Fulanis/farmers clash: IGP sets up committee to resolve crises

The Custodian March 29, 2014

Mba disclosed that the formation of the committee followed an interactive meeting between the Inspector-General and the leadership of Miyetti Allah at the Force Headquarters on Thursday.
“The essence of the meeting was to find an alternative dispute resolution mechanism geared towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering crises.
“In addition to the ongoing crisis management measures and strategies being implemented by the force, there was need to meet with stakeholders and parties to the conflict,” the statement added.
It directed the committee to visit all the affected states and liaise with the police commands as well as the governors and other stakeholders to resolve the crises.

Why Pastors are richer than their members in Nigeria – Oritsejafor

The Custodian March 29, 2014

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor recently bared his mind concerning the controversies surrounding churches and their flamboyant pastors.

When asked to explain why churches milk the poor, the CAN president and Senior pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, said “it is cheap to criticise; even to criticise what you don’t understand. Let me put it this way, in every good people, you would always find some bad people. The church is the greatest institution that has made the country today. If you look back, you would find out that the church brought education to Nigeria.”

Speaking further to Reporter, he said “The church brought hospital to Nigeria. I think the church should be given credit for that. People don’t understand what they say about the church milking the poor. Can a poor man have money to pay tithe? A man who has no job, can he pay tithe? No, he won’t be able to pay. So how do you milk a man who has no milk? In a church, you have both the poor and the rich. It is generally not the poor that finance the church. It is those with the means. A man, for example, who earns N10,000, how much is his tithe? His tithe is N1,000. A man who earns N500,000, how much is his tithe? His tithe is 10 per cent which is N50,000. How much would you milk from a man who pays a tithe of N1000?

“We won’t say things like this usually because the church is a level-playing ground. Whether you are poor or you are rich, God sees everybody as equal. It is because of a question like this that sometimes, we have to take time to analyse things. I even hear people say that the poor give money to start schools, but their children cannot go to the schools. How will they give this money when they are poor? The truth is that, the people who actually give this money are those who have the means to do so. Those people make it possible for churches to start schools. Now again, why do churches charge high fees in school? You didn’t ask me that, but I’m just throwing that in free. People must understand that there is a standard.

“The church wants to maintain the standard. In those days, some people will say that when missionaries started school, it was free. Don’t forget that those missionaries were being financed from different places. Who is financing us today? We are financing ourselves. If I got free financing, why won’t we make education free? You must also understand that at the time, the cost of living was not the way it is today. The educational system of Nigeria is in serious trouble, so we need to up the standards. And to do that, you should be able to hire the best hands. If you hire the best, how do you pay them? Where do you get the money to pay them? How do you put the right infrastructure in place? How do you do many of the things that need to be done? How do you run the generators?”

On why there are so many poor people in churches yet rich pastors, Oritsejafor who recently completed an ultra modern 40,000 capacity church auditorium in Warri, Delta State, explained, “Remember that the pastors are pasturing both the poor and the rich. They are all in the same assembly. Both the poor and the rich, those who have the means in the church take time to be kind to their pastors. That is something most people don’t realise. They give their pastors money, food and different things. For example, a member of the church goes to his pastor and says, ‘I feel led to give you a car. Take this car.’ Now the pastor has a car. Did he steal it? As I sit here talking to you now, I can tell you that I am training almost 100 people in institutions of higher learning. Nobody is going to broadcast that. On every 26th of December, I organise what I call poverty alleviation. I have been doing it now for about eight years.”

Defending his aircraft and rift with Mallam Nasir el-Rufai “I am glad that there are people who challenged him. I would only be dignifying him if a person at my level starts exchanging words with a small person like el-Rufai. He is too small. I will not dignify him with a response. People responded. They told him that since he knew who gave the gift, he should provide the proof, which he hasn’t done till today. Obviously, he didn’t have any proof. That is the problem with Nigeria. We continue to celebrate people like el-Rufai. He is too small for me. I won’t waste my time on him”

We will not walk out of National Conference – Northern Delegates Forum

The Custodian March 29, 2014

The North has moved to douse tension over fears that its delegates may boycott proceedings at the ongoing National Conference.

Spokesman of the Northern Delegates Forum, NDF, Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, told Telegraph that no delegate will do so.

According to him, “members of the forum believe in dialogue and will contribute in a robust and engaging debate in the interest of national harmony.”


He recalled that members of the NDF cochaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, former Inspector General of Police and ex-information Minister, Professor Jerry Gana, were among the group of 50 delegates that broke the impasse on voting mode, which had caused rancour at the confab.

“The forum believes in a consensus driven agenda and has in national interest, shifted ground by accepting 70 percent instead of 75 percent majority as the mode of voting as earlier suggested,” he said.

Mamman’s assurance came on the heels of comments by Lamidon Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammad Barkindo Mustapha, that northerners will walk out of the conference if “pushed to the wall” over mode of voting.

While reacting to disagreement over the issue, the Lanmido said “Listening to the debates and behaviour of some of the delegates here, it beats my imagination why a gathering of people like us will behave the way we are doing.

“The president delivered an address and laid down what we are supposed to discuss and what not to discuss. But many people here, some of them elder statesmen who claim to be strong loyalists of the president (the delegates increased their murmur) unfortunately, these people are in the forefront to contradict what the president has said.


“In the long run, if we are not careful, this conference will flop. God forbid. If it flops, the effect will not be imaginable. If anything happens and the country disintegrates, God forbid, many of us who are shouting their heads off may not have anywhere to go. My people and the people of Adamawa have got somewhere to go. I am the Lamido of Adamawa and my kingdom extends to Cameroon.

“The larger part of my kingdom is in Cameroon. Part of that kingdom is today called Adamawa State in Cameroun. You see, if I run to that place, I will easily assimilate.

“I want to call on the chairman to please tread the path laid down by the President which includes the pattern of voting. If we are pushed to the wall, we will easily walkout of this conference. Jingoism is not the exclusive preserve of anyone. Everyone here is a potential jingoist.”

Petrol Tanker Drivers’ leader kidnapped in Kaduna

The Custodian March 29, 2014

The National Treasurer of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, PTD, Abdullahi Haruna, also known as 63, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Kaduna.

The abductors reportedly stormed Haruna’s residence near Bibal Hospital in Tudun Wada around 10pm on Friday and forcefully seized him away.

The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu, who confirmed the incident, said the kidnappers were yet to make any demand.

“The kidnappers are yet to make contacts for any ransom. However, we have already commenced investigation,” he said.

“United fans should stop blaming Ferguson for Moyes’ failure” – Mourinho

The Custodian March 29, 2014

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, has said that he does not understand why some Manchester United fans, are turning on Sir Alex Ferguson, as the club continues to struggle this season under his successor, David Moyes.

A section of United fans yelled at the former manager this week, as the Red Devils were crushed 3-0 in the Manchester derby.

Ferguson played a key role in picking his fellow Scot as his replacement at Old Trafford – ahead of Mourinho – and the Portuguese has leapt to his defence.


“Lots of people are speaking about Sir Alex. He made Man United what Man United are,” Mourinho said. “He decided to retire. When somebody decides to retire, especially a person like him, he deserves to retire. He deserves to enjoy his life.

