Saturday, 26 December 2015

Refineries to pay into federation account from 2016 – Kachikwu

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Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has said that state-owned refineries would make direct payments into the federation account from 2016.
The refineries are subsidiaries of the NNPC, which is the body expected to make the payments. However, according to a report by The Cable, Kachikwu said the NNPC was adopting a plan that would give the refineries some sort of autonomy, without privatising them.
In a statement by Ohi Alegbe, the corporation’s spokesperson, Kachikwu was quoted as saying high level discussions were underway with local and international investors to bridge funding gap in the sector.
Kachikwu said, “The new model is that refineries would now buy their own crude oil, refine it and make remittances to the federation account allocation committee.
“They would operate a semi autonomy system that would enable them to run in a profitable manner.”
The statement expressed the federal government’s readiness to raise funds from international investors and the private sector in 2016 to fund the joint venture cash calls between the NNPC and international oil companies operating in the country.
Kachikwu said the initiative was geared towards preventing the government from bearing the burden of funding capital intensive projects in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. The minister assured that the NNPC’s over 5000 km of pipelines across the country would be privatised in order to enhance efficient management of the infrastructure and bring pipeline vandalism to the barest minimum.
According to him, in another 24 months, Nigerians would see a positive change in the refinery model, to meet needs not only in Nigeria but in the West African sub region.
Speaking on the December deadline for the refineries, Kachikwu said the reports before him showed that, two of the refineries were likely to meet the deadline.

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

B’Haram killed 700,000, displaced 2.2 million in N’East – Reps

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Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara

The House of Representatives said on Tuesday that 700,000 lives had so far been lost to the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the North-East, besides another 2.2 million people displaced in the zone.
The figures were given in Abuja as the House debated a bill seeking to legalise the establishment of the North-East Development Commission.
The bill, which was sponsored by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, passed the second reading on Tuesday.
However, it was the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Yussuff Lasun, who presided over the House to allow Dogara to lead the debate on the bill.
Lasun said, “This bill is dealing with a very serious issue and we have to treat it as such.
“We are talking of 700,000 lives lost and as many as 2.2 million people displaced from their homes. It is very serious.”
The envisaged commission is among other responsibilities to “receive and manage funds from allocations from the Federation Account and international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency.”
Dogara, while leading the debate, described the condition of the displaced persons in the zone as “pitiable,” adding that unless urgent steps were taken to assist them, the situation would worsen.
The bill received the support of both the House Majority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor.
Gbajabiamila said that the situation in the North-East was comparable to the fate of the people of the Niger Delta, which forced the National Assembly years back to establish the Niger Delta Development Commission.
He added, “We have reached a point where we need this commission in the North-East.
“We have the NDDC in the Niger Delta; let us have this commission for the North-East.
“It is unfortunate that we hear stories of funds meant to solve the security problem of these people, being diverted. The compensation that these people need is the commission. Let us give it to them.”
Ogor said he was often moved to tears whenever he heard of the hardship being faced by children and women in the North-East.
“Our people have become refugees in their own country. The condition of children and women bleeds my heart; children have been out of school for many years,” he said.
The Deputy House Whip, Mr. Pally Iriase, also supported the bill.
He argued that Nigeria would hardly know peace if the insurgency in the North-East was not contained.
“We can’t move on as a nation if one part is held down. That is why this bill should enjoy the support of all,” Iriase told the House.
Three other bills sponsored by Dogara also passed the second reading.
They were a bill to establish the Federal Competition Commission; a bill to provide for how individuals should disclose information on crime; and a bill for an Act to provide for corporate manslaughter.

Recovered funds intact, Magu tells Reps

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Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu
The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, told members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday that the leadership of the anti-graft agency did not tamper with recovered funds.
Magu’s predecessor, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, had been relieved of his post amid allegations that he tampered with billions of naira and property recovered by the EFCC.
But Magu told the House Committee on Financial Crimes in Abuja that it was impossible for any official of the EFCC to tamper with the recovered funds.
He claimed that the agency recovered N8bn in 2014.
Although, the lawmakers did not specifically mention Lamorde’s name, they asked Magu questions about speculation that the recovered funds were pilfered by some EFCC officials.
They also sought to know how much the anti-graft agency recovered this year since the figure for 2014 was N8bn.
Magu declined to give the figure for 2015, saying that it would take a long process to arrive at the accurate amount.
But, on the allegation that the recovered funds were being pilfered by officials of the anti-graft agency, he vehemently defended the EFCC and its officials.
Magu said, “The issue of recovery is a difficult one, it is impossible to come with up specific figures.
“This is because lots of money might be recovered from the zones and it may take a week or two before the information gets to us.
“I cannot come up with an estimate, it is unrealistic because you may come up with a figure now only to discover shortly after that an account is blocked that would be eventually forfeited to the Federal Government.
“It is not easy to tamper with exhibit; no trained detective will tamper with exhibit money or any exhibit for that matter because it is a serious issue.
“So, all this noise about missing N3.something billion (is not true), it doesn’t happen.
“It is not true sir, you will see, we are investigating it and you will end up seeing that it is impossible.
“I’m not defending anybody, but I’m telling you from the bottom of my heart, it is not easy to tamper with exhibits.
“By training, detectives and investigators all over the world are the same on procedures for exhibit.”
On the proposed autonomy for the Financial Intelligence Unit of the EFCC, Magu said it was unnecessary because it would take away the core mandate of the EFCC.
The House committee is chaired by Mr. Kayode Oladele.
He had raised concerns over how people entrusted with public funds stole from the same money.
Oladele stated, “It is extremely saddening to discover the sheer magnitude of outright stealing allegedly perpetrated by those entrusted with securing lives and property of poor and powerless Nigerians, under the guise of fighting Boko Haram.
“While millions of the ordinary Nigerian victims of terrorism were left to their fate, a few elite, most of whom were not even victims of Boko Haram, unashamedly dipped their hands into the vaults to steal billions of dollars from our resources to satisfy their perverse cravings.
“This is nothing but a crime against humanity.
“The least we can pledge in honour of fallen and languishing fellow Nigerians is the total support of this committee to the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies.”

