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Lastest Job opening ( 23/6/2011)

2011-06-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

A manufacturing company located at Ilupeju Industrial estate requires the service of AUDIT SUPERVISOR. The Candidate must be an AAT graduate (Associate Accounting Technicians of ICAN) ,

SEX: Male

Interested person should call Wole Bello on 08023080246 and say from Patrick . Closing date is 24/6/2011

Experience :Minimum of 2 years audit experience

Lastest Job opening ( 23/5/2011)

2011-05-22T23:56:00.001-07:00

Graduates Wanted for Immediate Employment

A Nigerian Company is seeking the services of; Highly motivated, Result-Oriented, Out-spoken and Smart graduates for immediate employment. The company plans to fill various existing gap in its team due to expansion of its operation to 12 more states.
Interested candidates MUST have;
Qualification: B.Sc, B.Agric, B.Engr, B.Tech, and all other Degree qualifications. Only candidates with minimum of Second Class Lower Division may apply.
Experience: No experience is necessary as all successful candidates will be trained; though having experience may be an added advantage.
If you meet the above criteria, send an application, including your CV to: drwho24@gmail.com
In the subject line, type your phone number.
Deadline for submission of application is three weeks from the date of this publication.

NOTE: ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED

Daily Headlines 23/5/2011

2011-05-22T23:51:00.003-07:00

Strauss-Kahn house arrest draws media, tourists

NEW YORK, (AFP) - Fallen IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn found himself at the center of a media circus and even a tourist itinerary Saturday as he spent his first day in house arrest since being accused of attempted rape.

The French politician and now resigned head of the International Monetary Fund swapped a tiny jail cell late Friday for an apartment in a landmark Manhattan tower located on Broadway between Ground Zero and Wall Street.

But he was barred by his bail conditions from leaving the apartment, while the building itself was besieged by US camera crews with satellite TV trucks and a contingent of French journalists.

The impressive corner building and its notorious new resident also quickly made it onto the New York tourist route.

Guides on open top double deck buses made a point of highlighting "on your right is the building where the IMF chief is now under house arrest" as they cruised by.

At the entrance, a single policeman stood on guard duty. There was no visible sign of security at the back entrance, though the bail terms require an armed guard be with Strauss-Kahn in his apartment at all times.

Strauss-Kahn, who denies charges that a week ago he made a brutal sexual assault on a hotel chambermaid at the city's posh Sofitel, was freed Friday under tight security.

He paid a $1 million cash bail and a $5 million bond and agreed to live under 24-hour watch. The apartment, believed to be in the name of the security company managing his detention, has video surveillance at the exits.

In addition, Strauss-Kahn has had to give up travel documents and wear a GPS tracking device.

The measures were ordered by Judge Michael Obus in New York state court to ensure that Strauss-Kahn -- until recently considered a serious contender for the French presidency -- cannot flee to France, which does not extradite its citizens to the United States.

While on bail, the once globe-trotting VIP will prepare with his high-priced legal team for a June 6 hearing at which he is expected to enter a plea to felony charges approved by a grand jury this week.

Unless he pleads guilty, which seems unlikely, preparations will begin for a trial that may still be months away.

Defense attorneys promise the 62-year-old will "vigorously" contest the charges.

They have given little indication of their strategy against what prosecutors say is strong forensic evidence backing the maid's accusation that a naked Strauss-Kahn chased her through the hotel room where she'd gone to clean, then forced her into oral sex.

However, there have been hints that the lawyers will claim that a consensual sexual encounter may have taken place.

Strauss-Kahn, who is hugely wealthy through his heiress wife Anne Sinclair, has also hired a powerful team of private investigators to probe his accuser, a 32-year-old West African immigrant, and to conduct their own analysis of the alleged crime scene.

The Broadway address is expected to change within a few days when Strauss-Kahn moves to more permanent lodgings and slightly more relaxed conditions.

Once in the next residence, he will be allowed to go out -- after giving six hours' notice -- for medical visits, legal visits and a weekly visit to a synagogue.

The location of the next apartment is not yet public. Sinclair had initially rented plush rooms in an apartment building in Manhattan's Upper East Side on Friday but was forced to cancel when residents complained about the disruption.

The lurid case has sent ripples around the globe, setting off a heated battle between Europe and emerging powers over who should fill Strauss-Kahn's role at the helm of the world lender.

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde is tipped as a likely successor, thereby maintaining the unwritten rule that a European should occupy the post.

Austrian Finance Minister Maria Fekter said her government could support Lagarde. According to a report in the German weekly Bild am Sonntag, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble also backs Lagarde.

However, emerging economic giants, including China and Brazil, are arguing that the time has come for an IMF chief from outside the old club.

Africa set to be next investment destination: Obasanjo‎

LAGOS, (AFP) - Resource-rich Africa is set to be the world's next investment destination thanks to an array of reforms sweeping across many previously troubled countries, a former Nigerian leader said Wednesday.

Olusegun Obasanjo, in office in Nigeria for eight years until 2007, said that after many years of stagnation the continent's economies saw a sharp growth in the past decade. Real GDP increased by 5.2 percent annually, compared with 2.3 percent in the 1990s.

"Thus with political and social issues properly settled and put behind us, Africa is all set to become the next big investment destination," Obasanjo told an international investment conference here.

"Africa's growth story is not only about its natural resources, but about reforms, including restructuring of regulatory frameworks, and policy amendments that have brought a fundamental change in the business environment, earning Africa a permanent place on every major investor's map."

Many governments still have a long way to go in terms of reforms, Obasanjo said, but the growth rates recorded so far are important first steps that have set the pace for economic growth by attracting foreign investment.

Africa's collective GDP, at 1.7 trillion dollars in 2010, is now roughly equal to Brazil's or Russia's, putting the continent among the world's most rapidly growing regions, he said.

Obasanjo said Africa's overall growth in the next five years is expected to be around eight percent -- almost double that of some advanced economies which are forecast to record around four percent. The world's average is expected to be six percent.

"Even when we compare this growth with the growth likely to be witnessed in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries, Africa overshadows Brazil which stands at 6.5 percent and is soon catching up with the rest of the giants who average around 11 percent," he said.

Obasanjo said Africa's economic pulse had quickened, infusing the continent with a new commercial vibrancy and many key sectors as banking, construction and telecommunications were treading upward.

"The resurgence has come about in spite of the fact that most African countries are still facing serious challenges such as poverty, disease and high infant and maternal mortality," he said.

The three-day conference is organised by an emerging markets investment bank, Renaissance Capital, which operates in eastern and central Europe, central Asia and Africa.

Ban Ki-moon visits Nigeria next week

LAGOS, (AFP) - UN chief Ban Ki-moon will next week pay a two-day visit to Nigeria, the UN said, just weeks after elections seen as a major step for Africa's most populous country.

The trip, his first to Nigeria since taking office in 2007, aims to promote women's and children's health, under an initiative he launched last September, the UN office in Lagos said in a statement Thursday.

The trip comes less than a month after Nigeria concluded a series of elections which, despite post-voting violence which killed around 800 people according to a global rights lobby group, were judged the fairest so far.

Ban has meetings lined up with President Goodluck Jonathan and his cabinet, as well as the head of the country's electoral agency and governors from the 36 states.

Nigeria has one of the highest maternal death rates in Africa.

About 145 women die each day during pregnancy or childbirth, as do 2,300 chidren aged five years and under, according to UN statistics, placing the country among some of the worst places in the world for childbearing women and for babies.

Lack of basic infrastructure such as electricity and functional hospitals and inadequate skilled medical personnel are just some of the factors responsible for the high death rates.

Ban, who will arrive in Nigeira on Sunday from Ivory Coast where he will attend the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara. He will travel on to Addis Ababa.

Yemen transition plan falters, Saleh refuses to sign

SANAA, (AFP) - A Gulf mediator flew out on Sunday after failing to secure Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's signature on a transition deal for him to quit office, although his ruling party signed the accord.

Saleh set a new condition to ratify the plan proposed by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to end four months of deadly anti-Saleh protests, demanding that representatives of the opposition sign the deal in his palace.

State television aired footage of Saleh standing next to the Gulf mediator, GCC secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani as members of the ruling General People's Congress signed the deal, a day after the opposition signed.

"The opposition will be (according to the plan) a partner in the transitional government for 90 days, so are we going to deal over the phone? Why don't they come?" he asked.

As a result, Zayani left Sanaa without Saleh's signature to Riyadh, where he was scheduled to join a meeting of GCC foreign ministers on Yemen at which its oil-rich neighbours could scrap their mediation.

"The ministers might withdraw their mediation after the refusal of President Saleh to sign," said a Gulf official in Riyadh, requesting anonymity.

Zayani and Western envoys were earlier encircled at the Emirati embassy by armed regime supporters, in a new twist that appeared to aim to stop the mediator from reaching Saleh's palace for a signing of the deal.

But he was lifted along with the US ambassador Gerald Michael Feierstein to the presidential palace in two Yemeni helicopters, a United Arab Emirates embassy official told AFP.

One chopper later carried Zayani to the airport and the other returned Feierstein to the UAE embassy to rejoin the ambassadors of Britain, the EU and the UAE, the official added.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahayan telephoned his Yemeni counterpart Abu Bakr al-Kurbi to call for "swift measures to secure" the embassy and its occupants, the Gulf state's WAM state news agency said.

Saleh also warned of civil war if the opposition refused to sign the GCC deal in his presence. "If they remain stubborn, we will confront them everywhere with all possible means," he said.

"If they don't bow, and want to take the country into a civil war, let them be responsible for it and for the blood that was shed and that will be shed if they insist on their stupidity," Saleh added.

Earlier in the day, GPC deputy chief Sultan al-Barakani said "the president refuses to sign until an agreement is reached on mechanisms to implement" the Gulf-brokered accord.

Under the terms of the Gulf initiative, Saleh would hand power to the vice president 30 days after the signing, and he and his aides would be granted immunity from prosecution by parliament.

A national unity government led by a prime minister from the opposition would be formed, and a presidential election would follow 60 days after Saleh's departure.

Saleh's ruling party said he does not recognise the opposition's signing of the plan, even after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the president "needs to follow through on his commitment" to cede power.

The opposition, meanwhile, urged the United States and Saudi Arabia to pressure Saleh to sign the exit plan and vowed it would press on with protests.

"Only the United States and Saudi Arabia are able to pressure him," Mohammed al-Qahtan, spokesman for the Common Forum umbrella group of opposition parties in parliament, told AFP.

"If they make it clear to him that he will be held responsible for the failure of the mediation efforts, he will sign," he said. But, "if Saleh does not sign, the revolt will escalate and he will be thrown out of office."

Opposition sources said on Saturday that they had signed the accord for Saleh to cede power, but Qahtan said: "We will not take part in any signing at the presidential palace."

Meanwhile, medics said gunmen shot dead an anti-regime protester on Sunday in the capital, as members of the opposition said the protester was killed by pro-regime "thugs."

Hundreds of the veteran leader's loyalists armed with batons blocked roads in Sanaa leading to the presidential palace, to the airport and Tahrir Square near government headquarters, said an AFP correspondent.

Hundreds of thousands of Saleh opponents also took to Sanaa streets, in their biggest rally since protests began in January. Doctors marched in their white coats, while young protesters wore the red, black and white of the Yemeni flag.

Meanwhile, Republican Guards soldiers, who are led by Saleh's son Ahmed, opened fire on demonstrators and wounded seven in the city of Taez, south of Sanaa, where hundreds of thousands called for Saleh's ouster, witnesses said.

Similar protests erupted across the strategic Arabian Peninsula country in Al-Hudaydah, Ibb, Al-Baida, Marib, Aden and Hadramawt, according to local residents.

Since late January, security forces have mounted a bloody crackdown on protests demanding Saleh's departure, leaving at least 181 people dead, according to a toll compiled from reports by activists and medics.

21 dead, 80 injured in Baghdad bombs

BAGHDAD, (AFP) - More than a dozen bomb attacks in and around Baghdad on Sunday left at least 19 Iraqis and two American soldiers dead and more than 80 other people wounded.

The series of attacks comes just days after blasts against police in a tense northern city killed 29 people, with just months to go before all US forces must withdraw from Iraq amid questions over whether local security forces are up to the task of maintaining stability in the war-wracked country.

A total of 13 roadside bombs, three vehicles packed with explosives, one magnetic "sticky bomb" and one suicide attacker struck in the spate of morning blasts on Sunday, although it was not immediately clear to what extent, if any, the violence was coordinated.

The deadliest attack saw 12 people killed and 23 wounded in a suicide bombing in the town of Taji, 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of the capital, an interior ministry official said, on condition of anonymity.

A defence ministry official put the toll at 14 dead and 30 wounded in Taji.

A car bomb had initially gone off at around 9:00 am (0600 GMT) in the town and when residents and ambulance crews arrived at the scene, the suicide bomber blew himself up, causing the casualties, the interior ministry official said.

Among the victims were eight police killed, while four policemen and three soldiers were wounded.

The interior ministry official said the initial car bomb had exploded as a US army convoy was passing through Taji, but an American military spokesman said he had received "no indication" of any such attack.

Also on Sunday, two American soldiers were killed, a US army statement said, in what an Iraqi security official said was a roadside bombing in the capital's western outskirts.

"Two US service members were killed Sunday while conducting operations in central Iraq," the American statement said, without giving any further details about the incident or the soldiers.

An Iraqi interior ministry official said two US soldiers were killed and three others wounded when the convoy they were in was struck by a roadside bomb.

Some 45,000 American troops remain stationed in Iraq and while they are mostly tasked with training and equipping their local counterparts, they also take part in joint counter-terror operations.

All US forces must withdraw from Iraq by the end of the year, according to a security pact with Baghdad.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called for a national dialogue with rival blocs earlier this month on whether or not to extend the US troop presence, and several top US officials have passed through Baghdad to press Baghdad to decide soon whether it wants an extension.

On Sunday, senior Kurdish defence official Jabbar Yawar called for American soldiers to stay past the year-end deadline, voicing rare support for a US military presence beyond 2011.

A dozen other roadside bombs, two car bombs and one "sticky bomb" killed seven people and wounded 61 in several other incidents across the Iraqi capital on Sunday.

The violence comes a day after seven people were killed in attacks in the northern province of Kirkuk, further raising tension in the oil-rich region after three bombings killed 29 people in Iraq's deadliest day since late March.

Violence is down dramatically in Iraq from its peak in 2006-7, but attacks remain common. A total of 211 Iraqis were killed in violence in April, according to official figures.

Sports Headlines (23/5/12011)

2011-05-22T23:45:00.003-07:00

Barca ready for United after Malaga win

MADRID, (AFP) - Champions Barcelona ended their stellar league campaign with a 3-1 win at Malaga on Saturday in a timely warm-up for next week's Champions League final against Manchester United.

With the league already wrapped up, Barcelona have their eyes firmly on the double and the Wembley final against Manchester United, and coach Pep Guardiola rested his array of Spanish World Cup stars and Ballon D'Or winner Lionel Messi.

Malaga took a 31st-minute lead but Barcelona's collection of youngsters and fringe players came back with a 43rd minute Bojan Krkic penalty equalising before Dutchman Ibrahim Afellay (75) and 20-year-old Marc Bartra (84) scored their first league goals for the club.

The win brought the curtain down on a fine season that has yielded their third successive league title and there is still the Champions League final to come.

Guardiola blooded homegrown talents in a second-string side completed by French international Eric Abidal and Brazilians Maxwell and Adriano who returned following injury lay-offs.

Malaga had won five out of their last six league outings and Uruguayan midfielder Seba Fernandez shot them into the lead.

Barcelona's crop of youngsters quickly responded with Bojan winning and then converting a penalty two minutes before the interval.

Bojan, 20, has made over a century of league appearances for Barcelona but still can't find a way into the starting line-up most weeks.

Barcelona grew in confidence in the second half and Afellay drilled home on 75 minutes for his first ever Barca league goal and Bartra followed suit with his first league goal thumping in a bullet header six minutes from time.

Barcelona finish the season with 96 points, three less than last season, having won 30 out of their 38 games.

Runners-up Real Madrid host already-relegated Almeria later on Saturday with Cristiano Ronaldo looking to beat the all-time La Liga goals record of 38.

Ronaldo scored his 38th league goal last weekend to equal the benchmark, set by Athletic Bilbao's Telmo Zarra in 1951 and equalled by Real Madrid's Mexican legend Hugo Sanchez in 1990, and now has the chance to better the mark at the Santiago Bernabeu.

At the wrong end of the table six teams battle for survival on the final day of the season.

Hercules and Almeria are already relegated and as it stands, Real Zaragoza will join them, lying third from bottom and needing to win at promoted Levante on Saturday to beat the drop.

Getafe are just one point above Zaragoza and travel to Real Sociedad on Saturday in a relegation nail-biter.

Promoted Sociedad need a point to avoid a swift return to the second division.

Osasuna and Real Mallorca, who are both two points above the relegation zone, are in danger along with fallen giants Deportivo La Coruna with the 2000 league champions one point above the bottom three.

Elsewhere Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid jostle for the right to avoid a place in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

The trio are locked on 55 points and have all qualified for the Europa League as one extra place is assigned to the league due to Barcelona and Madrid contesting the Kings Cup final.

Man United lifts Premiership crown

MANCHESTER, (AFP) - Premier League champions Manchester United sent Blackpool straight back down to the Championship with a 4-2 win at Old Trafford here on Sunday.

Blackpool led 2-1 with half an hour remaining but three goals in 18 minutes saw them return to the second tier of English football 12 months to the day they won the playoff final to win promotion.

United face Spanish giants Barcelona in the Champions League final at Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday and there had been intense speculation over what sort of team Sir Alex Ferguson would field against Blackpool.

But United manager Ferguson opted for a stronger line-up than many pundits had predicted.

Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who will retire after the Barcelona game, was handed the captain's armband on his Old Trafford farewell while there were also starts for Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, Park Ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher who are all expected to feature at Wembley.

Meanwhile the substitutes bench included Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia as Ferguson made a total of nine changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw at Blackburn eight days earlier which sealed a record 19th English title.

Blackpool started the day in the relegation zone on goal difference but they could afford to lose and still stay up if their struggling rivals lost by a bigger margin.

Despite their position, they have established a reputation as an attacking side and it took them fewer than 30 seconds to carve out a glorious opportunity when Charlie Adam picked out Keith Southern with a low cross.

But Southern somehow stabbed it wide with the goal at his mercy before Gary Taylor-Fletcher failed to get contact on another cross by Adam.

United responded through Rafael da Silva, the Brazilian full-back forcing a save from Matthew Gilks with a 20-yard volley before the Blackpool keeper denied Dimitar Berbatov in the eighth minute.

It was only a matter of time before the hosts broke the deadlock, Park displaying excellent composure to clip the ball over Gilks after muscling his way past Ian Evatt following Berbatov's flick.

Blackpool were living dangerously and they were fortunate not to concede a 31st minute penalty when Park was sent sprawling under a challenge by Adam.

But Adam recovered from that slice of fortune to haul his side back into the game as Blackpool showed tremendous character to equalise five minutes before half-time.

Vidic was wrongly adjudged to have fouled Taylor-Fletcher just outside the area, but Adam made the most of the opportunity as he bent the free-kick around the wall and into the net to make it 1-1.

Ferguson reacted by replacing Rafael at the start of the second half with Chris Smalling but Blackpool almost took the lead in the 48th minute through another Adam free-kick, van der Sar this time equal to his fierce effort.

Taylor-Fletcher, against all-odds, made it 2-1 to Blackpool after connecting with David Vaughan's 57th minute cross before Anderson levelled five minutes later with a first-time shot which curled beyond Gilks.

It was downhill all the way for Blackpool after that.

Ian Evatt deflected Smalling's cross beyond his own keeper before substitute Michael Owen ensured United headed for Wembley on a high after a typical finish made it 4-2.

How the French title was won‎

(FACTS) - PARIS, (AFP) - Lille ended a 57-year wait to win the French league title after drawing 2-2 at Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, thereby completing a league and French Cup double.

AFP Sports looks back at the twists and turns that took place over the course of the Ligue 1 title race.

AUGUST

Defending champions Marseille get off to a disastrous start by losing 2-1 at home to newly promoted Caen on the season's opening day, with Paris Saint-Germain the first team to head the table after beating Saint-Etienne 3-1.

Marseille then lose 3-2 at Valenciennes, while Caen produce another huge upset with a 3-2 victory at home to Lyon.

Lyon break their transfer record to buy France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff from Bordeaux for 22 million euros but his debut proves something of a let-down as his new employers go down 2-0 at Lorient.

Four consecutive victories take Toulouse to the top of the standings by the end of the month, with Lille in 11th place after opening their account with four straight draws against Rennes, PSG, Sochaux and Nice.

SEPTEMBER

Marseille belatedly begin moving in the right direction in September, drawing 2-2 at home to Monaco, winning 3-0 at Arles-Avignon and beating Sochaux 2-1 to climb to sixth place.

Lyon, however, continue to flounder and slip into the relegation zone after a 75th-minute free-kick by Dimitri Payet earns Saint-Etienne a 1-0 victory at Stade Gerland in the 100th Derby du Rhone.

Saint-Etienne lead the table going into October, for the first time since February 1982, with Lille in seventh place but yet to lose after seven matches.

OCTOBER

Marseille continue to creep up the table, drawing 1-1 at Saint-Etienne, beating Nancy 1-0 and winning 3-1 at Lille to end the month three points off the pace in third place with a game in hand.

Defeat by OM leaves Lille in eighth place, level on points with Lyon, who start to turn their season around with wins against Nancy, Lille and Sochaux.

Rennes go top, for the first time in 40 years, after winning 3-1 at home to Toulouse but promoted Brest take over at the summit as goals from Mario Licka and Romain Poyet see off Saint-Etienne in a 2-0 win at Stade Francis Le Ble.

NOVEMBER

PSG puncture arch-rivals Marseille's momentum early in November, with Brazilian forward Nene magisterial in a 2-1 victory at Parc des Princes that ends the champions' eight-game unbeaten run.

Didier Deschamps's side are then held to a 1-1 draw by Lens but respond with wins against Toulouse (1-0) and Montpellier (4-0) that take them back to the top of the pile for the first time since the end of the previous season.

Lille beat Brest 3-1, thrash Caen 5-2 (with Moussa Sow claiming a first career hat-trick), edge Monaco 2-1 and then draw 1-1 at Bordeaux to end the month in second place, behind OM on goal difference.

As December dawns, the top 12 teams in the table are separated by just five points.

DECEMBER

Marseille edge a point clear by drawing 0-0 with Rennes in a rearranged game on December 1 but it is Lille who sign off for the winter break in pole position.

An injury-time goal from Emerse Fae sees Marseille slip to a 1-0 defeat at Nice and Lille capitalise immediately, Sow netting another hat-trick in a 6-3 annihilation of Lorient that puts Rudi Garcia's men two points clear.

Substitute Tulio de Melo's 93rd-minute header gives Lille a 1-0 win at Arles-Avignon and they hold on to the Christmas number one spot despite a 1-1 draw at home to Saint-Etienne.

Draws with Auxerre, Lyon and Brest extend Marseille's winless run to five games and they end the year three points behind Lille in fifth.

JANUARY

Lille immediately hit their stride with a 2-0 win at Nice, before Eden Hazard and Gervinho inspire a 3-0 defeat of Nancy that puts the leaders four points clear of their title rivals.

Marseille end the month in fifth, meanwhile, after a 0-0 draw at third-bottom Monaco that Deschamps brands "rubbish".

A neat De Melo finish brings Lille a 1-0 victory over northern neighbours Lens that maintains their four-point advantage.

PSG go into February into second place, three points clear of Lyon and Rennes.

FEBRUARY

With four minutes to play at Auxerre, Lille are 1-0 up and heading for a seven-point lead, only for Polish defender Dariusz Dudka to net a late equaliser and give hope to the chasing pack.

Lille respond by beating Toulouse 2-0 but then wobble, losing 1-0 at Montpellier and drawing 1-1 at home to Lyon.

Their five-point lead is whittled down to goal difference by the end of the month, with Rennes drawing level on points thanks to a four-game winning run featuring victories against PSG, Nice, Toulouse and Lens.

Marseille, PSG and Lyon also capitalise on Lille's stuttering form and just four points separate the top five teams at the end of the month.

MARCH

Lille go into their match at Marseille on March 6 three points behind Rennes after the Brittany side make it five wins from five by winning 1-0 at Montpellier.

The pressure is on, but Lille prevail thanks to a 91st-minute winner from substitute Pierre-Alain Frau after Hazard's 35-yard opener is cancelled out by Loic Remy.

The 2-1 victory proves the catalyst for a run of four straight wins and Lille end the month four points clear of Marseille.

OM react in impressive fashion to their defeat, however, winning 2-0 at Rennes and then avenging November's loss at PSG with a 2-1 victory at Stade Velodrome, thereby damaging both teams' title aspirations.

APRIL

Lyon's hopes of winning an eighth Ligue 1 crown receive a fatal blow as they let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Nice and fall eight points off the pace.

Lille show further signs of nerves, however, with Adil Rami's sloppy back-pass allowing Park Chu-Young to score the only goal of the game in a 1-0 defeat at Monaco.

Consecutive 1-1 draws against Bordeaux and Lorient follow for Lille, enabling Marseille to return to the top of the table after Ghana winger Andre Ayew notches a treble in a 4-2 win at Nice.

With six games remaining, Marseille lead Lille by a point, with Lyon five points off the pace in third place and PSG three points further back in fourth.

MAY

Against all expectations, and with the finishing line in sight, Marseille falter, drawing 1-1 at home to Auxerre and then losing 3-2 at Lyon in a thrilling game decided by an 84th-minute winner from OL skipper Cris.

Lille crush relegated Arles-Avignon 5-0 to re-assert control of the title race before successive away wins at Nancy (1-0) and Saint-Etienne (2-1).

Marseille beat Brest 3-0 but then drew 2-2 at Lorient on May 15, leaving Lille requiring four points from their final three games to claim a first league title since 1954.

Fresh from their victory over PSG in the French Cup final, Lille win 1-0 at home to Sochaux before securing the Ligue 1 crown by drawing 2-2 in an intense and fiercely contested encounter with PSG at Parc des Princes.

Latest Job Opening (21/5/2011)

2011-05-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Electrical/Electronic Engineer, Communication Engineer
An Indigenous Electrical, Mechanical and Communication Engineering Company in Lagos require the services of qualified candidates to fill the positions below:

Position: Electrical/Electronic Engineer

    * Candidates should have experience in design, site activities and project management.
Qualifications:

    * Applicants must possess Bachelor degree/HND in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
    * Masters degree and professional qualification is an added advantage
    * 5 years working experience in the construction industry
    * Deliverables (results) oriented and with a strong desire for hands on work
    * Excellent verbal & written communication skill
    * Ability to write technical specifications, develop device and system level specification for internal use and/or external vendors or consultants

Position: Communication Engineer

    * Candidates should have experience in design, site activities and project management.

Qualifications:

    * Applicants must possess Bachelor degree/HND in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
    * Masters degree and professional qualification is an added advantage
    * 5 years working experience in the construction industry
    * Deliverables (results) oriented and with a strong desire for hands on work
    * Excellent verbal & written communication skill
    * Ability to write technical specifications, develop device and system level specification for internal use and/or external vendors or consultants

Salary and Remuneration very attractive

Method of Application

Interested candidates should send their applications with comprehensive curriculum vitae and photocopies of credentials to Email address below on or before 31st May, 2011.

Email: thaddeusugboka@yahoo.com only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.

An Indigenous Healthcare And Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company with more than 40 product range invites Credible and Target Oriented applicants to fill the positions below:

Position: Customer Service/SecretariesLocation: Lagos, Abuja and Enugu

Qualification

* Applicants must possess B.A, B.sc/HND
* A good command of spoken and written English ..
* Must be Computer Literate
* Not less than 30 years.

Position: Account Officers

Location: Edo, Abuja, Enugu and Lagos

Qualification

* Applicants must possess B.Sc/HND in Accounting, Economics, and Management Science.
* Not less than 2year experience
* Ability to drive
* Computer Literate.

How to Apply

All the above applicants must be computer literate,

Remuneration: Attractive and Negotiable.

Method of Application

Interested candidates should forward their detailed applications/CVs with passport on or before 31st May, 2011 to: tyonexapplicants2011@yahoo.com All application will be treated in confidence.

Head Admin and Finance, Head Marketing, Head Customer Relationship Managers

An Indigenous Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company with more than 40 product range invites Credible and Target Oriented applicants to fill the positions below:

Position: Head Admin and Finance

Qualification

    * Applicant must possess First Degree in Finance, Economics, Management Science, Bus. Admin. or Equivalent
    * P.G Degree or MBA or ICAN will be an advantage
    * Not less than 5 years Experience.

Position: Head Marketing

Location: Lagos and Abuja

    * Qualifications
      Applicant must have a good first degree in marketing, Business Admin, or B.Pharm.
    * PG in Marketing or MBA.
    * Membership of Nigeria institute of Marketing.
    * Not less than 5 years experience,
    * Must be Computer Literate.

Position: Head Customer Relationship Managers

Qualification:

    * Applicant must have a good first degree in Bus, Admin, Management Science or relevant qualification,
    * PG degree /certificate in Marketing.

How to Apply

All the above applicants must be computer literate,

Remuneration: Attractive and Negotiable.

Method of Application

Interested candidates should forward their detailed applications/CVs with passport on or before 31st

POST TITLE:   Pharm. Managers – NationwideJOB REQUIREMENTS:

    * B. Pharm. Degree with not less than 3years Sales and Marketing experience
    * Computer literate
    * Ability to drive

POST TITLE:   Medical Representatives

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

    * A good B.Sc degree
    * A good command of spoken English
    * Computer literate
    * Ability to drive

All the above applicants must be computer literate.

SALARY/REMUNERATION: Attractive and Negotiable

MODE OF APPLICATION:

Interested candidates should forward their detailed applications/ CVs with passport on or before 30th May 2011 to: tyonexapplicants2011@yahoo.com .

NOTE: All application will be treated in confidence

VACANCIES

We require suitable qualified and self-motivated individuals to fill the positions below:

Position: Drivers

Applicants must be matured and literate of at least OND Certificate level,
Must possess a valid current Driving License and have minimum of 5 years driving experience.
A good knowledge of Nigeria Highway Codes, good knowledge of Lagos roads and its environs and able to drive long distance.

Position: Administrative Officers

Requirement
Applicants must have a minimum qualification of an HND with a good knowledge of Computer usage and above 25 years of age.

Position: Maintenance Engineer Assistants (Electrical)

Requirement
Matured applicants with at least an HND degree who must also have Certificate in City and Guild or trade Test 1.
Experience in the maintenance of Generators, Electrical installation and Air-conditioners is an added advantage.

Mode of Application
Applications to reach below Advertiser on or before 31st May, 2011.

The Advertiser
P.M.B 21792
Ikeja,
Lagos State.

Current Vacancies in a fashion house in Lagos islandFashion designer
Requirement
Degree/hnd in fashion designing/fashion similar field
At least 3years experience in a fashion house

Business manager
Requirement
1st degree/mba in business administration
Minimum of 4years experience in related function

Pattern maker/cutter
Requirement
Applicants must experience in pattern making/cutting

Sales/account clerk (female)
Requirement
Ond degree
At least 2years experience in a fashion house

Tailors
Requirement
Must be experienced in modern day designs

Forward your resume within 14days of this advert to: blossomsbow@yahoo.com
Or
Unit 1, no 10, udi street Osborne foreshores estate, ikoyi, lagos

News Headlines ( 21/5/2011)

2011-05-21T06:49:00.001-07:00

Netanyahu 'puts foot down' on 1967 borders

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bluntly told President Barack Obama Friday that Israel would never go back to "indefensible" 1967 borders to make peace with the Palestinians.

In a dramatic televised Oval Office appearance, after 90 minutes of one-on-one talks, Netanyahu delivered a lecture to the US president on the history of the Jewish people and their struggle for statehood.

The exchange, which left hopes for new peace talks as remote as ever, came a day after Obama called on Israel to accept a return to territorial lines in place before the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, with mutual land swaps with Palestinians to frame a secure peace.

But Netanyahu seized on the notion that he was being asked to return solely to Israel's 1967 footprint, which he said was nine miles wide in places and narrower than the "Beltway" highway surrounding Washington.

"While Israel is prepared to make generous compromises for peace, it cannot go back to the 1967 lines -- because these lines are indefensible," Netanyahu said, looking Obama squarely in the eye.

Israelis argue that returning to the former border configuration would leave Israeli population centers vulnerable and mean uprooting hundreds of thousands of settlers from homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Netanyahu did not however mention the second part of Obama's stipulation -- namely that land swaps between Israel and the Palestinians, would change those 1967 lines to ensure two secure, contiguous states.

The White House insisted that it had never said that Israel should return to a narrow definition of its 1967 territorial lines.

Asked whether Netanyahu was willfully misinterpreting Obama's remarks, White House spokesman Jay Carney said such an observation was "interesting."

In his first reaction to Obama's comments on the border issue, in a major speech on the Middle East on Thursday, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said that Obama should press Netanyahu to accept his position.

"Netanyahu's position is an official rejection of Mr Obama's initiative, of international legitimacy and of international law."

Obama admitted that he had Netanyahu had "differences" on language and formulations over the best approach to reviving peace talks stalled since last year, but saw a moment of opportunity amid the "Arab spring."

"I think that it is possible for us to shape a deal that allows Israel to secure itself, not to be vulnerable, but also allows it to resolve what has obviously been a wrenching issue for both peoples for decades now."

Obama also noted that he shared Israel's concerns over Syria and Iran and backed the Israeli position on the tie up between the Palestinian Fatah movement and the Islamist group Hamas.

Netanyahu said Abbas had to pick between Hamas, which advocates Israel's destruction and peace, or making peace with Israel.

The Israeli leader then launched into a history lesson of the struggles of the Jewish people, which Obama watched from a nearby chair, his hand over his mouth.

"A peace based on illusions will crash eventually on the rocks of Middle Eastern reality," Netanyahu said.

"We don't have a lot of margin for error... because, Mr. President, history will not give the Jewish people another chance."

After the talks, a senior Israeli official accused Obama of raising "unreasonable expectations" that could set the peace process back "dozens of years" by seeking a Middle East deal based on the 1967 borders.

"We had to put our foot down," he added.

Analysts said Obama became the first president to specifically state that the 1967 borders should be the basis for peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, shut down over a settlements row last year.

US officials had, however, privately been pushing the position for a while and the principle was close to the shape of a failed deal advanced by former president Bill Clinton at Camp David in 2000.

On Sunday, Obama will address the powerful Israel lobby, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) before heading off on a week-long trip to Europe.

Netanyahu will also speak to AIPAC and will make a joint address to Congress next week, encouraged by Republican leaders who support his position.

TEPCO's bumbling president calls it a day

TOKYO, (AFP) - Masataka Shimizu’s resignation as president of the Tokyo Electric Power Company marked an ignominious end to an otherwise stellar career at the utility spanning 43 years.

The 66-year-old announced Friday he would shoulder responsibility for the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant as the company booked one of the largest yearly losses in Japanese corporate history.

His decision to quit followed weeks of criticism over his handling of the world's worst nuclear emergency since Chernobyl, with detractors accusing him of lacking leadership and the ability to reassure the public over the crisis.

Shimizu joined TEPCO just a month after obtaining his Bachelor of Economics degree from Keio University in March 1968.

A diligent worker whose steel-rimmed spectacles and neat side parting made him look every bit the corporate salaryman, Shimizu quickly rose through the ranks in a tough, competitive environment to become president in 2008.

Natural disasters and financial crisis straddled his tenure; he took the top job just two months after TEPCO posted its first loss in 28 years following an earthquake the previous year that forced it to shut Kashiwazaki Kariwa, the world's biggest nuclear plant.

Shimizu oversaw the successful reopening of the plant and can also count among his achievements TEPCO's position as the fourth largest electric utility in the world despite a trend towards deregulation in Japan's electric industry.

But his leadership style often undermined his unquestionable business acumen, with his public comments following a pattern that frustrated observers since the start of the crisis.

In April he shuffled his way excruciatingly through a gruelling press conference in which he repeatedly apologised -- to shareholders, customers and the public -- for the disaster.

But time and again he refused to go into details on when the runaway reactors would be tamed, on what compensation would be available, or on how he might ensure the disaster is not repeated.

Even veteran Japanese journalists used to surviving on scraps of information from venerated company bosses found it too much to cope with.

"I don't quite see why you held this press conference. I don't see what you want to say to whom," one reporter blasted. "You keep saying 'as soon as possible', but that's what a noodle delivery driver would say."

Shimizu has appeared in public only a handful of times since the March 11 tsunami swamped the plant on Japan's northeast coast.

After a brief apology in front of the cameras on March 13, Shimizu took to his sickbed and was not heard of again until he resurfaced for repeat performances on April 11 and May 4 in Fukushima prefecture.

On the second visit he was greeted by angry residents keen to vent their frustrations as he was about to leave a government office.

"Apologise from the bottom of your heart!" a woman demanded. "There are many people who lost jobs due to TEPCO. Did you see dead cows and pigs?"

But his underwhelming performance at the head of one of Japan's biggest companies annoyed not just journalists and members of the public.

"It is the nature of a utility firm that the president does not usually have to make major managerial decisions or changes," said a senior government official, who declined to be named.

"So in the normal course of events, Shimizu probably is a capable man.

"But we are in the middle of an emergency now and it seems to have been difficult for him to take control."

Jonathan drops Akala, Oni, Daniel, Agagu

THE President may have dropped most of the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and outgoing ones jostling for ministerial jobs, The Nation learnt yesterday.

Some of those affected are Segun Oni, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ikedi Ohakim, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Olusegun Agagu, Gbenga Daniel and Akwe Doma.

Senate President David Mark and some principal officers of the National Assembly are said to be pushing for Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the former Kaduna Governor who lost his bid to return to the Senate.

But a Deputy Governor seems lucky; she is already slated for a ministerial job because of what sources described as her "loyalty to the PDP" despite being dropped by her boss for a second term ticket.

Some of these ex-governors, who were nominated by some state chapters of the PDP, are banking on "sympathy ministerial concession" from President Goodluck Jonathan.

It was also gathered that the Presidency was displeased with the nomination of some of the former governors as the party structure was "virtually hijacked" to put their names on the list.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the President made up his mind on all the former governors because "security reports" on them were unfavourable.

A top government source, who pleaded not to be named because of what he described as the sensitivity of the matter, said: "The security checks are certainly ongoing, but one thing is clear: the President is not disposed to making these ex-governors ministers.

"The security reports against some of them are unfavourable and the President does not want to start on a controversial note.

"Some of the ex-governors nominated have been investigated by anti-graft agencies and they need to face trial. The President does not want to have ministers who will be distracted by corruption trial.

"Some of the ex-governors and outgoing ones have also attracted controversy, such that they need a well-deserved rest."

"There have been tremendous pressure but Mr. President cannot ignore some of these vital security reports," the source added.

Responding to a question, he said: "A serving Deputy Governor in Imo State is likely to be given the slot for the state for her rare loyalty to the party when she was dropped as a running mate by outgoing Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

"The PDP and the President were personally touched by her humility in the face of all odds."

Another source confirmed that Mark and some principal officers were making a case for Makarfi.

But Vice-President Namadi Sambo may have the final word on the slot.

"In fact, the Presidency may give Kaduna two slots as part of the healing process in the state after post-election violence."

A seven-man panel set up by the Presidency is still evaluating the other candidates.

In all, there are 120 names on the list.

Said the source: "The seven-man committee may complete its assignment on or before Monday. We still have problem with the lists from Osun, Ondo, Gombe Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states.

"In fact, a group has emerged in Lagos, demanding the exclusion of Lagos State from the ministerial appointment, until the party puts its house in order."

Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the President to constitute his cabinet.

The Section reads in part: "There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.

"Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President,

"Any appointment under subsection(2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of Section14(3) of this Constitution provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state."

Bomb targets patrols as Boko Haram raid police

KANO, (AFP) - A bomb went off Thursday wounding five soldiers and policemen just hours after a gang of suspected Islamists raided a police station in Maiduguri, officials said.

The explosion occured in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, where a radical sect known as Boko Haram has been active in recent years.

"There was a bomb blast early this morning ...targeting a joint police and military patrol in which three soldiers and two policemen were wounded," Zakari Adamu, Borno's assistant police commissioner, told AFP.

Adamu said suspected Boko Haram members planted a remote-controlled bomb targeting the patrol squad. The five were hit by shrapnel after the bomb was detonated a few metres from their patrol van.

Emergency agency spokesman Yushau Shuaib spoke of "multiple bomb blasts at three different locations in Borno state." But police were unable to confirm the other bomb attacks.

The attack came after an overnight raid on a police station in the same city by a "large number of gunmen" suspected to be Boko Haram members, said Borno police commissioner Mohamed Jinjiri Abubakar.

Details of casualties from the police attack were not immediately available.

In yet another attack, a policeman was ambushed and killed Wednesday while on his way home. Two civilians caught in crossfire, also died, he said.

Police have blamed the sect for series of bomb attacks and also shootings especially in Borno's capital Maiduguri in recent months.

Most of the attacks have targeted military and police personnel, community and religious leaders as well as politicians.

Boko Haram, a local dialect translating to 'western education is sin', launched a short-lived uprising in parts of the north in 2OO9 in a doomed bid to establish an Islamic state.

It was crushed in a brutal military crackdown that saw hundreds of people killed -- many of them sect members -- and its headquarters and mosque destroyed in Maiduguri, where most of the violence has occurred.

Strauss-Kahn set to be released on bail

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, was set to be freed on bail within hours Friday under armed guard and placed on house arrest, after a US judge approved his release.

Strauss-Kahn, who has been charged with sexually assaulting a chambermaid, would be released from the notorious Rikers Island jail on Friday "between 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) and 12:00 (0400 GMT)," the official bondsman said.

The judge has ordered the 62-year-old veteran French politician to be housed in a home detention location in downtown Manhattan, close to Ground Zero.

The new arrangement was made after plans for him to live under round-the-clock surveillance in a plush apartment rented by his wife, Anne Sinclair, reportedly fell through when residents in the complex objected.

Defense lawyer William Taylor confirmed the earlier plan for the former IMF chief to live in the apartment had been changed.

"The reason why they changed plans is because the media invaded the first place," Taylor said, after a hastily called court hearing to detail the new arrangements to the judge.

Earlier a media pack had gathered outside the glitzy-looking Bristol Plaza on East 65th Street in Manhattan, which several reports said had been rented by Sinclair.

Judge Michael Obus accepted $1 million bail in cash and signed off on a $5 million insurance bond for Strauss-Kahn, who is facing trial for the alleged sexual assault of a Guinean chambermaid in a Manhattan hotel on Saturday.

Strauss-Kahn, who has spent the last four nights inside Rikers Island jail, has also agreed to wear an electronic ankle bracelet, and submit all his travel documents.

The New York Post reported he was expected to live in a corporate housing suite belonging to the security firm Stroz Friedberg.

But the company refused to comment to AFP. "Stroz Friedberg has no comment to issue at this time," said Pamela Siegel, chief marketing officer.

At least 34 killed in protests across Syria

DAMASCUS, (AFP) - Syrian security forces shot dead at least 34 people Friday, including a child, as pro-democracy protests swept the country, with demonstrators pressing on with calls for more freedom in defiance of a fierce crackdown, activists said.

In Washington US President Barack Obama piled pressure on Syria, saying it was of "acute concern" for Washington and Israel -- days after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and key aides were hit by US sanctions.

Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency and rights watchdog Human Rights Watch expressed concern about an influx of Syrians who have fled to neighbouring Lebanon to escape the violence at home.

The child was among 12 people killed in the central city of Homs. Another 15 died in the town of Maaret al-Naaman, located near the western city of Idlib, the activists said.

They said two people were also killed in the southern region of Daraa, epicentre of protests that have gripped Syria since March 15, one in the Damascus suburb of Daraya, one in the port city of Latakia, two in the eastern town of Deir Ezzor and one in the central town of Hama.

"The victims in Maaret al-Naaman were gunned down at the entrance of the city where many people were converging from other nearby towns to join the protest," an activist said.

Another activist in Homs said security services stormed a local hospital and carried away several wounded people along with the body of a victim.

State television blamed the violence on armed gangs which, it said, had opened fire on civilians and security forces in the region of Idlib and on the outskirts of Homs, resulting in unspecified casualties.

Assad's government has blamed the violence on "armed terrorist gangs" backed by Islamists and foreign agitators.

Protests were also reported in several other towns across Syria, including in Damascus where an activist said security forces quickly dispersed a rally outside a mosque.

In the mainly Kurdish region of Ain Arab, near the northern city of Aleppo, hundreds took to the streets holding olive branches and chanting "No to violence, yes to dialogue," said Radif Mustapha, head of a Kurdish rights group reached by telephone.

"No one is calling for the downfall of the regime," he said, as protesters could be overheard shouting "azadi, azadi," or freedom in Kurdish.

In Banias, thousands of men, women and children marched, with many of the men bare-chested to show proof they were unarmed, Rami Abdel Rahman, of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP.

The accounts could not be independently verified as foreign journalists are prevented from travelling in the country to report on protests challenging Assad's authoritarian regime.

In a keynote Thursday speech on the Middle East, Obama urged Assad to lead a political transition or "get out of the way."

"President Assad now has a choice," said Obama, whose government this week imposed sanctions on Assad and key aides.

"The Syrian government must stop shooting demonstrators and allow peaceful protests."

Damascus defiantly rejected the warning.

"Obama is inciting violence when he says that Assad and his regime will face challenges from the inside and will be isolated on the outside if he fails to adopt democratic reforms," the official news agency SANA said.

Obama renewed the pressure on Friday during talks with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlining the US sanctions against Damascus and saying Syria's actions was an "acute concern" for Israel and the United States.

Western powers were initially hesitant to criticise Assad's regime due to Syria's strategic importance in the region and fears of possible civil war if the regime were to collapse.

More than 850 people have been killed and thousands arrested since the protests began in mid-March, according to human rights groups and the United Nations.

The UN refugee agency said Friday that some 1,400 Syrians fled to Lebanon last week alone to escape the violence at home.

"Most of the people who have crossed the border in recent weeks are women and children. In addition to their immediate need for food, shelter and medical help, they also need psycho-social support," UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic said in Geneva.

Human Rights Watch said Lebanon should grant asylum to Syrians fleeing the unrest instead of detaining them "and above all refrain from deporting them back" to their country.

"Lebanon's security forces should stop detaining Syrian refugees who cross the border into Lebanon to escape violence and persecution in their country," the New York-based rights group said.

Reports from Lebanon say at least 5,000 refugees have entered the country from Syrian border villages in recent weeks.

Rare support for Syria came Friday from Venezuela where President Hugo Chavez described Assad as his "brother" and said Syria is the "victim of a fascist attack."

English FA to abstain in FIFA vote

LONDON, (AFP) The English Football Association (FA) is to abstain from voting in the upcoming FIFA presidential election between Sepp Blatter and Mohamed Bin Hammam, it was announced Thursday.

FA chairman David Bernstein said in a statement there were a "range of issues" which made it "difficult" to vote for incumbent Blatter or Asian football chief Bin Hammam.

"The FA Board has today agreed to abstain in the vote for the Presidency of FIFA," Bernstein said.

"There are a well-reported range of issues both recent and current which, in the view of The FA board, make it difficult to support either candidate.

"The FA values its relationships with its international football partners extremely highly. We are determined to play an active and influential role through our representation within both UEFA and FIFA.

"We will continue to work hard to bring about any changes we think would benefit all of international football."

English officials expressed outrage after their bid for the 2018 World Cup ended in humiliation last December, garnering just two votes to be removed in the first round before Russia went on to win.

Since then a British parliamentary inquiry has heard testimony from former English FA chairman David Triesman alleging FIFA voters demanded bribes and favours in the bidding contest for the 2018 World Cups.

Officials from England's Premier League were believed to have argued in favour of a vote for Bin Hammam.

Bandits raid four banks, snatch N84 million

Hell broke loose in Delta State yesterday, when robbers, armed with explosives and sophisticated rifles, raided four banks and escaped with about N84 million.

The bandits, who expended over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, killed two persons and injured eight in the broad daylight robbery, in Kwale and Amai, Ndokwa Local Government Area of the state.

According to eyewitnesses, the bandits were up to 25 in number.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Ibrahin Tsafe, confirmed that the robbers stormed the localities about 2.30 p.m., with sophisticated weapons, one Toyota Camry, and a Toyota 4-Runner Jeep.

Tsafe, who briefed journalists at the command headquarters in Asaba, yesterday, listed the banks as Zenith, Unity, Oceanic and Skye.

He said that the police gunned down two members of the gang in Amai and Nsukwa, after they successfully raided Skye Bank branch at Amai.

About N4.7 million was recovered from the gang.

Tsafe said: “The command swiftly mobilised patrol teams, ambushed the robbers along Amai and Nsukwa roads, confronted and dislodged them; one of them was gunned down in Amai, and another in Nsukwa; while others retreated, abandoning the vehicles they came in.”

According to him, one Delta City Bus marked DT 753 A28 and a Toyota Space Wagon (FU 87 ABJ), and their weapons were recovered.

He regretted that the bandits killed two persons and injured eight others while they were fighting to escape.

He listed other items recovered from the hoodlums as: three AK 47 rifles, 20 AK 47 live ammunition, 38 empty magazines, a dynamite, N4.65 million cash, two wrist watches, black Toyota Camry car (AJ 86 AHD), Toyota 4-Runner (EM 704 BEN), Toyota Sienna Space Wagon, Delta Line bus, 2000 expended ammunition, expended explosives and dynamites.

Meanwhile, the command has declared 25 persons wanted in connection with incessant mysterious killings in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

Tsafe added that ritual killings, in the locality, has become worrisome, as he vowed that he would reward handsomely anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

In the last one year, over 50 persons have been killed in their farms, with their private parts, eyes, breasts, or fingers missing.

News Headlines (09/05/2011)

2011-05-10T04:26:00.001-07:00

Court orders AGF, EFCC to release detained Akingbola, Atuche’s wife

Akingbola

Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered EFCC to Akingbola, his wife Elizabeth, and of his Platinum Habib Bank (BankPHB) counterpart, Francis Atuche, being held in the commission’s custody.

Justices Charles Achibong and Fatimat Nyako gave the orders while ruling on separate ex-parte applications by Akingbola and Mrs. Atuche.

Nyako, however, refused a similar application by Mr. Atuche, but ordered him to put the EFCC on notice by serving the copies on the commission. She adjourned the matter till tomorrow for hearing.

Ruling on Mrs. Atuche’s application yesterday, specifically ordered the EFCC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), to either release her or produce her before the court tomorrow.

Justice Achibong, whose order in respect of Akingbola was given last Friday, had directed the EFCC to release him, pending the determination of his motion for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

He directed that the order should operate as a stay of all actions, including his planned re-arraignment by the EFCC pending the determination of the said motion. He adjourned further hearing to May 18.

In his application, Atuche wants the court to among others, make an order of interlocutory injunction, restraining the EFCC and other agents of the government form further arresting, inviting and interrogating him in respect of issues relating to the case for which he was already being tried before the court.

He is also seeks a similar order restraining the EFCC and other agents of government from re-arraigning, charging or prosecuting him for matters relating to allegations contained in charge number FHC/L/369C/2010 on which he is being tried before the court.

Atuche also wants the court to restraining the Federal Government through any of its agencies, particularly the EFCC, from taking any steps that will render his pending appeal in respect of charge number FHC/L/369/2009 nugatory.

It was averred in a supporting affidavit to the application, that the threat by the EFCC to re-arrest him, having earlier arrested his wife, was targeted at breaching his right to liberty and freedom of movement as earlier upheld by the court in a ruling.

Atuche, who insisted that the arrest and interrogation of his wife was in connection with the pending case against him, urged the court to grant his application.

Who is who on the panel

Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Lemu

He is a former grand Khadi, Niger State. He was appointed Chancellor of the Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State. He has written many books on Islam.

He currently heads the Islamic Trust in Minna, Niger State.

Vice Chairman

Justice Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo

He retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court in January 2005 and has since acted as a Legal Consultant, particularly in the area of litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Justice Uwaifo has, for several years acted both in the capacity of Sole Arbitrator and Chairman of various arbitration panels.

Justice Uwaifo’s over 40 years experience in the legal profession spanned 10 years at the Bar and 30 years on the higher Bench. He has served on many panels including being chairman of Osun State Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Chief Ajibola Ogunshola

He is the immediate past Chairman of Punch and outgoing President of Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). In 2000, he was a member, Presidential Committee on the Harmonisation of Public Sector and Public Service.

Ogunshola was born on July 14, 1944. He attended the University of Ibadan and the Institute of Actuaries, the United Kingdom.

Professor Femi Odekunle

A graduate of the University of Ibadan in 1968, he bagged his Ph.D. in sociology and social psychiatry from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in the United States in 1974. He taught at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, Kaduna State, from 1970 to early 1990.

In 1994, he was appointed the Chairman, Advisory Committee to Chief of General Staff (CGS) General Oladipo Diya on Socio-Political and Economic Matters.

Lateefat Okunnu

Born on December 3, 1939, Mrs. Okunnu graduated in 1972 from the University of California, Los Angeles.

She was Deputy Governor, Lagos State between 1990 and 1991, Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) between 1992 and 1993; Chairman, Board of Trustees, the Family Support Trust Fund, Lagos State (1995) and currently President, Federation of Muslim Women’s Organisations.

Alhaji Mohammed Danmadami (CON)

He retired from the Nigeria Police in 1983 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). He was Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Plc.

Born in 1936, Alhaji Danmadami attended the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria between 1955 and 1957; the Southern Police College of Nigeria (1958-59) and the International Police Academy, Washington, the United States in 1970.

Dr. Bukar Usman

Born on November 11, 1965 in Ngala, Borno State, he attended the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1986 and 87) and later at the University of Maiduguri between 1988 and 1994.

He was Chairman, Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Borno State chapter (2004-2005), Vice Chiarman, Academic Staff Union, College of Agriculture, Maiduguri; and has been the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Borno State since 2009.

Chukwu Ralph Uwechue

An indigene of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Uwechue was born in 1935. He attended the University College (now University of Ibadan) between 1956 and 60.

He served as an Ambassador to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mission in Cote d’ Ivoire and later Minister of Health in 1993. He was elected President of Pan-Igbo group, Ohaneze Ndigbo in 2008.

Let corps members serve in their regions, says YCE

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) yesterday advised that graduates should be allowed to serve within their geo-political regions.

The call followed last month’s post-election violence in the North which led to the death of 10 corps members serving there.

In a four-point communiqué by its Action National Chairman, Chief Dejo Raimi, after its monthly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the YCE said: “Instead of having to entertain perpetual fears by parents and forcing state governments to evacuate their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) wards out of senseless danger, spreading sentiments and dashing hopes at very costly extremes, the deployment of corps members for their patriotic services should be intra-geo-political zones henceforth.”

The YCE praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega and other Nigerians for their role in the success of the elections.

It, however, condemned what it called “cruel persecution of the Corps members” by some people.

YCE said: “The patriotic intentions of the founding fathers of the NYSC programme, as manifested in the electoral processes, have been turned into martyrdom and cruel persecution.

“The YCE abhors this ugly situation; we also condemn in no small measures Nigerians who, by their actions and utterances, turned their states into slaughter slabs with innocent corps members, particularly from the South, as the sacrificial lambs.

“Too many expectant families from the South, who have nurtured and trained their children and wards through thick and thin for decades and have patriotically allowed their children to be of immense help to the needy, the backward and the conservatives are disappointed and thrown into abysmal grief by slaughtering these bright future leaders of Nigeria like they slaughter fowls and goats on the altar of folly, ignorance and bloody wickedness.

“YCE says enough is enough. The blood of the young being spilled

Amosun inaugurates Ogun re-building team

Amosun

Ogun State governor–elect Senator Ibikunle Amosun yesterday inaugurated six committees to draw up practical blue prints on how to re- build the state.

They committees and their heads are Education, Prof. Sherifdeen Tella; Health, Dr Lawan Odusoga; Agriculture, Rural Development and Industrialisation, Prof. Bola Okunneye; Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal Mr Dipo Onabanjo; O. Solarin Budget and Economic Planning; Security and Judiciary, Dr. Kanyisola Ajayi (SAN).

Amosun said they will help his administration develop a holistic and realistic policy document that will “drive rapid development, reposition the state and empower people.”

Addressing the committees and chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital, Amosun said: “Things have gone awry in Ogun State. We grew up with water running and good roads. It is a shame we find ourselves here today. We want to re–invent those good old days that made Ogun thick.”

Amosun, who received his Certificate of Return earlier yesterday from the National Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alh. Abdullahi Kaigama, urged other newly elected officers to reflect on how projects can be funded, given the “precarious finances” of the state.

He assured residents that the electoral promises of the ACN, such as affordable qualitative education, efficient healthcare delivery, increased agriculture production, industrialisation, housing, urban renewal, rural development and employment, would be fulfilled.

Onabanjo urged Amosun to implement the recommendations of the committees.

Niger Delta women protest corps members’ death

Some of the women in their sober mood

-‘Killers should be brought to book’ -Nigerians urged to love one another

THE sombre visage and black attires spelt out the mood of over 70 women of the Niger Delta who revisited the killing of members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in the post-election violence that gripped the North. The women gathered at the Lagos office of the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) to protest the killing of the corps members.

What was supposed to be a press briefing took on the character of a funeral service.

The women wore long faces and carried placards.

The protesters who belong to different activism groups across the Niger-Delta, demanded that the perpetrators be brought to book. The women also wanted compensation to be paid to families of the deceased.

The gathering was facilitated by the IMG, a notable Ijaw activism group.

The women sat mournfully, their hands on their chins. By their appearance, one could see that they were not in the mood for chit-chats. There was no side-talk which is typical of such women gatherings; just silent whispers of pain and unuttered groaning for the families of the late corps members. Tears dripped from the eyes of some of them.

“Indeed we are mourning the death of our children,” said Chief (Mrs) Patience Gbogbo, Deputy President of Ijaw Women Leadership Forum (IWLF).

“We, women from the Niger Delta region, are mourning our children along with the mothers across the nation who lost their children in the crisis that broke out after the presidential election. It is painful.

“After carrying a child for nine months, to loose him at birth is painful not to talk of the one you suffered to put through school, up to the higher institution, and when you thought your suffering was over, he is taken away from you just like that. It is indeed painful. We feel their pains and are weeping with them. And this is our own way of showing it,” she said.

Like Mrs Gbogbo, the President of the Southsouth Women Organisation (SSWO) Chief (Mrs) Vickie Djerwudu was also bitter. And she showed it, even though she may not have been directly affected.

“I know those who were affected,” she said.

This scenario, Mrs Djerwudu said, is what is playing out in the homes of many who have lost their children. The corps members, according to her, may well be the last surviving hope of their families.

"And now," she said, "that that hope is dashed, what would happen to them. What would happen to the years of nurturing, the money spent, the love lost?"

The coordinator of the IMG, Comrade Joseph Evah said his group organised the briefing to protest the killings. Evah said the late corps members were heroes in their own rights, adding that they should be immortalised. He also called for the compensation to be made to the families of the deceased.

"We are saying that compensations be paid to the families of the deceased without further delay and the murderers of the corps members must be prosecuted. We know that no compensation can bring back the lives of the dead but it is a step to appreciate that they are heroes who died in active service to the nation and should be given befitting honour by immortalising them. "

The group threatened to go to court if the government refuses to pay the affected families some form of compensation. He said: "However, if the president refuses to pay compensation to these families, we are going to file a suit directly against him to force him to pay. And we would also carry out demonstration against him. Nevertheless, there is no way the president will not sympathise with the families by paying them compensation for their loss."

The women, Evah said, were also protesting the killings and calling for compensations as mothers. He said: "The women out there are mothers from the southsouth. And they are here to join their voices with the parents of the deceased. They are grieved by what is happening."

Like their leaders, the women also spoke with one angry voice, expressing their solidarity with the families of the deceased. Although they were members of various groups from the Niger Delta region, they wore one set of clothing – black – depicting their oneness with their kind who has lost their children, condemning the vicious acts.

To show their discontent, they carried placards in that read thus: ‘What are the offences of the corpers?’, ‘Aaah! After training a child to university…’, ‘Only God can console you parents of late corpers’, ‘Enough is Enough, says Lagos Ijaws’, ‘No more posting to the north’, ‘Ijaw mothers demand corpers to serve in their states’, among others.

They said: "We are not happy. In fact, we are angry. Our children are the hope of tomorrow: they are our future and if we tamper with our future now, what would become of our tomorrow? Pay the families adequate compensations."

They called for the review of the NYSC scheme, saying people should be made to serve in their states. They also urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

The Matron, Ijaw Christian Women Association, Mrs Deseye Oloye said: "We condemn in strong terms the killing of our children of our children who died serving under the NYSC in Bauchi and other parts of the north. We call on the federal government to immediately amend the laws concerning the NYSC scheme so as to allow this young people to serve in their state of origin. We also call on Nigerians to learn to love and see themselves as brothers and sisters and stop killing one another."

Six arraigned for alleged N12b pension fraud

EFCC chair Mrs Waziri

A Federal High Court, Abuja has granted bail to six persons charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with a N12 billion pension fraud.

They were arraigned alongside 26 companies on a 134-count charge bordering on corruption, abuse of office and advance fee fraud,

The court discharged Mohammed Katun Ahmed and a company from the charge.

This followed an application by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Godwin Obla, who told Justice Adamu Bello that Ahmed was meant to be a witness.

The six accused persons are former Director of the Pensions Department, Office of the Head of Service, Dr. S. T. Shuaibu, his former Deputy, Mrs. Phina Chidi and his personal assistant, Aliyu Bello.

Others are: Abdullahi Omeiza, Garba Abdullahi Tahir and Emmanuel Olanipekun, who allegedly served as conduit for siphoning the cash from the system.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Counsel to the accused persons urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms. They asked the court to consider that the accused persons are civil servants and have not violated the terms of their administrative bail.

But Obla told the court that even though he had filed a counter affidavit opposing the applications for bail dated May 6, he would concede to the applications on certain terms.

He urged the court to make an order that will secure the attendance of the accused persons for trial.

Besides, the accused persons must be told to appear before EFCC every Monday as investigations are still underway, the lawyer said.

Obla also urged the court to validate the power of the anti graft agency to hold on to the international passports of the accused persons and to consider that some of the offences with which they are charged attract a jail term of 10 years without an option of fine.

In granting the accused persons bail, Justice Adamu Bello said he considered the concession made by the prosecution and the adherence of the accused persons to the terms of their administrative bail.

He granted them bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety each. The sureties must own landed property worth the bail sum within the jurisdiction of the court. The title of the property is to be verified by the Court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

The accused persons will also deposit their international passports with the Chief Registrar of the court and must not travel without the court’s permission. They will also report to the EFCC every Monday, until investigations are concluded.

The court ordered that they should be remanded in prison custody, if the bail conditions are not met. The case has been adjourned till June 30 for trial.

How ex-president’s men rigged S’West polls

Fresh documents obtained by Daily Sun have exposed the massive electoral fraud perpetrated by the Peoples Democratic Party in the previous elections, especially in 2003. A comparative analysis of the results of the presidential election in 2003 and 2011, with particular reference to Ogun state, show a rather wide margin between registered voters and actual votes.

The document shows that while the PDP scored 60,444 votes in the presidential elections in Ikenne local Government in 2003, the total registered voters in the same local council in 2011 is 42,192. The population, rather than increase, was depleted by over 18,000, a situation clearly depicting that the 2003 figures were simply allocated to the ruling party and thus had no relationship with the existing register.

Daily Sun was told that former President Olusegun Obasanjo remained the biggest beneficiary of the electoral fraud of the time. Our source said real result sheets were torn and new figures allocated. In Ijebu East local council, the PDP scored 67,370 votes in 2003 while the registered voters in the same council in 2011 was 49,219. The figures again show depletion rather than a natural rise after eight years.
The Ogun case is also an example of the acclaimed credibility of the 2011 elections. In Remo North local council the PDP scored 65,736 in the 2003 Presidential poll while the registered voters eight years after stood at 36,754.
Daily Sun learnt that the practice in the past, as shown in the foregoing figures was to begin the rigging process at the registration point via multiple registration in order to make room for inflation of result figures.

While reacting to the wide disparity, the former Governor of the state, Aremo Segun Osoba, said the figures were a vindication for him and the set of governors in the South –west in 2003 who insist that they were rigged out of office.
“But I pity Obasanjo because in his life time all the electoral fraud he perpetrated are being exposed. He has not only been tamed in Ogun state, he has been caged in the entire country. The 2011 elections have put him where he belongs. It has put him in an Iron cage where he cannot escape. He should now go and live the rest of his life in peace and learn to keep his mouth shut,’ said Osoba whose party, Action Congress of Nigeria won the gubernatorial elections in Ogun state.

Osoba said the 2011 elections were largely credible in that the people’s wishes were respected and expressed optimism that the South West zone has returned to the mainstream progressive politics which has always been their political identity.
He hoped that in the years to come the elections would be more credible, especially given that the use of force and false figures as obtained in the previous years would no longer apply.

SUMMARY OF REGISTERED VOTERS (2011)

S/N LGA NO OF NO OF TOTAL
MALE FEMALE VOTERS
1. ABEOKUTA NORTH 60,235 63,930 124,165
2. ABEOKUTA SOUTH 89,619 102,324 191,943
3. ADO-ODO/OTA 126,933 130,320 257,253
4. EGBADO NORTH 48,872 51,648 100,520
5. EGBADO SOUTH 52,707 53,858 106,565
6. EWEKORO 33,965 26,649 60,614
7. IFO 93,428 108,902 202,330
8. IJEBU EAST 26,785 22,434 49,219
9. IJEBU NORTH 49,086 51,912 100,998
10. IJEBU NORTH EAST 17,214 17,929 35,143
11. IJEBU ODE 37,457 43,227 80,684
12. IKENNE 19,871 22,321 42,192
13. IMEKO/AFON 27,724 27,132 54,856
14. IPOKIA 47,488 50,919 98,407
15. OBAFEMI/OWODE 53,049 52,336 105,385
16. ODEDA 32,274 31,068 63,342
17. ODOGBOLU 36,178 34,943 71,121
18. OGUN WATERSIDE 19,834 17,961 37,795
19. REMO NORTH 19,611 17,143 36,754
20. SAGAMU 60,874 67,098 127,972
TOTAL 953,204 994,054 1,947,258
RESULT OF 2003 PRESIDENTIAL POLL

S/N LGA NO. OF REG PDP (OBJ) VOTES VOTERS
(TENTATIVE)
1. ABK SOUTH 136,939 136,700
2. ABK 175,355 174,766
3. ADO-ODO OTA 206,510 205,445
4. EGBADO
NORTH 100,594 99,588
5. EGBADO
SOUTH 81,297 80,484
6. EWEKOPO 53,037 52,506
7. IFO 127,118 126,846
8. IJEBU EAST 67,540 67,370
9. IJEBU NORTH 168,O41 167,360
10. IJEBU NORTH
EAST 41,992 41,572
11. IJEBU ODE 78,383 77,599
12. IKENNE 61,055 60,445
13. IMEKO/AFON 52,760 52,632
14. IPOKIA 98,645 98,000
15. OBAFEMI
OWODA 96,465 96,000
16. ODEDA 72,218 71,495
17. ODOGBOLU 68,877 67,499
18. OGUN WATERSIDE 67,501 67,001
19. REMO NORTH 66,501 65,736
20. SAGAMU 127,946 127,946
TOTAL 1,949,124 1,936,990
(99.38%)

How we caged OBJ –Osoba
•Says ex-president should learn to shut his mouth

Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Ogun state and former governor of the state Aremo Segun Osoba says the 2011 elections have exposed the previous malpractices of the Peoples Democratic Party and effectively caged former President Olusegun Obasanjo who allegedly played active roles in the misdemeanor.

Speaking to Daily Sun in his Ikoyi residence shortly before traveling out of the country Osoba said the South West has returned to what he described as ‘progressive politics’ and that Obasanjo’s ‘fraudulent political activities are being exposed’. He said his party worked so hard and ensured that the former president lost both in his polling booth and his village. He said a comparative analysis of results of the presidential election in 2003 and 2011 will expose the irregularities perpetrated by the PDP in 2003 with the alleged participation of president Obasanjo.[see the figures below]
‘Obasanjo has been put in an iron cage…he should now learn to keep his mouth shut. No more grandstanding’ Osoba told Daily Sun, insisting that his set of governors in the south west were rigged out of office by the PDP machinery. Excerpts of the interview:

Can you give a general appraisal of the 2011 elections?
I can only talk for Ogun State where it became clear to me that in a well organized, free and fair election, the progressive forces are still politically in control of the South West. The South West is one zone where I can vouch that the 2011 elections were free and fair. Some of the figures from many parts of the country do not make me feel comfortable that elections in some of those places were free and fair because the figures are so large and unimaginable. It was surprising that they could count such figures within so short a time and announce the results the same day.
What do you say about the emergence of CAN as the main opposition in the country?

I have always told the whole world that we are the main progressive party in the country. But because the retrogressive forces conducted the 2003 and 2007 elections in such a fraudulent manner people did not realize that we progressives are so strong in this country. That is what the last election has shown. It should not actually be a surprise to people. It is just that we had been denied our right through massive rigging in the past. I am confident that when the 2015 election is held and there would have been improvement in the modified open-secret ballot system which we have been advocating, we will be the leading party in this country.
How has Ogun State fared since you left office and what are the prospects for the state under the in-coming administration.

Eight years after I left office, I went round on a tour of the entire state during the last campaigns and I got the shocker of my life in that the level of rot I found in all aspects. I was very disappointed. For example, all the neighbouring areas of the state with Lagos State where there had been upsurge of population from resulting in movement from Lagos, I found in total decay in infrastructural facilities. All the way from Julius Berger to Ojodu, to Alagbole, Agbado do not have water supply. There are no roads. The road I did along Toyin 11 years ago is still the only passable road other than the ones the Lagos State Government did. Both sides of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from Berger have had an upsurge in population, including the journalists’ village in Arepo. Al those areas, Ibafo, Magboro, Mowe and the entire Ofada area is in more serious infrastructural neglect. A Chinese company built the only primary school in Magboro. That shows you the level of neglect the people of Ogun have suffered under the PDP.

What prospects does the state now have under ACN
Serious challenges. I have told our governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, that I don’t envy him because he is going to meet mountains of challenges and problems that are very daunting. Salaries have not been paid up till date, even WAEC fees have not been paid up to date. Meanwhile, out-goingovernor Gbenga Daniel is setting booby traps for Amosun. He has accepted to pay minimum wage, which he has not paid. This a deliberate act to frustrate Amosun. He has been employing workers on a large scale. He is doing all these deliberately to embarrass the in-coming government. He has been selling assets of the government to his cronies. I did not do anything of the sort. I did not even buy a single car. The only person who bought a car from the government was my deputy, Gbenga Kaka, who went to meet Daniel and Daniel sold it to him at the market rate. Now he is selling hundreds of vehicles belonging to the state government

There was a time Daniel said that most of the people in those areas you mentioned earlier work in Lagos and pay their taxes there.
I heard that story and I was scandalized that a governor would deny Nigerians, even non Nigerians living within his territory their rights in terms of facilities. It is terribly insensitive and smacks of lack of compassion for fellow human beings. I would never have said such a thing. I knew that the sudden development of Ibafo area was coming and that was why I electrified Ibafo during my time as governor. We electrified the place. All the way from the Redeemed Camp to Ibafo. Today, all that area has become a brand new mega city but it is unplanned and lacks any modicum of infrastructure in terms of roads and schools. It makes me weep for Ogun State.

There is a trend now in the South West whereby political leaders and elders like you are bringing members of their families, their wives and children into political offices, this was something Chief Obafemi Awolowo did not do?
Papa Awolowo did it. We are Awoists to the core and we are following in his footsteps in every respect. In 1979, Papa Awolowo was the presidential candidate, his son Wole, contested to represent Apapa in Lagos State House of Assembly and won. He was returned in 1983. So we are doing nothing new to our Papa’s philosophy, ideology and ways of life.

Are you satisfied now that former president Olusegun Obasanjo has been effectively tamed in Ogun State?
He has not only been tamed in Ogun State, he has been caged in the entire country. The 2011 elections have put him where he belongs. It has put him in an iron cage where he cannot escape. He should now go and live the rest of his life in peace and learn to keep his mouth shut. No more grand standing and I have my reasons for saying so.

What are your reasons?
I pity him that in his lifetime his fraudulent political activities are being exposed. I will give you an example. I have with me here the results of his fraudulent election results in 2003 and the voters’ register currently in Ogun State. When you compare the two figures you will laugh off your head at the fraud perpetrated in 2003 under Obasanjo’s watch.

In Ikenne Local Government area, for instance, total number of votes scored by Obasanjo in the presidential election in 2003 was 60,445. Obviously these are figures he wrote for himself because the total number of registered voters in 2011 in the same Ikenne, eight years after, was 42,192. It means that half of Ikenne people died. Was there a Tsunami there or what,[general laughter]?

Obasanjo claimed to have scored 99 percent of the votes in Ogun State and that came to 1.93 million. Eight years after, the total number of registered voters in the state was almost the same thing. We are not talking about those who actually came out to vote.
Let me give you another example, with the result from Remo North Local Government. In 2003, he wrote for himself 65,736 votes, but the total number of registered voters in 2011, eight years after, was 36,754. So half of the people there died. So what you are seeing today is exposure of total fraud. It is an example of how we have been shortchanged. It also proves what we had always said that we were rigged out in 2003 by Obasanjo. These are figures that cannot be controverted.

There are fears that godfathers will not allow Ibikunle Amosun to be his own man and govern the state?
If you look at my antecedents, I successfully ran three major newspapers in this country. In The Herald, I handed over to a new chief executive, I never looked back. In Sketch, I handed over to my very close friend, the late Peter Ajayi, I never looked back. Yemi Ogunbiyi is still alive, I handed over to him in Daily Times and I did not look back. It is going to be the same thing.

I led the campaign in Ogun State and I am happy to say that while I was doing grassroots campaign, ward to ward, local government to local government, we did so well that we delivered Ogun State even beyond our expectation. It was such that Obasanjo lost at his own polling booth, he also lost at his village in Ibogun. That will show you how effective our campaign was.

I am also highly impressed that we did not have any external funding of any sort. Our members tasked themselves and contributed their own little quota, including Fola Adeola who was our vice presidential candidate. Our members made sacrifices, for example, our agents at the polling centres were paid only N2000 per person. Yet, they did not fall into the temptation of those carrying big money, namely the PDP and PPN. They did not compromise, all members of the ACN sacrificed and worked hard for succcess.
If there is going to be any godfather, it will be the party policies and programmes which Governor Ibikunle Amosun must implement. There is no external godfather that pumped money into the party in Ogun State. I, as the leader of the party in the state will not interfere because all my life I have never looked back to interfere with those I handed over to in the past.

What went wrong with the alliance with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)?
It was basically distrust. (General Mohammadu) Buhari (retd), was not sure that he would get the ticket if both parties fused into one. That was the bottom line. If we had merged and he came to run on the platform of our party it would have been a different story today. What he suffered in the ANPP where he was tossed around and he eventually formed his own party may have influenced his distrust. But the party he formed which was CPC did not have any serious structure. It had mass following but tested politicians were not in the party. He became a lone ranger as leader and campaign leader for the party.

That was too much for one man to carry.
Some people said that it was the division in the PDP in Ogun State which gave birth to PPN that gave your party an opportunity to win in the state, is it true?
I have given them a challenge that they should quickly settle their quarrel, combine their votes, choose Isiaka or Olurin as their candidate. If the totality of their votes put together is more than our own, then I will immediately concede victory to them. Ebenezer Babatope who is not an indigene of Ogun State has been shooting his mouth with such comments. But he is not being scientific. We scored 377,487 votes, PDP scored 188,698 PPN scored 138,057 votes. If you add their votes, it still does not beat our votes. So what are they talking about? In fact, if they had remained in PDP we would beaten them even better because the vehemence of the people would have shown more. They are lucky that the first election of April 2 was cancelled. Their defeat would have been more devastating.

How Senate Leader Folarin’s masterstroke unsettled Oyo PDP

Folarin

He was elected Senator for the first time in 2003. But from 2003 to 2007, his voice was hardly heard on the floor of the Senate. However, when the sixth Senate was inaugurated in June 2007, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin surprisingly emerged as the Senate Leader. And because his predecessor, Senator Dalhatu Tafida, was an experienced politician, many political observers, including most of the reportes coving the Senate then, doubted Folarin’s ability to lead the Upper Chamber in that capacity.

Interestingly too, in his first major interview with the Daily Sun, published on June 18, 2007, shortly after inauguration, Folarin admitted in that interview that for him, the first four years, was a “learning process” and that Nigerians, should look forward to a “new Folarin.”

He was the first to predict early in the life of the current Senate that although the Senate leadership would not be a “rubber stamp,” it would ensure that the acrimonious relationship between the executive and the legislature that characterised the previous Senate (1999 to 2007) did not repeat itself . And as the current Senate prepares to leave the stage , it is on record that since 1999, the current Senate leadership was the first to escape the proverbial banana peel that saw the previous Senate changed leadership, unceremoniously.

In response to whether or not he could fit into Tafida’s shoes then, Folarin had said: “Well, I have a lot of respect for the Senator you’re talking about. I mean Senator Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, he has done well, he has set a standard, and there is no question about that. But I am also a believer in the young shall grow. I will be deceiving myself to say I want to surpass him. My aim now is to try to maintain the standard he has left behind, that is if I cannot surpass the standard. So, if after four years we are able to exceed that (standard), then we thank God.”

By next month, Folarin’s tenure as the Senate Leader will end. And like his predecessor, he also lost the attempt to return to the Senate. Unlike his predecessor however, whose ticket was controversially snatched from him by the then governor of the state, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, after he (Tafida) had won the party’s ticket in a controversial circumstances, political encumbrances had been set on Senator Folarin’s path by his sworn enemies within Oyo State, to ensure that he did not return to the Senate.

A return ticket for Folarin, Daily Sun gathered authoritatively, it was feared could put paid to the alleged ambition of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello of becoming Nigeria’s first female Senate President.

In the beginning
Before the death of Chief Lamidi Adedibu, it was an open secret within Ibadan and its environs that Senator Folarin was nursing a gubernatorial ambition. But because there were feelers that the late Adedibu, was more likely to field his son, Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu, Folarin, was said to have shelved, albeit, temporarily, his governorship ambition.

After Adedibu’s death, it was the thinking in the Folarin camp that the coast was clear. But the death of the acclaimed strong man of Ibadan politics, also emboldened the out-going Oyo Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, to build his own structure, after the death of Adedibu, with a view to ensuring that he not only secured the party’s ticket, but win the coveted seat.

But that precipitated a lasting feud, as Senators Lekan Balogun, Folarin and Akala’s former deputy, Hazeem .Gbolarumi, drew the battle line, with Akala’s men. But the governor’s men dismissed Folarin as a “featherweight” politician, who is not capable of doing any harm, to their political ambition and calculations. Unknown to them, however, Folarin is surrounded by intellectuals, led by Dr. Deolu Akande, his friend, who on daily basis, analyzed the political situation in Oyo State, and make projections.

