Monday, 6 March 2017
US cautions Nigerians against wildlife destruction
The United States Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr. David Young, has enjoined Nigerians to desist from the
trafficking and unwarranted destruction of the nation’s wildlife.
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate-General in Lagos said in a statement that Young gave the advice at an event in Lagos to mark this year’s World Wildlife Day.
According to him, Nigerians need to stop trafficking and destruction of the nation’s endangered species, including the Cross River gorilla and Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee.
“Sustainable eco-tourism is important to many nations of Africa in creating numerous tourism sector jobs. Conserving natural resources is vital.
“If Nigeria loses its precious large apes and other mammals, eco-tourism revenue and jobs disappear with these animals. Communities and individuals have the most important role to play. Communities and consumers can refuse to do business with illicit traders and poachers.”
“I urge you to take up the challenge to preserve your forests, as well as the wildlife that depend on the remaining forests for survival,” he said.
Young said that it should be the responsibility of every Nigerian to hold themselves accountable for the protection and conservation of the nation’s wildlife resources.
The U.S. official said that he was in support of Nigeria’s government legislation against trafficking of endangered animals.
The UN General Assembly, on Dec. 20, 2013, proclaimed March 3 every year as World Wildlife Day, to celebrate and raise global awareness on wild animals and plants.
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My girlfriend was a drunk but I did not kill her
A 30-year-old fruit seller, Murtala Magaji, on Monday denied being responsible for the death of his girlfriend, Adama Idris, whom he described as habitual drunk.
Magaji is being tried before an FCT High Court, Kubwa, for allegedly killing Idris. Led in evidence by his counsel, Mrs Olaide Akinseye-George, Magaji said he was not responsible for her girlfriend’s death.
Magaji said he lived with the deceased for five years and had over the years tried to stop her from excessive drinking.
The accused said the deceased was also into hard drugs, which he believed she took a day before she died.
“That day, after she finished cooking around 8 p.m., she told me that she was going out to buy something and that she would be back soonest; but she didn’t return until around past 10 p.m.
“As she approached me, I noticed a wound on her forehead; she was also drunk and continued to stagger.
“I ushered her into the house and reminded her that we had an earlier agreement that she would stop drinking and taking drugs.
“I made it clear to her that she had refused to keep to her promise; as such, I was not happy.
“I then brought the food and we both ate and slept off,” he said.
Magaji said that he woke her up around 4:30 a.m., when he was about to pray.
“She told me that she had a headache and wanted a pain reliever, which I promised to buy.
“At about past 7:00a.m., that morning, while going about my business in the market, police officers came to arrest me and took me to Zuba Police Station.
“It was at the station that the DPO told me that my girlfriend, who was living with me, was reported dead.
“I was confused and pleaded with them to take me to see her corpse, but they refused; saying that they would investigate and get back to me.
“I was detained there for three days before taken to the Police Command Headquarters and from there to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office,” he said.
The prosecuting counsel, A. O. Urom, who cross-examined Magaji, asked if he questioned the deceased how she sustained the wound on her forehead and if the two had fought that night or in the past.
The defendant, who said he did, explained that the deceased told him she fell down and hit her head.
He also stated that they did not fight that night and never did.
Earlier, Akinseye-George, had told the court that the defendant was her only witness so far, as all other intended witnesses, had ran away.
The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to alleged culpable homicide, was first arraigned on June 29, 2016.
He was alleged to have on Jan. 22, 2016 beaten the victim, his girlfriend, to stupor; hitting her head against the wall with the knowledge that it may result to death.
The judge, Justice Bello Kawu, adjourned further hearing in the matter till April 25.
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N3.2 bn fraud: Court to rule on kalu’s objection March 7
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday fixed March, 7 to rule on the provision of a witness statement in the trial of a former governor of Abia, Orji Uzor kalu, charged with money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on Oct. 31, 2016, preferred a 34-count charges bordering on N3.2 billion fraud against Kalu and his former Commissioner for Finance, Jones Udogu.
Also charged is a company, Slok Nig. Ltd.
The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
When the case was mentioned on Monday, counsel for the prosecution, called it’s first witness, Mr Onovah Ovenevoh, into the witness box.
Ovenevoh was about to begin his testimony when an objection was raised by Udoogu’s counsel, Chief Solo Akuma (SAN).
