HEALTH: Tracking Kidney Disease

Martins Ifijeh writes that inadequate facilities and high cost of treatment have become a challenge to the success rate of kidney dialysis in Nigeria

 The rising burden of kidney disease across the globe has continued to threaten human, social and economic existence, with hundreds of millions of people suffering from the scourge and over a million deaths recorded from kidney related diseases every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

One of the countries most-hit by this scourge is Nigeria, with over 36.8 million of its citizens known to be suffering from various forms of kidney disorders, representing about 23 per cent of the country’s population, according to available statistics.

This figure, which shows one in every seven Nigerians is a sufferer from some form of kidney disorder, has therefore prompted experts to raise the alarm that Nigeria was sitting on a keg of gun powder waiting to explode if nothing was done to quell the rising prevalence of the menace in the country.

They believe stakeholders, as well as the government has not zeroed into tackling the issue head on, as the country has failed to put facilities in place to match the rising problems occasioned by the disease in the country. They are also of the opinion that Nigerians must be educated on what to do to prevent the scourge as well as how to manage it.

A nephrologist, Dr. Benson Ariye, explained that over 50,000 Nigerians should presently be on dialysis because of one form of kidney problem or the other, but that only about 1,000 persons are presently undergoing dialysis in the country, which was one of the reasons a lot of Nigerians were dying from the scourge every day.

He explained that it was rare surviving kidney failure without undergoing dialysis or kidney transplant, adding that if government must protect its citizens from dying from preventable illnesses like Kidney failures or other forms of diseases, then it must put facilities in place to combat the issue. 

According to him, the bulk of those suffering from the disease in the country were poor or low income earners who may be unable to afford treatments in India, Canada or the United States. “The only institution they can rely on for support is our government. There should be availability of facilities to treat the various forms of kidney disorder in the country.

“Only a handful of hospitals in the country presently have these dialysis machines, which ideally should be spread across the country to tackle issues of kidney failure.”

He said one of the reasons why proactive measures must be taken was because the peak prevalence period for chronic kidney disease was between 30 and 50 years, representing the manpower shortage and economic waste, adding that “Nigeria can not afford to loose its active citizens because of inability to provide facilities to combat the health issue.

While lamenting the burden of the disease, he said estimated 15,000 new patients were being diagnosed every year in the country, making the number of persons needing treatments to increase markedly annually.

Ariye also called for the subsidization of kidney treatments in the country as most sufferers were unable to afford the treatments. “An average Nigerian would most likely not be able to undergo adequate treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which is on the rise.

Despite the thousands of Nigerians who present their cases to the hospital, Ariye believed this represents just a tip of the iceberg of the entire burden of CKD, because majority of those suffering from end stage renal failure or other forms of kidney disorder often do not present their health issue to the hospital on time due to lack of awareness, prohibitive cost of health care services or use alternative treatment like spiritual healing and traditional methods.

He said awareness on early presentation was also key to reducing the scourge in the disease in the country.

The World Health report 2002 and Global Burden of Disease Project reports show that kidney disease represents the 12th cause of death and 17th cause of disability in the world. The report also believed this may be an underrepresentation of the contribution of CKD to global burden of disease.

Some experts however believes this figure may best suit that of develop countries as kidney disease is reportedly becoming a very high cause of death among people living in underdeveloped and developing countries, including Nigeria.  

“In Nigeria, the situation is such that chronic kidney disease represents about 8 to 10 per cent of hospital admission even though we know more than 50 per cent of people with the disease do not present their case to the hospital,” says a Resident Doctor with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Dr. Kenneth Ifidon.

He said this goes to show that the prevalence of the scourge is increasing in the country even though kidney care facilities do not match the numbers of people presenting their cases to the hospital.

Causes
He said it was important people understood the causes of kidney diseases so they could prevent it. “Some identified causes of kidney diseases includes hypertension, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, among others,” he added.

According to him, hypertension was the leading cause of kidney failure in Nigeria, adding that it often presents no symptoms until it is at the advanced stage. “This is another reason why people should not just assume that since they are walking and not feeling any health issue, then there is no need for checkups. If you want to prevent many forms of health issues, it is imperative that you constantly go for checkups. When one does checkups for hypertension at early stage, the truth is, as you are taking measures to preventing it, you are also indirectly taking measures to preventing kidney disease. So the role of medical checkups cannot be overemphasized if we must stay healthy always.”

He said diabetes has been established to be the leading cause of kidney failure in the country, hence the need for people to prevent things that predisposes them to diabetes. Adding that, “diabetes occurs when the blood glucose levels are excessively high. “Tiny amounts of proteins in urine are an early sign of kidney damage in patients with diabetes.”

On HIV/AIDS, he said it increases the loads on the kidneys and may lead eventually to its failure, hence the need for people to be cautious about habits that predisposes them to risks of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Prevention
He said people must understand that the kidney was one of the most important organs of the body because of its enormous responsibilities and that attention should be paid to the kidney, while living a healthy lifestyle.

According to him, “while taking measures to preventing hypertension, diabetes and HIV/AIDS, direct healthy lifestyle will also go a long way in keeping the kidney healthy.”

He said avoiding caffeine addiction was one of the best ways of keeping the kidneys in check. “People who drink multiple cups of caffeine beverages each day are often at risk of forcing the kidney to work harder in pumping out the toxins in the caffeine, which overtime makes the kidney weak.

“If you find that you are urinating several times a day more than you used to, try cutting back on caffeine products to see if that helps. Too much caffeine isn't good for your body in many ways, and kidney stress is one of them”

He also explained that drinking of water was very vital to the health of the kidney. “People who drink plenty of water daily are less likely to have kidney disease because even though the kidney acts more as a filter than a reservoir, toxins can build up if there is not enough water pressure to push them through to the urinary tract for excretion.

“We know there are people who do not like drinking water except extremely necessary, but it shouldn’t be so. If you want to keep your body healthy, drink enough water,” adding that eating of fruits like water melon also goes a long way in keeping the kidney healthy.

Treatment
He said it was worrisome that treatment of kidney failure in the country has not been subsidized by the government, as poor patients continue to find it difficult accessing treatment.

According to him, a patient with kidney failure has a 3 to 5 hour dialysis treatment; three times per week while this treatment would only replace about 10 to 15 per cent of the function of healthy kidneys.

“Undergoing a session of dialysis in the country costs about N25,000.00, which means in a week the patient would have spent N75,000.00. This perhaps will continue for a long time. How do we expect the poor Nigerians to pay for this treatment?” He queried.

He said an outright kidney transplant cost an average of N4.5m outside the provision of a donor. “Though most donations are free because they come from relations and family members, but the determination of whether their organ is suitable for surgery or not are often investigated most times abroad thereby compounding the cost. After surgeries, patients must live on drugs to keep the foreign organ in check and these drugs are taking through out a lifetime and they are expensive,” he added.

He stressed that a government that puts its citizens first must design ways of making this treatment available and affordable for the ordinary citizens and people who also live in rural
areas where there are hardly healthcare facilities

Buhari traces looted funds to UK, Switzerland, others

President Muhammadu Buhari

The Federal Government has started tracing looted Nigerian funds to foreign nations with the aim of recovering and repatriating them.

The Federal Government specifically targets the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and other European jurisdictions where it believes corrupt officials have been stashing public funds.

This move came on the heels of the declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari on his first day in Aso Villa office that he inherited an almost empty treasury from his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, thus vowing that his administration would recover all the looted funds stashed in foreign banks by corrupt Nigerians.

“The next three months may be hard, but billions of dollars can be recovered, and we will do our best,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

Some of the countries where looted funds from Nigeria have been kept in the past include Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Others are France, Germany, British Virgin Islands and other tax havens spread across the globe.

Adesina, who confirmed the move in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday, said, the search for the looted funds will not be limited to these countries but anywhere in the world where they may be hidden.

He said, “The search will not only cover UK, US, Switzerland, Germany and other known havens for Nigerian looted funds but will cover everywhere under the sun. Anywhere and everywhere that the looted funds are, we have an assurance from the United States of America to assist us to repatriate these funds from anywhere under the sun.”

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the Federal Government’s investigation was meant to identify the individuals who engaged in corrupt practices and ascertain the sums of money involved with a view to repatriating them.

One of our correspondents also learnt that anti-corruption agencies will play a prominent role in the exercise targeted at corrupt government officials in the recent past administration and their private sector collaborators, among others.

To this end, Adeniyi told Saturday PUNCH that the Federal Government is planning to engage the services of foreign private investigators to help trace and find looted funds belonging to the people of Nigeria.

