(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/The%20Nation.gif) The Nation Nigerian News Headlines: Get Updated. Latest and most updated news about Nigerians, Nigerian Government, and Nigeria.
The National Vanguard for Democracy and Development (NVDD) and the Movement for Democratic Sustainability (MDS) yesterday advised former Vice-President, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to accept defeat in las Thursday primaries. President Goodluck Jonathan trounced him to pick the ticket.
Atiku urged to concede defeat (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25057.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Graphic1_171227075.jpg&size=article_medium)
Ogbulafor, Gemade, Ogbeh, Ekwueme, Ali and Lar
IN 12 years, the political party that takes pride in describing itself as the largest in Africa has had its affairs directed by seven men. All the seven left office before the expiration of their tenure. It has become conventional for power men within the party to come together and show each of the men the red card.
PDP national chairmen and the illusion of power (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25175.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Atiku3_378538439.jpg&size=article_medium)
Atiku Abubakar
Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday rejected allegations that ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chair Okwesilieze Nwodo's support for his presidential bid ignited the chain of events that led to his forced resignation.
I've no hand in Nwodo's downfall, says Atiku (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25173.html)
As was to be expected, President Goodluck Jonathan's not-so-unexpected trouncing of former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, the Northern consensus candidate, at the January 13 PDP presidential primaries, has been greeted with a torrent of adverts congratulating the president for his "well-deserved victory" – to use the words of one of such adverts by one of the president's leading cheerleaders, Dr. Hassan Adamu, Wakilin Adamawa, CON.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Jonathan_and_Atiku_214457840.jpg&size=article_medium)
Jonathan and Atiku
"The PDP Family," said the Wakilin Adamawa in the full page advert in last week's Sunday Trust, "is solidly behind Mr. President on continuation in office as the preferred PRESIDENT for our great country in 2011."
Jonathan's victory; Nigeria's new dawn? (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/columnist/wednesday/mohammed-harunna/25177.html)
The Immigration Service (NIS) is seeking assistance in revamping border infrastructure on a Public Private Partnership (PP) basis.
Its Comptroller-General Mrs. Rose Uzoma, who spoke yesterday in Abuja, said such partnership would make for effective migration management.
Mrs. Uzoma said past efforts to upscale border infrastructure yielded little result because of limited budgetary allocation to the service.
How to police 84 border posts, by Immigration chief (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25307.html)
Democratic People's Party (DPP) governorship candidate in Kwara State Gbenga Olawepo yesterday praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)over the voter registration.
Olawepo, who registered at Ajasse Ward 2, Agbamu, in Irepodun Local Government Area, urged Nigerians to exercise patience over the initial hitches being experienced.
'End has come for vote 'robbers' (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25308.html)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded arrangements to deploy two technicians to each of the 774 local governments in the country.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=INEC_Logo_109735088.jpg&size=article_medium)
Also, the three companies that supplied the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines have begun arrangements to deploy engineers to all states.
The companies are Zinox Technologies Ltd, which was contracted to supply 80,000 units at $1, 771. 73 per unit; Messrs Haier Electrical Appliances Corp Ltd, 30,000 units at $1, 699. 60 per unit; and Avante International Technology Inc., 22,000 units at $1, 699. 60 per unit.
INEC to deploy technicians to local govts (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25310.html)
Three riot policemen in the security team of Vice President Namadi Sambo are at the Intensive Care Unit of a Kaduna hospital after being knocked down by a patrol vehicle belonging to Kaduna State's special security outfit, Operation Yaki.
Sambo was in Kaduna to register.
The incident took place few metres from the Ribadu polling unit where he registered. It involved a pick up Hilux van with registration number AH 468 MKR which lost control on Tafawa Balewa Way in the heart of Kaduna metropolis. It was Sambo's convoy.
Sambo's convoy hits three policemen (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25309.html)
The Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State Mr. Idowu Obasa yesterday said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must correct the anomalies in the voter registration.
He said failure to do this would confirm the belief that there was a plan to undermine the exercise.
'INEC must act fast' (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25419.html)
Governors Olusegun Mimiko, Peter Obi and Adams Oshiomhole of Ondo, Anambra and Edo States yesterday expressed concern over technical hitches surrounding the voter registration.
Mimiko, who spoke after monitoring the exercise in six centres in Akure, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to correct the anomalies.
Mimiko, Obi, Oshiomhole score INEC low (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25422.html)
A fresh crisis has erupted in the Federal Civil Service over plans to subject the appointment of a new Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) to a written examination.
The crisis has pitched top civil servants from the North against the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi.
Row over appointment of new AGF (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25501.html)
The Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, Friday declared that his administration would not go back on its decision to demolish the Olomi, Ibadan National Union of Road Transport Workers { NURTW} currently occupied by the Chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola a.k.a. Tokyo.
Akala insists on demolishing NURTW building (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25502.html)
A group, under the name Goodluck Nigeria Concert (GNC), has perfected plans for a nationwide concert to foster support for President Goodluck Jonathan and his Vice, Namani Sambo in the 2011 elections.
Source: 2011: Group plans nationwide concert for President (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25503.html)
A former Minister of Finance and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone, Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman has assured the people of Southern Kaduna of effective representation if elected.
Source: Usman promises adequate representation (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25592.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Northern_leaders_821629306.jpg&size=article_medium)
Ahead of general elections in April, northern political leaders have the task of backing a strong presidential candidate from the region to run against President Goodluck Jonathan. This was part of decisions reached at a strategic meeting last week in Abuja, following Jonathan's victory over former vice president Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, in the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary held recently.
The northern front runners are Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (Action Congress of Nigeria), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Congress for Progressive Change) and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau (All Nigeria Peoples Party).
Source: North considers who to back against Jonathan (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25598.html)
The presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his dismay at the ongoing voter registration exercise in the country which according to him, started on a disappointing note.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=BUHARI_PIX_598534010.jpg&size=article_medium)
Buhari made this remark in a chat with newsmen in his Daura home shortly after registering for his voter card at his Sarkin Yara 'A' Ward by 11.00 am in Daura, Katsina State yesterday.
Source: I'm disappointed at the ongoing voter registration —Buhari (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25597.html)
Millions of eligible voters across the country eagerly looked forward to the voter registration exercise announced well ahead of time in preparation for the 2011 elections. Expectations were high.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Edozie_Ilobachie_325940949.jpg&size=article_medium)
Edozie Ilobachie
Quite a large number of observers believed that the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of the university don and highly respected activist, Professor Attahiru Jega would, compared to previous dispensations, record much better performances right from its inception and every step of the way.
In furtherance of the registration exercise, INEC decided to engage the services of serving members of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) across the nation perhaps for their presumed competencies and integrity. However, since the commencement of the exercise, there had been various reports of hiccups at several registration centres nationwide. Much of these reports had to do with performances of the NYSC members.
Source: Our voter registration experience —Youth Corps members (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25590.html)
The United Nations (UN) has praised Nigeria for its mature handling of the Iran's arm shipment furore. It was at the end of an inspection of the impounded weapons.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Odein Ajumogobia told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the team said at the end of its tour, "Nigeria acted in a model way, worthy of commendation''.
Source: UN team hails Nigeria over Iran's arms furore (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25698.html)
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday kicked against the approval of N1.18billion for two local power plants by President Goodluck Jonathan.
It said it was the continuation of an orgy of waste and corruption.
Source: CNPP flays Jonathan over N1.18b power plants contract (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25699.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday described the voter registration as shoddy.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Pix__10_653356934.jpg&size=article_medium)
Alhaji Lai Mohammed
It said the hiccups "are the single greatest obstacle to free, fair and credible polls in April."
