ICPC/ CALLS FOR RE-ORIENTATION ON NATIONS CORE VALUES
The Head of Research and statistics of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, Mr. Godwin Oche has called for massive re-Orientation for the citizenry on the nation’s core values.

He said the move would hasten the desired result in efforts to tackle corruption and moral decadency.

Mr. Oche was speaking at a lecture on “Value and Value Re-orientation, “A Panacea for Curbing Corruption” at the Anti-corruption and Transparency monitoring workshop for staff of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, in Abuja.

He remarked that adherence to ethical standards in decision-making should form the basis for the Nation’s policies. Chairman of the occasion; Alhaji Usman Huassan described values as integral part of an honest society and called on staff of NBC to collectively strive to uphold sanity in the conduct of private and public business.

SARKOZY UNVEILS SLIMMED DOWN CABINET
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has unveiled a slimmed down government giving half the jobs to women.

The new foreign Minister, sixty-seven year old Bernard Kouchner, is a socialist famous for founding the aid organisation, Doctors without Borders.

Prime Minister Francais Filloris team of fifteen includes former Prime Minister Alain Juppe, to handle environmental policy.
The former Cabinet had thirty members.

US APPOINTS A SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SOMALIA
The United State has appointed a special envoy for Somalia which is struggling to restore order after sixteen years without a functioning central government.

John Yates, a career diplomat with experience in Africa, will head the Somalia unit from the US Embassy in Kenya, because of the lack of security.

The US helped Ethiopia and Government Forces to drive out an Islamist group from the capital, Mogadishu, last December.
The US accused the Islamist of sheltering al-Qaeda operatives.
The Union of Islamic courts denied the charges.

DIALOGUE MOST POTENT TOOL FOR RESOLVING CRISIS.

The Ministry of Youth Development has commenced discussion with militants in the Niger Delta on how to put an end to restiveness in the area.

The Minister Mrs. Salome Jankada who spoke at the Ministry’s 2007 Ministerial briefing in Abuja said deliberations so far with youths of the region indicated a general belief that dialogue remained the most potent method of resolving the crisis.

Earlier, Information and Communications Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr. said the Ministry had provided an enabling environment for Nigerian youths to achieve their best.

The Minister who was represented by Mr. Henry Angulu stated that government could actualize the goals for which the Ministry was created to make youths become useful to the society.

The Ministry of Youth Development was created as a separate Ministry five months ago to address issues affecting Nigerian youths.

COMPANIES RECEIVE MINING LICENSES
Twenty companies were today in Abuja presented mining licenses by the Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals Development.

The Minister Alhaji Bala Borodo said it was in line with reforms in the sector aimed at enhancing mining activities in the country.
Alhaji Bala Borodo warned the companies against sharp practices emphasizing that government would treat such actions as economic sabotage.

He also spoke of the need for the companies to observe all laid down environmental guidelines as well as promote cordial relations with their host communities.

new focus on the mining sector, according to Alhaji Bala Borodo is a deliberate attempt by the Obasanjo administration to check over-reliance on oil as the nation’s major source of revenue earning.

Some of the representatives of the companies pledged to observe all rules and regulations guiding their operations.
The twenty operators are the first batch of one thousand to benefit from the gesture.

# # # #

ASARAWA: GOV. SACKS GM OF STATE RADIO

Governor Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa State has approved the dismissal of the General Manager of the State Broadcasting Service, Alhaji Suleiman Adra.

A statement issued in Lafia by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Mr. Daniel Anjugu gave no reason for the sack.

It however announced the appointment of Mallam Musa Abdullahi as the new General Manager of the Station.

The statement said that two Directors of the Station had been directed to report to the Office of the State Head of Service for redeployment, while three others would be retired.

MINISTER EXTOLS PPP INTIATIVE

President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Public Private Partnership Initiative has been commended.

The Minister of Transportation, Chief Cornelius Adebayo made the commendation in Bagana, Kogi State at the official commencement of construction of Bagana-Guto Bridge and enterprise villages.

Chief Adebayo said the rising demand for good roads could not be met by Government alone.

He explained that the project on the basis of build, operate and transfer was for a period of twenty-five years.

The Project Consortium Co-Ordinator, Doctor Godwin Adeogba also explained that the construction of the bridge estimated to cost about twenty five billion naira would commence immediately.

Seventy one casual staff members of the Station have been offered Permanent Appointment, the statement further said.

SOMALIA: UN RELIEF CO-ORDINATOR CUT SHORT VISIT

The UN’s Emergency Relief Co-Ordinator has cut short a visit to Somalia’s Capital amid fresh security concerns.

John Holmes’s arrival in Mogadishu coincided with several bomb blasts one of which killed four people near the UN compound in the city.

He is the most Senior UN official to visit the city in a decade and was urging the Somali Government to let humanitarian aid reach its people.

IRAN: AUTHORITIES ARREST HALEH ESFANDIARI

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the Government has detained a leading Iranian American Academic.

Spokesman Mohammed Ali Hosseini said the arrest of Haleh Esfandiari was lawful and she would be treated like other Iranian Nationals.

Ms. Esfandiari, one of Washington’s best known Iran experts, was visiting Tehran to see her 93-year-old mother.

The incident comes at a time of continuing tension between the United States and Iran.Iran does not recognize dual nationalities.

# # # #

FRCN: ZONAL DIRECTOR PLEDGES EXCELLENT SERVICE.

The FRCN Kaduna National Station is poised to attain a lofty high in its service delivery to the public.

The New Zonal Director of FRCN, Kaduna Mallam Ladan Salihu made the pledge while addressing a meeting of FRCN Kaduna and General Managers of FM Stations in his office.

Mallam Ladan Salihu urged the staff to bring in their collective efforts in actualizing the dreams of developing the Station, stressing that the tradition of FRCN Kaduna must be maintained.

In a remark, the Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs, Mr. Allen Agbo emphasized the need for staff to be computer literate to be relevant in the modern information world.

GOVERNOR COMMENDS FRCN

Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State has called on Broadcast Organizations in the country to emulate the high professionalism displayed by FRCN in its news and programme contents.

The Governor stated this in a message to the dinner and award night to mark the 5th Anniversary of Radio Nigeria, Positive FM, Akure.

He noted that FRCN had contributed in no small measures to the development and sustenance of democracy in the country.

The Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr. Oluwasegun Ota Bolarinwa observed that the recognition given to excellence and provision of modern equipment by FRCN had enhanced the production of staff.

In a message, the Executive Director, FRCN, Ibadan National Station, Prince Atilade Atoyebi pledged that the management would not compromise high professional standard of its workers.

RELEASE DETAINEES NGO PROTESTS
 
An NGO, the Women Action Organisation (WAO),  today handed-over a petition to INEC, calling for the unconditional release of all those wrongly detained during the just concluded general election.

The group, numbering more than sixty, was at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja, in black attire and carried placards.
Some of the placards read, “let us heal tragedy of 2007 elections with dignity”,” release all those wrongly detained” and “we call for sustainable democracy”.

The National Co-ordinator of the organisation, Dr. Roibito Ekpiken-Ekanem explained the rationale behind appearance in black clothes of the women group at the INEC Headquarters.

The National Co-ordinator North-East, of the NGO Mrs. Dudu Manuga, who read the petition to journalists, stressed the need for dialogue between the government and political actors as a way of strengthening the democratic process.

Mrs. Manuga called on the tribunals to expedite action on election cases.      
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of INEC, Mr. Ade Fakunle who received the petition on behalf of the INEC Chairman, assured the group that due consideration would be given to their request.

LEGISLATOR APPEALS FOR CAUTION

A member of the House of Representatives Prince Uchenna Igwesi has appealed for caution in the way some people react to the outcome of this year’s general election.

