Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, usually referred to as Abuja landlord (second from right), with Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Abubakar Malami, Minister of State, Trade & Investment, Hajiya Aisha AbubakR and Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, today, Wednesday, attended the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. [myad]
Nigerian Christian and Muslim Leaders have resolved to to promote peace and ensure peaceful coexistence among followers of both faith in Nigeria.
This was the end product of a three-day conference in Abuja with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev (Dr) Samson O. Ayokunle and other prominent leaders from both religions in attendance.
At the conference, the Sultan, who is the leader of Muslims in Nigeria called on religious leaders to teach their adherents to embrace peace and eschew violence as no nation can survive a war carried out in the name of religion.
Speaking at the end of a three-day conference, jointly organized in Abuja by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and in partnership with the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) said: “we have no option, but to live in peace. Our religious leaders must teach their followers on the need for peace. We cannot continue to live in violence and bloodshed and expect development.” According to a communiqué signed by the Nigeria Country Expert, Joseph Tank Atang, “the Director General of KAICIID International Dialogue Centre and Institute for Peace and Conflict resolution, (IPCR), Mr Fahad Abualnasr and Professor Oshita O. Oshita respectively, applauded the commitment of participating religious leaders in charting the path of interfaith unity, which is critical for peace, security and sustainable development. They thanked their Eminences, the Sultan of Sokoto, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other religious leaders for honouring the invitation and for their effective participation.” The CAN President, Rev Samson O. Ayokunle, in his closing speech, bemoaned the insurgency in the country, just as he called for peace among Nigerians across religious faiths, adding: “when I was elected CAN President, I wrote to the Sultan and told him of the willingness of CAN to work with Muslims in order to promote peace in the country. Lack of trust and mutual understanding must be dealt with. There are more common issues that unite us than issues that divide us. In the atmosphere of destruction, there will be no progress from both sides. We must seek for peace and attain it for the development of our country.” In a statement read by Ambassador A. U. Bako, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, commended KAICIID, IPCR, IMC for organizing the event. The minister noted that the country cannot achieve peace in an atmosphere of conflict. She called on Nigerians to leverage on the nation’s diversity as a resource for development.
KAICIID Senior Advisor, Professor Mohammed Abu-Nimer, commended participants for their genuine engagement throughout the three-day engagements. He expressed hope that the conference has provided the springboard for improved religious understanding, saying, “I am happy that this conference has provided a platform for genuine interaction among participants. I hope the gains of this engagement will continue to manifest in promoting peace among Christian ad Muslims in Nigeria.”
At the end of the conference, participants resolved to: · promote interfaith platforms for religious scholars and leaders; · foster religious freedom; · partner with media to promote conflict-sensitive reporting on religion; · explore legislative and other measures to curb hate speech; · create opportunities for increased interfaith education: and · work towards removing discrimination, among others. [myad]
A former Miss USA contestant, Tasha Dixon, said Donald Trump, who previously owned the pageant, walked into the dressing room while contestants were changing during a 2001 dress rehearsal, according to a CBS report.
“He just came strolling right in. There was no second to put a robe on or any sort of clothing or anything. Some girls were topless. Other girls were naked,” Tasha Dixon, former Miss Arizona said. Dixon competed in the 2001 Miss USA pageant when she was 18.
Dixon said that it was uncomfortable “to have the owner come waltzing in when we’re naked or half naked in a very physically vulnerable position and then to have the pressure of the, you know, the people that worked for him telling us to go fawn all over him, go walk up to him, talk to him, get his attention.”
Former Miss New Hampshire Bridget Sullivan also said that Trump did the same thing at the 2000 Miss USA pageant.
In an old interview with radio host Howard Stern, Trump bragged about entering pageant dressing rooms.
“I’ll go backstage and everyone’s getting dressed, and everything else, and you know, no men are anywhere, and I’m allowed to go in because I’m the owner of the pageant and therefore I’m inspecting it,” Trump said in the 2005 interview, published on Saturday by CNN: “I sort of get away with things like that.”
Trump came under fire this week after a leaked recording of a 2005 conversation featured him boasting about being able to “do anything” to women because of his fame.
Some women who competed in the 1997 Miss Teen USA pageant, which Trump also owned, shared similar stories with Buzz Feed News.
“I remember putting on my dress really quick because I was like, ‘Oh my god, there’s a man in here,’” said Mariah Billado, former Miss Vermont Teen USA.
But other contestants from the 1997 pageant told BuzzFeed they never saw Trump and raised doubts that he could have been there. “There was way too much security,” said Crystal Hughes, former Miss Maine Teen USA. “If that was something he did, then everybody would have noticed.”
Former Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Jessica Granata said it seemed unlikely because “there were so many chaperones.”
