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Meat Scarcity in Lagos from Fuel to President scarcity .Brief Relief lands for lagosians

Posted by 9jabook.com on March 16, 2010 at 2:48am

Yesterday, Lagosians got some relief as beef made a return to their meals. This is because the cattle sellers at the Lagos State Government Abattoir Complex, Oko-Oba in Agege, allowed the animals they had in stock to be sold and slaughtered, after the Cattle Dealers Association (CDA) and Food Stuff Merchants' Association of Nigeria reportedly suspended their seven-day warning strike over the weekend. jpeg&STREAMOID=ABkBie89WAeVBFA_JddE5S6SYeqqxXXqBcOgKOfTXxQGjaD5SzKqxNtVpHXuukQcnW_PgxgftuECOcfJwS6Jtlp$r8Fy$6AAZ9zyPuHJ25T7a9GKDSxsGxtpmxP0VAUyHL6IDcZHtmM2t7xO$FHdJG95dFi6y2Uma3vSsvPpVyo-

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Beef and tomatoes became scarce since early last week as the transporters, who brought them in from the northern part of the country, stopped transporting the commodities into the markets in the South-West region due to what they called the ‘exorbitant taxes and levies' imposed on them by the state officials. Although the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday, attempted to persuade the striking cattle transporters to resume their trade immediately, the strike stretched into the weekend, causing residents to resort to alternative options.

Comeback beef

However, it was a welcome cacophony of meat hacking and price haggling as hundreds of cattle were slaughtered at the Oko-Oba Abattoir, even if it was still above the usual price. This place had been devoid of activities since last Tuesday as no cattle was killed there. The northern cattle traders allowed the sales because, as We gathered, it was becoming too expensive to feed them, while the negotiations continued.

"The cattle owners said they didn't want the cows they brought in to die for nothing," a butcher, Akeem Alake, said in Yoruba. "They said the money they were using to feed them was too much so they are selling them off." The butchers, however, complained that they were buying for far above the normal market price.

The pace of work at the meat market was markedly higher than normal, as butchers, porters, knife carvers, and drivers of meat delivery vans tried to make up for lost time. However, an old hand in the market, Mumeni Ashipa, called for caution.

"With the rate at which people are buying and killing these cows, the whole thing may finish before night, because, as I'm talking to you right now, no truck has entered Lagos yet. All cattle you are seeing here are those brought in before the strike and they cannot last more than today," he said.

We found very few tomatoes, pepper or beef for sale over the weekend and Monday at the markets in the Agege Local Government Area. When found, the price was too high for consumers.

"The tomato seller said two (fruits) for fifty naira," a bachelor, Ayo Oriola, said. "I couldn't buy it, so I'm going to buy tin tomatoes and turkey wings now."

Paying too much

A cattle trader, Quaseem Olushola, who brings in his animals from Gombe, said he supported the strike. He said it costs him more than 300% to pay officials for his cargo to pass through states in the south than in the north.

"A trailer will carry maybe 30 to 50 cows and the state will collect N10,000 as ‘Veterinary money" from us, no matter how many is in the trailer," he said. "In the north, they collect about N1, 500 but once we get to Kwara (State) we begin to pay big money."

Reports say the state government is currently trying to meet the demands of the traders to forestall a repeat of the action
culled from NEXT

China throws birthday bash for Mugabe

Posted by jackie webLondonGirl on February 23, 2010 at 12:41am

China said on Monday its embassy in Zimbabwe had thrown a birthday party for President Robert Mugabe, a rare sign of foreign support for a leader reviled by many Zimbabweans and criticised by the United States and Europe..

Mr. Mugabe celebrated his 86th birthday on Sunday and made time to attend a party held in his honour at the Chinese embassy in Harare, China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Hailed as a saviour by fanatical supporters and praised throughout Africa for standing up to what many see as bullying by the West, Mugabe is hated in equal measure by opponents who accuse him of being a dictator.

Rights groups have repeatedly criticised China for propping up dictatorial and corrupt African nations. China counters it offers no-strings aid and that its pledge not to interfere in any country’s internal affairs is welcomed by African nations.

2011: Babangida IBORI for President & Vice President ! not april fool !

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on March 5, 2010 at 8:00pm

Within the week, when the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) publicly declared that the North will occupy the Presidency till 2015, the coast was cleared for aspirants from that part of
the country to oil their political machinery for the 2011 electoral
contest.

READ the PLOT by Justice katsina Alu : http://bit.ly/cHkNau

One of those who may be the direct beneficiaries of that policy
is former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, especially
since it is almost foreclosed that President Umar Musa Yar’Adua
will not seek re-election. For the south south ticket James ohanefe Ibori is billed to take over as Vice president .

Saturday Sun gathered that in the last three months, as Yar’Adua’s health problem rocked the nation, many
forces, within the country and outside, have been shopping for his
likely replacement in 2011. Sources revealed that the choice has
been narrowed down to Babangida, a member of the PDP..

It is generally believed that the death of his wife had put a stop
to his ambition of returning to Aso Rock but a close IBB confidant
said that, the manner Nigerians sympathised with him during his
trying period has humbled him the more and if given the opportunity
he wants to reciprocate by giving Nigerians quality and good governance.
The message of appreciation he sent to Nigerians conveys his emotion
on the love Nigerians showed his family. In the message, he stated,
“my dear compatriots, you have once again stood by us at a
time and moment when my family and I are need your support, consolation
and prayers. No amount of gratitude and appreciation I could offer
to you could convey succinctly how deeply touched and grateful my
family and I are to all of you… my family is most humbled
by these kind words and expressions you conveyed to extol the virtues
of my late wife during your visits.”

Last September, three months before the death of his wife, he said
he would make consultations before taking a position on the 2011
presidential elections. He then admitted that not only his aides
and associates, but various interest groups were mounting pressure
on him to return to partisan politics.

Now that the pressure has included the US, would he take a position?
Time will tell. Some elements in the North believe that he is not
only qualified to occupy the highest political office in the country
but is also popular, having been head of state for eight years.
Also, foreign countries, which want stability in the country are
said to have equally penciled down Babangida for support, ahead
of 2011 elections.

The US connection
It was gathered that the United States has indicated interest in Babangida and has actually reached out to him on its thinking. Sources
said that the recent visit of a strong US delegation to Nigeria,
comprising Jonnie Carson, the country’s assistant secretary
of state for African Affairs and Robin Sanders, its ambassador to
Nigeria is part of the plan to draft Babangida to the 2011 race.

