Apo traders, victims’ families protest over court judgment

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They were charged with culpable homicide for the killing of Ifeanyi Ozor, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwodike and Augustina Arebun.

Members of the Apo Traders Association and families of the six murdered Igbo traders stormed the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) to register their displeasure over the judgment of an FCT High Court, which sentenced two of the six prosecuted Police officers to death.

The aggrieved protesters criticised the judgment read by the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, on Thursday, where two Police officers, Ezekiel Acheneje and Emmanuel Baba, were sentenced to death for killing two of the six Igbo traders in Abuja on June 8, 2005.

The two policemen were found guilty of the extra-judicial killing of Augustina Arebun and Anthony Nwokike at the Gaduwa Estate of Abuja.

Chairman of the association, Chimezie Ifeh, who led the aggrieved protesters, said they were opposed to the court judgment, saying: “The real culprits of the gruesome of murder of the ‘Apo Six’ are left of the hook.

“It was Danjuma Ibrahim, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) that orchestrated and executed our brothers and sister. But the same Police officer and his cohorts were freed on Thursday by the court.

“We urge the AGF to appeal against the judgment and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

“The two people that were sentenced were acting under instructions from Danjuma. So, I don’t see the reason why Danjuma would be free and the two other policemen would be sentenced to death.

“Why did the court set Danjuma free and sentenced the two to death? We are not happy; we don’t understand. We are praying the minister to look into the matter.”

A brother to one of the deceased, Mr. Edwin Meniru, told journalists that his brother’s death left the family devastated.

He disclosed that his father died one year after his brother’s death, following the shock from the gruesome murder of Chinedu, whom he said his father loved so much.

The peaceful protest, which began from the premises of the FCT High Court at Maitama, terminated at the Ministry of Justice with a call on the minister to properly review the case with a view to appeal against it.

The protesters carried placards and banners, with various inscriptions, such as, ‘We want justice done in Apo Six killings,’ DCP Danjuma Ibrahim can’t go scot-free,’ among others.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the AGF, Director of Legal Drafting in the ministry, Mr. Tahir Hamza, commended them for the orderly manner they carried out the protest, promising that the AGF would look into their grievances.

He appealed to the aggrieved families to remain law abiding, promising that the judgment would be studied and appropriate steps taken to address the issues.

Justice Bello, while delivering judgment in a nine-count criminal charge brought against the six policemen by the Federal Government, said the court had no option than to convict the two men on account of their own confessional statements that they shot the two traders upon instruction from a superior officer.

Justice Bello said the action of the two policemen was callous and barbaric, because by law, they were supposed to preserve lives of innocent citizens.

The three freed policemen, including Danjuma (alleged to have given orders to the two convicted police men to kill the traders), Othman Abdulsalami and Sadiq Salami, who were charged with conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code, were discharged and acquitted by the court for want of evidence.

Justice Bello said from the totality of the evidence placed before the court, the charge of conspiracy cannot be established against the freed policemen, because of the inability of the prosecution to convince the court that the men met and agreed to kill the six traders on June 7, 2005 while returning from a night club along Gimbiya Street in Area 12 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2noMdmI

Eulogies as Ogbemdudia dies at 84

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Condolence register at the residence of the late Gen. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia in Benin City, Edo State…yesterday

Former governor of old Midwest and Bendel State (now Edo and Delta State) has died at the age of 84. He was said to have died in a private hospital in Lagos at about midnight on Thursday.

The late Ogbemudia had been down in the last few months and was first admitted into the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), but was reportedly moved to Lagos on request by members of his family.

Speaking to journalist in his residence at Ihieya in Benin City yesterday, his first son, Sam Ogbemudia Jr said he would miss everything about his father and that his late father has since prepared his grave besides his late mother’s grave said to have died in 1968.

He said his father passed on in in Lagos, shortly before midnight on Thursday, adding that his father represented everything to him right from childhood to adult.

“I learnt so much from him. He was a wonderful man. I will miss everything about him; both his biological children and non-biological ones.

“I will miss everything about him. I, and every other persons that have come in contact with him, have all learnt a great deal from him. He was a father, not just to his children, but also to all. He was a great man.”

He said his late father prepared his grave beside that of his late mother some years ago.

When asked if his late father gave any particular reason for preparing the grave, he simply responded saying, “anybody can do that.”

Ogbemudia was a former Military administrator of old mid-western state from September 1967 – 1975 and later elected civilian governor in the shortlived 3rd Republic of 1983 under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rev Peter Obadan described the late administrator as an encyclopaedia of wisdom.

“We give thanks to God for the life he lived on earth, he left qualities that ought to be emulated by politicians, forebears, he was a fearless man, a man that in his hey days actually did a lot for the Midwest region and his records are yet to be beaten and he affected everybody in the Midwest Region. He never discriminated and at a time, I had the opportunity of politically associating very closely with him and it was obvious to me that he was an encyclopaedia of wisdom and has very good knowledge of the political history of this country. We will miss him but his legacies are there and for years to come, he will be remembered even by children yet unborn, it is a painful loss but we give thanks”

The Artistic Director, Afemai Heritage and Culture Alhaji Usman Abidah described the late Ogbemudia as a focused person.

