N7billion CAN bribe: Pastor threatens legal action against SSS

A pastor, Kallamu Dikwa, on Tuesday threatened to sue the State Security Service for alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.

Mr. Dikwa lamented that his ordeal at the SSS started at the beginning of the year when he publicly alleged that the Christian Association of Nigeria received N7 billion from the Goodluck Jonathan administration to garner support among the Christian community for the re-election of Mr. Jonathan.

The Borno pastor petitioned the SSS Director General, Ita Ekpenyong, through his lawyers from the Right And Democracy Volunteers.
He reminded Mr. Ekpenyong of how SSS officials stripped him and forced him to make statement under duress.

“On the 16th March, 2015, Pastor Dikwa returned to the DSS headquarter with his lawyers in Abuja under their invitation through one Mr. Paul,” the petition stated.

“The lawyer was denied being present during the chat. The interrogation officers, Felix and Tony stripped the pastor naked and ordered him to make a statement under duress when they ordered him to copy verbatim a statement scripted by the DSS.”

A copy of the petition, made available to journalists in Kaduna, informed the SSS that the constitution of Nigeria guaranteed Mr. Dikwa’s inalienable rights, including the right to freedom of expression, respect to the dignity of his person, and right to liberty which were conveniently violated by the SSS.

The lawyers demanded an apology and compensation as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the constitution.

“In this circumstances, we believe that Pastor Dikwa is entitled to N300 million compensation and a guarantee that he would no more be intimidated or harassed by operatives of the SSS without regard to the laws of this country,” the petition said.

“Having regard to the exigency of the situation, we have instructed our legal team to proceed to file a court action to protect the fundamental rights of Pastor Dikwa if after seven days hereof the SSS in its wisdom fails to remediate the matter in compliance with the petition.

” Pastor Dikwa may be a lone victim of circumstances, but he shall not be alone in fighting this violation of his rights.”

Source: Premium Times

Fierce battle in Sambisa; Boko Haram’s top commanders killed, more women, children rescue

One soldier died, four others were injured as Boko Haram terrorists battled in vain to retain nine major camps in the dreaded Sambisa forest where more women and children were found and rescued.
Troop commanders said hundreds of Boko Haram insurgents were killed in hours of gun battle.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, who made this known to newsmen in a statement, said two major combat tanks and high calibre ammunitions used by the Boko Haram terrorists were recovered while many others were destroyed.

The statement reads in full; “I wish to inform you that today (Wednesday) evening, troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army also cleared several terrorists strong points and training camps within Sambisa forest, Borno State, Nigeria.

“The troops have also rescued additional women and children. They have been evacuated to a safety zone for further processing.

“During the encounter unfortunately we lost a soldier, while 4 others were wounded in action. The troops have also killed several Boko Haram field commanders and foot soldiers and destroyed 2 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 2 Buffalo vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns, a truck and several Hilux vehicles.

“The gallant soldiers also recovered 1 Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 General Purpose Machine Gun, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade and several AK-47 rifles. Sadly, 1 woman died and 8 other women sustained gun shot wounds.

“So far, the troops have destroyed 9 terrorist camps in the forest. This is in addition to the 4 destroyed yesterday. The destroyed camps includes Wulari Bukar, Gangala, Anguwar Bakwai and Jigide. Others include Kotorima, Lagara Bello and Lagara Fulani among others.

“I am glad to say that troops’ morale is very high as they are poised to accomplish the task of destroying all terrorists camps and rescuing all those held hostage by the terrorists”.
Meanwhile, the Director Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, a Major General, will today provide updates on the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in North-Eastern Nigeria.

Source:Premium Times

Nepal: Four months old baby rescued from rubbles

A photo of a baby boy being pulled from the rubble of the Nepal earthquake has become the defining image of a disaster that has devastated the country.

His tiny face is coated in dust from the debris that crashed around him as the earth shook on Saturday, April 25, killing more than 5,000 people and injuring at least twice as many more.

His name is Sonit Awal, and he's just four months old.

On Saturday, Sonit was at home in Muldhoka, Bhaktapur, east of the capital Kathmandu, when the 7.8-magnitude quake sent tremors through Nepal and neighboring countries, according to Kathmandu Today.

