Oliseh Flown To Belgium For Medical Treatment

Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh has been reportedly flown to
Belgium for treatment after his health condition worsened on Thursday.
Vanguard reports.

With this development, the Super Eagles would be without coach Oliseh
when they travel later on Friday to Burkina Faso for the second leg
CHAN qualifier in Ouagadogou.


According to a tweet by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), via its
Twitter handle, @ thenff, the former Nigeria captain, became dizzy and
weak after lunch today, and so had to be flown abroad tonight through
the Port Harcourt Airport.

The NFF said: "Coach Sunday Oliseh has returned to Belgium to continue
treatment after being advised by Eagles medics.

"He became dizzy and weak after lunch on Thursday and he travels
abroad tonight through the Port Harcourt Airport."

Recall that Oliseh joined his assistants after undergoing treatment in
Belgium and was on the bench when the Eagles whipped the Etalons of
Burkina Faso 2-0 in Port Harcourt last week, in their first leg
African Nations Championship qualifying clash.

Very reliable sources informed Sports Vanguard that the Coach "was not
himself and after being examined by the Eagles' Doctor, he was advised
to return to Belgium to complete his treatment. 'Yes, he'll not travel
with the team to Ouagadogou. He's off to Belgium on medical grounds,"
the source said.

"Go And Pay Your Workers First", Bishop Tells Okorocha, Rejects His N200,000 Donation

The Anglican Bishop of Owerri, Bishop Cyril C. Okorocha has rejected
the N200, ooo donation of Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, as
gathered by this medium the Money was given to the Church by the
governor at the diocesan synod of the Anglican Communion that was held
at St John's Anglican Church, New Owerri.

While rejecting the money, the Anglican Bishop lambasted Governor
Okorocha for inflicting sufferings on the people of Imo State through
non-payment of their salaries and his "inhuman policies".

Represented at the Synod by one Mr. Obinna Aharanwa, Okorrocha said
the donation was to help the church in its development a donation
which the Anglican Bishop rejected on basis that the Church will not
want to share in the blame for governor's non-payment of salaries and
other financial predicaments which the State is facing at the moment.

Speaking the Bishop said; "Please take your money and return it to the
government. If l take this money, lmo people will say that l have
collected their pension money and worker's salary. Go and pay
pensioners and workers. I won't touch this money.

"We want Governor Rochas Okorocha to publish his stewardship and show
us what he is doing with lmo money. We need explanations", Bishop
Okorocha concluded.

Meanwhile, the Governor's representative Mr. Obinna who felt
embarrassed by the Bishop's action went out of the meeting angry.

—UniversalReporters

Amaechi Finally Screened As PDP Senators Refuse To Ask Questions

As expected, the screening of the ministerial nominee from River State
and former governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday, generated
controversy among senators over whether he should be allowed to answer
questions or not.

Amaechi was the first nominee to be invited into the Senate chamber
after being denied the opportunity thrice as a result of a petition
against him over alleged corruption.

The Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led Committee on Ethics, Privileges and
Petitions submitted the report of the petition against Amaechi before
the commencement of the ministerial screening.

In his opening remarks, Amaechi greeted the senators and gave special
recognition to senators from Rivers State.

He spoke on his political antecedents as Speaker and later Governor of
Rivers State for eight years each, touching on his achievements in
education, health, roads and public accountability among others.

"We refined governance and repositioned leadership under my tenure as
governor", he said.

When it was time to ask questions, the Minority Leader, Senator
Godswill Akpabio, raised a point of order, saying the PDP caucus in
the Senate agreed not to ask Amaechi any question as a result of the
petitions pending against his nomination.

This position was however, rejected by the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume,
who guided the Senate as its Leader.

Ndume also asked the Senate to permit the nominee to take a bow and go
as a former member of the legislature, adding that Mr. Amaechi can be
screened without debating the report of the committee on ethics.

The Senate leader's reference to the PDP caucus as "you people", in
reference to their refusal to ask the ex-Rivers governor any question,
however, did not go down well and he was forced to apologize and
withdraw the comment.

After responding to questions from about eight All Progressives
Congress senators for about 50 minutes, the ministerial nominee was
finally allowed to take his leave.

As at the time of publishing this report, the ministerial nominee from
Bayelsa State, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri was being called into the
Senate chambers for his screening.

-InformationNigeria

Again, Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram

Nigeria has hired mercenaries to combat Boko Haram as military chiefs
face a December deadline to crush the militants, according to senior
military sources.

Turkish news agency, Anadolu Agency, reports that the mercenaries,
estimated at around 250 personnel and hired from South Africa-based
private contractor Specialized Tasks, Training, Equipment and
Protection (STTEP), are being deployed along with fighter jets in
Operation Fire Force, a source at Nigeria's defense headquarters said
on condition of anonymity.

