I have been away on annual leave and actually thought i will have opportunities to update my blog but i could not. So sorry ikept you guys in suspense.
I will start off from where i stopped. Hope to share some of my experiences with you.
NEWS BITS
ANOTHER JAILBREAK
Following the collapse of walls of Okigwe Prison in Imo State, about 40 prisoners have escaped, while two others were allegedly shot dead by the warders of the prison.
Reports from Owerri, the state capital, indicated that the wall of the prison collapsed on Saturday.
Reports say the two people who were feared dead were shot by the warders while chasing the flee prisoners and those awaiting trials.
According to the report, the Okigwe prison authorities were now hunting the prisoners who had fled since Saturday.
BIGGEST TELECOM MERGER COLLAPSES
The proposed merger between South African telecommunications company, MTN, and Bharti Aitel, India’s largest telecoms company which would have created one of the world’s biggest telecoms network has collapsed following disagreement on sharing structure.
But hours after Bharti withdrew from the deal, another Indian telecoms company, Reliance Communications, has taken over and is now negotiating with MTN for a possible merger.
Reports say a successful merger would have made the two entities one of the sixth-largest mobile phone operators with more than 130 million subscribers.
Bharti was said to have secured funding of more than $60bn (£30.3bn) towards a deal but walked away amid claims that MTN had changed the terms of the deal.
It said MTN's plans would have seen Bharti Airtel become a subsidiary of MTN, a position it was not willing to accept.
PARTIES MERGER
No fewer than 22 political parties have initiated alliance talks with the Action Congress (AC) to strengthen the opposition against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The parties are set to fight what they see as the PDP’s drive towards a one-party state, among others.
But the ruling party is making moves to consolidate its hold on power by starving the other parties of cash. How? One and half years after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered equal sharing of annual government grants among the 50 political parties, the PDP has approached the court to set aside its judgment.
The court had on December 15, 2006 granted the prayers of the Citizen Popular Party and 44 others, including the AC, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dump its sharing ratio of 10 per cent on the basis of equality and 90 per cent in proportion to seats held in the National Assembly. Now the PDP is asking that the old formula be readopted.
Some 22 parties pushing for alliance with the AC have met thrice in Abuja on the matter, but negotiations are yet ongoing.
SIEMENS BRIBERY SCANDAL
Ex-Siemens AG executive Reinhard Siekaczek yesterday told a court in Munich, Germany, that he built a system of slush funds at a unit of the engineering firm through which officials in several countries, including Nigeria, were bribed with company cash.
The court last October fined Siemens 1 million naira, the maximum fine for bribes paid by the communications unit in 77 cases between 2001 and 2004 to government officials in Nigeria, Libya and Russia.
The Nigerian government, last December, cancelled a N128.4 million (about $1.1 million) contract with Siemens for the supply of circuit breakers and other power generation accessories, and suspended dealings with the German telecoms firm pending an investigation into the bribery allegations.
Four former ministers of communications, a senator, some officials in the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and the Nigeria Immigrations Service (NIS) were indicted by the Munich court last year for �10 million bribe in the on-going probe of Siemens.
The former ministers are Tajudeen Olanrewaju (a retired General who served in Sani Abacha's regime), Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Dr. Mohammed Bello and Alhaji Haruna Elewi - all part of erstwhile President Olusegun Obasanjo's Administration between 1999 and 2007. Prof. Jibril Aminu is the senator named in the bribery scandal.
Tuesday 27 May 2008
Wednesday 14 May 2008
News Bits
Am sorry i have not been able to update my blog cos am on leave.
My sincere apologies for bringing this information late.
NEWS BITS
MISSING PLANE
A fresh controversy yesterday ensued over the missing Wing Aviation’s Beechcraft 1900D, two months after it went off the radar.
Hours after the government alleged that the flight recording data was tampered with, some top officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) denied the claim, saying it was impossible.
But it was learnt that the tampering was possible because of the time lag between when the plane went missing on its way to the Obudu Airstrip and when officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) impounded the tapes.
The plane went missing on March 15, but AIB officials did not impound the tape until four days later, allowing ample time for the alleged act.
