By Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano
A newly-wedded 18-year-old girl, Rahma Hussaini, on Wednesday killed her 24-year-old husband, Basiru Tijjani after a minor dispute between the duo.
Police spokesman in Kano, ASP Musa Magaji Majia, confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that “At about 10hrs, one Rahma Hussaini of Darmunawa quarters stabbed her husband, one Tijjani M. Basiru on his stomach with a knife and was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Majia said the victim of the attack was confirmed dead at the hospital, adding that the female suspect had been taken into custody.
The police spokesman said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team have taken over the murder case and with the mandate to unravel the mystery behind the dastardly act.
An eyewitness, Adamu Alhassan, said: “We heard the marriage was a product of forced marriage.”
He narrated: “We were alarmed by a frightening scream of a subdued man in need of rescue and we rushed to discover that the man of the house was in his pool of his blood.”
Adamu added: “Neighbours were mobilised and took the groom to the hospital before he was confirmed dead on arrival by doctors.”
Kogi Central Leaders Condemn Rising Crime in Their Area
Leaders of Kogi Central senatorial sone met weekend in Abuja to express serious concern about rising crime in their community.
The meeting, which was convened by the Kogi Central Advancement Initiative, took place three days before the kidnapping of an American missionary on Tuesday.
It was attended by a cross-section of critical stakeholders of Ebira polity, traditional rulers, political leaders, retired top military/para military personnel, academia, captains of industry, youths and women groups.
“We strongly condemn the random assassinations, kidnappings and armed robberies in the area. We are concerned that there has not been effective intervention by the security agents, the Nigeria Police in particular given their constitutional responsibilities”, the meeting said in a communique signed by Mohammed Aliyu, a retired banker, yesterday.
“We note, sadly, that no suspect has been prosecuted by the security agents for these crimes to serve as deterrence to others. Also, there is a clear absence of effective leadership at the traditional, spiritual and political levels in the state. The resultant vacuum is today being filled by criminals who operate with impunity”, Aliyu added.
The meeting called for the formation of community Vigilante groups and Community Security Committee, comprising credible retired military and paramilitary personnel, community leaders, women and youth, in each community.
The leaders also tasked traditional rulers to hold regular consultations with their subjects.
The various communities are to be encouraged to be very vigilant. In this regard, intelligence gathering towards better law enforcement was stressed.
The imposition of curfew in volatile communities as and when appropriate, the leaders said, should be encouraged and supported by the local and state governments. A permanent ban on motor-cycle riders at night as done in many parts of Nigeria where motorcycle riders still operate, should also be imposed immediately.
Other resolutions include an urgent need for a high-powered delegation to the Kogi State Government to present the security challenges in the community; the need for the Kogi State Government to implement, in full, the Government White Paper on all the crises in Kogi Central, especially the Report on the Reconciliation Committee for Ebiraland by the Gen. Chris Ali Panel; and the need for a meeting with the political party leaders in the area to canvass for peaceful elections.
The meeting called for a critical review and modernization of the activities of traditional institutions. Such a review will take cognisance of the timing, location and rules governing participation in these festivals, especially as regards masquerade custodianship.
The leaders also want quality representation at all levels of elective and appointive positions in the community. The dearth of quality political leadership is a serious concern.
They resolved to liaise with other influential individuals of Ebira descent to get he Federal Government to establish a Military Command in the area.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/housewife-18-slaughters-husband-in-kano/202732/
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Housewife, 18, Slaughters Husband in Kano
26 Feb 2015
By Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano
A newly-wedded 18-year-old girl, Rahma Hussaini, on Wednesday killed her 24-year-old husband, Basiru Tijjani after a minor dispute between the duo.
Police spokesman in Kano, ASP Musa Magaji Majia, confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that “At about 10hrs, one Rahma Hussaini of Darmunawa quarters stabbed her husband, one Tijjani M. Basiru on his stomach with a knife and was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Majia said the victim of the attack was confirmed dead at the hospital, adding that the female suspect had been taken into custody.
The police spokesman said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team have taken over the murder case and with the mandate to unravel the mystery behind the dastardly act.
An eyewitness, Adamu Alhassan, said: “We heard the marriage was a product of forced marriage.”
He narrated: “We were alarmed by a frightening scream of a subdued man in need of rescue and we rushed to discover that the man of the house was in his pool of his blood.”
