Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Ali Modu Sheriff PDP Chairman Sacked today
Ali Modu Sheriff PDP Chairman Sacked today
UPDATE: 20 Children Missing In Brecon Beacons Found
A group of schoolchildren who went missing in the Brecon Beacons in atrocious weather conditions have reportedly been found.
Three rescue teams were deployed after the alarm was raised at about 1pm following heavy rainfall.The children, who are said to be in four groups, were last seen near the Tafarn Y Garreg pub, Abercraf, Powys.
Landlord Andy Maglaras said the children, believed to be on a school trip, have been located and rescuers are bringing them to safety.
Mr Maglaras said: "We are just waiting for them to come down, they are up on a trail. We are getting some hot juice ready for them.
"The rescue mission is based in our car park. There are 10 or 15 vehicles in the search and the helicopter.
"They have told us they will be bringing the children here and to get them something hot to drink and keep them by the fire.
"Fourteen children) are meant to be coming here now. I think they were on a school trip, we get quite a few around here."
The children's ages and where they are from have yet not been confirmed.
The search operation was led by the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and assisted by UK Coastguard helicopters.
Dyfed-Powys Police said they were made aware of a group of children missing in the Llyn y Fan Fach area at approximately 1pm.
In a statement it said concern was expressed for their welfare due to the bad weather.
UPDATE: 20 Children Missing In Brecon Beacons Found
A group of schoolchildren who went missing in the Brecon Beacons in atrocious weather conditions have reportedly been found.
Three rescue teams were deployed after the alarm was raised at about 1pm following heavy rainfall.The children, who are said to be in four groups, were last seen near the Tafarn Y Garreg pub, Abercraf, Powys.
Landlord Andy Maglaras said the children, believed to be on a school trip, have been located and rescuers are bringing them to safety.
Mr Maglaras said: "We are just waiting for them to come down, they are up on a trail. We are getting some hot juice ready for them.
"The rescue mission is based in our car park. There are 10 or 15 vehicles in the search and the helicopter.
"They have told us they will be bringing the children here and to get them something hot to drink and keep them by the fire.
"Fourteen children) are meant to be coming here now. I think they were on a school trip, we get quite a few around here."
The children's ages and where they are from have yet not been confirmed.
The search operation was led by the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and assisted by UK Coastguard helicopters.
Dyfed-Powys Police said they were made aware of a group of children missing in the Llyn y Fan Fach area at approximately 1pm.
In a statement it said concern was expressed for their welfare due to the bad weather.
$1.5m Dubai assets: DHQ to decide Army chief’s fate
Those after me are ‘cyberspace terrorists’, says Buratai
The Presidency has left the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to determine Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s fate, following the outcry over his $1.5 million Dubai property.
PRNigeria, the military under-cover media machinery, yesterday said the government investigated and cleared Lt.-Gen. Buratai over his assets.
Although the platform was silent on whether it was the Ministry of Defence or the DHQ that cleared Gen. Buratai, it said the nature of his offshore investments was based on capital market principles of shareholding.
Gen. Buratai has been under attack for allegedly buying two property in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The property are allegedly owned by the top soldier and his two wives.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Presidency has asked the Defence Headquarters to handle issues on some assets traced to Lt.-Gen. Buratai and his wives in the UAE.
“The DHQ will determine his fate on whether or not he has violated any law and if he has to be sanctioned or not.
“Whatever the DHQ’s findings will be forwarded to the commander-in-chief. Let the military conduct its findings in line with its rules and regulations.”
But, according to PRNigeria, the government looked into the allegations against Buratai and cleared him of any fraudulent deal.
It said the discreet probe of Buratai indicated that he and his wives only bought shares in some companies instead of wholly owning the property
The PRNigeria said: “The capital market principle that governed the property in issue, as it was found by investigators, was akin to having shares in companies instead of wholly owning the property.
“The government, after investigating a recent media report over the acquisition of propertiys in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by General Buratai, discovered that he and his wives invested as “shareholders” like many other persons in the property mentioned in the publications and were not the sole owners.”
Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has described those accusing him of corrupt enrichment as cyberspace terrorists.
He said he would defeat them like he did Boko Haram terrorists.
The military chief spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday.
Gen. Buratai said: “I am not supposed to comment on this, but for clarity sake, my take on the issue is that we have already defeated the terrorists on land, and they have migrated to the cyberspace and Internet, but I want to assure the Boko Haram that have migrated to the cyberspace, that we would follow them to the cyberspace and defeat them.”
He said he was not deterred by “the campaign of calumny against” him and his office. He advised the media to always put national interest above personal issues.
On the Chibok girls, the COAS said: “You have been told that two of the Chibok girls have been rescued. The most important thing is that those who have been rescued were all abducted from Chibok, either in school or not. I know as it is now, the issue of the Chibok girls has been politicised, and we are not deterred by this politicisation of this issue. Our own task is professional, and we are working hard to ensure that we rescue the girls wherever they may be. Anybody who we rescued is as important as the Chibok girls. We are gathering more information on where these girls are; they may have been scattered, or are in one place. Our aim is to ensure they are rescued, and every other person that is held hostage is rescued. We are still searching for them, and if they are alive, we will rescue them.”
The Army chief added that no part of the country is under the control of the terrorists.
“When we say that the terrorists have been defeated and they are not holding any territory, have they come out to say that they holding any territory? None of them will claim they are holding any territory. Secondly, if you see the landscape of the Northeast, it is large. Many people are scattered in many communities, and they prefer to stay in their communities. Some of them are being terrorised in their locations because they prefer to stay in their communities. These terrorists would come at night to terrorise them, and go away.
Gen. Buratai said due process was followed in the retirement of officers of the Army. He hailed some of them that have decided to go to court, and said the Army would meet them in court.
He said the military would remain apolitical, and not allow the recent statement on coup lie low, as anyone trying to destablise the democracy would be making a mistake.
The Presidency has left the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to determine Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s fate, following the outcry over his $1.5 million Dubai property.
PRNigeria, the military under-cover media machinery, yesterday said the government investigated and cleared Lt.-Gen. Buratai over his assets.
Although the platform was silent on whether it was the Ministry of Defence or the DHQ that cleared Gen. Buratai, it said the nature of his offshore investments was based on capital market principles of shareholding.
The property are allegedly owned by the top soldier and his two wives.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Presidency has asked the Defence Headquarters to handle issues on some assets traced to Lt.-Gen. Buratai and his wives in the UAE.
“The DHQ will determine his fate on whether or not he has violated any law and if he has to be sanctioned or not.
“Whatever the DHQ’s findings will be forwarded to the commander-in-chief. Let the military conduct its findings in line with its rules and regulations.”
But, according to PRNigeria, the government looked into the allegations against Buratai and cleared him of any fraudulent deal.
It said the discreet probe of Buratai indicated that he and his wives only bought shares in some companies instead of wholly owning the property
The PRNigeria said: “The capital market principle that governed the property in issue, as it was found by investigators, was akin to having shares in companies instead of wholly owning the property.
“The government, after investigating a recent media report over the acquisition of propertiys in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by General Buratai, discovered that he and his wives invested as “shareholders” like many other persons in the property mentioned in the publications and were not the sole owners.”
Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has described those accusing him of corrupt enrichment as cyberspace terrorists.
He said he would defeat them like he did Boko Haram terrorists.
The military chief spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday.
Gen. Buratai said: “I am not supposed to comment on this, but for clarity sake, my take on the issue is that we have already defeated the terrorists on land, and they have migrated to the cyberspace and Internet, but I want to assure the Boko Haram that have migrated to the cyberspace, that we would follow them to the cyberspace and defeat them.”
He said he was not deterred by “the campaign of calumny against” him and his office. He advised the media to always put national interest above personal issues.