FRAUDULENT PUBLIC OFFICERS
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, yesterday said public officials had devised fraudulent means of assets declaration to evade arrest by anti-corruption agencies.
Presenting a paper in Kaduna at a seminar on "Anti-corruption, Rule of Law and the Administration of Justice in Nigeria," Ayoola also said more than $500 billion had so far been stolen from the nation’s coffers since independence in 1960.
The ICPC boss said public officials now engage in anticipatory declaration of their assets.
RURAL INTERNET FACILITIES
As part of the Federal Government's fresh intervention in the area of affordable Information Communication Technology (ICT) to Nigerian communities, NIGCOMSAT Limited, the company incharge of Nigeria's communication satellite, yesterday said it has embarked on a pilot programme to provide over 400 Community Tele-Centres (CTC) nationwide.
The project is meant to provide Nigerians in remote and un-served urban areas with affordable access to internet, multimedia and voice over internet protocol.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Engr. T Ahmed Rufai, said the building of the centres would be completed by month end, adding that the company has already completed and deployed facilities in 79 benefiting communities across the country.
LAGOS STREET PARTY BAN
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Monday signed into law a bill banning the blocking of roads for any form of social or commercial activities in any part of the state.
The law, titled, “Bill on Commercial Activities and Prohibition of Obstruction of Traffic,” makes it an offence for any person or group to obstruct traffic on any road in the state as a result of social or commercial activities.
By the provision of the law, anybody that obstructs a law enforcement agent of the state in the course of enforcing compliance to this law will be liable to six-month jail term, with an option of fine of N10, 000 or both.
IYABOGATE
THE Senate may have to wield the big stick on Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello with the consequent declaration of her seat vacant if she continues to shun the attendance of proceedings of the upper chamber.
This follows her continuous absence from the Senate sessions since her case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which has charged the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health to court over her alleged involvement in the N300 million fraud at the Ministry of Health.
Senate spokesman, Senator Ayogu Eze, who admitted that Obasanjo-Bello’s case was beyond the jurisdiction of the Senate, the case having already been taken to court for adjudication, said the Senate was, however, worried over the continued absence of the legislator at the proceedings of the House, a development which he said contravened the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
My sincere apologies for bringing this information late.
NEWS BITS
MISSING PLANE
A fresh controversy yesterday ensued over the missing Wing Aviation’s Beechcraft 1900D, two months after it went off the radar.
Hours after the government alleged that the flight recording data was tampered with, some top officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) denied the claim, saying it was impossible.
But it was learnt that the tampering was possible because of the time lag between when the plane went missing on its way to the Obudu Airstrip and when officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) impounded the tapes.
The plane went missing on March 15, but AIB officials did not impound the tape until four days later, allowing ample time for the alleged act.
FRAUDULENT PUBLIC OFFICERS
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, yesterday said public officials had devised fraudulent means of assets declaration to evade arrest by anti-corruption agencies.
Presenting a paper in Kaduna at a seminar on "Anti-corruption, Rule of Law and the Administration of Justice in Nigeria," Ayoola also said more than $500 billion had so far been stolen from the nation’s coffers since independence in 1960.
The ICPC boss said public officials now engage in anticipatory declaration of their assets.
RURAL INTERNET FACILITIES
As part of the Federal Government's fresh intervention in the area of affordable Information Communication Technology (ICT) to Nigerian communities, NIGCOMSAT Limited, the company incharge of Nigeria's communication satellite, yesterday said it has embarked on a pilot programme to provide over 400 Community Tele-Centres (CTC) nationwide.
The project is meant to provide Nigerians in remote and un-served urban areas with affordable access to internet, multimedia and voice over internet protocol.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Engr. T Ahmed Rufai, said the building of the centres would be completed by month end, adding that the company has already completed and deployed facilities in 79 benefiting communities across the country.
LAGOS STREET PARTY BAN
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Monday signed into law a bill banning the blocking of roads for any form of social or commercial activities in any part of the state.
The law, titled, “Bill on Commercial Activities and Prohibition of Obstruction of Traffic,” makes it an offence for any person or group to obstruct traffic on any road in the state as a result of social or commercial activities.
By the provision of the law, anybody that obstructs a law enforcement agent of the state in the course of enforcing compliance to this law will be liable to six-month jail term, with an option of fine of N10, 000 or both.