“He has done his best which was very good to all of us the old Bendel, I advise that our current political leaders should take a cue from him. I will not say it is big loss because everyman has his time to spend here on earth and thereafter goes to the beyond”

Former senator representing Edo North, Domingo Obende told The Guardian that “He was a Governor of Governors . He was a great foundational Leader who saw everything good about Edo and Nigeria in his lifetime. We shall definitely miss him beyond measures. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion in a statement issued by his media aide, Mark Nkworji recalled with fond memories the giant strides of the late Dr Ogbemudia, describing him as the chief architect of the great development strides of the now Edo and Delta states, when he governed as military administrator of Midwest state.

He described Dr Ogbemudia as an astute administrator and later, a politician of remarkable pedigree, whose advice and selfless service to Edo and indeed humanity will be greatly missed.

He prayed God to give the family of the late Dr Ogbemudia, Edo and Delta states and indeed all Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Dr Ogbemudia, he said, will be solely missed.

The Edo State chapter of the Sickle Cell Club also described Ogbemudia as a great man. He was the pioneer chairman of the Board of Sickle Cell in the state. A statement by the President of the club in the state, Gregory Aigbonoga said  “He was the first Sickle Cell Treatment & Research Center Board Chairman in 1994. We pray that Almighty GOD gives the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss”.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Gentleman Amegor described his exit as painful, but eventful while alive.

He said he was consoled with the fact that the late Ogbemudia lived a good life while alive.

“He was my surrogate father and I will really miss him dearly. He was everything to his children and others who were not his biological children.

“We are consoled with the fact that he represented everything good to humanity,”

Residents of Ihieya where the late Ogbemudia house is located described his demise as a great loss.  Ehigie Aigbiremolle, who said he has lived in the area for over 25 years, described the late Ogbemudia as a man with good heart.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mupsyE

‘I have never been this sick’

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Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari (C) shakes hands with state officials upon his arrival at the Nigerian Airforce base in Kaduna, on March 10, 2017. Buhari arrived back in Nigeria on March 10 after nearly two months in London receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. The 74-year-old landed at the airport in the northern city of Kaduna at about 7:40 am (0640 GMT) and was flown by helicopter to the capital, Abuja. PHOTO: STRINGER / AFP

• To Rest As Osinbajo Continues Acting
• Transmits Letter To N’ Assembly On Monday
• I Had Very Challenging Times In Borrowed Robes, Osinbajo Admits

President Muhammadu Buhari arrived the country after 49 days of undergoing medical treatment in the United Kingdom (UK).

Buhari, who landed at the Air Force Base in Mando, Kaduna and was received by top state government officials led by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Yusuf Bala Barnabas Bantex, wore a navy blue Kaftan and Zanabukar cap to match.

The Air Force plane that conveyed the President, with number N5 FGT, landed at the Air Force Base tarmac at exactly 7:47am.

He alighted from the aircraft at 7.55am and was received by Bantex and other top military officers with handshakes.

He then walked about 50 meters to a waiting helicopter that conveyed him to Abuja.

Speaking to journalists, Bantex said the President was hale and hearty, contrary to speculations, saying: “I am happy to receive him. He is going to Abuja to resume duty.”

In Abuja, Buhari landed at the helipad located within the Presidential Villa at exactly 8:43am yesterday and proceeded to meet and shake hands with top government functionaries.

He was later chauffeur-driven to the First Lady Conference Hall where he held a meeting with the service chiefs and other top government officials.

Addressing the brief meeting, which held in the First Lady’s Conference Room, the President said he had never been so weighed down by sickness throughout his life, both as a young man and as a serving military officer in the Nigerian Army with all of its ups and downs.

“I couldn’t recall being so sick since I was a young man, including in the military, with its ups and downs.

“I couldn’t recall when last I had blood transfusion. I couldn’t recall honestly, I can say in my 70 years,” he said.

The President, who said he received the best of treatment while on medical vacation in the UK, stated that he had also rested as much as humanly possible, adding that Osinbajo would continue while he rests.

He commended Osinbajo for effectively piloting the ship of state while he was away in London, adding: “I am pleased that the Vice-President enjoyed this break and he has to do much more this time around.

“I deliberately came back towards the weekend, so that the Vice-President will continue and I will continue to rest,” he said.

Buhari also thanked Nigerians who he said prayed and continued to pray for his good health while he was away, saying the development was “a testimony that in spite of the hardship being experienced, Nigerians support the government in its efforts to tackle our country’s challenges.”

He added: “The best way for me to pay you all is to re-dedicate myself to serving you, protecting your interest and keeping your trust. I thank you very much.

“I feel much better now. I am feeling much better now. There may, however, be need for further follow up within some weeks.”

Earlier in his remarks during the meeting, Osinbajo thanked Buhari for the confidence reposed in him by handing over the reins of governance to him in the capacity of Acting President.

