Falana backs Danjuma on Nigerians right to self defence

Human rights activist and Lagos-based lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has backed the former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd) on his call for Nigerians to defend themselves against killers.

Falana insisted that the Constitution recognised the right to protect one’s self from violent attack.

He stated this at a training programme on libel organised by the Vintage Press Limited on Wednesday.

The ace lawyer, who noted that the media had been awash with suggestions that Danjuma’s comments were call to anarchy, said the retired army officer could sue critics on interpretation of his statement for libel.

He said, “Some of the reactions on Danjuma’s statement could be libelous. What Danjuma said is accommodated under our Constitution.”

Falana observed that although Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution recognises the right to life, such right might be lawfully circumscribed in accordance with Section 33(2).

He added, “Section 33(2) says a person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary – for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property.

“If the government is unable to save you as in the case of Benue, Kogi and Zamfara attacks, you have a right to defend and save yourself.

“So, if you insult Danjuma that he is inciting violence, that could be a ground for him to sue you for libel.” - Daily Post

Police may embark on mass sack – Intersociety

The International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law (Intersociety) on Wednesday raised alarm over alleged plot to carry out ethnic and religious cleansing in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

This is contained in a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi; Head, Civil Liberties & Rule of Law Programme, Barr Obianuju Joy Igboeli; Head, Democracy & Good Governance Programme, Barr Chinwe Umeche; and Head, Public Security & Safety Programme, Barr Jacinta Ezinwanne.

The body said it doubted the claim by the federal government on discovery of 80,115 ghost police officers and men.

It read: “According to media reports quoting a data obtained from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; there are 80,115 ghost police officers in the staff strength and payroll of the Nigeria Police Force, from its previously quoted staff strength of 371, 800.

“In the same ministerial report, the total staff strength of the Federal Government of Nigeria, said to have been updated as at February 2018 was put at 607, 843 including 469 MDAs with staff strength of 316, 158 and the Nigeria Police Force with “291, 685 serving police officers”.

“This was further broken down to 100,822 as total staff strength of Nigerian Custom Service, Nigerian Prisons Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Security & Civil Defense Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps; all referred to “paramilitary formations”. Federal civil servants also accounted for 90,000 while the remaining 120, 000 others were drawn from the Armed Forces including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, State Security Service and the National Intelligence Agency.

“Contradictorily, the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Kpotum Idris had last month during the presentation of the proposed 2018 budget of the Nigeria Police Force at the National Assembly claimed that, from the NPF updated records of December 2017 the NPF is presently populated by 300,892 officers and maintains 6,900 formations.

“The 6,900 police formations, according to him, include 12 Zonal and 37 State and FCT (Abuja) Commands, 128 Area Commands, 1,388 Divisional Commands, 1,579 Police Stations and 3,756 Police Posts. The IGP further claimed that the Force presently has a total of 14, 306 vehicles in its car fleet.

“It is therefore, shocking and alarming how, in spite of the foregoing police staff database management and clearly established staff query processes, the Buhari Government still announced without concrete evidence that the staff strength of the Nigeria Police is criminally over-shot by 27%.

“In other words, the NPF is overpopulated by 27% ghost police officers or 80, 115 out of 291,685 sworn police personnel. This is not only incredible and mind boggling, but also nothing short of recording another inglorious and dark feat.

“Also, if truly there are “80,115 ghost police officers in the NPF”, why have the Chairman of PSC and IGP not spoken elaborately on such sensitive issue? Was there a presidential visitation panel set up to probe the staff strength and payrolls of the NPF? If yes, who were members of the panel? When was its report submitted and to whom?

“Who and who were indicted particularly at the Force Headquarters and the Police Service Commission? Was there also a well publicized ministerial or police or oversight panel so set up for same? If yes, who were its members? Who constituted it? When was its report submitted and to whom? “Who and who were indicted?

“We demand that the names of the so called “80,115 ghost police officers” be made public. This will enable Nigerians and international watchers as well as possible innocent victims to have full details and enable them seek administrative, public and legal remedies and avoid being victimized by the Government.