Adamu added: “Neighbours were mobilised and took the groom to the hospital before he was confirmed dead on arrival by doctors.”
Kogi Central Leaders Condemn Rising Crime in Their Area
Leaders of Kogi Central senatorial sone met weekend in Abuja to express serious concern about rising crime in their community.
The meeting, which was convened by the Kogi Central Advancement Initiative, took place three days before the kidnapping of an American missionary on Tuesday.
It was attended by a cross-section of critical stakeholders of Ebira polity, traditional rulers, political leaders, retired top military/para military personnel, academia, captains of industry, youths and women groups.
“We strongly condemn the random assassinations, kidnappings and armed robberies in the area. We are concerned that there has not been effective intervention by the security agents, the Nigeria Police in particular given their constitutional responsibilities”, the meeting said in a communique signed by Mohammed Aliyu, a retired banker, yesterday.
“We note, sadly, that no suspect has been prosecuted by the security agents for these crimes to serve as deterrence to others. Also, there is a clear absence of effective leadership at the traditional, spiritual and political levels in the state. The resultant vacuum is today being filled by criminals who operate with impunity”, Aliyu added.
The meeting called for the formation of community Vigilante groups and Community Security Committee, comprising credible retired military and paramilitary personnel, community leaders, women and youth, in each community.
The leaders also tasked traditional rulers to hold regular consultations with their subjects.
The various communities are to be encouraged to be very vigilant. In this regard, intelligence gathering towards better law enforcement was stressed.
The imposition of curfew in volatile communities as and when appropriate, the leaders said, should be encouraged and supported by the local and state governments. A permanent ban on motor-cycle riders at night as done in many parts of Nigeria where motorcycle riders still operate, should also be imposed immediately.
Other resolutions include an urgent need for a high-powered delegation to the Kogi State Government to present the security challenges in the community; the need for the Kogi State Government to implement, in full, the Government White Paper on all the crises in Kogi Central, especially the Report on the Reconciliation Committee for Ebiraland by the Gen. Chris Ali Panel; and the need for a meeting with the political party leaders in the area to canvass for peaceful elections.
The meeting called for a critical review and modernization of the activities of traditional institutions. Such a review will take cognisance of the timing, location and rules governing participation in these festivals, especially as regards masquerade custodianship.
The leaders also want quality representation at all levels of elective and appointive positions in the community. The dearth of quality political leadership is a serious concern.
They resolved to liaise with other influential individuals of Ebira descent to get he Federal Government to establish a Military Command in the area.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/housewife-18-slaughters-husband-in-kano/202732/
By Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano
A newly-wedded 18-year-old girl, Rahma Hussaini, on Wednesday killed her 24-year-old husband, Basiru Tijjani after a minor dispute between the duo.
Police spokesman in Kano, ASP Musa Magaji Majia, confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that “At about 10hrs, one Rahma Hussaini of Darmunawa quarters stabbed her husband, one Tijjani M. Basiru on his stomach with a knife and was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Majia said the victim of the attack was confirmed dead at the hospital, adding that the female suspect had been taken into custody.
The police spokesman said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team have taken over the murder case and with the mandate to unravel the mystery behind the dastardly act.
An eyewitness, Adamu Alhassan, said: “We heard the marriage was a product of forced marriage.”
He narrated: “We were alarmed by a frightening scream of a subdued man in need of rescue and we rushed to discover that the man of the house was in his pool of his blood.”
Adamu added: “Neighbours were mobilised and took the groom to the hospital before he was confirmed dead on arrival by doctors.”
Kogi Central Leaders Condemn Rising Crime in Their Area
Leaders of Kogi Central senatorial sone met weekend in Abuja to express serious concern about rising crime in their community.
The meeting, which was convened by the Kogi Central Advancement Initiative, took place three days before the kidnapping of an American missionary on Tuesday.
It was attended by a cross-section of critical stakeholders of Ebira polity, traditional rulers, political leaders, retired top military/para military personnel, academia, captains of industry, youths and women groups.
“We strongly condemn the random assassinations, kidnappings and armed robberies in the area. We are concerned that there has not been effective intervention by the security agents, the Nigeria Police in particular given their constitutional responsibilities”, the meeting said in a communique signed by Mohammed Aliyu, a retired banker, yesterday.