Osinbajo who admitted that he “had a very interesting and challenging time” while Buhari was away, also thanked the President for what he described as “the good support” while piloting the affairs of the country for the almost two months of acting.

“Mr. President, again, on behalf of FEC, we welcome you back home. We are very grateful to God that you are back home hale and hearty.

“Mr. President, I must say that personally, this has been a very interesting few days for me. First, I want to thank you very much for the confidence reposed in me by handing over the reigns of governance to me in the capacity of acting President.

“I think more importantly is that you demonstrated the belief in our system, which is even more important than anything else.

“The constitution, which we all swore to, is important, because it outlines the code of conduct. I want to say not only am I, but I am sure the entire nation is grateful to you.

“For me, I must say that it has been an interesting period, going around the nation in borrowed robes. I must say I had a very interesting and challenging time, but above all, the President gave us the good support.”

Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, described Buhari’s return as a day of joy, saying it has vindicated the government’s position, while also thanking Nigerians for the prayers that kept the government going.

Mohammed thanked Osinbajo for giving the executive a sense of belonging and prayed that God would continue to heal the President Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Abayomi Olonishakin, on behalf of the service chiefs and armed forces of Nigeria, thanked God for granting the President journey mercies back to Nigeria.

Olonishakin assured that Buhari’s desires for the country, in terms of security, would be achieved, even as he appreciated the President’s support for the armed forces.

Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari also welcomed the President on behalf of the 36 state governors.

Adesina, in a tweet on his handle yesterday afternoon, said the President would transmit a letter to the National Assembly on Monday to make his return to work formal and constitutional.

“PMB will Monday transmit letter to National Assembly on his return to the country. That makes his return to work formal, and constitutional, he twitted..

Several journalists, who trooped into the airport as early as 5:00am yesterday, were not allowed access to the tarmac when Buhari landed. Only a few reporters and photographers were allowed to cover the occasion..

Adesina had in a statement on expiration of the 10 days confirmed that the President was extending his stay in the UK to “complete the test circle before returning.”

There were indications that the President might later return to the UK for further treatments.

Specifically, Buhari was expected to resume from his vacation on Monday, February 6, but he wrote to the National Assembly informing the parliament of his desire to extend his leave to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his doctors.

The Presidency’s failure to come up with a categorical statement on when Buhari would return to the country continued to fuel agitations, with many Nigerians demanding hourly bulletin on the President’s status, as was the case when the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was indisposed.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2n9olrd

e-Payment stakeholders gear for cashless initiative relaunch

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E-payment

Stakeholders in the epayment ecosystem have pledged their readiness to cope with challenges that may arise with the reintroduction of charges on cash withdrawals.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a circular to all Deposit Money Banks directed that with effect from April 1, 2017, banks in the states where the cashless policy was already operating, Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Abia, Kano, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory, would begin to impose charges on deposits and withdrawals above N500,000.

Mrs. Regha Onajite, chief executive officer, Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (EPPAN) said: “The reintroduction of the cash processing fees is a means to help the Central Bank achieve its goal on transforming the nation to a country where we depend less on cash than on other modes of payments. Studies have shown that processing cash comes with a very high premium; these monies can be used for other things. Cash has its disadvantages such as security etcetera and those who have swung over to the digital side can tell you how convenient digital payments are.

“Ever before the introduction of the cashless policy the CBN has carried out its research and found that less than 10% of our population will be affected by this policy. For individuals, how many people do really pay or receive more than Five Hundred Thousand Naira on a daily basis? Cash processing fees are not punitive; it’s just a means of allowing people pay the price of their obsession to cash. We can spend money without necessarily touching cash.

“We understood the need for a break with the policy at the initial kick off. As an insider I can attest to the fact that we were all set and geared to go. But as a listening industry we had to step back when there was a cry for a little more time to get people to get used to the system. You can say now that there has been a lot of improvement in the system and the infrastructure is better than 2012 when we started. A lot of improvement has gone into the system in terms of policies, innovations and standardizations.

She added that, to cover lost ground, arrangements have been made to sensitize and mobilize the Nigerian citizens to understand the benefits of a cashless Nigeria and to adopt alternative payments modes instead of cash. E-PPAN will be going round the country in partnership with CBN and other stakeholders. With this adoption will be faster and in no time lost grounds will be covered quickly.

Reacting to this development, Tunde Ogungbade, managing director, Global Accelerex, said: “I believe that this is a welcomed development for all stakeholders, particularly, merchants and financial institutions. The cost of cash management according to CBN was about N192B in 2012. I have no doubt that now that number is much higher. The various cashless options available in Nigeria today, especially via channels such as PoS and NIP, can help save this large cost related to cash management. This will also help bring the estimated 65% of cash in circulation, considered to be outside of the formal economy into the banking system. Finally, the risk of theft and loss will drastically reduce further, especially in the hinterland. Today, most merchants fail to recognize the cost of cash management on their business.”

James Agada, Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc, said that in several places such as US, Europe and even in India, ATMs and PoS devices are not even deployed by banks alone. It is the mixture of deployers that led to increased ATM penetration.

