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Ribadu worth N26 million at end of EFCC tenure

Posted by 9jabook.com on December 30, 2010 at 1:14am
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSK8zaoh4DhamZ4EkpfNvFBVGXd1JIN5BCU2avt6y_-EGRJ-477Nuhu Ribadu, a presidential aspirant under the Action Congress of Nigeria, was worth about N26.59 million in assets and cash while leaving office as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2007, details of asset declaration documents exclusively obtained by NEXT have revealed.

According to the end of tenure asset declaration document which was declared before Abubakar S. Umar, a Justice of the High Court of Justice in Abuja on 26 November, 2008, Mr. Ribadu lost N1.357 million worth of assets during his five-year tenure as chairman of EFCC.

The documents, which were admitted by a three-man panel of the Code of Conduct Tribunal led by Justice Constance Momoh in December 2009, show that Mr. Ribadu was worth N27.94 million by March 2002, before he became the EFCC chairman.

For public scrutiny

Details of the document show that before Mr. Ribadu became the EFCC chair, he had 187 cows valued at N7.5 million, a residential quarters in Yola worth N4.5 million, and a N10 million land in Abuja. He also had a Honda Accord car valued at N2 million, a Honda CRV valued at N2.3 million and N1.6 million and £200 cash in two local banks and a London bank respectively.

The end of tenure asset declaration by Mr. Ribadu shows that while he was leaving EFCC in 2008, he had $8,064 in two local banks, sourced from his allowances, a plot of land at Katampe Hills in Abuja valued at N2 million, a residential quarters in Yola valued at N5 million, and a N200,000 home furniture. He also had a N2.3 million Honda Accord car bought in 2006...

He, however, lost 67 cows and was left with 120 cows valued at N5 million.

Mr. Ribadu, who was finally relieved of his duty as chairman of EFCC, was prosecuted half way by the late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua-led government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over allegations that he did not declare his assets before taking up the EFCC job.

In late 2008, he went on a self-imposed exile after alleging threats to his life, but the case against him was dropped at the Code of Conduct Tribunal by the federal government after the death of Mr. Yar'Adua and the subsequent removal of Michael Aondoakaa as the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice.

Adetokunbo Kayode, who took over the Justice ministry from Mr. Aaondoaka, had before the dissolution of the cabinet by President Goodluck Jonathan, reviewed the case against Mr. Ribadu and directed that the case should be withdrawn. He later filed a Nolle Prosequi to discontinue the case.

A case of vendetta

Mr. Ribadu, who confirmed the validity of the documents, described the case the government had against him as vendetta by the Yar'Adua administration, which was filled with men he had put up for prosecution while he was in office as EFCC chairman.

He said that although the Goodluck Jonathan's administration withdrew the case and made it easy for him to return to the country, he would have preferred a logical conclusion of the case.

"My lawyers already filed that the case be struck out following the admission of my 2002 asset declaration forms by the Justice Constance Momoh-led panel in December 2009," he said.

The return of Mr. Ribadu and others who went into exile was one of the achievements listed by President Jonathan as one of the tangible achievements of his administration.

On his Facebook page on Christmas Eve the president wrote:

"Last Christmas, several exiles such as Nuhu Ribadu and Nasir El-Rufai, etc., spent Christmas away from their friends and families. But this Christmas, they have the liberty to be with their friends and families in Nigeria. Plus, there are NO Nigerian political exiles outside Nigeria this Christmas."
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Is Microsoft Dying: CNN Money says that the end may be near for Microsoft's attempts to appeal to the masses

Posted by technology on October 27, 2010 at 11:30pm
Amid record profits Microsoft has serious cause for concern. It is coming off the high of the fastest-selling operating system in its history -- Windows 7. That OS sent its profits soaring and convinced some that Microsoft was no longer on the retreat.

17229_steve-ballmer-laughs.jpg
But part of Windows 7's success was due to how poorly received Vista was. With Windows 8 landing reportedly in 2012, the company may have significant difficulties in convincing the average consumer to upgrade to its latest and great OS.

