Confusion as NBC and ‘Radio Biafra’ operators engage in hide and seek game

By Austin Ogwuda

Enugu—THERE is confusion in Enugu State following the claim by the National Broadcasting Commission [NBC] that it had successfully    blocked the illegal Radio Biafra from operating and consequent seizure of its transmission equipment in some parts of South-East zone as well as some arrests made.

Although police authorities in Enugu State claimed ignorance of any arrest, it was reliably gathered that  an engineer working for the station based in Enugu had been picked up by men of the Department of State Security DSS and taken to Abuja.

Residents in the State are however confused because some of the ardent listeners to the station claimed that the station was still operating in skeletal form.

State police command’s spokesman Mr. Ebere Amaraizu told our reporter last night “I am not aware of the arrest and parading of the Radio Biafra suspects. Not to my knowledge”, he stated.

NBC’s Director General, Emeka Mba had said in Abuja last week that “we are working with security operatives, the Commission has also tracked down, neutralized and confiscated transmitter equipment from several locations in the region.

Dasuki denies maltreating Buhari after 1985 coup

Says he knelt to beg Akande for Buhari as ACN/CPC flagbearer in 2011 Immediate past National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), has sworn that he never maltreated nor took part in maltreating President Muhammadu Buhari when he, as military Head of State, was removed in a 1985 coup, as being erroneously alleged.

He said: “I always respect and dignify my seniors and those in positions of authority whether in service or after. Though a young officer, I was reluctant to be among those that arrested him. And I was not.

“I only met him afterward at Bonny Camp with Lawal Rafindadi. There is no way I could have maltreated him as being alleged in some quarters. I am glad most of the actors are still alive.”

The former NSA made the disclosure even as he stated that he knelt down begging Baba Bisi Akande, who was then Chairman of Action Congress Nigeria, ACN, to accept then General Buhari because “General Buhari is a man to be trusted.”

Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.): Former NSA

Dasuki, who spoke to blogger Yushua Shauib in Abuja, also disclosed how he and some others confronted late General Sani Abacha over June 12 election, which was won by late Chief Mashood Kashimawo Abiola.

He said: “This led to our premature retirement. The persecution that followed forced me into exile, where I teamed up with opposition elements struggling for the return of democracy.”

‘My campaign for him’ On his roles in politics, the former NSA, who had been having running battles with the Department of State Services, DSS, narrated how he supported the campaign aspiration of Muhammadu Buhari in 2003, 2007 and 2011 presidential elections.

He said respected Northern elements like Adamu Adamu, Bashir Kurfi, Sule Hamman, Wada Maida and Kabir Yusuf are among individuals privy to his active involvement.

While revealing how he campaigned for Buhari to emerge the joint candidate of ACN and CPC in 2011, Dasuki disclosed how he pleaded with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the presence of Bisi Akande to accept Muhammad Buhari as the joint presidential candidate for ACN and CPC.

Dasuki said: “In the belief that Yoruba and south-westerners are never religious fanatics, especially regarding politics, me and my group suggested that Tinubu should be a running mate to Buhari.

“When other elements opposed that proposition, Tinubu team therefore recommended a Buhari-Osinbajo ticket. Unfortunately, the ticket failed to stick as Pastor Tunde Bakare was eventually pushed forward by other forces.”

Speaking further, the former NSA recalled how prior to the 1983 coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari, himself and two young military officers, who are still alive, travelled to Jos to brief Major General Buhari, who was then the GOC of 3rd Armoured Division, on the furtherance of the planning of the 1983 coup, which made Buhari the major beneficiary.

He said: “Buhari expressed his bitterness about insinuations on his stewardship in one of the public institutions, but I assured the then GOC not to worry about such reckless and mischievous insinuations.”

Asked why he participated in the ouster of Buhari less than two years afterward ousting Shagari, Dasuki simply answered that General Buhari should know who to blame.

