Mandela’s Family Vows to Continue His Treatment

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Read Time:2 Minute, 59 Second

Former South African president, Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, said  Tuesday her family would continue to give medication to the former president, who is now in a critical condition in hospital.

The 94-year-old has been in hospital in Pretoria for 18 days and his condition has worsened in the past 24 hours.

Makaziwe Mandela revealed her father was still fighting on, and said: “In our culture, the Tembu culture, that I know, the African culture that I know, you never release the person unless the person has told you please my children, my family release me.

“My dad hasn’t said that to us. So these people who want to talk about, you know, release him, he hasn’t said we should release him and we haven’t come to the end yet.
“It is only God who knows the end,” the express.co.uk quoted her as saying after a family meeting.

In another interview with CNN, Makaziwe said: “Yes, I believe he is at peace. He is at peace with himself. He has given so much to the world; I believe he is at peace.”
South African President Jacob Zuma said Mandela is being made “comfortable” by doctors, after he paid a visit to the former president in hospital.

Zuma called on South Africans to pray for Mandela, and told journalists the former president was asleep when he saw him.

Tensions between the South African government and the media have escalated in recent days after the government's belated acknowledgement that an ambulance carrying Mandela to the hospital on June 8 broke down.

As a result, Zuma refused to give details of Mandela's condition, but said: “Madiba [Mandela's clan name] is critical in the hospital, and this is the father of democracy.
“This is the man who fought and sacrificed his life to stay in prison, the longest-serving prisoner in South Africa.”
Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president after the end of apartheid in 1994, was hospitalised for what the government said was a recurring lung infection. This is his fourth hospitalisation since December.

Mandela was jailed for 27 years under white racist rule and was released in 1990. He then played a leading role in steering the divided country from the apartheid era to an all-race democracy.

“Nelson Mandela, for me, is like my father,” Alex Siake, a South African, said in Pretoria. “Every day, I just pray that he can recover quickly and be among us again.”
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's main opposition party, said in a statement the news that Mandela was in critical condition came “as a blow to all South Africans.”

Asked why none of Mandela's doctors had not been made available for a news briefing, presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said an arrangement had been made in consultation with Mandela's family whereby information would be provided through a “single source in an authoritative way.

“We've come to that arrangement on the basis that we need to respect the privacy of the family, we need to adhere to doctor-patient confidentiality.
“You can be assured that what we are saying is based on an agreement with the doctors.”

Doctors approve the text of announcements on Mandela's health, and believe some media reporting has transgressed professional ethics, he said.

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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: JTF Sets Adulterated Diesel Tanker Ablaze

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Read Time:1 Minute, 57 Second

 Personnel of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Cross River State Tuesday set ablaze a tanker loaded with adulterated diesel from illegal refinery in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state. On June 10, the same tanker with registration number URU-34XA Imo State was impounded with adulterated diesel by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Calabar and Spokesman of the JTF, Captain Joseph James, said the NSCDC operatives handed over the truck to the JTF. James explained that the tanker was set ablaze because after undergoing a laboratory test at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yard in Calabar, the product tested positive.

He also revealed that members of the JTF also intercepted a tanker and arms from suspected bunkerers some months ago, along Calabar-Odukpani highway. “Oil theft and illegal bunkering has been one of the challenges facing the state in recent times,’’ he said, adding that the JTF made up of the Nigerian Army, Air force, Navy, Police and the NSCDC, is working tirelessly to eradicate oil theft in the state.

The two suspects, Chika Ozoemene and Abel Enya, the spokesman added, had been handed over to the NSCDC for prosecution. “I want members of the public to have confidence in what JTF is doing in the state and report suspected oil theft to JTF as their identity will be protected. “The fight against oil theft in the state and Nigeria is a collective responsibility of all individuals, not only the JTF,’’ he said. James appealed for accurate information from the public, saying it would help the JTF to apprehend perpetrators of the illegal act.

“Anybody with useful information on oil theft should visit the JTF headquarters at 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar,” James said, adding that: “The suspects voluntarily confessed that the contents are adulterated.” One of the suspects, Ozoemene confessed in an interview with journalists, saying: “I have been fully engaged in oil theft for a long period of time now, if am released out of here, I will live a better life.’’ He said he was lured into the illegal act by his friends after failing to secure a good means of livelihood.

