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Eight Arrested For Attack On Saraki

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Eight Arrested For Attack On Saraki

Bukola

The police in Kwara State said it has arrested eight people in connection to Thursday morning stoning of Senate President Bukola Saraki and other dignitaries at an eid- el – Kabir praying gorund.

According to the Nation newspaper, the police spokesperson in the state, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the arrests and said investigation was on-going.

“The state police command deployed no fewer than 2000 policemen in synergy with other security agencies to make sure that the eid- el – Kabir celebration is a huge success. It was free in the course of prayers and there was the insurgence of criminals which we put into consideration while planning our security strategy. We know they normally come to beg for money from well-to-do members of the public,” the paper quoted Okansanmi.

“So they came as usual, but we noticed they were becoming unruly and we have to come out to prevent them from where the VIPs were seated. We then chased them away and we arrested about eight of them. They are in our custody and we have started investigation.”

Worshipers were angry that workers’ salaries were not paid before the celebration, claiming that the bailout fund from the federal government had not been judiciously used.

No sooner had the Senate President arrived than they started shouting “Ole! Ole!! Ole!!! (Thief, thief, thief)” and “Ebi n pa wa!” “Ebi yii tito Saraki! A o ki run, e fun wa lounje” (We are hungry, enough of hunger Saraki, give us food),” the Nation reported.

After about 30 minutes of interruption, the eid prayers were able to be observed.

Aside the Senate President, other dignitaries included Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Muhammadu Bashir; former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; etc.

 

Troops Arrest Top Boko Haram Kingpin, Rescue 241 Women And Children

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Troops Arrest Top Boko Haram Kingpin, Rescue 241 Women And Children

Weapons from Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army says it has arrested a Boko Haram kingpin, Bulama Modu, alongside 42 other suspected members of the sect in Jangurori and Bulatori villages.

Arms, ammunitions, bows and arrows were said to have been recovered from Modu, who also confessed that he was given a horse to facilitate his attacks.

Bulama Modu

Another suspect, Aji Gambo, arrested at Wudla village, revealed that the attacks on Kirawa and Kolofata in northern Cameroon were carried out by Boko Haram members from Dara Jamel village in Nigeria, a neighbouring village near the Cameroonian border. According to Gambo, the group had an improvised explosive device, IED, making factory in the village.

In a statement by army spokesperson, Sani Usman, Gambo gave further information about the attackers on the Cameroonian villages.

“He further stated that the suicide bombers and the IED were prepared by Abdulrahaman Alkali Isa, Ba’ana Hisuba and Alkali Isa Karami, natives of Dara Jamel. He however added that the perpetrators have fled to Sumbulum village,” Usman said.

He added that one of the 43 initial suspects arrested, Mohammed Modu, took troops to where he buried his AK-47 rifle at Jangurori village.

The army spokesman added that 241 women and children were rescued during the operation.

Rescued

Bayelsa APC Primary Election Did Not Hold, Oshiomhole Says

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Bayelsa APC Primary Election Did Not Hold, Oshiomhole Says

Adams-Oshiomhole

By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed reports that former governor Timipriye Sylva won the All Progressive Congress, APC, governorship primaries in Bayelsa State, insisting that no election held.

Oshiomhole, who chaired the committee that conducted the primaries, accused Sylva of hijacking the process and holding committee members hostage, as he objected to the party’s guidelines for accreditation of delegates, which included the use of Permanent Voter Card, National Identity Card and International Passport for the election.

“Whereas all the aspirants agreed with this guideline, it was only Silva that did not agree with it, he rejected this mode of accreditation and chose to accuse the national secretariat of formulating the guideline to frustrate his ambition,” Oshiomhole told journalists in Benin, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday.

He added that the committee insisted that the guidelines adopted by the party be used but Sylva refused and resorted to the use of thugs, who infiltrated the venue and prevented committee members from leaving without conducting the election according to the wish of the former governor.