Prince Igwesi told Radio Nigeria in an interview in Abuja that the good thing about the electoral process was that the country would, for the first time, witness civilian-to-civilian handover of power.

He enjoined Politicians to overlook whatever flaws observed in the election in the interest of the survival of democracy.

Prince Igwesi, who represents Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency of Enugu State, however, insisted that the elections should be discussed in the House.

RELINQUISH MANDATE: CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS TELL YAR’ADUA

The Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE), Tuesday served the President-Elect, Umaru Yar'Adua, an order: "Relinquish your presidential mandate."
In a letter to the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate in the April polls yesterday, the group said relinquishing the mandate was the only way Yar'Adua could redeem his name from the smear of corruption.

Titled: "Relinquishing a Corrupt, Stolen and UnGodly Presidential Mandate," ACE said: "We wish to state categorically that the just concluded April 2007 elections including the presidential elections cannot stand. We strongly reject them in their entirety."

The group added: "As domestic observers, we deployed over 50,000 people in all states of the country and Abuja who saw and reported on the elections, including the presidential elections. The verdict is incontestable; the elections fell far below any acceptable minimum standard.

"Our observations were corroborated by the media and international observer groups. Colossal rigging, falsification of results, rampant cases of ballot bag snatching at gun point, under-age voting, shortage of voting materials and general intimidation of the electorate and opposition party agents marred them.

"In many places, elections did not even hold. The general environment of the elections was as if the Nigerian State was at war with its own citizens. We now understand why the police announced that it had purchased 40,000 AK 47 rifles and 20,000 barretta pistols for the elections," the rights group revealed.

The letter jointly signed by ACE Chairman, Alli Chrioma and General Secretary, Emma Ezeazu, added: "Your Excellency, you have been celebrated in the media as someone who abhors corruption, and who has ruled with a low tolerance level for corruption in governing Katsina State.

The presidential election through which you were purportedly declared as 'president-elect' is the highest stage of corruption in Nigeria's political history, considering the large-scale rigging, falsification of results, intimidation, and more importantly, lack of compliance with basic provisions of the Constitution and electoral law.

"The presidential election was fraudulent, corrupt and may possibly lead to a major political crisis in Nigeria."

FBI TO COLLABORATE WITH NIGERIA OVER FLEEING POLITICIANS

Nigerian politicians planning to escape the long arm of the law, especially after the handover of power on May 29 may be joking.
America's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicated that it is ready to extradite such fleeing political office holders if asked by the Nigerian government to so do.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has set in motion plans to ensure that elected public officers, particularly state governors, who currently enjoy immunity from prosecution, are tried after the handover date.

However, officials of the FBI recently explained that if the Nigerian government makes a request to the appropriate United States (U.S.) authorities, in this case the State Department, and the latter passes on such a request to the FBI to help apprehend such individuals, the U.S. law enforcement agency would act.

Austin Berglas, an FBI Special Agent told foreign reporters: "FBI will act if the Nigerian government asks and the State Department wants to, but the FBI does not make the decision. We are the main law enforcement agency."

He said based on the extradition agreement between Nigeria and the U.S., certain paper work would be done and once there is agreement between both countries, the U.S. government can then ask FBI to go and find the fleeing individuals.

The FBI official went further: "The Nigerian government, through its diplomatic mission here in the U.S. will do that - file the necessary papers - your government lawyers will co-ordinate with the Justice and State

Departments here requesting the extradition based on Nigerian law."
According to him, the U.S. State Department, an equivalent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will then determine whether the U.S. will honour the extradition request. "The FBI will get the persons and extradite them once the State Department makes the determination to have the extradition," he restated.

The FBI's Public Affairs Officer, Neil Donovan on his part, added that extradition would also depend on what the Nigerian constitution says and the treaty between both countries. He said the treaty is where the FBI as a U.S. law enforcement agency would derive its authority to act, including the provision of facts of the case against the person to be extradited.

He, however, added that the FBI is not the only player, disclosing that the Justice Department through a U.S. Attorney's office are the main players. Other relevant agencies in the U.S. government that the FBI will work with and which will play a role, he said, are the U.S. Marshall Services, which is the agency mandated to apprehend fugitives from the law.

At the recent media interaction in New York, the FBI officials who spoke included Teresa Carlson, Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge, Ben Berry, Austin Berglas and David Chaves, all FBI's Supervisory Special Agents.

They said Nigeria is one of the 59 countries of the world where the FBI now has legal attaches adding that FBI's relationship since the office was opened about seven years ago has since improved.

Berry, who is in charge of FBI's Bank Fraud Squad, noted "we continue to see a lot of scam and schemes from West Africa and lottery scams as well from other parts of the world." He acknowledged that "things are getting better" nonetheless.

The Nigerian government has already opened discussions with its U.S. counterpart on how to ensure that "fleeing governors" who have been and may be indicted by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) after May 29 are sent back home to face trail.

The EFCC and the ICPC, it is believed, have drawn up a list made up mainly of outgoing governors whose activities they have been investigating. It is believed that many of the governors may try to travel out of the country immediately after the handover in May to prevent any action against them by the government.

A U.S. Department of Justice Spokesman, Bryan Sierra, confirmed to The Guardian that his country has an extradition treaty with Nigeria. He added however that "the Department of Justice cannot and will not comment on matters related to extradition request from other countries."
Nigeria is one of the countries in the world with which the U.S. has a bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties, (MLATs).

The MLATs, according to U.S. State Department "obligate the Requested State to provide the Requesting State with certain kinds of evidence, such as documents, records, and testimony, provided that treaty requirements are met."

The U.S. entered into the MLATs with Nigeria, according to U.S. State Department sources in order to "enhance our ability to investigate and prosecute a variety of crimes, including violent crimes, drug-trafficking, terrorism, money-laundering and other financial crimes."

Justifying the intention of the U.S. government in 2000 to sign an MLAT with Nigeria, the U.S. State Department told the U.S. Congress that countries under the MLATs "assist each other in proceedings related to the forfeiture of the proceeds and instrumentalities of criminal activity, to the extent such assistance is permitted by their respective laws.

Such assistance may prove invaluable insofar as it is used to deprive criminals, including international drug-traffickers and members of organized crime, of the benefits of their criminal activity. The bilateral MLATs also provide that forfeited and seized assets or the proceeds of their sale may be transferred to the other Party."

ALAMEISIEGHA: APEX COURT TO DECIDE FATE

The Supreme Court has fixed the seventeenth of this month for hearing the appeal filed by Mr. Diepreiye Alameisiegha over his impeachment as Governor of Bayelsa State.

The Court presided over by Justice Aloy Katsina-Alu took the date after counsel to the appellant, Mr. Joseph Okopoko had prayed it to grant accelerated hearing in the matter as his client’s tenure would expire on the 29th of this month.

Alameisiegha was the first governor to be so removed from office; nevertheless, he seemed to have abandoned his legal move to quash the impeachment until the Supreme Court, penultimate week, reinstated Governor Dariye of Plateau State.

Alameisiegha was removed from office by the majority of his state legislators in December 2005 after investigating him over an 8-point criminal allegations purportedly amounting to gross misconduct.

Specifically, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly was served a notice of impeachment on the Chief DSP Alamey Alameisiegha, dated November 18, 2005 pursuant to section 188 (2) of the 1999 constitution.

The notice which was signed by 20 members of the House alleged that the governor was guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office in the following ways:

* Involvement in money-laundering occasioning his arrest and investigation by officers of the Metropolitan Police, London.

* Freedom of movement restricted to his home in UK far removed from his constituency, Bayelsa State of Nigeria with the result that he is incapable of discharging his constitutional functions as Governor of Bayelsa State thus necessitating the appointment of his Deputy as Acting Governor by the State House of Assembly.

