ALLOWANCE OF THE YOUTH CORP REMAINED UNREDUCE

The National Youth Service Corps on Monday denied the reports that it had slashed the allowances of corps members by 25 percent.
A statement by the spokesperson for the NYSC, Mrs. Abosede Aderibigbe, in Abuja, said the allowance of corps members has not ch from N19,800 and it was not reduced to N14,800.
She said, “The management of the NYSC therefore proved wrong the report of the mischievous information flowing in the social media to the effect that corps members’ allowance has been reduced N14,800. In the first instance, the document quoted a ‘Brigadier General Bamidele Oluwami’,  the purported NYSC Director-General, as the source of its information.
 
“The NYSC vehemently dissociates itself from this wicked falsehood meant to create confusion in the polity. The Director-General of the NYSC is Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure and he never made any comment as claimed by the brains behind the damaging publication.

The management hereby categorically states that corps members’ allowance remains N19,800. For the avoidance of doubt, we unequivocally restate our unalloyed commitment to the welfare of all corps members at all times.

Corps members and the public should therefore ignore this misleading information and go about their duties lawfully without fear.

OVER #270 MILLIONS WAS RECOVERED FROM THE HOUSE OF APPREHENDED JUDGES:DSS

pub-5938202183441139Tpub-5938202183441139he Department of State Service, DSS Saturday said it recovered over N270 Million from the residences of three judges following its simultaneous raids on Friday night‎ of the residences of over seven justices of the Supreme, Federal and high courts across the country. A break down of the monies recovered from the residences of the unnamed three justices include N93,558,000; $530,087; £25,970 and €5,680. ( = window.

  Addressing a press conference at the DSS headquarters yesterday to explained why it carried out the raids, an official of the service, Mallam Garba Abdullahi said it was aimed at restoring “sanity and sanctity to the esteemed third arm of government”.

According to Mallam Garba, a planned raid on the residence of a judge in Rivers where the service, he said, had intelligence that he had $2million in cash at home was frustrated by Governor Nyesom Wike who brought in thugs to prevent the service from carrying out its mission in connivance with an unnamed sister security agency. He explained that the operations were based on allegations of corruptions and other ‎acts of professional misconduct by the suspected justices.

The DSS official further defended the action of the service saying it was in line with us core mandate, adding that the affected justice’s “expensive and ‎luxurious” lifestyle was being monitored by the service for some time
 

WORLD CUP 🏆 QUALIFIERS FIXTURES

💥World Cup Qualifiers 
 

⚽Gabon 🆚 Morocco
🕐GMT 08/10 3:00 pm, 🕐IST 08/10 8:30 pm 
 
⚽England 🆚 Malta  
🕐GMT 08/10 4:00 pm, 🕐IST 08/10 9:30 pm 
 
⚽Congo DR 🆚 Libya
🕐GMT 08/10 5:30 pm, 🕐IST 08/10 11:00 pm 
 
⚽Ivory Coast 🆚 Mali
🕐GMT 08/10 6:00 pm, 🕐IST 08/10 11:30 pm 
 
⚽Burkina Faso 🆚 South Africa 
🕐GMT 08/10 6:00 pm, 🕐IST 08/10 11:30 pm 
 
⚽Germany 🆚 Czech Republic
🕐GMT 08/10 6:45 pm, 🕐IST 09/10 12:15 am 
 
⚽Poland 🆚 Denmark  
🕐GMT 08/10 6:45 pm, 🕐IST 09/10 12:15 am 
 
⚽Senegal 🆚 Cape Verde Islands
🕐GMT 08/10 8:00 pm, 🕐IST 09/10 1:30 am 
 
⚽Zambia 🆚 Nigeria
GMT 09/10 12:30 pm, 🕐IST 09/10 6:00 pm 
 
⚽Congo 🆚 Egypt
🕐GMT 09/10 2:30 pm, 🕐IST 09/10 8:00 pm 
 
⚽Tunisia 🆚 Guinea
🕐GMT 09/10 5:00 pm, 🕐IST 09/10 10:30 pm 
 
⚽Albania 🆚 Spain  
🕐GMT 09/10 6:45 pm, 🕐IST 10/10 12:15 am 
 
⚽Macedonia 🆚 Italy  
🕐GMT 09/10 6:45 pm, 🕐IST 10/10 12:15 am 
 
⚽Algeria 🆚 Cameroon
🕐GMT 09/10 7:30 pm, 🕐IST 10/10 1:00 am
pub-5938202183441139

RELEASE THE JUDGES YOU APPREHENDED: NBA TOLD BUHARI

Following Saturday’s midnight invasion and the eventual arrest of some judges, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Saturday declared a state of emergency in the judiciary, even as it asked President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate release of the affected judges or there would be consequences.