In a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara State, yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party listed the problems as including registration of voters without their fingerprints being captured, disappearance of Director Capital (DDC) machines which can be used for illegal registration and alleged over-supply of the machines to areas that are known to be strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Source: ACN: shoddy voter registration threatens free, fair elections (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25697.html)
The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has proposed new electricity tariff.
The tariff will take care of the country's obnoxious billing system, NERC Chief Executive Officer Dr Sam Amadi said.
Source: New electricity tariff coming (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25700.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ogun State has accused the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) of bribing the National Youth Corp Scheme (NYSC) adhoc staff involved in the voter registration.
The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Sola Lawal, said: "Unscrupulous politicians have been using chairmen of the party in the wards throughout the state to induce the over 6, 000 corps members."
The statement reads: "We have all along been monitoring the voter registration in the state and we have continued to cry out to INEC and relevant security agencies about the dubious actions of the PDP to frustrate the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Source: Ogun ACN accuses PDP of bribing corps members (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25816.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused the Kwara State Government of compromising the voter registration by its monetary gift.
In a statement in Ilorin, Kwara State, yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently investigate the ''donation'', which was announced on the radio, but the purpose of which was not stated.
Source: ACN accuses govt of compromising exercise (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25817.html)
The Federal Government has deployed soldiers to protect officials of Reynold Construction Company rehabilitating the Benin-Lagos road. This measure followed the incessant kidnap of some RCC officials which made the firm to suspend work on the road since last October.
The RCC management is also asking the government to pay N5.6billion, being part of the money owed the company for the execution of some jobs.
More than 30 soldiers were seen guarding the foreign workers when the Minister of State for Works, Dr Chris Ogienmwonyi, went to assess on-going work along the road.
Source: Govt deploys soldiers to guard RCC officials (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25819.html)
A pro- democracy group, Coalition for the Advancement of Democracy in Nigeria, has urged the nation's judiciary to allow democracy to grow.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Collins Nnamdi, it regretted that some judicial officers were colluding with politicians to truncate the nation's democracy.
It enjoined the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), to call the erring officers to order.
Source: Judiciary urged to allow democracy grow (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25883.html)
The Ekiti State Council of Obas yesterday expressed dismay over the conduct of the ongoing voter registration.
It was during a meeting with the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=adetunji_939750022.jpg&size=article_medium)
Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti
The minister, who is an indigene of the state, was home to sensitise the people for the exercise.
The monarchs accused Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of lapses, which might cause misfortune for the state politically.
Source: Ekiti monarchs lament poor exercise (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25896.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has asked Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure more transparency in the ongoing voter registration exercise, saying the commission has been slow to react to anomalies hindering the success of the exercise.
Source: ACN warns INEC against disenfranchising Nigerians (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25897.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=lawyers_195451192.jpg&size=article_medium)
Following his criticisms of the Justices of the Court of Appeal, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Joseph Daudu has been under attack. Senior lawyers say his position does not give him the licence to issue such a sweeping condemnation, Eric Ikhilae Joseph Jibueze and Damisi Ojo speak with the eminent lawyers
Senior lawyers yesterday reacted angrily to the condemnation of Justices of the nation's appellate court by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu. Some described it as contemptuous; others simply called for a retraction.
Source: Lawyers lash NBA president over comments on Appeal Court Justices (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25898.html)
Anyone looking for the impact of the rejection of President Goodluck Jonathan's emergence as flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) must look beyond the official communiqué.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Jonathan_Goodluck_771991470.jpg&size=article_medium)
Reports emanating from the Kaduna venue of the meeting called to discuss the outcome of the ruling party's primaries show a group split right down the middle – with a vocal faction calling for the head of the chairman, Major-General Ibrahim Haruna (rtd), who allegedly backed Jonathan clandestinely.
Source: Jonathan: How damaging is the Arewa snub? (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25900.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=House_of_rep_116284939.jpg&size=article_medium)
After failing to secure return tickets to recontest their seats in the House of Representatives, lawmakers are up in arms against Speaker Dimeji Bankole.
They are also threatening to probe some of the projects initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan, who they accuse of betraying the agreement to return most of them to parliament in return for their support for his bid for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket.
Source: Reps threaten Speaker over primaries (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25999.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has expressed apprehension over the ongoing voter registration in Kwara State.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=ACN_INEC_674752549.jpg&size=article_medium)
It said the exercise may not lead to free, fair and transparent elections in April.
Source: ACN calls for correction of registration lapses in Kwara (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25995.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=saburi_959544138.jpg&size=article_medium)
A Driver with the National Life, Mr. Emmanuel Deji, was yesterday arrested by police from the Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi, Benue State.
Details of his arrest were sketchy at last night, but investigation revealed that it may not be unconnected with a story published over alleged certificate forgery by Governor Gabriel Suswam.
Last Monday, the newspaper's distribution manager, Mr. Joshua Wuam, was arrested by unknown gun men suspected to be government agents.
The arrest of Deji with the van containing copies of the newspaper is seen as further attack by agents of the government. As at last night, he was yet to be released.
Source: National Life driver arrested in Makurdi (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/25994.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=DDC_MACHINES_FOR_FCT_INEC_474227052.jpg&size=article_medium)
Two corps members and five others were yesterday arrested for stealing three Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines in Bonny Local Government, Rivers State.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Aniedi Ikoiwak broke tne news at a news conference in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Source: Two corps members, five others arrested for stealing DDC machines (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26093.html)
Former Minister of Petroleum Prof. Tam David-West has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrest and prosecute Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, for alleged illegal possession of Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines.
The machines were allegedly found in Clark's home in Warri, Delta State.
David-West made the call during an interview in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday.
Clark has explained that the commission is aware that the machines are in his home.
He said they were meant for Ayakoromor community in Burutu Local Government.
Source: David-West seeks Ijaw leader Clark's arrest (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26094.html)
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State yesterday said the Southsouth will reach out to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on President Goodluck Jonathan's aspiration for the Presidency in April.
He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is forging a working alliance with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) so as to win the presidential election.
Source: Southsouth to reach out to ACF over Jonathan, says Uduaghan (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26100.html)
Former South Africa president Nelson Mandela returned home on Friday after two days of successful hospital treatment for breathing difficulties where he resolutely laughed and joked with visitors.
Source: Mandela goes home after hospital treatment (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26175.html)
Plans are underway by the members of the rested National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to regroup immediately after the funeral of its former leader, the late Chief Anthony Enahoro.
Preliminary talks have been held in Lagos towards resuscitating the organisation, which the members said had become more compelling in view of the poor governance across the three tiers of government.
Source: NADECO members regroup (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26186.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Jega_Atahiru_438343809.jpg&size=article_medium)
As prospective voters and registration officials continue to confront sundry challenges related with the ongoing voter registration exercise, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally announced a one-week extension.
Source: INEC extends exercise by one week (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26200.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Olurin_631863406.jpg&size=article_medium)
Bashorun Soremi
The Chairman of the Harmonized Executive Committee of the Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], Bashorun Dayo Soremi, said the governorship candidate of the party, Gen. Tunji Idowu Olurin is on course.
He said Olurin's mandate is intact since he has, according to him, collected and filled the Independent National Electoral Commission's [INEC's] form based on the outcome of primaries conducted by the committee.
Source: Olurin's mandate is intact, says party chief (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26201.html)
Two policemen allegedly acting on the orders of the Commissioner of Police (CP) Benue State yesterday invaded The Nation's printing press in Abuja.
