Say 13% is too small, don’t annoy us
SOUTHERN delegates are not taking lightly to the clamour of the North through a document circulated to northern delegates that onshore/offshore dichotomy should be applied and derivation should be reduced to five per cent for oil resources explored onshore.
Let them try and see – Ankio Briggs
Ms Ankio Briggs, a Federal Government delegate said: “If they like they can call for zero derivation. If they are calling for a reduction from 13 percent, which we are saying we want increased to 50 per cent, I would want to see where it is coming from. Let us all be sensible here. If we remember, in the 2005 conference, the agreement was 18 percent. It is documented and the demand was for 50 percent derivation; immediately 25 percent and subsequently increased every year until it reaches 50 percent.
That was what the South-South requested for at that time. And when it was refused the South-South walked out. That was what we requested for and we rejected the 18 percent. I don’t think any reasonable person is going to expect that we will take anything less than what we have requested for at that time or will accept anything less than even the 18 percent that was offered in 2005. So, anybody who wants to be troublesome and is requesting reduction from 13 percent to 5 percent, the person will see the reaction of the people on whose land the oil is coming from.”
It is not possible –Erhagbe
On his part, Professor Eddy Erhagbe, Edo State delegate and member Devolution of Power Committee, said: “There is no doubt that there are different positions in terms of the percentage. The South-South and others who are directly benefiting are asking for an increase on the 13 percent while those from the non-producing areas are asking for a reduction. These are two extreme positions but I believe that we are likely going to work for a compromise as has been exhibited in other decisions this committee has already reached. I am very optimistic that at the very worse, we will retain the 13 percent that is on the ground.
Going below it, I don’t think is going to work because the real challenges that led to that being inserted in the constitution still remains and for you to now change it, you have to go through the whole hog of constitutional amendment. And I am sure that without necessarily threatening, the South-South will be able stand on its own to say that that issue should not come down but instead it should go up because that is the constitutional provision we have right now.”
I’m not aware of reduction demand – Attah
Co-Chairman of the Devolution of Power Committee and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, said: “Who are these people that are demanding for reduction? I am not aware. The northern delegates in this committee have always behaved with the greatest sense of responsibility and with authentic and genuine desire to live together with their brothers in the South, West and every where else and they have demonstrated the maturity I must admire, otherwise there was no way we could have reached where we have reached with the decisions that we have taken in this committee.
So, I am not aware of that. What has even been muted in this committee is the fact that derivation is the issue and we have been looking at ways to increase it since indeed every part of this country is going to enjoy derivation based on whatever resources that are obtained from their area that contribute to the federation account.
I have not been able to identify the author of this collective demand. Don’t just bring a paper and make a collective demand. I deal with this committee and I will take the report of this committee to plenary and I believe that the report of this committee will show that what is been speculated or circulated cannot possibly be true.”
Friday, May 2, 2014
Consensus group endorses additional state for S/East - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/05/consensus-group-endorses-additional-state-seast
By EMEKA MAMAHThe Consensus Committee of the National Conference has approved an additional state for the South East geopolitical zone. Demand for additional state for the South-East is not listed among the contentious issues before the National Conference.Sources at a meeting of the Consensus Group, which met at the Asokoro Area of Abuja, Monday, to review contentious issues recommended by the various committees, did not find an additional state for the South East as a problem as they believed that that measure would address a long standing problem of marginalisation.The committee was said to have agreed on creating an extra state for the East after former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the Yoruba delegation, Chief Olu Falae urged the committee to do more to ensure that the six zones in the country had equal number of states and his motion was unanimously approved.Unanimous approval Senator Ike Nwachukwu said that since the federating units were expected to have equal number of states, there was the need for the conference to address the issue of imbalance especially as it concerned the South East.The meeting which lasted till 1.30 am Tuesday, enjoined the Plenary to adopt the recommendation in order to address the issue of imbalance and marginalisation in the country The South East delegates had earlier met at Rock View Hotel and approved the creation of Adada State from the East, saying that it met the criteria for such an exercise.Earlier, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State was said to have addressed the South East delegates and asked them to always strive to stand for national unity and cohesion. South East delegates, who attended the meeting included the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Enwo Igarryway; Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Dr Joe Nworgu; former Governor of old Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife among others.They however, asked other areas of South-East agitating for their own states to continue to demand such states in case there is need to increase the number of states in each of the six zones of the country to seven.