President Buhari addressing the guests during the launch of the National Re-Orientation Campaign "Change Begins with Me" at the State House Conference Centre (SHCC) in Abuja. President Buhari While addressing journalists alongside four past presidents, the NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), made the declaration at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Mahmoud addressed the press alongside four past presidents of the association – Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); Mr. J.B. Daudu (SAN) and Augustine Alegeh (SAN). Also in attendance at the declaration, were Prof. Kayinsola Ajayi (SAN), Mr. Yusuf Ali (SAN), Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN), Monday Ubani among others.

Mahmoud said two Supreme Court of justices, Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta were “abducted”, with their families, adding that he had yet to have the full detail of other judges who could have been involved.

Mahmoud said the NBA condemned what it termed the Gestapo-style operation of the DSS. He announced the constitution of an emergency or crisis management team, comprising past NBA presidents to engage with the government. Mahmoud, who said it was not the responsibility of the DSS to arrest judges, described the DSS action as an unconstitutional means of intimidating the judiciary and undermining its independence.

The NBA President called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate release of the arrested judges, vowing that there would be consequences should the demand be ignored.

Mahmoud said, “I want to emphasise again that we are not under military rule and we cannot accept this unholy event and Gestapo-style operation. “We, therefore, call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately caution all the state security agencies and to respect the rule of law and to respect due process. “Any issues affecting the judicial officers, there are established procedures for handling them and we demand that this constitutional process must be obeyed.

Given the unfolding nature of the event and the seriousness of the situation, the NBA hereby declares a state of emergency as it affects the affairs of the judiciary and I hereby constitute a crisis management team, comprising all past presidents of the association. “I want to, on behalf of the association, make the very following clear and unequivocal demands: we demand the immediate and unconditional release of all the judges abducted from about 9pm yesterday (Friday). “

The release must be done immediately and without any conditions. Two, we demand that the Department of State Services should limit itself to its statutory and constitutional responsibilities. “I’ll be meeting with the CJN later tonight or tomorrow. There will be consequences should these demands are not met
 

SHIITES SET TO SUE EL-RUFAI ON BAN

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) on Saturday said it would institute a legal action against the Kaduna State Government for declaring the group illegal.

Spokesperson of the movement, Ibraheem Musa told newmen in Kaduna that the ban announced by the government was illegal. “Its an infringement on our basic right as citizens of the country. “We are not going to be intimidated into taking any violence or unlawful activity but will take legal action against the Kaduna State Government for the infringement.“Recall that the government had on Oct. 7 declared the IMN an unlawful society.

The government in a statement said that it took the decision to preserve peace and security in the state. “The action is also taken to ensure that all persons and organisations are guided by lawful conduct and with due allegiance to the Nigerian state and its Constitution.”

FOOTBALL NEWS

*THURSDAY BBC TRANSFER GOSSIP*

``` Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has told head coach Antonio Conte he is prepared to bid more than £60m for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, 29. (Daily Telegraph)
Real Madrid forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, 31, and Gareth Bale, 27, have agreed new contracts, with Wales international Bale offered a £91m deal as an incentive to reject a move to Manchester United next summer. (Cope, via Daily Express)
Arsenal and Tottenham both want to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco, 24, who is out of contract in 2018. (Diario Madridista, via Daily Star)
Gunners defender Per Mertesacker, 32, is wanted by former side Hannover. (Sun)

The Telegraph leads on Chelsea's interest in Leonardo Bonucci
Interim boss Mike Phelan is set to be handed the Hull City manager's job on a permanent basis. (Sun)```
```Uruguay forward Luis Suarez, 29, could sign a new contract with Barcelona before Christmas. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Napoli chairman Aurelio Du Laurentiis rejected a £50m offer from Chelsea for defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 25, two days before the summer transfer window closed. (Sky Sports)
Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi, 24, says he is determined not to be weighed down by an "incredible" price tag following his summer move from Valencia for a fee in excess of £35m. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham have an obligation to buy forward Simone Zaza after 10 appearances for the club, according to the 25-year-old's agent and father. (Tutto Juve, via International Business Times)
The Football Association has reminded top agents working in the game of its strict rules on bungs when trying to sign up a player. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester United have been "disrespectful" to midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, 32, according to Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 25. (Bild, via ESPN)

