How Empty Cans May Land Lagos State's Residents In Trouble

Why Empty Cans May Land Lagos State's Residents In
Trouble

Following shut-down of Nigeria's largest recycling company,
Alkem Industry at Apapa, Lagos, some weeks ago, the Lagos
State government has warned that whoever is found
throwing waste materials or cans improperly within the state
would be dealt with according to the law.
Since the shut down of Alkem Industry, the issue of waste
management has become a concern to Lagos State Waste
Management Agency (LAWMA), the largest collector of waste
in Lagos State for over 4 years.
This has prompted the Lagos State government, through the
the Ministry of Environment, to raise awareness on how to
dispose waste materials, especially to those Lagos residents
who carelessly throw disposable plastics and snacks pack out
of commercial and private vehicles windows.
* Commissioner for Environment in Lagos, Mr. Tunji Bello
The ministry also warned that whoever is found throwing any
form of waste material improperly shall be duly dealt with
according to the law.
Speaking at the Environment Watch Summit held on the 6th of
June, 2014 at the PSSD centre, Magodo, Mr Michael
Ogunjuyigbe said the mentality of Lagosians to throw
disposable plastics and snacks pack out of the vehicle window
is becoming more appalling than ever before.
He urged the government to introduce a more stern
punishment for the offense.
"It has been discovered that the way and manner Lagosians
go about disposing waste materials within the metropolis has
shown that the level of awareness of the citizens is not
enough," Ogunjuyigbe stated.
He added that: "We have seen from survey that the people
deemed it responsible to throw plastic bottles out of the
vehicle windows than laying it low in the vehicle while the
drivers clean up the bus after the day's job.
"The impact of their ignorant has today become evident in the
high level of waste congestion as seen in our environment
today.
* Waste inside canal in Lagos
Investigation has shown that since the sudden shut-down of
Alkem Industry in March 2014, about 2,017 gutters and 118
link-carnal are already blocked with waste materials in Lagos
State.
Ogunjuyigbe stated that this 'consequentially pose threat to
residents in Lagos State'.
He further buttressed that the rainy season is already here
and if drastic steps are not taken as a matter of urgency, the
flood experience in 2011 will be a child's play.
Commenting on the indiscriminate disposal of waste materials
within Lagos, Mrs. Kemi Fasode, a LAWMA staff, explained
that the rate at which waste is being disposed in Lagos State
in recent times has become an issue of concern.
* Waste materials inside drainage in Lagos
She added that disposal rate that used to be 20 trucks per
day has increased to 65 trucks per day.
"Our road cleaners are also few compare to the dirt that
constitute nuisance on our roads today. We watch commuters
throw wastes through the windows of their vehicles to our
faces even as we clean the road," she stated.
"It is not that the waste materials are more than what we
used to have in Lagos but because our largest collecting
agents no longer operate makes it obvious that there is an
urgent need for regulations on how people dispose waste
materials in Lagos State."
Mrs Ogboye Monisola, 32, a business woman,shares her
experience in a commercial bus as she tried to correct a fellow
commuter who chose to throw an empty bottle of Pepsi
through the window of a commuter bus .
* Packed waste materials
"I was coming from the Island two days ago and boarded a
bus to Oshodi. The lady who was sitting by my side wanted to
throw an empty bottle of Pepsi through the window on the
Third Mainland Bridge.
"I quickly cautioned her and urged her to leave it on the floor
as I was sure that the bus coordinator will clean up when we
get down. I was shocked with the way she looked at me with
disdain and hissed as she eventually threw the plastic bottle
into the lagoon anyway.
"She then looked at my face andasked me if I could tell her
who owns the lagoon that makes me to complain on its
behalf.
"I was baffled with her ignorance," she narrated.
An attempt to find out the cause of sudden closure Alkem
Industry through a staff of the company, who pleaded to be
anonymous, revealed that the sudden closure was as a result
of high degree of gross mismanagement by the Indian
executives who own the company.
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Amaechi Recounts His Nearly Bloody Encounter With Soldiers In Akure

The Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi who was
ambushed by security operatives in Ado-Ekiti on his way to
attend the final rally of his party, APC, ahead of today's
governorship election has recounted his ordeal in the hands
of the soldiers in Akure.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos yesterday, the governor said
the soldiers who were acting on 'order from above', physically
harassed and threatened to kill him.
Gov. Amaechi being harassed by security operatives
The Nation reports that Amaechi revealed some officials of the
federal government are working with military personnel to
rule the country by the use of force.
According to Amaechi, if he had known that he would get into
trouble he would have stayed in his house.
Recounting his ordeal, he said he had landed safely at Akure
airport and on his way to Ado Ekiti, he sighted about 15
soldiers, who corked their guns and took positions as soon as
they saw him.
Amaechi said, "They stopped me and said I would not go to
Ekiti. Meanwhile, other vehicles were going. They told me they
were on order not to allow Governor Amaechi get to Ekiti. I
asked if it was all the governors that were placed on the
order, but they said: 'It is you alone .'"
As he was leaving, he said he got a call from his party's
hierarchy who told him they were aware of what was
happening and were coming to meet him so he stopped, only
to realize the soldiers were still trailing him, after about seven
kilometres of driving.
They came to him and told him he had 20 minutes to move
out of the area or they would shoot him.
"Everybody was panicking. Now, I was ready for the
shooting, so I made my prayers. As I made my prayer, I told
them I was ready for the shooting. I stayed put. After 20
minutes, they told us they gave us 10 more minutes or they
would shoot. I said they better start shooting because in 10
minutes I woud be there ," the governor said.
While he was still there waiting, Lai Mohammed, Rotimi
Akeredolu and another senator sent by his party, came to
meet him.
Gov. Amaechi decried the situation, describing as really
unfortunate the democracy that the country pretends to have
which according to him is a collaboration between civilians
and military men.
It would be recalled that on Thursday, June 19, Amaechi had
flown into Akure in a chartered plane from Port Harcourt only
for the plane to be grounded by the authorities and he was
being held hostage for about an hour.
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Security Operatives Take Over Ekiti, Arrest APC Leaders

Security operatives reportedly harassed some prominent
member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 16 local
government areas of Ekiti State ahead of today's
governorship election in the state.
According to report from Sahara Reporters, the security
operatives comprising the army, mobile police and State
Security Services (SSS) went on rampage, arresting and
terrorising people.
Those arrested include, Mr. Olaiya Popoolati who was picked
up by the security men in Iye Ekiti, the headquarters of
Ilejemeje Local Government, and taken to an unknown
destination.
The wife of another leader of the party, Chief Kehinde
Babatola was picked up as her husband was not at home
when they stormed his residence.
In Epe Ekiti in Moba Local Government area, the agents
picked up Femi Fadare while 10 men who were watching the
football match between France and Switzerland were arrested
in in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on the suspicion that they
were APC members.
An APC leader in Iye Ekiti, Chief Folorunsho Olabode reacting
to the arrest, described it as an attempt to intimidate the
people of Ekiti so that they do not exercise their civic rights
during the elections, adding that they will not allow the state
to be turned into a war zone.
Meanwhile, there reports that soldiers invaded the home
Director General of Governor Kayode Fayemi's campaign
organization, Bimbo Daramola's house in Ire-Ekiti but he had
left home before their invasion. He however disclosed that his
84-year old father had been thoroughly harassed by the
soldiers.
Sahara Reporters gathered that President Goodluck Jonathan
sent 36,000 security agents to Ekiti for the gubernatorial
elections. Among them are 12,340 regular policemen; 3170
anti-riot policemen; 4,280 soldiers; 1800 Nigerian secret
police operatives and 15 civil defense personnel.
Some days back, the APC had accused the PDP-led federal
government of militarizing Ekiti State as they had stopped the
governors of Kano, Rivers and Edo from attending the APC
governorship campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti .
The presidency had debunked this accusation, saying,
Jonathan's administration which has been most tolerant of
opposition is committed to free and fair elections.
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The Names and Photographs Of Chibok Girls Abducted By Boko Haram have been Publish

On Friday, names and photographs of the 197 girls still in the
hands of the Boko Haram terrorist sect appeared in ThisDay
newspaper - 67 days after almost 300 female students were
abducted from their dormitories of the Government Girls
Secondary School in Chibok town, Borno State.
According to the report submitted by the fact-finding
Committee to President Goodluck Jonathan, which was set up
to look into the matter that sparked national and international
outrage, 276 girls were abducted on April 14, with 219 still
missing. 57 girls managed to escape from their captors ans
were reunited with their families.
The Nigerian government has accepted, received assistance
from and worked together with other countries, including the
United States and the United Kingdom, as well as France,
China, and Israel.
This week, United Nations Special Envoy for education Gordon
Brown, who has met the leader of the community council in
Chibok, said the community leader and the girls' families have
given permission for the names and photographs to be made
public. Also, a list of which exams the girls took shortly before
their abduction was published in the newspaper, with most
girls majoring in "government" (politics) and physics.
Some of the screenshots of the newspaper pages were made
and shared on Twitter by a prominent Nigerian political
commentator and journalist Tolu Ogunlesi.
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Atiku Warns PDP-Led Federal Governemt Against Impunity