Ambode assures residents of judicious use of funds

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Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, says there is no room for wastage in the use of resources garnered from Lagosians for the overall well-being of the state.
The governor added that he was determined to ensure the security and safety of lives and property, as well as sustain a friendly investment climate in the state.
Ambode spoke on Tuesday at the 9th Town Hall Meeting on security put together by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund with the theme, ‘Refreshing our Security Model’.
The governor said, “This town hall meeting is part of efforts to continually create a platform for generation of ideas and solutions to confront security challenges facing the state, and to reassure the security agencies of the commitment of government to their success.
“The N4.8bn recently used to equip the police came from tax payers. So, we are saying that under this administration, such funds generated from the public will be accounted for and utilised for the purpose they were meant for.”
While urging residents to contribute to the fund, Ambode observed that if one million people could contribute N1,000 each to the LSSTF, such would go a long way in providing modern gadgets for security agencies.
He stated that the new members of the LSSTF Board of Trustee were selected based on their track records of service, accountability and dedication, adding that he had no doubt that the board would hit the ground running.
Ambode, who said security required serious investment in technology, charged the board to expand the reach of the LSSTF and work to get more support from the private sector.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said with the equipment recently donated to the police, the command had been challenged to swiftly prevent and respond to crime.
The Chairman of the LSSTF board, Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale, who noted that the contributions from donors had sustained the trust fund in the last nine years, said years of underfunding the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies had left a huge deficit that would require a yearly injection of at least N1tn for the next 30 years

Court sacks Secondus as PDP chairman

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Uche Secondus

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Uche Secondus, to leave the office and revert to his original position as the party’s Deputy National Chairman.
Justice Yusuf Baba, who made the order in its judgment in the suit filed by a former Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, held that Secondus was occupying the position of the Acting National Chairman of the PDP in gross violation of the party’s constitution..
The judge held that the position of the Acting National Chairman of the party should have been held by its eligible member from the North-East geopolitical zone in line with the zoning arrangement of the party recognised by its constitution.
He ordered Secondus to vacate the office within 14 days and directed that any qualified member of the party from the North-East should assume the position of the Acting National Chairman of the party.
At the hearing of the case on November 30, Gulak had through his lawyer, Mr. Jibrin Okutepa, anchored his prayers on the grounds that by the provision of the PDP constitution and its zoning principle, he was supposed to step in as the chairman of the party following the resignation of Adamu Mu’azu, who hailed from the North-East.
Parties to the suit had argued the plaintiff’s substantive suit and the preliminary objection filed by the defendants , the PDP and Secondus.
The judge on Tuesday dismissed the preliminary objection as he upheld Gulak’s lawyer’s argument.
Gulak had said in its suit that as a registered member of the party from Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, North-East geopolitical zone, he was qualified for the position.
He stated that Secondus who was elected the Deputy National Chairman of the party from Rivers State and who upon the voluntary resignation of the former National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, on May 29, 2015, assumed the position of acting national chairman of the party, had continued to run the affairs of the party in gross violation of its constitution.
He averred that by Article 35 of the PDP constitution, it was the duty of Secondus to ensure that the provisions of the party’s constitution “is respected by summoning and presiding over the meeting of the National Executive Committee which then shall appoint a person from the zone where the former national chairman hails from to become the substantive national chairman.”
Gulak contended that by the zoning arrangement of the party, since Mu’azu did not complete his tenure, the next national chairman ought to have come from the North-East.

UK court blames Jonathan for $1.1bn oil scandal…bars Etete from getting N17bn

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan
’Femi Asu
The Southwark Crown Court in London on Tuesday said the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government was culpable in the corruption scandal surrounding the sale of the Nigerian offshore oil block, Oil Prospecting Licence 245.
The block, which is said to hold probable reserves of 9.23 billion barrels of oil, was sold to Shell and Eni for $1.1bn in 2011.
Prosecutors alleged that “fronts for President Goodluck Jonathan” received $523m in proceeds of what they described as “smash and grab” deal, with the Crown Prosecution Service, acting at the behest of the Public Prosecutor for Milan, describing OPL 245 as a case of “grand corruption”.
The court rejected an attempt by a company owned by a former Nigerian Petroleum Resources Minister, Dan Etete, to unfreeze $85m (N16.7bn) in proceeds of the corrupt deal for the block, according to a statement on the website of Global Witness.
Justice Edis of the Southwark Crown Court turned down Malabu Oil & Gas application to discharge the freezing order, rejecting its arguments that the Crown had failed to follow proper procedures in securing the freezing order.
“I cannot simply assume that the Federal Government of Nigeria, which was in power in 2011 and subsequently until 2015, rigorously defended the public interest of the people of Nigeria in all respects. Mr. Fisher QC, who appeared for the CPS, used the phrase ‘grand corruption’ to describe the form of corruption in which the state itself is culpable,” the judge said.
According to the statement, evidence from the US authorities presented to the court and included in the judgement “shows payments following circuitous routes, which totalled $523m, and arrived at Abubakar Aliyu, aka ‘Mr. Corruption’… Aliyu’s companies are allegedly fronts for President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Justice Edis said, “The suggestion from the wiretaps is that ‘Fortunato’ was implicated and I am told that this was a reference in code (not subtle) to the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. Aliyu is said to be associated with him and Aliyu received, in a way which was not transparent, $523m of the money paid for the OPL 245 licence in August 2011.”
The $85m funds were restrained at the request of the Italian authorities, who are investigating the sale of the block by Malabu, a company allegedly secretly owned by Etete, to the international oil companies, the statement said.
It added that the Federal Government under Jonathan acted as a middleman in the deal, and the court received evidence based on wiretaps that prosecutors alleged showed that the then President, Jonathan, was directly involved.
“In light of these allegations in a UK court, the role of the senior Nigerian officials involved in this deal, including Goodluck Jonathan, must now be fully investigated,” a Nigerian anti-corruption campaigner, Dotun Oloko, was quoted as saying.