On the Chibok girls, the COAS said: “You have been told that two of the Chibok girls have been rescued. The most important thing is that those who have been rescued were all abducted from Chibok, either in school or not. I know as it is now, the issue of the Chibok girls has been politicised, and we are not deterred by this politicisation of this issue. Our own task is professional, and we are working hard to ensure that we rescue the girls wherever they may be. Anybody who we rescued is as important as the Chibok girls. We are gathering more information on where these girls are; they may have been scattered, or are in one place. Our aim is to ensure they are rescued, and every other person that is held hostage is rescued. We are still searching for them, and if they are alive, we will rescue them.”
The Army chief added that no part of the country is under the control of the terrorists.
“When we say that the terrorists have been defeated and they are not holding any territory, have they come out to say that they holding any territory? None of them will claim they are holding any territory. Secondly, if you see the landscape of the Northeast, it is large. Many people are scattered in many communities, and they prefer to stay in their communities. Some of them are being terrorised in their locations because they prefer to stay in their communities. These terrorists would come at night to terrorise them, and go away.
Gen. Buratai said due process was followed in the retirement of officers of the Army. He hailed some of them that have decided to go to court, and said the Army would meet them in court.
He said the military would remain apolitical, and not allow the recent statement on coup lie low, as anyone trying to destablise the democracy would be making a mistake.
$1.5m Dubai assets: DHQ to decide Army chief’s fate
Those after me are ‘cyberspace terrorists’, says Buratai
The Presidency has left the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to determine Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s fate, following the outcry over his $1.5 million Dubai property.
PRNigeria, the military under-cover media machinery, yesterday said the government investigated and cleared Lt.-Gen. Buratai over his assets.
Although the platform was silent on whether it was the Ministry of Defence or the DHQ that cleared Gen. Buratai, it said the nature of his offshore investments was based on capital market principles of shareholding.
Gen. Buratai has been under attack for allegedly buying two property in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The property are allegedly owned by the top soldier and his two wives.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Presidency has asked the Defence Headquarters to handle issues on some assets traced to Lt.-Gen. Buratai and his wives in the UAE.
“The DHQ will determine his fate on whether or not he has violated any law and if he has to be sanctioned or not.
“Whatever the DHQ’s findings will be forwarded to the commander-in-chief. Let the military conduct its findings in line with its rules and regulations.”
But, according to PRNigeria, the government looked into the allegations against Buratai and cleared him of any fraudulent deal.
It said the discreet probe of Buratai indicated that he and his wives only bought shares in some companies instead of wholly owning the property
The PRNigeria said: “The capital market principle that governed the property in issue, as it was found by investigators, was akin to having shares in companies instead of wholly owning the property.
“The government, after investigating a recent media report over the acquisition of propertiys in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by General Buratai, discovered that he and his wives invested as “shareholders” like many other persons in the property mentioned in the publications and were not the sole owners.”
Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has described those accusing him of corrupt enrichment as cyberspace terrorists.
He said he would defeat them like he did Boko Haram terrorists.
The military chief spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday.
Gen. Buratai said: “I am not supposed to comment on this, but for clarity sake, my take on the issue is that we have already defeated the terrorists on land, and they have migrated to the cyberspace and Internet, but I want to assure the Boko Haram that have migrated to the cyberspace, that we would follow them to the cyberspace and defeat them.”
He said he was not deterred by “the campaign of calumny against” him and his office. He advised the media to always put national interest above personal issues.
On the Chibok girls, the COAS said: “You have been told that two of the Chibok girls have been rescued. The most important thing is that those who have been rescued were all abducted from Chibok, either in school or not. I know as it is now, the issue of the Chibok girls has been politicised, and we are not deterred by this politicisation of this issue. Our own task is professional, and we are working hard to ensure that we rescue the girls wherever they may be. Anybody who we rescued is as important as the Chibok girls. We are gathering more information on where these girls are; they may have been scattered, or are in one place. Our aim is to ensure they are rescued, and every other person that is held hostage is rescued. We are still searching for them, and if they are alive, we will rescue them.”
The Army chief added that no part of the country is under the control of the terrorists.
“When we say that the terrorists have been defeated and they are not holding any territory, have they come out to say that they holding any territory? None of them will claim they are holding any territory. Secondly, if you see the landscape of the Northeast, it is large. Many people are scattered in many communities, and they prefer to stay in their communities. Some of them are being terrorised in their locations because they prefer to stay in their communities. These terrorists would come at night to terrorise them, and go away.
Gen. Buratai said due process was followed in the retirement of officers of the Army. He hailed some of them that have decided to go to court, and said the Army would meet them in court.
He said the military would remain apolitical, and not allow the recent statement on coup lie low, as anyone trying to destablise the democracy would be making a mistake.
The Presidency has left the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to determine Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s fate, following the outcry over his $1.5 million Dubai property.
PRNigeria, the military under-cover media machinery, yesterday said the government investigated and cleared Lt.-Gen. Buratai over his assets.
Although the platform was silent on whether it was the Ministry of Defence or the DHQ that cleared Gen. Buratai, it said the nature of his offshore investments was based on capital market principles of shareholding.
The property are allegedly owned by the top soldier and his two wives.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Presidency has asked the Defence Headquarters to handle issues on some assets traced to Lt.-Gen. Buratai and his wives in the UAE.
“The DHQ will determine his fate on whether or not he has violated any law and if he has to be sanctioned or not.
“Whatever the DHQ’s findings will be forwarded to the commander-in-chief. Let the military conduct its findings in line with its rules and regulations.”
But, according to PRNigeria, the government looked into the allegations against Buratai and cleared him of any fraudulent deal.
It said the discreet probe of Buratai indicated that he and his wives only bought shares in some companies instead of wholly owning the property
The PRNigeria said: “The capital market principle that governed the property in issue, as it was found by investigators, was akin to having shares in companies instead of wholly owning the property.
“The government, after investigating a recent media report over the acquisition of propertiys in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by General Buratai, discovered that he and his wives invested as “shareholders” like many other persons in the property mentioned in the publications and were not the sole owners.”
Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has described those accusing him of corrupt enrichment as cyberspace terrorists.
He said he would defeat them like he did Boko Haram terrorists.
The military chief spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday.
Gen. Buratai said: “I am not supposed to comment on this, but for clarity sake, my take on the issue is that we have already defeated the terrorists on land, and they have migrated to the cyberspace and Internet, but I want to assure the Boko Haram that have migrated to the cyberspace, that we would follow them to the cyberspace and defeat them.”
He said he was not deterred by “the campaign of calumny against” him and his office. He advised the media to always put national interest above personal issues.
On the Chibok girls, the COAS said: “You have been told that two of the Chibok girls have been rescued. The most important thing is that those who have been rescued were all abducted from Chibok, either in school or not. I know as it is now, the issue of the Chibok girls has been politicised, and we are not deterred by this politicisation of this issue. Our own task is professional, and we are working hard to ensure that we rescue the girls wherever they may be. Anybody who we rescued is as important as the Chibok girls. We are gathering more information on where these girls are; they may have been scattered, or are in one place. Our aim is to ensure they are rescued, and every other person that is held hostage is rescued. We are still searching for them, and if they are alive, we will rescue them.”
The Army chief added that no part of the country is under the control of the terrorists.
“When we say that the terrorists have been defeated and they are not holding any territory, have they come out to say that they holding any territory? None of them will claim they are holding any territory. Secondly, if you see the landscape of the Northeast, it is large. Many people are scattered in many communities, and they prefer to stay in their communities. Some of them are being terrorised in their locations because they prefer to stay in their communities. These terrorists would come at night to terrorise them, and go away.
Gen. Buratai said due process was followed in the retirement of officers of the Army. He hailed some of them that have decided to go to court, and said the Army would meet them in court.
He said the military would remain apolitical, and not allow the recent statement on coup lie low, as anyone trying to destablise the democracy would be making a mistake.
Court dismisses Fani-Kayode’s suit
An FCT High Court, Apo, on Wednesday dismissed Femi Fani-Kayode’s Fundamental Human Right suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for lack of merit.
In his judgment, the judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, held that the action of the EFFC on was constitutional.
Adeniyi said that arrest made for the purpose of investigation of crime could not violate fundamental human rights.
