Thief electrocuted on PHCN poll in Kaduna (photos)

The man was electrouted this afternoon in Kaduna state opposite station market. Eye-witnesses claim he came to steal PHCN transformers when he was electrocuted after climbing the poll.

Guess that serves him right...

Photos: Army arrests tailors who make clothes for Boko Haram members

 

The troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade have arrested Bukar Gujja and Bukar Kahalifa, two tailors who makes clothes for Boko Haram terrorists. The troops arrested them alongside 4 other members of the terrorist group during an operation in Kala Balge yesterday April 28th.

The gallant troops tracked and arrested the 6 terrorists kingpins who sneaked into Kala Balge as a result of the onslaught of our heroic troops on the terrorists in Sambisa.

The unrepentant and hardened insurgents which include Musa Kalile Sabakara (an Ameer), Babagana John (an informant and also seller of foodstuffs), Isah Abakar (an Ameer) and Usman Abasa, (who specializes on cattle rustling and selling of food stuffs), as well Bukar Gujja (a tailor who prepare clothes for the terrorists) and Bukar Kahalifa (also a tailor who prepares the dress for the Boko Haram terrorists), are presently undergoing interrogation.
LIB

What punishment do you think they deserve?

Photo: Pres. Buhari receives British High Commissioner to Nigeria

President Buhari pictured receiving British High Commissioner to Nigeria - Paul Arkwright, at the State House, Abuja today April 29th.

Nigerian Navy declares Charles Ekpemefumor wanted for alleged hijack of MT MAXIMUS

The Nigerian Navy has declared a man named Mr. Charles Ekpemefumor (pictured) - Wanted for the hijack of a Vessel named MT Maximus. In a statement released on their official website, Ekpemefumor was accused of being the mastermind of the pirate attack and hijacking of the vessel. After several unsuccessful attempts to invite him over for questioning on the allegations made, the Nigerian Navy officially declared him wanted. The statement reads,

“It was earlier reported that a vessel, MT MAXIMUS with 18 crew members and carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil was hijacked on 11 February 2016 by a group of suspected pirates off Cote d’Ivoire waters. Consequently, the Nigerian Navy deployed for rescue operations. The vessel was eventually rescued on 19 February 2016 within Sao Tome waters 320 nautical miles (nm) off the Nigerian coast. During the rescue operation, 6 pirates were arrested, while one of them was killed. Some items were recovered from the pirates including weapons and mobile telephones.

However, in the course of investigations, it was revealed that one MR CHARLES EKPEMEFUMOR aka Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba is the mastermind of the hijack attack on the MT MAXIMUS.

Additionally, he was alleged to be responsible for the leasing of mother ship MT DEJIKUN used for the hijack from one Mr Mustapha Kenny Gani through a third party called Mr Steve Paul. In view of his involvement in the pirate attack and hijacking of MT MAXIMUS, a letter of invitation was sent to him on 15 April 2016 to enable him come for questioning on the allegation. Several attempts have been made to ensure his compliance but all efforts proved abortive.

Accordingly, Mr Charles Ekpemefumor alias Charles Parker is hereby declared wanted by the Naval Headquarters in order to unravel the circumstances of the hijack of MT MAXIMUS. Therefore, any person who sights him should report immediately to any naval formation, military or security agencies for prompt action.”

LIB

Photo: Man arrested for allegedly insulting Islam in a Facebook post

A 38-year-old man in Kamunting, Taiping, Malaysia was arrested by police yesterday, April 28, for uploading a provocative Facebook posting that insulted Islam.

Perak police said the suspect, who hails from Kampung Stesen, Kuala Kangsar allegedly committed the offence on September 7, 2015. The suspect used a pseudonym when uploading the statements in social media, possibly aimed at sparking racial tension. 

His statement prompted the Malaysia Inspector-General of Police to order the police to arrest the suspect. (Above is the tweet from the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar instructing the  the arrest of the suspect)

Rahim said Bukit Aman's Classified Crimes Unit nabbed the suspect at his home at 10am yesterday.