Thursday's Daily Express backpage
West Ham's vice-chairman Karren Brady insists a move to the London Stadium was a crucial part of "rebranding" the club. (Guardian)
Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, 23, spoke to several teams before agreeing to rejoin the Spanish side from Juventus this summer. (Cadena Ser, via Metro)
Defender Matteo Darmian will look to force a move away from Manchester United in January if he does not get more game time, the 26-year-old's agent says. (Radio Crc, via Daily Express)```
```Darmian could be on his way to Juventus, but only if Switzerland international defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, 32, leaves the Italian champions for Inter Milan. (Tuttomercato, via Daily Star)
Liverpool striker Divock Origi, 21, says he has not heard the "rumours" linking him with a move to Juventus. (HLN, via Metro)
Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham, 18, who is currently on loan at Bristol City, says he found out about his England Under-21 call up from watching television. (Evening Standard)
Best of social media
Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney stumbled across some of old team-mate Gary Neville's golf kit when preparing for a round:

The debate over how many Accrington Stanley fans travelled to Chesterfield for their EFL Trophy win on Tuesday rages on...

Stoke City's Jonathan Walters is not a fan of Fifa Ultimate Team, it seems. Though Hull City's David Meyler, his Republic of Ireland team-mate, certainly is.

And finally
West Ham are set to release a movie called 'Iron Men' to celebrate the club's move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium.

F⚽⚽TBALL NEWS

Sam Allardyce is hoping to resurrect his management career by scooping a top job in the US.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has played down the idea he is eyeing a switch to Spain in the near future.

Arsenal are set to offer Hector Bellerin a five-year contract to warn off interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a long-term Anfield stay after celebrating a year in charge on Merseyside.

Mauricio Pochettino will speak to Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min following their Tottenham penalty dispute on Sunday.
Alex Grimaldo has been linked to rivals Manchester City but United scouts watched the former Barcelona left-back star and score in a 4-0 win over Feirense on Sunday.

Arsenal fans had their journey to Burnley delayed on Sunday when their Grand Central train collided with a herd of cows.
Aston Villa are poised to confirm the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo in the next 24 hours.
Slaven Bilic's misfiring West Ham are set to train at the London Stadium in an effort to make the new ground feel like home.
Gareth Bale will receive extra security with Wales following arson attacks on his fiancee's family.

Former Liverpool and West Ham defender Rigobert Song is in critical condition as he fights for his life after suffering a stroke
Lee Johnson and Steve Bruce are in the frame for the job at Villa Park with the axe ready to fall on Roberto Di Matteo.
West Ham hero Dimitri Payet was trapped in the car park at the London Stadium following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough as fans clashed.

Bayern Munich are tracking Celtic and Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney.
Manchester United are considering a January move for Benfica defender Alex Grimaldo.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may be best manager I've ever had, according to James Milner.

Swansea City are weighing up a move for Ryan Giggs as they prepare to dismiss beleaguered manager Francesco Guidolin this week.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Manchester City outcast Joe Hart.

MANCHESTER CITY TASTE FIRST DEFEAT, UNBEATEN IS NOT A CHILD PLAY

The result lifted Spurs to second, a point below City, and means the north London club, third last term, have made their best start to a season since their fabled 1960-61 title-winning campaign.

Pochettino was left to celebrate only a second league win over Guardiola in 10 matches, and the first since Espanyol beat Barcelona in their first such encounter in February 2009. It was Guardiola’s first defeat in 12 games as City manager and following their mid-week 3-3 draw at Celtic in the Champions League, his side have now gone successive games without victory. City had won their first six league matches, but the last unbeaten record in the division now belongs to Tottenham. tottenham-mancity Spurs were caught cold by Liverpool, the last high-pressing team to visit White Hart Lane, in August’s 1-1 draw between the sides, but Pochettino’s men did not make the same mistake against City. They were at it from the off, Son Heung-Min lashing a shot over the bar with barely 30 seconds on the clock, and in the ninth minute they scored.

Danny Rose hoisted a cross into the box from the left and Kolarov made a complete hash of his attempted clearance, the ball ballooning up off his left thigh and floating into the top-right corner. The white-shirted onslaught continued, City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo blocking at his near post from Son and fielding a mishit Rose volley that threatened to dip beneath his crossbar. Nicolas Otamendi was booked for lunging in on the jinking Alli and from the ensuing free-kick, Christian Eriksen curled inches wide. – Aguero hits post – Not until the middle of the first half did City begin to pick their way through the Spurs press.

Sergio Aguero might have had a penalty after being caught by Jan Vertonghen as they vied for Kolarov’s cross and the Argentine also worked Hugo Lloris with a curling free-kick. But with Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko policing the midfield, City could not settle and eight minutes before half-time they found themselves two goals down. After stopping a City counter-attack in its tracks, Spurs broke themselves, Son slipping a pass through to Alli, who swept a first-time shot low past Bravo’s outstretched right hand. Spurs came out of the traps fastest in the second half as well, with Son and Wanyama going close from range.