Other than the Windows brand, Xbox and Microsoft Office are the company's other two major successes in the consumer sector. But the Xbox trails Nintendo's “family friendly” Wii and the Office team is getting seriously nervous about growing consumer interest in OpenOffice.Photos Steve Balmer and Bill Gates ..

On the other hand, Bing has failed to gain even 10 percent of the search market in most metrics, despite a massive ad push and a deal with Yahoo. Zune remains a tiny player in the MP3 market, having failed to become a true competitor in terms of sales to Apple's iPod line. And Microsoft's smartphone empire, once a major player, is in rebuilding mode after the disastrous Kin and ill-received Windows Mobile 6.5. It is placing its hopes on Windows Phone 7, but that phone enters a packed market.

Internet Explorer, Microsoft's browser, has long led the market, but has seen a steady decline in recent years, which may allow Firefox and Chrome to eventually reach its formerly insurmountable market share peak. Microsoft's key hope here is a new product, Internet Explorer 9.

So while it seems that CNN Money's recent headline, "Microsoft is a dying consumer brand", is a bit sensational, it is a claim that is grounded in some reality.

One of the key points in the article is that aside from the struggles of many of Microsoft's consumer "expansion" business units, it is also bleeding executive talent, like many other struggling firms (HP, Yahoo, etc.). States the report, "Microsoft's executive suite is in turmoil. CFO Chris Liddel, entertainment unit head Robbie Bach, device design leader J Allard and business division chief Stephen Elop have left within the past year. Ray Ozzie joined the exit parade last week."

The report praises Microsoft's recent efforts, but concludes in cautionary fashion, "Microsoft just has to hope [they're] not too late."

Much like the Romans or Greeks, Microsoft has built a mighty empire, a key part of which are expansions into new arenas -- in Microsoft's case phones, video game consoles, and internet services.

But much like the Roman empire fell, Microsoft appears dangerously close to losing its expansions to hungrier parties. But much like Rome, it will likely hold on to its central holdings (Windows, Internet Explorer, Xbox, and Microsoft Office) for some time, even if its other efforts fall into commercial purgatory.

The talent gap is absolutely a concern for Microsoft. And equally concerning is the fact that the company is being led by Steve Ballmer. Mr. Ballmer, while a brilliant tactician in some regards and a man with obviously enormous love for the company, has failed to execute a strategy to turn around the company's struggling units -- or one that works at least.

To succeed, Microsoft may need to move on without Mr. Ballmer. But who to pick to lead the world's largest software company, perhaps the most powerful technology company in the world? The leading candidates have already left the company. That means that, essentially, there's no easy answer to Microsoft's leadership issues and that the ongoing risk to the company is tremendous.

Is Microsoft's consumer brand "dying"? Not yet, in our minds. But it lacks the hunger that it once did. And it most certainly sorely misses the leadership of its founder and chief visionary -- Bill Gates..
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Muslims end fasting with festivities Ramadan Kareem to ALL our muslim Brothers & Sisters !

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on September 10, 2010 at 6:00am
Muslims across the country today joined their compatriots to celebrate the end of the month-long Ramadan. Prayers and festivities marked the Eid-el Fitri, with many taking advantage of the two-day public holiday declared by the federal government to travel to celebrate with families and friends.

Nigerian leaders used the occasion to exhort citizens to support next year’s election and exercise tolerance with one another.

Spiritual purification

Nigeria’s Vice President, Namadi Sambo, urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the spiritual and historical significance of the period.

“At this occasion, there is need for us to imbibe the spirit of obedience, sacrifice and total submission to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. This way, the fear and love of Allah will increase and fill our hearts. This is a guidance to righteousness,” he said.

He advised citizens to be their “brothers’ keepers” and shun all deviant behaviour, work towards promoting peace and good neighbourliness. Mr Sambo thanked all Nigerians for their continuous support and cooperation and promised that the government was resolute in its “commitment to the provision of adequate infrastructure, free, fair and credible elections and guarantee the security of lives and properties as well as maintain law and order for sustainable development.”

