Mascherano Stifte Barcelona Verlängerung bis 2016
Der ehemalige Liverpool-Mittelfeldspieler hat endlich eine Einigung über einen neuen Vertrag erreicht, begehen seine Zukunft auf die Katalanen für die nächsten vier Jahre
Er hat jetzt zugegeben zwei Jahre, um seinen früheren Transaktion, die im Jahr 2014 abgelaufen ist, auf ein Ende aller Spekulationen um seine langfristige Zukunft im Camp Nou stellen.

Inzwischen haben auch gezeigt, dass Barca Mascheranos Release-Klausel wird nun bei 100 Mio. € eingestellt.

Der 28-Jährige hat 97 Partien für die Katalanen gemacht, obwohl er noch zu seiner Ente vor dem gegnerischen Tor zu durchbrechen.

Маскерано ручки Барселоне продление до 2016 года
Бывший полузащитник Ливерпуля, наконец, достигли согласия по новому контракту, совершая свое будущее Blaugrana в течение следующих четырех лет
В настоящее время он добавил два года своей предыдущей сделки, срок действия которого истек в 2014 году, чтобы положить конец всем спекуляции вокруг его долгосрочное будущее на Камп Ноу.

Между тем, Барса также показали, что релиз пункт Маскерано в настоящее время установлена ​​на уровне € 100.

28-летний составила 97 матчей за Blaugrana, хотя он до сих пор не сломать его утки перед собой цели.

ASUU threatens strike action

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to go on strike if the federal government relents on its current drive to reform the sector.

The union which recently commended the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the challenges facing University education in the country so far however warned that the Union would not hesitate to go back to the trenches if the government relapses “on its current outlook” in tackling the dwindling fortunes of university system in Nigeria.

New President of ASUU, Dr. Nasir Isa said made this remark when he led a team of former leadership and other members of executive on courtesy call on the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Mahmood Yakubu in Abuja.

Nasir who was accompanied by the immediate past ASUU President, Comrade Ukachukwu Awuzie and Awuzie’s predecessor, Abdullahi Sule Kano.

There has been relative peace in the University System base on the cogent efforts of the present Administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in full implementation of the FGN/ASUU 2009 Agreement.

Apart from restricting the intervention of TETFund to tertiary education, the Federal Government, according to ASUU has shown genuine commitment to the demands of the Union as contained in the agreement.

Dr. Isa noted that ASUU as an intellectual organization, believes in dialogue and until that is exhausted, strike would not be the next option.

He assured on adequate collaboration with the Federal government to ensure that the University is repositioned to compete favourably with other universities in the world, stressing that no country could develop effectively without education.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof. Yakubu, noted that the agency has taken steps to address the critical challenge of the dearth of qualified lecturers in the Nigeria University System.

He revealed that about 624 university lecturers sent for postgraduate training in overseas have completed their programmes and return to the country to boost the manpower in the system.

Besides, he said about 5, 800 other university teachers are currently undergoing postgraduate training both at home and overseas being sponsored by TETFund.

 

News : Wedding photos: Monalisa Chinda and Fred Amata

 

Don’t you just wish these two were really married? In this movie set they really perfected the act of displaying a married couple and really all one can say is well done....

 

I warned Nigerians about Farouk Lawan – Dino Melaye

Dino Melaye, the former House of Representatives member and principal actor in the faction which fought tooth and nail for former Speaker, Patricia Etteh, to retain her seat during the Etteh-gate saga is still talking.
In his latest salvo, he insists that the Integrity Group was an amorphous group hurriedly formed during the Etteh saga as a platform to drive Lawan’s political ambitions, which explains its low profile after Patricia Etteh had been unseated.
He maintained that the failure of the Farouk Lawan lead fuel subsidy probe to pursue its task to a logical conclusion was true to type.
He said: “Four weeks before the bubble burst I warned Nigerians that they should not celebrate Farouk yet with the fuel subsidy probe, so his fumbling and wobbling in the course of carrying out his legislative functions is no surprise to us that know him too well.”
He explained that there would be no need for the establishment of probe panels if the House had diligently pursued their oversight functions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.
Melaye described the unending House probes as a “manifestation of satanic collaboration between the National Assembly and the Public Service.”
He went ahead to accuse the President Goodluck Jonathan led government of double-standards, with a body language which clearly reflects its reluctance to fight corruption decisively.
Solid words. But then again, this is Dino Melaye.

 

Plateau Massacre: Official casualty figure stands at 86 – STF

An official figure released by the  Special Task Force in charge of security in Jos  had  on Tuesday put the number of casualties of the  weekend attack at 86, stating that only 86 bodies of dead victims have been recovered at the time the statement was issued .
Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, in a contrary comment, had established that  the casualty figure cannot be ascertained because of the second attack that took place on Sunday, adding that the police was still working on the official and authentic figure.
However, it is widely held majority of people that despite the official figure that may be released by the STF and the police, the casualty figure cannot be less than 100.
The STF under its Spokesman, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, had disclosed in Jos that the official figure included 63 bodies counted in the nine villages attacked by gunmen and that of the 21 bodies of the attackers who were killed in the shootout with the army and the police, adding that two officials of the Nigerian police were also killed during the attack.
It was reported earlier by dailypost that over fifty bodies were recovered from a church in Matse, where villagers who ran to the house of a resident pastor were all killed.
The weekend attack did not spare the lives of two Nigerian lawmakers who were at the local government to attend a mass burial.
A survivor of the attack on the legislators, Mr. Simon Mwadkon, said Dantong and Fulani died of exhaustion while being pursued by their attackers

 

