Mother, 3 Kids, Housemaid Perish In Fire Outbreak In Jos

May 2, 2015

A mother, her three children, a family member and a housemaid have been burnt to death in a fire outbreak at Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Residents living in the compound with the victims – the Araf family, said that the incident occurred in the early hours of today, shortly after power supply was restored to the area following an outage the night before the incident.

It was gathered that the fire started from an electric surge which aided the explosion of a gas cylinder in the house, as the victims were held captive due to the fortified security barricade in the house which has only one entrance.

All occupants of the two bedroom apartment were burnt beyond recognition before men of the Fire Brigade Service and residents could render any assistance or extend any help to save them.

The victims all died while the husband was away on official duty.

In line with Muslim tradition, the victims were taken to the mortuary immediately where prayers were offered for the repose of the departed souls and subsequent interment at the cemetery amidst tears.

The Plateau incident brings to fore, the need for citizens to take certain measures in providing security apparatus that will enhance access to buildings while emergency exits should be provided in curbing occurrences of such incidents. [myad]

Chief Imam Of Abuja National Mosque, Ustaz Muhammed, Dies At 68

Greenbarge Reporters

May 2, 2015

The Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Ustaz Musa Muhammed, is dead, aged 68. He died today at the National Hospital Abuja where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, announced the passing on of the Imam in a statement in Ibadan today.

The statement said that there would be funeral prayers for him tomorrow, Sunday May 3, at the National Mosque, Abuja by 10.00a.m.

“On behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saád Abubakar III, Oloyede condoled with the Muslim community on the death of Musa Muhammed.”

In its condolence message, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, described Musa Muhammed as somebody blessed with knowledge.

In the message, MMPN Chairman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the Muslim community had lost a great scholar whose wealth of knowledge was a blessing to the Muslim community.

“This is really sad coming less than two months to the holy month of Ramadan where the Imam personally conducted Tafsir sessions for muslim men and women, including weekly sermons.”

The statement said he was a very kind- hearted and generous scholar, who combined humility and knowledge with philanthropy.
Musa Muhammed was born on April 11, 1947 and hailed from Jos, capital of Plateau State.

He is survived by four wives and 14 children.

Meanwhile, the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of Ustaz Musa Muhammed, the Chief Imam of the Abuja Central Mosque as a sad setback to the efforts to reunite Nigerians of various faiths after a very divisive campaign leading to the recent elections.

“He died at a time when the counsels of Nigerians of the highest calibre are needed to continue unification efforts,” Buhari said.

Reacting to the news of the death of Chief Imam, Buhari described the late Imam Musa as an inspirational leader who preached love among men and women and fought hard all his life to diminish cleavages and divisive tendencies in our country.

Buhari said the Imam’s name will occupy a proud place among those who worked for the unity, peace and the well-being of the Nigerian state.

“I join many who mourn him and in doing so, I am proud to remember a great son of Nigeria. May Allah repose his soul and grant his family and the nation the fortitude to bear his loss,” Buhari said. [myad]