The BVN Deadline Stampede

MANY Nigerians once again demonstrated their usual disdain for deadline in respect of the ongoing Bank Verification Number,(BVN), registration. During its launch on February 14, 2014 by the then Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the apex bank had fixed July 2014 as the commencement date for the BVN registration and December 31, 2014 as the deadline for all bank customers to have their BVNs.

All banks were tasked to ensure that 40 per cent of their customers got registered before the end of the year and 70 per cent on or before March 31, 2015 and all of their customers by Tuesday June 30, 2015. The apex bank had also warned then that failure to comply before the deadline would lead to defaulters not being able to access their accounts from July 1, 2015.This warning was only heeded in the breach. As the July deadline approached, millions of Nigerians had besieged the nearest branches of their banks in a last minute, desperate rush to acquire their BVN’s.

As expected, the banks were overwhelmed by the long queues of BVN seeking customers such that they could not adequately attend to all before the closing date. Although the last minute rush for the BVN ensured that a total of 15 million bank customers got registered before the deadline, over 14 million others, including those living outside the country, could not do so, prompting strident demands that the deadline be extended.

After much pressure, the CBN decided to reverse itself by announcing a new deadline of October 31, 2015.Time has come for Nigerians to discard this attitude of waiting until the very last minute before obeying important instructions, especially when timely compliance will serve the good of all. The BVN is a policy introduced by the CBN to check all manners of fraud in the banking system by ensuring that every bank customer is given a unique identification number that can be verified by all banks in Nigeria. So, there is nothing to lose, but everything to gain by wholeheartedly identifying with it.Waiting only to stampede before deadline is a fault that is deeply etched in the psyche of our people and government as well.

It is complemented by the twin problem of poor attitude to punctuality, a negation of the saying: “Time is money”. Nigeria will never be a great and prosperous nation unless our people are reoriented to understand the importance of time management and do away with the so called “African time” syndrome. No great society jokes with time and deadline. Government must lead the way in addressing this problem. Punctuality is still the soul of business.

Protagonists of Biafra not invited to UN or AU meetings —Uwazurike

By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI—The leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, said that neither the United Nations nor the African Union, has invited the protagonists of Biafra to any of their meetings.

Chief Uwazuruike, who debunked the rumour making the rounds in Igboland while fielding questions from newsmen in Owerri, also revealed that the two bodies said they only invite member nations.

“I sent the Bill of Rights to the United Nations in 1999, when I started the struggle. Up till now, the United Nations, UN, and African Union, AU, have not invited Biafra as erroneously peddled by interest groups”,  Uwazuruike said.

The MASSOB leader advised Ndigbo to stop begging for survival in the Nigerian project, stressing that the Igbo fought the bitter war in self defence, when the decimation of their numbers reached alarming proportion.

“Events have continued to show that Ndigbo are not wanted in Nigeria. Igbo should desist from being selfish and sycophants. We should think of the way forward for Ndigbo before personal interests”, Chief Uwazurike pleaded.

Answering a question, the MASSOB leader said that the actualization of Biafra was certain, pointing out that revolutions take time but never fails.

FG treating PDP members as prisoners of war—METUH

By Boluwaji Obahopo

LOKOJA—Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government of treating its members as prisoners of war.

Spokesman of the party, Olisa Metuh, who was addressing party stakeholders in Lokoja shortly before the commencement of the re-scheduled ward congress of the party in the state yesterday, said the party was also working hard to win the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship polls scheduled for November and December, respectively.

According to him, “we are being treated as if we are prisoners of war. We are being treated as if we are refugees. We are not afraid, we have faith in our strength and unity; faith in the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

“We (PDP) are not afraid of the intimidation, harassment and arrest of our members by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, if the arrest is done within the confines of the law.”

The Publicity Secretary said while the party’s stand against corruption had remained unwavering, he lamented the alleged witch hunt of its members by the Buhari-led administration under the pretext of a probe.

He said: “We condemn the uncivilised method of arrest, intimidation and the abuse of the fundamental human rights of members of the party, who served in the last administration, by the Buhari-led administration.”

