FG Fails To Dock Kidnap Suspects Due To Non-availability Of Interpreter

Arraignment of five men, accused of abducting some pupils and staff members of Nigeria/Tulip International College, Isheri, Ogun State on January 13, 2017, was on Tuesday stalled due to non-availability of an interpreter in court.

When the case was called before Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, the defendants said they do not understand or speak English language well, except Pidgin English.
Case was stood down for more than an hour to search for an Interpreter but to no avail, after which the court adjourned till Wednesday to enable the court provide an interpreter.

The Justice Tsoho said, “It is regretted that the court could not locate an interpreter to translate proceedings to pidgin English, therefore, the court adjourns to tomorrow to look for a competent and unbiased interpreter.”

Defendants, Bekewei Agbojule (a.k.a Asari), Egbasimokumo Ayeomi (a.k.a Effiong), Godspower Olopele, Toki Okuba and Super Allen Baye (a.k.a Yanga), were alleged to have been involved in the acts of hostage taking and receiving of ransom, acts of terrorism punishable by life imprisonment under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

The five-count charge preferred against the defendants by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, the defendants were alleged to have conspired among themselves and with others at large and demanded the sun of N800 million as ransom after they seized and detained their victims.

They were said to have demanded N800 million as ransom, but later reduced it to N50 million, which was allegedly paid to them before releasing the victims.

Seven pupils and staff members of Nigeria/Tulip International College, Isheri, Ogun State, allegedly abducted by the defendants were Stephanie Nwosu, Zainab Olatubosun, Rebecca Agodi, Radiyan Aminu, Rashidat Ibrahim, Hanat Aderinto and Deriyo Yaziel.

Prosecution also alleged in counts four and five that the same set of defendants, along with others at large, on December 16, 2016, at Asolo Bridge, Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos, seized at gun point one Joshua Olayinka Audu, Rita Morah, Kendra Abiose and four others.

They were said to have, after seizing the six victims in Ikorodu, gone ahead to detain them at Ibafo Creek, Ogun State and allegedly demanded a ransom of N2 million from the family members of the victims and received the money before releasing the abductees.

The prosecution alleged that the offence of conspiracy to commit hostage taking was an act of terrorism contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013, and punishable under the same Section of the Act.

It alleged that other offences of seizing, hostage taking and demanding of ransom were also acts of terrorism said to be contrary to Section 15 (1) of Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, and punishable under the same section of the Act.

Third count charge reads, “That you, Bekewei Agbojule, a.k.a Asari, of College Road Abapa/Arogbo, Ondo State; Egbasimokumo Ayeomi, a.k.a Effiong of Opuba village, Arogbo town, Ondo State; Godspower Olopele of Araromi Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos; Toki Okuba of Ijaw village behind Opic Estate, Isheri, Ogun State and Super Allen Baye a.k.a Yanga of Opuba village, Arogbo, Ondo State, on or about January 13, 2017, at Nigeria/Tulip International College, Isheri, Ogun State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did commit an offence to wit: hostage taking in that you detained some staff and students of Nigeria/Tulip International College, Isheri, Ogun State, namely, Nwosu Stephanie, Olatubosun Zainab, Agodi Rebecca, Radiyan Aminu, Rashidat Ibrahim, Aderinto Hanat and Deriyo Yaziel and demanded from their family members a monetary ransom of N800 million, which you later reduced to the N50 million and received by you before releasing them.”

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It’s Time For The Nigerians To Own Homes - Emefiele

Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says Nigerians who wish to own homes through mortgage financing can now do so.

He speaking at the launch of ‘My Own Home Scheme’, an initiative of the CBN in collaboration with its partners, in Abuja on Monday, Emefiele, who was represented by Tokunbo Martins, director banking supervision at the CBN, explained that the aim of the scheme is to increase access to housing finance for Nigerians.

Emefiele said the initiative which is under the Nigeria Housing Finance Programme (NHFP) is purely driven by “public-private partnership,

If you seeking the capacity to purchase a home through mortgage this is the time… the time has come for you…. he said.

Through the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), mortgage guarantee scheme and housing micro-finance scheme several people have become home owners already and nobody must be left behind.

Under the scheme potential mortgage clients, who cannot make 20 percent initial down payment of the value of a piece of property but have the capacity to make regular payments, can access mortgage, but on the basis of third party guarantee.

The NHFP was set up by the federal government for the purpose of ensuring improved access to housing finance and housing in general for Nigerians.

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Omoni Oboli: The most important things in my life

Nollywood actress and producer Omoni Oboli, who was recently awarded a Pacesetters Awards by the Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, at the Investiture Awards 2016, held at the Rockview Hotel, Festac Town, speaks with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI on what makes the award special and different from others.

"YOU have won many awards in the past, what makes this one different?"

This is quite different because it’s from the Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, which I am also a member, knowing full well that without them Nollywood will not be where it is today. From day one, they have been behind Nollywood; pushing with their work, and knowing well that it is going to get better as time goes on.

And then recognising a very young producer like me, I still count myself to be young in this field. And to think that I am a Pacesetter; for me that is a huge honour. And I wasn’t supposed to be in this country, but I had to stay back to receive this particular award. It is major, it is really very big.

"How does the award make you feel?"

The Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria honoured me with the Pacesetters award. Who would have thought that little I would be recognised by the founders and the pillars of this industry? Whatever you find to do, do it with diligence! I don’t joke with my work; I give it 110% of me! May God bless us all and bring us before great men. Always remember that I love you all

"Your movies are known to have sold out. What inspired them?"

