NIGERIA: Police arrest, parade 3 for kidnap, car theft in Imo

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The Imo state police command on Friday paraded three suspects allegedly connected with the kidnap of an Anglican priest and a traditional ruler on March 8 and March 19 respectively.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Musa Katsina, who led journalists to the kidnappers’ hideout in Arondizuogu, said the command had intensified efforts against predatory anti-social elements in the state.

He said the three suspects were arrested in Umunze in Anambra through the combined effort of the command’s special ambush squad and their expanded strategic partners in Anambra.

Katsina said the police swung into action after the kidnap while relying on intelligence reports gathered from credible sources.

He said the suspects, Sunday Oparaeke, Simeon Igwegbe and Kingsley Henshaw, were dealers in stolen cars.

He said the police recovered one Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Rav 4, a Toyota Forerunner and one Nissan Maxima from the suspects.

He also said that one of the suspects, Kingsley Henshaw, was an ex-convict of armed robbery.

The traditional ruler, Eze Josephat Aliebo of Njikoka Umulolo, Okigwe, was released after his family paid N2 million ransom to the kidnappers.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: ‘We have lost over 70 percent of our customer base’ – NIPOST

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Read Time:5 Minute, 59 Second

With the advent of the Global System of Mobile Communication, GSM, the general impression is that the services being rendered by the Nigerian Postal Service,  NIPOST, may have been adversely affected.

The reason for this fear cannot be far fetched, given that most Nigerians now prefer to send mails through the Short Message Services, SMS,  otherwise known as text messages. Saturday Vanguard investigations in Makurdi, the Benue state capital actually confirmed this fear. It was gathered that the advent of the GSM has to a large extent affected person to person letters delivery service.

According to a source who craved anonymity at the NIPOST office in Makurdi, “the advent of the GSM has actually affected person to person or individual letters transactions.We have lost over 70 percent of our customer base in that respect but as for parcel mails, it has quadrupled;business letters are also on the ascendancy.It has not affected our revenue base in any way because this is our best season in terms of revenue generation because people are still sending parcels and business mails.

“Do you know that the market worth of global parcel and mail trade is in the range of over $25billon despite the advent of the GSM; only if we can fully take advantage of this, we shouldn’t have any reasons to worry.”

On the issue of the welfare of staff, our source maintained that “since we are  getting resources on all fronts, staff have no reasons to complain; our salaries and entitlements are paid as at when due and we’re all doing our best to justify our earnings”, said he. However, it is pertinent to point out here that it is  not all glowing stories for the Makurdi territorial Headquaters of the NIPOST in Benue state.

A major feature of most of the NIPOST offices in Benue state is the fact that it’s services are carried out from colonial structures and sometime dilapidated buildings. Another unsavory tale of the NIPOST in Makurdi is the issue of the long abandoned territorial Headquater building which was started over 22 years ago but abandoned after work on the project had gotten to about 60 percent level of completion.The building which is located on Gboko road, almost opposite the first gate of the Benue State University, has become a den for hoodlums and criminals who found it a ready free accommodation and operating base for their nefarious activities.

A source at the Makurdi office of NIPOST told Saturday Vanguard on grounds of anonymity that the building would have provided staffers a conducive environment to carry out their responsibilities and duties to the Benue public “but for reasons best known to the authorities, no one talks about the project which was started during the military regime, it is just unfortunate.That abandoned project reminds one of the sad and unfortunate state of our country, because it presents a clear and vivid picture and replica of the state of governance in this country.

”After expending so much of public funds to erect that gigantic structure, it was abandoned midway, and since then, Ministers of Communication would come and make make pronouncements about the project but at the end of the day, nothing would be done. That is why we are tucked away in this small office that is meant for postal services. It as bad as that, it is as bad as bad.”

Reduced activity in Plateau

By Taye Obateru
Normal activities are going on at the various post offices in Plateau State even though there has been a huge drop in patronage. It was gathered that although fewer people now post letters, the various post offices still run normal work schedules with staff on hand to attend to customers.

