Former NSA Dasuki Objects To Secret Trial

Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court Six, sitting in Abuja on Monday expressed surprise at the decision of prosecution counsel to bring additional charges against immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) on a day set aside for definite hearing on the one count charge preferred against him.
On September 1 this year, prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, had told the court that Dasuki was charged with the unlawful possession of firearms, which Dasuki pleaded not guilty.
Justice Ademola then granted Mr. Dasuki bail on self-recognition but ordered that his passport and other travel documents be deposited with the deputy court registrar while the case was adjourned to October 26 and 27 for the hearing.

Ray Ekpu Hid Dele Giwa’s ‘Killer’, Says Ex-DIG.

Chris Omeben, a retired police chief, who conducted the investigation on the murder of renowned journalist, Dele Giwa, says the unresolved assassination is the most frustrating case he handled in his career.
Giwa, the founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch Magazine, was killed by a parcel bomb at his Ikeja, Lagos residence on October 19, 1986.
Omeben, a former deputy inspector-general of police (DIG), who turns 80 on October 27, told NAN on Monday that the high-profile investigation was marred by interference from “high places”.
He explained that even when he had narrowed in on the principal suspect, who could have helped to unravel the mystery, the suspect was allowed to escape from Nigeria.

APC: We’ll Beat Wike ‘Mercilessly’ In Fresh Poll

The Rivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will defeat Nyesom Wike, incumbent governor, in a fresh free and fair election.
Wike’s victory at the governorship election in April was punctured on Saturday, when the election petition tribunal nullified the original result and ordered the conduct of a fresh election within 90 days.
He plans to appeal the judgement in the hope that the appellate court overrules the tribunal, thereby rendering a fresh election needless. But APC has urged him to refrain from appealing the decision if he is sure of his popularity, so that both sides can instead meet at another poll.

Ambode: LASG Awaiting Buhari’s Cabinet For Policy Direction

Says LASG received 99.1% of FDIs this year
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, monday disclosed that his administration was waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute his cabinet to enable him take decision on his policy direction.
The governor added that the state received 99.1 per cent of the foreign direct investments (FDIs) that came into the country between January and October, which he said, catalysed the state’s growing population.
He disclosed this in a statement his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, signed monday, while explaining the government’s multi-pronged approach to curbing the menace of gridlocks and insecurity in the state.

Rivers Tribunal Judgment Too Hasty —Mimiko

•Wike, APC trade words over judgment
ONDO State governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Monday, said there was hasty judgement delivered by the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja which sacked Governor Nyesom Wike last Saturday.
Mimiko, who stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital while reacting to the last judgement, described it as embarrassing but said PDP would continue to win election in Rivers State even if conducted more than 100 times.

Police Release Pro-Biafra Separatists !

 

The 17 individuals from the Indigenous People of Biafra Separatists  (IPOB), who were captured by the Anambra State Police Command, have been discharged.

They were captured a week ago to protest the capture of the leader of Pirated Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. Police representative Ali Okechukwu said those discharged were 13 ladies and four men. They were cautioned by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, not to breach the public peace again.

A statement by Okechukwu after the arrest said: “The Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to the spurious publication on police action in the dispersal of a crowd of misguided protesters on Tuesday, Ocotober 20, at Awka.

“It is evident that on that day, some misguided youths took to the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, harassing people and obstructing traffic, causing hardship for innocent and unsuspecting citizens as well as commuters.

“On receiving calls from well-meaning people, the police command, oblivious of what and who were behind the protest, despatched officers to the scene.

“The police presence and professional handling of the crowd dispersed them and eased up traffic.

Only a few were arrested, cautioned and released immediately same day.”

The Nation.

#Biafra

Femi Fani-Kayode: The Impudence Of Rabiu Kwakwanso And His Fulani Brothers

I am saddened that the former Governor of Kano state, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, a man whom I have always considered a friend and one whom I have always respected could insult our revered Yoruba elders. Yesterday, during a function in Ibadan, it was widely reported in the media that he asserted that the recent demand by the Yoruba elders that all Fulani herdsmen ought to be banned from the south west as a consequence of the hideous atrocities that they have been committing against our people is somehow inappropriate and misguided.

The Ile-Ife and Yoruba of My Dream by Ogunwusi Ooni-elect.

