.
The protesters marched to 10 Downing street where they presented a copy of their petition to the British Prime Minister.
Details later
Wednesday 5 June 2013
Breaking news: Nigerians protest in London
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The protesters marched to 10 Downing street where they presented a copy of their petition to the British Prime Minister.
Details later
Tuesday 4 June 2013
US places $23m reward for Boko Haram leader, Shekau, 4 others
The highest reward of $7 million is offered for the Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, who last week called on Islamists in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq to join the bloody fight to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.
The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program also targeted Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), offering its first ever bounties for wanted militants in west Africa.
Up to $5 million was posted for Al-Qaeda veteran Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the one-eyed Islamist behind the devastating attack on an Algerian gas plant in January in which 37 foreigners, including three Americans, were killed.
A further $5 million was offered for top AQIM leader Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, reportedly involved in the 2010 murder of an elderly French hostage in Niger.
Malik Abou Abdelkarim, a senior fighter with AQIM, and Oumar Ould Hamaha, the spokesman for Mali’s Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), were also targeted by the rewards program, which will give up to $3 million each for information leading to their arrests.
Source: AFP
Michael Adebolajo appears in court; wants to be called Mujaheed Abu Hamza
He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey within 48 hours. Earlier he was swept into Westminster Magistrates Court in an armoured vehicle led by a police convoy. A number of armed officers formed a ring of steel and shut off roads around the court in central London.
Meanwhile the other key suspect in the Drummer Rigby case refused to appear at the Old Bailey today. Michael Adebowale, 22, told prison staff he did not want to go on video link to the court for a statutory bail hearing. (Daily Mail UK)
Tuesday 14 May 2013
President Jonathan Declares State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa
Full Text of Nigeria's President Jonathan's Speech Declaring State of Emergency in Borno Adamawa and Yobe State
ADDRESS
BY
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BORNO, YOBE AND ADAMAWA STATES IN ORDER TO RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE AFFECTED STATES OF THE FEDERATION
MAY 14, 2013
Dear compatriots,
1. It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.
2. The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.
3. The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.
4. Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.
5. These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.
6. They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.
7. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.
8. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.
9. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.
10. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.
11. We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.
12. Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
13. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.
14. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.
15. The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
16. I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.
17. I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.
18. Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.
19. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.
20.I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.
Lond Live The Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Friday 12 April 2013
Nigerians complain of discrimination in Mumbai, India
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| Sheeba Rani has been ostracised by many friends and relatives for marrying Nigerian Sambo Davis |
Nigerian Sambo Davis is married to an Indian woman and lives in Mumbai. All his documents are valid, but he was arrested by the police recently on suspicion of being a drug dealer.
He and 30 other black Africans were detained for hours before they were let off with an apology.
But the following day, Mr Davis said that he was shocked to read in local newspapers that they were "arrested for drug peddling".
"The police treat us Africans like dogs," he says. Mr Davis claims he often faces discrimination when he goes to restaurants or when he tries to rent an apartment in gated middle-class communities.
But he is nevertheless one of the lucky ones. He found a decent flat to rent, thanks to his Indian wife.
But his fellow countrymen, he says, still face
discrimination: "When they go to rent flats in a normal building they
are told - 'you are a black man, you are Nigerian, and you are not
wanted'. This is racism."'Hide and seek' There is no official data on how many Africans live in Mumbai, but since India's economic progress gathered momentum in recent years, many have come to work in and around the city. Unofficial estimates put their numbers at more than 5,000.
Most of them are engaged in exporting garments to Nigeria and other African countries.
Many others are students, enrolled in the region's prestigious educational institutions.
But there are also hundreds of Africans, mostly Nigerians, who live as illegal immigrants in India. They have either "lost" their passports or their visas have "expired".
Every day, these people play hide-and-seek with the police - if they are caught, they are sent to jail.
Ikeorah Junior from Lagos runs a cafe for Africans in a crowded market on Mumbai's Mohammed Ali Road.
"I don't understand why they [police] have to go from house to house to arrest the people who don't have their papers. If they don't have papers, then deport them, don't put them in jail," he says.
Ahmed Javed, who is in charge of maintaining law and order in the state of Maharashtra, says it is not that simple: "In most cases they have no passports. So, unless their nationalities are determined, they cannot be deported."
Dozens of Africans have taken up residence on Mira Road, a dusty, nondescript town just outside Mumbai.
One "illegal immigrant" there asked me for money, claiming he had not eaten for two days.
He looked worried and told me that he had been approached by drug dealers to work for them.