Alleged N44.5m fraud against CCT chair, mere suspicion –AGF

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Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami
John Ameh, Abuja
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, said on Tuesday that the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, had not been prosecuted for alleged fraudulent practices owing to lack of sufficient evidence.
Malami was speaking in respect of the N44.5m fraud allegation levelled against Umar by a non-governmental organisation, Anti-Corruption Network.
The AGF made the position of his office known when he appeared before the House of Representatives, Committee on Public Petitions in Abuja.
The committee, which is chaired by a Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker from Abia State, Mr. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, was assigned the responsibility of investigating the allegation by the House.
The AGF, who confirmed that his office received the petition, explained that the first reaction was the “presumption of innocence” until the CCT chairman was found guilty.
He argued that the presumption of innocence was a right guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Malami disclosed that the matter was referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate and submit its findings to his office.
He added that upon concluding its investigation, the anti-graft agency turned in a report, which indicated that the allegations by the Anti-Corruption network were based on “mere suspicions.”
The minister added, “The facts as they are show that the petition against Justice Umar was based on mere suspicions, which are not sufficient to prosecute him.
“It, therefore, became difficult for any prosecution because of lack of material facts, looking at the facts provided by the EFCC.”
When the CCT chairman was asked whether the allegations contained in the petition were true, Umar replied, “We deny every single item in the petition as submitted by the petitioner.”
However, the Executive Secretary of the network, Mr. Ajulo Ajulo, insisted that Umar indeed committed the alleged acts.
Ajulo charged the House committee to thoroughly investigate the allegations by calling for the original copies of certain vital documents from the CCT.
“Mr. Chairman, they should provide the original copy of their capital vote book; advance payment book; and other vouchers from 2011 to date,”, he said.
When asked whether the network was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Ajulo replied in the affirmative.
He was directed to forward the certificate of registration to the committee.
On his part, the committee asked the AGF to provide further documents to prove that the EFCC conducted a though investigation into the allegation.
This came as some members observed that there were “several administrative errors” on the documents submitted by the CCT in its defence of Umar.
The committee later adjourned the case.
Among the allegations in the network’s petition to the House was that Umar paid N1m in July 2011 from the coffers of the CCT to sponsor his own wedding.
Umar was also alleged to have spent N15.2m to purchase a Toyota Prado Jeep “without following due process.”
In March 2011, Umar was said to have awarded contracts for the supply of office furniture and fittings in the sum of N11.3m.
The contracts were reportedly executed by a “supposedly engineering company and not a furniture or supply company.”
He also allegedly paid N4. 2m for the “purchase of welfare items” in a contract executed by a private individual.
Another N4.2m for the procurement of external light bulbs was described by the petitioners as “entirely fictitious contract.”
Other figures listed against Umar by the petitioners ranged from N1.5m to N3.7m.
The document was signed by Ajulo.
A member from Taraba State, Mr. Rima Shawulu, had laid the petition before the legislature on behalf of the petitioner at a session presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara

I didn’t cancel Southern Ijaw results unilaterally –REC

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People being accredited at Okpoma in Bayelsa. Photo Sodiq Adealakun

The Bayelsa State Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, has said that he did not cancel the results of the controversial Southern Ijaw Local Government Area election unilaterally.
Kpagih, who spoke in a telephone interview, said the cancellation of the SILGA poll results was not his sole decision and that it (cancellation) was not premeditated.
He said, “I can’t just wake up and cancel an election. I was with three National Electoral Commissioners that day and we even wanted to brief all the political parties. But it was getting too dark.
‘’The statement I read that day was a prepared statement. It wasn’t an offhand thing. I even said it thrice that I was reading the statement on behalf of the commission.”
Kpagih had, while cancelling the poll in Southern Ijaw, cited widespread violence, ballot snatching and hostage taking of INEC officials and corps members as reasons.
He used the opportunity to dismiss claims in some quarters that he went underground due to the cancellation. Kpagih, who expressed shock and anger over reports that he disappeared and was under pressure by some politicians, lamented that Nigerians, especially politicians, were always fond of attacking personalities instead of issues, whenever things did not go their way.
He also condemned some reports that sensationalised his story without proper investigation.
Kpagih added that after the election, he took time off with the permission of his boss, the INEC chairman, to take a deserved rest and see his family.
He stated, “Only for me to hear different sort of stories being bandied around that I have disappeared; that I was on the run; that I was this and I was that.
“I don’t know what they want from me. In Nigeria, when things are not going the way of some people, they start attacking individuals instead of the issues involved.
“I was baffled when I heard that I have run away and all sorts of things. I am fine and alive, but my major worry is that we are still doing things the way we have always done up till today. Instead of cross-checking facts, people just write things as they like.”
On the rescheduled poll in SILGA, he said, “Our national office will make a pronouncement in no distant time on the next action to take on the issue of the election, because right now, it is out of my hands.’’