It was this Think- tank of the group that plotted the strategy that saw Lateef Akinsola (a.k.a Tokyo), leader of the state’s National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, winning his battle through the Industrial Court, unlike his usual recourse to violence.
Unfortunately for the Akala’s group, he was fighting on all fronts, having engaged the traditional rulers in the state, in a dirty war, particularly the Olubadan and the Alaafin of Oyo.

Real Reason Folarin was denied Senate ticket
Unknown to many, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, allegedly played a prominent role in the events that led to Folarin’s loss of the PDP ticket. Daily Sun was reliably informed that Obasanjo had visited Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, to canvass support for both Akala and Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello. Aare was however, said not to be favourably disposed to Obasanjo’s plan. He was said to have told Obasanjo that in Folarin’s battle with Akala, if Akala spends N500 million, and Folarin spends just N250 million, Folarin would triumph over Akala at the end of the day because of primordial sentiment that thrives in Ibadan for ‘’a son of the soil,’’ coupled with religious differences .

On the Senate Presidency tussle, Aare was said to have told some of his loyalists that “how can we see good coming to Ibadan, and we will now decide that we don’t want it, instead we will work for another person outside our State, is that really possible?”
In spite of Aare’s opposition to the plan, the plotters, Daily Sun learnt went ahead with their hatchet job, with Folarin’s unwittingly falling into a trap, designed to put him behind bars permanently till after the 2011 polls. The Presidency which had initially been hoodwinked got the instant illumination that saved Folarin when the police could not substantiate its allegation that Folarin was the mastermind of the murder of Lateef Salako (a.k.a Eleweomo), a factional leader of NUTRW.

Speaker: Battle shifts to Aso Rock
...As Gov Obi leads lobby to Jonathan

The battle for the position of House of Representatives Speaker has shifted to Aso Rock as Chairman of South-East governor’s Forum, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, has accepted to lead a lobby team to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan this week.
Governor Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance [APGA], assured South-East Caucus in the House that he would rally other governors from the zone to lobby the president for the zoning of the position to the South-East.

The leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] was yet to name the zone that will fill the position of the Speaker currently held by the South-West.
PDP’s poor outing in the South-West in the April elections had given other zones to demand for the number four position, but it was believed that a meeting of the leaders of the party at Obudu Ranch, Cross River State which had the former President Olusegun Obasanjo in attendance agreed to retain the zoning arrangement as presently constituted.
A delegation of members from the zone, led by Mr Emeka Ihedioha met Governor Obi at the weekend in Awka, where the demands of the caucus were made known to him.

Even though he belonged to another party, the Governor was told about the brilliant performances of the PDP in the zone in the concluded general elections.
Last week, the caucus met in Abuja to review the demand for political posts and concluded that only the President of the Senate or the position of the Speaker of the House befitted the zone in view of the performances in the polls.
The members therefore implored the leadership of the PDP to reward the South-East zone in the spirit of fairness and the delivery of more than 90 % of votes cast for the President.

A dependable source at the meeting said that the governor assured that he would rally his brother governors to meet with President Jonathan immediately he returns from his official trip to Uganda.
Rep .Emeka Ihedioha was at the fore- front of returnee members from the zone, who had declared interest to compete for the Speaker seat.
Others in the race from the zone are Bethel Amadi from Imo State, Oguefi Ozomgbachi from Enugu and Ezuiche Ubani, Abia.

Imo guber fallout: Ohakim’s kinsmen bar him from church service

Barely few days after the just-concluded Imo State gubernatorial elections, youths of the Okohia, Isiala Mbano country home of Governor Ikedi Ohakim have moved against him over alleged neglect of the community in the last four years of his administration.
Daily Sum learnt that last Sunday, youths of the area on learning that the governor and his family were billed for a special church service at the St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Okohia stormed the church, smashing windows and sacking the priests who were expected to officiate the church service.

The youths were said to have barricaded the church entrance insisting that the outgoing governor would not be allowed to attend church service in the area until he (Ohakim) rendered account of his stewardship to the community.
According to sources, the youths numbering about 50 wanted the governor to explain what he did for his Okohia community for the last four years he piloted the affairs of the state.
When the report got to the governor who was set for the service, the Chief of Staff, Emma Ohakim was said to have gone to the church to intervene in the matter but the rampaging youths were adamant challenging him to point out to any benefit the community had received from Ohakim’s administration as the church service was aborted.
Meanwhlie, the police spokesman Mr. Linus Nwaiwu (DSP) said that the command is yet to be briefed over the matter.

…Hold Jonathan responsible –CPC

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) on Monday blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for the post-election violence that erupted in some Northern parts of the country, saying his determination to win elections by any means was responsible for the blood letting in the North.

The party, however, extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and property as a result of the violence that occasioned the elections, adding that as a disciplined and responsible political party, the CPC would not subscribe to any form of violence.
National legal Adviser to the CPC, Abubakar Malami who made the position of the party public at a press briefing, likened the post-election violence to the anger of the people of the Western Region in 1965 and the people of Ondo State in 1983 against the use of federal might to dislodge opposition governments in the South West in favour of the ruling parties at the federal level with concocted results.
In a press statement entitled “Seeking to Establish The Truth of the 2011 Presidential Election,” the CPC said it has enough evidence to expose all the elements of the flawed election at the presidential election tribunal.

According to the text “let us again on behalf of all members and sympathizers of our great party extend our heart-felt sympathy and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives or property as a result of the violence that occasioned the elections. This includes all those affected before, during and after the polls. We would like to seize this opportunity to reiterate that our party is composed of responsible and discipline members who do not in any way subscribe to the perpetration of any evil much less of encouraging any.
“Our national history has however taught us that the determination to win elections by incumbents by any means has always given birth to spontaneous reactions in the form of break down of law and order.”

We recall the anger of the people of the Western Region in 1965 and the people of Ondo state in 1983 against the use of federal might to dislodge opposition governments in the South west in favour of the ruling parties at the federal level with concocted results. The people spontaneously rose against these barbaric actions of the government. Police stations and houses of prominent NNA and NPN supporters were burnt and many people killed. In the case of Ondo State, the judicial decision that ceded Ondo back to the UPN came within the context of citizens’ determined effort to protect their votes. We are all living witnesses that the nation’s democracy suffered irreparably as a result.

“To us in the CPC, it is our belief that the break down of law and order that ensued after the declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan as the President-elect on the basis of concocted results was the bye product of the determination to win elections by incumbents by any means which has always characterized such actions by historical antecedence. It is our contention that the declaration of false results assembled in places other than the Polling Unit in the instant Presidential Election is another reminder that the political class ruling and ruining Nigeria is not ready to allow electoral reform work. Let us be reminded that already, this present PDP federal Government has rejected the recommendation from the Electoral Reform Committee it set up that the new Independent National Electoral Committee should be appointed through an independent process anchored in the National Judicial Council.

The party accused the ruling PDP of jettisoning the recommendation of the Justice Uwais Committee with regards to the transformation of INEC from a partisan, pro-president-of-the-day lackey to a professional and independent body so that the President could lose the prerogative of appointing the Chairperson, National Commissioners and Resident State Electoral Commissioners of the Commission.
“The National Judicial Council was to take over that responsibility with citizens as nominations are to be made and considered by the public. But without any cogent justification at all, the government rejected it.
In fact, at the end of the day, the entire process of the electoral reform was jettisoned by the same government. What the nation ended up with is the unilateral appointment of an INEC Chairman whose integrity was eulogized more on his past views than actions. I am sure patriotic Nigerians will agree with us that the final processes and outcome of the 2011 general elections are nothing any near to what our campaigns for true Electoral Reforms expected in enthroning for Nigeria free, fair and credible elections.

??We cannot therefore sit by and allow these electoral misdemeanours wreaking the very foundation of our country’s stability, prosperity and unity to continue ?unchecked forever. Since independence, the major political problem of our ?country has been that of elections. Transiting from one government to the other ?through the ballot box had always been the most difficult aspect of the nation’s ?democratic experiment. In fact, on the two occasions the military took over the ?reins of power from civilian regimes, in 1966 and 1983, election malpractices ?were sighted as justification. Yet, till date, we do not seem to have learned ?our lessons. With every election, including the last Presidential Election, the ?electorates continue to lose confidence in the ability of the ballot box to ?express their will. This is a dangerous trend that must not be allowed to ?continue, lest we find our country sleepwalking into a disaster that we may not ?come out of.”
CPC made cited what transpired in President Jonathan’s own polling unit in Osazi to illustrate the level of electoral fraud perpetrated in the election.?
“Osazi Polling Unit has a total number of 908 registered voters. On the 16th of April election, only 424 voters turned out to cast their votes, with 413 voting for ?the President while 11 ballots were invalidated. This represents a total of 47% ?voter turnout in that unit. However, for the rest of Bayelsa state, the total ?voters’

Fashola, others get Certificates of Return

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, the wife of the former Lagos governor, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, a Senator-elect, Senator Ganiyu Solomon and other candidates of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State yesterday, received their Certificates of Return from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a commitment to fast track development of the state.

The governor said the victory recorded at the polls by the ACN had made developmental agenda easy for them to transform the state. He said all the party representatives that won the elective positions had the party’s manifesto as a guide to deliver on dividends of democracy.
He affirmed that the appropriate way to show their gratitude and our appreciation for the mandate was to continue to do what they did in the past that won the confidence of Lagosians who voted overwhelmingly for the party’s candidates in the state, saying they would continue to serve Lagosians diligently with unflinching commitment.

The governor, who empathized with the families of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were slain in the post electoral violence, urged those elected in the process in which they laid down their lives, to live above board in the discharge of their duties.
“Our sympathies are with them, we pray for the peaceful repose of their soul, we pray for the condolence and the comfort of their dependants, their parents and their guardians, we pray that they would not die in vain,” he added.
Fashola commended the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega and his national commissioners for conducting an election widely adjudged to be free and fair , saying the outcome of the polls had already elevated the country among comity of nations

Bauchi 9:
Slain coprs members
There won’t be reprieve for culprits
–Gov. Yuguda

Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda has been daubed in crimson, recently over unsavoury remarks credited to him regarding the death of nine National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were victims of post-election violence.
They were killed by youth who had unleashed violence on the state while protesting the results of the April 16 presidential poll won by the Peoples Democratic Party, [PDP] presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

But speaking with journalists at the weekend in Abuja, Yuguda denied reports that he was indifferent to the murder of the corps members.
The Bauchi Governor declared that the culprits are already in court and would face the full wrath of the court.
Excerpts:

Your Excellency, what actually happened after the presidential election and why do you find it difficult to apologise, over a statement credited to you?
Well, like I said what is that comment that led to one of the newspapers to write that I spat on the grave of youth corps members ?
That was the most wicked statement I have ever heard in my life. Of course, people asked me about my reaction to the death of corps members, what did he expect me to say?
I said it was their time, did I bring them to life? God brought them to life. I said they were destined to die. Those that weren’t destined to die, live and I tried my best as a governor, because I was the only governor who assembled my corps members . I assembled them in one place , I fed them , I gave them money to buy clothes, ask them, any one of them.

Their evacuation was the only first thing that I did and I personally feel that they should have been exposed to the vagaries of the Nigeria politics, because we have so many animals around us who were used to macheting people and these youth were serving the nation. I feel very strongly that they shouldn’t have been part of that serious process that will expose their lives to danger. By the time I handed over the corpers to the INEC, they weren’t under my protection even though I was the governor.

INEC should have given them sufficient protection, but like I have said, what would I do? Did I ask God when I was coming to earth? I didn’t ask the Almighty God and when I am going, like I said I am not sure, if I would reach evening. I don’t know when I am going to die, but if somebody is destined to die, he is going to die.

What are you going to do about it?
The only thing is that the law must take its course. We have arrested over 600 people, some of them actually did the killings and we are going to prosecute them. If the law would allow me, after their being found guilty, if the law would allow me, to shoot them ,I will take the gun and shoot them myself. So, what is the correlation between what I said and the report that I spat on the grave of the dead youth corps. These boys that had toiled for 20 years with their parents paying school fees and fending for them; they had come to serve me and they were happy serving me. Anytime I go to them ,they mill around me and I had offered to give them jobs immediately after they finish.

Each and everyone of them is willing to take job in Bauchi, because by the provision of the constitution, I told them any one of you after seven years, becomes the citizen of Bauchi, because that’s what the constitution says—- you become an indigene of an environment after seven years and I will give you permanent employment, right from day one.

So, all these scandalous reports about me, coming from those who didn’t know my antecedents; they portrayed me as an animal, as somebody who is heartless. I believe the person who wrote that report about me would have been compromised to run me down as an individual.
Did you speak out, in the light of your own faith?
Exactly, as a Moslem, that’s what Islam says. For any Moslem, there is time to come to the world and there is time to go. How can I spat on their grave. I wept, even when the director of NYSC came and when I was making my speech, I had to break my speech, because I remember the day when those souls would meet me in my grave and would ask me ,’’why did you allow people to slaughter me in your own land when you were leader.’’
What’s your message to the parents of the Bauchi 9 and the entire nation?
You see, I had offered condolences to the parents. In fact, I am even supposed to be condoled. I sympathize with the parents and I sympathize with myself; I sympathize with the parents, because they lost their children whom they have spent close to 20 years to train: looking up to them to finish and help them, when they eventually reach age of infirmity and I sympathize with myself, because if those who were killed, now that I am governor; tomorrow when I enter my grave God will ask me about those 9 on national service who were killed! I stand accountable for those 9 and Allah will ask me. What am I going to tell Almighty Allah.
So, I am also awaiting punishment for their death. That’s why I wept in the night, remembering the day I would be in my grave and Allah would ask me about those 9 that were killed.

One of them was even caught performing ablution, he was going to pray! He was telling them , ‘’please, leave me alone to perform ablution’’.
These animals, they machete him!! They are animals and we have them everywhere in the country. You asked the question ,’’why did this happen to youth corps? In the first instance, who won the presidential election in Bauchi? If you came out to vote for PDP that day, they cut off your hands, you dare not vote for PDP, because they are hoodlums. In fact that day they burnt down the INEC office, they burnt down our vehicles, mosques and churches, the house of my SSG was burnt to ashes , his father’s house was burnt down with the mosque.

So, it is a sad thing in the history of our country, that youth on national service would be molested. We all know that they are vulnerable, anytime there is crisis in the country, if you aren’t from that part of the country, you become a victim, whether you are a
Nigerian on youth service, or not as long as you don’t speak the language they speak. These ignorant animals … they are animals, they are beast, they aren’t human beings. That human feeling has been removed from them; anyone who can take a machete and take human life isn’t a human being.

So, I console the parents of those who lost their lives, I console all those who lost their lives in other states of the federation, because I know that it isn’t only in Bauchi state but in several other states, but Bauchi was given a lot of prominence. But like I have said, there is time to come to the world and there is time to leave but it is painful. My own son who was equally on national service was attacked. He was coming down to town to vote , but they drove him inside the Police barracks, close to Bauchi and that was how he was rescued.

They attempted to burn my house, but because I am somebody who is popular in his environment, they were prevented . Everybody knows the paramilitary arm of the political party that has done that but nobody is talking about it. But we have made arrest, over 500 and I assure you, we will get the main culprits and the law will take its course.

By the grace of Almighty Allah, those promising young boys and girls had served the nation, the way it ended that’s the way God had destined it . But they have done their best for the nation, but I will appeal to the nation to honour them.
I will like you to take a holistic nation at political violence in the country, but it is most accentuated in the north. You are one of the governors from the North and people often ascribe this thing to the level of poverty. What should we expect from leaders like you to address political violence by taking these boys off the streets?
Let me tell you, we have so many evil human beings among the politicians. We have also merchants of death among the politicians, people who don’t care to have blood full in their hands when it is about government house. Those paramilitary arm they train them and arm them to the teeth, so that they intimidate and harass their opponents.

In fact, I had taken it for granted that after eliminating a deadly group in Bauchi which I inherited, I never expected any kind of violence in Bauchi state during elections, because in the complete absence of the former deadly group, who else? But I didn’t know that the opposition party had already recruited so many and had brought them in—- some of them are even from the neighbouring country, with arms and ammunitions, they were all over the polling booths and they were forcing women. If you say you wouldn’t vote CPC, they were ready to deal with you.

So, I think the solution is simple. People must learn to respect law and order and anybody who is caught, there mustn’t be ‘I beg you’ from any community; there is no son of a big man or son of a small man. if you are guilty, you are guilty. If you kill, you are guilty; if you maim, you are guilty. If you attempt murder, you are guilty. Nobody should come and follow you to the police station to plead for bail, once you are charged for attempted murder.

In the case of Bauchi, a law is in the offing on regulation of religious preaching, because the preachers, both Christians and Moslems aren’t helping matters. There is no point for somebody to go into a church or mosque to say, go and vote for a certain political party. An Imam is supposed to issue sermon and guide people on what God says should be; the same thing for a pastor who is supposed to mount the pulpit. He isn’t supposed to say, ‘’ I have taken a position and this is the party I am going to vote for.’’

Go to the book of faith, where God says vote for who is just and equitable. It is their in the Quran and it is also there in the bible.
So, you should vote for he who is just; that’s what the Quran says. So there is no question why somebody should be allowed to pick a microphone in a mosque and say, ‘this one is a Christian, don’t vote for him and a pastor would say,’’this one is a Moslem, don’t vote for him.’’

Nigerians should understand that God is God and He inherits this place for us. If he had wanted to make it like China with 1.6 million he would have done so—give us one language, but He never did. In Nigeria today we have about 450 languages in Nigeria and each tribe has its own language and has its own culture and we must co-habit together.

With the Quran and the bible, we swore to uphold the constitution of the federal republic that binds us together. Why don’t we respect that? So, to the extent that people aren’t prepared to respect the law , I am afraid the system isn’t going to work. So, what are you going to do with the suspects?
Anybody who is caught killing must be killed.
When are you going to arrange them?
They are already before the court.
Your Excellency, there was a relapse of security in Bauchi last Friday. As the chief security officer, what really is your major handicap?
You see the problem of that area is purely a commoners’ problem and it isn’t only in Bauchi, what happened in Kaduna, how many of you have written about Kaduna? Nobody. Everyday there is clash in some other states, why is Bauchi flashpoint? Why do you want to destroy Bauchi? We aren’t the only people who has this kind of problem, they are everywhere in the country, but nobody talk about them.

But the problem of Bauchi is the problem of chiefdom and I am prepared to curtail it, I have given my words. Peace can never come unless the communities are prepared to live in peace. Just like the Ogoni and Andoni, the Tiv and the Jukuns, the Ife –Modakeke —- they have to appreciate the fact that they must co-exist and you aren’t helping matters by planting these things in the papers. Tell them to live in peace because all lands belong to God. And there is enough for everybody; what is really causing the problem is the chiefdom.

Would you say the security agencies were pro-active to see the violence coming and moved to forestall it ?
You are a human being, no matter how deep you are in security matters, nobody envisage what happened, after all, everybody left the ballot papers for them and Buhari won the election. If their candidate won the election, then why should you fight? Why should you carry knives and slaughter people, burnt churches and mosques? No security magician would tell you that they would burn mosques and churches after winning elections, why?
I won elections in 2007 against the PDP, left PDP in January and after I won in April, what happened? Not a single fly was killed. All the PDP people ran away from Bauchi. If Jonathan had won against Buhari then we would have been targets, because there is a lot of sentiments attached to Buhari , but the CPC won, with an overwhelming majority in almost all the northern states, where violence occurred. So , how could you have envisaged violence?
Believe me, I haven’t seen the kind of efficient security men, as the one I have in Bauchi. They foresee everything as if they are magicians

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2011-05-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

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SEND ALL INFORMATION TO 08038422680

Models Wanted

House of Sapphire(Model) wish to bring to the notice of the public that we are currently recruiting models i.e, Young ,Kids,Old,etc. If you know you got what it takes to be a top model with all and in the country, Send atleast 5 pictures to HOSapphire@gmail.com. Entry closes 30 May , 2011.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT

We are a fast growing microfinance bank recruiting for a dynamic and result -oriented candidate for the position of Personal Assistant to the Managing Director.
Ideal candidate should preferably be a female with a Bachelor's Degree or HND in Business or Social Sciences. However, candidates with personal attributes in other discipline can also apply.

Additionally, holders of National Diploma with requisite skills may also apply.
Age bracket should be between 20 to 24years.
Applications to be received within one week of this advertisement either electronically or direct submission at No 16,Ikoyi Road, Obalende,Lagos or ric_mfb@yahoo.com.

VACANCY IN AN OIL & GAS CONSULTANCY

A foremost Lagos based international recruitment company specializing in technical oil and gas recruitment for the major oil companies presently seeks to engage an executive with key experience in technical oil and gas recruitment.

The desired candidate will have a background in human resources specializing in technical oil and gas recruiting.

A minimum of 2 years cognate experience is required with specialization in technical recruiting.Shortlisted candidates will be forwarded the job

description as a prerequisite for invitation for interview.This position offers tremendous opportunities for the successful candidate to work in an international environment and career growth.

Above industry compensation benefits awaits successful candidates.

If you feel this role is yours, forward your CV in ms word or pdf format with a cover letter on how you think you can function in this role to:

psl.nigeria@gmail.com

You may call our service line(0818 331 9225) for enquiries.

Application Deadline 30th May.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Fresh Graduate Jobs In A Multinational Leading Company

Ripples Media is a young generation firm incorporated as a Limited liability company to practice advertising few years ago, in meeting-up with brand experts yearning for excellence in creative out-of-home (outdoor) advertising.
The firm has had to carve its niche; as we provide media platform on strategic locations within and outside the shores of Nigeria to showcase both corporate and commercial advertising brands.
Our services have often been geared towards connecting a brand with
the audience targeted, it is therefore significant to emphasize that our advertising hoardings are sited on route where they become extremely VISIBLE, highly PERCEIVED and command immediate brand IMPACT, the in-turn arouses buying curiosity that would deliver value.
However, “quality and giving your brand a unique treat ”is not just a slogan for us, it a part of our corporate culture for depth in professionalism, it is one of the uncompromising sources of our unique selling point (USP), the concept is; if it’s conceivable, it’s achievable, if it’s achievable, it must undergo our stiff measure of quality control.Due to expansion, they need Fresh Graduates to join thier WORK FORCE
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Send your 2 pages C.V to traineejobs@ripplesmedialtd.com within 2 weeks of this publication.
Check This Day Paper For The Job Vacancy

Executive Recruiters, Sales/Technical- valeo

Executive Recruiters - Sales/TechnicalLocation: Nigeria
Job Code: 58
# of openings: 4

Description:
valeo slg, is looking for a focused and results oriented Executive Recruiter to join our team. The ideal candidate will use his/her proven recruiting background to identify key talent and manage the recruiting process; source candidates through existing database and contacts, advertising campaigns, and direct recruiting; manage the Internet-based recruitment process based on changing priorities and client needs; meet with candidates to evaluate their skills and understand their job preferences and contact managers to determine a candidate's viability to support and resolve specific client needs.

Recruiter will be expected to regualry participate in networking events, to build a network of experienced and senior executives interested in permanent and interim opportunites. You will work with clients to develop a strategy for building their bench strength, make recommendations regarding the top talent available to meet their requirements, and provide consistent support and direction to clients and candidates. You will work with Managing Partner to establish and accomplish weekly business growth goals.

The ideal Executive Recruiter must be able to demonstrate excellent communication, recruiting and problem solving skills in a fast-paced business environment 3+ years recruiting experience are required.

valeo slg, is a privately held organizational development consulting firm. We exist to help our clients achieve growth and transformation through executive recruitment, leadership development, and strategic change management solutions.

We are unique in our commitment to delivering integrated organizational and leadership strategies aimed at helping clients gain and sustain competitive edge in their markets.

We leverage 20 years of expertise, track record of success and extensive

To apply, go to link:
tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CXOINTERNATIONAL&cws=1&rid=58

Financial Controller - valeo

Financial Controller
Location: Nigeria
Job Code: 67
# of openings: 1

Description:
A. Position Purpose
Responsible for corporate accounting and internal reporting for one of the nation’s largest construction and electric power companies, the financial controller will oversee the accounting, budgetary, and auditing departments, and hold responsibility for producing critical financial reports. These include reports for Upper Management and Ownership, but also profit and loss statements, balance sheets and financial prospectuses to predict the company's financial performance over time. Additionally, the controller will be responsible for completing and submitting all necessary financial paperwork to federal and state regulatory agencies as needed.

B. Position Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Preparing financial reports, budgets, cost reports and financial forecasts on a regular basis.
- Overseeing the accounting staff, and the financial analysts.
- Ensuring that the decision makers in the company understand the financial implications of the missions they set for the company in a specific period.
- Approves finances to be used in specific projects by the firm based on estimates made by the accounting department.
- Ensuring that the financial records are accurate, and that there is fiscal responsibility within the company’s operations.
- Ensuring that the books of accounts are compiled every end of the month, and at the end of every financial year.
- Analyzing and interpreting financial data and recommending changes to improve systems and financial performance.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintaining vendor and customer relations.
- Reviewing bank reconciliations, loan schedules, management fees, etc.
- Mentoring accountants for purposes of ensuring that their accounting and analysis duties are done well.
- Spearheading special projects as needed.

C. Position Requirements
Functional/Technical Skills
- MS Office Tools (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Visio)
- SAP (or related SQL based software packages) competency is desirable.
- Thorough knowledge of GAAP principles and budgeting process.
- Ability to effectively manage time, prioritize work, multi-task across many assignments and delegate
- Technical writing skills producing clear and unambiguous deliverables

Experience:
- Good understanding of financial reporting, high-level mathematical and problem-solving skills and experience effectively communicating complex financial concepts to individuals outside of the financial sector
- Experience overseeing all financial departments of a large (300+ person) company, and producing critical documentation.
- Professional accounting experience, preferably in an EPC or Electric Utility environment.
- 7+ year’s minimum experience in Accounting and/or Financial Management.
- 2+ years minimum Management, Team Lead, or other equivalent supervisory experience.

Education/Vocational Training:
MBA highly preferred. A four year degree in Finance, Accounting, or related discipline is required. CPA certification or ICAN preferred.

Environmental/Physical Demands
· Business travel required (up to 30%)

To apply, go to link:
tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CXOINTERNATIONAL&cws=1&rid=67

Head of Business Development - valeo

Head of Business Development
Location: Nigeria
Job Code: 28
# of openings: 1

Description:
Ensure aggressive business growth through directing and managing regional business development activities to ensure these are delivered in accordance with the organizational strategy and targets. Ensure the effective achievement of the business development functional objectives, by setting clear objectives in order to maximize individual and departmental performance.

30 Day Milestones:
* Assess the status of all proposals and customer accounts and prepare a comprehensive business development plan necessary to achieve the company’s aggressive growth plan. Identify critical action items and implement appropriate plans to meet business development targets and needs.
* Identify the key resource needs to accomplish targets, evaluate actual status against existing plans, and revise and implement as necessary to achieve the planned goals.
* Meet all business development managers and evaluate their capabilities in line with on-going objectives and targets. Establish plans as necessary for each team member to deliver against targets.
* Actively and successfully manage the sales process: lead generation; credentials pitch; asking questions; solution pitch; negotiation; close deals; handover to tenders and /or account management team as the case may be.
* Be a representative of company at industry events and tradeshows in a professional manner and polished appearance typifying the IEL brand

60 Day Milestones:
* Conduct a complete operational review of all processes, procedures, methods and tools to determine adequacy to meet the departmental objectives and targets.
* Prepare a comprehensive plan of action for formal review with the Chief Commercial Officer. Identify key problem areas, bottleneck, technical challenges and resource restraints.
* Present company to select clients through direct communication in face to face meetings, telephone calls, emails, etc

180 Day Milestones:
* Evaluate and upgrade the business development capability of the team. Over the next 6 months, develop and roll out a training and development plan for all members of the commercial department, to ensure they have the required skills to meet aggressive sales schedule.

1 Year Milestones:
* Work effectively with finance and engineering departments to ensure all projects are delivered profitably and timely.
* Develop “best-in-class” business development process that ensures business development managers accomplish set targets.

Experience Requirements:
* Strong academic background in Economics, Statistics, Marketing or related field. Masters degree preferred.
* Experience in Power sector preferred
* 10 years experience management as head of sales or marketing department in related industry.
* Thorough knowledge of business development and marketing and business technical terms in order to meet business development needs in a cost-effective and timely manner.
* Advanced proficiency with MS Office and other presentation software
* Appreciate needs for consistency within company’s branding and market mix, especially PR and the internet.

To apply, go to link:
tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CXOINTERNATIONAL&cws=1&rid=28

Inventory Accountant - valeo

Inventory Accountant
Location: Nigeria
Job Code: 66
# of openings: 1

Description:
A. Position Purpose
The Inventory Accountant is responsible for developing and managing the centralized physical inventory process. He or she will be responsible for handling those accounting functions for our EPC client that relate to the cost of inventory, machinery, and raw materials on hand. He or she will determine inventory accounting methods, analyze inventory reports and monitor all inventory transactions. The Inventory Accountant will also monitor inventory related reports to find ways of reducing costs for the company. Naturally with inventory, there are often count variances; the inventory accountant will be expected to review these reports, along with actual inventory, to record these variances. He or she must then investigate variances that seem out of line, to avoid fraud within the company.

For more information on the position and to apply, go to link:
tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CXOINTERNATIONAL&cws=1&rid=66

Daily Headlines 05/5/2011

2011-05-05T23:33:00.001-07:00

Daily Headlines 04/5/2011

2011-05-03T23:56:00.000-07:00

NUC lauds Jonathan over funding of tertiary education

ABUJA-The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Julius Okojie, yesterday disclosed that the nation’s education sector, especially the tertiary sub-sector, has enjoyed greater funding under this administration in the last three years.
Professor Okojie, who made the remarks while speaking in Abuja, said the education system had recorded tremendous development and growth during the period under review because of the commitment of the present administration, led by President Goodluck Jonathan, towards funding it.
He said: “It is only recently, in the past two, three years, particularly, this last one year, during the regime of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan that we have put the thumb on the press button for a way forward to education.
“You will recall that we have the education summit. That summit examined all the issues that are involved at all levels of education. And for the first time, we had a president who sort out time for two days to chat with a cross sections of the stakeholders. And I must say that, as a result of that summit, so many things have started happening.
“With the positive review and re-direction of the objective of the Education Trust Fund, ETF, there is a greater and more efficient funding of tertiary education in this country.
“We talked about access, access is not just in terms of physical facilities. If you don’t also have the relevant teachers’ quality and quantity, then you are going to have problem.
“At the lower level, the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, have funded a lot of projects of exposing teachers for short trainings and ensuring that they have the skills to teach.
“At the higher level, through this year, government has had a very major intervention in respect of improving the existing facilities, and creating new facilities for the right environment for teaching, learning and community development.
“So what happened is that it would appear that in this past three years, the funding for capital development in all federal universities is more than the total for the past ten years. It means that education before now does not have enough impact from whatever provisions government was making.
“Every sector of the economy is struggling for the very lean resources; no country ever had enough funds. As you know, most of the world towers are owing the World Bank, but we are saying, if there is fund from World Bank, it should be properly invested; we have $180million for the Step-B projects, which we have effectively deployed.
“Recently, the government has approved the N3 billion research grant for free access through the universities and other assisted facilities.
“In the past two years or three years, government facilitated in training programme of 4,000 academic staff. 3,000 of that internally and 1,000 others trained abroad. Government is of the notion that for us to have a very balanced education, you don’t have all the breeding in this country.
“It is the climax of the whole setting when the government established nine new universities; they will be twelve in the not far future. Government is only just exercising its policy enunciation that every state should have a federal university to improve access.”

Family members worry over al-Mustapha’s fate

Family members of detained Maj. Hamza al-Mustapha have expressed concern over rumours making the round that he has been murdered in custody at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison.
In a statement made available to the Nigerian Compass yesterday in Kano, the family’s spokesman, Hadi al-Mustapha, stressed that for three consecutive days, he was inundated with numerous calls from family friends and associates to confirm or deny the rumour.

He said he had made several failed attempts to establish the truth, but that the development had thrown the entire family into panic and confusion.

Hadi said: “The last time we saw Hamza al-Mustapha was in April during one of his several court appearances before a Lagos High Court. We were already looking forward to his release after his case was closed for lack of witnesses to prove the charges preferred against him.

“Even the Lagos-based Court of Appeal corroborated this when the presiding judge ruled that the witnesses that would have proved the charges against him were all unreliable. This revelation, which appeared to have absolved Major al-Mustapha, who has spent 13 years awaiting trial, came to us as a cheering development.”

Following the turn of events, Hadi disclosed that the family members have been compelled to seek the intervention of human rights organisations, both within and outside the country, for the first time.

Hadi is, therefore, seeking the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, as well as other relevant authorities to ascertain the true position.

Bin Laden's wife shot in leg, not killed: US

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - The wife of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was shot in the leg, but not killed, the White House said Tuesday, reversing an earlier report that she died being used as a human shield in the shoot-out.
Bin Laden's wife had been in the same room as her husband, when US commandos raided a Pakistani compound late Sunday.
She "rushed the US assaulter and was shot in the leg, but not killed," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.
On Monday, US officials had said the woman had acted as a human shield to protect bin Laden and had been killed in the firefight.

"Don’t rejoice yet" ACN tells Akpabio

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) will challenge the victory of Governor Goodswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said yesterday it has pictorial and video evidence to prove that the election in Akwa Ibom on April 26 "is nothing but an unprecedented and barefaced rigging and mindless violence."
ACN disowned the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the party, Aniekan Akpan, for taking up a newspaper advertorial to congratulate Akpabio.
The party said Akpan acted on his own and that his action should be disregarded by all members and supporters of the ACN.
It said necessary disciplinary action will be meted out to the chairman.
"Aniekan Akpan has not always acted in consonance with the ideals of our party, and his romance with Governor Akpabio is not a secret. But as a party that believes in fairness and justice, every member is entitled to the benefit of doubt until he or she decides to dance naked in the public square, as the Akwa Ibom state chairman has now done,’’ ACN said.
The party added: ‘’The standard procedure is for the National Executive Committee to meet and deliberate on the elections, take reports from all stakeholders in the states and then set up a legal team to examine submission from the various states. It is only after this that the party can take a stand on the elections.

"It is, therefore, a great disservice to our numerous party members and supporters, who were subjected to untold acts of brigandage and disenfranchisement by the PDP rigging machinery, to turn around and congratulate their tormentors. We are a party of ideals and discipline, hence we have grown from controlling just one state to six presently. Had we chosen to align with out tormentors, as Aniekan Akpan has thoughtlessly done now, ACN as a party will not be in existence today.’’

PENGASSAN challenges FG to build new refineries

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has insisted that building of new refineries and reviving the existing ones were the possible ways to halt fuel importation in the country.

The Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of PENGASSAN, Mr. Folorunsho Oginni, disclosed that the nation’s four oil refineries were running at about 30 per cent of installed capacity because of interruptions in the supply of crude and poor maintenance structure.

Oginni said that there was the need for the Federal Government to address the issues of importation of petroleum products in the country in order to reduced huge money spent on importation.

He pointed out that between January and March, this year, the Federal Government had spent about N 207 billion on importation of refined petroleum products.

According to him, building of new refineries and the fixing of the existing ones would stop the continuous fuel importation, adding that this means Nigeria would be in total control of its refineries processing of products management.

The union chief said that the country’s economy was growing at seven per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to several challenges facing the country.

He lamented the high cost of petroleum products, which he said, did not befit a country that exports its crude to the international market.

He therefore called for an urgent need to invest in refinery projects, either on its own or in partnership with stakeholders as part of the avenue to boost economic growth and development.

He said: “Reviving and fixing the refinery problem is a downstream matter, which must be addressed for Nigeria to add value to its crude oil resources and at the same time save the foreign exchange spent on fuel importation. Nigeria refineries have operated under low capacity utilisation, a lot of bunkering or illegal fuel sale thrives on daily basis. That is, trans-border shipping of products.”

Oginni pointed out that this was a trend that must change for this nation to move forward, saying that there was a need to build new green field refineries in the country, which would be most durable and feasible due to the size Nigerian market.

He observed that the issue of gas flaring must be addressed squarely in order to maximise the benefits arising from monetising gas resources.

While stating that harnessing of gas resource was expected to provide revenue stream for the Federal and state governments, he explained that the implementation of the new master gas plan would boost the building of the infrastructure, which would enable the harnessing of gas for the benefit of all the stakeholders.

PENGASSAN boss noted that Nigeria had abundant gas to meet the demand of the domestic market and convey the excess to the international market, advising the Federal Government on the need for the country to engage in long term contract for some of its gas projects and develop, which it would develop with the right capital cost in order to produce gas for the overall development of the power sector.

Oginni stressed: “There is nothing wrong for Nigeria to develop its domestic gas. Nigeria has a huge power deficit, as the availability of 4000mw is too senile for the size of this country. There is urgent need to double megawatts of electricity in Nigeria. Don’t forget that South Africa with a population of less than 50 million people with a modern economy has 40,000 megawatts of electricity.”

Questions linger about bin Laden raid

People protestsing the killing of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - US officials are starting to reveal details about the daring US raid that killed Osama bin Laden, but key aspects of the helicopter-borne assault in Pakistan remain shrouded in secrecy.
According to accounts from senior officials, here is the partial picture that has emerged:
How did the US discover bin Laden's compound?
The trail for bin Laden had gone cold for years until the CIA learned where a trusted courier for the Al-Qaeda chief was operating two years ago. Detainees had told interrogators the messenger held a privileged place in bin Laden's inner circle. A breakthrough came in August 2010, when the CIA tracked the courier and his brother to a large compound in Abbottabad, north of Islamabad.
But US officials have not explained how they pinpointed the courier. Was it a tip from Pakistani intelligence or information from a detainee?
By the time the operation to kill or capture bin Laden was ordered last Friday, US officials strongly suspected he was in the compound but had no photograph or rock-solid proof.
What were the other military options?
With the CIA increasingly confident -- but not certain -- that bin Laden was in the house in Abbotabad, serious planning for possible action started in March.
Apart from a helicopter assault with a team of special forces, Obama weighed two other options: bombing the compound from the air or waiting to gather more intelligence.
Bearing in mind disastrous raids from the past in Somalia and Iran, the helicopter assault option carried dangers for US troops and political risks for Washington's relations with Islamabad, particularly if the raid went wrong.
Air strikes on the compound would have involved B-2 bombers or Tomahawk cruise missiles, CIA chief Leon Panetta told Time magazine.
Advisers told Obama striking the compound would require 32 bombs of 2,000-pounds each, officials told the New York Times.
Bombing eliminated the risk of losing US troops or of a possible clash with Pakistani forces, but bin Laden's body might not be recovered and there was a danger of causing major civilian casualties.
As for waiting to get more intelligence, the CIA director argued in favor of taking action, saying it was the best lead on bin Laden since 2001 in Afghanistan.
Why were no prisoners taken in the raid? And, was the mission for the Navy SEAL team to kill the Al-Qaeda leader?
The death of bin Laden and the White House's decision not to release photos of his corpse has fed speculation about the Obama administration's intentions. US officials said it was a "kill or capture" operation and that bin Laden might have been taken alive but he "resisted," though they said he was unarmed.
The nighttime raid provided an element of surprise, giving defenders of the compound little time to react, according to a former Navy SEAL, Dick Hoffman.
Bin Laden and his son, the courier and his brother as well as a woman were killed in the raid.
Officials said the assault force did not detain a number of "non-combatants" -- women and children -- at the residence.
There was limited space on the US helicopters for any possible detainees, as one chopper that broke down had to be abandoned.
The official account of the raid suggests that bin Laden had few bodyguards defending him.
Did Pakistan play a role in the raid?
In announcing bin Laden's death, Obama said "that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding."
But US officials have repeatedly voiced concerns about Pakistan retaining links to Islamist militants, and the distrust was reflected in Washington's decision not to inform Islamabad about the raid in advance.
Panetta told Time magazine that "it was decided that any effort to work with the Pakistanis could jeopardize the mission: They might alert the targets."
The location of bin Laden's residence in an affluent suburb near a military academy prompted accusations that Pakistan gave the Al-Qaeda architect a safe haven, but Islamabad rejected the charges. Obama's top counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan said it was "inconceivable" that bin Laden did not enjoy a support network in Pakistan.