My recent movie, Okafor’s Law, is yet to be released. But for me I base my movies on my everyday experiences, stories that I hear from what people discuss. And then I work on them and make stories out of them.Okafor’s Law, for instance, is something that is widely known in Nigeria. It simply means that if a man has been with a woman before, he will always have access to that woman; that is what the Okafor’s law means.

So I was having a conversation with a group of friends, and I was told that is what it means, and one of them said why don’t you make a movie out of it? And here we are today. It is usually things that happen around me that I base my stories on.

"Why do you run your movies in the cinemas, before going on home videos?"

The cinema is another distribution channel. So what you do when you make a movie is to try and explore other channels. So one of them is the cinema; which is what I do.

"Being a busy person, how do you combine both work and home?"

For me, I have always known the most important things in life; and one of the most import things is my family and they come first. That’s why as an actor, you don’t see me jumping from one set to the other because I have got to have time with my family. There are times that I don’t do anything for months; you will only see me marketing my movies online and other channels. You will not actively see me on movie sets. That is because I plan to have quality time with my family. 

"Could that be related to why you took a break years back?"

That was after graduation. I got married right after university and started having kids. So it was not like I went for any special trying.

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President Buhari is to attend Climate Change Conference in Morocco

The President Muhammadu Buhari will attend the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also known as COP-22, in Marrakech, Morocco, from November 14-16.

Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, will participate in the official opening plenary on November 15 where he will deliver his national statement during the High Level Segment of COP 22.

Presidential address is expected to highlight, among other key issues, Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and policy actions aimed at tackling climate change through environmental sustainable efforts.

He will also rally international support for the clean-up of Ogoniland in the Niger Delta and the resuscitation of the Lake Chad Basin.

While in Marrakech, the President is scheduled to attend the Africa Day Commemoration at COP 22 with the theme, “Moving from Commitments to Action with Intended Nationally Determined Contributions and African Renewable Energy Initiative.”

He will also attend the Summit of African Heads of State on the sidelines of the Climate Change conference.

COP 22, which will be attended by representatives from 197 countries including world leaders, environment ministers, government officials as well as a wide range of representatives from civil society and the private sector, is the first meeting of State Parties since the entry into force of the landmark Paris Agreement on November 4, 2016.

Legally binding international Agreement on climate change, among others, addresses issues of global warming, including its impact on food security and agriculture.

It would be recalled that President Buhari signed the Paris Agreement on September 22, 2016 at the margins of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Buoyed by that commitment, the Nigerian delegation is optimistic that COP22 will provide a platform to promote and enhance delivery of the purpose-driven environmental sustainable agenda of the Federal Government.

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Formal Chelsea Manager: I was sacked by Chelsea, it was not mutual consent

The Portuguese boss has confirmed he was sacked by the Blues in December 2015, despite the club insisting he left by mutual consent

Jose Mourinho bears no grudges to anyone at Chelsea despite confirming he was sacked in December 2015 and did not leave by mutual consent.

Moses: Mourinho never spoke to me!

Mourinho was shown the door seven months after leading the west London club to the title, after Chelsea opened their defence at the start of the 2015-16 season with nine defeats in their first 16 games.

At the time the club statement claimed the Portuguese had left by mutual consent but Mourinho, who returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since with Manchester United on Sunday, was adamant he was dismissed by owner Roman Abramovich.

Mr Abramovich decided to sack me," He told Sky Sports. "It was not mutual consent. But I left without a bad word about anything or anyone at the club.  

That was in my first period at Chelsea when I agreed it was time to change. 

Should Carrick start alongside Pogba against Chelsea?

I was keen to change, more than ready to go to other countries but this time it was not like that.

It was a decision by the owner and I was informed of that decision. I accepted it in a polite way and we signed the papers. I did it in a calm, respectful way."

Mourinho continued to live in London before he was named United boss in May. I waited for what I preferred, which was to stay in England, in the Premier League and I was lucky to have a big club like Manchester United," he added.

It took a couple of days [to get over it] and then it was finished and I started my life in a common way. I was still in London, I kept a house there, I was walking in the street, going to the gym, watching football..."

Mourinho, who guided Chelsea to two Premier League titles in his first spell in charge, believes the sack is a part of modern management. It's not nice for me or anyone but that's life, I took it in a positive way," he said.

To be sacked is [part of] football, many of the best managers in the history of football have had their moment to be sacked.

Of course there are exceptions but normally, and especially in modern football, you are in a position where it can happen to anyone.

If it was a club where I gave nothing it would be more difficult. When I leave the club that in two different periods I gave titles and, to the fans, some of the best moments that a club's supporters can have, then I leave with a feeling of 'I did my job'."

Mourinho claimed the fans wanted him to stay before the axe fell.

Bellerin: If Barcelona call me, I won't pick up!

I don't think they wanted it but, even if they did, they cannot remove me from Chelsea history," he said.

I am in their history and they belong to my history too, so there is no reason for bad feelings."

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!Corruption! NBA’s call for suspension of affected judges, DSS arrest: NJC faults

National Judicial Council (NJC) has faulted the call by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the compulsory suspension of some judges recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on corruption allegations.

NBA President, Abubakar Mahmud (SAN), had, at a function in Abuja on Thursday, urged the affected judges to either be sent on compulsory suspension or cease to exercise their judicial powers until their innocence was proved.

NJC argued in a statement late yesterday that the NBA was wrong in calling for the judges’ suspension having earlier supported the council’s decision to condemn the arrest which it described as an attempt to cow the judiciary.

It said, in the statement by its Acting Director, Information, Soji Oye, that the council could only exercise its disciplinary powers over judicial officers where due process were complied with.