“And now he’s responsible for what? Man United lose a match, it’s his responsibility? Man United struggling in the Premier League is his problem?

“(Wayne) Rooney misses a goal, it’s his fault? Or (David) de Gea makes a mistake and it’s his fault?

“He can only be blamed for one thing: Man United being the club Man United are. He’s retired. Let him retire in peace.”

Mourinho said Moyes can still salvage United’s season by winning the Champions League.


“Why are we speaking about failure, failure, failure? Let him finish the season. If he wins the Champions League…”

“Even Ferguson wouldn’t have won anything with this current squad” – Moyes

The Custodian March 29, 2014

Manchester United boss David Moyes, has insinuated that even his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson, would have found it challenging to win with the current crop of players at Old Trafford.

Moyes has found it tough in his first season in charge of the Red Devils, after succeeding Ferguson last summer and many pundits have argued that he inherited an ageing squad, with a few players over 30 and some players not good enough to wear the club’s colours.

“People are aware there is a squad that is a bit more ageing, so I think it would have been a tough season for whoever was in charge of Manchester United this year,” Moyes told national newspapers.


“And I actually think if Sir Alex was here this year it would be difficult for Sir Alex as well and I’m sure he would be aware of it.”

United are currently in seventh place, 18 points behind the leaders Chelsea entering this weekend’s games and Moyes admits that more is expected from him and the players.

He said: “It could have been the case no matter what this season, but it has been so un-Man United, which is why we have to look to continue a policy of building, improving, getting better and that’s what we’ll try and do.”

We won’t probe Diezani –Presidency

The Custodian March 29, 2014

The Presidency has said that it will not probe the allegations of misappropriation of  public funds levelled against the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, told Saturday Source on Friday, that the Federal Government would not set up a probe panel to investigate the minister because the House of Representatives was currently probing her.

Alison-Madueke was alleged to have spent N10bn on a chartered Challenger 850 aircraft in two years for which the House of Representatives is currently probing her.

Okupe said that the Federal Government could not institute a probe panel on matters that had not been substantiated.

Okupe, who spoke to one of our correspondents in a telephone interview in Abuja, on Friday, said since the House of Representatives had started investigating the matter, the right thing to do was to wait for the outcome of such a probe before any further step could be taken.

He said, “The Federal Government cannot set up a probe panel just on things that have not been substantiated as such. The information I have is that the House of Representatives is looking into the matter and they want to invite the honourable minister. Definitely, the right thing is to wait for the outcome of such an interaction before anybody can decide to do anything.”

Though the House of Representatives had assured Nigerians that it would investigate the allegations against the petroleum minister, it  is yet to start the probe one week after it  gave the promise. The House Committee on Public Accounts  was given three weeks to conduct the investigation and produce a report.

But as at Thursday, there was no formal action on the probe and no invitation had been sent out to any government official to appear before the committee.

This confirmed an earlier report by The Source  that the probe committee, chaired by Mr. Solomon Olamilekan, had only held preliminary meetings on the probe, but had yet to swing into full action.

There were also indications that members of the committee had come under pressure to soft-pedal on the matter.  But the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Ogene, said the investigation was being delayed because the committee had not yet received an official  notification  from the House to proceed with it.

He explained that the normal procedure was for the committee to get the gazetted copy of the resolution and wait to be notified officially by the Clerk of the House.

He had also implied that the allegation might not be substantiated at the end of the day  as he clarified that nobody had been found guilty. He said,” Nobody is guilty and we don’t have to be judgemental until the investigation is concluded.’’

However, criticisms have trailed the decision of the Presidency not to probe the petroleum minister.

Lagos lawyer and activist, Bamidele Aturu, told  Source in a telephone interview that he would have been shocked if the Presidency had said it would conduct a probe.

He said, “This government does not probe anyone in the first place. Anything goes under this government. Nigerians would have been surprised if the Presidency was willing to take the Allison-Madueke matter any further.

“It has become a stock in trade for the government not to probe any matter. Nobody should be shocked about the government’s stand.

“It is clear that there are sacred cows in this government when you consider what is happening at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Financial Reporting Council; an organisation which nobody knew anything about and which had been inactive, was suddenly resuscitated to do all sorts of things against the sacked CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi.”

Aturu said that calls for probe were the same as saying she was guilty. He, however, insisted that the Federal Government owed Nigerians the investigation to shed light on the issue.

Another lawyer and activist, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, described the development as “very unfortunate and unexpected of any responsible government.”

He said it was unfortunate that the Presidency which was smaller than the entire Federal Government of Nigeria had decided to conduct itself in a way that militated against the interest of Nigerians.

According to him, by the Federal Government’s pronouncement on the issue, it has permanently demobilised anti-corruption agencies and the Code of Conduct Bureau from taking action even when they receive petitions against the minister.

Ogunye said, “By giving this careless statement, the presidency has granted a ministerial immunity to the minister and combined that with impunity.

“The legislature is investigating but what this statement implies is that the House of Representatives could do whatever it likes but that the Federal Government would never take an action on whatever its findings will be since the legislature do not have the power of implementation.

“The Presidency is telling the legislature to its face that, just like it did with Arunma Oteh and other reports, even if Allison-Madueke is found culpable, nothing would happen. This is an invitation to anarchy because we can easily slip into a dictatorship this way.”

Also, the National Coordinator, Committee for Democracy and Rights of the People, Alhaji Amitolu Shittu, said President Goodluck Jonathan should simply resign as a result of this.

He said that the decision not to probe Allison-Madueke showed the level of corruption and waste by Jonathan’s government.

“Why should Allison-Madueke not be probed? Is it because she is helping the President to stash away money for his coming re-election? This is why the controversial letter written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be revisited,” Shittu said.

Founder, Justice Now Foundation, Alhaji Lawal, who also reacted to the issue in a telephone interview with Source on Friday, said the Presidency had come out in the open to encourage corruption.

He said the government should be courageous to conduct a probe since she has yet to be indicted.

 The President, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Debo Adesina, also stated that the presidency’s decision was a way of telling the  world that the President Jonathan condones corruption.

“It accentuates  the belief that there are sacred cows within the President’s cabinet. It seems to be confirming the belief among the public that the President has some people on whose ministry he is relying on to amass fund for his campaign,” he said.

I bless babies before selling them – ‘Baby factory’ operator

The Custodian March 29, 2014

Thirty nine-year-old Angela Chidozie, who was arrested last week Friday by men of the Ogun State Police Command at a house she allegedly used as a ‘baby factory’ in Akute area of the state, is currently cooling off at the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the command.

She was arrested with eight young girls who are in different stages of pregnancy.

The fair-complexioned lady told Source that money was not the aim of operating the business.

Chidozie insisted that she was sure none of her patrons bought the babies for ritual purposes.

Asked how she was sure of that, she said, “I study those who come to buy babies from me. When I am sure that they actually want to buy because they are looking for the fruits of the womb, I sell the babies to them.

“It is my job now. I know how to test the women to see if they actually cannot have children. When I see people who come to me for children, I know if they want the babies for ritual purposes or not. I ensure the women come with their husbands.  I don’t sell children to them if they don’t come with their spouses.

“It is not about the money. My concern is just to help the young girls and to help those who want children. This is why I pray on the babies before I hand them over to the buyers. I make sure the babies are okay.”