It was gathered that even though Babangida has not come out openly
to declare his interest for the 2011 presidential election, the
pressure on him is high. Sources said that due to the calibre of
forces urging him to join the race, he would buckle eventually.

A source maintained that the US has followed the political situation
in the country and has come to the conclusion that Nigeria needs
a president who would restore confidence and leadership. It said
that many people have been considered.

Sources said that among those considered is Brig-General Buba Marwa,
former Nigeria’s military attaché to the US and current
Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa. He was said to have
been dropped because the US group believes that it may be difficult
for the former governor of Lagos State to be accepted by other parts
of the country.
It was gathered that Babangida eventually got endorsement after
people like Mr. George Bush Sr, who was president in US when Babangida
was military president in Nigeria put in words. The Bush Snr. support,
it was gathered, informed why immediate past US president, George
W. Bush, wanted to meet with Babangida when he visited Nigeria for
the ThisDay awards.

Before the President Barrack Obama’s delegation to Babangida,
the US and European Union had lamented the uncertainty in Nigeria,
caused by the absence of President Yar’Adua. In a joint statement
signed by US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, British Foreign
Secretary, David Miliband, France’s Foreign Minister, Bernard
Kouchner and European Union High Representative, Catherine Ashton,
the US and EU noted: “Nigeria is going through a period of
uncertainty because of the prolonged illness of President Musa Yar’Adua.
Nigeria’s stability and democracy carry great significance
beyond its immediate borders, given its importance as a global oil
producer and stabilising force in West Africa.”

In the quest to help Nigeria get stability, the US therefore, wants
a leader it thinks would build institutions, as President Obama
earlier suggested.
However, apart from the US, it was gathered that Nigerians, especially
power brokers in the North are also putting pressure on Babangida
to join the race for next year’s presidency.

Maryam death angle
It was gathered that the death of Babangida’s wife, Maryam, last December 27, served as a rallying point for some politicians,
who want Babangida back at the presidency. Within the period when
Maryam was buried and her 40th day fidau, paraphernalia of offices
of state governments across the country literally relocated to Minna.
At Minna even though politicians came for mourning, there were reconciliation
of political foes and realignment of political forces.

Initially, there was the belief that the death of Maryam would sound
the death knel on Babangida’s comeback hope, but the goodwill
that came with it boosted the confidence of the retired general,
it was gathered. Babangida’s confidant said that the manner
Nigerians, from all walks of life sympathised with him, during his
trying period, humbled Babangida the more and made him to hope that
an opportunity would come for him to reciprocate by giving the Nigerian
people quality and good governance. The message of appreciation
he sent to Nigerians conveyed his emotion on the love Nigerians
showed his family.

In the message, he stated: “ My dear compatriots, you have
once again stood by us at a time and moment when my family and I
need your support, consolation and prayers.”

The North’s thinking
It was gathered that the northern political elite, believing that it gambled and lost out with the Yar’Adua presidency, thinks
that with a candidate like Babangida the geopolitical zone will
bounce back to political reckoning, just as General Olusegun Obasanjo
brought back South West to political relevance at the federal level.
Sources said that the declaration that no serving or former governor
from the North will succeed Yar’Adua was part of the signal
to draft Babangida into the race. Indeed, a frontline northern critic
and retired Army Major, Abubakar Umar, had warned that the northern
governors, who are nursing the ambition of succeeding Yar’Adua
should bury such plans. According to him, none of these northern
governors is competent to rule the country. He said that some of
the governors, apart from their dismal performance, were found wanting
when the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) checked
their books.

Considering the offer
It was gathered that Babangida is considering the offer to succeed Yar’Adua. He is said to be examining the various forces angling
for his entry into the race, to ascertain if they mean well or just
want to drag him out and disgrace him. Also, he wants to be sure
that Nigerians would accept him.

Sources close to him said that one of the ways the former Head of
State wants to find out how Nigerians feel about him was for his
associates to commission a research to find out how Nigerians would
receive his entry into the presidential race. It was gathered that
this move is preparatory to him officially declaring to replace
Yar’Adua next year.

Former national treasurer of PDP, Dr. Godwin Daboh, who is among
those putting pressure on Babangida to join the 2011 race, had said
that result of research conducted in the six geopolitical zones
showed that over 70 percent of Nigerians want Babangida in the presidency
in 2011. This seems to have buoyed the confidence of the group,
which are surreptitiously revving their political structures.

With such finding, associates of Babangida have subtly started making
comments to prepare the ground. One of his former aides and ex-military
intelligence officer when Babangida was in power, Captain Sagir
Mohammed (retd), recently said that the constitution is clear on
who could be presidential candidate. According to him, “the
Nigerian people who decide who becomes the president have not, in
any way, foreclosed his possibility of becoming the president and
we have no proof that those few who want him not to contest, represent
the view of Nigerian people.”

He remarked that General Babangida holds the record as one of the
greatest leaders that have ever ruled the country, since the period
of amalgamation, adding that he has a record of achievements unsurpassed
by many Nigerian leaders before and after him. The former military
officer said Nigerians now have the unique opportunity of comparing
the Babangida regime with what the country has had after him.

Resurrecting political structures
It was gathered that Babangida has refused to disclose his political
activities for fear of being accused of contributing in heating
up the polity and destablising the Yar’Adua government. Sources
said that he wants to meet with President Yar’Adua, to ascertain
his plan for 2011 before making a public declaration on his intention.
In the meantime, it was gathered that his political associates have
started resurrecting his political structures secretly, preparatory
to his declaration.

One of them, who pleaded anonymity said: “We are now resurrecting
our structures because it is evident that going by the internal
and external pressures mounted on IBB to run for 2011 presidential
election, he would succumb. The unity and progress of this country
is very uppermost in his mind.”

His clout
Events have proved that Babangida is a force to be reckoned with in PDP and the polity. In 2006, many people picked nomination forms
for various offices because Babangida was expected to run for the
president. Some of them, especially those who wanted to be governors,
had actually paid the non-refundable N2m to pick nomination forms.
They, however, dropped their aspirations when it became clear that
Babangida was no longer interested in the presidency, following
the aspiration of Yar’Adua. Babangida had put what happened
into perspective then when he said that he pulled out because he
did not want to go into a contest with any member of the Yar’Adua
family because he saw them as his brothers. He revealed that Yar’Adua’s
father had told him not to ever do anything that would put him on
collision course with any of his children, as they grew up together.