The two policemen, who were in mufti, arrived the premises of the press about 11.30am saying they came from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
They immediately arrested the head printer on duty, Mr. Daniel Orunto, and took him to the Lugbe Police Station.
Source: Benue police arrest, release two Abuja staff of The Nation (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26280.html)
Protests against the emergence of Senate Leader Teslim Folarin as winner of Friday's re-run primary in the Oyo Central Senatorial District continued yesterday in Ibadan.
Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and former Attorney General and Justice Minister Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) insisted that the January 11 primary, which produced Jumoke Akinjide as the elected candidate for the senatorial district remained the only authentic.
Source: Akala, Akinjide kick over Folarin's election (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26281.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Graphic1_363987084.jpg&size=article_medium)
The last set of elections to be conducted in April will be for the governorship in 31 states and seats in the states' Houses of Assembly. In some of the states, the race is fairly straight-forward. In others, it is very contentious and difficult to call at the moment. One major factor responsible for the heat in the contentious states is the wave of defections just before and after the primaries. Group Political Editor, Bolade Omonijo provides a barometer to measure the state of the parties in the states
Source: Governorship Race: State of the parties (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26282.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Governors_2_816434624.jpg&size=article_medium)
L-R: Governors Orji, Aliyu, Uduaghan and Obi at the meeting of the governors in Ilorin, Kwara State yesterday
Governors of the South South, South East and North Central regions rose from a meeting in Ilorin yesterday with a resolve to build greater national understanding and support base for President Goodluck Jonathan's bid for the April Presidential polls.
Source: Governors meet, drums up support for Jonathan (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26283.html)
Former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday described the persistent political killings in the country as worrisome.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=IBB_937567809.jpg&size=article_medium)IBB
He urged Nigerians to support the government to ensure enhanced security nationwide.
Babangida said: "Security is everybody's job; both government and the governed. There is no rational mind that would want to fan the embers of war when we are living witnesses to the footages of war in our sister African countries. This is a wake up call to all and sundry. Nigeria is too dear to our hearts that we cannot afford to undermine it."
He asked the Federal Government to arrest the situation before it gets out of control.
Source: Political killings threat to sovereignty , says IBB (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26386.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=FALANA1_199005512.jpg&size=article_medium)
Mr. Femi Falana
Lagos lawyer Mr. Femi Falana, at the weekend said Nigeria may witness civil unrest after the April general elections because of what he called the mismanagement of the economy.
Falana spoke with reporters in Isan-Ekiti after the inauguration of Prosperous Oil Mega Filling Station.
He claimed that corrupt politicians were draining the treasury, adding that the impact of the damage to the economy would be felt after the poll.
Source: Nigeria may witness unrest, says Falana (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26385.html)
Abuja's shopping landscape is being prepared for the coming of Africa's leading retail giant Shoprite.
Grand Towers Abuja Mall where Shoprite will be based is being financed by a property consortium with a combined worth of $100 million and Abuja has been selected as its first investment destination in Africa.
The consortium is made of Shoprite, that will be the lead tenant; Grand Towers, Novare and Grand Towers Africa Property Fund, in partnership with Stanbic IBTC P.L.C., DTV construction company and Group 5.
Source: Consortium to spend $100m on Abuja Mall (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/business/26423.html)
All the 23 local government Councils in Sokoto State have struck a deal in a N1billion joint agreement towards the construction of 1,000 housing units for flood victims.
The deal was sealed when the Commissioner for Local Governments, Alhaji Tsalha Sidi, met with chairmen of the local government councils.
Source: Sokoto councils seal N3.8b housing deal (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/business/building-properties/26432.html)
A corps member serving as a registration officer in Adamawa, the Yola State capital, died at a registration centre, at the weekend, of epilepsy.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Kassim Gaidam said the incident occurred on Saturday while the deceased was registering eligible voters.
Source: Corps member dies at registration centre (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26516.html)
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke (SAN) has demanded the case file of Minister of State for Health Sulaiman Bello, who is accused of N11.2million fraud.
Adoke's action has proved insinuations that the Federal Government may drop the case.
Source: ICPC shocked as AGF withdraws Minister's 'corruption' case file (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26518.html)
The Federal High Court, Ibadan yesterday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State from presenting any candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the April general elections based on the primaries held last December, pending the determination of a suit before it
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Enahoro_035_139515141.jpg&size=article_medium)
Elder statesman Anthony Eromosele Enahoro returned yesterday to Lagos – the city where he launched some of his landmark struggles.
It was not to rail against colonialists and bad governments, but to receive the residents' last respects.
Source: Exciting farewell for Enahoro (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26639.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Tinubu_New_155337189.jpg&size=article_medium)
Bola Tinubu
Some political interest groups in the Southwest are organising shadowy non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to write petitions against the national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
To actualise their intention to get him out of the way before the April general elections, they have been peddling false claims against him in their petitions to government agencies.
Source: ACN alleges plot by 'fake' NGOs to set up Tinubu (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26638.html)
The Independent National Political Parties (INEC) is likely to de-register 20 political parties for failing to field candidates for the April polls. There are 63 registered political parties.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=INEC_ANPP_174511425.jpg&size=article_medium)
Section 78 of the Electoral Act 2010 gives INEC the power to deregister any party which fails to field candidates for elections.
The section states: "The commission shall have the power to de-register political parties on the following grounds- breach of any of the requirements for registration; for failure to win a seat in the National or State Assembly election."
The parties which failed to submit lists of candidates for the polls are: Action Alliance (AA), Advance Congress of Democrats (ACD), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Democratic Alternative (DA), Prof. Wole Soyinka's Democratic Front for Peoples Federation (DFPF), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Freedom Party of Nigeria (FPN), Justice Party (JP), Liberal Democratic Party of Nigeria (LDPN) and the Masses Movement of Nigeria (MNN).
Others are: National Action Council (NAC), Dr. Tunji Braithwaite's Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), New Democrats (ND), National Democratic Party (NDP), Nigeria Element Progressive Party (NEPP), National Majority Democratic Party (NMDP), Nigeria Peoples Congress (NPC), National Unity Party (NUP) and Progressive Action Congress (PAC).
Search | Advanced search
Home | Business | Kelvin Balogun is Coca-Cola Nigeria new CEO
Kelvin Balogun is Coca-Cola Nigeria new CEO
Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font
Our Reporter 03/02/2011 00:00:00
Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited has announced the appointment of Kelvin Balogun as the Company's Chief Executive Officer with effect from February 1. He succeeds Islay Rhind, who will be retiring from the Coca-Cola Company.
Kelvin, who becomes the first Nigerian Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Nigeria, joined the company in October 1999 as Strategic Planning & Business Development Manager. In February 2002, he moved to East Africa where he held positions of increasing responsibility in Kenya, Tanzania and the Horn of Africa before assuming the role of Strategy Director for the Coca-Cola East & Central Africa Business Unit in May 2008 with responsibility for strategy development across 27 countries. Kelvin's last role in East Africa was that of General Manager for the East Africa & Mozambique Franchise, leading Coca-Cola's operations and market development in Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique.
Nigeria's growing profile as the financial hub of West Africa, will be bolstered as Deutsche Bank, a leading global investment bank, hosts over 300 financial analysts, bankers and investors at its annual banking workshop in Lagos.
The week-long workshop will start on Monday. It is the second in the series of annual banking workshops Deutsche bank has organised to add value to investment banking operations in West Africa. It will be attended by financial experts from Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal, among others.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=pdp_logo_884733443.jpg&size=article_medium)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday begged aggreived aspirants not to defect from the party.