Source asked how she ensured that the babies were okay as she claimed after she had sold them off, Chidozie said, “I just know. Some buyers come back to thank me and even buy cartons of soft drinks for me in appreciation.”

Chidozie said she gave the girls in her ‘baby factory’ ante-natal care in the house where she kept them.

She explained that she had a dedicated nurse who took care of the pregnant girls.

“One day, I met a woman who wore a nurse uniform, I approached her and asked if she could treat my sister. She followed me home and I introduced her to the girls. She later agreed to come and treat them anytime necessary.

“She gave the girls injection anytime they needed treatment. She also supplied their medicines.

“When the girls were due, the nurse delivered them of the babies in my house but when she was not around and a girl was in labour, I would deliver the girl of the baby myself.  I can do it because I am a herbal doctor; so I know how to deliver women of babies. I have only personally delivered three girls of their babies.”

Chidozie insisted that she did not force any of the girls into the business. She said they came to her because they did not want their babies.

She claimed she screened the girls before accepting them, adding that she rejected anyone that did not provide satisfactory answers to her questions.

 “I asked them where their parents were and who impregnated them. If the girls didn’t give me any good response, I sent them back to where they came from. Even last week I still sent three of them away.”

Asked if she actually asked any of the eight girls who impregnated them, Chidozie struck a thoughtful pose and said, “I can’t remember.”

“But in the past, I have called the boyfriends of pregnant girls in my custody to confirm that they want their babies sold,” she said.

Chidozie became evasive when asked the highest amount she had ever sold a baby.

 “I don’t collect much; you know fingers are not equal. Some come to my house begging that they don’t have much. I collect N200,000 from some, even N150,000 from some others. I don’t really know where those who approach me for babies come from.”

Source asked why she did not direct the girls to proper orphanages if she was not doing it for the money, she said “I don’t know why they prefer me.”

She had told the police upon her arrest that she gave the pregnant girls between N70,000 and N80,000 after their babies were sold off at the rate of N300,000.

Chidozie said her husband knew she was involved in the business in the past but had warned her to stop the business.

The eight girls rescued from Chidozie’s ‘baby factory’ are also in the custody of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit.

Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said the AHTCLU had started getting in touch with the families of the girls.

He said, “This is not a careless police command. The girls will help us in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Efforts are ongoing to link the girls with their families. At the moment, we have been able to contact three of the families.

“Investigation has been widened in this case to include potential baby buyers and past buyers who have patronised the woman (Chidozie).”

He said the baby factory was discovered as a result of the persistence of a resident of the area who gave a tip-off on the activities in the house.

 The police spokesperson urged the public to give information to the police without fear.

He said, “The man who gave the tip-off actually reported twice. The first time, the police went there and saw nothing. The man reported again and it was discovered that the woman (Chidozie) hid the girls in the wardrobe. One of them actually fainted as a result of that and had to be taken to the hospital.

“We are living in the past. That is why people think that when they give information to the police, it may bounce back on them.

“But members of the public should know who to give information to. They should Approach an officer who heads a formation on any information because such officers can distinguish between rumours and intelligence.

Suspension saga: We must arrest Sanusi – FG tells court

The Custodian March 28, 2014

The Federal Government had on Friday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that it cannot stop the police and the Department of State Security Service from arresting the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido.

The former apex bank governor had earlier filed a suit seeking an order restraining the police and officers of the Department of State Security (DSS) from arresting, detaining or otherwise harassing him.

He copied the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Department of State Security (DSS) as first to third respondents respectively.

The AGF, while faulting the suit in an affidavit in support of the preliminary objection deposed by one Ayokunle Odekunle, said the reliefs sought by Sanusi were constitutionally not grantable as the Police and the DSS cannot be restricted from carrying out their constitutional and statutory duties of arresting and prosecuting anyone found to have committed an offence.

Besides, the government recalled that on February 26, 2013, Sanusi sent the audited accounts of the CBN for the year that ended in December 31, 2012, to the President, who later sent it to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) for examination and advice.

The FRCN, government added, subsequently released a damning report of financial impropriety on the operations of the CBN under Sanusi.

The government said his tenure at the apex bank was characterised by acts of financial recklessness and misconduct.

His actions, according to the Federal Government, were inconsistent with the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s vision of a CBN that is propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline.

Meanwhile, Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court has fixed March 31, 2014 for hearing of the suit.

“We had a deal to sign Yaya Toure” – Wenger reveals how Arsenal missed out on Ivorian

The Custodian March 28, 2014

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, has conceded that failing to sign Yaya Toure in 2003, remains of his biggest regrets.

The Ivorian midfield powerhouse, had a trial with the Gunners and even featured in a pre-season friendly, but he eventually chose to join Metalurh Donetsk.

Wenger comes face to face with the Manchester City player on Saturday evening, when his side hosts Manuel Pellegrini’s men at the Emirates in a Premier League game. Toure is in sparkling form, after he scored four times in two games, including a hat-trick against Fulham and Wenger has been left to rue what might have been.

“It’s up at the top,” Wenger said when asked how highly missing out on Toure ranked on his lift of regrets. “But let’s not forget that Yaya Toure had an agreement with us and it’s not because we did not want to sign him that he went to Ukraine.

“We had to wait for his passport in Belgium. We have made mistakes [with transfers], but this was not a mistake. He preferred to go to Metalurh Donetsk because he could go there without a passport.”

Wenger then argued that despite City and other clubs adhering to Financial Fair Play, their past transfer dealings have ensured that have acquired big signings and gone on to built good teams.

“Financial fair play is coming in, but these teams in front of us [in the Premier League] have not respected financial fair play,” Wenger said.

“They built their team without respecting financial fair play and now they want to respect it, but their team is built. So it is still unfair.”

This Ibadan Based Prophet Hasn't Had A Bath In 13-Years!

The Custodian March 28, 2014

Wonders shall never end. Wale Olagunji, a prophet of Divine Seed of God Chapel Ministry in Ibadan revealed that in a chat with a Source that he hasn't taken his bath in 13 years because it was God's instruction.

He said he was also instructed to separate from his wife and claims though he doesn't have his bath, he does not smell and looks neater than those who bathe regularly.

"Yes, it is 13years now to be precise. Early 2000 the Lord told me to stop taking my bath, separate myself from my wife and that I should stop taking all those soft drinks and wines. And since then, diligently, I have observed all those things. Whoever God wants to use for certain purposes on earth, there is a serious price attached to that calling. So I believe that is the price I am paying. As I am talking to you now, I have not taken my bath, if you want me to show you evidence, I will show you if you doubt all I am saying; I have not taken my bath since 2001 till this moment."

Obasanjo is fighting me because of N500m I borrowed him – Orji Kalu

The Custodian March 28, 2014

Ace business mogul and a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has described ex-President, Olusegun Obasanjo as the worst Nigerian leader since the return of democracy in 1999.

OUK, as he popularly called made this statement during a lecture on youth empowerment and good governance at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, on Tuesday.

The politician said there was no transparency in government through out the eight years of Obasanjo’s regime.

According Kalu, his problem with Obasanjo started in 1999 when he single handedly financed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lending the party N500 million which he borrowed from the defunct Hallmark bank, which the former president asked the then PDP National Chairman, Chief Barnabas Gamade not to pay back.