"Police have also confiscated three handphones and a pouch bag from him," he said in a statement issued here today.

Rahim said the suspect would be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

New Straits Times

Colombia legalizes same-sex marriage

A top court in Colombia has officially legalized same-sex marriage in the country. Same sex couples who were already allowed to form civil partnerships, are now permitted to get married just like other heterosexual couples.

This new law places Colombia as the fourth country in Latin America to legalize same sex marriages. Argentina was the first Latin American country to take the step in July 2010 before Brazil and Uruguay followed suit.

LIB

Photo: 7 young granite miners lost their lives in Jabo, Sokoto when the cave collapsed

7 young granite miners died while dozens were seriously injured when the cave they were digging collapsed in Jabo town of Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, on Wednesday, April 27.

Speaking on the sad incident, wife of the state Governor, Hajiya Maryam Mairo Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, extended her condolence to the families of the deceased. She asked Allah SWT to grant their souls eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

Photos of one of the survivors speaking to a journalist and site of the incident: Sokoto Facts

LIB

Survey showing states with outstanding salaries and pension arrears

    

This survey is compiled by BudgIT, Nigeria's civic tech organisation. Two surveys made showing outstanding payments in different states. The survey on the left shows states with salary arrears, and pension arrears on the right

North Korea sentence alleged US Spy to 10 years with hard labour

North Korea has sentenced a US citizen named Kim Dong-chul to 10 years of hard labour in Prison for spying. 62 year old - Kim Dong-chul who was born in South Korea but is a naturalised US citizen, was arrested in October 2015.

In what was seen as a forced public confession which is common by foreign prisoners in North Korea, Kim had appeared in front of reporters last month making a confession, saying he was introduced to South Korean spies by US intelligence officers and was paid by South Korea to conduct espionage.

North Korea alleges that Kim had a USB stick containing military and nuclear secrets on him and have sentenced him to 10 years of hard labour

LIB

How Peter Okoye, Banky W Saved Teebillz From Committing Suicide By Jumping Off Lekki-Ikoyi Toll Bridge This Morning

Read below an exclusive report from LIB..

When Teebillz shared his suicide note this morning on IG while pouring his heart out about the demise of his marriage to Tiwa Savage, many of us thought/hoped he was just talking, but he wasn’t.

Tunji ‘Teebillz’ Balogun tried to commit suicide this morning by jumping off the Lekki- Ikoyi toll bridge and this is fact!

According to an eye-witness named Chukwuma Ani, who witnessed the incident and was one of the men who pulled Teebillz off the bridge, he told LIB exclusively that around past 9 this morning while driving on the Lekki-Ikoyi toll bridge, a car hit his own from behind, damaging his car. He said he came out of the car and approached the driver of the vehicle that hit his.

He didn’t know who the man was (it was Teebillz) but he said he berated him for hitting his car and asked the man to come out and assess the damage caused to his car. The man looked at him and told him to leave…that he was there for a reason. That he was planning to commit suicide and Chukwuma Ani would hear about it later..

Not knowing who the guy was or understanding why he was talking suicide, Mr Ani said he kept insisting that the driver must come down from his car and see the damage he had caused to his car. He said he noticed alcohol on the floor of the driver’s car so thought the man was drunk. He said while shouting and berating the driver for hitting his car, the guy just suddenly drove his car with speed to the front.

Ani said he got into his own car and gave chase and was surprised to see the driver of the car parking his car in the middle of the bridge as other cars drove past. He said he parked in front of the driver and approached the man again, telling him that he couldn’t even apologize for hitting his car and instead was trying to drive off. He said as he was berating the man, he (Teebillz) got down from his car and walked to the bridge railing.

He said he stood there wondering what the driver was trying to do and it was at that point that two other cars approached them. He said as he was trying to figure out who the new comers were, Teebillz had moved to the bridge railing and was trying to jump. Mr. Ani said a light skinned guy came out from the first car and began running towards Teebillz screaming and that was when he realized what was going on..