Baby Sonit Awal spent 22 hours buried in the rubble of his home.
The house collapsed, burying the child, leaving his father Shyam Awal frantically searching for him amid the rubble.

A desperate Awal called the Nepalese Army, and they too scrambled through the dirt and debris until midnight, before giving up hope and leaving.

Sonit's father had lost all hope of finding his son alive, the paper reported, until he heard faint cries from below.

On Sunday morning, the soldiers returned and at 10 a.m they lifted Sonit clear of the fallen rocks, beams, bricks and dust that had trapped him for 22 hours.

Nepali soldiers had given up their search on Saturday night but returned when Sonit's father heard cries.

Sonit's face was exposed during the whole ordeal, though a hooded top and shawl protected his head and body during the cold night spent under rubble.

The baby was taken to Bhaktapur Hospital and found to be uninjured;

His unlikely rescue provides some hope to a country that has experienced so much loss.

Jonathan sacks NPA managing director, appoints Sanusi Lamido as replacement

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a statement by the presidency has said.

Mr. Sanusi, a lawyer, from Kano State, takes over from Habib Abdullahi, who has been relieved of his appointment as Managing Director of the Authority.
No reason was given for Mr. Abdullahi’s removal.

The appointment of the new NPA boss takes effect from Thursday, April 30.

“President Jonathan thanks the outgoing Managing Director for his services and wishes well in his future endeavours,” the statement said.

Source: Premium Times

Entertainer Keith Harris dies at 67

Entertainer Keith Harris, best known for performances with his puppet Orville, has died, aged 67.

His agent Robert C Kelly confirmed the news on Twitter.

"Sad to announce death from cancer of my client, dear friend and great talent, Keith Harris," he wrote.

Harris had his own BBC One Saturday night programme The Keith Harris Show and had a top 10 hit with Orville's Song, popularly known as I Wish I Could Fly, in 1982.

Orville was his most famous creation - an innocent green duck in an oversized nappy, who was relentlessly taunted by Harris's other character, Cuddles the monkey.

Among those paying tribute were singer and broadcaster Aled Jones, who said: "Sad to hear of the death of Keith Harris - sending best wishes to his family and friends."

"So sad," tweeted presenter Keith Chegwin. "A great entertainer and all round nice man Keith Harris has passed away. Best wishes to his family at this sad time. RIP x"
Comedian Julian Clary described Harris as a "lovely, funny talented man."

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Very sad to hear that Keith Harris has died after a battle with cancer. Brought joy to my childhood."

Actor and comedian Paddy McGuinness said: "RIP Keith Harris. A part of my childhood gone."

The Keith Harris Show ran for eight years from 1982 to 1990, and the entertainer appeared on a total of five Royal, and Children's Royal Variety Performances.

At the personal request of Diana, Princess of Wales, Keith gave private performances at Highgrove House for Prince William's third birthday and then at Kensington Palace for Prince Harry's third birthday.

In the 2000s, he reinvented himself as an X-rated ventriloquist, touring student unions with his adult show, Duck Off.

He appeared in the 2002 documentary When Louis met Keith Harris; and won the Channel Five reality show The Farm in 2005.
But he turned down the chance to appear in Ricky Gervais's comedy series Extras.

"I read the script and thought, 'This isn't clever writing, it's pure filth'," he told The Independent in 2006.
"I turned it down. I'm not desperate."
He continued to appear in pantomime and at holiday camps, but was diagnosed with cancer of the spleen in 2013.

After having the spleen removed, he endured four months of chemotherapy and was given the all-clear, allowing him to return to the stage.

But last summer, he told an audience in Great Yarmouth the illness had returned and he needed further treatment. He was moved to tears when they gave him a standing ovation.

The entertainer leaves behind his fourth wife Sarah, and his children Kitty and Shenton; as well as a daughter, Skye, from his first marriage to singer Jacqui Scott and his mother Lila and brother Colin.

Source:BBC

MAN SET TO RIDE BICYCLE FROM KADUNA TO LAGOS TO THANK YORUBAS FOR VOTING BUHARI

Suleiman Hashimu launched the 'walk initiative' by walking from Lagos to Abuja in fulfilment of his vow to celebrate Muhammadu Buhari‘s victory in the presidential elections. The moment Sulaiman was welcomed and recognised by General Buhari, someone else was like, 'why not?' Abubakar Duduwale, then began to walk from Yola in Adamawa to Abuja in honour of the president-elect.