News FG may employ jobless graduates as teachers –Ngige

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Nigeria’s Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has said all youths in the country are not entitled to the N5, 000 monthly stipend promised by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
The minister also said the Federal Government intends to convert most of the unemployed graduates to teachers in a bid to tackle graduate unemployment.
Ngige explained that contrary to the widely-held belief that the N5,000 was meant for all youths, only the vulnerable ones amongst them would benefit.
Ngige spoke at an event held to mark the 5th anniversary of Bina Foundation and graduation ceremony of its students in Enugu.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment donated equipment worth N10m to the graduands.
Commending the Foundation for uplifting the less privileged in the society, the minister went ahead to shed more light on the payment of the N5,000 monthly stipend, which is expected to commence in 2016.
He said, “The APC government anchored delivery on three pillars; security of lives and property, improving economy under which employment creation is the third sub-head, and infrastructure revival.
“You can see that employment creation is the main issue. We have heard people say we are waiting for N5, 000. We did not say we are paying N5,000 to all the youth. We are saying it is for the most vulnerable.”
Giving further insight to how the government intends to tackle unemployment, Ngige said that the Federal Government had budgeted N500bn for social safety needs in the coming year.
“Most unemployed graduates would be converted to teachers. The move is equally aimed at boosting the education sector,” he said.
Ngige noted that majority of the current crop of teachers in public schools were half-baked.
In the same vein, the minister, who said the era of white-collar jobs was gone, added that the government would pay serious attention to skill acquisition.
Ngige said, “For the social safety needs, we have budgeted N500bn for the next fiscal year.
“We have captured unemployed graduates. We are doing two things; we get those who read Law, Engineering and other disciplines but do not have jobs. We would train them for nine months and convert them to teachers.
“Most of our schools have half-baked teachers. We want to redefine our schools and make them what they are.
“We are also building skill acquisition centres. We have 12 of them across the country. The era of white-collar industry is gone.
“Nobody in Nigeria will be unemployed, people will learn how to use their hands.”
He also disclosed that the Federal Government would fight poverty in 2016, by giving aid to people with special needs while children will get their own through the school feeding programme.

Tuesday, 15 December 2015

(UPDATED) Rights Commission sets up panel over Shiites, Army clash

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Shiites members protesting Saturday’s killings of their bretheren in Zaria, Kaduna State; some protesters in London (right below)... on Sunday. Photos: Ynaija.com and Islamic Human Rights Commission.
Simon Ejembi
The National Human Rights Commission has set up a committee to investigate the clash between the Nigeria Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiite.
A statement by the commission said its Executive Secretary, Prof. Ben Angwe, set up the panel to investigate the clash sequel to the complaint made to it by the Nigeria army.
The panel is headed by the NHRC’s Director, Monitoring Department, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, and is made up of top management staff in the legal, investigation and monitoring department.
The office of the Chief of Army Staff had on Monday submitted a petition to the headquarters of the NHRC in Abuja.
Angwe assured the visitors that the NHRC would conduct detailed independent investigation into the incident.
The petition, dated December 14, 2015, with the title, ‘Letter of complaint against Shiite sect attack on the Chief of Army Staff,’ and with reference number NA/COAS/G1/52, was signed by Col. F.U. Mijinyawa on behalf of the COAS.
The petition, which was addressed to the NHRC executive secretary, had contained the army’s version of the clash of attacking the COAS, leaving the army with no choice than to shoot to protect the army chief.
“Troops had to shoot their way through up to the Zaria Post Office area by PZ to provide a safe corridor for the COAS and the convoy to pass through before the arrival of the reinforcement from the Depot of NA,” an occurrence report attached to the petition read in part.
“Sequel to the above, about seven of the members of the group were shot dead and the COAS directed that the 10 wounded be evacuated to the Depot NA Medical Centre for treatment while all exhibit items such as swords, knives, cell phones be recovered from the scene.”
The report stated that the exhibit items were handed over to the Nigeria Police.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army School of Military Police Provost Admin Coy was directed to investigate along with the Nigeria Police,” it stated.
It added that a detailed report would be forwarded to the commission when the investigation was concluded.

Time for recovery of looted funds, not truth commission – APC

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John Alechenu
The All Progressives Congress has dismissed calls by the Peoples Democratic Party for the establishment of a National Truth Commission, saying it is time for probes, justice and recovery of slush and looted funds.
The PDP had made the call for the truth commission in a statement on Sunday, while accusing the Buhari-led administration of being selective in its anti-corruption war. It also called for a probe of how the campaigns of both parties for the 2015 general elections were funded.
But the National Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, said in a statement on Monday in Abuja that it would not relent in its anti-corruption war.
Buni said the body language of the PDP as contained in its statement showed that it “it is uncomfortable with the ongoing probe of some of its stalwarts who are being investigated for looting the treasury.”
He said, “The opposition party must realise that the day of reckoning has come. There is no more hiding place for corrupt elements which it harbours in large number.
“The APC wishes to place on records in clear terms that the President Muhammadu Buhari is focused, unwavering, non-selective and ready to fast-track the trial of corrupt public officers.
“Only the guilty ones are jittery and unconvinced that the war is winnable. Under six months in office, President Buhari’s administration has put some public officers on trial across party lines.”
The APC scribe urged the opposition party to rather than find faults with the APC’s anti-corruption agenda, which has received international rating, the PDP should “remove the moth in its eyes by prevailing on some of its high-ranking members, who are under investigation, to cooperate with relevant agencies.”
The APC urged Nigerians not to be swayed by the latter day anti-corruption recipe of the PDP, which it said were mere diversionary tactics to earn undeserved sympathy after its government had grounded the Nigerian economy.
On the call for a probe of the APC’s presidential election campaign finances, Buni said, “The PDP knew that the APC fought and won its electoral battle basically on the goodwill of the masses.
“We did not fund our campaign with slush or corrupt funds; we challenge the opposition to provide evidence to the contrary.
“The 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act have provided guidelines on campaign funds. We are ready to account for every kobo spent any time we are requested to do so.
“We are a party noted for managing scarce resources; we are not a wasteful party like the PDP.
“The APC governors were not compelled to finance our presidential campaign under any guise. And no one has been made a minister in this government to cover up slush funds used for President Buhari’s campaign.”