“We note, sadly, that no suspect has been prosecuted by the security agents for these crimes to serve as deterrence to others. Also, there is a clear absence of effective leadership at the traditional, spiritual and political levels in the state. The resultant vacuum is today being filled by criminals who operate with impunity”, Aliyu added.
The meeting called for the formation of community Vigilante groups and Community Security Committee, comprising credible retired military and paramilitary personnel, community leaders, women and youth, in each community.
The leaders also tasked traditional rulers to hold regular consultations with their subjects.
The various communities are to be encouraged to be very vigilant. In this regard, intelligence gathering towards better law enforcement was stressed.
The imposition of curfew in volatile communities as and when appropriate, the leaders said, should be encouraged and supported by the local and state governments. A permanent ban on motor-cycle riders at night as done in many parts of Nigeria where motorcycle riders still operate, should also be imposed immediately.
Other resolutions include an urgent need for a high-powered delegation to the Kogi State Government to present the security challenges in the community; the need for the Kogi State Government to implement, in full, the Government White Paper on all the crises in Kogi Central, especially the Report on the Reconciliation Committee for Ebiraland by the Gen. Chris Ali Panel; and the need for a meeting with the political party leaders in the area to canvass for peaceful elections.
The meeting called for a critical review and modernization of the activities of traditional institutions. Such a review will take cognisance of the timing, location and rules governing participation in these festivals, especially as regards masquerade custodianship.
The leaders also want quality representation at all levels of elective and appointive positions in the community. The dearth of quality political leadership is a serious concern.
They resolved to liaise with other influential individuals of Ebira descent to get he Federal Government to establish a Military Command in the area.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/housewife-18-slaughters-husband-in-kano/202732/
Legislators Agree to Belt-tightening, Cut N’Assembly’s Budget by 25%
26 Feb 2015
• Senate slashes recurrent vote to N2.5tn in 2015 budget, raises capital spending to N700bn, scraps service wide vote
By Ndubuisi Francis and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja
Towing the same path of the federal government to cut costs owing to dwindling oil revenue occasioned by low oil prices, the National Assembly, for the first time in years, has finally agreed to a 25 per cent cut in its annual budget of N150 billion.
By acquiescing to the 25 per cent cut, the National Assembly will shed N37.5 billion of its annual budget, meaning that when the 2015 budget is finally passed, its budget will stand at N112.5 billion.
A source privy to the negotiations between the National Assembly and the executive arm of government told THISDAY on Wednesday that the lawmakers finally agreed to the cut as part of their sacrifice to steer the economy out of the woods following a significant loss of government revenue to falling oil prices.
Prior to their acceptance to slash their budget, the National Assembly’s budget was a no-go-area for the executive, which for years had allotted N150 billion to the legislature even when other MDAs (ministries, departments and agencies) of government were forced to accept budget cuts.
The decision on the cut to the National Assembly’s budget was taken by the lawmakers before the commencement of plenary.
THISDAY had exclusively reported on Wednesday that, while a majority of the lawmakers supported the cut in the National Assembly’s budget, some had kicked against it because they did not want to lose their privileges.
Those who had kicked against the new $52 per barrel oil benchmark as well as the reduction in the National Assembly budget were also said to have demanded that the N50 billion allocated to constituency projects be paid instantly.
In addition to the cut in the National Assembly’s budget, the executive had proposed a 25 per cent cut to the State House budget, and had made cuts to overseas travel and training programmes for public sector workers this year.
Also, the Senate yesterday unanimously reduced the N2.616 trillion proposed for recurrent expenditure in the 2015 budget to N2.5 trillion and simultaneously raised the capital vote from the proposed N633 billion to N700 billion.
The decision followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the joint National Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the Medium Term and Expenditure Framework presented by its Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
The Senate also drastically slashed the subsidy for petrol from the proposed N200 billion to N100 billion and reduced kerosene subsidy from N91 billion to N45.5 billion.
It also slashed the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) allocation from N102 billion to N21 billion.
In the same vein, the parliament cut the N411.8 billion statutory transfers proposed by the executive to N363.2 and increased non-oil revenue expectations from N3.539 trillion to N4.02 trillion.
The report questioned further the rationale behind voting a whopping N360.9 billion as service wide votes in the budget.