Now, as you read this, a 35-year-old Kaduna-born cyclist and supporter of the president-elect, Mohammed Kabiru Jafaru, has also embarked on a journey to meet with the vice president-elect in Lagos State; but this time, on a bicycle, Leadership reports. He left Kaduna yesterday.

Mohammed, a resident of Hayin Malam Bello in Rigasa district of Igabi local government area of Kaduna State, took off on his journey to Lagos at exactly 6: 35am at the palace of Sarkin Hayin Malam Bello, Alhaji Kabiru Isa Gangarida.

Speaking to newsmen before embarking on the journey, Mohammed said...

“I have decided to embark on this journey to Lagos because I want to go and thank Yoruba people for their immense support and contributions that led to the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari during the March 28 presidential election.”
“The decision to undertake the journey came to my mind after analysing the votes cast for Buhari by the Yoruba people and after I discussed my intention with my immediate family and friends, they encouraged me to go on the journey.
“I have never been to Lagos before; this is my first time and only God knows how many days I will spend before reaching Lagos”.

Asked whether he has any fear about the journey, Mohammed said...

“I don’t have any fear because I believe in God that nothing will happen to me on the road; all I want is people’s prayers so that I will reach Lagos safely.”

Also speaking, an APC chieftain in the state, Hon. Kailani Mohammed, said Mohammed Kabiru will be received by the vice president-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and other prominent members of the APC in Lagos on his arrival, and wished Mohammed a safe trip.

Source: Leadership

Banks use female marketers to woo senators, Reps-elect

Commercial banks have sent marketers, mostly females after newly-elected senators and members of the House of Representatives in Abuja to open discussions on investments and other business deals.

The energetic, sweet-talking and mostly female marketers, flooded the International Conference Centre, venue of an ongoing induction course for the new arrivals on Monday.

Investigations by The PUNCH showed that the target of the banks largely was to woo the lawmakers to open accounts with them.

Some of the smartly dressed marketers also offered loan opportunities they claimed their banks could guarantee with “friendly repayment terms.”

Over 290 members of the House for example, are newcomers, out of the total of 360.

In the Senate, about 69 senators are also newcomers, out of 109.

Findings showed that the marketers started tracing the lawmakers since Sunday night when Senate President, David Mark, declared the induction programme open at the Transcorps Hotel, Abuja.

“They flooded the Congress Hall of the hotel Sunday night.

“They didn’t give the lawmakers breathing space, as they offered all sorts of facilities (loans) and seeking to maintain their accounts,” a senior legislative aide confided in The PUNCH on Monday.

A member of the House earns around N27.9m every quarter as official allowance.

Presiding officers and other principal officers receive higher figures.

This excludes a monthly salary of N1m.

Senators collect over N30m as quarterly allowance and receive higher salaries than their House counterparts.

The PUNCH gathered that the practice over time was for the banks to compete among themselves to attract as many of the lawmakers as possible to maintain the lawmakers’ accounts.

“In the end, many lawmakers get loans in amounts ranging from N50m to upward of N200m.

“They will be here for four years and it is understandable that the banks see this as a window for quick returns,” one National Assembly official told The PUNCH.

However, investigations indicated that there were several cases of lawmakers who failed to repay the loans before the expiration of their tenure, leading to disputes between the two sides.

In 2011, a particular new generation bank withheld the severance packages of many members and also seized their assets, owing to failure to meet up with their loan obligations.

One marketer, who gave her name simply as Elina, told The PUNCH that there was nothing wrong with seeking for “investment opportunities.”

She argued that being new in Abuja, most of the members needed information on sources of funding to assist them in settling down for the business of legislation.

“We know how it is; there will be accommodation challenges.

“Some need funding for transportation even before they get their official votes for vehicles and other support services.

“So, the banks are there to provide these support services by way of funding,” she added.

The National Assembly and its bureaucracy, including the National Assembly Service Commission, has a total budget of N120bn this year.

The figure was a drop from the N150bn it had enjoyed since 2007.

Copyright PUNCH