Soyinka to OBJ : hypocrite with no moral standing responsible for country's problems

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on March 7, 2010 at 7:08pm

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Obasanjo A Hypocrite, Says Soyinka

FOR pontificating on current issues in the polity, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has earned an acerbic criticism from Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Soyinka describes Obasanjo as a hypocrite, who has no moral standing on the prevailing political crisis in the country.

He said: ÒFirst of all, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo is a hypocrite. He bears full responsibility for the situation in which we find ourselves today.

"And I don't take him seriously and that"s all I want to say about him."

Soyinka, in the forefront of the campaign by civil society groups to ensure the resignation of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua and transfer of full powers to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, was fielding questions from three Nigerian writers in Jaipur, India recently.

His comment was sought on the statement credited to Obasanjo, calling on Yar'Adua to resign and his (Soyinka's) leading of protest marches in Nigeria and abroad to pressure Yar'Adua to respect the Nigerian Constitution.

According to Soyinka, Obasanjo, Òwho is now coming up to offer hypocritical hogwash," was among Nigeria leaders and political office holders, Òwho have nothing but contempt for the rest of society.

However, the Nobel laureate, who made a presentation at the Jaipur Literary Festival, said he was leading the political campaign in Nigeria so as to take the country back to the people.

"You should demand your nation back and don't just sit and watch it being degraded and expropriated by people who have absolutely no respect for you, no respect at all, even to their own,Ó he said.

He continued: ÒI didn't just lead the march to Abuja; I had been calling for marches. My last three lectures in Nigeria, I had been calling, trying to get Nigerians to wake up and seize their destiny in their hands and take their rightful place in the making.

"Rescue the nation from the cabal of reprobate gangsters, extortionists and even political murderers.

"Some of them are political murderers, political assassins responsible for some of the assassinations, the unprecedented scale of political assassinations we've witnessed in Nigeria in the last 10 years.

Soyinka said he had been asking Nigerians just how much they could take, stressing, "you (Nigerians) don"t even feel you are degraded as human beings to exist in such a community and you go about your work everyday.

"These were the themes of my lectures within Nigeria for quite a while.

"So, doing it, participating in that kind of march and ensuring that it worked was simply a continuation of something I had been saying for a long time.

"And all I have to say to you, all you people is; this nation is yours, this country is yours. You should demand; you should take it back by any legitimate means you are capable of.

Five pastors arrested for operating illegal military outfit

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on March 10, 2010 at 2:13am

Na wa o ! New Formats everyday for Fraudsters

Five persons who claimed to be pastors are currently in the custody of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly operating an illegal military outfit.

They were also accused of unlawful possession of Nigerian Army uniforms with badges of ranks.

The suspects include Bishop Macrran Ransome; Rev. Al-Hassan Emmanuel; Bishop Raymond Bakeh; Prophet Sunday Ofordu; and Robinson Igbarumah.

The command's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, told journalists on Tuesday that the suspects were accused of running a military outfit known as Go Army.

Mba, a superintendent of police, said the suspects were arrested by the Military Police, Nigerian Army, Arakan Barracks, Lagos and were handed over to the command for further investigation and prosecution.

As at the time of their arrest, they were said to be wearing military uniforms with badges of ranks ranging from Lt.Col. to Maj.-Gen. and were in possession of identity cards bearing military ranks.

Ransome, who claimed to be the group's Commandant-General and goes by the rank of "Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel," told journalists that the outfit was established to provide service to humanity.

He said he lured others into the group with the claim that he had the backing of the Director of Chaplain Service (Protestant) of the Nigerian Army and that the group would afford them the opportunity to sharpen their pastoral skills.

He was allegedly using the auditorium of his church, The Apostolic Christian Chapel, Itire, Lagos, for military training for members every Saturday.

Other suspects, who spoke with journalists, confirmed that Ransome fooled them into joining the group.

They claimed that he had realised over N4m, especially from the over 50 members of the group that were made to part with between N70,000 and N80,000 for registration and kits.

They alleged that trouble started when they suspected that he was not saying the truth about the involvement of the military in the programme and they decided to approach the said Directorate to ascertain the true position of things.

Apart from being a clergyman, Igbarumah claimed to be a chartered accountant and the managing partner of an accounting firm, Robinson Igbarumah and Co.

70 year old drug dealer Jailed : Court jails septuagenarian for drug possession

Posted by Jane Okinedo on March 3, 2010 at 1:01am

A Federal High Court in Ekiti has sentenced a 70-year-old man to five years in jail for being in possession of 230 kg of marijuana.

Dominic Fabunmi, a native of Agbado Ekiti, was arrested last year by officers of the Ekiti State command of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

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In its charge, the NDLEA said Mr. Fabunmi cultivates cannabis farms usually in Government Reserved Forests and and sells same to his network of clients in the Lagos and South-South areas of the country.

“He has been in the business for long and he stores his products in his house without fear of retribution from the law,” the command says.

Mr. Fabunmi was paraded in public shortly after his arrest alongside his colleagues, who also bagged various jail terms.

The Ekiti State Commander of NDLEA , Prince Benjamin Ikani, said the state is fast becoming a preferred haven for Indian Hemp dealers. He said his agency made the largest drug seizure ever in the history of the agency in the state last year.

“It was 82 tons of cannabis, which was stored in a one-storey house in 5,600 bags. It took a 24 -tyre trailer 7 hours to evacuate,” Mr. Ikani said.

External barons

Mr. Ikani said most of the barons sponsor the cultivation of the weeds from outside the state.

“Because of the fertile nature of Ekiti land and the passiveness and good naturedness of the people, these criminals always have their way. They take advantage of the people and the soil to flourish their trade. Mind you, it only takes three months for the weeds to germinate. So they quickly harvest their products before the land owners catch them in their acts and move them to Lagos or the South-South to feed their clients,” he said.

He also added that his agency is involved in the rehabilitation of at least 36 students of various higher institutions in the state, especially at the state-owned University of Ado -Ekiti (UNAD).

How love for female boobs turned this man into a criminal

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on February 24, 2010 at 8:30pm

He pretends to be a nice guy who would readily offer a free ride to a willing female. But he’s actually a criminal whose ploy is to rob his victims. Olalekan Kazeem is currently telling police detectives in Lagos why he’s been going about the city robbing women of their personal effects. He was arrested by the police after one of his victims sighted him in Lagos. He is currently cooling his heels in a police cell, awaiting his date with the law.