It also queried the allocation of N63 billion for the amnesty programme when the project is actually being financed by the Niger Delta Ministry.
Makarfi also queried the classification of N22 billion as allocation for internal operations of the military under the service wide vote, noting that it should ordinarily be part of the Ministry of Defence budget.
The former Kaduna governor also demanded the proper reclassification of pensions and gratuities under the service wide vote and suggested that the entire service wide vote be completely scrapped, as it was considered an avenue for leakages.
The service wide vote is a major component of the annual budget belonging to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) allegedly earmarked for contingencies.
Senators, who spoke on the service wide vote, described the allocation as fake and nothing but an avenue to siphon funds. This allegation, for instance, came against the background that the budget for funding of the amnesty programme is domiciled in the Niger Delta Ministry.
They also argued that the service wide vote window, said to have been created by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been used to perpetrate illegality and fraud.
The Senate therefore resolved that henceforth, the votes should be cancelled and allocations under it appropriately directed.
The Senate also formally ratified the $52 billion oil benchmark and exchange rate of N190 to $1 for the 2015 budget which it approved at its closed-door session on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Senate President, David Mark, said budgetary allocations should cut across the three arms of government, noting that there is always talk of diversification of the economy at the beginning of every fiscal year without taking any steps thereafter.
“What this clearly shows is that we all have to tighten our belts across the entire sectors of this government. We have for the last several years relied on oil as the main source of our revenue and I know that budget after budget, we say we will diversify the economy.
“Every time this budget comes we will still be repeating the same thing. The impression I get from this is that those who are responsible for producing the draft merely go there and reproduce what they have been bringing up.
“But I think they need to do a little more; they may not be able to forecast accurately. There are a few things I think we must get right.
“The first thing is let there be a cut across board, the executive, the judiciary and the legislature and we are prepared to lead in this. The areas of leakages we must emphasise on them. The revenue generation and collection, we must make sure that we tighten.
“What has impressed me with the entire discussion and debate is the fact that this has been non-partisan. Everybody has been very fair,” he said.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/legislators-agree-to-belt-tightening-cut-n-assembly-s-budget-by-25-/202774/
• Senate slashes recurrent vote to N2.5tn in 2015 budget, raises capital spending to N700bn, scraps service wide vote
By Ndubuisi Francis and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja
Towing the same path of the federal government to cut costs owing to dwindling oil revenue occasioned by low oil prices, the National Assembly, for the first time in years, has finally agreed to a 25 per cent cut in its annual budget of N150 billion.
By acquiescing to the 25 per cent cut, the National Assembly will shed N37.5 billion of its annual budget, meaning that when the 2015 budget is finally passed, its budget will stand at N112.5 billion.
A source privy to the negotiations between the National Assembly and the executive arm of government told THISDAY on Wednesday that the lawmakers finally agreed to the cut as part of their sacrifice to steer the economy out of the woods following a significant loss of government revenue to falling oil prices.
Prior to their acceptance to slash their budget, the National Assembly’s budget was a no-go-area for the executive, which for years had allotted N150 billion to the legislature even when other MDAs (ministries, departments and agencies) of government were forced to accept budget cuts.
The decision on the cut to the National Assembly’s budget was taken by the lawmakers before the commencement of plenary.
THISDAY had exclusively reported on Wednesday that, while a majority of the lawmakers supported the cut in the National Assembly’s budget, some had kicked against it because they did not want to lose their privileges.
Those who had kicked against the new $52 per barrel oil benchmark as well as the reduction in the National Assembly budget were also said to have demanded that the N50 billion allocated to constituency projects be paid instantly.
In addition to the cut in the National Assembly’s budget, the executive had proposed a 25 per cent cut to the State House budget, and had made cuts to overseas travel and training programmes for public sector workers this year.
Also, the Senate yesterday unanimously reduced the N2.616 trillion proposed for recurrent expenditure in the 2015 budget to N2.5 trillion and simultaneously raised the capital vote from the proposed N633 billion to N700 billion.
The decision followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the joint National Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the Medium Term and Expenditure Framework presented by its Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
The Senate also drastically slashed the subsidy for petrol from the proposed N200 billion to N100 billion and reduced kerosene subsidy from N91 billion to N45.5 billion.
It also slashed the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) allocation from N102 billion to N21 billion.