It said the midnight invasion of the judges’ houses and their arrest by the DSS violated due process and could not serve as a basis for the NJC to suspend the affected judicial officers.

Part of the statement reads: “NJC is constrained to inform the general public that its constitutional mandate is to process and recommend to the executive at the federal and state levels, the appointment, and or the removal of judicial officers from office, including exercise of its disciplinary control of suspending and or warning judicial officers after complying with due process and the rule of law.

Since this creation of the NJC vide the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, it has exercised its powers and performed its functions within its constitutional limitations.

Thus, the current position of the Nigerian Bar Association vis-à-vis its recommendation that the affected judicial officers involved in the ongoing investigation of judicial officers by the DSS, be requested to proceed on compulsory leave until the conclusion of all disciplinary proceedings against them, is unacceptable to the NJC; as it breaches the 2014 Revised Judicial Discipline Regulations formulated by the NJC pursuant to Section 160 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

It is to be reiterated also that by the provisions of Section 158 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, NJC shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person while exercising its disciplinary power of control over judicial officers in the federation.

Members of the public are hereby informed that the mechanism that will determine a judicial officer to be directed or requested to proceed on compulsory leave or be suspended from office, is a disciplinary power that NJC can only exercise after initiating disciplinary proceedings on the complaint or petition forwarded against the judge, after he has been found culpable.

Therefore, to act on the recommendation of the NBA, it is not only contrary to the provisions of Section 158 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, but it means the NJC will direct any judicial officer that has been petitioned even if the allegations contained therein are frivolous and baseless, to proceed on compulsory leave or be suspended from office without complying with the rule of law.

That is not the understanding of the NJC of the intention of the framers of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended vis-à-vis its Constitutional powers and functions on initiation of disciplinary proceedings culminating in suspension of judicial officers.

Thus, to act on the request of the departments of government and the recommendation of the NBA, the 808 judicial officers that had been petitioned and accused of professional misconduct and or corrupt practices, without investigation by the NJC, would have all been suspended or sent on compulsory leave and the courts would have been deserted.

NJC is not unmindful of the concern of the public on a situation whereby a judicial officer is being investigated and or prosecuted for commission of a criminal offence such as murder or robbery; and whether he is not supposed to be requested or directed to proceed on compulsory leave or be suspended from office.

In the circumstance, unless the subject judge accused of commission of the offence of murder or robbery is petitioned to the NJC, it shall not assume the disciplinary power of control over judicial officers to suspend or direct the subject judge to proceed on compulsory leave.

Thus,the NJC can only direct any judge alleged of committing such criminal offences, to go on compulsory leave or be suspended from office if he has been investigated and found by the NJC culpable of misconduct.

Participation of NBA members in the emergency meeting of the NJC was necessitated by the unfolding events between the DSS and judiciary, bordering on administration of justice.

Suffice it to say that the decision of the NJC in respect of the recent events and the current state of the judiciary, particularly in condemning the invasion and arrest of the judicial officers by the DSS and considers it as a threat to independence of the judiciary which portends great danger to our democracy; and a clear attempt by the DSS to humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the judiciary, was unanimously taken by the members of the council present, including the President and other members of the Nigerian Bar Association at its last emergency meeting which was held on 11th October, 2016,” it said.

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Obanikoro offers to refund N785m slush fund

Embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro may soon be let out of custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following indications that he has agreed to make refunds of the money he allegedly collected from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Anti-graft agency accused the ex-minister of collecting N785 million from ONSA while in office.

His friends and associates are understood to be rallying around him to raise the funds as a first step to secure his bail.

Obanikoro is understood to be targeting  N100 million as first installment  of the refund.

From ONSA, about N4.685 billon was transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited, a company allegedly linked to the ex-Minister.

Obanikoro told EFCC interrogators  that N3.880 billion of the N4.685 billion was allocated to Governor Ayodele Fayose  of Ekiti State  and  Senator Iyiola Omisore.

He also said he handed over $5.377 million (about N60 million then) cash to Fayose at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti in the presence of the former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Dr. Tope Aluko and other party stalwarts.

He said the balance of N785 million was expended on alleged anti-Boko Haram campaign in Lagos and the South-West.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The ex-minister has been cooperating with detectives and he appears willing to refund some cash out of the N785 million traced to Sylvan McNamara.

“I think his associates and friends have rallied around him, having discovered that the bulk of the cash from ONSA went to Fayose and Omisore.

“I think he might initially refund N100 million to get bail reprieve in order to prevail on others who benefited from the N785 million to repay the slush funds.

“The refund is one of the issues delaying the granting of bail to the ex-minister.”

Obanikoro had said:  “The balance of N785 milion were used to prosecute the following: 1. procurement of souvenirs for the promotion of anti-Boko Haram insurgency in Lagos; 2. N200million for surveillance activities; 3. N200 million and other remaining funds were for operations managed by Taiwo Kareem.

“Taiwo Kareem impressed the former NSA with his management of pre and post-election funds. To God be the glory, the two elections were carried out without any loss of life

“When bomb blast occurred in Lagos on the 25th of June 2014, the NSA was disturbed and told me of his commitment to ensure that such doesn’t reoccur.

“He expressed the grave consequence that the reoccurrence will have not only on Lagos but the economy of the entire country.

“He emphasised the need for local input to complement the activities of security agencies. This is how Sylvan McNamara was introduced.”

The EFCC had discovered that Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, allegedly owned by Obanikoro and his sons,   was used to launder the N4.745 billion.