The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar on
Thursday, reacted to the grounding of the All Progressive
Congress (APC), governors planes from taking off from their
various federal government owned state airports.
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar
The former vice president, who made this known in a
statement issued in Abuja from his media office said, the
decision was part of measures to stop the APC governors from
attending the campaign rally for their Ekiti State counterpart,
Kayode Fayemi.
The Turaki Adamawa, who warned the federal government
against impunity stated that the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP led administration under President Goodluck Jonathan is
turning the country into a police state following the restrictions
placed on the way of the governors and party members.
Atiku pointed out that the action of the PDP-led federal
government in stopping the governors of Kano, Rivers and Edo
from attending the APC governorship campaign rally in Ado-
Ekiti yesterday , was in a Gestapo-like manner which is
capable of turning Nigeria into a Banana Republic where
fundamental rights of citizens are trampled upon with
impunity.
He said it was very surprising to see the way the federal
government has been dragging the military and police into
politics.
"The government must stop instigating state security agents
paid from tax payers money against helpless, and law
abiding Nigerians" Atiku said. "Our gallant military men
should remain focused on securing and protecting the
territorial integrity of our great nation, especially in this time
of terror attacks and insurgency across the country."
Atiku, who made a promise at the party's national convention
that he would lead the movement to oust the present
administration which he described as inept and incompetent.
The former vice president further asserted that the present
administration has failed Nigerians, and reminded the
populace that "a government that deprives its citizens from
access to jobs and education as manifested by the on-going
closure of some tertiary institutions, such as polytechnics, to be
shut for nearly a year, has alienated itself from the masses
and will definitely suffer the repercussion at the polls, use of
force or not."
Atiku also reiterated that the APC remains the only viable
alternative to the PDP-led government, saying: "is a
prescription for socio-political peace, progress, equity,
security, unity and national development."
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Boko Haram Forcefully Recruit Cameroonian Boys Into Sect

Fresh report indicates that militants of the dreaded Boko
Haram group snatch young boys in Cameroon, from across
the boarder with Nigeria, to force them into the sect.
Photo: Cameroonian elite troops, B.I.R
According to Daily Mail, numerous villages in the area were
cleared out and schools torched by the terrorists even despite
the presence of elite troops of Battalion D'Intervention Rapide
(B.I.R).
Speaking with Sky News, residents said Boko Haram raided
villages during the daytime to snatch boys.
One of the boys narrated how he refused to join the terrorists,
causing substantial tension, however he managed to escape
from them.
While Nigeria accuses Cameroon of being unable to prevent
the insurgents from crossing the border and thus letting them
hide in the neighbouring country, the spokesperson of
Cameroon's Defence Ministry Lieutenant Colonel Badjeck
claims speaking with Sky News:
"They [Boko Haram] are not in Cameroon. Why would we
allow that? This is bad for Cameroon. We are suffering too at
the hands of Boko Haram."
It would be recalled that more than two months have passed
since the abduction of over 250 Chibok school girls. The
feared sect claimed responsibility for the kidnap 3 weeks later
stating that they would sell the girls in the market.
Numerous experts alleged that the students might have been
splitt into groups and relocated to the neighbouring countries.
Later Cameroon and Chad claimed they might block the main
routes said to be used by insurgents.
Despite the international support in the find-and-rescue
operation, the abduction victims still remain in captivity.
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2015: Mohammed Abacha To Contest For Governor In KanoState

