Although the details of the assassination were still sketchy as at press time, our correspondent learnt that they were killed in the evening shortly after their arrival from the residence of Ogbeide’s in-law in Iguomo community at 39, Ore-Oghene Street in Benin where they had gone to shoot a film expected to be released into the market soon.

Source:punchng.com

Related posts:

1. Why Ghanaian Movie Stars are dominating Nollywood
2. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola Orders Lagos State University (LASU) to Resume on Friday
3. Blood Bath in Cross River State Communities

Aduba, who briefed the press on the latest development in the state, said that confessional statements extracted from the suspects indicated that while some of them volunteered to take part in the massacre, others had influential sponsors.

The commissioner said, “Our joint efforts after the said incident of March 7, 2010, had yielded good results wherein some 200 people were arrested. They cut across two categories of offences.

“The first category comprises some 49 Fulani who were arrested immediately after the incident of Dogo Na Hauwa, and in their various statements (they) owned up that they carried out the invasion and killings in the aforesaid villages.

“They further stated that they were on a revenge mission, being a fall-out of the event of January 2010 whereupon some villages, namely Tim-Tim, Von and Kuru-Jenta were attacked and some of their inhabitants and cattle destroyed.

“Investigations have also revealed that some of the Fulani were paid while some were volunteers, but so far, they have not revealed the identities of their chief sponsors.

“The second category was made up of 151 people arrested at Mangu and other surrounding villages for the offences of unlawful assembly.

“Investigations have further revealed that they took the laws into their hands by taking up arms in apparent defence of their communities against possible reprisal attacks.”

Aduba said that some of the weapons recovered from the suspects included four double-barrelled guns, 35 single-barrelled shotguns, two locally-made double-barrelled guns, three locally-made single-barrelled pistols, making a total of 44.

He added that five 9mm ammunition, five AK-47 ammunition and 35 live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

Other weapons recovered from the suspects, the acting commissioner said, included 26 bows and arrows, 14 machetes, 12 knives, three axes, four spears, charms and 129 swords.

Aduba also said that a body count of those given mass burial showed that they were 70, made up of 12 males, 26 female children, 19 female adults and 16 male adults.

He said 18 were privately buried at Barkin Ladi, 12 by relatives at Dogo Na Hauwa and nine others died in the course of treatment at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital.

He said that the dead were from four villages of Dogo Na Hauwa, Zot, Ratsat and Kutgot.

Meanwhile, a group, the Joint Revolutionary Council of Niger Delta, has condemned the killings of innocent people in Jos.

The group, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Bakabio Walter, and made available to THE PUNCH, said the tragedy was a reminder of the “severity of internal colonialism in the entity called Nigeria.”

It said, “How can we explain that the Nigerian military, led by the Fulani aristocracy, was informed of plans by Fulani militants to invade indigenous settlements in Jos and environs, yet there was no response. This is totally unacceptable and must be condemned by all genuine advocates of peace and justice.

“This is a litmus test for the Jonathan administration. The sack of Nigeria‘s National Security Adviser who used his inaction to support the Jos massacre might be a welcome development but it is definitely not enough. No amount of soldiers sent to Jos can bring an end to this conflict.

“If the Jonathan administration is committed to resolving the recurring ethnic violence in Jos, Niger Delta etc, the only logical thing to do is to convene a Sovereign National Conference of all the ethnic nationalities that were forcefully conscripted into Nigeria.

“However, we wish to state in unambiguous terms that our mission is to achieve independence for a Niger Delta Federation and not to seek relevance for the sake of patronage. We shall continue to strike until we achieve our ultimate goal.

“We note with curiosity, the continuous denial of knowledge of our attack on oil installations by the management of Shell and Agip and the Joint Task Force.

“No amount of money you give to them will prevent us from striking you more. Our actions will be sustained and will differentiate us from the criminal pretenders who are negotiating currently with the management of Agip.”

Source:punchng.com

Related posts:

1. Jos Crisis: 49 Persons face murder charge
2. Dubai Credit Crisis: U.A.E. Will Support Banks
3. 9-man Panel to Probe University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) crisis

AFIKPO—THOUSANDS of members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday, took to the streets of the ancient city of Afikpo in Ebonyi State, in a peaceful protest, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of their leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, who is being held in Kuje Prison, Abuja over kidnap allegation.
The MASSOB members, who thronged the second largest city in Ebonyi, arrived the town from different local government areas of the state in buses and converged at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, from where they marched the streets of Afikpo, passing through Eke Market Square up to the council headquarters.

Coincidentally, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was at the time holding the party’s rally in the same city but MASSOB members were neither molested nor dispersed by either the security agencies or any other group.
Speaking to newsmen while protesting, MASSOB’s National Director for Information, Uchenna Madu, said the organisation “all over Biafraland today (yesterday) are protesting against the inhuman treatment and unjust punishment meted to our dynamic leader, Chief Uwazurike by the Nigeria government.”
Madu said that MASSOB had studied Uwazurike’s ordeals in the hands of “our enemies” and resolved that Uwazurike must be released without any condition, adding that the Uwazurike they know cannot be a kidnapper or trouble maker.
Madu also said that because of the nature of hatred, ethnic/religious sentiments and politics of segregation that have continued to lead to the massive killings in the Northern part of Nigeria , “the best solution is to deliberately allow the different entities to be on their own than violent break-up that could lead to more loss of lives.”

He said that MASSOB sympathises with Christians recently massacred in Jos by suspected Islamic fundamentalists from Northern Nigeria and called on the United Nations, USA, France, Britain, African Union “to rise and defend the people of Biafra from Nigeria’s continued occupation of our land and systemic genocide in Biafra, and MASSOB is holding Goodluck Jonanathan and Ikedi Ohakim responsible for Uwazurike’s current imprisonment.”