The company, which was incorporated in November 2011 had the following as its directors: a close aide of the ex-minister, Ikenna Ezekwe (700,000 shares) of 51 Simpson Street, Ebute-Metta; Idowu Oshodi (299,000 shares) of 8, Prince Tayo Adesanya Street, Park View Estate, Ikoyi; and Elizabeth Adebiyi (1,000 shares) of 3, Adedoyin Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere.

Ikenna Ezekwe’s account  has been  de-frozen by the EFCC since the slush funds were not traced to him.

Ezekwe has also been removed as the director of the slush company.

A document said: “To set the stage for the use of the company for money laundering, the board of directors on May 7, 2012  passed a resolution that the company should open an account and appointed Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro, Ikenna Ezekwe, Ms. Theresa Matuluko (Secretary) and Mr. Babajide Obanikoro as the signatories to the account.

“The board added that the signing combination be that any of the signatories can sign alone.”

The EFCC claimed that  when it was time to illegally draw the N4.745 billion from ONSA as war chest for Ekiti Governorship poll, ex-minister Obanikoro made the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited available and coordinated the disbursement.

The contacted, Obanikoro’s spokesperson, Jonathan Eze, said he was not aware of the development.

And the source close to him, however, said “it is true.”

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Lagos set to impose death sentence on kidnappers

Lagos State Government may soon join the growing number of states such as Edo, Ogun and Anambra that have imposed death sentence on kidnappers.

According to a private member bill sponsored by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, any person, who kidnaps, abducts, detains, captures or takes another person by any means or tricks with intent to demand ransom or do anything against his/her will commit an offence, and liable on conviction to death sentence.

The bill went through a public hearing on yesterday at the Lateef jakande Auditorium within the Assembly premises with some stakeholders in attendance.

Attempt to kidnap is also criminalised under the bill and it was suggested that such a person would be committed to life imprisonment.

Also, the bill is against false representation to release a kidnapped or abducted person under Section 4,  and this attracts seven years imprisonment.

Furthermore, the bill provides that any person, who knowingly or wilfully allows or permits his premises, building or a place belonging or occupied to which he has control of, to be used for the purposes of keeping a person kidnapped is guilty of an offence under the law and liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment of 14 years without an option of fine.

A legal practitioner, Mr Richard Komolafe from the United Action for Change (UAC), who spoke at the stakeholders meeting, commended the bill but said that death sentence was no longer fashionable all over the world.

Komolafe said:”Hanging itself is inhuman by conventions as against life imprisonment. I appreciate this bill, it is very timely, but we hope it will be passed in time.”

He, however, urged the lawmakers to find a way of not getting genuine rescuers from being roped in cases of pretentious kidnap.

Another stakeholder, who is the Director of Legal Drafting in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Yejide Kolawole, who also commended the bill, said that it was essential that element of conspiracy and attempt to kidnap be added in the bill.

“I suggest 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy to kidnap, depending on the level of involvement. However,  seven years penalty for section 4 is too mild. I suggest  20 years to deter those who would want to engage in the crime.

“On Section 5, anyone who instigates kidnapping should be given a stiffer penalty of 25 years, though the person does not participate overtly in act.

“On Section 7, owners of a building used to aid kidnapping should have a higher punishment than mere forfeiture of property,” she said.

Also, a Chief Magistrate in Lagos State, Mrs Seri Sholebo said that it was fundamental to add conspiracy to kidnapping, stressing that the ministry had not been able to convict offenders on conspiracy since 2011.

Sholebo however, suggested 180 days window for trials of offenders rather than the stipulated 60 days due to anticipated delay in handling the cases.

A Director in the Lagos State Office of Public Defender (OPD), Mr. Borokini Fatai wanted to know what could happen if the trial could not be concluded within 60 days, as he said that a defence counsel could ask for the withdrawal of the matter after the stipulated number of days.

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President Buhari Meets 21 Released Chibok girls and said your best time has come

President Buhari told the 21 freed Chibok girls yesterday that their best time has come.

He promised that the Federal Government would take over the education of the girls.

President received the girls and their parents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to him, the girls who experienced the worst of life in the hands of their Boko Haram captors would now get the best the world could offer.

21 girls are the manifestation of our doggedness and commitments to the release and return of the Chibok girls.

“While joining their parents to rejoice and praise the Almighty, we shall redouble efforts to ensure that we fulfill our pledge of bringing the remaining girls back home. Already, the credible first step has been taken and Government will sustain the effort until all the remaining girls return safely

“These 21 girls will be given adequate and comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care and support. The Federal Government will rehabilitate them, and ensure that their reintegration back to the Society is done as quickly as possible.

“Aside from rescuing them, we are assuming the responsibility for their personal, educational and professional goals and ambitions in life. Obviously, it is not late for the girls to go back to school and continue the pursuit of their studies.

 ”These dear daughters of ours have seen the worst that the world has to offer. It is now time for them to experience the best that the world can do for them.  The Government and all Nigerians must encourage them to achieve their desired ambitions.”

He expressed appreciation of the Federal Government for the patience and understanding the Chibok girls’ parents have shown.

The President also thanked Nigerians and the International Community for their support and prayers, and for not losing confidence in the government’s ability to secure the safe release of the girls.

The Chairman of Chibok Local Government, Ya’aga Yarakuwa, who spoke for the Chibok girls’ parents, thanked the government for preventing the Chibok community from been erased from Nigerian map by Boko Haram.

He however informed the President that Chibok community is still suffering security challenges as the village was attacked on Tuesday.

