AMS Manager Job – GE Energy

Job Number:	1648992
Business:	GE Energy Management
Business Segment:	Energy Management
About Us:	GE Energy’s Power Electronics business, formerly Lineage Power, traces our heritage to Bell Labs. Today, we deliver Total Efficiency™ power conversion solutions carrying on the tradition of patented innovation with energy-efficient AC-DC power supplies and DC-DC circuit-board mounted power modules, telecom energy systems, and custom power products backed by local field expertise in 25+ locations worldwide. Designed for decades of reliable operation, our power conversion solutions enable voice, video, and data communications while assuring investment protection, energy efficiency, and significantly reduced total cost of ownership. We obsess over details to exceed the highest quality standards. The company holds hundreds of global patents and has invested over US $1 Billion in research and development. We want to earn the right to your business by delivering on our promises on-time and on-budget. Our customer service and sales locations around the world deliver in-depth technical knowledge and a personalized support experience. Our TL9000-certified professional services team consists of experts in every aspect of power conversion with the resources and experience to handle large turnkey projects along with custom approaches to complex challenges. Our training offerings help you become subject matter experts in the planning, design, implementation, and optimization of our products through hands-on labs in our facilities or on-site courses customized to your specific requirements. Large enough to be global, yet focused enough to deliver personalized support, we live by the philosophy “There is nothing more important than our customers.” Our goal is to help you do your job better, spend less time doing it, and become your favorite vendor by delivering on our promises. We measure our success based on your satisfaction. We are committed to clear and attractive technology upgrade options that leverage your existing investments while avoiding forklift upgrades. We will compete fairly on value, technology, industry expertise, and customer support to maintain the honesty, integrity, and respect that you would expect of a world-class company. Ultimately, the driver in all of our decisions will be the needs of our customers. Who We Are: - Bell Labs heritage of innovation in power electronics - Global provider of hardware, software, and services that deliver high-efficiency power conversion solutions to OEM customers, telecom service providers, and large enterprises - 2300+ employees with in-depth technical expertise in 25+ locations worldwide - Thousands of customers in more than 75 countries What We Do: - Energy Systems solutions for telecommunications, wireless, and cable broadband service providers leveraging turnkey project management, engineering, installation, and maintenance services experience - AC-DC OEM embedded power supplies for datacom, telecom, medical, and industrial applications leveraging personalized service and support - DC-DC OEM embedded power conversion solutions designed for the most demanding board mounted power applications in communications, computing, storage, industrial, medical, and military markets leveraging patented Tunable Loop™ technology - Global manufacturing base provides world-class quality and delivery at competitive prices Why We Are Different: - Industry’s best customer experience built on a foundation of world-class operations - End-to-end Total Efficiency™ architecture that dramatically reduces utility and cooling costs - Technology designed for decades of reliable use in extreme environmental conditions - Services for complex site engineering and deployment programs; to full operations and lifecycle management - Standards-based, open-architecture solutions to address diverse needs, accelerate ROI, and lower TCO
Posted Position Title:	AMS Manager
Career Level:	Experienced
Function:	Services
Function Segment:	Field Services
Location:	Nigeria
U.S. State, China or Canada Provinces:
City:	IIkoyi – Lagos
Postal Code:	101233
Relocation Assistance:	No
Role Summary/Purpose:	-Good knowledge on Power electronics products -Knowledge on Telecom Power Systems, Rectifiers, AC to DC converters, AMF panels Etc. -Ability to demonstrate the understanding of business’ environment, products, and customer needs -Familiarization with local markets -Ability to focus on growing and maintaining customer base
Essential Responsibilities:	-Responsible for achieving the milestones, ensure On- time deilivery committments- -Responds quickly to customer’s feedback and drives for quick resolution -Act as the single point of contact to the customer for timely and satisfactory resolution of concerns covering a wide variety of support services offered for each of the assigned product lines -Establish and maintain contact to provide on-going technical and business support to assigned customers in designated geographic region -Ensure prompt service delivery which includes Field Support, customer training, maintenance planning, spare parts tooling, advice on operation and seminars and symposiums -Effectively handle technical queries from assigned customers and be knowledgeable of and sensitive to business, social and cultural issues significant to their customers -Initiate and maintain service billing and tracking including issuance of service dispatch orders -Negotiate applicable concessions as they arise balancing maximum benefits / satisfaction for the customer with minimal acceptable financial impact to GE -Responsible for building strong long-term relationships with specific customers within the region
Qualifications/Requirements:	Bachelors in Engineering ( Electronics / Electrical ) 5 + years handling after market support in power electronics domain in Africa region
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Desired Characteristics:	- Good Leadership and Customer Management Skills – Strong interpersonal skills – Good Communication and presentation skills – Teamwork oriented and collaborates to solve problems – Ability to learn and adopt new ways of doing things and embraces change – Ability to travel regularly to territories / regions

Apply Now

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University of Ilorin: Registrar Job

In accordance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No. 11 1993 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2012, the Council has decided to begin the process of appointing a new Registrar.
Consequently, applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates for the post. Interested candidates are advised to note the following information about the University.

The University

    The University of Ilorin was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1975 by the University of Iloirn Act of 1979 to carry out teaching, learning, research and community service A first rate University which has carved a niche for itself in research and development, it has a mission to provide a world-class environment for learning, research and community service where staff and students will realize their full potentials.
    The University over the years has proved to be a centre of academic excellence. In the past four (4) years, the University has been consistently ranked the best University in Nigeria by different international Ranking Agencies including Web of World Universities (Webometric) which ranked the University the best in Nigeria for three consecutive years of 2009, 2010 and 2011, and one of the best 20 in Africa. It is also one of the two Universities ranked A+ in the 2011/2012 Institutional Accreditation of Nigerian Universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) thereby earning a 7-year full institutional accreditation status. The University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country with a well laid-out, lush green and landscaped environment conducive for teaching, learning and research. It has twelve (12) Faculties and one Institute of Education with a College of Health Sciences and a student population of over 30,00O
    With its academic achievements and peaceful ambiance of Ilorin town, the University has become the vast melting-pot of a typical Nigerian academic society attracting student and scholars from the local and international community Currently, it programmes with 47 foreign Universities. Above all, the University has an unrivaled and enviable record of academic stability.

The Council of the University of Ilorin hereby announces that the post of Registrar of the University will become vacant with effect from 28th April, 2013.

Job Title: Registrar

The Position and Duties
    The Registrar as a Principal Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of the University is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day-to-day general administrative work of the University except financial matters which fall within the purview of the Bursar.
    The Registrar is also the Secretary to Council, Senate, Convocation and Congregation and other statutory bodies as defined by law. He/she shall also perform all other duties assigned to him/her by the Vice- Chancellor.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate shall be:

    A person of unassailable integrity and strong moral character with ability to relate excellently with co-workers, students and the public; conversant with the intricacies and peculiarities of the University System;
    A person with a clear vision for the development of the University with a passion for implementing the vision;
    Endowed with strong character, sound leadership skills with the ability to instill confidence in his/her staff and command their loyalty and respect; and
    Of good physical and mental health, pleasant disposition with excellent communication skills, and be lCT compliant.
    Candidates must possess a good honours degree and at least fifteen (15) years post-qualification experience, with a minimum of 5 years at the Deputy Registrar level in a University.
    Some formal training in the management of higher education will be an advantage.

Conditions of Service
The appointment is for a single term of five (5) years only while salary and other conditions of service shall be as approved for Registrars of Federal Universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin.