Call to piety.

The Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, called on Muslims to carry the devotion and piety displayed during the Ramadan into their daily dealings and interactions with their countrymen.

He said a time like this calls for prayers, especially as our country begins the process of electing new leaders to pilot its affairs, adding that all Nigerians, irrespective of their faith, must come together as one and ensure that they contribute their own quota to ensure the success of the forthcoming polls.

The Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda, encouraged Muslims to always follow the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, especially on how he maintained good relationship with non-Muslims and promoted peace throughout his life. He said there is need for all Muslims to copy the good deeds of the Prophet, as he always promoted peace among his followers. He also charged Muslims to adopt the good teaching of the Ramadan, which entails abstinence from some basic human needs such as food, drink and sexual intercourse during the day.

Nuhu Ribadu, former chair of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, said the period has provided Muslims an ample opportunity to have a sober reflection on the state of things in our country. “This should serve as a challenge to Nigerians not only to fully be involved in the electoral process, but to do the right things at all times, particularly as the 2011 elections draw near,” he said.

He called on Muslims to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri to pray for free and fair elections, and also ensure that they work towards achieving it.

Anambra State governor, Peter Obi said the successful conclusion of the Ramadan is an apt reminder that human society must be imbued with those values that lead to and reflect the brilliance of God.

‘Greatness will come to nations that consciously plan and work for it through consensus and confidence-building,’ he said.

The Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, told Muslims yesterday not to deviate from the strict adherence to selflessness, forgiveness, generosity and peaceful co-existence with their neighbours, which were the hallmark of the holy month of Ramadan.

Mr. Mimiko urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on their spiritual lives and on what could be done to uplift the nation to the heights dreamed for it by its founding fathers.

Rising prices

Prices of food and livestock rose on Wednesday across the country, as people thronged markets to purchase items for the celebration.

The increased patronage made the price of a medium-sized ram to go from N25,000 to N30,000, while a big ram sold for between N45,000 and N50,000, as against N38,000. A big turkey sold for N11, 000 instead of N9,000, while the prices of a medium and large sized chicken increased from N1,200 and N1,500 to N1,500 and N1,700 respectively.

Haruna Usman, the Secretary of the Livestock Traders Association, Allah Margrima Market, Iganmu, Lagos, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the hike in prices was not only owing to increased demand but to the high transportation costs. He also blamed it on alleged extortion by some revenue collectors and law enforcement agents.

“Transporting a trailer-load of ram from the north to Lagos costs between N100, 000 and N120, 000 because of the money we pay at checkpoints,” he said.

He appealed to states, and the federal government, to address the extortions, to reduce the prices of goods and services.
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Ecobank Loses 4.5Billion Year end Results

Posted by 9jabook.com on May 4, 2010 at 6:50pm

Eco Bank Nigeria Plc on Tuesday released its audited results for the year end 31 December, 2009 revealing a loss before tax of N5.944 billion and a loss after tax of N4.588 billion, disclosed Jibril Aku, its managing director yesterday at a press conference.

Mr. Aku said the bank had faced challenges just like every other bank in the industry following the banking industry crisis and the required provisioning for non performing loans.

“A major reason for the results is from the Fees and Commission section (which consists of trade transactions, payment turnover, compensation) which rose to N17 billion, from N10 billion the previous year and the provisioning we had to do.” The bank had an increase in its turnover to N59, 864.0 billion from N55.156.0 billion in its financial year end, 31 December, 2008. Fixed assets also rose to N21.382 billion from N18.818 billion in December 2008. Cash and other balances however fell to N9.524 billion from N18.768 billion in December 2008. Other credit balances fell to N38, 297 billion from N89.966 billion in December 2008 but the banks working capital increased by about 400 per cent from N33.416 billio in December 2008 to N172.442 billion in December 2009.

Mr. Aku said the bank did not really suffer any imbalance arising from the common year end as it has usually closed its books in December, yearly.