Governor Idris Wada, in his welcome address, described Kogi State PDP as one big family, and appealed to members to abide by the congress rules to ensure a successful election.

Relocation of Boko Haram inmates hatched during Jonathan’s govt —Ekwueme

Dr Ekwueme

The President should reverse it to assuage the feelings of Ndigbo

Former Vice President of Nigeria in the Second Republic, Dr. Alex Ekwueme has said that the plan to bring Boko Haram detainees to Aguata Prisons in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was hatched during the former President Jonathan’s administration, but was resisted and protested against by the people which made the past administration to drop the idea.

Speaking with newsmen at Aguluzigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State during the end of tenure Thanksgiving Ceremony of Chief Victor Umeh as APGA Chairman, Chief Ekwueme said,  “I am aware that the plan of bringing Boko Haram detainees to Aguata prisons in Ekwulobia came up a while ago and there was reasonable protest to the then President Jonathan against it and he dropped the plan.

“I was out of the country when I heard that Boko Haram detainees were brought to Aguata Prisons in Ekwulobia, Anambra State. I started wondering how the idea of bringing them to the South East and my local government area came up again after the people thought the matter has been rested.

“I am sure the new President must have seen the records and proposal and decided to  implement it, but since there was initial protest against the relocation of the detainees to the South East, I’m sure President Buhari will do something to assuage the feelings of the people of the South East,” he said.

On the alleged delay in appointing ministers, Chief Ekwueme said he cannot start passing judgment now on the President because “every leader has his leadership style, everybody will not approach that exalted office with the same style. You have to watch and assess each person based on his style. The important thing is that we get the right result.

“Another important thing is that we have peace, prosperity and unity, and better quality of life as Nigeria attains her God given-position as a great nation and leader in the comity of nations.

“So, I wish the President well in running the affairs of Nigeria. I cannot start assessing his performance now, it is too early,” he said.

No corrupt APC member’ll escape justice — Buhari

By Kingsley Adegboye, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

LAGOS — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said that no corrupt member of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), or associates will go scot-free in his anti-graft war.

His critics have, however, expressed doubts over his anti-corruption crusade, alleging that he is surrounded by corrupt associates who are untouchable.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Secreatry of state, John Kerry in Washington DC on July 21st 2015

However, President Buhari said, yesterday, that no corrupt member of his party will escape justice. He spoke in a nine-minute CNN interview with Christine Amanpour.

Asked if he would sanction the guilty ones if they were members of his party or associates, he said: “I just have to. There is not going to be any party member or personality that can escape justice.”

In the interview, Buhari restated his promise to secure the release of the Chibok schoolgirls, who have spent more than 460 days in captivity even if it means negotiating with leaders of the Boko Haram sect.

The President said he would deliver on his campaign promises, adding that 12 weeks is too early to judge whether or not he has performed.

He also promised to invite President Barack Obama of the United States of America to Nigeria.

The interview ran thus:

You have asked the United States to help you in the fight against Boko Haram, what exactly did you ask in this regard and what answer did President Obama give you?

The United States is the one leading the G7 and they promised to do whatever they can to help Nigeria, so we have brought our requirements to them in terms of equipment, training and intelligence gathering for Nigeria to be able to fight Boko Haram.

Nigeria is experiencing falling economy, especially falling oil prices. How are you going to deal with that?

My people want security in the country to be stabilized both in the South-South region where militants are still sabotaging oil installations, kidnapping our people and demanding ransom, and in the North-East of the country where Boko Haram is still active. This is the main pre-occupation of Nigeria now and it seems nothing will work until Nigeria is secured.

Despite your vow that you will fight Boko Haram, over 400 people have been killed since you became President. Added to that, the Amnesty International said your military has totally lost the confidence of the people because of the systematic human rights abuses in killing of some 8,000 people. How do you expect your military to be able to go against Boko Haram and also gain the trust of the people?