"I have been here for three years - my visa expired a long time ago. I want to go back home. Please help me, brother," he tells me.
In this neighbourhood, Negro or kaalia (black in Hindi) are the two words indiscriminately used to describe all black people.
"We call them Negro because they are black. They look frightening," says one woman.
"They don't find homes to rent in Mumbai, they only stay in Mira Road. Why? Because of the way they behave. They sell drugs and indulge in other illegal activities. They cannot be trusted," a local man commented, seemingly unaware of the offensive nature of his words.
'Embarrassed and ashamed' Against such a backdrop of pronounced prejudice, Sheeba Rani married Sambo Davis four years ago and the couple have two children.
Mrs Davis says her parents are enlightened Christians and they blessed them because they thought the marriage was God's wish.
But, she says, she has been ostracised by many friends, relatives and society since her marriage.
Mrs Davis is "embarrassed and ashamed" by the behaviour of the Indian people towards black Africans.
"When I used to go to a mall or if I walked with him, I always wanted him to hold my hand. But when people saw me with him, they thought I was from a bad family or even a prostitute."
Earlier, she did not understand why black people were being looked down upon, but now she says she does.
"Because our society is obsessed with white skin. If I had married a white man, I would have gained more friends and society's approval too."
Mr Davis believes that the discrimination is solely "because I am a black man".
"It's because I am from Africa, I am a Nigerian. I think Indians see us as inferior."
Yet despite the discrimination they face, nearly all Africans the BBC interviewed said they had a soft spot for their adopted country.
They say the relations between India and Africa are "rock solid". Many argued that Indians and Africans are brothers.
"We look after Indians in our countries. They have become rich there. All we want here is for Indians to understand we are not drug dealers. We are not violent. We are just like them."
Source: BBC
Thursday 11 April 2013
Gegenge ---> Police at it again: Army, police fight in Ibadan
There was pandemonium at Mokola area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday as men of the Nigerian army engaged the police in a shootout.
It was gathered that the army were reacting to the attack on one of their men at Mokola by some unknown policemen on Wednesday.
The army and police fired several shots into the air scaring members of the public.
Attempts are being made to get reactions from the police and the army.
My people be calm, hv got solution to d Police Killing watch for my article of d solution soonest..
2014 GUBER ELECTION: ABUJA IMPOSITION OF OMISORE FURTHER DIVIDES PDP OSUN
The
National Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reportedly
adopted Senator Iyiola Omisore as the gubernatorial candidate of the
party for the 2014 governorship election in the State of Osun, the
decision which most of the members of the party in the state described
as a continuation of the culture of impunity and disregard for internal
democracy.
According to sources within the PDP the national caucus has also appeased former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade to drop his gubernatorial ambition and become Omisore’s running mate.
Akinbade, who is also a governorship aspirant under the PDP, has not acceded to the deputy governorship candidate offered him, according to informed sources.
It was gathered that that the PDP’s national caucus adopted Omisore’s as the party’s flag bearer last week following the directives from the presidency. President Goodluck Jonathan was said to have consented to Omisore’s candidature, making it difficult for aggrieved members of the party to protest the decision of the national caucus.
Information has it that President Jonathan adopted Omisore following the report from the National Secretariat of the PDP that the former Senator has both human and financial resources to challenge the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Bioreports reliably gathered that Omisore earned the loyalty of the president and the national caucus of the PDP by allegedly compromising the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) to falsely accused Aregbesola of planning to turn Osun to an Islamic state.
However, the decision of the PDP’s national caucus did not go down well with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and majority of the chieftains of the party in Osun State, said sources.
Bioreports checks further revealed that Omisore’s adoption has further worsen the crisis rocking the PDP in the state, revealing that some of the party loyalists have vowed to drop the party if Omisore is eventually foisted on the party as its governorship candidate in the 2014 election.
A worried PDP member of the PDP, told Bioreports under anonymity early in the week in Osogbo that the national caucus has committed a great error by adopting Omisore as the party’s flag bearer.
She argued that Omisore lacks the credibility and the goodwill to contest with Aregbesola’s popularity, stating that majority of the PDP members are not even in support of the Ife born politician.
Meanwhile, the state executive of the PDP was said to have thrown its weight behind the decision of the national caucus. The development has further worsened the factional crisis of the PDP in the state, as loyalists of other governorship aspirants of the party, particularly Akinbade’s faction have rejected the decision of the national caucus.
The PDP chieftains are calling for a level playing ground through the conduct of a primary election for all the gubernatorial aspirants of the PDP, rather than the selection and adoption of Omisore by the national caucus.