Aguero almost embarrassed Lloris at the other end with a low shot that the Frenchman inadvertently deflected against his near post. But it was an isolated opportunity for the visitors, prompting Guardiola to inject some guile into his midfield by sending on Ilkay Gundogan for Fernando.

Spurs should have put the game to bed in the 65th minute when referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot after Fernandinho had caught Alli from behind. But Bravo plunged to his left to push Lamela’s penalty away. Guardiola also introduced Kelechi Iheanacho in place of Jesus Navas, but there was just one clear opportunity for his side in the closing stages, Lloris saving sharply from Aguero’s deflected effort

DEPUTY CP DIED IN NASARAWA

Gov. Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State has commiserated with police authority over the death of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in the state, Mr Usman Sabo-Longlong. In a condolence message signed on his behalf by his Special Assistant, Media, Tukur Ahmed, the governor described the death of the officer as ‘tragic’. “The death of the late DCP, Operations, is a great loss, not only to the police family, but the people of the state and the country in general.

“Late police officer was a vibrant, committed and dedicated man, who has contributed immensely in ensuring the security and peaceful development of the state. commissioning and handing over of Patrol Vehicles, Motorcycles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Gunboats, Patrol Helicopters to the Nigerian Police and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, November 27, 2015.

“The deceased also sacrificed all his time in ensuring adequate protection of lives and property of people of the state”, Al-makura said. The governor prayed God to grant every member of Sabo-Longlong’s family and the entire Police Force, the fortitude to bear the pains of his demise.

 A statement signed in Lafia on Sunday by the Nasarawa Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Idirisu John-Kennedy, indicated that Sabo-Longlong, 56, died on Oct 1. At about 7p.m. at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, after a brief illness. The statement quoted John-Kennedy as saying that “until his death, Sabo-Longlong was DCP in charge of Department of Operations, Nasarawa State police commands headquarter, Lafia.’’ John-Kenndy said that the deceased, an indigene of Sokoto State, joined the service of the police on Sept.1, 1982, and had served in various places.
He added that the late police officer had been buried in accordance with Islamic injunction in Lafia, Nasarawa state.
 

RANGER IS CHAMPION OF NIGERIANS LEAGUE AFTER 32 YEARS

Rangers International were on Sunday crowned champions of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League.
The Enugu-based club demolished El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 4-0 in their last match of the season to seal the title.
Chisom Egbuchulam scored a hat trick while Osas Okoro scored one to help Rangers win their first league title in 32 years.

FOOTBALL NEWS

Manchester United have launched a raid on rivals City for four of their key UK-based scouting team.
Hugo Lloris and Toby Alderweireld are set to join the long list of players to commit their futures to Tottenham.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged the club to hand a new deal to key man Fernandinho.
Pablo Zabaleta insists he always knew former team-mate Mauricio Pochettino would become a great manager.

Francesco Guidolin is on the brink at Swansea and is set for showdown talks with the club's owners on Sunday after the defeat to Liverpool
Bruno Martins Indi says Jose Mourinho has benefited from Louis van Gaal's decision to field Manchester United's youngsters
Gareth Southgate is mulling over a shock England call-up for Burnley defender Michael Keane.

Everton are weighing up a bid for Sevilla's former Blackburn midfielder Steven N'Zonzi.

England are exploring the possibility of Celtic hitman Moussa Dembele's eligibility.

Jesse Lingard is set to be named in Gareth Southgate's first England squad.
Quinton Fortune says the 13-year-old Marcus Rashford played like Ronaldinho.
Right-back Matteo Darmian will leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Arsene Wenger was sounded out by Manchester United about the prospect of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson.

Chelsea and Borussia Monchengladbach are contesting Thorgan Hazard's contract. The winger left Stamford Bridge last year, with the Blues claiming the deal included a buy-back option.

Juventus have joined the race to sign Liverpool target Alexander Isak from AIK.

Manchester United are lining up a January swoop for Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been offered a way out of his Manchester United nightmare by FC Dallas.

HOW TO PREPARE NIGERIANS FRIED RICE!

How To Make Nigerian Fried Rice 

Fried rice is one of the most widely eaten Nigerian food; it is accepted by almost every Nigerian both at home and in Diaspora. The process of making fried rice is a bit complicating but gets easier with time.

Here is the complete ingredient for making this delicious Nigerian food although some of them could be omitted depending of personal preferences.

Ingredients for Nigeria fried rice. (6-8 persons)

• 4 cups of rice
• 5 cups of sliced Cabbage
• 2 cups of sliced Carrot
• Green beans {2 cups}
• Peas {half cup}(optional)
• 1 cup of sliced Green pepper
• Liver {0.3kg}
• Meat {2kg}(chicken, beef or goat meat)
• Vegetable oil {150ml}
• 1 cup of sliced Onions
• Curry powder (coloring spice) {2 Tablespoons}
• Salt and pepper to taste

I made fried rice with goat meat in the video below; it is easier to follow the video if you are not on a mobile device (although most mobile devices can now play internet videos).

What you find above is a deliciously made fried rice with grilled chicken. I do have a Complete Resource Here for how to grill chicken, fish, how to make salads, plus recipes for the top ten Nigerian rice meals. Awesome!!!

 

Preparation

Most Nigerian foods start with you parboiling the meat to be used, Most Niaja foods including fried rice goes along with fried or cooked meat. The most popular meat in Nigerian is either chicken or beef.