“The reason for arrest and detention is for reasonable suspicion of committing an offence and the test can be determined by the totality of the case in a court,” he said,
He said the arrest of Kayode from May 9 to May 19 did not contravene human rights of the applicants by law as the EFCC had obtained an order to remand Kayode in Abuja on May 10.
The judge said that another remand warrant was also obtained from a Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, which transferred the matter to lagos.
According to him, the court is incompetent because the case has been transferred to the Lagos which is not within its jurisdiction.
Adeniyi, however, said that the applicant did not establish how his right to life and freedom of movement was violated.
On issue of bail, he held that only the court was empowered to grant bail as envisage in Section 35 of the constitution.
According to him, the grant of administrative bail is only allowed for the duration in the constitution until he is brought before a court of law for bail.
He added that the apex court frowns at detention before charging an accused to court.
“It is dangerous to the rule of law. So, best practices should be embraced from the civilised societies.’’
Fani-Kayode had challenged his detention by the EFCC as unlawful by and a violation of hid fundamental human rights.
In his judgment, the judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, held that the action of the EFFC on was constitutional.
Adeniyi said that arrest made for the purpose of investigation of crime could not violate fundamental human rights.
“The reason for arrest and detention is for reasonable suspicion of committing an offence and the test can be determined by the totality of the case in a court,” he said,
The judge said that another remand warrant was also obtained from a Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, which transferred the matter to lagos.
According to him, the court is incompetent because the case has been transferred to the Lagos which is not within its jurisdiction.
Adeniyi, however, said that the applicant did not establish how his right to life and freedom of movement was violated.
On issue of bail, he held that only the court was empowered to grant bail as envisage in Section 35 of the constitution.
According to him, the grant of administrative bail is only allowed for the duration in the constitution until he is brought before a court of law for bail.
He added that the apex court frowns at detention before charging an accused to court.
“It is dangerous to the rule of law. So, best practices should be embraced from the civilised societies.’’
Fani-Kayode had challenged his detention by the EFCC as unlawful by and a violation of hid fundamental human rights.
Court dismisses Fani-Kayode’s suit
An FCT High Court, Apo, on Wednesday
dismissed Femi Fani-Kayode’s Fundamental Human Right suit against the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for lack of merit.
In his judgment, the judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, held that the action of the EFFC on was constitutional.
Adeniyi said that arrest made for the purpose of investigation of crime could not violate fundamental human rights.
“The reason for arrest and detention is for reasonable suspicion of committing an offence and the test can be determined by the totality of the case in a court,” he said,
He said the arrest of Kayode from May 9 to May 19 did not contravene
human rights of the applicants by law as the EFCC had obtained an order
to remand Kayode in Abuja on May 10.
The judge said that another remand warrant was also obtained from a Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, which transferred the matter to lagos.
According to him, the court is incompetent because the case has been transferred to the Lagos which is not within its jurisdiction.
Adeniyi, however, said that the applicant did not establish how his right to life and freedom of movement was violated.
On issue of bail, he held that only the court was empowered to grant bail as envisage in Section 35 of the constitution.
According to him, the grant of administrative bail is only allowed for the duration in the constitution until he is brought before a court of law for bail.
He added that the apex court frowns at detention before charging an accused to court.
“It is dangerous to the rule of law. So, best practices should be embraced from the civilised societies.’’
Fani-Kayode had challenged his detention by the EFCC as unlawful by and a violation of hid fundamental human rights.
In his judgment, the judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, held that the action of the EFFC on was constitutional.
Adeniyi said that arrest made for the purpose of investigation of crime could not violate fundamental human rights.
“The reason for arrest and detention is for reasonable suspicion of committing an offence and the test can be determined by the totality of the case in a court,” he said,
The judge said that another remand warrant was also obtained from a Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, which transferred the matter to lagos.
According to him, the court is incompetent because the case has been transferred to the Lagos which is not within its jurisdiction.
Adeniyi, however, said that the applicant did not establish how his right to life and freedom of movement was violated.
On issue of bail, he held that only the court was empowered to grant bail as envisage in Section 35 of the constitution.
According to him, the grant of administrative bail is only allowed for the duration in the constitution until he is brought before a court of law for bail.
He added that the apex court frowns at detention before charging an accused to court.
“It is dangerous to the rule of law. So, best practices should be embraced from the civilised societies.’’
Fani-Kayode had challenged his detention by the EFCC as unlawful by and a violation of hid fundamental human rights.
Istanbul terror attack 'Bloody boot marks' update : 41 killed; airport resumes flights amid blood, shattered glass
Witnesses described the carnage and chaos as the attackers struck one of the world's busiest airports.
Sue Savage was in the airport to see a friend off when she heard gunshots and then an explosion. More gunshots rang out, followed by another boom, she told CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront."
She and about 30 people were herded into a women's prayer room until authorities led them out and down an escalator into the main terminal hall.
"There was a lot of blood," she said.
The floor was marked with bloody boot marks, and as the group was led to the other side of the room, "there was so much glass on the floor, they were scuffing it aside so we didn't slip."
Video from inside the terminal shows people fleeing and the bright orange flash of fire from one of the explosions. Victims stagger, and some fall from the slippery, blood-covered floor.
Another video shows a man walking with a gun, which he drops when he's apparently shot by a security officer. The man slumps to the ground and the officer briefly stands over him before running. About 10 seconds later, a bomb detonates.
"In Istanbul they used a combination of the methods employed in Paris and Brussels. They planned a murder that would maximize fear and loss of life," said Suleyman Ozeren, a terrorism expert at the Ankara-based Global Policy and Strategy Institute.
Turkey needs to work harder on "preventative intelligence" to stop militants being radicalised in the first place, he said.
The two U.S. officials said the Istanbul bombing was more typical of Islamic State than of Kurdish militant groups which have also carried out recent attacks in Turkey, but usually strike at official government targets.
Yildirim said it was significant that the attack took place when Turkey was having successes in fighting terrorist groups and mending ties with some of its international partners.
Turkey announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel on Monday after a six-year rupture and has been trying to restore relations with Russia, a major backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
One of the U.S. officials said there had been a "marked increase" in encrypted Islamic State propaganda and communications on the dark web, which some American officials interpret as an effort to direct or inspire more attacks outside its home turf to offset its recent losses on the ground.
Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the probe, which they said is being led by Turkish officials with what they called intelligence support from the United States and other NATO allies.
Turkey needs to work harder on "preventative intelligence" to stop militants being radicalised in the first place, he said.
The two U.S. officials said the Istanbul bombing was more typical of Islamic State than of Kurdish militant groups which have also carried out recent attacks in Turkey, but usually strike at official government targets.
Yildirim said it was significant that the attack took place when Turkey was having successes in fighting terrorist groups and mending ties with some of its international partners.
Turkey announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel on Monday after a six-year rupture and has been trying to restore relations with Russia, a major backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
One of the U.S. officials said there had been a "marked increase" in encrypted Islamic State propaganda and communications on the dark web, which some American officials interpret as an effort to direct or inspire more attacks outside its home turf to offset its recent losses on the ground.
Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the probe, which they said is being led by Turkish officials with what they called intelligence support from the United States and other NATO allies.
Istanbul terror attack 'Bloody boot marks' update : 41 killed; airport resumes flights amid blood, shattered glass
Witnesses described the carnage and chaos as the attackers struck one of the world's busiest airports.
Sue Savage was in the airport to see a friend off when she heard gunshots and then an explosion. More gunshots rang out, followed by another boom, she told CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront."
She and about 30 people were herded into a women's prayer room until authorities led them out and down an escalator into the main terminal hall.
"There was a lot of blood," she said.
The floor was marked with bloody boot marks, and as the group was led to the other side of the room, "there was so much glass on the floor, they were scuffing it aside so we didn't slip."
Video from inside the terminal shows people fleeing and the bright orange flash of fire from one of the explosions. Victims stagger, and some fall from the slippery, blood-covered floor.