Khadijat Ope was one of his victims. Her ordeal happened on a hot, sunny Saturday in Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb.
That day, she had waited without success for a commercial bus to take her to Victoria Island. Just as the she was contemplating calling a cab, a private car, a Toyota Camry, stopped and the driver offered her a ride.
The young man driving the car, later identified as Olalekan Kazeem, said he too was going to the island but that he had already missed his way.
The 23-year old student, who had gone to collect her West African Examination Council (WAEC) result, promised to guide the man.

Few minutes into their journey, Kazeem pretended that the car had developed some fault and stopped.
After alighting and examining the car, Kazeem implored the girl to assist him in pushing the car. The unsuspecting girl dropped her bag inside the car and climbed out. In the bag were her handset, some money, her identity card, a WAEC certificate and two ATM cards. But as soon as she came out of the car, Kazeem started the engine and zoomed off with Ope’s belongings.
That was not all. Through the girl’s data on her birth certificate in her bag, Kazeem got the password for the girl’s ATM card and promptly cleared her account at the First Bank.

Khadijat wasn’t the only victim. Kazeem also employed the same method to rob another lady, Jennifer Chizoba, of the sum of N150, 000 and other personal effects.
Chizoba, who spoke with Daily Sun said: “When the man picked me, he stopped on the road, saying that his vehicle was bad. He begged me to assist him in pushing the car. While I was pushing the car, the man zoomed off with my bag containing N150,000 which my relatives contributed for me to set up a business.”
Many other girls have been similarly defrauded by Kazeem. But luck recently ran out on the man who has for long made life unbearable for his victims. He’s now cooling his heels in a police cell.
Kazeem, who is currently singing like a bird at the Alapere police station was arrested when one of the victims sighted him at a car wash at the Alapere area and called in the police. He was subsequently picked up.

Recovered from him were five female handbags, 28 ATM cards, 12 identity cards, four national ID cards, two voters registration card, a Joint Matriculation Examination result, and other items.
The suspect who claimed he only targeted women told Daily Sun that he decided to start robbing them because he had earlier been robbed by a woman.
He said his journey into crime began in November last year. According to him, somebody had given him the sum of N160,000 to keep on trust at the Eko Le Meridien Hotel, Lagos.
Said he: “That day, I decided to eat at the Ocean View Restaurant. As I was eating, two beautiful young girls appeared from the blues. I approached one of them and I even paid her bill of N2, 500. I also bought drinks for them.”

‘Why I rob only women’

In his words, trouble started for him when he was fondling the breasts of one of the girls. According to him, he was sucking the girl’s breast when he slept off. He regained consciousness the following day, he said, adding that the girl might have coated her breast with a sleep-inducing drug.
While he slept, he said, the girl searched his pockets and collected all the money. She was also alleged to have taken his car keys and stole the N160, 000 inside the car.

According to him, the man who gave him the money on trust did not believe the story even after he had explained what happened and ordered Kazeem detained for a week at a police station in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
“My real predicament started when my wife came to visit me at the police station and a policeman told her how I sucked a prostitute’s breast. My wife could not take the insult, so she abandoned me to my fate.”
After his release, Kazeem said he decided to avenge his humiliation on any woman he came across. “Any time I pick a woman, I derive immense pleasure in dealing with her. I regard all my victims as prostitutes because a responsible woman would not be looking for a free ride with a total stranger,” he informed.

Kazeem has a word of advice for ladies. “They should stop looking for free ride with strangers. They should try to patronize registered taxis.”
The 37-year old Abeokuta indigene begged those he had offended to forgive him but said they should thank God that he had no gun when he was perpetrating the act as he would have used it on them.
Another victim, a model, Cynthia Kodu said the man had also applied the same method to rob her of her handbag containing handsets, N18, 000, underwear and make-up.

Lagos state police spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba said preliminary investigations have shown that the man has robbed over 30 female victims.
Mba, who said the man would soon be charged to the court, warned members of the public to stop patronizing unregistered taxis. “They should go to the recognized taxi parks to board taxis,” he said.

Armed Robbers go MAD ! Onovo ARE WE SAFE ? Image Advisory not suitable for the squeamish !

Posted by 9jabook.com on March 2, 2010 at 12:00am

The picture is gory and very disturbing! But it is a true representation of the state of security in Nigeria , where the value for human life means nothing. Three years after Yar’Adua announced his seven point agenda, Huhuonline.com can disclose that not a single point in the array of agendas has been realized. However, his wife Hajia Turai, recently sneaked in the eight agenda, tagged “deceive the citizens at all cost”. This she has successfully implemented, at least for the past ninety six days. As the battle for supremacy rages on the within the Nigerian polity, the security of lives and properties of its citizens takes a back seat.

Picture: On this faithful morning, passengers traveling on the Lagos-Benin road were stopped by men in police uniform for routine stop and search, but unknown to them the supposed security agents were armed robbers. Subsequently the armed robber hijacked the bus to this path, demanded money from the passengers and raped the women as much as they could. As if this was not enough, those who did not have money to give, were asked to lay face down. The driver at gun point was then asked to run over them several times.

War in the Yaradua Family as Daughters fight for Vice Presidency for husbands ! Zainab vs Nafisatu

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on February 25, 2010 at 10:35pm

! Zainab vs Nafisatu . Bauchi vs kebbi One winner will emerge . Who ? Mummy Turai !

The return of Umaru Yar’Adua in a vegetative

state, with the reality of his not being able to ever function as president, has set two of his daughters, Zainab and Nafisatu, both married to sitting governors ,at war path over whose husband will be vice president to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan. The former is married to Kebbi State Governor, Saidu Usman Dakingari, while the later is fourth wife to Bauchi Governor, Isa Yuguda.

Sources close to the Yar’Adua family told pointblanknews.com Thursday night that since reality has dawned on their mother, Turai, is set to anoint either Yuguda or Dakingari as a VP candidate that would protect the interest of the family.

It was however learnt that Turai is more disposed to Yuguda considering his role during the drama. He was in Saudi Arabia, and was later in the US to, aside from be by his wife’s side that recently gave birth, he was also scouting for a hospital that could provide better service for his father-in-law. As for Dakingari, he is seen by turai as laid back, but our source said that his wife, Zainab, is the apple of Turai’s eye.