“Independent deployers and ATM networks treat ATM deployment and operation as a business proposition — they provide a value, people appreciate the value and pay for it. And in every business, there is growth when the business is inherently profitable, what users pay exceeds the cost to provide the service. An analysis of the share of market of independent ATM deployers across the globe shows clearly that where there is a strong, independent deployer presence, the ATM penetration is also high. And independent deployers only get in the game where it is profitable.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mrIV4t

Very important prison

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Return of the King: ‘Kong: Skull Island’ revives iconic ape

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Eight decades since furry wrecking machine King Kong first stomped into theaters, the giant ape with a predilection for bottle-blonde damsels in distress makes his cinematic comeback this weekend.

“Kong: Skull Island” is expected to be a huge worldwide hit, leveraging a global fan base built up through a series of sequels, reboots and spin-offs that has turned the character into a cinematic icon.

“Going back to the classic 1933 ‘King Kong’ starring Fay Wray, this beauty and the beast tale has held a particular fascination for audiences and has continued to inspire filmmakers over the decades,” Paul Dergarabedian, of media analytics firm comScore, told AFP.

“Though superheroes seem to rule the earth, monster movies will always have a place in the hearts of audiences, and this latest version should benefit from that interest.”

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, a newcomer to big studio properties, the latest Kong monster mash features a stratospherically famous cast led by Samuel L Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and a svelte John Goodman.

Set in 1973, with US involvement in the Vietnam War ending, explorer Bill Randa (Goodman) persuades a senator to let him gather a team to explore the seismology of a mysterious Pacific island isolated by storms.

– Murderous havoc –

“Jurassic World” meets “Apocalypse Now” as Randa’s military escort — a motley band of brothers led by the brooding Lt Colonel Preston Packard (Jackson) — give the big guy and an array of other scary monsters plenty to chew on.

Along for the ride is Captain James Conrad, an SAS tracker turned mercenary (Hiddleston), and plucky anti-war photojournalist Mason Weaver — Brie Larson in her first role since her Oscar-winning performance in “Room.”

The comic relief is provided by John C. Reilly’s deliciously impish portrayal of half-crazed World War II pilot Hank Marlow, who has been marooned on the island for 29 years.

Kong, meanwhile, shares his home with vicious lizard-like creatures that have been skulking in a primordial hollow beneath the island, occasionally surfacing to wreak murderous havoc among a small community of human natives.

There’s a spider the size of a multi-story parking garage, a flock of birds with beaks shaped like chainsaws, gargantuan water buffalo and a giant squid the size of, well, a giant squid.

The original “King Kong” received universal acclaim and to this day is ranked by movie website Rotten Tomatoes as one of the best reviewed horror movies of all time.

“Son of Kong” was rushed out nine months later and panned, while two commercially successful remakes were released to mixed reviews — a 1976 version starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange and a 2005 CGI-fest by “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson.

– ‘Pure cinematic cash’ –

Then there were the spin-offs — the Japanese-American cult hit “King Kong vs. Godzilla” (1962), the less popular “King Kong Escapes” (1967) and critical and box office flop “King Kong Lives” (1986).

“Although monster movies haven’t completely made a definitive comeback yet, Kong’s appeal this time around seems to be driven by fan interest in a more action-driven, light-hearted adventure film than past iterations,” said Shawn Robbins, a senior analyst at BoxOffice.com.

Filmed in Hawaii, Vietnam and Australia’s Gold Coast, “Skull Island” casts Kong as a 100-foot (30-meter) biped who strides his territory like a colossal human, in contrast with the more realistic but less fun knuckle-walking, 25-foot monster of the 2005 movie.

The movie originally was supposed to be a Universal feature but in 2015 the studio announced it was letting the Legendary Pictures production move to Warner Bros. as the two companies were already planning “Godzilla vs. Kong” for release in 2020.

Jeff Bock, a senior box office analyst for Exhibitor Relations, said “Skull Island” could expect to gross upwards of $50 million in its opening weekend, enough perhaps to topple hit “X-Men” spin-off “Logan,” Hugh Jackman’s final movie as the X-Men mutant Wolverine.

“The iconic ape is pure cinematic cash for Warner Bros., which is expecting a colossal hit worldwide along the lines of $500 million-plus,” said Bock.

“Why else would you dump $190 million into a film, combined with an advertising campaign that rivals even the biggest summer blockbuster?”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mrMqYJ

Barca hit PSG for six in historic late fightback

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FC Barcelona players celebrate their last goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 8, 2017.
PAU BARRENA / AFP

Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez is about to throw his t-shirt to fans as he celebrates their 6-1 victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 8, 2017.
PAU BARRENA / AFP

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi acknowledges the crowd at the end of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 8, 2017.
PAU BARRENA / AFP

Barcelona's midfielder Sergi Roberto (2ndR) celebrates their victory goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 8, 2017. Barcelona won 6-1.
Josep Lago / AFP

Sergi Roberto scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Barcelona capped a sensational Champions League fightback to thrash Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 and reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

“I threw myself at it with everything,” Roberto told BeIN Sports Spain as his outstretched leg turned home Neymar’s cross.