Unlike its neglected NITEL counterpart, some attention appeared to have been paid to maintenance. Saturday Vanguard observed that some of the post offices were recently given a massive facelift . For example, the one along Goodluck Jonathan Road (former Zaria Road) was re-roofed and restructured while the Anglo Jos Post Office also got some face lift.

A NIPOST staff who declined to be named, said the renovation of the post offices had provided a better work environment for them for which they are happy. He confirmed that the volume of postage of letters had dropped since the emergence of the GSM through which people now communicate faster.

“The postage of letters have dropped because only very few people now post letters. Except when sending a document or a parcel, people prefer to communicate via the phone. Many of our post office boxes are no longer functional because a lot of people are not paying for them since we increased the rate to N3,200. Generally speaking, business is slow, but we are getting by”, another staff told Saturday Vanguard.

However, it was learnt that the NIPOST courier service known as EMS (Expedited Mail Service) is still highly patronized because of its relatively cheaper cost when compared to other courier services. “That appears to be our major source of revenue now” the source stated.

In Asaba, customers trickle into Post-Offices

By Austin Ogwuda
ALTHOUGH its sister organization, NITEL has gone underground in Delta State, NIPOST office in Asaba, Delta State capital is still bubbling with activities.

A visit to NIPOST office on Nnebisi Road adjacent Police ‘A’ Division showed that customers were coming to transact business. However the hitherto bustling and long queues commonly noticed some years at the counters were absent, as customers trickle in.

Posting of letters, unarguably, had reduced drastically due to the GSM and internet patronage but dispatching of parcels via the courier service of the agency is quite noticeable.

Counter staff were found on duty when visited while the agency presently maintains skeletal staff strength unlike what it used to be years back.

Some of the staff spoken to who maintained anonymity expressed concern over the fate of the organization because of dwindling revenue being generated. They called on the Federal government not to allow the agency to die.

An Asaba-based female journalist, Anastacia  Agunwa, told our reporter that “NIPOST is still very necessary in the society because there are some information that could not be passed to the recipient through either text messages, internet or phone calls. For instance, documents like share dividend warrants, pamphlets, books and other documents must be sent through NIPOST. Therefore, it should not be ignored because it has not outlived its usefulness. Instead, the necessary authorities should make the services more vibrant in order to maintain its credibility”.

On his part, the Delta State Chairman of Labour Party LP, Comrade Emeka Nkwoala noted that “this is one of the challenges of development. Some persons do patronize NIPOST but I can’t remember doing that. NIPOST should be made to be competitive and do more on advertisement.  I’m an advocate of buy local but think global. The consumer should not be shortchanged in any way”, he stated.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Woman in court for calling neighbour prostitute

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The police on Friday arraigned a 38-year-old woman, Nneka King, of Tudun Wada Village, Abuja, before an Abuja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly insulting and hurting her neighbour.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Elijah, told the court that one Miss Grace Ogbo, of the same address, complained against the accused at the Lugbe Police Station on April 1.

Elijah told the court that the complainant reported that the accused intentionally and without any provocation, rained insults on her, calling her a prostitute.

The prosecutor explained that the complainant ignored King and continued selling kerosene to her customers.

“No sooner had the complainant bent down to sale kerosene to her customers than the accused attacked her with a bottle, stabbing her severally. The complainant sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Abuja Unity Hospital, Lugbe, for treatment.”

Elijah said that in the course of the attack, the complainant also lost her purse which contained N670,500 and a Nokia cell phone worth N10, 000.

He said that during police investigation, the accused could not give satisfactory account of action.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of section 399 and 246 of the Penal Code.

Section 399 states that ‘‘whosoever uses abusive language concerning or otherwise conducts himself towards any person or group of persons, whether such person or any member of such class or group is present or not;

“In  a manner likely to give such provocation to any person present as to cause such last mentioned person to break the public peace shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.’’

