Okorocha, Madumere, Asugha Condoles With Victims Of DANA Plane Crash

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By: Ugochukwu Favour-Mayor

Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has commiserated with the families of the victims involved in the ill-fated Abuja-Lagos bound Dana Air Passenger plane that crashed in Lagos last Sunday.

The governor in a brief address in Government House, Owerri, said: “We have heard that about four persons from Imo state were on-board the ill-fated place that crashed in Lagos. This is a moment of sorrow for all Imolites and our hearts are heavy over the sad news. We feel very sorrowful about the situation and wish to use this opportunity to commiserate with the families of those involved in the plane crash, especially those of them that are from Imo state. May I specifically condole with the Onwuliris, Ajuonumas and Ibes for the loss of their loved ones in the crash. My prayer is that Almighty God will grant them the heart to bear the irreparable loss. ”

Gov. Okorocha who described the incident as shocking and a great loss to Imo and Nigeria as a nation, adding that Nigeria as a nation is presently passing through a very difficult period and challenges that need divine intervention to overcome.

“Our nation is going through a difficult period and some challenges. Some of them are man-made crisis while others are natural disasters and hazards. We must at this critical moment of our lives resolve to seek the face of God because it appears the situation on ground needs divine intervention.

Having lost so many lives this year in crisis and natural disasters, it is now proper to resort to prayers as well as close ranks as a nation to preach the gospel of peace, unity and understanding.”

Also mourning, the Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Prince Eze Madumere joined other well meaning Nigerians in condoling the Nation, Imo State and the families directly affected by the huge loss of their loved ones and the some of the brightest of the country in the 3 June Dana plane crash.

In his words, “It is a loss to painful to bear at this challenging period of our Nation. It is an irreparable loss. I grieve with the family of immediate past Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, the Onwuliri’s, Chief Ike Ibe and family, Ajuonumas and numerous others. It is a challenging time,” he stated.

Praying for the repose of the souls of the departed, Hon. Lisa Asugha the Special Assistant to the Imo State governor on Public Affairs called for a total change in attitude of the business environment in Nigeria, adding that it is the bane of Nigeria’s backwardness.

“I call for a thorough investigation into the root cause of this tragic end of our loved ones. The only thing is to wade into the matter dispassionately so as to prevent such news in our Nation again,” she noted.

NFF Scandal: The $80,000 conspiracy of silence

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by Olajide Ayodeji Fashikun Managing Editor, National Trail newspaper –

Recently, yes, not too long ago, the sum of $238,000 developed wings and flew away from the coffers of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). People were arrested, police did what Fela Anikulapo Kuti calls ‘shakara oloje’ and some few were taken to court. The court did not find them guilty. The money became what the Hausas call “asara”.

This year, yes, this year, monies severally developed wings in millions and flew away from the coffers of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL). We were promised that the matter will go the way of the $238,000. From the initial Police ‘gra gra’ the monies (N92m) have gone the NFF way.
Again. Yes, again. $80,000 grew wings again and has disappeared from the NFF. When? There are two theories. Theory one is that the money developed wings right there in Abuja. Theory two is that the money disappeared in Kinshasha.
The U-20 Women’s national team, known as the Falconets, went to Kinshasha, Congo Democratic Republic for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match. The match was the second leg, final round of the African qualifying series. Nigeria won the first leg 4-0. The $80,000 was the match bonus of the team.
There was a report that the money was missing. Report was lodged with Abuja. Another cache was hurried to Kinshasha. There was a decision that the missing money was to be handled quietly in-house. Media coordinator of the team, Andrew Abbah was said to have been made to swear to an oath of secrecy and was rewarded for the pledge.
All administrative staffers on the trip were said to have been stripped naked and their luggage searched but nothing was found on them. Yet, no report was made to the local police if it was true that the money was missing in Kinshasha. Afterall, the suspects were searched thoroughly by Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme. This makes the theory that the money was missing in Abuja strong. Otherwise, how did they raise another $80,000 in a jiffy?
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ayo Omidiran, led the delegation that included Director, Technical of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and NFF technical committee member, Mr Paul Bassey.

Zimbabwe PM to Confront Mugabe Over ‘Treasonous’ Army Statements

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Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says he will confront President Robert Mugabe over continued threats by senior security officers that they will not respect any election outcome that does not retain the 88-year-old leader’s Zanu PF party in power.

Civic group representatives who met Tsvangirai on Tuesday to discuss electoral reforms, the state of the unity government and the constitution-making process, also expressed serious concern at remarks by Zimbabwe National Army Major General Trust Mugoba that the military establishment backs Zanu PF.

Speaking at the funeral parade of Lieutenant-Colonel Thabani Khumalo at Imbizo Barracks in Bulawayo Tuesday, Major Mugoba said the army will fight with their blood any leader whose policies are different from Mugabe’s party.

