EFCC to prosecute 23 oil marketers for subsidy fraud

In keeping with the Federal Government’s promise to prosecute those that were alleged to have abused the fuel subsidy scheme, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will finally set the stage for the arraignment of oil-marketing firms and their directors at the Lagos High Court today.

The EFCC Tuesday  named the suspects to include seven oil companies and 12 individuals who have been indicted during investigations into the management of the fuel subsidy scheme and would be arraigned before judges of the Lagos State judiciary.

Some of the suspects are scions of chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and party supporters.

EFCC’s disclosure confirmed THISDAY exclusive story yesterday on the plan to arraign the suspects the same day.

However, THISDAY checks revealed that the suspects could not be arraigned as planned due to logistic problems on the part of the prosecution that are being addressed preparatory to the arraignment of some of them in Lagos today.

The suspects, comprising seven oil companies and 12 individuals, are: Nasaman Oil Services; Eterna Oil and Gas Plc; Ontario Oil and Gas Plc; Nadabo Energy Limited; Pacific Silver Line Limited, Axenergy Limited and Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited.

The 12 individuals involved in the scam are: Mamman Nasir Ali, Christian Taylor, Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex, Walter Wagbatsoma, Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer, Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele, Abubakar Ali Peters, Jude Agube Abalaka, Abdullahi Alao and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo.

Mamman Nasir Ali, who runs Nasaman Oil Services, is the son of former PDP National Chairman, Col. Ahmadu Ali (rtd), who was also the chairman of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulating Agency (PPPRA) board.

Mahmud Tukur, who runs Eterna Oil and Gas Plc, is the son of the current PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, while Abdullahi Alao of Axenergy Limited is the son of popular Ibadan-based tycoon, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao.

Ugo-Ngadi, on her part, is the Managing Director of Ontario Oil and Gas Plc, where its founder, Wagbatsoma, is the executive vice-chairman. 

But whilst the individuals were identified as directors of the oil-marketing firms, Ejidele is a director of the accounting firm, Akintola Williams Deloitte, while Ebenezer is a member of staff of PPPRA.

Also, some of the suspects such as Alao may be tried twice for allegedly conniving with different companies to defraud the government.

According to a statement from EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren, Nasaman Oil Services; Ali and Taylor are to face charges bordering on obtaining N4,460,130,797.94 from the Federal Government under false pretences.

The sum was alleged to have been fraudulently obtained as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) for the purported importation of 30.5 million litres of petrol from SEATAC Petroleum Limited of British Virgin Islands.

Also, Alao and Axenergy Limited will be tried for allegedly obtaining by fraud N2,640,141,707.75 from the government, being payments received from the PSF for the purported importation of 33.3 million litres of petrol.

Others, including Tukur, Alex, Alao and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc, will be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining N1,899,238,946.02 from the PSF for the purported importation of 80.3 million litres of petrol.

Also, Nadabo Energy Limited, Peters, Abalaka and Pacific Silver Line Limited are to be prosecuted for allegedly obtaining N1,464,961,978.24, being payments fraudulently received from the PSF for the purported importation of 19.4 million litres of petrol.

Wagbatsoma, Ugo-Ngadi, Ebenezer, Ejidele and Ontario Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited will be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining N1,959,377,542.63 from the PSF for the purported importation of 39.2 million litres of petrol.

On their part, Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited and Ogunbanbo are to be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining N979,653,110.20 from the PSF for the purported importation of 33,627,840 litres of petrol.

As exclusively reported by THISDAY, some of the suspects will appear before Justices Habeeb Abiru and Adeniyi Onigbanjo both of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court for trial.

Those to be arraigned before Onigbanjo on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and use of false documents are Tukur, Alex, Alao and Eterna Oil and Gas Ltd.

The company and the individuals were alleged to have on April 28, 2011, in Lagos, fraudulently obtained N676.9 million from the Federal Government purporting same to be payment accruing to Eterna Oil under the PSF.

They are also accused of falsifying claims to have purchased 33,288,388 litres of petrol from Mercury Energy Trading AS and imported to Nigeria through Ex-MT Fulmer, Ex-MT Emirates Star and Ex-MT Panther.

Those to appear before Justice Abiru are Wagbatsoma, Ugo-Ngadi, Ebenezer, Ejide and Ontario Oil and Gas Nig. Ltd. The second case before Justice Abiru also involves Alao and his Axenergy Oil.

Alao, who is also to be charged before Justice Onigbanjo will face another nine-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, forgery and use of false documents before Justice Abiru.

He is accused of fraudulently obtaining N2.5 billion in December 2010 from the Federal Government as subsidy payments for supplying13,364,284 and 20,014,627 litres of petrol from Ex-MT Gavros and Ex-MT Nippon Princess. The accused persons before Justice Abiru are facing a nine-count charge for conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and use of false documents.

They are accused of fraudulently obtaining over N1.9 billion from the Federal Government under the PSF from July to December 2010. All the accused persons were also alleged to have forged bills of lading and other vital documents, which they allegedly used in perpetrating the fraud.

The EFCC said their alleged offences contravened Sections 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006 and Sections 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2003. Part of the charges preferred against Wagbatsoma and his co-accused, includes conspiracy for obtaining N1.9 billion under false pretence, contrary to Section 8, punishable under Section 107 of Advance Fee Fraud & other related offences.

They are also accused by the government of altering and forging documents contrary to Section 468 and 467 of the Criminal Code Cap. C17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos of State of Nigeria, 2006, respectively.

The charge read in part: “That you, Walter Wagbatsoma, Adaoha-Ugo-Ngadi, Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer, Ezekiel Olajide Ejide and Ontario Oil and Gas Nig. Ltd. did conspire to obtain property by false pretence contrary to Section 8 punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences on 7th July, 2010, within the jurisdiction of this court, conspired to commit an offence to wit: obtaining the sum of N340,178,111.231 from the Federal Government of Nigeria, purporting to be Petroleum Support Fund, which sum was in excess of the actual value of the product imported into Nigeria by Ontario Oil and Gas Ltd.”

They were also said to have collected N340,015,198, being “Excess of the value of the actual product (12,070,706 litres) delivered by Mt. Union Brave to Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd on your behalf as against  19,681,731 litres you falsely  claimed to have discharged”.

The suspects are among over 140 individuals and organisations involved in the ongoing investigations into the subsidy payments by the EFCC.

“More suspects will be arraigned periodically as the investigation progresses,” the EFCC said in its statement.

Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday filed a separate suit before Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson of the Lagos High Court against Durosola Omogbenigun, Peter Mba, Integrated Resources Limited and Pinnacle Oil and Gas. It was gathered that all the four defendants are to appear in court tomorrow for arraignment.

They were alleged to have conspired to obtain money under false pretences punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Free Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. They were also alleged to have on February 4, 2011 obtained from the Federal Government N986,154,970.41 purported to be subsidy payable to Integrated Resources Limited for the importation of 19,347,753 litres of petrol which they claimed from NIMEX Petroleum Limited of Gibraltar.

They will also, among others, be charged with the intent to defraud the Federal Government, for obtaining N343,182,230.20 on or about September 15, 2011, purporting to be subsidy payable to Integrated Resources Limited for  4,115,951 litres of petrol which they claimed to have purchased from Alcamo Integrated Limited/Vitol SA Geneva and allegedly imported to Nigeria through the mother vessel MT Box and MT Althea Ex MT Sea Power as the daughter vessels.

