Gov. Amaechi Goes To Court Over Alleged Impeachment Plot

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has asked a Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, to restrain the Chief Judge of the state from constituting any panel to investigate any notice of allegation presented by the House of Assembly, except the request is in compliance with sub-sections 2, 3 and 4 of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Counsel to Amaechi, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) in the suit, is praying the court to, among other things, set aside any attempt by less than 22 members out of the 32-member House to initiate an impeachment proceeding against him.

 

He is also praying for “an order of this court setting aside any notice of allegation to initiate the removal proceedings of the state Assembly, conducted in connection with the conceived removal from office of the claimant by less than 22 members out of the 32 members constituting the state Assembly.”

He is also asking the court to declare as unconstitutional, any proceedings for his removal that may be conducted outside the “Rivers State House of Assembly/Parliament building situate on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which is the official address of the state Assembly for the conduct of the official and legislative duties of the House as unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”

He is also asking for a declaration that any proceedings of the state House of Assembly, initiated by less than 11 member, which is one third of members of the House and passed or conducted by less than 21 out of the 30 members of the House, which is two third of the members of the House in connection or in relation to the commencement of impeachment proceedings against the claimant are unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

Education Minister, Wike Plans London Protest Against Gov. Amaechi

Nigeria’s Deputy Minister of State for Education, Nyeson Wike, is actively mobilizing Rivers States students and indigenes in the city to stage a protest tomorrow against Governor Amaechi who is in London to deliver a speech at the Chatham House at 10 a.m according to sources.

 One of the students told SaharaReporters that Mr. Wike is making promises of financial rewards to those willing to participate in the protest.

Last weekend, Mr. Wike, a key Jonathan loyalist, led a delegation of anti-Amaechi politicians to visit the recuperating Chinda.

Pro-Amaechi Lawmaker Chidi Llyod Detained In Abuja

Pro-Amaechi Lawmaker Chidi Llyod Detained In Abuja

The Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, on Tuesday showed up at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, seven days after he was invited by the police over the free-for-all by some members of the assembly.

Chidi Lloyd, who had earlier been declared wanted by the Rivers State Police Command in connection with the fracas, arrived at the Force Headquarters at 5. 45pm and was immediately moved to the Force Criminal Investigation Department, where he was detained.

He was asked to write his statement before investigation commenced. A Police source, said it is unlikely he would be released on Tuesday as a team of investigators needed to interrogate him.

“Lloyd came to the Force Headquarters about 5:45pm on Tuesday and he was asked to write his statement. It is not certain he would be released Tuesday because he is going to face serious interrogation,” the source told Punch.

Bash Ali Walks Out On Sports Minister

 

A meeting between Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi and cruiserweight boxer Bash Ali ended abruptly on Tuesday in Abuja with both sides giving contrasting views of what had transpired.

The meeting was earlier said to be a courtesy visit to Abdullahi by Ali on the proposed historical fight.

Officials at the minister’s office at the National Sports Commission (NSC) had earlier said Ali was expected to apologise to the minister during the meeting.

But Ali had walked out of the meeting after about 15 minutes. He later told newsmen that while he was there to apologise to the minister if he had offended him but he felt he was being interrogated.

The boxer said the minister refused to co-operate with him on the boxing fight which would have created employment for athletes.

REVEALED! See Location In Lagos Where Kidnappers Keep Their Victims

 Ago Okota area of Lagos was in the news weekend, following the discovery of a kidnapper’s den, on Oyegbusi street, where a Briton who was kidnapped shortly after arriving the country from Amsterdam, was kept for five days before he was rescued. The three-storey building located in the area known as new sight, towards Ago end of Okota, could be said to be sited at  a vantage position for the kidnappers, as it enables them to have a clear view of the entire area, down to the popular Apple junction in Amuwo-Odofin. It was gathered that the kidnappers whose exact number could not be ascertained, had been using the uncompleted building for long to  hold their victims hostage until ransom was paid. Investigation carried out revealed that anytime they made a catch, they would drive in with their victims who are usually blindfolded. On reaching the compound, they would lead their victims right to the third floor from where they would keep them in one of the rooms until ransom was paid.  At the end of any successful operation,  the kidnappers, as gathered, would leave for their  respective places of abode, leaving a lone security man identified as Nonye, to look after their prey. The kidnappers den The 32-year-

Igwe Of Nnewi Visits California To Celebrate 50 Years On The Throne.

