Central African Republic Crisis: Over 400 Nigerian Still Trapped in Cameroun

Great Nation! Good People! That was once our sobriquet as coined by Former Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili. But with what we read every day about the plight of Nigerians I wonder if that sobriquet still applies. Or does it? You tell me.

Do you know that even now, over 400 Nigerians victims of the Central African Republic (CAR) crisis  are still trapped in Kentzou town in eastern Cameroun, even though they have expressed their willingness to come home.

If you remember correctly, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees had earlier said over 9,000 people, including Nigerians, had fled to Cameroun in the last 10 days to escape violence in the country. God help us!!!! Great Nation!

Gunboats, 2 Airforce Helicopters Drafted to Rescue Jonathan's Abducted Uncle in Bayelsa State

We are winning the war against insecurity they always tell us. I believe them but what about you? Do you? Well, President Goodluck Jonathan’s uncle, 70-year-old Chief Inengite Nitabai, was kidnapped on Sunday after some gun men stormed his compound in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The incident which took place at 8.30 pm was by a 10-man gang. Now the presidency has detailed gunboats and two Nigerian Air Force helicopters to search for the abductors and rescue the victim. No ransom has been demanded yet. We are indeed winning the war. Aren’t we?

Passengers and FAAN Disagree on Claims that an Abuja-Bound Arik Air Flight almost Crashed

So whom do we believe? Passengers or the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)? Ok here is the gist. Some passengers on board the Abuja-bound Arik Air flight from Lagos claimed it was involved in a near crash yesterday evening at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

 Passengers claimed it was a as a result of “control disorder” from the plane. A claim which has since been debunked by FAAN. The Arik Air flight Number 155 was said to have departed Lagos and was due to arrive Abuja at 6.30p.m., but could not land until about an hour later.

Exclusive: Police Arrest 12 Suspects, Declare 4 Wanted for Ejigbo 3 Torture

Finally, the police have stepped up their A game by arresting 12 suspects connected to the inhumane treatment and torture of the three women in Ejigbo, Lagos. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba disclosed this today during a parade of the suspects at Federal SARS, Adeniji Adele, Victoria Island. While declaring four others wanted, he said the arrested persons would soon charged to court for dehumanizing these ladies including Juliana who later died from complications arising from the torture.

Sanusi: New York Times Says Jonathan is too Weak to Tackle Corruption

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

The New York Times has joined in the fray on the ongoing brouhaha between the FG and Sanusi. Read their report:  "President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria removed the governor of the country’s central bank from his post on Thursday, after the bank governor repeatedly charged that billions of dollars in oil revenue owed to the treasury was missing.

The dismissal of the bank governor, Lamido Sanusi, was seen as further evidence of the Nigerian government’s weakening resolve in tackling widespread corruption, a problem that has plagued the country since independence, analysts said.

REJOINDER From Eseoghene Ohwojeheri: Chimamanda, Are Our Differences Not Enough Already?

 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I read Chimamanda Adichie’s article, titled “Why Can’t He just be like Everyone Else?”, wherein she made a case for homosexuality and condemned the law prohibiting it on the basis that we are different. I read the said article with that painful smile on my face. Painful because I realise how weak man is especially when the foundation of his ideologies are standing solely on his intellect rather than guidance. Smile because I marveled at the beauty of truth; truth is so beautiful falsehood cannot be truly beautiful no matter how beautifully presented.

Citizens Open Letters from Ezea Chukwudi: Anti-gay law article: Reply to Chimamanda Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Before I start I would like to ask you to ignore my grammatical errors. I’m not a writer so I have no reputation to protect in terms of grammatical errors. I write principally in response to your article on anti-gay law. I would really plead for your patience to calmly read my own view.

I have never read your article before now. I have heard of your reputation in writing and I had already rated you even when I had never read your articles. Unfortunately your sense of judgment is being questioned when I gave you the chance to create an impression because I’m not a type
that takes a second chance take make a good impression.

Sanusi Gets Exparte Motion to Restrain FG from Arresting him Ever

When the literate fight, they do so intelligently. Sanusi is no different. Finally,

 he got a restraining order against the FG. Grab a popcorn and a soda and watch 

as the drama unfolds.

Beyond Funny: EFCC Cry Wolf as Gunmen 'Abduct' Suspect from Court

EFCC 

In a  commando-like style, four gunmen have abducted an alleged serial fraudster and suspect   in two cases being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A statement by Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson of the EFCC, said the suspect, Princewill Arinze Nwobodo (alias Aboki J. Brown) was abducted by the gunmen within the precincts of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere where he was to be arraigned before Justice Aishat Opesanwo on a 4-count charge bordering on obtaining $ 92,000 under false pretence.