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 Promises to Implement National Migration Policy

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Read Time:1 Minute, 48 Second

 The federal government has pledged the speedy implementation of the National Migration Policy as soon as it is adopted to harness the opportunities provided by the phenomenon of migration for national development and an equitable society.

The Minister of Special Duties and Inter- Governmental Affairs, Mr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, gave the assurance at the opening of the workshop for the validation exercise of the Draft National Immigration Policy in Abuja yesterday where he added that an implementation framework had been developed to make the policy operational once it was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Turaki, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Winifred Oyo- Ita, disclosed that the draft policy took into account the provisions and aspirations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agenda for economic and social integration of the sub-region.

The minister recalled that a draft policy was presented to the FEC in 2010, but it was returned with a directive to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to further review its content and incorporate realities and migration dynamics both locally and internationally. “Validation exercise offers the unique opportunity to have a retrospective appraisal of how far we have come in developing a National Migration Policy: our true aspirations for better migration management in Nigeria: our vision to take advantage of the opportunities provided by migration for national development,” he said.

The minister expressed appreciation to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for the robust implementation of the 10th European Development Fund. The Chief of Mission, IOM, Mr. Martin Ocaga, in his address, said the rationale for the policy was to provide an appropriate framework at the national level to monitor and regulate internal and international migration, provide proper data collection, dissemination and management in areas relating to migration, security and development.

He added that the policy was to ensure adequate capacity building for state and non state actors and stakeholders in the area of migration and border management, ensure decent treatment of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and their families and contribute to national development and human security.

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 Advised on Ban on Fish Importation

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Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

The federal government has been advised to adopt “a careful and phased implementation” of the prohibition of the importation of fish into the country rather than an outright ban as is currently being contemplated by the authorities. The Ministry of Agriculture had indicated last year that it would ban the importation of fish into the county.

In a piece he wrote and distributed to some media houses in Abuja yesterday, a retired banker and now a fish farmer and importer in Niger State, Malam Zakari Usman, declared as “noble” the objective of the federal government to “save foreign exchange and promote local farming,” warning that “an outright ban will have profound consequences on the people, who will be abruptly denied their sole source of protein.”

Usman opined that “a strategy of careful and phased implementation seems imperative, given that this product touches the basic essential aspects of the people’s sustenance and healthy living in the country.” He explained that “it is common knowledge that fish is the most economical and affordable source of protein for millions of Nigerian consumers.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, he recalled, recently allegedly painted a gloomy picture that Nigeria produces only 30 percent of the country’s requirements. “Nigeria requires 2.66 million tons of fish annually to satisfy the dietary needs of its citizens. The demand is growing with the population growth and increasing purchasing power. Out of this, only a paltry 700,000 tons are produced locally – this includes only 200,000 tons from aqua culture.

“Further, in case of locally farmed fish, the fish feed accounts for 70 per cent of the cost of production, which is imported, draining valuable foreign exchange,” he explained. Buttressing his argument for a phased import prohibition, the fish farmer referred to a March report in Oyo State where the state Director for Agriculture said the Agriculture Ministry hopes to increase table fish production by 250,000 tons per annum while production of value added fish and fisheries would be increased by 100,000 tons per annum.

“An outright ban of fish imports under the circumstances will have profound consequences on the people who will be denied their sole source of protein,” he affirmed. Usman agreed with federal government that it was important to limit and eventually ban importation of fish, but “it is pertinent to note that the imported fish is available to the people at hugely lower prices compared to consumers in other countries.”

“For instance, the imported frozen fish is available to the people at an average of N 150-250 per kilogram, whereas the locally farmed catfish sells for a whopping N500 per kilogram. The prices of meat and chicken are N 1,000 per kilogram and N 700 per kilogram respectively, making the imported fish the most affordable product. Given this low price for imported fish, Nigerians even from the lowest thresholds of income are still able to buy fish on a daily basis, meeting the protein needs of themselves and their children.

“The imported fish is cheap because in European and Pacific waters, there is an abundance of fish, given years of controlled fishing and best practices for a thriving fish population. “However, the stock of fish in Nigerian waters is negligible for trawling. Most of the shrimps and prawns caught locally are being exported to Europe given higher prices. “The huge overcapacity in Europe and the Pacific creates a great opportunity for countries like Nigeria, Cameroun, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Angola to secure cheap and good quality fish for their people.