PHOTO: Mercenary training soldiers

"The mercenaries have been reengaged and their platforms are being
deployed," the source said.

"By platforms, I mean fighter jets, helos [helicopters], coms
[communication], surveillance, medics, etc."

STTEP includes veterans from the South African apartheid era who will
work with and train a Nigerian strike force, according to the source.

Another army source confirmed the development to Anadolu Agency.
"There is definitely something happening in that direction," the
source said, again on condition of anonymity.

According to STTEP's official website, the company's trainers and
advisers are drawn from "conventional, clandestine, and covert units
of the pre-1994 South African Defense Force".

It claims to have a proven track record of success in Africa, the
Middle East, the Far East and Central and South America.

Describing the use of mercenaries to fight militants as "shameful"
during the March 2015 election campaign, Nigeria's President Muhammadu
Buhari condemned the practice.

Buhari, a retired general, said the practice represented the depth of
weakness of the Nigerian army.

Asked why the Buhari administration is again deploying mercenaries,
the defense HQ source said it appeared to be the most practical option
if headway was to be made against militants whose guerilla tactics are
new to the Nigerian military.

Nigeria claimed significant success against the militants in the
run-up to the March election, with some analysts crediting the
mercenaries.

Boko Haram threat
Boko Haram has emerged as a serious threat in Nigeria. More than 1,700
people have been killed since Buhari took office on May 29, according
to an Oct. 7 report from the International Society for Civil Liberties
and the Rule of Law. Since then, more than 100 have died in suicide
bombings in Borno and Yobe states.

According to the army HQ source, the Buhari administration initially
terminated the mercenary contract because it was "opaque and without
accountability". However, a new agreement was reached to boost the
counterinsurgency operation.

"As it stands now, huge amounts of monies are owed to the contractors
as fulfillment for the previous engagement," the HQ source added. "So
they are starting a new engagement for an initial period of three
months.

As for their outstanding balances, investigations are being carried
out to ensure everything is above board."

The Nigerian military did not respond to Anadolu Agency's request for comment.
However, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu denied the government was
engaging mercenaries again.

"It is true that the previous administration hired South African
mercenaries to fight Boko Haram," he said. "They, however, left with
the government that brought them."

"Since coming into office, this government did not have any engagement
with mercenaries of any kind and there are no plans to do so."

Siphiwe Dlamini, a spokesman for the South African National Defense
Force (SANDF), said his country did not have any troops in Nigeria but
could not say if private mercenaries were operating there.

"I wish to reiterate there are no SANDF personnel in Nigeria fighting
Boko Haram," he told Anadolu Agency. "If there are South Africans who
are there as you allege they are not our members but private
citizens."

"I cannot comment on what private citizens are doing in any part of the world."

STTEP did not respond to emailed requests for comment.
Earlier this year, South Africa's Defense Minister Nosiviwe
Mapisa-Nqakula issued a stern warning to South African mercenaries,
saying they had no business in Nigeria and should be arrested on their
return.

"Now that the matter has been brought to our attention, it is [up to
us] to verify that information as the government," she told
broadcaster SABC at the time. "The police have a responsibility to
make sure that when they come back these people are arrested."
South African law forbids its citizens from participating in foreign
wars. Most South African mercenaries are believed to be soldiers who
fought for the apartheid regime.

Impending campaign
The Nigerian army has spoken about impending military deployments
against Boko Haram, saying in a statement over the weekend that the
country's sovereignty was under threat.

"The next few days would be crucial to the operation Lafiya Dole
[Peace by Force]," army chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai said in a message
to troops. "It is also crucial to our country Nigeria. Our sovereignty
as a nation is threatened."

"The Nigerian army and indeed the military as the symbol of our
nationhood is being challenged. Our ability to stand and defeat the
Boko Haram terrorists in the next few weeks will determine the future
of our country."

The use of mercenaries is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria's conflicts.
Hundreds of French mercenaries fought on the side of Biafran rebels
against the Nigerian army in the late 1960s.

The country also hired mercenaries to weaken Boko Haram between
February and early April 2015 when the army rolled back much of the
militants' advances.
However, the government claimed the mercenaries only operated as instructors.

However, recall that President Muhammadu Buhari recently gave a
December deadline to the military to end the insurgency ravaging the
north-east.

But in a dramatic u-turn last Monday, Service Chiefs told the
President that their effort to completely rout out Boko Haram
insurgents in the insurgency-ravaged region, may not be feasible after
all, as it was being threatened by weather and logistics.