I have just mentioned that under Chad Basin Commission, we have agreed to hold a multinational joint task force. So, whatever happened before that decision was taken will help to allow further investigation to verify the question of human rights abuse. I am sure we must admit the decision taken by the Federal Government of Nigeria in changing the military command.

What about the famous Chibok girls? It is being said that they might be traded for Boko Haram members that are in prison right now. Is your government willing to trade those girls in that regard?

We have to be very careful about the credibility of various Boko Haram leaderships coming up claiming that they can deliver. We have to be very careful indeed and that is why we are taking our time because we want to bring them back safe to their families and schools.

So, are you in principle against or will you consider exchanging the Boko Haram members for the Chibok girls, if you can verify the credibility of those leaders of Boko Haram?

I cannot be against it. I told you that our main objective is how to secure the Chibok girls and bring them back to their schools and rehabilitate them to go back to their normal life. If we are convinced that the leadership that presented itself can deliver those girls, we will be ready to negotiate with what they want.

You came on the platform that you will do better than the previous government. You said you will fight corruption, insecurity and economy among others. There have been hundreds killed since you took over, how can you do any better?

I have said I can be held to my promises for the next three years plus I have ahead of me. I think its too early for anybody to pass judgement on my campaign promises.

Part of your campaign promises is to stamp out corruption. If the guilty ones are members of your party or your own associates, will you crack on them too?

I just have to. There is not going to be any party member or personality that can escape justice.

Are you disappointed that President Obama is yet to visit Nigeria?

I would not say I am disappointed but how I wish he will change his mind and come to Nigeria.

Did you ask him when you met with him and did he say he would?

I asked him and I will send him a formal invitation.

A former dictator of Chad is being tried in Senegal. Do you support that process of trying an accused African leader in Africa than the International Criminal Court?

Whether he is tried in Africa or elsewhere in the world, the important thing is: let justice be done. Whatever evidence the prosecution have in Senegal, I think they should proceed to make available to the world and prosecute him according to the international laws on human rights.

So you support that process?

I support any process that is based on justice.

All You Need To Know About The Trending ‘Alhaji Gay’. Stories & Graphics Photos

Although many might not know him, Razak Adetunji Adeniyi fondly called ‘Alhaji Gay’ has met his demise in the hands of unidentified persons.

Alhaji Gay is popularly known for his activities of arresting fraudsters and those involved in cyber crimes – yahoo boys.

In spite of his success in arresting the fraudsters on different accounts the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has denied that he was working on behalf of the anti-corruption body.

He was killed yesterday at Agbado Ijaiye, in Lagos. People in the  area gave accounts that  there have been several attempts on his life; he has been stabbed and shot before but he survived. People after him succeeded this time. Sad!

Posing as an EFCC officer, Alhaji Gay has extolled a lot from cyber hustlers (yahoo boys) in the name of avoiding arrest.

Alhaji Gay go as far as Ghana, Cotonou and even Togo to harass ‘yahoo boys’.

One Henry who is based in Ibadan sometimes in 2011 gave this account of his ordeal with Alhaji Gay;

‘This man is  a thief….He came for me and he did not see but he arrested my friends and he demand for 2 millions naira and we paid him 800,000 naira and still he went to Ghana to arrest my friends…

Please ibadan police just shot this man because if is release am sure lagos police we like him because they both work together’ Henry said.

According to Ayobami who complained in 2013 said,

‘this guy must be properly dealt with or else be ready for a civil war in Nigeria cos i know of whom this Alhaji gay arrested illegally and collected 2.5 million from the person and eventually kill the guy.

Please this guy is a killer.’

Until his death, he was a very powerful man who was feared by all. His boys have hit the streets vouching that they will bring down the killers of their boss, but at the moment, soldiers have been deployed to his two hotels in order to restore peace.