IYABOGATE
THE Senate may have to wield the big stick on Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello with the consequent declaration of her seat vacant if she continues to shun the attendance of proceedings of the upper chamber.
This follows her continuous absence from the Senate sessions since her case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which has charged the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health to court over her alleged involvement in the N300 million fraud at the Ministry of Health.
Senate spokesman, Senator Ayogu Eze, who admitted that Obasanjo-Bello’s case was beyond the jurisdiction of the Senate, the case having already been taken to court for adjudication, said the Senate was, however, worried over the continued absence of the legislator at the proceedings of the House, a development which he said contravened the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Monday 5 May 2008
Bakers Strike
The master bakers and caterers association of nigeria today embarked on strike over rising cost of flour and sugar.
The bakers are demanding a reduction in prices of ingredients.
They have also threatened to increase prices of bread by 25 percent when the 8-day warning strike ends next Monday.
It's really unfortunate that this strike is coming when the common man cannot afford the price of rice.
What next for the common man?
The bakers are demanding a reduction in prices of ingredients.
They have also threatened to increase prices of bread by 25 percent when the 8-day warning strike ends next Monday.
It's really unfortunate that this strike is coming when the common man cannot afford the price of rice.
What next for the common man?
Friday 2 May 2008
Diplomatic Upper Cut
One hundred and eighty days after their confirmation by the Senate, only about 10 of the 61 ambassadors-designate have left for their countries of posting while about 50 of them are still in Nigeria literarily abandoned.
Some of those who have already left for their place of postings included among others former Senate Leader, Senator Dalhatu Tafida -United Kingdom, Prof. Joy Ogwu-United Nations (UN)’s mission in New York, General Timothy Shephildi-Russia, General Oluwole Rotimi-United States (US) and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro-Ghana.
Reports say most of the ambassadors-designate are still being delayed by “agreemon”, that is the necessary clearance document needed from their countries of destination, a form of approval from the receiving countries after they have done a background check on the ambassadors-designate to determine if he/she is the kind of person they want in their country.
But it was learnt that the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali, may have rejected his posting to South Africa.
Ali was said to have shown preference for the United States (US) or United Kingdom (UK).
Six weeks ago, at the Presidential dinner held to bid them farewell in Abuja, it was disclosed that letters of acceptance from 20 countries were ready and were simply waiting for President Umaru Musa Yar‘Adua’s signature.
Some of them, especially politicians, are back in their hometowns throwing themselves actively into politics.
In some cases, fresh elections are being ordered by election petition tribunals across the country.
There are speculations already that some of the ambassadors-designate have been rejected by their countries of posting because of unsatisfactory findings in the course of investigation.
This is a huge embarassment to our diplomatic circle. Are we this unorganised?
Some of those who have already left for their place of postings included among others former Senate Leader, Senator Dalhatu Tafida -United Kingdom, Prof. Joy Ogwu-United Nations (UN)’s mission in New York, General Timothy Shephildi-Russia, General Oluwole Rotimi-United States (US) and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro-Ghana.
Reports say most of the ambassadors-designate are still being delayed by “agreemon”, that is the necessary clearance document needed from their countries of destination, a form of approval from the receiving countries after they have done a background check on the ambassadors-designate to determine if he/she is the kind of person they want in their country.
But it was learnt that the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali, may have rejected his posting to South Africa.
Ali was said to have shown preference for the United States (US) or United Kingdom (UK).
Six weeks ago, at the Presidential dinner held to bid them farewell in Abuja, it was disclosed that letters of acceptance from 20 countries were ready and were simply waiting for President Umaru Musa Yar‘Adua’s signature.
Some of them, especially politicians, are back in their hometowns throwing themselves actively into politics.
In some cases, fresh elections are being ordered by election petition tribunals across the country.
There are speculations already that some of the ambassadors-designate have been rejected by their countries of posting because of unsatisfactory findings in the course of investigation.
This is a huge embarassment to our diplomatic circle. Are we this unorganised?
Thursday 1 May 2008
Academic Disaster
There was pin drop silence at the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal in Akure yesterday when one of the expert witnesses called by Governor Olusegun Agagu to defend his mandate ended up defending his integrity for nearly seven hours.