Nigeria puts security on red alert

For fear of reprisal attacks on facilities belonging to the United States (US) in the country, over the killing of Osama bin Laden, the Federal Government yesterday reinforced security at the US Embassy.
Osama, the leader of a terrorist network – al Qaeda, was killed in the early hours of yesterday by US Forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, who gave the government directive said the measure was to forestall attacks on US interests in Nigeria.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olusola Amore told The Nation in a telephone chat in Abuja that his boss has ordered the Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the country “especially those in the northern part of the country” to be on the red alert.
While maintaining that the Force did not expecting any negative reaction from the country since the death of Osama has nothing to do with Nigeria, Amore said the security red alert was meant to “put down any backlash as a result of the death.”
He said: “We have not only strengthened security at the US Embassy, all the Commissioners of Police in the country especially in the northern part of the country have been asked to be on the red alert as a result of the death of Osama Bin Laden, to be able to put down the backlash as a result of the new development.
“Although, we are not expecting that Nigerians would react to it because it is a thing that does not concern the country, the Commissioners of Police have been asked to be on the red alert and as I talk to you they are all aware that the IGP has directed them to be at alert if there is any reaction as a result of the death of Osama Bin Laden.”
On whether there has been any threat to security from any part of the country so far as a result of the death, the Force spokesman said: “As I talk to you now we have not received any report of any threat. Our intelligence gathering team has been all around and particularly we would pay particular attention especially on Fridays and Sundays and ensure that there is no protest of any sort. During the Jumat prayers, we will just ensure that we monitor areas of worship to prevent any breach of the peace.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria joined the global community to celebrate the death of the al-Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has put all Nigerian embassies on full security alert.
Speaking with The Nation in Abuja, the ministry’s spokesman, Mr Damian Agwu acknowledged that US covert operation that ended the life of Osama deserves the international applause that erupted immediately afterwards.
“It is a monumental achievement in the war against international terrorism,” said Agwu, who also noted that while the challenges remain, some anxieties have been laid to rest.
“Secondly, the world is better without him, in terms of global security. The world must not relax; we must all remain vigilant.”
Responding to an inquiry on the likelihood of scaling up security arrangements at Nigerian embassies abroad, he stated that eternal vigilance and consistent precautionary measures have always been part of the ministry’s routine arrangements.
“That has always been part of our foreign policy. We have always remained vigilant abroad. Besides, this moment calls for intensified vigilance,” he added.
Nigeria will export the highest volume of crude oil for six months in June as its oil industry benefits from strong demand, a period of relative calm and fewer attacks on pipelines and other infrastructure.

Total Nigerian crude exports were expected to be around 2.15 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, up from 2.03 million bpd due in May and 2.06 million bpd sold in April, according to trade estimates based on provisional loading programs.

The increase would take sales from Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil exporter and a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, back to levels not seen since December when just over 2.15 million bpd was exported.

The higher export volumes reflect an increase in the number of cargoes loading with benchmark Bonny Light, as well as extra cargoes of Forcados and the ultra-light crude oil, Agbami, the loading schedules show.

Bonny Light is a high quality crude oil grade with a good yield of light products such as gasoline, and is much sought after by oil refiners because of its very low content of polluting sulfur compounds.

Seven Bonny Light cargoes will load almost 222,000 bpd in June, up from six cargoes loading an average of around 184,000 bpd in May, trade sources say.

Like many other Nigerian crude oil grades, Bonny light is considered a good replacement for Libyan crude oil that has been largely absent from the world oil spot market over the last couple of months due to the fighting in the country.

Seven cargoes of Forcados will also load in June, up from six in May, while eight Agbami cargoes will sail, up from six scheduled for May, 2011.

Nigerian crude oil volumes in May were also lower due to less availability of the EA and Amenam grades, shipping lists show. In February and March, maintenance at several key oil fields kept exports below 2 million bpd.

Traders said the higher volume of exports in June reflected both higher demand for Nigerian crudes in the absence of significant Libyan exports, and also less disruption of the onshore oil industry in recent months.

Attacks by militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta have restricted production over the last few years but a reduction in political tension has led to fewer attacks this year.

Extra demand helped push premiums for Bonny Light and the other Nigerian benchmark, Qua Iboe, over North Sea dated Brent to two-and-a-half year highs near $4.50 last month and trade sources expect it to remain strong with European refineries returning from seasonal maintenance.

As an OPEC member, Nigeria has an oil production target of 1.67 million bpd but has not been inside that level for almost two years, trade and industry figures show.

State producer Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. (NNPC) has said it is within its OPEC output target and its combined crude and condensate production is around 2.4 million bpd. It has given no breakdown or details.

Gunmen rescue Brazilians from Paraguay prison

ASUNCION, (AFP) - A group of heavily-armed men broke into a maximum security prison in Paraguay and liberated six prisoners, all alleged members of a major Brazilian drug cartel, police said Tuesday.
Two prison guards and four women who were visiting inmates at the time of the breakout, all believed to be accomplices, were detained for questioning, police said.
The breakout took place Tuesday morning at the Pedro Juan Caballero prison, located 550 kilometers (340 miles) north-east of the capital Asuncion, on the border with Brazil. The region is considered the main pathway for marijuana and cocaine heading to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's most populous cities.
The six escaped criminals -- five Brazilians and a Paraguayan -- have been linked to the First Capital Commando (PCC), a criminal organization based in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo.
Two of the escaped criminals are believed to be responsible for the assassination attempt on Paraguayan Senator Roberto Acevedo in April 2010. Acevedo was slightly wounded in the attack, but two of his bodyguards were killed.
An angry Acevedo blasted government authorities for failing to prevent the escape.
"This was not a commando operation. This was staged for the liberation of these drug traffickers," said Acevedo, who described the breakout as "pure theater."
Acevedo also pointed his finger at the attorney general's office.
"Why had they not been transferred to Asuncion, or kicked out and handed over to the Brazilian federal police as is usually the case?" Acevedo asked.
According to Acevedo, one week ago a drug trafficker was released from prison after $30,000 was delivered to a prosecutor.

Lastest Job opening ( 04/5/2011)

2011-05-03T23:45:00.001-07:00

VACANCY FOR GRADUATE ESCORTS/DRIVERS FOR EXPATRIATES

Vacancy exists for interested University graduates with a valid Drivers License and a minimum of 2 years Driving Experience.

Our Graduate Escorts will interface between the organisation and expatriate staff and will be responsible in conveying these personnel to and from the airport. They will also be responsible for local transportation of the expatriates.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Age must be between 25 - 49 years

2. Must be physically fit with impeccable disposition and character with a valid verifiable driver's license.

3. Minimum qualification must be SSCE, WAEC

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE
1. Steady Pay. 2. Medical Insurance 3. Pension scheme. 4. Growth opportunity within the organisation. 5. Sponsored Training

TO APPLY
1. Indicate if you have experience or not as a Corporate escort / Driver.

2. Send your cv in ms word format to:
staffingx@gmail.com

For Enquiries call 0818 331 9225 or 0802 514 8850
STAFFINGX CONSULT

DRIVERS NEEDED URGENTLY-MUST HAVE 3 YRS EXP. AND WASCE

An urgent vacancy exists for experienced Executive Drivers in an International company based in Lagos.

The preferred candidate MUST live in LAGOS and have valid genuine professional drivers license. Preference will be given to residents of Lagos Island and its environs, ajah, lekki, ikoyi, vi, obalende,.

The position comes with attractive benefits.

Monthly pay is 30,000 Naira plus BenefIts like

Insurance,
Pension
Medicals
Rapid Promotion
On the Job Training etc.

The successful applicant must be clean, courteous and have a pleasant personality. He must have a Minimum of 3 years driving experience with a valid drivers License and must be mature and disciplined.

Only Interested candidates that meet the above criteria should send their CV to the email below:

staffingx@gmail.com

Application deadline is 30th May 2011. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information, candidates can call our information line: 0818 331 9225.

VACANCY FOR PATROLMEN & SENIOR PATROL MEN: MASSIVE RECRUITMENT FOR NIGERIANS
Vacancy exists for 5000 Patrol men to be located across the 6 geo-political zones in nigeria.

Excellent opportunities for advancement exists with this global British company for young and highly motivated Nigerians to work as Patrolmen/patrol women within their organisation. Opportunities exists for both On-shore and off-shore positions.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Age must be between 20 - 40 years
2. Sex : Both Male and Female
3. Height: Minimum of 5" 2' for Female
Minimum of 5"6' for male

4. Must be medically fit with impeccable disposition and character with no criminal record.
5. Minimum qualification must be SSCE, WAEC

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE
1. Steady Pay. 2. Medical Insurance 3. Pension scheme. 4. Growth opportunity within the organisation. 5. Sponsored Training

TO APPLY
1. State your location as the subject of your Application, eg, IBADAN-APPLICATION AS A PATROL MAN
2. State your SEX and HEIGHT in your application letter
3. Indicate if you have experience or not as a Patrol man
4. Send your cv in ms word format to:
staffingx@gmail.com
For Enquiries call 0818 331 9225 or 0802 514 8850
STAFFINGX CONSULT

Urgent Vacancy for Executive Drivers in Lagos
An urgent vacancy exists for experienced Drivers in a fast growing company located in Lagos.

The preferred candidate must have at least 3 years driving experience with valid license and SSCE.

The successful applicant must be clean, courteous and have a pleasant personality. He must have a Minimum of 3 years driving experience in Lagos with a valid drivers License and must be mature and disciplined.

Attractive salary plus medical benefits, insurance benefits and Pension plan is part of the package.

Only Interested candidates that meet the above criteria should send their CV to the email below:

staffingx@gmail.com

Application deadline is 30th June, 2011. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information, candidates can call our information line: 0818 331 9225.

HR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT VACANCY

A fast growing HR Consultancy with office in Victoria Island seeks to engage a young but mature person as HR Executive Assistant

This position is a junior one and the preferred candidate would have a minimum of OND in Industrial Relations/Psychology with at least 1 year relevant experience in recruiting and selection.

IT(Industrial Training) candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Benefits include Steady pay plus other benefits like Monthly Performance based bonus, 13th month Salary, training, etc.

Interested candidates should forward their cv to:

psl.nigeria@yahoo.com

Call 0818 331 9225 for enquiries.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application close May 15th 2011.

Daily Headlines 03/5/2011

2011-05-02T23:42:00.001-07:00

US judge delays Michael Jackson doctor trial

LOS ANGELES, (AFP) - A judge Monday postponed the trial of Michael Jackson's personal doctor on manslaughter charges until September, days before it was due to start in Los Angeles.
The decision came after lawyers for Conrad Murray requested a new delay in his trial over the pop icon's 2009 death to give them time to prepare for new prosecution witnesses and evidence.
The trial had been due to start next Monday, but LA Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said he would dismiss all the prospective jurors who have already filled out questionnaires in preparation for the long-awaited trial.
It was in the "interests of justice ... that the parties be fully prepared," he said, adding that he regretted having to start the jury selection process from scratch.
"I don't like the idea of re-starting jury selection .. The court is very mindful of judicial efficiency and the expense that has occurred. But first and foremost is justice," he said.
Prosecutors allege that Murray "abandoned his patient" after administering the powerful sedative propofol to help Jackson sleep, and then tried to cover it up after the singer's death on June 25, 2009.
Murray acknowledged that he had used propofol, but denied involuntary manslaughter, saying that on the day of the 50-year-old singer's death he administered only a small amount of the drug.
After preliminary hearings in January the trial was initially set for March 28, but was then pushed back with opening statements due May 9. There have already been some jury selection sessions, and more had been planned this week.
Murray's lawyers asked on Friday for a two-week delay, but the judge decided on a longer postponement to ensure everything would be ready. Murray was in court for the decision Monday.
The doctor, 58, has asked for a speedy trial, but accepted the ruling, saying: "I believe it's in the interests of all parties."
A new batch of potential jurors will be summoned to court on or around September 8, the judge said. "I would like to have this case on a relatively short leash," he said, while calling another pre-trial hearing for June 3.
Murray's main lawyer Edward Chernoff had sought to prevent the prosecution from calling the two new expert witnesses, claiming they would promote "new theories" not discussed during the six days of hearings in January.
Prosecutor David Walgren said last Friday that the pair, including a top anesthesiologist expected to testify that Jackson could not have ingested propofol, would merely clarify already established arguments.
Earlier in April the judge ruled that the prosecution will be allowed to show footage of his final days and autopsy photos it says show he was not suicidal.
Prosecutors say the footage of Jackson rehearsing before his "This is it" tour show him creatively engaged and the autopsy photos show he was in good health.
The defense, which has said Jackson took an extra dose of the powerful sedative propofol without Murray's knowledge, argued against showing the images, saying they would inflame emotions.

Major attacks linked to Al-Qaeda

SLAMABAD, (AFP) - As US President Barack Obama announces Osama bin Laden has been killed in Pakistan, here is a list of major attacks carried out or inspired by bin Laden's al-Qaeda group since 1993.
February 26, 1993: An explosion in the basement of the World Trade Center towers in New York kills six people and injures around 1,000. The blast causes major damage to the buildings' foundations; some 55,000 people are working in the towers at the time.
November 13, 1995: A car bomb explodes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in front of a building of the Saudi National Guard where US military advisers work. Five US soldiers and two Indian nationals are killed.
June 25, 1996: A truck bomb at a US military base in Dhahran, in Saudi Arabia, kills 19 US nationals and wounds 386.
August 7, 1998: Near-simultaneous bomb attacks against US embassies in Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam kill 224 people, most of them Africans, and injure over 5,000.
October 12, 2000: A suicide attack on the destroyer USS Cole, one of the most modern ships in the United States' arsenal, kills 17 US Marines and injures 38 in the Yemeni port of Aden.
September 11, 2001: Two hijacked US airliners crash into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, which burn and collapse shortly afterwards. A third hijacked plane crashes into the Pentagon outside Washington, while a fourth comes down in rural Pennsylvania. The attacks kill around 3,000 people in all.
April 11, 2002: A suicide truck bombing at a synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba kills 21 people, including 14 Germans.
October 12, 2002: Bombings on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali kill 202 people, many of them Australians. The attacks are carried out by Jemaah Islamiyah, a Southeast Asian extremist group inspired by Al-Qaeda.
May 12, 2003: A triple suicide attack on a residential complex in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia kills 35 people, amongst them nine Americans.
May 16, 2003: Five almost simultaneous bombs explode in restaurants and hotels frequented by foreigners in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, killing more than 30 people.
November 15 and 20, 2003: A Turkish cell of Al-Qaeda sets off truck bombs at two synagogues, the British consulate and a British bank in Istanbul, killing 63 people, including the British consul, and leaving hundreds injured.
March 2, 2004: Around 180 people are killed in a series of attacks on pilgrims in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Karbala.
March 11, 2004: Four commuter trains in and around Madrid are hit by explosions that kill 191 people and injure around 2,000 during morning rush hour in an attack authorities said was inspired by Al-Qaeda.
July 7, 2005: Four British Muslim suicide bombers detonate devices on London's public transport system, killing 56 people as they destroy underground trains and a double-decker bus.
July 23, 2005: A series of suicide bombings hit the Egyptian tourist resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, killing 68 people.
November 9, 2005: Three suicide attacks on hotels in the Jordanian capital of Amman claim 60 lives.
April 24, 2006: Twenty people are killed and 90 injured as suicide bombers hit the Egyptian coastal resort of Dahab.
August 14, 2007: More than 400 people are killed when four truck bombs explode in northern Iraq in an attack US authorities link to Al-Qaeda.
December 11, 2007: Two suicide blasts in Algiers kill at least 41 people, including 18 UN staffers, three of them foreign nationals. The attacks are claimed by the Maghreb branch of Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network.
September 17, 2008: An attack on the US embassy in Sana'a, Yemen, kills 16 people.
September 20, 2008: A huge explosion brings down a large section of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, killing at least 60 people.
December 25, 2008: A Nigerian man is arrested after a failed attempt to detonate a bomb on board a flight between Amsterdam and Detroit.
November 24, 2010: A suicide car bomber kills 23 Shiites at a religious procession in Yemen, an attack linked to Al-Qaeda.

Timeline of the 9/11, 2001 attacks

(CHRONO) - NEW YORK, (AFP) - The announcement of the death of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden revives bitter memories of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
Here is the timeline of the events on that fateful day which reshaped the course of US history:
8:45 am (1245 GMT) - An American Airlines Boeing 767 with 92 people on board including five hijackers smashes into one of the towers of the 110-floor World Trade Center in New York, leaving a giant hole in the building's facade. Thick smoke trails into the sky from the tower's upper floors.
9:05 am (1305 GMT) - A United Airlines Boeing 767 with 65 people on board including five hijackers hits the second of the two World Trade Center towers, sparking a massive explosion.
9:30 am (1330 GMT) - Then US president George W. Bush, in Sarasota, Florida, calls the blasts "an apparent terrorist attack". He orders "a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find those folks who committed these acts" and says he will immediately return to Washington.
9:39 am (1339 GMT) - An American Airlines Boeing 757 with 64 people on board including five terrorist smashes into the Pentagon in suburban Washington, setting off two explosions.
9:40 am (1330 GMT) - The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders the cancellation of all commercial flights in the United States.
9:45 am (1345 GMT) - In Washington, the White House is evacuated.
9:53 am (1353 GMT) - The State Department is evacuated.
10:05 am (1405 GMT) - One of the World Trade Center's two towers collapses in a huge cloud of smoke and dust.
10:10 am (1410 GMT) - A United Airlines Boeing 757 travelling from Newark to San Francisco with 44 people on board including four terrorists crashes into a field in western Pennsylvania, after passanegers and crew apparently fought with the hijackers.
10:28 am (1428 GMT) - The second tower of the World Trade Center collapses. A huge cloud of dust blankets lower Manhattan.
11:02 am (1502 GMT) - New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani asks all New Yorkers to evacuate the southern tip of Manhattan.
13:04 pm (1704 GMT) - Bush, who has travelled to Louisiana from Florida, says US armed forces are on maximum alert and vows to "hunt down and punish" those responsible.
13:50 pm (1750 GMT) - The mayor of Washington, Anthony Williams, declares an indefinite state of emergency in the federal capital.
14:00 pm (1800 GMT) - The Securities and Exchange Commission announces that financial markets will remain closed for the rest of the day.
15:35 pm (1935 GMT) - A top US official, who asks not to be named, says that the alleged terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden is suspected of being behind the attacks.
16:54 pm (2054 GMT) - Mayor Guiliani says the death toll of the attacks on the World Trade Center will not be known for at least a day, but that it will be "more than any of us can bear."
17:25 pm (2125 GMT) - A third building attached to the World Trade Center, 47 floors high, collapses in the wake of the disaster.
20:30 pm (0030 GMT Wednesday) - President Bush, in a televised address, says thousands have died in the terrorist attacks and that Washington will make no distinction between the terrorists and those who harbor them.

Pakistan under fire on bin Laden, but Obama mum

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - Pakistan faced intense scrutiny in Washington Monday after US forces killed Osama bin Laden near Islamabad, but President Barack Obama stopped short of public criticism that could further escalate tensions.
US lawmakers demanded to know how the world's most wanted man could have resided -- apparently for years -- in a comfortable home in Abbottabad, a hillside retreat close to Islamabad popular with retired Pakistani generals.
Pakistan will need to "prove to us that they didn't know that bin Laden was there," said Senator Joe Lieberman, the chair of the Homeland Security Committee, predicting "real pressure" on Islamabad.
Senator Susan Collins, the top Republican on the same committee, called for "more strings attached" to the billions of dollars which the United States offers Pakistan in military assistance.
"I think that this tells us once again that, unfortunately, Pakistan at times is playing a double game and that is very troubling to me," she said.
But the Obama administration carefully avoided criticizing Pakistan. Announcing bin Laden's death late Sunday, Obama said that "our counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden."
"Going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates," Obama said.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday that bin Laden had also "declared war on Pakistan" through violence that has killed civilians.
"In Pakistan, we are committed to supporting the people and government as they defend their own democracy from violent extremism," she told reporters.
John Brennan, Obama's top counter-terrorism adviser, said the United States acknowledged differences with Pakistan but said the country has captured or killed more extremists than any others and was "critically important in breaking the back of Al-Qaeda."
Brennan said that the United States would look into Islamabad's role but that Pakistani officials "seemed as surprised as we were initially that bin Laden was holding out in that area."
Analysts said the Obama administration saw no advantage in publicly chastising Pakistan as the United States needed to maintain access to the country as its decade-long war in Afghanistan moves to a denouement.
Besides, experts said, the Bin Laden case speaks for itself.
"What this does is strengthen the Obama administration's hand in Pakistan," said Lisa Curtis, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank.
"It finally puts to rest all the statements that various people have been making in Pakistan that Osama bin Laden was not in Pakistan and that this was all a Western conspiracy theory," she said.
"If you see Pakistan digging in its heels and talking about violations of Pakistani sovereignty, I think then you can expect a severe deterioration in relations," she said.
Relations between Washington and Islamabad have long been rocky. Pakistan has protested US drone attacks against suspected extremists on its territory -- mostly in lawless tribal areas and not near Islamabad -- and tensions soared earlier this year when a CIA agent with diplomatic immunity gunned down two Pakistanis.
Pakistan helped create Afghanistan's Taliban regime. Then military ruler Pervez Musharraf switched sides overnight following the September 11, 2001 attacks, but the United States remains unpopular with most of the public.
The Obama administration has put a focus on bolstering the weak civilian government and easing anti-Americanism through development aid. In 2009, Congress authorized a five-year, $7.5 billion package to build schools, infrastructure and democratic institutions.
Shuja Nawaz, director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, said that both the United States and Pakistan had reason to keep cooperation, despite the difficult questions raised over bin Laden.
"Pakistan needs support to continue the fight internally and the United States needs Pakistan's assistance in transforming from a purely military access to reconciliation or some other orderly exit from Afghanistan," he said.
"The common interests don't change and Pakistan's strategic location won't change," he said.

Osama bin Laden in his own words

ISLAMABAD, (AFP) - Selected quotes attributed to Osama bin Laden, whose death was announced by US President Barack Obama on Sunday.
"America has been hit by Allah at its most vulnerable point, destroying, thank God, its most prestigious buildings."
-- October 7, 2001, after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
"Acquiring weapons for the defense of Muslims is a religious duty... If I seek to acquire these weapons, I am carrying out a duty."
-- December 1998, when asked by an interviewer for Time magazine whether he had acquired chemical or nuclear weapons.
"The war is between us and the Jews. Any country that steps into the same trench as the Jews has only itself to blame."
-- May 2002, from a video released to several news organisations.
"Free men do not forfeit their security, contrary to Bush's claim that we hate freedom. If so, then let him explain to us why we don't strike Sweden, for example.
-- October 2004, in a videotape broadcast on Arabic TV channel Al-Jazeera, referring to then US president George W. Bush.
"Those who want to solve our problems at the UN are hypocrites... Those who claim to be Arab leaders and whose countries are UN members are infidels."
-- November 2001, from a videotape obtained by Al-Jazeera.
"We stress the importance of martyrdom operations against the enemy, these attacks that have scared Americans and Israelis like never before."
-- February 2003, from an audiotape obtained by Al-Jazeera.
"We reserve the right to retaliate... against all countries that take part in this unjust war, namely Britain, Spain, Australia, Poland, Japan and Italy."
-- October 2003, from another audiotape obtained by Al-Jazeera, referring to the war in Iraq.
"I present a reconciliation initiative... whose essence is our commitment to stop operations against all (European) countries if they promise not to be aggressive towards Muslims or interfere in their affairs."
-- April 2004, from an audio message obtained by the Al-Arabiya TV channel.
"Their rejection of Hamas after it had won the election... confirms that there is a Crusader-Zionist war against Muslims."
-- April 2006, from an audiotape obtained by Al-Jazeera, referring to the reactions of Israel and Western states after Palestinian elections.
"These operations are being prepared and you will see them in your heartland when they are ready."
-- January 2006, from an audio message threatening new attacks on the United States, obtained by Al-Jazeera.
"Jihad will continue even if I am not around."
-- Late September 2001, in an interview with a Pakistani newspaper.

Lastest Job opening ( 03/5/2011)

2011-05-02T23:27:00.003-07:00

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT - TELECOME COMPANY VACANCY

TRAINING
With more and more Telecom Companies joining our list of corporate clients, demand for TTC Mobile-trained Engineers has continued to soar, creating fresh opportunities for new trainees like you.

We deploy you to IT/Telecom companies or to IT/Telecom departments of other companies for 6 months industrial attachment (Internship), when you complete a 6-month or 9-month diploma training program with us.

Our training programs are customized to meet your technology knowledge and skills deficiencies and add general and specific values to you, whether at the corporate level or for the attainment of individual objective.

We run various training programs, with duration spanning between 3 months and 9 months. Our unique selling point is that our training is practical by nature. It is a balance of theory, lab work, and sometime fieldwork. At the end of training with us, your mind is open to new possibilities.

Our courses include the following:-Networking & CCNA, GSM

Engineering, Network Management, Transmission, RF Engineering,

Certificate in Telecom 6 Months , Diploma in Telecom, Technical

Customer Care, Telecom Marketing, Basics of GSM Switching, Telecom

Seminar, Text to Speech, GSM Application and Multimedia Building and

Maintaining call Centers Blackberry Certification and Practical BTS

Visit our website:www.ttcmobileworld.com or call 07027858182 for more information.

Location: Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES - AMERICAN BASED SHIPPING COMPANY VACANCY

AMERICAN BASED SHIPPING COMPANY LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED SALES REPRESENTATIVES IN NIGERIA.
COMMISSION ONLY

SEE OUR WEBSITE: www.shipfromusa.us

PLEASE CONTACT US AT: info@shiperomusa.us OR CALL +305-773-3306

Location: Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

FRONT DESK EXECUTIVE/SECRETARY - A FASHION COMPANY VACANCY

FRONT DESK EXECUTIVE/SECRETARY WANTED FOR A FASHION COMPANY IN SURULERE.

Interested applicants should send their CV to: winnieokafor@yahoo.com

Qualifications:

* Minimum: OND or HND degree holder

* Young and vocal with inter personal communication skill

* Good typing speed on the key board

* Graphic designing skill

* Must conversant with Ms-Office packages and internet friendly

Location: Oyingbo, Lagos State, Nigeria.

RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARY - FASHION COMPANY VACANCY

Receptionist/Secretary is wanted for in a Fashion Company in Surulere.

interested candidates should send CV to winnieokafor@yahoo.com

Requirements.

* Minimum: OND or HND degree holder

* Young and vocal with inter personal communication skill

* Good typing speed on the key board,

* Graphic designing skill

* Must conversant with MS-Office packages and internet friendly

Location: Oyingbo, Lagos State, Nigeria.

SECURITY AND CLEANER IS URGENTLY NEEDED

An International Company now in Nigeria urgently needs Security and Cleaner.

Come and work easier and have a great Income.

Add this Job to what you are doing and your Future will be brighter.

Call Mr. Kehinde on 018243828, or 080386262210 .

Location: Gbagada, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Experienced Female Teacher Needed

An Experienced Female Teacher for a Primary 4 is need in Adekunle.

To work for 3days per week & 2hrs each day.

Remuneration: N7,000

To teach Mathematics and English to a Primary 4 student

Requirement:

Must be NCE,OND or BSc

Must reside in Yaba, Oyingbo, Ebutte Metta and environs

If interested, call: 07066031085
Location: Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE - GPS CARS LTD VACANCY

Job details: We are looking for somebody that can help in branding a new company.

We are into GPS car trackers and other IT related business. The office is up and running, but we haven't done any marketing yet. We need to do ID cards, fliers, banners, face book page, Blackberry marketing and so on and so forth. I am a very busy person because I have other businesses that I manage and run, so the prospective individual must be able to handle oral instruction and create something with it. The start-up salary for this work would be N30, 000 for the first month; you would be on a week probation first so i can evaluate you. After the week probation the job is yours for that month. I would re-evaluate you again to see if I would like to retain you for a long term position.

Requirements: Must be creative

• Good typing Skills

• Graphic Design Skills

• Marketing Experience

• Must be conversant with Lagos road

You can email me at minneapoliscarguy@yahoo.com
or call 08125780343 Mr Olanrewaju Oyedele

Company Name: Ringback Nigeria Limited

Address: Ikota Shopping Complex VGC Ajah

Location: Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.

IT PERSONNEL - MAGAZINE FIRM VACANCY

A new magazine business in Lekki Phase 1 needs IT Personnel to help with the website.

REQUIREMENTS:

-Daily monitoring of the website

-uploading content on te website

-sms marketing

-email marketing

-developing forums and chat links

-online marketing skills

-html and java a plus

- OND,HND, BSC in an IT related course a plus.

Interested applicant should forward their resume to: info@theredsheet.com or call 0807227436.
Location: Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Daily Headlines 29/4/2011

2011-04-28T23:38:00.001-07:00

Nigeria hunts 'Islamist' who opened fire at polling unit

KANO, (AFP) - Nigerian police hunted a suspected Islamist sect member on Wednesday who opened fire at a polling station in the country's northeast, killing one person and wounding four, authorities said.
Police in the northeastern city of Maiduguri also arrested seven suspected members of the sect who were accused of trying to plant a bomb on a busy street during governorship polls on Tuesday, the state police commissioner said.
"We have seven suspected Boko Haram members in custody, arrested yesterday with a bomb device which they were trying to plant on a busy street in the city," said Michael Zuokumor, referring to the sect.
"They are between 18 and 25 years of age. Another suspected member of Boko Haram opened fire at a polling station in Jajere neighbourhood, killing one voter and injuring four others. He managed to escape in the confusion that followed the attack."
Police in Borno state, where Maiduguri is the capital, also arrested more than 20 other suspects over election fraud allegations, including those accused of attempting to snatch ballot papers.
Maiduguri has long been hit by violence and bomb blasts blamed on the Islamist sect, which launched an uprising in 2009. Three explosions went off Tuesday morning in the city, but no casualties were reported.
Bomb blasts there killed at least three people and wounded 15 on Sunday and Monday.
Most of Nigeria's 36 states voted in state governor polls Tuesday marred by bombs and ballot-box thefts as the country stumbled to the finish line of a landmark election season that set off deadly riots last week.

Defiant Syria vows to keep up protest crackdown

DAMASCUS, (AFP) - A defiant Syria vowed to restore "security and stability" despite growing international censure for its violent crushing of dissent, as activists called for more protests on Friday.
Growing anger at the regime's brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters saw Britain on Thursday withdraw the Syrian ambassador's invitation to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
In Washington, three key US senators urged President Barack Obama to declare that his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad has squandered his legitimacy and must step down.
"We urge President Obama to state unequivocally -- as he did in the case of (Libyan leader Moamer) Kadhafi and (Egyptian President Hosni) Mubarak -- that it is time for Assad to go," Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham and independent Senator Joe Lieberman said in a joint statement.
The European Union is mulling sanctions and the UN Human Rights Council has called a special session for Friday in Geneva on the crackdown in Syria.
In the southern town of Daraa, epicentre of the protests that have shaken Assad's once uncontested rule, water and power have been cut and the death toll has risen to 42 on the fourth day of a military siege, a rights activists said.
Syria has been rocked since March 15 by increasingly strident pro-democracy demonstrations, which the authorities have tried to crush through violence that rights groups say has killed at least 453 civilians.
Information Minister Adnan Mahmud told AFP that the crackdown would continue, despite a European Union threat of sanctions and growing world pressure to allow peaceful protests.
"The authorities are determined to restore security, stability and peace to the citizens," Mahmud said. "In Daraa, the army intervened at the request of the population to restore security."
According to the minister, more than 50 soldiers and dozens of police have been killed and hundreds injured since the revolt began.
Further showdowns are expected after the weekly main Muslim prayers on Friday, when protesters traditionally emerge from mosques to stage mass street demonstrations.
"Friday of Anger, April 29, in solidarity with Daraa," says a notice on the Syrian Revolution 2011 page of Facebook, a motor of the protests in which demonstrators inspired by uprisings elsewhere in the Arab world are seeking greater freedoms.
"To the youths of the revolution, tomorrow we will be in all the places, in all the streets ... We will gather at the besieged towns, including with our brothers in Daraa," said the statement posted online on Thursday.
It said demonstrations would also be staged in other flashpoint towns such as Homs in the centre of the country and Banias in the northwest.
A London-based spokesman for Syrian opposition activists called on the army to protect citizens confronted with "brutal repression and killings by security forces."
"We hope that Bashar al-Assad still has an ounce of humanity in him so he can stop this massacre, otherwise the response on Friday will be on the street, where hundreds of thousands will turn out to demonstrate against him and his regime, demanding his departure," Ausama Monajed told AFP.
His group on Wednesday called upon the regime to implement real reform lest it is "overrun by a popular revolution."
A rights activist reached by telephone said the situation was worsening in Daraa, stormed on Monday by between 3,000 and 5,000 troops backed by tanks and snipers.
"We have neither doctors nor medical supplies, not even baby milk. The electricity is always cut and we haven't any more water," Abdallah Abazid told AFP in Nicosia by telephone from Daraa, 100 kilometres (62 miles) south of Damascus.
At least 42 "martyrs" have been killed since Monday, Abazid said. Their families, he added, had been unable to bury them because "security forces were firing on anybody visiting the cemetery," which is controlled by the army.
Hundreds of Syrians on Thursday fled into northern Lebanon on foot after they said unrest broke out in the Syrian border town of Tall Kalakh, an AFP correspondent witnessed.
Those fleeing said Syrian troops encircled Tall Kalakh overnight after a demonstration was held there and were preventing people from entering the town of 25,000 residents.
They carried mattresses and other belongings as they entered Lebanon through Qubeya, an unofficial border crossing in the Wadi Khaled region located in Lebanon's northern district of Akkar.
Russia on Thursday called on its Middle East ally to conduct a thorough probe into those responsible for killing civilians.
The Security Council, however, failed to agree on a statement condemning the killing of Syrian protesters, diplomats in New York said. After talks ended in deadlock, Western nations called for an immediate open meeting.
France called for "strong measures" if Assad rejects appeals to end violence, while the United States said Assad must "change course now" and end the use of tanks and guns.

Elections send signal to rest of Africa: US

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - Nigeria's elections bode well for the future of democracy in that country and send "a very strong signal" that other African states can hold successful polls, a senior US diplomat said Thursday.
Johnnie Carson, the top US diplomat for Africa, told reporters that despite deadly post-election violence and some voting irregularities, the elections mark a new trend for Africa's most populous country.
"Nigeria has just completed its most successful election since its return to multiparty democracy in 1999," said Carson, the assistant secretary of state for African affairs.
"Despite some technical imperfections, those elections represent a substantial improvement over the flawed 2007 electoral process," he said.
"This reverses a downward democratic trajectory and provides the country a solid foundation for strengthening its electoral procedures and democratic institutions in the years to come," Carson said.
"These elections were a real opportunity to choose their leaders," he said.
Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the south, defeated his main rival, ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim, in the April 16 presidential vote.
Though observers described the conduct of the election as a major step forward for Nigeria, Jonathan's victory ignited rioting across the north amid accusations of rigging. A local rights group said 500 people have died.
State assembly and governorship elections followed the presidential vote.
"I do not believe that any of the irregularities or technical imperfections undermine the overall outcome of this election and that the elections do reflect the will of a majority of the Nigerian people," Carson said.
Carson said that while US officials "deplore" the post-election violence, the security forces have been "much more responsible" in this election and the country's political leaders have denounced the violence.
The elections will provide a boost for democracy in the broader region, he added.
"The success of the Nigerian elections are primarily of importance to the Nigerian people, but they also send a very strong signal across Africa," Carson said.
The Nigerian desire for a democratic government "reflects a desire of many people across Africa," he said.
"It also is an indication, too, that if Nigeria with its large size and population can in effect run and manage successful democratic elections, that it is possible for many of the other smaller states to do so as well," he added.