Source: Vanguardngr.com

Related posts:

1. Intercontinental Bank : Court orders detention of 6 managers
2. Over 5000 Edo PDP Members Decamp to AC
3. Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Ogun State Threatens to Suspend Bankole

Army in internal security operations
“It is noteworthy that the Nigerian Army is involved in internal security operations in virtually all states of the Federation including Plateau State. The record of the Army’s performance in all these operations has continued to attract commendation and appreciation even in the face of numerous challenges.
“Governor Jang’s ceaseless attack on the Army only goes to confirm his extraordinary partisanship to which the Army will not be blackmailed into supporting.
“It is common knowledge that the internal security operation in Jos, Plateau State is a joint military operation involving the various services and the Nigeria Police Force. This situation arose when the Police could not cope at the onset of the Jos crisis in January 2010 and the military was legally drafted to restore law and order in Plateau State.
“The Governor may have his political or other intents to achieve, but he should desist from compounding issues, at least in the interest of the people who are endangered by his proposition and disdain for the Army in particular.
“Although the Army is briefing appropriate authorities on its operations and believes that appropriate response to Governor Jang’s attack on the Army is forthcoming, it is necessary to reassure Nigerians that the Army is not involved in any complicity as suggested by Governor Jang through his numerous channels for blackmail. The Army will continue to make its vital inputs into the ongoing joint operations of the Special Task Force as duly mandated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Residents on edge over rumours
Residents of Jos and its environs, yesterday, continued to be on the edge over rumours of impending attacks on the state from other parts of the country.
Many people did not go for their businesses on Wednesday or waited to study the situation before moving out of their homes following frightening text messages circulated the previous night that truck loads of mercenaries were heading for Jos to launch an attack.
The fear made many parents to prevent their children from going to school while most banks either did not open or closed early.
Meantime, the police said about 200 suspects have so far been arrested over last Sunday’s attack on Dogon Nahawa village with some of them confessing that they were mercenaries paid to carry out the attack.
Briefing journalists on the recent violence, Acting Commissioner of Police for the state, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba said some of those arrested also claimed to have been volunteers on revenge mission but were yet to name their sponsors.
He gave the number of those killed in Sunday’s attack as 109 contradicting the 500 figure given by the state government.
Aduba said: “Although the sudden and unnatural death of a single citizen is enough to mourn, but there is need to put the record straight. The unwholesome figure of 500 and 371variously credited to the state government through its Commissioner for Information is fabricated and should be disregarded.”

A scene of the Jos attack

Though no reason was given for the visit, Vanguard gathered that it was not unconnected with his outburst at the Presidential villa, Tuesday, during which he said that he got in touch with Commanders of the Army in Jos at about 9.00 p.m last Saturday, when information reached him that there were movements and possibility of attacks without any action being taken until 2.30 a.m, Sunday, when the Fulani headsmen struck.
It was gathered that Governor Jang, a retired airforce officer, sought the assistance of Air Chief Marshal Dike, as the number one military officer in the country to ensure that troops deployed to the state, were focused on the assignment given them.
Shortly after leaving the office of the CDS, the governor proceeded to the Police Force headquarters where he had another meeting with the IGP that last over an hour.
When Vanguard accosted Governor Jang on reasons for his visit to the CDS and later the IGP, he said it was a friendly visit, adding: “Don’t forget that these are my officers. Nothing stops me from stopping by and saying hello to these officers.”
Asked to comment on the situation of things in Plateau state presently, he said “Everything is calm now but we give thanks to God.”
Northern lawmakers blame regional crises on poverty
The Northern caucus in the House of Representatives, however, blamed the recurring crises in Jos, Plateau State and other parts of the region on poverty and frustration.
Besides, the House caucus also wants Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to collaborate with northern leaders on a development master plan for Northern states, like it is presently being done in the South-South States.
The caucus said it has also set up 20-member committee to tour the region with a view to addressing the fundamental reasons for incessant crises.
Chairman of the caucus, Rep.Terngu Tsegba, PDP, Gboko Tarkaa, Benue State, who read the group’s resolution on the latest crisis in Jos at a press conference, said that poverty remained the basic problem with Plateau State and other parts of the region.
He said: “Since the problem in the North is not just religious, but rather that of poverty and frustration, caucus calls on the Federal/State Governments to use the same method with which they dealt with militancy in the Niger Delta to solve the problem in Plateau and other northern States.
“The caucus also resolves to set up a 20 man committee to tour northern states with a view to forestalling a repeat or spread of the crises to other parts of the North.”
According Rep.Tsegba, security agencies should be alert to their responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of Nigerians.
The caucus, however, condemned “in strong terms the recent premeditated attack on villages in Jos South Local Government Area which resulted in loss of lives and properties including women and children.”

Source: Vanguardngr.com

Related posts:

1. Jos Violence: Over 10 Persons Killed
2. Jos Crisis: We were sponsored, suspects tell police
3. UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw: Chelsea Face Inter, Man Utd Face AC Milan

Iinvestigation reveals that Mukthar`s removal may not be unconnected with the recent killing in Jos. Recall that during the last crisis is Jos in January, the Acting President gave a standing order to security agencies, to adopt a more proactive approach in intelligence gathering in order to forestall future security breaches .However, he was shocked that there was a reoccurrence, weeks after the last episode.

Consequently, the Acting President summoned a meeting of security chiefs in Abuja; Asked about the recurring security breaches during the meeting, Gen Mukthar had no legitimate explanation. Hence its was determined he was no longer suitable for the job.

According to Presidency sources villagers in Dogo Nahawa in Shen of Jos South Local government area had sent text messages to Nigeria security agents at 8.30p.m on Saturday night, informing them of the impending attack. But operatives did not arrive Jos south local government area until 3.30 am on Sunday morning, hours after the killings.

General Aliyu Gasau emerged NSA for the third time in 17 years.He was first appointed NSA in 1993 by former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. He later served as Chief of Army Staff the Babangida regime.President Obasanjo reappointed him in 1991, and he managed Nigeria`s security for eight years. He also served under President Yar`adua before he was replaced with Mukhtar.

Gusau was director of Military Intelligence under former President Shehu Shagari.He was the pioneer head of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) created by the Buhari administration after his return from the Royal College of Defence Studies in Britain.

Born in 1943 in Gusau, Zamfara State, Gusau was a pioneer cadet of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on March 18, 1967. His first military posting after he became an officer was in the 5th Infantry Battalion. A year after, he was elevated Lieutenant and in 1969, a Major. He was promoted a Lieutenant Colonel in 1975 and Colonel in 1979. Gusau became Brig.-Gen. in 1984, Maj.-Gen. in 1988 and a Lt.-Gen. in 1993. .