In the same vein, the parliament cut the N411.8 billion statutory transfers proposed by the executive to N363.2 and increased non-oil revenue expectations from N3.539 trillion to N4.02 trillion.
The report questioned further the rationale behind voting a whopping N360.9 billion as service wide votes in the budget.
It also queried the allocation of N63 billion for the amnesty programme when the project is actually being financed by the Niger Delta Ministry.
Makarfi also queried the classification of N22 billion as allocation for internal operations of the military under the service wide vote, noting that it should ordinarily be part of the Ministry of Defence budget.
The former Kaduna governor also demanded the proper reclassification of pensions and gratuities under the service wide vote and suggested that the entire service wide vote be completely scrapped, as it was considered an avenue for leakages.
The service wide vote is a major component of the annual budget belonging to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) allegedly earmarked for contingencies.
Senators, who spoke on the service wide vote, described the allocation as fake and nothing but an avenue to siphon funds. This allegation, for instance, came against the background that the budget for funding of the amnesty programme is domiciled in the Niger Delta Ministry.
They also argued that the service wide vote window, said to have been created by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been used to perpetrate illegality and fraud.
The Senate therefore resolved that henceforth, the votes should be cancelled and allocations under it appropriately directed.
The Senate also formally ratified the $52 billion oil benchmark and exchange rate of N190 to $1 for the 2015 budget which it approved at its closed-door session on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Senate President, David Mark, said budgetary allocations should cut across the three arms of government, noting that there is always talk of diversification of the economy at the beginning of every fiscal year without taking any steps thereafter.
“What this clearly shows is that we all have to tighten our belts across the entire sectors of this government. We have for the last several years relied on oil as the main source of our revenue and I know that budget after budget, we say we will diversify the economy.
“Every time this budget comes we will still be repeating the same thing. The impression I get from this is that those who are responsible for producing the draft merely go there and reproduce what they have been bringing up.
“But I think they need to do a little more; they may not be able to forecast accurately. There are a few things I think we must get right.
“The first thing is let there be a cut across board, the executive, the judiciary and the legislature and we are prepared to lead in this. The areas of leakages we must emphasise on them. The revenue generation and collection, we must make sure that we tighten.
“What has impressed me with the entire discussion and debate is the fact that this has been non-partisan. Everybody has been very fair,” he said.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/legislators-agree-to-belt-tightening-cut-n-assembly-s-budget-by-25-/202774/
Minimah Visits Baga, Rewards Triumphant Soldiers with Promotion
26 Feb 2015
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Kenneth Minimah
• Encourages displaced residents to return to vote
By Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
Barely one week after the Nigerian military recaptured Baga in Borno State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Kenneth Minimah, on Wednesday said victory could still be achieved over the Boko Haram insurgents before the elections scheduled to start March 28.
Minimah, who was in Baga town in Kukawa Local Government Area to boost the morale of the troops, said the Nigerian military would not rest until Boko Haram is completely flushed out of the North-east, promising that all officers and soldiers who participated in the recapture of Baga would be promoted.
Baga was attacked for three successive days by the terrorists early last month, leading to its capture and death of hundreds of residents.
Satellite imagery released by Amnesty International (AI) last month showed the level of destruction in Baga after the onslaught by the Islamist group.
The COAS, who said he was impressed with what the troops had achieved, assured journalists in Maiduguri after his visit to Baga that the displaced residents of reclaimed communities could go back to vote during the general election.
Minimah said: “It is achievable to end Boko Haram activities very soon because we are still within the six-week timeframe. But we should not see the six weeks as a final date for the end to hostilities.
“This is a war and we will try and do whatever possible to liberate more areas so that displaced citizens can go and resettle and possibly vote during the elections.”
In Baga, the COAS had told the troops that President Goodluck Jonathan and all Nigerians were proud of them.
“My visit here is a confidence-building trip and is meant to inform you that all Nigerians are singing your praises for your courage and urge you to you keep up the tempo. You have made Nigerians proud.
“From today, it will never be possible for the insurgents to take hold of any of our territories. Today it is going to be victory all the way because the war is almost ended.
“From here we move to retake Gwoza, Marte and Madagali. With this, there is going to be no more Boko Haram; the slogan is ‘never again’ and even the president shares in this slogan,” he informed the troops.