Akuma drew the court’s attention to the fact that the Ovenevoh’s statement was not part of the proof of evidence given to him by the prosecution.
According to him, service of witness statement on the defence is a constitutional right and a facility that should be provided for an accused person as enshrined in Section 36(6)(b) of the Constitution.
Kalu’s Counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), also noted that it was important for the prosecution to make the statement of the witness available not only to the defence but also to the court.
“We ought to know what the witness is going to tell the court and not to be caught by surprise.Section 36(1)of the Constitution emphasised the need for an accused person to be given fair hearing and for us to have fair hearing, there must be fair trial,” he said
In his objection, the Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the submissions of the two defence lawyers.
He maintained that the witness was in court by virtue of a court’s order summoning him to appear and so, the commission should not be concerned about providing his statement again.
He said: “It is in compliance with the order of the court that the witness is here. He is a court’s witness and not a prosecution witness. The role played by the witness was displayed on page 19 of the proof of evidence.
This should qualify as his statement,” he said
Justice Mohammed Idris has fixed March 7 for ruling on the issue. In the charge, the accused persons were alleged to have committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005. Kalu was alleged to have utilised his company to retain in the account of a First Inland bank, now FCMB, the sum of N200 million.
The sum is alleged to have formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the Abia State Government.
In one of the counts, his company (Slok Nig Ltd) and Emeka Abone who is said to be at large, were also alleged to have retained in the company’s account the sum of N200 million, on behalf of the first accused.
They were alleged to have utilised Manny Bank, (now Fidelity Bank Plc), Spring Bank Plc, the defunct Standard Trust Bank and Fin Land Bank, now First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
In counts one to 10, the accused were alleged to have retained about N2.5 billion in different accounts, which funds were said to belong to the Abia government.
Cumulatively, in all the counts, the accused were alleged to have diverted over N3.2 billion from the Abia government’s treasury during Kalu’s tenure as governor.
The offence contravened sections 15(6), 16, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2005. It also contravened the Money Laundering Act of 1995 as amended by the amendment Act No.9 of 2002 and section 477 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
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8 killed in stampede over food aid
No fewer than eight people were killed and 28 others injured in a stampede in Lusaka on Monday as thousands of poor people struggled to claim food handouts, said Zambian police.
Police have opened an inquiry into the deadly crush that followed 35,000 people trying to enter a sports complex where the Church of Christ was giving out food parcels.
“We have since dispersed the gathering and an inquiry into the matter has been instituted,’’ a police statement said.
Sixty per cent of people in Zambia live below the poverty line and 42 per cent are considered to be extremely poor, the World Bank says.
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FG to enact `Meat Hygienic Act’ to regulate abattoirs
The Federal Government has commenced the process of enacting a `Meat Hygienic Act’ to regulate the operations of abattoirs and slaughter slabs in the country.
Dr Shehu Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, disclosed this at the official handover of the rehabilitated Lafia modern abattoir to the Nasarawa State Government.
A statement by Mr Tony Ohaeri, the Director of Information, in Abuja on Monday, said that Ahmed was reacting to the deplorable state of abattoirs and slaughter slabs across the country.
Ahmed said the move was to ensure the supply of healthy meat and other livestock products for public consumption.
The permanent secretary expressed regrets that abattoirs in the country did not meet the minimum operating standards to guarantee food safety.
He said government in its readiness to address the situation made budgetary provision to upgrade facilities in some selected states.
“It is expected that the state government gives the maintenance of the facilities a top priority in order to achieve the desired objective of providing safe and wholesome meat for public consumption.
“We also urge the state government to consider and enter into partnership with private investors to manage and operate the abattoirs in line with best global practices for sustainability and improved revenue generation,’’ he said.
He appealed to state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by upgrading other abattoirs in their states.
Ahmed said that the Federal Government would continue to partner with state governments and other interested investors in abattoir development to improve food safety in the country.
The statement quoted Mr Muhammad Zakari, the Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, as saying that the government would support programmes and policies of the Federal Government that would be beneficial to its citizens.
Zakari urged butchers in the state to put the structure into proper use under a good hygienic condition, adding that it was significant following cases of diseases associated with meat processing.