PDP Faces Implosion

Greenbarge Reporters

May 2, 2015

Nigeria’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be headed for internal crises as an aftermath of election defeat at March 28 Presidential poll. The leaders of the party are now openly accusing presidential aides for President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat at the poll and even the party issued a “strong warning” to the president’s associates and aides, asking them to steer clear of the party, and not use their closeness to Jonathan to cause crisis in the party.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party issued a very strong warning to some ambitious aides and associates of President Jonathan trying to use their closeness to him to cause crisis in the party and pave way for more defection to other parties.”
In an unusually strongly-worded statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the NWC threatened to expose such individuals and make them face the full weight of the party disciplinary measures if they fail to immediately retrace their steps.
NWC made it clear that it is “aware of the clandestine activities of such aides and associates of the President including their unholy alliance with some elements in other parties to undermine and weaken the PDP by attacking its leadership.
“The NWC is aware that these same individuals who mismanaged the presidential campaigns are now desperately seeking to cause crisis in the PDP with a view not only to divert attention from their misdeeds but also to ensure that they remained politically relevant by hijacking the party structure for their selfish purposes.”
Despite the president Jonathan’s concession of defeat to General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC), some of his party leaders have for weeks subtly blamed each other for the loss.
Last week, a former political aide to the president, Ahmed Gulak, called on the chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu, to take responsibility for the defeat and resign.
“If the belief of the majority of the members of the PDP is anything to go by, you could say that the party chairman was the number one culprit for the dismal outing of the PDP,” Gulak said.
“There is no party chairman of the PDP since 1998 that has led the party to such a disastrous outing. As a result, the national chairman should consider himself one of those that have to give way for the new party to come up. In fact, he doesn’t need to be told to turn in his resignation,” he said.
Ahead of the elections, Mu’azu faced stringent criticisms for his contribution to the campaign efforts of Jonathan.
Many party members accused him of refusing to campaign for the president openly, especially in the northern states.
On Thursday, the PDP denied reports that the party chairman was ejected from a meeting of PDP governors.
Here is the reproduction of the party’s full statement:
The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has issued a very strong warning to some ambitious aides and associates of President Goodluck Jonathan trying to use their closeness to him to cause crisis in the party and pave way for more defection to other parties.
The PDP said it would expose such individuals and make them face the full weight of the party disciplinary measures if they fail to immediately retrace their steps.
The NWC in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh on Saturday said it is “aware of the clandestine activities of such aides and associates of the President including their unholy alliance with some elements in other parties to undermine and weaken the PDP by attacking its leadership.
“The NWC is aware that these same individuals who mismanaged the presidential campaigns are now desperately seeking to cause crisis in the PDP with a view not only to divert attention from their misdeeds but also to ensure that they remained politically relevant by hijacking the party structure for their selfish purposes.
“We are aware that these individuals have been trying to arm-twist the President to summon a meeting of party leaders at the Presidential Villa in the coming days where the NWC members would be put under pressure to resign thereby triggering a crisis in the leadership at the national level.
“The party is aware that the same group has been sponsoring series of amorphous bodies and negative publications in a section of the media to peddle false allegations against the NWC to back their heinous and unconstitutional demands that the President should sack the NWC before the handover date of May 29, 2015.
“However, for the purposes of clarity, especially for those making uninformed demands on the President, the PDP National Working Committee is duly elected and its tenure ends in March 2016 in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution. The PDP is a party built on the rule of law and democratic ethos. Its NWC is elected and not appointed and as such cannot be sacked at will or by an executive fiat. Besides, no section of the party constitution prescribes that the NWC should quit if the party loses in a general election.
“Furthermore, the PDP constitution is clear on the process of summoning a meeting of party leaders and the role of the NWC in that regard is well-defined. Anything outside the laid down rules and the provisions of the constitution in this respect is completely of no effect.
“Moreover, President Goodluck Jonathan has amply demonstrated his strict adherence to the rule of law and the tenets of democracy even on issues of party administration and should not in anyway be hassled by these selfish and greedy elements to destroy his legacies.
“Consequently, the leadership of the PDP by this statement makes it very clear and in an unambiguous terms too that it will no longer condone such divisive actions by the same unscrupulous individuals who in their selfishness ruined the fortunes of our great party in the general elections.
“The NWC will no longer tolerate actions that tend to undermine discipline and the supremacy of the party and its constitution, as it will henceforth not hesitate to apply full disciplinary measures for infractions
“Our advice to these ambitious aides and associates of the President is to leave party matters and concentrate on the Presidential transition and smooth handover of power to the incoming administration as well as preparing for post-handover issues that might arise regarding the administration in which they served”, the party stated.
On the issue of the performance of the party in the general elections and allegations of mismanagement of Presidential campaign funds, the NWC said it has no case to answer, as Nigerians already know the truth regarding those who managed the campaigns including the funds.
“Nigerians are not at loss as to the fact that the PDP NWC did not manage the campaign and its fund. Those who managed the campaigns have already submitted their reports to the President who in his wisdom gave them the mandate and they have been applauded for a job well done at that level”, the statement said.
The NWC said it appreciates the support and backing of key stakeholders especially the PDP Governors’ Forum, the body of national vice chairmen and state chairmen as well as governors, legislators-elect and all well-meaning members in the all-important effort to rebuild the party and reposition it to regain power in 2019. [myad]