Bridge repairs slow down Lagos businesses

The partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge continued to slow down business activities on the Lagos Island and some parts of the Mainland on Tuesday.
Investigations revealed that due to the attendant chaotic traffic situation, topping the list of affected residents were commercial motorists, office workers and business owners who could not finish their transactions or make it to their shops on time.
A commercial bus driver, Rasaki Saheed, said he could not make as many rounds as he normally would.
“It really affected me because I used to take passengers to the Island (from the Mainland) at least six times a day but that has been reduced to three times because of the traffic, and it also reduced my income," he said.
Saheed also said that some of his colleagues had decided not to work on Tuesday due to Monday's experience.
"And that is because they are scared of wasting their money on fuel and getting stuck in traffic," he added.
A civil servant named Bonnyface said he got to work late on Monday, after spending about two hours in traffic.
"This Third Mainland Bridge closure has affected my daily activity. Today (Tuesday) I had to inconvenience myself by leaving my car at home and taking a public cab and even at that, I still got to the office late, even later than I did yesterday," he said.
As much as the partial closure of the bridge affected many residents, there were others who claimed not to be affected in any way.
Idy Owo, a resident, said she was not affected because she stays and works in Ikeja.
"So I don't usually have any cause to go to the Island or any other place connected to the Island," she said.
She added that government's decision to repair the bridge was a wise one, "because the earlier they repair the bridge, the better for Lagos."
The 11.8 km bridge is the longest in Africa. It connects Lagos Island to the mainland.

 

Dangote Sugar Refinery to resume operations this week

Management of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has revealed that production will commence within the week after the refinery was partially affected by fire incident over the weekend.
A statement from the company stated, “fire occurred at the Dangote Sugar Refinery refining plant. The fire, which started at the bagging station about 7pm, was successfully contained within 30 minutes with the combined efforts of the company, Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos State and Federal Fire Service and others. The incident partially disturbed production activities.
Speaking on the incident, the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Abdullahi Sule revealed that there were no casualties or any loss of life in the incident, while investigations have begun to ascertain the cause of the fire and extent of damage to the affected area. He added that the company employs good manufacturing and best practices in all its operations and will continue to safeguard its human and material resources.
Sule also assured all Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc numerous customers and other stakeholders that this will not affect supplies of the company products, as there is adequate stock of Dangote Refined Sugar and industrial grade to meet and surpass customers’ needs. Efforts are underway for production to commence within the week.

Three women on trial for robbery

Four guns and live ammunition were recovered from them

 

am | By Jewel Stephen

Three young women, Victoria Segun (24), Adijat Waheed (25) and Funke Adesanmi (31) were, on Tuesday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos on a two-count charge of felony and armed robbery.

The prosecutor, Insp. Samson Ekikere, said the defendants had, on June 23 at Mile 2 area of Lagos, robbed one Bashiru of N520,000 cash and a Nokia mobile phone worth N20,000.

Ekikere said the women, who were members of an armed robbery gang, were arrested in their residence at Imota, Ikorodu, with different firearms and 14 live ammunition in their possession.

He said that the offence contravened Sections 1 (2) (a) (b) and 5 (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap 398, Vol. XXII, Laws of the Federation, 1990.

The pleas of the women, who claimed to be hawkers, were not taken, and the magistrate, A. Akanni, ordered them remanded in prison custody pending the advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

 

Nuhu Ribadu Challenges EFCC Leadership on Subsidy Fraudsters

 

Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman and current Chairman of the Special Petroleum Revenue Taskforce, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has challenged the present leadership of the EFCC to bring the subsidy fraudsters to justice quickly.
Mallam Ribadu made his mind known whilst speaking at a forum organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
He said, “If the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency had done its job, the whole subsidy mess would not have happened. If I were to handle this subsidy thing, I will just go after the PPPRA, especially those who were at the helm when all these mess took place.

“In one week, I will bring out every single person who took one penny. I will not bother myself with anybody else; I will just get them because nobody would make a penny out of the subsidy regime without the direct complicity of the PPPRA.”

Ribadu added, “The regulatory agencies in the sector are directly responsible because it is government’s money. When such money goes out, it has to go through somebody, who is a government employee that has responsibility to protect it and make sure that we get value for every dime spent. It must be with his own conspiracy that money goes out for products or services.

“Therefore, one can easily come to the conclusion that it was a failure of the regulators and those that have responsibility, and we would like to see justice done on those who allowed the nation’s money to go out in that manner.”

In confirmation of the Attorney General’s remarks publicized in news media yesterday, Ribadu also disclosed that the EFCC was working hard on the matter and said Nigerians would soon see the results of their efforts.

He said, “I know that the EFCC is working very hard on the matter, and I believe they will not disappoint millions of Nigerians who are expecting a just and reasonable conclusion on the matter. They are working on it, and sometimes, this kind of work does take time so that it will be able to stand the test of prosecution.

“They need to assemble evidence so that they can have a successful prosecution because it is an issue of law enforcement and recovery. My take is that we can still get justice; it is a matter of time, and, ultimately, I have belief that Nigerians will see justice done in the matter.”

“They must be given space and time to do their work effectively. There should not be any outside interference. In the present crop of leadership in the EFCC, we have quality people; some of the best that we can get in our country today, in my personal view,” Ribadu added.

 

ICC sentences DR Congo rebel leader to 14 years

Congo’s former rebel leader will spend 14 years in prison for recruiting child soldiers
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Tuesday sentenced former Congolese rebel leader, Thomas Lubanga, to 14 years in prison.
Mr. Lubanga was found guilty in March of recruiting and using hundreds of child soldiers in the Ituri region of the Democratic Republic of Congo during the country's civil war, which formally ended in 2003.
It is the court's first verdict since it started work a decade ago.
Under the Rome Statute, the treaty which created the ICC, judges can hand down a maximum sentence of 30 years or life imprisonment.
The prosecutor's team had demanded a tougher sentence, but the court rejected the call, noting the defendant's cooperation with the ICC.
Mr. Lubanga, 51, who has been imprisoned in The Hague since 2006, has maintained his innocence. During the Ituri conflict, rights groups estimated that tens of thousands of people died.
Judge Adrian Fulford said he would deduct from the sentence the time the former rebel leader has already spent in ICC detention since his trial began.
The judge noted that the “vulnerability of children means that they need to be afforded particular protection that does not apply to the general population’’.
Meanwhile, the conflict in the Eastern Congo has threatened to escalate. Rebel forces from the M23 movement had taken over key towns near Goma, the capital of the region, and seem poised to advance on the city.
The M23 is largely comprised of soldiers who defected from the Congolese army this year.
Analysts have warned that unless some sort of mediation begins soon, there is a chance the conflict could erupt into a full war, as has happened in the past 18 years.
Some 200,000 people have fled the latest wave of violence in the region. A UN report accused Rwanda of helping to fuel the conflict, charges the government denies.
Kigali has repeatedly invaded its larger neighbour since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, during which some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by ethnic Hutu extremists.
Those massacres set off the subsequent wars in Congo.