But Dixon said she thinks it was possible because everyone else reported to Trump.
“I’m telling you Donald Trump owned the pageant for the reason to utilize his power to get around beautiful women,” Dixon said. “Who do you complain to? He owns the pageant. There’s no one to complain to. Everyone there works for him.” [myad]
Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has said that Nigeria is commitment to maritime security through the full implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.
The minster, who spoke when he led a delegation to the United States Coasts Guard (USCG) head office in Washington DC, expressed the Government’s appreciation for the support of the USCG in implementing the ISPS code in Nigeria and assured the international shipping community that the country is committed to the full implementation of the code to safe guard the maritime domain.
He said that since taking over the implementation of the ISPS code as the Designated Authority (DA) in Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has performed creditably moving the compliance level from 9% in 2013 to 79.3% in 2016.
“Nigeria appreciates the efforts and support of the United States Government in encouraging a cordial bilateral relationship with Nigeria not only in the area of maritime security but also in other areas. I want to assure the US Coast Guard and indeed the international shipping community of Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the ISPS code to further institute a strict security regime in our maritime environment.”
The Minister also requested the US government to revisit the Condition of Entry (COE) earlier placed on vessels that have called some port facilities in Nigeria which were not compliant with the code saying that over 80% of those facilities have since complied with the code and needed to be removed for the COE list.
Receiving the delegation, the Assistant Commandant of the USCG, Rear Admiral Paul Thomas expressed his country’s determination to continue to support Nigeria in its goal of full implementation of the ISPS code.
Admiral Thomas who oversees the USCG directorates of Inspection and Compliance as well as Marine Transport Systems commended Nigeria for its progress in the ISPS code implementation so far saying the visit to the US was aimed at exposing the delegation to some of the strategies adopted by America to successfully implement the code.
The visit which was at the invitation of the USCG is expected to serve as an exchange programme for the Nigerian delegation exposing them to the implementation strategies of the United States so as to replicate same in Nigeria.
The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security in the ministry, Mr. Danjuma Dauda, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside and the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Usman. [myad]
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, has warned state governors and others who enjoy immunity that they are not free from investigation on the issue of corruption.
“The bottom line is that we have a responsibility to fight corruption. Corruption is a crime and nobody, regardless of how highly placed, is exempted as far as issues that border on crimes and criminalities are concerned.
“The limited exceptions, as we know constitutionally, are the exceptions of immunity. And to the best of my knowledge, those exceptions do not apply to investigation. For those that are conferred with the immunity, the right to investigate has not been taken away constitutionally.
“So, I think the framework and the circumstances within which we are operating are clearly whether there exists the right to investigate or not, and whether the action borders on criminality,” he said.
Malamai, who spoke to news men in Abuja in reaction to the arrest of some judges and the controversies such arrests elicited, stressed that Muhammadu Buhari’s government has resolved to fight corruption, and would not be deterred by class or reputation of suspects.
“Once crimes and criminality are concerned, nobody is an exception. I think the undertone should be exclusively the consideration of the existence of a prima facie case; existence of reasonable grounds for suspicion of commission of a crime.
“And if there are, no member of the legislature, judiciary and executive can definitely be exempted from investigation. I think where we are now is the point of investigation and that is what is taking place.”
Malami said that the search and subsequent arrest of seven judges were steps in an ongoing investigation that even constitutionally guaranteed immunity does not prevent.
The State Security Service (SSS) had raided the homes of seven judges in six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory between Friday night and Saturday morning.
During the raid, the SSS operatives said that they recovered a huge stash of money in local and foreign currencies. Seven judges were arrested, and have since been released on bail.
Those arrested include Justice Sylvester Nguta and John Okoro of the Supreme Court and Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court Abuja.
Others are Justice Muazu Pindiga of Gombe State; Kabiru Auta of Kano State, Innocent Umezulike, of Enugu State and Justice Mohammed Tsamiya, an appeal court judge in Ilorin. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari will start an official journey to the Federal Republic of Germany from tomorrow, Thursday.
A statement by special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that President Buhari is expected to confer with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel on issues of shared interests between Nigeria and Germany, including further cooperation on security, the humanitarian situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation of the North-East, as well as trade and economic relations between both countries.
Adesina said that the President, who will be accompanied by Governors Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo as well as representatives of the National Assembly, will meet with Federal President Joachim Gauck.
He said that in furtherance of the administration’s objective to attract more foreign investment and create economic opportunities in the country, President Buhari will participate in a Business Forum in Berlin with leading German companies already active in Nigeria and other prospective investors.
The spokesman said that President Buhari is expected to meet with representatives of the Nigerian community in Germany before returning to Nigeria.