Indicted Oil Firms
  Nasaman Oil Services
   Eterna Oil and Gas Plc
   Ontario Oil and Gas Plc
   Nadabo Energy Limited
  Pacific Silver Line Limited
   Axenergy Limited
   Fago Petroleum & Gas Ltd
   Integrated Resources Ltd
   Pinnacle Oil and Gas

Indicted Persons
   Mamman Nasir Ali
   Christian Taylor
   Mahmud Tukur
   Ochonogor Alex
   Walter Wagbatsoma
  Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi
   Fakuade B. Ebenezer
   Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele
   Abubakar Ali Peters
   Jude Agube Abalaka
  Abdullahi Alao
   Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo
   Durosola Omogbenigun
   Peter Mba

This Day

Related story: Prosecution of oil fraudsters to begin next week

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U.S. to seize $3 million of James Ibori looted funds

The United States Department of Justice has secured a restraining order against more than $3 million looted funds and a mansion in Houston, Texas owned by former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, in the U.S.

Ibori is currently serving a 13-year jail term in the United Kingdom for corruption and money laundering.

The department got the powers through an application filed under seal on May 16, 2012, in U.S District Court in the District of Columbia, to register and enforce two orders from United Kingdom courts against more than $3 million in corruption proceeds related to Ibori.

This was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton in a statement on the U.SDOJ website on Tuesday.

“The application, which was filed under seal on May 16, 2012, in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, seeks to restrain assets belonging to Governor Ibori and Bhadresh Gohil, Ibori’s former English solicitor, that are proceeds of corruption.

“Specifically, it seeks to restrain a mansion in Houston and two Merrill Lynch brokerage accounts. U.S. District Judge Lamberth granted the application and issued a restraining order under seal on May 21, 2012.

“The department was notified today that its application to unseal the restraining order was granted.
“The United States is working with the United Kingdom’s Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police Service to forfeit these corruption proceeds,” it said.

According to the application, Ibori served as the governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta State from 1999 to 2007, and misappropriated millions of dollars in Delta State funds.
He laundered those proceeds through a myriad of shell companies, intermediaries and nominees in several jurisdictions, including the UK, with the help of Gohil. Although Nigeria’s Constitution prohibits state governors from maintaining foreign bank accounts and serving as directors of private companies, Ibori and his associates accumulated millions of dollars in assets in the UK and U.S, according to the application.

Ibori was convicted in the UK of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced by a British court on April 18, 2012, to 13 years in prison.
Gohil was also convicted in November 2010 of money laundering and prejudicing a money laundering investigation and was sentenced by a British court to 10 years in prison.

“Instead of working to benefit the people of the Nigerian Delta, Governor Ibori pilfered state funds and accumulated immense wealth in the process,” said Assistant Attorney General Breuer.
“He conspired with Mr. Gohil to funnel millions of dollars in corruption proceeds out of Nigeria and into bank accounts and assets maintained in the names of shell companies and nominees.

“Through the Criminal Division’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, our message is clear: the United States will not be used as a safe haven for the ill-gotten gains of corrupt foreign officials.
“This serves as a warning to those corrupt foreign officials who abuse their power for personal financial gain and then attempt to place those funds in the U.S. financial system,” said ICE Director Morton.

“ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section to investigate and prosecute those involved in such illicit activities and hold corrupt foreign officials accountable by denying them the satisfaction of their illegal earnings.”

The case is being prosecuted by trial attorneys Woo S. Lee and Elizabeth Aloi of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section.
“The case was investigated by ICE HSI’s Foreign Corruption Investigations Group, HSI Asset Identification and Removal Group in Miami and HSI Attaché London.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative.
“This initiative is carried out by a dedicated team of prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and where appropriate return those proceeds to benefit those harmed.

“Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through institutions in the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to kleptocracy@usdoj.gov.

“ICE HSI’s Foreign Corruption Investigations Group in Miami targets corrupt foreign officials around the world that attempt to utilise U.S financial institutions to launder illicit funds.
“The group conducts investigations into the laundering of proceeds emanating from foreign public corruption, bribery or embezzlement.

“The objective is to prevent foreign derived ill-gotten gains from entering the U.S financial infrastructure, to seize identified assets in the United States and repatriate these funds on behalf of those affected by foreign official corruption,” the statement added.
More details later.

PUNCH

President Goodluck Jonathan to clampdown on oil thieves

President Goodluck Jonathan has vowed to intensify the Federal Government's efforts to stamp out crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, promising to deal decisively with anyone caught in the criminal activity.

The president, who spoke at a presidential retreat on the maritime sector with the theme, 'Harnessing the Potential of Nigeria's Maritime Sector for Sustainable Economic Development', at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday, said that the rising incidents of illegal oil bunkering had decelerated economic development and was causing embarrassment to the nation in the eyes of the global community.

Jonathan's threat came in the wake of revelations that the country loses over N2 trillion annually to foreign countries through capital flight, as a result of the inability of indigenous ship owners to fully participate in lifting over 150 million tons of cargo from the country, including crude oil exports.

Jonathan, who lashed out at both Nigerians and foreigners crude oil thieves, added that they will have no place to hide as his administration was determined to fish them out and bring them to justice.

According to the president, oil thieves should "throw their heads under the pillow" in shame, for their nefarious activities.

"It is embarrassing that it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen. It is very bad news and I believe that Nigerians and foreigners who indulge in the act need to throw their heads under the pillow because all over the world it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen.

"We are not the only oil producing country why is it that it is only in Nigeria that people steal crude oil? This must stop and we will be decisive in putting an end to this malaise.

Turning to the maritime sector, Jonathan said: "The sector without doubt, facilitates approximately 90 per cent of world trade with Nigeria, creates millions of jobs and generates billions of dollars in economic output. The sector, to say the least, is a major engine in our national growth strategy.

The president said that owing to the importance of the maritime sector in the national economy, the Federal Government has an uncompromising obligation to safeguard the country's territorial waters against all threats.

These, he said, included poaching, piracy, pipeline vandalism, coastal insecurity, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, non-payment of statutory levies and charges, illegal entry of ships into our territorial waters, illegal importation of arms and hard drugs, and other sundry crimes.

"Even though it is generally known that the West African coast has the richest fishery resources in Africa, our inability to take advantage of our endowment has been attributed to inadequate law enforcement and industry capacity.

"The cost of piracy to our economy is unacceptably high. Pirates frustrate fishing activities and threaten investments in the West African coast. Higher insurance premiums and charges on ships sailing along the Gulf of Guinea impact negatively on our economy and image.

The president assured that the government was determined to reverse this situation, to protect the country's natural resources and ensure their sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations.

Speaking at the occasion the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, lamented that the country was losing a lot to inadequate maritime safety and insecurity, stressing, "You will hear more as we look as the issue of oil theft and piracy. The numbers are up on piracy incidence in the Gulf of Guinea from 45 in 2010 to 64 now and this is worrisome.

On the issue of increasing local participation in the sector and carbortage, the minister quoted the Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria as stating that the country now loses over N2 trillion annually in capital flight to foreign countries, which own vessels used to lift about 150 million tons of cargo, including oil products, due to absence of a Nigerian flag ship to ply international routes. "Nigerian owned vessels make up less than one percent of the global fleet and are quite old with an average of 30 years of age," hse said.

Iweala disclosed that though the presidential retreat would focus on harnessing the potentials of the nation's maritime sector and "come up with concrete initiatives that we can implement over the next six to 18 months to allow Nigerians to harness the opportunities we have in the sector."

On the significance of the sector, she noted that the maritime sector facilitates trade and commerce and enables the country export its goods as well as earn foreign exchange amongst other.

"The sector also generates significant revenue for government basically through customs and excise duties, and by leveraging our maritime resources

such as fishing. In addition, a significant number of Nigerians are employed by the sector," she added.

At the end of the retreat, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, disclosed that an executive bill that would compel international companies operating in the country patronise indigenous vessel owners was in the offing.