-Vanguard

Why Tribunal Nullified Akwa Ibom Gov. Election In 18 LGAs

The Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting
in Abuja, yesterday, cancelled the governorship election results in 18
local government areas, LGAs, in the state. A three-man panel of
Justices at the tribunal, headed by Justice Ishaq Umar, ordered the
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct re-run
elections in the affected LGAs.

The tribunal said it was satisfied that a total of 566, 436 voters in
the areas were disenfranchised during the governorship election that
held in the state on April 11, 2015.

According to the tribunal, section 108(2) of the Electoral Act,
empowered it to, in view of circumstances that surrounded the
governorship election in the 18 LGAs, nullify the outcome and order
INEC to organise a re-run.

Specifically, it listed the LGAs where INEC must conduct a re-run poll
as: Etim-Ekpo, Uyo, Ibesikpo, Onna, Ikono, Oruk-Anam, Uruan, Ibeno,
Ibiono Ibom, Nsit-Ibom, Nsit-Ubium, Ini, Oron, Nsit-Atai, Etinan,
Udung-Uko and Eket.

Though the petitioners, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its
governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Umana Okon Umana,
alleged that the governorship poll was fraught with manifest
irregularities, the tribunal, maintained that the alleged electoral
anomalies and non-compliance with the Electoral Act, were not enough
to warrant outright nullification of election results from all the 31
LGAs in the state.

"This petition partly succeeded. INEC is hereby ordered to conduct a
re-run election in 18 LGAs.

There
will be no order as to cost. Parties are to bear their cost," the
tribunal ruled.
Preliminary objections: Earlier, the tribunal dismissed preliminary
objections that were raised against the petition by Governor Udom
Emmanuel and his party, the PDP.

Udom and Umana
The two respondents had urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition for
want of merit.
They contended that the APC did not field a valid candidate at the
poll. The respondents argued that the notice APC gave to INEC before
it conducted its primaries that produced Umana as its governorship
candidate for the April 11 poll, failed to meet the compulsory 21
days stipulated by the Electoral Act.
The tribunal overruled PDP on the premise that the issue of nomination
of candidate for an election was a pre-election matter that was
outside its mandate.
Meantime, the petitioners, through a total of 58 witnesses produced in
the course of the proceedings, told the tribunal that the governorship
election was a sham.
Besides alleging that electoral materials were hijacked by armed
thugs, the petitioners, told the court that election did not hold in
many parts of the state. The petitioners contended that what obtained
in Akwa Ibom State on April 11 was a partial election, alleging that
figures were merely allotted to the PDP candidate. The APC urged the
tribunal to go ahead and determine whether in view of the weight of
evidence it tendered against the election, including seven video
recordings, governor Udom could be said to have secured majority of
the lawful votes cast, to warrant his declaration as winner of the
election.

Among those that testified before the tribunal that governorship
election did not hold in the state included the former governor,
Chief Obong Victor Attah, and former Minister of Petroleum Resources,
Chief Don Etiebet.

The petitioners prayed the tribunal to set aside the Certificate of
Return that was issued to governor Udom and order a fresh election in
the state.

Nevertheless, in its judgement that lasted over seven hours, the
tribunal, held that the allegations that the petitioners raised
against the governorship election were criminal in nature, stressing
that it ought to be proved beyond every reasonable doubt.

-Vanguard

Why Coaches Fear Mikel – Siasia

Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has warned that anyone who
wishes to talk to Mikel Obi to raise his game, should equally be ready
to take a slagging from the Chelsea star.

Mikel has come under intense criticisms following his recent sluggish
displays for the Super Eagles.

Siasia
, who lined
up the midfielder for the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup and then dropped him
for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said that Mikel does not welcome
criticisms.

"Someone would have to talk to him. But to talk to Mikel, you have to
be ready for your own beating," Siasia told Africanfootball.com.

This further confirms the awesome player-power the Chelsea star wields
in the Super Eagles.

Siasia said that it will be up to Mikel to take the responsibility to
step up his game.

"From what we have seen and what people are talking about, they don't
think he is giving his best. But he should be able to criticise
himself," argued the coach.

"He should do a self-critique. If he believes he is not doing well, he
has to try and up his game.

"He has been watching the games from the World Cup, if he thinks he is
not doing well, why is he not scoring, he has to be able to look at
those videos and see the areas he needs

Nigeria's midfielder John Obi Mike
to improve on.
"Nobody has to tell him. He is a professional. So, I am not going to
criticise him. He has done well for this country but if he is not
doing well like he used to, then something has to be done."

Siasia equally conceded he is "confused" about whether the best
position for the player is as a defensive or attacking midfielder.

"I am actually confused on that one, I don't know anymore," he admitted.

"As a defensive midfield player, it doesn't mean you should not go
forward or try to take some shots at goal. (Nemanja) Matic is doing
it, Ramires is doing it, so how come Mikel is not doing it? Why can't
he cover the box-to-box play. If you don't get into the box, you can
never shoot at goal. So, that is his problem."

