Obama Shortens Asia Trip Over Shutdown

President Barack Obama has announced on two stop-postponement on his four-nation Asian tour because of the government shutdown.

The White House said it was "logistically... not possible" to go ahead with the trips to Malaysia and the Philippines at the end of his tour.

But he would still be attending regional summits in Indonesia and Brunei, the White House added.
The US government has partially shut down after the two houses of Congress failed to agree a new budget.
More than 700,000 federal employees face unpaid leave, and national parks, museums and many buildings are closed.

Mr Obama on Tuesday vowed not to allow Republicans to undermine his signature healthcare legislation as a condition to restart the US government.

"They've shut down the government over an ideological crusade to deny affordable health insurance to millions of Americans," he said at the White House.
"In other words, they demanded ransom just for doing their job."
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Court Reserves Ruling On El-Rufai’s No-Case Submission

El-Rufai and two others were accused of illegally converting Plot 1201, meant for the building of a transmitting/injection sub-station for the PHCN in Asokoro.


An Abuja high court today reserved ruling on a no-case submission made by a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai,  on a case concerning an alleged conversion of land in Abuja.
The defence counsel in the trial of Mr. El-Rufai, Altine Jibrin, former director-general of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and its former General Manager, Ismaila Iro, are asking the court to discharge and acquit the accused persons, saying the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against them.

The Counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Akin Olujimi (SAN) argued that since the prosecution had closed its case without proving the required elements of the charges, the accused persons should be discharged without having to enter their defence.

In their written submissions, the defence counsels to the accused also informed the court that an FCT high court has upheld the actions of El Rufai in revoking Plot 3352, the plot that NIPOST failed to develop within the terms of the grant and which the postal agency attempted to handover to a private company to build commercial and residential properties.

NIPOST and its private sector partners had filed a civil suit CV/324/07 (NIGERIA POSTAL SERVICES & 2 ORS V. MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY & 2 ORS) seeking to reverse the revocation, but the court upheld the decision of the then minister of the FCT.

Adopting his written address filed on July 30, and his reply on points of law dated September 20, Mr. Agabi, counsel for Mr. Iro, said there was no case for the third accused to answer. He argued that the prosecution’s case was that the two parcels of land involved in all the counts belong to PHCN and NIPOST, and that both organisations are alleged to derive their title from the Abuja master-plan.

Mr. Agabi reminded the court that evidence from the prosecution witnesses was that plots were neither enumerated nor allocated in the Master Plan. Thus the evidence led in court is inconsistent with the charge. Counsel for the third accused added that the unfair advantage allegedly conferred on allotees of the revoked plots had not been proven and cannot be proved.

Mr. Agabi explained that unfair advantage could only arise in relation to other persons who were shortchanged despite having qualified.

“There was no evidence whatsoever that any procedure for the allocation or revocation of title to land was breached by the accused persons,” the senior advocate said.  He submitted that it was compliance with the procedure that mattered, not whether the beneficiaries were enemies or friends of the accused.
Mr. Agabi also reminded the court that prosecution witness one conceded that Mr. El-Rufai had powers as minister to revoke and allocate land.

Evidence, he said,  also showed that the actions taken by the first accused in respect of revocation and allocation of the plots at issue were upheld by a subsequent administration, including the plot allocated to the daughter of prosecution witness one.

He concluded that there was no evidence to support the charge of conspiracy among the accused persons whom he urged the court to discharge and acquit.

Akin Olujimi (SAN), counsel for Mr El-Rufai aNd Mrs Jibrin, associated himself with the submissions of Mr. Agabi. Adopting his written address dated August 3, and filed August 5, and his reply on points of law, filed August 26, Mr.  Olujimi argued that it was settled law that a no-case submission must be upheld where the elements of an offence had not been proven, or when the evidence adduced had been discredited or is manifestly unreliable.

“Central to the counts are that Plot 1201 and Plot 3352 were allocated originally in the Abuja Master Plan, but it is on record that the prosecution failed to tender the master-plan,” Mr. Olujimi was quoted as saying. “The prosecution sought refuge in the first accused’s statement to the EFCC, but there is nowhere he stated that the plots were allocated in the master-plan as alleged by the prosecution. Regarding Plot 1201, for instance, first accused said that it was granted to FCDA, not PHCN.”
He described the failure to tender the master-plan as fatal.

Mr. Olujimi added, “No evidence was adduced to show that the allotees were cronies or friends of the accused persons. The particulars introduced in the charges were not established, Olujimi said. He added that when asked under cross examination whether he investigated how many applications were pending for land allocation, PW2 said he did not find out. Thus he did not know if any qualified applicants were disfavoured to benefit the accused persons and or their relations.”