Making this known to State House correspondents yesterday, the minister said that once the bill is drafted it will be sent to the National Assembly.

Idris explained that the bill was an executive effort to harness the potentials in the maritime sector, which was being eroded through a conspiracy of multinational oil corporations who own vessels but refuse to do business with Nigerian firms.

According to the Minister, "There are people who are complaining that they have acquired vessels but their vessels are not patronised by the oil companies. So we are going to look at this, if it is legislation, if it is a policy issue we are going to look at this."

Idris further assured that government has put in place the enabling environment for investors in the transport sector to thrive, saying, "If the private sector was not faring well under the present policy, the concessions at the ports would have been a total failure and all of them would have backed out of the agreement. So the government is living up to expectation."

In his contribution, the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi blamed civil service bureaucracy as the factor militating against what would have been an excellent performance by the agency.

"The greatest challenge in the maritime sector is bureaucracy; it is a little bit frustrating. Getting things done is frustrating. Maritime administration should be run as maritime administration," he insisted.

Meanwhile, a 15-man committee that will be responsible for charting a course for the effective running of the maritime sector has been inaugurated by the President at the end of one-day Presidential Retreat on Maritime Security, Monday.

Chaired by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, with popular maritime lawyer, Olisa Agbokoba (SAN), as the vice-chairman, the committee is expected to draw up roadmap for effective maritime operations in the country.

Similarly, it is charged with the responsibility of specifically looking at all the issues deliberated on at the retreat and recommend workable solutions that are feasible within a timeline.

The members of the Committee are the Director General of NIMASA, Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Maritime, Mr Leke Oyelese and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Maritime Authority, Alhaji Omar Suleiman. Others are the Chairman of Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Isaac Jolapamo, the Chairperson Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, Mrs Vicky Harstrup and former Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia.

Also in the committee are the Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Umar and the Special Adviser to the President on Project Monitoring who will represent the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-weala, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Attorney-General of the Federation and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would send a representative each as members of the committee.

This Day

Video - The Burma Boy: Documentary on the forgotten Nigerian soldiers that fought for the British Empire in World War 2

In December 1941, the Japanese invasion of Burma (now Myanmar) opened what would be the longest land campaign fought by the British in the Second World War. It began with defeat and retreat for Britain, as Rangoon fell to the Japanese in March 1942. But the fighting went on, over a varied terrain of jungles, mountains, plains and wide rivers, until the Japanese forces surrendered in August 1945.

Some 100,000 African soldiers were taken from British colonies to fight in the jungles of Burma against the Japanese. They performed heroically in one of the most brutal theatres of war, yet their contribution has been largely ignored, both in Britain and their now independent home countries.

In the villages of Nigeria and Ghana, these veterans are known as 'the Burma Boys'. They brought back terrifying tales from faraway lands. Few survived, even fewer are alive today.

Al Jazeera's Barnaby Phillips travels to Nigeria, Burma and Japan to find a Nigerian veteran of the war and to talk to those who fought alongside him as well as against him. He even finds the family that saved the life of the wounded veteran in the jungles of Myanmar.

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Nigerian football fans to interact with Arsenal FC players

Malta Guinness, the official malt drink of Arsenal in Nigeria, yesterday announced a series of activities taking place in Lagos, giving fans of Malta Guinness an incredible opportunity to interact with four of Arsenal FC's first team players whilst they are in Nigeria.

Tomas Rosicky, Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker and new signing Lukas Podolski will be in Lagos at the end of July, and the nation's favourite malt drink will be helping to show them the energy and vitality of their Nigerian fans.

Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager, Malta Guinness, commented: "As the Official Malt Drink of Arsenal in Nigeria, we are looking forward to welcoming the players to Lagos.

We are sure that they will have a most enjoyable visit and we are delighted to be able to give fans of Malta Guinness the opportunity to interact and get involved with their idols at a number of exclusive events during their stay. We have more exciting activities planned with Malta Guinness Low Sugar over the coming months, make sure you like our Facebook page to be amongst the first to find out about our plans."

Throughout August, Kaffy will be taking her crew on a tour of the country, giving consumers across Nigeria a chance to join in the Malta Guinness Low Sugar workout sensation. Consumers will be able to attend live demonstrations, as well as film and upload their own workout videos to the Malta Guinness Facebook page for a chance to win airtime and other exciting rewards.

It is well documented that Arsenal's manager, Arsène Wenger, believes the work that the players put in away from the training pitch is crucial to a successful career; that if a player does not have a healthy diet, they will not be able to train as hard or play as well.

For that reason he is a big advocate of ensuring the squad follow a specialised dietary regime to get the best nutrition and stay at the top of their game.

Also, James Collins, Arsenal FC nutritionist said: "Working with world class football players, we understand the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise. The Malta Guinness Low Sugar workout is a great way to encourage people to stay active in a fun way and give them tips and ideas of what they can do on a daily basis to get moving!"

With a great taste and no compromise on quality, Malta Guinness Low Sugar is the drink of choice for those who follow a healthy lifestyle regime, but still want the refreshment and top of the world goodness, energy and vitality that Malta Guinness provides.

Malta Guinness Low Sugar is available in stores and bars across Nigeria with a recommended retail price of N100 for a 330ml bottle or can.

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Rick Ross set to tour Lagos, Nigeria

Come Friday, August 17,2012, American born international rapper, William Leonard Roberts II popularly known as Rick Ross, will storm the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos for the Summer Jam Fest 2012 concert at the exquisite Eko Hotel and Suites.

The Florida native who made headlines with his debut album in 2006 titled "Port of Miami" will headline the music concert alongside other Nigerian acts. The music concert is powered by St. Eve Concepts Limited, the owner of popular magazine, St. Eve.

Summer Jam Fest 2012 is geared to set the tone for an annual concert to promote health and proper lifestyle, and this year, some of the hottest Nigerian artists of the year will be performing alongside the aforementioned big acts. St Eve Concepts aims to promote healthy living through music and entertainment.

St. Eve Concepts is an internal Wellness and Enzymatic Weight Management Company which was founded in 2006 and remains the first and only Enzymatic Health care service provider in West Africa. In 2010, St. Eve Concepts launched a quarterly magazine about health, beauty, fashion and lifestyle called St. Eve Magazine.

It would be recalled that Rick Ross released his fifth studio album "God Forgives, I Don't" earlier this year and also collaborated with hit Nigerian duet P-Square on the remix of the well-known song "Beautiful Oyinye, a song that has dominated the airwaves since it debuted.

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Video - Gold mining killing scores of children in Nigeria

Hundreds of children in northern Nigeria's Zamfara state have died because of gold mining.

More than 400 have perished in the past two years, and thousands of young children are at risk of disability as they are being poisoned by lead, which is used in the mining process.

And non-compliance of safe mining options and lack of simple low-tech machinery has not helped the cause.

International medical humanitarian group, Doctors Without Borders, believes it is "the worst outbreak in modern history".

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Tanker explosion in Rivers state, Nigeria - 30 dead

At least thirty people have lost their lives while five others were rescued as more tankers exploded today at Abuloma waterside and Rumuokehi around Eneka area of Rivers state.

The thirty people who were burnt to death and the five rescued alive were trapped in the vessel that caught fire at the Abuloma water front.

Our correspondent in Rivers says NEMA advance teams are moving to the Abuloma scene while fire fighters are battling that of Rumuokehi already.

Officials of NEMA's information department are asking for help from the fire service and multi-national companies around Abuloma for urgent assistance to battle that fire.

At Rumuokehi, a total of three tankers were seen still in flames while one had been successfully put out by men of the fire service.

A source told Daily Trust that the tankers were set ablaze by men of the JTF because they were being used by bunkerers.