How Nollywood Actor, Peter Bunor, Died

Greenbarge Reporters

May 2, 2015

The death of a Nigerian Nollywood actor, Peter Bunor, shook the Nollywood circle yesterday even as they continued to ask question as to what actually led to his death.
The Ogwashi Uku, Delta State-born actor died in the early hours of yesterday, Friday, May 1, 2015 in Asaba. His death was announced by his son, Peter Bunor Jr, through a post on his Facebook page. Bunor Jr wrote: “In the early hours of today, my father, friend, teacher, confidant passed on.”
Information had it that Peter Bunor might have died of stroke he was said to have suffered the same a few years back.
The late actor was said to have complained about being neglected by his colleagues.
Bunor featured in a number productions, including “Cock Crow at Dawn,” “Memorial Hospital,” “Checkmate’’ and “Living in Bondage’’ among others.
The late ace-actor had put in 30 years in the movie industry.
He attended Abadina Primary School, Ibadan, and later finished at St George’s Falomo, Lagos. He then went to St. Michaels College, Ogwashikwu, where he had his secondary education. He got a diploma in accounting in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).
While in Jos, he used to go to act with the NTA Jos, between 1980-82.
He even took part in the first soap opera that went on network and also had a stint with some of the local television productions like Mirror and others. He has equally taken part in different television soaps like Memorial Hospital, Checkmate, Sound of Destiny, Second Chance, Third Eye and several others.
At the time home video thing came up, he found himself in one of the major English video titled (Glamour Girls) in 1994. [myad]

Buhari Sends Atiku To Lobby President Zuma For Adesina’s AfDB Presidential Ambition

Greenbarge Reporters

May 2, 2015

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari has started the campaign for Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for the Presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He sent the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma to lobby him for Adesina’s candidacy.

A statement from the Atiku Media Office in Abuja today said that Atiku Abubakar is on diplomatic shuttle to shore up much-needed support for the Nigerian candidate to leverage on his contacts to lobby for the emergence of Adesina.

President-elect Buhari who backs the candidacy of Adesina had last month conveyed his support to the President of Ghana, John Mahama when the two leaders met in Abuja.

According to the statement, Atiku travelled with Adesina to South Africa over the weekend where the two met with President Zuma at the Presidential Residence in Durban.

“His Excellency former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met President Zuma in the company of Dr Akinwumi Adesina during which the directive of President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari was conveyed to Zuma. The issue of South Africa and the Southern African region support for Nigeria’s candidate was exhaustively discussed and well appreciated.”

Pix:

L-R Senator Domingo Obande, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma and Minister of Agriculture and Nigeria’s candidate for president for African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina at the Presidential Residence in Durban, South Africa on Saturday, 02 May 2015. [myad]

Elumelu Over-Rules Transcorp Hilton Management, Orders Re-Instatement Of Sacked Staff

Greenbarge Reporters

May 2, 2015

The chairman of Transnational Corporation, Mr. Tony Elumelu has over-ruled the management of the company by ordering the immediate re-instatement of a staff, Mohammed Khalid Yakubu, who was earlier sacked.

as soon as Mr. Elumelu heard about the dismissal of Yakubu from Transcorp Hilton Hotel, he asked a review of his case and to have him reinstated.

Meanwhile, Yakubu has retracted his statement accusing the management of sacking him on the basis of his political affiliation and instead commended the Management of the hotel for the steps taken to address his issue.

He said that he has discovered that contrary to his earlier view, the termination of his appointment had nothing to do with his political views or affiliation.

A statement he signed, Yakubu commended Elumelu, for his prompt intervention even as he declined the offer, saying he had since found new opportunity outside the organization that he would like to explore.

He said: “While I am thankful for the gesture, I have since found new opportunities I would like to pursue. I am no longer taking back my job at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. I am, indeed, very happy with the steps that Management has taken to show that they value every member of staff of the hotel.

“Contrary to the views that I expressed earlier, I wish to state that I have discovered that the termination of my employment was not in any way connected or linked to my political views or affiliation. I do hereby reaffirm my loyalty and commitment to the organisation that I proudly worked for in the last decade.”

Yakubu further lauded the role played by the Chairman of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, the Delta State All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the 2015 general elections, in resolving the matter.

It would be recalled that Yakubu had accused the Management of Transcorp Hilton Hotel of wrongfully terminating his 10 years employment due to his political affiliation with the APC. [myad]

Sambo Challenges Muslim Students, Leaders To Propagate True Message Of Islam

Greenbarge Reporters

May 2, 2015

Nigeria’s Vice President, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has asked Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) and other Muslim leaders to continue to propagate the true message of Islam as encapsulated in the Glorious Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah.

Namadi Sambo who spoke today at the MSSN Stakeholders Conference, held at the Main Conference Auditorium, National Mosque Complex, Abuja stressed that the “Message of Islam is the Message of peace, hope, harmony, goodwill and Brotherhood.”