He urged the government to take over the welfare of the 21 girls.

Also said many of the Chibok girls’ parents had died, adding that the President’s wife, Haji Aisha, had supported the parents with N30 million.

He pointed out that Chibok was in need of good roads and that the rebuilding of the school was yet to be completed.

One of the girls, Rebecca Mallam, who spoke on behalf of the others, thanked the Federal Government for securing their release.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Alhassan, called for prayers for the president in his determination to secure the release of the remaining girls and other innocent Nigerian in captivity.

She said that since the girls were released, the government had been taking care of their needs.

This girls were presented to Mr. President by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

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Buhari’s wife, Senate to partner German company on reproductive health

Wife of President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and the Senate, Wednesday pledged to partner Merck Pharmaceuticals – a German company – on reproductive health issues in the country.

Mrs. Buhari who is also the initiator of Future Assured and the Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso disclosed this during the “Merck More than a Mother” in Nigeria Campaign Launch in Abuja.

“Merck More than a Mother” initiated by Dr. Rasha Kelej – Chief Social Officer of Merck – aims to empower infertile women by improving access to information, education, healthcare, change of culture, mindset and to de-stigmatize infertility.

Mrs. Buhari in a speech read on her behalf by the Vice President’s wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo,  pledged her support in the implementation of “Merck More than a Mother’s” activities in Nigeria – with emphasis on creating awareness and providing information and education on causes of infertility; facilitating access to healthcare; and economic and social empowerment of infertile women.

She expressed her willingness to help strengthen advocacy for women with infertility challenges through her Future Assured Initiative Project.

On his part, Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, said the Senate would initiate a legislation on Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in the country.

Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, in her remarks, called for partnership between government and the private sector to make infertility treatment affordable.

Saraki’s wife who spoke on behalf of wives of other Senators said that they would carry the message of the “Merck More than a Mother” campaign to every Senatorial District in the country.

Panel discussion by fertility experts and policy makers during the launch called for an end to the stigmatization of infertile women; creation of awareness and education on the causes of infertility and management since over 85% of the cases are caused by infections which can be treated and prevented.

They added that it also involved building advocacy for the development of ART laws to improve the governance and quality of fertility care; improving access to fertility care by integrating it into public reproductive health services and building the capacity to provide quality and safe fertility care through training.

The panelists also supported the empowerment of infertile women who form a vulnerable part of the population and noted that infertile women in Nigeria and many other African countries who can no longer be treated have been empowered socially and economically to lead independent and happier lives through “Empowering Berna” initiative.

“Empowering Berna” is part of “Merck More than a Mother” campaign.

The panel included Senator Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, the Chairman Senate Committee of Health; Minister of Health, Prof.  Isaac Adewole, Minister of Women Affairs, Senator Aisha Alhassan and Uganda’s Minister of State for Health, Hon. Sarah Opendi.

Others are a Member of the Kenyan Parliament, Hon. Joyce Lay; National Coordinator, Future Assured, Dr. Mohammed Kamal; President of Africa Fertility Society, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru and Chief Social Officer of Merck Pharmaceuticals, Rasha Kelej.

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Probe my children, family members if corrupt – Buhari tells EFCC

War against corruption may gather more steam soon, going by President Muhammadu Buhari’s latest pronouncement.
The President has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to probe even his own children or members of his family implicated in corrupt practices.

He said he would not forgive the anti-graft agency if it fails to pobe any allegation of corruption against his children and family members.

A sketch of Buhari’s tough anti-corruption mindset and plans was contained in a book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The challenges of leadership in Nigeria”, which is authored by Prof. John Paden.

The book reveals how Buhari inspired the acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu as a school boy to develop anti-graft traits.

It adds: “Buhari’s attitude is to let the chips fall where they may in particular cases, although reform of the judiciary is one of his larger goals.

“Buhari has often said that if any of his own children were accused of corruption, and the authorities did not investigate, he would never forgive the authorities.”

It was also learnt that the President has rebuffed pressure to save his allies in the All Progressives Congress(APC) from being probed by anti-graft agencies.

In spite of their close family ties, it was learnt that President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to save the former National Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki because his policy is that there should be no sacred cows in the anti-corruption war.

It was also revealed for the first time that Buhari does not have any grudge against Dasuki despite the latter’s involvement in the August 1985 coup, which led to the former’s removal as a military head of state.

“On numerous occasions, Buhari has urged public officials to do their duty without fear or favour. He has also tried to inspire younger generations to regard public service as an honest calling.

“For example, the current acting head of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was a schoolboy in Borno when Buhari was military governor in 1975. Buhari gave a talk to a group of boys that included Magu and urged them to do their best.

“Magu was inspired and became a professional policeman.

“In 2015, Buhari asked Magu to head the EFCC, a dangerous job if done well. By mid-May 2016, Magu had secured 143 convictions of corrupt officials.”

Unknown to many, the book has revealed how Buhari resisted pressure to save his allies in APC from being arrested or prosecuted for corruption.

It also unfolded Buhari’s vision for a set of specialized anti-corruption tribunals to fast-track the war against corruption.

The book adds: “The EFCC has been functioning since the administration of President Obasanjo, when it was under the direction of Nuhu Ribadu, a policeman and lawyer who initially was effective before political pressures began to intrude.

“Under President Jonathan, the EFCC was directed by Ibrahim Lamorde and seemed, from the outside, to be functioning well. Inside, however, rumours of corruption among EFCC officials abounded.

“Under President Buhari, the acting chair of EFCC has been Ibrahim Magu, who seems to have taken his lead from Buhari’s determined fight against corruption.