Parboil the goat meat, chicken or any other you chose with all the necessary ingredient (teaspoon of salt, half cup of sliced onions, teaspoon of thyme spice, teaspoon of curry, 2 cubes of maggi or knorr). Allow the meat to cook for ten to fifteen minutes, taste for salt, then pick out and grill, deep fry or barbecue. Be sure to reserve the stock (meat water)
Chop the cabbage, green beans, carrot, liver and set aside in a wide tray as you can find in the video below or the image above. This process is easy, I normally use just a knife and chopping board or a tray.
Remove the white center seeds from the green pepper and also slice.
Parboil the 4 cups of rice also and cook with half of the meat stock (water from the meat) and two cups of water, cook until it is about 80% done. (You will learn more about this from the video below). You have to observe the rice closely. it doesnt need to be too soft or too hard, just almost done. You can add water as you observe.

 

Here is how to make Fried Rice In Nigeria

Set your cooking pot on heat, allow to dry, then pour in about 150ml of groundnut or vegetable oil (some folks also prefer cooking margarine) If you want to use cooking margarine 150g would be enough.
Note: It is better to continue with the same oil you used while frying the meat (that is only if you fried the meats), you can reduce it to 150ml.
Allow to heat then add the sliced onions stir for 1-2 minutes then add the chopped carrot and green beans, any of this two can actually go first. Add the cabbage also.
Stir for 1-2 minutes then add the curry powder (Curry is a yellowish spice that actually adds the yellowish color of fried rice, add and stir till you are satisfied with the color.) meat stock (water from the meat), add ground pepper (optional), add a teaspoon of salt and the chopped liver, add 1-2 cubes of maggi or knorr then stir and taste, you may add more salt.
You would have a yellowish mixture which would often taste overly spiced, don’t worry the rice would balance the taste. (If it doesn’t taste overly spiced it is advisable to add another cube of maggi and salt so it doesn’t become tasteless after you add the white rice {a trick}).

If you are satisfied with the taste then add the green pepper, stir, add the almost-done white rice, stir, cover your pot and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, you are done with fried rice.

ASO VILLA TO GET A NEW LOOK FOR INDEPENDENT CELEBRATION

The Presidential Villa, Abuja is currently wearing a new look ahead of Nigeria’s 56th Independence anniversary holding on Saturday, October 1.

Programmes earmarked for the anniversary which the government described as low-key started with an interdenominational service at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja on Sunday.

A jumat service and anniversary lecture are slated for the National Mosque, Abuja on Friday (today).

The final programme is Presidential Change of Guard scheduled to hold at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa on Saturday.

Ahead of that programme that will attract members of the diplomatic corps, top government officials and other friends of the nation, workers were on Thursday busy giving the Presidential Villa a facelift.

All the white walls in the seat of power were repainted while the white-and-black road setbacks were also retouched.

Flowers and trees were also trimmed.

Workers of the construction giant, Julius Berger, saddled with the maintenance of the seat of power, carried out most of the exercise.

Government officials were also seen changing the numerous national and commander-in-chief’s flags at strategic places within the premises.

Canopies were also being erected in the forecourt where the event would hold while chairs were also being moved to the venue.

During the programme scheduled to start by 3pm on Saturday, there will be a ceremonial change of guards by soldiers attached to the Brigade of Guards who are in charge of the security of the President and the Federal Capital Territory.

Buhari will inspect the guard of honour at the ceremony, cut the anniversary cake, sign the anniversary register and release pigeons to symbolise peace.

He will be assisted by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Muhammed.

EFCC REARRAIGN KALU

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a former governor of Abia, Orji Kalu, and two others on a 34-count amended charge bordering on fraud.
Mr. Kalu, his company, Slok Nigeria Limited and his former Commissioner for Finance, Jones Udeogo, were re-arraigned before Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday.
The defendants’ plea that the court should await the pending appeal by Slok before the Supreme Court failed.
Justice Chikere refused the defendants’ objection to their arraignment and ordered that the charge be read to them.
Mr. Kalu and others were, in the amended charge, accused of diverting about N3.2 billion from the Abia government’s treasury during Mr. Kalu’s tenure as governor.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges and Mr. Chikere allowed them on bail on the terms attached to the bail granted them on April 30, 2008.
They had, eight years earlier been arraigned before Justice Adamu Bello, who is now retired.
The court adjourned the case till Dec. 6 for commencement of trial.(NAN)

DANSUKI WAS MISSING IN COURT

The Federal Government has again failed to produce the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, before an Abuja High-Court for trial.

Mr. Dasuki is accused of money laundering and corruption.

He was charged along with five others before Justice Peter Affen, and was granted bail. He was re-arrested and kept in custody of the State Security since December 2015.

Others being prosecuted along with the former NSA include a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former finance minister of state, Bashir Yuguda; a former Sokoto governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, the ex-governor’s son, Sagir Attahiru, and a firm, Dalhatu Investment.

At the resumed trial Thursday, counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacob, told the judge that he was surprised that Mr. Dasuki was not brought to court by his client.