Another video shows a man walking with a gun, which he drops when he's apparently shot by a security officer. The man slumps to the ground and the officer briefly stands over him before running. About 10 seconds later, a bomb detonates.
"In Istanbul they used a combination of the methods employed in Paris
and Brussels. They planned a murder that would maximize fear and loss
of life," said Suleyman Ozeren, a terrorism expert at the Ankara-based
Global Policy and Strategy Institute.
Turkey needs to work harder on "preventative intelligence" to stop militants being radicalised in the first place, he said.
The two U.S. officials said the Istanbul bombing was more typical of Islamic State than of Kurdish militant groups which have also carried out recent attacks in Turkey, but usually strike at official government targets.
Yildirim said it was significant that the attack took place when Turkey was having successes in fighting terrorist groups and mending ties with some of its international partners.
Turkey announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel on Monday after a six-year rupture and has been trying to restore relations with Russia, a major backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
One of the U.S. officials said there had been a "marked increase" in encrypted Islamic State propaganda and communications on the dark web, which some American officials interpret as an effort to direct or inspire more attacks outside its home turf to offset its recent losses on the ground.
Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the probe, which they said is being led by Turkish officials with what they called intelligence support from the United States and other NATO allies.
Turkey needs to work harder on "preventative intelligence" to stop militants being radicalised in the first place, he said.
The two U.S. officials said the Istanbul bombing was more typical of Islamic State than of Kurdish militant groups which have also carried out recent attacks in Turkey, but usually strike at official government targets.
Yildirim said it was significant that the attack took place when Turkey was having successes in fighting terrorist groups and mending ties with some of its international partners.
Turkey announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel on Monday after a six-year rupture and has been trying to restore relations with Russia, a major backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
One of the U.S. officials said there had been a "marked increase" in encrypted Islamic State propaganda and communications on the dark web, which some American officials interpret as an effort to direct or inspire more attacks outside its home turf to offset its recent losses on the ground.
Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the probe, which they said is being led by Turkish officials with what they called intelligence support from the United States and other NATO allies.
20 schoolchildren is reported missing in Brecon Beacons
Police have told The Independent they received several 999 calls to report that the group was in difficulties.
Three mountain rescue teams and police officers are searching the area near Tafarn Y Garreg, north of Abercraf in Powys, the BBC reports.
More update later
20 schoolchildren is reported missing in Brecon Beacons
Police have told The Independent they received several 999 calls to report that the group was in difficulties.
Three mountain rescue teams and police officers are searching the area near Tafarn Y Garreg, north of Abercraf in Powys, the BBC reports.
More update later
You have no power to sack me, Ikpeazu tells court
The governor in an appeal filed by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) maintained that the Federal High Court lacked the power to order him to vacate the seat of Abia State Governor.
The appeal read in part: “The trial Judge erred in law when he ordered as a consequential order that the appellant vacates his office as the Governor of Abia State immediately, when there was no jurisdiction in the Federal High Court to remove, vacate the occupier of the office of the governor of a state or order the removal of such officer after the unsuccessful challenge of the result of the election at the Tribunal and swearing in of the appellant as the governor.”
The governor added that the only power, authority and order exercisable by the Federal High Court was to disqualify the candidate from contesting the election based on section 31(6) of the Electoral Act 2010.
Ikepazu also faulted the Judge when he held that he did not pay his tax for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, as and when due, when he was a Public Officer, whose tax deduction was under Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme where tax deductions were from the source of his monthly salary by the tax authorities who issued all the tax receipts and certificates.
He further stated that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Services that issued him with the tax certificates had not declared the certificates forged and that the trial court did not invite the issuing authorities to give evidence in the course of the trial.
Ikpeazu said that the plaintiff, Dr Samson Udechukwu Ogah, was not a staff of the Abia Board of Internal Revenue and did not ask any staff of the board to testify that the tax certificates were forged.
He accused the trial Judge, Justice Okon Abang of violating his right to fair hearing by embarking on the judicial investigation without giving him (Ikepazu) the opportunity to address the court on the issue.
The notice of appeal also states: “The learned trial judge erred in law when he held that the appellant presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission by his ingenious meticulous study and investigation of documents filed in courts in the recess of his chambers and thereby violated the right of the appellant to fair hearing.”
The governor held that the Judge had no duty to investigate the contents of documents dumped on the court in the recess of his chambers with a view to finding for the plaintiff.
“The decision of the Judge which arose from the judicial investigation without an opportunity to the appellant, violated the appellant’s right to fair hearing”, said.
Ikepazu also rejected the decision of the high court declaring him unqualified to be nominated as the primary election conducted by his party because false information was supplied to INEC.
According to him, INEC Form CF001, which the Judge relied on, was not one of the grounds for qualification to contest the Primary election of PDP.
He stated that the Judge misconceived the presentations by the Parties and thereby arrived at a wrong conclusion which occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice.
Meanwhile, the governor’s Party, the PDP has equally rejected the judgment and filed a separate appeal.
The Party said that the trial court erred in law when it held that it had jurisdiction to hear the suit which was on whether section 24 (f) of the 1999 constitution was complied with.
http://guardian.ng/news/you-have-no-power-to-sack-me-ikpeazu-tells-court/
You have no power to sack me, Ikpeazu tells court
The governor in an appeal filed by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) maintained that the Federal High Court lacked the power to order him to vacate the seat of Abia State Governor.
The appeal read in part: “The trial Judge erred in law when he ordered as a consequential order that the appellant vacates his office as the Governor of Abia State immediately, when there was no jurisdiction in the Federal High Court to remove, vacate the occupier of the office of the governor of a state or order the removal of such officer after the unsuccessful challenge of the result of the election at the Tribunal and swearing in of the appellant as the governor.”
The governor added that the only power, authority and order exercisable by the Federal High Court was to disqualify the candidate from contesting the election based on section 31(6) of the Electoral Act 2010.
Ikepazu also faulted the Judge when he held that he did not pay his tax for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, as and when due, when he was a Public Officer, whose tax deduction was under Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme where tax deductions were from the source of his monthly salary by the tax authorities who issued all the tax receipts and certificates.
He further stated that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Services that issued him with the tax certificates had not declared the certificates forged and that the trial court did not invite the issuing authorities to give evidence in the course of the trial.
Ikpeazu said that the plaintiff, Dr Samson Udechukwu Ogah, was not a staff of the Abia Board of Internal Revenue and did not ask any staff of the board to testify that the tax certificates were forged.
He accused the trial Judge, Justice Okon Abang of violating his right to fair hearing by embarking on the judicial investigation without giving him (Ikepazu) the opportunity to address the court on the issue.
The notice of appeal also states: “The learned trial judge erred in law when he held that the appellant presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission by his ingenious meticulous study and investigation of documents filed in courts in the recess of his chambers and thereby violated the right of the appellant to fair hearing.”
The governor held that the Judge had no duty to investigate the contents of documents dumped on the court in the recess of his chambers with a view to finding for the plaintiff.
“The decision of the Judge which arose from the judicial investigation without an opportunity to the appellant, violated the appellant’s right to fair hearing”, said.
Ikepazu also rejected the decision of the high court declaring him unqualified to be nominated as the primary election conducted by his party because false information was supplied to INEC.
According to him, INEC Form CF001, which the Judge relied on, was not one of the grounds for qualification to contest the Primary election of PDP.
He stated that the Judge misconceived the presentations by the Parties and thereby arrived at a wrong conclusion which occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice.
Meanwhile, the governor’s Party, the PDP has equally rejected the judgment and filed a separate appeal.
The Party said that the trial court erred in law when it held that it had jurisdiction to hear the suit which was on whether section 24 (f) of the 1999 constitution was complied with.
http://guardian.ng/news/you-have-no-power-to-sack-me-ikpeazu-tells-court/
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Best graduating student of Convenant university after 14 years
Winner is also the university’s student council chairman and his set’s valedictorian. He also had the best result in WASSCE and NECO when he graduated from secondary school (Faith Academy, Ota). He also had the third best result in NECO in Ogun State in 2012.