 

Naira Falls as Crude Oil Price Declines

The naira weakened, snapping three days of gains against the dollar as crude, Nigeria’s key export, retreated in New York and London.
The currency of Africa’s biggest oil producer depreciated 0.1 percent to 160.84 per dollar as of 2:57 p.m. on the interbank market in Lagos, the commercial capital, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The naira has gained 0.9 percent against the dollar this year and 1.1 percent last week.
Oil fell after Norway ended a strike that threatened to halt output by western Europe’s largest crude exporter and as China reduced purchases of the raw material. The naira hit a one-month high yesterday after the Central Bank of Nigeria sold foreign currency at its first of two regular weekly auctions. It isn’t scheduled to sell dollars today.
“Recent naira weakness reflects the fall in global oil prices,” Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI)strategists, led by Paris- based Paul-Harry Aithnard, wrote in a note to clients today. Last week’s “appreciation was due to month-end sales from oil companies and increased foreign exchange supply from the CBN.”
Nigeria’s foreign currency reserves have fallen $1.1 billion since the end of May to $36.5 billion, according to July 6 data compiled by the Abuja-based central bank. Nigerian benchmark Bonny Light crude has declined 3.9 percent since the end of May.
The yield on Nigeria’s domestic 15.1 percent bonds due 2017 fell eight basis points to 15.94 percent, according to July 9 data on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website. Yields on the nation’s $500 million of Eurobonds due 2021 rose one basis point to 5.5 percent today.

 

Fashola demands N16bn refund from FG

 

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, on Tuesday, asked the Federal Government to refund the N16 billion deducted from the state's allocation for investment in power.
Addressing members of the Senate Committee on Privatisation during their visit to Lagos, Fashola said the state had invested in the power project but was yet to get full value for money.
“We invested in Power Plant; the power was not dedicated to Lagos, but they have deducted about N16 billion of our money in spite of court orders. Now, we get punished for taking the initiative,” he said.
He said the money had to be refunded to remove clogs that could affect the privatisation of the power sector.
"There is a standing liability to us by the PHCN (Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria), the illegal deductions of N16 billion for power that we did not get, for the power that other states used," he added.
"Now, those are issues of social and economic injustice that must be resolved before we can even have a successful privatisation exercise."
The governor also said he had written to the National Assembly to make appropriation to refund the money.
"If the PHCN workers that went on strike at the onset of Power Reforms were paid, why should we not be paid because we did not go on demonstration; we are being civil,” he said.
The Governor also called on the Committee to assist in creating “Greenfield Power Distribution Companies”, saying they would act as back-ups for the 11 distribution companies carved out of the PHCN.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Gbenga Obadara, said the committee's visit was to interface with the Lagos State Government on "areas of mutual interest in the drive towards improvement in the Energy Sector."

 

South Korean President's brother Lee Sang-deuk arrested

 

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's elder brother has been detained by police on corruption charges.

Former lawmaker Lee Sang-deuk faces allegations of taking 600 million won (£338,200;$525,000) in bribes from the chairmen of two savings banks to help them avoid an audit.
The arrest warrant was approved by the Seoul Central District Court.
It is seen as a potential political setback for South Korea's conservative ruling party in an election year.
The case is the latest in a series of corruption scandals involving people with ties to South Korea's president, who ends his five-year term next February.
The presidential election takes place in December.
As Lee Sang-deuk arrived in court, angry depositors who lost money when the savings banks were suspended hurled eggs at him.
The 76-year-old, who served six terms in parliament, was reportedly taken to a detention centre immediately after the warrant was issued.

 

Frustrations Brought Boko Haram To Nigeria – Obama

 

The United States President, Barrack Obama, has said that frustrations were the major reasons behind the activities of Boko Haram, sect which has claimed responsibilities for most of the killings in the Northern parts of Nigeria.
Speaking during a special session held by the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs in Washington DC yesterday, the US leader, who was represented by Ambassador Johnnie Carson, the US Assistant Secretary on African Issues, said that Boko Haram capitalised on popular frustrations with the nation’s leaders, poor government, ineffective service delivery, and dismal living conditions for many northerners. 
“Over the past year, Boko Haram has created widespread insecurity across northern Nigeria, inflamed tensions between various communities, disrupted development activities, and frightened off investors. The near daily spate of bombings and attacks that have claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians is unacceptable, and the United States strongly condemns this violence”
In his speech at the occasion, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said that Boko Haram was not only a northern problem, but a Nigerian problem with global implications. 
“This is outright terrorism, not legitimate political activity or the airing of grievances. By refusing to designate Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation, the United States is sending a very clear message, not just to the federal government of Nigeria, but to the world – that the murder of innocent Christians, and Muslims who reject Islamism, and I make a clear distinction here between Islam and Islamism, are acceptable losses,” Oritsejafor surmised.