“I thought I was watching a movie” Ani told LIB “the man held the railing and tried to jump over it and that was when the yellow man held him and started shouting for help. The two of them nearly fell into the water. I quickly joined the yellow man to pull the guy out and while we were struggling with him, one Square twin (Peter Okoye) and Banky W joined us to pull the man out “Ani said.

Watch Video Of Herdsmen Claiming Responsibility For Enugu Massacre, Reveal Next States Target

From Boko Haram to this!…A chilling video has emerged online, the video shows the Fulani militia warning Nigerians that more blood will flow despite their current attack on Uzo-Uwani Community in Enugu State, the terrorist vowed to kill more innocent citizens.

The Video which was obtained by Thetrent and translated by its editor, revealed that those terrorist quoted that they have friends on the higher places, both in the President Buhari’s -led Government.

Investigations on the video shows that it was sent to the governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari as a warning for him to call the Hausa farmers who rear cattle “to order”. Watch video and translation below;

Read the translation below:

“We are Fulani herdsmen declaring war against any tribe, be it Hausa or any tribe that has being subduing us. We are everywhere in Nigeria… Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Anambra, Kebbi. Our mission is to destroy souls and claim their properties, especially those of the Hausas and other minority tribes that have ganged up against us to steal our cows.

We will spill [the] blood of everyone in any community that kills one Fulani man. We are armed to the teeth and ever battle ready for any security agencies, if at all there is, because we have brothers in government circles. We have, on our side, top ranking officers, emirs, and what have you on our side and they are always willing to divulge secrets to us.

Our people are in the military, the police, the secret police [Department of State Security Services], and many more. We are everywhere and we are not ignorant as you think we are. I am educated and knowledgeable of my Islamic rights. We have what it takes to defend ourselves come (sic) every time.

We have beautiful women that will satisfy our sexual arousal, money, enough bullets, and others. We lack nothing. We have enough weeds to smoke. Take this video to the governor of Zamfara State. If he does not co-operate with us, we will bring an onslaught on farmers in Zamfara who stole our cows.

Hausa man (sic) is not supposed to own a cow in the first place. They are all cows they stole from us, the Fulani. Any living soul in Nigeria that threatens a single Fulani man in the country will be dealt with by us.”

What is really happening in this country?...Are there leaders or betrayals?...this are just questions bothering my mind. First boko haram, now this. God help Nigeria

6 Killed, Governor El-Rufai Stoned, as fight over a Woman turns Bloody in Kaduna

Fight over a woman between two neighboring communities of Badarawa Kwaru and Unguwar Yero in Kaduna North local government area of Kaduna State has turned bloody.

 

Not fewer than six persons have lost their lives since the eruption of fight on Sunday night, while several others have sustained various degree of injuries.

 

As at the time of filing this report Wednesday afternoon, there is heavy presence of Police and soldiers as residents remain indoor.

 

Several gunshots were fired into the air at interval.

 

Eye witnesses accounts said the fight started between two men on Sunday night over a woman.

 

A man from Kwaru community came on motorbike to Unguwar Yero to see his alleged concubine who incidentally is a wife of a man in Unguwar Yero.

 

According to him, “The woman was in relationship with the man from Kwaru when she was a girl and used to give her money when they were dating. The lady in question married another person. But after their marriage, the lady and her former boyfriend were still going out.

 

“On that Sunday evening, the Kwaru man came as usual to look for his concubine.

They met as usual, but the husband who was already suspecting his wife trailed her to where they were standing. So, when he accosted them, the Kwaru man kicked his bike and stabbed the man from Kwaru in the stomach.

 

“The man later died before he could be rushed to the hospital. But, what got people of the area angry is that, the Governor later came begging the people to be patient without taking action to bring the culprit to book.

 

“That was why Unguwar Yero people also started attacking people suspected to be Hausa-Muslim,” he said.

 

Governor Nasir El-Rufai who was at Unguwar Yero on Sunday night to broker peace was stoned by the angry youths.