FCT: ETHNIC NATIONALITY AND TRADITIONAL RULERSHIP NOT ENVISAGED

President Olusegun Obasanjo says issues of Ethnic Nationality and Traditional Rulership was never contemplated by the founding fathers of the Federal Capital Territory.

The President stressed that Abuja was conceived as a city for all Nigerians with equal opportunities and any attempt at promoting such divisive tendencies now, would amount to sowing the seed of future National problem.

The President made these clarifications while interacting with a wide-spectrum of stakeholders drawn from different segments of the FCT before the end of his two-day tour of the Territory. This came about on the request for formal recognition as traditional rulers by the Oba of Yorubas in FCT.

# # # #

NASARAWA TO TAP AGRIC POTENTIALS

The Nasarawa State government says it will tap the agricultural potential of the state towards ensuring self sufficiency in pod production in the country.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, and Natural Resources, Hajiya Aishatu Rufai Ibrahim stated this in Lafia while briefing newsmen on the activities of the Ministry and the First Nigeria International Agricultural show to be hosted by the state.
       
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMES IN UNIVERSITIES BANNED

The National Universities Commission, NUC is meeting with stakeholders in the University community to map out strategy to consolidate programmes being run by Nigerian Universities.

To this effect, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Professor Julius Okojie has stopped the creation of additional programmes by Universities in the country.
       
LEGISLATORS URGED TO PROMOTE DEMOCRACY

The member-elect for Eket Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Eseme Eyiboh wants elected representatives to build strong partnership with the citizens for the a viable democracy.

Mr Eyiboh said at a news briefing in Abuja that leaders should embark on people and service-oriented programmes to enhance development.

Mr Eyiboh said his priority at the lower legislative chamber would be to co-operate with other law-makers to improve the current political and social re-engineering for the benefit of the people.

JANG BANS COURTESY VISITS

Plateau State Governor-elect, Retired Air Commodore Jonah Jang has banned all courtesy and solidarity visits to his residence and that of his Deputy Mrs Pauline, Tallen until after their inauguration on the 29th of May.

At the inauguration of the State Transition Committee, Air Commodore Jang said this wouldl enable them to prepare for the task ahead.
       
HIV/AIDS PROGRAMMES TO BE STRENGTHENED

The National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS says a deliberate effort will be made to strengthen the National Response to HIV/AIDS at the Sate and Local Government levels.

Godwin Odemijie reports that the Chairman of the Agency, Professor Umar Shehu told a meeting of the board today in Abuja that very little could be achieved it the state and local government’s are slow in their response.

YOUTH FORUM CONDEMNS POOR SAFETY

A forum of the Nigeria Youth Assembly today observed that older generations have failed to set and observe good standards in road usage for young people to emulate.

It was at a Special session which focussed on the young Road Users held today in Abuja as part of activities to mark The 1st United Nations Global Road Safety Week.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Miss Chinyere Nwaneri highlighted other resolutions reached by the youth assembly.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Nigeria Youth Assembly, Master Ibrahim Adamu solicited for adequate equipment for the FRSC to enhance its performance.

In a message, the Minister of Education, Dr Sayyadi Abba Ruma urged parents and the FRSC to ensure that under aged persons were banned from driving.

The Corp Marshal of the Commission retired General Haldu Hananiya said the youth assembly would give young persons the opportunity to contribute towards improving road safety in Nigeria.

The Resolution of the youth assembly on Road Safety will be presented to the National Assembly tomorrow.

NO INTERIM GOVT. - NULGE                          

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Edo State Branch says it will not support any attempt to impose interim government at the local government level.

The State President of NULGE, Mr. Kaduna Eboigbodin told newsmen in Benin City that Interim Government was not only anti-people but unconstitutional.

Mr. Eboigbodin who is the new State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said Directors of Personnel should be allowed to oversee activities at the local government level until a democratically elected government was put in place.
       
US POLICE ARREST SIX

Six men have been arrested on charges of plotting to attack Fort Dix Army Base in New Jersey, in the United States of America.

The men allegedly planned to use automatic weapons to enter the base and kill soldiers there.

The six men were nationals of the former Yugoslavia who had been living in the United States for some time.

They are due to appear in court in Camden, New Jersey today.

SOUTH AFRICAN COURT CONVICTS WOMAN

A South African Court has convicted a woman of hiring a gang to kill the six-month old daughter of her lover.

Dina Rodrigues paid four men, all of whom were previously convicted of murder and robbery, to kill Jordan-Leigh Norton in 2005.

The men posed as delivery men to gain entry into the home.  The baby later died from a stab wound at the nect.

The Judge Basheer Waglay said Ms Rodrigues has been motivated by a jealousy to kill her lover’s child from a previous relationship.

Ms Rodrigues lawyer had argued that it had been an attempted kidnapping gone wrong.

Many of the people in court were wearing pink to show their support for the family of the murdered child.

# # # #

COURT TO HEAR ABUBAKAR SUIT

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Friday this week for the adoption of the brief filed by parties in the suit brought by the former Governor of Kogi State, Chief Audu Abubakar challenging the exclusive of his name by INEC from the list of contestants a day before the election.

Speaking before Justice Anuri Chikere, Chief Abubakar’s Lawyers, Mr Orji Nwafororizu said that his client who was contesting as the governorship candidate for AC was disqualified by INEC without any reason.

In his response, Counsel to INEC, Mr Chris Uche, SAN pointed out that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the case which he  described as a post election matter.

AGAGU DRAGGED TO COURT
In a related development, a Federal High Court has fixed the 14th of this month to rule on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case filed by four Ondo State indigenes against the eligibility of Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo to contest the governorship election in the state.

Governor Agagu, who is presently the Governor-elect of Ondo State through his lawyer, Mr Adefokumbo Kayode is asking the Court to strike out the matter on the grounds that it could only be entertained by an election petition tribunals.

However, Council to the Plaintiff, Mr Femi Falana citing a number of authorities urged the court to discountenance the application as the tribunals had jurisdiction to entertain any cases bordering on the validity of elections conducted by INEC and not pre-election matters.

NIGERIA COMSAT ON THE WAY
The Managing Director Nigeria’s Communication Satellite One, Mr Ahmed Rufai says the project will drastically reduce high rate of vandalism of petroleum pipeline and other essentials equipment in the country when launched in one week’s time.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on the benefits of the project to the African Continent, Mr Rufai, said Nigeria in particular would generate higher revenue in the ICT sector than that from crude oil.

On the sustainability of the satellite project, Mr Rufai noted that approval had been granted for sixty percent private partnership of the Agency while the Federal Government would retain forty percent equity shares.

Over fifteen engineers have been trained to maintain the ground station in Abuja while the second satellite of the project would be carried out by Nigerians.
   

FRSC SEEKS INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
The Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Commission, Retired Major General Haldu Hananiya says International Cooperation is crucial in the effort to strengthen national road safety efforts.
       

In an address at the opening of the 1st UN Global Road Safety Week today, General Hananiya explained that such Co-operation should be in the areas of exchange of information and mobilisation of additional resources to ensure safety on the road 

ONDO APPROVES STIPEND FOR PLWHA
The Ondo State government has approved a monthly stipend of one thousand naira for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The stipend is for transportation to the Federal Medical Centre to enable them to receive free Anti Retroviral drugs provided by the Federal government.

The State Co-ordinator of the Action Committee on HIV/AIDS,  Dr Dayo Adegbulu told Radio Nigeria in an interview in Akure that the state government had also been assisting people with HIV/AIDS with free drugs.

Dr Adegbulu expresses joy that the prevalent rate in the state had dropped through media campaign at the grassroots.

