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FG Releases Names Of the Rescued Chibok Girls

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FG Releases Names Of the Rescued Chibok Girls

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The federal Government has released the names of the 21 Chibok school girls who were freed from Boko Haram captivity on Thursday.

The names were posted on the social media handle of the Office of Digital Engagement in the Presidency.

They include: Mary Usman Bulama; Jumai John; Blessing Abana; Luggwa Sanda; Comfort Habila; Maryam Basheer and Comfort Amos.

Others are: Glory Mainta; Saratu Emmanuel; Deborah Ja’afaru; Rahab Ibrahim; Helen Musa; Maryamu Lawan; Rebecca Ibrahim and Asabe Goni.

The rest are: Deborah Andrawus; Agnes Gapani; Saratu Markus; Glory Dama; Pindah Nuhu and Rebecca Mallam.

Meanwhile reports say the second round of negotiation for the release of more of the girls will open on Monday.

The Swiss Government, the Red Cross and a local humanitarian NGO based in Maiduguri, Borno State were said to have been involved in the release of the girls.

However, the Swiss Government and the Red Cross immediately issued a disclaimer saying they were not part of the deal.

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DAILY TRUST newspaper reports that representatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, and the Maiduguri-based NGO handled the final stages of deal.

The report said that the reason the Swiss Government and Red Cross distanced themselves from the deal was so that they would not be perceived as publicly going against the international convention which prohibits negotiating with terrorist organizations.

 

The Defence Headquarters also denied knowledge of the deal, apparently for the same reasons.

Meanwhile the Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG, campaign group has expressed its delight at the release of the 21 girls.

In  a statement signed by Aisha Yesufu and former education minister, Oby Ezekwesili, the group said: “we take this opportunity to salute the work of our security services at the front lines – the commitment, resilience and tireless efforts of our members of the Multi-national Joint Task Force and the civilian JTF.

“Following this development, we trust that our government will continue to work to keep the safety, security, and well-being of the other girls a high priority.”

Also, Amnesty International, through its Regional Advocacy Director, Netsanet Belay, while commending the Nigerian government for the release of some of the girls, urged it to protect their privacy.

Belay stressed the necessity that the girls “receive adequate physical and psychosocial counseling and support so that they can fully reintegrate in their communities.”

Wole Soyinka Centre Invites Entries For Best Investigative Reporter Award

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Wole Soyinka Centre Invites Entries For Best Investigative Reporter Award

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The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCIJ, has called on journalists across the country to apply for the 2016 edition of its annual best investigative reporter award.

Application for the award is open to Nigerian journalists or team of journalists, full or part-time, with stories published between 4th October 2015 and 3rd October 2016.

The awards, which is in its eleventh edition is focused on works that report cases of corruption, human rights abuses, and regulatory failures.

Categories for this year’s edition are print, online, photo, editorial cartoon, television and radio.

The call for entries emphasises that the submitted stories should be targeted and received by a Nigerian audience.

Entries will be collated using the entry coding system and judged by a panel of experts from the media and related professions who are keen on investigative journalism.

Judges would score stories based on ethical reporting, courage, individual creativity and public interest slant.

Applications are to be submitted at the Wole Soyinka Centre office, No 18A Abiodun Sobanjo Street, Off Lateef Jakande Street, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Online entries are to be sent via email to entries@wscij.org.

Deadline for the submission is by 4pm on Monday, October 24, 2016.

The 2007 edition of the Wole Soyinka awards saw Lara Owoeye-Wise, a board member of icirnigeria, emerging winner for the broadcast (TV) category, with her report on the human rights abuses and government failure that followed the Ilado Pipeline Fire incident which occurred in December 2006.

77 Shiites Charged For Breaching Peace In Kano

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77 Shiites Charged For Breaching Peace In Kano

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No fewer than 77 members of the Shiite Islamic sect were on Thursday dragged before different  Magistrate courts in Kano following clashes between members of the sect and irate youths in the city on Wednesday.

While 26 were arraigned before magistrate court 18, the remaining members of the group were taken to different magistrate courts , from 20- 28 for the hearing of their offences.

The offence they were charged with include illegal procession on the streets, breach of peace and among others.