 

He said, “When the governor arrived the area, the angry youths didn’t even allow him to speak, they just started chanting ‘bama so’, meaning, ‘we don’t want’.

 

Meanwhile, after the Governor’s visit, the crisis started taking religious and ethnic dimensions since Monday, as groups from the neighboring Kwaru and Unguwar Yero resulted to attacking people identified as members of the opposite ethnic or religious group.

 

As at Wednesday morning, tension had risen again, as youths suspected to be of Kwaru extraction stormed Ghana Road area of Malali and Unguwar Yero, attacking two traders, one of whom is feared dead.

 

Casualties figure, according to eye witnesses, now stands at six.

 

Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, Zubairu Abubakar, did not take calls to his phone.

The Authority News

Buhari, Ugwuanyi meet on Enugu killings

President orders arrest of perpetrators

Gov summons emergency

We won’t retaliate herdsmen’s invasion –IPOB

President Muhammad Buhari last night held a meeting with Gover­nor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State over last Monday’s killings of residents of Ukpabi Nimbo by Fulani herdsmen.

Although the police put the death toll from the herdsmen’s invasion of the community at six, residents said that they lost up to 40 of their members.

Before the meeting was fixed, The AUTHORITY learnt that Governor Ugwuanyi had placed a telephone call to Presi­dent Buhari on the incident but was put on hold.

Four hours later, the Presi­dent, through an aide, told the governor that he would imme­diately do something about it.

 

 A disturbed Ugwuanyi was said to have made the call when he learnt that the police had not arrived at Uzouwani, which made him call the General Officer Com­manding (GOC) 82 Division for help.

When Buhari eventually re­sponded, he declared that his pri­ority is to end the herdsmen’s at­tacks on farming communities across the country.

Before his comment, the Pres­ident had been criticised over his silence on the herdsmen’s attacks which took a worrisome dimen­sion last Monday when suspected armed cattle rearers killed scores of residents of Ukpabi Nimbo in Enugu State.

Before then, the herders had also recently mowed down com­munities and killed several people in Agatu villages in Benue State.

In a press statement issued in Abuja, the Senior Special Assis­tant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba She­hu, explained that the President had scheduled a meeting for last night with Governor Ugwuanyi over the incident in his state.

The statement said the Pres­ident had directed top security chiefs to take all necessary actions to stop the carnage perpetrated by the herders.

It reads: “Following continu­ing reports of attacks by ‘herds­men’ on communities across the country, particularly Monday’s attack on Ukpabi Nimbo in Enu­gu State, President Muhammadu Buhari assures all Nigerians, once again, of his administration’s con­tinued commitment to ensuring the safety of life and property in all parts of the country.

“President Buhari unreserv­edly condemns the attack on Uk­pabi Nimbo and other such acts of extreme violence against com­munities in other states of the fed­eration.

“Acting on the President’s di­rective, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of the nation’s other security agencies are al­ready taking urgent steps to ful­ly investigate the attacks, appre­hend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“Ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herds­men reportedly armed with so­phisticated weapons is now a priority on the Buhari adminis­tration’s agenda for enhanced na­tional security; and the Armed Forces and the Police have clear instructions to take all necessary actions to stop the carnage.

“In keeping with the Presi­dent’s directive, the Inspector-General of Police, the General Officer Commanding the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army and the Director of the Depart­ment of State Security in Enugu State have visited Ukpabi Nimbo to personally oversee investiga­tions into the attack on the com­munity and ongoing efforts to ap­prehend the culprits.”

Similarly, a meeting of the Ni­geria Governors’ Forum (NGF) was also scheduled in Abuja on Wednesday and the herdsmen’s threat was expected to be one of the main issues for deliberation.

Also, at the public presenta­tion of a book: “Who Will Love My Country?”, written by the Deputy Senate President, Sena­tor Ike Ekweremadu, Buhari or­dered the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olanishak­in and IGP Arase to declare a full-scale war on the attackers.