Efforts are still being made to contact the JTF spokesman to get confirmation about their involvement.

However, FRSC's sector commander in Rivers state Kayode Olagunja said this about the Abuloma fire; " An oil vessel, around 9:45am, caught fire and exploded at the Abuloma water front, Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt.

"Fire is still restricted to the water area. FRSC, NEMA, Police and other rescue agencies are on ground. Casualty figures are yet unknown."

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Related story: Video report - 95 dead in oil tanker explosion

Nigerian government signs $1.49 billion construction deal with China

The Federal Government yesterday disclosed that it had signed a $1.49 billion contract with China for the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Double Track.

The rail line with Double Formation under Addendum No. 2 (2nd segment) is for the modernisation of the Lagos-Kano railway project.

It also approved other contracts covering the transport, power and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Briefing journalists in company of his colleagues after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, Transport, Idris Umar, Power, Bart Nnaji, and Urban and Housing Development, Ama Pepple, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said council approved contracts including the implementation of Addendum No. 2 (2nd segment: Lagos-Ibadan to the main contract for the railway modernisation project (Phase 1; Lagos-Kano).

Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company Nig Ltd which clinched the job, is expected to complete the project in 36 months.

The variation of the scope of work for the contract for design and construction of Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project (Lots 1&3) from the initial work span of 60.67km to 45.245km (Lots 1A &3) upped the amount payable from $841,645,898.00 to $823,540,545.87 payable at the prevailing exchange rate inclusive of 5 per cent VAT and 5 per cent variation on prices.

"The contract is in favour of Messrs China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC), with a completion period of 36 months", Maku said.

On power: Council, in line with accepted best practices in the operation and maintenance of hydropower plants, approved the supply and installation of parts for the 2 x 140MW units 411G3 Generators at Shiroro Hydroelectric Plc, in favour of Messrs AsNDRITZ Hydro GmbH, in the sum of €2,075,754.00.

This is in addition to the N13,326340.68 to be retained by Shiroro Hydroelectric Plc to cover one per cent CISS fees and two per cent Port and Handling charges, with a completion period of eight months.

Council also approved the restoration of four Plant units and balance of plant at Omotosho Power Plc in favour of China Machinery and Engineering Corporation in the sum of USD 10,092,771.15 payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment, plus N78,753,893.30 for 5 per cent VAT with a completion period of 6 months.

On investment, Aganga said Nigeria has improved in the FDI attraction index to 23rd position making it a first quarter country for FDI attractiveness.

Nigeria is ranked first in the top five host economies for FDI in Africa at $8.91 billion in 2011 in comparision to $6.09billion in 2010, followed by South Africa with $5.9 billion in 2011 and Ghana with $3.2 billion.

Nigeria accounted for over one-sixth of flows into Africa as a whole. Only Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana attracted FDI inflows above $3 billion in 2011.

Meanwhile, Nigeria makes the final list of Common Wealth Association of Public Admnistration and Management (CAPAM). It is the first time Nigeria is partiparting in the international innovations award.

The Ministry of Health made a summation on their midwives services scheme. The scheme is meant to address one of the goals of the MDGs that has to do with the reduction of maternal and infant mortality.

It is a federal government programme by the ministry of health that employs qualified midwives, some of them retired and newly qualified ones.

"So far they have employed 4000 midwives and they are meant to work only in the primary health care centers. They are deployed to states and federal government pays their salaries while the states provide accommodation and transportation to enable them do their work. So far the 4000 midwives have been sent to 1000 primary healthcare centers across the country. Ministry of health submitted this scheme for the innovation award, there were 111 submissions from nine countries, we made it to the semi final of 40 submissions and now the scheme is among the twelve finalists who will make a presentation at his yeas biannual in India.

"The Minister of Health has assured that they will work hard to ensure that they win the award. It is the first time we tried and we are among the finalists", says Pepple who has been representing Nigeria on the board of CAPAM since her days as the Head of Service of the Federation.

This Day

Nigeria is the largest market for fake drugs in the third world

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, yesterday said that Nigeria has the largest market for counterfeit drugs in developing countries.

Orhii, who disclosed this in Abuja at the sensitization lecture for FCT corps members at the Kubwa NYSC Orientation Camp, said the country also has the highest purchasing power of such drugs.

He said to encourage local production of drugs, the agency has proposed to the Presidency N200 billion pharmaceutical intervention funds to assist local pharmaceutical companies.

He said the country being an oil producing nation and the most populated country in Africa Nigeria is prone to the usage of counterfeit drugs.

Earlier, FCT NYSC co-ordinator, Mr. Frank Ekpunobi, assured that the corps members especially those in NAFDAC community development group would take the campaign to various households in their primary places of assignment.

Daily Trust

Rashidi Yekini immortalized in Nigeria

Kwara State Government on Wednesday said it has named the newly rehabilitated Ola-Olu/Central Bank Quarters phase of Gaa-Akanbi Roads after the late former Super Eagles striker, Rashidi Yekini.

Yekini died about two months ago at the age of 48. He hailed from Ira in Oyun Local Government Area of the state.

The government disclosed this in Ilorin at a media briefing on Wednesday after the state’s weekly executive council meetings.

The media conference was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold; the state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Saka Onimago; his counterparts from Information, Mr. Tunji Morounfoye; and Sports, Mr. Kayode Towoju.

The government also posthumously honoured the former governor of the state, Muhammed Lawal by naming the Ilorin Golf Club after him.

Towoju said the government named the golf club after Lawal because he encouraged and promoted the growth of golf game in the state during his administration.

He added that Lawal’s administration rehabilitated and upgraded the golf club to international standard.

The commissioner said the Ola-Olu/Central Bank Quarters Road was named after Yekini because of his contributions to the growth of football in the country.

PUNCH

200 homeless after demolition of Makoko slum in Lagos

No fewer than 200 people were rendered homeless, yesterday, when the demolition exercise that commenced at Makoko area of Lagos entered day two. Many of the residents said the exercise took them unawares as there was no prior notice from Lagos State government before it started around 10am, Monday.

Most of the structures were makeshift shanties built on waters, which most of the residents claimed were built to make life easier for them. The residents, who are mainly fishermen who migrated from Badagry, said there was no alternative provision by Lagos State government.

As at 6.30pm, yesterday, many displaced victims were seen hanging around in canoes on water as there was no place to lay their heads.

Evacuees speak

A mother of five, Mrs. Christiana Agbogla, was seen lying down on some of her belongings, saying one of her children, who is two years old was receiving treatment from a nurse when a flying boat arrived the area and some men came out to demolish their structure.

Another victim simply called Zende, who was heavily pregnant, lamented that she could not salvage her belongings as there was no one to assist her when the exercise began in her area. Some of the victims also said they will remain on the water as long as they were alive.

They chorused: "We are used to the river due to the nature of our business. We need a place to park our canoes and nets, hence our reasons to be closer to waters. No life was lost in the exercise, because we have trained our children to swim. In this place, a one-year-old baby can swim very well."

The Alase of Egun, Baale Francis Agoyon, said their grandfather inherited the land from University of Lagos many years ago and there was no plan for relocation.

Baale of Sogunro Community, Chief Johnson Idunsa, said they were given about nine days notice by the state government.

He said: "The community is mourning because many of our residents have been rendered homeless."

Quit order

The quit notice stated that the owners of the shanties occupying and developing shanties and unwholesome structures on the waterfront, thereby constituting environmental nuisance, security risk, impediment to economic and gainful utilisation of the waterfront such as navigation, entertainment, recreation, among others, should vacate the area within 72 hours.

Lagos justifies demolition

As the ongoing clearing of Makoko waterfront in Yaba Local Council Development Area, LCDA, continues, where thousands of residents have been displaced, Lagos State government, yesterday, explained that it embarked on the exercise to save lives and property of residents and also to aid execution of government's original plan for the area.