Cesc Fabregas responds to Jose Mourinho's 'betrayal' comments

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It did not take long for Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Leicester City on Monday evening to go viral, but it was Jose Mourinho's post-match comments that left a lasting impact as the manager appeared to place the blame solely at the feet of the under-performing players.

Chelsea suffered their ninth loss of the Premier League season and are just one point above the relegation zone after 16 matches.

For Mourinho, who cut an unhappy figure in the dugout at the King Power Stadium having witnessed his Blues concede goals to Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, it was a case of the players not following his instruction.

Some pundits even hinted that it could be the beginning of the end for the Special One's tenure at Stamford Bridge.



Owner Roman Abramovich continues to show confidence in Mourinho, though, but the latter is under intense pressure to deliver a sustained run of results that will push Chelsea further up the league ladder.

To do that, he must have the support of his players - something midfielder Francesc Fabregas appears to have for him, in public at least.

"We have to take responsibility [of performances and league position]," Cesc explained during a Q&A session on Sky Sports HQ's Facebook page when pressed for a response to Mourinho's comments on Monday that he felt betrayed by the team.

"If you are a big player, you perform and behave like a big player. We [Chelsea] have big players. The attitude always has to be spot on.

"We have to better than what we're seeing right now," he concluded.

Chelsea host Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

Bafarawa, Yuguda plead not guilty to N13bn scam charges

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Bafarawa and Yuguda
Ade Adesomoju, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned  a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda;  former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa;  his son Sagir Attahiru, and their firm Dalhatu Investment on 22 counts of misappropriation of about N13bn meant for purchase of arms by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
‎Also to arraigned along with them before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama are the immediate past NSA, Sambo Dasuki and a former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu.
The accused were said to have misappropriated the money between August 2013 and May 7, 2015.
All the accused were arraigned before Justice Peter Affen, who had on Monday granted leave to the EFCC to prefer the charges against the accused persons.
They pleaded not guilty to 22 counts of conspiracy,  dishonest receipt of stolen property in breach of sections 97 and 317 of the Penal Code Act as well as receipt of proceeds of criminal conducts in breach of section 17(b) of the EFCC Act.
Both Dasuki and Salisu were on Monday arraigned alongside Aminu Baba-Kusa and his two firms – Acacia Holdings Ltd and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited – before Justice Yusuf Baba of the same FCT High Court in Maitama on separate  19 counts involving alleged N32bn fraud.
After the arraignment on Tuesday, Justice Affen fixed Wednesday for hearing of the accused persons bail applications.

Photo emerges showing wounded Nigerian Shiite leader, El-Zakzaky in army custody

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Picture of bleeding sheikh Zakzaky. Source: @ZahradeenAAhmad
Simon Ejembi
Two days after the Nigeria Army clashed with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, a picture allegedly showing the leader of the movement, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, after his arrest has emerged.
The picture, posted on social medial platform, Twitter by a user ZAHRADEEN A. AHMAD via @ZahradeenAAhmad, showed an injured El-Zakzaky sitting on the ground with a soldier standing behind him.
The Shiite leader had been found in hiding at a residence in Zaria on Monday, according to Sahara Reporters. The online news platform reported that El-Zakzaky had escaped into hiding after sustaining injuries in the clash between his sect and the army.
The report quoted a military source as saying that the injuries sustained by El-Zakzaky, who was found in a bunker-like location near his residence, were not life threatening.
The clash on Saturday and Sunday between the army and the movement was said to have been premeditated by members of the sect, who allegedly attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.
The army said Buratai was attacked on his way to attend the passing-out parade of the solders at the 73 Regular Recruitment of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria.
The AFP had quoted the IMN spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa, as saying on Sunday morning that El-Zakzaky had sustained gunshot wounds after soldiers opened fire on his house and his followers who tried to protect it.
Sayyid, one of El-Zakzaky’s sons; the sect’s deputy leader, Sheikh Turi Mohammed, and the spokesman were, however, reportedly killed later on Sunday.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanized Division of the Nigeria Army, Kaduna, Maj-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, had on Monday, while defending the army’s action, however, said El-Zakzaky was unhurt and that the sect leader and his wife were in protective custody.

We’ll block leakages in revenue agencies – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari
Friday Olokor
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said his administration would introduce more policies to further ease the process of doing business in Nigeria.
He said the new policies would focus on increasing efficiency and transparency in government operations and the blocking of leakages from revenue generating agencies.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President spoke after a presentation made to him on, ‘Enhancing Nigeria’s Trade and Economic Competitiveness,’ at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The statement read in part, “The President said that the new policies will be focused on increasing efficiency and transparency in government operations and the blocking of leakages from revenue generating agencies.
“President Buhari said that his administration was fully committed to closing all the loopholes in the revenue generating agencies, increasing their efficiency in trade facilitation and ensuring transparency in all government businesses so as to attract greater foreign direct investments into the country.
“The President added that the Nigeria Customs Service, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies will be encouraged to adopt some of the positive ideas contained in the presentation for implementation next year.”