“Everything that needs to be done to get all those funds repatriated will be done, including engaging private investigators,” the Presidential spokesperson added.

Buhari had lamented that officials of the recent past government jettisoned all financial and administrative instructions put in place in parastatals and agencies while embracing impunity, lack of accountability and financial recklessness in the management of national resources.

This, the President decried, had thrown the country into financial crisis.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that foreign search, which is expected to be thorough, will, among others, be directed at foreign banks with the ultimate aim of getting incontrovertible facts and figures that can aid the government in collaboration with the US and other members of the G7 nations to recover stolen funds stashed abroad.

Adesina said the identification of foreign banks being used to stash stolen funds was one of the mandates given to Buhari during a meeting he had with President Barak Obama at the recent G-7 summit in Germany.

He said, “When the President met with the G7, the promise that the American President gave him was that Nigeria should just provide all the facts, the figures, the statistics, including the banks.

“He promised that if Nigeria could make the information available, then the US will help in recovering the stolen funds.”

When asked specifically if the Federal Government had started identifying the banks, the presidential spokesman said, “Yes. In fact, the President said the government will spend the next three months identifying banks, individuals and monies that have been ferried out of this country.

“The assurance the President has given is that within the next three months, we have to concentrate on getting those monies back to the government coffers,” he added.

Buhari had said early in the week that his administration had received firm assurances of cooperation from the US and other countries in his quest to recover and repatriate funds stolen from Nigeria.

Buhari, while granting audience to members of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, had said that it was now up to Nigeria to provide the international community with the facts and figures needed to drive the recovery effort.

He said he would be busy, in the next three months, getting the facts that would help in recovering the stolen funds.

“In the next three months, our administration will be busy getting those facts and the figures to help us recover our stolen funds in foreign countries,’’ the President had said.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the Federal Government may also go after property owned by public fund looters in London, Dubai, US, Saudi Arabia and other choice international real estate markets where Nigerians are known to be some of the biggest buyers.

It was also learnt that the Department for International Development, a UK government department responsible for administering overseas aid, had alerted the President on over N1.3tn stolen during the last administration, where it is kept and who the beneficiaries are.

This money, a source close to the DFID said, is a low hanging fruit that the President can pluck during his first six months in the office with the help of the UK, US, and other G7 members without hassle.

“This was one of the agreement reached between President Buhari and the G7 countries when the former attended their meeting in Germany,” the DFID source toldSaturday PUNCH.

The US in March 2014 had ordered a freeze on $458m in assets stolen by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, and his accomplices. Abacha died in office in 1998.

The US Justice Department named two bank accounts in the Bailiwick of Jersey and two other accounts in France as depositories of $313m and $145m Abacha loot respectively. Four other investment portfolios and three bank accounts in Britain were also frozen, with an estimated value of at least $100m.

The US also named nine financial institutions – Citibank, Chase Manhattan Bank and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, now JPMorgan Chase, and New York-based units of Britain’s Barclays Bank and Germany’s Commerz bank – as places where some of the Abacha loots were laundered.

Similarly, the Crown Prosecution Service in the United Kingdom had estimated former governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori’s loot stolen to be around $250m.

Ibori, who is serving jail term for corruption charges in a UK prison, was said to have bought six property in London, including a six-bedroom house with indoor pool in Hampstead for £2.2m and a flat opposite the nearby Abbey Road recording studios. There was also a property in Dorset, a £3.2m mansion in South Africa and further real estate in Nigeria.

He also owned a fleet of armoured Range Rovers costing £600,000, a £120,000 Bentley, a £300,000 Mercedes Maybach, and a private jet for £12m.

President Buhari said the last administration mismanaged the economy while stating that it was a disgrace that state governments in the country can’t pay salaries; hence, the need to recover looted funds wherever they may be hidden.

Commenting on the development, a former Minister of Finance and elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae, commended the move and described it as laudable and desirable.

Falae expressed the belief that looted funds could be recovered because the whole world is now talking about promotion of transparency in governance.

“If some monies could be recovered from Abacha loot in the recent past, then it will be possible to recover looted funds from others as well,” he said.

The former minister, however, urged the President to follow due process while going after the looted funds.

Falae said, “It is just that we have to follow due process because we cannot force the countries where the looted funds were stashed to return them because they are not subject to our authorities. But if we follow due process, it might be possible for us to recover those monies.

“The monies should not just be recovered; they should be used to develop the country. There should be no exception; anybody who has looted the public fund should be made to return it. Not only monies stashed abroad should be recovered, those stolen and kept in the country should also be recovered. I wish the President good luck in his move to achieve this initiative.”

Also, the Convener of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adeniran, asked Buhari to follow the normal channel through mutual legal assistant treaty that Nigeria has with the countries where such monies were stashed, if he really wants the stolen funds repatriated.

He said, “The President may succeed if he invokes the letter of the mutual legal assistant treaty, but I am not sure Nigeria has such with Switzerland although that country has been voluntarily returning Abacha loot to Nigeria.

“There are several other countries that may not be willing to return the volume of the money that was kept in their banks by the looters except there is international status that Nigeria can invoke to compel them to repatriate the fund.

“Nigeria has to go through legal process except it was one of the wish list that Buhari presented to the G7 countries. We have expressed it in some fora that we expected that Buhari would make it the top of his agenda at the G7 summit in Germany that he should get the G7 to cooperate with Nigeria on how not to allow looted funds by Nigeria’s public officials to be kept in their financial institutions.”

Adeniran also asked Buhari to prevail on the governments of the countries where the public funds were being stashed to assist Nigeria to expose those behind the practice.

He said, “Property acquired in those countries must also be investigated and if it is discovered that the property were procured through proceeds of corruption, they should be confiscated on behalf of Nigeria, sell them and repatriate the money to Nigeria.”

The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere Renewal Group, a pan-Yoruba organisation, Mr. Kunle Famoriyo, expressed his support for Buhari’s move, which he described as a positive one for the country.

However, he blamed the US and other Western countries for doing nothing in the past to stop their banks from receiving stolen funds from corrupt individuals and corporations in Nigeria, while calling for the punishment of those found culpable.

He said, “It is our hope that something positive will come out of it considering that the banks in the US and some other Western countries were part of the laundering. They collected money from corrupt Nigerians and as far as we know, their countries did nothing to make sure the banks do not collect stolen money from Nigeria.

“Those found culpable in looting our public funds should be tried in the law courts. It’s not enough to collect the stolen funds without any sanctions meted out to them to serve as deterrent to others. Punishments meted out to corrupt individuals are also not commensurate with the crime committed, and this should be corrected.”

In addition, Famoriyo advised the Federal Government to restructure the country and enforce true federalism, which he said, would empower the states.

He said, “Development should be from bottom up and the other way around. What we need is true federalism; this unitary system cannot help us because it’s not sustainable. It’s a system that encourages states to be going to the Federal Government every month with cap in hand.”

Ministers, aides’ allowances surpass basic pay six times

Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mr. Elias Mbam

Lawmakers are not the only political and public office holders whose allowances far outstrip their salaries,Saturday PUNCH can authoritatively reveal.

Investigation by our correspondent shows that ministers and presidential aides are also entitled to allowances more than six times higher than their annual salaries.

Analysis by our correspondent on Thursday showed that each minister is entitled to 15 types of allowances. Each presidential aide is also entitled to 15 allowances.

The annual allowances of each minister that are monetised is N12,678,764 as against an annual salary of N2,026,400 while monetised allowances of each presidential aide is N12,142,968.75 as against an annual salary of N1,942,875.

Ministers and presidential aides receive similar allowances. These include regular and irregular allowances. The regular allowances are those which values are paid on monthly basis and include motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance, special assistant, and personal assistant.

Others are domestic workers, entertainment, utilities, security and newspapers/periodical allowances.

The irregular allowances are those that are paid at periods other than monthly and range from annual payments to once in four years. Some others are paid whenever they occur irrespective of the period and how many times they occur.

These irregular allowances include accommodation, furniture, duty tour, estacode, medical, severance/gratuity and leave.

The allowances are specified in the remuneration package of political, public and judicial office holders prepared by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and passed into law in 2007 by the National Assembly.

The allowances are calculated as percentages of the annual salaries. While some are more than 100 per cent of the salaries, others are much lower than 100 per cent.

For a minister, the motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance is 75 per cent of the annual salary. Personal assistant is 25 per cent; domestic staff, 75 per cent; entertainment, 45 per cent; utilities, 30 per cent; newspapers/periodicals, 15 per cent.