Deadliest tornado days in US history

(FACTS) - TUSCALOOSA, (AFP) - More than 280 people have been killed across seven southern states by some of the worst tornadoes ever to strike the United States.
Here is a list of the deadliest tornado days in America's recorded history:
1. 747 deaths - March 18, 1925 - The Tri-State Tornado
The deadliest single tornado in American history claims 695 lives as the monster twister crosses Missouri, southern Illinois and into southwestern Indiana. The wider tornado outbreak leaves 747 people dead.
2. 332 deaths - March 21, 1932 - The Deep South tornado outbreak
Tornadoes are produced from Texas to South Carolina, 270 of the dead are in Alabama alone.
3. 317 deaths - May 17, 1840 - The Great Natchez Tornado
The second deadliest single tornado in US history strikes the Mississippi town of Natchez, killing 317 people. Most of the dead are killed on flatboats on the river.
4. 310 deaths - April 3, 1974 - The "Super Outbreak"
The largest tornado outbreak on record claims 310 lives as 148 confirmed tornadoes over a 24-hour period rage across 13 US states.
5. 305 deaths - May 27, 1896 - St. Louis-East St. Louis tornado
Rounding off a deadly two-week storm period, 305 people are killed by tornadoes in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky.
6. 260 deaths - April 11, 1965 - The Palm Sunday outbreak
Some 50 twisters hit the Midwest, killing 260 people and leaving more than 1,000 injured in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
7. 249 deaths - April 5, 1936 - Tupelo-Gainesville tornado outbreak
Most of the 249 people killed are in one Mississippi town, Tupelo.
8. 224 deaths - April 20, 1920 - Alabama-Mississippi
The deadly tornado-packed spring of 1920 ends with 224 people killed in an unusual early morning outbreak in Alabama and Mississippi.
9. 220 deaths - April 24, 1908 - Dixie tornado outbreak
Dozens of twisters stretching from South Dakota to Texas leave 220 dead.
10. 205 deaths - April 6, 1936 - Gainesville tornado
The day after 249 people are killed in Tupelo, Mississippi (see 7. above), another 205 people are killed by a single tornado, nearly all of them in the city of Gainesville, Georgia.
SOURCE: The Severe Storms Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Police on alert as results emerge from final polls

KANO, (AFP) - Nigerian police mobilised Wednesday as results flowed in from state governor polls in Africa's most populous nation, entering the final phase of an election season hit by deadly riots.
Police warned they would be ready in case of another outbreak of violence over results, after hundreds are believed to have been killed in the wake of an April 16 presidential poll.
"For now, the police are on the alert and on the ground in case we have a backlash like we had in the presidential election," said spokesman Olusola Amore.
Initial results have shown the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) taking at least one state from the ruling party in the southwest, giving it a firm grip on the region that includes the economic capital Lagos, which it also controls.
But the ruling Peoples Democratic Party was also holding on to states in the southeast and the oil-producing Niger Delta region, and its chances looked good in what had been earlier considered close races in a number of northern states.
It won the northern state of Kano, which is not among the 27 states it controlled going into the election.
The opposition Congress for Progressive Change, whose presidential candidate, ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, was the main challenger to incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, was looking to pick up territory in the north.
A coalition of observers, the Nigerian Situation Room, called the elections well organised and "another significant step towards the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria," but noted several serious problems as well.
Tuesday's polls were marred by a number of incidents.
Police were hunting a suspected Islamist sect member who opened fire at a polling station in the northeastern city of Maiduguri during voting, killing one person and wounding four, authorities said.
Ballot-box thefts were reported in a number of states despite tight security and safeguards meant to stop such fraud.
Turnout appeared low in many areas either out of apathy or fears of further violence.
In Maiduguri, which has long been hit by violence blamed on the sect, seven suspected Islamists were arrested on allegations of seeking to plant a bomb on a busy street during the polls, the state police commissioner said.
Three explosions went off Tuesday morning in Maiduguri, but no casualties were reported. Bomb blasts there killed at least three people and wounded 15 on Sunday and Monday.
There were reports of electoral workers in various parts of the country refusing to show up on Tuesday for fear of further attacks following last week's riots, which a local rights group says killed more than 500 people.
The rioting across the country's mainly Muslim north after the presidential election won by Jonathan, a southern Christian, displaced an estimated 74,000.
Unrest broke out despite what observers said appeared to be Nigeria's cleanest vote for head of state since its return to civilian rule in 1999, with the country seeking to break from a history of deeply flawed polls.
Two states -- Kaduna and Bauchi -- had their polls postponed to Thursday due to the unrest.
An electoral commission spokesman said the governors' vote appeared to have gone relatively well despite a series of incidents, while one commissioner spoke of a mixed turnout.
An opposition ACN governorship candidate in southern Akwa Ibom state alleged violence and rigging.
"What we have here, I don't know how to describe it. The institution that is supposed to guarantee the system of democracy has been used to rape democracy openly," John Akpanudoedehe said.
Akpanudoedehe was charged with treason ahead of the vote, charges that his lawyer described as "trumped up".
Most of Nigeria's 36 states held governorship and state assembly polls. State governors wield significant power and preside over large budgets thanks to revenue generated by the oil industry

Security lockdown as riot-hit states vote

BAUCHI, (AFP) - Two Nigerian states hit hard by deadly riots after presidential elections went back to the polls for governor races Thursday amid a security lockdown and with scores still displaced.
Soldiers accompanied electoral officials to polls in Kaduna and Bauchi states and the electoral commission scrambled to find some 2,000 workers to replace those who refused to show up because of fears of violence.
Police and military personnel in armoured vehicles patrolled the streets of Kaduna city, the capital of the same state, and set up roadblocks to search cars. Police kept a close eye on Bauchi city, the capital of that state.
"If any of you is caught attempting to snatch or steal ballot papers or boxes, we will kill you," Bauchi state police commissioner Amana John Abakasanga told a group of youths at a polling station in Bauchi after they could not produce voters' cards.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, who is from Kaduna and had his house torched in last week's rioting, went to his polling place which was ringed by dozens of security agents, including bomb squad officers and police with dogs.
Police armed with rifles cordoned off the roads leading to the area.
Voting wrapped up by late afternoon and counting began in a number of areas in both states.
An outbreak of unrest, which a local rights group says killed more than 500 people after April 16 presidential polls, forced authorities to delay governorship and state assembly elections in Kaduna and Bauchi by two days.
Kaduna and neighbouring Bauchi became the epicentre of the unrest, ignited by the victory of incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential elections.
The violence spiralled and spilled across a dozen other states, displacing an estimated 74,000 people. Many have taken up residence in increasingly squalid displaced camps.
Turnout appeared low in many places on Thursday.
"People are still scared because of last week's mayhem," said Solomon Patrick, a 41-year-old civil servant at a polling place in Bauchi.
"I cannot vote today because ... my voter card has been burnt with my house," said blindman Shuaibu Abdu, 53, at a camp for displaced in Kaduna.
Most other states held governorship elections on Tuesday. Turnout was low in a number of areas then as well, with some afraid to venture out to cast ballots in the aftermath of the violence.
Jonathan, a Christian from the south, defeated his main rival, ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim, in the April 16 vote -- one of three elections Nigeria organised this month.
Though observers described the conduct of the elections as a major step forward for Nigeria, Jonathan's victory ignited rioting across the north amid accusations of rigging.
Despite the violence and some irregularities, a US top diplomat for Africa Johnnie Carson said it was Nigeria's "most successful election since its return to multiparty democracy in 1999" and send "a very strong signal" that other African countries can hold successful polls.
But the presidential election exposed sharp regional divisions between the country's mainly Christian south and the predominantly Muslim north.
The violence led to clashes between Christians and Muslims while churches and mosques were torched.
Results from Tuesday's polls in 23 states showed the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winning 16.
It was swept out of the southwest, which includes the economic hub Lagos, with the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria now controlling all but one of the six states in the region.
But the PDP also won states in the north, where many analysts expected it to lose significant ground, and hung on to seats in the southeast and oil-producing Niger Delta region.
Both Kaduna and Bauchi states are currently controlled by the PDP, but it faced challenges from the opposition.
The PDP controlled 27 states entering the elections and was on track to see that number reduced by a few.

I. Coast Ouattara on first visit to presidential palace

ABIDJAN, (AFP) - Ivory Coast's new leader Alassane Ouattara made his first visit Thursday to the presidential palace, exactly five months since his runoff election against the incumbent tipped the country into crisis.
Ouattara has been holed up in a hotel since the November 28 election which Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept he had lost. He was only eventually forced from power when he was captured at the end of a siege on April 11.
As he finally stepped foot in the palace in the country's main city of Abidjan, the new president said he would take oath of office next month in the official capital of Yamoussoukrou.
Ouattara is still trying to assert his authority in what remains a deeply divided country and his tour of the palace came a day after his forces killed a militia leader in Abidjan.
"It is clear that the palace still needs a lot of repair. We will ensure that, because we want to resume work as soon as possible," he told reporters.
"There is a lot of destruction which is regrettable. I saw looted offices and looted safes, a lot of regrettable things."
The presidential palace is in Abidjan's Plateau business district, the scene of the worst fighting between Ouattara's forces and pro-Gbagbo fighters earlier this month during the offensive to remove the defiant leader.
After taking refuge in an underground bunker in his residence, Gbagbo was finally captured by Ouattara's forces after the United Nations and French troops bombarded the building.
Gbagbo and his wife have since been placed under house arrest in different towns in the north of the country and the government this week said it had launched a probe against the toppled president and his associates.
Ouattara, 69, said he will officially take office next month.
"Our aim is to hold the swearing-in on May 21 in Yamoussoukrou. I have already called some African and foreign dignitaries requesting them to attend the occasion," said Ouattara.
"We will do everything necessary to ensure that the ceremony can go ahead on. That is what I wish and hope for it."
Ouattara is expected to continue to operate out of his hotel base for some time yet and he did not say when he planned to move to the presidential palace.
Since taking power, Ivory Coast's new authorities have been struggling to restore security, business and basic services disrupted during the months-long crisis.
Banks had been due to open their doors Thursday after being closed for several weeks. However by early afternoon, customers were still queueing in vain outside branches, worsening the woes of civil servants who have not been paid for two months. However some cash machines had been replenished.
Security has been restored in much of Abidjan, but diehard pro-Gbagbo fighters in the city's northwestern Yopougon neighbourhood have refused to disarm.
In their drive to secure the vast metropolis, government forces on Wednesday killed militia leader Ibrahim Coulibaly in the north of the city where he had been holed up with a pack of fighters.
Coulibaly, who at one stage fled Ivory Coast for plotting a coup against Gbagbgo, had sought an audience with Ouattara but had been told to disarm first.
He wanted acknowledgement from the government for the role played by his forces in driving out pro-Gbagbo militia from the northern Abobo district earlier this year.

United wary of wounded Arsenal

(EPL PREVIEW) - LONDON, (AFP) - Patrice Evra has warned his Manchester United team-mates to be ready for an Arsenal backlash as the Premier League leaders aim to take a giant step towards a record 19th title.

United can hammer the final nail into the coffin of another trophy-less season for Arsenal when they visit the Emirates on Sunday, where three points will leave them 12 points clear of Arsene Wenger's team with three games left.

Arsenal's hopes of catching United have all but evaporated in a catastrophic sequence of results during the run-in, where they squandered leads against Liverpool and Tottenham before losing at Bolton.

But Evra believes Arsene Wenger's side will be determined to derail United's progress towards the title with a victory that would help salvage some pride at the tail end of a bitterly disappointing campaign.

"You have to fear the wounded animal," the French international said. "It is all or nothing for Arsenal so that is a danger.

"They will want to show they can still win the title."

Arsenal have not beaten United in any competition since November 2008, and have lost their last two games against Sir Alex Ferguson's side in matches at the Emirates.

However Evra has warned that United's good recent record against Arsenal will count for little on Sunday.

"We have a good record at Arsenal but statistics can change so quickly," Evra said.

"Everyone used to say how Arsenal kept losing to Chelsea and then they beat them. We kept losing at Stamford Bridge but won there in the Champions League.

"Our record at the Emirates will hurt them and they will want to do something about it."

Wenger, who admits his team's title challenge is all but extinguished, acknowledged Evra's comments that Arsenal were desperate to make a point.

"We are certainly wounded and now we need to bring out the animal on Sunday. It is important for our pride and our position in the table and for what we did this season," Wenger said.

"It is vital for us. We got a blow on Sunday with the last minute goal at Bolton, so it is vital to show we have some strong mental qualities and finish with a very strong fighting spirit.

"Man United is now in a very strong position, but we have to fight until the last second of the championship.

"It is very unlikely for us now, let's not hide the truth but the pride of our group is to finish in the Champions League. We have to fight even if it is just a minimal chance.

"You never know, if we beat Man United we come back to six points. But it is important to show some fighting spirit, so there is more at stake on Sunday than just mathematics."

The importance of United's game against Arsenal may be magnified depending on the result of Tottenham's London derby with resurgent Chelsea 24 hours earlier.

A win for Chelsea, who travel to Old Trafford to face United next week, will close the gap on the leaders to only three points.

"Sunday is a massive game for us," Evra said. "There is still a lot of pressure on us. If we lose and Chelsea have beaten Tottenham on Saturday, they will only be three points behind and they have to come to Manchester.

"That is what we have to think about now."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has refused to give up hope of pipping United for the title but knows that nothing less than a victory will do against Spurs, who themselves are desperate for three points as they try to overhaul Manchester City in the race for fourth.

"If we are able to win against Tottenham, I think we can put more pressure on Manchester United in the game against Arsenal," he said.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Blackburn v Bolton, Blackpool v Stoke, Chelsea v Tottenham (1730), Sunderland v Fulham, West Brom v Aston Villa, Wigan v Everton.

Sunday

Arsenal v Man Utd (1405), Birmingham v Wolves (1200), Liverpool v Newcastle (1200), Man City v West Ham (1610).

Lastest Job opening ( 29/4/2011)

2011-04-28T23:31:00.001-07:00

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP OFFICER!

JOB DESCRIPTION
ENTER JOB DESCRIPTION: Customer Relationship Officer Isolo Branch

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Enter roles and responsibilities
To assist the Branch in:
• Developing and executing marketing/sales programs and activities to achieve unit sales targets.
• Providing personal financial planning services to customers as well as handle customer enquiries and complaints.
• Reviewing credit applications for personal loans.
• Submission of weekly and monthly sales figures and projections. Other report, weekly Activity reports.
Cross-selling of products and referring business opportunities to other units

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
MEETING SALES TARGETS
• Ensuring that the unit meets its monthly/yearly given sales targets.
• Executing regular sales activities to generate business for the unit.
• Specifically targeting High Valueprofitable clients with a view to growing the current account deposit base.

CUSTOMER SERVICES
• Providing personal financial planning services to customers.
• dealing with customer enquiries and complaints.
• ensuring that service standard targets are being met for loan processing, customer response time as well as customer enquiries. m .ensuring that service recovery on errors, miscommunications, complaints, etc are dealt with in the most efficient and courteous manner

CREDIT CONTROLS
• Recommendation of credit approvals for loan applications.

PROJECTION OF A POSITIVE IMAGE
• Ensuring that premises and the Priority/Excel Lounge are maintained to a high standard.

MARKETING/SALES ACTIVITIES
• Selling wealth offerings for individuals to increase value center’s liabilities base.
• Executing below the line selling activities to increase value center business.
• Building relationships with customers to extend more banking facilities.

PROCESSING AND REVIEW OF LOANS
• ensuring that credit policy is complied with
• reviewing loan applications for credit approval

SUBMISSION OF SALES FIGURES AND PROJECTIONS
• ensuring that proper sales figures are being submitted
• Submission of sales activities that are being conducted

CUSTOMER SERVICE
• assisting customers with their personal financial needs
• attending to customers enquiries and complaints

KYC / MONEY LAUNDERING
• Ensure you remain alert to the risk of money laundering and assist in the Bank’s efforts in combating it by adhering to the key principles in relation to: “identifying your customer, knowing your customer, reporting suspicions, safeguarding records and not disclosing suspicions to customers”.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Enter qualifications and skills
University Degree (minimum of 2.2)

To Apply, send {CV} to this email{glink94@yahoo.com} and send YES to this no {08167688981}

LAGOS $ IBANDAN ONLY........

TRADE MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

MARKETING >> TRADE MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION >> TRADE MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE (TMR)

REFERENCE NUMBER
RA/WAA/NGN/TMR/30-03-11

JOB TITLE: TRADE MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE
LOCATION: NORTH, MIDDLE BELT, SOUTH EAST, SOUTH WEST
REMUNERATION: VERY COMPETITIVE
REPORTS TO: AREA MANAGE

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Execute the marketing activities in the outlets located within the territory in order to meet customer and consumer objectives as

described in the cycle plan.
Train customers if necessary using required materials and instructions.
Negotiate retail touch points based on communication strategy following guidelines set by TM&D communications Manager.
Develop and adhere to a well-defined work programme and route plan as agreed with Area Manager.
Actively participate in business development projects e.g. internal brand awareness campaigns.
Support change management projects within marketing Team.
Ensure that objectives in terms of availability, visibility, volume, margin, quality and customer price of products are achieved

for territory.
Monitor brand’s performance in the outlets.
Engage local government officials, transport/ traffic agencies and other stakeholders to avoid disruption of BAT operations in

the territory.
Provide information on retail environment to TM&D Communications Manager to develop touch points appropriate for these

outlets.
Support DSS representatives to achieve high performance by establishing a constructive feedback process
Develop an effective working relationship with the outlets by giving assistance and support through regular communication and

the prompt handling of problem and requests.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Excellent written and verbal communication (in English).
High degree of Computer literacy and competency in the use of Microsoft Office tools
Prior experience in Trade Marketing, Brand and Trade Programmes deployment.
Knowledge of the FMCG industry in the retail environment.
Negotiating and influencing skills.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain relationships with Clients, external suppliers and

commercial partners.
Self starter, keen and confident to use own initiative
Must be able to drive and possess a valid Drivers’ License
Should have a minimum of three years working experience

KEY OUTPUTS:
The most important metrics by which successful performance will be judged are, for respective territory:
Customer satisfaction targets.
Timely development/ implementation of trade marketing activities
Real vs. plan financial execution
Accurate and well maintained outlet classification record
Additionally, this jobholder shares accountabilities with other areas (for respective territory) in terms of:
Sales volume
Market share
Brand portfolio financials (e.g., P&L, margin)

DEGREE:
First degree or equivalent in Marketing, Social sciences or related qualification from a reputable higher institution.

EQUITY STATEMENT:
is an equal opportunities employer. All applications will be treated strictly on merit.

To Apply, send {CV} to this email{anthony.oluwafemi@yahoo.com}

LAGOS $ IBADAN ONLY........

Head, TELCO Sales

We are a leading Systems Integration company with headquarters in Lekki. We seek to recruit a suitable candidate for the post of Head TELCO.
Candidate must have cognate years of experience in selling into TELCO space, with a minimum educational qualifictiuon in Bus Admin, Comp Engr.
Pls send cv to iolawore@wecosysgroup.com

Sales Supervisor/Sales Officers - SENCE

The following are existing vacancies in different Industries within our Client's Companies. Only Applicants who meet the requirements will be contacted.

Sales Supervisor/Sales Officers -This position is for individuals who have a very deep passion in fashion. A creative and innovative person would excel in this position. Good customer service skills and an eye for detail is essential for this position.

For more information and to apply:
www.senceworld.com/vacancies

Admin officer needed in it. Firm

A Leading IT Company requires an Admin Officer.
Requirements: Bsc ,0-2 years experience. Must be computer literate; Excellent verbal and written skills in English send CV to iden25@gmail.com

Urgent Vacancy for an accountant - EPCM

EPCM engineers currently requires the service of an Accountant.
The ideal candidate must meet all the requirements below
1. Must be Self Driven
2. Resides in Lagos (Lekki/Ajah axis preferably)
3. posses any of the following OND, HND and B.sc in Accounting
4. Must be working towards getting certified (ICAN, ACCA, e.t.c)
If you meet this requirements, kindly send in your resume to humanresources@epcmengineers.com

Sales Engineer needed in a manufacturing company

A qualified Computer/Networking Engineer with experience in sales and Relationship management needed for immediate employment. Please visit our website on www.myrocketmodem.com for a brief profile of our company.

You can call 08028590396, 08053076968 for more enquiries.

Location: Etiosa, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Vacancy for an English Teacher For Adult

An Experienced Teacher for a Primary 1 is need in Iya-Iba.
To work for 3days per week & 2hrs each day.

To teach English Language to an adult

Requirement:
Must be NCE,OND or BSc
Must reside in Aiyetoro & Environs close to Aiyetoro or Ayobo

If intereted, call: 07066031085
Location: Iya-Iba, Lagos State, Nigeria

Vacancy For A Teacher for Primary Sch Student

An Experienced Teacher for a Primary 1 is need in Badagry.
To work for 3days per week & 2hrs each day.

To teach Mathematics and English to a SS3 student

Requirement:
Must be NCE,OND or BSc
Must reside in Aiyetoro & Environs close to Aiyetoro or Ayobo

If intereted, call: 07066031085

Sports Headlines (28/4/12011)

2011-04-27T23:51:00.003-07:00

US club tries to show it's Real contender

SALT LAKE CITY, (AFP) Real Salt Lake tries to claim a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup and the North American club crown on Wednesday in the second leg of CONCACAF's Champions League final with Mexico's Monterrey.

The US squad, which took a 2-2 draw last week in Mexico on Argentine playmaker Javier Morales' goal in the 89th minute, would be the first Major League Soccer side since the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2000 to win the club crown.

"Just to have that possibility in your mind’s eye about being able to lift the trophy in front of a sellout crowd screaming for us, that’s the stuff that dreams are made of," Real coach Jason Kreis said.

"We have to feel good about what we accomplished down there but it's a measured good for sure because this is still a very dangerous opponent."

The winner advances to the FIFA Club World Club on December 8-18 in Japan. Brazilian clubs won the first three such events while European Champions League squads have captured the past four.

Real Salt Lake, unbeaten in their past 10 home matches, will face a Rayados side seeking the first continental crown in its 66-year history.

"This team has shown a lot of character," Monterrey president Luis Miguel Salvador said. "I don’t think that Wednesday will be the exception. We are conscious of what we are playing for."

Real general manager Garth Lagerway called the match a "Lake Placid moment" for US soccer, citing the US 1980 Olympic upset of the Soviet Union by a set of US collegians dubbed the "Miracle on Ice".

"That’s the opportunity I think we have," Lagerwey said. "We have an event on that scale to put the world on notice that American soccer is taking another step forward."

Monterrey manager Victor Manuel Vucetich said Real "dirtied" the match last week, adding fuel to Real's fire for the rematch.

"Talk is cheap," said Real forward Fabian Espindola of Argentina. "If they are as good as they say, they have to show it. If they are superior, let them come here and do it."

Kreis added: "I personally feel like they disrespected us and I hope we can show them what kind of team we are."

Midefielder Kyle Beckerman, Real's captain, will miss the match, serving a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation after being booked in Mexico.

"We will miss his leadership out there," said Real midfielder Andy Williams, a Canadian who likely will move into the lineup for Ned Grabavoy, Beckerman's likely replacement.

Monterrey will be without striker Aldo de Nigris, also out with accumulated yellows, while captain Luis Perez, injured last week, is doubtful.

"This is a tournament in which we have battled hard to reach this moment," Monterrey centerback Jose Maria Basanta said. "We want to win."

Villa boosts Barca as Euro race hots up

BARCELONA, (AFP) Barcelona striker David Villa ended his goal drought in the 2-0 victory over Osasuna and admitted it was a timely strike as his team aim for a Spanish and Champions League double.

While the attention was on Lionel Messi, who continued his amazing season by becoming the first player to hit 50 goals in a Spanish season, Villa was also celebrating his opener in Saturday's game.

The player from Gijon went eleven games without hitting the target -- almost two months -- and one of the longest droughts in his career.

He slotted home comfortably from a Jeffren Isaias cross as Barcelona maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the table after Real Madrid had defeated Valencia 6-3.

Both they and Real rested players ahead of their mouth-watering clash in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Real will have the psychological advantage after beating the Catalan side in the King's Cup final and the manner of their 6-3 victory over Valencia will further boost their confidence.

Gonzalo Higuain will be looking to force his way into the Real side after he bagged a hat-trick while Kaka also scored twice.

"It was a difficult game due to the effort both physically and mentally that we put in the King's Cup. We won and we have maintained the same distance at the top so it is an important step forward," said Villa.

"Although I hadn't been scoring the most important thing was that the team was winning and scoring, I work hard but it is the team that counts.

"It is now going to be very different match in the Champions League and we need to go out believing in ourselves. We are just one step from the final and we have the desire and hope to get there."

The battle for the Europa League places remains tight as Sevilla and Atletico Madrid followed up Athletic Bilbao's win over Real Sociedad with victories on Sunday.

Sevilla remain in sixth after they took advantage of a slow start from Villarreal, whose minds were on their upcoming Europa League semi-final with Porto, to win 3-2.

They went ahead within 15 minutes through Ivan Rakitic and Alvaro Negredo before Carlos Marchena pulled a goal back.

Koffi Romaric added a third for the home side but substitute Giuseppe Rossi, who had been held in reserve, added a second and went tantalisingly close to an equaliser but his shot came back off the post.

"This was a big win against a strong side who made us suffer for it. Villarreal are a team of quality players with good technique so it is difficult to get the ball off them," said Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano.

Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido rued the poor start by his side.

"We deserved more from the game but conceding a goal so early affected us and we ended up letting in another," he said.

"After that we had more of the ball and in the second half we went for the game and did enough to deserve at least a draw."

Atletico are behind Sevilla on goal difference after beating an in-form Levante 3-1.

Elias Mendes put Atletico ahead and while Levante drew level from the penalty spot through Felipe Caicedo, Sergio Aguero then hit a brace, the second again with a penalty kick and keeper Gustavo Munua put the ball through his own goal.

Nacho Novo gave Sporting Gijon a 1-0 victory over Espanyol to practically assure their top-flight future by taking them over the 40-point mark.

Irate Mourinho rails against Barca 'favouritism'

MADRID, (AFP) - Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could not hide his anger in the wake of the 2-0 Champions League semi final first leg defeat to rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, saying referees always favoured Barcelona.

The Portuguese coach highlighted the dismissal of Pepe on the hour mark of being another example of this favouritism.

A late brace from Lionel Messi helped Barcelona put one leg in the Wembley final but there were sour grapes as Mourinho, who was sent to the stands, vented his fury at the straight red card for Pepe.

"Chelsea couldn't get to the final three years ago (in the 2009 semi-final) against Barcelona. Against Inter Milan last year we played with ten men against Barcelona (Inter still went on to eliminate them and win the trophy beating Bayern Munich) and once again this year we played with ten men," bemoaned Mourinho.

"It shouldn't have been a red card for Pepe. Maybe someone can give me an answer. A foul on a Barcelona player and miraculously a red card.

"I don't know if Barcelona are friendly or not. They are a great team so congratulations to them but they have this power. Pepe sent off and me too. I don't know why.

"Why? Why does a fantastic team need this. (Anders) Frisk (the referee for the 2009 semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea) (Wolfgang) Stark (the match referee). Why? Why? Football is equal for everyone. The team that deserves to win, should win.

"If they won by merit we would accept it. Why in a balanced game like tonight did it happen? Why? Why did they leave us with ten men? Why did they turn down four penalties against Chelsea in the semi-final a few years ago? I hope one day I will have an answer. I always try to be honest. I just want to know why."

Asked on his team's chances of overturning the result in the second leg at Camp Nou on May 3 Mourinho replied: "Obviously it is a difficult mission in Barcelona. Yes, I think we are eliminated. We will go with everything to get a result for our fans but I can't see it."

Madrid have not reached the final since 2002 and had fallen at the first knockout stage in six successive seasons prior to Mourinho's arrival.

A war of words before the game had seen Guardiola lash out at Mourinho for calling him 'Pep' and using the informal 'tu' form but the Portuguese coach said the mind games had not played a role in the result.

"No, I don't think it was relevant what Josep Guardiola said," said Mourinho. "I responded to them. They were strange quotes.

"He is a fantastic person. I knew him for four years at Barcelona and I respect him as a coach. However, I would be embarrassed to win the Champions League like this."

Guardiola was asked about Mourinho's comments in his press conference and simply replied: "I don't want to say anything about that. No comment.

"We are one step away from the final but we are not at Wembley yet and a club with nine European Cups (Real Madrid) never gives up.

"We need just seven points to clinch the league so that is the priority now and then we will focus on the next game against Real."

Sweet revenge for Barca as Messi downs 10-man Real

MADRID, (AFP) - Argentina's two-time world player of the year Lionel Messi scored a superb late brace as Barcelona gained the upper hand in their Champions League semi final with a 2-0 first leg win over arch rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Real were down to ten men after Pepe had been sent off on the hour mark and Barca made the extra man count with Messi converting an Ibrahim Afellay cross on 76 minutes and then scored a mesmerising goal on 86 minutes for his 11th Champions League goal of the season.

Messi has now scored on each of his last four visits to the Bernabeu and the late goals are a huge setback for Real coach Jose Mourinho, who was sent to the stands for protesting the dismissal of Pepe.

Madrid must now pull off a miracle and win well at Camp Nou in the second leg on May 3 if they are to reach their first final since 2002.

"Another miracle with ten men wasn't possible," said an angry Mourinho. "Yes, I think we are eliminated. We will go to Camp Nou with everything and to get a result but I can't see it.

"We will be without Pepe and (Sergio) Ramos who didn't do anything and neither did I. I just want to know why? Why did Pepe get sent off? I just want someone to explain. Why did it happen?"

For Barcelona it was the perfect revenge after their Kings Cup loss a week ago and they will aim to finish the job at home and reach their first final since 2009 when they won the trophy as part of a historic treble.

A war of words had spiced up this red-hot fixture further with the usually calm Pep Guardiola hitting out at Mourinho and expressed his annoyance at being called 'Pep' by his Portuguese counterpart.

Barcelona, eight points above Real in the league, were still hurting from their Kings Cup final defeat and were allowed to dominate possession as Real sat deep in the third meeting between the two sides in just 12 days.

David Villa had the first sight on goal cutting inside before dispatching a shot just wide of the post in the 10th minute.

Jeers from home fans rung around the Bernabeu as Real followers were unhappy at Barcelona's control of the ball and the visitors almost scored in the 24th minute with Messi sliding in Xavi but Iker Casillas saved well with his legs.

On the stroke of half-time Madrid had their first chance with Ronaldo's fierce drive fumbled by Victor Valdes.

A row between Seydou Keita and Alvaro Arbeloa continued as the players left the field and Barcelona's second choice goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto was sent off from the substitutes bench for losing his cool in a melee.

Early in the second half Messi had a half chance as Real were caught sleeping but his shot was blocked in the area.

Cristiano Ronaldo then caused problems at the other end with Puyol making up for his initial mistake with a fine block.

On the hour mark Real were reduced to ten men with Pepe red-carded for a late tackle on Dani Alves and joins Sergio Ramos in missing the return clash at Camp Nou.

Pepe lunged at Alves and was shocked not to see a yellow, as was Mourinho, who was sent to the stands for vehemently protesting.

Barcelona tried to capitalise on their extra man with Villa forcing a fingertip save from Casillas on 68 minutes.

Then on 76 minutes substitute Afellay crossed and Messi converted with a volley at the near post.

It was the first goal Real had conceded at home in the Champions League this season, but the second arrived ten minutes later with Messi running from deep at speed, evading two challenges before sliding a right-footed shot past Casillas.

It leaves Madrid with a mountain to climb against their arch rivals who have two crucial away goals and have already crushed Madrid 5-0 at home in the league this season.

Dempsey double helps lift Fulham to safety

LONDON, (AFP) - Fulham look assured of keeping their Premier League status next season after a resounding 3-0 win over Bolton at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

American international Clint Dempsey scored either side of half time with Brede Hangeland adding a third to earn Fulham a crucial victory which pushed them up five places to ninth, eight points above the relegation zone.

Fulham named an unchanged side to the one that shared the points with Wolves, while the visitors welcomed back Tamir Cohen, who scored the winner in Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal, for Daniel Sturridge, out with an ankle injury.

Dempsey tested Bolton 'keeper Jussi Jasskelainen in the opening minutes with a low effort, and then watched when Eidur Gudjohnsen fluffed his decent centre into the box by spooning it over the bar.

On the quarter of an hour mark Dempsey put the Cottagers in front.

Bolton failed to clear a corner, with the striker thumping the ball high into Jasskelainen's net from 12 metres out in am acrobatic strike that Fulham fans will claim should be one of the contenders for goal of the season.

Just before the half hour Jaaskelainen prevented Bolton slipping further behind when pulling off a decent save to deny Moussa Dembele's low shot from the edge of the box.

The Bolton stopper then did well to deflect a dangerous Gudjohnsen chip.

After a first half dominated by the hosts it was more of the same after the break, with Dempsey doubling up in the 49th minute.

The in-form American ensured a precious three points for Mark Hughes' side when scoring from six metres out, seconds after Dembele had hit the bar with a long range shot.

Hangeland completed a perfect night when heading home Danny Murphy's freekick

Ayew brothers tour de force sends Marseille top

PARIS, (AFP) - French champions Marseille went top of the league on Wednesday as a hat-trick from Ghanaian star Andre Ayew and a goal by his brother Jordan saw them ease to a 4-2 win over Nice.

Andre's hat-trick took him to 10 for the season - it was Jordan's first - and put Marseille one point ahead of long-time leaders Lille with six matches remaining and came just days after they won the League Cup.

Seven-time champions Lyon also kept alive their hopes of a first trophy in three years as they edged beaten League Cup finalists Montpellier 3-2 - France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, who had only started on the bench, delivering the late winner.

Lyon are in third, five points behind Marseille.

Marseille had taken the lead just before the half-hour mark as 21-year-old Andre profited from an error by Nice's Colombian 'keeper David Ospina, who dropped an easy take from a Marseille corner, and the son of former Africa player of the year Abdei Pele pounced to rifle the ball home for his eighth of the season.

However, the hosts deserved an equaliser and it duly came shortly before half-time as Marseille failed to clear a corner and Abdou Traore was on hand to react fastest and shoot past Steve Mandanda from close range.

Nice thought they should have had a penalty in the 57th minute as Traore looked like he had been brought down by Mandanda but to the astonishment of the visiting players and coaching staff alike the referee Laurent Duhamel refused to give it.

At that point Marseille coach Didier Deschamps decided to send on Argentinian star Lucho and Jordan to add some fresh legs.

Within two minutes it proved an inspiring decision as Jordan crossed and his brother was on hand to put the ball into the far corner of the goal.

Jordan turned from provider to goalscorer in the 79th minute as the 19-year-old scored a dream of a goal - a right-footed curling effort from outside the box which left Ospina transfixed.

Mandanda then produced heroics of his own as he got down well to save Habib Bamogo's penalty five minutes from the final whistle.

Marseille rammed home their superiority in the dying minutes as Andre rose magnificently to head home for his hat-trick - Nice's Argentinian defender Renato Civelli scored a consolation goal in time added on.

Lyon had taken the lead at home to Montpellier with a stunning effort from Ederson - who was playing instead of Gourcuff - in the 22nd minute as he cut in from the left and fired in a rasping swerving effort that goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren could only help into the net.

However, the hosts were unable to hold onto their lead for long as six minutes later Montpellier levelled, the impressive Olivier Giroud running onto a deflected pass to slot the ball under Hugo Lloris's body.

Indeed Lyon were fortunate not to be going in 2-1 down at half-time as with two minutes remaining in the half Geoffrey Dernis produced a delightful lob from outside the area but though he beat Lloris the bar came to their rescue.

Lyon took advantage of this let off as they regained the lead in the 55th minute, Bafetembi Gomis passing unselfishly to Lisandro inside the penalty area and the Argentinian made no mistake.

However, the seven-time champions were pegged back again as Lloris saved well initially but was beaten by a shot from substitute Souleymane Camara.

There was to be a final sting in the tail as Gourcuff popped up to tuck away the decisive goal and provoke coach Claude Puel to leap from his seat and jump up and down with joy.

Essien boost for Blues in title chase

LONDON, (AFP) Michael Essien could be fit for Chelsea's vital Premier League clash with Tottenham this weekend after tests indicated a knee injury was not as serious as first thought, the club said Tuesday.

Essien hobbled off the field at Stamford Bridge last weekend with what looked like a knee injury, sparking fears the Ghanaian midfielder had suffered a recurrence of problems which have dogged him for the past two years.

The 28-year-old has already missed large chunks of the last two league campaigns with cartilage and ligament problems in both knees.

However scan results released Tuesday indicated that Essien's problem was with a tendon and he had escaped serious damage, meaning he may be available for Saturday's meeting with Spurs.

"Michael had a minor problem with a tendon above his knee during the West Ham game and came off as a precaution," Chelsea said in a statement.

"Scans show no significant issues in that area. We will look at him over the course of this week with regards to availability for the weekend."

Daily Headlines 28/4/2011

2011-04-27T23:15:00.003-07:00

EFCC operatives storm states ahead of May 29 handover date

A month to the exit of some outgoing governors, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Mrs. Farida Waziri has set up 15 teams to probe fraud allegations against them, it was learnt yesterday.

Mrs. Waziri has also sent the teams to some states to gather sufficient evidence against the governors and their lieutenants ahead of the May 29 handover date.

The teams were raised about three weeks ago to "gather sufficient evidence in some states where the anti-graft agency has been investigating fraud allegations against some governors and their officials.

A source in the commission, who spoke in confidence, said: "After preliminary review of petitions and issues against some of the outgoing governors, the EFCC is now set for field work.

"The 15 teams left Abuja and some of the zonal offices of the commission for their various states of assignment on Wednesday.

"They have a deadline of completing their assignments ahead of the May 29 handover date when some of the governors would have lost their immunity.

"The operatives were dispatched to the states to wrap up investigations and compile case diaries against officials believed to have dipped their hands into state funds especially to prosecute elections."

But the list of the affected states was kept secret as at press time last night.

The source said: "The affected states are where some of their officials had already been invited, interrogated or being prosecuted now for graft charges.

"By May 29, we will release to the public the list of outgoing governors who have some issues to clarify.

The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, was not forthcoming with details about the teams.

He only said: "What I am sure of now is that the Commission is set to increase the tempo of its activities now that the elections are over."

Ogboru/Uduaghan in neck-and-neck

A clear winner in Delta State governorship elections is yet to emerge following suspension of announcement of results till today.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Gabriel Adah said the suspension will enable INEC officials return fresh to complete the announcement of results in for the remaining four`````` local government areas.

The remaining local government areas where results are yet to be announced are Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East Warri South/West, and Sapele local governments.

However, Emmanuel Uduaghan (PDP) and Chief Great Ogboru (DPP) have won in 10 local government areas apiece.

The results into Warri North L.G.A is beeing hotly contested.

Dr Adah said the numerous petitions over Warri North will be investigated by the electoral body before final results are announced..

The DPP alleged that elections did not hold in many areas in Warri North yet results were declared.

So far result in 21 local government areas have been declared these include: Oshimili South (DPP) 12,471 (PDP) 10668, Oshimili North (PDP) 7,992 (DPP) 4,352, Aniocha South (PDP) 13187 (DPP) 6,275 Aniocha North (PDP) 14,824 (DPP) 4,962, Ika North East (PDP) 18,923, (DPP) 7,737, Ika South (PDP) 10,699 (DPP) 12,000, Ukwuani (PDP) 8,692, (DPP) 17,828.

Other results are Isoko North (PDP) 16,699, (DPP) 11,450, Isoko South (PDP) 17,981, (DPP) 18,389, Burutu (PDP) 34,720 (DPP) 8,586, Patani (PDP) 7135 (DPP) 8,586, Bomadi (PDP) 39,764 (DPP) 8,586, Warri North 58,634 (DPP) 1920, Udu (PDP) 6717 (DPP) 32,824.

In Uvwie (DPP) scored 34,516 (PDP) 14,383 ,Ethiope East (PDP) 5307 (DPP) 54,611 ,Ethiope West (PDP) 46,939 (DPP) 6,466 Ughelli North (PDP) 9,231 ,(DPP) 48,898, Ughelli South (PDP) 13,323 (DPP) 41,996 ,Warri South (PDP) 65,508 ,(DPP) 22,585 and Okpe (PDP) 6825, (DPP) 17,016.

With the results declared so far PDP has polled 428,151 votes with DPP polling 382662 votes.

INEC declares Akpabio winner in Akwa Ibom

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)yesterday declared Governor Godswill Akpabio winner of the Akwa Ibom State election.

For the Uyo Senatorial District election, Otuekong Ita Enang of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), polled the highest number of votes 160, 950 to win.

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for Uyo Senatorial District, Chief Nsima Umoh, scored 121, 965; All Nigeria People Party (ANPP) 2,295; Congress for Progressive Change (CPC); 35 and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), 773.

The Returning Officer (RO), Mrs. Comfort Ekpo, said the governor won the election after scoring the highest number of votes– 957, 585– to defeat other candidates.

Ekpo said the ACN governorship candidate Senator James Udoedehe polled 163,449 votes; CPC ; Mr. Larry Esin 15,660 votes.

A two-time former military administrator of Ogun and Rivers states, Group Capt. Sam Ewang, who is the candidate of ANPP, polled 3,721 votes.

Akpabio swept 29 of the 31 local government.

Udoedehe won in local governments within Uyo Senatorial District– Uyo and Uruan.

In Uyo, ACN scored 44,281 votes against PDP’s 14,512. In Uruan, ACN polled 11,772 votes, and PDP 9,666 votes.

The RO said the collation officers that monitored claimed that hoodlums hijacked ballot papers among other sundry problems.

She said: "Without mentioning different local government areas that had such challenges, I want us to know that we have come along way though we had some forms of malpractices along the line."

ACN agents were not present at the commission’s office and some of the other party’s agents that were present refused to sign the result sheets when Akpabio was declared the winner.

Uniform Account Number: CBN releases codes for banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released three-digit codes for banks to enable them to comply with the newly introduced Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number (NUBAN) scheme.

The apex bank has also set June deadline for banks to comply with the new order, stressing that only instruments, papers and electronic, that carry NUBAN codes and pass the NUBAN validation test would be allowed in the automated clearing system as from this date.

The new code, the CBN said, was to facilitate smooth and successful implementation of the uniform customer bank account numbering structure among all Deposit Money Banks in the country.

Accordingly, the Cheques Payments and ACH Working Group (CAWG) of the apex bank recommended that under the NUBAN implementation modality, the approved format ABC-DEFGHIJKL-M will apply. The ABC represents the three-digit bank code; DEFGHIJKL is the NUBAN Account serial number while M is the Check Digit required for account number validation.

The digit numbers as assigned by the CBN are tabulated below:

The banking watchdog said NUBAN can resolve the observed problems with electronic payments in the country, as many of such cases are related to specification of wrong beneficiary account numbers.

It said the procedure was meant to guide banks in deciding the Check Digit Algorithm for assigning account numbers and, therefore, advised all banks to adopt this uniform algorithm to obtain the check digit component of the NUBAN codes of their customer account numbers.