-Vanguard

Ekweremadu’s Proposal To Break Up Nigeria

Last WEDNESDAY was the 54th Founder's Day of the University of
Nigeria, Nsukka, the nation's first indigenious university established
a week after the country's independence
IT was thus fitting that the big green coloured anniversary cake
prepared by the university was decorated to also capture Nigeria's
54th independence anniversary that was marked a week earlier.

However, Founder's Day events in campuses are also opportunities by
universities to sound off statesmen on contemporary issues. For UNN,
the 54th Founder's Day was an opportunity to hear from one of its most
popular alumni, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the
Senate and concurrently, speaker of the ECOWAS parliament.

For Senator Ekweremadu who graduated from the University's law
programme more than twenty five years ago and subsequently taught
constitutional law in the school, it was a sort of homecoming.
Not much apparently would have changed in the eyes of the senator
especially given the seeming failure of the university town to develop
despite hosting the country's first university for more than 54 years.

The venue of the lecture was the Princess Alexandra Hall, and
dignitaries from far and near were around.
Among them were the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano,
Brig-Gen. Benjamin Alanotu who as commander of the army brigade in
Maiduguri apprehended the, Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf, the
managing director of AIT News Mr. Imoni Amarere and a surplus of
leading lights of the academia led by the UNN vice-chancellor and
chief host, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba.

The event had commenced shortly after noon with the academic
procession led by the vice-chancellor.
Though he was in the procession, Ekweremadu was difficult to point
out, reason being that he was clad in the academic robe of the
university.

Sonorous renditions
He was also more difficult to identify because of the unusual attire
of an Adams Oshiomhole like khaki suit he wore. He was to later
explain that he donned the attire of a comrade essentially because of
the revolutionary ideas he had prepared to propound in the lecture.

Following prayers, a welcome address by the vice-chancellor and
ceremonies interspersed with sonorous renditions by the university
choir, Ekweremadu was called on to deliver his address.

His lecture was titled "Key Governance Issues in Nigeria: My
Perspectives." He surely had many perspectives, given his political
antecedents.
From local government chairman, to chief of staff to the Governor of
Enugu State and subsequently, secretary to the state government,
senator, and for the past seven years, deputy president of the Senate,
Senator Ekweremadu offered revolutionary proposals to ameliorate the
malaise in governance in the country. It was to some, an act of class
suicide as he proffered radical steps to the structure and synergy in
the Nigerian federation.

Arguably, the most revolutionary proposal in the about 90 minute
lecture was his call for the abrogation of the 36 state structure and
the replacement of such with a six geo-political zones federating
units.

"My take is that we should return to the regional arrangement with the
six geopolitical zones as the federating units. This will help us to
shrink the size and number of government and increase the volume of
resources available to the regions. It will also help the federating
units to benefit from the economy of scale, doing mega development
projects as we had in the First Republic."

The senator also used the opportunity to reiterate his call for the
establishment of multi-level policing saying that recent developments
had vindicated him. It was also noted that several stakeholders,
notably, northern governors who had in the past opposed him on the
issue have recanted on the issue.

Corporate entities

He said: "My take is that we cannot continue to live in denial. The
cost and embarrassment are clear like daylight. And whether we accept
it or not, many of our states, communities, and corporate entities

states, communities, and corporate entities are already practicing
multilevel policing by using vigilantes, the Sharia police or Hisbah,
neighborhood watch, and other assorted arrangements aimed at beefing
up security around. My worry, though, is that they are largely
illegal, poorly regulated, prone to abuse, and indeed often abused."
"Decentralised or multilevel policing is the order of the day because
it enables sub-national entities such as the states, local
governments, and communities as well as organisations such as
universities to have their own police under strict regulation and
supervision. It allows for competition in the provision of security as
a way of attracting investment and quality residents. These levels of
government and corporate entities package and prioritise the security
of lives and property to suit their local challenges and resources.

The system is so effective in the United States of America, USA, that
the police pays you a compensation if they fail to answer a distress
call by being physically present at the scene of distress in eight
minutes and something untoward happens thereafter. That way, crimes
are averted, and when they occur, because they inevitably do, response
is timely and solid, while punishment is quick and certain."

Perhaps in line with his revolutionary zeal, Ekweremadu sought to
bring the welfare and issue of the common man to fore as he lamented
that the "dominant public sentiment is that leaders show insufficient
commitment to the citizens' welfare and gravely under appreciate the
need to use powers to achieve public good and national interest".

"The welfare of citizens should not depend on the goodwill of those in
power, but should be the center piece of government policies and
programme; hence I consider it obscene and irreligious when those in
governance insist that the people role out the drums to celebrate and
glorify them for providing them with what they in government were
elected to do in the first place", he added.