Despite Luis Suarez’s early opener, a Layvin Kurzawa own goal and Lionel Messi’s penalty, Barca, who lost the first leg 4-0, looked down and out when Edison Cavani volleyed home what seemed to be the vital away goal for PSG.

However, Neymar restored Barca’s belief as he firstly fired home a sensational free-kick two minutes from time and then converted from the penalty spot.

And Roberto capped the biggest comeback in Champions League history when he stretched to turn home Neymar’s dinked cross to the delight of a near 100,000 at a rocking Camp Nou, making the score 6-5 on aggregate.

“It is a difficult night to explain with words,” said outgoing Barca boss Luis Enrique.

“It was a horror movie, not a drama, with a Camp Nou that I have seen very few times as a player or coach. “What defines this victory is the faith that the players and fans had.”

PSG coach Unai Emery accepted his side lost their composure in the closing stages as he suffered a 12th defeat in as many visits to the Camp Nou. “The truth is we have let a huge opportunity get away and we are aware of that,” said Emery.

“In the last two minutes we lost everything we had recovered in the second-half. Barcelona are capable of this in their stadium. In the last few minutes they played all or nothing and they have beaten us.”

Barca also enter the record books by reaching the quarter-finals for a 10th straight season.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was blunt in his summary. “It’s a nightmare for everyone. Three goals in seven minutes is very difficult. Everybody is upset but now is not the time to talk about it.”

Enrique warned the French champions on Tuesday that his side were capable of scoring six and they needed the full 95 minutes to pull of a miracle revival.

No side had ever come back from a 4-0 first leg deficit in the Champions League, but after much pre-match hype of a historic turnaround, Barca truly believed when Suarez opened the scoring after just three minutes.

The PSG defence was stationary as Marquinhos headed Rafinha’s cross high into the air and Suarez nipped in ahead of the flapping goalkeeper Kevin Trapp to nod in despite Thomas Meunier’s best efforts to clear off the line.

– Shambolic defending –
Barca’s hopes were further raised five minutes before the break thanks to more shambolic PSG defending.

Andres Iniesta reached Suarez’s hopeful through ball and his backheel provoked Kurzawa into shanking the ball into his own net on his weaker right foot.

The second period started just as the first ended as Barca edged closer to the history books when Neymar was clipped by the prone Meunier and, after consultation with one of his assistants, German referee Deniz Aytekin pointed to the spot.

Messi made no mistake with the penalty to rifle home his 11th Champions League goal of the season.

Only when 3-0 down did PSG begin to come out in search of the crucial away goal and were rewarded just after the hour mark when Kurzawa made amends for his earlier error by heading down a free-kick and Cavani connected sweetly on the volley to register his 38th and seemingly most important goal of the season.

PSG were then to rue to huge missed chances by Cavani and Angel di Maria to put the tie completely beyond Barca. Just when Barca looked down and out Neymar restored hope when he curled home a sensational free-kick high into the top corner.

And as the match entered stoppage time, Barca were awarded a second controversial penalty when Suarez tumbled under a challenge form Marquinhos. Neymar this time took responsibility to send Trapp the wrong way.

“This is the best game I have ever played. For what it meant, for what we experienced and because I am in great form,” Neymar told BeIN Sports. “I know that we have made history. A team like this can do anything.”

And the Brazilian also showed a cool head amongst a mad final minute when he cut inside before chipping into the box for substitute Roberto to extend his right leg just enough to beat Trapp and leave PSG floored.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2ngOxfy

FG’s N701b intervention not enough in power sector, says NERC (Read full details)

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Electricity Tranformer

• Discos meet Fashola for bailout

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the recently approved N701 billion Federal Government intervention fund to the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc is not sufficient in the power sector.

The Vice Chairman of NERC, Sanusi Garba, stated this yesterday while responding to questions from The Guardian through the email. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its meeting recently approved N701 billion payments guarantee fund to NBET to enable it pay for power generated by the power generating companies (GenCos) nationwide.

The fund is to be drawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the NBET in arrears of payments for actual power generated and purchased by the electricity bill trader.

NERC’s response coincided with a meeting between the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, representatives of NERC, CBN and some owners of power distribution companies (Discos), who were seeking for bailout loan from the CBN.

“The N701 billion fund approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is necessary but not sufficient intervention for resolving the liquidity challenge in the power sector. Other regulatory interventions would be enforced by the regulatory commission,” NERC said.

Although the outcome of the meeting could not be ascertained yesterday, The Guardian learnt that the minister was disposed to bailing out the DisCos.

He was quoted as saying: “They do not have the financial resources to deal with the critical infrastructure. They are running a business, they too are being owed and they owe people. They owe banks. The meeting we just finished here was on efforts to give them loans (some of them) to pay their debts.

“Who will give them loans to supply you transformers, who will give them loans to repair the damaged distribution lines? Nobody will give them money.”