“The committee was virtually held hostage and this time, they were supervised unfortunately by one of the aspirants, the former governor of the state Timipriye Silva, who said to my face and to the committee that we cannot leave the venue of the conference unless we conduct the exercise without accreditation as prescribed by the national secretariat,” Oshiomhole said.

He added that some people were arrested with cloned card and handed over to the police, only for the police to release them back to the venue.

According to the Edo State governor, with the police under the control of Sylva, he had to call Abuja to have the army in the state escort him out of the venue.

“When it became clear that our lives were under threat, I have to call Abuja to prevail on the army, the JTF to provide me with security to enable me leave the venue because the thugs have effectively blocked the gate under the instructions of Silva,” he explained.

The governor said he had forwarded his report to the national secretariat of the party and believed that a new date would be set for the election to be conducted.

 

Burkina Faso Returns To Civilian Rule

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Burkina Faso Returns To Civilian Rule
Burkina Faso interim President, Michel Kafando, was detained by the country's military following a coup. Photo: afrika.no
Burkina Faso interim President, Michel Kafando, was detained by the country’s military following a coup. Photo: afrika.no

Interim President Michel Kafando has announced his return to office in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, after coup leader, Gilbert Diendere, was pressured and threatened into vacating office, one week since he and the presidential guard overthrew the civilian interim government.

Kafando told journalist he was free and returning to work, with preparation for next month’s election set to resume.

“Dear compatriots, I am free of my movements and resuming service. The transition is back and is resuming the exercise of power,” he said, as Diendere welcomed several African leaders who were in the country to oversee the transition following a deal that granted the coup leader and his presidential guard complete immunity.

Part of the deal sees loyalists to former dictator, Blaise Compaore, who were initially banned from contesting, allowed to participate in October’s election.

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There had been fears that there would be violence in the state capital when the army laid siege in the capital and around the presidential palace and threatened to forcefully disarm the presidential guard if it did not willingly return to the barracks. This prompted Diendere to announce that they would retaliate if attacked.

This came as the Tuesday 10.00 am deadline for the presidential guard to leave the palace passed, with ECOWAS leaders still meeting in Abuja, the Nigeria capital, over the crisis. President Muhammadu Buhari later said a major compromise had been reached.

At least 10 people lost their lives and more than 100 injured in clashes between the presidential guard and protesters, who said they wanted the military to return power to the civilian interim government.

 

 

Sylva Wins APC Bayelsa Governorship Primary, Others Aspirants Stage Walk Out

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Sylva Wins APC Bayelsa Governorship Primary, Others Aspirants Stage Walk Out

Timipre Sylva (2)

Former Governor of Bayelsa, Timipre Sylva on Tuesday emerged winner of the All Progressive Congress, APC, governorship primary in Bayelsa under controversial circumstances.

Sylva got 726 votes to beat Timi Alaibe, former special adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Timi Alaibe who got only four votes.

The result was announced by Nelson Alakpa, a member of the primary election committee headed by governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.

The primary was marred by violence as some thugs disrupted the accreditation of delegates, which led to the suspension of the process primary held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

Aspirants also alleged that delegates loyal to them were either beaten by thugs or denied entry into the venue.

Policemen deployed to the venue had to use tear gas to disperse the delegates involved in the scuffle.

The seven man committee was forced to momentarily suspend the primary and hold hold an emergency meeting with the 19 aspirants which lasted for two hours.

The meeting obviously failed to resolve issues in contention as many of the aspirants emerged from the meeting and left with their supporters.

Alaibe, one of the aspirants who staged a walk out called for a postponement of the primary so that only duly accredited delegates would take part in the election.

Other aspirants too left with their supporters, leaving only Sylva and delegates who supported him to take part in the primary.

Oshiomhole had left the venue around 5.00 pm without addressing the remaining delegates but handed proceedings to Alakpa who conducted the primary and announced the results.