# # # # # # # # #

MAKURDI/VISIT

The Benue State Governor, Dr George Akume has urged both winners and losers in the general election to seek redress constitutionally and allow democracy to take its root.

Exchanging views with the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Idi Farouk during a courtesy visit in Makurdi, Governor Akume, said though there were lapses in the exercise, they were not enough to cancel the whole election.

Earlier, the Director-General of NOA, Alhaji Idi Farouk condemned the call for an interim National Government describing it as undemocratic.
Alhaji Idi Farouk said with the lessons learnt during the elections, the agency would continue to sustain its political and civic education programme to address some of the challenges observed during the exercise.

UBE/TAHIR
Former Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBE, Professor Gidado Tahir, wants government to ensure that education policies are implemented to facilitate educational development in the country.

Professor Tahir stated this in Abuja at a send off dinner organised in his honour by Chairman of the States Universal Basic Education Boards of the thirty six States and Abuja.

According to Professor Tahir, Education Sector needs a pragmatic approach if Nigeria is to witness productivity in future.

On the occasion, the Dean of State Universal Basic Education Board Chairmen, SUBEB, Chief Austin Edeze noted that under the leadership of Professor Tahir, UBE programme was transformed into a Commission and called on other educationists to initiate programmes that would impact positively on the nation’s polity.

NASS/REPORT
The Senate is to commence deliberations next week on the Petroleum Technology Development, PTDF, Review Committee Report.

Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Silas Zwingina stated this while briefing National Assembly Correspondents on the activities of Senate on resumption from the election break.

And Senate President, Ken Nnamani and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, today carry out inspection tour of the house Three Office Complex for National Assembly members.

SYMPOSIUM/WHO
The Federal Government has called for collaboration between it and Non-Governmental organisations to improve the health of the people.

Health Minister, Professor Eyitayo Lambo made the call in a message to a Symposium commemorating the World Health day in Nigeria.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Ngozi Njepuome, the Minister noted that acute Respiratory Syndrome and HIV/AIDS were threatening the world with devastating consequences.

He said the new International Health Regulation on Public Health Emergencies of International concern would take effort from next month.
Professor Lambo appealed to stakeholders to support Nigeria in her struggle to improve and sustain disease surveillance in the country.

I.D/REGISTRATION
Nigerians of the age of 18 and above have been advised to register for their National Identify Card.

A Statement from the Director, National Civic Registration, Mr Wahab Jimoh directs people who have not register to go to the offices of the Department of National Civic Registration offices in all the Local Government Areas in the country.

The Statement stated that the department has completed fifty-two million National Identity Cards for the thirty-six States of the Federation and the FCT.

He advised people who registered for their National Identity Cards during the mass registration in March 2003 and have not collected their cards to go to the headquarters of the Centre in Wuse Abuja or the Local Government Headquarters where they registered for their Cards.

JONATHAN WORRIED ABOUT THE NIGER DELTA

Bayelsa State Governor and Vice President elect, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan says the situation in the Niger Delta has degenerated to a worrisome level of criminality.

Issues of resource control and perceived marginalisation were being used by some youths to perpetuate crime and other negative vices.

Dr. Jonathan emphasised that the Federal Government had the capacity to resolve the problem and called on Nigerians to support efforts in that regard.

LEPROSY IN ALHERI VILLAGE IN FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Administration says it has evolved measures to sustain the subsistence farming embarked upon by Leprosy infected persons living in Alheri Village, Kwali Area Council of the Territory.

The FCT Director, Planning, Statistics and Project Co-ordinator, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi told newsmen in Abuja that the measure was to remove disabled persons from the streets to reduce their exposure to dangers.

According to Hajia Hadiza, the FCT Administration collaborated with the private sector and the community to provide ninety-seven housing units for people living with leprosy, which has a populace of three thousand inhabitants.

President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected to visit the village next week during his official visit to the Territory.

AMBASSADORS VISIT YAR'ARDUA

America, Japan and Canada have endorsed the election of Alhaji Umaru Yar’adua.

The Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. John Campbell led a delegation of diplomats who paid a courtesy visit to the President-elect at Pagoda House, Abuja. Ambassador Campbell called for the strengthening of the existing political, educational and trade relations between Nigeria and America.

Earlier Ambassador David Angele of Canada said his country had always supported Nigeria in various ways to achieve smooth transition of power.
On his part, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria called for more collaboration between his country and Nigeria in the area of sports development.

The President-elect, Alhaji Musa Yar’adua used the occasion to re-assure to Diplomats of his commitment to build on the existing relations with friends of Nigeria.

The diplomats discussed issues that would strengthen relations between Nigeria and their country.

# # #

RIVERS STATE: MOTHER OF GOVERNOR ELECT KIDNAPPED.

Madam Cecilia Omehia the Mother of the Rivers State Governor-elect, Mr. elestine Omehia was reported to have been kidnapped on Tuesday by unidentified persons. She was released unhurt later in the night.

Mr Celestine Omehia was elected governor of Rivers State in April 14th polls conducted all over the country.

There was no information as to the reason for her kidnapp or whether the kidnappers demanded and received a ransom.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix Ogbaudu who confirmed the incident in Port Harcourt said information available to the Command indicated that the kidnappers were about seven in number.

He said the Police had intensified investigation into the matter but that no arrests had been made.

Portharcourt, in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta, has been witnessing numerous kidnaps, mostly of expatriate oil workers, for more than a year now since militant groups in the area stepped up pressure on the federal government for increased share of Nigeria's oil revenue. Most of the victims are usually released unhurt but there have been cases of deaths.

PLATEAU STATE ACTING CHIEF JUDGE REMOVED
The Plateau State Acting Chief Judge Justice Lazarus Dakyen has been relieved of his appointment.

A statement by the Plateau State Government said Governor Joshua Dariye has also approved the re-appointment of the former Chief Judge Justice Sambo Atsi as the Chief Judge of the State. Justice Atsi was sacked in 2004 but had been in court challenging his removal.

Justice Atsi’s re-appointment is expected to bring to an end the protracted legal battle between him and the government over his removal.

Governor has stated on resumption of office following his reinstatement by the Supreme Court that all appointments made in his absence were nullified.

The PDP in Plateau State has called on the House of Assembly not to grant legislative backing to any appointment made by Governor Joshua Dariye.

Chairman of the Party, Mr. Sylvanus Lot who stated this in Jos said doing so would amount to supporting a corrupt government.

He said the Party rejected the dissolution of all structures of the Botmang administration by Governor Dariye.

FRCN TO UPGRADE FACILITIES IN TRAINING SCHOOL.

The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria is to partner with corporate bodies and individuals to upgrade facilities at its Training School in Lagos.
The Director General of the Corporation, Mr. Ben Egbuna during an inspection tour of facilities at the Institution, said such an upgrade would enhance the operations of Radio Nigeria in particular and broadcasting in Nigeria in general.

Mr. Egbuna stated that a committee had already been set up to work out modalities for the upgrade.

The Director of the school, Dr Samson Shuaibu said the expansion of the Institutions facilities was necessary to cope with an increasing student population.

The training school has been providing specialised training in all areas of broadcasting for the manpower needs of public and private radio stations in the country.

The FRCN Director General was accompanied on the inspection by the Executive Director, Ibadan National Station, Prince Atilade Atoyebi, Acting Director, Lagos Operations, Mr. Chuka Okoye and some other Directors of the Corporation.

A THREE YEAR OLD GIRL RAPED

A Mobile Police Officer has been arrested for allegedly raping a three year-old girl in Bakusa Village, Dei Dei, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The alleged rapist, Constable Vincent Ayogu is said to have taken the girl, on Sunday evening, to a stream in the village where he sexually abused her.