The COAS also announced that every soldier who had participated in the liberation of Baga would get instant promotion to the next rank.
“As a way of commending your courage and patriotism, every soldier who participated in the Baga operation, whether dead or alive has been promoted to the next rank,” said Minimah.
Expectedly, the officers and soldiers were jubilant as they conducted the COAS and his team to parts of the town where he inspected some of the weapons and vehicles seized from the dislodged terrorists.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/minimah-visits-baga-rewards-triumphant-soldiers-with-promotion/202776/
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Kenneth Minimah
• Encourages displaced residents to return to vote
By Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
Barely one week after the Nigerian military recaptured Baga in Borno State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Kenneth Minimah, on Wednesday said victory could still be achieved over the Boko Haram insurgents before the elections scheduled to start March 28.
Minimah, who was in Baga town in Kukawa Local Government Area to boost the morale of the troops, said the Nigerian military would not rest until Boko Haram is completely flushed out of the North-east, promising that all officers and soldiers who participated in the recapture of Baga would be promoted.
Baga was attacked for three successive days by the terrorists early last month, leading to its capture and death of hundreds of residents.
Satellite imagery released by Amnesty International (AI) last month showed the level of destruction in Baga after the onslaught by the Islamist group.
The COAS, who said he was impressed with what the troops had achieved, assured journalists in Maiduguri after his visit to Baga that the displaced residents of reclaimed communities could go back to vote during the general election.
Minimah said: “It is achievable to end Boko Haram activities very soon because we are still within the six-week timeframe. But we should not see the six weeks as a final date for the end to hostilities.
“This is a war and we will try and do whatever possible to liberate more areas so that displaced citizens can go and resettle and possibly vote during the elections.”
In Baga, the COAS had told the troops that President Goodluck Jonathan and all Nigerians were proud of them.
“My visit here is a confidence-building trip and is meant to inform you that all Nigerians are singing your praises for your courage and urge you to you keep up the tempo. You have made Nigerians proud.
“From today, it will never be possible for the insurgents to take hold of any of our territories. Today it is going to be victory all the way because the war is almost ended.
“From here we move to retake Gwoza, Marte and Madagali. With this, there is going to be no more Boko Haram; the slogan is ‘never again’ and even the president shares in this slogan,” he informed the troops.
The COAS also announced that every soldier who had participated in the liberation of Baga would get instant promotion to the next rank.
“As a way of commending your courage and patriotism, every soldier who participated in the Baga operation, whether dead or alive has been promoted to the next rank,” said Minimah.
Expectedly, the officers and soldiers were jubilant as they conducted the COAS and his team to parts of the town where he inspected some of the weapons and vehicles seized from the dislodged terrorists.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/minimah-visits-baga-rewards-triumphant-soldiers-with-promotion/202776/
Boko Haram: President Jonathan Sneaks into Yola, Visits Mubi
26 Feb 2015
President Goodluck Jonathan
Daji Sani in Yola
As part of efforts to fulfill his promise to Nigerians that his administration will flush out the Boko Haram insurgents before the coming general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan sneaked into Yola unannounced on Thursday and proceeded to Mubi to encourage soldiers of 155 Special Task Force battalion in Mubi town of Adamawa state.
The president also paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa, to sympathize with and strengthen the morale of the people of Mubi over the loss of their love ones and properties destroyed by the insurgents.
The president who landed in Yola International Airport around 11 am amidst tight security boarded a helicopter to Mubi along with Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police.
The president’s chopper landed at the Mubi army barracks from where the president took a ride to the emir's palace where he met the Emir and members of Mubi Emirate traditional council.
A resident of Mubi, Idris Buba, said there was heavy security in Mubi during the president’s brief visit.
"When the President and his entourage left the emir's palace, they headed to Vimtim village, the home town of Chief of Defence Staff, Chief Air Marshall Alex Badeh, who is also in the president entourage", Buba said.
According to him, the president also held a closed door meeting with the three Service Chiefs who were already in Vimtim Village ahead of the president.
Mubi is the second largest town in Adamawa and among those recently recaptured from Boko Haram by the military
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/boko-haram-president-jonathan-sneaks-into-yola-visits-mubi/202783/
President Goodluck Jonathan
Daji Sani in Yola
As part of efforts to fulfill his promise to Nigerians that his administration will flush out the Boko Haram insurgents before the coming general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan sneaked into Yola unannounced on Thursday and proceeded to Mubi to encourage soldiers of 155 Special Task Force battalion in Mubi town of Adamawa state.