 California welcomed Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III the 17th Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi kingdom. He is the traditional supreme ruler and spiritual leader in Nnewi. He is a member of the Nnofo Royal lineage and the successor to his father Igwe Josiah Orizu II, his grandfather Igwe Orizu I (Eze Ugbonyamba), and great-grandfather Igwe Iwuchukwu Ezeifekaibeyahe.
Igwe Orizu III is the longest serving monarch in Nigeria and he is currently the 17th monarch in the Nnofo Royal lineage, he promotes and improves the quality of life of his people and the residents of Nnewi.
Unlike most Igbo monarchies, there were kings of Nnewi before the arrival of Europeans. Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III has sat on the throne for 50 years and counting. His son the crowned Prince Obi Orizu is responsible for the development of several schools and houses for the widowed.
Long Live Igwe! Long Live Nnewi!Long Live The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!

Escapee Boko Haram Member Arrested At Ogun Cattle Market

A self-confessed member of Islamist sect Boko Haram has been arrested by the police at Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, throwing residents into fear of an impending attack.

Confirming the arrest in a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi, said, yesterday, that a 22-year-old self-confessed member of Boko Haram sect, identified as Giraima Umaru was arrested at Ishari Kara cattle market in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

Adejobi attributed the arrest of Umaru, from Bulunkutu Kasuwa in Maiduguri to robust intelligence gathering of the command.

“The suspect, who confessed to have fled Maiduguri due to aggressive man-hunt by security operatives, was picked up by police operatives in Ogun State on a tip-off.

“Umaru has confessed to the police to have participated in the killing of many innocent Nigerians before the declaration of the state of emergency in three states including Borno.

“The command appreciates the good people of the state for their collaboration and sharing of information that made the police to be proactive in preventing crimes and criminality in the state.

“Commissioner of police, CP Ikemefuna Okoye has, therefore, reassured the general public of adequate protection of lives and property and confidentiality of any information given to the police,” the statement said.

STUPIDITY: "You Can Have My Daughters In Marriage Even At Age 6" -Senator Sani Y

Former Governor of Zmafara State cum Senator Alhaji Ahmed Sani Yerima has responded to critics over his recent advocacy for early child marriage.

The Senator has recently been in the limelight of negative commonts by Nigerians because of his stand on the proposed deletion of Section 29 (devoted mainly to Citizenship), Subsection 4 (a) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) by the Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu-led Senate’s Constitution Review Committee.   
To get a clearer picture, Section 29 Subsection (1) states: Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation of this section. While the controversial Subsection that led to outrage (4) states for the purposes of subsection (1) that (a) “full age” means the age of eighteen years and above; (b) any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age. It was at this point Yerima invoked a point of order citing Item 61 of Part 1 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution which bars the National Assembly from legislating on matters of formation, annulment and dissolution of marriages under Islamic and Customary laws.
Now, under Islamic laws, any woman that is married is of age whether she is up to 18-years or not. Therefore, the Senator argued that putting the age limit at 18, contravenes Islamic law.
Due to the public outlash that followed the bill Senator Yerima then proceded to release this statement below:
Quote

Minister of Tourism, Culture & Natural Orientation Speaks About Fascinating Nige

 

 

For years, Nigeria as a nation has under-utilized – if not outright ignored – its tourism potential by doing little to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage, alongside all the God-given natural gifts that abound in Africa’s most populous nation. The Fascinating Nigeria initiative aims to check and correct this past negligence with an aim to improve, sustain and amplify the country’s tourism culture. To shed some light on the initiative, Chief Edem Duke, the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Culture and Natural Orientation, graciously granted this quick but thorough interview from the departure lounge of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. Read below.
What is the Fascinating Nigeria project really all about?