 

Plateau Tragedy, A Challenge To Nigeria – Tinubu

 

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described the Jos shootings that claimed the life of Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon Gyang Fulani of the Plateau State House of Assembly as a tragedy and challenge to Nigeria.
Tinubu, in a statement, said that “What happened this weekend in Riyom local government area in Plateau State was an affront to God and humanity.
“This was more than a crime. It was an exhibition of deadly hatred that seeks to establish a home in our beloved nation”.
Asiwaju added that “such violence has no place among us. There is no reason imaginable that can legitimise the killing and destruction. To kill innocent people is always indefensible. To kill those who were merely seeking to bury their loved ones is the handiwork of wickedness. It is a lowly abomination.
“The perpetrators struck in wanton lethality in apparent hope that their deeds will spark a cycle of violence and retribution setting the nation against itself, as such. They seek to turn Nigeria into a factory of lawlessness.”
Describing their plan as inhuman, their actions vile , he said that the objective they set out for would  never succeed and stressed that they might have wounded Nigeria, Yet, after all the sacrifices and hardship the country has experienced, this nation would never succumb to evil designs.
Tinubu stressed that, “There are no differences that anyone can have with government that justify this unpardonable act. This was more than senseless revenge against government; it was an attack against the people of Nigeria and our way of life.
“The unfolding tragedy and the inability of the current government to bring the situation under control confirm our fears: that Nigeria is on a free fall under an incompetent leadership.”
Asiwaju continued, “This massacre has cut into the heart of the nation. These evildoers apparently seek to make Nigeria a failed state. Those of us who love this nation and its people will not allow this to happen. Despite this violence, we will not let fear rule us but we must awaken our moral strength so that we can repel this assault against our human decency. We must not cower but must summon courage at this moment.
“Moral conscience eventually triumphs over murderous crime. All of us who cherish freedom and dignity and who love this nation must not allow the evil actors to divide and separate us along ethnic, religious or regional lines. We must stand firmly beside each other as Nigerians.
“Despite this tragedy, we must hold to each other and strengthen the bonds that unite us. Only in this way, do we honor the lives we have lost, do we foil the dark plans of those who hate justice and democracy, and do we turn Nigeria into the nation of our dreams. Our brotherly charity and sympathy must be extended to those who lost family members, loved ones and friends. To those who did this terrible act we extend nothing but a firm declaration that Nigeria will never be brought down by their misdeeds”.

 

I Have No Hand In Bola Ige’s Murder — Omisore 

 

Former Chairman of Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has absolved himself from the assassination of the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of justice of the federation, Chief Bola Ige.
Chief Ige, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was murdered on December 23, 2001 at his Bodija, Ibadan residence in Oyo state.
Speaking in Ibadan, yesterday, on the topic: ‘’Dividends of democracy: Are Nigerians being shortchanged, Senator Omisore said that the court of law itself wondered why he was, in the first instance, arraigned and prosecuted when there was nothing linking him with the murder.
“I have never in my life fought anybody not to talk of killing a fellow human being. The issue I had with the former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande was political and ideological.
“In my own case, there was a lie that has gone for too long about the death of uncle Bola Ige. in spite of the court judgment on the issue, I have waited till this time thinking that they would follow the path of reason, truth, and honest conscience, but they would not as they have found it politically expedient and a soft pad for opportunism’’ he added.
Senator Omisore pointed out that  truth, no matter  and in whatever any form it was viewed, would remain the truth and added ‘’that he died at the time he did was indeed a sad moment in  our local  and collective history particularly giving his contributions in the polity.

 

Jonathan approves redeployment of six permanent secretaries

 

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The Permanent Secretaries have been given a one-week deadline to move to their new duty posts

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the redeployment of six permanent secretaries.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja and signed by Tope Ajakaiye, the Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations) in the office of the Head of Service, the new places of assignment for the officials were enumerated.

Those affected include Ibukun Odusote, who has been moved from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation. Taye Haruna of Police Service Commission, has been moved to the Ministry of Environment.

Linus Awute has been moved from the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development; while A. Daniel-Nwaobia, formally in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, has been moved to the Ministry of Interior.

Similarly, Ossi Afamefuna moves from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Special Duties) to the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The statement said that Henry Akpan, a newly appointed Permanent Secretary, was posted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Special Duties).

It quoted Isa Sali, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation as saying that all handing and taking over formalities should be completed on or before Wednesday, July 18.

 

Terrorism: Israel To Partner Nigeria

The Ambassador of the State of Israel, His Excellency, Mr Moshe Ram has expressed his country’s readiness to partner the federal government to combat insurgency in Nigeria.
The envoy who presented a paper on Suicide Terrorism: The Israeli Experience and its relevance to Nigeria, yesterday, during the Abuja Security Summit on Terrorism and Kidnapping in the FCT, however proffered that one way the country could make headway in the fight was to be proactive by using intelligence network to find out their next line of action.
Making allusion to the State of Israel and their fight against terrorism, Ram said that the success so far attained in Israel was mainly due to intelligence operations and the active military presence in the area.
“Israel has not so much learnt how to deter these attacks, as it has learned how to fight and stop them in the planning stages. This is thanks primarily to intelligence operations but also a very strong and active military presence in the area”, he said.
Fielding questions from LEADERSHIP, the Ambassador, who disclosed that Nigeria and Israel were already collaborating on various issues of mutual interest said, “Israel is always ready to help Nigeria in the fight against terror. It is our long standing policy to help and to assist our partners and friends. So I mean, it is not a matter of request. Now we are in the process of collaborating on different issues among them is the security issue too.
“We are always ready to help our friends when they are in need and I think that we have a little experience on this issue and our hand is always open to help our friends. There is no magic solution to the problem. All the security organisations should work together, they should know exactly where the people are, they should gather intelligence and more intelligence.
In his keynote address the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by Chief Superintendent Operations of FCT Command, CSP Gabriel Elaigwu said that terrorism and kidnapping were complex crimes which should not be left for only the security agencies to combat.
While calling on Nigerians to support the security agencies to fight terror, he urged government to provide all the necessary logistics and resources for intelligence gathering and detection of terrorists’ activities.