Application closes 20th January, 2013

Method of Application
Interested applicants are required to forward to the Vice-Chancellor 40 copies of their applications and curriculum vitae giving the following:

    Full Name
    Post Desired
    Date of Birth
    Place of Birth and State of Origin
    Nationality
    Permanent Home Address
    Current Postal Address, including e-mail address and telephone contact.
    Marital Status
    Number of Children and Ages
    Institutions Attended (with dates)
    Academic Qualifications (with dates)
    Professional Qualifications (with dates)
    Working Experience: General and Specific Experience (with dates)
    Details of Administrative Experience and service to the Community with status and dates
    Present Employment, Status, Salary and Employer
    Extra-curricular Activities
    Any other relevant Information
    Names and Addresses of three (3) referees (two of whom must be a Professional or authorities in University administration who must be requested by the applicant to forward directly to the Vice-Chancellor, confidential Reports on the applicant.

Submission of Application

    Applications should be forwarded (in a sealed envelope marked “Application for the Post of Registrar”) to reach the Vice-Chancellor,-University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State
    The submission of the hard copy should be accompanied by full electronic submission of the application and accompanying materials to be mailed as attachment in PDF or MS word format to , vc@unilorin.edu.ng. The subject line should read Application for the Post of Registrar’ Referees should be similarly advised to submit electronic copies of their  referees report in PDF or MS word format to the same address.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

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Kaduna Searches For Deputy Governor

 Southern Kaduna people in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria  have commenced the search  for a new deputy governor of the state following the sudden death of their kinsman, Governor Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash on Saturday in Bayelsa State.

Former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was yesterday sworn-in as Governor of Kaduna State, after the death of Yakowa.

P.M.NEWS learnt today that series of meetings had been held to resolve the confusion over who becomes the deputy governor of the state. Though indigenes of Southern Kaduna are yet to come out of the shock that greeted the sudden demise of Yakowa, the first indigene of the area to become governor since Kaduna State was created in 1967, a frantic search has begun for a new deputy governor. Yakowa was also the first Christian to become governor from the Christian-dominated Southern Kaduna.

Among the notable politicians being considered for the position of deputy governor of the state are the former Minister of Aviation, Hassan Hyat; Senator Isaiah Balat, former Minister of Power; Nuhu Wyah; Principal Private Secretary to the late Yakowa, Yohanna Allah Mateni; the current Chief of Staff, Aboki Galadima; Special Adviser to the late Yakowa on Religious Matters (Christian), Rev. John Joseph Hayab and former House of Representatives member, Jonathan Asake.

P.M.NEWS gathered that whoever emerges as the deputy governor will be determined by three political camps in the state. They are the camps of Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as well as the late Governor Yakowa.

Since the Vice President is the holder of the highest political office in the state now and also the political godfather of the new governor, the belief is that he will wield a lot of influence in the choice of a new deputy for his 44-year old political godson, Yero.

The new governor was Sambo’s former Director of Finance in his Nalado business empire and Commissioner of Finance when he was the Kaduna State governor between 2007 and 2010.

Senator Makarfi as the most influential politician in the state and the governor when Yakowa served as deputy governor under him could also use his influence and relationship with the southern Kaduna indigenes to pick one of his loyalists as deputy governor.

P.M.NEWS investigation revealed that associates of the late Yakowa appeared to have joined forces with the Makarfi camp as some of the contenders were seen hovering around him yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new governor.

If Makarfi’s influence is anything to be reckoned with, the likes of former Aviation Minister, Hassan Hyat and Yohanna Allah Mateni, the current Chief Press Secretary and former commissioner under Makarfi, could emerge.

Investigations also revealed that associates of Vice President Sambo are apprehensive of any of Makarfi’s former aides being picked because of political calculations over the 2015 governorship election. They are said to prefer a neutral and loyal person emerging as deputy governor.

If this is the case, former Minister of Power, Nuhu Wya, a friend and former classmate of the Vice President, Senator Isaiah Balat and former House of Representatives member, Jonathan Asake, both members of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation could be chosen.


source:pmnewsnigeria

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Di Matteo is named coach of the year in Switzerland

On the same day Rafael Benitez's Chelsea were beaten in the Club World Cup final his predecessor Roberto Di Matteo was seen smiling again after being named coach of the year in Switzerland.

Italian tactician Di Matteo was sacked last month by Blues owner Roman Abramovich despite winning both the Champions League and the FA Cup in his short spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

While Di Matteo's exploits were clearly not appreciated by the Russian oligarch, football experts in the country of his birth stood to applaud the 42-year-old as he was honoured at the Credit Suisse Sports Awards in Zurich on Sunday night.

Benitez finds himself under enormous pressure at Stamford Bridge already just eight games into his seemingly doomed reign as interim manager. The Spaniard is hugely unpopular with club's fans having replaced club legend Di Matteo and he has won just three of his eight games in charge.

Chelsea, off the pace in the Premier League, have lost three of the six games Benitez has taken charge of so far and blew their best chance of silverware with a 1-0 defeat to Corinthians in Yokohama, Japan on Sunday.

Although an Italian international Di Matteo was born and brought up in Schaffhausen in the north of Switzerland.

source:dailymail

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Bayelsa Gov’t Declares 3-day Mourning Period

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 

The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day mourning period in honour and memory of the victims of the air crash, which occurred on Saturday, 15^th of December, 2012 at Okoroba in Bayelsa State involving two great Nigerians, His Excellency Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Governor of Kaduna State and General Owoye Andrew Azazi (Rtd), former NSA and Chairman of Bayelsa State Post Flood Management Committee, as well as their aides and two naval pilots.

Following this declaration, all formal government engagements in the State have been cancelled, and all flags are to be flown at half mast in all public places in the State.

Meanwhile, condolence registers have been opened in Government House and the State Secretariat complex in Yenagoa.

 

Deacon Markson Fefegha

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

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Details on Sullivan Chime’s Health, and The Brazil Connection

Lately, the noise decibel over the whereabouts of the governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime has reached levels of concern to the citizens of Nigerian particularly the residents of Enugu State and the south east geo-cultural zone. Some of the national newspapers daily along with some online newspaper publications reported on Saturday December 15, 2012 that the Governor had died at a hospital in India following a 3-month hospital stay. Some of the more prominent news dailies reported that the governor may have died of liver related illness – owing to the governor’s lifestyle of excessive indulgence in late nights activities, alcohol consumption and blind woman-ization.

However information available to 247ureports.com obtained through competent sources close to the activities at the Enugu State government house indicate that the Governor of Enugu State remains alive – that he is not dead. The source added that the secrecy surrounding the whereabouts of the Enugu State governor concerns issues away from the health of the governor. “The governor is not well but he is not dying” said the source who also added at the governor is seriously down – and maybe suffering from a complication of illnesses that may have damaged his liver and neurological system – to some irreversible extent.

The source who is also a native of Udi Local Government Area [LGA] as the State governor revealed that the Governor had been a sickly person seen his early youth – and that the former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani was aware of the fragile health status of Sullivan Chime – when he tapped on him to take over from him as the governor of Enugu State. The source pointed to the collapse of Sullivan Chime at the swearing-in ceremony of May 2007 – when he was sworn-in as governor in his first term - as symptomatic of the fragile state of health of the governor – at the state of the governorship tenure. The source attributed the collapse to an exacerbated health condition – worsened by excessive in-take of alcohol [Guilder Lager Beer] the night before.

Through the cause of the governor tenure at the office – numerous other collapses occurred – some publicly , others privately. The governor’s private doctor, according to the source, warned the governor of his fragile health status – telling him that he should stop the in-take of alcohol – or face the possibility of a major organ failure. The governor was said to receive the warning and/or advise in good spirit but failed to comply. The governor, as the source revealed, continued to drink heavily and stay out late into the night till 5am [at times] – while engaging in multiple sex activities with assorted groups of young girls selected from the tertiary institutions littered across Enugu metropolis.  The source indicates that the governor was engaged in these activities on a nightly basis.

The late September 2012 disappearance of the Enugu Governor did not come as a surprise to close associates within the government house circle. Already, the governor was exhibiting symptoms indicatives of leukemia in adults – symptoms such as such as  anemia, bleeding, and infections, growth of lymph nodes or other organs, general swelling or pain. Through these development, the governor’s personal physician initially believed the governor may have suffered from chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL] or acute myelogenous leukemia [AML]. The governor was then flown out to United Kingdom for proper diagnosis and applicable treatment.