The prices paid by people in these countries are much cheaper than those paid by their counterparts in Europe. For instance, the price of Herring (Shawa) is sold in Nigeria for N50 per piece. Whereas, the same fish is sold for N500 per piece in Europe retail markets.” Speaking on the consumption tastes of the people as another major consideration to be given due importance, Usman said given Nigeria’s geographical diversity people from different regions consume different species of fish. “For instance, people from the North (Kano, Kaduna, Jos etc) consume Herring (locally known as Shawa) predominantly, followed by Sardines and other mixed fish.

Whereas in the East, the consumption is more towards Horse Mackrel (Kote), Sardinella (Agbodu), Herring and Mackrel. In the West people from Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin etc consume Herring, Blue Whiting (Panla),” he said.

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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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Shonekan: Nigeria is in Crisis

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Read Time:2 Minute, 58 Second

 Former Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, Tuesday lamented the growing cases of insecurity currently prevalent in different parts of Nigeria, noting that the country “is actually in crisis.

” But he expressed optimism that the country would survive the myriad of socio-economic and political challenges undermining her growth if her human and natural resources could be vibrantly harnessed and developed.

The former head of state expressed the standpoints at the 2013 annual lecture of the Lagos State University Alumni Association held at the institution’s new auditorium and delivered by the state Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN). Shonekan, who was the chairman, of the lecture titled: ‘Good Governance: A Tool for Revitalisation of the Socio-Cultural, Values for Social Development’, acknowledged the diverse crises currently undermining Nigeria’s peace and stability daily.

He said Nigeria would have ordinarily been an interesting place “to live, there is no arguing that today the country is actually in crisis. The state of insecurity masterminded by the Boko Haram sect is disturbing and regrettable.” Shonekan also cited the worrisome case of abduction and kidnapping for ransom, which according to him, has become prevalent in some parts of the country and appears “to be spreading. Such people in our midst must be got rid of at all cost.

It is also disturbing that we are a group of people who have no regard for the sanctity of human lives.” But the former head of state said irrespective of what may be confronting Nigeria under the present political dispensation, “there is still hope if the country can harness and develop her human natural resources meaningfully. “We have enormous human and natural resources, which we need to develop. If we look at the whole West Africa, Nigeria has the largest share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nigeria has the largest population,” he said. He added that God “has put us in a very strategic position. So, we must utilise our human and natural resources very well.

If we fail to do so, God can have a rethink or change His mind about our beloved country.’ Nigeria had the history of pulling back from the brink, especially when the situation was getting worse.” Despite the imperfection of the present democratic governance, the former leader suggested that it “has endured and still remains the best system of government. But we need to upgrade it so that we can reap the dividend of democracy. “We have come to embrace reforms that we need to facilitate rapid growth and national development of our economy.

We can still see rays of hope around us. Fashola is an example of such. Lagos is the most sophisticated state in the country with a lot of challenges and opportunities; yet he has excelled,” he said. In his lecture, Fashola called for the need to revisit family values, which he said, had degenerated and its consequences were responsible for the manifestations of anomalies in the public life as witnessed today. For the country to be efficiently and effectively governed, the governor explained that the place “to start is family.

If we succeed in our families, we will also succeed in our states and by extension, in our country.” On this ground, Fashola argued that it “is the family values that will ensure, and not the government programmes, that our children are properly raised; elderly ones well catered for and cultural heritage revamped.”

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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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Emergency Rule: Security to be Relaxed in Adamawa, Yobe for Ramadan

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Read Time:4 Minute, 20 Second

The tight security restrictions imposed on Adamawa and Yobe States in the wake of the declaration of emergency rule may soon be relaxed, to allow Muslims resident in these states participate in the Islamic rites associated with the month of Ramadan.

This came as the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, yesterday said the troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), which was deployed to enforce the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States have captured more leaders of the Boko Haram sect.

The decision to review the security situation, however, coincided with a move by the National Assembly to place defence and security budget on first line charge.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Afam Ogene, disclosed these while briefing newsmen on the outcome of a four hour closed door meeting between the House, service chiefs and heads of paramilitary agencies in the country.

The meeting had in attendance the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Immigration and Prisons.

The security team led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, was admitted into the chambers at about noon  Tuesday, to brief the lawmakers on the security situation in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, where emergency was declared to combat the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Ogene said the meeting was designed to engage the security chiefs and obtain first hand information on the current situation in the emergency areas.

The spokesman of the House said the lawmakers had fruitful discussions with the security chiefs and applauded their gallantry in stemming the tide of terrorism in the country.