Kudos to him! Academic excellence is always worthy of celebration
Best graduating student of Convenant university after 14 years
Winner is also the university’s student council chairman and his set’s valedictorian. He also had the best result in WASSCE and NECO when he graduated from secondary school (Faith Academy, Ota). He also had the third best result in NECO in Ogun State in 2012.
Kudos to him! Academic excellence is always worthy of celebration
28 dead, 60 injured after 3 suicide attackers denotated themselves at Atatürk Airport, Istanbul governor says.
28 dead, 60 injured after 3 suicide attackers denotated themselves at Atatürk Airport, Istanbul governor says.
PHOTONEWS: Bank tellers show how @GovAyoFayose got monies laundered through his @ZenithBank accounts from Agbele #twitter
as seen on twitter from sahara reporters
PHOTONEWS: Bank tellers show how @GovAyoFayose got monies laundered through his @ZenithBank accounts from Agbele #twitter
as seen on twitter from sahara reporters
Kate Henshaw issues 48-hour ultimatum to organizers of Akpororo's show to stop making use of her image for publicity
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw's name and image is reportedly being used to advertise comedian Akpororo's comedy show scheduled to hold next month. Kate took to Instagram today to issue a disclaimer, saying she was not contacted by the organizers for the event and her image being used was without her knowledge or consent. Sharing a notice from her management, she wrote,
"There is a thing called Respect in this industry. The sooner people recognise this..the better it will be for all. Do not take my smile and simplicity for stupidity! Notice of 48hrs is hereby given to the organisers to remove my name and image from all publicity associated with this event. Thank you."
Kate Henshaw issues 48-hour ultimatum to organizers of Akpororo's show to stop making use of her image for publicity
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw's name and image is reportedly being used to advertise comedian Akpororo's comedy show scheduled to hold next month. Kate took to Instagram today to issue a disclaimer, saying she was not contacted by the organizers for the event and her image being used was without her knowledge or consent. Sharing a notice from her management, she wrote,
"There is a thing called Respect in this industry. The sooner people recognise this..the better it will be for all. Do not take my smile and simplicity for stupidity! Notice of 48hrs is hereby given to the organisers to remove my name and image from all publicity associated with this event. Thank you."
Red Cross apologize after 'Racist' swimming pool poster 'portraying black children as not cool' sparks Twitter outrage
The poster, which shows a crowd of cartoon children committing an array of poolside do's and dont's, was spotted at the Salida Pool and Recreation Department in Salida, Colorado by a twitter user who uploaded the picture causing a lot of backlash. As you can see, it's only the black kids that are doing things that aren't cool in the pool ...
In a statement , the American Red Cross said: "The American Red Cross appreciates and is sensitive to the concerns raised regarding one of the water safety posters we produced.
"We deeply apologize for any misunderstanding, as it was absolutely not our intent to offend anyone.
"As one of the nation’s oldest and largest humanitarian organizations, we are committed to diversity and inclusion in all that we do, every day.
"To this end, we have removed the poster from our website and Swim App and have discontinued production.
"We have notified all of our partner aquatic facilities requesting they take down the poster."
"Our organization has emphasized to our partners and on social media that it was absolutely not our intent to offend anyone and apologized for this inadvertent action.
Red Cross apologize after 'Racist' swimming pool poster 'portraying black children as not cool' sparks Twitter outrage
The poster,
which shows a crowd of cartoon children committing an array of poolside
do's and dont's, was spotted at the Salida Pool and Recreation
Department in Salida, Colorado by a twitter user who uploaded the
picture causing a lot of backlash. As you can see, it's only the black
kids that are doing things that aren't cool in the pool ...
In
a statement , the American Red Cross said: "The American Red Cross
appreciates and is sensitive to the concerns raised regarding one of the
water safety posters we produced.
"We deeply apologize for any misunderstanding, as it was absolutely not our intent to offend anyone.
"As
one of the nation’s oldest and largest humanitarian organizations, we
are committed to diversity and inclusion in all that we do, every day.
"To this end, we have removed the poster from our website and Swim App and have discontinued production.
"We have notified all of our partner aquatic facilities requesting they take down the poster."
Buratai Says Boko Haram Terrorists Behind Dubai Properties Report
Buratai stated this on Tuesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, while fielding questions from journalist during a press briefing on the activities lined up for this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2016) with the theme “Optimizing the Capability of the Nigerian Army to Meet Contemporary Security Challenges.”
The Army chief, who had earlier elected not to speak much on it since both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army have spoken and exonerated him on the issue, went ahead to state that terrorists having been defeated on the field in the North-East, have now migrated to the cyber space and the internet to carry out acts of mischief.
He however vowed that the Nigerian Army will in the same manner they decimated Boko Haram, will pursue the emergent ‘internet terrorists’ to the cyberspace and defeat them.
According to him, the Army has already marshalled out how to counter the narratives and new stratagies of those he tagged ‘cyber terrorists’
He said: “I am not supposed to be commenting again on this issue because both the Federal Government and the Army have addressed. However, what I can say is that we have defeated the terrorists on the land and they have now migrated to the cyberspace.
“But I want to assure that we will follow these Boko Haram that migrated to the cyberspace to wherever they are. We will follow them and clear their doubts.”
In the same vein, Buratai emphasised on the fact that Boko Haram has been defeating, insisting that they no longer hold grounds in the North East.
He challenged anybody who have a contrary view to produce evidence but clarified that some of the terrorists who are either hiding in pockets by infiltrating some communities or looking for any safe haven may cause havoc once in a while.
“Let’s be clear about this, no place or territory is being held by these terrorists. And of course you know that if terrorists are dislodged from one place they move to another even across countries. Right now we have received reports of these terrorists moving to other areas.
“And when we say that the terrorists have been defeated and not holding any territory, have they come out to debunk it. No, non one has come to tell you that they are holding territory,” he asserted.
FURTHER DETAILS LATERhttp://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/06/28/buratai-says-boko-haram-terrorists-behind-dubai-properties-report/
Buratai Says Boko Haram Terrorists Behind Dubai Properties Report
Buratai stated this on Tuesday
at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, while fielding questions from
journalist during a press briefing on the activities lined up for this
year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2016) with the theme
“Optimizing the Capability of the Nigerian Army to Meet Contemporary
Security Challenges.”
The Army chief, who had
earlier elected not to speak much on it since both the Federal
Government and the Nigerian Army have spoken and exonerated him on the
issue, went ahead to state that terrorists having been defeated on the
field in the North-East, have now migrated to the cyber space and the
internet to carry out acts of mischief.
He however vowed that the
Nigerian Army will in the same manner they decimated Boko Haram, will
pursue the emergent ‘internet terrorists’ to the cyberspace and defeat
them.
According to him, the Army has
already marshalled out how to counter the narratives and new stratagies
of those he tagged ‘cyber terrorists’
He said: “I am not supposed to
be commenting again on this issue because both the Federal Government
and the Army have addressed. However, what I can say is that we have
defeated the terrorists on the land and they have now migrated to the
cyberspace.
“But I want to assure that we
will follow these Boko Haram that migrated to the cyberspace to wherever
they are. We will follow them and clear their doubts.”
In the same vein, Buratai
emphasised on the fact that Boko Haram has been defeating, insisting
that they no longer hold grounds in the North East.
He challenged anybody who have
a contrary view to produce evidence but clarified that some of the
terrorists who are either hiding in pockets by infiltrating some
communities or looking for any safe haven may cause havoc once in a
while.
“Let’s be clear about this, no
place or territory is being held by these terrorists. And of course you
know that if terrorists are dislodged from one place they move to
another even across countries. Right now we have received reports of
these terrorists moving to other areas.
“And when we say that the
terrorists have been defeated and not holding any territory, have they
come out to debunk it. No, non one has come to tell you that they are
holding territory,” he asserted.