Related posts:

1. Federal High Court Orders Chief Justice of Nigeria to swear-in Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President
2. Goodluck Jonathan is Now Nigeria’s Acting President
3. Ag President Goodluck Jonathan Removes Aondoakaa

Man’s inhumanity to man. A bus was ambushed by armed robbers, the passengers were robbed and raped, those that had nothing to give were asked to lie down on the road face down and the driver on gun point was commanded by the robbers to drive the bus over them!!!! See Pic Below Confirm if its true and comment below

Related posts:

1. Jos Crisis: 49 Persons face murder charge
2. University of Benin Recruiting
3. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola Orders Lagos State University (LASU) to Resume on Friday

One of the houses razed during the last Jos crisis

Over 200 people mostly women and children were today massacred at three villages near Shen in Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected Fulani herdsmen on reprisal attacks. At least 45 children including toddlers were among those hacked to death, gunned down or roasted as their abodes were torched by the marauders at about 2.30 am.

Most hit was Dogon Na Hauwa village where most of the killings were done and over 75 houses were razed but nearby Ratsat and Jeji villages were not spared.

A victim, Musa Gyang who spoke to journalists where he is receiving treatment at Plateau Specialist Hospital said they were woken up by gun shots in the middle of the night and before they knew what was happening they saw their houses torched and as they ran out they were attacked with gun shots or machete.

Journalists could not help but break down in tears as they saw piles of corpses mostly women and children some of them with heads severed.

The Commissioner for Information Mr. Gregory Yenlong who briefed journalists later said about 500 corpses would be given a mass burial adding that security has been beefed up to contains the situation .

He described the attack on the Berom villages as a kind of ethnic cleansing saying some families were completely wiped out.

He confirmed that the attackers were suspected to be Fulanis who came on foot from elsewhere to beat security but call for calm as government intensifies efforts to track down the attackers.

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba who visited the area also lamented the gruesome murder of innocent people describing it as man’s inhumanity to man.

He said he received information of planned attacks on villages and informed the security agencies appropriately wondering why the attacks still happened.

Addressing the survivors, he appealed for calm warning against any form of reprisals.

“I am deeply sad. We can’t continue like this; we are not animals. We’ll go back and discuss with government even up to Abuja and make our case. Let’s Have patience. There is no alternative to patience and don’t let us take laws into our hands. Do not do anything that would aggravate the situation”, he told them.
Ends.

Source: Vanguardngr.com

Related posts:

1. Jos Violence: Over 10 Persons Killed
2. Network of Freedom Fighters (NFF) threatens to Attack Oil Facilities if Jonathan is not made Acting President
3. ‘Malaria and weak bones’ Killed Egyptian King Tutankhamun

TRAGIC! ••• Endurance Idahor, died playing for club El-Merreikh of Sudan in a Premier League match against Al-Amal on Saturday.

Despite the teams’ best efforts to see that the striker was given treatment as quickly as possible, the 23-year-old is said to have passed away inside the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
Players, coaching staff and the 30,000 supporters stood in disbelief as the referee whistled the end of the match.
Sources close to El-Merreikh Club said that the player will undergo an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Meanwhile, early medical reports state that a heart attack is the most likely cause of death.

The club released a brief announcement describing the player as “an example of a professional and committed individual and a symbol of loyalty” and added, “We will assure that justice takes place”.
Endurance Idahor joined El-Merreikh from Nigerian outfits Dolphin in 2006, loaned to Al-Nasser of UAE for one season and since his return he became a key figure in the first team squad scoring over 67 goals, leading the club to their first CAF Confederation Cup final since 1989.It remains to be seen whether the rest of week 3 matches scheduled for yesterday would be postponed or not.

Related posts:

1. Brittany Murphy Dies at 32
2. Edo State Chief Judge Dies at 61
3. MTN Nigerian Music Fest (MTN NIMUFEST) Begins in Lagos

A unanimous decision was not reached by board members on goal-line technology, but according to a source close to the dossier, a majority came out in principle against its introduction.
“Concerning goal-line technology, the board concluded that goal-line technology would not be pursued,” the sport’s world governing body FIFA said in a statement Saturday.
The news brought a sharp reaction from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who said it was “beyond comprehension” that global football chiefs had maintained their opposition to goal-line technology.
“For me, it is difficult to understand, for one reason because you want as much justice as possible,” Wenger added.
“I do not even think it is linked with the money factor. If you love football you want the right decisions to be made.”
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish also hit out at the decision.
McLeish’s team appeared to have been denied a legitimate goal in their FA Cup quarter-finals 2-0 defeat by Portsmouth earlier Saturday, a goal that would surely have stood if replays had been available to match officials.
“That is a frustrating decision by FIFA because I think they are doing their officials a disservice,” said the former Scotland and Rangers manager.
“It’s not easy for their guys to see it in a split second. I know you can’t stop every part of the game but certainly for key decisions in a major competition like the FA Cup, your chances of getting to semi-finals and finals are few and far between for a little club like us.”
This is not the first time McLeish has spoken out in favour of the new technology.
After last November’s incident in which Thierry Henry’s controversial handball against Ireland helped France qualify for the World Cup Finals, McLeish said the system would have spotted Henry’s offence.
But opponents of such moves argue that video evidence is often inconclusive and that the process of watching would interrupt the flow of the game.
FIFA said that a presentation had also been provided on the experiment with additional assistant referees in the Europa League, after 144 matches played so far.
FIFA added that a special meeting of the board would discuss the final analysis of the experiment on May 17-18, after the May 12 Europa League final.

Related posts:

1. FIFA invites Nigeria to Football for Hope Festival 2010
2. Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire Seeks to Win FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. SW Global Recruits VP of Technology Accra, Ghana

IF events in the seat of Nigeria Political power, Aso Rock, Wednesday, are anything to go by, then one might say that after several weeks of political fireworks between factions to loyal ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua and Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, normalcy may have finally returned to the Presidency.
Perhaps, this is because, like they moved in to empower Jonathan to act as Nigeria’s President, the Governors of the 36 States of the Federation, again Tuesday night, moved in to halt further political hostility among actors in the lingering political imbroglio that succeeded in reawakening religious and ethnic sentiment and consciousness among the federating units of the country.

Jonathan
This is as the six-man team which was dispatched to Saudi Arabia has submitted its report without the expected sharp disagreement; apparently in line with the decision of the governors asking the cabinet not consider any debate on the health of Yar’Adua, as the report only contain Nigeria’s conveyance of gratitude to the Saudi government.
The governors who had met Tuesday afternoon without a word to the press later met with Jonathan in the evening of same day where they pressed for a commitment from Jonathan to accept the acting president appointment and stop further moves that lead to the resignation or impeachment of the Yar’Adua.
Most governors who came under intensive anti resignation and impeachment lobby from a strong team of Yar’Adua’s kitchen cabinet members made up of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Alhaji Adamu Aleiro, Minister of Agriculture, Dr Sayyad Abba Ruma, that of Works, Dr Hassan Lawal and the Chief Economic Adviser to Yar’Adua, Professor Tanimu Yakubu, successfully achieved their target.

