INSURGENCY: Enugu Churches screen worshippers

INSURGENCY: Enugu Churches screen worshippers

ENUGU-AS part of efforts to forestall attack on the church by Boko Haram insurgents who are feared to have invaded the South Eastern states, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, conducted thorough screening of its members before allowing them into the Sunday services

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The church also banned women from entering with hand-bags as part of the security measures.

Some Pentecostal churches within Enugu have also procured bomb detecting equipment with which they screened vehicles driven by worshippers into the premises of the churches within the state capital. Some churches have constructed iron barricades to prevent insurgents from hitting the church buildings with their vehicles.

The extra security measures by the churches, according to the church leaders, came on the heels of the recent discovery of two bombs in the Winners' Chapel in Owerri, Imo State, which were diffused by police bomb experts.

The arrest of more than 400 insurgents at Aba, Abia State, by soldiers who alleged that two other buses containing suspected insurgents that fateful night successfully escaped has further increased the anxiety among the people of the South East over the presence of insurgents in the zone.

The Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Calistus Onaga, was said to have directed all parish priests within the Diocese to make the official announcement regarding the ban on female worshippers coming into the churches with handbag, during Sunday services

The bishop, who appealed to the church members to cooperate with the ushers and security men charged with maintaining security in the churches, explained that the exercise was not meant to embarrass the women or anybody, but borne out of the present disturbing insecurity challenges facing the nation.


He assured that the security measures would be carried out with human face,and in a civilised manner, adding that the church did not want to take chances.

A worshipper who do not want his name in print said, "I must tell you, the Bishop and entire Catholic faithful in Enugu, are apprehensive with the rumour of the insurgents infiltrating the east, especially the alleged recent escape of two buses conveying Boko Haram members in Abia state, during a security check.

"I support the development that henceforth, women will no longer be allowed to enter Catholic churches during masses with hand bags, apart from their purses, which will also be subjected to thorough scrutiny by church workers.

"Before today's announcement was made, our Bishop had already briefed all the parish priests under the Diocese, so that they can take the message down to their various parishes.

"Though, we known that if God did not guard a city, guard men will be guarding in vein; but there is also need for us as human beings to play our own part, while God plays his own part".

It was also observed in some of the Pentecostal churches within Enugu capital visited yesterday that the worshippers were subjected to thorough security screening by the internal security men of the churches while some churches were being guarded by armed policemen.

Both cars and handbags were searched to ensure that no bomb was smuggled into the church while the premises were patrolled regularly to forestall attacks by insurgents who might target the places of worship.

Nigeria can’t survive another four years under PDP —Oyegun

BENIN—THE National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday, said it would be difficult for Nigeria to survive another four years under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, if things continued the way they were in the country, saying there were several unanswered questions in the last governorship election in Ekiti.
Newly Elected National Chairman of APC Odigie-Oyegun at APC National Convention in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

National Chairman of APC Odigie-Oyegun at APC National Convention in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Oyegun, who spoke in Benin City, said his party decided to concede victory to the PDP in the governorship election in Ekiti State because it did not want anything that could make the people react negatively and violently.
He, however, hinted that the party would challenge the trampling on the fundamental human rights of the members before, during and after the election.

Urging Nigerians to embrace APC as the new party with a different agenda to fix Nigeria, he said: “We are presenting our party as new, and different. We have done the studies as people who truly care. There is no way we can prove it to you because we have never ruled this country, but we can tell you to look at our states. We are not pretending to be angels. Politics is not a seminary, neither is it the Papacy, but what is important is what one is doing with the lives of the people. That is what is critical.

“Are you restoring hopes to their lives are you making their lives better? If not for themselves, do they believe that the lives of their children will be better? Are your policies concentrated on improving their lives? Are the sectors working in the interest of the ordinary Nigeria? Do we have power, do we have quality schools, do we have security, and do we have jobs? Can we continue in this kind of state? I have told people who are ready to listen that this country cannot survive another four years of PDP administration. There is no way it can survive it, so we need people who have plans to start taking care of these issues, and that is what the APC represents.”

Ekiti poll
He claimed that many persons who had no business in Ekiti State were allowed into the state while those with concrete reasons to be there were denied entry, insisting that was what the party would challenge.

“Ekiti election, to some extent is still a mystery. It still has aspects that we are trying to unfold but the first point is, because we are a party of change, because we are a party that wants to show Nigerians that there is a different way of doing things, that the party doesn’t have to be bitter, in-spite of all our reservations, the governor was advised to concede, inspite of our reservations for a lot of reasons,” he added.

Muslims are not terrorists – Oloyede

ABUJA—Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has called on security agencies in the country to be fair and professional in the discharge of their duties.

Oloyede who gave the advice while delivering a keynote address at the 9th Ramadan Lecture of Muslim Media Professionals of Nigeria (MMPN) in Abuja described the security situation in the country as serious. The Islamic leader said Muslims in Nigeria were for peace as long as there was justice and fairness, adding, “Muslims are not responsible for the violence in the country. Muslims are for peace. If there is any problem, it is a failure of the system.”

