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Suspension Of CBN Governor, Sanusi, Nigerian Senate Back Jonathan

Mohammed Useni
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Suspension Of CBN Governor, Sanusi, Nigerian Senate Back Jonathan

The Senate Thursday said that President Goodluck Jonathan acted within the ambit of his statutory function by suspending the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senate’s spokesman,reacting to the suspension, said the President by suspending Sanusi was well within the range of his statutory function as President.

“The President only suspended Sanusi, he did not sack him. So he acted accordingly,” he said.

However, Abaribe informed that the only communication to the Senate in relation to the CBN was the forwarding of the name of the new CBN governor for confirmation by the Senate, as well a new deputy governor.”

The new governor will only assume office at the expiration of Sanusi’s tenure in June.

Adamu Mu’azu Says PDP Is A Party For Future Generation

Mohammed Useni
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Adamu Mu’azu Says PDP Is A Party For Future Generation

NAN
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu`azu, on Thursday said that the PDP was not just a party for the present generation, but for the future generation.

He said this in Abuja, when Gov. Gabriel Suswan of Benue led a delegation of the party stakeholders in the state on a courtesy visit on him.

Mu`azu expressed happiness on the development stride going on in the state, which he said, was the reason the people of the state praised the PDP-led administration.

Mu’azu commended those that remained in the party and called on those who had defected to the opposition to return to the party`s fold.

He appealed to members of the party to be patient with its leadership as it thrives to reconcile all aggrieved members of the party.

Earlier, Gov. Suswan said the visit was to pledge the loyalty of Benue PDP to the party leadership under Mu`azu.

He assured that the Benue chapter of the party would deliver the state in 2015, adding that the state would remain a PDP state.

He stressed that members of the party in the state, have no reason to defect to the opposition, adding that those who did, were beginning to return to its fold.

“We are not going to rig any election, just as we have been winning, we will continue to win in a free and fair election.’’ Suswan said.

He highlighted the challenges confronting the state chapter of the party, to include the clash between the fulani cattle men and farmers in the state.

The governor also identified the recent attack on the house of the Tor Tiv, a situation, he said was getting out of control.

“We had tried to control the situation, but it is gradually disintegrating to a level that I will say its almost getting out of control,’’ he said.

Suswan appealed to the party national chairman to prevail on the Federal Government to intervene in the situation before it becomes worst.

This, he said, was critical to ensure that the issue was holistically addressed to enable the state government concentrate on its development drive.

Suswan prayed for wisdom for the party`s national chairman in his reconciliation drive and strength to lead the PDP to greater height.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a painting of the party’s national chairman was presented to him by Suswan at the occasion.

The Governor. was accompanied on the visit by some members of the State House of Assembly, ward and council chairmen and PDP chieftains in the state

Josephine Anenih Advocates Castration For Rapists

Mohammed Useni
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Josephine Anenih Advocates Castration For Rapists

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih, has suggested the castration of rapists to serve as a deterrent to people with such tendencies.

Anenih told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja on Thursday that rapists should not only be given life sentence but be castrated, considering the gravity of the offence.

“The sanction for rape is too mild for the gravity of the offence. We are working on that to see whether we can amend the law on sanction for the crime.

“I will suggest something even more than life imprisonment. I will suggest castration.

“It is not difficult to prove rape as most people believe; the problem with tackling rape cases is that people are not diligent enough,’’ she said.

She called on women to break the culture of silence, report and follow up such cases to a logical conclusion.

“Some people are saying proving rape is difficult. No, proving rape is not difficult, it’s just that we are not diligent in proving it.

“We must break that silence. We must shout, we must report and we must follow up on the report.

“When you report and the Police tell you it is a family issue, you should say no and insist on taking the matter up in the court of law,’’ she said.

Borno Emir Who Escaped Boko Haram Attack Pleads With Jonathan To End Crises

Mohammed Useni
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Borno Emir Who Escaped Boko Haram Attack Pleads With Jonathan To End Crises

NAN

Alhaji Kyari Ibn El Kanemi, the Emir of Bama in Borno, on Thursday appealed to the Federal Government to take drastic measures toward ending the Boko Haram crises.
El Kanemi made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Bama, headquarters of Bama Local Government Area.He was reacting to Wednesday’s suspected Boko Haram attack in Bama which led to the killing of about 70 persons and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

El Kanemi said that the Federal Government must equip the military toward fighting the insurgence.