The President specifically di­rected the Service Chiefs to arrest the attackers and beef up security in and around the affected states to prevent further reprisal attacks.

Represented at the well-at­tended event by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Moham­med, President Buhari declared that the government would no longer allow such attacks to con­tinue in any part of the country.

He said: “Let me start by con­demning in the strongest terms the attacks by herdsmen on Mon­day. I deeply sympathise with those who lost their lives as well as their property. I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to se­cure all communities under attack by herdsmen and go after those terrorising innocent people all over the country.”

President Buhari further urged Nigerians to love one an­other, adding that “the change which we so much desire starts with them.”

The Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, expressed the hope that insurgency and what he called “Fulani herdsmen’s nui­sance and harassment” will soon be conquered.

The former Head of State de­clared that “with the help of God and cooperation of all citizens and firm action of our security forces and leadership, we shall conquer.”

Gen. Gowon, who recalled his civil war experience, said Nigeria is stronger together and that the future remains very bright “if we continue to move ahead togeth­er as one.”

He commended Senator Ekw­eremadu for taking the initiative.

Meanwhile, Governor Ug­wuanyi has summoned an emer­gency security meeting with tra­ditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions and leaders of the Neighbourhood Watch in all the communities in the state.

A senior government official disclosed to The AUTHORITY that the meeting, which is part of a series of actions plans to find a lasting solution to the menace of the Fulani herdsmen, will hold on Monday, May 2, 2016 at the old Governor’s Lodge, Enugu, at 1pm.

He said that the governor is determined to end the inhuman acts of the herdsmen which have consumed the lives and proper­ty of innocent people of the state.

Igbo monarchs blast S’East govs over docility

In a reaction to the Enugu in­cident, traditional rulers in the South East have accused gover­nors from the zone of inaction over the atrocities of the Fulani herdsmen.

The Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Eberechi Dick, who addressed a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State over the invasion of Uzo-Uwani community in Enugu State, expressed shock at the inac­tion of the governors and political leaders from the region.

He said: “Let them stand up now and speak up; let the mass­es hear their voices. This matter has gone out of hand and the com­munities can’t do anything with­out the governors.”

We’ll not retaliate killings, says IPOB

Amid the growing indigna­tion against the herdsmen’s kill­ings, the Indigenous Peoples of Bi­afra (IPOB) on Wednesday said it would not retaliate or encourage the retaliation of the cold-blooded murder of Nimbo people because it is not in its character to unleash violence on people.

IPOB, in a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Offic­er, Mr. Emma Powerful, said that it has concluded its action on the killing in Nimbo by informing the world that its members will not retaliate.

Powerful said: “It is neither in our character, nor will we play into the hands of blood thirsty dictators who send their kins­men on rampage as forerunners to their evil agenda to subjugate our people. We remain peace-loving, focused and a well-disciplined mass movement totally commit­ted to freedom.”

The Authority News

Buhari Promises To Fish Out Herdsmen Attacking Communities

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country.

This follows the continued reports of attacks by herdsmen on communities across Nigeria, particularly Monday’s attack on Ukpabi Nimbo in Enugu State.

According to a statement by President Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, the President unreservedly condemned the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo and other such acts of extreme violence against communities in other states of the Federation.

‘A Priority’

President Buhari had instructed the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police to take all necessary action to stop the killing, saying that ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herdsmen reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons had become a priority on the government’s agenda for enhanced national security.

Mr Solomon Arase said prolification of weapons had occured after the-Middle-East crisis

Acting on the President’s directive, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and heads of other security agencies are already taking urgent steps to fully investigate the attacks, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.

New Threat To Collective Security

The IGP, Mr Solomon Arase, the General Officer Commanding the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army, and the Director of the Department of State Services in Enugu State have visited Ukapbi Nimbo to personally oversee investigations into the attack on the community and on-going efforts to apprehend the culprits.