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Friday, 17 February 2017
Barca capable of historic CL comeback, says Suarez…See full details
Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez / AFP PHOTO / ANDER GILLENEA
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez believes the Catalans can become the first side ever to overcome a four-goal first leg deficit in the Champions League when Paris Saint-Germain visit the Camp Nou on March 8.
Barca were torn apart in a 4-0 thrashing by the French champions in their last 16 clash on Tuesday, sparking fierce criticism in particular of coach Luis Enrique.
“It is difficult to lose like that, particularly in the last 16 of the Champions League, but I think this team is capable of turning around the situation,” Suarez said at a charity event on Friday.
“We have to convince ourselves. We are all culpable. When we win, we win together and the same when the opposite happens.
“This team has made history by winning the treble, for winning many things in the last few years and if we want to make history as a team, then we have to focus on turning this tie around.
“It is a great challenge and we are looking forward to it.”
Enrique’s tactics were questioned by midfielders Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, whilst he confronted a reporter for Catalan TV station TV3 in a fiery post-match interview.
The former Barca captain has won eight trophies in his three seasons in charge, but Enrique’s future was already in doubt as his contract expires at the end of the season.
And Suarez insists Enrique should have the right to decide whether he continues next season.
“We have had good times thanks to him and now we are all suffering together and between us have to move forward,” he added.
“The coach is old and mature enough… to know what decision he has taken or will take.
“We will accept whatever decision he makes.”
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2017 Nigerian Navy Games holds in Akwa Ibom from Febuary 26 (Read full details)
Nigerian Navy
The 11th Nigerian Navy Games will hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom from Feb. 26 to March 4, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Chief of Naval Staff, has said.
However, the water sports events of the Games, including swimming, kayak, sailing and boat handling, an innovation in this year’s edition, had taken place in Lagos from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9.
Ibas told a news conference on Friday in Abuja that the games would feature 21 sports.
Ibas, represented by the Chief of Administration, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola, said the Games were geared toward building strong mental and physical fitness of naval personnel to man ships.
“Sports and physical training have been the bedrock of Naval personnel’s daily mental and physical readiness for sea and ashore duties.
“They are important factors in the management of personnel in the Navy and therefore have always attracted attention from the authorities,’’ he said.
Ibas said the promotion of mass participation in sports by personnel onboard ships and ashore establishments helped to promote `esprit de corp’ that would enhance healthy working environment.
He said the games would also help to develop talents among the personnel and raise strong teams to represent the Navy and the Armed Forces in national and international sports competitions.
Ibas said that the consistency of the Games had helped to improve the quality of participation in each edition.
He said that the games would be declared open by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammed, while the Senate President, Bukola Saraki would be the Special Guest of honour at the closing ceremony.
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Thursday, 16 February 2017
Saturday, 11 February 2017
Allegri wants another 400 games with Juve…See full details
Juventus' coach Massimiliano Allegri gestures during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Inter Milan on February 5, 2017 at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. / AFP PHOTO / Marco BERTORELLO
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has brushed aside rumours of a move to England’s Premier League by saying he hopes to be at the helm of the Serie A champions for “another 300 or 400” games.
Allegri, who led Juventus to the Champions League final in his first season in charge in 2015 and a defeat to Barcelona, has been linked with a move to Arsenal amid reports suggesting Arsene Wenger could step down as coach of the Gunners.
The rumour mill was set spinning further when reports claimed officials from Juventus had met with Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri.
Asked specifically about reports claiming he had been contacted by interested clubs in the Premier League, Allegri said in midweek: “I’m not confirming and I’m not denying.”
On Saturday Allegri said he intends to honour his current deal, which expires in 18 months, and he left room for an extension when he said: “How can I deny something that I never said, or confirm something which doesn’t exist?
“I’m fine here, I’ve still got a year and a half left on my contract and when the time comes I will sit down with the club to speak about the future and put together a schedule.
“I hope to take charge of another 300 or 400 games as Juventus coach. I’m happy here and, as I’ve always said, if something is not going well then the club will be the first to hear about it.”
Juventus are bidding for a record sixth consecutive Serie A title, the first three of which came under the helm of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, and a third consecutive league and Cup double.
Allegri’s men sit top of Serie A with a six-point lead on Napoli and a seven-point lead on Roma before facing Cagliari on Sunday.