Kutigi denies extension of Conference by 6 weeks
By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke
ABUJA- CHAIRMAN, National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi Thursday reiterated that his leadership has no powers to extend the duration of the on- going national conference, just as he said that if it became imperative to do that, the Secretariat would write to the Presidency seeking an extension for subsequent approval.
Denying reports of extension of Conference by Six weeks, Kutigi who explained that at meetings held, most of the committee chairmen complained of the shortness of time for committee work, where they indicated the heavy workload and relevant assistance they would require from external sources to do a thorough job, said that it was at this point that, “As part of its engagement with delegates, the leadership of the Conference had a meeting with Chairmen, Co-Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the 20 standing committees to keep abreast with the activities of the committees and also find out if there are challenges that the intervention of the secretariat would be required.
In a statement signed by Conference Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications, James Akpandem, the secretariat said, ” It was then agreed that one extra week should be added to enable the committees tidy up their activities and present meaningful reports.
“However, since the following week beginning from Monday May 5 to Thursday May 8 (sitting days), will see Abuja hosting the World Economic Forum, and because some delegates, and facilities used for the National Conference will be involved and engaged respectively for the Economic Forum, the week following from Monday May 12 to Thursday May 15 was consequently approved for the extension, for conclusion of committee work.
“It must be emphasised that the Conference Secretariat lacks the power to extend the Conference duration and has made that position very clear at every point the issue is raised. If there is need for an extension, a request for that would emanate from the Conference Secretariat to the Presidency, and as at the time of issuing this statement no such request has been made to the Presidency.”
“As a follow-up to that agreement, the Conference Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Valerie-Janette Azinge, formally communicated the decision to all Committee chairmen on Wednesday, April 30. It was clearly entitled “EXTENSION OF TIME FOR COMMITTEE WORK”.
The full text of the letter reads:
“Please recall that the meeting of the Chairman of the National Conference and Principal Officers with the Chairmen/Co-Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of various committees agreed that the time allotted for Committee Work in the Work Plan was inadequate. The meeting also took consideration of the adjournment during the May Day and World Economic Forum events which requires the active participation of some delegates.
“As a result, I hereby convey to you the decision to extend the time allotted to the Committee Work as reflected in the attached revised Work Plan.
Kindly ensure that you conclude the work of your Committee during this allotted period. Thank you.”
“During the Monday meeting, the Committee leaders also expressed concern over the time allotted for the Drafting of Conference Report and noted that it was too short and may not allow for effective and thorough job. A suggestion of four weeks (of four working days each) was proposed.
“The Conference leadership pointed out that if that is done, it would mean an extension of the Conference duration, which the Secretariat lacks the authority to do.
“Accompanying the letter to the Chairmen, on Wednesday, was a tentative Work Plan which was to explain the possible scenario should the proposal to use four weeks for drafting of the Conference Report be adopted. It was an internal document to guide Committee Chairmen in their work, and not a notice of extension of the duration of the Conference.
“The Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi CFR, had similarly told the Committee leadership on Monday that if it “becomes absolutely necessary” to have an extension of time, a formal request would be made to the relevant authorities, and the Secretariat will only act when express approval is granted.
“It is rather unfortunate that in spite of the availability of this information, which was further made clear to journalists who sought clarification on this matter on Wednesday, most of them still went ahead to rely on information they got from delegates who were not well informed on the matter, and who themselves are neither chairmen nor deputy chairmen of Committees; and who were neither part of the Monday meeting with the Conference leadership nor were directly notified of the extension of time for Committee Work.
ABUJA- CHAIRMAN, National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi Thursday reiterated that his leadership has no powers to extend the duration of the on- going national conference, just as he said that if it became imperative to do that, the Secretariat would write to the Presidency seeking an extension for subsequent approval.
Chairman of National Conference, Hon. Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi with his gavel at Conference on Monday in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.