However, counsel to the EFCC, Adebayo Adelodun,(SAN), prayed  the court to discountenance the application of  no-case submission by the accused persons and urged it to rule that they answer the charges preferred against them.

“Running through the entirety of the written address as well as the adumbration, it is a misconception on the part of the defence to suggest we have to prove anything at this stage.
“This stage is whether a prima facie case has been made out and not to prove any ingredient of offences alleged. All that we are required to do at this stage is to link the accused persons with the charges, however tangible or remote,” Mr. Adelodun said.

He urged  the court to note that the Commission had placed before it all documentary and oral evidences which include the accused person’s statements and that the case before it is a case of some people who occupy public office to use such to gratify and or benefit themselves, their relations and friends.
On the argument by the defence that prosecution did not produce the city’s masterplan, Mr. Adelodun contented that prosecution need not produce such because its existence and content was never in doubt and has been admitted by the statement of the first accused.

“Besides, the ownership of these plots is not restricted to the master plan as exhibits 4 and 15 which are the allocation letters to PHCN and NIPOST respectively, from FCDA are there for all to see.”
The prosecution counsel further challenged the defence’s submission that it did not produce those that benefitted from the alleged allocation by stating that by tendering certificate of occupancies in respect of all the persons named as beneficiaries especially the 2ndand 3rd accused persons, prosecution has given the court necessary proof to arrive at its decision.

The former minister and his co-accused were first arraigned on May 12, 2010 and later re-arraigned on an amended eight- count charge on Thursday April 7, 2011.

One of the counts read : “That you  Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai (M) between 13th day of December, 2003 and 14th of December, 2007 or thereabout at the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in the course of and or in the performance of your official duties as the Minister of  the Federal Capital Territory  did use your said office and position to gratify and confer corrupt or unfair advantage on your relation, to wit, your wife Hadiza Ahmed El-Rufai by reallocating to her parts of the parcel of land known as plot No 1201, Asokoro District (A4) Abuja, originally allocated in the Federal Capital Territory Masterplan to power Holding Company of Nigeria Plc for the construction of transmitting/ injection sub-stations which you fully and/or intentionally revoked for that purpose, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
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Dangote To Build Hospital In Kano

According to reports, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has on Tuesday, said he would construct a 1,000-bed hospital in Kano to improve health care delivery in the state.

The aim of the project, he said, is to make health care delivery easier and accessible to the people of the state.
He reportedly made this announcement while laying the foundation of Mariya Sanusi Dantata Ultra-Modern Theatre and diagnostic complex at Murtala Muhammed Hospital in Kano metropolis, northwest Nigeria.

Governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso commended the business mogul on this development saying it would facilitate surgical operation in the hospital.
Kwankwaso also added that that the state government rehabilitated and equipped health training institutions to enable them to produce qualified health workers.
Dr. Labaran Yusuf, the state Commissioner for Health, also expressed the approval and appreciation to the governor and president of Dangote foundation for transforming the health sector in the state.
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PHOTOS: SEE Gunmen Who Robbed Pasuma As They Reveal How They Shared The Loot

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja,  have arrested three suspected  members of a   robbery gang who robbed popular Fuji star, Pasumu Wonder,  of his Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, and an unspecified amount of  money, four months ago in Lagos.


Suspected leader of the gang simply identified as Ade, reportedly bought a Toyota Camry saloon car with his own share of the loot. Pasuma had  reported in May 2013, that he was robbed of his SUV and an undisclosed  sum at gun point at Amadiyah area of Egbeda. Aside robbing the musician said to be on his way to a function, the gunmen also abducted him and one of his aides, drove a distance  before dropping them off at Itele, a boarder town in Ogun State.

The suspects  identified as Fatai Balogun, Wale Akinjobi and Gbenga Kolawole during interrogation, confessed to have come all the way from Ogun state to operate.
A source, who craved anonymity  told Crime Alert that the police launched a manhunt for the gang after  Pasuma’s encounter, during which  they were  intercepted.

The gang, as gathered, also attacked a wealthy man in Iju Ishaga area of Lagos,where they robbed him of N500,000, his mobile phones and other valuables. After the operation, one of them, Wale who resides around the area reportedly dug a hole at the back of his compound where he buried his weapon.
But unknown to him, a resident said to have sighted him,  alerted the police who quickly arrested him and transferred him to the SARS. During interrogation, Wale reportedly confessed that his gang robbed Pasuma. His confessional statement, as gathered, led to the arrest of other suspected members.