“The widespread investigations conducted by the EFCC and the number of referrals to prosecutors have been unprecedented in EFCC’s history.

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NBA Asks DSS To Release TheS/Court Justices

NBA, had demanded immediate and unconditionally release of two Justices of the Supreme Court who were arrested after a raid on their homes by operatives of Department of State Services early Saturday morning.

Association warned that there will be consequences if demands are not met immediately at a press conference in Lagos addressed by its President, President, Mr Abubakar Mamoud, SAN.

He spoke to journalists alongside three past Presidents of the association, namely Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN and Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, on the arrest and detention of the two Justices of the Supreme Court and the invasion and harassment of judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Gombe and Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“DSS has been carrying out raids in the houses of Justices of the Supreme Court and that of judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Gomber and Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“Some family members of the judges were manhandled. We gathered that the raids were carried out at 2a.m.

“We condemn the raids in the strongest possible terms. We are in a democratic society and we cannot accept a situation where armed masked DSS operatives invade the homes of the Justices the Supreme Court and judges of our high courts.

“This is a ploy by the executive to intimidate the judiciary and we will not accept it. The NBA will not accept it.

“I want to emphasise again that we’re not under military rule and we cannot accept this Gestapo style of operations.

“First, the NBA demands the immediate and unconditional release of the Justices the Supreme Court still being held by the DSS without further delay.

“The DSS should limit itself to its constitutional duties and responsibilities.

“We demand that President Muhammadu Buhari should call his security agencies to order as this kind of practice is not acceptable under a democratic rule.

“It there are issues affecting judicial officers, there are established processes and procedures for handling them and we demand that these constitutional processes must be obeyed.

“I have declared a state of emergency on the legal profession over the matter and I have invited past Presidents and Secretary Generals of the association,” the NBA President said.

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Federal government uncovers 5,000 more ghost workers, says osinbajo

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday acknowledged that times are hard, appealing to Nigerians to bear with the government.

Prof. Osinbajo, who spoke at a church programme in Ogere, Ogun State, said the government uncovered additional 5,000 ghost workers in the civil service.

The discovery has brought the number of ghost workers  uncovered to 40,000 under the Single Treasury Account (TSA).

Represented by Pastor Seyi Malomo, chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, at the 80th Tabieorar Festival of the Church of the Lord Prayer Fellowship Worldwide, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Osinbajo said he and President Muhammadu Buhari, shared the people’s pain.

He promised that there would be “full restoration soon”.

The annual spiritual programme, which attracted dignitaries worldwide, started at 4 pm on Monday, and ended at 5 am yesterday.

The Vice President said: “For instance, government has introduced major fiscal measures to save our nation’s hard earned income…Also , government is daily weeding out public sector ghost workers;  over 40,000 so far. Before now, salaries collected by ghost workers on a monthly basis ran into billions of naira that could have been profitably used for the public. We have cut down and are still cutting down on frivolous expenditures”.

Reiterating that the administration inherited a badly-managed economy, high level insecurity and massive corruption, the Vice President said the government was tackling these challenges.

The presidency, he said, would  re-lay the foundation to take Nigeria back to glory.

The Vice President explained that the government has returned to sustainable economic development with a focus on agriculture , adding that the initiative would address youth unemployment.

“We are gradually diversifying the economy by exploring alternative revenue options, particularly in the solid and natural mineral sector. Recently, we untied the legal knot that had kept a major economic sector comatose for years. As a result we should see results from the resuscitation of the Nigeria Iron Mining Company, Itakpe, and the Ajaokuta Steel , Kogi “, he said.

Earlier, the church’s Primate Rev Rufus Okikiola Ositelu  called for special courts to handle  corruption cases. He praised the bold actions of President Buhari in the  fight against corruption.

The primate urged all levels of government to intensify efforts towards closing the infrastructure gap.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s festival “ Glory to Glory”, Ositelu said the Holy Mount Tabieorar was founded for distribution and impartation of God’s mercies .

He enjoined the congregation to focus on the ultimate goal of eternal life rather than present pains .

“As we face great troubles ,it is easy to focus on the pains rather than on our ultimate goal. Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort , we too must focus on the reward for our faith and the joy that lasts forever . No matter what happens to us in this life , we have the assurance of eternal life  when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away”, he said.

In attendance were top government officials, lawmakers, members of diplomatic Corps, traditional rulers, the General Secretary World Council of Churches (WCC), Geneva, Switzerland, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, and Ecumenical Theologian , Bread for the World, Berlin, Germany, Rev. Prof. Dietrich Werner.

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Ondo APC chair: I’ve no preferred candidate

Kekemeke defends self ONDO State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Isaac Kekemeke yesterday said the allegation that he endorsed an aspirant for the party’s governorship primary was misplaced.

According to him, he didn’t have any preferred candidate among the aspirants.

Speaking with reporters after a three-hour meeting with the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Kekemeke said he informed the state executive members over two months ago that he would not be voting during the primary.

He stressed that this position would enable him to remain neutral and be able to speak to the aspirants after the primary.

Kekemeke said his preferred aspirant would be the one that will gather majority of the votes after Saturday’s primary.

The APC chairman added that by his position as the state chairman, he was forbidden constitutionally to have preference for any aspirant.

He described events of the last one week, leading to the closure of the party’s secretariat, as a family affair.

Kekemeke said he did not have any misgiving about his purported removal as state chairman.

He said: “You heard the position of the NWC that it is not aware of my removal as state chairman. I am also not aware of it.”

Assuring APC members of a successful primary, Kekemeke said being a state controlled by the opposition, the party would face some logistics challenge during the primary.