According to him, the security agencies operating in the region had been able to take over about 13 camps formerly occupied by the insurgents.

He, however, disclosed that the security agencies have had several challenges including the difficulty of differentiating between Nigerians and nationals of neighbouring countries in the conflict areas.

“One clear challenge was that it is quite difficult for them to distinguish between Nigerians and citizens of Niger Republic or Chad. This is because in the Republic of Niger, there are about six states or regions whose people are Kanuri-speaking. It is unlike a situation when you travel to Europe as a n African; you can be easily spotted in a crowd,” he said.

He explained that to further boost the capacity of the security agencies, the National Assembly had begun the process of amending the Constitution to place the defence budget on first line charge. According to him, this would ensure that whatever was budgeted got to the relevant security agencies.

Meanwhile, Olukolade, while receiving the nine-man Defence Headquarters Assessment Team, which returned yesterday from Yobe and Borno States, to update the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, on the situation of things in the affected states, said some notorious leaders of the sect have been captured, while some materials recovered in the camp have also provided useful intelligence for subsequent operations.

The DDI, who said the team was led by the Director of Operations in the Defence Headquarters, said the team was shown the various weapons, including rockets and locally fabricated weapon accessories, which were captured in the forest.

He stated that the assessment team also visited the troops’ location in various parts of Borno and Yobe States, including those in the notorious Sambisa forest, where they conveyed the greetings and commendation of the CDS, who was “very proud of the troops.”

Olukolade explained that other items recovered by the Special Forces, include a large number of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as well as other dangerous materials used by the sect members.
“Also, seized vehicles of different brands were shown to the team. Several vehicles destroyed by the terrorists as well as their tailoring equipment apparently used for producing fake uniforms were also shown to the team,” he added.

“Other items such as laptops, mobile communication equipment (mobile phones), used for shooting and posting online videos, locally made rockets and rocket launchers were among several items seized by the JTF from the arrested terrorists and displayed for the team to see,” he said.

Olukolade, however noted that the Commanding Officer said that despite the huge success, the unit also incurred some casualty in men and equipment.

According to him, the troops are currently engaged in night and day patrols of the area to dominate the forest and apprehend any terrorist who may be lurking around.
However, Ibrahim has vowed that the troops of the JTF would not relent in its offensive until the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents were routed out with peace and stability restored.

The CDS assured that the force was conducting operations, which was aimed at stopping terrorism in order for normalcy to return to the country.

“I am satisfied with the high level of successes so far recorded in the operation and thanked them for a job well-done, and urge you not to rest on your oars until the entire region was fully sanitised and cleared of all terrorist activities,” he said.

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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: Why Four Condemned Convicts Were Executed, by Edo AG

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Read Time:3 Minute, 24 Second

While condemnations have continued to trail the execution of four condemned prisoners by the Edo State Government in Benin City on Monday, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Henry Idahagbon,  Tuesday disclosed that one of the condemned convicts, ThankGod Ebohs, was yet to be executed because he was sentenced to death by firing squad.

Idahagbon explained that the reason was because the Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) had only one hangman noose for executing condemned persons.
Those executed were Chima Ejiofor, Daniel Nsofor, Osarenmwinda Aiguokhan and Richard Igagu.

According to him, Ebohs was convicted in Kaduna, by a Robbery and Firearm Tribunal and the judgment stipulated the method of execution.

Idahagbon told journalists that Ebohs was convicted for robbing a family, raped the wife of the family and forced a bottle into the private part of the woman which led to her death.

He said Ejiofor, a spare parts dealer in Benin City, killed a child delivered to him out of wedlock.

The Commissioner revealed that “Chima impregnated an Edo woman and had a child. Several years later, he went back to his village and married an Igbo woman. During Christmas, he invited the child to spend the holiday with him. When the child came, he killed him, saying he did not want to have a child outside wedlock.”

He stated that Aiguokhan killed his victim and buried the dismembered body in different places.

Idahagbon, therefore, advised those against death penalty to direct their energy to the National Assembly for an amendment of the law on murder and armed robbery.
To him, “These are gory murders done by hardened criminals. If a person is convicted for armed robbery, the only thing the judge can give is the death penalty.”

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) yesterday described the execution as a big setback for Nigeria's human rights record and a negation of her commitments at the EU-Nigeria human rights dialogue.