I have a story to tell the world and most importantly the people of Ile-Ife.About forty years ago, I was born into the Giesi Ruling House, Ojaja Royal Compound in the ancient city of Ile-Ife.From birth, my life has been a journey; one that I embarked on saddled with great conscientiousness when I became a responsible father at the age of 19, which shaped and groomed me for greater challenges ahead.
To cater for my family as a young father, I became very enterprising with the knack of building something out of nothing. This certainly increased my temperament for being successful in all my endeavours, as well as towing the right path as a responsible father.

Gowon Faults Buhari, Military On Boko Haram December Deadline

A former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Tuesday faulted President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian military over the December deadline for ending the Boko Haram insurgency.
President Buhari had tasked the military to end insurgency in three months, ending December 2015. The military has said it would meet the schedule.
Mr. Gowon said the military would do its best to meet the December deadline, expressing “absolute confidence” in the ability of the Nigerian armed forces to defeat Boko Haram.
He however warned that no person can confidently talk about the particular time a military operation would end.

Work With Me For Greater Peace, Progress Of Nigeria, Buhari Urges Ooni Of Ife

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the new Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to work with his government for the progress and peace of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by Femi Adesina, his media aide, he said the Ooni-designate to commit himself to carrying all his subjects along to a new era of peace, stability and progress in Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

Read full statement below:

On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his emergence as the 51st Ooni of Ife and successor to the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

60% Of Illegal small Arms In South East Produced Locally —Presidential C’ttee

Nnewi—Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, PRESCOM, stakeholders’ sensitization forum, held at Enugu for South East zone, has uncovered that around 60% of the unlawful arms in the zone are made locally.

Professor Aloysius Okolie, who is the South East coordinator on House Survey, of PRESCOM, made the disclosure amid a two-day stakeholders’ sensitization forum on the far reaching national Small Arms and Light Weapons, SALW, overview in Nigeria,at Villa Toscana Hotel, Enugu

He said that 60 per cent are fabricated locally in Nigeria and “some communities are known for their natural fabrication of arms,” adding that politicians were part of arms proliferation in the area and most of the political leaders helped in the importation and fabrication of arms. The sensitization forum tagged, ‘All Hands on Deck,’ also revealed that “40 per cent of the arms are imported by the political leaders and the rest 60 per cent fabricated within the zone.”

According to him: “The essence of the survey is not for the government to embark on disarmament, but to find out those factors that motivate people into acquiring such arms and sources of the arms.”

Earlier, the PRESCOM coordinator, Mr. Dickson Orji, stated that the essence of the forum was to give room for information and interaction on how to curtail proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

“It will create awareness on the socio-economic impact of illicit small arms and light weapons proliferation in Nigeria and sensitize the Nigerian populace on the proposed comprehensive SALW survey in Nigeria.

“The forum will galvanize support for the survey team and enumerators to ensure collaboration at the grass roots for the success of the project,” he stated.

Vanguard.

#NewsFromNigeria

Buhari Gets WHO Polio-Free Certification For Nigeria

•‘States not committing funds to polio eradication’
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally removed Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries, meaning the African continent is free of the crippling disease.
Nigeria has reported no cases of polio for 15 months, overcoming obstacles from Islamic extremists, who assassinated vaccinators, as well as rumours that the vaccine was a plot to sterilise Muslims.
Just 20 years ago, Nigeria was recording 1,000 polio cases a year – the highest in the world.
Two countries are left on the list of polio-endemic countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Rotary International last week donated $26.8 million to African countries to ensure the disease doesn’t return, including $6.9 million to Nigeria.

Again, Supreme Court dismisses an appeal filed by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to upturn the decision of a Tribunal that nullified his election.

Mr Wike had gone to court, saying the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to nullify the April 11 election, as its sitting was held in Abuja instead of Rivers State.

The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on October 24  nullified the election of Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the Governor of Rivers State, on grounds that his election did not comply with electoral guidelines.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Suleiman Ambrosa, ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections in the state within 90 days of the ruling.

The petition challenging Mr Wike’s victory was filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Mr Dakuku Peterside.

After the Judgement was delivered, the PDP and Mr Wike said they would appeal the judgment of the Rivers State Governorship Tribunal.

Addressing journalists after the judgment, counsel to the PDP, Chris Uche, said that “Governor Nyesom Wike remains governor until the appeal processes are exhausted”.