Cabinet members made up of Ministers and presidential aides yesterday attended the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, which was presided over by Jonathan, with perhaps oneness of purpose void of the usual rancor and acrimony that have characterized previous meetings in the recent past.
The meeting which could not hold last week due to its cancellation by Jonathan following the sudden appearance of Yar’Adua from his Saudi Arabia medical bed, a development that further heated up the polity, especially in the presidency, with its attendant high level uncertainty, as to who was really in charge, between Yar’Adua and Jonathan.
Though the meeting started barely 40 minutes behind schedule, Vanguard could not find cabinet members in their usual group discussion along geo-political and religious lines; except for the exchange of banters among ministers and aides.
The Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili, who briefed State House Correspondents after the meeting said FEC received the report of the six-man panel; but added that it was not debated as there no reason for such exercise, after all.
Six-Man Team Report
“Recall that on the 17th of February council constituted a six man cabinet delegation to visit President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who was hospitalized in Saudi Arabia. They were also to convey the appreciation of the government and the good people of Nigeria to the Saudi Monarch for the care and support given to our President.
“The team which is headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, CFR, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, Dr. Abba Sayyadi Ruma.
“Preparatory to this visit the acting president had addressed a letter to the Royal Majesty, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, introducing the delegation as a special envoy from the presidency.
“In the letter, the acting president conveyed the profound appreciation and deep gratitude of the government and the entire people of Nigeria to the king, for the kindness, hospitality, fraternal care and excellent facilities extended to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“The delegation reported that they departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, early hours of Tuesday, 23rd February 2010, some minutes after midnight. On their arrival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, they were received the Nigerian Ambassador, Alhaji Abdullahi Aminchi and the Royal Protocol Personnel and driven straight to the Conference Palace, where they were accommodated.
“Prior to their arrival, the Nigerian Ambassador has secured appointment for them to be recived by His Highness, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs at 18.00 hours on the 23rd February, 2010.

“The Foreign Minister received us on behalf of the Saudi King and re-affirmed the commitment of the Saudi Government to promoting good relationship with Nigeria. He also assured the delegation that the Health of President Yar’Adua was improving.
“The delegation thanked the Saudi Foreign Minister for the warm reception and the hospitality which the kingdom accorded to them and delivered the Acting President’s letter to him, for onward transmission to His Royal Majesty, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.

“Thereafter, the Nigerian Ambassador, Alhaji Abdullahi Aminchi informed the delegation that he had received information that President Yar’Adua had been discharged and was on his way back to Abuja.
“From all indications, the President must have departed Jeddah Airport at about 10 pm, Saudi time on Tuesday 23rd February 2010. With news that the President had left Saudi Arabia for Nigeria, the delegation did not consider it necessary to proceed to Jeddah, where the President was hospitalized. Accordingly, they decided to return to Nigeria.
“The delegation departed Riyadh at about 5.30am on Wednesday 24th February 2010 and arrive Abuja at about 10.30 am.
The Acting President was accordingly briefed on their return”.

According to Akunyili, Council approved the reconstruction of Owerri-Elele road linking Imo and Rivers state as part of the post-amnesty programme aimed at enhancing accessibility and creating employment opportunities. Additional consultancy services for the project are valued at N469.73 million.

Also approved is the N1.45 billion contract for the rehabilitation Dengi-Jarmai road in Plateau state. It is to be funded by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency and the Ecological Fund.
A consultancy services contract for the Obiakpo-Obeng gas pipeline was approved in the sum of N236.8 million. It involves project studies and technical surveys, among other technical supervision duties for the project.

Related posts:

1. Federal High Court Orders Chief Justice of Nigeria to swear-in Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President
2. Reasons Jonathan rejected Aondoakaa’s letter to act as President
3. Ag President Goodluck Jonathan Removes Aondoakaa

A top CBN official who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said the apex bank was aware of the concerns about the old notes and has decided to extend the deadline indefinitely. This means the old N50, N10 and N5 notes will continue to be accepted as legal tender until they are all withdrawn from the system.
President Umaru Yar’Adua, as part of the last Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2009, launched the new N5, N10 and N50 polymer notes as legal tender in the country.
Speaking at the launch, the Governor of the Central CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, urged Nigerians to embrace the new currencies as well as strive to keep the naira clean. He also urged Nigerians to check the abuse to which the currency has been subjected to over the years.

Sanusi who said the campaign to keep the naira clean will further be enhanced by the introduction of the new polymers notes, said that banks “have established exchange windows to enable the public exchange the new polymer notes with their genuine old ‘paper’ bank notes, which cease to be a legal tender from March 2010.”
Highlighting advantages of the polymer notes on the paper notes, Sansui stressed that the polymer notes were made of water-proof materials resistant to easy tear and dirt.

The CBN had in 1973 introduced notes for 50 kobo, N1, N5, N10 and N20. The 50 kobo was issued last in 1989. In 1991, the N50 notes were issued, followed by N100 in 1999, N200 in 2000, N500 in 2001 and N1000 on October 12, 2005.
On February 28, 2007, new versions of the N5 to N50 banknotes were introduced. Originally, the N10, N20 and N50 were planned to be in polymer banknotes, but only the N20 was made of polymer until October 1, 2009.

Source: Vanguardngr.com

Related posts:

1. Senators Set February 10 Deadline for Yar‘Adua to Hand Over
2. Cecilia Ibru Sanusi of Plotting to Sell Oceanic Bank to friends
3. First City Monument Bank Staff Nabbed Over N12.5m Fraud

Introduction:
Applications are invited for Chief Gani Fawehinmi Annual Scholarship for Nigerians Awards. The award is for 40 (forty) students, each of whom will receive One hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) for their education.
Criteria for Award:
1. Applicant must be poor and indigent.
2. Applicant must be registered students of Tertiary institutions in Nigeria i.e Universities, Polytechnics and College of Education.
3. Applicants must have good academic performances.