At the just-ended Southern Africa Development Community summit in Luanda, Angola, Mr. Tsvangirai also told regional leaders that he is disturbed by the “unconstitutional and treasonous” statements being made by service chiefs that they will not respect the constitution and any election outcome that does not favor his rival, Mugabe.

Organizing Secretary Nelson Chamisa of Mr. Tsvangirai’s MDC formation told VOA that the  meeting with civic groups discussed many issues concerning the country.

Zanu PF and the Movement for Democratic Change Formation formation of  Trade Minister Welshman Ncube snubbed Tsvangirai’s meeting.

National Constitution Assembly information officer Blessing Vava said civic groups are concerned by the constitution-making process which he says is ignoring the people’s views.

Political analyst Pedzisayi Ruhanya, a PHD candidate at Westminster University in London, commented that regional leaders must rein in Zimbabwe’s securocrats to ensure continued stability in the southern African region.

‘UMEH NEED ROAD’ inaugurates five man project assessment committee in Isoko

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By: Our Reporter, Delta state

 

In its determination to attract more people oriented projects and developments to oil rich Isoko nation of Delta state, South-South Nigeria, ‘UMEH NEED ROAD’  a face book social network forum has constituted a five man project assessment committee.

 

The committee charged with among other obligations is to assess all ongoing state and federal government projects as well as abandoned ones in the land in a bid to making sure that all the projects are well executed according to standard and specifications.

In a press release signed by the secretary general of the forum, Mr. Zino Ugboma and made available to newsmen in Asaba stated that “Sequel to the motion moved by the founder and administrator of the forum, Barrister Duncan Afahokor and supported by all members a project assessment committee was set up.”

 

The statement gave the names of the inaugurated committee to include Mr Dennis Kola Obrogo who shall serve as the Chairman, Mr. Japhet Zino Uzih, Secretary, Mr. Mike Akpodhoma, Mr. Azilo Ogunye and Mr. Vigour Udanya are to serve as members.

 

“The committee is to assess the level of work of all ongoing projects within the two Isoko local government areas and this is based on the Delta state Governor’s commitment in the Forum” adding that the committee shall pay special attention to the following projects in the land which include the ongoing construction of Umeh Road, Isoko Modern school, Iyede-Olomoro Road, ongoing renovation of six schools, the Emore Road Oleh, Faculty of Engineering Complex, Oleh campus, Aviara-Uzere Road, NDC Road Ozoro and the Emede Craft Centre among others.
According to the release, the findings of the committee shall serve as a basis of a report to be compiled and forwarded to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on behalf of the Forum.
The statement, while wishing members of the committee success in their task, the Forum also used the opportunity to thank Barrister Paul Emerhana, Barrister Afor Irogbo, Barrister Solomon Afahokor, Barrister Duncan Afahokor and Mr Endurance Edafewotu for their financial commitments towards the actualisation of committee.

The release urged the chairman of the committee to liaise with the donors to access the funds and swing into action on the expiration of the period of national mourning.

UMEH NEED ROAD which has Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as a member and over a thousand members is a forum specifically designed to promote infrastructural development in the neighbourhood.

 

It is a medium to enshrine peace in the society. It also promotes brotherly love, social interactions and togetherness. UMEH NEED ROAD which is fondly known as ‘UNR’ is not a political arena for verbal war, blackmail of constituted authority and to mislead the unintelligent populace.

 

What UNR stands to achieve is to allow for the expression of collective misfortune in a most constructive manner with a view to allowing (not coercing) the relevant authorities for assistance. Thus, the frustration of the neglected Umeh road, since ages, was thrown open to the world via UNR forum, and today, the progress of work speaks volume for itself.

FG withdraws DANA Airline’s Operating License

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As a result of last Sunday crash, the Federal Government on Tuesday afternoon withdrew the operating license of Dana Airlines as Senate directed grounding of all planes belonging to DANA Airline until investigations are completed into Sunday’s deadly crash which killed over 160 persons in Lagos. The Senate also ordered the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Harold Demuren, to step aside until the conclusion of investigation into the accident. The lawmakers made this assertion following a motion which was moved by Hope Uzondinma the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation.

 

“We are interested in the nature of the aircraft, the age of the aircraft. Is it supposed to fly in our airspace? We will be very strict on this as the blackbox does not lie. It will tell everything that happened,” a lawmaker said. Meanwhile about 150 bodies have been recovered from the rubbles of the crash.

 

 

Barack Obama ‘ordered Stuxnet cyber attack on Iran’

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President Barack Obama ordered the Stuxnet attack on Iran as part of a wave of   cyber sabotage and espionage against the would-be nuclear power, according   to a new book citing senior Washington sources

The computer virus, aimed at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, was   designed to damage centrifuges by making covert adjustments to the machines   controlling them.