It should be recalled that three police officers attached to the mobile unit of Enugu State police command are standing trial in a High Court in Enugu for allegedly raping two female university students. 
       
PRESIDENT-ELECT PLEGDES TO COOPERATE WITH WORKERS

The President-elect, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua has pledged to create a dynamic and beneficial working relation between the Nigerian worker and the government.

In his goodwill message to Workers on the May Day celebration, Alhaji Yar’adua said his administration would pursue labour friendly policies and programmes that would improve the living standards of all Nigerians.

The President-elect also stressed the need for Nigerians to work together and sacrifice toward building a great future.

COURT TO DECIDE ON ANPP SUIT

Hearing and determination of the case of wrongful disqualification of Prince Abubakar Audu by INEC as ANPP Governorship candidate in Kogi state has been fixed for Monday next week. At a first hearing in Abuja, the trial judge Justice Chukere gave the complaint and respondent two days to prepare their submissions to the court.

ANPP has dragged INEC to court over the disqualifications of its candidate in Kogi State on elections day. Prince Audu was governor of Kogi State from 1999 to 2003.

WED: 12 PM NEWS

The House of Representatives Member-elect for Eket Constituency in Akwa-Ibom state Mr. Eseme Eyiboh has pledged to initiate legislations that will empower the youths in the Niger- Delta region.
He said in Abuja that it had become imperative to take measures to check youth restiveness, kidnapping and pipeline vandalism in the area.
Mr. Eyiboh promised to collaborate with the executive at the federal and state levels to develop Eket constituency.

1 PM   REPORT/INPHCDS

The Administrator of the newly established National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Shehu Sule has called for a speedy enactment of the law establishing the organization.

Dr. Sule who made the call in Abuja while submitting the report on the merger of NPI and the organization to the Minister of Health Professor Eyitayo Lambo said members of staff of the two agencies had expressed concern about their career.
Dr. Sule recommended a post-merger Re-engineering workshop for top officials of the merging agencies to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
The out-going Interim coordinator of NPI, Dr. Edugie Abebe also submitted her report to the Minister noting that immunization, polio eradication, finance, physical assets, and partnership were some of the challenges which faced the NPI.
She said, immunization coverage had increased form the inherited thirty-five to seventy-five percent as at December last year.

TNI

A Non-Governmental Organization, Trade Network Initiative, INI, has called on the Federal Government not to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement; EPA with the European Union. Programme Coordinator of the Organization, Miss Ifeoma Nwosu made the call while speaking with Kapital FM at the May Day Rally in Abuja.

Miss. Nwosu said signing the EPA agreement, would result to Nigeria opening her borders to duty and tariff free goods and services that are heavily subsidized from Europe. This she noted would lead to unemployment and set back in the nation’s economy since Nigeria does not have the comparative and competitive advantage to engage in reciprocal trade with developed countries.

Miss Nwosu advised the federal Government to insist on fair trade rules that would enhance the growth of the nation’s economy.

Supreme Court Reinstates Dariye

In a unanimous ruling on Thursday, the Nigerian apex court upheld the earlier of the Court of Appeal which had ruled that Dariye was unlawfully removed from office and should be reinstated immediately.

With this ruling the embattled governor of this state in north-central Nigeria is set to return to power. Dariye had Wednesday said that he would return to Government House in the capital city Jos if the supreme court rules in his favour.

However, his deputy who has been in charge since Dariye's impeachment, Mr. Michael Botmang vowed not to hand over to remain in office until 29th May when he is expected to handover to the newly elected governor Air Commodore Jonah Jang rtd.

N 75b GURARA WATER PROJECT COMMISSIONED

The water transfer project from Gurara River Kaduna State, north-western Nigeria to Abuja the Federal Capital Territory in the north-central was on Thursday commissioned by President Olusegun Obasanjo. The water project spans a distance of 75 kilometers to the Lower Usuma Dam in Abuja.

The Construction of the multi billion naira dam and associate works was conceived and approved by the 46th Federal Executive Council meeting of 20th December  2000 for an initial contract sum of about N42 billion.
But with variations which gave rise to upward review of the project in addition to the inclusion of the associate works, the contract sum now stands at about N75 billion.

The Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Mallam Adamu Bello, however, disclosed that the commissioning being witnessed, is for the dam and the conveyance pipeline to Lower Usman reservoir for the FCT water supply, work will continue for the completion of the hydropower plants and irrigation development.

President Obasanjo stated during the commissioning that his vision for the water resources sector of the Nigerian economy is to provide sustainable access to meet the social-cultural and economic development needs of the country.

EKITI:  OLURIN DEFIES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY    

      
The controversy over the emergency rule in Ekiti State Southwest Nigeria is far from being resolved. On Thursday the federal government declared, Brigadier General Olurin would remain as the sole Administrator until a contrary directive from President Obasanjo.

In separate pronouncements, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of justice, Bayo Ojo (SAN) and the special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, made known Government’s position on Thursday.

The Attorney General argued that since Brig. Olurin was not appointed by the National Assembly, it was improper to take instructions from the Legislature.He however agreed that the National Assembly has the right to reject the request for a fresh declaration of a state of emergency in the state, but the resolution rejecting the request must be sent to the President who would in turn decide on what to do in the circumstance.
He claimed that the executive has not received any resolution from the National Assembly as at Thursday.

The National Assembly had on Tuesday set aside the request by President Obasanjo for the extension in the period of the state of emergency in Ekiti State.

Uneasy calm pervades the State as 24 out of the 26 Assembly members in the State declared their support for the leadership of the suspended Speaker, Hon. Friday Aderemi.

The senate and the House of Representatives will sit Tuesday next week to ratify the votes and proceedings which set aside the President’s request.

BUHARI CALLS FOR REPEAT POLLS

The Presidential Candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has enjoined all Nigerians not to recognise any government formed on the basis of last weekend’s election. Gen.Buhari who said he has evidence to prove that he won last Saturday’s Presidential election vowed to reclaim the “mandate freely” given to him by Nigerians.

Buhari noted that he would explore all legal means, including diplomatic options since election Observers from all over the world adjudged the election as heavily manipulated.

He further revealed that as an individual he would not want to pursue the matter in any Tribunal based on his experience in 2003, “but the ANPP as a Party has already taken a position to contest the results of the election in the Tribunal.”

The Party National Chairman and Vice Presidential Candidate, Chief Edwin UmeEzeoke had stated that while it is still collating reports from the country, it had directed all contestants to gather as much evidence as they could for the Party to head straight to the Tribunals immediately.

# # # # # # #

Presidential Election: Opposition rejects result

In separate statements the leading opposition parties in Nigeria, ANPP and AC rejected the result of Presidential election announced by INEC.

According to a statement signed by AC Spokesman, Lai Muhammed, the Party hinged its rejection of the election on the alleged massive manipulation of the entire process to favour the ruling peoples democratic party(PDP).

To further give credence to the party’s rejection of the result, AC made reference to the reports of the local and the international observers which allegedly condemned the entire election process.

In a similar statement signed by the ANPP flag bearer in the Presidential election, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the election was described as the most blatantly rigged in the Nations history.  While rejecting the result, Gen Buhari regretted that the level of electoral malpractice witnessed in the polls were unprecedented.  He stated “the election was neither free nor fair, nor credible”.  

ELDER STATESMAN APPEALS FOR CALM

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and founder Africa Refugee Foundation, Chief Olusegun Olusola has urged Nigerians to set aside political and ethnic differences and support the President-elect Alh. Musa Yar’adua for the development of the country.

The Elder Statesman in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta Ogun State, South West Zone of Nigeria advised aggrieved politicians not to perpetrate violence but seek redress in the law courts.