The NSCIA scribe said there “cannot be peace without justice. Our appeal is that Federal Government should be just to all segments of the society.” Oloyede said in the spirit of the theme of the lecture, “Peace and Leadership: The Missing Link”, there should be more consultation and dialogue among the stakeholders in the country.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture, the guest speaker, Prof. Musa Abdur-Raheem said that for peace to reign there must be justice.

“Boko Haram are not representing Islam, Muslims are for peace and most of the victims of Boko Haram attacks are Muslims,” he said.

He called on the leaders in the country to live up to expectations by urgently addressing the nation’s security challenges.

Abdur-Raheem advised all groups to channel their grievances through legal means.

Declaring the event open, a representative of Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Alhaji Hamidu Kadi-kuta, called on the populace to take steps in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

Aliyu described as unfortunate the security challenges in the country, saying it would slow down developments.

The governor also called on the Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray for the peace and unity of the country.

Earlier, Chairman of the Association, Abdurrahman Balogun, urged politicians in the country to play politics according to the rules of the game.

“As 2015 general elections approaches, politicians should play the game according to the rules.

“Fear Allah in all their dealings and remember that everyone will account for all deeds in the hereafter,” Balogun said.

Chibok burns again; as gunmen kill 51, burn Churches, houses

MAIDUGURI—Gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram Islamic sect, yesterday, attacked some communities in Chibok and Biu local government areas of Borno State, killing no fewer than 51 people. Those killed were mostly Christian worshippers. Five churches including Cocin, EYN and Deeper Life Bible Church in Kwada village, about 10 kilometres from Chibok were also burnt down when the gunmen laid ambush on them during church service.

The attacks were carried out on a day the Federal Government said last week’s bomb attack on Abuja was meant to intimidate the government and that it is a struggle for power.
File Photo: A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, on December 25, 2011.

File Photo: A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, on December 25, 2011.

It was in Chibok town that 276 female students of Government Girls Secondary School were abducted by terrorists on April 14 this year.

Boko Haram had two weeks ago written to Chibok communities threatening to carry out further attacks.

The attackers, according to report from locals in Chibok, made good their threat at a time the people were all in Church for the Sunday worship. A resident of one of the affected communities, Amos Bulus told Vanguard that, “the attackers killed and burnt houses after attacking worshippers in five churches in Kwada, before moving to Kautikari less than 8 kilometres to Chibok town, killing and burning down people’s houses and property. The security operatives were not on ground to defend us. In fact, those who ran into the bush were pursued and killed by the murderers.”

It was gathered from another source that the people living in Chibok town have fled their homes following the news of the attacks in Kwada and Kautikari.

A police officer, Peter Maina said he was called out from a Church service in Maiduguri, only to be informed that his brother was killed at Kwada when the insurgents attacked the village during church service.

Tears flow from Chibok natives

Vanguard also gathered that Chibok natives resident in Maiduguri could not hold back tears, yesterday, when they learnt that some of their villages came under deadly attacks .

At Chikwarkir village in Biu Local Government Area, a resident, Mallam Audu Zira told Vanguard on phone that the terrorists came in pick up vehicles and motorcycles and opened fire on people before setting houses, and other property ablaze.

He said after killing one person, the terrorists carted away foodstuffs and motorcycles before they fled into the bush.

All efforts to reach spokesman of the Borno State police command, DSP Gideon Jibrin proved abortive as his line was switched off at the time of this report.

Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District also confirmed the multiple attacks on Chibok villages, yesterday, in a telephone interview in Maiduguri. He said the Federal Government should do more by deploying more troops to the affected areas of Chibok to secure other villages from being attacked by Boko Haram insurgents.

“The military and other security agencies should do more by not only deploying more personnel, but cooperating fully with members of the Local Vigilante Group in fighting terrorism and insurgency in this part of the state. They know the terrains of Sambisa Forest and can track insurgents in their hideouts.

“The two should work as a team to end this Boko Haram insurgency that will clock five years by July 29, 2014”, Ndume said.

Chibok girls: US reduces surveillance flights

Meanwhile, the United States said weekend that it had reduced its surveillance flights in the search for more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram members on April 14 this year but added that the overall effort was unchanged due to more flights by other countries.

“We don’t have any better idea today than we did before about where these girls are, but there has been no let up of the effort itself”, Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters. Kirby said the same level of effort was being sustained now through international involvement.

A U S defence official speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters that US flights had been reduced only after a body of intelligence had been gathered and that the cuts had been offset by British and French support.

Bauchi and Kaduna killings are evil says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday condemned Friday night’s bombing in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi State and the recent mass killings in Southern Kaduna.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President commiserated with all the families who lost loved ones in the attacks. He also extended his sympathies to all those who suffered injuries or lost their properties during the assaults on the two states.

Jonathan reassured the people of the two states that the Federal Government would continue to take all necessary actions to apprehend the perpetrators of the attacks and restore the fullest possible security to all parts of the country.

The statement added, “The President directs all relevant Federal Government agencies to continue to speedily make emergency medical and relief assistance available to all those who were either injured or displaced by recent bombings and attacks.

“He urges all Nigerians to give maximum support and cooperation to the Armed Forces and security agencies who continue to work incessantly to end the menace of insecurity in the country within the shortest possible time.”

Boko Haram kills 48, burns churches near Chibok

Insurgents on Sunday launched attacks on three villages near Chibok in Borno State, setting ablaze five churches and killing no fewer than 48.