The source indicates that following his [Chime] trip to United Kingdom, he returned sometime in late October 2012 or early November 2012 – with his health worsened judging merely by his physical appearance. “He was not able to hold a conversation or stand by himself without support“. But he was staying at his home in Enugu where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment – and seemed to be reacted well to the treatment – until the last week of November 2012 when he was flown out of the country to an unknown destination. The source suspects the governor may have been flown to Brazil or India – but without certainty.  But Governor Chime had been flown to India on numerous occasions – in the past – for medical treatments. It is unsure whether the governor returned to Nigeria from the trip.

But a relative to Sullivan Chime who operates a local joint near his home shared a different take when they spoke to our correspondent. He was more adamant in his view. “Sullivan Chime is sick but he is not abroad“ said the elderly man who continued to elaborate that Chime’s illness is life threatening - and that Sullivan Chime had been receiving treatment at his home [or a home] in Enugu metropolis – from both traditional herbs men and from western medicine men.  ”We are praying for him not to die because he promised to refurbish the Anambra Vegetable Oil Production [AVOP] plant – and give us a tertiary institution in Udi LGA. It is truth that he is very illness but he is not dead or hale and hearty“.

The elderly man however told 247ureports.com that the Governor is faced with another problem – that may be the cause of his constant medical relapse. He said that the last son of the governor’s first wife, Nnamdi was recently arrested in Brazil for money laundering – along with some of his associates who were arrested alongside for drugs smuggling. Nnamdi, according to the elderly man, was arrested for carrying over $250,000 in his person while entering the airport. Nnamdi’s arrest is said to have weighed heavily on the governor’s health – who is said to pride himself as a zero-corruption administrator. ”The news of his son’s arrest maybe the last kicker“.   

Meanwhile, the aides to the State governor continue to deny the State is ill. The press office have maintained that the governor is ‘hale and hearty’ - even without the ability to provide the whereabouts of the governor – or provide answers as to the prolonged absence of the governor from his office. The chief press secretary [CPS], Chuks Achife in talking to 247ureports.com over the whereabouts of the governor stated that “we have only one story to tell and we are sticking to it. The governor is hale and hearty“.  When asked of his whereabouts, the CPS dropped his phone/line.

When asked about the Chime’s son’s arrest in Brazil, the Enugu Commissioner of Information and the Chief Press Secretary [CPS] declined to answer. They also declined to respond to text messages sent to their phones.

In a striking show of strength or deception, the wife of the State governor, Clara Chime – has remain in Enugu State – and has been making public appearances at public functions – where she has been representing herself as the governor’s wife – 1st lady. Her steady appearance at most public/government functions in Enugu suggests that the husband may not be gravely ill in a foreign country.



source:247ureports

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General Azazi’s final hour

IT was just a few minutes to 13.00hours and the service of songs was in session when our chartered Caverton helicopter landed in ancient breezy coastal community of Okoroba, hometown of Mr. Oronto Douglas, a senior aide to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

I had flown with my Uncle, Engr. Mayne David-West, Principal Consultant of Pearl Consultants, and George Kerley, Coordinator of The Jonathan Project and an unrepentant crusader of the president.

We proceeded directly to the venue of the Service of Songs. It was a ten minutes walk from the school field where the helicopter had landed, and it offered an opportunity to see the sprawling ancient community and the new developments taking place. The people were very happy.

They were seeing new faces – ministers; governors; commissioners; corporate executives and citizens they only read about and saw in the news walk on the new rigid pavements of their community.

I think above all, they wowed at the Nollywood stars who dazzled the natives to disbelief. Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Segun Arinze et al, then the big masquerade – Kanu Nwankwo was right there. I said to myself, the children of Okoroba Town would be inspired by the time the body of Pa Douglas is finally laid to rest.

In this flourish and fanfare, he sat quiet, listening to the incisive message delivered by the Reverend Ayo Oritsejafor.

He seemed consumed by the pastor’s deep rhetoric about how ephemeral life was, and how wealth and money were necessary vanity but how a life well spent is eternal in value. Still, I interrupted his intense engrossment.

He was excited to see me. We exchanged pleasantries and he asked that I stay around for a chat after the pastor’s message.

I did. The General was a towering man. Dressed in a grey striped French suite and black shoes, I watched him walk in his usual calculated steps as he left the tent to the other tent where the reception for visitors was to be held.

He looked fresh, like he had rested well after his surprising removal as National Security Adviser. His warmth was charming and his humility ever evident. He was led to a roundtable on the first row and he took his seat by his friend Engr. Mayne David-West whom he hadn’t seen in months.

They chatted warmly while they poured themselves a little champagne. He was served soup and he ate light. In about forty-five minutes he was done. Just about then, he receives a signal that the ill-fated helicopter was on its way.

He walked around to the other tables, shook hands and made his way out. He was headed for the helicopter, but he was obviously not in a hurry. He strolled with Governor Patrick Yakowa, a governor whose humility endeared me to him.

Governor Yakowa spoke softly, greeted warmly and smiled like he knew it was a final moment to be enjoyed. We walked ahead of the Governor and the General, and in a few minutes we were all at the Okoroba Primary School field.

There were a few chartered helicopters arriving and taking off. The choppy drone of rotor blades slicing through the air ruffled us a bit. The primary school was sufficiently solicitous of intervention.

The classroom had neither doors nor windows, in fact it looked abandoned. While we stood inside I asked why a primary school in Mr. Douglas’s home would be this wrecked. I called a young man, and in intense curiosity I began to question him.

My findings were that a new primary school was being developed and new community library built and well equipped. I was satisfied, I would have been disappointed.

• Plenty caution

General Azazi watched these happen. Now it was time to take him on. I had not seen him since his removal as NSA. He was a deep man, and I was eager to hear him say something. I knew him to be blunt in a very smart way.

He would not say a thing if he had not thought it through intensely. I probed into his period as NSA and asked what his take was on the Jonathan presidency. He had lost no love for the President.

He said …”Ross, the president is very intelligent and smarter than most people know”. He talked about the Boko Haram issue with plenty caution, but was optimistic that the president would check them.

Now, we were joined by the IYC president, Mr. Miabiye Kuromiema, and I surprised the General when I fired: “Sir, it is about time the president threw Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke under the bus”.

I maintained that the Jonathan presidency was haemorrhaging severely because of her continued stay as minister. I expected him to say something, his face expressionless, he remained quiet. George Kerley, a known defender of the honourable minister, quipped with a straight face: “Ross, you are right.

It is time the president is told the truth… He is taking too much bullets for some of these ministers”. The General shook his head, not in approval or disapproval; he was just enjoying the chat.

He brought up a few issues and we all talked with surplus warmth. We hadn’t pressed him enough when the Navy helicopter appeared within sight in the sky.

He offered us the two spare seats in the helicopter, but we declined as our chopper was at that moment already landing. He pulled George Kerley aside for a two-aside.

They talked for about two minutes, and he joined Governor Yakowa again, as they strolled on the rigid pavement into the boisterous windy path of the chopper. The pilots dismounted the chopper to greet their VIP passengers; they looked smart in their military uniform. It was the governor’s and the general’s final handshake.

• Seasonedpilot

Mr. Darego Williams, a seasoned pilot turned business man was joining our chopper back to Port Harcourt.

He cringed at the manner the chopper had taken off and didn’t stop starring at the effects of the rotor blades.

I noticed he was a little uncomfortable, but then he had been off the cockpit for over two decades, so he contained thoughts.

Less than ten minutes later, we were ready to go. The captain welcomed us on board and soon after we were in the air. We had just done about 10 nautical miles when the pilot suddenly did a 180 degree turn.

Mr. Darego Williams was curious and called on the captain. The captain apologized to all on board and announced to us that a helicopter had just ‘gone down’. He actually meant ‘crashed’. We were the first search party.