He insisted that "only an aggressive pursuit of citizens' welfare can
mute the uneasy feelings and agitations percolating in the society
about leaders' insensitivity to citizens' welfare".

Senator Ekweremadu added: "Those in politics have the binary moral
choice to make: to use power for evil or to use it for good; this is
an era of immense challenges and the nation needs leaders who use
their powers for the good of the nation. The logical and serious way
to recapture public trust is by providing honest and effective
leadership.

Good leadership will assuage citizens discouraged and alienated by
what they view as insensitive, corrupt, and ineffective leadership at
various levels of government"

Before concluding he offered a ray of hope for Nigeria, saying:

"There is legitimate optimism about the future of Nigeria, as problems
that bothered us seem to be dissipating; hence nothing should alter
our mindset, vitiate our commitment, enfeeble our resolve or distract
our purpose. We must work together for to make Nigeria a better, more
secure, and more prosperous nation", he urged.

Another act of class suicide that many in the senator's Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP would be quick to disown was the proposal for
the introduction of proportional representation in the election to
parliament.
Through that process, smaller political parties would be represented
in the legislature based on the total number of votes scored in the
election.

Following his presentation, the discussants Prof. Sam Egwu, Brig. Gen.
Alanotu, Prof. Ben Elo Amucheazi and Mr. Amarere took turns to offer
their insights into the issues raised by the senator.

They without exception agreed with the deputy Senate president on the
proposals he pushed.
Brig. Gen. Alanotu was to add the need for the nation to have a data
base to capture all persons living in the country saying it was
essential in the light of contemporary security needs.

Mr. Amarere even while applauding the submissions, however, questioned

Mr. Amarere even while applauding the submissions, however, questioned
the capacity of the electoral body to superintend over an election
based on proportional representation as he pointed at regular
questions pointed at the electoral register.
It was the 54th Founder's Day for the University, but for Ekweremadu
and many who were there, the ideas proposed last Wednesday could well
be the platform for the foundation of a truly more viable Nigeria.

-Vanguard

5 Things You Need To Know About New INEC Chairman, Yakubu

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced a professor of political
history and international studies, Mahmood Yakubu, as new chairman of
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) read more.

Read five things about the newly appointed INEC boss.
Yakubu, a professor of political history and international studies,
was Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He is an expert in guerrilla warfare, terrorism and counter-terrorism.

He was an Assistant Secretary, Finance and Administration, at the 2014
National Conference under the Jonathan led administration.

Professor Yakubu, is the first and only first class graduate of
history from the North till date,who was on secondment from the
Nigeria Defense Academy where he was a lecturer to the Federal
Ministry of Education.

He was a member of the very dynamic Oby Ezekwesili Educational
Transformation Team which received plaudits from Nigerians for their
far reaching recommendations for the turn around of the fortunes of
education in Nigeria.

-Vanguard

10-Man Eaglets Defeat Chile 5 - 1, Qualify For Round Of 16

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets has qualified for the Round of 16 at the FIFA
Under 17 World Cup following their 5-1 bashing of the host, Chile
early this morning at the Estadio SausalitoVina Del Mar.

Eaglets' midfielder, Samuel Chukwueze stroke after 15 seconds from
kick off to score Nigeria's third fastest goal in the history of Under
17 World Cup.

Chukwueze equaled Wilson Oruma and Kanu Nwankwo's records in the 1993
edition of the tournament. Both former players scored in the 9th and
39th seconds respectively.

Brazil's Sadilo and Relso were the holders of the fastest goal
records, who had scored in the 9th and 14th second since '85 when the
tournament kicked off.

Kelechi Nwakali made it two from the spot in the 17th minute of the tie.
The Chileans attempted to redeem their image in the second half by
controlling play but their efforts were put at bay by the resolute
Nigerians with the Nigerian goalkeeper Udoh making brilliant saves.

Chukwueze again hit the target in the 61 minute to put the game away
from the opponents reach, just as Victor Osimhen double strikes in the
66th and 86th minutes sealed victory for Nigeria.

Marcelo Allende grabbed a consolatory goal for the hosts in the 81st
minute which was too little, too late to pacify the eighteen million
home fans.

What could have been the sixth goal was blown away by Nwakali, who
shot wide from penalty spot which could have equaled France 6-1 win
over New Zealand in one of the opening group games of the tournament.

Nigeria's Funsho Bamgboye was sent off few minutes from the final
whistle as the four-time World Champions were reduced to ten men.

Nigeria play her final group game against Croatia on Friday which is a
mere formality as the Eaglets have won the group ahead of the Round of
16 stage of the competition.