 

Olympics: No Jamboree Trip For Governors, Senators, Reps Members — Minister

 

Following the government pronouncement last week after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that there would be no government’s official delegation to the 2012 Olympics in London, Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Abdullahi Bolaje has said that any government official-Senator, House of Representative member, governors and other political office holders who would wish to watch the games in London should sponsor his or herself for the games.
Speaking through his personal aide, Julius Ogunro, he assured that there will be no room for jamboree which had been the usual practice in the past where government officials with little or nothing to do at sporting events are dispatched to attend thereby constituting nuisance in most cases and also end up distracting the athletes.
According to him, the unprecedented move by President Goodluck Jonathan led administration is aimed at cutting cost and ensuringthat Team Nigeria will do well during the games. “It is aim at ensuring that we have value for what are doing. Any governor or top government officials outside of the participating teams seen at the London Olympics will certainly not have travelled on federal government ticket. Because there would be no official government delegation apart from the athletes and their officials, that is what the federal council means. But whoever wants to watch the game live in London can sponsor he or herself if he has the means,” He said.

 

Total has expressed commitment to deliver about 225 million standard cubic feet per day of gas to the domestic market in Nigeria by 2013.

Mojave Green snake bites 6-year-old California boy, 42 vials of antivenom needed

 

By

Ryan Jaslow

Topics

News

The Mojave Green is one of the most poisonous varieties of pit vipers in North America.

(Credit: CBS Los Angeles)

(CBS News) A 6-year-old boy is battling against a bite from one of the deadliest snakes in the country, the Mojave Green. According to CBS Los Angeles, Kaden Rivera was enjoying a holiday camping trip on July 4 when disaster struck.
"My son was chasing the dog. All of a sudden we heard a scream from out of the bushes. 'I've been bit by a snake,'" the boy's father Ken told the station.
Rivera saw signs warning of rattlesnakes, and ran with his son to the ranger's station while his condition worsened. By the time they reached the ranger, the boy was already vomiting and foaming at the mouth.
"He lost control of his muscles, and his limbs. He had a rash all over his face. He couldn't breathe," the boy's father said.
He was brought to Mission Viejo Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif., where doctors recognized the symptoms as a bite from the especially toxic rattlesnake, the Mojave Green.
"It took 42 vials of antivenom just to stabilize him," the boy's father told CBS Los Angeles. "Normally it would just take a few ... depending on the snake."
Representatives at Mission Viejo hospital said they could not comment on the child's case.
Snake venom expert Dr. Sean Bush, professor of emergency medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, told HealthPop that the Mojave Green snake is known for having the most lethal venom of all North American pit vipers, a class of snakes that includes rattlers.
Bush said when a poisonous Mojave bites, the venom can stay in a person's system for weeks or months. About 15 percent of people bitten by a poisonous snake may lose a body part like a finger, or experience loss of sensation or function. Others may experience more severe complications like bleeding to death from one bite from the deadly snake.
While 42 vials of antivenom, or antivenin, may sound like a lot, Bush said some cases he's treated have required 58 vials or continuous drips of antivenin that may approach 100 vials of the treatment. Typical treatment is using CroFab antivenin, which is a type of antivenom made from four snakes that can treat poisonous bites from North American pit vipers.
Bush sees snakebites commonly at his hospital, especially among kids, who he calls "high-risk" because they are little and are more likely to run around outdoors without shoes when it's warm out.
Bush's son himself was bitten by a rattlesnake when the child was 2, and was profiled in the New York Times, so he knows firsthand how frightening this can be when a child is struck by a snake.
Luckily, he said, "Kids are amazingly resilient" when it comes to snake bites. Out of tens of thousands of children who have suffered poisonous snake bites over the past decade, Bush estimates only three have died. By giving antivenom earlier and in higher quantities, it may protect from worsened outcomes, he said.
If you live in an area with poisonous snakes, Bush urges parents to make sure their children are wearing footwear or even denim jeans while outdoors, which can reduce the odds of a bite.
Most importantly, kids should stay away if they see a snake.
"A lot of young kids, they get bitten when they harass the snake," Bush said. He added that many bites occur when a child tries to play with a snake, or thinks a snake is dead and picks it up, only to get bitten. Even severed snakes could still stay alive for more than an hour and give a deadly bite.
"This is actually the peak time of year for snake bites," Bush said, adding that the heat and moisture provide an ideal environment for snakes. "People [also] go out a lot, and when the snakes move and the people move, that's when they get together and connect in a bad way."

 

Security guard machetes boss over food

 

A guard from Niger Republic, Abdulazeez Haruna, has hacked his employer, Engr. Mrs. Mary Ak ioye, with a machete, inflicting injuries on her because he claimed his boss failed to serve him his breakfast at about 8 a.m. on the day of the incident.

The 35-year old security guard reportedly attacked his boss at Plot 3176, Elizabeth Olubunmi Street, Prayer Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, residence of his employer.

Mrs. Akioye, 61, collapsed and bled profusely after the attack.

She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was revived by doctors.

Haruna was later arrested by the police and charged with attempted murder before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court.

Speaking with P.M.NEWS, Mrs. Akioye described the attack as a bitter experience, adding that she was shocked because she had always treated Haruna as one of her children.

On the day of the incident, Mrs. Akioye said she woke up in the morning and was feeding her fish in a pond when her security guard approached her for food.

She pleaded that food was not ready and that she would cook immediately after feeding her fish.

“He threatened that he would kill me with the knife he was holding in his hand. I sensed he might kill me since I was the only person in the house. I begged him to allow me to go into the main building to bring money for him to buy food.

“While I was looking for money, the next thing I felt was a machete cut on my leg, neck, head and other parts of my body,” she narrated.

She then started running to the gate shouting for help before she collapsed and her neighbours came to her rescue. They contacted the police who arrested Haruna.

He is now facing a charge of attempted murder at Apapa Magistrates court before the presiding Magistrate, Mrs A. K. Shonubi.

The suspect had earlier pleaded guilty and later changed his plea to not guilty during the fact and sentence.

The prosecutor, Mr. Kalu Uche reminded  the court that the offence he committed was serious, adding that the  defendant has not fixed address and could jump bail and escape to his country.

The court granted Haruna bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety who must be a community leader within the court’s jurisdiction.

The matter was adjourned till 13 July, 2012 for mention while Haruna was remanded in prison custody pending when he will meet his bail condition.