Accommodation is 200 per cent; furniture, 300 per cent; severance/gratuity, 300 per cent and leave allowance, 10 per cent. The same percentages apply to the presidential aides.

In monetary terms, a minister gets N1,519,800 for motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance; N506,600 for personal assistant; N1,519,800 for domestic staff; N911,880 for entertainment; N607,920 for utilities; and N303, 960 for newspapers/periodicals.

Accommodation allowance is paid once a year and amounts to N4, 052,800 for a minister. Furniture allowance which is paid once in four years is N6, 079,200. On an annual basis, this comes down to N1, 519,800. Severance/gratuity is paid at the conclusion of tenure and is N6, 079,200 and on an annual basis, it also comes down to N1, 519,800 for a tenure of four years.

The duty tour allowance of a minister is N35, 000 per night while the estacode is $900 per night. These two allowances have no fixed time for payment and therefore are paid when they occur. Medical, special assistant and security allowances are not paid in cash. They are provided for by the government.

A presidential aide gets N1, 457,156.25 for motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance; N485, 718.75 for personal assistant; N1, 457,156.25 for domestic staff; N874, 293.75 for entertainment; N582, 862.50 for utilities; and N291, 431.25 for newspapers/periodicals.

For a presidential aide, accommodation is also paid once a year and amounts to N3, 885,750. Furniture allowance which is paid once in four years is N5, 828,625. On an annual basis, this comes down to N1, 457,156.25.

Severance/gratuity is paid at the conclusion of the tenure and is N5, 828,625 and on an annual basis also comes down to N1, 457,156.25. A tenure of four years is assumed.

The duty tour allowance of a presidential aide is N25, 000 per night while the estacode is $800 per night. Just like for the minister, these two allowances have no fixed time for payment and therefore are paid when they occur.

Medical, special assistant and security allowances are also not paid in cash. They are provided for by the government.

In theory, the minister is entitled to a motor vehicle loan of N8, 105,600 while a presidential aide is entitled to a vehicle loan of N7, 771,500. This loan is repayable before the expiration of the tenure.

This is because under the monetisation policy of the government, public officials are not entitled to vehicle as it has been monetised.

The fact, however, is that they have several official vehicles and drivers at their disposal and do not have to resort to taking the motor vehicle loan except they need the money for other needs.

There are also other categories of public office holders that are placed on the same scale of salary and allowances with ministers. These are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service and Chairmen of Constitutional Bodies.

Source: Saturday Punch

US court approves same sex marriage nationwide

President Barack Obama
| credits: guardianlv.com

The United States Supreme Court on Friday delivered a historic ruling legalising same sex marriage across the country.

In the historic judgement, Justice Anthony Kennedy said gays, like every normal human, have the right to be happy.

She said, “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were.

“Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

Friday’s Supreme Court ruling now makes the US the 21st country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage across its territory. Following the latest development, couples of same gender would now be accorded every rights and privileges enjoyed by normal unions.

Reacting to the development, President Barack Obama congratulated the gay community in the US, saying the ruling had changed the country.

“I just wanted to say congratulations. Americans should be very proud, because small acts of courage slowly made an entire country realise that love is love. The situation has changed our country,” he said.

Source: The Punch

Buhari dissolves NNPC board

Almost a month after he assumed office, President Muhammadu Buhari has dissolved the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation with immediate effect.

The announcement was made in a terse statement issued on Friday by the Director of Communications in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Haruna Imrana, on behalf of the HoS, Mr. Danladi Kifasi.

“The directive to that effect was conveyed in a letter signed on Friday, by Kifasi. In it, the President thanked members of the dissolved board for their services to the nation.

Following the victory of Buhari at the presidential election on March 28, there had been growing calls on the new government to tackle the alleged corruption in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, which currently contributes over 80 per cent of the country’s revenue.

Specifically, there had been calls from several quarters for the reform of the NNPC, as the corporation had been described as one of the world’s most opaque national oil companies.

Prior to the dissolution, members of the board, according to the NNPC, include the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Chair of the board); the Group Managing Director, Dr. Joseph Dawha; the Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr. Bernard Otti; the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Dan Efebo; Alhaji Abdullahi Bukar; Mr. Danladi Wadzani; Prof. Olusegun Okunnu; Mr. Danladi Kifasi; Mr. Steven Oronsanye, and Mr. Ikechukwu Oguine (Coordinator, Legal Services/Secretary to the corporation).

The immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, had in July 2012 reconstituted a new board of the NNPC, with the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, as the chairperson.

There has been speculation that Buhari will keep the Petroleum minister portfolio for himself in his yet-to-be-announced cabinet rather than trust anyone else with the ministry.

The immediate past President, International Association for Energy Economics and Director, Emerald Energy Institute, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Wumi Iledare, had earlier this month urged the president to immediately reconstitute the board of the NNPC and professionalise the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

He said, “In fact, he must, as a matter of urgency, reconstitute the NNPC board with no political appointees and must put round pegs in round holes in the corporation as mandated in the NNPC Act of 1977.”

Iledare, who is also a Professor Emeritus at the Centre for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University, United States, urged the President to ensure that all the agencies in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources are manned by competent hands with no political godfathers.

“He (Buhari) must professionalise the Ministry of Petroleum Resources as soon as possible,” Iledare said in The PUNCH report, headlined ‘Reconstitute NNPC board now, experts urge Buhari’.

“I will be glad to recommend many qualified people to him.”

Commenting on the dissolution of the board, the Head of Energy Research, Ecobank, Mr. Dolapo Oni, said, “It’s in line with our expectations that his restructuring of the petroleum sector would likely start at the NNPC. And I believe this is targeted at blocking leakages in the system and improving transparency and accountability at the NNPC.

“However, the absence of a cabinet or Petroleum Minister supports popular belief that he might want to lead the sector himself,” he added.

Source: The Punch

Blasphemy: 8 sentenced to death in Kano

An Upper Sharia Court, Rijiyar Lemo in Kano State, has passed death sentences on eight persons for blasphemy against the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

A press statement re­leased on Thursday, signed by one Alhaji Nasiru on be­half of the chief registrar, Kano Sharia Court, said those sentenced to death were convicted under Sec­tion 110 and Section 382B of the Kano Sharia Crimi­nal Procedure Law (2000) The statement added that four other accused persons were discharged by the court for not being found guilty under Section 404 of the Kano Sharia Crimi­nal Procedure Law (2000).

Those discharged and acquitted by the court in­clude, Alkasim Abuba­kar , Yahya Abubakar Isa Abubakar and Abudulahi Abubakar.

The case, according to the statement, was between the Commissioner of Po­lice, Kano State versus one Hajia Mero Ibrahim and 12 others .

Recall that in May, 2015, one Abdul Nyass, a Tijjani preacher and others, were arrested and charged to the Upper Sharia Court in the state capital.

While the court process was progressing a demon­stration took place in the state capital , which result­ed in setting ablaze a por­tion of Kano Sharia Court building, Rigiyar Lemo.

Boko Haram dares new govt: Suicide bomber lures scores with Buhari campaign songs, kills them

Since the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, barely one week ago, specifically May 29, 2015, Borno State, particularly Maiduguri, the state capital, has witnessed sustained attacks by insurgents. Buhari had said at the inauguration that the nation’s military command was being moved to Borno, the hotbed of Boko Haram, to end the insurgency.

President Buhari

But barely 24 hours after the swearing-in of the new administration, Boko Haram launched the first invasion. The May 30 attack came at about 12:30am when residents were asleep. The insurgents reportedly drove in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocket grenades and anti-aircraft guns.

They entered Malari village, killed 15 residents and wounded 19 others in Bulunkutu Tsaleke, Gomari and Ajilari wards.

The killings, according to Ibrahim Yakubu of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were caused by the insurgents’ sporadic gunshots, explosions and shelling on the wards that commenced from 12.35-2.45am that Saturday. “We were shocked about how these areas were targeted by Boko Haram last night. Among those killed were five children and two women sleeping in the open because of heat in their houses,” said Yakubu.

He said the insurgents, after entering Malari through the northeast flank of Sambisa forest on dirt road, crossed River Ngadabul to launch their attacks on the communities. “The militants could not enter Maiduguri metropolis because of the trenches we dug that made their vehicles to get stuck. But they wreaked havoc on lives and property in the affected communities”, said the vigilante youth.

“The extent of damage to lives and property could have been much higher if the Boko Haram gunmen had crossed the trenches”. Confirming the incident in Maiduguri, a source close to Borno Police Command said some residents of Gomari, Bulunkutu Tsaleke and Ajilari wards of Malari were killed in the attacks. “We are still collating the fatalities in the attacks, but 19 people have been hospitalized for injuries they sustained from gunshots and artillery fire that lasted over two hours in western part of Maiduguri metropolis,” said the source.