Moving forward

The managing director said the bank has experienced a few changes in the last one year, including the takeover of a new managing director, the introduction of three executive directors from other countries to shore up its Nigerian base and meet the present challenges.

“There were also changes in the local board like the board chairman and so on and some other people have also joined the board.

“We have slightly amended our businesses, following the happenings in the industry. Our services are now divided into two, corporate banking and domestic banking. The credit process is stronger now. There are now more portfolio reviewers, stress testing have improved, it’s a whole new remake now of the credit process to tighten it”.

“We want to promote the strength that we have. We hope that we see very strong trade links in Africa very soon. Our companies in about 30 African countries and alliances with NED Bank in South Africa and a representing company in Dubai and Eco Bank France are positioning us to be able to bridge financial businesses within and outside Africa.

Mr. Aku became the bank’s helmsman in March this year taking over from Offong Ambah who was elevated to Group Executive Director, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated in charge of Ecobank Capital.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Aku was the Executive Director in charge of Treasury & Financial Institutions.

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Obafemi Martins 3Trillion Naira Jamboree Extravaganza Lifestyle

Posted by Choochoo Sports Book on November 21, 2009 at 6:00am
It has been revealed how Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, extranvagantly squandered about N3.1 trillions while a player of Newcastle.MartinsadvertisementHis former management company, NVA Management Limited who has dragged the player to court over breach of contarct, told the jury how the player’s account almost went red because of his lifestyle.Obafemi Martins was paid £75,000, but allegedly squandered the earnings on an extravagant lifestyleA former Premiership footballer routinely blew his £75,000 a week wages in a matter of days and was constantly overdrawn, a court was told yesterday.Obafemi, ex-Newcastle striker 25, was paid the handsome salary after he joined the club for a £10million fee in August 2006.But despite his extraordinary earnings, his former management team yesterday claimed they repeatedly bailed him out after his bank account continually slipped into the red.The High Court heard that the Nigerian international player would withdraw £40,000 in cash from his bank account at the end of the week.But that would only last him two days, the court heard, as he topped up with a further £25,000 on the Monday morning.He was always overdrawn and repeatedly relied upon NVA Management Limited to ‘manage his life’, the High Court was told.Martins, who owned several fast cars including a top of the range Porsche 4X4, spent the money funding an extravagant lifestyle of luxurious penthouse homes and fine dining.He is now being sued by his former management company which claims that he still owes them 300,000 for sorting out his finances.He told the court that Martins would withdraw £40,000 for the weekend, followed by another £25,000 on the Monday.‘Despite earning these vast sums of money he was constantly overdrawn,’ added Mr Tennink.He said the firm, which looks after the affairs of several footballers, film and music stars, said that Martins had agreed to pay them for simply managing his life.It was under their stewardship that Martins agreed a £2million image rights deal ‘simply for being Mr Martins’.It’s claimed Martins was constantly overdrawn despite earning £75,000-a-weekHe also had lucrative sponsorship deals with various companies including Pepsi and Nike but had not been paid.When the company stepped in to run his affairs they sorted the unpaid contracts, bringing in thousands of pounds.They also organised visas when he travelled to Italy, where he once played for Inter Milan, and sorted out his passport, his mortgage and property valuations.They even arranged critical illness cover and were constantly running up and down the motorway from their London offices to Newcastle in a bid to do all that he required.‘But surely these were things a secretary could do?’ asked Judge Richard Seymour QC, referring to the size of fees charged.‘It was a Jeeves-type of role that they performed.’Mr Tennink protested that managing every aspect of his life was just part of what they did, and asked the judge to bear in mind the sort of figures these players earned.He said Martins had come to them in July 2007 and had agreed a fee of around £300,000 plus 20 per cent of any sponsorship monies they managed to acquire on his behalf.“He asked for these services to be carried out,” Mr Tennink told the court.Before they managed his affairs, Martins had not been paid a penny for his image rights for the use of his name on Newcastle shirts and mugs and had received nothing from his sponsorship deals.He could not even find the contracts he had originally signed, Mr Tennink added.Martins paid the company £67,500 in January last year and another £25,000 in April last year.But the question for the court to decide, said Mr Tennink, was whether there was a ‘binding obligation’ for him to pay the outstanding bill of over £300,000.After Newcastle were relegated from the Premiership last summer Martins was sold for £9million to German Bundesliga Champions Wolfsburg.Martins, who once owned a penthouse apartment overlooking Newcastle’s exclusive Quayside, is fighting the claim.The hearing is scheduled to last for three days.
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Advise me: my husband jilted me for my friend and met his end, she died also .am I to blame ?