In the offensive, which was said to have lasted for about four hours, the terrorists attacked churches during Sunday worship, shot at worshippers and set the church buildings ablaze.

A resident said, ‘‘Boko Haram stormed Kautikari, Kwada and Karagau villages early in the morning at about 8.45am.

“The attackers locked worshippers inside the church and rained bullets on them.”

The source said 30 persons were shot dead in Kwada while about nine were killed in Karagau.

According to the source, no fear than nine worshippers were killed inside the Kautikari EYN church.

A youth leader in the area, Mr. Moses Zakwa, who spoke to one of our correspondents, said, “The communities that were attacked are Kwada, Kautikari and Karagau, all in the Chibok Local Government Area. As of now, over 20 persons have been confirmed dead, 10 of which I know personally.

“My cousin and one of my uncles were among those killed. He had three wives and over 20 children and he was killed in cold blood. The attack started around 8.00am and it lasted for over four hours

“The gunmen also opened fire on worshippers in a church service. People have not been sleeping at home. Some have run into the nearby bush to hide because their lives are at risk.”

Zakwa is the president of the Kibaku Youth Association.

Another Chibok indigene, Manasseh Allen, also confirmed the attack in a telephone chat with our correspondent.

“We need divine help,” he said, adding that Kautikari is the second largest town in Chibok council area.

A member of the Borno State House of Assembly, representing Chibok constituency, Mr. Aimu Foni, also told The PUNCH, “It’s obvious this was a Boko Haram attack because three days ago, they threatened to attack.”

The attack on Kwada, Karagau and Kautikari villages came exactly 74 days after members of the terrorist Islamic sect, Boko Haram, abducted well over 200 pupils of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, on April 14.

The insurgents had two weeks ago written to the council area that they would attack it again.

Indigenes on Sunday listed the churches burnt down in the attacked communities to include a branch of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, COCIN and EYN.

“They (the insurgents) killed and burnt down houses after they had attacked worshippers in five churches in Kwada, and advanced to Kautikari less than eight kilometres to Chibok town, killing and burning down people’s houses and properties,” another indigene, Malam Yahi, told one of our correspondents on the phone from Chibok.

“As of now we do not know about the efforts of the security agents, whether they are on ground or not but all our people, those who can flee have run into the bush and are being pursued by the murderers,” Yahi added.

A top local government official in Chibok town, who did not want his name published, told journalists on Sunday afternoon that “our people have fled into the bushes and we can only appeal that security men are immediately drafted to the town and environs.”

He complained that on receipt of the threat letter two weeks back, they had gone to the police to seek maximum protection but that the police authorities had told them then that they had logistic problem.

The attacks on the area caused apprehension even in the state capital, Maiduguri, as some of the indigenes of Chibok in the town were said to be making panic phone calls to their relations back home.

Most of the churches in Maiduguri were also said to have embarked on prayer sessions, asking for God’s intervention after receiving the news of ongoing attacks on their home community.

There was no word from security agents on the fresh attack on Chibok as of the time of this report.

In a related development, Sunday worship in Abuja churches were said to have been filled with testimonies by survivors of last Wednesday’s bombing of the EMAB Plaza in Wuse II area of the Federal Capital City.

Twenty one persons were killed in the blast that rocked the shopping mall. One of the dead victims of the blast is the Managing Editor (North) of the New Telegraph, Malam Suleiman Bissala.

One of our correspondents reported instances of long queues of testifiers in many Pentecostal churches in the city, with many of them narrating how they were divinely saved from death.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army on Sunday beefed up security on Abuja major highways to forestall another blast in the nation capital.

Our correspondent observed that soldiers had set up checkpoints on the airport road and in the central area of the city, checking contents in the boots of vehicles.

The development slowed down traffic in the areas but motorists expressed satisfaction with the stop – and – search arrangement, which they claimed would further curb the activities of the insurgents.

A cab driver, Mr. Ibrahim Bello, noted that apart from the fact that the presence of the soldiers on the road would scare bombers, the action would also minimise speeding, which he said remained the major cause of accidents on the highways.

Ramadan: Mark, Fayemi, Amaechi call for prayers

Nigerian leaders including Senate President, David Mark, Governors Kayode Fayemi and Rotimi Amaechi of Ekiti and Rivers states respectively, on Sunday enjoined Muslims to make the continued survival of Nigeria the focal point of their prayers as they joined their colleagues in the world to observe the Ramadan fasting.

Mark in a goodwill message to the Muslim faithful, contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, urged them to pray for the nation and its people in order to overcome the trying times.

He said, “More than anything else, the nation requires your support and prayer to triumph over forces of evil facing the nation.

“Our security operatives have been overstretched. Our people are daily being killed needlessly. Our only hope is in the divine intervention of the Almighty Creator to salvage the situation.

“It has therefore become imperative that you commit yourselves to praying for the peace, unity and survival of Nigeria in this holy month of Ramadan.”

He also called for support and cooperation of Nigerians to the security operatives to combat the menace of insurgents ravaging the country.

Mark canvassed religious tolerance between and among religious groups pointing out that in spite of the security challenges, the unity of Nigeria should not be compromised.

Also, Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, described Ramadan as “the glory of all months in the Islamic calendar.”