Mohammed, the son of late head of state, General Sani
Abacha who was on Wednesday freed of the 100 billion
stolen funds lawsuit against him is set to run for Kano state
Governor in the 2015 elections.
Mohammed Abacha
It would be recalled that Mohammed who defected to the
ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party in 2013 said PDP is the
right party for him in the current dispensation is now set to join
forces with pro Jonathan supporters and win back Kano State
for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
According to competent sources told Vanguard that
Mohammed's Wednesday's withdrawal of the N446.3 billion
money laundering charge against him was aimed at giving
him a clean bill to be able to run as PDP gubernatorial
candidate in the next election.
A close associate of the family admitted, yesterday, that the
Abachas were very excited about the withdrawal of the case
against Mohammed by the Attorney General of the
Federation, Mohammed Adoke, and that he would likely
proceed with his gubernatorial campaign programme.
Some well wishers were also said to have stopped by on
Wednesday and yesterday to congratulate Abacha and
sympathise with him over his lingering trial by the
government.
A top source in Kano explained, yesterday, that the
Presidency, which considers Mohammed Abacha as one of the
most influential young politicians in Kano, had primed him to
challenge the rising political clout of Governor Rabiu
Kwankwaso and secure victory for PDP in 2015.
The Presidency, it was further learnt, believes that it was the
solid political structure put in place by Mohammed Abacha
that secured victory for Kwankwaso, who defected to APC last
year and the PDP are willing to take over Governor
Kwankwaso who has the intention to run for second term in
the elections on APC's platform.
However, Kwankwaso is said to facing severe opposition from
the Presidency particularly, after allegedly appointing the
former Central bank of Nigeria, CBN's Governor, Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi, as Emir of Kano, against the wish of the
Presidency and his party, which reportedly preferred a
different person. It would be recalled that kwankwaso last
week said: "Hold Jonathan responsible for whatever happens
to me, my family or even the people of Kano."
Meanwhile in preparation of Abacha's takeover in Kano state,
colourful and intimidating campaign posters have been placed
by the side of the Kano State PDP Secretariat along New
Court Road, Jedi Jedi Quarters of Kano metropolis in addition
to opening of his campaign office along Audu Bako Way, also
in the city.
A Kano politician described Mohammed Abacha as someone
who enjoys a very "smooth rela-tionship and support of the
youths of the town" and also has a deep understanding of the
politics of the state.
The politician said: "Let me tell you, the junior Abacha enjoys
the support of the people and also has a good working
relationship with Shekarau."
It would be recalled that on January 17, 2014, the Supreme
Court ordered that Mohammed Abacha be returned to an
Abuja High Court and face his trial and was charged with a
123 count criminal charges by the Federal Government of
Nigeria, wherein he was alleged to be in possession of stolen
properties belonging to the Federal Government.
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How I Predicted Keefe’s Death — Popular Female Drummer,Ara

Nigerian female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa
popularly known as Ara has revealed how she predicted the
death of the late singer, Kefee.
She told Best of Nollywood's chat forum saying:
"I want to use this forum to appeal to my colleagues in the
music industry. Less than two years ago, I had a dream
about Keffee and immediately called her and narrated it
to her, I also appealed to her not to make a joke of
it….the rest is history.
Early this year, I had a dream and contacted Efe of NOW
music as he's the only one I could call and told him to
please organise a forum for all musicians to assemble and
pray against death amongst us (please confirm from Efe).
It's sad we had to lose my girlfriend, sister and
colleague…so sad.
When a revelation comes like that, it means there is a
way out. Once again, we need to come together as a
body under one roof to rebuke and pray about this
revelation I had early this year. Yes, we all have different
sources of prayer but this is a prayer we all must observe
together.
I beg you all. I didn't want to speak out but I have no
choice than to".
Meanwhile it would be recalled in an interview Ara granted in
March 2014, the singer who revealed she had a gift of seeing
visions and interpreting dreams was quoted as saying: "I
don't even have to sleep to see something. I think it has to do
with my spiritual aspect. I fast a lot. My life off stage is an
entirely different one. I actually attend the Mountain of Fire
and Miracles Ministries and if you can't pray, you don't attend
MFM. It is a do-it-yourself church - which has helped me
greatly."
Kefee died on June Kefee died on June 13th of lungs failure
after 15 days in a coma at Desert Spring Hospital, Las Vegas.
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Court Orders Polytechnic Student To Die By Hanging