“Human rights groups and media practitioners are hereby called upon to forensically follow the development so as to ensure that the Government announcement is not a ploy or grand design to perpetrate racial or religious cleansing in the Nigeria Police Force or sweep the scam under the carpet if it truly happened as officially announced.” - Daily Post

President Zuma to appear in court on graft charges April 6

South Africa’s former president, Jacob Zuma, is due to appear in court on April 6 to face charges of corruption in a years-old $2.5 billion arms deal, his lawyer said on Monday.

On March 16, the National Prosecuting Authority earlier waid it would seek to prosecute Zuma on 16 charges, including fraud, racketeering, corruption and money laundering.

The case is a dramatic development on a continent where leaders rarely face their accusers in court.

“It was served at my Durban offices. The court date is April 6,” Michael Hulley said referring to the summons.

He declined to comment on how his client would respond.

Zuma has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Zuma, who was forced to resign by his ruling African National Congress in February, was at the centre of a 1990s deal to buy European military kit that has cast a shadow over politics in South Africa for years.

Zuma was deputy president at the time of the arms deal.

Schabir Shaikh, his former financial adviser, was found guilty and jailed in 2005 for trying to solicit bribes for Zuma from a French arms company.

The previous charges were filed against Zuma but then dropped by the NPA shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009.

Since his election nine years ago, his opponents have fought a lengthy legal battle to have the charges reinstated.

Zuma countered with his own legal challenges. - Cable Nigeria

Transfer news : Manchester United 'trial' for Saudi striker Al-Sahlawi

Saudi Arabia striker Mohammad Al-Sahlawi is reportedly set to hone his World Cup preparations by training with Manchester United.

The 31-year-old has 26 goals in 33 appearances for his country, who will kick off Russia 2018 in the opening match against the host nation in Group A.

Preparations for Juan Antonio Pizzi's side were dealt a blow by Tuesday's 4-0 defeat against Belgium but Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) of Saudi Arabia, tweeted on Wednesday to announce Al Nassr forward Al-Sahlawi would be operating in esteemed company for the next three weeks.

"It was agreed with Manchester United for Mohammed Al-Sahlawi to join for a training programme for three weeks," Al-Sheikh's post read. "May God benefit him."

Reports in Saudi Arabia maintain there is no intention on United's part to make an approach for Al-Sahlawi, who had been criticised for a "decline" in his performance in a Twitter post from Al-Sheikh reacting to the Belgium game.

Earlier this season, the administrator was present at the signing of a strategic partnership between United and GSA, under which the 20-time English champions will help the Saudi body to develop its football industry as part of its "2030 Vision" initiative.

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"This relationship is part of an exciting programme we are undertaking to transform sport in Saudi Arabia," he told the club's official website at the time of an agreement that will involve United lending business and sporting expertise to clubs and sporting authorities in the Gulf state. - Goal

From grandfather, to father to son: Chelsea's Marcos Alonso makes football history with Spain debut

Marcos Alonso has followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps by winning his first cap for the Spanish national side.

Alonso came on as a substitute for Spain's friendly game against Argentina on Tuesday night, which was the Chelsea defender's first appearance for La Roja.

But, in doing so, Alonso also became just the seventh third-generation player to feature for their nation.

His grandfather, Marcos Alonso Imaz, won his first cap for Spain against France on March 17 1955.

Alonso's father, Marcos Alonso Pena, then made his debut for the nation against England on March 25 1981.

Alonso now joins a small group of third-generation players to have debuted for their nation. They are: Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Warren Feeney (Northern Ireland), Hazem Emam (Egypt), Vladimir Weiss (Slovakia) and Andre Schembri (Malta).

Alonso had, until this week, been overlooked by Spain coach Lopetegui despite playing a key role in Chelsea's title-winning team of 2016-17.

Indeed, he admitted last week he was surprised at his call-up to Spain's squad for games against Germany and Argentina but revealed he was "eager" to prove himself to Lopetegui.