The Eaglets lead the group with unassailable six points, Croatia has
two points, while USA and Chile have one point respectively.

TAXES: Ekiti Seals Businesses As Igbo Traders Protest

As controversy continues to trail the new tax regime imposed on
business outfits in the state, Igbo traders in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti
State capital yesterday staged peaceful protests against what they
described as "outrageous taxes" imposed on them by the state
government.

Shops belonging to the Igbo traders, along the state secretariat road
and a branch of Zenith Bank, NNPC retail petrol station were shut down
by officials of the Board of Internal Revenue, BIR, in an operation
that commenced at about 9.00 am.

The traders marched from their shops to the BIR headquarters opposite
Old Governor's Office, forcing the frightened civil servants working
at BIR to shut their doors against the protesters and didn't open
until 4.00 pm closing time.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue, Ropo Ogunjobi, was not
available to address the protesting Igbo traders.

Explaining the reason for their protest, the traders claimed they
entered into agreement with BIR for a tax rate of N5,500 only for the
officials of the tax agency to storm their business offices yesterday
morning claiming that the agreed tax no longer subsists.

Chairman of Secretariat Road Traders Association, Uchenna Madunagu,
told Vanguard that the BIR imposed taxes ranged between N75,000 and
N180,000, which they described as outrageous.

Madunagu said the traders were forced out of their shops by
stern-looking armed policemen, and defence officers clutching chains
and padlocks with which their shops were sealed.

The traders boss claimed that most of the traders still had cash,
passbooks, cheques and keys to their homes inside their shops.

Secretary of the association, Chizom Unegbu, urged Fayose to reduce
the taxes imposed on the traders saying there should be no selective
application of taxes in the state.
Unegbu expressed disappointment that Ogunjobi was not in office to
attend to them declaring their readiness to continue their protests
until government accedes to their demands.

Ogunjobi, while reacting to the development said the question of the
traders paying N5,500 never emanated from his office.

He said: "Those traders were economical with the truth, N5,500 they
are talking about is not from this office because what we are talking
about now is the Personal Income Tax.

"We have assessed them, they should go and collect the assessment
notice and go to the bank and pay their taxes."

Judiciary should be purged —Fayose

Meantime, Governor Ayodele Fayose has declared that for battle against
corruption to be successful, there is the need for a complete over
hauling of the nation's judiciary.

Fayose lamented that the Nigerian judiciary, which ought to be the
last hope of common man has been compromised, saying, most judgements
in Nigeria today are monetised. If the battle against corruption can
be won between the Bar and the Bench, it will be won in the society.

The governor, who spoke at a church service held at the Cathedral
Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti to usher in the 2015/2016 legal year,
said: "for Nigeria to move forward and for us to have a just society,
the judiciary has a major role to play and must be seen to be doing
so."

-Vanguard

Flood Kills 4, Submerges Farmlands In Imo

At least four persons were feared dead, while many sustained varying
degrees of injuries, following the flooding that swept through some
communities in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

Similarly, several hectares of farmland were completely submerged,
even as tons of farm products harvested by farmers, were equally lost
to the flood.

Vanguard reports that already, scores of families, mainly farmers,
have relocated to safer grounds, while some others remained trapped in
the flooded communities at the time of going to press.

One of the villagers told Vanguard yesterday: "The use of canoe is now
the only means of getting to their homes."

"Many people, who could safely climb trees, did so, when they noticed
that the flood had not only swept across the exit routes, but also
growing dangerously with time."

While saying that many were still trapped in the flood areas, the
villager also bemoaned the huge losses recorded by the people since
the deluge started.

Confirming the ugly situation during an interview, an official of the
National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mr. Quintus Oramalu, said
at the last count, over 60 houses had been submerged by flood.

He appealed to other citizens living in the affected communities to
relocate immediately to safer grounds to avoid any avoidable disaster.

Vanguard recalls that no fewer than 23 communities in Oguta local
government area suffered grave consequences during the 2012 flooding.

It would also be recalled that prior to the current flooding and
reported loss of lives, the Imo office of the National Orientation
Agency, NOA, carried out series of sensitization exercises in the
flood-prone areas of Oguta and Egbema local council areas
of the state.

-Vanguard

Police Arrest Supporters Of Radio Biafra Director In Anambra

SCORES of supporters of the embattled director of Radio Biafra, Mr.
Nnamdi Kanu were Tuesday arrested by the Anambra State police command
at various points in Awka as they embarked on protests in the state
capital.

The protesters, including women, carried placards with various
inscriptions, marched from Amawbia to the Government House, demanding
that Kanu be left alone.

However, as they approached Government House, the police men stationed
at the place fired sporadically in the air and threw teargas canisters
to scare them.

Another group protesting at the Arroma junction was also picked by the police.