He said, ”As if that was not enough, the former president closed Slok Airlines (owned by me) as it landed at the Akanu Ibiam International (then Enugu) Airport without explanation; shut down Hallmark bank. It was then that I know problem had begun,” he said.

Speaking further, the former governor said that re-payment of the N500 million formed the major reason for his disagreement with Obasanjo till date.

He noted that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, immediately he stepped out of office and charged with money laundering before both the United kingdom and America came to his rescue.

He added that despite all the challanges faced by the Slok Group of Companies, it had over 13,000 in it’s pay roll and planned to employ up to 25,000 Nigerians within the next two years.

According to Kalu, youth unemployment was the biggest social problem in Nigeria today as only about 50 percent of the people were gainfully employed.

Cabal shared missing $20bn; I was removed for threatening to probe banks involved – Sanusi

The Custodian March 28, 2014

The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has alleged that some cabals known to the federal government stole the missing $20 billion through questionable kerosene subsidy scheme.

In a report by New York Times, Sanusi was quoted as having said he discovered that proceeds from oil sales were not being paid into the national treasury.

According to the report, based on an interview the newspaper had with the suspended CBN governor, Sanusi met bank chiefs in February and informed them that they would have to open their books for investigations to unravel the movement of the money. The meeting was held on February 11.

“The bankers were going to have to open their books, the governor, Lamido Sanusi, warned them at the recent meeting. He wanted to see where the money was going — $20 billion from oil sales that, mysteriously, was not making its way to the treasury, in a country that could soon be declared Africa’s biggest economy and already attracts the most direct foreign investment on the continent, according to the United Nations,” the newspaper reported

However, Sanusi stated that his warning to the bankers on their possible investigation was reported straight back to the Presidency and that was the source of his eventual removal.

“Some of them were not giving information about their accounts; I told them I would order a special examination,” he said.

The newspaper added that the ousted bank chief made it clear to them that the CBN would need to unravel what was going on, a statement that made the bankers jittery.

Sanusi further alleged that by making the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) an issue in his allegations and having proven to the National Assembly that the issue was a scam, people appealed to him to be calm.

He said his allegations were considered a threat to the source of funding for 2015 elections.

“I wasn’t just talking about numbers. I showed that it was a scam. By making NNPC an issue now, the source of money for financing elections is threatened. If this is stopped, there will be no money to finance the elections.”

“It was critical that we stop this hemorrhage, otherwise, we can’t maintain stability. Reserves had gone way down. We would watch the naira collapse,” he said of the nation’s currency.

“Let the wrath of God be your portion” – Tchidi Chikere’s estranged wife fires back at Nuella

The Custodian March 28, 2014

Barely 12 hours after Actress Nuella Njubigbo released a press statement where she confirmed her secret marriage to Movie Director, Tchidi Chikere, the estranged wife of the Director, Sophia Chikere has released another press statement.

Tchidi-Chikere-And-Nuella-Njubigbo

the estranged wife

In her statement, Nuella Njubigbo had claimed “that she only started dating the movie Director after his marriage to Sophia packed up. “ however, Sophia has rebuffed the claim.

“It is a blatant lie! Nuella started dating Chidi long before our marriage ended. She is the reason why my marriage ended. I swear with my life, my children’s life and everything I have that Nuella started dating my husband before he left the marriage. But because I respect my husband a lot, the father of my three boys, I have kept calm and won’t talk and comment because there is no need to wash your dirty linen in public. Tchidi is a wonderful husband and father and will always be.” she stated.

“This question is for Nuella. Nuella since you broke my marriage, have I called you? Have I looked for you? No! After what you did, you still have the right to lie and say you were not in the picture? You want to deceive the public? But you can’t deceive God. You put what God has joined together, asunder and made my children cry to bed every night.

I keep calm and you have the audacity to say that you weren’t dating my husband when we were together? Let the wrath of God be your portion. Now that you have taken my hubby and you are getting married to him like I heard, are you happy? Are you fulfilled? Let the Almighty God fight for me and judge you.

Let vengeance be of God who knows everything and sees everything. My God is able and he’s not asleep. He sees. He knows. And he feels what I feel. He is the Lord who cares for me and my kids.

As for my husband, he is a wonderful father and I will never ever disrespect him” the estranged wife wrote in her press statement.

Leon Balogun recovering quicker than expected, hopes to be fit for World Cup

The Custodian March 28, 2014

One-capped Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun, has expressed his delight over the speed of his recovery, after he started walking unaided.

The 25-year-old injured his ankle while making his debut for Nigeria, in an international friendly match against Mexico this month and left the stadium with crutches.

“The doctors confirmed that I had a broken toe but it was not fully broken and that is why I have been healing quicker than we even expected,” he said.

“By Friday (March 28) I should be able to know when I can start my comeback with initial ball practice and minor rehabilitation exercises.”

Balogun further thanked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials and coach Stephen Keshi, for staying in touch and admitted that he was hoping to represent Nigeria at the World Cup in Brazil.

“It’s been quite exciting for me and I have been in touch with the Federation and Coach Stephen Keshi, they have been very nice too. I can’t wait to rejoin the squad when we reconvene for the World Cup,” Balogun added.

“If I’m lucky to be recalled I will be totally dedicated to helping Nigeria do well at the World Cup.”

“Mourinho’s style is to talk” – PSG coach speaks ahead of Champions League tie

The Custodian March 28, 2014

Blanc 1Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc, has said that he will ignore Jose Mourinho’s talk and mind games, ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Chelsea next week.

The Ligue 1 champions will be hoping to reach the semi-finals of the competition, but have to eliminate the Blues over two legs.

Blanc said big talk is a part of Mourinho’s reportoire, despite all his achievements throughout his career.

“Mourinho will talk and comment; that’s how he functions,” the PSG coach told a press conference.

“He’s very clever and very professional. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s a great coach who has won nearly everything.

“I know him very well because he was on Bobby Robson’s coaching staff when I played for Barcelona.

“I know he will prepare well for this match with us because he is a very professional coach.

“We mustn’t underestimate Chelsea. But like I have already said, they are no stronger or weaker than when the draw came out. They are a great side and they proved it last week with that big win over Arsenal.”

The PSG manager also confirmed that his skipper Thiago Silva, should be fit to play in the game, despite fracturing his cheekbone earlier this month.

“Thiago Silva is fine,” he declared. “It’s up to him to decide if he wants to play with or without a mask.

“If he decides to play with a mask, we have to ask Uefa for permission to wear it against Chelsea.”

Explosions rock Abuja plaza, Police deny it was a terrorist attack

The Custodian March 28, 2014

Loud explosions on Thursday rocked Shagari Plaza on Moshood Abiola Way, Garki-Area 1, Abuja.

Customers, residents and passers-by had thought it was a bomb attack as many quickly scampered for safety.

An eyewitness explained that the first explosion occurred at about 5pm when a gas cylinder exploded. A jeep parked close to the gas dispenser went up in flames.

The gas retailer, who tried to recover his money kept under one of the cylinders, was also caught in the explosion while trying to save his earnings for the day. “He kept it under one of the cylinders. As he was trying to take the money, another cylinder exploded,” another eyewitness said.