Less than a minute ahead, smoke plumed from the thick swampy forest. It was a clear sign of danger.

We did about four low fly passes to capture the coordinates of incident site. Our helicopter had ingested the smoke and smell of burning metals, wires and flesh. We could see the helicopter and the appendage bearing the ‘NAVY’ inscription had severed from the main body.

The moment was intense, we doubted the very facts we knew. We all believed some miracle could have happened; the worst case was not an option. It just could not be true.



source:vanguardngr

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INEC’s Party Deregistration Lawful

Last Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took the nation by surprise as it deregistered 28 political parties it considered moribund. The latest delisting is coming a year and four months after the electoral umpire axed seven parties for not meeting up to the expectations of the law.

While the development has attracted a series of reactions for and against, anxiety has heightened in the political circles following indications that out of the total of 63 parties that contested the 2011 general election, only eleven may make it to the 2015 polls.

We are convinced that INEC had relied on section 78 (7) of the Electoral Act which provides that INEC “shall have power to de-register political parties on the following grounds: (i) breach of any of the requirements for registration” and “for failure to win presidential or governorship election or a seat in the National Assembly or the state House of Assembly.”

The deregistration exercise is becoming interesting as INEC has commenced a systematic pruning of the parties based mainly on their performance in the elections. While the dust of the elections was still in the air, INEC deregistered seven parties following their failure to field any candidate in all the elections in 2011.

A case challenging INEC’s decision is scheduled for adjudication on March 2013, but INEC has bared it fangs once again and insisted that the commission is in order. The chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, foreclosed another chance for the deregistered 28 political parties, insisting that the commission did not act in subjudice of a pending case before a Lagos High Court, but in compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

We think that in order to strengthen our democracy, INEC has to be firm about party registration and deregistration, and  the issue of integrity of the political process, including the composition and tenure of the parties’ National Executive Council (NEC) as required by Section 223 (1) and (2), and verifiable headquarters and spread as enshrined in Section 222 of the 1999 constitution.

Also, the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 15(b) of the constitution  clearly specifies the power of INEC to register political parties: “the commission shall have power to register political parties in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and an Act of the National Assembly”; (and, in Section 15 (i)), “carry out such other functions as may be conferred upon it by an Act of the National Assembly”.

In other words, INEC has the constitutional power to register political parties that meet the requirements provided for by both the constitution and the Act of the National Assembly. There is no doubt that the constitution does not specifically provide for deregistration of political parties which no longer meet the requirements for registration after being registered.

However, the Electoral Act filled this gap by conferring upon the commission the function to deregister any political party that no longer meets the requirements for registration. The Act provides in Section 78 (7i and 7ii) that “the Commission shall have power to deregister political parties which breach any of the requirements for registration” or failed “to win presidential or governorship election, or a seat in the National Assembly or State Assembly.”

Much as we believe in a liberal political space, we are compelled to believe that parties crying against INEC’s move have not shown sufficient cause to remain in the scheme of things.


source:leadership

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Gunmen Abduct Nkiru Sylvanus, Demand N100m Ransom

A Cry For Help’ actress, Nkiru Sylvanus, who is also the Senior Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha on Public Affairs, was on Saturday night abducted by gunmen.

The Nollywood actress was kidnapped by armed men numbering about eight at a location in Owerri, Imo State capital.

It was gathered that the kidnappers were already asking for N100 million as ransom for the actress to regain her freedom.

According to a source, Nkiru has been in Owerri for the past five weeks where she was working on two projects – a documentary on Okorocha, to highlight his achievements in the last one year and a movie on reincarnation being shot by actor cum producer, Obi Okoli.

This incident took place in Owerri on Saturday. In the past couple of weeks, Nkiru has been a regular face on the streets of the state capital which may have prompted the plot to abduct her. She is in fact working on two projects at the moment. One is a documentary while the other is a movie she is playing a sub-lead role in.

Because of these jobs, she has been around, working. Of course, she is a popular person, which is why her presence on these locations would not go unnoticed,” a source told our correspondent.

The story of the kidnap of the actress, which jolted Owerri residents, is also making the government of Imo State restless, considering the efforts the governor has made in the recent past to stem cases of kidnapping in his domain.


source:mirror

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Corinthians 1-0 Chelsea: Corinthians Beat Chelsea to Clinch the CWC title

Chelsea added global humiliation to their European embarrassment as they became the first Champions League holders to fail to win the Club World Cup for six years.

A week and a half after making the wrong sort of history by crashing out of the competition that means the most to them, the Blues were at it again in Japan as they surrendered a trophy for the fourth time already this season.

Despite being firm favourites to beat Corinthians in Yokohama, they were outplayed and - more worryingly - outfought by the South American champions, who sealed victory through Paolo Guerrero in front of a partisan crowd of die-hard supporters.

Fernando Torres had a golden chance to take the game to extra-time - as Didier Drogba managed so famously in the Champions League final - but the Spaniard missed an absolute sitter and saw a stoppage-time header ruled out for offside after Gary Cahill was sent off.

It all added to the feeling that Chelsea's £80million summer overhaul had left them with a team of also-rans, interim manager Rafael Benitez unable to instil a winning mentality.

Defender Branislav Ivanovic claimed the match could be the defining game for the current generation but it was their opponents who were the history boys, their tens of thousands of fans took their seats in the Nissan Stadium as early as the third-placed play-off.

They gradually cranked up the volume and unfurled a succession of supportive banners in similar scenes to those the Blues faced before the Champions League final in Munich.

That resulted in the fewest jeers and protest placards of Benitez's short reign but the defeat will surely only strengthen the ill-feeling towards him.

Corinthians outworked Chelsea from the first whistle but there was encouragement for Benitez's men when a goalmouth scramble from a corner saw Cahill narrowly fail to stab the ball past Cassio in what came close to being arguably the first high-profile test of goalline technology.

David Luiz, restored to centre-half, did well to outfox Emerson after Juan Mata uncharacteristically passed straight to the forward, Corinthians being given too much space in midfield.

And Luiz came to the rescue again after wasting a free-kick from which the Brazilians broke, while Guerrero appealed in vain for a penalty, having brilliantly nutmegging Cahill.

Cahill then got away with a major error just before the half-hour mark as Emerson panicked after the defender's slip and blazed over.

Corinthians continued to call the tune and Emerson just failed to squeeze home Guerrero's cross-shot.

Torres had offered little threat but that almost changed spectacularly eight minutes from the break when he superbly brought down Frank Lampard's ball over the top only to stab straight at Cassio.

But the goalkeeper then excelled himself as a lightning Chelsea breakaway saw Hazard feed Victor Moses - the pair having switched wings - and the latter's superb curling finish forcing a wonderful fingertip save.

Cassio also held Mata's volley as Benitez's side ended the first half on top, and they continued to probe after the restart.

Lampard saw a shot charged down, Hazard was denied by the legs of Cassio after bursting on to an inch-perfect Mata pass, and Moses's knockdown was just behind Torres.

Jorge Henrique picked up the game's first yellow card for tripping Mata but, roared on by an increasingly fervent crowd, Corinthians began to apply serious pressure of their own, Paulinho firing just wide.

In a game this tight, Torres' inability to hold up the ball was threatening to prove costly and so it proved as Corinthians took the lead in the 69th minute.

Chelsea's defence simply stood off as Henrique and Danilo danced across the box, Cahill's block simply teeing up Guerrero to head home.

Corinthians celebrated jubilantly and it was too much for Luiz, who soon got himself booked for a foul on Emerson before Moses was hauled off for Oscar.

Benitez's lack of attacking options became apparent when he withdrew Ivanovic for Cesar Azpilicueta.
And Torres's Drogba moment finally arrived five minutes from time when the ball broke perfectly for him to beat Cassio from six yards but he could only send his shot straight at the keeper.