Eneramo Dismisses Heart Surgery Report.

Besiktas Forward Michael Eneramo has dismissed recent reports that he underwent heart surgery.

The former Esperance of Tunisia skipper disclosed that he underwent a minor knee surgery and not a heart surgery as has been reported by news medias.
“I didn’t undergo a heart surgery. What I did was a minor surgery on my (knee) meniscus. It was a successful one and I will recover in two, three weeks to join my team Besiktas.
“I don’t know where the story of heart operation came from. It was not true,” Eneramo told mtnfootball.com.

Reports had earlier claimed the Nigeria international underwent a heart surgery after discovering a heart beat rhythm disorder, which the player has now quashed.

Eneramo scored 12 goals for his former club Sivasspor last season and a total of 29 goals in two seasons.

Besiktas reached an agreement with Eneramo for a two-year deal after his contract with Sivasspor ended this summer.

Besiktas are currently in Austria for pre-season training ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

Aliyu, Lamido, Kwankwaso, Two Other Govs Meet IBB, Abdulsalami In Minna •They’re Patriots –IBB

The five northern state governors comprising of Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State; Alhaji Sule Lamido of Jigawa State; Vice Admiral Muratala Nyako (rtd) of Adamawa State and Alhaji Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State, have been described as patriots by former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, for their efforts towards finding lasting solutions to the country’s political problems.

Gen. Babangida and another former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who met with the governors at the Presidential Lodge, Minna, Niger state on Monday, hailed the move as not only commendable but timely.
The gap-toothed general also acknowledged the foresight of the governors in finding solution to the various challenges confronting the country through consultations.
“I want to commend the governors and some of their colleagues. I was very impressed because they have seen the problem of the country as our problem and they have taken the right steps to consult widely in trying to finding solution to some of these problems.

Actress, Dayo Amusa Shows Off Body In See Through Dress

  

   

Actress, Dayo Amusa was spotted in this see through dress at the City People’ award event.
Classy or Trashy?
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AGN Gives N.5m To Lagos Chapter Boss, Victor Osuagwu

 

The national body of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) led by Ibinabo Fiberesima has given the sum of N500,000 to the Lagos State chapter of the guild, headed by its chairman, Victor Osuagwu, who is a popular comic actor.
The presentation was done on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at the national secretariat of AGN in Surulere, Lagos.
 Speaking on the donation, Ibinabo said, “this fund is not a gift, but money from the recent revalidation exercise of AGN members. It belongs to the Lagos State chapter because after revalidation, members of AGN, who revalidated were majorly from Lagos State chapter.

“The national had an amount from the revalidation process while the state chapter also had. So, that is the cheque we presented to the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of AGN, Victor Osuagwu and his executives.” - See more at:

FAMILY CRISIS: Jide Kosoko’s Daughter Blames Him For Marrying Two

 

 

Nollywood actor, Jide Kosoko’s daughter, Bidemi who is also an actress bares her mind on her father re-marrying two wives again after the death of her mom and step-mother. Nollywood actor, Jide Kosoko re-married two wives after losing his first two wives to untimely death. The actor is married to Alhaja Kareemat Kosoko and Nollywood actress Henrietta Kosoko. In her words: 

 

To be realistic, I am not pretending and I don’t like pretending when the other women came. I didn’t feel good. I thought in my mind that he was making a very big mistake. I was not bold enough to call him and tell him that “Daddy, what you are doing is wrong”. Why would he go and marry more than one wife? Okay, I lost my mum and my first step mum – My mum was my father’s first wife, and together with his second wife, my father lost both of them. He was still young then and the truth is it’s only logical for him to remarry another wife, which nobody would blame him for doing. But going for two again is what I really disagreed with him. He shouldn’t have gone for two. Why? Why would he think of two? One would have been okay for him.

ASUU slams Senate over botched meeting

UMUAHIA—Chairman, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, chapter of ASUU, Dr. Uzochukwu Onyebinama, has accused the Senate Committee on Education of according leaders of the union shabby treatment, warning that the ongoing strike would last longer than Nigerians expected.