Its Acting National Chairman, Dr. Haliru Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja, urged the aspirants to look beyond the April elections
Source: PDP begs aggrieved aspirants not to defect (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26763.html)
Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has dismissed as "another fiction" a Nigerian Tribune story that he is plotting against Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State for allegedly supporting President Goodluck Jonathan.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Emmanuel_uduaghan_295745005.jpg&size=article_medium)
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged the people of Delta State to make maximum use of the extension of the voter registration by coming out en-masse to register.
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday said the voter's card would not be a yardstick for the payment of workers' salaries.
Fashola said such a condition would be an infringement on workers' rights.
He said every worker is entitled to his or her salary at the end of the month, stressing that the salary was a legal contract which ought to be respected.
Source: Voter's card not yardstick for salary, says Fashola (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26887.html)
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has said he would like to resign immediately but fears the country would descend into chaos if he did so.
In his first interview since anti-government protests began, he told ABC News he was "fed up" with power.
But he warned that the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood party would fill any power vacuum if he stepped down.
Source: Mubarak: I'm fed up with power (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26896.html)
Power failure in Nigeria may soon become history if foreign investors take over the electricity sector according to the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE).
BPE recently set up privatizing opportunities for potential investors in Lagos, Dubai, London, United States, and Johannesburg.
Source: Nigeria seeks investors for electricity (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26897.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Okotie_678450017.jpg&size=article_medium)
Rev. Chris Okotie
Presidential candidate of the Fresh Democratic Party (FDP) and Pastor of the Household of God, Lagos, Rev. Chris Okotie has said he found it difficult to believe President Goodluck Jonathan's widely reported promise to do just one term in office.
He described the statement credited to the president as 'political rhetoric'.
Source: Why I don't believe Jonathan's promise of one-term __ Okotie (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26963.html)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acquired and started test-running a special software programmed solely for the detection of multiple registration.
In the early hours of Monday, January 24, 2011, 36-year-old Olukemi Gbelee left her residence at 56, Candos Road, Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos State in a determined bid to perform a civic responsibility. Like many other Lagosians, who had formed the habit of leaving their homes at dawn for voter registration centres in order to pick tally numbers, she left her Ipaja, Lagos residence at about 4:00am and headed for the registration centre in her neighbourhood.
Source: Voter registration tragedy Suspected ritual killers abduct 36-year-old woman on her way to registration centre ...remove her eyes, other vital organs (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/26966.html)
The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would on Monday commence its 2011 presidential campaigns with zonal rallies.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=pdp_logo_884733443.jpg&size=article_medium)
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, in a statement in Abuja said the first of such rallies would take place on Monday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, for the North Central Zone.
The rally tagged, 'Join the transformation team,' according to Alkalim, would have President Goodluck Jonathan as special guest of honour while Vice President Namadi Sambo would be guest of honour.
In compliance with its chairman's pronouncements on the rule of law, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has absolutely resolved to abide by all court orders in respect of political parties' nomination of candidates.
Source: INEC pledges to obey court orders over parties' nominations (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/politics/27038.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Front_907205352.jpg&size=article_medium)
On January 31, INEC called for the list of the candidates of the political parties in the April general elections. However, what should have been a simple exercise is causing upheavals in many states. Group Political Editor BOLADE OMONIJO x-rays the situation in the leading political parties
Source: Unending crises over party primaries (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/politics/27039.html)
The closure of primary and secondary schools all over the country for the voter registration exercise to hold has been described as a great loss to this year's academic session, an expert has said.
Source: Expert decries loss of academic session (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27041.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Gbenga_Daniel2_804855296.jpg&size=article_medium)
Otunba Gbenga Daniel
Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel yesterday vowed to fight to the finish over his list of candidates for the April elections. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo's faction in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Daniel's are locked in a bitter feud for supremacy. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the Daniel faction's list of candidates, following a court order secured by the Obasanjo faction. Daniel's choice for governor is Gboyega Isiaka. The Obasanjo faction has former Military Administrator Gen. Tunji Olurin.
Source: Daniel vows to fight Obasanjo till the end (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27131.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Pilgrims_362126592.jpg&size=article_medium)
About 324 Nigerian Christian Pilgrims yesterday arrived in Israel for the Holy pilgrimage.
The pilgrims were made up of contingents from Kaduna, Plateau, Zamfara, Kogi, Benue and Abuja.
Mr Simeon Gana, Director of Administration, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), urged the pilgrims to see themselves as ambassadors of Christ.
"Pilgrimage is one of the Federal Government's Foreign Policies, so as you are Ambassadors of Christ according to the biblical injunctions, in like manner you are ambassadors of Nigeria.
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Justice_Salami_1_743631959.jpg&size=article_medium)
Justice Salam
A group, the Alliance For A Better Judiciary (ABJ) yesterday reacted to the rejection of Court of Appeal's President Justice Isa Ayo Salami's offer of appointment to the Supreme Court. It said the Justice Salami has the right to reject what it called the "unholy elevation".
Source: 'Court of Appeal chief has right to reject offer of appointment (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27138.html)
Nigeria international Rabiu Afolabi has set up a foundation to assist schools in his country.
According to executive consultant for the foundation, Adewole Afolabi, the Red Bull Salzburg star defender has started out with a donation of 50,000 customised books worth about $20,000 (about N3m) to selected public primary and secondary schools in his home state of Osun.
Source: Afolabi gives N3m-worth texts to public schools (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/football-golf-boxing/27200.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=ASUU_Chaiman_387591858.jpg&size=article_medium)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has described the creation of 12 new universities by the Federal Government as "the politicisation of the university education system."
Addressing reporters yesterday after its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Federal University of Technology in Owerri (FUTO), the Imo State capital, ASUU National President Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie said though the new schools may have met some political exigencies, it would have been better to upgrade the 28 existing federal universities.
Source: ASUU flays creation of new varsities (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27244.html)
A chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ekiti State, Mr. Joseph Olugbamila, has called for the spirit of sportsmanship among politicians.
Olugbamila said political positions were for service and urged them to shun acts that could disrupt the peace.
Source: 'Political positions are for service' (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27241.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Jonathan_New_471974497.jpg&size=article_medium)
President Goodluck Jonathan has urged researchers in universities to provide solutions to the nation's economic problems.
Jonathan said researches should not only be aimed at career advancement, but also at solving problems."
He spoke during the fourth convocation of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Abia State.
Source: President seeks solution-based researches (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27242.html)
Elections in Nigeria since 1998/99 seem to suggest the more we spend in conducting them the more shambolic the outcome. Back then the country spent N8.6 billion on the elections. Hajiya Fatima Muazu, a former National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), gave the figures while speaking at a seminar in August 2003 in Kaduna which reviewed the year's elections earlier in March.
Source: The voters' registration and its (potential) discontents (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/columnist/wednesday/mohammed-harunna/27345.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Lai_Mohammed_828122975.jpg&size=article_medium)
Alhaji Lai Mohammed
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to involve all stakeholders in the process of removing double and multiple registration from the newly-compiled voter register.
The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said information at its disposal show that the cleansing process was not transparent.
Source: ACN seeks transparency in ridding voter register of multiple names (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27346.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=high_court_801846079.jpg&size=article_medium)
A Judge at the Federal High Court, Benin Division, Justice Adamu Hobon has threatened to issue a bench warrant on a former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion should he fail to appear in court at the next sitting.
Justice Hobon ruled in a case brought against Igbinedion and six others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday.
Source: Judge threatens bench warrant against Igbinedion (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27347.html)
ABOUT $350 billion has been lost to climate change, also known as global warming in the last five years, it was learnt yesterday.
An expert on Sustainable Environmental Finance, Dr. Kenny Tang, said the world lost $240 billion in 2005.