FURTHER DETAILS LATERhttp://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/06/28/buratai-says-boko-haram-terrorists-behind-dubai-properties-report/
Why Buhari ordered arrest of close ally and arms panel member, Umar
Despite being his close ally and loyalist, Mr. Buhari okayed the arrest of Mohammed Umar, after perusing reports alleging that the retired Air Force officer ran a blackmailing and extortion cartel, officials said.
Mr. Umar was arrested last week as operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) raided his Abuja home.
Those familiar with the matter said before moving against the retired officer, the Director General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, met with Mr. Buhari where he tabled reports suggesting that the panel member had been busy using the name of the president and other top officials of the administration to intimidate, extort and blackmail individuals and businesses.
“The president became worried and jittery when he was confronted with the way a man he trusted had been behaving,” a presidency source said. “So he ordered that he should be picked up while the allegations against him are thoroughly investigated.”
Security sources told this newspaper that documents seized from Mr. Umar’s residence during a raid on June 19 included classified documents from the president’s office, details of government transactions from the Central Bank of Nigeria, and details of bank transactions belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser.
A document containing details of disbursements made to the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies was also recovered during the raid.
Mr. Umar retired as an air commodore in the Nigerian Air Force in January 2014. While in service, he headed the Air Force’s Holding Company as well as the Air Force Properties Limited.
Currently, he has six companies, including a private jet company with a fleet size of 10 aircraft, officials said.
Security sources also said he is also one of Abuja’s biggest property owners.
“Many top government functionaries live in his houses in Abuja,” a security source said. “He also has properties in Dubai and London.”
Ally or double agent?
Mr. Umar became a close ally of President Buhari shortly after the 2015 elections.Armed with a cache of information on Nigeria’s security contracts during the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan, he soon became a key figure in the president’s investigative committee on arms procurement.
“He suggested most members of the panel,”
Why Buhari ordered arrest of close ally and arms panel member, Umar
Despite being his close ally and loyalist, Mr. Buhari okayed the arrest of Mohammed Umar, after perusing reports alleging that the retired Air Force officer ran a blackmailing and extortion cartel, officials said.
Mr. Umar was arrested last week as operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) raided his Abuja home.
Those familiar with the matter said before moving against the retired officer, the Director General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, met with Mr. Buhari where he tabled reports suggesting that the panel member had been busy using the name of the president and other top officials of the administration to intimidate, extort and blackmail individuals and businesses.
“The president became worried and jittery when he was confronted with the way a man he trusted had been behaving,” a presidency source said. “So he ordered that he should be picked up while the allegations against him are thoroughly investigated.”
Security sources told this newspaper that documents seized from Mr. Umar’s residence during a raid on June 19 included classified documents from the president’s office, details of government transactions from the Central Bank of Nigeria, and details of bank transactions belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser.
A document containing details of disbursements made to the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies was also recovered during the raid.
Mr. Umar retired as an air commodore in the Nigerian Air Force in January 2014. While in service, he headed the Air Force’s Holding Company as well as the Air Force Properties Limited.
Currently, he has six companies, including a private jet company with a fleet size of 10 aircraft, officials said.
Security sources also said he is also one of Abuja’s biggest property owners.
“Many top government functionaries live in his houses in Abuja,” a security source said. “He also has properties in Dubai and London.”
Ally or double agent?
Mr. Umar became a close ally of President Buhari shortly after the 2015 elections.Armed with a cache of information on Nigeria’s security contracts during the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan, he soon became a key figure in the president’s investigative committee on arms procurement.
“He suggested most members of the panel,”
Alleged forgery: Buhari, Saraki in verbal exchange
Court grants Senate President, Ekweremadu, ex-Clerk, Dep. Clerk bail
The gloves were off yesterday.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is facing trial for alleged forgery of the Senate Rules, accused the Executive of being the architect of his travails.
He spoke of “a government within the government of President Buhari, which has seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue a nefarious agenda”.
But the Presidency would not allow the allegation to go undenied.
It challenged Saraki to name the cabal in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Saraki’s claim would have been more worthwhile if it had been backed with more information.
He issued a statement, saying: “If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the ‘government within the government’, it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.
“But as it stands, the allegation is not even worth the paper on which it was written, as anybody can wake from a troubled sleep and say anything.
“The Attorney-General of the Federation is the Chief Law Officer of the state. It is within his constitutional powers to determine who has infringed upon the law, and who has not.
“Pretending to carry an imaginary cross is mere obfuscation, if, indeed, a criminal act has been committed. But we leave the courts to judge.”
To claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is anybody’s stooge, the statement said, is not only ridiculous, but also preposterous.
“It is not in the character of our President,” Adesina added.
Saraki accused the Executive arm of the government of bring up “trumped up’ charges against him.
In a statement he signed, Saraki described his trial as a cross he was prepared to carry.
The statement reads: “Today, we the leaders of the Nigerian Senate reiterate our innocence against the charges filed by the Attorney General of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on the allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Rules document.
”In our view, the charges filed by the Attorney General represent a violation of the principle of the Separation of Powers between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch as enshrined in our Constitution.
“Furthermore, it is farcical to allege that a criminal act occurred during Senate procedural actions and the mere suggestion demonstrates a desperate overreach by the office of the Attorney General.
“These trumped up charges is only another phase in the relentless persecution of the leadership of the Senate
”This misguided action by the Attorney General begs the question, how does this promote the public interest and benefit the nation?
“At a time when the whole of government should be working together to meet Nigeria’s many challenges, we are once again distracted by the Executive Branch’s inability to move beyond a leadership election among Senate peers.
“It was not an election of Senate peers and Executive Branch participants.
”Over the past year the Senate has worked to foster good relations with the Executive Branch. It is in all of our collective interests to put aside divisions and get on with the nation’s business.
“We risk alienating and losing the support of the very people who have entrusted their national leaders to seek new and creative ways to promote a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“As leaders and patriots, it is time to rise above partisanship and to move forward together.
”However, what has become clear is that there is now a government within the government of President Buhari who have seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.
”This latest onslaught on the Legislature represents a clear and present danger to the democracy Nigerians fought hard to win and preserve.
“The suit filed on behalf of the Federal Government suggests that perhaps some forces in the Federal Republic have not fully embraced the fact that the Senate’s rules and procedures govern how the legislative body adjudicates and resolves its own disputes.
”Let it be abundantly clear, both as a citizen and as a foremost Legislator, I will continue to rise above all the persecution and distraction that have been visited on me.
“In the words of Martin Luther King Junior, ”the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy”.
“I will remain true and committed to the responsibilities that my citizenship and my office impose on me.
“Without doubt, the highest of those responsibilities is the steadfast refusal to surrender to the subversion of our democracy and the desecration of the Senate.
“This is a cross I am prepared to carry. If yielding to the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising the Federal Government to satisfy their selfish interests is the alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open and I shall be a happy guest.
The gloves were off yesterday.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is facing trial for alleged forgery of the Senate Rules, accused the Executive of being the architect of his travails.
He spoke of “a government within the government of President Buhari, which has seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue a nefarious agenda”.
It challenged Saraki to name the cabal in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Saraki’s claim would have been more worthwhile if it had been backed with more information.
He issued a statement, saying: “If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the ‘government within the government’, it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.
“But as it stands, the allegation is not even worth the paper on which it was written, as anybody can wake from a troubled sleep and say anything.
“The Attorney-General of the Federation is the Chief Law Officer of the state. It is within his constitutional powers to determine who has infringed upon the law, and who has not.
“Pretending to carry an imaginary cross is mere obfuscation, if, indeed, a criminal act has been committed. But we leave the courts to judge.”
To claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is anybody’s stooge, the statement said, is not only ridiculous, but also preposterous.
“It is not in the character of our President,” Adesina added.
Saraki accused the Executive arm of the government of bring up “trumped up’ charges against him.
In a statement he signed, Saraki described his trial as a cross he was prepared to carry.
The statement reads: “Today, we the leaders of the Nigerian Senate reiterate our innocence against the charges filed by the Attorney General of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on the allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Rules document.