Another witness said the retailer took delivery of the gas supply on Wednesday.

“They just supplied him the gas yesterday (Wednesday). We are surprised because we still don’t know what happened. We only heard a big bang,” he said.

The retailer was said to be receiving treatments at an undisclosed hospital.

In its reaction, Federal Capital Territory Police Command allayed fears that it was a terrorist attack.

Its Public Relations Officer, Altine Daniel, also confirmed that the incident occurred as a result of overheating of cooking gas.

“The situation is calm there; I’m just coming from there now. The explosion was caused by a cooking gas. The man sells cooking gas, and you know the weather is hot. So, I think it was because of the heat. Nobody was injured, no casualty. It was only two vehicles that were parked close to the gas spot that got burnt,” Ms. Daniel told Premium Times.

Source gathered that men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, and the FCT Fire Service arrived at the scene early to help put out the fire.

Player revolt threatens Moyes

The Custodian March 27, 2014

Under pressure: David Moyes gives the air of a man with problems as fans file out of Old Trafford on Tuesday night

David Moyes is facing a critical battle for his Manchester United future with squad misgivings over the manager’s tactical approach and training methods threatening to undermine the ongoing backing from the club’s owners, the Glazer family.

With United now having endured eight defeats in 17 games in 2014, the patience shown by the majority of Moyes’s players with his tactics and approach to the job is now at breaking point, as we are aware of the concern of squad members over the inability of the manager to arrest the slump.

Despite Manchester City inflicting on United a third humiliating defeat in the space of a month after a 2-0 Champions League humbling against Olympiakos in Athens and the 3-0 defeat against Liverpool at Old Trafford 11 days ago, senior figures at the club remained unmoved on Wednesday in their support for the 50-year-old.

While there are concerns over recent results and Moyes’s inability to halt a slide which has left United struggling even to qualify for the Europa League, the Glazers and Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, are understood to be determined to judge the former Everton manager at the end of the season rather than be forced into a decision before the final game of the campaign at Southampton on May 11.

How Jonathan stopped NNPC from buying new aircraft

The Custodian March 27, 2014

Government officials have cited President Goodluck Jonathan’s reluctance to approve the purchase of a new jet for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC for the continued hiring of a private jet for the corporation’s senior officers, including the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

The president’s reluctance is despite problems associated with the NNPC’s two private jets. One of them, a Hawker 4000, which crash landed in Warri, Delta State, sources said was to be balkanised for spare parts to service another Hawker 4000 in the presidential fleet on account of lack of spare parts following the stoppage of spare parts production by the manufacturer’s of the planes.
The other aircraft it was claimed, was abandoned after it lost altitude twice forcing the corporation officers to abandon the two aircraft.

The explanations by government sources followed recent controversies arising from the hiring of a Challenger aircraft by the corporation for the use of the minister and senior officials of NNPC.

Mrs. Allison-Madueke has been at the centre of the criticism and controversy fanned by the country’s leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress and is now the subject of investigation by the House of Representatives.

Sources, however, cited President Jonathan’s unwillingness to approve the purchase of a new private plane for the NNPC for the unfolding controversy, despite their claims of that the two planes in the corporation’s fleet were unserviceable.

One of the planes it was learnt crash landed in 2012 at the Osubi Airport in Warri and the plane is believed not to have valid warranty for its operations after the crash.

Why FG partners US govt to repatriate Abacha loot — AGF

The Custodian March 27, 2014

ABUJA—The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, said yesterday that Nigeria would do all within its powers to support moves by the United States Department of Justice to ensure that funds looted by former military head of state, General Sani Abacha, were repatriated to the country.
Late Sani Abacha

Late Sani Abacha

In a statement he issued in Abuja yesterday, the AGF, maintained that the overall objective of the effort was to guarantee that “Nigeria as the Victim State, is able to have the forfeited assets (money) repatriated to Nigeria to fund development projects for the benefit of the people in accordance with the dictates of Chapter IV of the United Nations Convention against corruption, UNCAC.

According to him: “The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomes the forfeiture proceedings initiated by the United States Department of Justice against the property related to the corrupt conduct of late General Sani Abacha, the former head of state of Nigeria, and his associates and the subsequent laundering of corruption proceeds.

“The proceedings will make it possible for the defendants to forfeit over $550million and £95,910 in 10 accounts and six investment portfolios linked to the Abachas in France, United Kingdom, British Virgin Islands and the United States.

“We applaud the efforts of the United States to recover the proceeds of corruption for the benefit of the people of Nigeria.

“As the Central Authority for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my office has received requests for Mutual Legal Assistance for the Central Authority of the United States and we are cooperating with the United States in line with the obligations we assumed under the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

“The overall objective of these efforts is to ensure that Nigeria as the Victim State is able to have the forfeited assets (money) repatriated to Nigeria to fund development projects for the benefit of the people in accordance with the dictates of Chapter IV of the United Nations Convention against corruption (UNCAC). Let me assure you that Nigeria as State Party to UNCAC will do all that is required to realize this objective”, the AGF stated.

Court rules FRSC’s new number plates illegal

The Custodian March 27, 2014

Lagos—A Federal High Court in Lagos Wednesday held that it was unconstitutional for the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to impose new number plates on motorists in the country.

The judge, Justice James Tsoho, delivered the judgment following a suit by a lawyer, Emmanuel Ofoegbu, challenging the powers of FRSC to issue the new number plates.

Ofoegbu had challenged the power of the commission to impound vehicles of motorists who failed to acquire the new numbers.
Tsho held that it was unlawful for the respondent to impose the new number plates on motorists, where there was no existing law permitting same.

He said: “The issue of redesigning new number plates by the respondent is not covered under the provisions of any law in Nigeria.

“The respondent cannot force Nigerians to acquire new number plates by impounding cars, without the backing of any legislation to that effect.

“I hold that the act of the respondent amounts to an arbitrary use of power, and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional.

“Judgment is, therefore, entered in favour of the plaintiff, and all the reliefs sought are hereby granted, I so hold.”

The plaintiff had filed the suit on September 30, 2013 through a Human Rights Activists, Mr Ogedi Ogu.

The plaintiff had sought a declaration that the threat by the respondents to impound vehicles of motorists, who failed to acquire the new number plates was invalid and unconstitutional.

In his statement of facts, the plaintiff averred that the old plate numbers were issued under the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations, NRTR, 2004.

He averred that the NRTR 2004, is a subsidiary legislation made under the FRSC Act, Laws of the Federation as revised in 2004.

Ofoegbu averred that there was no law made in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which prohibits the use of the old plate numbers, or declares its use as an offence.

He also averred that the threat by the respondent to impound vehicles and arrest motorists who failed to comply with the October 1 deadline, was a gross violation of the provisions of 36 (12) of the constitution  which guarantees the rights of individuals.

He had, therefore, urged the court to declare as unlawful, the threat by the respondent, to arrest motorists using the old number plates because there is no law validly made in accordance with the constitution prohibiting its user.

The applicant had also sought an order of injunction restraining the defendants from impounding vehicles or otherwise arresting or harassing motorists who failed to acquire the new number plate.

