Restoration Of Tambuwal Security Details: Sorry, We Can’t Do It – Justice Minister, Police Boss Tell Court

November 8, 2014

In defiance of an Abuja court ruling yesterday, the Attorney General of the Federation,. Mohammed Bello Adoke, and the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba have vowed that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal will never again enjoy the service of security details.

They argued that Tambuwal has ceased to be a member of the House and its Speaker, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, which in 2011 sponsored his election into the House of Representatives, to the All Progressives Congress.

They maintained that Tambuwal had now become an ordinary citizen, who is no longer entitled to the privileges attached to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Inspector-General of Police and Adoke made these contentions in a joint counter-affidavit, which they filed before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in response to the suit by Tambuwal and the APC.

The IGP and the AGF are the 5th and 7th defendants in the suit respectively.

The plaintiffs filed the suit to challenge the withdrawal of his security details, alleged threat by the PDP to declare his seat vacant and remove him as Speaker.

The lawyer, who represented the IGP and the AGF, Ade Okeaya-Inneh (SAN), argued that the police authorities could not be accused of breaching the Constitution by withdrawing Tambuwal’s security details, since he (Tambuwal) had lost his seat as House member and Speaker.

The counter affidavit, which was deposed to on behalf of the AGF and IGP by one of their lawyers, Nnamdi Ekwem, read in part: “The 1st plaintiff (Tambuwal) vacated his seat in the House of Representatives as a member of that House, when he became a member of the 2nd plaintiff (All Progressive Congress) in October 2014, having been elected in 2011mon the platform of the 1st defendant (PDP).

“The seat of the 1st plaintiff in the House of Representatives became automatically vacant by virtue of his defection to the 2nd plaintiff (APC) and consequently ceased to be the Speaker of the 3^rd defendant (the House of Representatives).

“The first plaintiff is not constitutionally entitled to security details and as such, the 5th defendant did not contravene any law by its withdrawal of the 1^st plaintiff’s security details. The withdrawal of the security details of the 1st plaintiff was necessitated by the fact the he had vacated his office as a member of the House of Reps and consequently ceased to be the Speaker of the 3rd defendant.

“The 1st plaintiff is no longer a member of the House of Representatives and as such not entitled to any right or privilege attached to the office of the Speaker of the 3rd defendant. That, the 1st plaintiff, as an ordinary citizen of Nigeria, was not exposed to any danger of bodily harm because of the withdrawal of his security details.”

The other defendants in the suit are the PDP, its National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, the House of Representatives, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. [myad]

US Sends 1,500 Army, $5.6 Billion Dollars To Iraq To Fight Islamic State

Greenbarge Reporters

November 8, 2014

The United States of America has sent about 1,500 more soldiers to Iraq to train Iraqi and Kurdish forces to fight ISIS. In a deployment that would almost double the total number of 2,900 American troops who are already there.
The White House said in a statement that it will also ask Congress for another $5.6 billion to fund the fight against ISIS.
The troops will not have a combat role, and will operate from bases outside Baghdad and Erbil.
To date, Anbar province and Taji district have been considered as two likely locations for operations centers outside of Baghdad and Erbil.
It was reported last week that the military was preparing plans to deploy U.S. advisers to Anbar, much of which is under the control of ISIS. [myad]

John Dumelo Searches For Woman To Marry

Greenbarge Reporters

November 8, 2014

Top Ghanaian actor, John Dumelo, has said that he is now searching for the right woman to marry, hopefully by 2015.
The actor explained to entertainment reporter that he is taking the step in order to end all the false stories about him dating various actresses.
“I want to get married hopefully next year. The false stories are too much and I want to spare myself from heartbreaks,” he said.
According to the actor, he would like his kind of woman to be understanding and be able to take care of the house when he is not around.
“I want a woman who understands my career, one who is very religious, very supportive and can take care of the house.” Dumelo also spoke about negative comments about him, saying that such comments have been helping him to forge ahead and also makes him a better person. [myad]

Summit On Global Agenda Opens In Dubai

Greenbarge Reporters

November 8, 2014

Over 1,000 globally recognized experts from academia, government, business, civil society and the media have converged on Dubai for a three-day Summit on the Global Agenda.
The Summit is being hled under the theme, ‘Shaping the Transformations of the World.’
A statement today by the public affairs officer of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Oliver Cann said that the Dubai Summit is being held in partnership with the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
According to Cann, the Summit is being co-chaired by Sultan Saeed Nasser Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates and Sami Dhaen Al Qamzi, Director-General, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [myad]

Delta Has Never Given Me Anything, Olejeme Bemoans, As She Aspires To Govern The State