Mode of Application:
• Each applicant shall submit an application letter, not more than two pages. The letter must include the name of the candidate, course of study, year of study, state of origin, and why the candidate believes that he/she should be given the scholarship award.
• The application letter must be accompanied by:
(a) A photocopy of the candidate’s current Identity card.
(b) A letter from the candidate’s current Head of Department, including correct information of the candidate’s CGPA for the last academic semester.
(c) A letter from the Registrar certifying that the candidate is a student of such institution.
(d) A copy of the candidates registration form for the current semester.
The application letter, with all the supporting documents, should be forwarded (by hand or by postal delivery) to:

CHIEF GANI FAWEHINMI SCHOLARSHIP BOARD,
c/o Gani Fawehinmi Chambers,
35, Adeniran Ajao Road, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos State.

Or
P.O. Box 1114, Surulere, Lagos State.

NB: Deadline for submission of application is Wednesday, March 31st, 2010.
Interview and Award Ceremony:

Interview: All applicants will be interviewed on Wednesday, April 20th, 2010 at Gani Fawehinmi Chambers,
35, Adeniran Ajao Road, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos State.

Award Ceremony:
Successful candidates will be awarded the Scholarships on Thursday, April 21st, 2010 at same venue by 12:00 Noon.
Announcer: Chairman, Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board.

Related posts:

1. Chevron Nigeria Limited/ Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) University Scholarships Awards
2. Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited 2009/2010 Tertiary Institutions Scholarship Awards Scheme
3. MTN Nigeria Releases List Of Successful Students For the MTN Foundation Scholarship Aptitude Test

Kogi State University Admission List for 2009/2010 Academic Session

Candidates who sat for the Kogi State post Ume Screening exams can now check their admission status online.

To Check The Admission List, visit The Kogi State University Websitewww.myksuportal.com

PRESS CTRL+F TO FIND YOUR NAME. TYPE EITHER YOUR NAME OR JAMB REGISTRATION TO VIEW YOUR NAME.

NOTICE
If you have been offered provisional admission through University Matriculation Examination (UME) and Direct Entry (DE) into the various programmes of Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba.

Normal registration is scheduled to commence on Monday, 8th March, 2010 and ends on Friday, 19th March, 2010.Late registration starts on Monday, 22nd and ends on Friday, 26th March, 2010.

Candidates and other stakeholders are to note:
i. that late registration attracts a penalty fee of N5,000.00;

ii. that the University will not, under any guise, entertain late registration after the stipulated deadline of Friday, 26th March, 2010;

iii. that candidates who have deficiencies in O’Level English Language for all programmes and/or Mathematics, especially for Science-based programmes do not qualify for admission;

iv. that candidates who did not submit the requisite internet print-out(s) of their O’Level result(s) stand to deny themselves admission;

v. that candidates who have not submitted their internet print-out(s) of O’Level results must be screened before collection of admission letters;

vi. that candidates have been admitted on the basis of national merit and Kogi State merit in consonance with the Senate and Council approved policy on admission of candidates into the University, and

vii. that candidates should, on arrival at the University, report to the Academic Office, Senate Building of the University, for further instructions on registration procedures.

Signed

J. A. Zhizhi
Registrar

KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY
P.M.B 1008, ANYIGBA

Source:ngcareers.com

Related posts:

1. Lagos State University LASU Admission List 2009/2010 Released.
2. Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has released its 2009/ 2010 Admission List
3. Imo State University (IMSU) 2009/ 2010 Admission List Out!!

They accused the firms of stealing the oil belonging to the people and taking sides with the Federal Government to subjugate and oppress the owners of the resources.
In an interactive session with the international press on Tuesday night at the ongoing “Niger-Delta Peace Consolidation Conference” by the Hope for Niger-Delta Campaign, in The Hague, they called on the government of Netherlands to call the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, which has its global headquarters in The Netherlands to order.
Dokubo, Ekiyor, Keyamo warn Shell

In the alternative, Dokubo-Asari, Ekiyor and lawyer/activist, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who attended the session, said the Dutch government should ask SPDC to pull out of the Niger-Delta until the political and economic problems between the Federal Government and the people of Niger-Delta over the ownership of oil in the region were resolved so that multinationals would negotiate with the actual owners.
Dokubo-Asari, who is currently on exile, warned that his group, NDPVF, would soon start a fresh arms struggle and oil multinationals would be treated as enemy-combatants if they refused to stop their evil collaboration with the oppressors of the people of the Niger-Delta.

Though, he said he did not recognise the amnesty programme of the Federal Government, a position that Ekiyor said was his personal opinion, Dokubo-Asari added he was not against peace, but, “the truth of the matter is that the cabal ruling Nigeria does not want peace in the Niger-Delta.”
He noted that: “Ken Saro-Wiwa and others have been murdered because of our oil. Our oil is blood oil. Anybody who takes our oil is an enemy; the only way they can contribute is to leave. As long as they continue to back the occupation by the Nigerian government, these multinational oil firms are enemy-combatants and, if they are caught in the line of fire, they will be killed.

Back to the trenches
“The views of the N-Delta Peoples’ Volunteer Force is very clear, we are going back to the arms struggle and anybody who is caught in the line of fire will be treated as an enemy, whether he is an America, a Dutch man, wherever he is from. There is no two way about it.
Nobody can disclaim me and cause me pain and make me to be a slave in my land, destroy my land and continue, and ask me to accept peace with my hands tied behind my back like a slave, with a gun pointed at my head, I will never accept that peace, I will fight. I am 46 years old, I will fight until I get victory and place freedom on the palms of my people’s hands or I die,” he said.

On why he issuing notice of fresh arms struggle from exile, he said, “All genuine revolutionaries move from the land of oppression to where they can be free to articulate their views and mobilise their people for the final onslaught and that is the path I have taken. Mandela, Castro followed it.”

Related posts:

1. Rivers, NDDC Splash Film Scholarships on Niger Deltans
2. Niger Republic Coup: A day after
3. Banks, Insurance Firms Withhold N39.21bn Pension Assets

However, the Information Minister, Professor Dora Akunyili said, yesterday, that Jonathan will remain the country’s Acting President until the National Assembly reversed the resolution giving him executive powers.
She said: “He (Jonathan) cannot go back to Vice President until the National Assembly reverses their resolution that made him Acting President, which was even supported by the Federal Executive Council and more importantly by most Nigerians.”
Mustapha queried over troop’s deployment
Indications emerged in Abuja that the Commander, Brigade of Guards, the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Abdul Mustapha who single-handedly deployed troops between 12 midnight and 3.00 a.m., Wednesday, when ailing President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was brought into the country, was queried verbally for the action.
Investigations by Vanguard showed that General Mustapha as Commander, Guards Brigade, has the routine duty of providing security for the Presidential Villa, the President, Acting President and the Vice President as the case may be.