Finally, Court Sentences Kolade Arowolo to Death for Killing Banker Wife

Late Titi Arowolo

Three years after the case was taken to court, Justice Lateefa Okunnu of Ikeja High Court has spoken by sentencing Mr. Kolade Arowolo, to death. Arowolo had killed his wife Titilayo Omozoje Arowolo (nee Oyakhire), a banker with Skye Bank, Marina Branch, on Saturday, June 24, 2011. 

During his trail he had claimed the deceased stabbed herself to death at their residence at No. 8 Akindehinde Street, Isolo, a suburb of Lagos. His wife was just 29-year-old wife and they had a daughter, Olamide,  together. 

According to him, he had been having serious issues with the deceased over their marriage before that fateful day that she ended up killing herself, after stabbing him too.

She was buried on November 16, 2011 at Atan Cemetry, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos. 

The House Speaks, Says Sanusi's Suspension Illegal, Unconstitutional

 Sanusi Lamido  Sanusi

Speaking on  the dramatic suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the House of Representatives  has  condemned the move by  President  Goodluck  Jonathan, describing it  as illegal and unconstitutional.

This is as the House Minority Leader of Femi Gbajabiamila  expressed dismay at the suspension of  Sanusi, saying  the action  was  an attack on the bank's autonomy and setback for the fight on corruption.

Sanusi to Challenge Removal in Court

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

We did not expect anything less than for Sanusi to Challenge the government in court. The FG has a fight in its hands for daring to go against Sanusi especially at this time when he has queried the disappearance of about 20billion missing from NNPC account.

In an interview shown by CNBC Africa, the governor spoke on the recent allegations made by the government, his thoughts on the Nigerian economy and the most memorable moment of his tenure.

Watch the video here 

http://www.cnbcafrica.com/video/?bctid=3229108850001

FG ON THE WARPATH as SSS Seize Sanusi's Passport

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Gird your loins people. The war drums are beating. Hours after he was suspended by the Federal Government and replaced by Godwin Emeliefie, the former CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had his passport seized by the State Security Service at the Lagos Airport. They have since returned it back to him probably on orders from one Oga at the top. 

Listen people, it gets worse. Expect nothing short of war cos Sanusi is not one to take things lying low. ITS THE WAR OF SUPREMACY

EXCLUSIVE: Police Deploy Sniffer Dogs to Airports

In line with international best practice and his sworn resolve to drastically reduce crime, provide and maintain safety and security of persons, protect vulnerable and critical government infrastructures, reduce possibility of arms smuggling through our Airports and generally bolster the war against terror, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, has ordered the immediate deployment of sniffer dogs to the nation’s Airports.

At the official flag off ceremony which took place, Thursday, 20^th February, 2014 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the IGP, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIGZuokumor Michael, stated that the  sniffer-dogs will, among other things, be used for detecting explosives, rescue operations, perimeter patrols, patrols of parking lots and the apprehension of offenders resisting or attempting to evade arrest. He charged the dog handlers to respect the fundamental rights of the citizens and also work in collaboration with other security agencies towards providing effective security at the Airports.  The IGP also called for the cooperation of the general public, assuring them that his administration would do all that is necessary to provide them with optimum security.    

In Swift Move, Jonathan Appoints Emefiele as Sanusi's Successor

Mr. Godwin Emefiele

President Goodluck Jonathan Thursday named the Managing Director of Zenith Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as the next Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria. In a letter addressed to Senate President David Mark and read on the floor of the Senate, Jonathan who urged the parliament to treat the nomination with dispatch, said Emefiele  would replace Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, whose tenure expires in June.

Finally, FG Suspends Sanusi

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

The Federal Government this Morning suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido  Sanusi.  In a statement by Dr.  Reuben Abati,   Special Adviser to  President  Goodluck Jonathan, the most senior Deputy Governor of the CBN, Dr Sarah Alade,  has been named as the Acting  CBN  Governor.

The statement noted that  Sanusi’s tenure has been characterised by “various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline”.

The statement addeed that   Jonathan has   ordered that Mallam Sanusi should hand over  to Alade who will serve as Acting Governor until the conclusion of on-going investigations into breaches of enabling laws, due process and mandate of  the CBN.

THE VERDICT By OLUSEGUN ADENIYI; Boko Haram and a Nation at War

 olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima on Monday stirred the hornet’s nest when, after visiting President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, he said: “what we are being confronted with is that we are in a state of war. It is what I came to update Mr. President (about). The sooner we stop playing the ostrich and rise up to the challenges of the day and marshall all resources towards stopping the antics of Boko Haram, the better for all of us.”

Shettima was not done: “The bottom line is that we need more resources. In all fairness to the officers and men of the Nigerian Army and police, they are doing their best given the circumstances they have found themselves in. But honestly, Boko Haram are better armed and are better motivated than our own troops. And believe me, I am an eternal optimist as I have always said but I am also a realist.