It also said the mode of transition from the current situation to the NUBAN scheme has to be handled carefully to ensure the success of the scheme. The codes are to be communicated to existing customers as soon as they become available while owners of new bank accounts opened from January 1, this year, will be provided with new codes at the onset.

"Going forward, the account number field in the cheque Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) code line will feature only NUBAN numbers. Accordingly, new cheques issued to customers will carry the new codes. With this transition method, the account numbers and NUBAN codes will co-exist in the electronic payment and cheque clearing systems from January to June 2011.

"This implies that banks have to build in the required intelligence in their respective in-clearing systems to distinguish NUBAN codes from old account numbers while processing inward cheque items and electronic payment instruments, during this transition period, " the CBN said.

Nigeria, France trade hits 5.5b euro

Nigeria and France bilateral relation continues to deepen as the volume of trade hits 5.5 billion euro per annum, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).　

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia, who met with his French counterpart Alain Juppe in Paris, described the relations between both countries as "very cordial’’ with several economic co-operation and partnerships in place.

Ajumogobia, said France was Nigeria’s second biggest trading partner after the United States, with investments mainly in the oil and gas sectors; but noted that there was a need for the trade to be diversified to include other sectors of the Nigeria’s economy.

" We are trying to explore ways in which we can increase our bilateral trade from just oil and gas. Nigeria offers more than oil and gas. We want to try to open markets for Nigerian goods and services in France and expand bilateral trade and investments,’’ he said.

Infrastructural development, he noted, is another area of priority as both countries are looking at areas of synergies to "partner on creating wealth and employment for Nigerians’’.

The Minister, who also spoke on France’s role in recent development in Cote d’Ivoire, said both　countries would continue to co-operate in the reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction processes of Cote d’Ivoire.

Both nations played an active role, in restoring peace and stability to Cote d’Ivoire, following its four months civil war, which led to the death of thousands and mass exodus of people to neighboring nations of Ghana, Burkina Faso and Liberia.

Youths protest governorship poll result in Benue

There was a protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital yesterday by youths rejecting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) results of the governorship election.

People’s Democratic Party’s candidate, Governor Gabriel Suswam leads, according to the returns from 18 of the 23 local government areas.

But the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) rejected the result.

Senator George Akume of the ACN polled 261,726 to beat Hon. Terngu Tsegba of the PDP who garnered 143,354 votes. He retains his seat.

Senatorial returning officer, Dr. Adehola Sotimehim, announced the result.

In the House of Assembly elections, Speaker Terseer Tsumba and Majority Leader, David Mwar lost their seats.

In Plateau State, former Governor, Chief Joshua Dariye won the election in the Plateau Central Senatorial District. Former House of Representatives member, Victor Lar won the seat for Plateau South Senatorial District.

In a statement, Benue State chairman of the ACN Abba Yaro alleged that results were cooked and doctored by the PDP in Logo, Ukum, Katsina Ala, Konshisha, Guma, Gwer-Gwer West local government areas, and the entire of Zone C.

The party said there were glaring cases where elections did not hold, but results returned in favour of the PDP. It also alleged that fake corps members and soldiers were used to intimidate ACN supporters.

The party said it would challenge the result of the election at the tribunal.

Speaker Tsumba of the PDP who recorded 18,692 votes, lost his seat to ACN candidate Aduku Gbileve who polled 44,487 votes in Buruku constituency.

Majority Leader Mwar of the PDP was also defeated by ACN candidate, Mato in Kyan constituency.

The protesting youths, numbering over 200 took to major streets of Makurdi, over the outcome of the election in which Governor Suswan was coasting to victory.

Police dispersed and arrested some of them

Dariye, popularly known as head boy of politics in the zone, defeated the younger brother to former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, Mr. Dauda Gowon.

Lar polled 132, 768 votes to defeat incumbent Senator John Shagaya of the Labour Party (LP) who got 72, 534 votes and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT), Jeremiah Useni, who polled 97,846 votes.

CPC clinches Nasarawa

Governor Aliyu Doma of Nasarawa State has lost his re-election bid in Tuesday's gubernatorial polls held in the state.

He was defeated by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate, Alhaji Tanko Al-makura with a margin of 3885 votes.

Announcing the result at the INEC headquarters in Lafia, the state capital on Wednesday, the Returning Officer, Murktar Mohammed, declared Al-Makura winner having polled 324,823 out of the 691,619 votes cast in the election while Doma of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 320,938 to emerge second.

Nawani Aboki of the Labour Party (LP) got 18,815 votes and Yakubu Kwarra of ANPP polled 4,498 votes.

The result also showed that the CPC won the only House of Representatives seat contested in the in Keana/Kokona/Karu federal constituency of the state. In the state House of Assembly elections, the PDP won 14 seats of the 18 seats announced while CPC had two and Labour Party one seat.

Chime wins in Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer and the incumbent chief executive, Sullivan Chime, as winner of Tuesday's gubernatorial polls in Enugu State.

His party also won all 24 seats in the state's House of Assembly.

According to the result declared by the Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof Bartho Okolo, Chime polled 419,790 votes to beat his closest rival and candidate of the Labour Party, Okey Ezea, who got 30,135 votes, while the People for Democratic Change (PDC), Dr. Dan Shere came third with 29,565 votes.
Reacting, State Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Afam Ani, who praised the process as transparent, however, said that the party leadership would meet to decide on the next line of action.

Director General, Sullivan Chime Campaign Organisation, Dr. Festus Uzor, attributed his party's victory to the trust the people of the state had in Governor Chime, stressing that they had justified that he (Chime) did well using the mandate they gave to him four years ago.

Lastest Job opening ( 28/4/2011)

2011-04-27T23:03:00.001-07:00

Our CLIENT, an OIL SERVICING COMPANY URGENTLY NEEDS A

FEMALE ACCOUNTANT

Requirements

Must be an experienced accountant with either B.SC/HND in Accounting.

Possession of ACA is an added advantage.

Must have a minimum of 5 Years Post-Qualification Experience.

Must be highly presentable, neat, able to communicate very well with a good analytical skill.

Must be computer literate with a good knowledge of an accounting package such as Peachtree, Quickbooks, DacEasy, etc.

SALARY: ATTRACTIVE AND NEGOTIABLE.

Method of Application: CVs to be sent to : ashtonconsulting1970@yahoo.com

Using FEMALE ACCOUNTANT as Subject.

Please call me on 08037259260 (Patrick) before applying. It is important

A Downstream Oil Marketing Company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. As a result of growth, highly talented, competent & qualified individuals are required to fill the following vacancies.

1. Head, Human Resources Management - REF: HR/MGR/1
2. Head, Administrative Services - REF: AD/MGR/2
3. Financial Accountant – REF: FC/MGR/3
4. Procurement Officer – REF: PR/OFF/1
5. Accounting Officer x 2 – REF: AC/OFF/2
6. Lubes Sales Engineer X 3 – REF: LS/OFF/3
7. Civil Engineer – REF: CE/OFF/4
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Qualification & Person Specifications

Positions 1: Good University degree (minimum 2nd Class Upper); Minimum of 6 – 7 years experience in Human Resources Mgt, 3 of which should be at senior supervisory level; Excellent inter-personal/people management skills; Practical knowledge of organisation design, compensation & performance management systems is a must; Excellent oral & written communication
Positions 2: Good 1st degree (minimum 2nd Class Upper); Excellent procurement, contracting & vendor management skill; Minimum of 6 – 7 years experience in Administrative services; Good Negotiation, Procurement & Vendor Mgt skills; PC skills, excellent oral & written communication are essential
Positions 3: Good University degree (minimum 2nd Class Upper); ACA; Minimum of 5 – 6 years post-qualification experience; Strong Analytical skills; Good PC skills; Good working knowledge of Sage Patel or any accounting software is essential; Excellent oral & written communication
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How to Apply: Send an updated Curriculum Vitae (in MS Word format) as an email attachment to: info@aviraltd.com within 1 (one) week of this publication. Write the reference number of the position you are applying for in the subject field of your email. Your CV must contain name, date of birth, contact address, email, phone numbers, educational qualification, class of degree, current annual salary, work experience with dates and reference number of the position you are applying for. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for CV submission: Tuesday 29 April 2008.

Our Client is an internationally recognized and widely acknowledged pioneering law firm in communication and transport laws in Nigeria with very strong litigation and commercial Practice. The Firm is currently expanding and in the process of strengthening existing practice and building new practice areas and therefore requires both experienced and fresh Lawyers (Advocates and Solicitors).

Job specification

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• Negotiation and preparation of documentation on transactional matters

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Fresh Counsel: Ref-PFR/01

• Minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) degree from university and Nigeria Law School

• 0 – 2 years post-call-to-bar experience

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• Basic knowledge of Nigerian law

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• Not above 30 years old

• Post Graduate Degree in Practice Sections above will be an advantage

Experienced Counsel: Ref-PEX/01

• Minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) degree from university and Nigeria Law School

• 3 - 5 years practice experience in a reputable Law Firm

• Excellent oral and written communication

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• Post Graduate Degree is Practice Sections above will be an advantage

How to Apply: Send an updated Curriculum Vitae (in MS Word format) as an email attachment to the email address for the position you are applying for.

For FRESH COUNSEL, send Curriculum Vitae to: info@aviraltd.com

For EXPERIENCED COUNSEL, send Curriculum Vitae to: explawyers@aviraltd.com within 2 (two) weeks of this publication. Write the reference number of the position you are applying for in the subject field of your email. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for CV submission: 29 April 2008

Lastest Job opening ( 21/4/2011)

2011-04-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

SENIOR EXECUTIVE PLANNING IN MEDIA AGENCY

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Our client, one of Nigeria’s leading media agencies, is at the forefront of efforts to build world-class brands within the West African sub-region. A highly professional approach and excellent knowledge of diverse media environments ensure that the agency consistently provides it clients and media partners with the expertise needed to outpace the competition. To fuel its ongoing drive for growth and expansion, talented and professionals are needed urgently for the following position:

SENIOR EXECUTIVE PLANNING
Reporting to the Manager, Planning, you will be responsible for providing functional support (i.e account planning and buying) to service teams working on specific brands.
Degree qualified in the Sciences, Mathematics or Communication, with a minimum of 4 years cognate experience in account management, client service, marketing communications, media or research preferably gained from a reputable advertising or marketing communications/media agency. Sound analytical ability and strong interpersonal skills are essential. More importantly, you must be articulate and have the personal enthusiasm and eagerness to learn needed to thrive in a knowledge-drive n organization.

MODE OF APPLICATION
To apply, please send your resume and current salary details, quoting the appropriate reference to The Head, Staffing Services Group, Human Edge Limited. 10.12 Adenubi Cloise Behind St. Leo’s Catholic Church, off toyin street, Ikeja, Lagos. TEL: 234-1-7403723, 234-07028193892
Online applications should be sent to: recruitment@heworld.com

SENIOR EXECUTIVE AND EXECUTIVE FINANCE IN MEDIA AGENCY

CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS (LAGOS)
Our client, one of Nigeria’s leading media agencies, is at the forefront of efforts to build world-class brands within the West African sub-region. A highly professional approach and excellent knowledge of diverse media environments ensure that the agency consistently provides it clients and media partners with the expertise needed to outpace the competition. To fuel its ongoing drive for growth and expansion, talented and professionals are needed urgently for the following position:

SENIOR EXECUTIVE AND EXECUTIVE FINANCE
Reporting to the Manager, Finance, you will be involved in financial accounting, budgeting and management reporting while providing support to other areas of the business.
Degree- qualified in Accounting or Business Administration with professional accounting qualification (ACA or ACCA) for the senior executive role; you will aloes have between 2 and 4 years experience in a marketing communications company, media agency or similar service-oriented organization. You will be a factors that drive financial performance.
These positions offer excellent remuneration and career opportunities to the right candidates. They will appeal to people who would like to be at the forefront of development in a dynamic and vibrant organization that places equal emphasis on strong organizational performance and personal growth and development.

MODE OF APPLICATION
To apply, please send your resume and current salary details, quoting the appropriate reference to The Head, Staffing Services Group, Human Edge Limited. 10.12 Adenubi Cloise Behind St. Leo’s Catholic Church, off toyin street, Ikeja, Lagos. TEL: 234-1-7403723, 234-07028193892
Online applications should be sent to: recruitment@heworld.com

IT EXTENSION WORKERS

Treasure World Global Services is an ICT Training Institute base in Lagos, and it's currently recruitting extension officers in; Iyana Cement, Mangoro, Iyana Ipaja, Ogba, Abule-Egba, Ikeja, Agege. For a monthly fee of #30,000 without having to come to the office or leave your current job. Applicants must be based in Lagos.

Closing Date: 22 April, 2011.

Interested applicants should call Olumide on 08036578052, 08098181230.

Front Desk
Company based in Sango-tedo, Lekki Lagos, (Behind Abitos Supermarket) is looking to recruit an experienced Front-Desk Person to Handle Secretarial Duties including Calls/Customer Service/Excellent Internet/Web browsing etc.

Send CVs by email to: leslexx@yahoo.com or call 0802 718 4155 or 0808 389 8585

NEW JOB VACANCY AT HILAR COMPANIES (NIG) LTD

HILAR COMPANIES (NIG) LTD is a people-oriented company providing
career opportunities and employment to a large number of people with
constant training for skill development.

Our directors are proven administrators and industrialists. Our
management team is made up of seasoned and tested professionals with a
wealth of experience in all the best private and government owned
petroleum marketing companies and operating depots.

The HILAR COMPANIES (NIG) LTD work force is made up of young and able
bodied men and women drawn from the best that the labor market has to
offer with the capability of actualizing our vision and goals.

Note: Answer the above questions in your reply message and also attach
a copy of your updated CV/Resume.All successful candidates will be
scheduled for an interview with the company.

APPLICATION: You are to forward your Cv/Written Application via email
as an attachment to careershilarcompanyng@gmail.com on or before 2
(Two) weeks time.Only successful or shortlisted applicants will be
contacted.

HILAR COMPANIES (NIG) LTD has vacancies for the following positions:

- Project engineer – Reference Code: TCNE001
- Marketing Executive – Reference Code: TCNS002
- NETWORK ENGINEER – Reference Code: TTANE003
- CUSTOMER TECHNICAL SUPPORT HEAD/SUPERVISOR – REFERENCE CODE: TCS005
- Petroleum Engineer - TCN008
- Civil Engineer - CSC003
- Chemical Engineer - CSA007
- Computer Engineer - CRM007
- Architect Engineer - CRM008
- Mechanical Engineer - TCNE004
- Electrical Engineer - TCNS003
- Software Developer - TTANS007
- Financial Accountant - CTI003
- REGIONAL MANAGER – Reference Code: CRM001
- AREA MANAGER – Reference Code: CAM002
- SHOP MANAGER – Reference Code: CSM003
- FIELD SALES OFFICER – Reference Code: CFSO004
- SALES ANALYST – Reference Code: CSA005
- SALES OFFICER – Reference Code: CSO006

YOU ARE TO FILL THE APPLICATION AND SEND YOUR CV/RESUME

FULL NAME........................................
CURRENT LOCATION...............................
NATIONALITY......................................
CURRENT EMPLOYER...................................
CURRENT MONTHLY/ANNUAL SALARY.......................
EXPECTED MONTHLY/ANNUAL SALARY.......................
DIRECT MOBILE & TELEPHONE NUMBER......................
CURRENT DESIGNATION/POST............................
PREVIOUS DESIGNATION/POST...........................

N/B : Please also state your Job reference number and position which
you will like to apply for in the subject of your email to us.

For inquiries and clarifications,please contact our recruitment
Department and reply us to careershilarcompanyng@gmail.com or call our
Direct Hr.Dept.line : +2348093128864.
Email:careershilarcompanyng@gmail.com |
web:www.hilarnigeria.com

MANAGER, RESEARCH IN MEDIA AGENCY

CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS (LAGOS)
Our client, one of Nigeria’s leading media agencies, is at the forefront of efforts to build world-class brands within the West African sub-region. A highly professional approach and excellent knowledge of diverse media environments ensure that the agency consistently provides it clients and media partners with the expertise needed to outpace the competition. To fuel its ongoing drive for growth and expansion, talented and professionals are needed urgently for the following positions:

MANAGER, RESEARCH – LMA/11/MR
Reporting to he Director Research & Technology, you will oversee the activities of the unit in providing cross functional advisory and management support to account teams, for data sourcing, analyses and publication of advertising media and consumer research.
Degree qualified in the Sciences, Mathematics or Communication, with a minimum of five years experience leading high value research projects independently within multinational clients.
Your knowledge of market research methodologies, especially in the areas of Brand Health Measurement and exposure to continuous tracking studies like brand tracks and media diaries will be essential. Good communication skills should be balanced with an ability to exercise discretion in the handling of confidential data.

MODE OF APPLICATION
To apply, please send your resume and current salary details, quoting the appropriate reference to The Head, Staffing Services Group, Human Edge Limited. 10.12 Adenubi Cloise Behind St. Leo’s Catholic Church, off toyin street, Ikeja, Lagos. TEL: 234-1-7403723, 234-07028193892
Online applications should be sent to: recruitment@heworld.com

MANAGER, BUYING AND CONTROL IN MEDIA AGENCY

CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS (LAGOS)
Our client, one of Nigeria’s leading media agencies, is at the forefront of efforts to build world-class brands within the West African sub-region. A highly professional approach and excellent knowledge of diverse media environments ensure that the agency consistently provides it clients and media partners with the expertise needed to outpace the competition. To fuel its ongoing drive for growth and expansion, talented and professionals are needed urgently for the following positions:

MANAGER, BUYING AND CONTROL – LMA/111/MBC
Reporting to the Director, Buying and Control, you will achieve media cost proximity with leading media independents and oversee the media monitoring function to set compliance standards. You will also manage the process by which media suppliers receive prompt and timely payment for services rendered.
Degree qualified in the Sciences, Mathematics or Communication, with a minimum of five years in media buying in leading media independent or advertising agency, ideally, your track record will include experience overseeing a buying function with direct involvement in negotiating best value from media owners or developing new media channels. Strong leaderships and managerial skills will be complemented by superior organizational ability. Candidates with strong finance and project management background will have an advantage.

MODE OF APPLICATION
To apply, please send your resume and current salary details, quoting the appropriate reference to The Head, Staffing Services Group, Human Edge Limited. 10.12 Adenubi Cloise Behind St. Leo’s Catholic Church, off toyin street, Ikeja, Lagos. TEL: 234-1-7403723, 234-07028193892
Online applications should be sent to: recruitment@heworld.com

Computer data analyst in GSM Sales Company
Computer data analyst (N20,000 – N40,000)
B.S. or HND required, 3 years experience minimum
Must be able to design adverts abd upload company website information
A degree in communication and software trouble shooting skill is a must

If you desired to collect more than the pay range state, do not apply
Send your CV to: jobcontact2020@yahoo.com

NIGERIAN LEADERS - HEARTLAND ALLIANCE VACANCY

Heartland Alliance a US-based NGO, seeks applications from Nigerian leaders who are passionate about finding new and innovative ways to reach populations highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Heartland Alliances office in Nigeria is looking for a strong chief of party (COP) to lead the project and oversee programs in Nigeria. This is a unique opportunity to lead cutting-edge initiative in collaboration with key national and international partners.

The COP (based in Abuja) will lead the program’s effort to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian organizations to implement comprehensive HIC prevention, care and support programming for MSM in religions of Nigeria.

Education and Experience
* Masters degree in public health or a closely related field

* 5 years of progressive field-based management experience

* Experience managing large-scale USAID and/or CDC-funded HIV/AIDS programs (PEPFAR), knowledge of PERPAR programming required, and

* Experience working alongside and developing the capacity of grassroots NGOs/CBOs. Experience in HIV prevention programming including experience, soli d knowledge of HIV prevention programming/approaches for MSM.

Other Qualifications

* Sensitivity to and intimate knowledge of health and human rights, issues and willingness/ability to support and strengthen the autonomy of grassroots MARPs organization.

* Strong commitment to advancing human rights

* Strong M&E skills and experience

* Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or board of directors: and

* Strong negotiation skills and ability to remain composed and professional in difficult circumstances.

Applications submitted via our website are strongly preferred: www.heartlandalliance.org/whoweare/careers. Application/Cover letters and CVs should be send to the following email address will also be acceptable.

Closing date: May 9th 2011.

Hotel Manager - Hotel in Warri

A fast growing hotel located in Warri, Delta State requires the services of:

Hotel Manager (Male or Female)
Age: 40 – 35 years
Qualification: B.Sc. or HND in management or any social science
Experience: 5 years and above
He or she must be computer literate.

Method of application:
Cv to submitted online not later than 25th April 2011.
tosanchurchill@yahoo.com, peaceglobal14@yahoo.com
Tel: 08054500602

Operations supervisor (Male) - Hotel in Warri

A fast growing hotel located in Warri, Delta State requires the services of:

Operations supervisor (Male)
Age: 35 – 40 years
Qualification: OND or HND in management or any social science
Experience: 3-5 years and above

Method of application:
Cv to submitted on line not later than 25th April 2011.
tosanchurchill@yahoo.com, peaceglobal14@yahoo.com
Tel: 08054500602

Receptionist (Female) - Hotel in Warri

A fast growing hotel located in Warri, Delta State requires the services of:

Receptionist (Female)
Age: 25 – 30 years
Qualification: OND or HND
Experience: 3-5 years and above

Method of application:
Cv to submitted on line not later than 25th April 2011.
tosanchurchill@yahoo.com, peaceglobal14@yahoo.com
Tel: 08054500602

Vacancy- Production/quality control manager

Production/quality control manager
Qualification:
B.Sc or HND in science
Experience in food manufacturing company
E-mail your Cv to: jobs@ebjobs.com, or call: 08063550484, 08074410077

Vacancy- Sales/marketing manager

Sales/marketing manager
Qualification:
MBA/BSC/HND in social science
5 years experience with driving liciense
Location: Lagos and Ogun state
E-mail your Cv to: jobs@ebjobs.com, or call: 08063550484, 08074410077

Vacancy - Ticketing and Reservation officer

Ticketing and Reservation officer
Qualification:
Minimum OND in certificate in aviation + Amadeus
E-mail your Cv to: jobs@ebjobs.com, or call: 08063550484, 08074410077

Vacancy- Engineer

Engineer
Qualification:
B.Eng., HND, OND
At least 3 years experience
E-mail your Cv to: jobs@ebjobs.com, or call: 08063550484, 08074410077

Vacancy- Computer instructor/Operator, Graphic Artist

Computer instructor/Operator, Graphic Artist
Qualification:
Graphic artist.
OND/SSCE + years of experience
E-mail your Cv to: jobs@ebjobs.com, or call: 08063550484, 08074410077

Medical representatives in Pharmaceutical Industry

Our company, a key player in the pharmaceutical industry with head office in Lagos, requires for immediate employment, result oriented individuals to fill up the following vacant position in our marketing department.

Medical representatives
Locations: Abia and Enugu to cover neighboring states\minimum requirements
* B.Pharm degree and must be duly registered with PCN
* B.Sc. in pharmaceutical and biological science with a minimum of 2 years experience in pharmaceutical marketing.
* Result oriented and a goal getter
* Not more than 30 years old and ready to learn
* Must reside in territory of choice
* Good territorial knowledge will be an added advantage

Interested candidate should forward application and CV to: henriconsulting@yahoo.com

Sales/Marketing Vacancies in Pharmaceutical Company

Due to expansion, a fast growing pharmaceutical company has vacancy for the following position:

National sales marketing manager – NSMM 01
Medical/sales representatives – MSR 02

Requirements:
* Good first degree in pharmacy
* Minimum of 5 years experience in related capacity
* Possession of a post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline will be an advantage
* Possession of a valid driver license

Method of application:
Send your CVs as attachment stating the reference code of the position being applied for as the subject.
E-mail to: jobs4pharma@yahoo.com
Not later than 2nd May 2011.

RIC MICROFINANCE BANK -MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

Are you desirous of an immediate employment in marketing of financial products and possess required marketing skills? Then the job is ready for you.
Qualification
ND in marketing
WASCE(already involved in a career programme - part time can also apply).

Applications must be received within 5days of this advert. You can forward your applications and cv to ric_mfb@yahoo.com or in person at No 16 Ikoyi Road, Obalende ,Lagos.

Bakers wanted urgently

Bakers
Qualification:
2 years experience in bread making
Ability to read and write
Apply to: ovfconsult@yahoo.com, not later than 2nd May 2011.

Vacancy- Administrative manager

Administrative manager
Qualification:
B.Sc/HND
4 years post NYSC experience
E-mail your Cv to: jobs@ebjobs.com, or call: 08063550484, 08074410077

Daily Headlines 21/4/2011

2011-04-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Randy Filipino impregnates 13-year- old Nigerian girl

A Philippine national, simply identified as Alex, has run into troubled waters for allegedly impregnating a 13-year-old Nigerian girl.

The victim, Nkechi (not real name), is a junior sister to Alex’s domestic staff, Victoria, who he sacked after putting the Junior Secondary School one (JSS I) girl in the family way.

The suspect was dragged to Apapa police station, after Victoria and other members of her family discovered that their daughter was six months pregnant for the randy Filipino.

At the station, Alex did not only tell the detectives that devil was responsible for his action, he also told them that he ate the forbidden fruit ‘only three times.’ He, however, pleaded for forgiveness and urged the victim’s relatives not to take the matter to court. He also promised to take good care of the girl till she puts to bed.

But the victim punctured his claim, saying he had sex with her five times. Nkechi, a native of Akwa Ibom State, recalled how the immoral act with Alex started. According to her, he first deflowered her in the bathroom before the ones that took place in his bedroom four times. She also disclosed how he enticed her with money before she fell for his bait, after resisting the temptation many times.

She explained that he usually gave him N100 and sometimes, N1,000. “It was when he threatened to sack my elder sister from work and evict us from the house that I succumbed. He forced me the first day and succeeded in having sex with me. My sister was not at home that day. But Alex had earlier told her that he would send me to buy boiled rice for him at Anjorin Market, Apapa. It's not too far from his residence at Randle Road, Apapa.

“I was living with my sister at the ‘Boys’ Quarter’. When I came back, I noticed he had locked all the windows and doors, leaving only the entrance door open. So, immediately I entered the house, he quickly locked the door. I wanted to wash clothes in the bathroom when he entered, tying towel round his waist.
“He warned that If I turned down his love overtures, he would sack my sister from work and send us out of the house. And I didn't want him to sack my sister or send us out of the house. I didn't want my sister and I to suffer,” she said.

The victim also recalled how blood gushed out from her private part when Alex first had sex with her.
“He has caused problems for me now. I'm a JSS1 student, I cannot marry him, he is wicked. He forced me and had sex with me when my sister travelled to the village.” The girl believes she can still go back to school after putting to bed. “I will not go to the Philippines with him, I will not marry him. If I put to bed, I will go back to school.

Alex begged the victim's family to allow him to take care of their feeding as well as hospital bill. But the family turned down the offer, saying the suspect was only looking for an opportunity to escape justice. Victoria, 23, told Daily Sun that Alex's contract as a canteen manager in a construction company was over. She said she suspected Alex to have concluded plans to escape before her younger sister is delivered of a baby.

“Alex was paying me N12,000 monthly. My duty was to cook food, wash clothes and clean the house. He sacked me when I fell sick and asked me to pack my property out of the house. I was rushed to a General Hospital in Lagos, where I spent one week before I was taken to a church, where I also spent one week. And when I returned to continue my job, Alex told me I had been sacked. I've been working for him more than four years now.”

Meanwhile, the suspect had invited some of his Nigerian friends to mediate in the crisis. One of them, a businessman, who identified himself simply as Kabaya, however, blamed the suspect for using a minor to satisfy his sexual urge

"We just want to assist him so that his family and that of the suspect will reach an agreement. Since a child is involved, I believe, the best thing to do is to make peace because of the child. We don't want the victim and her baby to suffer", he said.

CBN, AMCON should create better platform for acquired shares of rescued banks – Mikail

Shehu Mallam Mikail, the national president of Nigerian Constance Shareholders’ Association (NCSA) and chairman, Mastel Limited, dealers in agro allied products, recently spoke exclusively with Daily Sun on the expectations of the minority shareholders from the on-going Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s reforms exercise and the need to create a better platform for the safety of their share certificates and funds through Asset Management Corporation (AMCON).

He also hinted on other factors that have been hampering the interest of the minority shareholders, and also the need for the association to desist from suing CBN...rather, they should sue their banks, who should be in the best position to charge the apex bank through industrial courts.

Has your shareholder organization considered formally presenting your grievances about the sale of banks and the worth of share certificates to AMCON?
Concerning this question, I will say that my association has been doing the right thing at the right time. So, we believe that through the management of the banks, or whenever we can, we have to express our minds so that the management will be able to know what next steps to take, being the shareholders of those banks. Most of these banks have been calling for shareholders’ forum to let them what is really happening in the banking industry.

With the on-going reforms, there is no one that will not believe that what CBN is doing is the right thing at the right time because if the CBN did not come out, we will not know what the banks are doing, even to their shareholders. So, that is why I give kudos to CBN. I think initiating the Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) is in the right direction, and at the right time...with the bad debts of the banks being acquired by the corporation, meaning that it is trying as much as possible to see that the banking industry is restored to stability.

If you look at the stock exchange now, shares of banks are appreciating little by little. So, I believe that by the time everything stabilizes, things will work out for the better. You could also notice what the CBN governor recently said that some banks are likely to be merged or acquired; that two banks have already signed an agreement, and some are in the pipeline. It is a clear line for investors to know how to go about their own financial risks.

I will say that for AMCON to get things right at the right time, they have to create a better platform for these acquired shares because if they are not being acquired, how will the banks be able to survive? I believe that both the banks’ management and CBN regulatory authority had an understanding with AMCON that the values of these shares will be better off with AMCON, so that the owner of the shares will be able to have the confidence on their income in the banks. I feel that CBN, AMCON and the management of these banks should agree on how to handle the shares, so that it will be for the benefit of both the minority and the majority shareholders of the banks.

How can you access AMCON valuation method of loans backed by shares, which took an average price from the last 60 days to November 15, 2011, plus a premium of 60 per cent and five per cent payment for unsecured loans?
Basically, as regards the percentage, I think with the present situation in the country, AMCON is reasonable to leave it at that rate. I believe that the factors of the economy dictate how this percentage should be presented. If the economy picks up, I so much believe that things are likely to change. Concerning these prices and percentages, I will implore that AMCON should try as much as possible to see that when the economy improves, they should make things better, so that the banks will have the avenue to operate freely in the market.

Under what circumstances should shareholders consider withdrawing their cases against the CBN?
This question is very interesting, first and foremost, who are the shareholders that took CBN to court. Are they CBN shareholders, do they have shares in CBN because CBN is a regulatory authority. If at all CBN is to be taken to court, it has to be these banks that are under CBN’s authority. If the minority shareholders are taking CBN to court, it has to be through the banks where they have shares. They have to sue their banks first before taking any other steps.

Someone who is not a shareholder with CBN doesn’t have the right to sue CBN. If they feel that they have the right, then let them go on and see what will happen, because CBN is a regulatory authority that regulates the financial systems in the country. What CBN has been doing for the past few years now, has made things to clear and help us to know the effective and sound banks that do not have any skeleton in their cupboards.
Most of these banks have skeletons in their cupboards, and CBN has helped the minority shareholders to know what is really happening within the sector.

If not because of that, how will I be able to know that some banks are not doing well at a particular time, or that the shareholders funds are being misused? So, how can we start saying that because the shareholders are having good rapport with a director of one of the banks that he has the gut to sue CBN, let the person go ahead if he can, because I know that he does not have the authority to do that. CBN is a regulatory authority and only the banks have the right to sue CBN and that has to be through the industrial court.

If these shareholders should channel their grievances to the CBN rather than through the banks, don’t you think this might be as terrible as the Union Bank/NLC saga?
Before the advent of CBN in Nigeria there were banks, it was from there that they made a regulatory body that will be overseeing the activities of the banks in Nigeria, which is being backed by the Federal Government. As the power of BOFA confide on CBN, it now has the authority to oversee the activities of all the commercial banks to make sure the banks are viable.

This is a body under federal government initiative and it is a body to regulate the financial sector, while the commercial banks are people who establish a bank, apply for a licence through CBN and when CBN gives the licence, they will operate and the way you are operating is being monitored and controlled by CBN and if it is public quoted, it is been managed by the security exchange to regularize the in-to-in stock activities. If a minority shareholder puts his money on the purchase of share in a bank and the dividend and share is not appreciating, it is his right to go to the management of that bank to inquire. If you see discrepancies in your account, you have to take it up and find out what is going on. If they are not still reliable at this point, that is when consideration should be given to CBN.

So, the minority shareholder cannot just say that he wants to sue CBN, but he can notify CBN about the discrepancies of the systems of any bank. Then, it will be left to CBN to make the findings as regards to that, and while this is going, the shareholder should be monitoring the activities of the management. The problem is that the previous managements of those banks were not doing what was supposed to be done. CBN discovered the anomalies carried out by the directors of the banks, that is why most of them were changed. If you look at the things happening in these banks now, you could see that most of the new managing directors of these banks are doing fine.

Considering the fact that the CBN governor has said that the share certificates of the risky banks are worthless, is your organization thinking of coming together to raise fresh capital and constitute the much talked about more investors who will bid for the banks afresh?
The CBN governor can say that the share certificates of those banks are worthless because of the discrepancies that have happened in these banks. Secondly, the economic melt down might be a contributing factor, because for the banks to survive they must meet the demands, but most of these banks the shareholders’ funds were nowhere to be found, which means that they were working under zero per cent.

For instance, for the recapitalization, it is very hard for you to see a minority shareholder who has N20million, and decides to put the whole N20million into the banking sector. No! You can only see an investor whose interest is build in investing, perhaps from the offshore sector who will say that the regulatory body is making things better for the banks, let me put my money.

To recapitalize these banks, a minority shareholder cannot give what it takes to recapitalize them; it is not an issue of $1billion. It is only the recent initiative of CBN that can bring core investors to come over for recapitalization. Both the creation of AMCON by federal government and CBN is the only thing that makes things conducive for any investor to put money in the banking sector. There is no investor that does not know that doing business in Nigeria is more viable in Africa.

As the leader of a vibrant shareholders’ organization, in what areas are you contributing towards CBN’s effort to sanitize the banking system in Nigeria, or do you think there is nothing to be sanitized in the banking system in the first place?

As a leader of shareholders, there are a lot of things that we have done as regards to what CBN is doing and what CBN can also do. Series of interactions have been granted and a series of letters have been sent out as regards to our views to what CBN is doing. What CBN is doing is a clear step to make things work in Nigeria, so that we will be able to have a vibrant economy. The only area which I will like CBN to put more effort is to compel all these banks that no matter any steps to be taken within the systems, the minority shareholders must be called upon to give their own views as regards to the necessary steps to be taken. They should have a forum where all these minority shareholders will be briefed on the activities to ensure that the banks will move forward. That is one area that I will tell CBN to work on, most of the leaders of these shareholders association have to be notified and called upon when a crucial decision is going to be taken before the final ratification.

The minority shareholders are not happy that by the end of the year, they do not receive any penny from their banks. The minority shareholder is also a green light; because within the management or the board of all these banks, by the time they are taking decisions, some of them might not be happy over what the majority shareholders are going to take. The person that is not happy with the decision of the board can arouse the hope and make use of the minority shareholders by fueling their grievances. Even when a decision will not favor the minority, they should be notified that this kind of decision would be taken. This is where I will like the CBN to help the minority shareholders of these banks. In this case, the shareholder is going to build more confidence in whatever decision that will be taken.

Have you considered selling your shareholding on risky banks, or are you anticipating a recovery of those shares?
A core investor will not like to sale his shares out now no matter what it takes, because the way I see the economy of Nigeria and the stock business in Nigeria, there is going to be an improvement. Already, with what the steps the regulatory authority of both the CBN and others are taking now it shows that there is going to be an improvement in the economy. Why should I sale my shares? I know how much that I bought the shares when the times were rosy and the IPO, I know what it was before, and do you expect me to sale my shares now that they have gone down to N1 or N3. For what? I will rather keep my shares for future purposes, and I believe that once there is an improvement in the economy there will be an improvement in the shares.

For instance, the shares of TRANSCOP, do you know how much it was then and how much it is now and what is happening within TRANSCOP now? Core investors are coming and a lot of them are still going to come, sooner or later people are going to see that TRANSCOP has gone up. Even when ordinary shareholders are trying to buy more, it will be TRANSCOP. What is happening in TRANSCOP is also going to happen with all these rescue banks, after the negotiations which are being carried out within the core investors and everything is set, you will find out that vibrant banks are now in Nigeria. The decision being taken now is going to give incentive to ordinary shareholders to buy more shares.

How can you access the level of confidence in Nigerian banking industry?
If not because of CBN, I wouldn’t have known that the banking industry in Nigeria is at the zero level. So far, what the regulatory authority led by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is doing now, has given ordinary shareholders and a layman a rest of mind to have the confidence that whatever they put in the banks are safe. The CBN equally compel that all the banks in Nigeria should regularize their customers data.

It gives the banks an opportunity to know where their customers are staying all the time. This is one of the things that have given light into the banking industry recently. I believe that when everything is properly normalized in terms of the rescued banks, banking industry in Nigeria will be more vibrant and there will be more confidence in having business transactions with the banks.

As a shareholder group, what role has your association played in the capital market?
One the roles that my association is playing in the capital market is to lecture, to give confidence to ordinary shareholders about the market. We also give them the backing to know when and how to sale their shares, because of the economic meltdown in the country. Our role to the capital market is to ensure that things become normal and regulated in the market, to give confidence to the ordinary shareholders.

NIREC condemns violence in Northern states

The Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC) has condemned the spate of violence in some Northern states over the results of the presidential election, urging the perpetrators of the violence to stop the carnage immediately.

The call was contained in a statement issued by the body on Tuesday in Sokoto and jointly signed by the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Saád Abubakar and president, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor.

The statement said although disagreement was natural and one of the ingredients of democracy, resorting to violence was a travesty of religious teachings as well as a betrayal of the claim to faith.

It stated the need for Nigerians to always explore constitutional means of seeking redress whenever they were aggrieved rather than take laws into their hands.

The statement added that it was the opinion of NIREC that at this stage of Nigeria's socio-political history, Nigerians should be able to address their political differences when they arise in a civilised manner without blood-letting.

It stated that this was because at the end of the day, Nigerians would always return to the round-table but those who might have been killed would not be brought back to life, adding that we should endeavour to give peace a chance by pursuing legal means in redressing whatever we perceived as wrong.

The statement further stated that apart from the legal means of fighting whatever people deemed wrong, there were other peaceful means in a democracy such as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) like the NIREC which could assist in that direction.

CCDI condemns political killings in the North

The Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI) has condemned in strong terms the unwarranted killings in Kaduna and Kano states by supporters of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), the defeated candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

In a press statement issued in Lagos by the Director of Public Affairs CCDI, Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, the body described as barbaric, baseless and criminal the mayhem in those states and urged the leadership of the party to call their supporters to order and stop further destruction.

Iwelunmo warned that Nigerians would no longer tolerate leaders who were not ready to accept defeat in any electoral contest in the country, saying that the masses had demonstrated at the polls that they were ready for a change in the country through a democratic process by voting the candidate of their choice.

The body, which urged the Federal Government to prosecute all those arrested in connection with the mayhem in Kano and Kaduna, noted that elections conducted so far by Professor Attahiru Jega-led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been acclaimed to be free and fair as adjudged by both domestic and foreign observers and commended the umpire for the good job so far.

Iwelunmo explained that election would only be free and fair in any country when all agencies perform up to expectation during the election as demonstrated by INEC under Professor Jega.

US 'saddened' by death of journalists in Libya

PALO ALTO, (AFP) - The White House pushed Libya Wednesday to protect journalists covering the conflict there after the deaths of acclaimed photojournalists Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros.