BREAKING: Minister of Interior, Dambazau, arrives Kaduna over Shiite-army clash

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Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd)
The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), has arrived Kaduna State to assess the situation in the state, following the clash between the Nigeria Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
The minister, who is on his way to Zaria where the clash occurred, made a brief stop at the Kaduna State Government House to see Governor Nasir El-Rufai, our correspondent reported.
This comes amid increased tension in the state as members of the sect protest the killings of other members and the arrest of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Troops clear more terrorists’ camps, rescue 31

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Jonathan Zovoe
Troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the Bama axis of Borno State have cleared the camps of the terrorists in the Aulari general area located within the Sambisa forest, a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, has said.
The statement read in part, “All four camps located within the area that includes Faldan, Kidiziromari, Kuroshini, Kurumari and Ngulda were cleared.
“A terrorist was killed while trying to escape while 31 persons were rescued.sambisa2
“Stockpile of farm produce in metal drums, sacks and underground storage facilities were discovered. Other items recovered include several bicycles and motorcycles. Some of the farmlands yet to be harvested were also set ablaze by the terrorists. A wooden rifle used for training and practice by the terrorists was also retrieved.”
Sambisa1 The Director of Army Public Relations also said troops of 7 Division Garrison conducted 8 fighting patrols along Leje Axis. The troops cleared the area and about 15 other villages around Leje.

They include Khadadamamari, Ladin Buta, Hilmari, Kashauri, Keshan Ngala, Aiwa, Masu Kura, Mabirni, Grza 1 and 2, Mashuari, Dubenge, Tauba and Majande.
In order to stop the terrorists from fueling their terror machines, all Known routes have also been blocked to prevent them transporting livestock across borders, the statement added.

Court to rule on Dasuki, others’ bail Friday

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Ade Adesomoju, Abuja
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday fixed December 18 for ruling on bail applications filed by the immediate past National Security Adviser,‎ Sambo Dasuki, and others who are facing 19 counts of misappropriation of N32bn arms fund along with him.
The EFCC had on Monday arraigned Dasuki along with a former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, and Aminu Baba-Kusa before Justice Baba Yusuf.
In a separate case before Justice Peter Affen of the same FCT High Court in Maitama, Dasuki and Salisu were on Tuesday arraigned alongside a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; a former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa; his son Sagir Attahiru, and their firm Dalhatu Investment.
They all pleaded not guilty to the 22 counts of misappropriation of about N13.651bn meant for the purchase of arms for fighting Boko Haram in the North East.
Justice Affen also on Tuesday adjourned till Wednesday the hearing of the accused persons’ bail applications.
Arguing their bail applications before Justice Yusuf on Tuesday, the accused persons’ lawyers urged the court to grant bail to their clients ‎as they were presumed innocent under the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
They argued that by virtue of provisions of the ACJ Act the onus to prove that the accused persons were not entitled to bail was on the prosecution.
In the counter-affidavits filed by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), in opposition to the accused persons’ bail applications, stated that the severity of the punishment upon conviction which could be up to 14 years imprisonme could serve as an incentive for them to jump bail”.
The prosecution also opposed Dasuki’s bail application on the grounds that as “a former military officer and a former NSA” Dasuki had the power to influence witnesses and in effect frustrate his trial.
It added that the accused was still under investigation for more allegations against him and currently facing other criminal charges before the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court.
‎Justice Yusuf ordered that the accused persons be kept in EFCC custody pending the ruling on their bail applications.
Dasuki and others named as defendants in the charges before Justice Yusuf, were  accused of misappropriating about N32bn between January 13, 2013 and April 17, 2015, amounting to an offence of criminal breach of trust to provisions of section 315 of the Penal Code Act, and section 17 (b) of the EFCC Act, 2004.
They were charged with dishonest receipt of stolen property in breach of sections 97 and 317 of the Penal Code Act as well as receipt of proceeds of criminal conducts in breach of section 17(b) of the EFCC Act

Saturday, 12 December 2015

SHOCKING REVELATIONS: I Carried $47m in 11 Suitcases to Sambo Dasuki

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More shocking revelations have come on how huge cash estimated at $2billion meant for arms purchase was diverted by government officials and politicians in the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency.

A former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Shuaibu Salisu, has revealed how $47million was withdrawn from the CBN in 11 suit cases.

He said he suspected that the cash might have been given to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He, however, said as a civil servant, he was innocent because he only carried out instructions from the ex-National Security Adviser, Mr. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.

The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ishaq Bello, on Thursday ordered that Salisu be either arraigned in a competent court of law if there is any basis for so doing or be released on administrative bail on terms to be settled by the applicant.

It was also discovered that N10bn was withdrawn from CBN for guber and State Assembly elections.

The payment of the N10billion was authenticated by former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who claimed she transferred $322m from the Abacha loot to Dasuki, following instruction from Jonathan.

Salisu opened up in a Statement of Witness/Accused he wrote under oath in the presence of investigators of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The statement was attached to the charges preferred against Salisu and filed in the High Court of the FCT in preparation for his arraignment by EFCC before Justice H.Y. Baba and Justice P.O. Affen.

Salisu, who said he did not benefit from all the slush funds from the CBN, said: “I could remember on the 20/11/2014 , I was directed by the NSA, M.S. Dasuki to go to the CBN and collect the sum of $47m in cash and the balance in Euro and the directive was obeyed and the monies were delivered to the NSA in about 11 suit cases.