It would be recalled that thousands of Makoko/Iwaya residents of Waterfront community, whose structures were built close to a power line on the lagoon, were Monday displaced following the expiration of a 72-hour quit order. The joint task force comprising policemen, soldiers and officials of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, carried out the demolition exercise.

Most of the residents, who lived and make a living from fishing on the water and petty trading have been rendered homeless as a result of the demolition.

Giving the clarification about government's intention, state Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru, said the government took the decisive step to ensure the safety of residents, adding "their continuous stay leaves them at the mercy of being victims of environmental hazards."

Oniru, who dismissed the insinuation that the exercise was being carried out to prevent occurrence of dreaded activities of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, added that the forecast of rainfall for the year and its attendant consequences, if they remain on the water ways, was the motivating factor to the clearing exercise.

He said: "It is true that the state government issued them notice to quit. However, we had met the community leaders about a month ago and government's plan was conveyed to them. They knew what the government was planning for the area and beyond that the LCDA leader in the area also met with us and we told them the same thing about government's plan for the area.

"They got quit notice from the state government before we embarked on what is going on now in Makoko.

Our plan for evacuees

Oniru, in explaining what the state plans to do with the affected area, said: "The question is why we are doing what we are doing now? The reason is not far-fetched. We are doing it for the safety of the areas and dwellers.

"First is to clear the environment and the entire vicinity of the danger that is looming in that area. I'm talking about rise in water level, global warming and the danger looming in that area with regards to thunder storms and heavy rains that we are having in that area and in Lagos generally.

"If you look at that area properly, there are electric cables and other structures that run across the shanties on the water. All you need is one spark and everything will disappear overnight. We all live in Lagos and we know the thunderstorm that we have been experiencing; the lightening, too. So, what we are doing there is to protect lives of the people on that water.

"Should they be there at all? The answer is no.

"It is not a fixed address for anybody. If you are to ask me what plans we have for them, where we are relocating them to for example; my answer to that is that these people came from somewhere.

"They didn't just grow up on that water and wherever it is that they came from they can easily go back to the place. That area is not a safe place for anybody to reside in."

After demolition

Oniru said: An assessment will be done by Ministry of Physical Planning and the Environment, Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, will be carried out by Ministry of Environment before government can actually come up with a scheme or proposal for the entire area. That is the plan we have for now."

Neighbours rejoice

Meantime, residents of neighbouring communities such as Akoka and Bariga, expressed joy over the demolition exercise, noting the operation would eliminate the security problem they encountered from criminals who often attacked them from the waterfront, which had become hideouts for criminals who live within the community.

Some of the residents of Bariga, Makoko, Iwaya and Akoka also stated that the demolition exercise would stop the flood problem they faced, adding that the shanties erected on the water front obstructed free-flow of water into the Lagoon, thereby making the community prone to flooding during the rainy season.

The community

Makoko is a small community in the Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State. Majority of the people who live there are the Ilajes and the Eguns, from the Western part of Nigeria. Their main occupation is fishing. This is largely because their structures virtually float on water.

One won't understand the depth of poverty there until one visits the community. Their homes are made of wood and built on water. When it rains, their safety is better imagined than described. The residents move from one part of the community to the other with canoes. Walking long distances is usually not encouraged, except one is a good swimmer because the planks used in construction of bridges are weak and could give way at any time. However, the single-plank bridges are inevitable for short distance.

Exercise has no human face-PDP

Meanwhile, Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the way in which Makoko settlers were displaced by the state government. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Gani Taofik, the party argued that previous eviction of settlers, just like this one, has never been with a human face.

While it faulted the way the settlers were "dispossessed of their abodes and area of occupation," the party expressed concern over the ordeal of the traders.

It said: "Lagos PDP views the sudden demolition of the Makoko area as a surprise. This is coming on the heels of the fact that the ACN-led Lagos State government is supposed to be a government of progressives as acclaimed.

"There cannot be any justification for the eviction of people from their abode and area of occupation; people of Makoko are known to be riverine-based and fishermen."

3 babies drown-Residents

The displaced residents, yesterday accused the state government agents of drowning three babies while several others were injured during the exercise, which they said came as a surprise.

When Vanguard visited the scene of the clearing exercise, it was gathered that three babies got drowned in the confusion that ensued when officials from the state government stormed the area for demolition.

It was also learnt that the babies were between the ages of one week and three months.

According to the aggrieved former residents, one of the babies was on his bed and got drowned when his mother went out to buy foodstuff for the family. It was also learnt that the baby was in company of his sibling, who was two years older.

Produce evidence-Lagos

However, Oniru, whose ministry is supervising the exercise, debunked the claim that some babies got drowned in the process of clearing the shanties, yesterday.

He said: "The story can not be true. I am not aware of such reports as I speak to you now. The story is untrue, unfounded and baseless. In a community like that where everyone, including a toddler, is a great swimmer.

"Those spreading such news are mischief makers. I will implore you to ignore them. We challenge them to produce the evidence."

Confirming the development, the Baale of the Sogunro-Pedro, Chief Johnson Agbojeti, said the incident occurred immediately the exercise commenced.

Agbojeti said: "The baby was in the house when the officials came. The mother was out to buy food stuff for the family."

He added that the house was among those first demolished by KAI and other security officials.

One of the parents, who said his baby died during the demolition, Mr. Celetine Aginsu, declined commenting on the child's death, but confirmed that his structure was the first to be demolished.

However, Mr. Peter Ajape, who said his own baby eventually got saved, said that his wife went out when the demolition started.

He said: "Unknown to the officials, they demolished the structure with the baby fast asleep in the house. Immediately they cut off one of the pillars that held the structure, the baby fell into the water."

Ajape noted that it took the intervention of those around to rescue the baby.

Vanguard

Explosions hit Jos

A rocket explosion and unknown gunmen again hit Jos, Plateau State capital, yesterday morning, leaving no fewer than six persons dead, including a 10-year-old pupil of Jos Nura Islamic School, who was hit by a rocket fired at his school.

The development came just as two rocket launchers were said to have been launched around 7pm in Bukuru Jos south local government of plateau around the Bukuru Market

The spokesman of the special task force on Jos crisis Captain Salisu Mustapha confirmed the incidence and said it happened around the Gyel area of the locality and there was no casualty. He also said that large scale investigation is going on.

An eyewitness who did not want his name in print told LEADERSHIP in Jos that a man drove a Vectra Opel car, stopped close to the school, brought out a rocket-propelled gun, and fired at the school, killing the little boy who was sitting for examination alongside his classmates who narrowly escaped death but were injured in the attack.

The bursar of the Islamic school, Alhaji Usman Danlami, in a telephone conversation with LEADERSHIP, said there was no doubt that the school was the target of the attack, but the damage was minimal as the attacker missed his target and hit a house close to the school. It was the impact of the explosion that collapsed part of the wall which fell on the dead minor, he said.

Confirming the incident in Jos to LEADERSHIP, the spokesman of the Special Task Force on Jos crisis, Captain Salisu Mustapher, said there were attacks on Nura Islamic Private School in the Kerana area of Bukuru in Jos South local government Area of the state.

LEADERSHIP investigations revealed that four persons were killed in a particular attack by unknown gunmen at Sabon Gida Kanap in Bukuru, Jos South LGA.

The attackers stormed a house, killing a widow and her three children. They were reportedly killed at about 2am.

One person was reportedly killed by some youths in skirmishes following the explosion that rocked Jos Nura Islamic Private School and killed the 10-year-old boy.

The victim, Alhaji Boye, was allegedly killed at Jos Building Materials Market, along Bukuru Road.