Posted by cozzy webtatafo on October 26, 2009 at 7:30pm
advertisement It is a strange world we live, where friends snatch their friends' husband Our writer today needs your advice to go on with her life after her husband left her for her best friend. Please, read and advise her. Thanks, My name is Funmi. I met my husband in Ondo State after my NCE programme. We were friends for sometime but later things started getting serious between us. Dare was very understanding and caring and, moreover, we are from the same town. This earned him my family's love. Dare was not educated; he dropped out of school because of financial constraint. I didn’t see that as a problem because I believe Dare would go back to school when things get better for him. In the interim, he learnt tailoring somewhere in town. The love I had for him then did not allow me to see anything wrong in what he was doing. I got transferred to Ibadan to teach in a primary school and, after, I persuaded Dare to join me so that we could continue our relationship. He did not agree at first, but after so much persuasion, he agreed. We started living together. For about three years, Dare could not lay his hands on anything; he was always complaining that there were no customers. When things did not get better, he said he wanted to be a cab driver, I agreed with him and we saved some money and bought him a Mistibushi car. After some months, I discovered that I was pregnant and well, Dare did not deny this and he was ready to marry me. My parents were not happy with me because I got pregnant before marriage, but because Dare was ready to have my hand in marriage they had no choice, they conceeded. The wedding day was fixed and we started preparing. I called my childhood friend, Funke, to inform her of my intentions and also to ask her to be my chief bride’s maid. Funke had been in Ibadan before I relocated there. She and I went for shopping in preparation for the wedding. Funke was very supportive even after the wedding, she was a shoulder to lean on. Our friendship took another dimension after; we got closer. I forgot to tell you that she was a fashion designer too and things were quite okay with her, so I advised her to try and get a man to settle down with and to this, we started praying for a God-sent man who would be her husband. In due time, God answered our prayers; a brother to one of her customers showed interest in her and after some months, they did introduction and started living together; this was when I had my first baby, a girl. Just like a true friend, Funke played a prominent role during the naming ceremony; it was as if it was her child and after some months, she also became pregnant, and my advice to her as a friend was that she should formalise the wedding so that she would not have the baby out of wedlock. She took my advice and got married. After some years, my husband started behaving funny; he started keeping late nights. He neglected his responsibilities at home and stopped caring for the children. I became worried over this and raised the issue with him, but all to no avail; he wouldn't bulge. I was itching so much to pour out my mind to someone but I couldn't since Funke rarely came visiting like before and I was also very busy with my work. However, I went to our home town to report Dare to his people; I didn't know I was digging the grave for my marriage. By the time I got home, Dare had completely abandoned the children and went away. The children later told me that he came the night I left for Ondo, asked after me and went ahead to pack some of his clothes and went out that night. I was perplexed when I heard this. Where could he have gone to? Nobody knew his whereabouts. I tried to look for him, but to no avail. On a fateful day, Lekan, one of my children, said he saw him around Funke’s place at night. My heart beat with hope and I thought I had found my man. But the boy reported that when Dare saw him, he didn’t say anything but went in quietly into Funke’s apartment. I was shocked and confused and wondered what he could be doing in Funke’s flat at that time of the night. When Lekan sensed I was very worried he let the cat out of the bag. He said one of Funke's sons in his school had told him secretly that Dare had been in their house all these while. I was so confused at that piece of information that I almost ran crazy. I cried myself to sleep that night. The following morning, I decided to see Funke to confirm what Lekan had told me. To my surprise, I saw Funke with a bulging tummy! Of course, she couldn’t have been impregnated by her husband who had been in London. She was shocked when she saw me but she summoned courage and confronted me when I asked about Dare. To my utmost shock, Funke ordered me out of her house and warned me not to come there again. She shouted on me and called me all sorts of names. I was dumbfounded even as passersby were asking me what happened, I couldn’t say anything. I couldn't believe Dare and my best friend could connive to do this to me. I accepted my fate and pulled myself together. I knew I needed the strength to bring up my children and to continue with my life. I got closer to God. However, I later learnt that Dare and Funke had packed out of the house to live in a street, not quite far from ours. Funke gave birth some months after and had a baby boy. I learnt that some people in our street attended the naming ceremony. I didn't allow that to bother me as I was ready to go on with my life without him. It wasn't long after this, that I heard the rumour that Dare was sick and was admitted to a hospital. I pitied him and wanted to go and see him, but I didn't want Funke to see me and start calling me names. Things, however, did not get better for him because he died after some weeks. I felt terrible and cried bitterly. As if this was not enough, some weeks after, Funke also died mysteriously. Taiwo, this was the last straw that broke the camel's back. People on the street believed I did something; they accused me and called me a witch, alleging that I was the brain behind their deaths. This was enough pain for me and my children. How could I have done a thing like that, after all he left me and my children and met his end. How am I to be blamed? Please, advise me on what to do.
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I can end Niger Delta crisis ! •in six months –Achuzia