Fatai Balogun, told  Crime Alert that leader of the gang, Ade, got the highest share from Pasuma’s loot.  “He was the one who searched Pasuma and collected money from him. But  nobody knew the amount he got. Few days later, he bought a Toyota Camry car with the loot but gave us  peanuts. I have gone on several operations with Ade. One of them was at Ajah area where we snatched a car at gun point along Epe road. We did that operation with Ade’s car but we had a little problem on the road after Ade ran into a ditch. We had to  abandon the car when policemen came looking for us but Ade later sent a towing vehicle to retrieve the car.

Wale  brought the job that landed  me in trouble. He told me  there was a  rich man who lives in his area, that  he would want me to follow him execute the job because he does not have the expertise to do it. I accepted because the job was an easy one, as there won’t  be much huddles  getting inside. We were three in number that went for the operation.

I took N120,000 and gave Wale and Gbenga their  share. I sold the laptops  we took from the man for N40,000 each and at the end, I relocated to my base in Abeokuta, Ogun State.  I don’t know how Wale mishandled  the gun he used for the operation, which led to his being sighted by one of his neighbors,” he stated.
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Nigeria Police Hijack Controversial Car Registration Project From Firm That Offered Services For N500

Nigeria police’s latest car registration effort, which has drawn outrage over its mandatory N3, 500 charge on motorists, was founded on a shady process that involved police authorities rejecting a far more affordable alternative that would have cost only N500, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report today.

After its repeated failure at rolling out the digitalized car registry, the police finally received a proposal for the job from a local tech firm that offered to exclusively fund the project, train police personnel, and charge Nigerians only N500 per car.

At the rate,estimated profit for the project would have been N50 per unit, to be shared equally between the police and the firm, according to a Memorandum of Understanding reached by both sides in 2011. But the force has since unilaterally jettisoned that agreement, and now stipulates a new cost of N3,500-about 600 percent higher- for the registration of every car under the scheme, in violation of a senate decision in 2012, ordering the suspension of the charge.

At N3, 500 per user, police authorities will net about N140 billion from Nigerians, based on estimates by the Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC, that Nigeria is home to between 35 million and 40 million cars. The amount does not include the N1, 500 charged per motorcycle.

The police has not provided explanations why it raised the cost of the project by 600 percent, or why it discarded the agreement with the tech firm. Police spokesperson, Frank Mba, denied that the project was ever approved for N500, or that it was opposed by the Senate.

He said the initial consideration was N5, 000, but was only reviewed downwards by the current Inspector General of police, Mohammed Abubakar, as a mark of “respect to Nigerians”. “Nobody said N500, otherwise the media would have come up with the evidence by now,” Mr. Mba said.

But through interviews with the force personnel, and other government officials, as well as the review of several project-related documents, PREMIUM TIMES has obtained damning details that now raise serious questions about the true intent of the registration project.

The police claims the technology will naturally be deployed against crime and terrorism. But a distrustful public has accused the force of imposing an extra burden on Nigerians, for a purpose already served by the FRSC, and whose main drive is certain to be monetary.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, agreed to by the police and the company, 2TOC Solution Limited, the police was to spend no kobo on the scheme, beyond providing the firm with an operational accommodation, identification for its staff, and making available the police’s communication infrastructure, the documents show. In turn, the firm was to provide the required funding, train police personnel in the relevant department, and operate the scheme for a minimum of five years.

“The RCCS Project cost is Four Hundred and Fifty Naira (N450.00) in every Five Hundred Naira to which a profit of Fifty Naira (N50.00) on every registration shall accrue; this shall be shared on a 50:50 basis between the parties; and shall be remitted to the force on quarterly basis,” the MOU, authored by the police legal department, and signed by the two sides on January 25, 2011, said.

While Audu Abubakar, a Deputy Inspector General of police, and Jubril Adeniji, a Commissioner of Police, signed for the Nigeria Police, Benson Olatunji, 2TOC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Abba Kasim, the company’s Executive Director, signed for the tech firm. The amount agreed then, is a far cry from the N3, 500 the police is currently asking the public to pay for the registration.

The exercise is expected to cover the cost of creating a digital data record and backup, a plastic identification card and hand-held verification device, prospects the police says will prove key against car theft and terrorism. But beyond raising the cost of the proposed registration, PREMIUM TIMES has found how the entire project has been riddled with police’s flouting of instructions and advice, including those from the Senate and the Joint Tax Board.