He added that Ramadan fast was one of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims must strictly adhere to it in line with the injunction of the Almighty Allah.

Stating that Ramadan offered an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and deepen relationship with him in submission to his will, he urged Muslims to use the period to pray for peace to reign in all the troubled spots in the country.

The governor also urged them to use the Ramadan season to pray for peace and prosperity in Ekiti State, especially as the state was about to witness a change in leadership.

Fayemi explained that Allah established Ramadan to bring about equality among the faithful irrespective of social status.

Amaechi, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. David Iyofor, in Port Harcourt on Sunday, urged Muslims to make Nigeria their focal prayer point as they observed the Ramadan rites.

The governor also expressed the need for Muslims to use the Ramadan period to engage in persistent prayers for the country’s leaders to enable them to act right to the benefit of the masses.

“At this point in the life of our country where peace and safety of the citizens has become critical, it is evident that we need divine intervention in our nation.”

Also, the lawmaker representing Lagos East Constituency, Gbenga Ashafa, has challenged Muslims to pray for peace in Nigeria before breaking their fast daily.

Ashafa in a Ramadan message on Sunday, said Muslims must use the opportunity of their holy month to intercede for peace.

He said, “At this moment, fasting faithful muslims prayer is accepted easily by God. One of those moments that God accepts prayer easily is the moment before breaking fast. Muslims should always pray for Nigeria during the Tarawih (evening prayer) and during their Tahajud (mid-night prayer).”

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My Marriage With My Husband Has Ended – Juliet Ibrahim

Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has confirmed that her marriage to Kwadwo Safo, which produced a child has ended. This was made known in a statement made available to Ghanacelebrities.com by her media aide, Bunmi Odunowo. It was learnt that the actress initiated the divorce, which was eventually granted by the court.

According to the statement, “it has been difficult for Ghanaian actress-Juliet Ibrahim to let her fans know that her marriage with Kwadwo Safo has long ended due to the fact that, as a mother, she has been keen on making the welfare of her child paramount.

“Her decision to keep the divorce on the low was so that the two involved would not be distracted from their responsibilities towards the child they have together.

“However, Juliet Ibrahim has found it necessary to let her fans know today that, she is no more married to Kwadwo Safo and the marriage ended a while back.

“With the interest of an innocent child on the table, we ask that you treat this difficult but necessary decision to put her divorce out there for her fans to know with utmost respect.

“Juliet Ibrahim and ex-husband Kwadwo Safo have agreed to remain friends and stay in close contact for the benefit of the child,despite the fact that their marriage didn’t work as planned.

Fayemi, APC concede defeat

In a rare show of sportsmanship, the Ekiti State Governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday congratulated Mr. Ayo Fayose   of the Peoples Democratic Party for winning Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Another governorship candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, of the Labour Party, President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP also felicitated with Fayose for emerging victorious.

Barely hours after Fayemi’s acceptance of defeat, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, said the governor had spoken the party’s mind.

Before Mohammed spoke, the PDP had thrown a jab at the APC by asking it to accept the defeat and congratulate Fayose.

Fayemi had in a broadcast in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday   said he had no choice but to accept the results of the June 21 election and congratulate the governor-elect “if indeed the outcome of the election is the will of the Ekiti people.”

The governor, who revealed that he had spoken with Fayose before the broadcast promised to see him later in the day.

Fayose   has already extended hands of fellowship to the governor and Bamidele. He also said at a news conference that he would see the governor on Monday(today).

Fayemi in his broadcast said, “If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti People, I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice.

“I have just spoken with my brother, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the governor-elect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme.”

The governor, who admitted that the election was “ hard fought” appealed to the people of the state to see themselves as brothers.

He said, “As expected, in the course of the campaigns, there were unsavory episodes as the candidates toured all the nooks and crannies of the state to sell ourselves to the people.

“Elections tend to be highly divisive affairs that often see a brother rising against his brother. Despite our diverse party affiliations, and regardless of which way we voted on Saturday, we must remember that we are all sons and daughters of Ekiti State. Ekiti is ours to build together.”

Fayemi said the achievements of his government would be a reference point in setting governance standard in the state.

He thanked the people for their support, saying he had kept faith with them.

The governor added, “On our part, over the course of the campaigns, we presented our scorecards before the people of Ekiti State. We never at any point took your support for granted. We campaigned, we canvassed and we traversed the nooks and crannies of this state.

“Our performance and achievements in office will remain the backdrop against which the next government and indeed future governments will be assessed. We are proud that with the support of Ekiti people, we have raised the bar of excellence in governance. In all, we gave our best, for conscience and for posterity.

“Indeed a new sociology of the Ekiti people may have evolved. However, the task of understanding how the outcome of this election has defined us as a people will be that of scholars. For us as an administration and a cadre of political leaders in Ekiti State, we have fought a good fight, we have kept faith.”

Fayemi thanked his campiagn team, supporters and the people for their “exemplary courage and doggedness in the face of harassment” by coming out to vote in spite of the high security presence.

He said, “To members of our party, our campaign team and indeed all Ekiti people who defied the siege to our state to cast their votes for our party, I salute your exemplary courage and doggedness in the face of harassment.