It formed part of a “wave” of digital attacks on Iran codenamed “Olympic   Games” and was created with the assistance of a secret Israeli   intelligence unit, The New York Times said in a   report based on a book chronicling secret wars under the Obama   administration

The report confirms the suspicions   of computer security experts who detected and forensically examined   Stuxnet in 2010. They reasoned that the technical expertise and human   intelligence sources needed to create and deliver what was described as the “world’s   first cyberweapon” pointed to a joint operation by American and Israeli   agencies.

Such third parties reportedly discovered Stuxnet as the result of a “programming   error” that meant it spread beyond the computer network at Natanz.   According to the account, President Obama asked his national security   advisers whether the attack should be halted at a White House Situation Room   meeting convened days after the virus “escaped”, but decided to   intensify it instead.

It’s estimated that Stuxnet crippled around 1,000 of 5,000 Natanz centrifuges   by spinning them at damagingly high speeds.

“This is the first attack of a major nature in which a cyberattack was used to   effect physical destruction,” said Michael Hayden a former director of the   CIA and NSA, who did not reveal his own knowledge of “Olympic Games”.

Commentators suggested that confirmation of American involvement in Stuxnet   had been released by others to neutralise any Republican election claims   that President Obama has been soft on Iran.

“Obama wanted to get credit for Stuxnet, as that makes him look tough   against Iran,” said Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure,   one of the security firms that have investigated Stuxnet.

The first stage of the attack, a “beacon” designed to report back   details of systems at Natanz to the National Security Agency, America’s   electronic intelligence agency, was however mounted speculatively under the   Bush administration, according to unnamed officials.

Confirmation of American involvement in Stuxnet comes as computer security   experts begin to unpick an even more complicated virus, Flame, which was   detected last month and also appears to target Iran. It is written for   espionage rather than sabotage, but like Stuxnet is passed from computer to   computer by USB thumb drives, a design feature apparently meant to limit its   spread and so reduce its risk of detection.

Getting Stuxnet into Natanz therefore required a worker at the plant to carry   it in on a USB thumb drive.

“That was our holy grail,” one of the architects of the plan told   David E Sanger, the author of the new book, Confront and Conceal: Obama’s   Secret Wars and Surprising Use of American Power.

“It turns out there is always an idiot around who doesn’t think much   about the thumb drive in their hand.”

The same officials declined to say whether the United States was involved in   the Flame attack, which appears to have begun five years ago, although they   did say it was not part of the “Olympic Games” programme.

Air Nigeria Pilots begins Indefinite industrial action

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Just yesterday when 247ureports.com reported about the former Executive Director Finance of Air Nigeria  who issued a public petition on how decay the  Air Nigeria is,  another issue has come up with flight activities at Air Nigeria been shut down indefinitely following a face-off between the airline management and its pilots and engineers over lingering welfare crisis. As a result, all the airline’s domestic flights have been grounded since Monday.

The decision was taken by the two strong professional bodies under the aegis of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Air Nigeria branch, to commence an indefinite as a result of the inability of the management to meet the demands raised by the workers.

According to a notice issued by NAAPE, which was duly signed by its chairman, R.M Ahmed and Secretary-General J.U Iyieugbuniwe, dated May 31, 2012 and forwarded to the airline Chief Executive Officer.

The notice titled ‘Notice of Down Tool’, stated that following the failure of the Air Nigeria management to comply with the agreement reached at a meeting held by the two parties on March 31, 2012, in the presence of the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who represented the Minister of Aviation, they had no alternative but to down tool.

The notice stated that : “The Minister of Aviation was duly represented by the D.G, NCAA, and matters bordering on the welfare of NAAPE members were discussed and impending down tool was suspended pending the resolution of grievances. NAAPE is saddened to inform all parties that as of today May 31, 2012, the issues are yet to be resolved.

“Issues raised on March 31 are listed as follows: delayed salaries of both local and foreign staff; pension deduction not remitted for over seven (7) months; tax refund and tax clearance issues; co-operative deductions not yet remitted; staff travel unresolved and engineering tier system still pending.”

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, Former Bayelsa Governor Timpreye Sylva Appears

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Former Bayelsa Governor, Timpreye Sylva today turned himself to the EFCC and docked on Tuesday before a Federal High Court Chief Judge, Justice Adamu Bello of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. He was charged on a six count charge.

The former governor pleaded not guilty to the six count charge, while his lead counsel lawyer, Chief Lateef Fagbemi moved for his bail which was vehemently opposed by Mr. Festus Keyamo who represented the anti graft agency in the matter. The former governor was remanded in EFCC custody till Thursday, 7 June, to deliver ruling on the bail application.