 

Police Rescue NYSC Corps Member Kidnapped In Delta State

 

A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in Delta State, Mr. Uchenna Abueme, who was abducted last Saturday in Asaba and taken to a hideout in a neighbouring town, Okpanam, has  been found, after spending 28 hours in the bush.
Delta State Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, told Vanguard, yesterday, that the corps member “has been found in good health.”
He was reported to have been kidnapped on Saturday at 7.30am  by three armed men along with one  Chinonso Chris, while driving in a Camry car on Ekeobi Nwandu Street, Asaba.
The kidnappers, according to Muka abandoned their victims, when they found that police were after them, which eventually led their victims escaping into the bush.

 

Nuhu Ribadu vows to fish subsidy thieves in a week

 

The former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday boasted that he will fish out the petroleum subsidy thieves within one week if given the task by the Federal Government.

He blamed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency for all the atrocities perpetrated in the management of the fund, saying the agency released the funds and did not account for it.

He submitted that as an intelligent chief he would simply check their letters of credit and bill of landing to bring all those who benefited from the subsidy to justice.

Ribadu, who spoke at the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission in Abuja, said all the regulatory irregularities in Nigeria are due to “leadership failure.”

His words: “Look at the energy sector and see what we are talking about. Most of the problems we are talking about today are failure of regulation or regulators including the subsidy. If PPPRA had lived up to expectations we would not be having these problems.  Nobody will take one penny from government if those agencies did not allow them.

“If I was to handle this subsidy I will just catch PPPRA. I will bring out each one of them and in one week I will get the people responsible because the gate keeper is the one in charge.

“I will just get them because nobody will make one penny from the subsidy unless PPPRA allows it. For every single person that benefited from subsidy I can assure you public officers gained three times,” Ribadu stated.

He added that the NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, needs “courage” to carry out the reform in the power sector.

 

FG issues 4-week ultimatum to resolve power projects matters

 

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The Vice President has issued a warning to all contractors handling power projects in the country

Vice President Namadi Sambo on Tuesday in Abuja directed that all issues hindering transmission of electricity to Nigerians be resolved within four weeks.

Mr. Sambo gave the directive at a meeting of the board of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) at the State House.

He said that to resolve all issues inhibiting the completion of transmission lines and distribution of power, a meeting of the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, Managing Director of NDPHC, Minister of Power and other stakeholders would be convened next week.

He frowned at contractors who are slow in executing projects and stressed that all issues that would ensure speedy completion of the projects would be addressed during the meeting.

On getting constant gas supply for the power plants, Mr. Sambo directed that advertisements be placed for interested gas companies as “there are companies interested in supplying the product to power the plants”.

In his remark, the Minister of Power, Bart Nnaji, noted that a lot of power projects would be inaugurated within the year.

He warned that the Federal Government would not condone contractors “who are moving slowly on the projects”.

Meanwhile, the meeting approved that all projects under the National Integrated Power Project should attain 50 per cent completion in July.

It also approved NDPHC’s requests which included supply of parts to the power projects in Calabar and Egbema in Imo.

 

Plateau gets new curfew from 7pm to 6am

Following a review of the security situation in troubled Plateau State, by the state’s Security Council, Governor Jonah Jang has reviewed the 24 hour curfew imposed in four local government areas of the state. According to a statement by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Abraham Yiljap, the stay at home order has now been reviewed from 7pm to 6am with effect from Tuesday and will remain so till further notice.

Barcelona protests as Mourinho eye poke ban lifted

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Barcelona have protested angrily against the Spanish football federation's decision to lift a two-match ban given to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho for poking Barca assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye last season.

With more than a month to go until the start of the 2012-13 La Liga campaign, bad blood has already boiled up between the bitter rivals.

Barca spokesman Toni Freixa said Mourinho's exoneration, part of a general amnesty for sanctioned players and coaches, damaged the image of Spanish football and would only encourage further aggression.

The volatile Portuguese was punished after attacking Vilanova, who has since taken over as first-team coach from Pep Guardiola, from behind during a Super Cup match.

However, the ban was rescinded by football federation president Angel Maria Villar, who traditionally exonerates some players and coaches after sealing re-election.

He was voted in unopposed for a seventh four-year term in February and his latest amnesty was announced at the RFEF's general assembly in Madrid earlier on Tuesday.

Freixa said Barca president Sandro Rosell had expressed the club's displeasure at the prospect of Mourinho's ban being lifted at a federation board meeting on Monday.

"As we understand it, an aggression towards a coach deserves punishment," Freixa said on Barca's website.

"This decision does not mean the aggressor is innocent, but leads them to believe that they can continue to attack people without fear of punishment," he added.

"It's a bad example for Spanish football that this aggression is going unpunished."

The federation's decision meant Vilanova's one-match ban for reacting to the aggression was also lifted, as were bans given to Real pair Mesut Ozil and Marcelo and Barca's David Villa, who were all red-carded during the match.

All five are now clear to take part when La Liga champions Real and Copa del Rey winners Barca meet next month in the 2012 Super Cup, the two-legged curtain-raiser to the season.

Real director Emilio Butragueno said Barca had benefited from Villar's amnesties in the past without Real commenting or taking any action.

"The federation president has the power to do it and we are respectful of that," the former Real and Spain striker said on Real's website.

"We won't mention things that are in the past, but everyone is familiar with them and Barca was the protagonist and Madrid never said anything," he added.

One player who did not benefit from Villar's generosity was Granada's Dani Benitez, who was banned for three months after throwing a plastic bottle at the referee after his side lost to Real last season.

"I wasn't expecting to have my ban lifted," Benitez was quoted as saying by Marca sports daily.

"In Spain the big teams have always had an advantage compared to the small ones," he added.

"What I did was more serious than Mourinho's but Mourinho's is also serious."

The first leg of this year's Super Cup is at Barca's Nou Camp stadium on August 23, with the return leg at Real's Bernabeu arena on August 30.

 

Supreme Court: Oil Wells Belong to Akwa Ibom

10 Jul 2012

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 Outgoing Chief Justice Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher





By Tobi Soniyi



The Supreme Court Tuesday said that Cross River State has ceased to be a littoral state and therefore was not entitled to 76 oil wells which lie offshore as they were no longer in its maritime territory.