Mr. Jacob said on his part he notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the trial and the need to produce Mr. Dasuki in court, but said that communication gap between the EFCC and SSS was responsible for non-production of the former NSA in court.

Mr. Jacob applied to Justice Affen to stand down the case for him to enable his client to produce Mr. Dasuki in court.

He could not give a definite period within which the EFCC would bring the ex-NSA to court.

The action of the prosecution provoked reactions from Olajide Ayodele (SAN) counsel to former Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Yuguda, who opposed the request.

The senior counsel said the failure of the prosecution to give a definite time within which Mr. Dasuki would be brought to court by either EFCC or SSS was an indication that he haD no knowledge of what was transpiring between the EFCC and DSS on the matter.

Mr. Olajide therefore pleaded with the judge to adjourn the trial.

His position was adopted by Jacob Daudu, who stood for Mr. Dasuki and regretted that the government which put the ex-NSA on trial was the one scuttling the trial.

Mr. Daudu said since June when the matter was adjourned, the EFCC which initiated the trial on behalf of the Federal Government ought to have known that it its responsibility to produce Mr. Dasuki in Court as required by the law.

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Akin Olujimi, who stood for former Sokoto Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, also opposed the request to stand down the case without a definite time.

He pleaded for an adjournment.

In his ruling, Justice Affen agreed that it would be unfair to stand down the case without a definite time within which Mr. Dasuki would be produced in court.

The judge advised the government to ensure Mr. Dasuki is in court, and adjourned the matter till October 21, 2016.

BUHARI SENDS 6 NAMES TO SENAT FOR CONFIRMATION AS INEC COMMISSIONERS

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, sent six names to the Senate for screening and confirmation as national commissioners of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The President also sent names of five persons for screening and subsequent confirmation as national commissioners of National Population Commission, NPC. Buhari in two separate letters to the Senate, which were read at plenary by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said his appointment of national commissioners for both INEC and NPC was in accordance with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The names of the INEC national commissioner nominees were given as Prof. Okechukwu Obinna Ibeanu, Anambra State; May I. Agbamuche-Mbu, Delta State; AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu’Azu, Gombe State; Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Niger State; Dr Adekunle Ladipo Ogunmola, Oyo State; and Abubakar Ahmed Nahuche, Zamfara State. Those nominated for NPC include; Engr. Benedict Ukpong, Akwa Ibom State; Gloria Fateya Izonfuo, Bayelsa State; Barr. Kupchi Patricia Ori Iyanya, Benue State; Dr Haliru Bala, Kebbi State; and Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji, Oyo State.buhari1 In the letters, Buhari thanked the Senate in anticipation of the early consideration and confirmation of the nominees.

UNILAG SHUT DOWN OVER STUDENTS PROTEST

The authorities of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, have ordered the closure of the gates of the main campus at Akoka due to protest by students.


The aggrieved students were said to be protesting against the rustication of some members of the students' union.


The rusticated students were leaders of the students body that led a protest in April over poor electricity and water supply in the community, and the difficulty faced by a large number of students living off campus to attend classes as a result of the fuel crisis.


Members of the suspended University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU) executive had earlier in the month protested what they described as an “unjust rustication” of the union members.


The aggrieved students gathered at the school’s Senate building to demand thorough investigation of the suspensions of the students’ leaders, ranging from two to four semesters, for their role in a protest that led to the closure of the university in April.
  

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DECLARED MONDAY A PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK INDEPENDENT ANNIVERSARY

The Federal Government has declared Monday, October 3, as Public Holiday to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary.


This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.


“The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen (rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, while making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulates Nigerians at home and abroad on the commemoration of this year’s independence anniversary and assures them that Government is working assiduously to put in place various palliative measures to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges.


“The Minister enjoins all Nigerians to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his avowed determination to build a strong, virile and united country in line with the dream of the country’s founding fathers”, the statement added.

ELECTION WAS RIGED PDP REACTS

Mr. Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, emerged governor-elect of Edo State upon his declaration as the candidate with the highest number of votes in the governorship election held Wednesday. Obaseki polled 51.3% of the total votes cast in the election, according to the results declared yesterday.He was trailed by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who polled 40% of the votes cast, according to the