In a statement signed by Conference Assistant Secretary, Media and Communications, James Akpandem, the secretariat said, ” It was then agreed that one extra week should be added to enable the committees tidy up their activities and present meaningful reports.
“However, since the following week beginning from Monday May 5 to Thursday May 8 (sitting days), will see Abuja hosting the World Economic Forum, and because some delegates, and facilities used for the National Conference will be involved and engaged respectively for the Economic Forum, the week following from Monday May 12 to Thursday May 15 was consequently approved for the extension, for conclusion of committee work.
“It must be emphasised that the Conference Secretariat lacks the power to extend the Conference duration and has made that position very clear at every point the issue is raised. If there is need for an extension, a request for that would emanate from the Conference Secretariat to the Presidency, and as at the time of issuing this statement no such request has been made to the Presidency.”
“As a follow-up to that agreement, the Conference Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Valerie-Janette Azinge, formally communicated the decision to all Committee chairmen on Wednesday, April 30. It was clearly entitled “EXTENSION OF TIME FOR COMMITTEE WORK”.
The full text of the letter reads:
“Please recall that the meeting of the Chairman of the National Conference and Principal Officers with the Chairmen/Co-Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of various committees agreed that the time allotted for Committee Work in the Work Plan was inadequate. The meeting also took consideration of the adjournment during the May Day and World Economic Forum events which requires the active participation of some delegates.
“As a result, I hereby convey to you the decision to extend the time allotted to the Committee Work as reflected in the attached revised Work Plan.
Kindly ensure that you conclude the work of your Committee during this allotted period. Thank you.”
“During the Monday meeting, the Committee leaders also expressed concern over the time allotted for the Drafting of Conference Report and noted that it was too short and may not allow for effective and thorough job. A suggestion of four weeks (of four working days each) was proposed.
“The Conference leadership pointed out that if that is done, it would mean an extension of the Conference duration, which the Secretariat lacks the authority to do.
“Accompanying the letter to the Chairmen, on Wednesday, was a tentative Work Plan which was to explain the possible scenario should the proposal to use four weeks for drafting of the Conference Report be adopted. It was an internal document to guide Committee Chairmen in their work, and not a notice of extension of the duration of the Conference.
“The Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi CFR, had similarly told the Committee leadership on Monday that if it “becomes absolutely necessary” to have an extension of time, a formal request would be made to the relevant authorities, and the Secretariat will only act when express approval is granted.
“It is rather unfortunate that in spite of the availability of this information, which was further made clear to journalists who sought clarification on this matter on Wednesday, most of them still went ahead to rely on information they got from delegates who were not well informed on the matter, and who themselves are neither chairmen nor deputy chairmen of Committees; and who were neither part of the Monday meeting with the Conference leadership nor were directly notified of the extension of time for Committee Work.
Boko Haram: Adebayor appeals for global attention on abducted girls - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/05/boko-haram-adebayor-appeals-global-attention-abducted-girls
It’s been almost two weeks since more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped by Islamist group, Boko Haram.The sect members abducted the girls from their dormitories, loaded them onto trucks, before setting the boarding school ablaze. The girls are aged between 13 to 18.With no news on whether the girls are still alive, Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor has joined those calling for their release. He expressed concern on his Instagram account.The Togo international’s heartfelt message read: “Over 200 girls have been kidnapped in a school in Nigeria over 2 weeks ago. This needs to end now.“As a father it breaks my heart knowing that the kidnapping of these girls hasn’t been resolved yet and they are still missing.“As the whole world can search for a plane that is missing, they certainly can help out bringing these school children home. Bring back our girls home.”
May Day: Jonathan vows to rescue abducted girls
BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE, VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG, OLASUNKANMI AKANI, EMMANUEL ELEBEKE & JOSEPH ERUNKE
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, at the National May Day rally, in Abuja, said Nigeria is not poor, but suffering from the distribution of wealth, as the main challenge facing the country.
This came as organised labour berated Nigerian politicians and political leaders for playing politics with the state of insecurity in the country, with Governors Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole and Ibikunle Amosun of Lagos, Edo and Ogun states calling for concerted efforts to tackle the insecurity scourge irrespective of political or religious affiliations.