Source: How $350b was lost to global warming, by expert (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27348.html)
President Goodluck Jonathan has warned ministers to steer clear of election campaigns outside their geopolitical zones.
It was learnt that the President gave the warning at yesterday's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was attended by a few ministers.
It was gathered that many ministers had abandoned their duty posts for campaigns.
Source: Jonathan warns ministers to steer clear of campaign (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27471.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=NWODO_newest_104964902.jpg&size=article_medium)
Nwodo
Efforts to reform the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by its immediate past Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, were frustrated by the National Working Committee (NWC), it was learnt yesterday.
Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Political Adviser to Nwodo, Bala Buhari, said Nwodo's effort to restructure the PDP was resisted.
Source: 'Nwodo's reforms were his albatross' (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27473.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=naija_444315250.jpg&size=article_medium)
But for the yacht cocktail which was put together by Kodak, a film equipment firm with which stakeholders in the Nigerian motion picture industry have enjoyed acquaintance, Nigerians at this year's Cannes Film Festival which wraps up tonight would have been tourists on sight-seeing like it was the case until four years ago, reports VICTOR AKANDE, Entertainment Editor from Palaise du Festival, Cannes, France.
Source: Nigerians network in a yacht! (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/saturday-magazine/weekend-treat/entertainment/27524.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Graphic1_609243631.jpg&size=article_medium)
THE real journey to Cannes begins upon descent at Nice airport having flown across rocks and water that apparently decelerate the momentum of the aircraft. If you have phobia for height, it is more accentuated flying across this turbulent prone airspace. If again you have phobia for water, you would not see the advantage of situating an airport at the verge of the Mediterranean Sea, because as your aircraft saunters low, it comes to an altitude of about 500 on the sea before hitting that tarmac at a very close range to the water, but because you are not watching from the pilot's view, you'd think you are being dropped on water without warning until the jolting of a hard landing. Welcome to Nice, the nearest airport to and about 30 minutes drive to the tourist and festival city of Cannes.
Source: See Cannes and faint! (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/saturday-magazine/weekend-treat/entertainment/27523.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Salami1_399409349.jpg&size=article_medium)
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloysuis Katsina-Alu did no wrong in recommending Court of Appeal President, Justice Isa Ayo Salami for elevation to Supreme Court, the National Judicial Council (NJC) said yesterday.
NJC said the CJN as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) committed no error by acting on the Commission's recommendation for appointments of four Justices of the Appeal Court including Salami to the Supreme Court.
Source: NJC backs Katsina-Alu's action over Justice Salami (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27599.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Utomi_Pat_966525207.jpg&size=article_medium)
The Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) and the Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), Prof. Pat Utomi yesterday asked the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, to resign over the allegation against him by the President of Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami.
Source: CODER, Utomi ask Chief Justice to resign (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27600.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Doctors_Strike_219130297.jpg&size=article_medium)
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued an ultimatum to the Lagos State Government to accede to the demand of its striking doctors by tomorrow, failing which it would ask doctors in the Federal Government's employ to down tools on Sunday.
Source: Federal doctors to join Lagos counterparts on strike (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27602.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=mubarak_of_Egypt_751848647.jpg&size=article_medium)
President Hosni Mubarak told the Egyptian people yesterday that he would delegate more authority to his vice president, Omar Suleiman, but that he would not resign his post, contradicting earlier reports that he would step aside and surprising hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered to hail his departure from the political scene.
Source: Mubarak: I won't step down (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27603.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Chime_283850087.jpg&size=article_medium)
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Haliru Bello, yesterday presented the party's flag to Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, confirming him the authentic governorship candidate of the party in the April polls.
It was at the launch of the presidential campaign of the PDP candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan in the South-East.
Source: PDP South East Rally: Chime receives flag ...confirmed PDP flagbearer in Enugu (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27690.html)
Catholic women yesterday raised the alarm over the high level of insecurity in parts of the country.
The women said they were particularly concerned about the state of affairs in the country, particularly in the build-up to the April general election.
A statement by the President, National Council of Catholic Women Organisation (NCCWO), Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Onyeabo, said it was a matter of grave concern that the country was ravaged by deep-seated animosity, religious intolerance, ethnic bigotry, cruelty, political thuggery, kidnapping and wanton assassinations.
Source: April poll: Catholic women raise the alarm over insecurity (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27692.html)
Students, under the aegis of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) and the police yesterday clashed in Ilorin.
Scores of the students staged a peaceful protest over non-payment of their 2009/2010 annual bursary allowance.
But the protest turned violent as the students in the early hours of yesterday prevented free flow of traffic in parts of the town, particularly the ever busy Murtala Mohammed Way and Ahmadu Bello Boulevard, the road that leads to the Government House.
Source: Police, students clash in Ilorin (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27693.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Jang_Dec_Jos_crisis_698604821.jpg&size=article_medium)
Five people were killed while nine others were injured on Thursday night in a fresh attack suspected to have been carried out by Fulani herdsmen, who made away with about 30 cows at the quarters of the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Source: Five killed in another Jos attack (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27694.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=jonathan1_541387965.jpg&size=article_medium)
Jonathan
Pesident Goodluck Jonathan has directed a full scale investigation into yesterday's stampede at the Port Harcourt Liberation stadium during the South-South presidential campaign.
The President, according to his media aide Ima Niboro received news of the incident with shock and sadness.
Source: Jonathan orders enquiry (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27797.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Akala_606397084.jpg&size=article_medium)
Alao Akala
Following the removal of his name from the list of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala is making desperate moves to return as the authentic candidate.
The Nation investigations show that the embattled governor started subtle moves last Tuesday evening to ensure that judgment favours him in the ongoing case over the propriety of his candidature at the Federal High Court, Ibadan.
Source: Akala in desperate moves to return as Oyo PDP governorship candidate (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27798.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Fayose_136677948.jpg&size=article_medium)
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday berated former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his comment that the nation's unity is fragile.
Obasanjo, at the weekend in Minna, Niger State, said "Nigeria's unity is at a fragile point that should not be toyed with".
But, Fayose, Ekiti Central Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate, said Obasanjo lacked the moral right to speak on national unity, having refused to enhance it while in office.
"He had opportunity when he was in power to take the initiative to correct the perceived imbalances in the polity, but he allowed it to slip away. He laid the foundation of the problems we are contending with today", Fayose said.
Source: Fayose criticises Obasanjo (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27899.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=voters_851960119.jpg&size=article_medium)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will begin the verification of the voter registration today throughout the country.
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.
According to him, the exercise will take place from today to February18.
Source: Voter registration verification begins (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27900.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Falana_1000_608803198.jpg&size=article_medium)
Lagos lawyer Femi Falana has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to close down what he called the illegal nine universities recently established by the Federal Government until "they are known to Law."
The demand is contained in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday.
Source: Falana seeks closure of nine varsities (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27902.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=INEC_CHIEF_1000_292384042.jpg&size=article_medium)
Jega
FORTY-FIVE days to the first of the general elections to be held in April, the window for substitution of candidates' lists filed by the parties with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the end of last month will be formally closed today. Consequently, from tomorrow, the Electoral Act 2010 forbids the commission from accepting withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
Yesterday, there was palpable fear in the major political parties as attempts were made to resolve disputes and crises that arose from the primaries conducted to determine the popular candidates for the various seats and positions.
Source: Disputes linger as INEC draws the curtain on candidates' substitution (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/27901.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described as a pure fabrication the reports that there is a rift between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party's presidential candidate, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, over the choice of the party's presidential running mate.
The party in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also dismissed as tales by the moonlight, the alleged walkout of its party chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, from a purported meeting of the party in Abuja last Thursday.