US President Barack Obama's chief spokesman, Jay Carney, said he was "saddened" to learn Hetherington, an Oscar-nominated film director and war photographer, had been killed and "deeply concerned" about other journalists wounded in the same attack.

Carney later released a statement after Getty photographer Hondros, an American, was confirmed to have died from his injuries in the attack, saying his "tragic death underscores the need to protect journalists as they cover conflicts across the globe."

Journalists, said the White House, "risk their lives each day to keep us informed, demand accountability from world leaders, and give a voice to those who would not otherwise be heard.

"The Libyan government and all governments across the world must take steps to protect journalists doing this vital work," Carney added after Obama made a campaign-style appearance at the home of social media titan Facebook.

Hetherington and Hondros were the second and third journalist killed in Libya in its two-month-old conflict.

They were cut down by a round of mortar fire, which wounded two other photojournalists in the western port city, medics in Misrata said.

The Liverpool-born Briton Hetherington produced and co-directed the acclaimed documentary "Restrepo," which won a Oscar nomination.

"The United States will work to do everything possible to assist those who were injured in getting the care they need. Our thoughts are with these brave journalists and their loved ones," said Carney.

Call your supporters to order, police warn politicians

A call has gone to politicians in the country to call their supporters to order as well as accept the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential election in good faith.

The call was made, on Tuesday, by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olusola Amore, while commenting on the security situation in some parts of the country, after the announcement of the election result on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) programme.

He said that there was no cause for alarm as the police and other security agencies were on top of the situation, adding that, “security personnel have been deployed in the affected states, 24 hours curfew had been imposed, while discussion is ongoing with religion leaders and traditional rulers to appeal to their subjects to stop the spread of violence.”

Assuring Nigerians that the police in collaboration with other security agencies have been able to maintain security before and during the election, Amore said that post-election security had to involve all the stakeholders.

“Politicians should stop making inflammatory remarks on the outcome of election. The law courts are there to seek redress, burning and destroying opposition parties property would not solve the problem but add to it, the Nigeria police is using this medium to warn the sponsors of this violence to call their subjects to order, as anybody or group of persons caught in this act will face the full wrath of the law, no matter how highly placed,” he warned.

Amore, however, advised people of the affected states to remain calm, saying that they can call the Joint Operation Room (JOR) on 07083711826 or 07082212011, to report any attack or suspicious movement in their environment.

Nigerian footballer arrested with cocaine in Delhi

Nigerian footballer was arrested here allegedly with 25 grams of cocaine, police said today.

Kingsley Izuchukwu (34) was apprehended from Kotla Mubarakpur on Sunday allegedly with 25 grams of cocaine, Arun Kampani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), said.

The arrest came after police received an input about fine quality drugs being supplied from neighbouring countries through different borders which are brought to Delhi for further sale.

It was also learnt that this drugs syndicate was being run by some Nigerian nationals based in Delhi. These consumers mainly use these drugs at select parties at night at various private places, bars and night clubs here, Kampani said.

Izuchukwu told police that he was a leading national level football player of Nigeria. "He used to play regularly for Pepsi football club Aba Estate of Nigeria. He came to India for the first time in 2009 and got connected with international drugs peddlers of Nigerian origin operating in Delhi.

"The lure of making easy money brought him back to India in December last year and started working for the drug suppliers. These drug suppliers basically cater to high society clients and these drugs are consumed at select parties at private places and bars in Delhi," Kampani said.

On April five, a Nigerian Emeka Paul and an Afghan Mohd Sarwar were apprehended with 1.660 kg of fine quality heroin from their possession.

Two Nigerian nationals Mohemmed Owolabi Adigun and Akanbi Olamilekan Mohemmed were apprehended with 120 grams of cocaine on March 30.

During their interrogation, it was revealed that these Nigerian nationals supply drugs through their own network of select conduits belonging to Nigerian nationality.

Prior to that on February 24, Ekene Okeke, another Nigerian, was arrested with three gms of cocaine, who was also a national level football player.

Jonathan’s victory, watershed for unity -Gov Akpabio

THE Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has said the voting patterns of the presidential election held on Saturday, which saw Presi-dent Goodluck Jonathan getting an overwhelming victory in most states, was a watershed for national unity.

Speaking at the Government House, Uyo, on Monday, the governor said for once, the outcome of the election would rekindle confidence of all the diverse nationalities in the Nigerian entity.

“I must thank the entire country for coming out en masse to vote for President Goodluck Jona-than.

“Those of us from South-South Nigeria are very delighted that our years of affiliation with other political blocs in the country have paid off.

“Because now that our son contested, our compatriots from other parts of the country also did what we had done for their sons in the past. They came out enblock and voted for our son and that shows the unity of this country,” he said.

Akpabio’s excitement stemmed from the fact that President Jonathan won even up to 25 per cent in his opponents’ stronghold, including Kaduna State.

“With the vote for Jonathan,” the governor added, “you have shown that any child, no matter where he is born in Nigeria, can rise to any position of responsibility.”

He said for once, parochial sentiments had been buried in Nigeria’s politics.

“You have buried the issue of racism; you have buried the issue of ethnicity; you have buried the issue of tribalism and you have brought about one Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

While appealing to Nigerians to eschew violence and bitterness, Akpabio expressed happiness that the nation’s democracy was growing to a point of full integration of the minorities and other diverging interests.

“Our youths must know that what has happened today is a watershed for unity; it is a very important event in the history of the country,” he said.

Daily Headlines 20/4/2011

2011-04-20T23:20:00.001-07:00

Jonathan receives certificate of return, suspends interior minister.

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the conduct of Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections was better than those of the presidential and National Assembly polls.

Before he gave the order, after collecting his Certificate of Return at INEC’s Electoral Institute in Abuja, the President suspended the Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho.

Jonathan, who commended INEC’s leadership for its efforts so far, said the conduct of the April 26 governorship and state assembly elections was also important to the country.

The President also advised the commission to start preparations for the 2015 general elections. He said that many Nigerians and the international community had thought that it would be difficult for Nigerians to elect their leaders without rancour.

However, he stated that feelers from the media, the international community and observers had shown that such a notion was not true.

Jonathan said, “It is God that made today (Tuesday) possible. I appreciate Nigerians for the cooperation they have given INEC, the government and for coming out to vote for us.

“This is a new beginning in our electoral process. The chairman of INEC (Prof. Attahiru Jega), his team and all the ad-hock staff have made Nigeria proud.

“For some time now, our elections used to be controversial according to local and foreign observers. But now, these observers are giving us pass mark.

“That has to be because of the competence of the INEC chairman and the staff who refused to compromise their positions.

“This is a beginning of economic development and major changes in the polity. The governorship election should be better.”

Jonathan expressed sadness that some people went on the rampage in some parts of the country.

Promising to ensure that such violence did not happen in the country again, he disclosed that the government would take inventory of the property destroyed and those killed.

But he was silent on whether those who lost their relations or property would be compensated or not.

The President appealed to political leaders in the country to speak out and condemn the violence.

Jonathan, however, added that reports at his disposal showed that majority of those involved in the riots were unemployed youths.

He promised that government would make sure that all it created jobs in order to engage the youths in productive ventures.

Earlier, Jega had handed over the certificates to both Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo. Both the President and his deputy signed to show that they had collected them.

The commission had on Monday declared Jonathan the winner of the presidential election.

But just as the ceremony was ongoing, news spread that Iheanacho had been suspended by Jonathan because “his personal and official conduct had led to lapses in the political leadership of the Interior ministry.”

A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, said the suspension was with immediate effect.

The statement stressed that Iheanacho’s continued leadership of the ministry was not in the interest of the nation.

Jonathan consequently directed Iheanacho to hand over to the Minister of Labour and Productivitiy, Mr. Emeka Wogu, who will oversee the ministry of interior, alongside his original portfolio.

The statement reads, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of Capt. Emmenuel Iheanacho as Minister of Interior and member of the Federal Executive Council.

“Captain Iheanacho has been directed to hand over to the Minister of Labour, Mr. Emeka Wogu, who will, in addition to his present portofolio, oversee that ministry.

“Captain Iheanacho’s suspension comes as a result of a number of lapses in the political leadership of the ministry traceable to his personal and official conduct.

“For now, his continued manning of the ministry is not in the interest of the nation.”

Following the development, Imo State is the only state without a minister in the Federal Executive Council.

Interestingly, the state governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, met Jonathan in the Presidential Villa on Monday night.

Facts have, however, emerged that Iheanacho’s removal had a political undertone.

It was gathered in Abuja that the President succumbed to pressure from Ohakim, a known political foe of the minister, and the South-East Zonal Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The zonal chapter of the party had vowed to ensure that the minister was “adequately punished” for allegedly working against the party’s interest during the National Assembly elections on April 9 in Imo State.

The PDP National Vice-Chairman (South-East) , Chief Olisa Metuh, had told journalists in Enugu that the Imo PDP state chairman had forwarded a petition to the national headquarters of the party against the minister.

He said, “The party received reports from people in the field who complained that Iheanacho claimed he had the support of Jonathan to work against candidates of the party.

“In the case of Iheanacho, we received reports that he and some of our members worked against the interest of the party in Imo State and some other states in the South-East during the National Assembly election.”

Owerri Senatorial zone where Iheanacho hails from was won by Mrs. Chris Anyanwu, the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance.

Besides, when Jonathan visited his presidential campaign office in December, 2010, security men barred Iheanacho’s convoy from entering the premises, citing an order from above, which was interpreted to be a directive from the governor.

Similarly, the Imo State House of Assembly had within the same period, passed a resolution, demanding the sacking of the minister by Jonathan.

The legislature urged the governor to take necessary steps to ensure that Iheanacho was replaced with a person from the Orlu area of the state.

Poll: Buhari disowns rioters !

The defeated candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change in Saturday’s Presidential election, Maj.- Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has distanced himself, the CPC and its supporters from the violence that rocked some northern states.

The violence started on Sunday when results of the poll showed that President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party was coasting to victory.

Scores of people were either killed or injured while houses, including the family home of Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the palace of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, were torched by the rioters.

The British Broadcasting Corporation quoted the Red Cross on Tuesday as saying that some 16,000 people were displaced in six of the states where the violence occurred.

Pockets of the mayhem were reported in Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto states on Tuesday. Over 100 suspected rioters were arrested in Katsina and more than 49 others in Sokoto.

Media reports have said that the rioters were the supporters of one of the political parties whose candidate lost in the presidential election.

But Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, condemned the violence as “totally unwarranted.”

He said, “In the last 24 hours, there has been a spate of violence across certain parts of the country. What started mainly as a political protest reportedly included the burning of worship places.

“It is a sad, unfortunate and totally unwarranted development. I must say that this dastardly act is not initiated by any of our supporters and therefore cannot be supported by our party.

“I must emphasise that this is purely a political matter, and it should not in any way be turned into an ethnic, religious or regional one.”

Also on Tuesday, the Netherlands as well as religious groups and leaders flayed the violence and advised that political differences should not lead to bloodshed and division along ethnic and religious lines.

Some of the religious groups and leaders are the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, the League of Imams and Alfas and the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde.

They also enjoined those behind the mayhem to sheathe their swords in the interest of the nation.

Admitting that disagreement was natural and a core ingredient of democracy, they pointed out that the resort to violence was a travesty of religious teachings and a betrayal of our faith.

NIREC, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator Secretary, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on behalf of its Co-chairmen, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said the riots which resulted in deaths and destruction in the affected states were very disappointing.

It appealed to aggrieved Nigerians to explore constitutional means of seeking redress rather than taking laws into their hands.

The group said, “It is our opinion that at this stage of our socio-political history, we should be able to address our differences when they arise in a civilised manner without bloodletting.

“As the whole world is watching us, let us be mindful of our actions and reactions. At a point that many observers are commending a general improvement, largely in the conduct of our elections, even if still not 100 per cent perfect, it is unfortunate that a sad commentary is being scripted through the eruption of violence and carnage among our fellow citizens.”

The group urged political leaders to exercise restraint in their actions and utterances and called on governments at all levels to be alive to their responsibilities.

It also appealed to security agencies to be more vigilant and firm in discharging their constitutional duties.

The statement expressed the readiness of NIREC alongside other civil society groups in the country to mediate in the crisis, through dialogue

Also, the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta states condemned the post-election riots, saying that, “Nigerians must eschew violence and support constituted authorities in line with divine injunctions.”

The league, in a statement by its president, Sheik Mustafa Ajisafe, described the emergence of Jonathan as “God-ordained.”

Makinde, in a statement by the Media and Public Relations Officer of the church, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, urged aggrieved parties to seek constitutional means of expressing their grievances.

He said, “The news filtering in since the conclusion of the presidential election, especially in the North is disheartening and shocking. We have worked so hard to move this nation beyond this manner of barbaric and insensitive actions which only portend danger for our democracy and unity and if not stopped could set us back as a country.

“There is need for this madness to stop immediately and I urge our security agencies to do everything to nip the crisis in the bud before it further escalates.”

Also on Tuesday, former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, described the violence as primitive.

Babangida, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Kasim Afegbua, urged Nigerians to shun uncivilised conduct such as violence, religious intolerance and killing in the name of politics.

The former dictator also congratulated Jonathan on his victory at the presidential poll, describing it as “a collective victory for the country.”

In Abuja, the Netherlands, through its Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Bent Rohaar, said that post-election violence was inimical to democracy.

Rohaar, in an interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday, urged aggrieved politicians and their supporters to seek legitimate means to express their grievances.

He stated that the violence was counter-productive and could retard gains of democracy in the country.

Meanwhile, the police in Sokoto State has confirmed the arrest of 39 persons in connection with the riot in the state.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Solomon, who spoke with journalists, added that more suspects were picked up for participating in fresh violence in Sokoto on Tuesday.

“We had earlier arrested 39 suspects during the beginning of the protests around 9 pm on Sunday. Around midday today (Tuesday) again, a group of some hoodlums also began the protests in some parts of the city and its environs. We have also arrested some of them who will soon be charged to the courts,” Solomon added.

Jega, RECs in crucial meeting over April 26 polls.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Tuesday met with resident electoral commissioners from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory over the April 26 polls.

Investigations at INEC headquarters in Abuja showed that the meeting, which started at 9am and ended at 3pm, also reviewed the National Assembly and presidential elections.

It was gathered that the commission would further collaborate with security agencies on the need to beef up security during governorship elections, especially in states that had recorded post-election violence.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, who confirmed the meeting said, “Just like we have been doing since the postponed election on April 2, these meetings are held to review the previous week’s lapses and then see how we can plan for the next one so as to improve on our performance.”

Idowu, who said that the commission was ready for the April 26 polls, stated that the INEC chairman had promised to ensure that every election was better than the previous one.

On the agenda of the meeting, he said, “Everything is being looked at. Not just security, the commission is looking at issues of logistics, operation and security. All those things that have to do with elections are being reviewed.”

Meanwhile, the police have allayed fears over the April 26 polls. They said adequate security would be provided during the elections.

The police said the post-election violence in some Northern states like Gombe, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi would not change the security strategy they had put in place for the elections.

The police said that it was however collaborating with the military to stem the tide of violence in the states, adding that reinforcement of riot policemen had been deployed to the affected areas.

The Force Public Relations Office, Olusola Amore, who said this in Abuja on Tuesday added that policemen posted to polling units would not bear arms in accordance with the Electoral Act.

He assured that adequate security had been put in place to ensure security of lives and property in every part of the country for the remaining election.

He said, “We are on top of the situation in the troubled spots; we have deployed a reinforcement of PMS and are collaborating with the Army. On the number of casualties in the affected states, we are still collating the figures command by command.”

Why we refused to sign presidential result sheets – CPC, ACN

Representatives of some of the opposition parties said they refused to sign the 2011 presidential result sheets as compiled by INEC because they noticed some irregularities.

The parties are Congress for Progressive Change and Action Congress of Nigeria.

NAN reports that besides the ruling PDP, it was only the representatives of ACN and CPC that were in attendance at the National Collation Centre as party agents out of the 20 participating candidates.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, the party agent of CPC, Mr. Hadi Sirika, said the party observed electoral fraud in both South East and South South.

He said the party hierarchy had submitted a copy of its petition to the Chairman of INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega, who also doubled the Chief Returning Officer of the presidential poll.

Sirika, a CPC senator-elect from Katsina, said the leadership of the party would hold a crucial meeting where its next line of action would be discussed.

Speaking in the same vein, ACN party agent, Garba Abari, said he refused to sign the result sheets because “we have issues with the result especially those coming from the South East and South-South of the country.”

He added, “From the reports we received from our agents on the field, as well as print and electronic media alongside interim reports of the observers, there were low voter turnout there and the result being returned are in excess of 98 per cent.”

“After due consultations, we will let the international community as well as the observers know about our next line of action.”

Commenting on the outcome of the presidential election result, PDP agent, Mr. Phillip Aduda, expressed happiness with the outcome and thanked Nigerians for reposing their confidence in the party.

Aduda, an FCT Senator-elect said, “I am happy at the turn of event. This is democracy in action. We thank God that it was free, fair and credible.”

Concern Mounts over Governorship Polls.

The Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) has said the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections scheduled for next Tuesday will go ahead all over the country despite the post-election violence and security concerns in some parts of the North.

This is coming on the heels of a warning by election observers of high tension in some states of the federation which needs to be addressed by security agencies before the polls can go ahead as planned.

Also, killings continued in different states Tuesday as protests over last Saturday’s presidential elections persisted.

Of the states in the North where violence erupted following the declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan as the winner of last weekend's presidential poll, only Sokoto and Adamawa are exempted from the gubernatorial poll due to a court verdict which held that the tenure of the incumbent governors will end next year.

Speaking to THISDAY Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said all necessary arrangements for the elections were going on in states where such polls are due.

He said despite the curfew in some states like Kaduna, Kano and Plateau, the expectation of the commission is that normalcy would be restored in the affected areas for the polls to go ahead.

Idowu, however, said the commission was studying the situation closely and would act if the situation warrants.

A team of observers, who monitored the conduct of security officials during last Saturday’s presidential election, has warned that there will be tension on April 26 when the governorship and state Assembly elections will be conducted in states.

Addressing journalists in Abuja Tuesday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Cleen Foundation said INEC as well as security agents must be fully prepared for the governorship election because “tensions are very high in the states on the outcome of the elections of April 16th”.

The Project Coordinator of the NHRC/United Nations Development Programme Election Security Project, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, who presented a preliminary report on the conduct of security agents during the presidential election, said extra security arrangements should be made for the conduct of the governorship and state Assembly elections.

He said: “Since observers have been warned generally on the tension in the various states on the April 26 governorship/Houses of Assembly elections, there is need for security agencies involved in managing security deployments during the April 26 elections to make extra security arrangements.”

Although the team admitted that the conduct of the presidential election was generally free and fair, it stated that there were breaches in security in North-central and South-south.

It pointed out that there was no provision of security at some collation centres in the two zones mentioned above.

“Security of election materials and personnel at collation centres remained the weakest link during the presidential election as in the National Assembly elections,” he added.

The groups also stated that the security agents did not act fast enough to forestall post-election violence which took place in some states in the North and resulted in loss of lives and properties.

They noted that the rapid spread of the violent protests suggested that the early warning system for post-election conflict was ineffective.

They also said that new security threats were identified in the presidential election. They are kidnap and arrest of election observers by security agents and political thugs as well as the kidnap of a female voter in Enugu State, they added.

They also noted that security agents were partisan in some states and advised that they should be redeployed in certain states.

The groups called for a comprehensive review of the performance of security agents in the following states: Benue, Plateau, Kebbi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, Cross River, Ogun, Delta and Rivers.

In the meantime, the violence in Kaduna has spilled over to other parts of the state claiming many lives with property worth millions of naira said to have been destroyed.

There were reports of serious skirmishes in Zaria, Ikara, Kafanchan and Zangon Kataf and other places where several people were said to have been killed while places of worship were set ablaze.

This is in spite of the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.

It was gathered that in Zaria and Ikara, the hoodlums, armed with sticks, machetes, guns, knives, bows and arrow go from house to house and unleashed terror on the people.

Areas worst affected, according to sources, included the Poly Quarters, Samaru and Congo campus of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop David Bakare, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that about 10 churches in Zaria had been burnt while several people were killed.

Bakare said the most challenging time was during the nights when the attackers regroup and unleash terror by which time the security agents found it difficult to trail them.

“When the police chased them, they will later regroup. The security people have done well, but it appears they have not been given decisive instructions to deal with them.

“The boys were engaging the police; their time for attack is in the night between 11:00pm and 2:00 am. They will be chanting Sai Buhari. Because of the curfew our people find it difficult to run to safe zones. The curfew is already taking its toll on the people as they have no food or water and they cannot go out to get these basic needs.

“Why is the church being asked to pay for this matter which is a political issue? Why are Christians being killed because of an issue which is purely political? Why are Christians being made a scapegoat over a political matter? Right now, we are under siege and our churches are being burnt and our people are being killed. We called on government to as a matter of urgency take adequate steps to halt this massacre of Christians,” Bakare said.

In Kafanchan, reports said heavy fighting started by 8pm on Monday and lasted till yesterday afternoon. However armed riot policemen have been deployed to the area.

Sources said some groups alleged to be CPC supporters in the town had gone around shooting PDP supporters and non-Muslims and setting their homes and churches ablaze.

Mosques and churches were said to have been burnt with several people said to have lost their lives.

“I saw the body of a man beheaded after he was killed by these men. They are using explosives and guns. The police in Kafanchan were said to have been overwhelmed with the situation, after youths from surrounding villages teamed up and entered Kafanchan to challenge the group suspected to be CPC members,” a source said.

Meanwhile, the 24-hour curfew is beginning to take its toll on families and businesses as many people are said to be running out of food and other basic necessities.

In Gombe, it has now been confirmed that 17 people lost their lives during the pro-Buhari violence which lasted for three days.

Also, 100 suspects have been arrested and are currently in police custody awaiting questioning.

While speaking to newsmen in Gombe Tuesday after an on-the-spot assessment tour of the affected areas, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations at the Force Headquarters who was in the North-east zone for the general election, Audu Abubakar, declared that 100 suspects had so far been arrested.

Easter: FG Declares Public Holidays.

Federal Government has declared Friday, April 22 and Monday, April 25, 2011 as public holidays to commemorate Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations respectively.

This information was contained in a statement signed from the Office of the Minister of Interior by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Sheidu Ozigis, on behalf of the President Goodluck Jonathan.

Federal Government also used the opportunity to urge all Christian faithful to fervently pray for the successful conclusion of the general elections.

In another development, Federal Government has expressed regret over loss of lives and properties through the post-election violence in the northern part of the country.

The statement which was issued from the office of the Minister of Interior called on all politicians, political parties and their supporters to eschew violence and seek peaceful means to address their grievances. "The Federal Government has observed that certain individuals under the guise of political disgruntlement and agrievement have taken to the streets in some parts of the country.

PHCN sale: Geometrics, Hayatudeen’s firm, others fail technical evaluation .

Two companies linked to prominent current and former actors in the Federal Government are among firms that failed to meet the criteria to proceed with their intention to acquire any of 18 successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that Geometrics Power Limited, in which the Special Adviser to the President on Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji, was the Chairman, and Alpine Investment Services Limited, belonging to the former Chairman, Technical Committee, National Council on Privatisation, Mr. Mohammed Hayatudeen, were disqualified by an intra-agency committee set up by the Bureau of Public Enterprises.

The agency was established to evaluate 331 Expressions of Interest for the 18 power firms, which have been put up for sale by the Federal Government.

Geometrics Power is an Independent Power Producer, while Alpine Investment Services is a project finance and development firm.

Our correspondent also gathered that an India-based multinational corporation, the Essar Group, which is involved in steel, energy, power, communications, shipping ports and logistics, as well as construction, also failed the evaluation.

The BPE had recently set up an intra-agency committee to evaluate the EOIs submitted for the power firms. Membership of the committee was drawn from bureau, Ministry of Power, Presidential Task Force on Power Reforms, PHCN and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

A source close to the committee informed our correspondent that some of the firms that were disqualified could not submit some essential documents but had believed that they could leverage on their close relationship with government to scale through the screening process.

Geometrics had expressed interest to acquire the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, while Alpine had expressed interest to acquire the Kano and Kaduna electricity distribution companies.

Geometrics, which already has a power generation plant under construction in Aba, Abia State, is an indigenous private firm, whose goal is to construct and operate independent power plants for the generation, transmission and distribution of power to industrial clusters, commercial entities and the general public.

When contacted on Tuesday, Nnaji said he had relinquished his chairmanship of Geometrics before he took the Federal Government offer to work with it and could not confirm whether the company applied for any of the PHCN companies since he was no longer involved in its running.

He said, “I have resigned from Geometrics. I don’t work for the company; I work for the Federal Government. I have submitted necessary documentation as required by the law of the country.

“I am not aware whether the company applied or not. To be honest with you, I don’t know who did not make the technical evaluation.”

Alpine is not known for any interest in power but had put up a consortium for the purpose of acquiring interest in the power firms that the Federal Government is in the process of selling.

Hayatudeen, who owns the firm, recently resigned his membership of NCP to avoid conflict of interest as he confirmed that he was going to bid for the power firms.

Apart from his membership of the privatisation council, he is also a member of the Presidential Advisory Council put together to advise President Goodluck Jonathan after he was inaugurated as Acting President on February 9, 2010.

The BPE had between December 13 and 20, 2010, invited prospective core investors to express interest in the 11 distribution companies unbundled from PHCN.

It also invited prospective core investors to express interest in the four thermal power stations and as concessionaires for the two hydro power stations.

The initial deadline for the receipt of EOIs was Friday, February 18, 2011, but it was later moved to March 4, 2011

By the end of the new deadline, 174 applications were received from prospective investors/concessionaires interested in acquiring the four thermal stations and the two hydro stations.

On the other hand, 157 applications were harvested from prospective investors interested in acquiring the 11 distribution companies that are up for privatisation.

The 11 distribution companies that are up for sale include the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company Plc.

Others are Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc, and Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc.

The thermal power stations slated for privatisation are the Ughelli Power Plc, which is situated in Delta State with total installed capacity of 972 megawatts, and Geregu Power Plc, situated in Kogi State with a total installed capacity of 414MW.

Others are the Afam Power Plc, comprising of Afam I-V, located in Rivers State with installed capacity of 776MW, and the Sapele Power Plc located in Delta State with installed capacity of 1,020MW.

The hydro power generating companies are the Kainji Power Plc, comprising the Kainji and Jebba Power Plants located in Niger and Kwara states respectively, and the Shiroro Power Plc located at the Shiroro Gorge, Niger State.

Security beefed up around Jega.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega had a heavy security protection at the INEC National Collation Centre, yesterday. Security around the centre was also reinforced.

The tight security around the INEC boss came in the wake of reported orgy of violence in some northern states. In a manner that cast doubts in the minds as to the possibility of continuing the announcement of the results, securitymen from the airforce, brigade of guards and SSS stormed the venue.

The airforce team led by an Air Commodore and the Brigade Comander, Brigadier-General Atewe came around 2:00pm ostensible to observe the security arrangement in place.

Later, men of the SSS suspected to have come from the presidential villa and led by a director showed up and went into one of the rooms at the collation centre, before they took their leave. It was gathered that the SSS men were around to assure the INEC boss of his safety against the background of reports of tension in Abuja.

There were also reports that people stayed off the streets, following rumours of spontaneous protests in some areas of the FCT.

Commercial motorcycle operators were said to have been off the roads in suburbs like Mararaba, Kubwa and Dutse areas of Abuja.

‘Why Al-Mustapha is not freed’

The Lagos State Government has cleared the fog on the delay in the trial of former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.

Al-Mustapha, who was recently acquitted of the charge of attempted murder of the Publisher of Guardian Newspaper, Alex Ibru, is still standing trial before Justice Ayoka Dada, of the Lagos High Court for alleged murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Pedro Lawal yesterday told reporters that the delay was caused by frivolous applications filed by Al-Mustapha’s counsel.

He absolved the state government of any blame in the delay.

Lawal said: “The delay in Al- Mustapha’s case is from the defense counsel and not the state government. The defence counsel was always coming up with different types of application and the court, in recourse to due process and fair hearing, would have to listening.”

He also attributed the delay to the absence of some of the prosecution witnesses, some of whom were either dead or have been transferred.

Plane with Michelle Obama aborts landing.

A White House plane carrying Michelle Obama came dangerously close to a 200-ton military cargo jet and had to abort its landing at Joint Base Andrews on Monday as the result of an air traffic controller’s mistake, according to federal officials familiar with the incident.

FAA officials confirmed that the first lady was aboard the plane but had no additional immediate comment. They expected to release a statement later Tuesday. The first lady’s office also had no immediate comment.

The Federal Aviation Administration, already dealing with a series of controversies involving controllers sleeping and watching a movie on the job, sent a team of investigators Tuesday to the Warrenton radar control center, where the mistake was made.

The first lady was returning from a television appearance and other events with Jill Biden in New York and was aboard a Boeing 737 that is part of the presidential fleet of jets when the error occurred on final approach to Andrews.

The controllers in the tower at Andrews recognized that the massive C-17 and the Obama flight, designated EXEC1F, a classification for a plane carrying members of the president’s family, were far too close when the Warrenton controller handed off responsibility for the two aircraft.

They ordered the Obama plane to execute a series of S-turns in an effort to create a safe distance between it and the C-17, federal officials said.

Rioters lock in 50 NYSC members, set building on fire !

THEY never knew that evil was on the way. All was calm in the neighbourhood, although the news had been broken that rioters were on the rampage in the city.

Suddenly, it got noisy and rowdy outside the building where no fewer than 50 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members huddled together, feeling safe, away from the madness that had seized the city by the throat.

Angry youths protesting the results of the presidential election stormed the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) Secretariat in the heart of Minna, the Niger State capital.

They forcibly locked the Corps members in and set the building on fire.

But the leader of the Corps members, fondly called Papa by his colleagues, found the strength to break down the door and set his colleagues free.

“Some had burns,” one of the lucky boys and girls told The Nation at the Army Barracks, where they are taking refuge.

He said they were initially few at the “Family House”, as the secretariat is called by NCCF members, but many rushed in to escape the rioting near their homes in other parts of the city.

“We were taken by surprise. We couldn’t retrieve anything from the fire,” he said, pleading for anonymity so that, according to him, his relatives would not panic over his safety.

The building was smouldering yesterday.

The irate youths also burnt the NCCF 18-seater bus, which was bought two months ago, and a motorcycle belonging to the fellowship.

The development has forced the NYSC to direct all Corps members in Chanchaga (Minna) Local Government Area to relocate from their homes to the Nigeria Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) barracks on the outskirts of the city.

Two NYSC officials were taking care of about 200 “refugees” at the barracks. Religious organisations have sent relief materials to them.

The Family House of the NCCF, a fellowship centre and a lodge for Christian corps members, was one of the seven worship centres burnt by the youths who said they were protesting the emergence of Dr Goodluck Jonathan as winner of the presidential election.

If the “Minna 50” were lucky, not so four of their colleagues and two police officers in Bauchi. They were killed by rioters.

Christian Association of Nigeria {CAN} chair Bishop Musa Tula said more than 20 people died in the violence unleashed on innocent people by those he suspected to be political thugs.

Several churches, cars, homes and business houses were burnt.

The police said over 200 suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence in Bauchi metropolis, Misau and Azare Dambam.

Banks and government businesses in the state capital have closed. Three churches, including Gospel Life Church and Deeper Life Church in the state capital, were burnt. Another one in Bara, Alkaleri Local Government Area, was burnt.

It was learnt that trouble started when some youths said to be CPC supporters suddenly went berserk over the results of the election.

The new police commissioner deployed to the state to ensure a hitch-free election, Ammama John Abakasanga, told reporters yesterday that over 200 suspects had been arrested.

He said four Youth Corps members were killed in Itas Gadau during the election. He added that no fewer than 20 other Corps members were still missing.

The Commissioner said the police rescued 20 of the 51 corps members in Itas Gadau, Jamare and Dabam local government areas.

The rescued Corps members are at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bauchi.

But the NYSC secretariat in Bauchi yesterday kept quiet over the corps members.

Abakasanga said a Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Police Division, Jama’are Local Government Area and a woman Corporal were killed in Giade. The Divisional Police Officer and DCO of Dabam Local Government were injured. They are hospitalised.

The police boss said his men recovered three ballot boxes and 10 locally made guns from the suspects, who include two under age children.

There were looting and burning yesterday by youths who seized shops, business premises and the streets as early as 7a.m., attacking innocent citizens.

Residents of Igbo quarters, Zango, Railway and most parts of the metropolis fled to the Army and Police barracks as the arson continued.

The INEC offices in Bauchi, Jamare, Misau, Dabam and Itas Gadau were torched.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Senator Iliya Audu, told reporters that all the offices were looted before being set ablaze.

Audu said at the INEC office in Bauchi, 500 laptops, 16 power generating sets, cabinets and burglary proof belonging to the commission were stolen before the building was set on fire.

No fewer than 6,000 persons have been displaced, Abubakar Adamu, Bauchi State Secretary, Nigeria Red Cross Society, said.

According to Abubakar, about 23 others, who are injured, have been hospitalised.

On the over 6000 displaced, the Red Cross boss said: “No food or any kind of aid has been supplied to them. They desperately need food. And the State Emergency Management Agency is yet to respond, despite their knowledge of these people’s situation.”

He said residents who ran away for fear of being attacked were returning to their homes.

I am not an armed robber; I only kept guns for cult members –Suspect

Men of the Lagos State Police Command on Monday paraded three robbery suspects arrested in Araro in Ikorodu area of the state. The suspects are Amusan Olawale; 25, Olamide Oladayo; 27, and Ogunnowo Babatunde, 32.

Although the police recovered a locally-made single-barrel gun, three live cartridges, charms and two wallets from the suspects, they claimed that they were plumbers and not armed robbers.

But one of the suspects, Olawale, who claimed to be a graduate of Economics from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, admitted that when he was a student, he used to keep arms and ammunition for cult members.

When asked how he came in possession of the gun, he said, “When I was an undergraduate at Tai Solarin, Aye cult members used to keep their arms and ammunition with me. I’m not an armed robber; I only kept guns for the cult members.

“The police did not recover any money or valuables from us. If indeed I stole, where are the valuables? Or if indeed I was an armed robber, would I have handed the gun over to the residents?”

Olawale, who is married and has two children, said he was being framed up because he was arrested in the territory of a rival gang.

Olawale said he received a distress call from his friend, Oladayo, who was being attacked by some touts in Araro, adding that he took the gun and went to the scene of the clash with his friend, Ogunnowo.

Asked how he sustained gunshot injury, the suspect said he was shot in the leg by the police after they were arrested.

However, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Samuel Jinadu, insisted that preliminary investigation showed that the men were robbery suspects.

He said, “At about 4pm on Sunday, there was a distress call to the police that three armed robbers at Araro in Ikorodu were operating. The men allegedly robbed a house when all the occupants had gone out. Unfortunately for them, one of the occupants of the house arrived and raised the alarm.

“Residents of the area were able to comb the area and apprehend them. The police recovered from them a locally-made single barrel gun, three live cartridges, charms and two wallets.”

The Baale of Araro however, alleged that the three men were armed robbery suspects, having stolen N400,000 from a resident some weeks ago.

Olawale’s wife, who spoke to PUNCH METRO, on Tuesday, said her husband was innocent and that members of their community in Ogun State could vouch for him.

She however complained that the bullet wound that her husband sustained was not being treated and it could fester.

The three men have since been taken to Special Anti-Robbery Squad for further investigations.

Lecturers, students, others killed in Kaduna.

The violence that broke out in Kaduna metropolis and Zaria on Monday has spread to Kafanchan and Zonkwa in the southern part of the state.

On Tuesday in Samaru, Hayin Dogo area of Zaria near the Basawa Army Barracks, eyewitnesses alleged that soldiers killed about 10 persons suspected to have killed some lecturers and students at the Kaduna State Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria on Monday.

Christians in Zaria were said to have complained of being trapped in the violence and unable to run for safety due to the curfew imposed by the state government to curtail the violence.

They also complained of lack of access to food and water.

Many residents of the state capital were caught unawares by the violence and left without money and foodstuffs at home while those who have the cash also found it difficult to buy foodstuffs as markets in the state remained closed.

Reacting to the orgy of violence and killings, the Federal Government on Tuesday deployed about 200 additional riot policemen in Kaduna to quell the violence in the state.

Trucks conveying hundreds of anti- riot policemen were seen at the Presidential Lounge of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at about 4.30pm on Tuesday.

The policemen, who were initially scheduled to take a special flight to Kaduna, later went through the Nigeria Air Force hanger, where they boarded two Hercules C130 military aircraft expected to convey them to Kaduna.

In Sabo area, a suburb of Kaduna, traders who attempted to sell their wares in front of the market were chased away by security agents to prevent further looting of the shops by criminals.

Chairman of the state chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Tunde Bakare, told our correspondent on the phone that more than 10 churches were set ablaze in Zaria while several people were killed by the rioters in the town.

Bakare listed most of the churches burnt in the town to include those in the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic quarters as well as those located within the Samaru and Kongo campus of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The PFN boss added that in spite of the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government, the hoodlums armed with knives, sticks, bows and arrows moved about, especially around 10.00 pm and 2.00am from house to house attacking people and burning their homes.

He claimed that apparently because the security agents were not given orders to shoot, the hoodlums ignored them, adding that the most challenging period for the residents was during the night when the rioters normally regrouped to unleash terror.

Bakare said that it was unfortunate that the security operatives found it difficult to contain the hoodlums.

He said, “When the police chased them, they will regroup later. The security agents have done well, but it appears they have not been given decisive instructions to deal with them.”

“The boys were engaging the police; their time for attack is in the night between 11:00pm and 2:00 am. They will be chanting Sai Buhari. Because of the curfew our people find it difficult to run to safe zones. The curfew is already taking its toll on the people as they have no food nor water and they cannot go out to get these basic needs.

“Right now we are under siege and our churches are being burnt and our people are being killed. We called on government to take adequate steps to halt this massacre of Christians” Bakare said

In Kafanchan and Zonkwa in the southern part of the state, heavy fighting broke out between Christians and Muslims at about 8pm on Monday night. The fighting did not subside until about noon on Tuesday with some of the residents alleging that those involved in the fight may have been brought into the area from elsewhere.

“I saw the body of a man beheaded after he was killed by these men. They are using grenade launchers, and the guns they are firing are not mere AK47s”, a resident who pleaded anonymity said.

It was gathered that the Police in Kafanchan could not contain the situation as youths from surrounding villages teamed up and entered the town around midnight to take on the alleged CPC armed men.

The youths reportedly used bows and arrows, cutlasses and sticks to slow the advances of the attackers in some areas but many churches and homes of Christians were complete razed.

Our correspondent gathered that in Kagoro, Afana, Kurdan and Garage a detachment of Special Task Force unit from Jos moved into the towns to restore order.

Eye witnesses in Zonkwa said that Fajumali Hotel was set ablaze by the rioters, resulting in a reprisal attack and burning of the houses of suspected CPC supporters. Unspecified number of mosques were also razed in the Christian-dominated town.

The Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Isa Muhammadu told the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that even though there were security agents in the area, they were so overwhelmed and could not do much to restore order to the town.

The Emir lamented that the security personnel were incapacitated, adding that those unleashing terror were so much that even if they were blocked from one end of the town, they would regroup and start attacking from the other end.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Apple Sues Samsung for 'Copying

Apple's iPhone 3G (L) and Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S mobile phone

Apple is suing its rival Samsung Electronics for allegedly copying the design of its iPad and iPhone, reports the BBC.

It claims Samsung's Galaxy range of mobile phones and tablet "slavishly" copy the iPhone and iPad, according to court papers.