Section 246 states that ‘‘whoever voluntarily causes hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine which may extend to N40.00 or with both.’’

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr Celestine Obinna, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 and a surety in like sum.

Obinna said the surety must be of a fixed address and resides within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the case to April 9, for hearing.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: FG to complete eastern rail line this year- Minister

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The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to complete the rehabilitation of the Eastern railway corridor from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, within the year, a statement said on Friday.

According to the statement issued in Abuja by Mrs Yetunde Sonaike, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, in the Ministry of Transport, the Minister, Mr Idris Umar, gave the assurance when he received the governors of Kogi and Anambra States, Idris Wada and Peter Obi in his office.

It said that the governors were at the ministry to solicit the inclusion of Onitsha and Ayangba in the 25years railway development master plan, aimed at transforming the transport sector .

The statement said that the master plan was not sacrosanct in principle and as such technical experts in the ministry would look into the request of the governors as soon as possible.

The governors commended the ministry on the successful rehabilitation of the Western rail line from Lagos to Kano and looked forward to the completion of other lines.

Wada commended the Federal Government for the completion of the dredging of the Lower River Niger from Lokoja to Onitsha and the development of an inland Jetty at Idah, Kogi state.

Wada also informed the minister that the state had set up a committee to look into safety steps to ensure smooth inland water transportation of passengers, especially between Kogi and Nasarawa states.

The governor, however, said that the state was in the process of acquiring necessary boats for safe transportation.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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France reassures Mali over troop withdrawal

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Read Time:2 Minute, 35 Second

The French foreign minister was in Mali on Friday to reassure the war-torn nation that France is not planning an “overnight” withdrawal of the troops it sent there to fight Al-Qaeda-linked rebels.

Laurent Fabius met military officials and his Malian counterpart Tieman Coulibaly and was later due to see President Dioncounda Traore to discuss the pullout scheduled for the end of April and to push Mali to hold elections as planned in July.

“The international community has its eyes fixed on you. Restoring security is essential but restoring democratic dialogue is also essential. It rests on your shoulders,” he said after meeting Coulibaly.

France sent 4,000 troops to Mali in January to block an advance on the capital Bamako from the north by Islamist fighters.

Paris is preparing to hand over to a UN-mandated African force of 6,300 in the coming weeks, placing a spotlight on Mali’s poorly-paid, ill-equipped and badly-organised armed forces.

The Malian military fell apart last year when well-armed Islamist extremists seized the country’s vast northern desert, terrorising locals with amputations and executions performed under a brutal interpretation of sharia Islamic law.

The French-led intervention quickly drove out the insurgents but significant pockets of resistance remain in the Ifoghas mountains as well as in the northern cities of Gao and Timbuktu.

Paris has announced the beginning of its troop withdrawal from Mali late April, with its deployment halving by late July and a UN peacekeeping force of more than 11,000 troops expected to deploy around the same time.

“I’ll tell my partners that we will not go overnight,” Fabius told reporters, noting that France intended to keep a residual force of around 1,000 men in its west African former colony until the end of the year.

Fabius said the other objective of his visit was to encourage Mali’s politicians to begin the process of reconciliation, particularly between the north and the south, and organise presidential elections for July.

He said the “policy decisions had already been taken” for a July poll.

“Technically and politically it is feasible” to have “a legally elected president in July,” he added.

Analysts have voiced doubts over the possibility of a vote within such a tight timeframe because of the continued instability in the north and the problem of getting 400,000 people displaced by the conflict to the ballot box.

But Moussa Sinko Coulibaly, the minister for territorial administration, said on Thursday he had “no doubt” over the timetable.

He said Mali had decided to allow refugees to go to “the polling booth of their choice” and was in contact with neighbouring countries including Mauritania, Algeria and Nigeria to ensure ballot boxes were available there.