Jonathan was reacting to the recent World Bank’s report that ranked Nigeria the fifth poorest country in the world at Eagle Square, venue of 2014 workers’ May Day festivities.
President Jonathan said he was amazed when he visited Kenya on an official trip, only to discover that most of the private jets which flew into that country were from Nigeria.
He said: “They say Nigeria is poor, but I was surprised when the World Bank listed us among the poorest nations in the world. Nigeria is not poor, it only has the problem of unequal distribution of wealth.”
President Goodluck Jonathan used the May Day celebration to reiterate his administration’s determination to bring the Boko-Haram insurgency to an end, vowing that the abducted secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State must be found and rescued.
He also restated his earlier submission that the perpetrators of the Nyanya Bus Terminal bombing in the Federal Capital would be fished out and punished in accordance with the law.
He assured that government was continuously fine-tuning its security strategies to curb insurgency which, he said, perpetrators must never be allowed to succeed in their evil intention.
He, therefore, called for the cooperation of citizens to beat back the threat posed by the Islamic sect to the nation.
He said: “The recent atrocities by terrorists, particularly the Nyanya Motor park bombing of mainly working class citizens, as well as the cruel abduction of some innocent girls, our future mothers and leaders in a very horrific and despicable situation in Borno State, is quite regrettable.
“The government is constantly reviewing and upgrading mechanisms to curb this mindless act and together, with the cooperation of the citizenry, we shall triumph.
“Those who want to re-define our country to be seen as a country of chaos will never succeed. We will continue to work hard to ensure the security of our people.
Speaking on the state of insecurity, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart, argued that, “it is immoral to play politics with the lives of people,” insisting that the ruling class should realise that Nigeria was at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred and demanded an end to the unholy dirty politics over the insecurity in the country.”
Governor Oshiomhole while urging workers to stand and speak for Nigeria in the face of insurgency and ethnic champions, said: “We should be united in the fight against Boko Haram. We should be united against terrorism, because we need a peaceful state for us to do politics.”
Governor Babatunde Fashola suggested: “I think first of all we should agree to fight the scourge of insecurity under one flag, the Green-White-Green Flag.
“Let everyone for now subsume his flag in whatever colour and let us rally together, not as Yoruba, as Ijaw, not as Igbo, not as Hausa, but as Nigerians, who rally under one flag, the Green-White-Green to defeat insecurity.”
Governor Amosun of Ogun State said: “I, therefore, appeal to you all to always take out time to pray for Nigeria and the over 200 students kidnapped in Chibok in Borno State.
“We pray for God’s intervention in securing the release of the students and stemming the tide of violent crimes against humanity in Nigeria.”
The two labour centres while addressing workers and other guests, with theme, ‘Building Enduring Peace and Unity: Panacea for Sustainable National Development,’ insisted that, “we must all rise in unison, shoulder-to-shoulder and confront this common enemy once and for all. We are almost certain that if anyone was left in doubt about the universality of this war, the Nyanya bomb blast erased all of that.”
Both NLC and TUC also commented on the, economy, unemployment, poverty National Conference and alleged moves “some vested interests among the governors are mobilizing some delegates to force through the balkanisation of labour and the negation of a national minimum wage as currently enshrined in the constitution. It is certainly the machination of a few privilege few in position of powers at the expense of the teeming Nigerians. This is an attempt to keep Nigerians in perpetual slavery and servitude.”
They called on “Nigerian workers and the teeming well-meaning Nigerians to rise up against these retrogressive moves.”
Insecurity
According to NLC President, Mr. Abdulwaheed “In the past few years, the nation has witnessed unprecedented security challenges that have tasked our imagination, resources and temperament. From the Niger Delta to the northern-most parts of the country, we have had one form of violent conflict or another that threatened the peace and security of the nation.
One of the most trying of these has been the kidnapping of over 200 teenage girls at Chibok, Borno state. As Nigerians await the release of some of them still being held by the terrorists, our hearts bleed and we pray for their safety and release.