The 27-year-old said: "Whether it's late or not, the important thing is that I'm here. I'm grateful. I tried not to think too much about it.

"My focus was on doing well at Chelsea and this was a welcome surprise. This is a reward for the work I've done in recent years. I was training when I found out.

"I went in the locker room and all of my team-mates congratulated me. I'm thrilled and looking forward to this experience.

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"It's a chance to prove myself and for me to adapt quickly to the side and hopefully, to return to the national team more times." - Evening Standard

Libya : 611 Nigerians voluntarily return from in March

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday said a total of 611 Nigerians had voluntarily returned from Libya in March.

The South West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Yakubu Suleiman, made the disclosure while receiving a new set of 166 returnees who arrived from the volatile North African country.

Suleiman noted that the Nigerians were assisted back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU).

He said the Federal Government, some state governments and the IOM had set up various schemes to rehabilitate and reintegrate the returnees back into the society.

Suleiman urged the returnees to focus on the task of getting back on their feet and contributing their quota to national development.

“You have seen it all and you are in the best position to sensitise and create awareness against the evils of human trafficking, as you have seen the dangers of seeking greener pastures in foreign lands, ” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the returnees arrived aboard a chartered Nouvelair Airbus aircraft with registration number TS-INA.

The aircraft landed at 8.08pm at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The returnees comprised 101 male adults, two male children, 56 female adults, three female children and
four female infants.

Officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) , the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Police were also on hand to receive them. - NAN

Alimajiri economy !!! INFOGRAPHICS: 34 states can’t pay salaries without federal allocation

Data made available by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that revenue from the federation accounts allocation committee (FAAC) form more than 50 percent of the total income realised by states in 2017.

The only exceptions were Lagos and Ogun where the allocations represented 21 percent and 25 percent respectively.

The data also showed that 31 states increased their internally generated revenue in 2017 while the opposite was the case for five states.

The states which experienced a decline in IGR were Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Osun, Taraba and Bauchi.

States typically generate revenue from taxes and levies paid by residents and companies domiciled in the state.

Revenue can also be generated from payments made for services provided by state ministries, departments and agencies.

“The full year 2017 state IGR figure hits N931.23bn compared to N831.19bn recorded in year 2016. This indicates a growth of 12.03% year on year,” the NBS report read.

In 2017, Lagos recorded N333.96 billion, a 10 percent increase from its 2016 IGR. This made it the state with the highest internally generated revenue.

This figure is higher than the IGR of 29 states put together. In 2017, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said the 2016 IGR from Lagos was higher than that of 33 states put together. 

Ebonyi recorded the highest year-on-year IGR growth at 117.88 percent.

States like Bayelsa, Sokoto, Enugu, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno and Ekiti grew their IGR by more than 50 percent.

This means that majority of the states relied on federal allocations to pay workers.

Source : Cable Nigeria

Man arrested for beheading neighbour

The Police command in Enugu has arrested a suspect, Tochukwu Chianugo for allegedly beheading a woman identified as Sussana Enejere.

The suspect, who is an indigene of Ugbene Ajima in Uzouwani Local Government Area of Enugu state, reportedly committed the act on Tuesday.

The deceased was said to have gone to the farm on Tuesday but did not return prompting neighbours to start a search for her.

They later reported the matter to the police, who launched an investigation.

“The suspect who hails from Ugwuoda village Nimbo was promptly nabbed in connection with the alleged incident.

“Following his arrest, he took the operatives to the place where he had beheaded the victim.

“The headless body, together with the severed head were recovered and deposited in a nearby mortuary,” Amaraizu said. 

Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, confirming the incident said the police after investigation, arrested the suspect who confessed to killing the woman.

Afe Babalola decries dilapidated infrastructure in Nigerian schools

Chief Afe Babalola, the Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, (ABUAD) Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday lamented the dilapidation of infrastructure in many Nigerian educational institutions.

He expressed his displeasure during the 7th International Conference on Infrastructural Development in Africa (ICIDA), held in Lagos.

Babalola was represented at the event by Prof. Adeolu Durotoye, Provost, College of Science and Management Sciences, ABUAD.