However, in its report made available to LEADERSHIP, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said "only one person died in yesterday's crisis in Jos, particularly in the blast at an Islamic school in the Bukuru district of Jos, Plateau State, according to claims by a resident, which were corroborated by a security operative".

The statement quoted the spokesman of the agency, Yushua A. Shuaib, as saying "the explosion occurred in the morning in the Bukuru area of Jos South," but was silent on casualty figure thus far, though he confirmed that one person died from the explosion.

According to a NEMA report a resident of the area, Gyang Moses, confirmed that a high-calibre weapon was fired at a building from a distance, targeting the Islamic school not far from a government building in the area.

"The explosion was thrown out from a moving vehicle about 500 metres away from Islamic High School, Karen, Bukuru," it said.

There were also confirmed reports of sporadic gunshots in the area as people scampered for safety amidst confusion.

Meanwhile, Plateau State stakeholders have expressed dismay over the unending crisis in Jos and have called on prominent northern leaders to refrain from making inflammatory comments on the military intervention in five villages in Barakin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of the state.

In a 14-point communiqué issued after a meeting held at Government House in Rayfield, the stakeholders noted that recent comments by northern leaders fell short of reality of security challenges in the state, cautioning them to be careful in commenting on a matter they have little knowledge of.

The communiqué signed by chairman of the session, Rear Admiral S. B. Atukum, took exception to the incessant attacks on the people of the state, acknowledging that the state was under siege and that the terror attacks were not only aimed at the Berom but the state at large.

It called for synergy among the federal, states and local governments for effective border policing, observing that most of the nation's borders are porous, making it easy for infiltration into the country by foreign mercenaries.

The communiqué called on the State House of Assembly to enact an enabling law to empower traditional institutions through capacity building to effectively take charge of their domain and monitor activities of strange elements in their domain.

While calling on the federal government, through the NEMA to provide immediate assistance to victims, it called on government to provide employment opportunities, constant education and sanitisation programme for the youth.

Leadership

Longest reigning monarch in Nigeria dies at 102

Dr. Aliyu Ocheja Obaje, Attah of Igala, Nigeria's longest reigning First Class traditional ruler, is dead, Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State announced yesterday.

In the statement by Governor Wada, the Kogi State Government said Dr. Obaje died yesterday at the age of 102.

Obaje, who ascended the throne on November 2, 1956 was the paramount ruler of Igala, the dominant ethnic group in Kogi State and was chairman of Kogi State Traditional Council until death.

Dr. Obaje was honoured with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR and was appointed a minister without Portfolio by the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello in the First Republic . He was also a member of two Constitutional Conferences in London in the build-up to Nigeria's independence.

According to the governor: "The Attah was renowned for his quiet but effective administration of the traditional institution in the state and for his humble and humane disposition to the affairs of his people.

"The late Attah of Igala who was highly revered by his people, enjoyed wide spreadrelationships in various parts of Nigeria. A devoted Muslim, the late Attah is survived by his widows and many children, among whom is Chief Abdullahi Obaje, a National Ex-Officio member of Peoples Democratic Party. The Kogi State Government is finalising burial arrangements with the family," he disclosed yesterday.

Vanguard

Nigeria's first female Chief Justice Maryam Mukhtar sworn in

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Monday swore in the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, and also conferred on her the national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Mukhtar was the first female lawyer in the defunct Northern Nigeria and first female high court judge in the North before rising to become the first female Justice of the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.

Describing the ceremony as "historic", the president advised the new CJN to acclimatise to her new portfolio so as to tackle the numerous challenges of reforming the Nigerian judiciary.

He called on her to adapt to the synergy already created with the judiciary and legislature by the presidency to tackle emerging national challenges like terrorism and corruption, adding that she must give attention to the thorny issue of the trial of corruption cases and terrorism by appointing special courts using her prerogative.



"Today we are witnesses to history with the swearing in of Justice Aloma Mukhtar as the first female CJN. I join millions of our country men, female and youth in congratulating the Nigerian judiciary and your lordship as we record this important milestone in the annals of our nation judicial history.

"Although this administration has remained focused in projecting women, the learned CJN achieved this outstanding feat on account of her brilliance, resilience and hard work," the president said.

He added that his administration would continue to accord excellence and give it its deserved place in the service of the country.

He recalled that the hand of destiny had played a big role in the life of the new CJN, stating that "her lordship has always been a trailblazer in her judicial journey.

"She was the first female lawyer of northern extraction, the first female high court judge from the North, first female second-in-command in the Kano State judiciary, and the first Nigerian female judge to be elevated to the Court of Appeal where she served for over 17 years

"Today, she has risen to the pinnacle of her judicial career as the first female CJN in further service of our great country. My lord, I congratulate you."

He added that Mukhtar's achievement is an inspiration to all citizens, especially womanhood not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world.

"The honourable CJN now joins an eminent and exclusive list of achievers recognised throughout the world as beacon of hope in this century. She will after leaving office become a member of our nation's highest advisory council, the Council of State. Here again, she will make history as the first female permanent member of that council.

"We are confident that this exceptional achievement will herald an era of institutional transformation in judicial activism and strengthen our socio-economic and political system," the president said.

He reminded the CJN that she was assuming office at a time when the nation is undergoing reforms in all critical areas of governance and that it is particularly gratifying that "Your Lordship pledged during her Senate confirmation hearing to pursue judicial reform.

"I am therefore confident that Your Lordship will quickly settle down to work and commence the urgent task of reforming and repositioning the judiciary for effective and efficient discharge of constitutional mandate.

"I have no doubt that your work at our nation's apex court will benefit from your essential character of integrity, humility and courage.

"Your lordship will preside over the judiciary at a time of profound changes that demand a united response. We believe that the judiciary can play a crucial role as we confront the critical challenges.

"We are dealing with security challenges occasioned by sporadic acts of terrorism in some parts of the country. The three arms of government must work together to overcome this terrorist threat and act in the country.

"The war against corruption is another endeavour that calls for concerted action by all arms of government. I am confident that the judiciary under your able leadership will rise up to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to address these challenges.

"Our citizens have complained of delayed trials particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern.

"These complaints have led to frequent calls for special courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required experience and speed.

"It will be your prerogative to consider and decide on this call. But I am sure that the entire country is in agreement that justice delayed is justice denied."

The president assured Mukhtar of his administration's continued support and cooperation and commended the immediate past CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, for his effort within the short period he was in office.

He said: "I will like to place on record our immense gratitude to the immediate past CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher. Despite his short tenure, he made spirited efforts to restore public confidence in our courts.

"We wish Justice Musdapher a well deserved retirement and hope that he will avail his wealth of experience in the continuous service of our nation especially as he is now a member of Council of State."

Speaking to reporters at the end of the ceremony, Justice Mukhtar re-iterated her earlier stand during her Senate screening that there was no need for a special court.

According to her, "I think I talked about that at the Senate that there is no need for a special court.

"A judge, two or three in the states can be designated to take care of that. I will again go back to what I said in the Senate, that I will lead by example and I will hope and pray that the others will follow."

On the nation's security challenges, she again repeated her presentation at the Senate screening, stating that the judiciary would partner the authorities to ensure that the menace is curbed.

In attendance at the swearing in was the First Lady of the country, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was accompanied by female ministers. This is the first time the First Lady would be attending a function of this nature.

Also in attendance were Vice-President Namadi Sambo; the Senate President, Senator David Mark; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; and Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha.

The governors of Bayelsa and Kano States, Seriake Dickson and Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso respectively, were among other dignitaries at the ceremony.

This Day

Nigerian government fines oil firm $5 billion for oil spill

The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, SNEPCO, has been fined U.S.$5 billion over the massive oil spill that occurred at its Bonga oil field on December 20, 2011.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Dr. Peter Idabor, when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Environment.