“These people are using sophisticated weapons like bombs, rocket propellers and grenades.

“Nobody is safe in this place again except something is done fast by the government on the security problem,” he said.

He said that he narrowly escaped the Wednesday’s attack after the insurgents carried out attack on his palace.

Narrating his ordeal, El Kanemi said that he escaped to an unknown destination as the invaders were trying to gain access to the palace.

He said that the attackers set ablaze many houses, shops business centres, among others.

“By 4 am on Wednesday, a villager called me to say that some gunmen were moving toward the town.

“So, I called the Commander of the Tank Battalion in Bama to inform him, 30 minutes later I tried to reach out to the GOC but the network was gone,” El Kanemi said.
“Few minutes later, I got information that the state Low Cost Estate was on fire.
“Few minutes later, they were in the palace trying to set the place ablaze and when they could not gain entrance, they broke the door.”We buried 34 bodies at the Central Mosque on Wednesday, but many others were buried differently by relatives.

“We sent words that people should bring all the dead for mass burial but some were not informed on time so they buried their relatives without waiting,” El Kanemi said.The traditional ruler urged the president to visit Borno with a view to getting “get real information on the Boko Haram activities.”

A resident, Malulaamma Modu, however, put the number of death at about 70 persons.

Why CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Was Suspended – Presidency

Mohammed Useni
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Why CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Was Suspended – Presidency

The Federal Government on Thursday assured local and international investors in the Nigerian economy that the suspension of the CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, will not affect the nations’ monetary policy.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, made the clarification at a media briefing at the Presidential Villa.

Abati said the assurance became necessary to reduce the reported anxiety in the monetary market after the announcement of the suspension of Sanusi.

He said that the Federal Government remained committed to the stability of the economy and would not take any action that would jeopardise the achievements recorded so far.

Abati assured local and international investors in the economy that there was nothing to be afraid of.

He said the suspension of Sanusi was purely an internal issue bordering on findings of financial recklessness, misconduct and gross abuse of office against him.

“There have been a lot of speculations in both the local and foreign media and there has been expression of anxiety.

“Nobody needs to be anxious, this decision has not been taken with regards to the country’s monetary policy.

“The monetary policy of Nigeria remains the same, there is stability within the system, investors in the Nigerian economy have no reason whatsoever to fear.

“The decision was taken only with regards to internal governance issue regarding to the Central Bank.

“Government remains committed to the stability of the economy, the stability of the naira and the stability of the country’s monetary policy,” he said.

Abati reiterated that Sanusi’s suspension was purely because of financial recklessness and unprofessional conduct.

“This is not a sudden development, it is a long process dating back to last year.

“Last year, when the CBN submitted its financial statements for the year ended 31st of December, a query was raised about some of the issues in the financial statement and the CBN governor was asked to offer clarification.

“A response came from the CBN which was then forwarded to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and the Council is empowered to review the account of the CBN.

“The investigation took place and some of the outcomes of that process relate to the issues raised about financial recklessness,” he said.

Abati said the investigations by the council revealed persistent refusal and negligence of the CBN governor to comply with the Public Procurement Act in the procurement practices of the CBN.

He said the investigation also revealed unlawful expenditure by CBN on intervention projects across the country.

Abati said that Sanusi was indicted for using and deploying huge sums as CBN Governor without appropriation and outside the CBN’s statutory mandate.

“It is trite that the expenditure of public fund by any organ of government must be based on clear legal mandate, prudent costing and overriding national interest,” he said.

Abati also said the suspension of Sanusi had nothing to do with the investigation in the National Assembly over alleged missing fund in Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation which he raised.

He said the National Assembly was an independent arm of government with statutory powers to carry out its oversight functions without executive interference.

On the issue of illegality and whether or not the president has the power to remove a CBN governor without recourse to the National Assembly, Abati said that the president did not act ultra vires.