He said the challenges would be overcome. Kekemeke said about 3,000 delegates for the primary were ready to do the needful and elect the flagbearer.

On the chances of the APC at the election against candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), he said: “SDP is not in Ondo State. As for the PDP, we are aware that it is factionalised.”

One faction has held its primary and the other faction will soon hold its. When it comes to campaign period, we know what to tell the people of Ondo State. We have the Makarfi-led PDP and Sheriff-led PDP at the moment. So, let us wait and see.”

APC’s Deputy National Chairman (North) Senator Lawal Shuaibu said the meeting was called to brief the Ondo State executive of the decisions reached between the NWC and aspirants for the Ondo primary.

According to Shuaibu, the Ondo State APC leaders were in agreement with the decision and pledged to abide by it and ensure the success of the election this weekend.

Those who attended are Deputy National Chairman (South) Segun Oni; National Vice Chairman (Northwest) Inuwa Abdulkadir; National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso; and Shuaibu, who presided over the meeting.

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The Liverpool willing to let Mamadou Sakho go on loan

Liverpool are willing to let Mamadou Sakho leave on loan in order to regain full fitness, according to reports across Tuesday morning’s newspapers.

The France international has endured a difficult four months at Anfield since being accused of failing a drugs test by Uefa, European football’s governing body.

Sakho was cleared of doping charges in May but hit the headlines once again last month after he was sent home from the club’s pre-season tour for poor punctuality.

Jurgen Klopp is now ready to let the defender go out on loan, in the hope that regular football elsewhere will help him to rediscover his form.

According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland have already turned their nose up at temporary deal for Sakho.

Mario Balotelli is no closer to ending his Anfield nightmare.

Sassuolo, one of several Serie A clubs to be linked with the Italy international, have become the latest to rule out a move for ‘Super Mario’.

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John Terry of Chelsea: England boss Sam Allardyce refuses to rule out an international comeback for Chelsea defender

The Sam Allardyce has refused to rule out an England comeback for John Terry, four years after the former captain announced his international retirement.

Allardyce, who succeeded Roy Hodgson as England manager in the wake of the second round elimination at Euro 2016, is set to announce his first squad on Sunday evening ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava on September 4.

The 61-year-old is ready to build his back four around £47.5m Manchester City new signing John Stones, believing the former Everton centre-half to be one of the most accomplished defenders in Europe.

But despite the controversy surrounding Terry’s final years in an England shirt, Allardyce admits he is open-minded about the prospect of talking to the Chelsea captain about his international career and whether any ‘political’ issues continue to hang over the 35-year-old within the Football Association.

"I don't know what the political side of that might mean, if there is a political side,” Allardyce said. “I'll have to have that conversation if I feel that John Terry may be a possibility.

“Is he a possibility? Maybe so. I think it depends on what John said.

“Maybe if I get the opportunity, I might have to give him a ring. But until I come to that selection or that process, we'll wait and see."

Terry called time on his England career in September 2012 after winning the last of his 78 caps during a World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Having been stripped of the England captaincy by Fabio Capello in February 2010 following allegations about his private life, Terry was reinstated to the position thirteen months later by the Italian due to a long-term injury sustained by Rio Ferdinand.

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The Fed Govt seeks IDB’s assistance to revitalise Northeast

Federal Government has appealed to the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to help it implement the 2016 Buhari Plan for the revitalisation of the Northeast ravaged by insurgents.

The Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun made the appeal yesterday in Abuja at the official inauguration of the Nigeria Country Gateway Office of IDB.

She described the current economic challenges facing the country and other developing countries as potential opportunity to be harnessed by the people.

“With the situation in the Northeast region in Nigeria, I call on the IDB Group to work with Developing Partners in operationalising the recovery and peace building assessment and the implementation of the recently constituted June 2016 Buhari Plan for the Revitilisation of the Northeast Region,” Mrs Adeosun said, adding that this “entails addressing aspects of interventions relating to peace building, stability and social cohesion; support critical productive infrastructure and service delivery, and provide capacity building and programme management support in national, state and local government institutions.”

Mrs Adeosun acknowledged earlier supports, which the IDB had rendered to Nigeria but appealed that “more resources be provided as Nigeria requires far more resources to enable it address the challenges to enable it address the numerous challenges.”

Federal Government, she said “wish to propose the scaling up of IDB’s concessional resource and increasing overall financing to Nigeria and other parts of Africa member countries.”

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Watford vs Chelsea: 'Diego Costa must be focused on the game,' pleads Antonio Conte amid more controversy

If Chelsea are to rely on Diego Costa for late winning goals this season, as has happened in both Premier League games so far, they will need to ensure that he is still on the pitch. At Watford on Saturday, just as against West Ham in last Monday’s success by the same score, he could easily have been dismissed by a stricter referee shortly before coming up with the decisive strike.

Once more he had been shown a yellow card for dissent, in this case claiming to have been fouled before Watford broke away to take the lead with a fierce shot from Etienne Capoue.

A second card should probably have followed for a theatrical dive as Chelsea found some belated urgency, inspired by manager Antonio Conte’s three substitutions.

Instead, the Spanish international was able to pounce onto a perfect through pass from one of the replacements, Cesc Fabregas, and beat Heurelho Gomes, who had earlier failed to hold Eden Hazard’s low drive, allowing Michy Batshuayi, another substitute, to equalise.

Conte agreed that the first card was deserved but was not prepared to agree that a second should have been shown. A passionate man, he admires similar qualities in his main striker, but has already found it necessary to warn him about improving his disciplinary record. Even without red cards, Costa will soon find himself suspended if the yellows continue to be flashed at him under the new clampdown on dissent.

