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