Sultan, others protest marginalisation of Muslim at confab

The Custodian March 27, 2014

The National President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar yesterday led Muslims to protest the alleged marginalisation of Muslim in the composition of the on-going National Conference.

Secretary General of the NSCIA, Ishaq Oloyede who spoke with state House correspondents after the meeting with the President said the president reassured them that the perceived marginalisation by Muslims was not a deliberate decision by government.
“What we came to discuss with the President is to consult with Mr. President and we are happy we consulted with him, and he has given us reasons to re-assure that Muslims in Nigeria are not deliberately marginalised and he has asked us to convey the feelings of the government, the genuineness of the government, the fairness of the government to the entire populace.

“The president told us that if there are issues that are not as they ought to be, they were not definitely deliberate and we want to believe that Mr. President told us his mind but we also want to believe that it is proper to protest, it is also proper to assume that a leader will always be just even if there are mistakes thereafter.

“We just felt that we must convey the feelings of the Muslims in Nigeria to Mr. President and he has given us his words to re-assure the Muslims community that he is a genuine and committed Christian who will not be unjust to others even” he said.

Other members of the delegation included the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn-Garbai, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, Former Head of civil service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed and others.

I’ll review Sanusi’s N266bn deficit, says — Emefiele

The Custodian March 27, 2014

ABUJA—NIGERIA’s next governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday,  promised to review the past expenditure profiles of the nation’s apex bank to find out why it ran a budget deficit of N266 billion in 2013.

Emefiele, who was confirmed by the Senate after being screened for about two hours also unfolded his plans on how to grow the economy. He said the CBN under his watch will adopt development banking model.

During the confirmation hearing, yesterday, Senate President, David Mark, gave a stern warning to senators who were in the habit of hobnobbing with nominees before screening and confirmation to desist from it to protect the sanctity of the Senate.
The Senate had explained that the reason behind the confirmation of the CBN Governor before the expiration of the incumbent governor was to ensure that there was no lacuna.

While fielding questions from senators at the Committee of the Whole, the CBN governor- designate said he would probe into the various expenditure components of the bank to know how exactly the deficit became inevitable.

He said, “I will look into the budget expenditure components in the CBN but I am aware that we have what is called the operational expenditure profile as well as administrative expenditure profile.

“I think and I suspect that more of the deficit would have come from areas that pertain to operational expenditure and if it is about operational expenditure,  it means that unfortunately, we cannot do anything about it.

“This is because those were the expenditures that were incurred  in the course of open market operation which is needed to ensure that we maintain a strong currency and ensure that we continue to have a good country.”

On the issue of high target to bank staff, he stated that there was nothing wrong with the target even as he said that in any establishment, there was always a target which he said always led to promotion, though he was silent on the issue of immorality that the target normally leads to especially among the female staff.

Dollarisation of the Nigerian economy

He also promised to look into the dollarization of the Nigerian economy as his prime duty as one of the core mandates of the CBN was to maintain the legal tender, adding that continuous dollarization of the economy would create problems in the economy.

His words: “On the issue of dollarization of the Naira, I think one of the core mandates of the CBN is to ensure that we maintain a legal tender and respect it and ensure that whatever is done, our Naira has to be used as a legal tender. I will take it as a primary responsibility to ensure that the attempt to dollarize the Nigerian economy is discouraged. We should not allow it because it will create problems for the economy.”

He, however, assured the Senate and Nigerians at large that if approved, his own regime as the CBN governor would not spend any money in contravention of the law.

Emefiele noted: “The core mandate of the CBN is to achieve monetary and price stability, ensure strong exchange rate and build foreign reserves. We will ensure that we have a sound financial system in Nigeria.

“We will work hard to achieve macro economic stability in the country where inflation rate will continue to come down. We will also ensure that the interest rate will continue to come down.

During my tenure, whatever monetary policy decisions we take will be those that will lead to the improvement in the level of employment in Nigeria because employment is very crucial to national development.

“Today we have an employment emergency in the country and we must ensure that whatever decision we take at the CBN will be those that will lead to improvement in the level of employment in Nigeria. We will work with the manufacturing companies to ensure that we improve on their level of production and by extension, ensure that we achieve economic growth and development in Nigeria.

“The CBN and all stakeholders in the economy will play a central role towards ensuring that we grow the Nigerian economy in a stable environment. We will do this through the adoption of the development banking model that had been tried and tested in different jurisdictions in the world.

“In fact, in some of the frontiers and emerging markets in the world,  we have seen development banking used as a tool towards achieving economic growth and development and industrialisation. In the Latin America countries of Brazil and Mexico, development banking was used for their economic growth and development.”

On the issue of the cashless economy introduced by Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, he said, “The cashless policy is one that we consider very good and important because all nations of the world today are embracing electronic banking as an electronic channel for doing business.

“Nigeria being a very important country in the comity of nations should also embrace the cashless regime. We are going to look at part of the policy that has to do with penalty being imposed on excess withdrawals.

“We will review it to ensure that we mop up all the cash which are outside into the banking system notwithstanding the limit but we will encourage people to make sure that they embrace the electronic form of doing business. Then we could say that when making withdrawals, you should pay something to encourage you to embrace the electronic form of doing system. We will look into that and make it better.”

Also speaking on devaluation of the currency, he said, “it is true that we have seen the reserves dropping, it is as a result of speculative attack on the naira because people think that there will be devaluation as a result of what is happening in the world today.

No develuation of currency

“There is no need for anybody to worry about devaluation because it is a very devastating action to be taken in the country particularly because we are an import-dependent country. Devaluation will hurt the economy. We have an economy that is still very strong with about $39bn in foreign reserve to sustain about nine months of import. For as long as we have crude prices standing at about $100 per barrel, it is a strong economy.

“So, if we allow devaluation to happen, it will hurt the economy. Because we are import dependent, if we allow devaluation, many people will lose their jobs, prices of goods and services will go up, productive capacity will come down and eventually lead to inflation.

“The policy being adopted now which allows us to hold on to exchange rates and ensure that we do not engage in devaluation should be continued.”

He also described AMCON as a child of circumstance, stressing, “it came about as a result of the financial crisis to clear toxic assets in the books of some banks and to address the plights of those who lost investment in the capital market. “If the agency was not established, some of the banks would have been liquidated today and the customers would have lost their deposits.”

On the exchange rate, we will continue to ensure that we have a strong exchange rate. “What the CBN is doing now is to use various instruments of currency policy to ensure that we control the exchange rate. Actually, the exchange rate that the CBN has is N155 to one dollar. We have the unofficial markets but the CBN usually intervenes from time to time to bridge the gap between the official and un official market.”

Emefiele equally promised a cordial relationship between the apex bank and the Ministry of Finance towards ensuring economic growth. He said, “the Central Bank of Nigeria is the monitoring authority whereas the Ministry of Finance is the fiscal authority. It is important that in their relationship they must work in one direction.

“They must push in one direction. If we push in opposite directions what you will find is that we are not going to be able to achieve economic growth and development that we are talking about.  It is important that both the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank move in one direction. If the decision is that we should pursue a conventional policy, both the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance should be seen to move in one direction.”

However, Senator Mark warned that “We don’t have to follow the nominees out of the chamber. Please, we should sit where we are (and) if you want to see them later on, we can do so. The way we follow to go and take pictures and all that is not the best for elder statesmen who are our senators. I want to appreciate your cooperation in that aspect”.