Again Boko Haram Strikes, Kills 47 in Attack on Bama

 

Boko Haram insurgents have again attacked Bama, killing 47 people in the town that has come under frequent assault from the sect. Oh Lord, when would all these senseless killings stop?

SAY WHAT? Facebook Aquires WhatsApp for $19billion

In another shocking move, Facebook has bought WhatsApp for a whooping sum of $19bn (£11.4bn) in cash and shares, barely two years after it acquired Instagram for $1bn in 2012.  WhatsApp is touted to currently have over 450 million monthly users. In a statement announcing the deal, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg described WhatsApp's services as "incredibly valuable".

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF OIL SPILL AT IJEGUN, LAGOS

IJEGUN OIL SPILL

So I went to Ijegun yesterday at the site of the oil spill with NEMA PRO, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye and I took some pictures. the story will come later. While we were there, the IG TaskForce coordinator on Pipeline Vandalism, ACP Friday Ibadin came for assessment too. Check out the pictures

EXCLUSIVE: Police Might Charge Tiwa Savage to Court for Assaulting an officer

TIWA

Depending on the result of the investigation instituted by the Lagos State Police Command, Songbird, MTN and Forte Oil ambassador might be arraigned before a Lagos court for allegedly assaulting a traffic warden who gave chase when she flouted traffic rules. 

The police was reacting to new claims that the musician was the victim in the case. Remember that Tiwa had allegedly assaulted a male traffic warden at the Victoria Island area of Lagos, although the police later told me that she made her apology in a written statement.

SOUND OF MUSIC: READ ABOUT THE VON TRAPP'S LIVES NOW

Charmian Carr as Liesl

No longer 16 going on 17, Charmian Carr is now a mother of two and an interior designer in California. Although she gave up acting eventually, Carr fondly recounted her experiences on the "Sound Of Music" set in her books "Forever Liesl" and "Letters To Liesl."

GUESS WHO? SEE THE VON TRAPP FAMILY OF SOUND OF MUSIC 45 YEARS LATER

Don't know about you but the Sound of Music remains an evergreen classical. Watched it again last week after seeing it already over 30 times (lol) and I decided to look them up on google to know their whereabouts. Look at them now 45 years later... The Von Trapp family.

EXCLUSIVE: Prepare Your Will, Nigerian Navy warns Officers

L-REAR ADMIRAL GODDY AYAMKPELE, FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, NAVAL TRAINING COMMAND

Officers and men of Naval Training Command have been warned  to make a valid will in case of any eventuality. This advice came just as the command concluded a one day seminar on the "Administration of Estate of Deseased personnel" held yesterday in Lagos to sensitize NN personnel on the administration of estate of a deceased personnel and also provide useful and practical guide on how to make a valid Will. 

The seminar which was in line with the Nigerian Navy 2014 schedule of event, had the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command Rear Admiral Goddy Anyankpele, reinterate the need for personnel to write their wills to prevent unwanted persons from gaining access to ones property in case the person dies.

Police Service Commision Promotes 1,402 Senior Officers

IG ABUBAKAR

The Police Service Commission on Wednesday announced the promotion of one Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG); Adeola Adeleke and 1,402 other senior officers.

This is disclosed in a statement issued by Mr Ferdinand Ekpe, the commission’s Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, in Abuja. It said that others included six Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCs) who were promoted to Commissioners (CPs) of Police. 

PHOTO OF THE DAY: The Proposed National Carrier. Would you dare fly in this?

WOULD YOU DARE?

EXCLUSIVE: Inquest Begins on Associated Airline Crash

Four months after the Associated Airline Aircraft conveying about 20 persons to Akure, in Ondo State crashed minutes after taking off from the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, an inquest has begun I can authoritatively report.

The inquest was initiated at the demands of Femi Falana Chambers to bring to light the cause of the crash which claimed the lives of about 16 of the passengers including the airline crew of the ill fated plane.

To kick start the sitting, 15 deponents were selected for the inquest at the Senior Magistrate Court 5, Abule Egba, in order to begin the long process of unraveling the true cause of the crash.

Some of the deponents include the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority  (NCAA),  Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Accident and Investigation Bureau (AIB), Channels Television, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government where the incident took place.

MUST READ: THE ACCOUNTANT WHO DROPPED HIS CALCULATOR FOR THE CAMERA

THE ORACLE

For one who went to school with the sole aim of studying accountancy, his life dreams had been set or so he thought. After graduation he got a job with a Federal Government parastatal that was arts inclined. Perhaps it was his chance foray into the world of arts and pictures that fired up his quest to pick up the camera.

The brain behind Oracle Productionz is none other than Nonso Agba popularly called Oracle hence the name of his business. The accountant turned photographer picked up this passion somewhere along the line in August 2009 and the passion has kept him burning till date.