgotten his name because he
mentioned his name. What happened is that after the prayer session,
they noticed that the boy had left where he was and was talking to
somebody, I think a relation. The relation came to the leader to say
it is like this boy has started talking o; it's like he can hear and
talk.
According to the tes­timony, the leader initially doubted the
relation's word and wondered how he knew when he himself, their
leader, is not aware. But he eventu­ally he said: 'ok, we will test
him to know whether you are correct but we would not test him while
stand­ing in front of him; otherwise he can easily read our lips and
know what we were trying to say. The leader said we would rather test
him while standing behind him. If he was able to repeat what we said
then truly he had received a miracle.' The relation agreed. He now
took him aside and started speaking to him from behind: 'What's your
name?' The boy men­tioned his name. In fact, he answered all the
questions posed to him. So, he went up to the stage to testify. And,
as he was testifying, everybody was rejoicing. Later, he came back to
his seat. But as soon as he came back, one of his colleagues in the
deaf and dumb class got up and said, 'I too can speak now.' Just like
that. Everybody was surprised. He was interviewed and asked the same
set of questions they asked his colleague, from the same angle, that
is, from the behind. And, they found out that indeed he had received a
miracle.

"I would like to think that God is using the doctors to confirm the
fact that claims about some supernatural healings are not fake. That
way, scep­tics could easily believe in the hand­work of God. But to us
believers, we don't need that to believe although it could help to
make assurance doubly sure. So, I don't think the resort to medical
confirmation should weaken our faith but rather it should reinforce
it."

-TheSunNews