Anambra State coordinator of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr.
Ikechukwu Okoye said their protest was not meant to cause any trouble,
adding that they were only on the streets to prevail on security
operatives to release Kanu.

According to him, the protesters were marching to the Government House
to plead with Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano to prevail
on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on the matter.

He said: "We are only agitators who obey the laws of the land. This is
democracy and there is freedom of speech and freedom of movement.

"Why would anybody detain our leader and in the process be demanding
bail fee of N2million. We have not come to fight anybody because we
are peace makers"

Anmabra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, confirmed the
arrest of the protesters, saying it was because they were parading
along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway thereby causing breach of peace.

According to the CP, "there is nothing like Indigenous People of
Biafra. Those people constituted nuisance on the high way and that was
why they were picked.

"Right now, I do not know the number of people that were picked, but I
want to assure the people that anybody who disturbs the peace that
exists in this state will not go unpunished."

Meanwhile, the factional leadership of the Movement for the
Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has lent
support to the Radio Biafra director.

In a press statement made available to reporters in Awka yesterday,
the national director of information of the breakaway MASSOB, Mr
Uchenna Madu said it was identifying with Kanu in the spirit of
brotherhood pursuing one strong force for self determination.
.
The statement read: "If Nigeria is shivering and catching cold when
international sympathizers / supporters of Biafra are openly and
diplomatically expressing positive concerns on Biafra and Nnamdi
Kanu's arrest which subsequently pressurizes the DSS to quickly but
secretly arraign him before a court which also granted him bail,
evidently shows that the end of Nigeria domination of Biafra has come.

"MASSOB condemns the opposition of Ralph Uwazuruike- led faction of
MASSOB on Nnamdi Kanu. How can Ralph Uwazuruike who claimed to be
fighting for Biafra actualization openly support Nigeria government on
this arrest of Nnamdi Kanu?

"Nnamdi kanu was not suspended by Ralph Uwazuruike or MASSOB as
claimed. Rather, he left MASSOB in 2009 when Biafra groups in Diaspora
who jointly assisted and supported Ralph Uwazuruike in the quest for
Biafra, found out that all the monetary dues committed to the struggle
from abroad and at home for execution of Biafra project were not
judiciously used."

-Vanguard

3 Feared Dead, 20 Wounded As Pro-Biafra Group, Security Agents Clash In Anambra

THREE persons were feared dead and about twenty others wounded on
Sunday when members of a new pro- Biafra group, the Independent People
of Biafra (IPOB) and security operatives engaged in a shootout in
Onitsha.

It was not clear what caused the trouble, but one of the injured
persons, Mr. Chinwendu Ikechukwu said the group was carrying out an
evangelism programme on the need for people to embrace Biafra Republic
in parts of Nkpor , Idemili North local government area after their
routine meeting, adding that it was while they were on the street that
security operatives opened fire on them.

He said: "On reaching Okpoko junction, we were accosted by a
detachment of policemen who fired tear gas on our members numbering
about 5000, but they later allowed us to go since we were non violent.

"However, on reaching Uga junction close to the Niger Bridge Head, the
Naval men on duty there opened fire on us. In our defenseless state,
three of our members were shot dead, while about twenty others
sustained injuries. Even the police who initially allowed us to go
later joined in shooting our members."

According to him, the injured persons were initially rushed to the
nearby Paragon Hospital, Fegge before they were distributed to other
hospitals.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP
Okechukwu Ali however denied the involvement of police in the
shooting, adding that the police were in a 'Show of Force' operation
in Onitsha as at the time of the incident.

"We never shot at the group, even though the law of the land has
outlawed all pro -Biafran groups," he said.

Also, a naval officer who refused to give his name said the group was
lying, insisting that nobody died.

According to him, "if they claim that three of their members died,
they should provide their bodies.

-Vanguard

Arsenal’s Champions League Campaign Alive, Beat Bayern 2 – 0

Olivier Giroud kept Arsenal's Champions League campaign alive as the
France striker punished a costly blunder from Bayern Munich goalkeeper
Manuel Neuer to inspire a crucial 2-0 win on Tuesday.

PHOTO: Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring his
team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League football match
between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in London,
on October 20, 2015. Arsenal won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO


Giroud came off the bench to open the scoring after Neuer made a hash
of dealing with a free-kick with 13 minutes left at the Emirates
Stadium and Mesut Ozil added the killer second with virtually the last
kick.

Despite being on the back foot for long periods, Arsene Wenger's side
gratefully accepted Neuer's gift after consecutive Group F defeats had
left them on the verge of elimination.

The Gunners still have little margin for error with a trip to Munich
next up, but their determined display has given them much-needed hope
of making the knockout stages for a 16th successive year.
It was an especially ironic twist after a howler from Arsenal
goalkeeper David Ospina had played a major role in their loss against
Olympiakos in their previous European fixture.