Supreme Court:  Atiku Remains VP

On Monday 22/4/07, the Supreme Court ruled that Alh. Atiku Abubakar remains the Vice President of Nigeria.  In a unanimous Judgement, the court dismissed the suit by the Athorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo. Consequently the court agreed with the earlier decision by the court of Appeal on this matter on 20th Fed. 2007.

Justice Olufemi Akintan in a lead judgement held that the office of the Voce President was created by the constitution and therefore noted that the procedure for the removal of its occupant from office was also provided for in the constitution.  He stated that no part of the constitution has vested on the presidency, the powers to remove the Vice President.

It should be recalled that in a unanimous judgement, the Court of Appeal had on 20/2/07   directed the Federal Government to restore all the paraphernalia of the office of the Vice President to Alh. Atiku Abubakar.

Ekiti: Emergency Rule Terminates

The Senate and the House of Representatives at Separate sittings yesterday failed to uphold the extension in the period of the State of emergency as announced by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Failure to secure the support of the required two-third majority of its members the senate set aside President Obasanjo’s fresh imposition of State of emergency in Ekiti State.

In a similar move, the House of Representatives also decided against the President’s request for approval of the proclamation he made on April 18, 2007.  The house which comprises 366 members had only 97 in attendance and was thereby unable to form a quorum thus defeating the motion. The House directed that the status quo before the first proclamation of a state of emergency in Ekiti State six months ago be maintained.  By these decisions of the two chambers of the National Assembly, the administration of Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin comes to an end.

The request by the President to the Senate required that 73 Senators should support the proclamation, but only 47 voted for its approval.

The suspended Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Friday Aderemni who was sworn in after Governor Ayo Fayose and his Deputy, Mrs Biodu Olujimi were impeached on October 19, 2006 had already interpreted the resolution to mean that Olurin should hand over to him, saying the Ekiti Assembly will resume today, Wednesday.

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ELECTION UPDATE

PDP LEADS

The National Assembly Election results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, show that the People’s Democratic Party is leading.

In Nasarawa State, PDP won two of the Senatorial seats while ANPP won the remaining.

The PDP has also won the three Senatorial seats and seven of the Federal Constituency results released for Enugu State.

The result from Imo State also shows that the PDP has clinched the three Senatorial seats and ten House of Representatives seats.And in Ebonyi State, the PDP picked all the three Senatorial and six House of Representatives slots.

Correspondent, Yusuf Abubakar reports from Kwara that PDP has won two of the Senatorial and all the seats in the Lower House.

GOMBE

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Gombe State has declared the results of two out of three Senatorial Districts with PDP winning the two seats.

The seats declared include Gombe north senatorial district won by Alhaji Kawu Peto of the PDP while Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Umar of the PDP won in Gombe Central Senatorial zone.

The result in Gombe South Senatorial zone is still being collated.
Similarly, in Akko Federal Constituency, Alhaji Bello Suleiman of the PDP won, while in Yamaltudeba Federal Constituency, Alhaji Shuaibu Galadima of the PDP won. Results for two other constituencies are still being collated while bye-election will be conducted later in two other Federal Constituencies of Gombe/Kwami/Funa Kaye and Dukku-Nafada Federal Constituencies.

OGUN

Result coming in from Ogun State indicates that PDP won eight out of the nine House of Representatives seats in the State.

A statement by the Resident Electoral Commissioner said the result of Egbado South Constituency was withheld.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED

The Benue State Police Command has paraded four persons for alleged attempt to stop last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly Elections in the State.

The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Udom Ekpoudom told newsmen in Makurdi that the suspects were arrested in Konshisha Local Government Area on the eve of the elections.

RIVERS

Some party Agents in Rivers State have refused to counter sign result sheets accusing INEC officials of bias in favour of one of the political parties.

The ANPP Agent Mrs. Joy Nunieh accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chief Rowland Uwa, of refusing to show the agents forms EC and ED to prove that they were stamped.

Our Correspondent reports that results of the elections held in some Federal Constituencies are still being awaited.

IRI OBSERVERS COMMENT

The International Republican Institute Election Observers have called on aggrieved politicians to use only constitutional means in resolving disputes that may arise from the 2007 general election.

Addressing a World News Conference in Abuja, the leader of the delegation, Reverend Abbey Malumalu urged politicians to channel any complaint through the Courts rather than taking to the streets.

23/4/2007         
12 AM

ABUJA
Final results for the Senatorial and House of Representatives elections in the Federal Capital Territory have been released. At a news briefing in Abuja, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Kabir Ahmed said ANPP won the only Senatorial seat in the Territory, as well as the House of Representatives seat for Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Council Federal Constituency. PDP won the Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji seat in the House of Representatives.

Earlier, about one thousand supporters of a political party had stormed Federal Capital Territory Headquarters of INEC demanding for the release of results for the election in the Territory. Our correspondents report that it took the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawrence Alobi a hectic time to persuade the irate youths to leave the premises after arresting four persons. In an interview, the FCT Commissioner of Police said the arrested persons would be prosecuted for contravening the nation’s Electoral Act. Mr. Alobi, urged residents of the Territory to be law abiding for mutual co-existence.

BAUCHI
Election into the House of Representatives took place in some parts of Bauchi State on Sunday. Correspondent Musa Usman reports that the election did not hold in those areas due to late arrival of electoral materials on Saturday. Eligible voters were reported to have waited up till about 7pm without being able to vote.

The Senatorial election was however postponed due to the omission of the Action Congress logo on the ballot paper. The situation in the metropolis is said to be calm unlike the violent demonstrations that trailed the Governorship election.

IMO
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has won all the three senatorial and the ten House of Representatives seat in Imo State.The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Austin Okogie announced the result while addressing newsmen Sunday evening.

Among the winners for the Senate, is Mrs Chris Anyawu representing Imo East and Chief Osita Isunaso, a sitting member of the House of Representatives who is now a Senator elect for Imo West. Three members of the House of Representatives were also re-elected.

They are Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala, Chief Independence Ogunewe for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte and Chief Gabriel Amadi for Mbaitoli/Ikeduni.

Meanwhile, the Chieftain of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, wants the conduct of Fresh Presidential and National Assembly election for Imo State. Chief Ahamba wondered how the result declared were arrived at when voting materials could not get to most polling stations in Imo State by five evening on the election day.

LAGOS

The AC has won most of the seats for the House of Representatives, Lagos so far declared while it won the only senate seat where senate election was conducted in on Saturday. Senator Olorunnibe Mamora of the Action Congress won the Lagos East Senatorial Seat which was the only one contested for yesterday.INEC has set the 28th of April as the new date for elections in places where elections did not hold or are inconclusive.

NASSARAWA

In Nassarawa State, the People’s Democratic Party has won two of the three Senatorial seats in the state. Declaring the result in Lafia, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abba Kyari Sadiq said the All Nigerians Peoples Party won the remaining seat.

ENUGU

Gov. Nnamani of Enugu state won a senate seat.

AKWAI IBOM

Mrs Ekaette, wife of the the Secretary to the Govt. of the Federation, Ufot Ekaette, won a senate seat from Akwa Ibom state. PDP won all three senatorial seats in Akwai Ibom state.

OYO

PDP won two senatorial seats in Oyo Central and South Districts. The result for Oyo North is being awaited.

22/4/2007         
12 AM

KADUNA

Our correspondent in Kaduna, Dennis Yukeng reports that eligible voters turned-out en-masse to exercise their civic responsibility, although voting started at about two o’clock in the afternoon in many parts of the state.
        According to him, the Senatorial and House of Representatives election did not hold in Kaduna North and Kaduna Central because names of some political parties were missing on the ballot papers.

ABUJA

From the outskirts of Abuja we have reports that the turn out of voters has been very impressive.
Correspondent, Azariah Kucha, who monitored the exercise along Airport road, reports that there was heavy security presence at the polling centres.