Source: No rift between Tinubu, Ribadu, says ACN (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28029.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Adamu_Chroma_420632244.jpg&size=article_medium)As part of regrouping for April poll, members of the Northern Political Leaders Forum(NPLF) yesterday met in Abuja to chart a position for the North.
But they kept the outcome to their chest until a communiqué is released today (Tuesday).
Source: Ciroma, others meet on elections (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28030.html)
For killing a motorist at a police checkpoint, Police Corporal Obanla Julius is to die by hanging, an Abuja High Court ruled yesterday.
Justice Abubakar Talba held that the prosecution has established and proven the case of culpable homicide.
"Obanla is guilty as charged and I so hold respectively", he said.
Source: Killer cop to die by hanging (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28031.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Goodluck_Jonathan_472772828.jpg&size=article_medium)President Goodluck Jonathan has said that his comment on the South West at his zonal presidential rally in Ibadan is grossly misunderstood.
Jonathan said it is unhelpful to public discourse if words are twisted beyond intended meaning. The president said what he meant was that the zone in question was too sophisticated for the abhorrence of mischievous notions and behaviors.
Jonathan posted this reaction as a note on his 'Facebook' wall yesterday.
The President said it was saddening for people to place emphasis on the latter part of his remarks and downplaying the former part where he said the Southwest was too sophisticated and educated, adding that he takes full responsibility for any misunderstanding of the context in which the statement was made.
The note reads: "At my zonal presidential campaign rally in Ibadan, Oyo State, last Tuesday, I spoke about the place of the Southwest in the Nigerian federation. Without mincing words, I spoke about the level of education and sophistication in the region"
Source: 'Rascals' remarks: I was grossly misunderstood, says Jonathan (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28032.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=TINUBU_2_450401592.jpg&size=article_medium)Former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu on Monday night said President Goodluck Jonathan insulted the Southwest with his statement that the region be rescued from the hands of 'rascals'.
"I think the President is wrong because that is an insult to our parents. It is a speech from a drunk sailor fisherman whose boat is about to capsize. That is an insult to our parents; you don't come to this land, seek our votes and then insult our parents that they raised 'rascals,' the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader said.
Source: Tinubu: Jonathan insulted Southwest (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28148.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=EFCC_Nigeria_195954129.jpg&size=article_medium)The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Customs, and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered over N99billion under-declared import duties in Apapa Ports in two months.
The recovery, and January was effected under a Presidential Special Task Force raised by the presidency.
Source: EFCC, Customs recover N99b under-declared import duties (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28149.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=NUHU_WYA_437676580.jpg&size=article_medium)Months of speculation on the sale of Olorunsogo and Omotoso power plants ended yesterday with the handing over of one of the plants-Olorunsogo, to its Chinese builder.
The Minister of State for Power, Nuhu Wya, after a meeting with the management of the (Olorunsogo) plant and its major contractor, Sepco, handed it a letter of authority from the government.
Source: Fed Govt hands over Olorunsogo power plant to Chinese (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28150.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) last night endorsed the Adamu Ciroma-led Northern Political Leaders Forum's position on the polity.
According to ACN, NPLF's concern is real and should not be dismissed lightly.
Source: ACN: don't dismiss NPLF's concern (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28151.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=NNPC_Logo_419278006.jpg&size=article_medium)To tackle the power generation challenges of the administration, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Austin Oniwon, yesterday said the corporation needs N600 billion to build gas infrastructures in the country.
He disclosed this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Gas yesterday.
Source: Power generation: 'NNPC needs N600b for gas infrastructure' (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/business/28274.html)
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday took Union Bank Nigeria Plc by surprise as its members arrived its head office and many of its branches by 5.30 am for picketing. The action was the second this week.
Workers, who started arriving from 6.45am were surprised to see the protesting unionists, who prevented them from entering the bank premises. They, therefore, sat down by the roadside at Customs Street and watched as the protesters sang anti-labour songs, calling for the removal of the Group Managing Director, Mrs Funke Osibodu. Some of the directors who could not enter the bank stayed at the car park.
Source: NLC pickets Union Bank again (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/business/28273.html)
Chairman of the Edo State Taskforce on Protection of Pipelines' Vandalisation Committee, Comrade Osakpamwan Eriyo, has accused some officials of the NNPC Benin Depot, particularly those of the NUPENG and PTD of involvement in pipelines vandalism and adulteration of petroleum products in the state.
Eriyo told newsmen that findings by his committee have shown that operators of the Benin depot are the brains behind what he termed 'economic sabotage.'
Source: Vandalism: Task Force accuse NUPENG, PTD (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/business/28275.html)
In the last few months ,the legislative and executive arms of government have engaged themselves in a war of attrition on the pages of newspapers, each trying to prove who is more corrupt or more of a squanderer. The battle started with Professor Itse Sagay's disclosure that our legislators are the highest paid in the world. The legislators shot back by revealing to the press huge allocations in the budget headings such as the N500 million food allowance for the vice president and N1.5 million daily lunch allowance for the presidency.
In all this, the judiciary pretended to be above board. In fact, Rotimi Akeredolu, ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association went to court on our behalf. But the war of the justices has laid the judiciary claim of innocence to rest. We now know there is no difference between all the three arms of government. A part of 'Paradise of Maggots' (apology to Nuhu Ribadu) cannot be healthier than the whole.
Source: Ondo's socialist path to development (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/editorial/opinion/28276.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/pdp_logo.jpg)The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has written a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accusing it of circumventing the rule over the list of its candidates recognises for Anambra State.
"Suffice it to advise that the new practice of circumventing the national secretariat of political parties to deal directly with the state chapters is a recipe for maximum indiscipline and is bound to hurt the entire system", the PDP warned in a letter dated February 14 and addressed to INEC chairman Professor Attahiru Jega.
Source: PDP writes INEC over Anambra list of candidates (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28380.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Fashola_363614882.jpg&size=article_medium)It was time for stock-taking yesterday by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola. He also gave an insight into the focus of his administration, if elected for a second term.
But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Dr. Ade Dosunmu said the state would fare better if it is aligned with the ruling party at the federal level.
Source: Lagos' N6b vote meagre, says Fashola (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28387.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Katsina%20Alu%20CJN.jpg)
Katsina-Alu
From the law courts, the feud between the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Iyorgher Katsina-Alu and President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami, yesterday moved to the parliament.
The House of Representatives has mandated its committee to probe the allegations levelled against the CJN by Salami.
Source: Reps probe Salami's claim against Katsina-Alu (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28388.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Goodluck%20Jonathan2.jpg)
President Goodluck Jonathan has said that his administration is fully committed to the implementation of the reforms of the Nigerian Customs Service.
This, the president said, will ensure that the operations of the Service conform with global best practices.
Source: President supports reforms in Customs (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28459.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Action%20Congress%20of%20Nigeria%20-%20ACN.jpg)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has announced the postponement of the North-West zone flag-off of its presidential campaign earlier slated for Dutse on Monday, February 21.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it decided to postpone the rally after the Police said they had granted a permit to another political party for an event on the same day.
Source: ACN postpones North-West flag-off of presidential campaign (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28463.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/pdp_logo.jpg)
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, has aligned himself with the zoning of the party's political offices in the state as adopted by Governor Bukola Saraki.
Source: Zoning in tune with fair play, says Kwara PDP guber candidate (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28464.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/IG%20Ringim__Goodluck%20Jonathan_and_David%20Mark.jpg)As the wave of violent attacks by Islamic fundamentalists, Boko Haram, in some states in the northern part of the country continues, the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Hafiz Ringim, declared in Kano yesterday that the Police would not negotiate with them.