“Diego must be focused on the game and not take notice of other players, or managers or the press who say bad things about him,” Conte said.

“It’s important to pay attention during the game. He’s an important player. He can score a lot of goals and I want him to put himself in the game and not think of other situations. I try to speak with all my players and with them individually too.  But what I say to them I prefer to keep between me and them.”

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Wema Bank to raise N50b Tier-2 capital

The Wema Bank Plc is raising N50 billion tier two capital through bonds to enable it deepen its market penetration and profitability, its Managing Director, Segun Oloketuyi, has said.

Speaking at a briefing at the weekend, in Lagos, the bank chief said N20 billion would be raised in the first few weeks while the remaining N30 billion would come in the near future.

“We will increase the drive of the ongoing cost containment initiatives and leverage on technology to increase efficiency across our channels and platforms. The bank will also be raising additional debt capital in the next few weeks to further give it the necessary leverage to drive growth,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “We are doing debt capital. It is a tier two capital and it is a bond. The bond will open very soon, it is a N50 billion issuance programme, but we are doing it in two tranches. The first tranche is N20 billion, and the second tranche is N30 billion. So, we are taking N20 billion first, and sometimes in the near future, and as the need arises, we will take on the balance of N30 billion,” he disclosed.

Oloketuyi said the bank has witnessed a turnaround since the new management took over in June 2009, adding that before the coming of the new management, the lender had a negative capital position of N45 billion, with the lender virtually on its knees. He said the new management has grown the bank’s shareholders’ funds to N46 billion.

Explaining further, he said the lender previously had less than one per cent market share, and ran on obsolete technology, while non-performing loans (NPLs) stood at 89 per cent. But with the new management, the NPLs have dropped to 2.9 per cent while profitability has risen to new heights.

“So, we had to start to look at what to do with the bank and therefore, developed a containment strategy focusing on how to stabilise the bank. The periods of 2010 to 2014 was largely used to give life back to the bank. So, the first major assignment we had to do was to secure the regulatory capital. We had to recapitalise the bank, which we did,” he said.

The Wema Bank boss said the lender received the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) final approval to convert from regional to national bank. The bank, he added, is also driving its growth with new products and technology.

For instance, it unveiled the card control platform, which gives customers absolute control of their cards both in Nigeria and abroad. The bank has received lots of testimonials based on the introduction of the product.

“The bank equally launched the Buxme platform, a social account that allows people to transfer money using their email or phone numbers, and has over 4,000 registered users as at August 15.

Lender also introduced the *955#, which enabled it to increase customer acquisition and makes banking convenient for users. The product has enabled the lender to reduce its cost of service with over 3,539 accounts opened on *945#”.

Speaking further, he said in spite of the challenges in the economy and in the industry, the lender remains optimistic about its future. “Our retail focus is beginning to yield good numbers and we are already ramping up efforts to ensure that we deliver on the promises to our stakeholders. In addition, the journey to lead the digital landscape is critical as it will propel us to the front of the industry,” he said.

He said the bank has also received final approval from the CBN’s to convert its banking license from regional authorisation to national authorisation. “The bank now operates as a full-fledged commercial bank in all geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The bank is fully prepared to scale up its operations to cover locations in the north and eastern parts of the country. We expect to re-open five branches in the next three months in Kaduna, Lokoja, Minna, Aba and Enugu,” he said.

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Rio 2016: Redemption for Brazil as Neymar seals gold following tense penalty shoot-out against Germany

If the script writer had offered this up before kick-off in Saturday night’s Brazil v Germany Olympic final here at the Maracana they’d have been sacked for being too fanciful. It was fairytale, make-believe, hard to fathom stuff as Neymar, the darling of the Selecao, scored the 10th and decisive penalty in a shootout to win it 5-4 and to seal gold for his country.

The match ended 1-1 in normal time as Neymar, (who else?), scored a brilliant free-kick that looked like it would lead Brazil to glory. But the Germany captain Max Meyer equalised on 58 minutes. There were chances – nothing golden – but the two couldn’t be separated…until the incredible drama of the penalties.

Germany went first in the shoot-out, Matthias Ginter scoring amid deafening jeers. Renato Augusto lifted his into the top corner. Serge Gnabry, of Arsenal, put his through Weverton. Marquinhos scored. Julian Brandt fired home. Rafael Alacantra sent the goalkeeper Timo Horn the wrong way: 3-3. Niklas Suele drilled into the corner. Luan buried the reply: 4-4.

Then Weverton, wide-eyed, saved Nils Petersen’s kick. Cue Neymar who rolled the ball home, sending Horn the wrong way. Cue bedlam. Cue gold. Cue tears from Neymar who fell to the turf on his knees – the weight of an expectant nation lifted.

Before kick-off as “next stop Maracana” was announced on the Metro it was met by a huge cheer, then one man of many in Brazil shirts shouted: “If Germany win this, I’m leaving the country.”

He doesn’t need to sell up now. He can stay and celebrate Brazil’s first Olympic football gold medal – and what a way to do it. Germany are meant to win penalty shoot-outs.

The win, in some part, exorcises the demons of Germany’s humiliating 7-1 World Cup victory that shattered the hosts up at Belo Horizonte two years ago. That, of course, denied them the chance to win the trophy on home soil, something Uruguay had also done back in 1950 in that infamous final here at the Maracana.

This golden victory – the Selecao’s first major tournament success on their own turf - will ease the pain.

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