Mosque killings

Later that Saturday, a suicide bomber sneaked into a mosque along Ali Kotoko Road, near Maiduguri Monday Market leaving 26 dead and 28 critically injured. A security source who assisted in the evacuation of victims said the incident took place at about 3:45pm when Muslim faithful gathered to perform their La,asar prayers.

“A bomb blast exploded at the Adam Kolo Central Mosque along Ali Kotoko Road of Maiduguri Monday Market (MMM) during an afternoon prayer, and killed 26 people with about 28 critically injured on Saturday”, said Mallam Abba Shukura who was among those evacuating the victims. “I can confirm to you that many people in the mosque were killed or injured.”

The mosque explosion, according to Modu Fugu of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), occurred when the prayer session was about to commence at about 3.25pm with dozens of people in the mosque. “We were terrified by the loud explosion that rocked the mosque near the bicycle sellers market and other shops. Worshippers fled to safety. But many were killed or injured,” Fugu stated.

Hamidu Isa, a shop owner near the mosque, told our correspondent that an IED had been hidden in a corner of the mosque in the morning before the suicide bomber came to detonate it at about 3.30pm”. Borno Police Command confirmed the mosque blast.

Grains looted

Boko Haram gunmen, same day, attacked Fika and Ngalda in Yobe State; and torched several public buildings, telecom masts, houses and shops, before fleeing into Sambisa Forest. The insurgents, according to a resident, Mainasara Ali, looted several shops and barns of grains. Fika and Ngalda are farming and herding communities, and 155 kilometres and 176 kilometres respectively southwest of Damaturu, the state capital.

“We were taken by surprise by the attacks on our houses and shops by the insurgents desperately looking for food to survive in the forest, but they did not kill any of our people. All our shops and barns were looted by the gunmen who also destroyed council offices and health centre, south of the central market,” said Ali. He said the insurgents chanted ‘God is great’ in Arabic before torching the public buildings in the towns.

According to him, most of the houses of local officials in Fika and Ngalda were also burnt that night. “We will continue to fight whosoever identifies with government which we consider anti-Islam. We will not relent or surrender until we impose Sharia Law in Nigeria”, Ali quoted one of the insurgents as saying.

Boko Haram

Another resident, Ali Fika, said:  “Boko Haram insurgents on Saturday evening attacked Ngalda in Fika Local Government Area and razed the council secretariat, High Court complex, before looting shops and barns of grains which they carted away in their tracks.

He said the insurgents, before embarking on the massive destruction, engaged soldiers at a military post. Our correspondent also learnt that several vehicles and motorcycles were set ablaze during the two-hour attack.

Sporadic shooting

The Chairman of Fika Local Government Council, Alhaji Baba Abare, who confirmed the incident, said: “The militants came to the two towns shooting sporadically to scare people away so as to have ample opportunity for their looting”. He said they targeted shops and looted food items as well as beverages but no life was lost during the assault.

Yobe State police commissioner, Mr. Markus Danladi, who declined comment on the violence, said the Military Joint Task Force was the only body authorised to speak on the matter. Fika and Ngalda have repeatedly suffered Boko Haram assault since the commencement of the insurgency as the communities share common border with Gujba and Gulani Council Areas captured by the militant group and liberated few months ago.

The suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the post-Buhari inauguration era continued on Sunday, May 31 when an IED, planted at the Gambouru Market, Maiduguri, exploded, injuring four people. Eyewitnesses said one insurgent detonated the explosive, around 1.30 p.m at the peak of market hours. One of them said: “The bomb was buried in a heap of sacks at a spot where charcoal merchants have their stalls.

“The explosion did not kill any one but injured four persons. One of the victims had his arm completely ripped off by the blast. “An insurgent could have planted this explosive device last night, when curfew was relaxed to 10pm from 7pm to celebrate Democracy Day in Maiduguri. Also, we suspect that the suicide bomber that blew himself at the market mosque of Adam Kolo might have collaborated with the suspected bomber of Gambouru Market that injured four traders and other passersby”.

The eyewitness said as he was attending to customers in the afternoon, a loud explosion went off across the market,forcing people to run in various directions for safety. “The rescue team of Nigerian Red Cross and other volunteers evacuated the injured ones to the hospital for treatment,” he said. The military and police condoned off the market to prevent further attacks and looting.

In another development, Boko Haram militants on Tuesday, June 2 attacked Moronti, a village close to Maiduguri, and killed five people, before soldiers repelled them. The gunmen, according to Hamisu Abba, a resident, then crossed into the village through Ngadabul River. He noted that the militants could have overrun Maiduguri, if there were no trenches dug around the Nigerian Army 333 Artillery premises near the village.

Our correspondent learnt that as the repulsion of the militants continued into the night; some villagers fled to neighbouring Gomari and Ajillari for safety. “It was the trenches around the army barracks of Giwa and Maimalari and the 333 Artillery near the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base that prevented the terrorists from wreaking havoc on Maiduguri metropolis,” said Kaumi Fugu, the village head of Moronti.

On how the village was attacked, he said: “Most of us were asleep around midnight when we started hearing gunshots and from Ajillari, near the river bank of Ngadabul. One of our neighbours lost two family members in his compound, while three others were killed about two kilometers from Ajillari.”

Burial

The village imam/ cleric, Mallam Yunus Mirgwi, told our reporter that the five slain villagers were buried Tuesday morning, according to Islamic rites. “By 1.45am, troops in patrol trucks moved in towards Moronti along the Maiduguri-Damturu Road, and commenced the repulsion of the insurgents by firing artillery shelling that lasted over an hour,” Mirgwi said..

He continued: “After the insurgents attacked the village, we saw troops in trucks moving towards Moronti and then a NAF fighter jet pursued the insurgents, and killed some of them”.

The deadliest attack yet since the inauguration came on June 2. That day, a suspected Boko Haram insurgent believed to be a suicide bomber and disguised as a herbalist/traditional medicine seller stormed the Maiduguri abattoir section of the cattle market (Kasuwan Shanu), killing over 30 people and injuring 28 others.

It was gathered that the suicide bomber came into the market with a mobile tape recorder playing President Buhari campaign songs which attracted many people. When he realized that the music had attracted dozens, he detonated the explosives he was carrying. The incident took place at about 12noon when the market was at its peak. The attack left shattered bodies of victims mixed with slaughtered animal’s meat/ flesh at the scene.

Although, officials of  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) claimed 10 people died at the spot, they admitted some died later among the dozens who suffered various degrees of injury. Umar Sadiq, Communication Field Officer of the International Community of Red Cross (ICRC), in an interview, said, “So far, 13 identified dead bodies were evacuated from the scene while many others sustained serious injuries and burns in the blast”.

A source at Borno State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri said over 30 bodies were brought there, even as he expressed the fear that most of those injured may not survive due to the seriousness of their injuries. “We have received six corpses at the emergency ward since those injured were brought in and I just learnt that another victim of the blast has given up and they are bringing the corpse as we speak.”

A police inspector who did not want his name in print told our correspondent to be careful because many suicide bombers were said to have arrived Maiduguri following the battle with troops  on Monday night.

“ All security agencies in Maiduguri are on the red alert because these useless people according to signals we received have smuggled themselves into town with the intention of suicide bombing. On Monday (yesterday), about five suicide bombers were arrested at Tashan Baga and this one is another bad day for everybody. For your safety, be cautious while moving around because anything can happen. These bad eggs want to see where people gather so they can wreak more havoc,” he said.

Speaking with traders forced to abandon their sheds at the abattoir, our correspondent gathered that more than 70 people were hit by the explosion but they could not confirm the number of the dead. Aminu Sarki, a meat seller at the abattoir, said, “We just heard the loud sound of the explosion and everybody started running. We knew it was a bomb blast, but we could not wait to count the number of the dead, but it is unfortunate that many people were killed or injured in the blast.”

Borno State police commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun, ordered the condoning off of the abattoir. “The situation is under control, as the scene has been condoned off. Suspected suicide bomber at Kasuwan Shanu in Maiduguri at about 11:30hrs of 2/6/15 invaded the market shouting Sai Buhari in Hausa Language and dancing in the market where he detonated  explosives (IEDs) strapped on his body when people had gathered around him.

“Four persons died including the suicide bomber in the explosion, while eight others sustained injury. Men were mobilized to the scene, corpses/injured persons were evacauted to the hospital, investigation in progress”.