GOMBE

The Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Bello Ilelah says the commission could not conduct election in two Federal Constituencies of the state due to the omission of names of two candidates on the ballot paper.
He identified the affected Federal Constituencies as Kwami, Gombe and Funakaye where the name of the PPA candidate was omitted. Similarly, the name of the DPP candidate for the Dokin-Mafada Federal Constituency was omitted.
Alhaji Ilelah stated that a new date would be fixed for the election in the affected constituencies.

DELTA
Aderemi Omotosho also reports from Delta State  that the National Assembly elections were postponed in some constituencies.

21/4/2007         
7 PM

ELECTION POSTPONED IN SOME STATES    

Situation reports from some States indicate that elections in some Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies have been put on hold. Among the states are Sokoto, Niger, Ogun, Rivers and Lagos.

In Niger State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Hassan Suleiman told newsmen in Minna that the postponement was due to mix-up in the ballot papers.
According to him, it will now hold on Thursday next week.
In Ogun State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Godfrey Oniri says the action was as a result of the omission of the Action Congress AC on the ballot paper.
Reports indicate that elections in nine Federal Constituencies have been put on hold in Rivers State as well as in some Senatorial districts and Federal Constituencies in Lagos and Abia States.

OGUN

The ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, south western Nigeria, capital was peaceful and calm for today’s election as against last week’s election.
       
Similarly, the Presidential and National Assembly elections kicked-off peacefully in many parts of Osun State, with late start in many polling units.

ENUGU

A report from Enugu, south-eastern Nigeria, says peaceful atmosphere pervaded the State, though voting started behind schedule in most places. Voting did not start until 2 o’clock in the afternoon in some places as a result of late distribution of voting materials.

KWARA

n Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, Presidential and National Assembly elections started four hours behind schedule, due to the non-availability of voting materials. Reports indicate that although the turn out of voters was impressive, more than half of the polling booths in the State did not receive voting materials as at twelve noon.

OBSERVER’S COMMENTS
The West African Youth Peace Mission, one of the NGOs accredited to observe the elections, says the exercise in Bayelsa State was orderly and peaceful. The President of the Mission, Dr. Godwill Richman stated this in a telephone interview with Radio Nigeria.
        He said despite the disturbances by some militants yesterday in the State Capital, voters turned out en masse to cast their votes.
        Dr. Richman said the West African Youth Peace Mission deployed three thousand, six hundred and sixty of its members nationwide to monitor the elections.

INEC ADHOC STAFF ABSCONDS WITH VOTING MATERIALS
An INEC adhoc staff Mr Philip Udugbaja, has reportedly absconded with voting materials for Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory.

Addressing newsmen, INEC Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu says as a result of the incident, voting did not start at the polling station until an alternative arrangement was made by the Commission.
The INEC Chairman also says that the commission will prosecute Mr. Udugbaja.          

SENATE PRESIDENT DENIES ALLEGATION
Senate President, Ken Nnamani has described as unfair all allegations by the Minister of Information and Communication, Mr Frank Nweke Junior that his comments on the conduct of last week’s election amounted to a plot to foist an Interim Government on the country.
       
The Special Adviser to the Senate President on Public Communications, Mr. Austen Adamu, told newsmen in Abuja that the Senate President, as a patriot and defender of democracy, could not be involved in treason.

Mr. Adamu said that the comments of the Senate President on the conduct of the April fourteenth election should be seen as that of a democrat and patriot, who desired to entrench lasting and durable democracy in the country.

INEC ATTACK: FED.GOVT. REACTS
The Federal Government has commended Security Agencies in the country and the Fire Services for their prompt response to foil the attempt to burn down INEC Headquarters in Abuja early this morning.

In a Statement, Information and Communications Minister, Mr Frank Nweke Junior said the Government was studying the situation to ascertain those behind the incident.

He appealed to Nigerians to be vigilant, defend democracy in the country and report suspicious activities to appropriate security agencies.
The Minister said government would not relent in its effort to ensure security of lives and property.

21/4/2007         
11AM 

INEC Targeted

Security men at the INEC Headquarters have foiled attempts to burn down the office in the early hours of today. Also yesterday, some militants attempted to kill the Governor of Bayelsa State Goodluck Jonathan.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero told newsmen in Abuja that attempts were foiled by the Police.

The Inspector-General of Police also said that thirty-two police officers and forty civilians were killed during last Saturday’s election.

LAGOS
Police Warns

Lagos State Police Commissioner, Basiru Azeez has directed all security agencies deployed for today’s elections to wear the Lagos Police identity tag on their uniform.
  
In a statement, the Commissioner warned that any policeman found without tag during the elections would be arrested for illegal duty.
       
He said the police tag was designed to authenticate officers assigned electoral duty.

21/4/2007 

Militants Attempt Kidnap of PDP VP Candidate

Attempts by suspected militants to kidnap and kill the Governor of Bayelsa State Dr Goodluck Jonathan have been foiled by security operatives.
       
The Inspector-General of Police Mr Sunday Ehindero told Newsmen in Abuja that the militants arrived the water front, Government House by speedboats.
       
The Inspector-General of Police also spoke on the attempt by some people to burn down the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
               
Mr Ehindero said the police had lost thirty police officer while miscreants had killed forty-two civilians during last weekend's elections.

16/4/2007          
4PM

ABUJA
Commercial and Business activities have picked up again in the Federal Capital Territory after last weekend’s work-free-days declared by the Federal Government to enable eligible voters to exercise their civic rights.
Major roads and streets in Abuja also experienced heavy vehicular and human traffic.

ONDO
The Nigeria Police has announced the restriction of movement in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The restriction will be between 11pm and 6am. A statement by the Police Commissioner, Mr Innocent Iluzuoke, said the restriction was necessitated by the tense political atmosphere in the state.The Commissioner warned that violators of the order will face the wrath of law.

KWARA
Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki of Kwara State has won the Governorship seat of the State for the second time.

Governor Saraki polled 572,931 to defeat other nineteen contestants while Mr. Gbenga Olawepo of the Democratic People’s Party secured second position with 63,743 votes.

ZAMFARA
The ANPP has won the Governorship election in Zamfara State.The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Hassan Yahaya confirmed this in Gusau while declaring the final results.Alhaji Yahaya said the ANPP Gubernatorial candidate; Alhaji Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi won the election by securing a total of four hundred and sixteen thousand four hundred and fifty-four votes.

He said Mallam Yahaya Abdulkareem of PDP came second with one hundred and twenty-two thousand seven hundred and fifty-four votes, while Senator Lawal Shuaibu of DPP came third with seventy-three thousand six hundred and fifty-two votes.

AIR FORCE DAY                   
The Nigerian Air force today announced that it has concluded arrangement with a Halian company to procure two new Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike announced this while inspecting a replica of the two aircrafts to be stationed, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

EBONYI
The Police in Ebonyi State have arrested sixty-two persons for violating electoral laws during last Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections.Police Commissioner, Mr. Adanaya Gaya stated this today in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the election.

BAUCHI
Thousands of supporters of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP in Bauchi State have been celebrating the victory of their candidate, former Aviation Minister, Mallam Isa Yuguda who emerged winner in the Governorship election.Correspondent, Yunusa Garba in Bauchi, reports that supporters of the Party defiled the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on the State to celebrate.

CROSS RIVER
Former Minister of Power and Steel, Liyel Imoke of the Peoples Democratic Party has won the Governorship election in Cross Rivers State. Announcing the result today in Calabar the State Resident Electoral Commissioner; Dr. Rose Obuoforibo commended the people for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the election.

16/4/2007           
12NOON            

KANO

A dusk to dawn curfew has been placed on Kano State.