Oscar's control also let him down after he got in behind and Chelsea's misery was complete when Cahill was sent off for an off-the-ball clash with Emerson, Torres' header was rightly ruled out, and Mata failed to poke home from a narrow angle.


source:soccernet

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Lionel Messi is set to be rewarded for his sizzling form at Barcelona

It would be foolish for any club to try and land Lionel Messi from Barcelona, but the Spanish giants are taking no chances with the Argentine reportedly undergoing contract negotiations that will see him remain at the Catalan club until he is at least 31. According to the Daily Mail, Messi's base salary could rise to as much as £12.5 million - that's before goalscoring and match bonuses, which will set Barcelona back a long way if his form in front of goal continues. Under the terms, Messi's annual pay packet, including bonuses, would automatically be matched the following year. While his base salary won't rival the £16 million Samuel Eto'o earns at Anzhi Makachkala, the 25-year-old will go streets ahead as the highest earning footballer in the world. Expect Cristiano Ronaldo to chime in for a similar deal at Real Madrid.

From a money maker to a money shaker, now. Mario Balotelli is set to contest a whopping fine of £340,000 handed to him by Manchester City, according to the Mirror. Although the Italian earns that money in a fortnight, he believes the fine for a number of "disciplinary breaches" is unfair and he will now face an independent panel in a bid to get it overturned. If unsuccessful, though, Balotelli will bear the brunt of significant court costs in addition to the fine. The 22-year-old was omitted from City's trip to Newcastle on Saturday with Roberto Mancini simply acknowledging that "his form is not good enough to play". Taking on the City board is not an ideal way to work his way back into favour.

Burak Yilmaz could return to haunt Manchester United with the Galatasaray striker in consideration for a move to Anfield. Yilmaz scored the only goal as the Turkish side claimed a vital 1-0 win over United in the Champions League last month and the Sun says the Reds are on a mission to bring him to the Premier League. With six Champions League goals and a further 11 in the Turkish league already this season, it's understandable that Liverpool spies will be watching Yilmaz in action for Sunday's derby against Fenerbahce.


source:soccernet

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Nigerian governor, 5 others die in copter crash

KADUNA State governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and former national Security Adviser (NSA), Andrew Owoye Azazi, were among the six people that died in a helicopter crashed in the creeks of Bayelsa State at about 3.30 p.m. on Saturday.

The deceased left Okoloba community in the creeks of Bayelsa State, which was the venue of the burial of Pa Tamunoobebara Douglas, father of Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr Oronto Natel Douglas, and were heading towards their hotel in the state capital, Yenagoa.

Reports had it that it was the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that first alerted that it was in search of a helicopter that got missing.

Aircraft exploded, burst into flames
Information from residents in the creek area indicated that shortly after the helicopter took off, it appeared to have developed a mechanical problem. The pilot was said to have decided to plunge it into the creek, but it exploded upon impact and burst into flames.

The resultant loud explosion was said to have made people from the community around the crash site to rush out.

A source informed journalists that security agencies and emergency bodies had deployed boats and personnel to the spot of the accident in the creeks so as to be able to rescue probable survivors and remains of those who might have died.

NEMA deposits six bodies in mortuary
NEMA said on Saturday that it successfully completed search operation and that it had deposited the remains of the six crash victims in a morgue.

A statement by NEMA spokesman, Yushau Shuaib, on Saturday explained this.

Navy confirms ownership of helicopter
Meanwhile the Nigerian Navy has confirmed that its helicopter with registration number NN07 crashed at Nembe/Okorogba, while conveying some personalities to Port Harcourt at about 3.30 pm.

Director of Naval Information, Navy Commander, Kabiru Aliyu, who disclosed this Saturday night, said a combined team of Navy, Air Force, Operation Pulo Shield, NEMA and the Civil Defence Corps were deployed at the site of the incident.

It would be recalled that it was barely two months ago that Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai of Taraba State was involved in an air crash that has left him incapacitated.

Governor Suntai was flying the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan on Thursday, 25 October when it crashed at Yamtari village, a suburb of Yola, Adamawa State.

However, while Suntai, who is believed to be currently undergoing treatment in a German hospital, was said to have flown the plane he had accident in himself, victims of Saturday’s helicopter crash were flown in the Naval helicopter, marked NN07, by a pilot.

Sunday Tribune learnt that the helicopter, which crashed in the creeks, was conveying the victims from Okoloba, Nembe, to Yenagoa, when the incident occurred. It was said to have burst into flames.

Kaduna wears mournful look, officials keep mum
Following the news that Governor Yakowa was involved in the helicopter crash, the people of Kaduna State were thrown into deep mourning and had continued to commiserate with one another on phone over the sad development.

However, there was no official statement from the state government on the crash, even as senior government officials in the state declined to comment on the issue
At the gate of the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Yakowa’s official residence and office, security was tight and the main entrance remained close to outsiders.

Journalists saw Yakowa last, Thursday
Yakowa, who many journalists saw for the last time when he presented the proposed the 2013 budget to the Kaduna Sate House of Assembly on Thursday, was overseas recently and had to return a day after the suicide bomb attack that killed many worshippers in a church within the Jaji Cantonment some kilometers away from the state capital.

As the news of the helicopter crash spread, there was serious traffic snarl at the Unguwan Sarki area of Kaduna North, even as security was beefed up in major parts of the city.

It’s an act of God - Balarabe Musa
Former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, told journalists on telephone that he was not aware of the incident, but described it as an act of God, if, indeed, it occurred.

‘It’s a big loss to Nigeria’
President, Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, Malam Shehu Sani, said the reported crash and death of Yakowa was a great loss to the people of Kaduna State, the Northern part of Nigeria and the entire nation.

According to him, “Patrick Yakowa is a patriot, a man of peace and a symbol of unity. He is a great nationalist and a unifying personality. He is one of the best governors in the history of Nigeria. Yakowa is a towering figure and a colossus in the search for national unity.

“Yakowa is one of Nigeria’s greats. He is an unusual politician. My sympathy and condolence go to his family and the entire people of Kaduna State. We have lost a giant dove and a towering olive.”

AYF condoles with Kaduna people
National President of the Arewa Youths Forum (AYF), Alhaji  Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, expressed shock over the incident and condoled with the good people of Kaduna State and deceased’s families. Some past air crashes in Nigeria26 July, 2004: Pan African Airlines’ helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in Escravos, Delta State. The four people on board died.

29 December, 2004: A Boeing 727 of Chanchangi Airlines belly-landed at the MMA.

29 December, 2004: A Kenya Airlines aircraft crashed-landed at the MMA due to gear fault.

28 January, 2005: A Nigeria Air Force fighter plane crashed into a farmland in Yar Kanya, Kano State.

25 February 25, 2005: ADC’s B73 aircraft had its tyre burnt while landing at Yola Airport.

27 March, 2005: An engine of a Boeing 737 of Bellview caught fire.

11 and 12 June, 2005: A Boeing 727-200 aircraft belonging to Chachangi Airlines overshot the runway at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. Another overshot the runway at the airport in Jos, Plateau State, a day earlier.

24 June, 2005: A Russian aircraft belonging to Harka Air crash-landed at the MMA. All the people on board died

6 July, 2005: An Air France A330 plane crashed into a herd of cattle at Port Harcourt Airport sustaining serious damage and killing many of the cows. The airport had no perimeter fence and herdsmen usually took their cattle across the tarmac, sometimes abandoning them there.

23 July, 2005, a Lufthansa aircraft crash-landed at Lagos Airport and was badly damaged, but no life was lost.

22 October, 2005: A Bellview Airlines Boeing 737 airliner with 117 people on board crashed and disintegrates in flames shortly after take-off from Lagos. All people on board were killed.

10 December, 2005: A Sosoliso Airlines DC-9 crashed in Port Harcourt, killing all 103 on board. Most on board were schoolchildren going home for Christmas.