“Thank you for staying the course. The incidences of brazen harassment, intimidation and allied infractions on fundamental human rights, which many of you suffered in the hands of agents of the state, would be documented and communicated to the appropriate authorities for the records.”

Bamidele hails Ekiti people

In his own message, Bamidele expressed appreciation to the people for their supports during the election, saying he saw it “as a true reflection of a true democracy.”

In a statement by his media aide, Ahmed Salami, the LP candidate hailed INEC and the security agencies for allowing the people to be involved in the   democratic process.

He specifically thanked his kinsmen in Iyin Ekiti   for staying by him through his campaign rallies and the election.

Bamidele said their support was attributable to the tremendous spread and acceptability of the LP across the state despite being introduced to them   less than five months ago.

Jonathan asks Fayose to form all inclusive govt

In Abuja,   Jonathan advised Fayose to be humble and magnanimous in victory and commit himself to forming an administration that would work for the advancement of the   people.

In his congratulatory message, the President also lauded INEC, security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the   peaceful conduct of the election.

The message   was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser   on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

The President said the conduct of the poll was in keeping with his administration’s commitment to ensuring that elections   were progressively freer, fairer and more credible.

The statement reads, “President Jonathan calls on Mr. Fayose to regard his second chance to serve as governor of Ekiti State as a sacred mandate from God   and his people which he must discharge with immense dedication, wisdom and vigour.

“The President assures Mr. Fayose that the Federal Government will give all necessary support and assistance to his administration and cooperate fully with him in furtherance of the present administration’s objective of significantly improving the living conditions of Nigerians in all parts of the country.

“He wishes Mr. Fayose continued good health and a very successful second tenure as governor of Ekiti State.”

Emulate us by congratulating gov-elect-PDP

Also, the PDP described Fayose’s   victory   as well-deserved.

It said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh,   that the   poll was credible, free and fair.

The statement read, “We are particularly elated that the will of the people of Ekiti State prevailed and we sincerely congratulate them for realising their yearning for a truly democratically elected administration in their dear state.

“The outcome of this election confirms the popularity and acceptability of the PDP and its candidate, the governor-elect of Ekiti State.

“It brings to the front burner, the genuineness of the crowd that throng our rallies across the country, especially in Ekiti state. ”

It also attributed the victory to the PDP’s   “strict adherence to the principles of internal democracy, the kernel of transparency in the conduct of our governorship primary which produced a popular candidate, the overwhelming choice of party members.”

The party added that the victory was also a clear confirmation of its position that the APC was not really on the ground and had no genuine followership even in states that are under its control.

While thanking the people of the state for their support, the PDP urged the governor- elect to ensure an all-inclusive administration that   would revamp and reposition the state in line with its manifesto and ideology   and move it “from the APC’s valleys of poverty, stagnation and ruin.”

The PDP charged the APC to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting defeat and congratulating the PDP and the governor-elect.

“We demand of the APC, the sportsmanship required of democrats in an electoral contest by congratulating the victorious candidate just as we did in Edo State where it won and in Ondo and Anambra states where LPand APGA(defunct All Progressives Grand Alliance) won respectively   instead of taking to incitement and bad loser syndrome.”

Metuh later told The PUNCH   in an interview that the PDP was happy with Ekiti people for supporting its candidate .

When asked to comment on Fayemi’s broadcast,he said , “For now we want to enjoy our hard earned victory. We will go back to politics mid-week.”

He added, “Most important is the fact the President has shown that that all he wants is free and fair elections.

“We want to savour our victory. We have dedicated it to the people of Ekiti; to the President for ensuring a free and fair election and for our national chairman for ensuring that the party had transparent primaries.”

APC concedes defeat

As if it was listening to the PDP challenge, the APC spokesman, Mohammed, said   the party had   admitted that the election was free and fair and that the result reflected the wishes of Ekiti people.

Excerpt of a brief telephone interview with its spokesman and one of our correspondents:

What is the position on the APC on the outcome of the Ekiti governorship election, considering the fact that Governor Fayemi just conceded defeat?

“We absolutely accept the outcome of the Ekiti election. We are democratic. We said if an election is free and fair, and the outcome is the wish of the people, we will accept it.

“That is what the governor has done and of course the governor couldn’t have made such statement without consulting with the party leadership. What he said is the position of the party leadership.”

When our correspondent sent an SMS to him asking if the APC would not go to a tribunal or court to contest the results of the election, he did not respond as of 8.42pm.

Mohammed however said   the arrest   of some APC leaders in Ekiti State prior the election would be addressed separately.

We almost didn’t field Fayose   – Mu’azu

The PDP National Chairman , Alhaji Adamu Muazu, on Sunday said   Fayose would not have been   the party’s candidate   if “the Nigerian factor” was considered.

Mu’azu , who led Vice-President Namadi Sambo and members of the party’s National Executive Committee,   to pay a congratulatory visit to   Jonathan, however did not explain what “the Nigerian factor” is.

He recalled that following Fayose’s emergence as the party’s candidate, many groups reported him to the President for allegedly making a wrong choice.

The PDP boss however commended the President for standing by him in his decision.

He said, “You (the President) has been patient with me especially on the PDP palaver. You gave me the freedom to get a very reliable candidate. I want to thank you.