“This election will not be absolutely perfect,” a French diplomatic source conceded, adding that Paris and the international community were nevertheless relying on the ripple effect elections could have to advance reconciliation.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Charly Boy Shows Off His Casket

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Read Time:33 Second

Charles Oputa popularly known as charly boy a.k.a Area Fada is at it again as he has posted another disturbing photograph of his numerous, on the internet ON April 4, 2013. This one according to him, he captioned "Charlie Boy Poses Dead Inside Coffin “I See Tomorrow Inside My Casket”

Model and TV personality Charly Boy Okputa recently released these photos of himself lying inside his casket.

According to him, he gets his ideas inside his coffin.

The area fada tagged the photos as follows

It is so peaceful here, so crazy out there,hummmmmmm
Time for your meditation fada
I see tomorrow in my casket

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: CBN may sell N410bn worth of bonds in 2013 Q2

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The Debt Management Office (DMO) says the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may sell as much as N410 billion worth of bonds during the second quarter of this year.

The DMO disclosed this in its provisional calendar published on the Website.

It said that bond sales for the quarter would open on April 17.

According to DMO, the bonds to be sold in April will include N25 billion to N45 billion bonds each of seven-year, 10-year and 20-year tenor.

It said that the bonds were expected to mature in June 2019, January 2022 and July 2030 with coupon rate of 16 per cent, 16.39 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.

The DMO also said that it would on May15 issue another set of three bonds which will include N25 billion to N45 billion bonds of five-year bonds.

Others are N10 billion to N20 billion bonds of five-year tenor and seven-year tenor bonds of between N20 billion and N30 billion.

The DMO also said that the N25 billion to N45 billion bond of five-year tenor would mature in April 2017 at 15.10 per cent yield rate.

The N10 billion to N20 billion bonds at four per cent yield rate will mature in April 2015.

The seven-year tenor bonds of between N20 billion and N30 billion with 16 per cent yield rate will mature in June 2019.

The DMO said that the sales for the quarter would end on June 12 with the sale of N25 billion to N45 billion each of five-year debt to mature on 2017 with coupon rate of 5.10 per cent.

The DMO said that it would also offer another five-year tenor bonds on June 12 with coupon rate of four per cent.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Airtel introduces ‘WhatsApp’ data service

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Read Time:1 Minute, 28 Second

In line with its commitment to offering best telecoms experience to Nigerians, leading telecoms services provider, Airtel Nigeria has introduced “WhatsApp” data application packages to its subscribers.

This follows a cross-promotion agreement with “WhatsApp Inc.” that secured for Airtel Nigeria the exclusive right to launch “WhatsApp” packages in Nigeria.

To access the Airtel “WhatsApp” bundle, customers are to dial *948# at N100/month to enjoy the service exclusively on Airtel platform.

Speaking on the new offer, Olu Akanmu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Airtel Nigeria, described the “WhatsApp” data bundle service as the first of its kind in the country. He said that it would provide great a channel to connect Nigerian youths to their friends with unlimited access.

According to him, the new package, which is available to all prepaid subscribers, attracts no deductions from the user’s data bundle or airtime balance.

“Coming at a time when we are about to start Mobile Number Portability in Nigeria, and with our robust 3.75g broadband strength spread over 180 cities across the country, our customers have just been handed another winner in our collection of bespoke data services through WhatsApp.

We shall continue to push harder to realize our vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians”.

Customers who activate data bundles of 200MB or more can also enjoy unlimited access to “WhatsApp” without having to pay for the value-added service.

“WhatsApp” is considered one of the most popular mobile applications worldwide, owned by “WhatsApp Inc.” The application allows instant chat features, file & location sharing and more via smart phones through the Internet.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Timeline of Boko Haram clashes with the state

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Read Time:6 Minute, 57 Second

THE Jama’atu Allus Sunnah Lilda wati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, (Western education is sin), came into existence in the 1960s but survived through the decades under various names.  However, it started drawing attention to itself in 2002, when Mohammed Yusuf became its leader. In 2004, it moved to Kanamma, Yobe State, where it set up a base called ‘Afghanistan’ from where it attacked nearby police stations, killing police officers.