However, the presiding judge of the Magistrate court , Muhammad Sanusi Idris granted all of them bail on the provision of surety and adjourned the case to a later date.

It will be recalled that pandemonium broke out in the ancient city of Kano on Wednesday, when hundreds  of youths attacked the Shiites during their procession to mark the tenth day of Muharram, that coincides with the first month of the Islamic calendar by all Muslims worldwide.

However, the prompt intervention of the police averted what could have been  a bloody clash between the angry youths and the Shiites.

According to our findings, the youths are reported to be inhabitants of Gwammaja Quarters.

It was gathered that trouble started when the Shi’ites in their thousands allegedly blocked major roads in the city in procession, despite the ban by the police.

An eye witness, one Muhammed Audu , said that as early as 7:30am, the Shiite members came from neighbouring states and converged at the popular Abattoir, situated at the center of the city.

It was also disclosed that as the group was preparing to proceed to the Fagge mosque, close to Fagge Police Station and the Local Government Secretariat, where they usually observe the Ashoura, they were confronted by irate youths who began hurling missiles on them.

It was further gathered that the anger of the residents was as a result of the Shi’ites blocking their business premises, apparently preventing them from carrying out their daily transactions.

However, the police intervened and restored relative order at the area.

During the clash which lasted for about two hours, traders hurriedly locked their shops to prevent miscreants from taking  advantage to loot their goods.

The Kano State Police Command spokesman, Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incident, adding that the command had anticipated that there would be trouble and had deployed personnel to strategic places as a proactive measure.

Ashoura is marked on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, by all Muslims.

It is a particularly important period of mourning for Shia Muslims, as it marks the anniversary of the 7th century Battle of Karbala in present day Iraq, when Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was killed.

The death of Imam Al-Hussein is considered by the Shia community as a symbol of humanity’s struggle against injustice, tyranny and oppression.

Confusion Over Chibok Girls/Boko Haram Swap

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Confusion Over Chibok Girls/Boko Haram Swap

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The surprise release of 21 out of the over 200 female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by the Boko Haram terrorists group, was cheering news for many Nigerians, especially parents of the abducted girls.

But the good news was almost dampened by the confusion over whether the girls were swapped with some members of Boko Haram as the group had demanded in a recent video.

Quoting sources in the military and the presidency, many online papers had reported that the girls were swapped with four Boko Haram terrorists in a deal government said was brokered by international negotiators.

But Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, in a series of tweets confirming the release, was silent on whether there was a swap or not.

He said the release was negotiated by the International Red Cross and the Swiss Government, and urged Nigerians not to be excited  but be “mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 Nigerians had been killed …” by terrorists.

It was difficult to understand why Shehu made reference to the number of Nigerians killed by Boko Haram as he did not elaborate. But it could be a signal that the government may not be totally committed to getting the Chibok girls out of captivity through a swap.

Addressing the press shortly after the statements from the presidency, Minister of Information, Lai Muhammed also said no member of Boko Haram was released in order to get the 21 girls out. He repeated the claim that there was indeed no swap and he portrayed the release of the 21 girls as a victory for government.

There were also unconfirmed reports that sources in the Red Cross debunked government’s “No Swap” claim, saying the girls were swapped with some Boko Haram members in detention.

President Buhari had promised to do all it takes to get the Chibok girl out of captivity, including swapping them with members of Boko Haram. But he said government was being careful to negotiate with the right group.

Thailand Mourns World’s Longest-Reigning Monarch

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Thailand Mourns World’s Longest-Reigning Monarch
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King Bhumibol Adulyadej

The world’s longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand,  has died after 70 years as head of state.

The 88-year-old king was widely revered but had been in poor health in recent years, making few public appearances.

He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-ocha, said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch.

In a televised address to the nation, Chan-ocha announced that Thailand would hold a one-year mourning period and that all entertainment functions must be “toned down” for a month.

Describing the king’s death as “the most devastating moment for Thais”, the prime minister said: “He is now in heaven and may be looking over Thai citizens from there.”

In a later statement he urged vigilance, saying national security was a top priority.

“Everyone will need to be alert in every region and throughout the country to ensure safety”, he said.