A 22-year old student of Delta State Polytechnic, Eguono
Akpeghughu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by a
Warri High Court in southern Nigeria.
PMNEWS reports that Akpeghughu was found guilty on a
two-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and
armed robbery after he was alleged to have robbed his victim
of cash and other valuables worth over N30,000.
According to the police prosecutor, the offences are punishable
under section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special
Provisions) Act, Cap R 11 Volume 14, Laws of the Federation
of Nigeria, 2004.
The court held that the prosecution proved essential
ingredients of armed robbery against the accused beyond all
reasonable doubt from the totality of evidence presented
before the court.
The court further held that prosecution was able to pin the
accused to the scene of crime from the evidence of Prosecution
Witness 1, the testimony of a witness who assisted in arresting
the accused as well of his confessional statement and other
exhibits recovered from him including the wrist watch of the
victim which were all tendered and admitted in evidence by
the court.
It was gathered from the floor of the court that the convict with
others now at large, on 4 January 2008, had attacked
George Ogbemudia at Bazunu junction, Warri and robbed
him of his wrist watch worth N1,200, a necklace worth
N7,000, Sony Ericsson handset worth N26,000 and N2,000
cash.
It was informed that the accused was arrested with the help of
a passerby when the victim summoned up courage and
grabbed the accused as he attempted to escape with his loot
and raised alarm while his other gang members escaped.
After thorough investigation by the police, it was discovered
that the accused, suspected to be a member of an armed
gang terrorising the neighbourhood especially pedestrians,
lives very close to the scene of crime.
He was later handed over to the police where he voluntarily
made a confessional statement admitting to the crime.
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JUST IN: Court Stops Reps From Probing Diezani Over Jet Scandal

Information emanating from the Federal Capital Territory,
FCT, indicates that a Federal High Court in Abuja has stalled
the House of Representatives from probing Minister of
Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke over the
N10bn she allegedly spent in two years to charter a private
jet, Challenger 850.
It was gathered that the court ruled that the probe should be
stopped pending determination of her suit.
PUNCH reports that the case has been adjourned till July 3.
* Minister for Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-
Madueke
Details of everything that transpired at the court today is still
being expected.
Meanwhile, it could be recalled that the embattled minister
had on Tuesday, 10 May, 2014, filed a fresh application for a
provisional order to stop the National Assembly from going
ahead with the probe on the allegation that she spent N10bn
on a chartered aircraft.
In the application, Mrs Alison-Madueke, through one of her
lawyers, Mr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), urged the court to
restrain the House of Representatives from carrying out its
threat to commence the probe on June 17.
The Minister, alongside the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation, NNPC, had earlier approached a Federal High
Court in Abuja, both seeking a court order to stop the probe.
The Minister's suit was filed before Justice Ahmed Mohammed
of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi May Drop Osaze Odemwingie

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi May Drop Osaze Odemwingie Super eagles coach, Stephen Keshi may drop Stoke City striker Osaze Odemwingie for him not playing to instruction when brought in the second half against Iran. Following the super eagles goalless draw with Iran, Stephen Keshi while revealing why his team could not defeat Iran blamed Osazewho he introduced until the 69th minute for the team's failure. He said:"The Osaze you are talking about didn't do well. Osaze did not play to instructions and that affected the team." However, Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha who spoke about the match onTuesday doesn't support Keshi blaming Osaze as a matter of fact he believes Osaze brought some urgency and creativity to the Eagles attack on Monday rather he blamed Keshi for the team's approach. It would be recalled that on Tuesday, June 17, Keshi also told FIFA.COM that he blamed their performance on lack of inspiration. Meanwhile, Skipper Joseph Yobo is expected to keep his place in the first team after Turkey-based defender Godfrey Oboabona was ruled out of Saturday's cracker as a result of a foot injury he suffered against Iran. Yobo said that reaching a century of international caps would be an added bonus for him as he was already fulfilled to be at his third World Cup. "I'm just happy that I made it here because towards the end of the season I got injured and it was difficult for me," he revealed. "Any other personal achievement will be great and I will enjoy it."

Nigerians Hold Memorial Service For Late Singer, Kefee In California, USA

Nigerians Hold Memorial Service For Late Singer, Kefee In California, USA Friends and family of the late Nigerian singer, Irikefe Obareki, popularly known as Kefee, have concluded plans to hold a memorial service and a celebration of life for theKokorokocrooner on Thursday, 19 June, 2014. Pulsereports that the event, which will hold in California, USA, will parade some of the finest Nigerian gospel singers and ministers who are based in the US. According to the organizers of the service, the occasion will not be an event for tears but that of celebrating the impacts the late Kefee had on Nigerians with her soul lifting songs, industry and encouraging spirit. It could be recalled that the lateBranamaQueen passed on on Friday, June 13, 2014, in the United States of America. According to her manager, the late singer died of lung cancer. * The late Kefee The remains of the late gospel singer arrived Nigeria on Tuesday, 17 June, 2014ahead of the burial which will hold later this month. Kefee's body was flown into the country via a Delta Airline aircraft and touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at 4 pm. As the Obareki's family prepares for Kefee's burial, we wish them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Gunmen Storms Omisore’s Lagos Home