The Senate Committee on Education, headed by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, had invited the leadership of the union for discussion over the ongoing strike but the meeting was aborted without prior notice to the union.

Onyebinama said the ASUU team, led by its President, Professor Nasir Isa, was neglected by the Senate committee as no attention was given to him.

He said the team waited for several hours after arriving the venue of the meeting on time without the committee chairman and his colleagues receiving the union leaders.

He recounted how the team was shoddily moved from one place to another while waiting for over two and half hours for the meeting which never held.

Speaking with newsmen in his office, Dr. Onyebinama said ASUU members were making sacrifice for the development of Nigerian higher education system which he lamented had been steadily dwindling.

According to him, the current strike has nothing to do with the lecturers welfare but purely on issues of improvement of academic facilities in the universities,.

He said the Senate was not sincere in meeting ASUU leaders, noting that there was no reason to play hide and seek after the committee on its own invited the union for talks.

2Face's Babymama, Sunmbo Ajaba Weds Church's Pastor In Lagos Today!!!

It has been claimed that one of 2Face Idibia's ex-lovers and mother of two of his (2Face) children, Sunmbo Ajaba is secretly getting married today, Monday, July 22, 2013 in Lagos to her church pastor, Pastor Tunde Adeoye. The source says that the wedding ceremony will only be attended by just few people, that even most of the church members were told not to bother coming for the wedding.

Sunmbo, a choir member in the church - The Royalty Christian Centre, began her affair with Pastor Adeoye after the Pastor lost his wife to a brief illness in November, 2012; is getting married to her General Overseer, Pastor Tunde Adeoye of Royalty Christian Centre, Lagos.

PDP Convention: More Northern Govs To Meet With OBJ

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Nigeria, is far from over as more northern governors have scheduled a meeting with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to strategise on how to torpedo President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid in 2015.

Sources told P.M.NEWS that the crucial meeting would take place before the party’s convention on 31 August. President Jonathan himself has expressed worry about the gang-up against him by governors.

Our correspondent reliably gathered that part of the discussion the four northern governors, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Dr. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, had with Obasanjo on Saturday at the closed door meeting held in Abeokuta was to check the excesses of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, whom they have described as the most troublesome chairman the party has ever had.

It was also resolved at the meeting, which lasted for almost one and half hours, that the northern governors will be meeting with Obasanjo, the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party, at his Presidential Hilltop mansion on the weekend that will precede the Id-el-Fitri festival early August.

The governors, as part of their discussion with Ebora Owu in the Ogun State capital during the weekend, narrated how the supporters of the President, the Minister for State for Education, Neysom Wike and the Rivers State PDP Chairman, Obuah humiliated them when they went on solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi last week.

While speaking with newsmen inside his vehicle when they were leaving at exactly 2:50p.m., Governor of Adamawa State, Rear Admiral Muritala Nyako (retd.), said that they had come to “greet Obasanjo as a father and leader in the party”.

According to Nyako, “we have come to meet with the most accomplished Nigerian ever on a very important matter.”

Governor Rochas Okorocha Sacks Nkiru Sylvanus

Famouse Nigerian actress Nkiru Sylvester has been relieved from her job at the cabinet of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.

 

She served as the Special Assistant on Lagos Affairs for the Imo State Government. She was sacked following a cabinet dissolution which affected all commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants and special assistants in the cabinet.

A statement from the government of the state explains that the ‘the dissolution was necessary to give room for more capable hands into the system in order to fully actualize the rescue mission agenda of the State Government.’

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Okorocha appointed the Abia State-born ‘Final Tussle’ star as Special Assistant on Lagos Matters in July 2011.

Rita Dominic wins Face of Nollywood award this year 2013

Sultry actress Rita Dominic has always been known to be on top of her game. Her efforts in the industry have continued to earn her a lot of laurels, and last weekend was not different as she added another feather to her cap when she won the Face of Nollywood award at this year’s edition of the City People Awards.