 

Former Treasurer Of Brazil Ruling Party Jailed For Corruption

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Former Treasurer Of Brazil Ruling Party Jailed For Corruption
Joao Vaccari was sentenced to at least 15 years for corruption
Joao Vaccari was sentenced to at least 15 years for corruption. Phohto: wsj.com

The investigation into arguably the biggest corruption scandal in Brazil involving state-owned oil company, Petrobrass, has claimed its first set of victims, with a former treasure of the country’s ruling Workers party sentenced to more than 15 years in jail for collecting bribes of more than $1 million.

Joao Vaccari was sentenced for collecting kickbacks disguised as campaign donations from Toyo Setal, an oil company contracted by Petrobrass between 2008 and 2012.

Also jailed was Renato Duque, Petrobras’ former head of corporate service, who was for more than 20 years for accepting at least $9 million for helping construction and engineering get inflated contracts from Petrobras.

According to the federal judge who delivered the ruling, Sergio Moro, Duque, also served as conduit for Vaccari.

While the two men remain in prison, they can appeal their sentences.

President Dilma Rousseff has seen her ratings crash badly following the scandal, which has been blamed for the country’s slide into recession. She was chair of Petrobras’ board when the sleaze was allegedly carried out, and while she has not been indicted, she continues to maintain her innocence.

According to prosecutors, more than $2 billion exchanged hands illegally for more than 10 years. This money allegedly was paid to top executives of the state-run company by wealthy construction companies seeking to win lucrative and inflate contracts.

In June, Marcelo Odebrecht, the head of Odebrecht SA, Latin America’s biggest engineering and construction company, with presence in 21 countries, including in Africa, was arrested alongside Otavio Marques, the head of Brazil’s second-biggest construction company, Andrade Guitierrez, and 10 other.

Also under investigation are more than 50 congressmen and other top government officials.

Independence Day Celebration To Cost FG N70 Million

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Independence Day Celebration To Cost FG N70 Million

President PMB

Due to the economic and financial challenges faced by the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the sum of N70 million for the 55th Independence anniversary celebrations, which begin on September 25.

According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who briefed journalists on Tuesday, the President reluctantly approved the money, as he thought it was too much considering the financial crunch the country is in.

“This year`s celebrations is indeed low-keyed because the present administration appreciates the economic hardship that Nigerians and indeed the nation is confronted with.

“To address the situation, government has adopted a general policy to be very prudent in the management of our financial resources,” Lawal, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs, Ibukun Odusote.

Lawal said the President would rather that staff salaries were paid than approving money for anniversary celebrations, adding that only four events have been approved for the anniversary.

These are Jummat prayers on September 25 at the National Mosque, Inter-denominational Service on September 27 at the National Christian Centre, Change of Guards on October 1 at the Presidential Villa, and children’s party on October 3 at the Villa.

The children’s party will be attended by children within the ages of five to 13 and will include children from internally displaced persons camps.

President Buhari is also scheduled to address the nation on October 1 at 7am.

Saraki Pleads Not Guilty At Tribunal, Case Adjourns To October 21

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Saraki Pleads Not Guilty At Tribunal, Case Adjourns To October 21
Senate President Bukola Saraki in the dock today
Senate President Bukola Saraki in the dock today

Embattled Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges of corruption and false declaration of assets filed against him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal by the federal sovernment through the of Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Saraki, who appeared at the CCT in company of about 50 senators, including Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweramadu, had promised on Monday to surrender himself to the tribunal after frantic and unsuccessful attempts to prevent the trial.

He is standing trial for offences committed while he was governor of Kwara state and also at the Senate. He arrived at the Tribunal around 9:30am, one hour before Tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar.

Having announced that it was banning the live transmission of the trial, argument ensued about where the Senate President would sit, with prosecution asking that he took the dock.

Defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, however, countered by quoting paragraph 18, Subsection 1 of the 5th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, arguing the case was not a criminal one and that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to hear it.

But the prosecution said Section 2 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015 allows the case to be heard by the tribunal since it was created by an act of the National assembly.

The tribunal chairman ruled that the case was criminal and asked the Senate President to enter into the dock and take his plea.