The Lagos residence of the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Senator Iyiola Omisore has been reportedly invaded by gunmen. Senator Iyiola Omisore This was made to known to newsmen on Wednesday by Prince Diran Odeyemi, the Media Head of the Omisore Campaign Organisation. He said the gunmen invaded the house on Ikoyi Avenue, Lagos, around 2am on Tuesday, looking for Omisore. The media head, who could not confirm the number of the assailants revealed that one of them was arrested by the police. "On arriving at the compound, the gunmen were shouting that they meant to terminate Otunba Omisore's life. They tied the security guards with ropes and headed straight to Omisore's room, but were disappointed as he was nowhere to be found" he said. "They cut off all communication gadgets and security network in the residence and searched for Omisore, who was busy in Osun State with his political campaigns. The assassins did not touch any of his personal effects, like money, documents and other valuable items, except for the burglary proof they damaged." He said Omisore has been informed of the incident, but yet to return to Lagos. Omisore is a frontline politician, who served as the second elected Deputy Governor of Osun State, from 1999- 2002 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He was elected a member of the Nigerian Senate representing Osun East district from 2003 - 2011; on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Darmaturu Explosion Survivors Narrate Ordeal

Darmaturu Explosion Survivors Narrate Ordeal Survivors of Tuesday attack on the viewing center in Damaturu, Yobe State, recall the ghastly ordeal. Photo: Damaturu explosion survivor The explosion, which claimed according to police at least 14 lives, occurred late evening shortly after Brazil-Mexico game of the FIFA World Cup had kicked off. Daily Telegraph refers to the words of those trapped in the place, who said that the explosion force blew off limbs and knocked people senseless. One of the survivors identified as Babagana Mohammed narrated: "The bomb just threw me and I didn't even know where I was." Another victim, Musa Mohammed, stopped at the spot just to buy airtimefor his mobile when he suddenly heard the explosion. He said some people lost their limbs adding: "Some were amputated ... But thank God mine was a lesser injury." It was later learnt from the eyewitness that a suicide bomber drove into the area in a tricycle taxi full of explosives, however police claimed the explosion came from the abandoned car parked on the road in front. It would be recalled that the Nigerian police highly recommended people to avoid public viewing spotsfollowing the Damaturu bombing.

DFID Assures Nigeria Government Of Continuos Support

DFID Assures Nigeria Government Of Continuos Support The United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), on Wednesday promised to do everything possible to support the Nigerian Government. DFID Bulding This was made known in Abuja by Ben Mellor, DFID Head of Office during a courtesy visit to the Director General, Nigeria Governor's Forum (NGF), Asishana Okauru. He noted that Nigerian governors had the interest of the country at heart irrespective of the crack within the forum, revealing that he is encouraged by the activities of the secretariat and promised to work with it to ensure the development in Nigerian states. Mellor, who assured that he would not be discouraged by the country's huge challenges lauded the great opportunities therein. He revealed that his visit was aimed at accessing the forum's secretariat in order to know its future plans and how the DFID could help. He said he was elated to see that the forum's secretariat had remained non partisan and had continued to work on improving governance in the country in the face of challenges, noting that it was a step in the right direction and wished the Nigerian government and the people the best in the 2015 general elections. Responding to the development partners, Okauru expressed optimism that the crisis within the forum would soon be resolved. "As soon as they get a few things resolved, we should be back fully on stream" he said, adding that certain concrete agreement was presently being reached by the governors to ensure that the forum became one in the interest of the people and the nation. He said that in spite of the seeming crack within the forum, the secretariat was focused on its responsibility of servicing the elected 36 governors of the federation, pointing out that the secretariat being a policy hub; was structured to service the governors irrespective of their parties, and had maintained contact with the governors in spite of the situation. "There are challenges but those challenges are not peculiar to the forum, they are actually about the country" Okauru said. "It is all about politics and our political calendar. We have never had the kind of dynamics we are experiencing now, where you have two major political parties that are almost at the same level". The DG said the secretariat would ensure that the forum was not used as a platform for political parties to achieve their aspirations, and urged the DFID to support the secretariat's various programmes which includes its induction programme for newly elected governors and its peer review initiative, among others. He explained that the secretariats peer review and knowledge management initiatives are wonderful tools that can reconcile the governors, adding that the secretariat was also working on isolating best practices of serving governors to make same available for returning and incoming governors in 2015. Okauru disclosed that the secretariat has been able to put together governors' inaugural speeches from 2009 to 2011 which would enable electorate hold governors accountable for the promises they made on the day they were inaugurated.