Military command structure

As Commander Brigade of Guards, Mustapha’s immediate boss is the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Jacob Edi, whose boss is the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Bello Dambazau.
Before any such deployment is made, courtesy demands that the AHQ Commander is informed, who in turn informs the Chief of Army staff. The COAS on his part then informs the Chief of Defence Staff.
Vanguard gathered, however, that while these procedures were not followed, what further irked top Defence and military officials, was the fact that the troops were deployed to welcome Yar’Adua at such unholy hours without Mustapha informing his bosses and bypassing the office of the Commander in Chief.
One officer asked: “Supposing anything happened to Yar’Adua while on his way from the airport to the villa, what excuse would the Commander have given especially when he bypassed his superiors to carry out such a deployment?”
A military source told Vanguard that the saving grace for Mustapha is the fact that he is directly responsible to the President.

Kitchen cabinet in crucial meetings with Turai
Meanwhile, the core team of President Yar’Adua’s minders, made up of Alhaji Abba Ruma, Agriculture Minister, Mansur Muhtar, Finance Minister and Professor Tanimu Yakubu, Chief Economic Adviser, were in a series of meetings with the First Lady yesterday, at a time when the latter snubbed Acting President Goodluck Jonathan.
Although details of the meetings remained sketchy, a source familiar with the ongoing power tussle in Aso Rock Presidential Villa told Vanguard that “such a meeting couldn’t have dwelt more on any other thing than to cripple the influence of the Acting President.”
Vanguard has also been made to understand that the Muslim Festival of today may not witness the usual visit to Mr. President by religious leaders, on the grounds that “he would be said to be resting.”
It was also learnt, yesterday, that members of the Yar’Adua family are meeting in Lagos and Katsina to deliberate on two options. These are to ask Yar’Adua to resign or to seek extended medical leave.

Yar’Adua’s return: PDP shocked
Meantime, indications have emerged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was shocked on reading on the pages of newspapers like other Nigerians the return of Yar’Adua to the country after 93 days in far away Saudi Arabia.
Vanguard gathered that some members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party complained of not being carried along since the political quagmire started.
The source said further that the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor and some members of the leadership of the party, on hearing that he had returned, tried to reach him even though they were said to be unhappy that they were not carried along throughout the preparation for his return, it was gathered that they could not see him.
PDP issues statement
Speaking with Vanguard, yesterday, a member of the NWC on whether they knew of Yar’Adua’s return to the country, said, “no, no, the matter is sad, it is very sad, I will see you later.”
It would be recalled Prince Ogbulafor and other members of the National Working Committee were not able to see ailing President Umaru Yar’adua even after spending six days in Jeddah
The NWC members, the National Chairman, the Deputy National Chairman, Bello Haliru Mohammed and the Deputy National Secretary, Dr. Musa Babayo returned from Jeddah without seeing him. They only had talks with First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua and the doctor.
But despite the treatment, the party issued a statement, Wednesday, which read: “the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Vincent Eze Ogbulafor, OFR, on behalf of the National Working Committee warmly welcomes the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, back to Nigeria from his medical leave.
“The safe arrival of Mr. President from his sojourn in Saudi Arabia is a testimony to the fact that the prayers of all Nigerians for his quick recovery have been answered. We, therefore, rejoice with our fellow citizens for this unique favour done to us by the Almighty God.”

Turai shuns planned talks with Jonathan
The high power play in Aso Rock which the secretive sneaking of Yar’Adua into the country heralded, continued yesterday with reports of a purported shunning of Acting President Jonathan by the First Lady, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua.
There were strong indications that the First Lady had shunned the planned Wednesday night’s meeting between her and Jonathan, at the President’s residence located within the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, it was learnt, which was at the instance of Jonathan, contrary to reports that it was being convened through a directive of the First Lady, was part of the peace processes being initiated by Jonathan, as a way of assuring the first family that his empowerment to act by the National Assembly was to douse the rising political tension in the country.
Vanguard gathered from a top security source that when the Acting President sent his aides to meet with the First Lady to arrange for the meeting, they were told that she was unavailable for the briefing.
“Around 7.00 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday), when the team went to the President’s residence, the woman was not ready to come down for any meeting so Jonathan’s aides went back to their boss to report the situation. It was then that the meeting was put off,” the source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said.
According to our source, “what the Acting President wants to do is to welcome her back and get briefing on the President’s health from her. He also wants to show solidarity with the family and to make her understand that there is no rift between him and the Yar’Adua family. But I think people may have misinterpreted the whole thing.”
At a brief but crucial meeting, which further asserted him as being in control of state affairs, Acting President Jonathan had told the ministers of his planned meeting with the first lady during which he hoped to get the full briefing on the President’s state of health so he would know the next line of action.

The meeting which held at his conference room by 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, was to be a replacement of the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, that was put off suddenly, by the Acting President.

Source: Vanguardngr.com

Related posts:

1. President Jonathan Pledges to Resolve Power Crises
2. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Support Nigeria Ambition to Build a Nuclear Power Plant
3. Federal High Court Orders Chief Justice of Nigeria to swear-in Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc is recruiting for the following position

Shift Electrical Maintenance Manager (Power Distribution)

Ref: ELECT 2010

The Job:
Reporting to the Electrical Engineering Manager will lead shift teams for maintenance, overhaul, installation and repair of power distribution equipment. Will coordinate power distribution activities during shift period, supervise and coach team members.

Qualification:
- B.Sc Electrical Engineering
- COREN Registered
- 5 WASC/GCE Credits inclusive of English Language and Mathematics

The Person:
Proactive, self motivated, target driven with good team leadership and coordination skills.

Experience:
- 7 years experience (minimum), in manufacturing industry.
- Good trouble shooting skills and ability to analyse fault signals on protection relays.
- Must have hands-on working knowledge of Transformers, High and Low Tension Panels & cabling, Electrical Distribution, Circuit breakers.

Application:
Visit www.dragnetnigeria.com/fmnplc
and apply on-line on or before 12th March 2010.