Boko Haram attacks Galda, Fika in Yobe, burn filling station

Insurgent group suspected to be dreaded Boko Haram on Sunday invaded Galda village and Fika town of Fika local government area of Yobe state, burning houses and other government owned buildings.

According to a resident of Galda who spoke to BBC Hausa Service monitored in Jos, revealed that, the attackers invaded the area around 12:00 noon in different cars and spent six hours operating without security intervention.

The resident who could not tell his name told the BBC that none of the residents of Galda was killed but said petrol products and other properties form several shops and places were stolen by the attackers.

The BBC through the resident also said that the attackers left for Fika town from Galda for further attack, which according to him, they (attackers) many government properties and buildings including Police Divisional Headquarter of the LGA.

Asked by the BBC on the casualty figure, the resident said, “I have no idea of the casualty figure. But here in Galda (the first attacked village), no one was killed because on their arrival they said they were not after us.”

This is even as scores of persons were feared dead on Sunday when an Improvised Explosive Device, (IED) allegedly planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents exploded at the popular market Gamboru market in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

The victims comprised of both traders and customers while several others were critically wounded in the incident which happened when traders were busy conducting their commercial activities.

Our correspondent reports that Gamboru market is one of the markets in the city that has witnessed series of deadly attacks by the insurgents in recent past.

In the last 48 hours, the troubled town believed to be the birthplace of the deadly Boko Haram insurgency group has been under deadly attacks claiming over 50 people.

On Friday night the insurgents were repelled by the military when an attempt was made to invade the town. It was gathered that 16 persons were killed in that attack.

It was reported that when they were unable to penetrate into Maiduguri due to heavy security and trenches which surrounded the town, the militants fired several rockets into the direction of residential houses.

The episode which begun around 12.25am lasted till 1.30am and threw residents into intense panic following horrifyingly sounds of endless shootings and bombings.

Happy New Month To All SWB Readers

Hi everyone,  Happy New Month to you all.  As we half the year may God grant you your hearth desire.  Prosperity and Long life is yours.  Wish you more wealth.  Much love from Stinoworld Blog.

**Winks**

President Muhammadu Buhari Made 3 Official Appointments

President Muhammadu Buhari named Femi Adesina and Mallam Garba Shehu as his spokesmen. The appointments are official with immediate effect, from the evening of May 31, 2015, Sunday.

Femi Adesina is the special adviser on media and publicity. Currently he is also the president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and serves as the managing director/editor-in-chief of The Sun newspaper.

Garba Shehu officially assumes the duties of the senior special assistant on media and publicity. He served as the director, media and publicity of the APC presidential campaign council. Garba Shehu is a former NGE president.

President Buhari has also approved the appointment of Lawal Abdullahi Kazaure as the state chief of protocol. Abdullahi Kazaure is a career foreign service official and currently serves in the Aso Rock as a special assistant on presidential matters.

The news of Ogbonaya Onu’s appointment as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation remain unconfirmed at the time of publishing the present report.

Kim Kardashian Is Expecting A Second Child

Kanye West's wife Kim Kardashian West revealed that she's expecting her second child with Kanye West in the supertease following last night's mid-season finale of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

The clip shows Kim hearing the exciting news during a doctor's appointment. She couldn't contain her happiness as she excitedly told Khloé Kardashian. "I just got the blood test back, and I am pregnant!" Kim. Khloe looked stunned.

You could see how happy Kim was as she has made no secret of the fact that she's been eager to grow her family of three despite her difficult first pregnancy, and she's documented how hard it's been to get pregnant again on the E! reality series.

The 10th season follows her "journey of trying to get pregnant for the second time. Kim has gone to any length to ensure that she has another child including IVFs and even considering surrogacy as a last resort.

Congratulations to the family!!

EFCC arrests CBN officials, 16 bankers for recycling N8bn

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said five top officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria and 16 others are to be arraigned for alleged complicity in a currency fraud running to N8bn.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects were to be arraigned for circulating defaced and mutilated notes at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, on June 2, 2015

Uwujaen said the16 other suspects to be arraigned alongside the CBN bigwigs were members of staff of various commercial banks in the country.

He said the suspects would be arraigned on five counts at the high court.

The EFCC spokesperson added that all the suspects now in custody connived to recycle the defaced and mutilated currencies they were asked to destroy by substituting the notes with newspaper cuttings in Naira note sizes.

Uwujaren stated that the operatives of the commission waded into the matter following a petition that the sum of N6.5bn was recycled by a syndicate involving top officials of the CBN in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He explained that the fraud was partly responsible for the failure of the monetary policy of the government as mop up exercises by the CBN failed to address the effect of inflation on the economy.

He said, “The Economic and Financial Crime Commission has concluded arrangement to arraign in court, five top executives of the Central Bank of Nigeria implicated in a mega scam involving the theft and recirculation of defaced and mutilated currencies.

“The suspects, drawn from various business units of the apex bank, are to be docked by the anti-graft agency before a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, from Tuesday June 2, 2015 to Thursday June 4, 2015. The remaining 16 suspects are drawn from various commercial banks who were found to have conspired with the CBN executives to swing the heist.

“All the suspects, who are currently in the custody of the EFCC, are now ruing the day they literally allowed greed and craze for materialism to becloud their sense of judgment and responsibility, when they elected to help themselves to tonnes of defaced Naira notes.

“Instead of carrying out the statutory instruction to destroy the currency, they substituted it with newspapers neatly cut to Naira sizes and proceeded to recycle the defaced and mutilated currency.”

He added, “The fraud is partly to blame for the failure of government monetary policy over the years as currency mop up exercises by the apex bank failed to check the inflationary pressure on the economy.

“The lid on the scam, which is widely suspected to have gone on unchecked for years, was blown on November 3, 2014, via a petition to the EFCC, alleging that over N6, 575, 549, 370.00 was cornered and discreetly recycled by light fingered top executives of the CBN at the Ibadan branch.”

Osinbajo formally takes over Villa Chapel

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday formally took over the leadership of the villa chapel located inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The chapel built by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo always have the President or the Vice President (that is a Christian) as the political head while the President’s or Vice President’s chaplain is the spiritual head.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan would have handed over the chapel to Osinbajo penultimate Sunday when he attended service in the worship centre for the last time but for the Vice President’s absence.

Osinbajo attended service in the chapel for the first time on Sunday accompanied by his wife, Dolapo; Bishop Wale Oke of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries; Senior Pastor, Living Waters Unlimited Church, Pastor Ladi Thompson and other clergymen.

The Vice President, who himself is a pastor, delivered a goodwill message to the congregation and did the benediction.

He later proceeded to the children church where he prayed and took photographs with the children.

He was also joined by members of his entourage.

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We will rescue Africa from destitution, poverty and ignorance, says Tinubu

President of the Federal Republic of Guinea, President Alpha Condé yesterday arrived Nigeria ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration in Abuja on Friday, May 29.

President Condé arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos aboard a private aircraft about 12:30pm and was received by the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor elect Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and other dignitaries who all left in a convoy to Eko Hotel and Suites for a meeting.

Speaking to newsmen at Eko Hotel and Suites after the meeting, President Condé said that he was impressed with the way the 2015 general elections were conducted in Nigeria stressing that it was a victory for Africa.

The President who is on a 5-day working visit to Nigeria said”Before the elections in Nigeria, there was anxiety, fear and uncertainty in the land. It was the belief that the country will disintegrate. This is also drawn from the fact that Nigeria has fought the Biafra war in time past”

“So far, the election in Nigeria is a victory for Africa and Nigeria being the biggest black African country. We are here to thank the people of Nigeria for the outcome of the elections. We must also thank the leadership of the parties for their conduct during the elections” he added.

President Condé also congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat just like Presdent Abdou Diouf of Senegal.

“We also congratulate President Jonathan for accepting defeat just like President Abdou Diouf of Senegal when he lost the elections”

“With the election of President Buhari, who is a straight forward person, one who fight against corruption and dictatorship. I believe this new dispensation will culminate into a good relationship between Guinea and Nigeria. Like in the past, the relationship will offer opportunities to Nigeria businessmen and those in Guinea” President Condé said.

While expressing his gratitude to President Condé, National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said that he felt honoured for the President to come and celebrate with Nigerians in sharing the norms and values of democracy that is enshrined in the country.

Chief Tinubu said that democracy is about freedom and opportunity adding that President Condé is a Pan Africanist who is committed to African development and democratic values and norms.