He added that the nature of the judgment delivered by the Justice Ambrosa-led tribunal made the appeal vital, as the new position adopted by the Tribunal must be tested in the interest of justice. (Channels TV)

#NyesomWike

Lagos commissioner sends out letter demanding to be addressed by her professional title

There is a silent uneasiness within the Lagos state Civil service over a letter sent by the newly appointed commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (left) to the office of the Chief of Staff demanding that she be addressed using her professional title as a Pharmacist.

The letter, titled "Re:Appointment of the newly sworn Honorable Commissioners" which was sent out on Wednesday October 21st and signed by the permanent secretary Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Adenle O.F, reads in part;

Check out this cute lil man(Pics)

Trying to lift haha.. Celeb with 6packs to be haha adorable!

Photo: 15-year-old Somali student among those killed in the Sweden school sword attack

Ahmad Hassan, a Somali student was killed by a masked man who broke into a school in Sweden on October 23, armed with a sword. The killer later identified as Anton Lundin-Petterss stabbed two teachers and two students, including Hassan. Hassan was seriously wounded and later died at the hospital.

Photos: President Buhari Heads to India on a 4 - day official visit.

President Buhari toward the beginning of today departed Nigeria for India on a 4 – day official visit. While in India, Buhari will take an interest in the third Summit of the India-Africa forum, a stage set up for the progression of mutually-beneficial relations between India and African countries. He is expected back to Nigeria on Friday October 30th.  See more photographs bellow.

#PresidentBuhari

Another car robbery along Costain road, Lagos

This happened yesterday evening around 8:15pm on the bridge linking Costain. Three guys smashed her windscreen and took away a bag that was in the car. More photos after the jump.

Ambode receives donation from MLotto

 MLotto recently donated baby supplies to Baby Ambode at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) unit at MLotto was moved by the compassionate story of a mentally unstable woman who gave birth to a child that was named after the Lagos State Governor. Baby Ambode received items like baby food, diapers and utensils. MLotto is a licensed lottery company that is dedicated to changing lives of all Nigerians through huge cash prizes that can be won from their online games. Visit www.mlotto.net to win up to N1 Million and change your life. Watch the video below to see MLotto's donation to Baby Ambode.

Senate to screen 6 remaining ministerial nominees today

 The senate will screen the remaining 6 ministerial nominees today. They are Pastor Husseini Husseini, Adewole Isaac Folorunsho, Godfrey Onyeama, Bawa Bwari, Zainab Ahmed, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali.

The Predictable Erdogan

by Ghassan Kadi

I should thank dear friend Andrew Korybko for giving me the inspiration to write this article. After he interviewed me a few days ago on his program Redline on Sputnik Radio, it became clear to me that Erdogan is perceived by many observers as a fairly mercurial character; which he is. However, if we dissect his ideology and history, we may get surprised and discover that he is more predictable than most other leaders.

Military Review & Analysis – Oct. 26, 2015: Washington’s opportunities in Syria

If you are having trouble viewing this video, go to the Youtube version at https://www.youtube.com/user/crimeanfront/videos

#Syria

The Impudence of Rabiu Kwakwanso and his Fulani brothers - by FFK

I am saddened that the former Governor of Kano state, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, a man whom I have always considered a friend and one whom I have always respected could insult our revered Yoruba elders. Yesterday, during a function in Ibadan, it was widely reported in the media that he asserted that the recent demand by the Yoruba elders that all Fulani herdsmen ought to be banned from the south west as a consequence of the hideous atrocities that they have been committing against our people is somehow inappropriate and misguided.

In Faraway Guinea Conakry, Tinubu’s Political Prowess Holds Sway

Though the October 11, 2015 presidential elections in Guinea Conakry have come and gone, not many would forget in a long time the key role played by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And just like he did in the Nigerian situation serving as the catalyst, the fulcrum alongside others and perhaps the “babalawo” that brought the opposition to power and chased away the PDP after 16 years, Asiwaju Tinubu has helped retain a trusted friend and pan-Africanist in power.

Appeal Court Will Restore My Victory, Says Wike

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state whose victory at the April governorship election was nullified by the tribunal on Saturday, is sure that the appeal court will overturn the tribunal’s judgement when the case is decided for a second time.


Speaking on Monday through Simeon Nwakaudu, his special assistant on media, Wike argued that the “judgment of the Justice Ambrosa-led tribunal in the petition filed by the defeated Rivers state APC governorship candidate, Mr Dakuku Peterside, will not stand the test of appeal because it was premised on the elevation of a mere INEC press statement above the electoral act, which legally governs the electoral process in Nigeria”.