17 September 17, 2006: An 18-seater Dornier 228 Air Force transport plane, carrying 15 senior Army officers and three crew members crashed, leaving only three survivors that sustained serious injuries. The plane with registration number 228-212 at Oko village in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State at about 10:30 a.m.

29 October, 2006: Aviation Development Corporation Airline Boeing 737 with 104 on board crashed minutes after take-off from Abuja Airport during a rain storm. All but six perished in the disaster. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, was among the dead.

10 November, 2006: An OAS Service helicopter crashed in Warri, Delta State, killing four people.

2 August, 2007: A Bristow-owned helicopter crashed inside ExxonMobil facility in Port Harcourt.

15 March, 2008: A Beechcraft 1900D plane marked 5N-JAH, belonging to Wing Aviation crashed in the mountainous forest of Busi in Cross River State on its way to Obudu airstrip. The wreckage was not found until six months after the disappearance of the aircraft. All four-man crew on board died.

14 March, 2012: A helicopter belonging to the Joint Task Force (JTF) crashed in Kabong, Jos, killing all members onboard, including four senior police officers.

2 June, 2012: A Nigerian cargo plane crashed in Ghana, killing 10 people.

3 June, 2012: A Dana Airlines Flight 9J 992 carrying 153 passengers crashed at a residential area of Iju-Ishaga, Lagos. No one survived the crash.

25, October, 2012: A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed near Yola. Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State and two others were injured in the crash.



source:nigeriantribune

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Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State Feared Dead

Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, was feared dead on Saturday. Unconfirmed reports had it that Chime passed on at an Indian hospital after battling an undisclosed ailment for some months.

It would be recalled that Sullivan Chime duly transmitted a letter to the state House of Assembly for a consolidated leave which had commenced since September 19, 2012.

If feelers we are getting is true, he will be the second governor to have died in a space of 48-hrs after Kaduna state governor, Patrick Yakowa lost his life in a Navy chopper crash in Bayelsa state yesterday, along with former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoeye Azazi.



SOURCE: PUNCH

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Revealed: I’m not competing with Davido –Wizkid

About my career

Although I am hardworking, I would not be where I am today if God had not made it possible. It has been hard work all the way. I am just thankful to God. Initially, I prayed to God to bless my work. I have always believed in hard work. If you work hard, you will be rewarded. I just kept working hard and staying on my lane and doing my thing. I wouldn’t say I saw this success coming. But I kept praying to God to make it happen for me and He did. I don’t intend to stop now, just because I have achieved this ‘little’ success. I am just on my first album.  I am not fulfilled yet. I am not even close to getting fulfilled. I have not started anything. I feel that God has a big plan for me. I have to live up to expectation. That is why I am always working. My album is ready. I dropped my album last year. It is going to be another two years before I release another one. The new album reflects a more mature Wizkid at work. I will be involved in a number of collaborations.

About Empire Mate Entertainment

I am not a greedy person. I am very open with the people I work with. All the people on the EME label act like members of one family. What we have is not just a working relationship. I am not scared or worried about the other artistes signed on to EME. When Banky W and I started the records label, our dream was to make EME an empire. It was after my album became successful that we started having new artistes. If Banky W didn’t pull me up, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It is all about talent at EME. There is no rivalry here. That is not how we work. Before I release any song, I let my label mates listen to it. Even if there is a beat I have, I let them listen to it. This is a family thing. We work together. There is no rivalry among us. If we had any competition, it would not augur well for the growth of the label. All we have is love. I am grateful to God for taking us this far. We are not competing with anybody, even outside EME. We are doing our thing and getting our money.

Davido and I

There is certainly no friction between Davido and I. We are friends, just as I am friendly with other Nigerian artistes. I think some people are just saying what comes to their minds. When I emerged as a singer, people were comparing me with Wande Coal. The sky is big enough for every bird to fly.  He (Davido) has not stolen my fans. Nobody has said that he has lured my fans away. I am still performing at shows and getting well paid for it. I am not competing with him either. My fans still show me love. But then, in Nigeria, all of us actually have the same fans. If I mount the stage, people will scream. They will do the same thing if Tuface appears on stage, too. This shows that the sky is big enough for all of us. You cannot be alone in the music industry. We need more people. This is not a one-man show.

My kind of music

When I go into the studio, I try to record a song that would sound different when you play it in a nightclub or on the radio station. I had to create my own type of music. I had expected people to think of my music as different from what they are used to.

Occasional regrets

It is not often that I wish I wasn’t involved in entertainment. But when I think of not doing what I used to do anymore, I feel bad. I cannot walk freely on the streets again. But then, the other rewards I get from being an artiste make up for such moments. You cannot have everything at once.

Back to school

I have planned my career. If I have to go back to school, it means I have to study music business. I want to learn more about my business. Although I have my lawyers handling stuff for me now, I really want to know more about music. If I have to have my own company in future, I will be able to handle it. Definitely, I will go back to school one day. Right now, everything is fine. If I have to go back to school, it has to be on a part time basis. I have concerts to attend and I am always going on tour. It will be difficult for me to go back to school and study full time.

Music fans

I feel blessed when people cluster around me. Although it can get crazy sometimes, it is still a blessing. I used to walk freely on the streets before and nobody gave me attention. But the story has changed now and I think it is a good thing. I don’t have to feel bad about it.

No love child

It was rumoured that I had a love child. Even if I had a child, I don’t think it is something I should be ashamed of. Instead, I would come out plainly and declare that I am a father. Everybody makes mistakes. But it was just a false rumour. I don’t have a child anywhere. Besides, women hang around every male artiste. It comes with the job. Girls will definitely fall in love with any successful musician. They may find you attractive just because you are talented. I handle women my own way.

Aspiration

I want to be a good father to my children when the time comes. I intend to have a great family. Right now, I am working to have a better life. I always try to plan ahead. It is too early to ask me if I have seen the woman I would spend the rest of my life with. I am not even involved in any relationship.

My family

My family gives me plenty of support and love. They are always with me. When problems come, they are the ones I run to.

Managing fame

I know that many people have not been able to manage fame. So they get hooked on hard drugs and other vices. People don’t know that I am under pressure most of the time. In spite of this, I have managed to go this far.

Music business in Nigeria

Music business should be for those who have the talent. Many people think music is just a very easy way of getting out of the streets and making money. Some think it is a short cut to popularity. But there is more to it. You can be great in whatever you set out to do as long as you are talented. You can make shoes and you can become an international shoemaker. You can be an international caterer. You must not follow the bandwagon. People are just biased. They feel they can sing in the studio. If it is not God’s plan for them, it won’t work. Some of my colleagues are in the wrong business. But the presence of such people will always make you look good in the industry. We need such people around so that people will see the better ones and know that they are really good.

EME Concert

This is different from the concerts we are used to having in the country. The concert is coming up very soon in Lagos. We are bringing in a lot of things on the stage. We want to make sure that we have a great show. Other guest artistes will also perform at the concert. Definitely, the whole EME stars will be on the stage. The idea to have this show was a collective thing. Expect lots of fun at the show.

source:punch

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Jonathan may not rule beyond 2015 – Dokubo-Asari

Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteers Force, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, has declared that President Goodluck Jonathan may not rule beyond 2015.

Dokubo-Asari based his statement on the facts that the President had lost the support of his political stronghold-South/East and South/South, going by the result of the 2011 presidential election.

The Ijaw activist had in March this year declared that Jonathan would occupy the Presidential Villa for eight years from 2011.

But at a news briefing on Friday in Abuja, he made a U-turn and declared that it would be difficult for Jonathan to go beyond 2015 because of the ‘greedy’ people around him.

He said these people were responsible for the current rift between Jonathan and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He said, “We have continued as Ijaw people and the entire Niger Delta and South-South to support President (Goodluck) Jonathan, but the time has come when silent cannot be golden. We must speak out on issues that are very critical for the survival of our people, the survival of the people of the South-South and the South-East, which is the political base Jonathan.

“Jonathan is surrounded by very greedy people who are only in the Presidency to enrich themselves at the expense of the President himself.