No sooner had the court concluded with proceedings in the matter and was about to call up the next case on the list, operatives of the anti graft agency swooped into the court and pounced on Silva to effect his arrest. The court berated the operatives over their conduct and directed the EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo to call them to order. He subsequently ordered the operatives out of his court as he was yet to sign the order for the custody of the former governor which must be done before the anti graft agency can take him into custody.

Press Release From Office of the First Lady: Politicizing The Dana Crash Calamity

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Our attention has been drawn to the orchestrated plan to politicize the Sunday Dana Air crash in Lagos in which many people lost their lives, through rumours about the possible cause of the accident citing VIP movement involving the wife of the President.

We consider it callous, inhuman and devilish for anyone to have thought of wrapping such national calamity in political garb by insinuating that the plane crashed because the airspace was closed for the First Lady’s movement in Lagos.

For the avoidance of doubt, the First Lady arrived Lagos at about 2pm on Saturday, 2nd June, 2012 for a private engagement and was billed to leave for Abuja on Monday, 4th June, 2012.

In compliance with her itinerary, the First Lady arrived Lagos on Saturday. She was at a public event on Sunday when the accident occurred and promptly abandoned the ceremony as a mark of respect for the victims and retired to the State House, Marina. She left Lagos at exactly 13.15hrs on Monday, 4th June, 2012, according to schedule.

It is therefore surprising that some mischievous persons will see this moment of National mourning as an opportunity to blackmail and impugn the First Lady’s integrity.

This is the time for all Nigerians to be sober and pray for the repose of the souls of the victims and not a time to subordinate the interests of our nation to narrow self-serving interests.

Let us all put the interest of the Nation first in whatever we do.

Mrs. Jonathan had no intention to travel on Sunday and never did. Like all Nigerians, she has been mourning the dead.

 

Signed

Ayo Osinlu

Special Assistant to the President

Office of the First Lady

5th June, 2012

EFCC Docks Timipre Sylva Over N2bn Salary Scam

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Timipre Sylva

 

…………As Court Remands Him In EFCC Custody.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, June 5th , 2012 arraigned a former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva before Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a six count charge of fraud, criminal conversion, and conspiracy to commit crime to the tune of over N2billion when he held sway as governor of the state.

Prosecution counsel, Festus Keyamo had sought the leave of the court for the six count charges to be read to the accused person and his plea was granted. Sylva ,however, pleaded not guilty to all the count charges.

Lead defense counsel, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, leading another senior advocate of Nigeria along with 12 other lawyers, then moved a bail application on behalf of Sylva. He told the court that the defense team had filed a bail application dated May 22nd , 2012, supported by a twelve- paragraph affidavit, a written address and a reply to the counter affidavit filed by prosecution counsel, Festus Keyamo opposing the bail application.

Fagbemi informed the court that the offenses for which Sylva is standing trial are ordinarily bailable, and that the main purpose of bail is to ensure that an accused person faces trial . Citing authority of the Supreme Court in Saidu VS State (1982), the defense counsel urged the court to discharge its discretion for bail on lenient terms while taking judicial notice of the fact that the accused person came to court on his own volition to answer his charges.

In his response, prosecution counsel, Festus Keyamo informed the court that he had filed a sixteen- paragraph counter- affidavit accompanied with a written address in opposition to the bail being sought for the accused person. Keyamo told the court to take judicial notice of the several applications filed by prosecution for substituted service of Sylva who evaded service and even ran out of the country and deny him bail. He further urged the court to note that an accused person who had shown a propensity to bolt away should not be trusted to be around during his trial , if granted bail.

Furthermore, Keyamo asked the court to also note that there was a judicial pronouncement in a sister matter before Justice Okorowa with the same charge “that there is a very strong prima-facie case against the accused” but only that at that time, he enjoyed immunity as a sitting governor. Keyamo then prayed that the court in the exercise of its discretion of bail, should note the weighty evidence against the accused person and deny him bail while remanding him in prison custody.

Justice Adamu Bello reserved ruling on the bail application of the accused person till Thursday, June 7th , 2012 and directed that the accused person be remanded in EFCC custody.

Some of the charges against Sylva are:

COUNT 1:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October, 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did conspire to commit a crime to wit: conversion of properties and resources amounting to N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) belonging to Bayelsa State Government and derived from an illegal act, with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the said amount and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act), 2004 and punishable under Section 14(1) of the same Act.

COUNT 2:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about the 22nd of January, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N380,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Eighty Million Naira), property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Habibu Sani Maigidia, a Bureau De Change Operator with Account No. 221433478108, in Fin Bank, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.

COUNT 3:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about the 5th of February, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira), property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Enson Benmer Limited with Account No. 6152030001946, in First Bank, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.

Wilson Uwujaren

Ag. Head, Media & Publicity

5th June, 2012.

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