Greenbarge Reporters

November 8, 2014

Governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Delta state, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme has complained that while she has done a lot for the state in the past, it (the state) has never given her anything in return. Said she: “I have contributed a lot to the growth of Delta State. The state has really not given me anything. Some of the aspirants have been local government chairmen, special assistants, special advisers, commissioners and secretary to the government. I have not benefited anything from Delta State. I have given to Delta State and will continue giving to Delta State. I am in the race to do the will of God.” Olejeme spoke yesterday after she submitted her expression of interest and nomination forms to the PDP National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, in Abuja. The aspirant continued: “This is a divine mandate. I am not in the race for material things. I have traveled across the state and spoken to thousands of Deltans about the future of the state. I’m the best for Delta State. I have the capacity and intellect to deliver and to move Delta State to greater height – from the height we are presently and to build an El Dorado for our people. “I will create more jobs, ensure budget surplus, provide a transparent and interactive government, promote employment-friendly policies and also pay contractors.” On the just concluded PDP ward congress, Dr. Olejeme said that she would not say anything now for reasons best known to her. This is even as she said that she was not aware that the incumbent governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has endorsed a candidate for the post. “The governor has not told me that he endorsed anybody. PDP is a strong party. It is a party that knows its worth. I will expect a level playing ground for all the aspirants.” [myad]

Iraoya Children Bury Mother, Princess Maria Egbelamue In Afuze, Edo

Greenbarge Reporters

November 8, 2014

From left: Miss Bose (last child of late Princess Maria Iraoya), Mr. Robinson (her first child) and far right is her second daughter, Mrs. Mariam Yusuf and Mariam’s husband, Alhaji Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Some of the grand children of late Princess Maria Egbelamue Iraoya

Mrs. Mariam Yusuf (R), her husband, Alhaji Yusuf Ozi-Usman and family members at the burial of Princess Maria Iraoya in Afuze

Delegation from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Kuje Abuja, where Mrs. Mariam Yusuf works, to the burial of Princess Maria Iraoya in Afuze

On the dancing floor: from left: Mrs. Hajara Yusuf, Mrs. Mariam Yusuf, Alhaji Yusuf Ozi-Usman and Mr. Robinson Iraoya at the burial of Princess Maria Iraoya in Afuze

The second daughter of late Princess Maria Iraoya, Mrs. Mariam Yusuf with her husband, Alhaji Yusuf Ozi-Usman during the burial ceremony in Afuze, Edo state. [myad]

Nigeria Whips Ghana 1-0 In New Akwa Ibom Stadium

Greenbarge Reporters

November 7, 2014

Nigeria’s Super Eagles has shown its superiority over Ghana’s national team by handing out 1-0 goal this evening at the newly constructed 30,000 seat-capacity international stadium in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state.

And it was Emem Eduok that scored the goal for Nigeria, thus emerging as the first player to score at the new stadium..

The warm-up game between the two West African nations was used to officially open the Stadium, which is also known as the Nest of Champions, and Nigeria will receive the Transformation Cup for their efforts.

Daniel Amokachi’s side fashioned the first clear chance of the game as Eduok forced Richard Ofori into a smart save after 12 minutes.

The Super Eagles continued to dominate but the visitors’ defenders were at alert to stop the dangerous runs of Eduok and Gbolahan Salami.

Solomon Kwambe who was always attacking at the right hand side had his effort blocked by the Black Stars defence.

In the 35th minutes, the Nigerians brushed off the scare of not converting some begging chances that came their ways when they went ahead through Eduok, who headed home a Kwambe’s cross into the top corner to give Ofori no chance.

The Dolphins talisman became the first man to score at the Magnificient Arena.

Skipper of the Super Eagles, Chigozie Agbim gave the home fans a scare when he failed to deal with an easy cross, but Ghana failed to capitalise on his howler as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.

With the attack needing a new innovation, Coach Amokachi threw on Nigeria Premier League top marksman Mfon Udoh, who replaced Enugu Rangers striker Osaguona Ighadaro at the beginning of the second half.

Ghana were not ready to bow down to their fierce rivals and probed the Super Eagles defence line in the 47th minute.

Isaac Ofori failed to deal with the ball watching Nigerian defenders with his tame shot. The resultant cross was wasted.

The menacing Eduok almost gave the Super Eagles a two-goal cushion as his ambitious drive left Ofori well rooted to the spot three minutes to the hour mark.

Eduok dribbled his way past the defenders, drilled his shot – before the keeper produced a superb save to deny him a second of the match with twelve minutes left.

Mfon was at alert to send a brilliant shot to the upright from an excellent cross from Eduok, as Nigeria tried for a game-killing second goal.

The Super Eagles continued to create the better of the chances as the full time whistle approached, but they could not increase their advantage despite the fact that the visitors were reduced to ten men late in the game.