“I acknowledged the receipt of the money from the CBN which was handed over to M.S. Dasuki.

“I think the monies were meant for PDP. After delivery, I left, I did not see or know when the money was distributed.

“I did not benefit even one cent. The request for the funds was tag(sic) Special Services signed by the NSA, M.S. Dasuki, addressed to the Governor of CBN.

“I did not know the source of the money into our CBN Account. The foreign currencies that I collected from the CBN were delivered to the NSA in his house, No. 13, John Kadiya Street, Asokoro.”

The Nation has  obtained memos of some of the curious withdrawals...
In a November 26, 2014 memo to the Central Bank Governor(NSA /366/S), the former NSA instructed as follows: “Further to our discussion, you are pleased requested to provide the sum of $47m cash out of the N10 billion and the balance in Euro to this office for special services.

“Mr. S.A Salisu, Director of Finance and Administration, is hereby authorised to sign and collect the amount. Please accept, Your Excellency , the assurances of my highest esteem.

In another April 10, 2015 letter, BPSD/CRC/ GEN/FMF/01/36 by the Banking and Payment System Department, the CBN authenticated payment mandate of N10billion to the ONSA for preparation for gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.

The letter, signed by CBN Director, Banking and Payments System Department, reads: “In accordance with your letters, Ref. No. HMF/FMF/082.F15276.7 and F.15276 respectively on the above subject, we forward herewith the following mandate for authentication. Mandate Ref. FD/LP(9/4/2015)-N5,000,000,000 to National Security Adviser Account No. 0029172241019, CBN; another N5,000,000,000 to National Security Adviser Account No. 1014199287, Zenith Bank, K-City Plaza, WUSE II Abuja.

“Purpose of payment: “Being amount released to the Office of National Security Adviser(ONSA) from the Signatory Bonus Account in preparation for the forthcoming Gubernatorial / State Assembly elections as approved by AGF.

“The Honourable Minister may wish to authenticate this mandate to enable the CBN remit the fund.”

In a short note to approve the request Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala simply said: “Authenticated” and signed.

There were indications last night that the EFCC may invite Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala “for clarifications”. She has openly admitted that she released $322million to ex-NSA Dasuki from the Abacha loot recovered.

“We have to find out from her whether or not due process was followed. She also needs to tell the anti-graft agency whether such a release was appropriated or not,” a source told The Nation, pleading not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on the matter.

Saraki Opens Up: His SSS Men Arranged Robbery Of N310m from Money Changer in Abuja

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Just four days after SR revealed that agents of the Department of State Security (DSS) assigned to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had stolen N310 million from funds an operator of a bureau de change was transporting to the senator, a DSS source has revealed that the heist was led by Abdulrasheed Hamidu Maigari and George Mwatapwa Ibbi, two top members of Saraki's security detail. 
Mr. Hamidu became part of his security detail shortly after Saraki was elected Senate President.
A credible source said that, “He [Mr. Hamidu] was the one who organized other participants in the robbery, including the soldiers.”
In addition to the DSS agents, seven soldiers also took part in the operation. SaharaReporters had exclusively disclosed that the agents and soldiers ambushed the owner of a bureau de change and forced him to hand over N310m out of the funds he was going to deliver to Mr. Saraki.

Mr. Hamidu, who hails from Dungo local government area in Taraba State, is a younger brother to Uba Maigari Hamidu, the deputy governor of Taraba State during former Governor Jolly Nyame’s administration.

The high-profile robbery took place on November 20, 2015, but both the DSS and Mr. Saraki worked in tandem to conceal the identity of the robbery suspects in order to spare the embattled senator from further public embarrassment. After SaharaReporters broke the news, Mr. Saraki’s media team quickly reached major newspapers and bloggers in Nigeria to ensure that the senator’s involvement in the scandal was concealed.

In addition to the political cost to Mr. Saraki, the revelation that the stolen cash belonged to him bolstered reports about Mr. Saraki’s penchant for bribing judges in order to scuttle his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

SaharaReporters had recently revealed that Mr. Saraki had pressured officials at the Central Bank of Nigeria to pay him and another senator a sizeable hush amount after the two senators stumbled on information that former President Goodluck Jonathan and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (ret.), had made numerous illicit withdrawals of funds at the CBN. Since our publication, a source at the CBN as well as a security detail confirmed the hush payment and named Senator Andy Uba, a close ally of Mr. Saraki’s, as the other recipient of the hush funds.

A note released by a CBN official and published by SaharaReporters showed that Mr. Dasuki withdrew more than $600 million from the CBN between the first week of February and the last week of March 2015. Mr. Jonathan, through the former NSA, diverted the illegally withdrawn cash to fund his futile reelection campaign.

The latest revelation that Mr. Saraki was using bureau de change operators to launder funds is consistent with findings made by police investigators who have probed the senator’s record as a state governor.

In a press release, Mr. Saraki denied ownership of the funds stolen from a bureau de change, claiming that the DSS and the police had reached the same conclusion after investigating the heist. According to him, law enforcement investigators had determined that the funds belonged to an unnamed bureau de change operator.

Also, the Senate President sent a press statement to a few Nigerian editors where he admitted that the assailants were members of his security detail. Curiously, none of the media houses ever reported that fact, suggesting that they acted on Mr. Saraki’s plea to conceal that information.

A DSS source punctured Mr. Saraki’s denial, telling SaharaReporters that the police were not involved in the investigation of the high-profile heist until much later. “The Director General [of the Department of State Security], Lawal Daura, kept the police away from the case. Also, you can see that the police are yet to issue a statement relating to the incident apparently because they were working to a predetermined outcome,” said the source.