"We would not negotiate with criminals," the police boss said.
Source: We'll not negotiate with Boko Haram, IG vows (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28466.html)
My very sincere appreciation to all those who responded to my last Valentine piece titled "Ronke my love" which was a tribute to my wife. I am aware many could not get through to me due to a technical hitch that made my phone inaccessible.
Source: Remembering Abigail (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/editorial/opinion/28562.html)
Nigeria's relentless push for war in Ivory Coast with regard to the presidential election crisis in that country is getting curiouser and curiouser. It is beginning to smack of the sympathizer who is crying more than the bereaved. Informed public opinion need to be brought to dissuade the federal government from this path of perfidy. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by its chairman, President Goodluck Jonathan, is backing Alassane Quattara, one of the two claimants to the presidency of Ivory Coast, the other being incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, following a disputed presidential election run-off election on November 28, 2010. A political crisis had erupted in Ivory Coast after the presidential election run-off when the Constitutional Council, that has final authority to validate/review election result by the Electoral Commission, declared President Gbagbo winner, after voiding some flawed votes, while the United Nations Representative in Ivory Coast certified Quattara winner, based on the preliminary result of the Electoral Commission, a certification that was backed by the 'International Community', thus precipitating a stalemate.
Source: Nigeria's war drums on Ivory Coast (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/columnist/sunday/sola-fasure/28563.html)
Interacting with the Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman came with some surprise. Besides personally driving himself to the interview venue without the paraphernalia of office. Read one of the interview questions below:
What did you set out to achieve in office and how far have you gone?
Well, that is a very good question because when I came in as the Minister of Transport, I made it very clear that I would have two major priorities. First is to develop railway transportation and second, the dredging of the Lower River Niger. These were the two key priority projects that I set out to pursue to their logical conclusion. And I am glad to say that we have made considerable progress in these regards. In terms of railway development, we have concluded the first part of the railway rehabilitation programme of Lagos to Kano . The deadline we gave the Chinese contractor ought to end by December but with all the push and hard work, they were able to finish in early January. I believe that Lagos to Jebba is now almost 100 per cent completed. I intend to take an inspection tour within the week. We are looking at Thursday or Friday when we are going to take a train ride from Lagos to Jebba to see for ourselves and confirm whether it is ready for commissioning or not. The second part of Jebba to Kano is where we are experiencing some little problems with the contractor (Costain West Africa). I have met with the contractor, the consultants and the Ministry and I have told them that we need to get this done. If the company is not able to do it, then we must sit down together and find ways of completing that project because we cannot allow it to suffer. The other part of the rehabilitation programme is about the contracts from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri which are almost ready. We are about sending it to the Bureau of Public Procurement for review and issue of certificate of due diligence to enable us approach Mr. President and the Federal Executive Council for approval. So, to a large extent, I think we have made some progress there.
Source: No place to hide for arms importers in Nigeria —Minister (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28564.html)
Last week, loyalists of Governor Gbenga Daniel and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were engaged in what observers have described as show of strength.
It was last Tuesday, the day set aside to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. That day, however, Ilaro and Abeokuta, both Ogun State communities, played host to supporters of the two parallel poles of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) battling for the political soul of the state ahead of the April polls. Uppermost in their minds was how to gain grounds in the Gateway State.
As early as 9am, the Ilaro venue of the rally organised by the Elders of the Ogun West Senatorial District for the governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, Gen. Tunji Olurin, was filled with a crowd of party supporters.
Party supporters from the two other senatorial districts – Ogun Central and Ogun East – also trooped to the multi-purpose hall, Ilaro to give their solidarity support. The crowd sang and danced in the scorching sun.
Source: A tale of two rallies in Ogun (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/politics/28620.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday alleged a plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use a manual voter register.
The party said the plan would make it possible for those who have either engaged in multiple registration or purchased voter cards to rig the polls.
Source: ACN alleges plot by INEC to use manual register (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28668.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Aganganew_642305338.jpg&size=article_medium)For alleged poor implementation of last year's budget, Finance Minister Olusegun Aganga may have run into trouble with the National Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.
The budget was 30 per cent implemented, according to the lawmakers' investigation. The implication is that the core objectives of the budget were unrealised.
Source: Aganga in trouble over poor budget execution (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28669.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Katsina_Alu_523482554.jpg&size=article_medium)The House of Representatives has explained the rationale behind its decision to probe the allegations levelled by President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) Justice Isa Salami against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu.
It said the allegations had eroded the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, which is critical to the survival of the country and democracy.
Source: Why we are probing Katsina-Alu, Salami feud, by Reps (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28670.html)
Is the judiciary corrupt?
Yes, says the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which yesterday described the feud between the judiciary's leading lights as a "tip of the iceberg" of the problems of the institution.
According to NBA, the face-off between the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) Justice Isa Salami is a reflection of the crisis in the judiciary.
Source: Judiciary is corrupt, says NBA (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28671.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Mohammed%20Bello%20Adoke%20%28SAN%29.jpg)TEN civil society groups have demanded the immediate resignation of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) for allegedly withdrawing more 25 cases in court under 10 months in office.
They made the demand in a statement in Abuja yesterday.
The organisations are Zero-corruption Coalition ;Civil society Legislative Advocacy Centre(CISLAC) ; West African Civil Society Forum ;Centre for Democracy and Development; Women in Nigeria ;Publish What You Pay ;Transparency in Nigeria; Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) ;Centre for the Development of Civil Society (CDCS); National Procurement Watch Platform (NPWP). They said: "In February 2010, the Nigerian Bar Association through its President, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, raised the alarm over attempts by the Federal Government to sweep the Halliburton scam under the carpet.
Source: 10 civil society groups demand resignation of Minister (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28775.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=high_court_801846079.jpg&size=article_medium)A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered fresh service of charges on four men and a company accused of allegedly looting the assets of the defunct Daily Times of Nigeria Plc.
The accused are Fidelis Anosike, his brother, Noel, their associates; Nicholas Okoye and Gogo Kurubo and their company, Folio Communications Limited.
Source: Court orders service of charges on accused over Daily Times assets (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28777.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Adamu%20Ciroma.jpg)Despite meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, the Northern elders led by former Finance Minister Mallam Adamu Ciroma have not reached a compromise with him, it was learnt yesterday.
They are, however, demanding a new power sharing agreement as a precondition for any further talks with Jonathan.
Sources at the meeting held in Abuja last Friday, said the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) is insisting on the return of the presidency to the region in 2015.
Source: Ciroma's group lists conditions to back Jonathan (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28778.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Action%20Congress%20of%20Nigeria%20-%20ACN.jpg)The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some Federal Government officials were yesterday told to apply the brakes in their desperation to get the Court of Appeal judgments on the Ekiti and Osun governorship election petitions reversed.
It is a wild goose chase which can never work because the verdicts are final, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said yesterday.
Source: ACN to PDP, Fed Govt: judgments on Ekiti, Osun governorship petitions final (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28870.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=aa_817524339.jpg&size=article_medium)Political strategists are not just working on the figures of registered voters. As important as that is, it is only one side of the equation. The other side is actual turnout at the poll. In 1999, 57.9 million voters were on the roll nationally and 30.2 million turned out for the presidential election. In 2003, 60 million Nigerians turned out for registration and 42 million voted in the presidential poll. Four years later, 61 million were on the roll and 35.4 million participated on election day.