“This brings us to another Kalabari proverb which says: ‘Where there are elders, a goat cannot be allowed to deliver while tied to a stick.’ If we don’t talk and we continue to brush it aside, tomorrow we will be blamed and people will say: ‘Mujahid Dokubo-Asari was around when Jonathan was President, and he didn’t talk;’ then I will be an accomplice and accessory after the fact.”

Asari, who said he had benefited from Jonathan, stressed that whatever benefit he had gained from the President was not enough to silence him.

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Revealed: No Ransom Paid for Prof. Okonjo’s Release - police

After five days in captivity, with 63 arrests made and a reported demand of $1 billion ransom, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, the abducted mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Friday  regained her fre-edom without any drama.

The only drama, perhaps, was the fact the 82-year-old professor of sociology had to ride on a commercial bike to the palace of her husband, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo.

However, Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, said the special task force set up by the inspector-general of police and other security agencies in the state were able to secure Prof. Okonjo's release  “without the payment of any ransom”.

The police commissioner's clarification was apparently to quell the suspicion that some ransom may have been paid to the abductors who were believed to have made a demand for $1 billion before, reportedly, reducing the sum to N200 million.

Confirming the release of the Okonjo family's matriarch, special adviser (Media) to Dr Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, said in a press statement: “I can confirm that Professor Kamene Okonjo, wife of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo and mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was released this morning, five days after her abduction.

“The Okonjo family is full of thanks to the Almighty for this happy development. The family is also highly appreciative of the support and encouragement of President Goodluck Jonathan;  the country's security services for their excellent operations; Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Peter Obi of Anambra, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and other governors as well other friends and well wishers within and outside government for their prayers and encouragement during a very difficult period.”

Sources told THISDAY that the Okonjo family had been negotiating with the abductors, and that they had promised to release her two days ago in Benin.

The source added that family members had, as a result of that promise, gone to Benin to await her release but returned to Ogwashi-Uku after the abductors failed to do so.

But the first son of the family, Onyema Okonjo, had refuted claims that the abductors had made a demand for ransom.

"I do not know where people got the story that the kidnappers are asking for $1 billion ransom; that is certainly not true," he said in a telephone interview.

Aduba who briefed the press on the development yesterday said: “Delta State Police Command  wish to confirm the release of Her Majesty (Mrs.) Kamene Okonjo. She was released unhurt in the early hours of today (Friday). It would  be recalled that on Sunday, December  9 at about 1100 hours, unknown persons kidnapped the Queen at the revered palace.

"The Delta State police supported by a crack team from IGP’s Special Task Force on Terrorism consciously and  professionally  with due caution  swung into  action,  bearing in mind  the age of the octogenarian, collected  intelligence  on the activities of the hoodlums and struck  at their  hideouts in Asaba.”

He  further stated that “in the course of effecting the arrest of one of the notorious kingpins, Nwaeze Nwosa aka Bolaji, attempted to scale the fence  and was shot at by the team and he suffered fatal gunshot wounds.”
He explained that the police made some recoveries during the raid, "thus  mounting  pressure on the hoodlums who eventually capitulated and hurriedly released her”.

Aduba said the police have intensified the manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang, adding that items recovered from the kidnappers comprised an ash-coloured Golf  car with registration number No ASB 697 used in the abduction of Professor Okonjo at the palace and a white Toyota van with registration number  No APP 64 XA. He said the suspects have made vital statement and would be charged to court.

Professor Kamene  Okonjo was kidnapped last Sunday by 10 gunmen in Ogwashi-Uku, in  Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State. The queen mother of Ogwashi Uku kingdom, was said to have been freed by her abductors at about 5.00am Friday.

It was also learnt that she may have been hidden all along in Kwale, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area. Spokesman of the Ogwashi-Uku monarch, Chief Lawrence Okolobi, told THISDAY that “professor Kamene Okonjo was brought from Kwale in Ndokwa local government and driven to a border town between Ubulu–Uku and Umunede before she was dropped off, from where she rode a commercial bike  back to the palace”, a distance of over 30 kilometres.

Security at the palace has been tightened since the incident occurred.
 

A visit revealed that the palace now swarms with soldiers, police and sundry vigilante groups from the community.

A member of one of such improvised security outfit told THISDAY that “as we speak, mama is upstairs resting. You cannot see her now. As a matter of fact, I have been instructed not to speak to the press. The person who will attend to you has gone out. I will advise you come back”.

Barring the teeming presence of security operatives who thoroughly screened everyone seeking to visit the palace, the courtyard looked quite calm when THISDAY visited.

Delta State information commissioner, Mr. Chike Ogeah, who spoke on behalf of the state government, described the release of Professor Okonjo as a joyous occasion. "My heart is full of joy and the relief is palpable. This (the abduction) runs contrary to all we hold dear as Africans in general and Midwestern Igbos, in particular, where our culture is laced with respect for the elderly and where our traditional institutions are held in high esteem,” he said.

Ogeah further said: “My prayer is that we shall  never see anything like this again. I admonish our youths to retrace their steps away from such hideous  evil so as to avoid  the wrath of God. We give God all the glory for her safe return and the people of Delta State congratulate  the Obi, Professor Okonjo, and his family  on the safe return of his beloved  wife and matriarch of the family.”

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Revealed: Why Senate Approved N162bn Supplementary Budget on Fuel Subsidy

The Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, Friday said the upper chamber had to approve President Goodluck Jonathan's request for an addition N162 billion being an additional part of the 2012 supplementary budget for fuel subsidy without delay because of the overall security implication of the request and for the overall interest of Nigerians.

Underscoring the expeditious passage of the Bill, he said: "Senate considered that yes we did, we suspended our rules because the rules is our own, we ought to have done it in two or three days but it was a national security question, which we needed to consider and pass in an expeditious manner to make sure that it does  not stay.

"However we have fixed Wednesday 19, for the consideration and passage of the 2013 budget by the notice paper that has been published and we have almost as an exclusive item on the order paper to make sure that we pass", he said
Enang who spoke in an interactive session with the media said: "What actually transpired was that President Goodluck Jonathan sent a request to the National Assembly (NASS) to approve a supplementary budget of N162 billion to bring the subsidy amount for the year to N1trilion, and we considered it in Senate that it was reasonable for us to pass the Bill."

He added that the President must be commended for adhering to the rule of law in seeking the approval of the subsidy.
Enang said: "Remember, last year when Senator Bukola Saraki brought a motion that there was only a provision of N500 billion in the budget for subsidy and as at August or there about, Nigeria had spent N1.4 trillion and at the end of the year.

"What was spent was a little over N2trillion on subsidy and part of the accusation against him was that he incurred that expenditure without seeking appropriation of the NASS and that was correct because it was not appropriated for."
According to him, what President Jonathan did now was to bring that appropriation to the lawmakers, thereby drawing the attention of the lawmakers to the fact that this is what it cost us to subsidize petroleum for the year.
"We considered it, that since this was the only item he requested for and since in my opinion what the President did is less of an economic matter but more of a national security imperative, because the application and availability of energy and oil in the country is not just about economy, but national security imperative question. The application and the availability of energy and oil in a country is not just the economic convenience of the citizens but the national security action because you should know out of frustration of commuters at a season like this you see queues with over 300 vehicles in a line in one filling station." he said.

The President, according to Enang, was kind enough to address a national security question, putting into the powerful influence of the oil cabal, adding, "And again the cabal have formed such a strong union that they can hold the government to ransom. Some of them have petrol in their tank farms or ship they refuse to release their products because they are being owed and they don't mind paying demurrage instead of bringing it in and selling to Nigerians. It is therefore in the interest of Nigerians that we approved the supplementary budget of N162 billion.