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lFGvAI

Army probes Amnesty’s report on killing of IPOB members, others

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Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra during a protest. PHOTO: AFP PHOTO / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

Civil society groups differ over document

The leadership of the Nigerian Army yesterday inaugurated an eight-man Special Board of Inquiry to investigate allegations of rights abuse levelled against its officers by Amnesty International (AI).

While commissioning the Major General Ahmed Jibrin (rtd)-led panel yesterday in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, noted that besides the commendations for the professional conduct of the soldiers in the ongoing anti-insurgency fight in the North East, there had been allegations of misconduct perpetrated by some of them, “especially in the early days of the operations.”

The empanelling was consequent upon the 2016 report of the global rights organisation which indicted the military and security agencies of gross rights violations. The document particularly claimed that more than 170 members of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and 240 civilians had been extrajudicially killed in different parts of the country by soldiers. A claim, which the military vehemently denied.

Since the army had consistently brushed aside the allegations, its latest move signals a readiness to purge itself of its alleged excesses and make its operations and the individual conduct of its officers to be in sync with civilised society. However, the credibility of the exercise can only be determined by its report.

Other members of the investigating panel include Brig.-Gen. A. Dadan Garba (rtd); Brig.-Gen. Abdulquadir Gumi (rtd); Brig.-Gen. O. Olayinka; Col. L. Mohammed and Col. U. Wambai. Lieutenant Colonel C. Akaliro is to serve as secretary.

Earlier, the Concerned Professionals’ Congress (CPC) and Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) took divergent positions on the report.

While the CPC faulted the document in its entirety, HURIWA on the hand, advised the Defence Headquarters to scientifically address the issues it raised.

During a briefing in Lagos, CPC’s Chief Media Strategist, Mr. Emeka Nwankpa, accused the global rights organisation of acting the script of vested interests determined at undermining Nigeria.

His words: “We join our counterparts in Global Amnesty Watch (GAW), Africa Arise for Change Network, Coalition of Civil Society Group (COCSG) and others in putting pressure on Amnesty International and its mischievous collaborators to desist from undermining the integrity of our military and security forces that have continued to rescue defenceless Nigerians from the dastardly activities of Boko Haram and similar groups.”

The group commended the “excellent professional conduct of the military and other security agencies for keeping to the rules of engagement anchored on best global practices in deterring criminal acts of destruction of our national oil and gas installations, preventing militancy as well as stopping crude oil theft, piracy and others.”

Nwankpa, who lauded government’s initiative for the rebuilding of the North East and the consultative approach adopted in resolving the renewed militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta, prescribed the method for the resolution of the political agitations in the South East.

But HURIWA, backing the report, advised the Defence Headquarters to stop issuing out threats against international non-governmental bodies for speaking against the country’s human rights record.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and Media Affairs Director, Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA urged Acting President Yemi Osinbanjo to encourage the constitution of an independent panel headed by the United Nations to investigate the claims of extrajudicial killings of demonstrators raised by the global rights watchdog and similar bodies.

It recalled that the Amnesty International said: “The military was deployed in 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory where they performed routine policing functions, including responding to non-violent demonstrations. The military deployment to police public gatherings contributed to the number of extrajudicial executions and unlawful killings. Since January, in response to the continued agitation by pro-Biafra campaigners, security forces arbitrarily arrested and killed at least 100 members and supporters of the group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Some of those arrested were subjected to enforced disappearance.”

HURIWA advised the Defence spokesman, Brigadier- General Balarabe Abubakar, to be moderate in the use of language in order not to send the wrong signals to the outside world that Nigeria is a banana republic where might and brute reign supreme.

It argued that the document in question spoke to the critical issues of brutal encounters the citizens had had with a section of the nation’s armed forces in the period under review.

Besides, AI condemned the spate of arrests and detentions of journalists and bloggers, saying the development stifles freedom of expression. In a presentation in Abuja by its Nigeria’s board chairman, Auwal Rafsanjani, the organisation said 10 journalists and bloggers were arrested and detained last year without trial. It, however, commended the military for attempting to probe the rights violation allegations against it.

Also yesterday in Lagos, a group, Igbo Ekunie Initiative (IEI), in a statement by its president, Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke, called for the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kalu and other agitators.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mnKpg9

Fayose promises one-third elective positions, N500m for empowerment (Read full details)

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Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose

‘Women must be change-agent’

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has announced a N500 million revolving loan for women in the state. He also announced that 200 women in farming would be supported with N200 million.

Besides, he promised that one-third of elective positions starting from the local council election in the state in December would be ceded to the women to increase their participation in politics.

At the occasion, the governor also promoted a woman, Mrs. Adewole, an executive director, who is due for retirement in two months’ time, to a permanent secretary in the civil service..

He also empowered a female musician, popularly called Bukky, with a sum of N2 million to purchase instrument with a pledge to appoint more women special assistants into his cabinet.

Promising to liberate women from all forms of oppression, Fayose stated: “Very soon, I will empower women engaging in petty trading and other businesses with a sum of N500 million. I will also want to give financial assistance to 1,000 women apart from a sum of N200 million I want to give to 200 women in farming.”