The king’s death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014.

King Bhumibol was widely respected across Thailand, and thought of by many as semi-divine.

Hundreds of mourners have gathered outside the Bangkok hospital where he died, stricken with grief at the news.

Many held pictures of the king and wore yellow or pink clothing in his honour.

“How will Thailand live without you father?” cried one distressed man.

“I lost one of the most important people in my life. I feel like I haven’t done enough for him,” said another.

A palace official, speaking to crowds outside the hospital, said the body of the king would be moved to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok on Friday.

Although the prime minister said Crown Prince would become the new monarch, he added that the official proclamation would be made at a later date.

He said the crown prince had confirmed that he would perform his duty as heir to the throne, but had asked for time to mourn his father’s death.

The crown prince, who is 64, is much less well known to Thais and has not attained his father’s widespread popularity. He spends much of his time overseas, especially in Germany.

Nigerian Navy To Dislodge Boko Haram Remnants From Lake Chad

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Nigerian Navy To Dislodge Boko Haram Remnants From Lake Chad
Chief of Navy Staff, Ibok Ete-Ibas
Chief of Navy Staff, Ibok Ete-Ibas

The Nigerian Navy has assured residents along the Lake Chad basin that it would ensure that the area was rid of elements of the Boko Haram terrorists.

A statement issued by the Naval Director of information, Christian Ezekobe, quoted the  Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Ibok Ete-Ibas as making the promise during an on the spot assessment on the ground at the Naval Out Post, NOP, Lake Chad, situated on the outskirts of Baga Town, in Borno State.

Ezekobe stated that commanding officers of the troops in Baga assured the CNS that the terrorists had been routed out of their last strong hold of Malam Fatori while pockets of their elements were said to be on isolated islands on the Lake Chad.

The Commander the Lake Chad Naval Outpost, D.D Dangwell, also informed the CNS of the wanton destruction that had taken place in the area resulting to the disruption of not only essential support facilities but also all forms of telecommunications.

Responding, Ete-Ibas acknowledged that the Naval Outpost was facing challenges occasioned by the very sandy terrain; he requested the state government to assist the Navy by making the road leading to the outpost motorable.

He assured the community that the Navy would not only improve security in the area, but will also provide relief items to residents as well as medical care.

The Naval chief also seized the opportunity to promote Nigerian Navy personnel of the Special Boat Service as well as other Naval personnel who are members of the Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion and had distinguished themselves in battle.

DSS Arrests Two More Judges

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DSS Arrests Two More Judges

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Two more judges were reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday, bringing the number of judges so far arrested to 9.

Justices Bashir Sukola and Ladan Manir of the Kaduna State High Court were reportedly picked up in Kaduna and subsequently taken to the DSS Headquarters in Abuja at about 8.30pm yesterday.

The DSS had on Saturday raided the residences of seven justices, including two from the Supreme court, in an operation described by the presidency as a “surgical operation against some judicial officers specifically targeted at corruption and not at d judiciary as an institution.”

How Police Pension Boss Embezzled N24 Billion

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How Police Pension Boss Embezzled N24 Billion

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The trial of Esai Dangabar, former director at the Police Pension Fund, on charges of corruption and money laundering, continued at the FCT High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, with a prosecution witness telling the court how the accused person moved N24 billion into different accounts.

The Witness, Mustapha Gadanya, is an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and was among the team that investigated the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Gadanya, who was led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, told the court that bank analysis revealed that Dangarbar fixed some amount in the bank to yield turnover.

He said that about N320 million was deposited in Skye Bank between May 2008 and July 2009, using his companies, Marine Logistics and leisure Integrated Ltd.

The turnover which accrued to him amounted to N249.8 million and N241 million, respectively which was later sent to the Federal Government after it was discovered.

He also informed the court that the Manager of Skye Bank, Jabi branch, helped the ex-director to launder about N840 million between February 2009 and June 2010.

The witness added that Dangabar was also discovered to be the Managing Director and the sole signatory to the account of Damule Nigeria Limited, the company where his son was listed as director.

He also told the court that Dangarbar’s 16 duplexes at Wuye District and six flats at Efab, in Abuja, had been forfeited temporarily to the Federal Government.

Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the trial till Thursday for continuation of hearing.

Dangabar, Atiku Kigo, Ahmed Wada, Veronica Onyegbula, Sani Zira, Uzoma Attang and Christian Madubuke, are standing trial for complicity in the over N24bn scam in the police pension office.

Chibok Girls Were Released, Not Swapped – Minister

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Chibok Girls Were Released, Not Swapped – Minister
Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed
Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has insisted that the 21 Chibok school girls who regained their freedom on Thursday were released not swapped with Boko Haram prisoners.

The minister made this known during a news conference in Abuja.

“We can confirm that 21 Chibok schoolgirls were release at 5:30am today, and flown to Kaduna. We expect them to arrive in Abuja soon.

“Please note that this is not a swap, but a release,” he stressed, adding that the release was secured through “confidence building” with the insurgents.

Mohammed however pointed out that “The release of these girls does not mean an end to military operations, but it is a new phase in the war against insurgency‎.”

The minister assured that President Buhari is willing to do “whatever he can do to bring the insurgency under control.”

When pressed further on what the government gave in return for the girls‎, Mohammed said: “People want to believe bad news than good news. The girls were released, there was no swap,”‎ he said.

However, there were reports that some senior government officials who pleaded anonymity had confirmed to journalists that there was indeed a swap deal in which four Boko Haram Prisoners were released by the Nigerian Authorities.

NNPC Intensifies Oil Exploration In Lake Chad Basin

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NNPC Intensifies Oil Exploration In Lake Chad Basin
Governor Abubakar of Bauchi State and NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru
Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State and NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is intensifying oil exploration in the lake Chad basin as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Group Managing Director of the corporation, Maikanti Baru, on Thursday paid a visit to the Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, to brief the governor on how the project was unfolding.

“We are here to intimate you on the level of exploration activities in Bauchi,” Baru told the Governor.

“We are resuming oil exploration in the Chad and Gongola Basin. Our exploration in the Gongola Basin includes those rivers that criss-crossed some parts of Bauchi and Gombe States,” he said.

Baru said that a number of Local Government Areas in the state “will witness these exploration activities” including: “Alkaleri, Darazo, Misau and Ganjuwa.”

He said “Our commitment for further exploration in the Gongola Basin is informed by the Presidential directive to resume oil exploration in this area.

“Successful commercial discovery of oil and gas has been recorded in neighbouring Niger, Chad and Central African Republic in their portions of the Chad Basin.”

The NNPC boss said that “Based on recent work by IDSL, we are compelled to further appraise the Nigerian portion of the Chad and Benue Trough due to their similarities.”

The Integrated Data Services Limited, IDSL, is a subsidiary company of the NNPC, established in 1988 to provide hydrocarbon exploration services in the local and international Oil and Gas industry.

Governor Abubakar commended President Buhari for his renewed vigour to order an oil exploration in the Chad and Benue Trough.

He expressed optimism that the search would be successful, saying that “If our neighbours in the Chad Basin have discovered oil on their side, I’m optimistic we will find it on our own side too.”

“I want to assure you of the unflinching support of Bauchi State Government and its good people towards this project.

“We are ready to provide offices and accommodation for all NNPC staff that will work on this project,” the governor promised.

He also called on citizens of the state to cooperate with and support the NNPC towards the success of the project.

“Our people will soon witness movement of equipment towards exploratory activities around their farms. They should all remain calm.

There will also be occasional blasts within and around those areas due to exploration. I assure everyone to remain calm,” Abubakar advised.

He promised to convene a meeting of the traditional leaders in the state to brief them on the development so that they would better educate their subjects.

NNPC GMD with the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu
NNPC GMD with the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu

The NNPC GMD also paid a courtesy visit on the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, to seek the royal father’s support towards the renewed oil exploration.

The Emir praised President Buhari for appointing “one of our sons to lead the NNPC group”, assuring that his people would support the exploration exercise.

“We are aware of Dr. Maikanti Baru’s excellent record and integrity in all the places he served in the NNPC.

“We will provide all the necessary support required to make this renewed exploration a success,” the Emir said.

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