Both Yuguda and Dakingari are among those on the list of PDP hopefuls for the coveted office of vice president

Pointblanknews.com further gathered that in the last few days Turai has been speaking with her kids, and some top brass of the PDP concerning who works with Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan as VP She has told the PDP she would submit a name soon, but the disagreement between Zainab and Nafisatu is delaying the move..

According to our sources, the sisters have for a while now been campaigning for their husbands. Turai who is close to feisty Zainab, wants them to agree within themselves as per who she should anoint for the PDP, but the sisters are yet to agree.

Said our source” it has been fight to finish between them. They cannot agree on who they should present to the mother. Turai although is close to Zainab, cannot take sides so she wants them to sort it out. This arose when, Turai realized it is over for her husband, so to protect the family’s interest, she wants a son-in-law to step in”

Sade Adu returns at 51 with first album release for a decade

Posted by NollywoodMohits on January 25, 2010 at 11:48pm

Sade returns at 51 with first album release for a decadeWith a £40million fortune maintained by daily airplay of some of her earliest hits, singer Sade Adu has been more than happy to maintain a low profile over the years.But the singer has let go of some of her desire for anonymity as she is set to make a return to the spotlight with her first album in ten years, Soldier Of Love.Sade, was seen leaving BBC Radio 2 on the weekend, and despite her advancing years, now aged 51, the singer still maintains the striking looks that gained her a legion of fans.The singer born Helen Folasade Adu in Nigeria, is promoting her new release, Soldier Of Love, which will be her first album in ten years.Buzz is building around the recently released video for the title track and single which shares the same name as that of the highly anticipated album.Sade is in seen in the video as a commander of a group of male military styled dancers, looking remarkably youthful, and still in fine voice.A source told the Mirror: 'She is unique compared to other artists. She just wants to make music, and she's not interested in publicity.'A fierce desire to protect her private life means she rarely gives interviews. And friends even nicknamed her 'Howie' after the reclusive American billionaire Howard Hughes.But she will always break cover to tour for her fans.She has said: 'If you just do TV or video, then you become a tool of the record industry.'It’s when I get on stage with the band and we play that I know that people love the music.'Sade's huge fortune - she has sold 50million records - has allowed her to disappear from sight, and she runs around in a 10-year-old Mercedes, preferring the company of old friends.It is eight years since Sade last made a public appearance - at Buckingham Palace to collect an OBE in 2002.She now lives mainly in a mansion in the Gloucestershire countryside with her new partner, said to be a scientist.The singer has spent most of the last decade as a full-time mother to daughter Ila, 14, from her relationship with a Jamaican record producer.Sade's friend Sophie Muller, whom she met at St Martin's Art College, in London, directed the striking video for the single Soldier of Love.The album is released in the UK on February 9th.Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1245959/Reclusive-singer-Sade-returns-album-release-decade.html#ixzz0diJzbKD8

Gary Coleman Arrested for Domestic Violence

Posted by NollywoodMohits on January 25, 2010 at 6:17am

Gary Coleman Arrested for Domestic ViolencePosted Jan 24th 2010 5:44PM by TMZ StaffGary Coleman was arrested this afternoon in Utah, TMZ has learned.

what you talking about willis ?aw enforcement in Santaquin, UT says they were called to Coleman's house for a domestic disturbance. They found no crime was committed, but he was was picked up because of a warrant stemming from a prior incident.The jailer told TMZ the warrant for which Coleman was arrested was for domestic violence incident in 2009. Coleman was cited, but never showed up for court, thus the warrant.He is currently being held on $1,725 bail.Monday morning update -- Gary Coleman is still in custody. On Sunday night, he had a hot dog, chili, and some vegetables for dinner.Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2010/01/24/gary-coleman-arrested-domestic-violence/#ixzz0de4xCJ6z

Scolari applies for Eagles job

Posted by Choochoo Sports Book on February 16, 2010 at 3:24am

Former Chelsea manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has joined the list of coaches willing to coach Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2010 World Cup. A top member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed to SoccerStar that the body decided to extend an invitation letter to Scolari at the weekend to attend the February 26 interview after showing keen interest in the job.

Scolari

“Scolari has indicated a serious interest in coaching Nigeria so we have no choice than to include his name among the shortlisted coaches to be interviewed in a fortnight time,” he stated.

The Brazilian-born coach, it would be recalled, led his country to win the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup after which he took Portugal to the 2004 European Cup Final.

Just last year, he signed 18 months deal that worth 13 million Euro with Bunyodkor FC of Uzbekistan to make him the highest paid manager in the world and it remains a big doubt whether he would dump the rich Asian club for Nigeria.

Meanwhile, NFF has finally ruled out Guus Hiddink from the race citing huge financial demands as part of the reasons why he was dropped.

Unconfirmed reports disclosed that Hiddink who earns $8m per year as Russian coach had requested for a whopping sum of $3m for four months among other financial conditions that didn’t go down well with the NFF.

In a related development, Italian-born coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, has also withdrawn from the race, saying he is happy as the coach of the Republic of Ireland. All the invited coaches are expected to start arriving Abuja as from February 24 ahead of the interview scheduled to hold on the 26th.

Bush, Blair, Rice Arrive for THISDAY Awards

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on February 21, 2010 at 12:59pm

All is now set for today's THISDAY Nigeria-at-50 Awards as the immediate past United States President, George W. Bush; the Secretary of State to his government, Prof. Condoleezza Rice, joined former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, in Abuja for the event..

Bush and Rice arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport amid heavy security provided by both Nigerian and American personnel.
Blair arrived quietly on Friday and had visited Action President Goodluck Jonathan in Aso Rock and participated in other public service engagements.

Bush and other world leaders are in the country for the awards ceremony set to recognise and honour 50 distinguished Nigerians who have played critical roles in the country’s developmental efforts since 1960.
The THISDAY Nigeria-at-50 Awards would be a major kick-off for the celebration of Nigeria’s golden jubilee anniversary as an independent nation.

The leaders would hold a discussion on the theme: “Nigeria: The Next 50 Years”. Also, THISDAY Lifetime Achievement Awards would be presented to 15 nominees, whose names were earlier announced by the Board of Editors.
Nigeria’s Acting President Goodluck Jonathan would be special guest of honour along with former Ghanaian President, John Kufour.
At the THISDAY Dome located at the central area of the Federal Capital Territory and a distance of about a few metres from the Three Arms zone, which is housing the National Assembly, Presiden-tial Villa and the Supreme Court, security was very tight.