The first opposition to the project came from the Joint Tax Board in 2011. The Board, which harmonizes the various taxes payable by the public, said in 2011 that the scheme was “laudable” as the nation faced insecurity, but advised that the N500 per head be financed by the police, and not by Nigerians. “..Nigeria police should finance and own the project since the project is laudable and will enhance national security,” the board said in December 2011 letter. That position was followed months later by a motion by the Senate, asking that the project be suspended. Both instructions were flouted.

While the police pushed on with the project against the Senate’s opposition, it did so at public cost against the advice of the Joint Tax Board, and even so, at an outlandish rate more than the Board opposed. Senators are said to be considering a new motion on the case. A spokesperson for the senate, Enyinayya Abaribe, did not respond to our calls for confirmation.
The controversy over the registration project dates back to the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and stretched into the Umaru Yar’Adua government. Both administrations rejected the plan as illegal, and advised the police to team with the FRSC for a centralized, digitalized car registration. The latest project began in 2010 after 2TOC Solution Limited contacted the police and sought to partner with the force for the plan, according to police official records.

PREMIUM TIMES has obtained letters showing how former Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, was first briefed about the programme in 2010, and how he approved the project after he became convinced it would help tackle car bombings and theft. police biometric central motor registration After the

endorsement, the prototype was demonstrated before police authorities and the media, and the sum of N500 was announced as unit price, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides. According to the MOU, the police and the technology firm were to deliver on their responsibilities for the deal.

But while the company began deploying its equipment and staff to commence work, the police withheld its staff from the agreed training and did not budge throughout 2011 and 2012. Throughout the period, police officials reportedly said the proposal was still being considered and would soon take off.

What followed was the decision by the force in 2013, to unilaterally roll out the plan, defying the senate resolution, and the Joint Tax Board. A spokesperson for 2TOC, Soji Bamidele, declined to comment for this story, but however confirmed our findings that the company had an agreement with the police to implement the project.
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Terrorisms And Conflicts Are Major Setbacks For Nigeria To Move Forward - Aregbesola, Amaechi

On the occasion of 53d Independence Day of Nigeria, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, have described conflicts and terrorism as serious setbacks for the development of the country, and called to unite to overcome them.

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has called terrorism and other criminal activities, including bad governance, a serious setback to the development of Nigeria. He said this in a message issued in Osogbo on Monday to commemorate the 53rd Independence anniversary of Nigeria.

"Our efforts at nation-building are being affronted by manifold crises of under-development – bad governance, poor planning, industrial collapse, decay of basic infrastructure, socio-economic backwardness, political instability, insecurity, widespread poverty, and terrorism, among many other woes," Aregbesola said, expanding the list of problems.

However, he said, these setbacks "do not amount to any permanent incapacity" for the country do develop further; they are "necessary but temporary impediments along the path to progress,” Governor added.
It turn, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, called for national cohesion and true democracy as the country marks its 53rd anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor, Amaechi stated democracy could only thrive when the people lived in peace and unity with leaders showing true leadership and statesmanship in line with democratic tenets.

“No democracy can grow in the face of unending conflicts and in the midst of impunity. Nigeria is one country in spite of our varying cultures, religion and ethnic nationalities; and we can only succeed as a nation if we stand united.
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Police On "Red Alert" In Sokoto State

Sokoto State -- Sokoto State Police Command said on Monday, October 1, that tight security measures have been put in place on the occasion of 53rd Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Shua'ibu Gambo, assured the journalists that "officers and men of the Nigeria Police are on red alert all over Nigeria".

"The command has taken all the necessary steps to fortify the state and people can go about their normal activities without fear," he added.
Mr. Gambo said all has been done to enhance effective security network which would guarantee peace across the state.

Security personnel had been deployed in various shopping malls, other public buildings to guard the residents.

"We are not taking the security situation lightly," he said, "as various forms of security strategies are in place during and after the independence celebrations".
Mr. Gambo further stated that any individual who would disturb peace would be arrested, and suggested that criminals leave the area.

He urged the citizens to support the efforts of the command by reporting criminal offences.
He also called on the officers and men of the police command to show commitment to their duty, promising that hard work would be rewarded.
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Another Strike Over Similar Issues: Resident Doctors Embark On Nationwide Strike

Following the striking ASUU lecturers, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has today commenced an indefinite strike across Nigeria. 


The strike followed an expiration of a two weeks ultimatum issued by the doctors.
According to the President of the association, Jubril Abdullahi, the had no choice but to strike as a result of the federal government’s refusal to meet their demands, and namely to pay the accumulated salaries.

The doctors also complained of the refusal of the government to implement an agreement with the union on the Integrated Payroll Payment System (IPPS).
Some teaching hospitals such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi-Araba, owes its resident doctors more than four months salaries. The LUTH chapter of the group had only suspended an industrial action about two weeks ago.