Labour Party’s candidate, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko is challenging the declaration of Agagu as winner of the April 14,2007 governorship election.
Although he was summoned to fault the report of Mr Adrian Forty,the finger print expert, Prof. Emmanuel Adegbeyeni spent most of the time defending what he claimed in his deposition on oath at the tribunal.
Adegbeyeni, who said he is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in his deposition on oath, told the tribunal during cross- examination that he was neither a Reader in the university nor could he remember the Registrar who signed his appointment as a professor.
The man, who claimed to be the first in black Africa to get a doctorate degree in Computer Science, could not operate a computer when he was given one by Mimiko’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun.
Also, he said he did not know the year the computer was invented and could not tell who invented it.
But when Olanipekun told him it was invented in 1963, he did not object to it.
Severally during the cross-examination, Adegbeyeni could not say exactly when he became a professor.He gave conflicting dates of 2001, 2002 and 2003.
He simply told the tribunal that he was an old man and could not remember all he did some years ago.
Labour Party’s candidate, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko is challenging the declaration of Agagu as winner of the April 14,2007 governorship election.
Although he was summoned to fault the report of Mr Adrian Forty,the finger print expert, Prof. Emmanuel Adegbeyeni spent most of the time defending what he claimed in his deposition on oath at the tribunal.
Adegbeyeni, who said he is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in his deposition on oath, told the tribunal during cross- examination that he was neither a Reader in the university nor could he remember the Registrar who signed his appointment as a professor.
The man, who claimed to be the first in black Africa to get a doctorate degree in Computer Science, could not operate a computer when he was given one by Mimiko’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun.
Also, he said he did not know the year the computer was invented and could not tell who invented it.
But when Olanipekun told him it was invented in 1963, he did not object to it.
Severally during the cross-examination, Adegbeyeni could not say exactly when he became a professor.He gave conflicting dates of 2001, 2002 and 2003.
He simply told the tribunal that he was an old man and could not remember all he did some years ago.
Academic Disaster
There was pin drop silence at the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal in Akure yesterday when one of the expert witnesses called by Governor Olusegun Agagu to defend his mandate ended up defending his integrity for nearly seven hours.
Labour Party’s (LP’s)
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko is challenging the declaration of Agagu as winner of the April 14,2007 governorship election.
Although he was summoned to fault the report of Mr Adrian Forty,the finger print expert, Prof. Emmanuel Adegbeyeni spent most of the time defending what he claimed in his deposition on oath at the tribunal.
Adegbeyeni, who said he is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in his deposition on oath, told the tribunal during cross- examination that he was neither a Reader in the university nor could he remember the Registrar who signed his appointment as a professor.
The man, who claimed to be the first in black Africa to get a doctorate degree in Computer Science, could not operate a computer when he was given one by Mimiko’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun.
Also, he said he did not know the year the computer was invented and could not tell who invented it.
But when Olanipekun told him it was invented in 1963, he did not object to it.
Severally during the cross-examination, Adegbeyeni could not say exactly when he became a professor.He gave conflicting dates of 2001, 2002 and 2003.
He simply told the tribunal that he was an old man and could not remember all he did some years ago.
Labour Party’s (LP’s)
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko is challenging the declaration of Agagu as winner of the April 14,2007 governorship election.
Although he was summoned to fault the report of Mr Adrian Forty,the finger print expert, Prof. Emmanuel Adegbeyeni spent most of the time defending what he claimed in his deposition on oath at the tribunal.
Adegbeyeni, who said he is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in his deposition on oath, told the tribunal during cross- examination that he was neither a Reader in the university nor could he remember the Registrar who signed his appointment as a professor.
The man, who claimed to be the first in black Africa to get a doctorate degree in Computer Science, could not operate a computer when he was given one by Mimiko’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun.
Also, he said he did not know the year the computer was invented and could not tell who invented it.
But when Olanipekun told him it was invented in 1963, he did not object to it.
Severally during the cross-examination, Adegbeyeni could not say exactly when he became a professor.He gave conflicting dates of 2001, 2002 and 2003.
He simply told the tribunal that he was an old man and could not remember all he did some years ago.
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