The chancellor said dilapidated infrastructure was responsible for the alarming rate of Nigerian students going abroad to study.

He blamed the rate of dilapidation in schools and other vocational institutions over the years on neglect by successive regimes.

Babalola urged government to address the problem by increasing  budgetary provisions for education.

“For Nigeria to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of quality education, government must comply with the 26% UNESCO benchmark for education.

“I recall that Chief Obafemi Awolowo devoted 54 percent of the budget to education.

“Targeting a certain percentage of GDP each year would ensure that the education infrastructure deficit is slowly reduced, while demands for new infrastructure are met,’’ he said.

Prof. Joshua Ayarkwe, Chairman ICIDA and Provost, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, also spoke at the event.

He said approaches to infrastructure development in Africa are Eurocentric.

Ayarkwe said that the conference, an intellectual discourse, was aimed at rethinking infrastructure development in Africa.

“We have come to realise that there is no way we are going to develop without an inclusive thinking, so we need to really look beyond what we are doing.

“We need to position ourselves and look beyond the
current mode of development and embrace the fourth industrial revolution,’’ he said.

UK's 'youngest councillor' mysteriously found dead at age 21

Britain's "youngest councillor" has been mysteriously found dead at her student flat.

Clarissa Slade was said to be Britain's youngest councillor when she was elected to Mid Devon District Council at the age of 18.

The 21-year-old joined her parents Colin and Elizabeth Slade who are also both Conservative councillors.

Ms Slade was found at her student flat in Winchester, where she was studying classics.

A University of Winchester spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by her death and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”

With her father Colin Slade, also a Conservative councillor Police are currently treating her death as "unexplained" and a post-mortem is yet to take place. 

Her father, Cllr Colin Slade, told the Telegraph: We are still pretty much in the dark as to the circumstances and we are waiting for the coroner.

"She had a bright future ahead, she was very keen on politics and she was a very bright young councillor, the youngest in the country when she was elected.

"She was looking to possibly pursue a career in politics. She was very active in the Conservative Party."It is such a shock. She was due to come back to visit yesterday and the first thing we knew was when she was not on the train."

Clive Eginton, leader of Mid Devon District Council, told Devon Live: "The devastating news regarding the sudden passing of Cllr Clarissa Slade has been deeply felt by myself, fellow councillors and officers across Mid Devon District Council."As our youngest ever elected councillor, Clarissa worked hard for her residents in Cranmore ward and also participated across the town as a whole in a variety of events."

"On the national stage she had also made her mark with her involvement in youth politics."

Clarissa had an endearing personality to all those who knew her well, and we will miss her enormously."Our thoughts at this time are with Clarissa’s parents Colin and Elizabeth."

 - Evening Standard

Still on track !!! ‘My dream of becoming politician led me into cultism’ – Undergraduate

A cultist, who was recently arrested, says his dream of becoming a politician led him to join a secret cult group.

22-year-old Princewill Okechukwu, a 400 level student of the department of Political Science at the Abia State University in Uturu, said this when he was paraded alongside other criminals by the Abia State police command yesterday..

Princewill said he was the leader of the Black Axe confraternity in his school.

“I wasn’t caught in any cult activity. Rather I was arrested because I’m the head of the Black Axe fraternity. I joined the cult because I have an ambition to join politics after studies.

“I was told that there were great men that graduated from our school, who are in government and they can help one to succeed in politics. I have not benefited anything from the cult since I joined.

“The position I occupy was just handed over to me not long ago, and it was the people that wanted my position that betrayed me,” he said

The Police Commissioner, Anthony Ogbizi said he would be arraigned in court soon alongside other suspects who have been arrested. - Daily Post

MEGA CITY ! MEGA CORRUPTION !! Land use charge: NBA Ikeja to welcome Buhari with protest

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, has restated its resolve to embark on another round of protest on March 29 over the reviewed Lagos Land Use Charge.