Most of the nominees for the awards and their well-wishers had already arrived and were lodged in different hotels in the city and the security arrangement was extended to some of the hotels like Transcorp Hilton, NICON Luxury, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chelsea 2, Rockview Hotel among others.

As world leaders and heads of their respective governments, both Blair and Bush cultivated meaningful relationships with Africa and Nigeria in particular.
In line with the sober mood of the country, music sensation, Asa will be the only performer. The performance by Earth, Wind & Fire has been postponed.

Edo Showdown as Oshiomole Accuses Anenih,Abbe & Ogiadomhe of aiding 'n abetting gunrunners for elections

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on January 18, 2010 at 6:59am

Crisis looms in Edo, Oshiomhole warns * Decries withdrawal of soldiers from security teams * Asks govt to call Abbe, Anenih, Ogiadomhe to order From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Benin GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole warned yesterday that law and order may break down in Edo State after it emerged that the ministry of defence has withdrawn members of the armed forces attached to the state's joint security outfit, Operation Thunderstrom. advertisement The move has been interpreted in government quarters to mean that they were being withdrawn ahead of the forth-coming re-run election in Etsako Central Local Council into the state house of assembly. Oshiomhole alleged that the withdrawal of the soldiers from the team was to allow influx of arms and suspected thugs into the area for the Saturday January 23, 2010 election. The governor who was furious when he spoke to journalists yesterday alleged that the decision was masterminded by the Principal Secretary to the Vice President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe and Chief Tony Anenih in connivance with Defence Minister, General Godwin Abbe (rtd). All efforts to confirm the order from the 4th Mechanised Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City yesterday failed as no official was ready to talk on the issue when The Guardian visited. "I have just been informed by the army that General Godwin Abbe, the Minister of Defence, has ordered that the army should be withdrawn from the Joint Task Force contrary to the directive of President Umaru Yar'Adua who approved the soldiers in the wake of the kidnapping, robbery and other violent crimes in the state then. "We are aware that it has been difficult for the PDP to move in arms to Etsako Central due to the presence of the soldiers after they boasted to bring in militants to come and unleash mayhem during the election. Curiously, today, the army has informed me of their withdrawal. It is very clear that General Abbe in collaboration with Chief Tony Anenih and Oghiadomhe, have decided to reverse the order of President Yar'Adua. " I have decided to raise this alarm and I call on the Vice President to call Abbe and Anenih to order. I want to affirm that any attempt to cause crisis in Edo State will be resisted by the people. I am very worried that with the withdrawal of the soldiers there will be influx of arms into Etsako Central and that will endanger the lives of our people there during the election. "I have alerted the Vice-President before about the activities of Oghiadohme who has been boasting that they will use Federal might to rig the election. There is grave danger and I appeal to the Vice President to call these people to order now. I have confidence that the Vice President has no hand in this conspiracy by the Minister of Defence and his godfather to use their control over security agencies to undermine the peace and stability of Edo State." But a PDP chief who did not want to be mentioned dismissed Oshiomhole's allegations, saying Oghiadomhe "is a gentleman who believes in the rule of law and will not be party to thuggery and election rigging."

Omotola Jalade Goes for Breast Implant

Posted by NollywoodMohits on January 27, 2010 at 11:57pm

Actress Omotola Jalade is heading for the United States again but this time around for a not so obvious reason, “Breast Implant”.She will be heading to the state of New Jersey where world class facelift and implants surgeons are headquartered. The whole thing started after an alleged love affair with Desmont Elliot, another top Nigerian actor, turned sour.According to the source, Elliot expressed disappointment after he discovered that the five star actress he had so much love for carry such a small thing (Breast). Another source had it that Omotola wants her breast to be bigger than her rival Genevieve who is scoring high above her recently.

Search for Jonathan's VP: Ribadu, el-Rufai top list

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on February 17, 2010 at 4:30am

Search for Jonathan's VP: Ribadu, el-Rufai, Lamido, 2 others top list

Written by Taiwo Adisa and Kola Oyelere
Wednesday, February 17, 2010

THE North appears to have moved beyond the era of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, following fresh moves within the geopolitical zone to present a vice-presidential material to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan any moment from now...

Two main groups have emerged in the bid, in what a source said was another attempt to ensure that the North fielded its first 11 for the presidency in 2011.

It was gathered on Tuesday that one of the groups had concluded arrangements to ensure the emergence of a "Young Turk," first to the seat of the vice-president and then for the presidential seat in 2011.

Sources said that the group pushing for the emergence of a young Turk had conducted studies and arrived at the conclusion that the time was ripe for the North to be represented by young and vibrant candidates at the presidency.

The group pushing for the emergence of a young Turk had, therefore, shortlisted the trio of the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, a former Minister of the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai and former governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu.

Another source said that the name of former governor of Jigawa and Kano states, Alhaji Sule Lamido and Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, are also on the list.

A source said that some leaders of the North were already seeking the right time to present proposals to the acting president on the need to move forward and appoint one of the preferred candidates as his deputy.

It was gathered that the group would then back the emergence of the vice-presidential material as presidential candidate in 2011.

It was further gathered that another group seeking the emergence of experienced hands in the presidency had decided to push forward former intelligence chief, General Aliyu Gusau.

General Gusau contested the 2007 presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which produced President Yar'Adua.

The group pushing for experience above youth, according to sources, was of the view that the Jonathan presidency needed a strong character as vice-president, somebody who could rally the North behind the acting president.

Those pushing General Gusau's candidacy are said to be hammering on the fact that the man has experience in the security circles.

The group is said to have insisted that Gusau's knowledge of the security networks could be invaluable in a Jonathan presidency.

But a position paper put together by the group, bent on presenting a young Turk first as a vice-presidential material and then as a presidential candidate in 2011 insisted that only the young and upwardly mobile professionals from the North possess the abilities to lift Nigeria to greater heights.

The group insisted that Yar'Adua had not been a fair representation of the North.

"We believe that Yar'Adua was not a fair representation of what the North has to offer. The belief is that Yar'Adua missed the opportunities and wasted chances to move Nigeria forward," the group submitted.

A source further said "we are thoroughly disappointed and embarrassed by the Yar'Adua presidency, there are arguments in support of a younger generation to produce the next president. The North has more than 80 million people, many of whom are well educated, tried and tested in various public offices. Why must we recycle the same old cargoes over and over again?"