The committee's public hearing was meant to provide key actors in the Bonga oil spill an opportunity to brief the committee on the claims of affected communities.

Oil spill in the river

Idabor said the sum was an "administrative penalty" considering the large quantity of crude oil discharged into the environment by Shell and the impact of the incident on the water and aquatic life.

According to Idabor, the penalty was also consistent with what was obtainable in other oil producing countries such as Venezuela, Brazil and the United States of America.

He explained that this penalty was not the same as compensation since compensation could only be demanded from a polluting company after a proper post impact assessment has been conducted and scientific evidence of impact established.

Idabor disclosed that NOSDRA, Shell and other relevant stakeholders have concluded plans to conduct the post impact assessment on the spill as soon as approval for funding is secured from National Petroleum Investment Management Services.

Shell disagrees with fine

However, Shell has contested the fine, saying it has done nothing wrong to deserve the fine. In a quick response to Vanguard enquiries, a spokesman for Shell, Mr Tony Okonedo, said: "We do not believe there is any basis in law for such a fine. Neither do we believe that SNEPCo has committed any infraction of Nigerian law to warrant such a fine.

"SNEPCo responded to this incident with professionalism and acted with the consent of the necessary authorities at all times to prevent environmental impact as a result of the incident."

In the heat of the controversies over the spill, especially with regard to third party spill which was cited in several other parts of the Niger Delta, Shell claimed it had sent samples of the spill to laboratories abroad for tests to confirm its liabilities. But till date, nothing was heard of the result of the tests.

Reason for fine

The NOSDRA boss explaining the reason for the $5 billion fine noted that "although adequate containment measures were put in place to combat the Bonga oil spill, it, however, posed a serious environmental threat to the offshore environment."

He said: "The spilled 40,000 barrels impacted approximately on 950 square kilometres of water surface; affected great number of sensitive environmental resources across the impacted area and has direct social impact on the livelihood of people in the riverine areas whose primary occupation is fishing.

"It also potentially caused a number of physiological effects on aquatic lives while surviving aquatic species around the spill site would migrate to a farther distance to situate new habitat thereby forcing coastal communities to move deeper into the sea to carry out fishing activities."

Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Uche Ekwunife had at the opening of the interactive session expressed displeasure that seven months after the spill, there were doubts if Shell carried out a thorough clean-up programme as the oil firm was said to have hurriedly resumed operations on the facility.

She further stated that there were also indications that Shell had refused to accept full responsibility for the incident and had rebuffed claims from communities affected by the spill.

Vanguard

Video report - Northern Nigerian state organises mass wedding to reduce divorce

Divorce rates in northern Nigeria are among the highest in West Africa with one in three marriages said to fail within the first three years. That is why the State Government of Kano has hosted a mass wedding ceremony for 250 divorcees, widows and young unmarried girls. That comes with a strict condition though. Organisers say the men who marry through this program will not be allowed to divorce their wives without permission from the state government.

Al Jazeera 

Video report - Business in Northern Nigeria slumps after Boko Haram attacks

Business in northern Nigeria's largest commercial centre has slowed drastically following Boko Haram attacks. More than 200 people have been killed in Kano since January forcing many thousands of others to flee.

Al Jazeera 

Nigerian olympic athletes test positive for drugs in London

Three Nigerian athletes already in London preparing for the Olympics have tested positive to banned drugs.

Although the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), declined to name the affected athletes yesterday, independent sources informed THISDAY that Vivian Chukwuemeka, Lauretta Ozoh and Regina George were those who samples tested positive to banned substances.

The informed National Sports Commission source also revealed that already, the leadership of Team Nigeria camp in Surrey, England has been informed and ordered to decamp the affected athletes immediately.

"Team Nigeria officials in Surrey, England have been informed to decamp the affected athletes immediately," revealed the source.

But one of the affected athletes, Chukwuemeka who is just returning from a two-year ban for a similar offence has called for the result of the test carried out on her at the African Championship in Port Novo, Benin Republic to ascertain if there was no attempt to implicate her with the result of the Nigeria Olympic trials a week earlier in Calabar.

"Chukwuemeka who knows that if this result is true, she will get a life ban from IAAF has called for the result of her dope test at the African Champion. If that one is negative then, it means something is wrong somewhere. But if it also tests positive, that is automatic life ban for her, " revealed the informed the top NSC source.

Ozoh may also share Chukwuemeka's fate as a second offender. Only George may get a lighter ban as a first time dope offender.

This Day

Foreign trained doctors not to practice in Nigeria from October

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) recently declared that no foreign trained doctor will be allowed to practise in Nigeria from October, 2012 except showing evidence that he or she could have practised in the country of study.

The Acting Registrar of MDCN, Dr. Udugbai Ilevbare disclosed this in Abuja yesterday during the induction ceremony of 103 foreign trained medical and dental graduates.

According to him, they must show evidence from the health regulatory bodies in their countries of training that they are registerable and could have worked there.

He also said that such graduates from October 2012 must sit for and pass the MDCN Assessment Examination to be eligible to practise in Nigeria.

He said: "May I at this point inform you all that beginning from October 2012 Assessment Examination, foreign medical graduates must show evidence from the heath regulatory bodies of the countries where they were trained that they are registrable and could have practised in those countries if they had wanted to do so.

"What it means is that if those who trained you as doctors permit or allow you to treat them as patients, we can also allow you to treat us without fear."

Vanguard

Related story: 20,000 doctors leave Nigeria for better opportunities in other countries

Nwankwo Kanu accues Portsmouth FC of contempt and disrespect

Former Super Eagles skipper, Nwankwo Kanu Thursday accused Portsmouth FC of England of 'utter contempt and disrespect' and pledged to continue to boycott training .

To drum support for his action against Portsmouth, Kanu has already filed claims running into millions of pounds against the Blues with the English Football League board.

If accepted, funds will come out of crucial distribution payments pinpointed to keep the club alive. Kanu, who is Pompey's longest-serving player, has failed to attend the first three days of pre-season training as he is currently in Nigeria.

His lawyer, Samuel Okoronkwo, claimed Thursday that the 2008 FA Cup hero has taken the stance over his treatment by the club.

Administrator Trevor Birch, has been in prolonged talks regarding a compromise agreement to settle the remaining 12 months of the 35-year-old's contract.

He has not played for the Blues since October 2011 and Pompey are desperate to drive down the £9.5m wage bill and stave off the threat of liquidation.

However, the situation has come to a head after Kanu failed to turn up for pre-season training on Monday. On Tuesday evening his attorney lodged a claim with the Football League under the football creditors' ruling.

And Okoronkwo insists his client is entitled to the money, which is earmarked to keep the club running through administration.

He said: 'I have been given authorisation to speak on Mr Kanu's behalf. He feels very aggrieved.

"He has regrettably been forced to serve the requisite notices of breaches of contract by the club, both historically and presently.

"This naturally leads to the Football League.

"He has been playing and scoring goals for Portsmouth for six years, sometimes playing through injury. Now he is being treated like this.

"He has lost millions of pounds since 2006 through genuine contractual obligations but has been prepared to wait.

"Now they are threatening breach of contract.

"Mr Trevor Birch attended my office in May and said he did not want Kanu to stay at the club, which I found surprising, especially having waived millions of pounds he is entitled to.

"Then I received an e-mail on Saturday stating if he did not turn up for training on Monday he would be held in breach of contract.

"I had already told the club he was doing a job for the Nigerian national team so was unable to.

"Mr Birch also wanted a compromise agreement to be reached on the Sunday. That was entirely unrealistic.