“Fayose ordinarily, if the Nigerian factor comes in, will never have been our candidate but you and I know that even after he emerged, some   groups came to you to report me that I have made the wrong choice.

“More often, when they come to the (Presidential)Villa, Mr. President will insist that I must be there. I have seen the same people, I have appealed to them.

“Mr. President will still insist that I must hear and listen, at the end of the day, the truth has prevailed with the support of Mr. President.

“Without getting our first 11 with the President’s support and encouragement, we would not have been celebrating today. “

Mu’azu said Ekiti and Osun states belonged to the PDP but the party was robbed of the states.

He said the party had been patient and prayerful, saying that the same God who returned Ekiti will return Osun to the party.

The   party chairman added, “We all know that both Osun and Ekiti states are PDP states. We have been robbed of them through the process we all know. We have accepted it as law-abiding people and we have been patient and prayerful.

“God the Almighty has returned Ekiti to us. By His special grace, He will also return Osun and many more states.”

He also congratulated   Fayemi for appreciating and accepting the will of the people, who in the first place, brought him to power.

Jonathan said the victory was an indication that Mu’azu who he described as the game changer would change many other things.

He said he was particularly happy that the election result was free and fair because nobody was killed nor any property vandalised after the result was released.

Also in Abuja, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, hailed Fayose for winning the poll and the incumbent governor   for conceding defeat.

“The governor’s action to congratulate his opponent was a clear proof that our politics is imbibing standard global practice associated with electioneering process”, he said in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Imam Imam.

Jonathan appoints Bode George's wife as NDLEA boss

 President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday appointed Roli, wife of a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Chief Olabode George, as the Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Roli takes over from Mr. Olufemi Ajayi, who was on Wednesday named the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

According to a three-paragraph statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the appointment takes immediate effect.

The statement read, "President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has appointed Mrs. Roli Bode-George as the Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency .

"Mrs. Bode-George takes over from Mr Olufemi Ajayi, who is now the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

"The appointment is with immediate effect."

21 People dead in Yobe viewing centre explosion

Tuesday’s explosion at a soccer viewing center in northeastern Nigeria has claimed the lives of 21 people, a hospital source said Wednesday.

Another 27 were injured in the blast during the showing of a World Cup match, said the source from Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu. He spoke on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

“All the victims are young men and boys. They sustained burns, ruptured tissues, shattered bones,” he said.

A police official placed the death toll lower Wednesday, saying 10 people had died. But the hospital spokesman said its count was based on the number of bodies delivered to the facility’s morgue.

The incident occurred on the outskirts of Damaturu, in Yobe state, the sources said. The explosives had been concealed in an abandoned motorized rickshaw outside the center. People were watching theBrazil-Mexico match.

“Our men have deployed to the scene but it’s too early for us to give details, said Yobe state police commissioner Sanusi Ruf’ai.

Volatile northeastern Nigeria is the home of the notoriousBoko Haramgroup, the militant Islamists who abducted scores of schoolgirls in April.

Maina Ularamu, a local official in Madagali, in Adamawa state, told CNN last week that people in the town, which has been the target of previous Boko Haram attacks, had been warned against watching World Cup matches.

“Letters have been distributed to viewing centers in Adamawa state warning people not to gather to watch the World Cup games,” she said. “We suspect these letters to be from Boko Haram militants. People are very afraid and are not leaving their homes.”

To try to combat the growing threat from Boko Haram, the Nigerian government placed Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states under a state of emergency last year.

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Scores of football lovers were on Tuesday feared killed in a blast that rocked a football viewing centre in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The victims were watching one of the World Cup matches involving Brazil and Mexico national teams when the explosion occurred some minutes after 8pm.

Reuters reported that there was no immediate word on casualties from security operatives. However, Channels Television reported that many were feared dead while scores were injured.

The injured were taken to the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu, according to the Lagos-based television station.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has said that a wanted top terror suspect is among the 486 suspected Boko Haram members arrested by soldiers in Abia State.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in an electronic mail on Tuesday, said the terror kingpin was identified during the screening of the suspects by the Army and other security agencies.

The statement read, "A terror kingpin in the list of wanted terrorists of security forces in Nigeria has been detected in the ongoing screening of the 486 suspects nabbed while travelling in over 33 Toyota Hiace Hummer buses at night along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway last Sunday.

"So far, other security agencies, including the para-military agencies have joined the screening exercise to ascertain the status of the remaining suspects.

"Those identified as possible security risk or illegal immigrants are expected to be identified for further action.

"The identified terror kingpin has been taken into custody. Further development will be communicated to you in due course."

Olukolade added that the focus of the ongoing screening was to identify those that could be considered possible security risk or illegal immigrants.

Italy to repatriate 700 Nigerian prisoners

Nigeria and Italy would soon conclude negotiations on a Prisoners Transfer Agreement to facilitate the return of over 700 Nigerian prisoners serving in various prisons across Italy.

Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Fulvius Rusticu, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Rusticu said Nigerian and Italian officials would meet in the first week of July in Rome to finalise the agreement and possibly work out modalities for the immediate return of the prisoners.

The ambassador explained that under the agreement, Nigerian prisoners who qualify for the transfer must return home to complete their prison terms.

He said that government was not obligated to help improve the condition of prisons in Nigeria as a pre-condition for signing the agreement.