2face, Wizkid, Flavour, Olamide, Basketmouth, other stars who failed to win @ MAMA 2015

Wizkid and Seyi Shay

Wizkid: The Ojuelegba crooner failed to pick the Best Male gong for the second successive year, losing on both occasion to his old friend turned foe, Davido, who is fast becoming his nemesis as well. Wizkid is yet to win a MAMA awards.

The 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards has been concluded with Nigeria as the biggest winner of the night.

Nigeria again dominated this year’s MTV Africa Music Awards, MAMA, carting away most of the coveted trophies.

Leading the way was Davido, who retained his title as Africa’s Best male Artiste of the year. Yemi Alade won the Best Female category while P-Square was voted as Best Group and also Artist of the Decade. 

Patoranking went home with the Best New Act trophy, Dorobucci was rated as the Song of the Year and the Kokomaster, D’banj won the maiden MAMA Evolution. The joint effort of South African artistes- AKA, Da LES & JR and Nigeria’s Burna Boy was rated as the Best Collaboration.

The victory of the Nigerian musicians ensured that the country won in eight (8) out of the 13 categories it was nominated. There were a total of 15 categories at the event.

However, there were other Nigerians who failed to win at the night.

Davido (Nigeria)- WINNER
AKA (South Africa), Diamond (Tanzania), Sarkodie (Ghana), Wizkid (Nigeria)

Seyi Shay: Yemi Alade beat Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua and three others to the Best Female category. The London-born Nigerian singer will hope to get luckier in 2016.

Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – WINNER

Bucie (South Africa), Busiswa (South Africa), Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania)

Phyno and Olamide: Amazingly, the two indigenous rappers dropped a collaborative studio album titled 2 Kings on the first day of April but South African rapper Cassper Nyovest was the one sitting on the throne at the MAMA awards on 18th day of July as neither Phyno nor Olamide was considered good enough to wear the crown of the Best Hip Hop act in Africa.

Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) – WINNER

K.O. (South Africa), Phyno (Nigeria), Olamide (Nigeria), Youssoupha (DRC)

Davido and Iyanya: Davido’s The Sound featuring Uhuru and DJ Buckz was not good enough to win the Best Collaboration category. The Bum Bum effort of Iyanya and Diamond was also relegated as All eyes was on the joint effort of South African artistes- AKA, Da LES & JR and Nigeria’s Burna Boy which won the category.

Yemi Alade and Phyno

AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR: “All Eyes On Me” (SA/Nigeria) – WINNER
Davido featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz: “The Sound” (Nigeria/SA); Diamond & Iyanya: “Bum Bum” (Kenya/Nigeria); Toofan & DJ Arafat: “Apero Remix” (Togo/Ivory Coast); Stanley Enow & Sarkodie: “Njama Njama Cow Remix” (Cameroon/Ghana)

Lil Kesh and Yemi Alade: Mavins’ Dorobucci won the Song of the Year, at the expense of Shoki Remix by Lil Kesh featuring Olamide and Davido, not even the search for Johnny could help Yemi Alade to the gong. It was also another sad taste for Wizkid as he was ignored by voters and the organisers.

Mavins: “Dorobucci” (Nigeria) – WINNER

Cassper Nyovest: “Doc Shebeleza” (South Africa); Euphonik featuring Mpumi: “Busa” (South Africa); DJ Fisherman & NaakMusiQ featuring DJ Tira, Danger & Dream Team: “Call Out” (South Africa); K.O featuring Kid X: “Caracara” (South Africa); Lil Kesh Featuring Olamide & Davido: “Shoki Remix” (Nigeria); Sauti Sol: “Sura Yako” (Kenya); Toofan: “Gweta” (Togo); Wizkid: “Show You The Money” (Nigeria); Yemi Alade: “Johnny” (Nigeria)

Flavour: Flavour N’abania (Chinedu Okoli) was disappointed at the event as Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz went home with the Best Live gong. The Ada Ada crooner can look to the brighter side of his career.