He said Section 11 (2F) of the CBN Act being referred to, dwells on removal of a CBN governor by the president with the approval of two-third majority of the National assembly.

Abati said that what the president had done was not removal but suspension of the CBN governor pending investigation into allegations against him.

He said the law could not be read in isolation.

Abati also clarified that the forwarding of a replacement for Sanusi as well as a deputy governor of CBN was tidy and in order.

He said Sanusi was due to retire in June, while the former Deputy Governor of the Bank, Mr Tunde Lemo, retired early February.

He said it was imperative to nominate candidates for their replacement for Senate screening and approval.

Abati said that appointments to such strategic positions should not be kept in abbeyance.

He said that the early nomination of replacements would give room for credibility and smooth transition.

“I do not see untidiness in this; you know that there are two vacancies.

“The suspended governor was going to retire in June, with the retirement of former Deputy Governor, Tunde Lemo, there was also a vacancy at the deputy governor level.

??”Now, in many countries of the world, you do not wait to the last minute before you appoint successors, particularly to positions in such a strategic institutions as the Central Bank of Nigeria. ?

?”You allow room for proper transition and for the market to get to know who the new persons are.

“And in regards to the position of CBN governor, I think announcing the nomination for that position is good for the market.

“??It gives confidence, it reassures the market that there is no crisis, that there is stability and that the institution is in good standing and it has nothing to do with the issue of CBN governor,” he said.

‘News Of My Resignation Is False And Mischievous’ Okonjo-Iweala

Mohammed Useni
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‘News Of My Resignation Is False And Mischievous’ Okonjo-Iweala

The Minister of Finance and coordinating minster for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said stories that she has tendered her resignation to president Goodluck Jonathan is not true.

An online newspaper, THEWILL had reported that the minister tendered her letter of resignation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, following the controversy surrounding funds accrued from the sale of crude oil.

The report alleged that her resignation was not accepted by President Jonathan, who assured her that heated matter would be resolved soonest.

A statement issued by Paul Nwabuikwu, Special Adviser to the Minister, the story circulating online about the purported resignation of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is false.

He said for the avoidance of doubt, this story is not true.

“The Finance Minister is still in place and assures Nigerians that all will be done to ensure that macro-economic stability is maintained through tight fiscal and Monetary policies.” He concluded.

Tunde Leye: The Turnkey Generation

Mohammed Useni
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Tunde Leye: The Turnkey Generation