“Each country is responsible for its prisons; the logic in signing a PTA is that we think that it is better for Nigerians and even Italians to serve their terms at home.

“Already to be in prisons is not a nice experience, being abroad is even worse, so given the prisoner the chance to return home is in their own interest.

“It is very rare for a prisoner to want to stay in a foreign country, we have cases of Italians serving in prisons abroad and they look forward, and are happy to return home,” he said.

According to official figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no fewer than 15,316 Nigerians are in various prisons abroad with the largest number of 752 in the UK.

In January, Nigeria and the UK signed a PTA to repatriate some of the 521 Nigerians currently serving their terms in that country.

Prior to the signing, a major challenge on deportation had been the condition of prisons in the country.

But the UK had pledged one million pounds to Nigeria to help improve its prisons.

Anger as Abacha's daughter hails God over N446.3bn charges

 Daughter of the late maximum ruler, Gumsu Sani-Abacha, has attributed the withdrawal of the N446.3bn theft charges instituted against his brother, Mohammed, to an act of God.

The Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, had on Wednesday withdrawn the theft case asking the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to strike out the charges.

But the obviously-elated Gumsu took to the social media to spread the word about his brother's acquittal from the charges of theft.

Responding to inquiries from some of his friends on Twitter about it, Gumsu, who had just celebrated the 16th year anniversary of her father's death, wrote, "God is great."

However, many Nigerians have described the discontinuation of criminal charges preferred against Mohammed as a set-back for the anti-graft war.

A former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, said Nigeria had yet to learn from the mistakes of the past.

Pointing the attention of Nigerians to the last known book of the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe - There was a Country – the former minister said the title of the book said it all about the state of the nation.

Arguing that the development was a sad commentary on the nation's political leadership, Ezekwesili reacted, "There was a country, indeed! Unforgettable Chinua Achebe."

A social commentator, Tunji Lardner, wondered if the 'gesture' extended to Mohammed was a honour for accused high profile thieves or just courtesy to the Abacha family.

Lardner said he was no longer getting amazed with the decisions of the Federal Government since President Goodluck Jonathan declared that stealing was not corruption.

"The Federal Government drops $3bn theft case against the Abachas. What more, Sani Abacha, a world class despot and thief, has roads, hospitals and even military barracks named after him in Nigeria. Is he our hero?" he asked.

Political blogger, Kayode Ogundamisi, said he wondered how the President came to the conclusion that he had reasons to drop the charges and forgive Mohammed.

"Congrats, Mohammed Abacha. Thanks to Goodluck Jonathan who redefined the definition of stealing and corruption. Mohammed do enjoy the stolen N446bn," Ogundamisi wrote on Facebook.

Another respondent, Olawale Awoye, expressed concerns that the way and manner politics was being played in the country in the build up to the 2015 general elections was worrisome.

According to him, it was troubling to learn that Mohammed, who the Supreme Court had ruled to have a case to answer over theft charges, was being made to evade justice.

"Politics and democracy are going crazy in Nigeria. Worrisome that the Federal Government dropped charges against Mohammed Abacha despite Supreme Court ruling that he has a case to answer," Awoye tweeted.

For Olukayde Bakare, the Federal Government's subtle withdrawal of charges against Mohammed shows how desperate the Goodluck Jonathan administration might be in a bid to secure a second term in office.

"What would happen if we give the man another four years? Better imagined than witnessed. So, Abacha is no more guilty of theft of public funds? That's great news. All in line with our party's Transformation Agenda," Bakare wrote on Twitter.

A group, Corruption Concern, said with the turn of events in the country, Nigerians must be ready to elect good and credible leaders.

The group stated that the citizenry should desist from aiding and abetting looters and criminals to win election no matter how the close affinity.

It tweeted, "How is the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government going to fight corruption? Is it that the FG really hates Nigeria and Nigerians?

"Nigerians are good in prayers and love to expect miracles. With these happening, we all must be proactive in Nigeria politics for greater prosperous New Nigeria! We must vote out corrupt politicians comes 2015!"

Onigbinde flays Keshi's outburst over Odemwingie's performance

Lagos – A former Super Eagles Head Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with Coach Stephen Keshi's outburst over Osaze Odemwingie's performance in the Nigeria-Iran match.

Onigbinde in Lagos said that the castigation was uncalled for.

“The professional ethics are there but don't forget that the individuality in everybody is also always there, and then it depends on one's background.

“I have never enjoyed picking quarrels with my players. Football is a team game, and the coach must be very good in the management of human beings.

“Like your team loses the match and then you come out to say that it is because the player did not play to instruction.

“You are exposing yourself by telling the whole world that you are not capable of controlling your players.

“So, instead of ridiculing the players you are ridiculing yourself.

NAN reports that Keshi in a press briefing had pointedly blamed Odemwingie for not adhering to his instructions in the match against the Melli of Iran that ended in a goalless draw.

The Super Eagles will lock horns with Bosnia-Herzegovina in a must win match on June 21 at Cuiaba. (NAN)

FG prevents top APC governors from traveling to Ekiti to attend Fayemi's rally

 Two All Progressives Congress governors were allegedly prevented from travelling to Ekiti State on Thursday by the Federal Government and security agencies.