The make-up of the figures in quite interesting. In Bayelsa where the least number of voters have been registered, 773,850 names were on the roll in 1999. Of the figure, 610,032 actually voted. In Niger State, 1.57 million were registered and 871,130 voted. Ebonyi, in 1999, recorded 902,327 registered voters, with 345,921 turning out on poll day.
Source: How do the states vote? (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28872.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Group_706271108.jpg&size=article_medium)The release of provisional figures of registered voters in the country marked the end of a phase in the march towards the April General Elections. Earlier, the timetable for the elections had been released last November, primaries for election of candidates were held in January and, at the end of the month, the lists were sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The release of the lists last week elicited so much reaction and raised the dust in the leading political parties.
A total of 67.7 million voters were said to have been registered in all states of the federation. Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Borno States topped the list. Lagos recorded 6.24 million voters, Kano 5.13, Kaduna 3.56, Katsina 2.93 and Borno 2.73 million. Between them, the top five states account for about 21 million registered voters or almost a third of the voting population.
By contrast, the five states that recorded the least number of voters, Bayelsa, Niger, Ekiti, Ebonyi and the Federal Capital Territory have a total 3.7 million voters. The figures have set agog the campaign teams of the presidential candidates who are now busy calculating the states to ay close attention in the drive for votes.
Source: Voter registration: Jonathan, Buhari, Ribadu, others scramble for votes (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28873.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=INEC_Voting_940502044.jpg&size=article_medium)The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chair, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to make the registration of voters a continuous process.
It said local governments, should adopt the proces to identify those over 18 and above.
Source: Professionals seek continuous registration of voters (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28993.html)
Where is the N20billion loot recovered from former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Tafa Balogun?
This was the question before members of the House of representatives yesterday.
The whereabouts of the cash became subject of discussion during the consideration of a Bill for an Act to establish the Police Reform Trust Fund and matters connected therewith 2010.
Source: Reps raise alarm over missing N20b Tafa Balogun loot (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28994.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Senate1_773069410.jpg&size=article_medium)The Senate yesterday approved last year's $1.348 billion as outstanding loan for the Federal Government and 14 states.
It gave the approval after considering the report of its Joint Committees on Finance, National Planning, Economic affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Source: Senate approves $1.348b loans for Fed Govt, 14 states (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28995.html)
General Mohammed Buba Marwa had a reputation that followed him into the political terrain. (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Buba%20Marwa.jpg)When he served as Military Governor of Borno State and Administrator of Lagos State, he was not only popular in those states, he took time to create a followership in his home state, Adamawa, by raising funds for projects.
In 2007, he attempted to contest for president but was stopped at the primary stage. Four years later, he scaled down his ambition by seeking the Peoples Democratic Party's ticket to run for governor. However, the party's decision to allow the incumbents fly the flag affected Marwa who promptly defected to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
Source: Marwa: A dream deferred till 2012 (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/28997.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Salami.jpg)The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against moves to ridicule the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami
It said the attempt is tantamount to destroying the judiciary, adding that it was wrong for the National judicial Council (NJC) to query judges just because a litigant is unhappy.
Source: Salami: ACN warns PDP not to destroy Nigeria (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29097.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Aregbesolanewest_165071624.jpg&size=article_medium)Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of mismanaging the state's funds.
Aregbesola spoke in Ikire, Irewole Local Government, during the electioneering campaign rally of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Source: Aregbesola blasts PDP for mismanaging funds (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29094.html)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2618253/ForumPhotos/Farida%20Waziri%20-%20EFCC%20Boss.jpg)CANDIDATES facing corruption charges should stay off the April elections, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)chair Mrs. Farida Waziri advised yesterday. Mrs. Waziri said the commission is ready to make the list of "corrupt" candidates, not fit to contest April general elections, available to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Source: EFCC ready with list of 'corrupt' candidates, says Waziri (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29101.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Jega_245144915.jpg&size=article_medium) Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chair Prof. Attahiru Jega in Abuja yesterday swore in three new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for Ondo and Ekiti states and the Federal Capital Territory Ondo.
The new RECs are Dr Godwin Mbatsavbee (FCT), Mr Akin Orebiyi (Ondo State) and Alhaji Hussaini Pai (Ekiti State). Mrs Ayoka Adebayo was the former REC in Ondo.
Jega reminded them of the expectations of Nigerians of the Commission ___to ensure a reformed electoral process.
Source: Ondo, Ekiti, FCT get new RECs (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29102.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Tokyo_Pix_934649476.jpg&size=article_medium) The counsel to the reinstated Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, aka Tokyo, Mr. Michael Lana, yesterday raised the alarm over alleged threat to his life.
Source: Tokyo's lawyer alleges threat to life...24 hours after attack on NURTW office (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29161.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=INEC_Logo_109735088.jpg&size=article_medium) The remains of former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Abel Ibude Guobadia, were yesterday interred at his residence, 4, Aimure Avenue, off Boundary Road, Benin City, Edo State.
His interment was preceded by a funeral service conducted by Venerable Christopher Umane of the Anglican Communion at the Ogbe Hard Court Ground of the Dr. Sam Ogbemudia Stadium.
Source: Ex-INEC boss, Guobadia, buried (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29162.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Bodegeorge1_831244081.jpg&size=article_medium) People's Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former board chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Olabode George and five others who were convicted by a Lagos High Court over allegation of fraud and abuse of office would be released from the Kirikiri Maximum Prison today.
A Committee of Friends (CoF) has consequently put together a church service for his home coming at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. A statement signed by Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju and others says a reception will follow the church service on Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Source: Bode George regains freedom today (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29165.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=ACN_INEC_674752549.jpg&size=article_medium) The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said its persistent demand from INEC to do the right thing to ensure free and fair elections in April is not a sign of indolence, but something borne out of the need to check parties like the People's Democratic Party (PDP) that depend on rigging for their electoral 'success'.
Source: ACN to PDP: You are the indolent party (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29164.html)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission last Friday seized the travelling passport of Chief Femi Agagu, who was a former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State.
Agagu's passport was confiscated by the Commission following investigation into his involvement in alleged N40billion fraud while in office.
Source: Alleged N40b fraud: EFCC seizes Agagu's passport (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29247.html)
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, yesterday warned that the ongoing revolution in some North African countries may occur in
Source: Sanusi warns of likely North African revolution if... (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29248.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=jega_456042916.jpg&size=article_medium) The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has raised a legal team to pursue its appeal against the judgment of a Federal High Court which extended the tenure of five governors.
The Nation also learnt that the commission may suspend governorship poll in the affected states if the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court could not determine the appeal before April general elections.
Source: Tenure: INEC raises legal team for appeal (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29249.html)
FORMER Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu and all Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors are expected to grace the campaign flag-off of Imo State ACN governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume in Orlu tomorrow.
Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) are expected at the event. Araraume spoke in Owerri on his arrival from a consultative tour of the United States and United Kingdom, where he met with Imo indigenes in the diaspora.
Source: Tinubu, Fashola, others storm Imo for Araraume (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29323.html)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday lashed out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for "celebrating the return of a former chairman of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Chief Bode George".
It said it was a shame for the ruling party to role out the drums to welcome George, who was jailed for corruption.
Source: ACN lashes out at PDP for 'celebrating corruption' (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29371.html)
(http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/thumbnail.php?file=Ezimora_756771899.jpg&size=article_medium) A Nigerian residing in Atlanta Georgia, United States Maximillian Ezimora, has been arrested for shooting his wife, Uchenna five times. Mrs. Ezimora, a registered Nurse described as very industrious, survived the shooting and receiving treatment at an Atlanta Hospital. It is not immediately known if her condition is critical.
Source: Nigerian shoots wife five times in Atlanta (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/29372.html)