He however decried that it was lack of good leadership and political stability that have hindered Nigeria and other African countries in the past stressing that now that Nigeria has a new leadership, African leaders should work together to share ideas and share vision and rescue Africa from destitution, poverty and ignorance.

According to him, “Without that commitment and the promise, he wouldn’t have been here, he can stay back at home and enjoy his home. For him to come, we appreciate that, for him to believe and share that believe with us that African renaissance must come with him in sharing of values with President Buhari and our own political party of which I am very proud of.”

“Africa must have its home grown strategy to build its own economy, we must form that synergy amongst African countries to develop itself, address open trade issue, address the conflict of fundamentalist, address the areas where you have problems, militantcy. What are the bottle necks, what are the problem areas. We have resolved in eliminating it in order for our today to be better and live for a great continent of Africa. Africa should not continue to be a giant with elephantiasis in the economy world, we can compete. Africans are all over the world competing professionally in every sphere of life, it is lack of good leadership, political stability that have hindered us in the past. Now we have that leader, we have those leaders and they are working together to share ideas and share vision. We will rescue Africa from destitution, poverty and ignorance and that is all that we are working hard for” Chief Tinubu stressed.

Also speaking, Lagos State Governor elect Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said “This is a great time the President of Guinea is coming to Nigeria. He came for the inauguration and decided to visit Lagos first. We thank you for that and welcome you to Lagos State. This is the time for us to take advantage of the commercial capital of Nigeria and ensure also that we are able to have strong partnership with the French speaking countries in the West Coast. We are willing and ready to open Lagos for greater business. We assure the President and people of Guinea that the next four years will be greater trade and commerce between Lagos and Guinea. We are willing to open investment office in Lagos and also in the West Coast to make sure we take advantage of the commerce here”

Present at the meeting were former APC interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Lagos State Governor elect Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and other dignitaries from the Federal Republic of Guinea.

Certificate saga: Court asked to stop CJN from swearing in Buhari as President

ABUJA – ‎A Civil Society Organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, has ‎asked the Federal Court in Abuja to stop the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, from administering oath on the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.

‎The group, in an originating summons that was filed by its lawyer, Mr. Philip Ekpo, insisted that Buhari is not legally fit to take over as the President of Nigeria.

•Buhari: Decked out

The plaintiff argued that Buhari did not meet the qualification enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, and ought not have contested the April 11, 2015, presidential election.

Cited as respondents in the suit were Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The group specifically applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the 3rdRespondent or any person acting in his capacity, from swearing in the 1stRespondent as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015, or any other date thereof, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

According to the plaintiff, “‎The 1st Respondent gave false information in the Affidavit he presented to the 2nd Respondent and on the strength of which he contested and purportedly won the presidential election which was conducted by the 2nd Respondent on March 28, 2015.

“The 1st Respondent deposed to an Affidavit dated ‎November 24, 2014 that his West African School Leaving Certificate is in the custody of the Secretary to the Military Board

“The Nigerian Army on ‎January 20, 2015, said that in the personal file of the 1st Respondent with the Nigerian Army, they do not have the original copy of his West African School Leaving Certificate (WASC) nor does the Nigerian Army have the Certified True Copy of his WASC results neither do they have a photocopy of the said result.

“The 1st Respondent has not met the qualifications enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, Cap E6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 (as amended) to havecontested the position of President of Nigeria at the 2015 general elections.

” That the authority conferred by Section 140 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on the 3rd Respondent to administer oath of office to any person who will occupy the office of the President of Nigeria cannot be exercised in respect of the 1st Respondent who has not fulfilled the requirements of the same Constitution and the Electoral Act as it relates to his eligibility to occupy the office of President of Nigeria”, it averred before the court.

This therefore prayed the court ‎to declare that the information contained in the Buhari’s FORM C.F.001 stating that his educational qualification is the West African School Leaving Certificate (WASC) and that same is with the Secretary to the Military Board amounts to False Information.

As well as to hold that the information contained in the Buhari’s Affidavit deposed to on 24th November, 2014 stating that his West African School Leaving Certificate (WASC) is with the Secretary to the Military Board amounts to False Information.

More so, it is among other things, seeking ‎”A declaration that the 3rdDefendant is estopped fromswearing in the 1st Defendant as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the issue of perjury involving the 1st Defendant has not been resolved.

“An order restraining the 3rdDefendant or any person appointed for such purpose from swearing in the 1st Defendant as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29th May, 2015 orany future dateswhatsoever forgiving False Information to the 2nd Respondent on oath.

“An order annulling the Certificate of Return given to the 1stDefendant by the 2ndDefendant.”

Meantime, the case is yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing.

Kashamu Refuses To Apear In Court

Buruji Kashamu, senator-elect in Ogun state, has rejected to leave his residence for court for his extradition case.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDELA) stormed his Lagos apartment Monday morning, May 25, to convey him.

Senator-elect is insisting that the officials didn’t have a warrant of arrest in line with the extradition pact, which they should produce to him.

Austin Oniyokor, Kashamu’s personal aide, sends a note to reporters which says: “It has just come to limelight that the NDLEA did not obtain a warrant of arrest from the court as required by the extradition treaty.

“Kashamu’s lawyer, Barrister Ajibola Oluyede requested from them the court we are going to only to be told that they are just going to file the papers as no court has been assigned the case or has ordered his arrest”.

However, many of his supporters protested his extradiction near the court in carrying placards with different captions.

Some of them says: “Leave Kashamu alone”, “We voted for him, he is our man”, “Kashamu is a great state man”, “Kashamu is not a drug baron”, “Ilegal detention, illegal arrest must stop”.

Politicians Should Not Head NNPC - PENGASSAN

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari not to appoint politicians, as the head of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

PENGASSAN’s President, Mr. Francis Johnson,  said it was the only way government can move towards “achieving effectiveness and curbing wastages of our resources and potentials to improve accountability and optimisation across the polity and economy.”

He also said that the holding company and its 10 subsidiaries can only be effective and adhere to global best practices if not subjected to undue political interference.

Mr. Johnson speaking on PENGASSAN’s view on the road map to revamp the oil and gas industry, said: “There is need to instil in NNPC the culture of corporate governance and career management, which requires a legislative review to ensure that the board of NNPC is headed by technocrats and not politicians.

Comic Actor Mr.Ibu Weds His Longtime Heartthrob

Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr.Ibu’, this morning, Monday, May 25, got married to his longtime heartthrob.

John Okafor and wife

Okafor got married to his longtime love, Stella Marris, the mother of two of his children.


The couple have been together since 2008, but never officially got married. They had three kids, but one died few years ago.


Their wedding reception is expected to take place after Mr Ibu’s mother’s burial.


See More Photos after the cut....

Fuel Scarcity In Nigeria To Be Resolved In Less Than Six Hours

The major oil marketers association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has finally reached an agreement with the government to begin supplying country with much needed petroleum products “in six hours”

Fuel scarcity hits Nigeria’s economy hard.

Magnus Abe, the chairman of the senate committee on petroleum resources, informed press that a solution to fuel crisis has just been worked out during the meeting of MOMAN representatives, major stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, senate committee on petroleum resources, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, minister of finance.

According to that decision, petroleum products will be delivered across the country “in six hours”.

Oritsejafor Lauds Jonathan For Accepting Defeat To Buhari

With many taking a swipe at President Goodluck Jonathan, over the current fuel crisis which is threatening to ground the nation’s economy, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has lauded the outgoing president.


Speaking at the 2015 Presidential Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service, Pastor Oritsejafor thanked President Jonathan for conceding defeat in the March 28 presidential election.
He lauded Jonathan’s classic humility in his official conducts as president while presenting an award of “outstanding Christian humility in public service’’ to the president for his commitment to the peace, Unity and Stability of the country, Daily Post reports.

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor presents an award of “outstanding Christian humility in public

“We rejoice with you that the end of your tenure as President is greater than the beginning thereof. We present this award to you with great joy in our hearts.
“We wish to give you this award for your outstanding Christian humility in public service and commitment to peace, unity and stability of Nigeria,’’ he said.

Fuel Scarcity: Taxi Drivers Begin Protest In Akure

The current fuel scarcity rocking the country is arguably one of the worst that has hit Nigeria in recent years.

In recent times, the queues at petrol station have been a menace to the society as traffic is left to play a pivotal role in the citizens’ everyday life. Nigerians are left frustrated at petrol stations after waiting patiently for hours to get fuel have, hence resorting to desperate measures.

To this regard, members of Taxi Union in Akure, the Ondo State Capital have embarked on a massive protest.

Taxi drivers begin protest in Akure over fuel scarcity

According to a report by The Nation, fuel is now being sold at the rate of N200, N250 at the few filling stations opened for business.