Besides the IPPS, the doctors also complained of poor funding of residency training of its members by the FG.

However, this is not the first time the group is embarking on strike this year. On June 26, the doctors had done same and suspended it on the 28th when top government officials intervened. The doctors said nothing has been done by the government to meet their demands since then.

“It’s two months away for the year to end, it’s quite unfair. There can’t be good medical specialization without residency training. The government should live up to her responsibilities” immediate past president of the association, Ismail Lawal, told Premium Times.
It will be reminded that NARD had issued the ultimatum on September 16, 2013.
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HORRIBLE: Family Couple, Three Others Killed in Ghastly Road Accident

When Mr. Victor Idam, his wife and three others left their home in an ash-coloured Nissan Primera car for Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, they had no premonition that the journey which started on a joyous note, would end in a disaster.

The couple and their three companions who hailed from Afikpo North Local Government Area, were involved in a ghastly auto-crash which claimed their lives, leaving two others with minor injuries.

The crash, which was a head-on collision with a trailer, occurred at about 3.45 p.m. at Berger Junction along the Ishiagu – Afikpo Road.

The deceased couple who were members of Deeper Life Bible Church were riding in a Nissan Primera with registration number UML 250 AA when it (car) collided with a yellow-coloured Mack Trailer with registration No. APP 215 XP (pictured).

A source close to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Ebonyi State told Vanguard Metro on condition of anonymity that the crash was caused by over-speeding. He advised road users to desist from over-speeding on the smooth-surfaced Ishiagu/Afikpo road.

Another eyewitness attributed the crash to the carelessness of the driver of the trailer. The source said that the accident occurred when the conductor of the trailer was trying to take over from his driver while the vehicle was still in motion.

“The accident was very terrible; in fact, those who came to rescue the victims had to force the doors open before the victims were brought out. I learnt that the conductor was trying to take over from the driver while on steering. Before their death, the couple were resident in Umuahia. The wife worked with the Education Board in Abia, while the husband who is graduate of Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki worked with a media outfit located in Port Harcourt. He was a presenter with Deeper Life Satellite Television,” the source explained.

The State Coordinator, Special Marshal RF 9.2 Nigeria, Dr. Henry Urochukwu who spoke on the accident, advised government to make the teaching and learning of safety education mandatory in primary and secondary schools.

“If we start on time to talk about safe driving from our primary and secondary schools, it helps the situation. That accident that happened at Ishiagu was very pathetic; learning how to drive is not just it, you need to know about the maintenance of the vehicle among other requirements.

“In this case, we must look at both human and environmental factors before we can accurately discuss the reasons behind that accident. If a driver is not conversant with the road, accident may occur. Note that the road may be well tarred but accident may occur due to poor lighting of the road at night. If a driver does over 100 kilometres per hour, it is over speeding. The psychological disposition of a driver matters a lot during driving,” he said.

Continuing, Dr. Urochukwu asked a lot of rhetorical questions: “We need to look at the medical history of the driver to ascertain whether he had had a heart attack. What is his psychological disposition to driving? Is he an epileptic patient? Is the driver tired after driving for about 17 hours? Is the person prone to risk taking? Does he have a pulse for over-speeding; does he have a defective judgement while driving; does he spend time quarrelling with another road user instead of focusing on his lane? Does he have a poor perception of his or her environment? It is a very complex issue but these are the factors we need to put into consideration.”

VM learnt that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary in Uturu, Abia State while the injured victims are currently receiving treatment in hospital. 
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Kano Expects Emir Ado Bayero Back TOMORROW

The Emir of Kano State Alhaji Ado Bayero is expected to arrive to his home state tomorrow, Wednesday, October 2, after spending several months in foreign medical facilities. 

It has been learnt from the unofficial palace sources that top members of the emirate council are making "last-minute" arrangements on the eve of the Emir's return.
It was announced last week that the Emir is responding to treatment, and people of Kano were urged to continue praying for his recovery.
Also, one of the Emir's sons and the district head of Dala, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, said in a radio interview that he visited his father at a hospital in Dubai. The Emir was getting better, he said.
The news of the Emir's return was confirmed via telephone conversation by the Special Adviser to Kano state governor on Emirate Council Affairs, Alhaji Tijjani Mailafiya Sanka.
This is the first time the Emir of Kano has spent this much time abroad since he was inaugurated half a century ago.
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JTF Destroys 127 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 29

The Joint (Military) Task Force in the Niger Delta says it has arrested 29 alleged oil thieves and destroyed 127 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

In a statement on Sunday, JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the suspects were arrested during the series of anti-oil-theft operations between September 16 and September 28. He added that the 29 suspects were currently undergoing preliminary investigations and would soon be handed over to relevant prosecuting agencies.