“President Buhari is committed to deepening relations with Germany and building on the very cordial relations both countries enjoy in several areas of bilateral cooperation including the fight against terrorism, economic relations, rebuilding of the North east, support for IDPs, vocational training, energy partnership and cultural relations.
“Shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, President Buhari, on the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, attended the G7 summit in Elmau, Germany – the trip was his first to a non-African country after his assumption of office.
“From February 8 to 12 this year, President Gauck, accompanied by a delegation of German business community, was on an official visit to Nigeria, where they had fruitful discussions on trade and investments with representatives of government and the private sector in Abuja and Lagos.” [myad]
Fifty year old America female music maestro, Janet Jackson is believed to be gearing up to become a mother for the first time with husband Wissam Al Mana, naming the unborn child after Janet’s late brother, Michael Jackson.
A source said mother-to-be and billionaire businessman have chosen a moniker for their unborn baby and it’s going to a tribute to Michael.
“They have already chosen a name,” said the source who added that the baby’s “first or middle name” will be Michael.
Janet is due to deliver the baby in late November, said the source, and they’re all ready for the baby with a nursery, clothes and toys.
“They are both thrilled right now and they have everything ready.”
Janet herself had acknowledged the coming of the baby, saying: “We thank God for our blessing.”
It was first announced in May this year that the 50-year-old singer and husband Wissam Al Mana, 41, are expecting their first child. Even though Jackson is finally getting her miracle baby, reports claim that she is having a tough pregnancy.
“Janet isn’t feeling that great. She has gained more weight than she anticipated,” a source said, adding: “it hasn’t been the easiest pregnancy at all. She is excited to have her baby, and that’s the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“A few of Janet’s brothers and sisters do not share the same happiness because they think that Janet is too old to be doing this,” a family insider had said when Jackson’s baby news made headlines.
“They just are extremely worried because they do not want to see something happen to her or the baby.”
As previously reported, Jackson canceled her “Unbreakable” tour right after undergoing throat surgery to remove a tumor.
“Janet’s siblings feel that she should put her recovery first,” the source said.
Jackson finally came out of hiding on September 26 in Central London, showing off her growing baby bump for the first time while picking up baby products at a Back In Action store known for back pain solutions. [myad]
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state has described the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the very soul of transparency, balance and accommodating.
The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Emmanuel Bello, said that the state is blessed with eminent jurist like the retiring Justice Mahmud Mohammed that had done the state proud.
According to the governor, Justice Mohammed has not only creditably discharged his duties well but has become a profound reference point in jurisprudence.
Governor Darius Ishaku said: “Justice Mohammed is a true Taraba hero and a man we have no proper words to describe. If you say he is detribalized, that’s an understatement. If you call him just and fair, you are but stating the obvious. Here is a man who is not swayed by any primordial considerations of tribe, religion or social status. He is down to earth, humane and highly cerebral. In his persona, we feel all that is perfect in us as a people. We see Justice Mohammed and know in our hearts that we are indeed a great people.”
The Governor stressed that although Justice Mohammed is due to bow out in November, his absence is already being felt, adding: “I really don’t know who can actually match Justice Mohammed in this capacity. His exit from the position would surely be viewed as the end of an era that cannot be easily replicated.
“Is it his fear of God, his forthrightness, his deep contempt for opulence, his penchant for the truth, his loyalty to the constitution or his love for his fellow man? He exemplifies the best in his chosen profession and has walked in the wisdom of God in dealing with judgments.”
Going down memory lane, Governor Ishaku said Justice Mohammed had often taken decisions not viewed as popular or politically correct.
“If you analyze many of his positions, you would find a distinct element: the ability to take a stand that might not be popular but is the truth. In our state, he has often shocked some who believe he would be swayed by artificial barriers in passing judgments. He doesn’t. Rather, he normally shatters the glass ceiling, daring the status quo and making historic decisions to the delight of the majority of our people. That was the zeal and hard work he brought to the national stage. We are proud of his accomplishments, we celebrate the momentum he has generated and we hold him dear as a worthy representative of our land.”
Governor Ishaku who advised legal practitioners to emulate the virtues of Justice Mohammed, observed that Taraba state would find the best ways possible to honour the illustrious “son of the soil.
“Justice Mohammed is, no doubt, a citizen of the legal world but we in Taraba state proudly consider him first as our own. He has always been an inspiration to many of our legal practitioners. No wonder our state can boast of its fair share of dazzling stars in that sphere.”
The Taraba state governor was also elated by the apt appointment, yesterday, of Justice Paul Galumje, who he described as another bonafide son of the soil.
He said that Justce Paul’s appointment is not only fitting but necessary, saying: “Justice Galumje brings to the Supreme Court the same Taraba state spirit of service, excellence and dedication. I can only congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari, for making a decision clearly based on merit and goodwill beyond the shadows of sentiments. I also rejoice with the legal world who are indeed energized by Justice Galumje’s entry.