While justifying the need to draft the young generation from the North into the presidency, the group further declared that while Ribadu made impact in the fight against corruption, Mu'azu developed Bauchi State and el-Rufai made notable efforts when he served as minister of the FCT.

The group further submitted that apart from the trio's record of achievements when they served in public offices, they also possessed links with the international community.

The group kicked against the possibility of any of the in-laws of President Yar'Adua to make the presidency.

The group, in its position paper, said "the person must be of the right age," while performance in office should be a key determinant as to who emerged.

"el-Rufai is known to have strong contacts in the international community. We note that Nigeria's important diplomatic partners are now wary of having persons of unknown pedigree to become president of the country, following the misadventure of Yar'Adua," the group said.

Murder for Ritual! As Traders Kill friend for money

Posted by 9jabook.com on February 19, 2010 at 11:30pm

Recent scenario in Benin City, Edo State
has engulfed many sympathizers with shock, pandemonium, and wagging of
teeth, following the bizarre tale of three young businessmen, Henry
Nwoke, Uche Ajujo and Chinedu Okonkwo who cruelly used their

friend, (28 year old), Eze Nwoke for money rituals. investigations have it that the friends recently finished learning a trade in electronics business in Benin City and they felt they needed spiritual blessings to help them grow once they start. They thereafter went to Oshogbo, capital of Osun State. It was learnt that Uche was the first among them who went to Oshogbo
under the pretence that he is a businessman who deals in antiquities.
He was said to have met one Saheed Okeola, at a bar and after serious
of discussions, he told Saheed that he was looking for a medicine man
who would help with charms for his business to grow.

Consequently Saheed took Uche to one Joseph Ojo, a hunter and native doctor in Oshogbo. Uche later invited Henry who indicated interest in making money rituals
with any part of human body. He was said to have agreed to offer
private part, hair or fingers. After the payment of N50,000, Mr Ojo
told Henry that he was to spend five days with him to conclude with
other ritual rites for money to appear, and for those five days, he
would sleep from morning till 4:30 p.m
everyday. It was after Uche left according to the native doctor, that
Henry later brought Eze Nwoke for the money making ritual to be made
from the payment earlier made by Henry. It was learnt that Eze Nwoke
could have been used for the money ritual because he could not be
traced, hence the arrest of his three friends by the Police at State
C.I.D in Benin City.

No doubt, there have been several reported cases of individuals who were
kidnapped, killed, or had their bodies mutilated by ritualists in Nigeria.
This bizarre incidences have become rampant when general elections are
drawing near, and also when there is introduction of new naira notes to
the country. Other reasons responsible for this is unemployment and
desperation as well as uncontrollable covetous act of Nigerian youths
who are desperate for sudden wealth for self aggrandizement to meeting images?q=tbn:X5mwgzrBB_jTIM:%3Ca%20href=

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their economic demands.

Retrospective checks have it that the most notorious of them is the one associated with one Chief Vincent Duru, popularly known as Otokoto. The police in the
southern Nigerian some years back in the city of Owerri arrested
a man, Innocent Ekeanyanwu, with the head of a young boy, Ikechukwu
Okonkwo. In the course of the investigation, the police discovered the
buried torso of Ikechukwu on the premises of Otokoto Hotel, owned by
Chief Duru, and uncovered a syndicate that specialized in ritual killing and the sale and procurement of human parts. The horrifying discoveries sparked off violent protests in the city of Owerri which led to the burning and looting of properties belonging to suspected killers.

Otokoto and his ritualist syndicate were arguably arrested and put on trial, and in February 2003, they were sentenced to death by hanging. Apart
from the Otokoto incident, there have been other instances of ritual
murder and mutilation in other parts of the country. For instance, in
Calabar, two men plucked out the eyes of a young lady, Adlyne Eze, for
money-making ritual. And in Ifo, Ogun state, a businessman inflicted
the same harm on his younger sister. In Ibadan,
the police in December arrested a taxi driver, Abbas, who used his
fourteen-month-old baby for rituals. Abbas killed his child in order to
secure a human head, which was one of the materials listed for him by a
local witchdoctor for a money-making ritual.

And in another act of ritual horror in Onitsha, Anambra State, two young men, Tobechukwu Okorie and Peter Obasi, seized a boy, Monday
Emenike, and cut off his sexual organ with the intention of delivering
it to a man, who allegedly offered to pay 1.5 million naira ($11,000)
for it. In Kaduna,
Danladi Damina was arrested after he exhumed the corpse of a 9-year-old
boy, plucked out his eyes and cut off his lips, intending to use them
for charms. Recently a woman was caught in a bush in Warri, Delta State, decapitating a four-year-old boy for ritual purposes.

Further checks have it that Police are only interested in making the ordinary
citizens to be used as guinea pigs, and object of ridicule in ritual
killing cases, while they cover the rich and the highly influential in
the society who are neck deep in ritual killings, having provided what it worth to silence them. Sometime in 2009 one Senator Ogunwale in Osun State
but to date, the Osun State Police Command are yet to place a face on
those responsible for the death of the female hunchback, Taibat Oseni
(22) who was gruesomely murdered in Senator Ogunwale’s uncompleted
building. Moreover, some have queried the source of wealth of the Osun
politician, Sen. Ogunwale, especially the first money he made, and with
the claims that he just dominated the business world in a jiffy. Yet
the man at the centre of the storm who is now a staunch member of
Action Congress (AC) his preparing himself for a gubernatorial poll in
Osun State despite this unresolved murder/conspiracy charges hanging on
his head.

culled from huhuonline.com

Lagos is fifth worst city to live in – EIU ...... Eko for show Eko oni baje ?

Posted by Akin Osunlaja WebLagosian on February 14, 2010 at 9:00pm

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Contrary to all the hype that Lagos is being transformed into a world class city, a recent survey on global cities has shown that Lagos is the fifth worst city to live in the world.

In the annual survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Lagos was only surpassed by Harare (Zimbabwe), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Algiers (Algeria) and Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) as greater hell holes on earth.

In the opposite end of the spectrum, Vancouver (Canada) for another successive year topped a list of the top ten most liveable cities in the world, giving the Canadian west coast city an extra boost as it opened the 2010 Winter Olympics yesterday.

Vancouver scored 98 percent on a combination of stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure – a score unchanged from last year. The city has also topped the index since at least 2007.