Nwachukwu explained that in Bayelsa State, troops of 343 Regiment of the JTF in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area clamped down on 98 illegal crude oil distillation sites.
He said the sites were operating with 119 illegal distillation tanks and 37 large open wooden boats (Cotonou boats) laden with stolen crude oil and illegally-distilled Automated Gas Oil.

He said in a separate operation, troops of 29 Battalion and the Gun Boat Patrol Company, arrested a barge with three crew and a vessel christened MT Tora Eagle with 11 crew members in Bodo waterways and Akassa creek in Rivers and Bayelsa states respectively.

Nwachukwu said, “The barge was intercepted while conveying some quantity of illegally sourced crude oil, while the vessel was laden with 3,600 drums of stolen petroleum product.
“The troops also scuttled five illegal crude oil distillation sites and 10 Cotonou boats filled with stolen crude oil along Lewe, Bodo, Elem Sagangama, Oluwasiri and Bodo West in Rivers State.”
He said the outfit’s Operation Pulo Shield, 19 and 3 Battalions’ troops covering Edo and Delta states scuttled 24 illegal oil distillation camps and 73 Cotonou boats.

He said 31 of such boats were intercepted at an illegal crude oil loading point close to an abandoned oil well in Warri North, while 27 of the arrested boats were intercepted in Egara creek along NNPC pipeline in Warri South Local Government Area.

Nwachukwu added, “The operation also swept through Ajide, Lagos; Makara, Egwu Aghara watersides in Warri-North, Warri North-West, Warri South West and Ethiope West Local Government areas of Delta, where oil stealing was also found to be thriving.

“The outfit intercepted 61 pieces of 75 HP speed boats and a truck laden with 33,000 litres of AGO while they were still lifting the stolen products. 502 drums, 22 steel tanks, four plastic surface tanks, 77 metal drums laden with stolen crude oil and illegally distilled AGO and four pumping machines used by the oil thieves were also seized during the operations.”
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Why Police Destroyed MASSOB's Office In Anambra

Omor, Anyamelu Local Government Area of Anambra State -- Yesterday, September 30, 2013, the police forces reportedly invaded and destroyed the office of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in Anaku, the council headquarters. The incident comes two days after the inauguration of the office.


The MASSOB Director of Information in the area, Joseph Tagbo, in his interview, stated the police "vandalized" the office, and "carted away equipment and cash."
Mr. Tagbo wondered what the organization's offence was, that would have provoked the violence and stealing.
He described MASSOB as a "defenceless body fighting for a sovereign state of Biafra," and said the police has just provoked a non-violent group.
Arinze Igbani, MASSOB's Onitsha Region Four Administrator, and Chief Charles Oputa, who is the Director of Transport, called the act "barbaric". They, however, vowed that the provocation would not stop MASSOB from struggling to actualise a Biafran nation.
Chief Oputa said the police destroyed their office at the time when MASSOB was working to "ensure a hitch-free Christmas season." "It is unfortunate," he said, "because we did not commit any offence."
A police source confirmed the incident, offering this explanation: MASSOB is not recognised by the government and, therefore, should not have offices. However, the police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka was not available for the commentary. 
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Obama Congratulates Jonathan, Nigerians At 53

The U.S. President, Barack Obama, has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and the people of Nigeria as the nation celebrates 53rd anniversary it Independence Day on Oct.1.

“A warm friendship connects the Nigerian and American people, reflecting our shared values of democracy, economic growth, security, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“Our partnership is strong because of our people, as the proverb tells us, if you want to go quickly go alone. If you want to go far go together,’’

Obama in a statement,  issued by Secretary of State, John Kerry said on Monday.
He added that in the coming years, the U.S. would be looking forward to going further with Nigeria as the country expands education, jobs and opportunity for its people.

“On the 53rd anniversary of your independence, I wish all Nigerians a safe and prosperous future,” Kerry quoted the U.S. president as saying.
Meanwhile, in the historic city, New York, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from around the world are gearing up to celebrate the anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.

The celebration is scheduled from Oct.3 to 5 with activities ranging from party for young Nigerians and their friends, to a cultural night where the youth would demonstrate appreciation of their Nigerian heritage.
Also there would be an Independence Day Parade/Carnival and Festival.
People from all walks of life are expected at the celebration to showcase the glory of Nigeria.