Make no mistake, there are always critical points in the history of any nation. It is usually difficult to predict these times before they happen, but after the fact, they become abundantly clear. For example, no one could predict the Arab Spring, but in retrospect, much analysis has been done to show that it was something that was bound to happen.
The earliest Nigerian actor in the independence struggle as far I can remember was Herbert Macaulay, grandson of The Reverend Samuel Ajayi Crowther. However, he died at 82 in 1946, before independence materialized. At his death, the struggle had been taken up by a group of men in their late twenties and thirties. Although Nnamdi Azikiwe was already 42 at this time, he had joined the struggle in his thirties. At the vanguard, along with Zik were Awolowo (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36) Balewa (34) and Okotie-Eboh (27). The vision of each of these men for Nigeria was different, but each courageously pursued that vision and it was with their effort along with other factors within the British Empire that Nigeria’s independence was won.
However, by the time independence was won, these men were aging. By the time of the 1966 coups, they were aged as follows Zik (62), Awolowo (57), Ahmadu Bello (56), Balewa (54), Okotie-Eboh (47), Akintola (56). Around this time, another group of twenty and thirty year olds took bold steps to grab hold of the leadership and chart the course of the nation. Albeit unconstitutionally, but do it, boldly they did. As typified by Kaduna Nzeogwu (29), most of the January 1966 coup plotters were in their late twenties to early thirties. The counter-coup also had officers in this age range, grabbing power from the initial independence fighters who were aging and losing their halos. Involved in that coup at various levels were Murtala Mohammed (28), Theophilus Danjuma (28), Babangida (25), Nanven Garba (23), Sani Abacha (23), Shehu Musa Yaradua (23) and co. The men it brought to power were not much older, in their thirties, such as Gowon (32), Ojukwu (33) and co. Other men who would eventually benefit from subsequent coups were the following ages at the time of this coup Obasanjo (29), Buhari (24), and many others.
According to Max Siollun’s revealing book, these men have essentially been in the driver’s seat of all the subsequent successful coups in Nigeria since then. Even when we transmuted into civilian rule, they have strode the political space, charting the course and direction of the country, either explicitly or behind the scenes.
However, as it happened with the independence struggler generation they forcefully took power from, these men are aging, and with age, they are losing grip and power. It isn’t happening in one fell swoop, but the signs are there. And it is why this is a critical period.
Critical because as these men pass on or become too old to strongly influence the course of this nation, a vacuum is going to emerge. And the current men fronting for these strong men who themselves are in their fifties and sixties will not be around for much longer, and even while they are around will not possess the strength to move this nation.
The people that will eventually take control will have to do what those twenty and thirty something year old military officers did years ago, albeit without using unconstitutional means like they did. We need to boldly step forward and wrest control from those that are fading away, and then move this nation in the direction that we want. And from what I gather, those that want the status quo that is leading our nation to oxbow lakes (to borrow from Obahiagbon) to persist in those age brackets are already organizing and poised to take control. Those of us who desire a change need to get off our computers, stages and conferences, foreign and local. We begin to organize where it really matters – on the streets, here in Nigeria. We need to organize and mobilize and participate in the political process and begin to take control in order to chart the nation on the course we desire it to go. We are a turnkey generation in this nation, and it is those who take control now that will be positioned to chart the course of the country for many years to come.
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Tunde Leye @tundeleye is a fiction writer. He believes that the stories written form a priceless resource that is the basis of society, all the other arts (film, music, theatre, visual arts) and hence he is committed to telling stories out of Africa that show it as it was, is, and is going to be.
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Official! Skales Is No Longer Part Of The E.M.E Movement

Mohammed Useni
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Official! Skales Is No Longer Part Of The E.M.E Movement

Young music artiste, Skales is no longer signed to E.M.E records.

The rapper turned singer saw his contract expire in January 2014 and the label decided not to renew the contract. Skales has deleted every trace of ‘E.M.E’ from his social media accounts.

He is not currently signed to any label but he is poised to do business with management outfit, M.et.tal for now.

E.M.E signed Skales in 2010 as a rapper but he later metamorphosed into a singer.

Sanusi’s International Passport Confiscated Upon Arrival In Lagos

Mohammed Useni
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Sanusi’s International Passport Confiscated Upon Arrival In Lagos

Earlier today (Thursday), the suspension of Lamido Sanusi as Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor by President Goodluck Jonathan was made public. The suspended Governor was in Niamey, Niger for a meeting of governors of central banks in the West African sub-region when the announcement was made.

He later returned to the country and upon arrival at the ExecuJet Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, he was briefly detained by SSS operatives in mufti and was asked to surrender his international passport. He was also asked not to leave the airport until the Lagos state director of the SSS arrives.

The CBN governor was later  allowed to leave after the operatives communicated with superiors but his passport was seized

Reports have it that the was aware of plans to arrest him so he landed in Lagos instead of Abuja.

On arrival in Lagos, Mr. Sanusi’s was welcomed at the airport by friends and associates including the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai.

Sanusi and his well wishers drove of the airport in a convoy and headed towards Ikoyi where a member of the former CBN governor said the ex-Governor was going to relax.

Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters

Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Desmond Elliot & Others Bag AMVCA Nominations

Mohammed Useni
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Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Desmond Elliot & Others Bag AMVCA Nominations

Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) is less than a month away and Nigeria’s favourite malt drink, Amstel Malta, will once again sponsor this event.

Nominees of the prestigious and well-celebrated awards have since been announced to the delight of fans, who still have the opportunity to vote for their favourites.

The 1st edition, held last year, had the likes of O.C Ukeje, Mercy Johnson, Tunde Kelani and other notable movie stars as winners of different award categories

This year promises to be even more exciting with Amstel Malta’s relentless commitment to bringing out the Best in everyone.