Source:ngcareers.com

Related posts:

1. BBC World Service Trust Nigeria Recruiting
2. Bank in Nigeria recruiting
3. PZ Cussons Recruiting Brand Manager

Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, Michael Ciani gave the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time with a header from a Yoann Gourcuff free-kick.
Bordeaux – buoyed by that late first-half strike – began the second period in the ascendancy and could have added a second before a late onslaught from Olympiacos that culminated in a disallowed last-minute goal for Enzo Maresca.
Having cruised through a group stage that included European powerhouses Juventus and Bayern Munich with five wins and a draw from six outings, Bordeaux were – when the draw for the last 16 was made – firm favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.

However a patchy stretch of domestic form has seen the French champions’ lead at the top of Ligue 1 cut to three points while suffering domestic cup heartache.
Despite successive wins against St Etienne and Lorient, the air of invincibility that defined Les Girondins’ early season successes has all but disappeared.
Their hosts are faring little better domestically, where they trail arch rivals Panathinaikos by seven points at the top of the Greek Super League. But with the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium at its boisterous best, they began the game on the front foot.
Pressing high up the pitch without the ball and moving forward at pace with it, the Greek champions had their visitors under almost constant pressure during the opening exchanges. And they almost took the lead as early as the fourth minute.
Good work from Lomana LuaLua was rewarded with a free-kick deep in Bordeaux’s half that Maresca whipped into the visitors’ box. Former Juventus centre back Olof Mellberg rose highest but glanced his header just wide.
Much of the rest of the first period was played out through a congested midfield and clear-cut chances were at a premium.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the half, it was the visitors who had the better of the openings. Fernando Menegazzo stung the palms of Antonis Nikopolidis from distance before Wendel thrashed an effort wide of the post.
With the game littered with free-kicks, it was of little surprise that the winning goal came as a result of a set-piece. LuaLua was harshly adjudged to have brought down Benoit Tremoulinas when he had got a large slice of the ball, but Ciani cared little as he rose highest to dispatch Gourcuff’s free-kick.
It was a cruel blow to concede so close to half-time and the home side emerged from the break still out of sorts.
Bordeaux began to carve out more openings as Gourcuff’s influence on the game grew, but they almost came to rue their profligacy as Olympiacos rallied late on.

Wendel and Jaroslav Plasil both fired wide following good build-up play before Olympiacos’ late surge.
LuaLua had three late second half efforts that were well saved by Cedric Carrasso – the last, from point-blank range, had looked to be the final chance of the night. Yet from the resulting corner Maresca headed into an empty net – only for referee Howard Webb to rule that Matt Derbyshire had infringed on Carrasso to deny the hosts a late equaliser.

Source: Marcus Foley / Eurosport

Related posts:

1. Lyon beats Real Madrid 1 – 0 in UEFA Champions League Round 16 Ist Leg
2. Manchester United Beats AC Milan 3-2 in Champions League last 16 first leg
3. UEFA Champions League: Manchester United 0-1 Besiktas: Turkish Side Stuns Old Trafford

The hosts dominated the first half of the encounter and deservedly took the lead when Cacao headed powerfully into the back of the net.
The German side missed a host of further chances to extend their lead and were hit with a sucker punch after the break when Ibrahimovic side-footed home at the second attempt after Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann had made a fine save.
Lehmann, who was sent off for former club Arsenal against Barcelona after only 18 minutes of the 2006 Champions League final, did not enjoy the best of nights and almost gifted the visitors a second-half winner.
He flapped at a cross from the left allowing Ibrahimovic a free shot at goal from close range that was cleared off the line by Cristian Molinaro.
The holders needed an improved second-half display to salvage a draw from a game that had looked like getting away from them.
They were quickly under the cosh as Stuttgart hustled and harried all over the pitch, snapping into tackles and restricting the space in midfield.
The hosts carved out the first chance of the game after 12 minutes when Cacao found himself in acres of space in the Barca box but dallied when he should have turned and shot – and the opportunity went begging.
But after pegging the visitors back in their own half and threatening with a series of dangerous crosses, the hosts did get the reward they deserved after 24 minutes.
Timo Gebhart curled a delightful cross to the far post and Cacao jumped high to head powerfully past Victor Valdes.
Stuttgart had a vociferous penalty appeal turned down minutes later when Pavel Pogrebnyak saw his cross charged down by the outstretched arm of Gerard Pique, while Cacau went close to adding to the opening goal with a toe-poked effort from the edge of the area that Valdes saved smartly with his feet.
Barcelona were lackadaisical but were unfortunate nonetheless not to go in at the break level-pegging when Lionel Messi’s left-footed effort was poorly dealt with by Lehmann but came back off the post and was gathered by the German keeper.
But the hosts’ luck ran out seven minutes after the restart when Ibrahimovic drew the visitors level with a side-footed finish after being denied at the first attempt by a sprawling save from Lehmann.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of Stuttgart who struggled to regain the upper hand.
Ibrahimovic came close to grabbing a winner for the visitors when Lehmann came out and missed a cross from the left, allowing the Swede to shoot towards an unguarded net. His effort cannoned off the shoulder of Molinaro and flew over the bar.
Valdes made a smart stop to deny Stuttgart substitute Ciprian Marica but was otherwise untroubled as the game petered out.
The draw and away goal leave Barcelona favourites to progress into the last eight from the return leg to be played on March 17.
Toby Davis / Eurosport

Related posts:

1. UEFA Champions League: Barcelona Beat Inter 2-0
2. UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw: Chelsea Face Inter, Man Utd Face AC Milan
3. Bordeaux Beats Olympiacos 1-0 Ist Leg Last 16 UEFA Champions League

1. CATEGORIES OF AWARDS
- Host Communities Merit Award: For applicants strictly from NAOC host communities
- National Merit Award: For applicants from non-host communities.

2. ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for consideration applicants MUST be:
- Registered FULL TIME undergraduates in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
- Certified 100 level students.

NOTE: The following categories of students should NOT apply:
- 200 level students and above
- current beneficiaries of similiar awards from other companies and agencies
- dependants of employees of NAOC, AENR and NAE

Only indigenes of NAOC host communities in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers State SHOULD apply for the Host Communities Merit Award.
Only candidates studying Engineering and Medicine are eligible for the National Merit Award.