”In our view, the charges filed by the Attorney General represent a violation of the principle of the Separation of Powers between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch as enshrined in our Constitution.
“Furthermore, it is farcical to allege that a criminal act occurred during Senate procedural actions and the mere suggestion demonstrates a desperate overreach by the office of the Attorney General.
“These trumped up charges is only another phase in the relentless persecution of the leadership of the Senate
”This misguided action by the Attorney General begs the question, how does this promote the public interest and benefit the nation?
“At a time when the whole of government should be working together to meet Nigeria’s many challenges, we are once again distracted by the Executive Branch’s inability to move beyond a leadership election among Senate peers.
“It was not an election of Senate peers and Executive Branch participants.
”Over the past year the Senate has worked to foster good relations with the Executive Branch. It is in all of our collective interests to put aside divisions and get on with the nation’s business.
“We risk alienating and losing the support of the very people who have entrusted their national leaders to seek new and creative ways to promote a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“As leaders and patriots, it is time to rise above partisanship and to move forward together.
”However, what has become clear is that there is now a government within the government of President Buhari who have seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.
”This latest onslaught on the Legislature represents a clear and present danger to the democracy Nigerians fought hard to win and preserve.
“The suit filed on behalf of the Federal Government suggests that perhaps some forces in the Federal Republic have not fully embraced the fact that the Senate’s rules and procedures govern how the legislative body adjudicates and resolves its own disputes.
”Let it be abundantly clear, both as a citizen and as a foremost Legislator, I will continue to rise above all the persecution and distraction that have been visited on me.
“In the words of Martin Luther King Junior, ”the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy”.
“I will remain true and committed to the responsibilities that my citizenship and my office impose on me.
“Without doubt, the highest of those responsibilities is the steadfast refusal to surrender to the subversion of our democracy and the desecration of the Senate.
“This is a cross I am prepared to carry. If yielding to the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising the Federal Government to satisfy their selfish interests is the alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open and I shall be a happy guest.
Alleged forgery: Buhari, Saraki in verbal exchange
Court grants Senate President, Ekweremadu, ex-Clerk, Dep. Clerk bail
The gloves were off yesterday.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is facing trial for alleged forgery of the Senate Rules, accused the Executive of being the architect of his travails.
He spoke of “a government within the government of President Buhari, which has seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue a nefarious agenda”.
But the Presidency would not allow the allegation to go undenied.
It challenged Saraki to name the cabal in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Saraki’s claim would have been more worthwhile if it had been backed with more information.
He issued a statement, saying: “If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the ‘government within the government’, it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.
“But as it stands, the allegation is not even worth the paper on which it was written, as anybody can wake from a troubled sleep and say anything.
“The Attorney-General of the Federation is the Chief Law Officer of the state. It is within his constitutional powers to determine who has infringed upon the law, and who has not.
“Pretending to carry an imaginary cross is mere obfuscation, if, indeed, a criminal act has been committed. But we leave the courts to judge.”
To claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is anybody’s stooge, the statement said, is not only ridiculous, but also preposterous.
“It is not in the character of our President,” Adesina added.
Saraki accused the Executive arm of the government of bring up “trumped up’ charges against him.
In a statement he signed, Saraki described his trial as a cross he was prepared to carry.
The statement reads: “Today, we the leaders of the Nigerian Senate reiterate our innocence against the charges filed by the Attorney General of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on the allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Rules document.
”In our view, the charges filed by the Attorney General represent a violation of the principle of the Separation of Powers between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch as enshrined in our Constitution.
“Furthermore, it is farcical to allege that a criminal act occurred during Senate procedural actions and the mere suggestion demonstrates a desperate overreach by the office of the Attorney General.
“These trumped up charges is only another phase in the relentless persecution of the leadership of the Senate
”This misguided action by the Attorney General begs the question, how does this promote the public interest and benefit the nation?
“At a time when the whole of government should be working together to meet Nigeria’s many challenges, we are once again distracted by the Executive Branch’s inability to move beyond a leadership election among Senate peers.
“It was not an election of Senate peers and Executive Branch participants.
”Over the past year the Senate has worked to foster good relations with the Executive Branch. It is in all of our collective interests to put aside divisions and get on with the nation’s business.
“We risk alienating and losing the support of the very people who have entrusted their national leaders to seek new and creative ways to promote a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“As leaders and patriots, it is time to rise above partisanship and to move forward together.
”However, what has become clear is that there is now a government within the government of President Buhari who have seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.
”This latest onslaught on the Legislature represents a clear and present danger to the democracy Nigerians fought hard to win and preserve.
“The suit filed on behalf of the Federal Government suggests that perhaps some forces in the Federal Republic have not fully embraced the fact that the Senate’s rules and procedures govern how the legislative body adjudicates and resolves its own disputes.
”Let it be abundantly clear, both as a citizen and as a foremost Legislator, I will continue to rise above all the persecution and distraction that have been visited on me.
“In the words of Martin Luther King Junior, ”the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy”.
“I will remain true and committed to the responsibilities that my citizenship and my office impose on me.
“Without doubt, the highest of those responsibilities is the steadfast refusal to surrender to the subversion of our democracy and the desecration of the Senate.
“This is a cross I am prepared to carry. If yielding to the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising the Federal Government to satisfy their selfish interests is the alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open and I shall be a happy guest.
The gloves were off yesterday.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is facing trial for alleged forgery of the Senate Rules, accused the Executive of being the architect of his travails.
He spoke of “a government within the government of President Buhari, which has seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue a nefarious agenda”.
It challenged Saraki to name the cabal in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Saraki’s claim would have been more worthwhile if it had been backed with more information.
He issued a statement, saying: “If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the ‘government within the government’, it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.
“But as it stands, the allegation is not even worth the paper on which it was written, as anybody can wake from a troubled sleep and say anything.
“The Attorney-General of the Federation is the Chief Law Officer of the state. It is within his constitutional powers to determine who has infringed upon the law, and who has not.
“Pretending to carry an imaginary cross is mere obfuscation, if, indeed, a criminal act has been committed. But we leave the courts to judge.”
To claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is anybody’s stooge, the statement said, is not only ridiculous, but also preposterous.
“It is not in the character of our President,” Adesina added.
Saraki accused the Executive arm of the government of bring up “trumped up’ charges against him.
In a statement he signed, Saraki described his trial as a cross he was prepared to carry.
The statement reads: “Today, we the leaders of the Nigerian Senate reiterate our innocence against the charges filed by the Attorney General of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on the allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Rules document.
”In our view, the charges filed by the Attorney General represent a violation of the principle of the Separation of Powers between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch as enshrined in our Constitution.
“Furthermore, it is farcical to allege that a criminal act occurred during Senate procedural actions and the mere suggestion demonstrates a desperate overreach by the office of the Attorney General.
“These trumped up charges is only another phase in the relentless persecution of the leadership of the Senate
”This misguided action by the Attorney General begs the question, how does this promote the public interest and benefit the nation?
“At a time when the whole of government should be working together to meet Nigeria’s many challenges, we are once again distracted by the Executive Branch’s inability to move beyond a leadership election among Senate peers.
“It was not an election of Senate peers and Executive Branch participants.
”Over the past year the Senate has worked to foster good relations with the Executive Branch. It is in all of our collective interests to put aside divisions and get on with the nation’s business.
“We risk alienating and losing the support of the very people who have entrusted their national leaders to seek new and creative ways to promote a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“As leaders and patriots, it is time to rise above partisanship and to move forward together.
”However, what has become clear is that there is now a government within the government of President Buhari who have seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.
”This latest onslaught on the Legislature represents a clear and present danger to the democracy Nigerians fought hard to win and preserve.
“The suit filed on behalf of the Federal Government suggests that perhaps some forces in the Federal Republic have not fully embraced the fact that the Senate’s rules and procedures govern how the legislative body adjudicates and resolves its own disputes.