The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Ms. Catherine Ashton, in a statement issued in Brussels, Belgium expressed regret, saying the action represented a break of a seven-year moratorium on death penalty.

She added that the executions also negated the commitment made by Nigeria during the annual ministerial meeting in Brussels last May, to maintain the de facto moratorium on executions.
In the same vein, United Kingdom's Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, expressed sadness at the executions, which according to him, came few months before the Universal Periodic Review of Nigeria by the UN Human Rights Council.

In a statement made available by the British High Commission in Abuja, Simmonds said: " We oppose the death penalty in all circumstances. There is no conclusive evidence of its deterrent value. It is particularly concerning that there are reportedly around 1,000 prisoners currently under sentence of death in Nigeria, and I would urge the Nigerian authorities to halt any further executions.”

Also, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN),   condemned the executions, arguing that instead of asking for the blood of the victims of socio-economic injustice in the land, President  Goodluck Jonathan should have declared a state of emergency on official corruption which had become a component part of the Transformation Agenda .

“It has become immoral to continue to execute victims of official corruption while the perpetrators of the heinous crime are allowed to enjoy their loot under dubious plea bargain deals arranged for them by the federal government. It is also curious to note that President Jonathan is expressing concern over prison congestion when he has just signed the so-called Prison Exchange Bill which has legalised the dumping of Nigerians convicted abroad on our prisons.

“Ironically, while the president is desirous to  liquidate 900 death row prisoners the federal government  has directed the local ill-congested prisons to receive about  1,000 prisoners of Nigerian nationality serving jail terms in British prisons,” he said.

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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: Traders Grumble as Tinubu’s Daughter Succeeds Grandmother

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Read Time:3 Minute, 27 Second

It was a shock they never prepared for. Gathering at the home of their late leader,  Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, who until her death on June 14 at the age of 97, was the President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men, majority of them had only come to mourn their leader, for whom the family was holding the eighth-day fidau, a religious ritual for departed Muslims.

Like so many dignitaries and others from different spectrums of the society, who had converged on the late Mogaji’s Alausa, Ikeja home to take part in the eighth-day remembrance prayers for the deceased, the least the traders had expected was that on that Sunday, they would get a new leader.

But they had not taken into reckoning that Mogaji’s most famous son and former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, could have other design. And that was what he did as shortly after the fidau prayers, he met with the traders, ostensibly to thank them for honouring his mother with their presence. After a short speech, he dropped the bombshell to the chagrin of the traders: his daughter, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, will replace her grandmother as President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men.  Majority of them concealed the shock with muted approval.

Though Tinubu-Ojo, wife of a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, could not hide her joy at the pronouncement, as she danced in appreciation, most leaders of market associations present, who had been expecting that they would have a say in who would lead them after the demise of Mogaji, grumbled at the appointment.

Worried about the development which it said was against democratic ethos, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on Tinubu to rescind the decision.
The party in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, noted that democratic process should be allowed to usher in a new leader as against the dictatorial style being displayed by Tinubu, who is also the national leader of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State.

“The much touted democrat should allow the simple tenets of democracy to prevail in the selection of a new leader for the market women,” the statement said.

The main opposition party in the state also faulted the decision to name Tinubu-Ojo as the successor to her grandmother on the grounds that she is not a full time trader, adding: “There is no cogent evidence that his nominee and daughter is a full time market woman.”

According to the party, such a development is dangerous and must be reversed.
“This new development portends great danger for our democracy and indeed Lagos integrity. We are thus calling on the state Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, not to sit on the fence at this auspicious time,” the party added.

The PDP therefore urged Fashola to exhibit control in governance, especially when Tinubu’s interests conflict with the public interests. “He (Fashola) must see to it that the process leading to the emergence of a market leader and any other leadership in the state is transparent, liberal and credible,” PDP said.

THISDAY reliably gathered that a meeting of leaders of markets slated to hold Tuesday to discuss the matter and decide on how to respond to Tinubu’s imposition of his daughter as the leader of traders in the state did not hold as scheduled. However, no reason was given for the cancellation of the meeting.

But a market leader at Ijaiye-Ojokoro area who would not want his name in print, has expressed doubts over the possibility of a reversal of the decision on the grounds that Tinubu and the Lagos State Government were behind the imposition of Tinubu-Ojo as their leader.

The position is considered relevant in Lagos politics as the occupant of the office wields considerable influence among traders, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate, and could exercise that influence to mobilise votes for any party of choice during elections.