Fans have become elated about the AMVCA as its conversation spreads like wildfire with many eagerly casting their votes for their favourite acts.

So who wins this year? It’s a tight race and all bets are on!

Below are some of the voting categories and everyone is encouraged to follow the trend #AmstelMaltaAMVCA2014 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Stephanie Wilson – Living Funeral (3A)
Veronica Waceke – Higher Learning (3B)
Nse Ikpe-Etim – Journey To Self (3C)
Nkiru Sylvanus – Kiss And The Brides (3D)
Ivie Okujaye – The Volunteers (3E)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Juma Rajab Rashid – Siri Ya Mtungi (2A)
Majid Michel – Somewhere in Africa (2B)
Hlomla Dandala – Contract (2C)
Majid Michel – House of Gold (2D)
Tope Tedela – A Mile from Home (2E)

BEST MOVIE (DRAMA)
Obi Emelonye – Last Flight to Abuja (6A)
Edwin Maina Kariuki – Nairobi Half Life (6B)
Udoka Oyeka & Orode Ryan – Living Funeral (6C)
Frank Rajah Arase – The Price (6D)
Frank Rajah Arase – Groom’s Bride (6E)
Chris Eneaji &  Jumafor Ajogwu – Murder at Prime Suites (6F)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Hlomla Dandala – Contract (7A)
John Okafor – Return of Sheri Koko (7B)
Osita Iheme – The Hero (7C)
Osita Iheme – The Fighter (7D)
Chinedu Ikedieze – The Hero (7E)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Funke Akindele – The Fighter (8A)
Funke Akindele – The Hero (8B)
Funke Akindele – The Return Of Sheri Koko (8C)
Mary Ogbonna – Clinic Matters (8D)
Jackie Appiah – Cheaters (8E)
Yvonne Okoro – Contract (8F)

BEST MOVIE (COMEDY)
Uche Jumbo – Lies Men Tell (9A)
Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Yvonne Okoro & Ken Attoh – Contract (9B)
Elvis Chucks – A Wish (9C)
Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Fighter (9D)
Martins Onyebuchi Onyemaobi – The Hero (9E)

For more information on voting categories and how to vote, kindly follow the link: http://amvcaawards.dstv.com/. Also visit www.amstel-nigeria.com for more information on Amstel Malta and its involvement in the entertainment industry.

New Trailer & Photos for Tunde Kelani’s ‘Dazzling Mirage’ Starring Lala Akindoju, Kunle Afolayan, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett & Others Right Here For You

Mohammed Useni
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New Trailer & Photos for Tunde Kelani’s ‘Dazzling Mirage’ Starring Lala Akindoju, Kunle Afolayan, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett & Others Right Here For You

Play

As the countdown to the premiere of the movie ‘Dazzling Mirage’ continues, veteran director; Tunde Kelani releases a second premiere and new photos for the movie.

Lala Akindoju leads as a sickle- cell sufferer who strives to overcome social stigma, prejudice and low self-esteem, determined to achieve success, marriage and motherhood.

The movie also stars Kunle Afolayan, Taiwo Ajayi Lycett, Tosyn Bucknor, Bimbo Manuel amongst others and was written by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare.

Will she have it all?

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Jonathan Appoints Farouk Ahmed, PPPRA Executive Secretary

Mohammed Useni
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0
Jonathan Appoints Farouk Ahmed, PPPRA Executive Secretary

Press Releases

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Farouk A. Ahmed as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) with immediate effect.

Mr. Ahmed will take over from the incumbent Executive Secretary, Mr. Reginald C. Stanley who is retiring after 35 years in service.

The incoming Executive Secretary, who hails from Sokoto State, is the current Managing Director of Nidas Marine Ltd., a subsidiary of the NNPC.

He comes to his new job at the PPPRA with over 28 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry and a sound commercial and trading background having held senior positions in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry including Manager, Crude Oil Programming, Nominations, and Shipping and Terminals.

Mr. Ahmed has also served as Executive Director (Commercial), Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC).

President Jonathan thanks the outgoing Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Mr. Stanley for his meritorious service to the nation and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 20, 2014

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