In July 2009, the Nigeria Police started investigating Boko Haram, following reports that the group was arming itself. Yusuf, the leader and others, were arrested and on July 30, 2009 allegations were made that Yusuf was extra-judicially killed by Nigerian security forces after being taken into custody. The development invigorated deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces and attacks on churches, public institutions and military facilities, among others, which have led to the death of about 3,500 people.

Litany of attacks Before the clashes, many Muslim leaders, and at least one military official, had warned the authorities about Boko Haram. Those warnings were reportedly ignored. According to Human Rights Watch, between July and December 2010, at least 85 people were killed in some 35 separate attacks in four states in northern and central Nigeria, as well as in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Attacks attributed to Boko Haram in 2011 left at least 550 people dead in 115 separate incidents.

Between January and December 2012, Boko Haram-related attacks occurred in 14 of the country‘s 36 states, including all the 12 states that have already adopted Sharia Islamic law, Plateau State and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Violence blamed on Boko Haram, which said it wants to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, has killed more than 900 people in 2012, in about 290 separate attacks in 12 north-eastern and central states, and Abuja, making 2012 the deadliest year since the group began its attacks in 2009. And in 2013, about 250 people have been killed in Boko Haram-related attacks and incidents.

The litany of attacks include those of the United Nations Office, Abuja, Police Headquarters, Abuja, the building housing ThisDay Newspapers, Sun Newspapers and Daily Trust in Abuja, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, Deeper Life Church, Okene; Military Cantonment Jaji, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SAS) office and other numerous security facilities especially police stations.

The security agencies also went on counter-offensive arresting, detaining and in many instances, killing Boko Haram members and leaders.

Disturbed by the escalating violence many northern leaders and groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, urged government to dialogue with the group to end the killings.

Last November, the group gave the government conditions for ending the hostilities. Acclaimed spokesman of the group, Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, in a tele-conference with journalists in Maiduguri, stated that if the state and the Federal Government wanted the group to cease-fire completely, then former Borno state governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, must be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the land.

He also said that the government should compensate the group and rebuild their places of worship which were destroyed during the 2009 uprising.

He pointed out that for a dialogue to take place, it must be through the following elders: Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno; former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; former Yobe State governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Ambassador Gaji Galtimari and Barr Aisha Alkali Wakil and her husband, Barr, Alkali Wakil, insisting that the dialogue must not take place in Saudi Arabia.

Abu Abdulazeez also said that the group had mandated five members who are to mediate on their behalf; they include himself (Abu Mohammed Abdulazeez), Abu Abbas, Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf, Sheikh Sani Kontogora and Mamman Nur.

Buhari later distanced himself from the group and the Federal Government said it could not negotiate with pre-conditions, thus the crisis was allowed to fester.

With the latest decision of the group to sheathe its sword, it is hoped that all stakeholders will play their required roles for normalcy to return to the country.   Porous ceasefire However, a peace deal was brokered on January 28, 2013 after a marathon meeting between some leaders of the group, which has been terrorizing some states in the North, particularly Borno State, since July 2009, and the Borno State Government, led by Governor Kashim Shettima with other top government officials and religious leaders from the state in attendance.

The cease-fire came after a 42-month multi-prong attack unleashed on the polity by the sect.

Briefing newsmen after the marathon meeting in Maiduguri, Sheikh Abu Mohammad Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, a commander of Boko Haram in-charge of North and Central Borno, said after due consultation with the leader of the sect, Shiekh Abubakar Shekau, as well as intervention and pleadings from respected individuals and groups in the state, we ‘’have all come to terms and agreed to lay down our arms.’’

The Boko Haram Commander, however, insisted that government should immediately release all their members from custody unconditionally, re-build their places of worship and compensate them, among other demands.