In the 2010 ranking, there was little change in the top positions with Vienna, Melbourne and Toronto still taking the second, third and fourth positions and the top ten dominated by Canadian and Australian cities which took seven of the ten slots.

Johannesburg, which is hosting the soccer World Cup finals in June, came in 92nd place, the highest score in sub-Saharan Africa.

"Vancouver scores well across all categories in the survey and the on going Winter Games contribute to a strong score in the cultural and sporting events category,” said Jon Copestake, editor of the report, in a statement.

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“Johannesburg has had well-documented crime problems, but performs better in other categories, with the highest overall livability rating in sub-Saharan Africa."

The EIU survey ranked 140 cities on 30 factors such as healthcare, culture and environment, and education and personal safety, using research involving resident experts and its own analysts.

It said in a statement that these rankings were used by employers assigning hardship allowances as part of expatriate relocation packages.

New York was ranked 56th, two slots behind London which was at number 54, while Los Angeles ranked at number 47.

Zimbabwe's capital Harare scored the least, making it the list's worst city, with a rating of 37.5.

Following is a list of the top 10 most liveable cities as ranked by The Economist: 1. Vancouver, Canada, 2. Vie-nna, Austria, 3. Melbourne, Australia, 4. Toronto, Canada, 5. Calgary, Canada, 6. Hel-sinki, Finland, 7. Sydney, Australia, 8. Perth, Australia, 9. Adelaide, Australia, 10. Auckland, New Zealand.

The bottom 10 cities were: 1. Harare, Zimbabwe, 2. Dhaka, Bangladesh, 3. Algiers, Algeria, 4. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 5. Lagos, Nigeria, 6. Karachi, Pakistan, 7. Douala, Cameroon, 8. Kathmandu, Nepal, 9. Colombo, Sri Lanka, 10. Dakar, Senegal

New UBA CEO: ELumelu hands over to Oduoza

Posted by 9jabook.com on January 22, 2010 at 8:30pm

The Board of the United Bank for Africa Plc has announced the appointment of Phillips Oduoza as the Group Chief Executive Designate. Mr. Oduoza has over 22 years experience in banking and financial services, spanning banking operations, relationship management, credit/marketing, technology implementation, risk management, lean banking methods and brand management. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Oduoza was the bank's Deputy Managing Director South, which is the largest strategic business in the group. He will resume in his new position on August 1, 2010. In the interim, Mr. Oduoza will be working with Tony Elumelu, the current Group Chief Executive of UBA to ensure that the transition is seamless. This is coming in the wake of Central Bank of Nigeria's announcement that, "Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of banks shall serve a maximum tenure of 10 years... all CEOs who would have served for 10 years by July 31, 2010 shall cease to function in that capacity and shall hand over to their successors."

Gen T.Y Danjuma for Vice President ! Northern elements push Danjuma for VP

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on February 18, 2010 at 7:27pm

Political elements in the North have continued to map out strategies to ensure that the region is not shortchanged in the event that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan becomes the substantive President.

A group of Northern intellectuals and professionals met in Abuja yesterday and resolved to push the candidacy of General T.Y. Danjuma as Vice-President to Jonathan should the Acting President become substantive President.

Northern elements are said to have canvassed that the region is entitled to eight years just like the South, which had done eight years under President Olusegun Obasanjo, and as such, if President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua cannot continue in office on account of his ill-health, the North should have its remaining one term by 2011.

Danjuma was Chief of Army Staff under the Murtala/ Obasanjo regime and was also Minister of Defence from 1999 till about 2002 during Obasanjo’s civilian administration.

Those in attendance at the meeting held at a secret location in Abuja, included Ahmed Joda, Mamman Daura, Adamu Fika, Mahmud Tukur, Abba Kyari, Mohammed Haruna, Adamu Adamu, Nuhu Sani Zango, Rufai Jumar Jose and Wada Maida.

None of those who attended the meeting was ready to speak on record about the meeting.

THISDAY learnt that key among the reasons they adduced for putting forward Danjuma are the fact that he seems to be a non-ambitious politician and not interested in 2011 and as such can help to guarantee a level playing field in the 2011 election.

They also said as a retired General who enjoys tremendous respect in the military, Danjuma can help stabilise the army and ward off military intervention in politics.

The issue of Christian/ Christian pairing, Jonathan and Danjuma being Christians, came up at the meeting but the issue was dismissed as some of those in attendance counter argued with the cases of Yakubu Gowon/ Joseph Akinwale Wey who were both Christians, Muhammadu Buhari/ Tunde Idiagbon who were both Muslims and also MKO Abiola/Babagana Kingibe who were also both Muslims.

“The North cannot afford to be short-changed in the scheme of things in the build-up to 2011. We feel that there is a need to have a Northerner who is not ambitious and has a strong personality to help in steering the ship of the state in the event that Jonathan becomes substantive president,” said one of the Northern intellectuals.

THISDAY also learnt that the intellectuals and professionals are already in discussion with Danjuma. It is not certain if they discussed the health and fitness of Danjuma to take on such a rigorous role.

Ahmed Joda

One of the former super permanent secretaries, Joda is a seasoned technocrat and boardroom guru. Now in his 80s, his contributions to public discourse are often seen as insightful and mature.

Mamman Daura

Daura, ex-Editor and former Managing Director of the New Nigerian Newspapers, has played prominent roles in Nigeria’s political development by serving on critical national committees.

Adamu Fika

The Wazirin Fika rose to the pinnacle of public service when he became the Head of Service (HoS) during the Babangida era. He is a passionate defender of Northern interests.

Mahmud Tukur

Tukur, a former Minister, was the first Principal (later becoming Vice-Chancellor) of the then Bayero University College (now Bayero University, Kano). He is generally seen as one of the most vocal policy advocates in Northern Nigeria.

Abba Kyari

Though he served as MD of UBA only for a brief period, most people still remember this boardroom player fondly. He is currently on the board of several blue chip companies.

Mohammed Haruna

Haruna is one of the most widely read columnists in the country. His opinions are often used as reference points in public discourse whether one is on his side or not.

Adamu Adamu

Also a popular columnist from the North, Adamu is an unabashed defender of Northern interests.

Wada Maida

Maida served as Chief Press Secretary to a former Head of State in the 80s before going on to become MD of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Though his voice is rarely heard, his contributions to national discourse are often measured and deep.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.