NLC Threatens To Go On Strike If Fuel Scarcity Persist

The Nigerian Labour Congress on Monday threatened to direct workers to stay at home if the current fuel scarcity across the country is not addressed.


Factional NLC Deputy National President, Isa Aremu, stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Kaduna.


The NLC statement is coming barely four days before the Peoples Democratic Party-led government will hand over the affairs of the nation to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, May 29.


Aremu said, “If the current scarcity and price robbery of Nigerians continue, NLC will have no choice but compel workers to stay at home.


“Workers certainly cannot fuel themselves to work with their blood. There is a limit to slavery and state marketers’ extortion.


“With an outgoing President and incoming one, five past heads of state alive, 36 state governors and hundreds of legislators and scores of ministers, no country on earth parades the highest number of state actors like Nigeria.


“Yet, there is no governance with respect to distribution of basic products like petroleum and kerosene.”

Names Of Those Buhari Submitted For Ministerial Posts

General Muhammadu Buhari has submitted to the security agencies for screening 40 names being considered for ministerial appointments .

According to Daily Post, the names were submitted by the president-elect about a week ago.

Tinubu, Amaechi, Buhari meet

The Department of State Services, the Directorate of Military Intelligence and the National Intelligence Agency are the security agencies screening the potential ministers.

The names listed by the president-elect were mostly former PDP men who had defected to the APC, leading people to question where is the change.

The names being screened include Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the former Osun state governor and ousted PDP national secretary; Chief Bode Mustapha, the former PDP national auditor; an All Progressives Congress stalwart from Ogun state; and Engineer Segun Oni, the former Ekiti state governor and APC deputy national chairman (South West).

Others are Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti state; Dr. Abba Ruma, a former minister for agriculture and water resources; and Chief Kanu Agabi, a former minister of justice.

The list continues with Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River state; Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos state; and Yinka Folashade Oredola, a pharmacist from Ondo state.

Others on the list are Rotimi Akeredolu, a former gubernatorial candidate in Ondo state; Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state; Engineer Funsho Kupolokun, a former group managing director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation; Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso of Kano state; and Bisola Adegbenro, a senator-elect from Ogun state.

Also on the list are Isaiah Danjuma, the son of General TY Danjuma from Taraba state; Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation; Kehinde Lawanson, a former executive director of First Bank; and Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), former minister of justice.

The rest of the names will be published when security agencies confirm the names to newsmen.

Buhari ran on the platform of change but critics have asked whether working with the old guard even with a new system can guarantee change? If you agree or disagree with this, leave your comment below.

HEALTH: E-Cigarettes are healthier compared to ordinary cigarettes – say Health Authorities

Health authorities have stated that E-cigarettes are healthier compared to the ordinary cigarettes and that there is no need to worry about the misconceptions that are widely believed about e-cigarettes.  A large number of people believe that dangers from e-cigarettes are no different compared to the ordinary cigarettes. A recent report released by Action on Smoking and Health states that there has been an increase in the use of e-cigarettes. In Britain alone, the number of vapers has reached 2.6 million.

At the end of 2014 Britain had only 2.1 million vapers and in a matter of just five months, the numbers have bulged to 2.6 million. Notably, most of the new e-cig smokers are those who were used to the regular cigarettes earlier.

This report also shows that experts have succeeded in spreading the awareness of e-cigarettes. Many people are still trying to quit smoking with the help of tobacco. On the other hand however, many people have also started to believe that e- cigarettes are no less harmful compared to the regular cigarettes.

Last year just about 15% people regarded e-cigarettes to be lethal for health. But that proportion has now ascended on account of false studies. At present some 22% people believe that e-cigarettes are also harmful.

The rapid spread of this false perception about e-cigarettes poses big threat to smokers. The major motivation to move from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes comes from the claim that they are less harmful to the smoker and more environment friendly.  But by spreading the misconception, many smokers have been discouraged from making the shift to e-cigarettes and continue with the traditional cigarettes that are more hazardous.

Source: TIMES GAZETTE

HEALTH: The secret to a great sex life revealed: Two cups of coffee a day

Drinking just two cups of coffee could boost your sex life by over 40 per cent

Scientists may have solved this age old riddle

Drinking just two cups of coffee a day could dramatically improve your sex life, a university study has concluded.

A study by the University of Texas has found that men who drank two cups a day where 42 per cent less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction compared to men.

For an article for the American science journal PLOS ONE, scientists studied 4,000 men drinking caffeinated drinks including coffee, tea, fizzy and sports drinks and found the result was the same regardless of weight, age or blood pressure.

Scientists believe it could be because the caffeine triggers a chemical reaction that increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing muscles.

But two cups might be the limit as the researchers also found the result dipped slightly to 39 per cent for men drinking three a day.

It also appears to have no effect on men already suffering from diabetes.

Prof David Lopez, of the University of Texas, Houston, said: “Even though we saw a reduction in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction with men who were obese, overweight and hypertensive, that was not true of men with diabetes”, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Previous research has already suggested the caffeine can boost sex drive in women.

In a 2006 experiment on female rats by Southwestern University in Texas, scientists found drinking coffee stimulated the parts of the brain that signal sexual arousal. But this effect could possibly was only be seen in women who did not drink coffee regularly.

Scientists have long argued whether to much coffee is bad for you with some arguing drinking more than four cups a day is dangerous as it causes restlessness, tremors, irritability, insomnia and stomach pain.

But in March a separate study on 25,000 middle aged men and women suggested that drinking three to five cups a day could reduce the chances of heart disease or stroke.

The research showed the people who drank the least- and the most- coffee showed the most signs that their arteries were clogging up- which dramatically increases the likelihood of a heart attack.

Source: The Independent

When Tunde, Wunmi Obe Hosted Top Celebrities To Exclusive Album Listening

Tunde and Wunmi Obe

NIGERIAN music industry’s first couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, otherwise known as T.W.O, hosted the crème de la crème of the Nigerian entertainment industry last weekend to a spectacular exclusive listening party for their latest studio album, T.W.O PLUS.

The event, which held at their plush Lagos residence, had in attendance several celebrities including Afrobeat icon, Femi Kuti, Nollywood actresses Funke Akindele and Kate Henshaw; popular musicians 9ice, Dare Art-Alade and dancehall legend, Ras Kimono.

Besides, DJ Jimmy Jatt’s eclectic mix of old school and new school songs which guests happily swayed to, the gig also treated guests to a rich mix of barbecue, champagne and assorted cocktails and drinks.

An animated Tunde commented shortly after the event: “We are very grateful for this amazing turn out and the support our colleagues have shown us.”

About the album, he said: “T.W.O. has grown and evolved over the years, both as a sound and as a brand and this album is a celebration of all that is great about T.W.O. as well as a venture into a fresh sound because we have always prided ourselves on our ability to be musical innovators.

Jonathan says he will be a peace advocate after leaving office

Abuja –  President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said he would be an advocate of peace in the country after leaving office.

The president said this when The Apostolic Church Nigeria, FCT Field, presented him with the “2015 Epitome of Peace Award’’ at the State House in Abuja.

Jonathan thanked the church for honouring him and said that he would appreciate if more Nigerians would join him in advocating for peace in the country.

“And one thing that I have decided to do after leaving office, is to make sure that I will be talking to all faithful of all religions, Christians, Muslims and other religions the need for Nigerians to live in peace.

“Because, when there is crisis in any part of the country, nobody can practice his own belief.

“When there is crisis anywhere, people cannot go to the mosque, you cannot go to the church.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES RADIO STATION IN ABUJA

“So we need peace in this country, no matter our religious persuasions, no matter our beliefs.

“And that will be one of my main commitments when I leave office.

“To reduce discrimination in this country based on religious divides or ethnicity.

“And I believe that I will have so many apostles to follow me to do that.’’

The president said that so many people had done things to project and keep the nation together which had gone unnoticed.

According to him, his recognition and honour by the church is to encourage him to do more for Nigerians.

He said the church noticed him not because he was the president, but because of a little action he took to save lives.

He thanked the group for the memorabilia it gave to him and said he would keep them in his Presidential museum of library for posterity.

Earlier, the Superintendent of the Church, Apostle John Buzu, said that the church chose the president for the award in recognition of his “outstanding leadership qualities, great strides, impactful contributions and laudable achievements’’.

Buzu said that Jonathan had proved to be an excellent leader and wonderful asset to the country.

“Our beloved president, you have distinguished yourself as a selfless servant leader with a large heart and a great sense of commitment towards the wellbeing, development, unity and progress of this nation.