The president also paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa, to sympathize with and strengthen the morale of the people of Mubi over the loss of their love ones and properties destroyed by the insurgents.
The president who landed in Yola International Airport around 11 am amidst tight security boarded a helicopter to Mubi along with Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police.
The president’s chopper landed at the Mubi army barracks from where the president took a ride to the emir's palace where he met the Emir and members of Mubi Emirate traditional council.
A resident of Mubi, Idris Buba, said there was heavy security in Mubi during the president’s brief visit.
"When the President and his entourage left the emir's palace, they headed to Vimtim village, the home town of Chief of Defence Staff, Chief Air Marshall Alex Badeh, who is also in the president entourage", Buba said.
According to him, the president also held a closed door meeting with the three Service Chiefs who were already in Vimtim Village ahead of the president.
Mubi is the second largest town in Adamawa and among those recently recaptured from Boko Haram by the military
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/boko-haram-president-jonathan-sneaks-into-yola-visits-mubi/202783/
Nigeria’s 2015 Polls Present Possibility of Violence - US
26 Feb 2015
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle
*issues travel advisory to citizens
Damilola Oyedele in Abuja
The United States has said Nigeria’s upcoming elections, which are closely contested between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), present a possibility of violence
It therefore issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to remain cautions while travelling within Nigeria during the presidential and gubernatorial elections on March 28 and April 11, 2015.
In the advisory placed on its website, the US Embassy in Abuja recalled that the 2011 polls, although they were largely peaceful,recorded violence in many northern states following the announcement of results in the presidential race. The presidential elections then were contested by the same primary actors in the 2015 polls - President Goodluck Jonathan, and General Muhammad Buhari (rtd).
“The elections, originally scheduled for February 14 and February 28, were postponed for six weeks due to security concerns related to Boko Haram. This Travel Alert expires on May 25, 2015,” the advisory read.
The advisory added that there is no reason to believe that US citizens would be specifically targeted in the event of election-related violence and called on the citizens to be careful during the election process, particularly in and around polling locations in the weeks before and after the elections.
It also urged US citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria to enrol in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which provides latest security updates and makes it easier for them to be contacted by the nearest US Mission in event of an emergency.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nigeria-s-2015-polls-present-possibility-of-violence-us/202784/
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle
*issues travel advisory to citizens
Damilola Oyedele in Abuja
The United States has said Nigeria’s upcoming elections, which are closely contested between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), present a possibility of violence
It therefore issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to remain cautions while travelling within Nigeria during the presidential and gubernatorial elections on March 28 and April 11, 2015.
In the advisory placed on its website, the US Embassy in Abuja recalled that the 2011 polls, although they were largely peaceful,recorded violence in many northern states following the announcement of results in the presidential race. The presidential elections then were contested by the same primary actors in the 2015 polls - President Goodluck Jonathan, and General Muhammad Buhari (rtd).
“The elections, originally scheduled for February 14 and February 28, were postponed for six weeks due to security concerns related to Boko Haram. This Travel Alert expires on May 25, 2015,” the advisory read.
The advisory added that there is no reason to believe that US citizens would be specifically targeted in the event of election-related violence and called on the citizens to be careful during the election process, particularly in and around polling locations in the weeks before and after the elections.
It also urged US citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria to enrol in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which provides latest security updates and makes it easier for them to be contacted by the nearest US Mission in event of an emergency.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nigeria-s-2015-polls-present-possibility-of-violence-us/202784/
Isis an Islamic sect killing Christains like cows in Iraq, what type of Religion is Islam? Islam is really demonic
Isis an Islamic sect killing Christains like cows in Iraq, what type of Religion is Islam? Islam is really demonic
Going toe-to-toe with Putin: British and US military put on show of strength 300 yards from Russian border Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2968408/Going-toe-toe-Putin-British-military-strength-300-yards-Russian-border.html#ixzz3SshwKjOv Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Nato soldiers and armour took part in a military parade in Estonia
It took place in the city of Narva, a few hundred yards away from Russia
100 British, Dutch, Spanish, Latvian and Lithuanian troops were present
Two US armoured personnel carriers and Dutch tanks were also there
Holding display in Narva was seen as a statement of intent by Nato
Experts said it showed Nato is committed to defending Baltic States
By Will Stewart and Ted Thornhill for MailOnline and Afp
Published: 12:46 GMT, 25 February 2015
Nato forces put on a show of strength in Estonia, just yards from the Russian border, with troops, armoured personnel carriers and tanks forming a military parade.