”Let it be abundantly clear, both as a citizen and as a foremost Legislator, I will continue to rise above all the persecution and distraction that have been visited on me.
“In the words of Martin Luther King Junior, ”the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy”.
“I will remain true and committed to the responsibilities that my citizenship and my office impose on me.
“Without doubt, the highest of those responsibilities is the steadfast refusal to surrender to the subversion of our democracy and the desecration of the Senate.
“This is a cross I am prepared to carry. If yielding to the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising the Federal Government to satisfy their selfish interests is the alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open and I shall be a happy guest.
Banking industry remains strong, sound – NDIC Report
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on Tuesday said that the nation’s banking industry remained strong and sound.
The NDIC made this known in its 2015 Annual Report which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The document said that the banking industry’s total assets grew marginally by 1.36 per cent, while total loans and advances rose by 5.56 per cent.
It said that shareholder’s funds, unimpaired by losses, increased by 14.02 per cent, while capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.66 per cent.
The document, however, noted that total deposit liabilities declined by 2.83 per cent, while unaudited profits decreased by 2.02 per cent.
In the period under review, the document showed that non-performing loans increased by 82.87 per cent.
According to the document, the banking industry’s capital base remains strong.
“The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the industry was 17.66 per cent in 2015, compared with 15.92 per cent in 2014, but exceeded the minimum threshold of 10 per cent and 15 per cent for national and international banks, respectively.
“ Two DMBs had CAR below the prescribed threshold of 10 per cent in 2015,’’ the report said.
On the economy, the report said that the total loans and advances to the Nigerian economy stood at ₦13.33 trillion in 2015, showing an increase of 5.56 per cent over the ₦12.63 trillion reported in 2014.
“The non-performing loans to total loans ratio for the industry increased from 2.81 per cent in 2014 to 4.87 per cent in 2015, but was within the regulatory threshold of 5 per cent,’’ the report said.
The document said that in 2015, the banking industry operated profitably, though earnings and profitability deteriorated.
It said that the unaudited Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) of the banking industry stood at ₦588.86 billion as at Dec. 31, 2015, representing a decrease of 2.02 per cent over the ₦601.02 billion reported as at Dec. 31, 2014.
The document noted that the industry’s liquidity position was strong as its average liquidity ratio rose slightly from 53.65 per cent in 2014 to 58.18 per cent in 2015.
“All the individual DMBs have liquidity ratios above the prudential minimum threshold of 30 per cent, as at Dec. 31, 2015,’’ the reports also said.
The NDIC made this known in its 2015 Annual Report which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The document said that the banking industry’s total assets grew marginally by 1.36 per cent, while total loans and advances rose by 5.56 per cent.
It said that shareholder’s funds, unimpaired by losses, increased by 14.02 per cent, while capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.66 per cent.
The document, however, noted that total deposit liabilities declined by 2.83 per cent, while unaudited profits decreased by 2.02 per cent.
In the period under review, the document showed that non-performing loans increased by 82.87 per cent.
According to the document, the banking industry’s capital base remains strong.
“The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the industry was 17.66 per cent in 2015, compared with 15.92 per cent in 2014, but exceeded the minimum threshold of 10 per cent and 15 per cent for national and international banks, respectively.
“ Two DMBs had CAR below the prescribed threshold of 10 per cent in 2015,’’ the report said.
On the economy, the report said that the total loans and advances to the Nigerian economy stood at ₦13.33 trillion in 2015, showing an increase of 5.56 per cent over the ₦12.63 trillion reported in 2014.
“The non-performing loans to total loans ratio for the industry increased from 2.81 per cent in 2014 to 4.87 per cent in 2015, but was within the regulatory threshold of 5 per cent,’’ the report said.
The document said that in 2015, the banking industry operated profitably, though earnings and profitability deteriorated.
It said that the unaudited Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) of the banking industry stood at ₦588.86 billion as at Dec. 31, 2015, representing a decrease of 2.02 per cent over the ₦601.02 billion reported as at Dec. 31, 2014.
The document noted that the industry’s liquidity position was strong as its average liquidity ratio rose slightly from 53.65 per cent in 2014 to 58.18 per cent in 2015.
“All the individual DMBs have liquidity ratios above the prudential minimum threshold of 30 per cent, as at Dec. 31, 2015,’’ the reports also said.
Banking industry remains strong, sound – NDIC Report
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on Tuesday said that the nation’s banking industry remained strong and sound.
The NDIC made this known in its 2015 Annual Report which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The document said that the banking industry’s total assets grew marginally by 1.36 per cent, while total loans and advances rose by 5.56 per cent.
It said that shareholder’s funds, unimpaired by losses, increased by 14.02 per cent, while capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.66 per cent.
The document, however, noted that total deposit liabilities declined by 2.83 per cent, while unaudited profits decreased by 2.02 per cent.
In the period under review, the document showed that non-performing loans increased by 82.87 per cent.
According to the document, the banking industry’s capital base remains strong.
“The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the industry was 17.66 per cent in 2015, compared with 15.92 per cent in 2014, but exceeded the minimum threshold of 10 per cent and 15 per cent for national and international banks, respectively.
“ Two DMBs had CAR below the prescribed threshold of 10 per cent in 2015,’’ the report said.
On the economy, the report said that the total loans and advances to the Nigerian economy stood at ₦13.33 trillion in 2015, showing an increase of 5.56 per cent over the ₦12.63 trillion reported in 2014.
“The non-performing loans to total loans ratio for the industry increased from 2.81 per cent in 2014 to 4.87 per cent in 2015, but was within the regulatory threshold of 5 per cent,’’ the report said.
The document said that in 2015, the banking industry operated profitably, though earnings and profitability deteriorated.
It said that the unaudited Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) of the banking industry stood at ₦588.86 billion as at Dec. 31, 2015, representing a decrease of 2.02 per cent over the ₦601.02 billion reported as at Dec. 31, 2014.
The document noted that the industry’s liquidity position was strong as its average liquidity ratio rose slightly from 53.65 per cent in 2014 to 58.18 per cent in 2015.
“All the individual DMBs have liquidity ratios above the prudential minimum threshold of 30 per cent, as at Dec. 31, 2015,’’ the reports also said.
The NDIC made this known in its 2015 Annual Report which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The document said that the banking industry’s total assets grew marginally by 1.36 per cent, while total loans and advances rose by 5.56 per cent.
It said that shareholder’s funds, unimpaired by losses, increased by 14.02 per cent, while capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.66 per cent.
The document, however, noted that total deposit liabilities declined by 2.83 per cent, while unaudited profits decreased by 2.02 per cent.
In the period under review, the document showed that non-performing loans increased by 82.87 per cent.
According to the document, the banking industry’s capital base remains strong.
“The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the industry was 17.66 per cent in 2015, compared with 15.92 per cent in 2014, but exceeded the minimum threshold of 10 per cent and 15 per cent for national and international banks, respectively.
“ Two DMBs had CAR below the prescribed threshold of 10 per cent in 2015,’’ the report said.
On the economy, the report said that the total loans and advances to the Nigerian economy stood at ₦13.33 trillion in 2015, showing an increase of 5.56 per cent over the ₦12.63 trillion reported in 2014.
“The non-performing loans to total loans ratio for the industry increased from 2.81 per cent in 2014 to 4.87 per cent in 2015, but was within the regulatory threshold of 5 per cent,’’ the report said.
The document said that in 2015, the banking industry operated profitably, though earnings and profitability deteriorated.
It said that the unaudited Profit-Before-Tax (PBT) of the banking industry stood at ₦588.86 billion as at Dec. 31, 2015, representing a decrease of 2.02 per cent over the ₦601.02 billion reported as at Dec. 31, 2014.
The document noted that the industry’s liquidity position was strong as its average liquidity ratio rose slightly from 53.65 per cent in 2014 to 58.18 per cent in 2015.
“All the individual DMBs have liquidity ratios above the prudential minimum threshold of 30 per cent, as at Dec. 31, 2015,’’ the reports also said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)