3. JAMB SCORE
Candidates for the National Merit Award should be students that obtained 275 marks and above in the admission examination exercise conducted by JAMB.
This restriction on JAMB SCORES does NOT apply to candidates for the Host Communities Merit Award.

4. METHOD OF APPLICATION
To qualify for consideration applicants MUST submit an application with ALL the following information STRICTLY in this order on one (1) sheet of A4 paper:
a) Surname
b) Other Names
c) Sex
d) JAMB result
e) Evidence of Admission
f) Year of Study
g) Institution
h) Course of Study
i) Matriculation Number
j) Home Town/ Community
k) Local Government Area
l) State of Origin
m) Personal Telephone Number
n) Personal e-mail Address
o) Permanent Address (NOT P.O. Box)
p) Preferred Test Centre
q) Two recent Passport Photographs with full names written on the back.

All applicants for Host Communities Merit award MUST attach current (2009 – 2010) Letters of Identification duly signed by:
- the Current (2009) Chairman and Secretary of his/her CDC
- bona-fide traditional/ paramount ruler of the community; and
- the current (2009) Local Government Chairman or the Secretary.

5. APTITUDE TEST
An Aptitude Test for the applicants in both Categories of Award will be conducted at the following centers:
a. Port Harcourt b. Omoku c. Yenagoa d. Asaba
e. Lagos f. Owerri g. Abuja
NOTE: Candidates are to fully bear the cost of transportation to and from the Aptitude Test Center.

6. SUBMISSION
All applications should reach either of the following addresses not later than March 31, 2010

The General Manager, Public Affairs
Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited
Plot 23, Engineering Close,
Victoria Island
P.O Box 1286
Lagos

The Public Affairs Division Manager
Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited
New Base,
Mile 4, Ikwerre Road,
P.O Box 923,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State

All candidates should indicate relevant category of award being applied for by stating on the right hand corner of the envelope.
HOST MERIT (NAOC CDP AWARD 2009)
OR
NATIONAL MERIT (NAOC CDP AWARD 2009)

Signed Management

Source: Ngcareers.com

Related posts:

1. Chevron Nigeria Limited/ Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) University Scholarships Awards
2. Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) 2010/ 2011 Overseas Scholarship Scheme
3. MTN Nigeria Scholarship List Of Successful Candidates 2010/2011

Indications that the president would return today emerged last night as security was beefed up at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja. Reporters who had swarmed the place were restricted while only top government functionaries were allowed entry into the presidential wing of the airport.

Two companies of soldiers were deployed to the airport hours to the arrival. They were armed to the teeth and never allowed any one within shouting distance to the aircraft.

First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua, arrived in one of the aircraft.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Adamu Aliero, arrived at the airport in a jeep at 12.40 a.m. without the usual siren. A lot of Mr. President’s political associates were on hand to receive him.

At about 1.42a.m., an aircraft believed to be carrying the president arrived. Almost immediately, an ambulance drove in and parked beside it ostensibly to shield him from the prying eyes of reporters who had been waiting for his arrival.

The ambulance drove straight to another part of the tarmac to join a long convoy of other vehicles that had by now turned off their headlamps.

At 1.55a.m., the second aircraft believed to be conveying ministers arrived. Earlier, a report monitored on Al-Jazeera television said two planes had left the Jeddah Airport.
Security men cordoned off both the departure/arrival halls of the airport. Saudi doctors had arrived the country earlier.

Contrary to claims by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdullahi Aminchi that he saw the president on Saturday and that he was recuperating fast, Daily Sun can authoritatively reveal that the information may afterall be a ruse, as findings revealed that the President’s health has taken a nosedive.
However, plans to ‘package’ him back to Aso Rock, observer said, was in a desperate bid by elements close to the president to supplant Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and ensure he does not function as acting president.

Another source told Daily Sun Yar’Adua was actually given a quit notice by the Saudi Arabia based on the fact that he has been on life machine for so long.

However, this is even as a source insisted tha the President’s health condition started deteriorating in the early hours of Saturday, which prompted the medical team to re-introduce some drugs that had earlier been discontinued.

Specifically, it was gathered that the medical team had equally brought in a higher version of a life support machine different from the one that had been used prior to yesterday, a clear indication that the President’s health was not in anyway improving.

The source added that currently, the President can neither talk nor eat.
Information available to Daily Sun indicated that the President is currently weighing less than 40 kilograms with no assurance that he can garner more weight in the next couple of weeks due to fatigue.
Daily Sun equally learnt that the President’s medical team is in a fix as regards the next line of action, since all efforts to make his health condition improve have proved abortive.

In this regard, the medical team, according to the source, was considering the option of bringing in some medical experts from the UK, US and Israel to help in finding a lasting solution to Yar’Adua’s health crises.
The source explained that the team has been in constant touch with the foreign medical team for some time and they have also been around on two occasions but had to leave when there were signs that he was responding to treatment.

The idea to bring back the medical team heightened yesterday when the first lady began to feel very uncomfortable about her husband’s health condition, even though there were assurances from the medical team that he would get better.

But a competent source at the Presidency disclosed yesterday that President Yar’Adua has been placed on rechargeable chips to keep some organs functioning.
“What we hear from Saudi is worrisome, the report is shocking. Right now, the president’s life is now on rechargeable chips. The chips are programmed, any day the chips packed up, that is the end,” the source said.

The source, who was in constant touch with one of the groups of Consultant Cardiologists who first treated President Yar’Adua when he arrived Saudi Arabia confirmed that the only way the president could be moved was to hire a Boeing 777 Air ambulance fully equipped as a hospital.
According to him, the immediate family of the president in Saudi Arabia is aware of his precarious situation and that they have intensified prayers for his recovery.

However, Saudi monarch, King Fahd Abdulaziz has ordered the removal of the ailing President from the Royal Fahd Military Hospital to an undisclosed guest house where chartered cardiologists are dotting over him.

Daily Sun had exclusively reported last week that Yar’Adua had been moved to a guarded military hospital on the order of King Fahd.
The movement was one of the reasons no delegation from Nigeria was able to see him since he left Nigeria on November 23, 2009.

Among the delegations that had visited Saudi Arabia without seeing the president are the team from the Governors’ Forum, the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a delegation from the House of Representatives.

Source: Sunnewsonline.com

Related posts:

1. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Speaks Finally
2. Nigerians Ask President Umaru Yar’Adua to Resign
3. Federal High Court Orders Chief Justice of Nigeria to swear-in Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President