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Obaseki Obaseki The declaration was immediately challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which accused officials of INEC of conspiring with APC and Edo State government officials to rewrite results gathered at the polling centres. The returning officer for the election, Prof. Kayode Soremekun, who is Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, declared Obaseki winner with 319,483 votes to the 253,173 votes credited to the PDP candidate, Ize-Iyamu. The APC candidate was also credited with majority of the votes in 13 of the 18 local government areas of the state, leaving the PDP candidate with majority votes in five LGAs. None of the other 17 political parties that participated in the election won a majority in any of the local governments. The declaration of Obaseki as the winner was immediately welcomed by the outgoing governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and the victor (Obaseki). It’s good for democracy

 Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, congratulated the government and people of Edo State for a peaceful conclusion of the election. In a telephone call to Governor Oshiohmole yesterday, the President noted with delight the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Godwin Obaseki. He commended the well articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance. He said: “The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and for the people of Edo.” He applauded INEC, security agencies, corps members and the electorate in ensuring peaceful election in the state. Welcoming his declaration, Obaseki lauded the salutary roles played by President Buhari; his campaign manager, Osarodion Ogie; his wife Betsy Obaseki, even as he gave very special appreciation to the Governor Oshiomhole.

We’ll fulfil campaign promises — Obaseki He promised to press ahead with his campaign promises saying: “By your votes, you clearly affirmed your faith in my ability to lead our state into a new era. This is a responsibility Philip Shaibu, my running mate, and myself do not take lightly. Our promise to build a state anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower our citizens is sincere. “We promised jobs. We promised empowerment of our citizens. We promised improved social welfare services and a more secured state. We will strive to deliver on all of these promises. As we travelled all over our great state selling our programmes, we also took note of your concerns and problems, and I want to assure you that we will do everything in our power to address them. “Let me, at this point, sincerely salute the courage of all those, who came out to exercise their franchise in spite of the intimidating manoeuvres of merchants of violence to derail the conduct of a peaceful, free and fair election; you are the heroes of this election! You saw through their propaganda and lies, and you made the right decision.” We’ve retired PDP chieftains —

Oshiomhole Welcoming the outcome of the election, Oshiomhole said he had now permanently retired some PDP chieftains from active politics. Speaking after a road show round the state capital, the governor said: “They said they would disgrace Oshiomhole in this election because they were plotting evil during the elections, but God thwarted all their plans, and I told our people these people wanted to kill us because of election, but they will never succeed. And I want to thank security agents, who worked so hard to ensure that those evil people were apprehended. “Just look at the result of the election, Igbinedion lost his ward, Ikimi was defeated in Igueben, and that is because these people have lost touch with the people. “We had a rerun in 2012 with all the godfathers on one side and new forces of change on my side. I won in all the 18 local government areas. Our people have spoken loud and clear that they believe in democracy, they just don’t want to be beneficiaries, they want to be the drivers of the process. This was shown by the way they conducted themselves on election day. “There is something unique in the way things have turned out. In Esan land, the senatorial zone of the PDP godfather, we won two out of the five local governments. We gave him a fight that he managed to escape. He used the factor of his age to play on the emotion of the people. It is a victory for the people of the state.” ,

Drama intrigues accusations The declaration of results at the INEC collation centre was, however, characterised by much intrigue and drama starting from the night of the election, when declaration of results was suspended at about 1.30 a.m., yesterday. The PDP immediately cried wolf, alleging that the suspension of the declaration was part of the plot by the APC and its collaborators in INEC and security agencies to cook fake result sheets. The party, through its spokesman in the state, Chris Enehikare, had declared that based on results from the polling units, the PDP candidate was having a comfortable lead across the state and warned that efforts to subvert the results would be stiffly resisted.

Meanwhile about the same time, the APC running mate, Philip Shuaibu led a group of APC partisans to the INEC collation centre in Etsako West Local Government area over disputes arising from collation in the area. The collation officer for the area alleged that Shuaibu pulled a gun at him to force his imprint on the result. Shuaibu, however, disputed the account, saying he was shocked by the report of the local government area collation officer. “The same collation officer that went on air lying that I was harassing him with a gun is the same man who promised that the matter will be sorted out in Benin. So, we left the collation center with that mindset that we were leaving for Benin to take decision on the matter because the duty of the collation officer in that ward was to collate what is given to him and not to cancel and there was no element of violence in my unit that will result in the issue of cancellation of any result,” Shuaibu said in defence of the allegations against him. KOWA governorship candidate, Mr. Osadolor Kingsley, also joined the fray as he called for cancellation of the election, citing irregularities in the election process. He alleged that the voters were financially induced in most of the wards and units across the 18 local government areas of the state which made them vote against their will. Ize-Iyamu rejects results Rejecting the result at a press conference, yesterday, Ize-Iyamu, who expressed amazement at the way it turned out said the results did not reflect the figures collated at the polling centres