Rita beats the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Funke Akindele, among others, to win the coveted prize. It would be recalled that she won the Most Outstanding Actress award in 2004.

The recent award ceremony, however, held at Heavens Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, and was graced by who is who in the industry. Rita, in her usual style, looked stunning in her black outfit which stole the hearts of fashionists at the event.

In her acceptance speech, the Imo State-born actress thanked the organisers of the show for recognising her contribution in the industry. “ I am very happy today. This is the second time I am winning this award. I dedicate this to God Almighty, my late parents and my manager. I am short of words. I don’t know what else to say,” she said.

Other winners were Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim, who won the Best Celebrity Foundation award, Mercy Aigbe(Best Actress In Yoruba). Singer Praiz won Best Rhythm and Blues Singer of the Year and Kcee’s Limpopo bagged Best RnB singer award, among others.

Among the celebrities that graced the award ceremony were sexy Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson, Benson Okonkwo, Kunle Afolayan and Princess Chineke.

ASUU STRIKE: Adamawa State University Lecturers withdraw

 

The Adamawa State University’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been thrown into controversy over the ongoing nationwide strike by the union, with a faction announcing its withdrawal from the industrial action called by its national body.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development followed a vote of “no confidence” passed by some lecturers on the chapter’s executive council in Mubi on Thursday.

The vote was passed during a special congress where a Dr Kamkwis Zira was nominated as the new acting Chairman.

Mr. Zira, who announced the withdrawal, accused the ousted executive council members of joining the nationwide strike without due consultation with members.

“The new executive council has met with the university authorities and resolved to resume lectures on Monday,” the new acting Chairman said.

In a swift reaction however, the ousted chapter chairman, Molem Ishaku, said he was still in charge and that the strike would continue.

Mr. Ishaku described his removal as “an illegal development that cannot stand”.

When contacted on the development, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alkasum Abba, said all he knew was that the chapter’s ASUU had withdrawn from the nationwide strike.

ASUU has been on strike for almost three weeks, paralyzing academic activities at all Nigeria’s public universities.

Underage marriage our right as Muslims – Dokubo tells critics,

A prominent Niger Delta Muslim, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, has lashed out at critics of the moves by Nigeria’s Senate to approve under-age marriage.

Expressing his opinion on the issue this morning, Dokubo, who converted to Islam as an adult, insisted that it is the right of Muslims to marry or give out their daughters at any age they wish, adding that this is not the business of non-Muslims.

Said the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) leader through Facebook:

“People should learn to respect other people’s sensibilities…We Muslims have the right to marry when we want or give out our daughters at any age we want. It is not your business and the law must respect our right to do so. Anything short of that is an infringement on our rights. We did not ask you to marry ladies of that age or give your daughters out in marriage at that age. Plzzzzzzzz respect our sensibilities.”

News Express reports that the Nigerian Senate has come under fire from outraged Nigerians and the international community after being convinced by Senator Ahmad Yarima to drop a constitutional amendment outlawing marriage to girls under 18. The former Zamfara State governor who once came under fire for marrying a girl believed to be aged 13 had argued that Islam recognises under-age marriage.

Issues pertaining to religion usually evoke strong reactions in Nigeria, a deeply religious nation that has Christianity and Islam as the dominant faiths.

Governor Obi Betrayed My Late Father – Ojukwu Jr

 

Emeka, first son of late Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Thursday, accused Governor Peter Obi of betraying his father, following the continued crisis in All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

Emeka, who spoke at Nnewi, Anambra State, further alleged that while pockets of crises in APGA lingered when his father was alive, he did all he could to resolve the problem only for the governor to upturn the ideologies and ambitions of the party as pronounced by his father in death.

Emeka, who spoke with reporters while addressing Nnewi North chapter of APGA, noted that the governor chose to personalise the party and annihilate the real grass-roots members of the party only to bring in strangers who he wanted to do his bidding.

Rivers Crisis: Soyinka warns of dire consequences

NOBEL LAUREATE, Professor Wole Soyinka has warned of dire consequences for the country should the crisis in Rivers State be allowed to degenerate beyond this.