The  theme for this year’s celebration is “Nigeria, Time for change’’.
Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration in New York started in 1991.
The celebration is usually the largest of its kind by any African nation in the U.S. (NAN)
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Drowned just a short swim from shore, the 13 desperate migrants who plunged from overcrowded smuggler ship after it ran aground off Sicily

The bodies of 13 immigrants have washed up on the coast of Sicily after a boat carrying 200 people ran aground as it approached the shore.
When the boat ran into difficulties in rough seas near the coastal town of Scicli this morning, the migrants it was carrying jumped into the sea.
Most made it to shore and ran away, but a number of men were unable to swim strongly enough and drowned.
Warning: graphic content

Victims: 13 immigrants drowned off the coast of Sicily after their boat ran aground this morning

Horror: Rescuers pause to pay their respects to the 13 victims of the tragedy

Rescue boats and divers are now combing the waters looking for more bodies.
Two alleged leaders have been arrested on suspicion of people-trafficking, according to Italian newspapers.

 

One of the alleged smugglers is said to have lashed out at a swimmer who tried to rescue him from the water.
As well as the 13 men who drowned, a number of other immigrants had to be rescued, and several - including a pregnant woman - were taken to hospital for treatment.

Accident: This boat was carrying around 200 people when it ran aground in rough seas near shore

Grief: A priest says prayers over the bodies of the victims, who were trying to immigrate to Italy

Location: The boat ran into difficulties near the coastal town of Scicli in Sicily, pictured

One immigrant who tried to escape after reaching the shore was hit by a car on a nearby road and suffered serious injuries.
In addition, 20 children are among the 70 migrants apprehended so far, most of whom came from Eritrea in East Africa, according to Corriere Della Sera.
The nationality of the 13 victims, whose bodies were laid out on the shore, is not yet known.
However, Sicily and surrounding islands are notorious hotspots for immigrants arriving by boats from Tunisia, Libya and sub-Saharan Africa.

Tragic: A policeman stands next to some of the bodies washed up on the beach

Arrests: Two people were apprehended by police on suspicion of people-smuggling and taken into custody

Rescue: Quick-thinking bystanders helped to save the life of several migrants trying to swim to safety

The region has also attracted a large number of Syrian immigrants in recent weeks following the continued violence in the country's civil war.
This is not the first time in recent months that illegal migrants making the desperate journey to Italy have drowned on the way.
Last month six migrants died after they jumped out of a boat off the coast of Sicily.
The fishing trawler was illegally transporting some 100 migrants when it hit a sandbank about 15 metres (50 feet) from the shore.

Scene: Officers and firefighters stand by the boat, pictured in the background, which carried the group

It is thought that the six victims, believed to be Egyptian, thought they had arrived onshore and so jumped overboard.
They were identified as being between 17 and 27 years of age.
The 27-year-old was trying for a fifth time to get into Italy, investigators said following the incident in August.
In July seven immigrants drowned while trying to hold on to a fishing cage being towed to shore.

Scene: Officers and firefighters stand by the boat, pictured in the background, which carried the group

It is thought that the six victims, believed to be Egyptian, thought they had arrived onshore and so jumped overboard.
They were identified as being between 17 and 27 years of age.
The 27-year-old was trying for a fifth time to get into Italy, investigators said following the incident in August.
In July seven immigrants drowned while trying to hold on to a fishing cage being towed to shore.

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The zoo where tourists play tug-of-war with a TIGER using a live chicken

Visitors to Chinese zoo can soon pitch their strength against a tiger in a new controversial game of tug-of-war using a live chicken.
People can pay to participate in the 'game' in which they pull on a rope that passes into the tigers' enclosure. Attached to the tigers' end is a hessian bag with a live chicken inside.
The spectacle, which animal rights activists claim falls foul of a new law banning the use of animals for entertainment, is set to launch at Changsha Ecological Zoo, in Hunan province, at the upcoming week-long National Day holiday, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

The game of tug-of-war with a tiger has been condemned as inappropriate by animal rights activists after it emerged in a Chinese zoo

For 45 yuan (£4.50) each, several zoo visitors tried it out for the first time on Friday to test whether the tigers would participate.
Sure enough, the magnificent big cats were quick to take the bait, pulling hard on the chicken sack when visitors started to tug on the rope.

According to the Sina English news service, one four-year-old Amur tiger won a game pitched against seven tourists.
Yi Ting, a media officer at the zoo, told the news service the game was designed to 'train' and 'stimulate' wild Siberian tigers.