The NBA Chairman, Mr Adeshina Ogunlana, said at a media briefing on Wednesday that in spite of the reduction of the rates and levies under the Land Use Charge the protest would go on as planned.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to arrive in Lagos tomorrow on a two-day state visit.

Lagos State Government has declared tomorrow (March 29) as public holiday in honour of the president.

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode had earlier reduced the levies by 50 per cent following a  protest  that greeted the Land Use Charge, but the reduction did not go down well with some stakeholders who insisted the LUC returns to status quo.

A public hearing on the Lagos Land Use Charge organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly on March 27 had turned rowdy as Ogunlana led lawyers in a walk-out, insisting that the notice to submit their memorandum was too short.

Ogunlana said: “The protest is far from being over as lawyers have declared their intention to embark on another round of streets protest tomorrow (March 29).”

The NBA chairman said that the protest was a response to “failure” of the state government and State House of Assembly to meet their demands.

He, however, warned some members of the public who, he said, were peddling negative rumours against the NBA to desist from it.

NAN also reports that the NBA had on March 13 staged a protest tagged, ” Walk The Talk” to reject the 50 percent reduction of the levies.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), civil society bodies and professionals had in solidarity joined the protest.

Others are the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Joint Action Front (JAF) Medical Doctors Association the Human and Environmental Agenda (HEDA)

The protest was meant to kick against the Land Use Charge Law 2018, excessive litigation cost, borehole tax and car registration tax.

Ogunlana said : “The reduction is a sham and a calculated ploy to hoodwink the people of Lagos State.”

He also said the NBA objected to the House of Assembly’s setting up of a committee to review the Land Use Charge 2018.

“Come Thursday, March 29, the “Walk the Talk” protest must go on irrespective of the public holiday declared by the Lagos State Government in anticipation for the Presidential visit.”  - NAN

Jungle system !!! Nigerian govt makes revelation about Senators’ N13.5m monthly running cost

The federal government through the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, says only the management of the National Assembly Service Commission can explain the N13.5 million running cost allegedly being enjoyed by each Senator.

Senator Shehu Sani had revealed how much he and his colleagues receive monthly as running cost.

Ibrahim Mohammed, the Head, Public Relations, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Remuneration Act only covers salary and allowances but not running cost.

He said that the clarification became imperative in view of the recent revelation by Shehu Sani, an APC Senator representing Kaduna Central, who was reported to have disclosed to the public that each senator collects monthly running cost of N13.5 million.

Mr Sani had said that this was in addition to the monthly salary of N750, 000 prescribed by the “Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendments) Act 2008.”

Mr Mohammed said that a closer look at the monthly entitlement of senators reveals that each of them collects salary and allowances of the sum of N1.06 million.

He said that the figure consists of the following: Basic-N168,866, motor vehicle fueling and maintenance allowance; N126,650, Personal Assistant N42,216.

“Domestic Staff-N126,650, Entertainment-N50,660,Utilities-N50,660, Newspapers/Periodicals-N25,330, Wardrobe -N42,216, House Maintenance –N8,443 and Constituency-N422,166 respectively.”

He also said that some allowances were regular, while others were non-regular.

“Regular allowances are paid regularly with basic salaries, while non-regular allowances are paid when due.

“For instance, furniture allowance of N6.079 million and severance gratuity of N6.079 million are paid once every tenure, while motor vehicle loan of N8.1 million is optional which the beneficiary has to offset before leaving office.

“The payment of running cost is not part of RMAFC mandate, therefore, only the National Assembly can explain it,” he said.

According to Mohammed, the Law on Salaries and Allowances of Public Office Holders is very clear.

Mr Mohammed also said that auditing does not fall within the purview of the commission.

He said that any other payments being enjoyed by any political or public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration Act of 2008 were not known to the commission.

He added that the Chief Accounting Officers of the agencies concerned should explain such payments.

Mr Mohammed advised that Nigerians should avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the international community.

He said that they could access the actual details of the present remuneration package for Political, Public and Judicial Office holders in Nigeria published on its website: http://www.rmafc.gov.ng, www.rmafc.gov.ng. - Daily Post