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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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Fuel Subsidy Scam: Court Orders Arrest of Oil Marketers for Absence in Court

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Read Time:2 Minute, 0 Second

 An Ikeja High Court Tuesday issued a bench warrant against two oil marketers, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck, for failing to be in court for their trial without cogent reasons. Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo also revoked the bail granted to the first defendant, Ogunbambo, for the same offence. Ogunbambo and Theck alongside their company, Fargo Energy Limited are standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and use of forged documents.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the oil marketers and their company, defrauded the federal government to the tune of N979.6 million on fuel subsidy.

Before yesterday’s proceeding, hearing on the matter could not proceed because of the absence of their counsel, former President of the

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN). The absence of the senior advocates however, stalled the hearing of an application filed by Agbakoba in which he sought to quash the charges against the defendants. Agbakoba had in the application raised three major constitutional and jurisdictional issues against the EFCC, one of which touched on what is referred to in legal parlance, as “Miranda rights.

” Miranda rights are secured rights of persons arrested or detained to have legal representation immediately on arrest before making any statement. But at yesterday’s proceedings, the defence counsel informed the court that Ogunbambo had called on Monday to inform him that he was indisposed.

The counsel, however, could not provide detailed explanations of both the first and second defendants’ absence in court. This, however, prompted counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Francis Usani, to pray the court to discountenance the submission of the defence, stating that it was a ploy to delay trial. Usani said there was no sufficient materials before the court to explain the absence of the defendants more so when the Administration of Criminal Justice Act requires a defendant to appear in court for his trial unless with good reasons.

Justice Onigbanjo, in his ruling on the matter, therefore revoked the bail granted to the first defendant as well as ordered for their arrest for not furnishing the court with cogent reasons for their absence. The judge said the absence of the first defendant was a breach of his bail conditions and adjourned till September 16, for further hearing on the matter.

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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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Nigerian Business Awards to Honour Corporate Excellence

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Leading players from across the corporate sector in Nigeria will compete for the nation’s most prestigious corporate awards and trade honours at the first annual Nigerian Business Awards (NiBA), scheduled for July 19, in Lagos. The prestigious ceremony, which is organised by the Africa Media Corporation, publisher of African CEO, African Enterprise, African Ovation and African Petroleum magazines, in collaboration with the African CEO Council and the African Business Council.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Media Corporation, which is based in the United States, Mr. Peter SaSellu, said: “The companies are leading the way with billion dollar investments to improve socio-economic growth and human development across the country.

In addition, the country is currently producing some of the most impressive enterprises on the continent, with success stories, including Dangote Group, UBA Group, Arik Airline, Sifax Group.” SaSellu said: “The Nigerian Business Awards will make a welcome to this year’s honourees who have demonstrated sound corporate governance, business excellence and have contributed to human development across the country. “However, we are delighted to recognise those national, regional and international companies that stand out from this exalted crowd.

The nominees will include a combination of national, regional and international players that have gone above and beyond in terms of their recent industry contribution. “Award ceremonies are important in defining the benchmark for excellence and separating the outstanding achiever from the rest of the group.” “They also provide recognition to the best performers in the field, while inspiring others to emulate their success.” This is exactly what we’re hoping to achieve with the Nigerian Business Awards.

” Speaking also, Senior Vice-President of the AMC, and Coordinator of this year’s awards banquet, Rebecca Saffa, said: “It’s our intention to make the NiBA, a leading corporate event for the Nigerian business community, where all captains of industry can gather to recognise and celebrate the success stories and achievements of their colleagues. “Given the market challenges that companies are facing at both the national and regional level at the moment, this is a perfect opportunity to remember those companies and individuals that continue to achieve excellence on a daily basis.

” The event has mobilised a hand full of local and international media partners, including the African CEOs, African Ovation, African Enterprise, African Petroleum and Nigerian business magazines. A select number of additional figureheads will be announced shortly.

The Nigerian Business Awards 2013 is self-sponsored, and will include 15 categories in total, covering the company of the year, airline, maritime, banking, energy, hospitality and public sectors, along with a variety of supporting niches. Also, individuals who have demonstrated strong leadership and excellence in both the public and private sectors will be honoured, including lifetime achievement, business leader, business woman, and rising star of the year.

Nominations are opened year round, and free of charge. However, nominations would be assessed by a prestigious panel of experts, selected from within and outside corporate Nigeria.

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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