The governors - Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State - were billed to participate in APC's mass rally on Friday(today) to shore up support for Governor Kayode Fayemi ahead of Saturday's governorship poll in Ekiti State.

Oshiomhole's chartered helicopter was said to have been prevented from departing the Benin Airport while Amaechi and his convoy were stopped by security operatives from entering Ekiti State.

The incidents were said to have been in compliance with an "order from above."

Before the Rivers and Edo state governments issued statements on the incident in Ondo, the APC had claimed that another of its governors, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, was also prevented from making the same trip.

The Edo State government claimed that a chartered helicopter meant to fly Oshiomhole to Ekiti was grounded at the Benin Airport.

A statement by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, said that Air Commodore Awomodu, who delivered the message on the grounding of the helicopter, explained that it was "from above."

"The governor who was billed to attend a mass rally organised to conclude the re-election campaigns of Governor Fayemi was left stranded at the Benin Airport for two hours before Air Commodore Awomodu delivered the message 'from above,''' Okhiria said.

Recalling that the same helicopter was grounded on June 7 last year by agents of the Federal Government, the CPS added that " a source at the 81 Air Maritime Group, who declined to mention his name, said it( action) was purely 'a military affair."'

Okhiria said that Oshiomhole expressed shock at the development "as other APC governors and party leaders were not allowed to fly to Ekiti."

The statement read, " The Airport Manager, Mr. Sunday Ayodele, and the Airspace Manager, Mr. Ibekwe, said they had no hands in the governor's ordeal as they had no directive to that effect.

"The helicopter with registration number 5NBQ8 later flew out of the Benin Airport at 1.20pm without its intended passengers.

"It will be recalled that on June 7, 2013, an OAS helicopter ferrying the Edo State governor to Awka, Anambra State, was recalled mid-air and grounded by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency .

"The Filipino Pilot of the OAS chopper, Captain James Manahash, had said at the time "we were already airborne when we got the call to return to the airport and was even threatened that failure to do so would lead to complete grounding of the aircraft. The governor prevailed on me to return and listen to them."

In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, told journalists that Amaechi was ambushed and held hostage by soldiers and other security agents.

She claimed that the operatives, acting on an ''order from above'' prevented the governor from leaving and exiting Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Semenitari, who expressed worry over Amaechi's safety, said while his chartered aircraft was grounded at the Akure Airport, the Ministers of Defence and Police Affairs landed at the same airport.

The commissioner later issued a statement which read, "The Rivers State Government is concerned about the safety of Governor Amaechi who is right now being held hostage in commando-like style by soldiers and other Federal Government security agents in Odudu, Ondo State.

"Governor Amaechi, as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, and as an APC governor had left Port Harcourt this(Thursday) morning for Ekiti State, where he was to join his brother governor in his last mega rally before the election.

"He was ambushed and refused entry into Ekiti by military personnel acting on orders from above. He made to turn back and return to Akure where his chartered aircraft was parked but was chased by armed soldiers and security personnel in Odudu, Ondo State.

"In the meantime, the chartered aircraft that conveyed the governor has been grounded while the ministers of Defence, Police Affairs and the Minister of State for Defence have landed at the Akure airport."

Semenitari explained that that the state government was particularly worried that the Federal Government had singled out Amaechi for harassment.

She recalled that the incident in Ondo State was coming on the heels of a similar one in Kano, Kano State.

Our correspondent in Akure however reported that Amechi's convoy later returned to the airport and left for Port Harcourt at about 3pm.

The APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, said that Amaechi and his convoy were stopped at the border between Ondo and Ekiti states and ordered to turn back, because they would not be allowed to reach Ado-Ekiti.

The party said while Amaechi's convoy was being detained in order to force them to turn back, the convoys of the ministers were allowed to pass.

It added, ''These acts are illegal and definitely not in line with the Electoral Act, which stipulates that campaign for the election will only end at midnight on Friday.

''It also represents a manipulation of the electoral process when all the candidates will not be allowed a level playing field to campaign for the election. There is no clearer manifestation of the Federal Government's allergy to free, fair, transparent and violence-free election than this.

''Several months ago, we warned that Nigeria under the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan was sliding into fascism and we were pilloried in certain quarters for daring to make such a statement. Today(Thursday), we have sadly been vindicated.

''Not even in the worst days of the abhorrent military dictatorship were things done this brazenly, with citizens being denied their fundamental rights of free movement, free assembly and free expression, all because of the desperation by the ruling party to win elections at all costs."

The Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Chinedu Offor, wrote on his Facebook page that he was not allowed to exit the Akure Airport.

"Just prevented from flying out of Akure Airport….. what a country... It is not who is right, it is what is right that matters," he wrote as of 5.48pm on Thursday.

Offor however did not say if his boss was also in Akure or not.

The no entry into Ekiti order and the grounding of Oshiomhole's helicopter were however denied by aviation officials and the Army.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Capt. Ademola Adegoke, denied the claim that soldiers stopped Amaechi from getting into Ekiti State.

He said, " It is not true that soldiers turned Governor Amaechi back. It did not happen. I don't have such information and I am sure that it did not happen."

In Akure, the airport Manager, Victoria Bamidele, said only the Director of Communications of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria could speak on the matter.

She said, "You know I am a civil servant; the office in charge of communications will have all the information."