President Buhari is also scheduled to meet with the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, later on Wednesday to receive further briefing on the attack on the community and discuss additional measures to forestall similar attacks and restore public confidence.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm and assured them of his administration’s readiness to deploy all required personnel and resources to remove this new threat to the collective security of the nation.

Channels

Buhari Urges World Bank To Hasten Return Of Stolen Funds

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday urged the World Bank to do all within its powers to facilitate the speedy repatriation to Nigeria’s of stolen funds still being held by Swiss authorities.

At a meeting with the visiting Managing Director of the World Bank, Ms. Sri Indrawati, President Buhari said that the repatriation of the additional $320 million in Switzerland, which had been identified as illegally taken from Nigeria under the Abacha administration, would help to ease the nation’s current economic hardship.

The President assured Ms Indrawati that his administration was taking appropriate steps to ensure that public funds were no longer stolen or misappropriated by government officials.

“We need the support of the World Bank for the repatriation of the funds.

“We are as concerned as the World Bank about accountability. If such repatriated funds have been misapplied in the past, I assure you that the same will not happen with us.

“Three hundred and twenty million dollars is a lot of money and we will not allow it to be misappropriated or diverted,” President Buhari told Ms. Indrawati.

Sri Indrawati assured President Muhammadu Buhari of the World Bank’s support in the fight against corruption

 Swiss Authorities Conditions

One of the conditions given by the Swiss Authorities for the repatriation of the funds is that it should be expended on the implementation of social programmes for the benefit of the Nigerian people in an efficient and accountable way, guaranteed by the monitoring of the World Bank.

A statement by the President’s spokesman, Mr Garba Shehu, said President Buhari also assured the World Bank Managing Director that his administration would honour all agreements with the Bank that would help to stimulate Nigeria’s economy and reduce the level of poverty.

He said that Nigeria would welcome greater international assistance for the rehabilitation of damaged homes, schools, health facilities and other infrastructure in the North Eastern states affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Ms Indrawati told President Buhari that the World Bank was ready to use its knowledge, expertise and resources to help Nigeria achieve faster growth and development.

“We will strongly support you to create jobs and ensure prosperity in Nigeria,” the World Bank Managing Director assured President Buhari.

She also expressed the World Bank’s full support for the war against corruption being waged by the Buhari Administration.

Channels

Saraki Asks Tribunal Chairman To Disqualify Self From His Trial

Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday told the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr Danladi Umar, that he lacked moral justification to preside over his trial on an allegation of false declaration of asset.

He requested that he should disqualify himself from his trial.

The counsel to the Senate President, Mr Raphael Oluyede, during the hearing insisted that Mr Danladi was still under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the same agency that allegedly filed the criminal charges against him

He alleged that it was obvious that the said investigation was used as a bait by the EFCC to get Mr Danladi to do its bidding.

He, therefore, asked the chairman to excuse himself from the case, in the interest of justice and fair hearing.

In a motion argued by Mr Oluyede, the Senate President claimed that since the EFCC was largely responsible for the trial and also responsible for investigation of the 10 million Naira bribery allegations against the chairman, there was no way the chairman would be objective and impartial in the prosecution.

“Since the sword of Damascus is dangling in the direction of the chairman of the Tribunal, he may be tempted to dance to the tune of the anti-graft agency,” he told the Tribunal.

Matters Of Sentiment

Dr Saraki’s counsel further insisted that available facts had proved that the EFCC had a case against the Chairman of the Tribunal, as buttressed in its letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on March 5, 2015 and also on April 20, 2016.

He added that even though it had stated that it had cleared the Chairman of the Tribunal, in the same vain, it made mention of the fact that the Chairman did met with an accused person in his office and that he also demanded 10 million Naira bribe from the said accused person.

He, therefore, asked the Chairman of the Tribunal to withdraw honourably from further participating in the Senate President’s trial in the interest of justice.

Objecting the motion, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, asked the Tribunal to dismiss the motion, claiming it lacked merit.

He accused the Senate President of harassment, citing a bill before the Senate attempting to amend the Act that established the CCT and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

“The bill before the Senate is designed to whittle down the powers of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, as a result of the Senate President’s trial,” he stated.