Posted by 9jabook.com on June 9, 2009 at 10:58am
Nigeria civil war hero and former Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Joe Achuzia, has faulted government’s strategies for solving the Niger Delta crisis insisting that both the Federal and the governments of the South South zone have been parochial in their handling of the problem. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Sun in Asaba, Chief Achuzia said the Nigerian Government was yet to pursue the right option for ending the tension and hostilities in the oil-rich region. The former Biafran warlord who confessed that he introduced setting oil fields on fire as a war strategy, offered to solve the Niger Delta problem in six months. He urged both in governments to humble themselves and seek the help of more knowledgeable hands Excerpts: Military incursion right option? What you should really ask is, ‘Is Nigeria government pursuing the right option?’ My answer is ‘No’. You see, the government of Nigeria, the government of Delta State and all the governments in South-South are seeing the problem with a jaundiced eye. It is for that reason that Obasanjo made a terrible mistake at Odi. I operated within the whole of these Creeks during the war and if there is anybody that taught them in Nigeria, how to set fire on crude oil, I am the one who did because, it is not easy to set fire on crude oil unless you know how. That I did during the war but the terrain from the West to Burutu and so on, is still the same. When Gowon declared 12 states and created Rivers State, part of why I did not fight back into Rivers State is that I had hoped that Diete Spiff and the rest would be able to transform the area. But having lived long enough to see Saro-Wiwa lament the decadence and bad situation existing within the Creek area, I realized that our people have not learnt a lesson. Why the crisis has persisted The problem is straight forward. They say those who must come to equity must come with clean hands. The governments that govern within our state and the whole of the South- South region have people with tainted hands. They are unable to come to equity with clean hands. Centrally, efforts have been made to give us certain concessions. If the 13 percent concession given for each state is devoted to develop the region, what is happening today wouldn’t be happening. Those areas would have become an Eldorado. But greed which is characteristic of Southern politicians has made it impossible and unless you belong to that club, you have no voice within the activities of governance. Way out of the mess Even if you ask me today to give an advice on how to bring the whole problem to a halt, it wouldn’t be MEND that would be pursuing me; it would be our own government. So, it will be senseless to ask me what should the government do. If I was able to go into Liberia at the height of their war to help solve their problem, I went to Kinshasa when Kabila was on his way to Kinshasa to make sure that Mobutu was not killed at the time that there is a peaceful transition of government, how much more the problem that is here. But it suits the present government to brand us as those the Federal government has rejected and as such, they don’t seek our advice. Rather, children, some whom my children are older than, look upon us as renegades and rebels forgetting that what affects me affects them, what affects them affects me. And the reason for their thinking that way is greed, as if you were coming to take part in what they call their own special preserve. The leaders of those South South governments will not tell you that they were not party to the creation of those people called MEND and the others across the Creeks. I Can fix it Any day they want me to prove it, call on me and within six months, this rubbish would stop. I don’t boast. When they were taking us when the war ended, one of our officers said that we would be killed. I told him not a hair of one person will be pulled. We were interviewed and I was sent to detention for seven years. My seven years I spent in Katsina Prison. Everybody thought I was dead but I can assure you I was treated like a Head of State. The North knows the value of valour. The country belongs to all of us, It will be in my interest to see the oil flowing again. False mediators I read about people who call themselves mediators. Foul. All these are pretenders. I don’t have to sit with Yar’Adua to tell them what to do. All I have to do is to tell them … … . We have armchair Generals and we have field Generals. I am not an armchair General. I ended the war as a Brigadier General but I chose to be addressed as a Colonel. Me and my convictions I don’t care what other people think. All I know is that once I am convinced, I believe God is with me and nothing will change it. People ask me that, “you said during the war, ‘not for me, not for my boys”. I said, Yes. I didn’t create the war; I didn’t invite them to come to fight. They came on their own. Whatever they are doing wouldn’t touch me. We wish them no evil, we have nothing against them, and I pass any person on my way and do my best not to hurt any person.
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Nigeria: NGO call for end of GAY discrimination LGBT