The restriction is between eight o’clock in the evening to six o’clock in the morning. Announcing this, the State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Atiku Yusuf Kafur said the action was to forestall the breakdown of law and order.
      
Correspondent, Sadisu Keke, reports that armed Soldiers and Police have been deployed to streets and other strategic places in Kano as the people await the official announcement of the result of the Governorship election.

16/4/2007
8AM

RESULTS
More results have been announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The results show that PDP has sixteen governorship seats ANPP two States, while PPA and AC have one seat each.

KWARA
Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State has won the governorship election for the second time with 572,931 votes.

He is followed by the DPP candidate, Mr Gbenga Olawepo with 63,743 votes.

PDP also won all 24 seats in the State House of Assembly with the exception of that of Offa Local Government Area which was cancelled by the State Independent Electoral Commission due to disturbances during the election.
       
ENUGU

 The resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Abdul Bulama has deferred announcing the governorship and House of Assembly election result IN Enugu State.

The Commissioner said he is awaiting directives from the INEC Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu.

According to Dr Bulama, although he had the result he would not announce them without the approval of the National Secretariat.

Ngwoke Ngwoke reports that the State INEC Office is still being guarded by armed Police and Military men.

ONDO

The Nigeria Police has announced the restriction of movement in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The restriction will be between 11pm and 6am.A statement by the Police Commissioner, Mr Innocent Iluzuoke, said the restriction was necessitated by the tense political atmosphere in the state. The Commissioner warned that violators of the order will face the wrath of law. Meanwhile, results are still being expected from the state. Yesterday the youths barricaded the INEC office Akure.

15/4/2007 
10PM           


ENUGU

A report from Enugu says some suspected thugs who attempted to snatch a data capture machine and a ballot box at Ugwuogo Park Abakpanike, Enugu have been over powered by voters in the area.
       

AKWA IBOM

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Obong Godswill Akpabio has won the Governorship election in Akwa – Ibom State.

He defeated eleven other contestants with a high margin of one million, forty four thousand, five hundred and sixty six votes out of one million, one hundred and ninety three thousand, ninety one votes.
       
This was followed by Action Congress with nineteen thousand, six hundred and sixty-five votes. Correspondent Uchechukwu Jiwuaku reports that PDP also won all the twenty three House of Assembly seats so far declared by INEC.

EBONYI

The PDP Governorship candidate for Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi won the Governorship seat. Correspondent Godwin Umeh reports that Chief Elechi defeated fourteen other candidates with five hundred and six thousand four hundred and forty-four votes to emerge victorious.
      

ABIA

INEC has announced results of Governorship elections in some states. According to INEC spokesman Mr. Philip Umeadi Junior, ANPP won in Borno State while PPA has won the Governorship seat in Abia State. PDP won in Osun, Ekiti, Ogun and Delta States.
       
On the Progressive Peoples Alliance PPA victory in Abia State, Obinna Odwuike reports that its candidate Chief Theodore Orji was declared winner having secured a total of two hundred and sixty-five thousand, three hundred and eighty-nine votes out of four hundred and eighty thousand, eight hundred and one votes caste.
  

KWARA

In Kwara State, two political parties, the ANPP and Accord have called for the cancellation of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections for alleged rigging.
       
Addressing a News Conference in Ilorin, the Parties alleged that some of the ballot boxes were replaced with fake ones while the original boxes were burnt by people alleged to be thugs.
       
They also alleged that score sheets were not provided in some places while elections were not held in some areas due to non availability of voting materials.  
       
A former Military Governor of Bauchi and Osun State, Retired Colonel Theophilous Bamigboye who contested the Governorship election under Accord Party claimed that SSS and Policemen were used during the election to harass and intimidate voters. He accused INEC of conniving with Security Agents in the State to frustrate voters and rig the election

15/4/2007      
2PM

IGP/INTERVIEW

The Inspector General of Police Mr. Sunday Ehindero has banned all forms of procession and demonstration until further notice. Mr. Sunday Ehindero also directed the Police to deal decisively with any one who foments trouble as results of the yesterday’s elections are being announced.
He was speaking today at the Network News studios of Radio Nigeria Abuja.

Mr. Ehindero advised winners to be humble in victory, and the losers to be gallant in defeat.

IMO/ELECTIONS

The Governorship election in Imo State has been cancelled.

Announcing the cancellation this afternoon the State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mr. Austin Okojie said, it was necessitated by large scale malpractices in four Local Government Areas of the state.

The 28th of April has been fixed for fresh Governorship election in the State. He however said that the results of House of Assembly election remained valid.       

KADUNA

Police in Kaduna State have arrested a  former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Bashir Zabairu over illegal possession of fire arms..

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ernest Ibhaze said in Kaduna that he was arrested during yesterday’s elections in Birnir-gwari Local Government Area.

14/4/2007               
10PM                        

ANAMBRA
 
In Anambra State three persons have been killed and some INEC Local Government Headquarters burnt by suspected angry youths.
       
The youths were said to be protesting the absence of some sensitive electoral materials in Achalla, Awka North, Onitsha North and Nnewi South, local government areas.
       

KATSINA

In Katsina State, inspite of the delays experienced in the distribution of sensitive voting materials to some places elections  in the state ended peacefully.
       
Correspondent Aminu Abdulahi Gombi who monitored the exercise in some areas reports that the most places visited, voting could not start until after nine o’clock in the morning.

AKURE

In Ondo State, the election recorded some hitches in some parts of the state.
       
Correspondent Femi Oladipo led the crew of Radio Nigeria reporters to monitor the exercise.

14/4/2007              
8PM

RIVERS

Six police officers have been reported killed at Mini-Okoro police station in Rivers State.
       
Also a policeman and a civilian were said to have been killed at Elelenwo police station.
       
Our Correspondent reports that the two police stations were burnt by hoodlums.

ANAMBRA
 
In Anambra State three persons have been killed and some INEC Local Government Headquarters burnt by suspected angry youths.
       
The youths were said to be protesting the absence of some sensitive electoral materials in Achalla, Awka North, Onitsha North and Nnewi South, local government areas.
       
The INEC headquarters in Ukpor, Nnewi South local government area of the state was also attacked by the youths but security agents prevented them from destroying the office.

LAGOS

The Lagos State Deputy Governor and Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate, Chief Femi Pedro has described the conduct of the election as peaceful.
       
Chief Pedro stated this after casting his vote at Epetedo in Lagos Island.
He however called on INEC to re-conduct the exercise in Alimosho constituency saying that the party name was missing from the election ballot papers.

RIVERS

The Rivers State Police Command has beefed up security to forestall further burning of police stations by persons suspected to be militants.
       
The State Police Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix Ogbaudu told newsmen in the Port Harcourt that a joint police and military patrol had been introduced in the state.
       
The Commissioner said his command lost seven officers, vehicles ammunition and case filed to the fire.

Date:14/4/2007
Time:11AM 

Latest reports from polling centres across the country indicate that elections are going on peacefully.
       
Adequate security has also been noticed by our Correspondents.

However there are reports indicating that some eligible voters could not locate their names on the register.

Some centres have also experienced late arrival of materials.

UYO

In Uyo, the Akwa – Ibom State Capital, some eligible voters could not locate their names on the register and were directed by INEC officials to go to other polling centres.
       
One of the eligible voters, Mr.  Charles Obot told our Correspondent that he had been to three polling stations around the area he registered but could not find his name on the voters list.
       
Nevertheless, voting has commenced in most polling stations in the state.

As at the time of this report, our Correspondent in Kano says elections materials are yet to arrive at some of the polling stations.

However voting has commenced in one of the centres in Fagge.
       
According to him, there is a large turn out of eligible voters who are anxious to exercise their civic duty.

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