Mark at the end of the exercise noted that the number of hours spent on the screening and confirmation of Emefele was clear indication of the importance that the Senate attached to the  offices.

The much awaited screening of Emefiele, considering the impasse between the suspended CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, over missing oil fund, lasted about two hours as lawmakers posed challenging questions on the governor-designate.

W’Cup: I don’t need Ike Uche, Keshi concludes

The Custodian March 26, 2014

Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi, on Tuesday made it clear that Villareal striker Ikechukwu Uche would no longer play a part in the national team.

The Spain-based forward has been excluded from the Super Eagles by Keshi after a poor outing at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where Nigeria emerged champions.

Keshi had repeatedly said that Uche “lacks tactical discipline and doesn’t know how to play football.”

And on Tuesday, he put paid to hopes of the player making his team to the World Cup despite a brilliant season for the Yellow Submarines in the La Liga.

Keshi dispelled rumours that he excluded Uche from his squad because the player refused to make him his manager.

 “Ike Uche was with me at the Nations Cup. I had said I won’t speak about him anymore. People would make a lot of comments, people would say a lot of things but I don’t need him, period. The most important thing for me is the Super Eagles and if you are against the Super Eagles, you are against Stephen Keshi and I will fight you,” Keshi said at a TomTom Roundtable session with journalists in Lagos.

“He is my player and I have no personal grudge against him. He is a good player but not all good players play in the national team if you are not a team player.  If you are not a team player, you are not going to be with me. You can with other coaches but with me, no way because the game is about team work. There’s no money that can buy me.”

Keshi, the second African to win the AFCON as a player and coach, added that no player could use money to influence his decisions as a coach.

He added, “Before any of the players started playing, I had money. I still have money. I’ve been in the game before they came. I don’t think any of them can give me enough money that can satisfy my hunger.

“Probably he (Uche) has been doing it in the past with other coaches but there is one coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (CON) that he cannot bribe.

“I’ve seen a lot of people asking me to include their players in the team. I didn’t come to Nigeria for money. If I wanted a lot of money, I would be with Equatorial Guinea where I was offered four times what Nigeria is paying me.”

 Our correspondent learnt that an off the pitch incident at the 2013 AFCON led to a soured relationship between the coach and the player.

Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation were alleged to have used Uche against Keshi during the group stage of the competition, in their reported failed bid to sack the coach.

 “Because the NFF wanted to bring in a new coach after the Eagles poor start at the AFCON, they needed players, who would voice their discontentment with Keshi’s tactics and Uche was one of them,” a member of the Eagles technical crew revealed.

Diezani jet scandal: Reps uncover second aircraft

The Custodian March 26, 2014

Fresh revelations indicated on Tuesday that Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, maintained a second jet.

The jet, a  Global Express XRS plane, is  allegedly chartered specifically for her private and official trips overseas.

A return trip on  the  XRS plane is said to cost taxpayers €600,000.

The   jet  is different from the Challenger 850, which the House of Representatives said gulped N10bn  in the last two years to fly the minister.

Investigation by The PUNCH showed that the House Committee on Public Accounts stumbled on the second jet in the course of the ongoing probe into the N10bn expenditure on Challenger 850.

Findings also showed that the owners of Challenger 850 might have fled the country  shortly after the House ordered an investigation into the transaction between them and  Alison-Madueke.

It was gathered that the aircraft owners reportedly became jittery after the committee  declared its plan to summon them to assist in the investigation.

The PUNCH had reported exclusively last Sunday that the committee would summon the owners of the plane to testify before it.

Asked to comment on the issue, the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Solomon Olamilekan, told our correspondent that  he was “shocked by the  latest information.”

“We have heard that the owners of the Challenger have hurriedly left the country. The information is just reaching the committee; but, we are still holding our preliminary meetings,” he stated.

Olamilekan, who confirmed that the committee had uncovered a second jet, added that they were   trying to establish how many trips it made outside the country.

“We are still holding our preliminary meetings. We have to put all the facts together and agree on the mode of the hearing first.

“The question on  when to invite the minister will come after the meetings. We are still meeting.”

However, a document our correspondent obtained in Abuja on Tuesday, indicated that Alison-Madueke flew  in Global Express XRS on two occasions in 2011.

She chartered the same jet twice in 2013 on a return trip bill of €600,000 per trip.

For example, on March 21, 2011, she flew to London with the jet from  the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

On board the jet   with her were two people,  Imotimi Agama and Haruna Momoh.

The aircraft returned to Nigeria from London on March 23, conveying the same passengers.

Another trip on March 9, 2013 departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos  en route to London.

The passengers were Alison-Madueke, Abubakar Fari and  Momoh. The jet  returned to Nigeria on March 13 with the same passengers.

In Abuja,  lawmakers  are    asking how a serving minister raised the money to charter jets for overseas trips at the expense of the taxpayers.

One of them, who asked not to be named said,  “Nigerians deserve to know which law authorises  this type of  extravagance.

“Under which budgetary sub-head has she been chartering jets for her personal use?

“Where is the law that authorises a government minister to be flying around the world in chartered private jets?

“You are going to London, why did you not not use the British Airways or any other international airline?”

The PUNCH further learnt that those who accompanied Alison-Madueke on the trips would also be invited by the committee to assist with the investigation.

  Alison-Madueke is accused of spending about €500,000   monthly to maintain the first  aircraft.

 The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation  had on Monday denied the allegation but said it had   the legal right  to own or charter an aircraft for its operations.

“This practice is common and acceptable in the local and international business environment in which it operates. There is nothing prohibiting the NNPC from owning or chartering an aircraft,” the NNPC had said in a  statement by its Acting Group General Manager,  Public Affairs Division, Omar Ibrahim.

There was however  a new twist to the N19.7bn  Police Equipment Fund on Tuesday as the Police  denied   receiving the money from the  suspended   Central Bank Governor, Mallam  Lamido Sanusi.

 Sanusi, while defending allegations of financial recklessness levelled against him by the Financial Reporting Council, had listed the sum among funds he released to the  Ministry of Police Affairs to procure a helicopter and other equipment.

But  the police high command, which appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts in Abuja, denied knowledge of the money.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Air Wing, Mr. Ilesanmi Aguda, who stood in for the inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, simply replied “no knowledge” when the committee sought to confirm the payment.

Although he advised the committee to refer the inquiry to the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Adeola Olamilekan, informed his colleagues that the said ministry had earlier denied the payment.

Olamilekan expressed surprise over the development, noting that it would appear that the money was missing since the supposed recipients had denied knowledge of it.

He said,  “If the IG  and the police ministry deny receipt of the said N19.7bn, then the committee can rightly assume that the money is missing, until proven otherwise.

“All the major actors involved in the alleged transaction, including the CBN have a case to answer.”

In ruling on the controversial money, the committee said it would summon Sanusi and the IG   to hear from them again before taking a final position.

In a separate case, the committee summoned the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla; the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu; and the CBN to explain the whereabouts of the N59.6bn released to the NNPC as subsidy claims.

While the budget office claimed to have paid the money to the NNPC, the corporation denied receiving it.