“Beside the human and material cost of this “war” is another cost, the psychological cost. Every time a bomb goes off or the sound of a gun rends the air, something in us dies
“We do not need any one to tell us that we have a serious situation on our hands. The war on terror does not seem to be going on well at the moment. Our security forces despite gallant efforts have suffered reversals, taking direct hits in their critical asset areas, raising concerns about their capacity or willingness to win this war. We are not unaware of the complexities of a war of this nature, but we demand better initiative and more commitment.
“In spite of government’s effort, the situation, particularly in the North East, is deteriorating. The initial gains of emergency rule, clearly have been lost and the momentum squandered. The Boko Haram elements have matured into a full-blown terror group striking at high-profile targets with devastating effect. Indeed, the choice of targets, regularity of strikes, weapons used, co-ordination and sophistication of their operations make them not only the leading terror group but the group to dread.
We feel seriously concerned about the state of the nation’s security infrastructure. In spite of the relative huge security votes in the past few years, it is weak and inadequate. We also believe conflicting political interests, ambiguous operational order and primordial sentiments are some of the factors undermining the counter terror war.”
On his part, the TUP President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, stressed that all Nigerians irrespective political and religious beliefs “in view of the comatose nature of our socio-economic infrastructure, the near-breakdown of security and the recent spate of killings and destruction of property in the North-East and some other parts of the country.
The fact that we are in the midst of crisis is by no longer disputable. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.
Our economy is threatened by incidents of violence and terrorism due to unalloyed greed and irresponsibility on the part of many of our successive leaders and our collective failure to nurture our hard-earned democracy and prepare the nation for a new progressive age.”
In Lagos, the occasion was almost marred by protesting members of the civil society groups led by the Joint Action Front, JAF, who were protesting the increase in the tuition fees of the Lagos State University, LASU.
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, at the National May Day rally, in Abuja, said Nigeria is not poor, but suffering from the distribution of wealth, as the main challenge facing the country.
NLC President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar; President Goodluck Jonathan And TUC President, Comrade Peter Esele, at the Centenary May Day Celebration in Abuja On Wednesday
Jonathan was reacting to the recent World Bank’s report that ranked Nigeria the fifth poorest country in the world at Eagle Square, venue of 2014 workers’ May Day festivities.
President Jonathan said he was amazed when he visited Kenya on an official trip, only to discover that most of the private jets which flew into that country were from Nigeria.
He said: “They say Nigeria is poor, but I was surprised when the World Bank listed us among the poorest nations in the world. Nigeria is not poor, it only has the problem of unequal distribution of wealth.”
President Goodluck Jonathan used the May Day celebration to reiterate his administration’s determination to bring the Boko-Haram insurgency to an end, vowing that the abducted secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State must be found and rescued.
He also restated his earlier submission that the perpetrators of the Nyanya Bus Terminal bombing in the Federal Capital would be fished out and punished in accordance with the law.
He assured that government was continuously fine-tuning its security strategies to curb insurgency which, he said, perpetrators must never be allowed to succeed in their evil intention.
He, therefore, called for the cooperation of citizens to beat back the threat posed by the Islamic sect to the nation.
He said: “The recent atrocities by terrorists, particularly the Nyanya Motor park bombing of mainly working class citizens, as well as the cruel abduction of some innocent girls, our future mothers and leaders in a very horrific and despicable situation in Borno State, is quite regrettable.
“The government is constantly reviewing and upgrading mechanisms to curb this mindless act and together, with the cooperation of the citizenry, we shall triumph.
“Those who want to re-define our country to be seen as a country of chaos will never succeed. We will continue to work hard to ensure the security of our people.
Speaking on the state of insecurity, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart, argued that, “it is immoral to play politics with the lives of people,” insisting that the ruling class should realise that Nigeria was at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred and demanded an end to the unholy dirty politics over the insecurity in the country.”
Governor Oshiomhole while urging workers to stand and speak for Nigeria in the face of insurgency and ethnic champions, said: “We should be united in the fight against Boko Haram. We should be united against terrorism, because we need a peaceful state for us to do politics.”
Governor Babatunde Fashola suggested: “I think first of all we should agree to fight the scourge of insecurity under one flag, the Green-White-Green Flag.
“Let everyone for now subsume his flag in whatever colour and let us rally together, not as Yoruba, as Ijaw, not as Igbo, not as Hausa, but as Nigerians, who rally under one flag, the Green-White-Green to defeat insecurity.”