A full panel of the court comprising seven justices headed by the outgoing Chief Justice Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, held that the 76 oil wells were rightly attributed to Akwa Ibom State by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) inter-agencies meeting.

But before dismissing Cross River’s case, the court brushed aside an application by Cross River State asking it not to deliver the judgment.

In the lead judgment written by Justice Olufunlola Adekeye, the court held that the agreement which initially allowed Cross River to have the 76 oil wells had been frustrated by the handing over of Bakassi to Cameroon.

She held that the 13 per cent derivation revenue from the 76 oil wells between Akwa Ibom state and Cross River State must continue to be attributed to the state on whose maritime territory they were found to be located by the relevant government agencies.
According to her, Cross State no longer has any maritime boundary as it was landlocked.

She held that the plaintiff not being a littoral state and not having a maritime boundary or abutting the sea, the 76 oil wells which lie offshore and within a maritime territory, which were the subject matter of the suit, could not be attributed to it.

She said: “The plaintiff has no maritime territory since the cessation of Bakassi Peninsula and the Cross River estuary which used to be part of the state prior to August 2008.

“The present position of the plaintiff cannot be blamed on any government agency particularly the National Boundary Commission and the RMAFC. The two statutory bodies must perform their statutory duties based on facts and realities to compile the indices for the payment of the derivation revenues to entitled states.”

Adekeye ruled that the agreement upon which Cross River based its claim for entitlement to the oil wells had been discharged by frustration that is the handing over Bakassi to Cameroon.

She said that the court could not close its eyes to the existing situation and declared that the plaintiff should continue to enjoy the benefits and privileges of a littoral state when it was no longer one by subsequent legal changes.

“This court can not because of the influx of refugees from Bakassi into Cross River State give a legislative judgment. The government of Nigeria has a means of providing for the social needs of the people of Cross River State faced with the social problems thrusted on the state due to the cessation of Bakassi peninsula to the Cameroon,” she added.

Adekeye advised the government of Cross River State to explore the avenue of getting the Federal Government to provide for the social needs of the people of the state.

Reacting to the judgment, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, commended the justices for refusing to be intimidated by blackmails.

He said that he was ready to pursue peace with Cross River State because of the common history which the people shared.

He however said that as a condition for peace, Cross River State should apologise for spreading lies and propaganda and for deliberately filing papers that are capable of impugning the integrity of Supreme Court justices and official of the National Boundary Commission.

Akpabio also said that contrary to claim by Cross River, Niger had not lost any territory and would not lose any territory because of the Supreme Court judgment.

He said: “The Supreme court today gave judgment on the lingering oil well controversy.  I want to applaud the justices of the court for not allowing themselves to be intimidated. The last few days have been full of propaganda which could have caused acrimony between two sister states.

“The judgment has laid to rest the controversy over the 76 oils wells which were originally taken from Akwa Ibom state. The oil wells have been in Akwa Ibom and were always in Akwa Ibom.

“I want to assure Nigerians that there was no loss of territory as the judgment has nothing to do with any single loss of territory. On our part we are always going to work with our sister state I will continue to assist them so that the state can continue to grow.

“Let me state here that even without derivation I would still be performing. So governors must begin to imbibe innovations to shore up their internally generated revenue and attract investments to their states.

“We must try to run Nigeria on the basis of justice. I have said that the deductions from the allocations of Akwa Ibom state are illegal.  I am very open to discuss because now that the judgment has been delivered we can now talk as the people now know the truth.

“We should not allow people to feed Nigerians with all sorts of misinformation aimed at perverting justice.
For us to move forward the people whose image had been tarnished deserve an apology. The government of Cross River state must apologize to the government officials of as the government of Nigeria and government of Akwa Ibom have nothing against Cross Rivers State.  Impugning the integrity of these people amounted to having justice at all cost. They must apologize and withdraw all the petitions they are filling before we can discuss.”

Cross River State dragged Akwa Ibom State and the Federal Government to the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, to transfer 76 oil wells which originally belonged to it to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

 

Gbenga Daniel Compares Himself To Jesus, Says “I am Being Persecuted Like Jesus”

 

A former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, on Sunday said his trial can be compared to that of Jesus Christ who was persecuted for being compassionate.
Mr. Daniel made this statement at the 50th birthday anniversary of Sina Kawonise, the former commissioner of information and strategy during his administration held at conference hotel, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
According to the former governor, “his court trial remains the biggest probe in the history of the state and meant to persecute him for no just reason”.
He likened his trial to that of Jesus Christ, Obafemi Awolowo and Abraham Adesanya.
“The question is this, why was Jesus christ crucified despite his good work, why was Obafemi Awolowo persecuted, why was Abraham Adesanya persecuted. It was only because they dare to correct the wrong in the society”.
Mr. Daniel held that he has been falsely accused of being a ritualist, a murderer and a fraudster in order to crucify him.
“There is no offence they have not accused us of, we are facing the biggest probe in the history of this state,all in a way of persecution, but till date they have not establish the offences,” he said.
He said he would remain unperturbed despite the trial adding that he would remain bold to embrace the truth at all time.
Mr. Daniel evaded the question of which party – Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) or the Peoples Party of Nigeria(PPN)- his supporters belong to in the current dispensation.
He simply said, “If there is no crisis there won’t be solution, but with recent political unfolding events, solution is in sight.”
During his tenure as governor, Mr. Daniel allegedly diverted funds and properties belonging to the state for private use.
He is currently on trial for corruption before an Ogun State High Court.