Berating the poor handling  of the SURE-P fund, he stated: "Although we have not properly utilized the money we have made from the SURE-P and I have no apology to the SURE-P team, I respect Dr. Christopher Kolade and some other individuals and the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Economic Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, but the application and utilization of that money has not been in the interest of the economy because I believe that what should have been done with that money, is if it was for savings we made from partial withdrawal of subsidy we would have told ourselves what were we subsidizing, importation of refined petroleum products."

source:thisday

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Clinical Blues Cruise into Club World Cup Final

Chelsea shook off their Japanese jet lag as an early second-half blitz brushed aside Monterrey to set up a Club World Cup final against Corinthians.

The European champions did not get out of second gear in the opening 45 minutes of their semi-final at a half-empty Nissan Stadium, Juan Mata's 11th goal of the season giving them the edge.

They came out flying for three minutes after the break, Fernando Torres scoring his fifth goal in eight days inside 20 seconds, with Darvin Chavez putting through his own net soon after.

Aldo de Negris did grab a stoppage-time consolation for Mexico's CONCACAF champions but Rafael Benitez's men barely broke sweat otherwise against in match that proved as one-sided as predicted and did not trouble the goalline technology being used in Yokohama either.

The attempts before the game to talk up the importance of the Club World Cup - the bits of it that take place before Sunday's final anyway - were made to look rather silly by the sparse crowd that turned up to witness today's affair.

The small band of travelling Chelsea fans tried to cheer on their team but the biggest noise was coming from the pitch, with the players' shouts clearly audible.

Interim Blues boss Benitez lived up to his promise to field a strong team, although he sprung one major surprise by starting David Luiz in midfield for the first time.

It proved a comfortable baptism for the Brazilian, who shot just over from 25 yards inside four minutes and produced a superb sliderule pass for Eden Hazard two minutes later.

Hazard's first touch was exquisite, making his poor finish from just outside the six-yard box even more wasteful.

Oscar's chest control then let him down from a good Hazard cross and Branislav Ivanovic really should have scored when he volleyed Mata's corner wide.

And if Benitez thought being so far from home would spare him the ire of Chelsea's fans, he was mistaken when they reacted with typical bile to his face being shown on the big screen.

But just as the inevitable 16th-minute chants of ``One Di Matteo'' were in full swing, Mata came to his fellow Spaniard's rescue by opening the scoring.

Monterrey gave away possession and Ashley Cole, who spent Tuesday serving dinner to his team-mates as a forfeit for losing to them at ten-pin bowling, put the ball on a plate for Mata to sidefoot home.

Mata's celebration paid tribute to stricken team-mate Oriol Romeu and he almost added an assist when Ivanovic nodded over another corner.

Injury had also robbed Monterrey of their best player and they posed almost no threat before almost equalising out of nothing in the 28th minute when De Nigris got in front of Petr Cech to head narrowly over.

Chelsea were allowing the Mexicans back into it as the game drifted towards half-time but their biggest concern looked to be a return to the doldrums for Torres, who was struggling even to control the ball despite the confidence boost of four goals in two games.

It took less than 20 seconds of the second half for all that to change, the excellent Hazard getting round the back before squaring for Torres to score via a huge deflection, the first time he had netted in three successive games since his £50million move from Liverpool.

Barely two minutes later and it was game over, Torres's brilliant low cross finding Mata, whose ball back across goal hit the unfortunate Chavez and trickled in.

Chelsea were rampant and Hazard weaved his way through but shot too close to Jonathan Orozco.
Chelsea's fans continued to sporadically abuse Benitez before Monterrey sent on Ricardo Osorio for Sergio Perez.

Loud cheers then greeted Frank Lampard's introduction for Luiz and more changes followed with one eye on Sunday's final, Mata and Torres both withdrawn.

Di Nigris saw a shot deflected wide as Monterrey pushed for a consolation, which the striker got in stoppage time when he beat Cech from a narrow angle.


source:soccernet

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EFCC Arrests Lamido’s Son for Money Laundering

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Wednesday  arrested Aminu Lamido, the eldest son of the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido over money laundering allegations.

He was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport at about 12.30 am on his way to Cairo, Egypt.

Lamido was arrested during preliminary security checks as he prepared to board an Egypt Air flight to Cairo following the discovery that he was carrying about 400 per cent more money than he had disclosed to the Nigerian Customs.

An authoritative source within the EFCC told THISDAY that whereas the governor’s son allegedly declared $10,000 in his possession to the Nigerian Customs at the airport, a physical search by operatives of the commission found he had tucked away another $40,000, totalling $50,000.

“The young man claimed to the Customs he was carrying $10, 000. But physical inquiries by men of the EFCC found he was in possession of $50,000 instead,” the source disclosed.

The source also disclosed that statements made by him on the purpose of his visit were contradictory as he gave conflicting information to the Nigeria Customs Service and the EFCC.

“Whilst Aminu told the Customs that he was going to Cairo for vacation, in his statement to EFCC he claimed he was going for medical treatment,” he stated.

As a result of the contradiction in his statements, THISDAY learnt the commission is still investigating to establish his real mission to Cairo.  It was learnt that Lamido may be arraigned on December 18, 2012 or an earlier date.

Last Monday, the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, revealed that about N15.5 billion had been intercepted at the county’s airports this year.

Lamorde who spoke at the 2012 International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations with the theme “ACT…Help Detect Corruption Risks Today” organised by the Inter – Agency Task Team (IATT) made up of anti-corruption agencies, said the amount represented physical and illegitimate cash attempted to be taken out through the nation’s airports.

According to him, “N14 billion that was to be couriered out was intercepted at the nation’s airports between January and August while the operation of a Special Task Team which is a joint patrol of the airport by the EFCC operatives and Nigerian Customs officers which commenced in September 2012, had yielded the arrest of illegal cash courier with over $9 million.”

He said the illegal transfer was the evidence of corruption and sheer greed, callousness and meanness of the people involved, citing the example of an individual, who was arrested “for laundering money in cash to the tune of $7 million in brief case and flying out of the country through the airport.

“Corruption is one of the reasons Nigeria has not been able to make progress, socially, politically and economically and we have all agreed that corruption cannot be sustained in Nigeria, all of us must come together to fight corruption,” Lamorde stated.

He called for increased funding of the anti-corruption agencies and for their enabling laws to be reviewed.

He explained that between January and December 2012, the commission had filed about 353 cases at various courts across the country and had recorded about 53 convictions so far.

“Criminal procedure rather than the judiciary should be blamed for the problem of slow pace of trial of corruption cases. Somebody cannot steal from you and expect that the law should protect him against you the victim of his crime. Something has to be done. I pray that the new leadership of the judiciary will be able to do something,” he said.

He also called for the establishment of a special court to take on corruption cases in Nigeria.

“Judges are either transferred or the witnesses dead. It is not fair on the anti-corruption agencies to say they are delaying cases. Let cases not last forever. If you think there is no case, please discharge the person but where the person has a case to answer, the case should be concluded in good time,” he said.

Following the arrest of Lamido’ s son, Nasiru Garba Dantiye, an All Nigeria People’ s Party (ANPP) leader in the state has called on the EFCC to extend its dragnet to the officials of the state government.

Dantiye, a former House of Representatives member from Garki/Babura constituency said he was not surprised by the arrest of the governor’s son.

He alleged it was not the first time Lamido’s son would have a case with the EFCC, adding that the first case was frustrated by some top officials.

“Lamido’s second son was arrested in 2010 when the governor vehemently opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s aspiration only to later throw his weight behind the president.

“And now Lamido who is known to be warming up for the presidential seat has found his family member in EFCC’s net, it may also be another strategy to cow him against that ambition,” he declared.

He also claimed that it was common knowledge in the state that the governor’s children were involved in many projects that have been executed since 2007.

The Spokesman of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren confirmed the arrest, adding that the operatives of the commission successfully arrested him at the airport.

Uwujaren explained that the operatives would charge the suspect to court immediately after the conclusion of the investigation.

An investigation revealed that Aminu has been transferred to EFCC’s custody, while the commission is preparing for his arraignment.


source:thisday

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