The committee acknowledged submissions by the NNPC, which indicated that  it    did not receive the money.

For it to dig into the matter further, the committee directed the corporation to write a formal letter denying that it received the money.

Ruling on the issue, the committee chairman said, “You (NNPC) will do us a formal letter explaining to the committee that at no time did you receive  N59.6bn. The  Deliotte accounting firm, in its report, claimed the fund was disbursed.

“Towards this direction, this committee hereby summons the CBN, AGF and budget office to explain why such sum of money was disbursed without any documentary evidence.

“The NNPC for now cannot be indicted until otherwise proven when the AGF and the budget office come out with evidence that the money was disbursed and cash backed.”

APC calls 50 witnesses to testify at Anamba Governorship Tribunal

The Custodian March 26, 2014

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called 50 witnesses to testify the allegation of electoral malpractice during the Nov. 16, 17 and 30, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.

Chief Olarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), counsel to APC and the governorship candidate of the party, Sen. Chris Ngige announced this in Awka on Tuesday during proceedings at the Anambra Election Petitions Tribunal.

Akeredolu said that the figure was pruned down from 101 to enable speedy trial and determination of the petition.

At the resumed sitting, Akeredolu urged the Justice Ishaq Bello-led tribunal to allow him time to submit additional documents before calling witnesses.

They included forms EC8A results for Idemili South, Aguata and Awka North local council areas as well as list of ad hoc staff for Aguata council.

However, the tribunal refused to admit as evidence extracts from polling units 004, Eri primary school, Otuocha in Anambra East council area following objections by counsel to Gov Willie Obiano and APGA.

Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Mr Osita Nnadi (SAN) objected to the request on grounds that it formed the central part of the dispute and that it ought to come in when a witness was being cross-examined.

They argued that the document related to the issue of multiple registrations which had already been struck out by the tribunal earlier.

According to Ikpeazu, It is not only inadmissible based on the state of the pleadings for now.

“ it is also equally a contested document which due process needs to be made.

“I urge that the document should not be admitted at this stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, APC’s first witness, Mr Uche Uzowulu, during cross-examination by Ikpeazu, Nnadi and counsel to INEC, Mr Ayotunde Ogunleye faulted the supplementary election of Nov. 17, 2013.

He said that the election witnessed low turn-out because it was slated for Sunday.

According to him, the election ought not to have been conducted on a Sunday in an area that is predominantly Christians.

“Such election cannot be held on a Friday in Kano. I could not vote on the said date due to obvious reason as a Christian. (NAN)

Intercontinental Bank: Shareholders sue Sanusi for N10bn

The Custodian March 26, 2014

Shareholders of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc have asked an Abuja Federal High Court to order the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, to pay them N10bn as damages over what they described as the fraudulent banking and investment practices and breaches involved in the sale of the bank.

The plaintiffs, Abdullahi Sani, Adaeze Onwuegbusi and Chijioke Ezeikpe, in the suit filed by their lawyer, Chris Uche SAN, accused Sanusi of conniving with the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, and Mr. Herbert Wigwe, and Senator Bukola Saraki, to sell the bank in a bid to confer corrupt advantage upon themselves.

The CBN and the Securities and Exchange Commission were joined as defendants in the suit, which came up before Justice Ahmed Mohammed on Tuesday.

Justice Mohammed granted an ex-parte motion in which the plaintiffs sought leave to serve the suit on Sanusi by pasting copies of the originating summons at the headquarters of the CBN.

The plaintiffs also urged the court to order the CBN to immediately recover the sums of N16.2bn and N8.9bn, together with accrued interests, being owed Intercontinental Bank by Aig-Imokhuede, Wigwe and Saraki.

The court was asked to declare that the takeover of Intercontinental Bank by Access Bank on the instructions of the Sanusi “without any lawful justification whatsoever in a bid to confer corrupt advantage upon himself and his friends/associates/cronies” was illegal, null and void.

In the same vein, the plaintiffs asked the court to order SEC to conduct a detailed public investigation into the circumstances surrounding the acquisition on Intercontinental Bank by Access Bank.

In an affidavit in support of the originating summons, the plaintiffs averred that as of August 2009, Intercontinental Bank had a paid up capital of N230bn and a balance sheet of N1.6bn, 330 branches nationwide, 10 subsidiaries and 12,000 workers.

Prophet T.B Joshua Gets It Right Over Malaysian Plane

The Custodian March 26, 2014

Prophet T.B Joshua, the powerful Nigerian seer who seats atop the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, has proven his doubters wrong yet again. The much maligned man of God is on point yet again as his accurate prediction about the missing Malaysian flight MH370 plane that disappeared from the radar few weeks ago, has come to pass when it emerged the plane actually crashed into the sea, leaving no survivor, just like he predicted.

He had also stated that the crash was due to human error and not an attack or hijack like the United States and other advanced countries had speculated.

It has now emerged that the prophet knew his onions when news broke yesterday, Monday, 24 March, 2014, that the plane had plunged into the Indian Ocean and that there were no survivors.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak, confirmed that when he announced;

It is with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you that Flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean.

Its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, off Australia’s west coast.

This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites.

Gunmen attack David Mark’s convoy

The Custodian March 23, 2014

More facts emerged on Saturday about the attack on the official vehicle of the President of the Senate, David Mark, around the 0rlu area of Imo State. The incident took place on Friday.

The Special Adviser (Media) to the Senate President, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, told Source, on Saturday that a team of Mark’s aides, who were going ahead of their principal, ran into a robbery scene.

He explained that as members of the team (who were mostly security officials), probably tried to disperse the robbers, the gunmen shot several times at the side of the vehicle where Mark usually sat.

According to him, neither Mark nor the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, was in the convoy at the time of the incident.

He said, "The Senate President was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident. He flew to the event. We are grateful to God that nobody was injured and nobody died."

The Senate President was on his way to the burial ceremony of late businessman, Sir John Anyaechie, in Nkwerre Community in Imo State.

When contacted, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, who said he was not aware of the incident, said investigation into the incident would be handled by the Imo State Police Command.

"The force headquarters is not aware of such an attack, but if it is true, then the investigation would be handled by the Imo State Police Command," he said.

When contacted, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Joy Elemoko, simply told our correspondent that the incident did not happen in Imo State.

Jonathan meets Pope, justifies anti-gay law

The Custodian March 23, 2014

 
President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday met with Pope Francis and the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Monsignor Pietro Parolin, in Rome.

Christian pilgrims from Anambra, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, were part of the President’s delegation to the Vatican City but they remained at the courtyard while the papal audience lasted.

The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy-Opara, who was part of the President’s delegation, told journalists that Jonathan used the opportunity of the papal audience to explain Nigeria’s position on same-sex marriage to the Pope.

Jonathan had on January 7, signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 into law despite opposition from some Western countries.

Kennedy-Opara also said the Pope commended the President for the efforts being made by the Federal Government to tackle the mirage of challenges facing the country.

The Pope was also said to have rendered special prayers against the current insecurity being witnessed in parts of the country while bilateral talks on education, health and others issues were said to have been discussed.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Dr. Francis Okeke, also told journalists that Jonathan’s visit was an attempt to re-establish contact with the Holy See authorities because they have an important part to play in Nigeria’s affairs.