In another development, women in Nigeria have been urged to be affirmative and determined in their efforts to contribute to the change agenda of the present administration and in the society in general.

This was the submission of speakers at a public discussion organised as part of activities marking this year’s women’s day by Women’s Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC), held at the University of Ibadan yesterday.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lFLQI5

Government spends N2.4tr on fuels, lubricants import

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Crude Oil Tanker. PHOTO: sweetcrudereports.com

The Federal Government spent N2.4 trillion on the importation of fuels and lubricants in 2016, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The agency in its fourth quarter (Q4) foreign and merchandise trade statistics released at the weekend, disclosed that about 18.4 per cent of the total cost was used for the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during the year under review.

On a quarterly basis Nigeria spent N699.2 billion for the importation of fuels and lubricants, which if retained in the country, could build institutions that would provide jobs for graduates.

The bureau further disaggregation of fuels and lubricants revealed that Premium Motor Spirit dominated fuel and lubricants imports with 20.2 per cent or N469.2 billion, while other fuels and lubricants accounted for the balance of 9.9 per cent during the period.

The bureau said the structure of Nigeria’s export trade is still dominated by crude oil exports, which contributed N2.4 trillion or 81.4 per cent to the value of total domestic export trade in Q4 2016.

The percentage of crude exports to total exports in Q4 thereby decreased to 81.4.0 per cent from 84.3 per cent in Q3, but increased when compared to Q4 2015, accounting for 79.3 per cent of the exports.

It disclosed that Nigeria’s import trade by origin in Q4 showed the country imported goods mostly from China, Belgium, Netherlands, the United States and India. They respectively accounted for N404.1 billion or 17.5 per cent, N356.4 billion or 15.4 per cent, N230.0 billion or 10.0 per cent, N205.6 billion or 8.9 per cent, and N113.9 billion 4.9 per cent of the total value of goods imported during the quarter.

Further analysis of Nigeria’s imports by continent during the period, revealed that it consumed goods largely from Europe with import value of N1, 127.9 billion or 48.9 per cent, adding that it also imported goods valued at N761.9 billion or 33 per cent from Asia and N312.8 billion or 13.6 per cent from the Americas.

The bureau stated: “Import trade from Africa stood at N82.7 billion or 3.6 per cent while imports from the region of ECOWAS amounted to N15.1 billion.

“For full year 2016, Nigeria imported mostly from China with 19.7 per cent of total imports followed by the Netherlands, 11.7 per cent then the USA, eight years.

“With respect to import by continent, Nigeria imported the most from Europe, 46.7 per cent then Asia, 35.8 per cent and the Americas, 12.2 per cent. Nigerian imports from Africa stood at 4.1 per cent of total imports in 2016, with imports from within ECOWAS at 1.2 per cent.”

The total value of Nigeria’s merchandise trade at the end of Q4 was N5, 286.6 billion, or 10.6 per cent above the N4.781 billion recorded in Q3.
“Total export value for fourth quarter of 2016 stood at N2.978 billion, which was 28.3 per cent more than the value of the previous quarter. Total import for fourth quarter of 2016 was N2.308 billion, which represented a decrease of 6.1 per cent with the value of the preceding quarter.

“The much faster rise in the value of exports relative to the rise in imports brought the Country’s trade balance to N671.3 billion during the review period, showing a stark improvement from the negative trade balance of -N136 billion recorded in the preceding quarter.

“This development stemmed from a rise of N656.3 billion or 28.3 per cent, in the value of exports combined with a decline of N150.9 billion or 6.1 per cent, in the value of imports against the levels recorded in the preceding quarter,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN), Emeka Obidike, said indigenous blenders are constantly being threatened with the shutting down of their plants and seizure of their consignments.

He said they are also persistently faced with the risk of losing their businesses, corrosion of their goodwill and professional integrity, asphyxiating demurrages and transactions and default in the repayment of facilities.

Obidike alleged that the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had in many occasions confiscated their consignments and also gone ahead to detain the consignments of importers, insisting on being presented with NAFDAC licences and proof of payment of dues.

He explained that LUPAN members are duly licensed by the DPR to import, store and blend base oil in Nigeria.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2ngz674

Akeredolu appoints three media aides (Read full details)

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Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State acknowledges cheers from the crowd during his inauguration in Akure on Friday. PHOTO: NAN

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday appointed Mr. Oluwasegun Ajiboye as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS). Ajiboye was an Assistant Editor at The Nation Newspaper.

The governor also appointed Dapo Aruwajoye, a presenter at Television Continental (TVC) as Press Secretary, Electronic Media and Fisayo Falodi, as Press Secretary, Print Media.

Ajiboye, who is from Irun Akoko in Akoko North West local council of the state studied Language and Linguistics at the University of Lagos. He started his journalism career as a reporter with The News magazine in 2000.