When SaharaReporters reached the spokesman to the Senate President earlier today, he stated that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja was directly handling the investigation. He also claimed that the police had issued a statement, but when our correspondent prodded him to provide a link to the statement, he referred us to a report written by Thisday newspaper, claiming it contained the police statement.

But a look at the report by Thisday pointed to a possible cover-up by the DSS and the Senate President. Thisday newspaper reported the FCT Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, as stating, “In the course of the investigation, we were able to get the names and identities of some of them [the suspects in the heist]. Unfortunately, two of the DSS operatives are attached to the Senate president. The police contacted the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Senate president. But rather than sending the operatives to the police for interrogation, he sent them to the DSS office.”

In fact, another source who initially briefed SaharaReporters on the theft disclosed that the only reason the DSS made a public statement was because the operator of the bureau de change has close links with a former military head of state

Asari-Dokubo Spits Fire: Says Nigeria Will Burn If APC's Sylva Wins Bayelsa Election

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Controversial Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo is back again with his tough-talking, as he has given the Federal Government one week ultimatum to hands off alleged plan to rig the governorship election in Bayelsa State and install the APC candidate, Timipre Sylva, as winner.

Asari-Dokubo in a statement issued in Yenagoa, on Thursday, accused the Government and its agencies of collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the election.
He said except government steers clear of the alleged complicity, ex-militants would return to the creeks to resume agitation with consequences on strategic oil installations.

Asari-Dokubo stated that in furtherance of this, the ex-militants have regrouped under a new formation known as the Reformed Ex-Agitators of the Niger Delta (REND), which he claimed he is now leading to press for a democratic process in determining the outcome of the election.

“If by next week the Federal Government does not hands off from the Bayelsa polls by allowing the people to freely choose their leader but still interfering through the observed various guises and deception, then we would have no option than to return to the creeks to press for our rights as patriotic citizens being unduly oppressed and dehumanized all in the name of politics,” he stated.

He continued, “We have said it before that President Buhari is executing an anti-Ijaw agenda and his aim is to steal our God-given resources to rebuild the north destroyed by Boko Haram. That is why he is hell-bent on manipulating the electoral process in Bayelsa State and hand it over to the APC. They are exploiting Sylva’s greed and desperation for power and therefore using him to carry out their evil agenda.
"But we want them to know that this country will go up in flames if they try it. Boko Haram will be a child’s play if President Buhari and his APC think they can upturn the people’s mandate. It would be a grave injustice which can never stand. We are Ijaw people and we have never been conquered.”

Arsenal injury news: Alexis Sanchez set to return to training next week ahead of Manchester City clash

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Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Norwich City in November
Arsenal have been handed a massive injury boost ahead of their crucial fixture against Manchester City on 21 December with Alexis Sanchez set to return to training next week. The Chilean international pulled up with a hamstring strain during the Gunners' 1-1 draw against Norwich City in November.
According to the London Evening Standard, the former Barcelona star, who has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in his homeland, will return to London Colney next week. Arsene Wenger will hope to have the services of his talisman for the visit of the Etihad Stadium outfit in what will be a crucial clash in the run up to the busy festive period, which will see the north London club play three games in eight days.
Sanchez has been a key player for the Gunners since his arrival from the La Liga last season and was even named the Football Supporters' Federation player of the year for his impressive showing in his first season in the Premier League, which saw him help Arsenal to a second consecutive FA Cup triumph. The 26-year-old attacker returned home following the injury and has been receiving treatment from the Chile team's medical staff with the forward sharing a picture of him training in a gym on his official instagram account.
The French manager, however, will exercise caution this time around and will not rush the player back into action despite a crucial run of fixtures, as his absence has not derailed Arsenal's domestic or European campaign. The north London club's fringe players have grabbed the opportunity and performed well to help the Gunners record victories over Sunderland and Olympiacos.

Friday, 11 December 2015

Osun pupils chase teachers with guns

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Osun State Governor, Aregbesola

Some pupils suspected to be cultists on Wednesday invaded the premises of the Anglican High School and Adenle Middle School in Osogbo, Osun State, chasing their teachers with guns.
The invasion forced other pupils and members of the staff to flee from the premises.
Though the cause of the attack was not clear as of 9pm press time, our correspondent gathered on Thursday that the attacking pupils took the action to stop the staff from conducting an examination that would enable them to enjoy the state government-sponsored free WAEC registration.
However, another source told our correspondent that a pupil identified as Toib and his gang first invaded the school last Friday to attack a member of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme who they had isssues with.
Toib and his gang allegedly stormed the premises with dane guns.
Meanwhile, the development has prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to direct all its members to steer clear from the attacked institutions.
It was also learnt that the state Ministry of Education had closed down the schools to prevent loss of lives.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Lawrence Oyeniran, when contacted, declined to make any comment on the crisis.
He said, “This is a subject I don’t want to talk about. Maybe you can see the deputy governor and ask her your questions.”
However, the NUT Chairman, Mr. Amudah Wakeel, frowned on the attack. He added that some of the teachers were lucky to have escaped being killed by the cultists.
Wakeel said, “Some cultists among the pupils invaded the school premises. They wanted to kill some of the teachers. They took dane guns to the place but our members were fortunate to escape from the attackers.
“The police have been deployed in the school to prevent the situation from leading to loss of lives. We have instructed our members to stay away from the school because of the threat to their lives.
“The union has the power to instruct its members not to go to school if their lives were threatened and this is exactly what has happened.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, told our correspondent that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the crisis.
A teacher at the Osogbo High School was injured with an axe following the bloody clash between pupils of the school and their Government Technical College, Osogbo counterparts in 2014.