Posted by Charles Attah AccraNews on May 20, 2009 at 6:32am
Nigeria: call for end of LGBT (lesbians gays bisexuals and transexuals) discrimination on the International Day against Homophobia and TransphobiaWed, May 20, 2009NIGERIA 18 May 2009: Two non-governmental organisations in Lagos urged the three tiers of government to stop discriminating against homosexuals, lesbians and gay people. Officials of The Independent Project for Equal Rights (TIPER) and The International Centre for Sexual Reproductive Rights (INCRESE) made the appeal at a news briefing. They explained that the briefing was part of their preparation for Sunday’s celebration of the annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). They regretted that discrimination on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity had become a major concern for human rights organisations in Nigeria. Mrs Dorothy Aken Ova, Executive Director of INCRESE urged the protection of the fundamental rights of homosexuals and lesbians. She also urged the enlightenment of Nigerians to enable them to realise that gays had a right to life. “Research findings have shown that four per cent of the world population is gay and should be recognised by government through adequate representation, good education and acceess to the basic necessities of life. These people, though in the minority, did not create themselves. They should, therefore, enjoy the right to live their lives. The public must learn to respect them for who they are because if we begin to feel bad for one another, we will be calling for the destruction of some people, thus inviting genocide” she said.Ova noted that homosexuals, lesbians and the gay formed part of the electorate that voted for the various governments, charging them to take care of them. She urged the Federal Government to domesticate the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Mr Joseph Akoro, an Executive Director of TIPER, also urged the Federal Government to consider its commitment to the protection of all Nigerians from all forms of discrimination. He said the NGOs were collaborating to create awareness about the existence of gays in the country. Mr Victor Ogbodo, a member of the NGO, said the society would benefit more from accepting them. “If they are accepted by the public for what they are, there will be less marital problems because members of the opposite sex will have known before getting married to them. But if the society fails to accept them now and the issue begins to rear its head after marriage, we may only just be postponing the evil day,” he said.Ogbodo charged the government to protect the rights of all its citizens since the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians were enshrined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. He said that the groups were not considering sponsoring any bill at the National Assembly on the issue for now, “but we will begin to kick against any further restriction on our rights. “In future, should the need arise for us to sponsor a bill on their behalf, we will surely do so” he added.
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