“Your personal and leadership character have so endeared you to the hearts of well-meaning Nigerians and friends of the international community.

“We have collectively watched and observed you to be a humble leader with a simple and humane disposition to all manner of persons, irrespective of age, background, status, tribe, race or colour.

“You have exhibited a true servant-leader attitude with the willingness and readiness to always serve objectively at any level of responsibility and governance.

”You are a genuine and an icon of peace,’’ the clergyman said.

Buzu thanked Jonathan for expanding the political space in the country and expressed the hope that such legacy would be sustained. (NAN)

Power situation could get worse, FG warns

The Federal Government yesterday warned that the power situation in the country could get worse if the labour unions’ strike is not called off.

Addressing state House Correspondents after briefing Vice President Namadi Sambo on the power situation in the country, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali said the achievements recorded in the power sector are being eroded by the combined effects of vandalism and strikes.

According to him,

“Prior to the current constraints we have been encountering we have generated between 4,800 megawatts at the beginning of the year with a potential to get up to 6,000 megawatts based on the available gas and hydros. Besides, pipeline vandalization which has continued to have very negative impact on the power supply situation in the country, the on-going strike by labour unions in the oil and gas sector has added additional toll.

The current strike by both senior and junior staff unions of the NNPC, (NUPENG and PENGASSIN) has led to further reduction of the amount of gas available to most of our power plants especially in the western axis.

“As at 12.00 noon Friday, 22nd May, 2015, UTOROGU, CHEVRON ORE DO, OB EN gas plants are all shut down while UGHELL and CNL ESCRAVOS are all isolated already. On the eastern axis Shell Gas, ALAKIRI has also been shut down. This has led to the several power plants being stranded and shut down. These include EGBIN, OLORUNSHOGO I & 11, OMOTOSHO 1& 11, GEREGU I & 11, IHONVOR and SAPELE (NIPP) on the western axis and ALAOJI on the eastern end.

“The overall effect is that power supply which had started picking up steadily since the beginning of the week, following repairs of various vandalized portions of the ELP Line and the Trans-Forcados Gas Pipelines has fallen to all-time-unprecedented low of 1,327mw as at 1.00 p.m. on Friday, 22nd May, 2015. This situation could get worse if the strike action continues.

“The Federal Ministry of Power hopes, that the on-going discussion between the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and, the Labour Unions, will end amicably and soonest to spare the country from such a major disruption of essential service. Indeed it is hoped the Labour Unions would help restore supply of gas to the power plants even while negotiations are on-going” he said.

NAFDAC seals Chocolate Royale over expired food products

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC has sealed Lagos – based confectionaries and multinational food outlet, Chocolate Royale over what it described as “unethical practices” and non-adherent to Good Manufacturing and Hygienic Practices.

Vanguard gathered that the outlet was sealed following a tip-off and intelligence report which indicted the company of illegal importation, storage and use of expired ingredients and food products for preparing of food and confectionaries served to unsuspecting customers.

The company was also accused of operating and maintaining illegal cold-rooms at their Managing Director’s resident where large quantities of various expired and spoilt food ingredients worth millions of naira were uncovered.

The Agency claimed that it’s  action became necessary following avalanche of complaints of violation and affront of the company to the regulatory body’s regulations. Announcing the closure of the facilities located at Plot 267A Etim Inyang Crescent and the Managing Director’s residence on No 1, Karimu Kotun Street, all in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Director, Investigation and Enforcement of NAFDAC, Mr. Kingsley Ejiofor disclosed that  some top officials of the company were equally arrested for interrogation for willfully obstructing the NAFDAC operatives in the course of their duties during the exercise which lasted over, nine hours.

The expired products worth over N1bn had been evacuated from both premises in six vans, Ejiofor confirmed.

He said six persons were arrested in connection with the incident, explaining  that they were held for intentionally obstructing NAFDAC officials while on official duties.His words: “The suspect will be interrogated, while the products will be sampled and taken to the laboratory for analysis, where the labels and contents will be properly analysed. And at the end of the day when the results are out, that will determine the next of action.”

Ejiofor who is also the Chairman of Federal Taskforce on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs, Unwholesome Processed Foods and other regulated products, said that the food and confectionery outlet will remain closed to allow for proper investigation.

“They will be investigated by the Federal Taskforce and NAFDAC. At the end of the investigations, files submitted will be reviewed and after evaluation, we will send them to the legal division which will advice on what next to do and if we have enough facts, then will proceed on prosecution,” he added.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii has inspected the seized products evacuated to the Agency’s Enforcement office at Apapa, assuring Nigerians that the case would be thoroughly investigated to ascertain the level of violations to aid prosecution.

Orhii who frowned at the development disclosed that apart from the products being expired, they were not registered by NAFDAC therefore should not have come into the country in the first place.

The Director General directed that in the course of the investigation, those handling the matter should request the company to furnish them with their clearing documents to ascertain if the offending products were legally cleared at the point of entry.

Reiterating that  Chocolate Royale will remain sealed and closed to the public until all the issues are fully investigated and resolved, Orhii commended Nigerians for their support for NAFDAC and urged them to help to provide more information that will assist them unravel the activities of those he described as the ‘’merchants of death’’ just as he revealed that there is a reward system in place for those who could furnish the Agency with useful information that will aid it to uncover more hideout of violators.

Chocolate Royale is a subsidiary of AIM Group belonging to a Lebanase business mogul, Mr. Amin Moussalli who is also the owners of broadcast stations; Cool Fm, Nigerian Info Fm, Wazobia Fm, Cool TV, Wee TV and Wazobia TV respectively among other business interests in Nigeria.

CRISIS: Fayose imposes curfew on Ado-Ekiti

        

 

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti on Thursday imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the State due to the clash between Hausa community and a section of Yoruba residents in Ado-Editi.

 

Fayose announced this when he visited the Hausa community at Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti.

He said the curfew would last between 6p.m and 6a.m.

 

Fayose explained that the curfew had become necessary to forestall further mayhem and arrest perpetrators of the violence.

  

He ordered the security agencies to arrest anyone found roaming the streets in defiance of the curfew.

“I plead with you to allow peace to reign. Nigeria belongs to all of us, whether you are Hausa, Ibo or Yoruba.

“I assure you that the perpetrators and sponsors of this evil act will not go unpunished,” Fayose said.

Senate summons Okonjo-Iweala, Allison-Madueke over fuel crisis

The lingering fuel crisis in the country has compelled the Joint Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources to order the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her counterpart in the Petroleum Resources Ministry, Diezani Allison-Madueke, to appear before it on Monday next week.

 

Those also summoned alongside the two ministers are the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Managing Director, Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency and the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources.

 

Representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria; Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the National Association of Road Transport Owners, are also expected to answer questions from the senators at the National Assembly Complex by 10:00am.

 

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairmen of the two committees, Emmanuel Paulker (Upstream) and Magnus Abe (Downstream), on Friday disclosed that the invitation of the public officers and groups was as a result of the assignment given to them by the senate explaining that the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Abdul Ningi, had on Thursday drew the attention of the Senate to the lingering fuel scarcity in the country and the untold hardship on the generality of Nigerians.

 

According to Vanguard, Ningi also urged the federal parliament to look into the matter with a view to finding the causes and lasting solution to the problem stating that it was in view of the development that the Senate directed its committees on Downstream Petroleum sector and Petroleum Resources (Upstream), to investigate the matter and brief the Upper Chamber about their findings, next Tuesday.

 

The Joint Committee said the invitation was necessary in order to obtain adequate information that would be needed to write their report for submission to the whole house.

Photos: See Photos Of Kany West's Daughter North West

The kid picture was shared online and she's looking pretty. Kanye and Kim has given the world a stunning lad who's gonna look more better than her mum when she grows

Photos:See Throwback Pictures Of Kim K

  The model took these pictures after her talk show with David Letterman

See more pictures of her looking so skinny after the cut

Wizkid BUSTED On Instagram For Lieing About Is Location

Wizkid BUSTED on Instagram for lieing about is location …This is not good at all for someone like wizkid … Should we say maybe he forgot to turn off his location or what, because How can people be in Lagos and be blowing lie that they are in LA, ATL etc?

 The “Ojuelegba” star was busted last night by followers who called him out on a massive lie he told.

Last night, Wizzy posted the above pic on Instagram and captioned ‘Morning LA’. But…err…it was actually 5pm in LA at the time he shared the pic.

 

Instagram users resident in the US, quickly called him out on his lie.

 

He reacted by deleting their comments and blocking them off.