Wenger had made the surprisingly candid revelation that his players
underestimated Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos in the two defeats that
had put them in such a perilous position, but there was never any
chance they would repeat that mistake against the Bundesliga leaders.

Alexis Sanchez led Arsenal's first incisive raid as the Chilean surged
forward before picking out Ozil for a low shot that Neuer turned away.

Bayern's victory at Werder Bremen on Saturday made them the first team
ever to win their opening nine league games.
And the sublime attacking play behind that record-breaking run was on
display when Thomas Muller slipped a perfectly weighted pass through
to Thiago Alcantara, whose drive was parried away by Petr Cech.

Bayern boss Pep Guardiola had claimed he expected Arsenal to fight
like animals, but Wenger's men were caged by the Germans' metronomic
passing game for long periods and Sanchez was fortunate to get away
with a handball as he blocked a shot.

– Intricate patterns –

With the Germans weaving intricate patterns around midfield, Arsenal's
concentration wavered when Jerome Boateng was given time and space for
a long pass to Douglas Costa.

Costa's quick feint took him past Hector Bellerin with ease and Bayern
winger's powerful shot from a tight angle forced Cech to make a good
save at his near post.
Bayern's intelligent movement again reduced Arsenal to helpless
bystanders when Arturo Vidal finished another flowing move by testing
Cech with a dipping strike.

Aware that chances would be at a premium against such elite
opposition, Arsenal countered by attacking with pace on the break, but
when their chances came Theo Walcott scuffed wide from a good position
and Sanchez blazed high into the stands.
Walcott had no reason to reproach himself late in the first half when
his seemingly goal-bound close-range header from Nacho Monreal's cross
was brilliantly clawed away by Neuer.

It was an outrageously good save and Arsenal's frustration only grew
as Aaron Ramsey dragged the rebound across goal.
Costa was a constant menace and the Brazilian lashed just over from
long-range soon after the interval.

Robert Lewandowski had scored 15 goals in his last seven appearances
for club and country and Bayern's Polish forward nearly added to that
tally with a stinging drive that Cech pushed over.
Bayern kept pressing and Lewandowski's shot was repelled by a Laurent
Koscielny block, while Muller's angled strike flashed just wide.
But after his earlier heroics, Neuer finished the villain as he gifted
Arsenal the lead in the 77th minute.
Santi Cazorla floated a high free-kick into the Bayern area and as
Neuer came to collect behind Koscielny he allowed the ball to slip
past him to Giroud, who headed against his hand and into the empty
net.

Supporters Of Biafra Protest Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest In Port Harcourt

Supporters of the Radio Biafra broadcaster, under the umbrella the
Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, resident in Rivers State have
stormed the city of Port Harcourt with a heavy protest demanding the
unconditional release of their leader and presenter, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

The protesters numbering over 5000 who were split into seven groups
appeared peaceful, although, chanting war songs also called for the
creation of the sovereign state of Biafra.

The agitators, mainly business men and women of Igbo extraction, said
it was an act of impunity for the federal government to apprehend a
man who is championing the cause of his people.

The IPOB supporters claimed that they were not part of the Movement
for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, adding
that the IPOB is fighting true course for the emancipation of the
Biafrans.

Speaking, one of the coordinators of IPOB, Mr. Chidiebre Aguodu said,
"The reason for this protest is that our able chairman, the father and
founder of IPOB worldwide has been held by President Muhammadu
Buhari."

"We need him to be released to us unconditionally. The protest for now
is peaceful, but we need Biafra and we need freedom.

"We are armless, we have not harmed anybody and we owe nobody any
apology for what we are doing, as Biafrans we stand for justice and
justice will reign.

"Now our director has been held for days and we want him out and we
want freedom in Biafra land.
I advice the country to allow Biafrans go because the marriage has
lasted for 101 years and there was no demonstration and the battle
lasted for 40 years and we have won three times, all we want now is
freedom because we are tired of the marriage. Let Nigerians be
Nigerians and Biafrans want to be Biafrans.

Similarly, Mr. Harrison Onyema said, "We want secession or we are
ready to burn down the whole country. We will continue this disturb in
all the Biafran States until justice is made to our demand for
secession.

Harrison claimed, "Here is not called Port Harcourt it is called
Igwuocha, a city in Biafran Nation. No Biafra, No peace." He said
Later at the pick of the protest shooting from some security
operatives caused scare around mile one axis of Port Harcourt.

The shooting started when some of the protesters invaded the Zenith
Bank in Ikwere road and brought down a Nigerian flag hung in the bank
premises.

This made some security operatives attached to the bank to start
shooting into the air to scare off the ragging protesters.

-Vanguard