Governor Amosun of Ogun State said: “I, therefore, appeal to you all to always take out time to pray for Nigeria and the over 200 students kidnapped in Chibok in Borno State.
“We pray for God’s intervention in securing the release of the students and stemming the tide of violent crimes against humanity in Nigeria.”
The two labour centres while addressing workers and other guests, with theme, ‘Building Enduring Peace and Unity: Panacea for Sustainable National Development,’ insisted that, “we must all rise in unison, shoulder-to-shoulder and confront this common enemy once and for all. We are almost certain that if anyone was left in doubt about the universality of this war, the Nyanya bomb blast erased all of that.”
Both NLC and TUC also commented on the, economy, unemployment, poverty National Conference and alleged moves “some vested interests among the governors are mobilizing some delegates to force through the balkanisation of labour and the negation of a national minimum wage as currently enshrined in the constitution. It is certainly the machination of a few privilege few in position of powers at the expense of the teeming Nigerians. This is an attempt to keep Nigerians in perpetual slavery and servitude.”
They called on “Nigerian workers and the teeming well-meaning Nigerians to rise up against these retrogressive moves.”
Insecurity
According to NLC President, Mr. Abdulwaheed “In the past few years, the nation has witnessed unprecedented security challenges that have tasked our imagination, resources and temperament. From the Niger Delta to the northern-most parts of the country, we have had one form of violent conflict or another that threatened the peace and security of the nation.
One of the most trying of these has been the kidnapping of over 200 teenage girls at Chibok, Borno state. As Nigerians await the release of some of them still being held by the terrorists, our hearts bleed and we pray for their safety and release.
“Beside the human and material cost of this “war” is another cost, the psychological cost. Every time a bomb goes off or the sound of a gun rends the air, something in us dies
“We do not need any one to tell us that we have a serious situation on our hands. The war on terror does not seem to be going on well at the moment. Our security forces despite gallant efforts have suffered reversals, taking direct hits in their critical asset areas, raising concerns about their capacity or willingness to win this war. We are not unaware of the complexities of a war of this nature, but we demand better initiative and more commitment.
“In spite of government’s effort, the situation, particularly in the North East, is deteriorating. The initial gains of emergency rule, clearly have been lost and the momentum squandered. The Boko Haram elements have matured into a full-blown terror group striking at high-profile targets with devastating effect. Indeed, the choice of targets, regularity of strikes, weapons used, co-ordination and sophistication of their operations make them not only the leading terror group but the group to dread.
We feel seriously concerned about the state of the nation’s security infrastructure. In spite of the relative huge security votes in the past few years, it is weak and inadequate. We also believe conflicting political interests, ambiguous operational order and primordial sentiments are some of the factors undermining the counter terror war.”
On his part, the TUP President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, stressed that all Nigerians irrespective political and religious beliefs “in view of the comatose nature of our socio-economic infrastructure, the near-breakdown of security and the recent spate of killings and destruction of property in the North-East and some other parts of the country.
The fact that we are in the midst of crisis is by no longer disputable. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.
Our economy is threatened by incidents of violence and terrorism due to unalloyed greed and irresponsibility on the part of many of our successive leaders and our collective failure to nurture our hard-earned democracy and prepare the nation for a new progressive age.”
In Lagos, the occasion was almost marred by protesting members of the civil society groups led by the Joint Action Front, JAF, who were protesting the increase in the tuition fees of the Lagos State University, LASU.