Professor Soyinka, in a statement stated that “even after the Rivers crisis has been resolved, this notorious proceeding will not be permitted to fester unchallenged.”

Making reference to the election of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, he said “before the press conference held by Femi Falana and myself – that is, even before the Rivers Assembly fracas – I had been canvassed by opposing sides of the face-off, both via telephone and physically. One such visit, perhaps the most significant, was made by a Special Adviser in the presidency who outlined what can be regarded as the official rationale for the Governors’ Forum election debacle. In the process of this exchange, he did make certain complaints against Governor Rotimi Amaechi, including charges of a conflict of interests over certain resources. This was implied as the root of division between the Governors’ Forum and the Presidency.”

In addition, he stated that “I wrote down the details, informed the emissary that I would pass on these accusations to Governor Amaechi – which I did. That Amaechi hotly denied them and offered contradicting facts, which he urged me to verify, remained, and remains utterly irrelevant to the democratic core of the conflict – and this has been made clear to all interventionists”.

I Cannot Fight Amaechi Because He Is My Lettle Son- First Lady

 

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has revealed the genesis of the political crisis rocking Rivers State saying it all started four years ago.

Patience Jonathan who spoke at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the South-South geo-political zone said Gov. Amaechi is her son and he shouldn't let outsiders use him against his own blood.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports it thus; Click below to continue.
The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, said in Abuja on Wednesday that she had committed the ongoing crisis in Rivers to prayer and that crisis started as far back as four years ago.

    Rivers has been embroiled in a political crisis which culminated in a free for all at the House of Assembly last week, with some members injured.
Jonathan said this during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the South-South geo-political zone.
“Rivers state issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I’ll do His work without the fear of man.
 “The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we’ve handed over to God.”
The president’s wife said contrary to some reports, she had always mediated between Gov. Chibuike Amaechi and other parties in a crisis that began four years ago.
 “This matter started as far back as four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but (that he should) dialogue first with the people.

My Safety No Longer Guaranteed, Amaechi Cries Out

 

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State yesterday raised the alarm that his life was in danger. He cited the presence of strange policemen and intelligence operatives around his lodges in in Port Harcourt and Abuja without his consent as reason for fears over his safety.

The governor raised the alarm barely 24 hours after four of his colleagues from the North visited him in Port Harcourt and on a day the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan called him her son.

Information Nigeria reports that the First Lady while receiving Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, who led a delegation of Niger Delta Bishops to the Presidential Villa on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers political logjam, said, “Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.”

But Amaechi, who raised alarm on the threat to his life in a statement, signed by Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. George Feyii and made available to newsmen, recalled the clandestine deployment of strange policemen and intelligence officers to his lodges in Abuja and Port Harcourt without his involvement which is the practice nationwide.

NET EXTRA: Ex-Governor wants Senate to support underage marriage in Nigeria

A former Zamfara State Governor and current Senator, Sani Yerima is asking the Senate to reverse a vote that appeared to outlaw underage marriage.

During a constitution amendment on Tuesday, July 17, 2013, Yerima questioned why the section dealing with age of a married woman was deleted, describing the move as un-Islamic. The Senate had recommended alteration of section 29 of the constitution that deals with the manner of renunciation of citizenship.

Yerima’s marriage to a 13-year-old girl drew widespread outrage in 2009.

Channels TV reports that Mr Yerima’s demand was again thrashed 60 to 35 at a repeat vote but the section could not be deleted as constitution amendments require two thirds of the entire members-73 for the Senate- for a proposal to pass.

Ibinabo Fiberesima has no right to impeach or suspend any elected member’- Don Pedro Aganbi

Don Pedro Aganbi says AGN national president Ibinabo Fiberesima has no constitutional rights to expel or suspend from office, elected members of the guild.
Aganbi, one of the contestants of the recently held Lagos Chapter AGN election in a press release made available to NET yesterday, accused Miss Fiberesima of bias and incapacity.
‘She has no right whatsoever to impeach or suspend any elected officer. Ibinabo should go and put out her life together first. As we speak she has seven court cases hanging on her neck including the EX-CONVICT case. She has not shown any leadership quality at all and Lagos state is not answerable to Ibinabo’, Aganbi stated.
The ensuing crisis rocking the AGN has led to the suspension of Aganbi, expulsion of the out-going Lagos State Chairman, Emeka Rising Ibeh and the impeachment of the National PRO, Frank Dallas.