and the wards. First, we are in total amazement at the details of the results released by INEC because all of them are fake and not the figures announced at various units and as collated at various wards across the state. The fake results announced by INEC are entirely a fabrication which did not reflect the true picture of what transpired during the election.” “However, we are not totally surprised because long before now, we had anticipated this and had also warned INEC, security agencies and alerted Edo people at various press conferences and statements, on this situation.” “Secondly, based on the results emanating from across the state, PDP won the election fair and square, and with a very comfortable margin. So it is with disgust that we have been receiving fake results which were never recorded in either the units or the ward collations centres. Justifying the decision to reject the results, he said: “We know that a fair turnout of voters was recorded state-wide because the weather was very clement and voters were enthusiastic. However, unknown to unsuspecting Edo electorate, INEC had long provided the serial numbers of all result sheets to Adams Oshiomole and his APC government, to print fresh result sheets “This is not a mere allegation. From the benefit of hindsight, the 18 day period of postponement of the election was to provide enough time for the Governor and his government to print these result sheets and perfect the writing of fake results at the units and at all levels of collation. This scenario is further buttressed by the fact that on Monday, September 26th, 2016, when election materials arrived from the CBN at INEC state office for inspection, agents of the political parties including the APC and PDP were given pre-typed copies of the serial numbers of all result sheets and the ballot papers. This was a clear security breach and an infringement on the credibility of the process, as these are sensitive materials, which should not have been sighted even by INEC officers. “Everything that has transpired had been carefully designed by the Adams Oshiomole led Edo State government and their cohorts in INEC. They perfected a scheme to void thousands of ballot papers, to enable them to perpetrate their devices. It is widely recorded that over 88% of the voided ballots were PDP votes. He also cited several cases of the disruption of collation in some areas, including the case of Oredo where he said police, INEC,

Department of State Services, DSS and other security operatives watched akimbo as thugs came and packed result sheets. Describing it as a travesty of justice, Ize-Iyamu also noted the open inducement of voters with sums of N2,000 to N5,000 saying that the state authorities poured out at between N4 billion and N5 billion to bribe voters.

Official Result of Edo Gov Poll LG A APC PDP Reg. Voters Accredited Voters Akoko Edo 24,545 13,027 110,118 39,945 Ovia South West 12,820 8,810 79,964 24,061 Ikpoba Okha 33,469 26,096 260,965 55,348 Etsako West 29,199 10,843 136,664 45,620 Etsako East 18,078 12,552 66,277 33,032 Etsako Central 10,373 8,827 43,049 20,145 Esan Central 9,781 10,180 50,603 21,400 Owan East 21,233 12,889 76,455 36,271 Owan West 12,862 10,1232 54,406 24,487 Oredo 37,612 30,492 73,712 69,401 Egor 26,177 19,514 184,296 49,802 Igueben 7,802 7,560 42,655 16,482 Uhunmwode 10,911 8,667 62,987 21,927 Esan North East 9,130 16,220 74,293 27,121 Esan South East 9,554 11,466 66,698 22,522 Orhionmwon 15,262 16,446 102,921 34,270 Esan West 13,114 16,311 87,867 31,866 Ovia North East 17,561 13,141 126,391 33,664 Total 319,483 253,173 1,900,223 622,3M

RETURN THE ILLGAL ALLOWANCE IN 3 DAYS OR I'LL PUBLISH YOUR NAMES, JUBRIN TOLD HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Suspended lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin, on Thursday gave his colleagues in the House of Representatives three days to return all questionable allowances they paid themselves.
Mr. Jibrin said any lawmaker who fails to heed his call should be prepared for the backlash that would follow when he publishes details of how such official perpetrated the fraud.
Mr. Jibrin’s statement came a day after he was suspended by the House for 180 legislative days —approximately a full calendar year as the House sits three times a week— after being found guilty of violating House ethics and lawmakers’ privileges.

It also came a month after Mr. Jibrin accused his colleagues of raking in millions in illegal allowances, and after he indicted himself as having received N650 million illegally.
To return their loot, Mr. Jibrin advised his colleagues to individually approach the appropriate authority and make arrangement on how to pay everything back into the federal purse.

“I have written to the Clerk of the National Assembly to stand by in anticipation,” Mr. Jibrin said.  “In the face of the revenue challenges and biting hardship the country is currently facing, there is no better time the country needs such money than now.”
Mr. Jibrin said he resolved to take this action after receiving numerous enquiries from different corners on the need for him to back his allegations against the House leadership and other lawmakers with evidence.
I have come under intense public scrutiny and pressure to prove that there exists systemic corruption in the House,” Mr. Jibrin said.

Mr. Jibrin said he was specifically demanding the return of a N10 million illegal allowances his colleagues allocated to themselves while the poor were struggling to make ends meet.
House spokesman, Abdulrazak Namdas, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES’ request for comment Thursday night.

Mr. Jibrin had frequently threatened to release “shocking” details about fraud in the House since he first accused Speaker Yakubu Dogara of budget fraud over two months ago.
On August 27, Mr. Jibrin said he had identified two governors working to shield Mr. Dogara from prosecution and vowed to reveal their identities. He has yet to do so.

Similarly, Mr. Jibrin said on September 19 that he was releasing some revelations “that will send shock down the spines of Nigerians”. He hasn’t done that, either.
Mr. Jibrin said the process that led to his suspension was flawed and vowed to reverse it in the court of law.