The first tourists were invited to try out the game on Friday, but few were any match for the magnificent big cats

Once a Siberian tiger digs in its claws, they normally win the game, Yi told the Sina news service

Yi also claimed the game would help prevent the animals from getting sick, caused by long term captivity.
In China, under a Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development regulation, animal shows have been banned in zoos since July.
Animal rights activist Guo Geng, a Beijing local political advisor, said human-tiger games would surely fall under that law.

The big cats are enticed to pull on a bag containing a live chicken

He told the news service the game also insulted tigers.
Other Chinese comments online, translated by the news service, agree with Guo that the spectacle in inappropriate. One person worried the tigers' teeth might torn out.

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Gun-toting Brad Pitt descends on England's green and pleasant land... and turns countryside into warzone on location of new film Fury

It was, until recently, a quiet and serene corner of the English countryside.
But then Brad Pitt and a slew of army tanks, weapons and tents descended into the Oxfordshire country location to film their new World War II movie Fury.
Hundreds of crew members and extras joined Pitt and his co-star Shia LaBeouf on the movie's set on Monday.

Practice makes perfect: Brad has been spotted training to drive a tank around the English countryside

Film set: The English countryside was taken over by the army camp of Fury

The stars have been preparing for the film for several months now, with their research including visiting an army base in California, learning to drive tanks and even going on bonding camping trip together
 
Fury, which is scheduled to hit cinemas in November 2014, tells the story of a crew of a Sherman tank taking on a dangerous mission in the final weeks of the war.

Written by director Ayer, the film sees the crew take on a desperate German division facing an almost hopeless predicament.

Dapper: Despite the mud and battered combat gear, Brad and Shia looked suave on set

Goggles and gloves: Brad sat nearly inside the tank as he positioned his helmet

Taking over: This particular corner of England's green and pleasant land is playing host to the star-studded movie

Research: To prepare for the role Brad has recently been spotted getting tank driving lessons through the countryside accompanied by instructors

We're in the army now: Shia sported a moustache and army fatigues as he waited for the shot to be set up

Brad was showing off his new short back and sides hairstyle, while Shia sported a moustache for the role of an American soldier in the David Ayer-directed film.
The actors displayed dirt-streaked faces and climbed over the tanks in breaks from the action.
At one point, Brad donned a helmet and goggles, while Shia's character was spotted restraining a soldier on the ground in another scene.
It comes days after Brad invited a British D-Day veteran, 90-year-old Peter Comfort, on to the set to talk about Fury.
Mr Comfort later admitted he had to look the movie star up on the internet to find out who he was.

A look back: Brad takes on the role of Wardaddy in the David Ayer-directed film

Gun toting: Brad displayed a mud-streaked face as he moved a large machine gun

Showing restraint: Shia was seen in an altercation with a fellow soldier in one scene

Brad Pitt seen on set of new film The hell and the fury: Action hero Brad is said to play a 'battle hardened army sergeant

Write caption here

Ayer recently shared a photograph via his Twitter account of his all-star cast posing in their army fatigues whilst sitting on the top of a tank.
Captioned, 'The Crew of the Fury', the photograph saw Brad posing alongside his co-stars Shia, Michael Pena, Logan Lerman and Jon Bernthal.
To prepare for the role of battle-hardened sergeant Wardaddy, Brad has recently been spotted getting tank driving lessons through the countryside accompanied by instructors.

Looking weary: The actor seemed tired as he took a rest in between takes

Looking weary: The actor seemed tired as he took a rest in between takes

A glimpse into the past: The new film is set near the end of the war in 1945

Practice makes perfect: Brad has been spotted training to drive a tank around the English countryside

The actor looked like all his boyhood dreams had come true as he rode around in a huge tank in the English countryside earlier this month.

Brad has also been preparing for his role in other ways though, cutting off his long golden locks to reveal a short back and sides last week.

Men with guns: The film follows an American crew as they battle on against desperate members of the German Army just before the war ends in 1945

Training Back in June, Brad and Shia paid a visit to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, where they conducted field research

All quiet on set: Dozens of crew members, extras and the main cast were spotted waiting for a new shot to be set up in the countryside location 

And according to Us Weekly, the Hollywood heart-throb joined Shia and their three other cast members on a 'male bonding camping trip in the wilderness in mid-September.

'They play soldiers in the same World War II troop, and the director [David Ayer] wanted to make sure they bonded,' a source told the publication. 'So he dropped them in the wilderness - without their cellphones.'
Back in June, Brad and Shia also paid a visit to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, where they conducted field research by talking with soldiers and spending the night shadowing an army unit.

First look: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena and Jon Bernthal pose in costume for their WWII drama Fury

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