Don’t Be Used By Outsiders Against Your Own Blood, First Lady Tells Amaechi

 

The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, said in Abuja on Wednesday that she had committed the ongoing crisis in Rivers to prayer and that crisis  started as far back as four years ago.

Rivers has been embroiled in a political crisis which culminated in a free for all at the House of Assembly last week, with some members injured.

Jonathan said this during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the South-South geo-political zone.

“Rivers state issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I’ll do His work without the fear of man.

Did Soyinka Just Liken The First Lady To A Hippopotamus? Nobel Laureate Warns Of Dire Consequences In Rivers Crisis

 

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has fired yet another coded message in the direction of the Presidency just as he warned of dire consequences for the country should the crisis in Rivers State be allowed to fester.

Professor Soyinka, in a statement stated that “even after the Rivers crisis has been resolved, this notorious proceeding will not be permitted to fester unchallenged.”

Painting a picture of what appears to be the root cause of the present no-love lost relationship between the Presidency and Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Professor Soyinka says, “Before the press conference held by Femi Falana and myself – that is, even before the Rivers Assembly fracas – I had been canvassed by opposing sides of the face-off, both via telephone and physically. One such visit, perhaps the most significant, was made by a Special Adviser in the presidency who outlined what can be regarded as the official rationale for the Governors’ Forum election debacle. In the process of this exchange, he did make certain complaints against Governor Rotimi Amaechi, including charges of a conflict of interests over certain resources.”

Why Appeal Court Freed Al-Mustapha; See The Details

The Court of Appeal, Lagos quashed the death sentence that Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court handed Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan over the death of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. The appellate court said that the court below convicted the duo at all cost despite the prosecution’s failure to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Below is the judgment as delivered by the appellate court: DELIVERED BY RITA NOSAKHARE PEMU THE Appellant, in a 326 pages Judgment of the High Court of Justice, Lagos State in Charge No 10/37C/03 Coram Moji Dada J. was convicted for the offences of conspiracy to murder and murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. The Charge initially included Chief Superident of Police Mohammed Rabo Lawal, but he was discharged on a no-case submission made on behalf of the Defendants. FACTS OF THE CASE The case of the Prosecution is that the Appellant conspired with another to murder and allegedly did murder Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on June 4, 1996, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway opposite Cargo Vision, Ikeja Area of Lagos State. The Prosecution called four witnesses, namely: Dr. Ore Falomo (PW1), Barnabas Jabila, a.k.a. Sgt. Rogers (PW2), Mohammed Abdul a.k.a. Katako (PW3) and D.C. Yusuf (PW4), while the Appellant called two witnesses and testified himself. The facts leading to this appeal can aptly be put as follows. This trial started at the Lagos State High Court as ID/43C/99 in which the present Appellant with Mohammed Abacha, Rabo Lawal and one Mohammed Abdul were charged with conspiracy and murder. Mohammed Abacha was eventually discharged by the Supreme Court on July 11, 2002, on the ground of non culpability. The charge metamorphosed into the present Charge No ID/37C/2003.

Lawmaker Who Beat His Colleague To Stupor In Rivers State House Of Assembly Declared Wanted By Police

 

 
  The Rivers State Police command has declared majority leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, wanted over his role in the fracas that led to the injury of another lawmaker, Hon. Michael Chinda.

Information Nigeria learnt that the declaration follows Hon. Lloyd’s refusal to honour an invitation by the police in the state to explain his role in the fight that broke out in the state House of Assembly last week Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Angela Agabe, Hon. Lloyd, a pro-Amaechi lawmaker, is wanted for attempted murder and causing of grievous bodily harm to his colleague.