"The club have not shown themselves to be worthy to reach any agreement with him through the utter contempt and disrespect they have shown.

"Kanu has been willing and able to play and trains every day.

"But he finds himself unable to return to the club. He wants to be treated respectfully and, on that basis, cannot return to training,' claimed Kanu's attorney Thursday.

This Day

Nigeria ranks highest in the world in examination malpractice index

The Director General National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mr. Mike Omeri on Tuesday said that Nigeria has been ranked number one in the world's examination malpractice index. Speaking in Lokoja during the launch of campaign to raise integrity standard in the nation's educational system organized by the NOA in collaboration with Exam Ethics Marshals International, he said the situation has led to the production of half baked graduates and collapse of the education sector. According to him, report on examination malpractice in the country contains very disturbing information as it puts the average annual examination malpractice index at 12 per cent.

"In May/June school certificate examination conducted by NECO, a total of 615, 010 cases of malpractice were recorded while 439,529 were recorded in the 2011 examination. The phenomenon has graduated into a highly complex and organized crime perpetuated by private and community owned schools," he said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, Prof. Julius Okogie, said handwork, value and integrity have been eroded in the nation's educational system, lamenting that emphasis is being placed on paper qualification instead of productivity.

Prof. Okogie, who was represented by Prof. Nancy Abey, blamed parents and teachers for the trend. Governor Idris Wada in speech assured that he would work hard to eliminate examination malpractice in Kogi State, but pointed out that it requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

Daily Trust

Video report - At least 95 dead in oil tanker explosion in Nigeria

A desperate rush for free fuel has resulted in the deaths of of at least 100 people in Southern Nigeria. A crowd had gathered around a petrol tanker that overturned in the Niger delta. That's when it caught fire and blew up. Women and children are among the dead.

Al Jazeera

Lufthansa suspends services to Air Nigeria

Perhaps taking a cue from General Electric Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) which withdrew its four aircraft last week, Luftahnsa Technik was Tuesday alleged to have terminated its aircraft spare parts and aircraft component pool which was domiciled in Lagos for the use of Nigeria's major carrier, Air Nigeria.

Before the withdrawal of its services, Lufthansa Technik was the leading provider of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) support to the airline.

The aircraft maintenance company was servicing the airline's Boeing and Embraer aircraft.

The implication of this is that when the airline, which was grounded by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) about two weeks ago, resumes operation, it would face difficulty in getting spares to service any of its aircraft on ground (AOG) as there would not be readily available aircraft parts for minor repairs.

In fact, an inside source told THISDAY Tuesday in Lagos that with the withdrawal of Lufthansa Technik, the airline may not even resume operation after meeting the laid out conditions by NCAA without approved technical team.

"This is because they cannot carry out any maintenance

of their aircraft. In the first place, NCAA will not even give them approval to start operation without maintenance engineers and they cannot in the time being put up the required engineers to have their own technical team, and where will you even get those engineers?"

Reacting to the report, Air Nigeria denied that the aircraft maintenance company has severed its services to the airline, insisting that Lufthansa Technik was still providing spares to the airline. According to the head of communication of Air Nigeria, Sam Ogbogoro, "Sequel to the recent reduction in our capacity following the return (repossession) of four Boeing B737-300 aircraft in our fleet, we are currently in discussions with Lufthansa Technik to rationalise aircraft spares in alignment with the current fleet size"

Meanwhile, air fares continue to rise for local destinations because only few airlines are still operating as the lull that was observed after the crash of Dana Air flight on June 3, 2012 has given way to an upsurge in passenger movement in many of the nation's airports, especially in Abuja and Lagos airports.

Industry observers said that if the present number of airlines continues to operate in the next few months that fares might rise as high as N50, 000.00 for one hour's flight during the peak period which begins from September.

This Day

20,000 doctors leave Nigeria for better opportunities in other countries

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) yesterday revealed that over 20, 000 medical personnel from Nigeria have migrated to foreign countries to seek greener pastures and better working conditions. The council also said that Nigeria is one of the highest exporters of health workers, doctors and nurses with about 4,000 to the United States of America.

National Chairman, Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr Obehi Okojie, stated this during the induction ceremony of 103 graduates of foreign medical institutions and Igbinedion University Okada.

Daily Trust

Video report - Nigerian women's limited access to contraception

The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation is preparing to donate hundreds of millions of dollars towards improving access to contraception in the developing world. Reaching 100 million women, the initiative hopes to bring about major economic and health benefits and control population growth. In Nigeria, it is estimated that only 10% of married women use contraception. More than 20% want it, but do not have access to it. Some believe that using birth control and other types of contraception goes against their faith. Cultural beliefs about contraception is one of the many challenges the Gates initative faces.

Al Jazeera

Related story: Nigeria still ranks very high in infant and maternal mortality index

Prosecution of oil subsidy fraudsters to begin next week

This is coming just as president Goodluck Jonathan held a crucial meeting with heads of the other two arms of government, including the Senate President, David Mark; Speaker of the House, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher to mull the way forward on the war against corruption.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke who disclosed federal government's readiness to prosecute alleged looters of the country's funds meant for fuel subsidy in the country said: "The report was not discussed as an issue, but assurances were given that as soon as the EFCC finishes its assignment which is very soon, you will begin to see prosecution probably in the next one week.

"We will begin to prosecute because the EFCC has gone very far. So, Nigerians should be rest assured that this is not an issue that will be swept under the carpet. We have gone this far because we want a proper and painstaking investigation done so that when we charge people to court there will be no lapses or loopholes for lawyers to explore", the AGF added.

Adoke who spoke to State House Correspondents immediately after the meeting of heads of the three arms of government admitted that the meeting was to review strategy on fighting corruption, saying, "Yes, we are coming out with a national strategy on the fight against corruption, and that strategy will involve the three arms of government".

Also present at the meeting from the executive's side were the Vice President, Secretary to Government of the Federation, the Head of Service, Central Bank Governor, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Leadsership

Related story: The big Kerosene fraud in Nigeria

Israel to partner with Nigeria to fight terrorism

The Ambassador of the State of Israel, His Excellency, Mr Moshe Ram has expressed his country's readiness to partner the federal government to combat insurgency in Nigeria.

The envoy who presented a paper on Suicide Terrorism: The Israeli Experience and its relevance to Nigeria, yesterday, during the Abuja Security Summit on Terrorism and Kidnapping in the FCT, however proffered that one way the country could make headway in the fight was to be proactive by using intelligence network to find out their next line of action.

Making allusion to the State of Israel and their fight against terrorism, Ram said that the success so far attained in Israel was mainly due to intelligence operations and the active military presence in the area.

"Israel has not so much learnt how to deter these attacks, as it has learned how to fight and stop them in the planning stages. This is thanks primarily to intelligence operations but also a very strong and active military presence in the area", he said.

Fielding questions from LEADERSHIP, the Ambassador, who disclosed that Nigeria and Israel were already collaborating on various issues of mutual interest said, "Israel is always ready to help Nigeria in the fight against terror. It is our long standing policy to help and to assist our partners and friends. So I mean, it is not a matter of request. Now we are in the process of collaborating on different issues among them is the security issue too.

"We are always ready to help our friends when they are in need and I think that we have a little experience on this issue and our hand is always open to help our friends. There is no magic solution to the problem. All the security organisations should work together, they should know exactly where the people are, they should gather intelligence and more intelligence.

In his keynote address the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by Chief Superintendent Operations of FCT Command, CSP Gabriel Elaigwu said that terrorism and kidnapping were complex crimes which should not be left for only the security agencies to combat.

While calling on Nigerians to support the security agencies to fight terror, he urged government to provide all the necessary logistics and resources for intelligence gathering and detection of terrorists' activities.

Leadership

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