Rather than simply pleading guilty or not guilty when the charges were read, Saraki elected to first make a speech, saying: “I believe that I am here as the Senate president, to indicate my respect for the Tribunal. I am puzzled why I am being compelled.”

He argued that he should not have been asked to appear before the tribunal and then pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Saraki said the assets he acquired, which are allegedly beyond his legitimate means as a public officer, were acquired from the proceeds of selling rice.

There was mild drama, however, when the prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs, in driving home his argument, stated that the former governor included in his declarations a property sold to him by former FCT minister and now governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, at which point the audience in the Tribunal broke into laughter.

The Tribunal chairman adjourned the case to the October 21 and 23 for hearing.

Saraki Surrenders, To Appear Before Code Of Conduct Tribunal Tuesday

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Saraki Surrenders, To Appear Before Code Of Conduct Tribunal Tuesday

CCTribunal

Following his inability to have his arrest warrant set aside by the courts, Senate President Bukola Saraki, has agreed to attend his trial on Tuesday, putting to rest the speculations over whether or not the police would arrest him.

The Senate President had run to the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal to challenge the constitution of the tribunal and get his arrest warrant set aside respectively but the court declined, electing to postpone the matter, hence, his acceptance to present himself at the tribunal.

In a statement issued by the former Kwara State governor’s media team, Saraki still has reservations about the process but has accepted to surrender himself as a demonstration that he is a law abiding citizen.

“While the Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, had stated and maintained that he is ready to submit himself to due process of the law on any issue concerning him, he also believes that he has an inalienable right to resort to the same judiciary for protection when he feels his fundamental rights are about to be infringed upon.

“The Senate President is a law abiding citizen and his absence from tribunal was based on legal advice he received from his counsel that it is not necessary for him to appear before the tribunal at this stage since the jurisdiction of the tribunal and the process of initiating the matter are being challenged before the federal High Court Abuja,” the statement read.

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Saraki is standing trial on a 13-count corruption charge bordering on anticipatory declaration of asset, false declaration, acquiring properties above his official means as a public officer, operating foreign accounts as a public officer, among others.

He denies the allegations and says his prosecution is politically motivated, with fingers pointing at President Muhammadu Buhari as a result of the rift between the two caused by how the former defied the ruling All Progressives Congress position to emerge Senate President.

The President has, however, denied any involvement in the Senate President’s ordeal and asked him to defend himself before the law.

 

 

 

 

Police Confirms 54 Deaths, 90 Injured In Maiduguri Bomb Blasts

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Police Confirms 54 Deaths, 90 Injured In Maiduguri Bomb Blasts

Nigerian security personnel inspect the

By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The police in Maiduguri on Monday confirmed that 54 people lost their lives and 90 others sustained injuries in the multiple bomb attacks that rocked the state capital on Sunday in what is seen as the second deadliest attack since President Buhari assumed office in May.

Police spokesperson in the state, Emmanuel Isuku, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, confirmed the casualty figures to our reporter on phone.

The Nigerian Army had on Sunday described the attacks as signifying “high level of desperation on the part of the Boko Haram terrorists,” saying it was committed to bringing an end to the insurgency as soon as possible.

According to residents, the attacks happened within minutes of one another.

“Around 7.20 pm when Muslims gathered in a mosque at the Ajilari Cross bus stop for Isha prayer, a strange heavy sound was heard and the whole place went up in smoke leading to the death of over 43 people and injuring to 34 others,” Abba Yunusa, a resident, said.

According to Yunusa, with panic setting in and people running for dear life, a second bomb went off few minutes later, also killing people, including two soldiers, and injuring some.

After five minutes, a third bomb detonated at the Yan Yashi Pick Up Van Park, not far from the scene of the second blast and killing 13 people, with several others injured.

Governor Kashim Shettima, who visited the scenes of the blasts, commiserated with families of the victims and assured that government would foot the bills for the injured.

He advised residents to be more vigilant and report suspicious objects and persons to security agents.

 

 

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