Schoolgirls Abduction: 4 battalions mobilise for Sambisa forest -
By KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Ndahi Marama, Luka Binniyat & TARE YOUEOWEI SEVENTEEN days after 234 students of the Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno State, were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists and the public outcry that have continued to greet the alleged uncoordinated approach of the security agents to rescue them, a major military operation is set to commence as four different battalions, a little more than a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have been mobilised.These four girls were among those who managed to escape after being abducted by the gunmen. PHOTO-BBCMeanwhile, Borno State Police Command and the Department of State Service, DSS, office in the state, yesterday, released new figures of the missing schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents, saying 276 students, not 234 were initially taken away.This has contradicted the earlier claims by parents of the affected girls, who said 234 of their daughters were kidnapped when the insurgents attacked the school.The state Police Commissioner, Lawal Tanko and the Director of DSS, Ahmed Abdullahi disclosed this at a joint press briefing held in Maiduguri last night.Tanko said that the new figure was still not authentic as the actual numbers of the missing girls could only be verified when more parents, who were yet to know the whereabouts of the daughters, lodge a complaint.The CP added that 530 students from Chibok and other neighbouring towns sat for the final examinations, and that 276 were abducted, while 53 others escaped.This is just as former British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, has called for international military assistance, such as air support, to be offered to the Nigerian government in the hunt for the abducted girls.Nationwide protests against the abduction also gathered momentum yesterday as concerned women and activists embarked on protests in Borno and Kaduna states.It was gathered that the battalions that will storm Sambisa forest are taking positions around all the access routes into the notorious forest.MobilisationThe battalions comprised all formations of the Army, including those from Signals Corps, Armoured Corps, Ordinance Corps, Intelligence Corps, Infantry Corps, Artillery Corps, Military Police Corps and the Medical Corps.Also, fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force and Police surveillance helicopters have been mobilised and are waiting for the command to begin the joint security operations for rescue efforts of the girls.The battalions are said to have been positioned in the North, South, East and West of the Sambisa forest so that when the troops move in from all the angles, there will be no escape route for the terrorists.Owing to the possibily of encountering bobby traps, land mines, ambush and other unknown traps, it was gathered that Air Force fighter aircraft, helicopter gunships and Police surveillance helicopters would carry out round-the-clock missions.Aircraft and land equipment including air ambulances, vehicles with mobile medical facilities and a considerable number of medical personnel, are said to have been deployed for the operation to ensure that casualties, if any, are quickly attended to when necessary.Launching offensiveIt was gathered that since the forest shares borders with towns in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno and Cameroon, the different battalions would each launch their offensive from these locations.Vanguard was further told under condition of anonymity, that because of the high caliber nature of the arms and explosives in the hands of the terrorists, the Federal Government had made available to the security forces night vision equipment.In this regards, specially trained counter terrorist units, anti bomb discovery units, the K 9 Dog units of the Army and the Police, the landmines unit of the army and other specialised units of other security agencies are all involved in this operation, Vanguard was told.Are the girls still in Sambisa?Speaking on insinuations that most of the girls may have been moved to Chad, Cameroon or abroad by the terrorists, the security source said: “Let us wait and see.“All I can tell you is that since the incident happened, the borders close to Sambisa have been fortified and a lot of cordon and search operation has been going on. How they would have moved the girls abroad will be a mystery.”When Vanguard expressed apprehension that a major military intervention involving air bombardments will lead to killing of the girls, the source said: “It doesn’t necessarily follow.“On the contrary, the terrorists are afraid. They will be fighting to save their own lives. Many of them are cowards who cannot stand the army, that’s why they look for soft targets.“They know they won’t achieve anything injuring the girls. We feel they just wanted to get attention with the girls in their possession. We have strategies in place to get the girls and ensure their safety if indeed they are in the forest. The plan is to rescue them alive.”Gordon BrownBrown has called for international military assistance, such as air support, to be offered to the Nigerian government in the hunt for the abducted girls.The former UK Prime Minister said he had approached the British government to discuss the possibility of military assistance. Asked if he anticipated a positive response, he said: “I think people will want to help, yes. The international community must do something to protect these girls.