Around 100 British, Dutch, Spanish, Latvian and Lithuanian troops yesterday marched in the snow in the city of Narva, alongside some 1,300 Estonian soldiers, to mark the independence of the formerly Soviet-ruled republic, now a member of the European Union and Nato.
Today Moscow responded by deploying thousands of soldiers on exercise just across Russia's borders with Estonia and Latvia. Russian President Vladimir Putin also lashed Ukraine's decision to cut off gas to its eastern regions, saying the move 'smacks of genocide'.
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Nato forces put on a show of strength in Estonia, just yards from the Russian border, with troops, armoured personnel carriers and tanks forming a military parade. Pictured are US soldiers in M1126 Stryker armoured fighting vehicles
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Nato forces put on a show of strength in Estonia, just yards from the Russian border, with troops, armoured personnel carriers and tanks forming a military parade. Pictured are US soldiers in M1126 Stryker armoured fighting vehicles
A US armoured vehicle just yards away from the Russian border in Narva
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A US armoured vehicle just yards away from the Russian border in Narva
The display was held amid heightened tensions between Nato and Russia over Ukraine. Pictured are soldiers from the Netherlands in light tanks
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The display was held amid heightened tensions between Nato and Russia over Ukraine. Pictured are soldiers from the Netherlands in light tanks
The worsening tension across eastern Europe came as the U.S. bluntly accused Russia of 'lies' and Cold War-style propaganda over its involvement in the bloody conflict in east Ukraine which has claimed thousands of lives.
Rhetoric was also hawkish in Estonia yesterday. 'History has taught us that if we do not defend ourselves, nobody else will,' General Riho Teras, Estonia's chief of staff, said at the parade.
'The events in Ukraine that have kept the entire world awake, demonstrate very clearly that we ourselves must maintain security,' he added.
Putin this week began supplying gas direct to areas of eastern Ukraine which are now controlled by pro-Moscow rebels who are, the West allege, propped up by the Russian army.
He lambasted Kiev for switching off gas to the region, notwithstanding Russian gas monopoly Gazprom's threat to cut Ukraine off entirely - a block which would affect Europe's pipeline supply.
He lambasted Kiev for switching off gas to the region, even though Gazprom has threatened to block supplies to Ukraine, which could then hit Europe's pipeline deliveries.
'It's not enough that there's famine there and the OSCE has reported a humanitarian catastrophe, but then to switch off gas supplies too,' said Putin.
'What do you call that? That already smacks of genocide.'
Estonian soldiers march in formation during a military parade on the occasion of Estonia's Independence Day, in Narva, Estonia - just 300 yards from the border with Russia
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Estonian soldiers march in formation during a military parade on the occasion of Estonia's Independence Day, in Narva, Estonia - just 300 yards from the border with Russia
Soldiers of the Royal Dutch Armed Forces march in formation during the annual parade
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Soldiers of the Royal Dutch Armed Forces march in formation during the annual parade
Around 100 British, Dutch, Spanish, Latvian and Lithuanian troops marched in the snow in the city of Narva, alongside some 1,300 Estonian soldiers
SHARE PICTURE
+11
Around 100 British, Dutch, Spanish, Latvian and Lithuanian troops marched in the snow in the city of Narva, alongside some 1,300 Estonian soldiers
The show of strength took place right on Putin's doorstep
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The show of strength took place right on Putin's doorstep
Hot on the heels of Nato's part in Estonia's Independence Day parade in Narva, 2,000 Russian soldiers swooped on Pskov, the Russian region bordering the tiny Baltic state.
Some 500 units of equipment took part in the drills, which continue until Saturday with 1,500 paratroopers parachuting en masse to capture and destroy a fictional enemy's airfield.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2968408/Going-toe-toe-Putin-British-military-strength-300-yards-Russian-border.html#ixzz3SshcLOEs
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