Nigerian Leaders in the New Millenium
Beginning from 1999, here's a review of Nigeria Leaders until date.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Obasanjo was born on march 5, 1937 in Ogun state. He grew up in Owu Abeakuta, and enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958. He trained at Aldershot.
A military city and centre in Hampshire, Southern England.he was a chief of staff during Murtala R. Mohammed regime before he named as a military leader in the country.He was the first military leader in the country to hand over power to the civilian government. He became the elected president on May 29, 1999.He also conducted the country first civilian to civilian hand over on May 29 2007.He is the only Nigerian to have ruled twice as a military and later as elected leader..Political Party, People democratic Party, Spouse Stella Obasanjo(deceased)
Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (16 August 1951-5 May 2010) Yar’Adua was born into an aristocratic Fulani family in Katsina; He stated his education at Rafukka Primary School in1962. In 1971 he received a Higher School Certificate from Barewa College.
He attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria from 1972 to 1975, attaining a Bsc in Education and Chemistry, and then returned in 1978 to achieve an M.Sc Degree in Analytical Chemistry.
Professional Career: Yar’Adua’s first employment was at Holy Child College in Lagos (1975-1976). He later served as a lecturer at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State, between 1976 and 1979. Board Chairman of katsina State Investment and Property Development Company (KIPDECO) between 1994 and 1996. Yar’Adua served as a director of many companies, including Habib Nigeria Bank Ltd.
Presidency: In the presidential election held on 21 April 2007,Yar’Adua won but strongly criticized by observers, as well as the two primary opposition candidates, Mohammed buhari of all Nigeria peoples party (ANPP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Action Congress(AC). After the election, Yar’Adua proposed a government of National unity. In late june 2007, two opposition parties, the ANPP and the Progressive Peoples Alliance(PPA), agreed to join Yar’ Adua’s government. On 28 June 2007, Yar’Adua publicly revealed his declaration of assets(becoming the first Nigeria leader to do so).This disclosure, which fulfilled a pre-election promise he made, was intended to set an example for other Nigerian politician and discourage corruption.
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Jonathan was born in Otueke in Ogbia Local Government Area of the then eastern region, later River State, now Bayelsa State.
He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in zoology in which he attained Second Class Honours, Upper Division.He also holds an M.Sc in Hydrobiology/Fisheries biology and a Doctor Of Philosophy(Ph.D) in zoology from the University Of Port-Harcourt. He is married to Patience and has two children. Jonathan is an Ijaw.
Presidential Race: In December 2006, Jonathan was selected as running mate to Umaru Yar’Adua for ruling PDP presidential ticket in April 2007 election.
Vice Presidency: Following the PDP’s disputed electoral victory, militants blew up Jonathan’s country house in Otueke Bayelsa State on 16th May; two policemen were killed in the attack.Jonathan was not present at the time, after taking office, Yar’adua publicly declared his assets, and on 8th August 2007, Jonathan also did so.
Action President: On 13 January 2010, a federal court handed Vice-President Jonathan the power to carry out State affairs in the presidents continued absence. On 9 february 2010, the Senate determined that presidential power should be transmitted to the Vice- President.He will serve as Acting President, with all the accompanied powers, until Yar’Adua has returned to full health. The Power transfer has been called a “coup without the word” by opposition lawyers and law makers.Jonathan remains the Acting president while Yar’adua continues ro recover.
President: Following Yar’adua death on 5th May 2010.Jonathan was sworn in as Yar;adua’s replacement on 6th May 2010, becoming Nigeria’s 14th head of state. He will serve as president until the next election.He states that he came to office under very sad unusual circumstances.On 18thMay 2010, the National assembly approved President Goodluck Jonathan’s nomination of former Kaduna’s State Governor, Nnamdi Sambo an architect, for the position of Vice- president on 17th March 2010.Jonathan dissolved the country’s cabinet while he appointed his own cabinet.
Elected President: On 16th April Jonathan emerged as elected president, and was sworn in 29th May 2011.The election was marred by bloodshed and the death of ten Corp members killed by suspected Boko Haram gang members.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Obasanjo was born on march 5, 1937 in Ogun state. He grew up in Owu Abeakuta, and enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958. He trained at Aldershot.
A military city and centre in Hampshire, Southern England.he was a chief of staff during Murtala R. Mohammed regime before he named as a military leader in the country.He was the first military leader in the country to hand over power to the civilian government. He became the elected president on May 29, 1999.He also conducted the country first civilian to civilian hand over on May 29 2007.He is the only Nigerian to have ruled twice as a military and later as elected leader..Political Party, People democratic Party, Spouse Stella Obasanjo(deceased)
Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (16 August 1951-5 May 2010) Yar’Adua was born into an aristocratic Fulani family in Katsina; He stated his education at Rafukka Primary School in1962. In 1971 he received a Higher School Certificate from Barewa College.
He attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria from 1972 to 1975, attaining a Bsc in Education and Chemistry, and then returned in 1978 to achieve an M.Sc Degree in Analytical Chemistry.
Professional Career: Yar’Adua’s first employment was at Holy Child College in Lagos (1975-1976). He later served as a lecturer at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State, between 1976 and 1979. Board Chairman of katsina State Investment and Property Development Company (KIPDECO) between 1994 and 1996. Yar’Adua served as a director of many companies, including Habib Nigeria Bank Ltd.
Presidency: In the presidential election held on 21 April 2007,Yar’Adua won but strongly criticized by observers, as well as the two primary opposition candidates, Mohammed buhari of all Nigeria peoples party (ANPP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Action Congress(AC). After the election, Yar’Adua proposed a government of National unity. In late june 2007, two opposition parties, the ANPP and the Progressive Peoples Alliance(PPA), agreed to join Yar’ Adua’s government. On 28 June 2007, Yar’Adua publicly revealed his declaration of assets(becoming the first Nigeria leader to do so).This disclosure, which fulfilled a pre-election promise he made, was intended to set an example for other Nigerian politician and discourage corruption.
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Jonathan was born in Otueke in Ogbia Local Government Area of the then eastern region, later River State, now Bayelsa State.
He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in zoology in which he attained Second Class Honours, Upper Division.He also holds an M.Sc in Hydrobiology/Fisheries biology and a Doctor Of Philosophy(Ph.D) in zoology from the University Of Port-Harcourt. He is married to Patience and has two children. Jonathan is an Ijaw.
Presidential Race: In December 2006, Jonathan was selected as running mate to Umaru Yar’Adua for ruling PDP presidential ticket in April 2007 election.
Vice Presidency: Following the PDP’s disputed electoral victory, militants blew up Jonathan’s country house in Otueke Bayelsa State on 16th May; two policemen were killed in the attack.Jonathan was not present at the time, after taking office, Yar’adua publicly declared his assets, and on 8th August 2007, Jonathan also did so.
Action President: On 13 January 2010, a federal court handed Vice-President Jonathan the power to carry out State affairs in the presidents continued absence. On 9 february 2010, the Senate determined that presidential power should be transmitted to the Vice- President.He will serve as Acting President, with all the accompanied powers, until Yar’Adua has returned to full health. The Power transfer has been called a “coup without the word” by opposition lawyers and law makers.Jonathan remains the Acting president while Yar’adua continues ro recover.
President: Following Yar’adua death on 5th May 2010.Jonathan was sworn in as Yar;adua’s replacement on 6th May 2010, becoming Nigeria’s 14th head of state. He will serve as president until the next election.He states that he came to office under very sad unusual circumstances.On 18thMay 2010, the National assembly approved President Goodluck Jonathan’s nomination of former Kaduna’s State Governor, Nnamdi Sambo an architect, for the position of Vice- president on 17th March 2010.Jonathan dissolved the country’s cabinet while he appointed his own cabinet.
Elected President: On 16th April Jonathan emerged as elected president, and was sworn in 29th May 2011.The election was marred by bloodshed and the death of ten Corp members killed by suspected Boko Haram gang members.
Meet Nigeria's Leaders From Independence (1960) till 2003
| 1960 - 1975 | 1975 - 1983 | 1984 till date | ||
Tafawa Balewa,
Prime Minister 1960-1966
Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi,
Head of State 1966
Gen Yakubu Gowon,
Head of State 1966-1975
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe,
President (Ceremonial)
1960-1966
| 
Gen. Murtala Mohammed,
Head of State,
1975-1976
Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo,
Head of State
1976-1979
Alhadji Shehu Shagari,
President,
1979 -1983
| 
Gen.Mohammad Buhari,
Head of State
1983-1985
Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,
Head of State,
1985-1993
Chief Ernest Shonekan,
President 1993
Gen. Sani Abacha,
Head of State
1993-1998
Gen. Abubakar,
Head of State,
1998-1999
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,
President,
1999 - 2003
|
Nigeria, We Hail Thee!
Nigeria, we hail thee, Our own dear native land, Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand, Nigerians all, are proud to serve our sovereign motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol, That truth and justice reign, In peace or battle honoured, And this we count as gain To hand on to our children A banner without stain.
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