“We could provide military help to the Nigerians to track down the whereabouts of the girls before they’re dispersed throughout Africa— like air support, for example, if that was thought necessary.”Brown will meet President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja next week to discuss the abduction.He said: “I am not prepared to criticise the Nigerian government. We’re dealing with a group of terrorists who have kidnapped children.“The sensible way of dealing with this is to help the Nigerian government.”NLC, women storm Borno govt houseMeanwhile, in Maiduguri, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Borno State chapter, women groups and other civil organisations, yesterday, converged at the Borno State Government House to register their protest over the 234 abducted girls.Presenting a protest letter to Governor Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri for onward transmission to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Senate President, Senator David Mark, the state Chairman of the NLC, Mr. Titus Abana called on the Federal Government and the military authorities to intensify efforts in rescuing the school girls.KadunaIn Kaduna, a coalition of civil groups comprising women, non governmental organisations, students, women lawyers, among others, yesterday, gathered at Murtala Mohammed Square, calling for the release of the abducted girls.The women displayed placards with inscription such as ‘Bring back our daughters,’ ‘Mama Patience help our daughters,’ ‘Respect the future of Nigerian women,’ ‘Save our girls now,’ ‘FG, save our daughters,’ ‘We want our girls back,’ ‘Reunite us with our girls.’Apostolic leadersThe Coalition of Nigerian Apostolic Leaders, CNAL, yesterday, condemned the abduction, urging the government to facilitate the girls’ release.Speaking through its governing apostle, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, the body described Boko Haram as audacious, harping on the need for intelligence and infiltration to end the sect’s activities. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/05/schoolgirls-abduction-4-battalions-mobilise-sambisa-forest/#sthash.qMGcoSfp.dpuf
May Day Tragedy: Scores die in fresh Abuja bombing
BY Soni Daniel, Emma Ujah, Ben Agande, Henry Umoru, Joseph Erunke & Victoria Ojeme ABUJA — EXACTLY 18 days after deadly bomb blasts at Nyanya bus terminal in Abuja killed 75 people and injured 200 others, Nigerians were thrown into mourning, yesterday evening, with another blast, which at press time had claimed at least 17 lives and scores more injured.Yesterday’s attack took place at Wazobia Park, Nyanya, opposite where the last attacks occured.As at 9:05 pm, 17 corpses were counted at the Emergency Ward of the Asokoro Hospital, while the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, ambulances were still rushing to ferry in more of the dead and the wounded.THE BLAST —Scene of the blast in Abuja, yesterday. Photos: Emma Ujah & Gbemiga Olamikan.One eyewitness said he saw 20 bodies at the scene.The bombers, whose identities were yet to be unmasked, struck at the same transit point they attacked exactly 18 days ago.No group has claimed responsibility for yesterday’s attack.At Asokoro General Hospital, 16 dead bodies were on the ground. Many people, families and friends were in the hospital while many were outside because the hospital gates were shut against the crowd coming into the hospital. Many people were seen wailing and making phone calls.The blasts occurred as workers and residents who went for the May Day celebration were returning to their bases. Initial reports said a number of people have been killed and many more have been injured.Eyewitnesses said it was caused by a car bomb. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram had previously staged attacks in Abuja. Most of Boko Haram attacks had been in the North-East geo-political zone especially in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The April 14 bombing raised fears that the militants could be trying to expand their area of operation.Click to read how it happened by NEMAUnlike the last blast, which was targeted at the major bus terminal, the latest attack was concentrated on the opposite side of the terminal, which is used by commuters.Security men, who were taken unawares by the deadly attack, promptly mobilised and blocked all routes leading to and from the scene of the attack.The development caused traffic snarl on the Nyanya-Abuja-Keffi Road and frustrated many commuters. The road leading into Abuja from Nasarawa State was cordoned off with vehicles diverted through Karu, a satellite town in the FCT.Another report said the incident happened at Wazobia Park, at the foot of the bridge, directly opposite the Nyanya park where the last one occurred.The corpses were brought from Nyanya to Asokoro Hospital by two Police pick-up vans and a NEMA ambulance. Doctors were immediately mobilized from their homes to the hospital to attend to those injured, as they were at home because of the public holiday.As at 9.45pm officials of the hospital came out with black body bags to cover the corpses as they were initially brought out from the hospital ward and put on the field outside.Vanguard gathered that the Asokoro Hospital was short of black body bags to cover corpses.According to a source, some of the injured persons and corpses were moved to Karshi, Nyanya General Hospital, a private hospital, Panaf Hospital located in Nyanya; Maitama District Hospital and Mararaba General Hospital.As at 9.50pm, another NEMA ambulance came with one injured man of about 20 years. The ambulance was accompanied by men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and the Red cross.At Asokoro Hospital, stand-by NEMA ambulances increased to three.