Mr Jacobs also describe the issues raised in the motion as matters of sentiment which had no place in law.

He also accused the Senate President and his team of predicating the motion on the wrong assumption that the EFCC was the one trying the Senate President when it was the Federal Government to this end he asked that the motion be discountenanced.

After listening to both parties, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr Danladi Umar, said he would adjourn to April 28 for ruling on the application and then continuation of the cross examination.

He also hinted the Tribunal that discussions were ongoing with major television stations such as Channels Ait and NTA to carry the proceedings live to show that the Tribunal had nothing to hide.

While the counsel to the EFCC told reporters that the application was frivolous and a waste of the time of the Tribunal, the counsel to the Senate President described the statement by the Chairman of the Tribunal as ‘corroborating his client’s stance that he was bias’.

Channels

Lagos to Demolish 800 Houses for 4th Mainland Bridge

The proposed 4th Mainland Bridge in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria will claim at least 800 houses, says the Lagos State Government.  Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson said at a Ministerial Press Conference today in Ikeja that at least 800 shanties and structures would be demolished, as government would relocate and compensate affected residents.

Johnson said government had been able to come up with a plan that would minimise the large scale of demolition, unlike in the last administration, in which the project would have claimed about 3,000 structures.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had said during the last Town Hall meeting that his administration would sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with some consortium before the end of May 2016.

“In its determination to solve the perennial traffic gridlock observed almost on a daily basis by commuters on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and roads within Victoria Island, Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe corridor which according to the World Economic Study, 2015 is the fastest growing corridor in Africa, the Lagos State Government welcomed proposals for the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge.

“The bridge would serve as an alternative route to solve the incessant traffic congestion on the earlier mentioned routes as well as help redistribute traffic efficiently and act as outer ring road for conveying of goods from the Free Trade Zone, Fertilizer Plant, Deep Seaport, Dangote Oil Refinery and the proposed Airport.

“Lagos State Government has held discussions with a consortium of consultants in furtherance of the project, while M.O.U will be signed before the end of May 2016,” Johnson stated.

The commissioner said various alignments had been proposed by these consultants for consideration, as a preferred alignment had also been proposed as most ideal.
According to him, the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge traversed from Ajah to North West direction towards the Lagoon Shoreline to Lagos-Ibadan Expressway via Ikorodu while the approximate length of the road/bridge is 37.9km with a design speed of 140km/h.

“The significance and value of the proposed construction lies in its capacity to rapidly decongest the traffic gridlock within the Lekki Corridor and redistribute traffic towards Lagos Mainland which serves to meet increased future road infrastructure demands. The proposal further reinforces the policy thrust of this administration on the provision of efficient transportation system as a catalyst for social and economic development of the State, complementing the on-going efforts and vision of achieving a Mega-City status for Lagos State Improvement of Ikeja Network of Roads,” he explained.

Johnson added that the state government initiated a study to upgrade the network of roads in Ikeja to improve and boost the economic stature of the seat of government to word class standard commensurate with other capital cities and also to reduce to the barest minimum, traffic gridlock along the corridor.

“This will involve the expansion of Awolowo Way with an elevated highway from the Airport Hotel to Alausa to decongest the traffic gridlock along Allen Round-about, Kudirat Abiola Round-about and Agidingbi Round-about. There will also be an expansion of the Allen/Opebi Road to Odo Iya-Alaro via a link bridge at Ogudu to the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

“All these network of roads when upgraded will boost the economic activities in Ikeja being the seat of government,” he said.

9jastreet.com 

Leicester City player almost killed by helicopter blade on way to PFA awards (photos)

Leicester City player Demarai Gray was almost killed by the blade of a helicopter after he ignored stewards direction and took the wrong turn while dropping from a helicopter in London alongside his teammates as they went for the PFA awards on Sunday night. Thank God he was stopped just in time by the stewards who led him to safety.

Source: LIB