Diamond (Tanzania) – WINNER

Big Nuz (South Africa);Flavour (Nigeria);Mi Casa (South Africa);Toofan (Togo)

Seyi Shay, Wizkid, Davido and Clarence Peters: For Wizkid, it was another heartbreak on a crazy night as the Starboy, Seyi Shay and Meji Alabi were denied the prestigious Video of the year gong by Riky Rick’s Nafukwa video directed by Adriaan Louw. The Sound by Davido, directed by Sesan and Love you Everyday directed by Clarence Peters were also in the category.

“Nafukwa” – Riky Rick; Director: Adriaan Louw- WINNER

“Crazy” – Seyi Shay Featuring Wizkid; Director: Meji Alabi; “Doors” – Prime Circle; Director: Ryan Kruger; “Love You Everyday” – Bebe Cool; Director: Clarence Peters; “The Sound” – Davido Featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz; Director: Sesan.

Nneka: Nneka Lucia Egbuna was unable to win the Best Pop & Alternative gong., losing the prize to Jeremy Loops of South Africa.

Jeremy Loops (South Africa) – WINNER
Fuse ODG (Ghana); Jimmy Nevis (South Africa); Nneka (Nigeria); Prime Circle (South Africa)

BasketMouth

Basketmouth, OC Ukeje: South African comedian and actor, Trevor Noah won the Personality of the Year ahead of Basketmouth and OC Ukeje.

Trevor Noah (South Africa) – WINNER
Basketmouth (Nigeria); Bonang Matheba (South Africa); OC Ukeje (Nigeria); Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

Asa, 2face and Psquare: The MAMA Evolution category was made up of the heavyweights on the continent. Kokomaster, D’banj won the trophy, which ensured that compatriots- Asa, 2face and Psquare were left out.

D’banj-WINNER

Asa (Nigeria); Psquare (Nigeria), 2face (Nigeria) ; Fally Ipupa (DRC); Samini (Ghana);HHP (South Africa) ;Chameleone (Uganda); Black Coffee (South Africa); Anselmo Ralph (Angola).

Buhari approves funds for All African Games

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has surprised those who think his administration will not accord sports priority by approving funds to ensure preparations ahead of the 2015  All African Games.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Alhassan Yakmut confirmed yesterday after addressing the athletes  undergoing training.

The All African Games is holding in Congo Brazzaville from September 4 to 19, 2015. This is a clear departure from the usual practice of releasing funds two weeks to a major international event.

An excited Yakmut promised to release the approved figure to the public in line with ‘Change Agenda’ which promotes transparency in governance.

“Mr. President has just approved the funds for the All African Games and I understand we shall be formally informed on Tuesday.

“So, as soon as we get the information about the exact figure approved from the budget we submitted, we will make it open to the public because we intend to run a very transparent administration.

“ And I think by the time we finish computing all what we have done in the last three months, we are going to say how much has been spent on each item of the projects that we have executed including the Federations.

“And I am sure that you have noticed that the Federations are beginning to feel the public funding scheme especially the ones regarding the All African Games,” Yakmut added.

According to him, apart from the 19 sports that Nigeria will participate in, two other sports namely swimming and gymnastics have been placed on standby in the event that there would be athletes that are exceptionally good to represent the country in the two sports.

To ensure that athletes have the best preparations, Yakmut said that the Federations that have requested for foreign technical support would have them.

The Director General spoke further on this, “We are taking part in 19 events and two other events that are actually on standby. If we have pockets of athletes that are exceptionally good like gymnastic and swimming, we will carry them on their merit.

“Regarding technical aid, in fact we are in global technical business and we cannot reduce ourselves to a situation that no matter how bad our coaches are, we must sustain and retain them.

“What we have done is to support the four federations that have requested that they will need technical back-ups from foreign countries.

“So, wrestling has requested for two back-ups either from Europe, the United States or Canada. Table tennis has also requested fat technical support from Sweden, China or Japan.

“Already, South Korea is supporting us on taekwondo and basketball has already recruited transparently.

“All these we are doing to make sure that we don’t leave technical opportunities unattended to,” Yakmut assured.