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Sunday, 5 February 2017
Pope urges prayers for unborn children under threat
Pope Francis . / AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO
Pope Francis on Sunday urged the faithful to pray for unborn children threatened by “the termination of pregnancy” in a throwaway culture marked by falling birthrates.
“Every life is sacred. Let us promote a culture of life as a response to the logic of throwing away and in the face of demographic decline,” he said in an address to mark the “international day for consecrated life”.
“Let us pray together for children threatened by the termination of pregnancy and also for people at the end of their lives,” he said during his weekly Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s Square.
Since his election, the pope has expressed concern over the demographic decline in Europe and particularly in Italy, which the Catholic Church believes is fuelled in part by abortion — a practice which Francis, like his predecessors, fiercely opposes.
But last year he granted priests the right to permanently forgive abortion, extending a temporary measure put in place during the Vatican’s jubilee “Year of Mercy” which ended in November.
The Catholic Church considers abortion to be a sin, with the priestly pardon applicable not only to women who have abortions but also to those who carry them out or are involved in any way.
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Saturday, 4 February 2017
Navy destroys N3bn illegal refineries (Read full details)
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, disclosed this in Port Harcourt on Saturday at the conclusion of the first phase of “Operation River Sweep I.”
Oluwole said the operation which began on Jan. 8 and ended Feb. 4 aimed at tackling spate of oil theft and vandalism of critical oil and gas installations, especially along Bonny–Onne channels in Rivers.
According to him, two warships, NNS Ologbo and NNS Burutu, eight gun boats and helicopters participated in the 28-day operation.
“Operation Rivers Sweep was activated on Jan. 8 to stem the tide of increasing and disturbing reports of illegal bunkering in Onne general area.
“Over some months now, we have discovered that lots of illegal refineries are operating within the area with stealthily and specially designed dug-in canoes moving stolen petroleum products.
“In the operation, two vessels MV Lewis Ejiro and MV Lady Swithin were impounded while 40 illegal refineries, 60 large wooden and speed boats loaded with 5.24 million litres of diesel were destroyed.
“Other items recovered by troops included three generators, 16 pumping machines, two welding machines, three outboard engines and two hoses.
“The total estimated loss for the destroyed illegal refineries and other equipment is about N3 billion”.
Oluwole said that five suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operation and handed over to relevant prosecuting agencies.
He said the operation was successful due to the use of Swamp Buggy machines which completely crushed metallic tanks and denied oil thieves ability to revive the destroyed refineries.
The FOC said the operation had reduced spate of attacks on oil and gas installations and sea piracy, particularly in the Onne and adjoining creeks in the area.
“We have realised that whenever we burn down illegal refineries with metal tanks and some days after our troops leave the scene, the oil thieves would return and revive the refineries.
“The use of swamp buggy machine has proved to be effective; and the colossal losses of boats and stolen oil products will discourage bunkering activities in our areas of operation.
Oluwole said that the Navy’s inability to prosecute suspected oil thieves partly affected the war on illegal oil bunkering.
According to him, the battle against oil thieves is built on a tripartite arrangement which involved surveillance, enforcement and operation.
The FOC pointed out that similar operations were currently on-going in its naval Central Naval Command.
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Wednesday, 1 February 2017
NYSC says no date yet for 2017 registration, dispels death rumours
Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2016 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 cheering during their swearing-in and opening of the Orientation Course at Kubwa in Abuja on January 26, 2017. PHOTO: NAN
The management of the National Youth Service Corp has said the date for the registration for the 2017 Batch ‘A’ corps members has not been fixed, distancing itself from rumours that the registration would commence on February 8.
It also dispelled rumours of death at its Oyo State orientation camp located in Iseyin. However, it said sixteen corps members were injured when rainstorm destroyed a building on the camp.
“We wish to confirm that one of the structures at the NYSC Orientation camp was indeed affected with sixteen Corps members sustaining injuries,” NYSC management said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Management, however, wishes to make it clear that rumour of death being peddled in the social media is untrue.
As a matter of fact, all the injured Corps members received the best of treatments and all of them have since been discharged from the hospital.
“Situation at the camp is calm now while normal activities are going on.”
With regards to 2017 registration, NYSC said the timetable would be made public “at the appropriate time through our official communication channels.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, no date has yet been set for the commencement of online registration by 2017 Batch ‘A’ Prospective Corps Members.”
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