The Vice President acknowledged the contributions of the MSSN in positively shaping the moral upbringing of the Muslim youth, adding: “I am delighted to note that it has remained one of the veritable tools for grooming our youths to becoming responsible future leaders leading to the emergence of outstanding and eminent personalities. Most importantly, MSSN has continued to promote national unity and harmony in the country.”

He assured the forum of the federal Government’s support and all others with similar objectives “and will also do our best in encouraging you to achieve peace and stability by forging inter and intra religious harmony.”

Namadi Sambo congratulated the MSSN for successfully celebrating its 60th anniversary, even as he expressed worry over the absence of a befitting national monument as its headquarters.

“As a student member in my secondary and university days, and now as stakeholder, I assure you of my continued support in and outside government whenever the need arises.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau challenged the current leadership of the MSSN to create a register of all past leaders of the MSSN from the national to local level.

The National President of the MSSN, Mallam Sirajudeen Abdul-Azeez Folayemi, had earlier said that the Stakeholders’ conference was convened to enable past and present leaders of the organisation to brainstorm on repositioning it to face modern challenges in Islamic propagation.

He used the occasion to congratulate the Federal Government in the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism and other social vices, while also appealing to Government to bring to justice the killers of Professor Ahmad Mustapha Falaki, a former national president of the organisation. [myad]

I Won’t Award Contracts To Myself, Family, Ebonyi Governor-Elect Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

May 1, 2015

Ebonyi state Deputy Governor and governor-elect, Engr. Dave Umahi has made it clear that in his determination to fight corruption, he would cancel out members of his family from contract award in the state.

He made it clear too that in his determination to fight corruption, he would step on many toes, no matter whose ox is gored.

Umahi who stated these during the May Day celebration at the Abakaliki Township stadium, said that he would establish anti-graft units in the state, assuring that he would not award any contract to himself, family members and relations.

He however assured that all civil servants, students and schools will have farms and that promotion for workers will be based on the quantity of farm produce.

The deputy governor, who represented the state governor, Chief Martin Elechi, assured the workers that the era of victimization and intimidation are gone with the incoming administration, as he would sit with the labour leaders after assumption of office to fashion how the state would be governed.

Umahi noted that it was his target to boost the economic fortunes of the state to be the highest in the country with all stakeholders and citizens venturing into agricultural production. [myad]

President Jonathan Absent At May Day Celebrations

Greenbarge Reporters

May 1, 2015

President Goodluck Jonathan was, for the first time he became President, conspicuously absent at today’s May Day rally in Abuja. No reason was given from the Presidency as to his absence, though the Labour minister, Senator Joel Ikenya was on hand to represent him.

Workers, drawn from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had trooped out en mass to the Eagle Square to observe the day, and expected the President to come and address them.

Nigerians workers had expected that the President would have ceased the opportunity to give them some parting words, as they have stood by him for the past six years he has handled state affairs.

The minister’s presentation, however, shows that the Presidency did not prepare any speech to be read on his behalf. The speech he read and claimed to be on behalf of the President was later withdrawn by his aides and not made available to journalists. [myad]

Senate President Angry With Poor Power Supply In Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

May 1, 2015

The Senate President, David Mark is obviously angry with the poor power supply in the country despite the promises made during the privatisation of the sector.

David Mark, who spoke in Abuja today when he received the management of the Electricity Management Services Limited regretted: “in spite of the high expectations and promises on account of the privatisation of the power sector, Nigerians are yet to feel the positive impact of the sector.”

He charged the operators of the industry to give meaning to the privatisation by making the sector work so that citizens could enjoy uninterrupted power supply, saying that the snail speed of development in the sector does not give credence to the privatisation exercise and the expectations of Nigerians.

The Senate President challenged the industry operators to get rid of quacks in the profession in order to give consumers quality services even as he asked them to embark on manufacturing of electrical tools instead of relying totally on importation which should only be used to compliment.

Earlier, the managing Director of EMLS, Peter Ewesor, explained that the mandate of the agency includes but not limited to ensuring that electrical equipment used in the energy supply industry are of the right quality, standards and specifications, adding that the agency ensures the safety of lives and property within the grid and off grid networks.

The EMSL is one of the players in the electricity supply industry established in accordance with the provisions of part 1 section 8 of the power sector reform act 2005 and the supplementary regulations number 46/47 (B499-452 ) of the federal government official Gazette no 374 of 2010.

Only yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, had said that the nation’s power output had dropped from 4,500MW to 2,800MW, blaming it on “vandalism of gas pipelines.” [myad]

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