He left The News for The Sun newspaper in 2003. Between 2007 and 2009, he served as Press Secretary to Ondo State governor. Ajiboye also worked as the Group News Editor of the defunct National Life newspaper until 2012 when he joined The Nation as Assistant Editor of the Saturday title.

Aruwajoye, an indigene of Owo, studied English at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He also has a Master’s degree in Media and Globalisation from Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, U.K.

He started his career as a reporter with Channels Television, Lagos, before moving to TVC. Falodi, an indigene of Ijare in Ifedore local council has a degree in Philosophy from University of Ado Ekiti.

He worked as a sub-editor at The Nation newspaper from 2006 to 2010. He moved to National Mirror as senior sub-editor before joining Saturday Punch in 2014 as a senior correspondent.

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Western region ex-governor, Adebayo dies at 89

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Former Governor of Ekiti State and son of the late General Adeyinka Adebayo, Otunba Niyi Adebayo (right); widow, Mrs. Modupe Adeyinka and mother of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Stella Obaseki during a condolence visit to the Adebayos in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

Saraki, Fayose, Fayemi, Afenifere, others mourn

Former Governor of old Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo passed on yesterday in his residence at Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA), Lagos.
Gen. Adebayo, who was also the president of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) died on the eve of his 89th birthday anniversary, scheduled for today.

A statement by his son, former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo said: “With gratitude to God, the family of Adebayo of Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State announce the passing on to glory of our patriarch, Major General (Dr.) Robert Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd).’’

Narrating how he died, one of the deceased aides said: “Gen. Adebayo woke up yesterday morning and demanded we should prepare tea for him. “Some daily newspapers and transistor radio were placed on a white plastic table. He shaved and took his birth before he slumped in the bathroom. He was rushed to Lister Hospital where he was confirmed dead.”

Nigerians extoled his virtues yesterday. Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi yesterday paid tributes to the late General.

Fayose, in a condolence message said Ekiti people would never forget the late general for his love for them and for epitomising the great virtues of an Ekiti person.

He said: “General Adeyinka Adebayo was truly an Ekiti man. He was not a bigot and never allowed political considerations to becloud his sense of fairness, honesty, and boldness in the face of daunting obstacles.

Fayemi described him as a devoted father, leader and administrator with uncommon love and commitment for the progress of his people. Indeed the country of a true patriot and a great leader.

He urged the children of the late elder statesman to be consoled by the fact he lived a good life, touched many lives and left a good name and legacy of service.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, described the late General as a courageous and fine officer who spent the most active part of his life in the service and defense of the fatherland.

The Secretary YCE, Chief Idowu Sofola described his death as a rude shock. Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba said Gen. Adebayo contributed immensely to the return of democratic rule in the country and history will remember some of the great things he did and achieved.

The former military administrator of Ondo State, Chief Olabode George also said Adebayo played a significant role in the country. The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere in a statement by its Spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, said Adebayo lived a good life to a ripe old age.’’ Among those who mourned Adebayo were Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akredolu and Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mnMKYA

UNESCO, UNFPA restate call for gender equality, seeks inclusion in SDGs (Read full details)

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Members of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre and Women Arise for Change Initiative, during a rally to commemorate the  International Women’s Day in Lagos …yesterday.

Groups seek support for women

Although majority of women worldwide would prefer to be working, gender equality is still far from being achieved. This was revealed in a new landmark report, which has shown concern for gender equality and achieving a better work-family balance around the world.

The report, conducted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in collaboration with Gallup and released yesterday during the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, provides a first-ever account of global attitude and perception of women and men regarding women and work.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Women Representative, Maria Karadenizli and United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Head of Office and representative for the United Republic of Tanzania, Zulmira Rodrigues, in their messages said everybody has a stake in promoting equality between men and women at all levels of the society.

Besides, the Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, has charged the global community to advance the new agenda for sustainable development, which enshrines gender equality as one of its goals.

Also, some women and coalition of civil society groups yesterday staged a walk to the Lagos State House and State House of Assembly seeking more support for women.

They also stressed the need for government to prioritise issues of girls and women. Speaking at the State House, the Convener of Women Arise, Dr. Joe Odumakin, expressed disappointment that the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, did not address them, neither did he delegate anyone to stand in for him.

After about an hour, the group walked down to the state Assembly complex where the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Tunde Braimoh, on behalf of the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, received the group.

Odumakin said,: “Violence against women is on the rise. We realise that out of every five violence, one woman is a victim.” She, therefore, advocated that the judiciary should be adequately equipped so that all the cases against women would be speedily treated.

In the same vein, Executive Director of Community Life Project, Ngozi Iwere, said one of the ways to empower women in Lagos State was to publish the state yearly budget.

Braimoh said: “Today is a very important day in our calendar. We salute your doggedness in charting a cause for the women. We identify with you as a parliament.

In another development, a group, Deloitte Women Initiative, charged women to take bold steps in achieving their dreams. Executive Director (ED), Finance, Standard Chartered Bank in Nigeria, Yemi Owolabi and Managing Director (MD), DCSL, Bisi Adeyemi, stated that discipline and resilience are keys to balancing work with the home-front.

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