How they started:

Home-based Eagles XI: Chigozie Agbim; Solomon Kwambe, Chima Akas, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Zango Umar; Joseph Nathaniel, Bobby Sokari, Rabiu Ali, Emem Eduok; Gbolahan Salami, Christian Osaghona

Reserves: Daniel Akpeyi, Charles Henlong, Erhun Obanor, Mfon Udoh, Bright Esieme, Christian Pyagbara, Stanley Dimgba, Tony Edjomariegwe

Ghana XI: Richard Ofori, Lawrence Lartey, Emmanuel Nti Mensah, Abdul Ishmeal, Agyare Benjamin, Richard Yamoah, Kennedy Ashia, Kojo Poku, Isaac Osai, Samuel Afful, Latif Amadu

Reserves: Eric Antwi Ofori, David Opoku, Elvis Opoku, Abdul Ganiyu Ismail, Noah Martey, Enoch Kumi, Vincent Atinga. [myad]

2 Feared Dead, 20 Injured In Stampede At Akwa Ibom International Stadium

Greenbarge Reporters

November 7, 2014

A stampede at the inauguration ceremony of the new stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is believed to have claimed the lives of two persons while 20 others suffered various degrees of injuries.

It is not clear yet what caused the stampede but an international friendly between the home-based senior national team of Nigeria, Super Eagles B, and the U-23 National Team of Ghana, the Black Meteors, was said to have been the main cause of the stampede. Observers said that it was possible that football fans caused the stampede as they scrambled to enter the stadium to watch the match.

The 30,000 – capacity venue, with a bullet –proof State Box that has 70 seats, has been described by the Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being “among the best you can find anywhere in the world”.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who is the chief host, is showcasing the majestic facility, which has already been approved by the Confederation of African Football for the crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa on November 19, as one of the key infrastructure he has delivered for the oil-rich State. [myad]

Restore Speaker Tambuwal’s Security Details, Abuja Court Gives Police Boss Marching Order

Greenbarge Reporters

November 7, 2014

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, to restore the security details of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. This followed a suit filed by Tambuwal challenging the withdrawal of his security details among other infractions against his office.

The speaker had also asked the Court to stop the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers from impeaching him.

The court, today, said that the Inspector General of Police erred in law by withdrawing the security details of the Speaker when he has not been removed from office.
The IGP had, while withdrawing Tambuwal security details on Thursday last week, defended the action through a statement by the Ag. Force Public Relation Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu that the Speaker’s security personnel were withdrawn because of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party under which he was elected as speaker.

He cited the violation section 68 (1) g of the 1999 constitution as the basis for his action.

Speaker Tambuwal had on Tuesday October 28, announced his defection from PDP to the opposition All Progressives Congress citing political development in his home state, Sokoto but failed to resign as the Speaker of the House. [myad]

Lai Mohammed To Dr. Doyin Okupe: You Need A Refresher Course On History

Greenbarge Reporters

November 7, 2014

National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed has asked the senior special assistant on public affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe to take a refresher course in history on a leader that had ever had cause to resign from office in the course of a war being fought by his country in order to change the course of the war.

In a statement issued in Abuja today, Lai Mohammed reminded Dr, Okupe and the presidency that Neville Chamberlain resigned as British Prime Minister on May 10th 1940 after Adolf Hitler forced the allies to retreat from Norway.

”According to available information, Chamberlain led Britain through the first eight months of World War II but had to resign after the Allies were forced to retreat from Norway, because of his belief that a government supported by all parties was essential for the unity needed to defeat Adolf Hitler. The resignation paved the way for Winston Churchill who later became the hero of the War.”

Alhaji Mohammed said that the call by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign in view of the widespread insecurity in the land and the fact that some parts of Nigeria are now under occupation by terrorists is neither extraordinary nor unprecedented.

”The call by one of our leaders is about taking responsibility. President Jonathan is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If under his watch Nigerian territories are being annexed progressively by insurgents, and all that he has demonstrated so far is sheer cluelessness and incompetence, it is time for him to take responsibility and quit in the national interest, to pave the way for a leader who can lead the country to victory.”

The APC spokesman said that all the blame game and name calling by the presidency, targeted at the opposition, constitute a mere distraction.

”The presidency is right to say that when terrorists attacked the US in September 2001, the leaders of the Democratic Party did not demand a resignation of President George Bush but rather they rose in defence of the American nation to support the various measures taken by the President to defeat the Al-Qaeda terrorists.

”What the presidency forgot to say, however, is that Americans would not have rallied behind then President Bush if he had been photographed snuggling with any sponsor of Al-Qaeda as President Jonathan did with one of the alleged sponsors of Boko Haram in Chad. Americans would not have rallied behind Bush if 9-11 had occurred not just once but twice or thrice, because it would have shown that the President is simply incompetent to lead.

”President Jonathan watched helplessly as Boko Haram moved from Sambisa Forest to take over a large chunk of territory in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states and proclaim a Caliphate. President Jonathan watched helplessly as Boko Haram abducted and took away almost 300 girls, holding most of them for over 200 days….still counting. His Administration is even mocking and harassing those who are campaigning for the release of the girls. No people in the world will give such a leader unconditional support.

”Therefore, even if no leader in history has ever resigned during war (even though we have now proved that is not correct), nothing prevents President Jonathan from becoming the first leader to do so. After all, never in the history of any nation has incompetence and cluelessness been exhibited by any leader, as President Jonathan has done, when the country is at war.” [myad]

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