 

How I parked out of my marital home in the middle of the night – Ayo Adesanya

 

 

Ayo Adesanya, is one of the most respected Nollywood actresses today. However, in 2009, she made the headlines for the wrong reasons, after she split from her husband, Goriola Hassan, after eight years of marriage.
In this interview, the University of Ibadan graduate opens up on her marriage, her new movie ‘Amope Alasela’ and more:


What informs this gentleness about you which you exhibit?
I think it has to do with my nature. I don’t catch my trip being hyper or everywhere. I have a calm nature and I look well before I take my actions. That does not suggest ‘am an introvert. I talk and gist when I see people ‘am familiar with.
How do you handle male suitors as a star actress especially now that you are out of marriage?
That is true I have a couple of guys who want to go out with me but am mature minded and know how to handle men. There is a way you tell somebody “No” without being rude to the person.
Does that suggest you are in any relationship for now?
(laughs) Yes I am in a relationship.
Is it the same relationship that created so much attention about you dating an official of a parastatal like a year ago?Really?
(laughs) I am in a relationship and ‘am enjoying every bit of the relationship.
Are you going to give marriage a trial?
If it comes why not? Definitely I will give marriage a trial. There are several level-headed men around. So I will give marriage another try someday.
Do you think you and your ex-husband, Goriola Hassan can reconcile?
Capital NO. I don’t see anything of such happening we are not just compatible. We can never reconcile, never.
What didn’t you see the incompatibility while you were together?
As human beings we are not perfect. We make mistakes and learn from our actions. Life experiences can come in the hard way or any other way.
What are the irreconcilable difference that is responsible for your not coming back?
His ways are not my ways. And I don’t think anyone in a relationship that is not bringing happiness should stay.
How many years did the relationship last?
The relationship lasted for about 8 years.
What does being out of the marriage leave you with?
It leaves me a happier person. I have also been able to discover myself. There are several things now I can do all by myself now than before.
How true is it that you parked out of the house in the middle of the night?
Yes, I parked out of the house in the middle of the night. I don’t want to relive my past.
You both have the same tattoo drawn on your arms. That obviously is a sign an attachment
(cuts in) I have started undergoing series of surgeries abroad to clear the tattoo off my body.
Does that not suggest efforts to get rid of anything about him?
I am just tired of having tattoos on me. I have mellowed now on all those stuffs. I am now more spiritual and my religious inclinations kicks against it.
What is the state of your relationship with your ex-husband?
I don’t want to go into that please.
Who is responsible for the upkeep of your son?
I don’t want to go into that for the sake of my son.
As a single mother, how do you cope with paying bills?
Don’t forget I work moreover God has been good to me.
Peradventure you decide to settle down, who is your kind of man?
He must be God-fearing. I mean a real God-fearing man because there are so many fake God fearing men around. He must also be humble even if he owns the world. Humility means a lot to me. He must also be cool and nice to me.
What if the man in your life demands your hand in marriage?
Of course, I will marry him. And no further comments on that please.
There are strong insinuations that the man in your life is married…
That is not true. The man in my life is single. He is 100% single.
He has never been married?
I am not talking about the man in my life. He is single.
What do you like about him?
He is God-fearing and really understands me well including my short comings.
Are you cool with your status?
Yes I am very fine. And I can pay any amount just to be happy.
So when is your son getting a junior one?
(laughs) I am not God oooo please.

 

Turkey to Invest in Nigerian Steel Industry

 

The trade between Nigerian and Turkey was approximately $ 1.2 billion in 2011. Most exports from Turkey into Nigeria were steel products, according to the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Economy, representing the Turkish government, Mr. Yavuz Ozutku. This is why Turkey is eager to invest in the Nigerian Steel Industry.
Yavuz Ozutku speaking at an executive parley attended by a delegation of Turkish and Nigerian businessmen in Lagos said Turkey was excited about partnering with Nigeria in the steel sector.
He said, “Just two weeks ago there was a Turkish exhibition in Lagos. And now we are here with the Turkish Steel manufacturers and exporters. Steel is an important product for us. Last year, steel and iron was number one in our exports to Nigeria. This is because Nigeria has a booming economy and in such an economy construction is the most important sector.”
Speaking of the growth in bi-lateral trade to $ 1.2 billion, he said, “The reason why we are in Nigeria is to meet and introduce ourselves to the business community and share experiences with Nigerian business people because Turkish business in Nigeria has increased. For this reason, we have come with 21 leading companies to meet with the Nigerian business fraternity”.
He also spoke on the similarities between the economic policy thrusts of both countries, adding that he was delighted to hear that Nigeria aspired to be one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020 and added that Turkey aimed to be one of the tenth biggest economies in the world by 2023.
“Nigeria and Turkey are not so different because we are going to the same direction and therefore we would like to have more and more business with Nigeria because both countries need it. So we are here to boost trade; not only that, investment is also an important part of our mission,” he explained.

 

2013 Budget will be used to Pay Off Debts – Okonjo Iweala

 

 

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy has gone back to her roots as a debt retirement specialist. Speaking recently on her concerns over the escalating domestic debt portfolio of the Federal Government, she declared that the 2013 budget will be used to pay off the country’s debts.
Nigeria’s domestic debt profile currently looms at an imposing N 5.9 trillion.
The minister of finance speaking  during a consultative meeting with members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the 2013 budget said the 2013 budget would be tight.
Her words: “We need to slow down the rate of borrowing domestically, it is worrisome. The interest rate at which the Federal Government is raising debt at the moment is high; we are raising debt at 15 per cent, which is on the high side.
“Since I came on board, we have been trying to decelerate the rate at which the domestic debt is accumulating. In the 2011 budget, we borrowed N852bn, we reduced it to N744bn in the 2012 budget and we are going to take it further down in the 2013 budget. What we are aiming for is to bring it down to a level of about N500bn in the medium term, which we think is a reasonable level.”
She added, “We are proposing in this budget a sinking fund where we can put few of our money in the form of bonds. Efforts are being made to make sure that the sinking fund is effectively managed, considering the nation’s domestic debt profile.”
The minister was clear in her statement that the debt-to-GDP ratio was still very manageable at less than 30% and that the external debt portfolio was not a source of concern.
She said, “Both domestic and external debts are still below 30 per cent. The target we set for ourselves is 30 per cent to 35 per cent, while the standard limit for our peer is 40 per cent. Our problem is not the external debt.”