“Right from his days in the state, Justice Galumje had stood out as another symbol of blind justice, exceptionally standing out and rising above the fray. His elevation didn’t come as a surprise to the denizens of the profession. Instead, this appointment, once more has reinvigorate the base, gladden the hearts of Taraba citizens and has demonstrated the independence the judiciary has truly experienced under the outgoing CJN.” [myad]
Senators and House of Representatives members are contradicting the National Assembly Management over the payment of salaries and allowances to the lawmakers’ legislative aides, who today, Wednesday, launched protest to press for their being paid their dues.
In the midst of the protest, the National Assembly Management, they said the money has be given to the principals of the two arms of the National Assembly to pay their aides, but the lawmakers said that they are not aware of anything like.
One of the lawmakers, Olabanjo said that the DTA for 28 day was captured in last’s year budget and wondered why they have not been paid.
The workers were protesting against nonpayment of September salary and other allowances. Speaking to some journalist one of the aides, Taye Olabanji said their September salary and Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for 28 days since last year have not been paid.
“When we approached the National Assembly Management, they said the money has be given to our principals but when we asked our principals they said they are not aware of anything like that.”
Policemen dispersed the protesting workers and advised them to go and put their request in writing with signatures of those protesting and forward same to them. [myad]
A 23-year-old Nigerian, Femi Tinchang Nandap, has been sentenced o death for stabbing 41-year-old renowned lecturer, Jeroen Ensink, who was a lecturer at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Femi Tinchang, who was said to have over-stayed his visa, was suffering from a cannabis-induced psychosis at the time of the killing. He was handed a Hospital Order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983 at the Old Bailey on Monday, 10 October.
The convict pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at the Old Bailey.
Dr. Ensink, left his home at lunchtime on 29 December 2015 to post a number of cards to friends and family to inform them of the recent birth of his daughter. He had only walked a short distance when he was approached by Femi Tinchang, who launched into a vicious attack with a knife.
Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Piscopo, of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “I hope today’s sentence will bring some peace and closure to Jeroen’s family. What should have been the happiest time of Jeroen’s life was ended on 29 December 2015 by the violent and unprovoked actions of Nandap. Jeroen did not stand a chance during the attack, and now, sadly, his daughter will grow up without her father in her life.”
Police were called at 13:50hrs on 29 December 2015, to reports of a man who had been stabbed in Hilldrop Crescent in Islington, N7. An off-duty member of the Met’s Special Constabulary went to Dr Ensink’s aid and commenced CPR. She later told officers that she had seen Nandap holding a large black handled knife. Officers and the London Ambulance Service also attended but Dr Ensink was pronounced dead at the scene less than an hour later. Nandap was arrested nearby following a short chase. He was taken to Islington police station and charged with murder the following afternoon, 30 December 2015.
Speaking to the court, Dr. Ensink’s wife, Nadja, said: “I’m here to show how a single, mindless act affected us for life. No words can ever describe the loss and pain we’re going through. Jeroen was everyone’s friend, but he was my soulmate. Our daughter was born on 18 December and it was everything Jeroen ever wanted. He was the proudest man ever, but he only got to share her life for 11 days. These were the happiest days of his and my life. Jeroen was stabbed outside our front door in a random attack by a complete stranger. The cards announcing our joy were scattered in the street stained with his blood. On 29 December 2015 my world collapsed and stopped turning. I don’t know how I managed to go on, and I still don’t know. Almost 10 months have passed and our daughter has flourished into the most wonderful human being and she brings so much love and light into my life, but there’s also a massive void that cannot be filled. I’m dreading the day when she asks why she does not have a father and I have to explain what’s happened. Not only was the love of my life taken from me but with him all our hopes and dreams. He never got a real chance to see me be a mother. The life we had started ended before we had a chance to settle into it.”
Delivering judgment, Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC described Dr Ensink as a “truly remarkable” and “inspirational” man.
“This was an attack of extreme ferocity, there was no surviving it. No sentence I can pass can begin to reflect the enormity of the family’s loss. It’s rightly been said that his death is a loss to a large proportion of the world’s poor. It’s a dreadful irony that a man who devoted his life to those he would never know or meet, was himself killed by a stranger.”
He also praised the “considerable bravery” of the off-duty member of the Met’s Special Constabulary, who told Nandap to move away from Dr Ensink before commencing CPR
The judge added: “I express the hope that those in a position to do so will investigate all aspects of this case and the appropriate lessons will be learned.”
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Nigerian Christian and Muslim Leaders have resolved to to promote peace and ensure peaceful coexistence among followers of both faith in Nigeria.