The statement reads in part: “The Rivers State police is in search of the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, an adult male, 37 years of age and 5.9ft tall, who hails from Emuoha L.G.A and speaks English and Igbo fluently for an attempted murder and in connection with the fracas that occurred in the Rivers State House of Assembly recently.

“Any member of the public, who knows his where about or any information about his where about is to contact the office of the state commissioner of police, Moscow road, Port Harcourt.”

Jonathan approves redeployment of 5 perm. secs

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja approved the redeployment of some permanent secretaries in the federal service.

The information is contained in a statement signed by Mr Tope Ajakaiye, Director Communication, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Those affected are Mr Danladi Kifasi, from Ministry of Finance to Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and Mrs. Fatima Bamidele from the Ministry of Health to Ministry of Finance.

Mr Sani Bala moves from the Federal Civil Service Commission to the Ministry of Health, while Mr Abdulkadir Musa moves from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to the Police Service Commission .

Others are Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (Service Policies & Strategies Office) to the Ministry of Information .

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, who announced the deployment, also directed that the processes for handing and taking over should be completed on or before Wednesday, July 17. (NAN)

Fresh Cut: by Lynxxx

Lynxxx partners up with Banky W!

Sudan’s President Visit: Apologise To ICC – Oyebode Urges Nigeria

A professor of International Law, Akin Oyebode has asked the Federal Government of Nigeria to apologise to the international community for hosting rather than arresting Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir.

Mr Bashir was in Nigeria for an African Union-organised health summit due to end on Tuesday.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Mr Bashir in 2009, accusing him of committing genocide during the 10-year conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region.

Some 2.7 million people have fled their homes since the conflict began in Darfur in 2003, and the UN says about 300,000 black Africans have died – mostly from disease.

Sudan’s government says the conflict has killed about 12,000 people and the number of dead has been exaggerated for political reasons.

Mr Oyebode said, “The embarrassing thing is that Nigeria touts the fact that it is the world’s largest black nation and so I thought the interest of black Africans should predominate. I have never believed that Nigeria would end up in this kind of situation; so messy and have made nonsense of the foreign policies enunciated from the time of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.

The professor said the African Union could have cajoled Nigeria to take an unpopular stance towards Mr Bashir by endorsing its candidature for a non-permanent membership at the next election in September.

He said, “In the Interest of Africa, I think even the OAU stance was misdirected.

“I agree that there are so many people that could have been dragged before the ICC, for instance one George W Bush and also Tony Blair and so many others. But there are procedures for these things in terms of how to bring accused persons before the International Criminal Court.

Omowunmi Akinnifesi Speaks On Being ‘World’s Most Beautiful

Omowunmi Akinnifesi, former MBGN and M.Sc holder from Kings College London is the current cover girl of Y! magazine. We got her to share her reaction to being named the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world, life after the crown and her plans for the immediate future,

When Gwyneth Paltrow was named the most beautiful woman in the world by People magazine, her response was “It’s obviously not true.’’ What is your response to Y! magazine’s decision?

I would say it is a decision that is subjective. I think it’s about appreciating a woman who is probably well educated and beautiful at the same time. To an extent I happen to have both qualities and someone has to be given the title. I don’t think it’s true, I mean so many women are beautiful, the most beautiful are probably in some isolated places that no one has discovered so it’s kind of a tall task. But I am humbled and grateful to be considered but I don’t think it’s true.

What was your first reaction when you first saw it?

ASUP Call Off Their 81 Days Old Strike for One Month

student was very happy After 81 days of inactivity, polytechnic students across the country are expected to return to their classrooms as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) suspends its strike today.


The ASUP Chairman, Dr. Chibuzor Asumogba, told Vanguard in a phone interview that the decision was made by the National Executive Committee of the Union as a result of the intervention of the Joint committee of the Senate and House of Representative on Education.

He said the union gave the government representatives one month to accede to their demands and release the white paper on the visitation panel to federal polytechnics.

The ASUP Chairman however, called on all lecturers to go back to work. “All lecturers are to resume work at their various institutions today”, He said.