Sheikh Abdulazeez said that, the sect observed that during the lingering insurgency, many Muslim women and children had suffered untold hardship, adding that, they also decided to lay down their arms for peace to reign in Borno State and the country at large.

“I am appealing and calling on all our members through this medium to lay down their arms henceforth, till further notice,” Abdulazeez stated.

However, a few hours after the cease-fire, a faction of the sect distanced itself from the peace-deal and accelerated its deadly attacks, which have claimed about 250 lives since then.

The search for peace took President Goodluck Jonathan to Borno and Yobe states last month. The series of parleys during the two-day visit did not yield amnesty as President Jonathan insisted that the Federal Government could not grant amnesty to ghosts. He urged leaders of Boko Haram to come out of their hiding and dialogue with government as was done in the Niger Delta before amnesty could be granted.

The matter was on the front burner this week following the exchange of brick-bat between Buhari and the presidency. While Buhari accused the Presidency of being responsible for ‘political Boko Haram’ and should take responsibility for the escalating mayhem, the Presidency countered that Buhari was responsible because he threatened to make the country ungovernable if he lost the 2011 polls. The government asked Buhari to act like a patriot and get Boko Haram leaders to embrace dialogue. Buhari refused and advised the government to carry its cross.

Timeline of Boko Haram attacks in 2012 The Islamic group, between January 1 and November 30, 2012, unleashed a flurry of bomb, gun and suicide attacks on security facilities, churches and public institutions, which claimed about 3,000 lives and destroyed property worth trillions of Naira

January 5, 2012: Gun men opened fire at a church service in Nasarawa, Gombe State, killing six people and wounding 10.

January 6:  Militants armed with automatic weapons stormed a town hall in Mubi, Adamawa State, where people had gathered to mourn three Christians, who were shot the previous evening and killed 18 people.  Eight people were also killed in a separate ambush of Christians leaving a church service in Yola, the state capital.

Later in the day, a spokesman for Boko Haram, calling himself Abu Qaqa, claimed responsibility for two incidents and the shooting during a church service in Gombe that killed six people the previous Thursday.

January 20:  After Friday prayers, a group of gunmen in police uniforms entered five police buildings and freed all the inmates. They proceeded to bomb the buildings, as well as two immigration offices and the local office of the Department of State Security, DSS, in Kano. They later drove around the city in cars and motorcycles, shooting pedestrians and battling with police. Among the dead was a Channels Television reporter, Eneche Akogwu, who was shot while covering the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

Now called “Black Friday” by residents of Kano, the sect on that day executed massive simultaneous attacks on churches and security agencies.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: APGA, Disregard Okwu’s National Convention plan, Umeh tells party members

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Read Time:1 Minute, 24 Second

Embattled  National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, has warned all members of the party against the national convention purportedly being planned by the self-acclaimed interim national chairman of the party, Chief Maxi Okwu.

Briefing reporters, yesterday, in Enugu, Chief Umeh reminded all the party members that the fact that Okwu, alongside the founding National Chairman of APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, were expelled from the party in 2005, and that the expulsion was confirmed by the Supreme Court, was enough reason every bona fide member of the party should steer clear of Okwu.

He emphasised that Okwu was yet to be re-admitted legitimately into the party, stating that whatever transaction he was doing on behalf of the party was outright illegality.

Umeh said the national convention Okwu was purportedly planning to organise at Abuja in the name of APGA  was a “mere political comedy meant to “hoodwink the gullible” Nigerian  public.

He said Okwu’s  alleged appointment as the interim national chairman of APGA by  an illegal caucus made the entire political comedy even more entertaining.

“I want to tell Nigerians that there is no National Convention of APGA taking place any time soon.  It is not going to happen. We appeal against the judgment of Enugu State High Court, we are already in progress at the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division and there is no way anybody can take any action that will outreach the outcome of that appeal.  It is pure law,” said Umeh.

He declared that he remained the authentic National Chairman of APGA pending the outcome of the appeal.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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