Apple's claims focus on Galaxy's design features, such as the look of its screen icons.

Samsung said it had conducted its own research and development and would contest the allegations.

Galaxy products use Google's Android operating system, which directly competes with Apple's mobile software.

As well as being a competitor, Samsung supplies Apple with microchips that are used in some Apple products, such as the A4 and A5 processors, as well as memory chips used in MacBook Pro computers.

In the world of smartphones and tablet computers, being sued for alleged patent infringements could be considered a badge of honour, a sign your products are cutting edge, a threat to rivals.

Apple is suing the likes of Motorola, HTC and Samsung; Nokia is suing Apple; everybody counter-sues each other. Poor Sony Ericsson; its products don't seem to merit a law suit.

These legal machinations are not that much about who wins them. Mobile innovation is accelerating and the window to exploit each new technology is getting smaller. Lawsuits are a chance to sow doubt, distract, slow down the competition.

They are not even about Samsung, HTC or Motorola, who have become proxies in a much bigger battle: the fight between Apple and Google, and their respective mobile operating systems iOS and Android.

Unless one side lands a killer blow, consumers should be able to sit back, and enjoy the fruits of this fierce competition.

The lawsuit was filed on Friday and alleges Samsung violated Apple's patents and trademarks.

Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said in a statement: "This kind of blatant copying is wrong."

However, Samsung said that its products are a result of research and development carried out by the company.

"Samsung's development of core technologies and strengthening our intellectual property portfolio are keys to our continued success," the company said in a statement.

The Korean electronics maker also said that it will contest the allegations "through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property".

John Jackson, an analyst with CCS Insight, said Samsung is essentially Apple's only real tablet competitor at this stage.

Nokia has sued Apple, which in turn has sued handset maker HTC Corp.

Apple is bringing 16 claims against Samsung, including unjust enrichment, trademark infringement and 10 patent claims.

In March Apple sued HTC alleging patent infringement over the iPhone.

In October 2010, Apple sued Motorola, saying its smartphones use Apple's intellectual property.

NCAA plans law to tackle flight delays, cancellations .

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is working on a bye-law to tackle incessant flight delay that is fast taking joy out of travel.

Essentially, the bill which will become part of the civil aviation authority regulations is to help ameliorate frustration passengers suffer at different airports waiting to catch their flights.

Spokesman for the NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, told The Guardian the bill is to be subjected to debate by stakeholders in the industry, adding that the law will make passengers get compensation when they are not airlifted, or when they are delayed.

According to Adurogboye, international travel is different domestic operations, stressing that in a situation where an international airline fails to airlift passengers or is involved in long delay, the affected airline is obligated to lodge the travellers in hotel and provide them with food and other amenities.

But in domestic travel, affected travellers are assumed to reside in areas around the airport and are expected to return home in the event of cancellation or flight delay.

In a related development, early morning passengers on Arik Air Monday witnessed flight delay at the Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja as workers of a handling company refused to provide ground handling services to the airline.

The Guardian learnt that the airline was indebted to the ground handling company, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), on services rendered.

Some workers of SAHCOL who preferred anonymity told reporters that they were instructed by the management not to provide services to the airline until it had paid its debts.

Passengers affected by the delay frowned at the situation, saying it could eat into their time of departure and arrival.

Confirming the situation, the Managing Director of SAHCOL, Mr. Isaac Orolugbagbe, said the company had a commercial disagreement with Arik Air.

“We need money to pay our workers. We also need to pay our bills. The passengers are paying so we need to be paid,” he said. Orolugbagbe, however, said he was discussing with the management of the airline to resolve the issue.

But the airline, in a reaction by its Media Officer, Mr. Ola Banji, said Arik was not owing SAHCOL. “What we have with SAHCOL is a problem of reconciliation of account, which is being sorted out,” Banji said. He added that the situation did not affect the airline departure time.

FG approves funds for payment of ex-bankers’ benefits.

There are indications that reprieve may have come the way of the ex-staff of non –consolidated banks following the approval of their terminal benefits by the Federal Government through the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

Counsel for the Association of Ex-staff of Non-consolidated Banks, Mr Emenike Azubuike, who broke the news in a press briefing in Umuahia, said the presidency had approved the sum of N9,784,617,646.07 for their payment , but added that the approval was still waiting for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to issue a promisory note to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) to effect payment.

While applauding the Federal Government for its sensitivity to the plights of the affected staff, Azubuike appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan, to prevail on the Central Bank to live up to its expectations.

He regretted that many lives had been lost as a result of the delay in the payment of the terminal benefits of the ex-staff of the non-consolidated banks.

‘’From a bank alone, 23 ex-bankers have died due to suffering and hardship. Most of them can not get job because of age barrier. Some developed full, and some partial stroke due to their inability to pay their children’s school fees,”Azubuike lamented.

POLITICS

Ogun crisis: Daniel set to meet Jonathan .

The Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, will on Wednesday (today) meet with President Goodluck Jonathan over the state governorship election.

Investigations on Tuesday by our correspondents revealed that the meeting was a last minute effort by the President to resolve the crisis in the state Peoples Democratic Party before the April 26 polls.

It was gathered that PDP members and Daniel’s supporters in the Peoples Party of Nigeria were worried that the governorship seat of the state might elude both parties, if the crisis was not resolved.

The crisis in the state PDP worsened in December last year when two factions of the party led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Daniel held parallel primaries.

At the primaries conducted by the Obasanjo faction, a former military governor of Oyo State, Maj.-Gen. Tunji Olurin (retd.) was picked as the governorship candidate.

A former Managing Director of Gateway Holdings, Mr. Gboyega Isiaka, emerged the winner of the Daniel faction’s governorship primaries.

Following the recognition of Olurin’s candidacy by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Isiaka defected to the PPN, where he was named the governorship candidate.

Although Daniel remains in the PDP, he has been supporting Isiaka’s candidacy in the PPN.

The PDP and the PPN lost three senatorial seats in the state to the Action Congress of Nigeria during the April 9 National Assembly polls.

But Jonathan defeated the ACN candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during the April 16 presidential election in the state.

Our correspondents gathered that PDP and the PPN leaders were concerned that both Olurin and Isiaka could lose the governorship election to the ACN candidate, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, if the crisis was not resolved.

When one of our correspondents wanted to know Daniel’s stand on the meeting, he said the correspondent should meet him at the Presidential Villa.

I’m ready for INEC panel – Ngige.

The candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Anambra Central Senatorial election, Dr. Chris Ngige, has said he is ready to face the panel set up by the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate the controversies surrounding the election of April 9.

Ngige, who was declared the winner of that election, said the panel would give Nigerians an opportunity to see what transpired during the election.

He also expressed confidence that the panel would ensure fairness in the discharge of its duties as Anambra people were watching.

Ngige’s position was contained in a statement by the Publicity Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria in Anambra State, Mr. Okelo Madukaife.

He said, “We are confident that the findings from that investigation would vindicate our position that Dr. Ngige is the senator-elect in the National Assembly elections of April 9, 2011.

“We call on INEC to issue the Certificate of Return without further delay.”

On April 11, 20011, the Senatorial District Collating and Returning Officer, Mr. Alex Anene, declared Ngige the winner, having scored the highest number of votes in that election.

Madukaife said, “We note for the avoidance of any doubt that Ngige’s victory is not in question despite vicious and wicked propaganda illegally paid from Anambra State’s resources.

“Ngige scored the highest number of votes in the election, and has since been declared the winner by the Returning Officer in charge.

“In addition, we wish to note that his opponents have not claimed that they won the election or that Ngige lost.

“Rather, they are seeking selective cancellations and rerun in a match that has been blown as over by the appropriate referee.

“The opponents’ resort to gutter language and personal attacks in attempts to bait the Senator-elect into school-yard brawl is not only infantile and crass, but also futile, because Ngige is an accomplished statesman who would not descend to such juvenile level.

“We caution that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”

Similarly former governorship aspirant of the Progressive Peoples Alliance in Anambra state, Mr. Etiaba, has described the victory of Ngige as final.

He contended that INEC had no right to reverse the declaration made by the Returning Officer.

Etiaba noted that after the declaration, anybody that felt short-changed should go to the election petitions tribunal to seek redress.

“My view is that anybody who feels that the declaration was wrongly done should go to court.

“That is what the Electoral Act tells us. Once a declaration has been made INEC becomes fontus ofitio. INEC cannot do anything about it. Anybody that feels that Anene made a wrongful declaration should go to the tribunal.”

Etiaba contended that the INEC panel was to advise INEC on future election and not to determine what had happened.

CRIME FILE

Car crashes into pepper soup joint.

Some customers at a local delicacy (pepper soup) joint in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital narrowly escaped death, when a driver lost control and drove into where they were relaxing.

When NEXT visited the scene yesterday, the car was still stuck inside the building which is located beside the road, with the structure completely damaged. Some of the lucky customers who escaped from the rubbles of the damaged building told NEXT that they were full of gratitude to God for saving their lives.

“It was like a child’s play when the car was coming towards us. We quickly realised that there was danger ahead, in view of the fact that the driver lost control. And I want to believe God was on our side; we all escape unhurt.” One of the lucky customers said.

The owner of the outfit could not speak to journalists on the accident.

Four burnt alive, 45 prison inmates released in Katsina .

Four persons have been burnt and 45 inmates released from the Federal Prisons in Funtua, Katsina State as the police and other security agencies battled to suppress the orgy of violence that had gripped the state since Sunday.

Although state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, had imposed a curfew between 9pm and 7am on Monday, several churches and homes were burnt in the cover of darkness between Monday and the early hours of Tuesday.

A security source told our correspondent that situation could have been worse if the governor had not imposed the curfew.

“It was a cat and mouse game between these uncoordinated miscreants and the combined security agencies in the state,” the source said.

Violent protesters had besieged the prison and set the inmates free. They burnt the official vehicles of the prison authorities.

The Commissioner of Police in the Katsina State Police Command, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, said the violence in other states of the North had reached Katsina.

“These people, who I will call miscreants, arsonists, criminals and murderers, went on the rampage in some towns in different local government areas, burning tyres, places of worship and people in their homes. This is unbecoming of human beings. It is barbaric. I was shocked with what I saw in Funtua,” he said.

Mohammed confirmed that at least four persons were burnt in their homes while household property, cars and churches were destroyed.

Mohammed said it was “sadism of the highest order,” saying the police would not tolerate it.

“I have a list of those behind this violence, they will all be arrested and prosecuted, no matter their status,” he said.

Mohammed said he had already summoned a meeting of religious and community leaders to ensure that the violence did not escalate.

He said over 107 suspects had been arrested in connection with the mayhem.

Our correspondent gathered that massive destruction of property took place in Malumfashi, Kankari, Daura and Gibia.

At least five churches were burnt in Daura and Funtua. The Peoples Democratic Party secretariat in Kankari; private residents of local PDP leaders; the Shema campaign office were destroyed in the orgy of violence.

The police said the violence in Malumfashi had a peculiar sinister motive to it.

“In Malumfashi, they will evacuate the homes, tell the occupants to come out and then set them ablaze,” the police boss.

Mohammed said security agencies were working hard to ensure that the violence did not escalate or remain till Tuesday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.

“I appeal to everybody to assist the police with information. I want information from the public about those behind these barbaric acts,” he said.

2 sisters arraigned for killing mother.

Two sisters of the same parents, Rasheedat Olasunkanmi and Taibat Olasunkanmi, have been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing their mother, Mrs Alimotu Olasunkanmi.

Charged along with them was Aremu Oyebade, the husband of Rasheedat.

The three accused were alleged to have clubbed Mrs Olasunkanmi to death at her home, Number 12, Atelewo Street, Osogbo.

The prosecution alleged that the three accused conspired together to commit felony to wit murder by hitting the deceased with turning sticks and grinding stone at about 8.30 a.m on the fateful day.

According to the prosecutor, Sergent Suleiman Olorukooba, the three accused persons accused the woman of witchcraft, which they alleged, was responsible for their woes.

The offence, the prosecutor alleged, was contrary to and punishable under Section 316 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Volume 2 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria.

No plea was taken from the accused.

The trial Magistrate, Mr Olalekan Ijiyode, ordered that the accused be remanded at the federal prison, Ilesa, pending the time that they would be arraigned before an appropriate court that would try the case.

Lastest Job opening ( 20/4/2011)

2011-04-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS

American international company. Due to growth and restructuring exercise,the company currently is recruiting for the position of Business Development Officer.
Prospective applicant must be a Bsc,Hnd or at least Ond holder in relevant discipline,they must posses good communication skills,be proactive and have good knowledge of the Lagos business environment.
Interested applicants should send CV to allrecruitment09@yahoo.com

Business development officer needed

A subsidiary of America company based in lagos needed urgently graduate and undergraduate with good presentation skills,you can work on part time or full time basis,interested applicant should send their cv to petereneh@yahoo.Com

QA Software Tester

Our client:
Adexen Consulting Ltd is an ambitious International recruitment company specializing in the recruitment of highly skilled Repatriates and Nigerian profiles for the Nigerian and African market. We have been contacted by an IT firm to recruit for it a QA Software Tester.

Job description:
The QA software tester will be responsible for ensuring that the general software solution developed by the company has been tested in accordance to its testing procedures and users specifications.

The position is based in Nigeria

Responsibilities:
* Write test cases and test plans for projects
* Ensures that the company's products meet the quality criteria and standards.
* Implements and improved testing methods (white box, black box, incremental and regression testing), processes, tools and systems.
* To assist QA Lead preparing detailed test plans, Test Case Development, Test Execution, define readiness criteria and generate Test Report when necessary.
* To determine potential issues and risks related to Testing process, and assist with the implementation of an appropriate mitigation plan.
* To generate testing results for every application tested.
* To coordinate with IT Department the bugs encountered during testing using testing follow up application.
* Report to QA Department Head any major problem encountered during testing (schedule, applications, test environment).
* Check the functionality and effectiveness of all protocols and create scenarios for innovations and development.
* To revise testing document if necessary.
* Isolate root cause of defects and drive the resolution of important defects.
* Create QA status report for assigned projects as required

Qualifications et experience:
* A BSc. In Computer science, Computer engineering or any relevant professional Software certification experience.
* At least 4 years working experience in an IT or software enterprise company.
* Background/Understanding of software development life cycle.
* Demonstrated experience windows commands including: Registry Entries, Finding IP address, Host files, DNS etc.
* CSTE certification is an added advantage.
* Knowledge of modern test methodologies
* Good analytical skills
* Knowledge of SDLC and Basic knowledge of SQL
* Proven problem solving skills
* Knowledge in skills and in the use of technologies for detecting and tracking defects
* Knowledge in concepts of databases
* Understanding and knowledge of quality assurance processes and methods used in software development

What is on offer
* Local Staff contract
* Standard company advantage

If your experience, personal characteristics and qualifications meet the position specifications and your personal objectives are to seek such a challenge, then we would like to hear from you with details of your current earnings, up to date CV and explanation as to why your achievements to date fit you for consideration.

To apply:
www.adexen.com/en/offer_NGA0574_qa-software-tester.html

AFRICAN ALLIANCE PLC RECRUITING

The diversity of our financial products, process innovation, superlative clients servicing, aggressive marketing strategy, our West Africa and International markets experience coupled with a strong team of professionals sets us apart from the competition.

We represent a host of foreign reputable Risk carriers, Financial Services Marketing and Man-Power Development Organizations and we intermediate on Travel Insurance, Health Insurance, Annuity, Pension, Reinsurance and Bancassurance as we convert Nigerian risks to monetary terms and spread them all over the world.

Marketing Executives are urgently needed in our lagos office.

Qualifications - OND.HND,BSC
Years of Experience - Not necessary.
Must be able to speak fluently, Good English communication is key and important.

Send your CV to:
insurancenig@gmail.com

Telecom Maintenace Manager
Our client:
Adexen Recruitment Agency is mandated by an IT firm based in Lagos looking for it a highly experienced Telecom Maintenance Manager for its entire Telecom sites operations pan Nigeria.

Job description:
The National Telecom Maintenance Manager will be responsible for the overall management and maintenance of all Telecom Transmission Network infrastructures (microwave and VSAT sites) in all respective regions pan Nigeria.

The position is based in Lagos, Nigeria

Responsibilities:
* Management of a team of 10 to 15 Telecom maintenance Engineers
* Guiding the O&M Team (Back Office and Field Team) for corrective and preventive maintenance on a daily basis.
* Provide effective guidance and priorization to staff in order to solve network problems within pre-defined KPI.
* Provide 24 Hours support for RF Network Maintenance with the purpose of discovering and anticipating problems that may occur in the network.
* Ensuring all maintenance work orders involving upgrade/downgrade, and also fault correction on all RF and data transmission Equipment are duly implemented.
* Monitoring status report from all installations.
* Operation and Maintenance of Access Transmission Equipments: Microwave Radio links (Motorola Canopy and SAF), VSAT equipments and associated equipments based on iDirect technology.
* Resolving network hardware related Faults on a daily basis.
* Ensure that all logistical support on spares, tools, test equipment and vehicle is performed according to requirements
* Ensure that all company policies and procedures are adhered to
* Compile, Implement and supervise Acceptance Policies, Procedures and Specifications within the network.
* Conducting Monthly periodic Maintenance for smooth operation all the network elements.
* Monitoring of fueling supply and maintenance of Generators and all other Power Supply systems.
* Implement site’s quality assurance and HSE policies as directed by the Industry Standards and Company management
* Preparation and submission of weekly and monthly technical reports to the management, about the existing faults and including the adequate recommendations.

To read more on position and apply:
www.adexen.com/en/offer_NGA0575_telecom-maintenance-manager.html

Warehouse manager - HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL CARE/DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

We are a reputable household and personal care/Distribution company based in Lagos. Due to ongoing business restructuring, re-positioning and expansion; we urgently require the services of highly motivated, proactive and innovative individuals to fill the above position.

(Aged: 28 – 40 years)

Requirements
- HND or Bsc in Social Sciences or any related discipline from a recognized tertiary institution
- MBA or other professional qualification will be an added advantage
- Proven track record in the management of inventory in FMCG
- Must be computer literate
- Minimum of 3 – 7 years cognate experience in similar position

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV and application letters within one week after this publication to myjob2011@rocketmail.com

Credit Control Officer - HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL CARE/DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

We are a reputable household and personal care/Distribution company based in Lagos. Due to ongoing business restructuring, re-positioning and expansion; we urgently require the services of highly motivated, proactive and innovative individuals to fill the above position.

(Aged: 28 – 35 years)

Requirements
- HND or Bsc in Accounting or any relevant discipline from a recognized tertiary institution
- MBA or other professional qualification will be an added advantage
- Good knowledge of Audit, treasury and working capital management in FMCG
- Must be computer literate
- Minimum of 3 – 5 years cognate experience in similar position

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV and application letters within one week after this publication to myjob2011@rocketmail.com

Confidential Secretary - HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL CARE/DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

We are a reputable household and personal care/Distribution company based in Lagos. Due to ongoing business restructuring, re-positioning and expansion; we urgently require the services of highly motivated, proactive and innovative individuals to fill the above position.

Requirements
- OND/HND or Bsc in Social Sciences or any related discipline from a recognized tertiary institution
- Ability to manage mail and correspondences
- Must be computer literate with good oral and written English
- Minimum of 2 – 4 years cognate experience In similar position

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV and application letters within one week after this publication to myjob2011@rocketmail.com

Drivers - HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL CARE/DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

Workshop Manager

Our client:
Adexen Recruitment Agency is mandated by a leading international Oil & Gas servicing firm, which provides services to major E&P’s in Nigeria to look for an experienced Workshop Manager for their operations.

Job description:
The Workshop Manager is responsible for coordination with the field organization, delivering high quality service to clients, ensuring quality and efficiency of the workshop processes within their location(s) as per standards; plans all equipment and tool maintenance, training & coaching of staff and control of materials and supply. He/She is ultimately responsible for the workshop performance at the Location level.
The position is offshore and the person will oversee and also give key focus on QA/QC and HSE rules.

The Workshop Manager reports directly to the Facility & Maintenance Manager.

Responsibilities:
* Ensures that client requests are fulfilled in a timely, safe and efficient manner, by conforming to both Company's service quality standards and the customer specifications.
* Assist in the planning of operations with the Engineers/Technicians to ensure high quality service with the best economical and technical efficiency.
* Ensures that all tool and equipment maintenance is performed in a timely manner and status tracking controls are kept updated in the maintenance management system
* Ensures that the principles of maintenance management system (including asset tracking, reconciliation) are systematically applied and controlled on all tools and equipment assigned to the location.
* Actively participate in failure analysis and follow-up on closure to ensure non-recurrence of failures to drive a program of continuous improvement.
* Ensures that equipment Quality Files are maintained valid for the asset as per company process and/or Client / contract requirements
* Sets and monitors min/max levels for spares and consumables according to location current and future activity load.

Qualifications et experience:
- A Bsc. of HND in Mechanical Engineering or an related engineering course
- A minimum 10 years experience in similar responsibilities (in the oil field environment) managing offshore projects.
- Minimum 5 years offshore installation and production experience
- High level of organization, planning, leadership and team leading skills
- Professional certification in HSE/QHSE (NEBOSH) is an added advantage
- People communication skills for both client and employee relationship
- Must have good team training, development and coaching skills
- Technical expertise
- Must be very creative, proactive and can think outside the box
- Ability to pay attention to details
- What is on offer
- Financial package matching international Market standards
- Local Staff contract and Standard company advantages

If your experience, personal characteristics and qualifications meet the position specifications and your personal objectives are to seek such a challenge, then we would like to hear from you with details of your current earnings, up to date CV and explanation as to why your achievements to date fit you for consideration.

To apply:
www.adexen.com/en/offer_NGA0572_workshop-manager.html

Finance Manager

Our client:
Adexen Recruitment Agency is mandated by an international industrial company, looking for a Finance Manager for its activities in Nigeria

Job description:
The finance Director is responsible for the formulation of financial strategies and the coordination of plans, budgets and initiatives so that Group business objectives are met, and to lead the development of Corporate Governance policies and compliance. He will also be responsible for efficient management of the accounting, reporting, treasury, insurance, taxation, information technology and systems and internal control functions for the Company.

The Financial Director will report to the Managing Director

The Financial Director is a member of the Board and of the executive Committee.

The position is based in Lagos - Nigeria

Responsibilities:
Board member role
* Active member of the Board of Directors responsible for formulation of strategy and policies that direct the affairs of the company
* Act as a nominee of Management and the Board of Directors on the Company’s Corporate Audit Committee and help with the process for the review of the financial position of the Company.
* Act as a nominee of Management and the Board of Directors responsible for all finance and Information Technology related presentations

Finance and Accounting
* Provide and/or oversee the global administration of the company‘s financial activities.
* Participate actively in the strategic planning process of the business and initiate and control the process for the preparation of budgets forecast.
* Responsible for budget and plans realization, update and follow-ups
* Ensure the accuracy, completeness, integrity and reliability of all financial information and meeting the deadlines.
* Developing and implementing financial business system. Acts in the role of Mega Process Owner for Key financial system.
* Coordinate group planning process and issue of budget guidelines
* Track profit and cash flow performance
* Create Best Practice network
* Select, recruit, train and retain skilled and competent staff with focus on strong succession planning

For more information on the position and to apply, visit link:
www.adexen.com/en/offer_NGA0573_finance-manager.html

Head Commercial Analysis
Our client:
Adexen Recruitment Agency is mandated by a leading FMCG Group.
The Group is looking for a Head Commercial Analysis.

Job description:
* Overall finance responsible for the Commercial SBU.
* Ensure that all required financial leadership and support is provided to the MD and the team and that the financial returns are optimized.
* Act as the financial interface between the SBU and the respective group finance teams. Ensure that the financial interests of the company is safe-guarded.

The position is based in Lagos.

Responsibilities:
* Provide all required financial support to the SBU in terms of financial leadership and guidance. Ensure that the financial targets are met
* Ensure financial evaluations for all NPD and investment proposals are prepared. Ensure that these are fully analyzed with the financial impact clarified and returns optimized
* Provide all required financial analysis for promotional and marketing initiatives and seek to optimize the financial returns of the same
* Pro-actively seek ways to further drive the profitability of the SBU via identifying opportunities
* Have an overall understanding of the costing process and ensure that the standard costs for current and new products reflect the true picture and that any changes are pro-actively reconciled and communicated
* Ensure that the monthly and yearly profit performance is tracked and that the status is explained to the management team on a continuous basis.
* Ensure that proper spending controls are in place and that the category is aware of the actual spends vs latest commitments
* Manage the financial month end closing for the SBU and ensure that the results are accurate and clearly understood.
* Ensure that the monthly financial results reflect the true picture without any need for later “prior period adjustments”
* Co-ordinate the 5 year plan, budget and profit forecasts for the SBU
* Act as an interface between the category and the Nigeria group finance functions
* Coach and develop the team member of the Commercial SBU finance team. Bring best practices and ensure the continuous development of the team.

Qualifications et experience:
* Must hold recognized Accountancy/Finance Qualification
* Must have a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in senior financial management role, of which at least the last 3 years must be in a similar role.
* Excellent Interpersonal Skills when interfacing with other members of Senior Management
* Excellent command in English with first class oral and written communication skills

Attractive Package
If your experience, personal characteristics and qualifications meet the position specifications and your personal objectives are to seek such a challenge, then we would like to hear from you with details of your current earnings, up to date CV and explanation as to why your achievements to date fit you for consideration.

To apply:
www.adexen.com/en/offer_NGA0480_head-commercial-analysis.html

General Manager, Accounting

Our client:
Adexen Recruitment Agency is mandated by a leading international FMCG Group.
The Group is looking for a top notch General Manager, Accounting.

Job description:
The GM Accounting will be responsible for ensuring that the accounts of the company in Nigeria and all underlying divisions and legal entities are accurate at all times, comply with all applicable internal and external accounting standards / regulatory requirements, and give a true and fair picture of the financial situation; also to manage all internal / external financial reporting and accounting, to ensure that the accounts are in line with all applicable internal and external guidelines and properly reconciled. Manage overall tax function and also ensure people development and succession planning within the accounting function.

He will be responsible for managing the following units:
* Financial Reporting
* Accounts Receivable / Collections
* Account Payable
* Costing and stock control
* Capex and Tax
* Payroll

He will report to the Chief Finance Officer - Nigeria.

The position is based in Lagos.

Responsibilities:
* All management and external reporting of Actuals for all Nigeria legal multiples entities – P&L, balance Sheet and Cash Flow – and management of submissions to internal, group and external parties as appropriate
* Maintenance of chart of accounts and reporting framework in line with External, Group, and Nigeria policies as appropriate. Ensure the integrity of underlying general ledger (MFG/{Pro)
* Integrity and accuracy of the balance sheet – ensuring appropriate reconciliations and controls in place (reconciliation will be performed by relevant finance functions)
* Management of inventory control
* Management of accounts payable ledgers
* Management fixed assets register and capitalisation
* Management of external audits and required reporting to NSE, SEC and tax authorities etc as required.
* Preparation of the Annual Report to the Nigerian Stock Exchange
* Introduce and ensure the implementation of modern finance software that performs financial calculations etc
* Prepare timely (monthly, half yearly, annual) management financial information reports
* Liaise with and provide information to external auditors
* Conduct stock and accounting queries
* Oversee the maintenance of the capital allowance schedule
* Oversee the financial monitoring of capital projects
* Oversee the monitoring of the CAPEX database

Qualifications et experience:
* Chartered Accountant of over 10 years with an MBA, or Masters degree in any Finance related Course
* Min 15 years experience in Accounting and 5 years in a similar management role in a multinational FMCG environment
* Sound knowledge of SAP or any Accounting ERP
* Experience in streamlining automated processes
* Sound knowledge of Financial Reporting, Accounts Receivable, Account Payable, Costing / stock control, Capex and Tax, Payroll
* Sound knowledge of Accounting techniques and processes
* Interpersonal skills
* Good communication skills - Oral & Written
* Good organisational and planning skills
* Result-oriented
* Rigorous and in a continuous personal & professional improvement process

Attractive package:
If your experience, personal characteristics and qualifications meet the position specifications and your personal objectives are to seek such a challenge, then we would like to hear from you with details of your current earnings, up to date CV and explanation as to why your achievements to date fit you for consideration.

To apply:
www.adexen.com/en/offer_NGA0511_general-manager-accounting.html

We have vacancies for the following positions for our clients:

1. Position: FOOD TECHNOLOGISTSB.SC/HND in Food Technology plus a minimum of 5 years experience in food processing.
SALARY; FROM N960,000.00 P.A

2. Position: ACCOUNTANTS
B.SC/HND in Accounting PLUS at Least 7 Years accounting/audit experience.
Must have passed P.E1 stage of ICAN exams.
Must be conversant with PEACHTREE ACCOUNTING PACKAGES
SALARY: FROM N1,200,000.00 P.A

3. Position: INTERNAL AUDITORS
B.SC/HND in Accounting Plus a MINIMUM of 3 Years Audit Experience
Must be conversant with PEACHTREE ACCOUNTING PACKAGE.
SALARY: FROM N600,000.00 P.A

4. Position: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
   B.SC/HND in Accounting plus a minimum of 5 years accounting or audit experience.
   Must be conversant with PEACHTREE OR QUICKBOOKS ACCOUNTING PACKAGES.
   SALARY: N720,000.00 P.A

              CVs should be sent to: ashtonconsulting1970@yahoo.com

                    Using The Relevant Position As Subject and state source from Patrick

Sales & Marketing Executive (IT)

Job Title: Sales & Marketing Executive
Job Category: Information Technology (Sales & Marketing)
Job Location: Lagos State
Job description:
Reporting to the Sales Manager, the position is responsible for carrying out direct marketing and sales activities, to maintain and develop sales of IT services (mainly support, maintenance, installation, implementation and project management) in accordance with agreed business plans.
Responsibilities:
• Meet agreed sales targets
• Maintain a computerized customer and prospect database
• Plan and carry out direct marketing activities (principally through direct mail/email)
• Develop ideas and create offers for marketing to prospects and existing customers
• Respond to and follow up sales enquiries by email, post, telephone, and personal visits
• Maintain and develop existing and new customers through planned individual account support, and liaison with internal technical operations staff
• Report on marketing and sales activities to provide relevant management information
• Carry out market research, competitor and customer surveys
• Liaise and attend meetings with other employees as necessary to aid business development
• Attend training and develop relevant knowledge and skills.
Skills and Attributes:
• Very good written and oral communications skills
• Ability to create impressive sales proposals
• Ability to create and deliver excellent sales presentations
• Result-oriented
• Aggressive in achieving targets
• Must be comfortable dealing with business owners and management
• Knowledge of the IT industry
• Committed team-player
• Experienced negotiator
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (especially PowerPoint, Word & Excel) is required
• Familiarity with Microsoft Desktop Operating Systems (Windows XP Pro, Vista & 7) and Server products (2003, 2008, Small Business Server 2008, Exchange and SharePoint) will be an advantage.
Education/Qualifications:
• OND/HND/BSc/BA (Business Administration, Marketing, Computer Science or related disciplines preferred)
• Professional certifications and membership of professional bodies in Sales & Marketing and/or in IT will be an advantage.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a similar role
Language requirements: English - very good
Remuneration: Basic salary plus commission on sales.
To apply, please send your CV by email, to itsalesexecutive@gmail.com on or before April 30 2011.

Sports Headlines (19/4/12011)

2011-04-19T23:17:00.001-07:00

Olubayo Adefemi dies in car crash !

Tragedy befell Nigerian football on Monday when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that Super Eagles’ youthful defender, Olubayo Adefemi had died in a car crash in Greece.

The 25-year old right back, who could also play as a midfielder, died when he lost control of the car he was driving on the road from his base, Xanthi to Thessaloniki, where he was to board a flight to Nigeria to finalize plans for his wedding programme.

His manager, Miguel Riera, who spoke to the NFF hierarchy on phone from Xanthi on Monday morning, said the accident occurred at about 7am Nigeria time as Olubayo attempted to make good use of the one-week break granted by his Greek top club, Xanthi Skoda to travel to Nigeria to finalize his marriage plans.

“This is very sad. I am very sad to confirm to you that Olubayo is dead. There is no doubt about it. I am presently at the hospital and I have identified the body. The autopsy will be out in a few hours, but there is no doubt that he has died”, said Miguel Riera.

The cool-headed defender was one of the so-called ‘Siasia boys’, showing remarkable consistency all the way from being a key member of the Nigeria U-20 side that won the FIFA World Cup silver in The Netherlands in 2005 and playing regularly with the U-23 side that reached the final of the 2008 Olympics Men’s Football Tournament in China. He even scored one of the goals in the semi final defeat of Belgium.

Hard tackling, always fully on the alert and fearless, Adefemi made the logical move to the senior team in 2009 and was a member of the squad that qualified Nigeria for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. But he missed the cut for the 2010 African Cup of Nations and was also overlooked for the World Cup finals.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, in South Africa for the 17th African Youth Championship in which Nigeria defeated world champions Ghana 2-1 on Monday, was weighed down by sorrow.

“This is devastating. I was just leaving the stadium after our U-20 team’s victory over Ghana when the Acting General Secretary (Barrister Musa Amadu) called me on phone. Why? Such a young and dedicated player? Why now? Oh, I can’t say more”, said Maigari.

The secretariat of Nigeria Football Federation was also thrown into mourning as Management and Staff tried to come to terms with the demise of the promising, effervescent and energetic player.

“We are in grief, total grief. This has come on a day that we should be celebrating the Flying Eagles’ defeat of the world champions at the African Youth Championship. But at this stage, we can only pray for a repose of his soul and that God should grant the family he has left behind and Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the huge loss”, said NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu.

Amadu added that the NFF would stay in contact with the club and the family of late Adefemi on his body’s journey back to Nigeria and the Federation’s involvement in the burial rites.

Olubayo Adefemi was born on 13th August, 1985 and was invited by Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Samson Siasia for the team’s last 2012 Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia and the international friendly against Kenya, both at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Arsenal's Fall from Grace Could Hit Rock Bottom at Spurs.

Four draws in five league games, three of them at the Emirates, have left Arsenal's title hopes hanging by a thread and they face another tough hurdle on Wednesday when they visit neighbours Tottenham Hotspur, reports Reuters.

Arsenal's decline has been stark in the last two months and defeat at White Hart Lane would be the final nail in their Premier League coffin.

It all started to go wrong when they were beaten by Birmingham City in the League Cup final on February 27 - though throwing away a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4 at Newcastle United earlier in the month was also something of a psychological hammer blow.

They were then knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United and the Champions League by Barcelona.

In the league they drew 0-0 at home with Sunderland, 2-2 at West Bromwich Albion, 0-0 at home with Blackburn and, after beating Blackpool, suffered the heartache of gifting Liverpool a 1-1 Emirates draw after 11 minutes of stoppage time.

That result on Sunday left them six points behind leaders Manchester United and only two ahead of Chelsea, who beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 away on Saturday to restore their hopes of a top-two finish with six games to go.

With Manchester City seven points adrift of Arsenal in fourth, Arsene Wenger's side look unlikely to miss out on a top-three finish but their trophy drought looks set to go into a seventh year.

They still have to play United at the Emirates and Alex Ferguson's team also have to play Chelsea so everything is far from settled but Wenger has a real job on his hands to slam the brakes on the decline, starting on Wednesday where Tottenham and their fans would be delighted to ensure it does not happen.

Wenger has ranted and raved at everyone and everything except himself and his players during the lean streak but would be better employed addressing his team's problems - not least their lack of a strong leader on the pitch and their declining ability to make and take chances.

The extraordinary finale to Sunday's game diverted attention from the fact that Arsenal had again looked relatively toothless in attack. However, Wenger criticised Liverpool for their defensive approach.

"We are maybe jaded a bit physically, you could see that some players have played around 40-45 games and we lacked a bit of a change of pace," Wenger said.

"We will have to give everything until the last game of the season and see if it is our year or not."

By the time Arsenal run out for what will be another formidable test at White Hart Lane they could be nine points adrift if United triumph at Newcastle on Tuesday.

Chelseaare also in action on Wednesday, at home to Birmingham City.

Bale eyes Champions League after PFA award

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale insists he will not rest on his laurels after receiving the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award.

The 21-year-old was voted as the country's best player this season by his peers after a string of superb performances for Spurs in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League.

Bale was shortlisted alongside six others for the evening's top award, with Samir Nasri of Arsenal second in the ballot and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez finishing third.

The latter got the vote of Bale, who is now keen to focus on building on yesterday's success and wants to improve further.

"I want to reach as high as I can really," he said. "Obviously, it is a massive honour to even be on the list on that trophy and only the fourth from Tottenham.

"It is massive and I want to try and build on this now and hopefully get better and better.

"I think I've still got a lot to improve on," he continued.

"I am still only 21 and I still have a lot to learn, a lot to take on board.

"I think if I keep working hard in training and games, which I am going to do, then hopefully I can keep improving and getting better."

The award marks an incredible turnaround in fortunes for Bale, having struggled with form and injuries after his big-money move from Southampton in 2007.

The winger admitted his rapid change in fortunes has been a bit of a surprise but insisted it is evidence of what hard work and belief can do.

"I have always believed in myself that I was capable and it has happened in such a short space of time, which is a bit strange," he added.

Dani Alves urges Guardiola to stay.

Barcelona defender Dani Alves said on Monday he hopes Pep Guardiola will stay on as coach of the Spanish champions after his contract with the club expires at the end of next season.

Guardiola, 40, hinted he may leave the club in an interview with Italian television channel Rai this month, saying: "I think my time is ending here in Barcelona."

"Next year will be my fourth consecutive as Barca coach. A club like this must have a lot of courage to keep a coach for all this time because players tire of coaches and vice versa," he added.

But in an interview published on Monday in daily newspaper El Mundo, Alves said he and the rest of the squad want him to stay on.

"We follow him with our eyes shut. He is very intelligent, he always knows what he is doing. To not follow Guardiola would be foolish. Since we are not foolish we will follow him until he gets tired of us," he said.

"Everyone has their cycle and one day his will come to an end. We hope his cycle will last for a very long time because we can't imagine Barca without Guardiola," the 27-year-old Brazilian international added.

Guardiola, who spent most of his playing career at Barcelona, coached Barcelona's B team before taking control of the first-team squad in June 2008 from Dutchman Frank Rijkaard.

The former Spanish international midfielder has won eight trophies, including successive La Liga titles and the 2009 Champions League, since taking over Barcelona's senior team.

Barcelona held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, leaving them eight points ahead and well placed to clinch their second straight league title.

The two sides will meet again on Wednesday in the King's Cup final at Valencia's Mestalla stadium, with Real coach Jose Mourinho aiming to win his first trophy with the club.

Barcelona and Real will also face off twice in the Champions League semifinals, with the first leg at the Bernabeu on April 27 and the return leg on May 3 at Camp Nou.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles defeat Ghana.

Nigeria's U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, got their campaign at the 2011 Africa Youth Championships (AYC) off to a winning start as they defeated the reigning world and African champions, the Black Satellites of Ghana, by 2-1.

Two strikes from Enugu Rangers forward, Uche Nwofor, ensured Nigeria's first victory over Ghana. The Black Satellites had recorded a hat trick of wins in the previous meetings between both teams at the AYC.

The Flying Eagles started the stronger of the two teams, with star attacker Ahmed Musa, who only joined the team on Sunday evening from Holland, posing so much threat to the Ghanaian defence.

After much incursion into the Ghanaian deeper half, the Flying Eagles deservedly took the lead in the 17th minute, taking advantage of poor defending by their opponents.

A cross from the right flank was flicked-on by Abdul Ajagun to Uche Nwofor who fired the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper James Achampong to make it 1-0.

The goal seemed to spur the Black Satellites into action as they got back on level terms in the 32nd minute. Right-back Richmond Nketiah crossed to the near post from a corner kick which Kwame Nsor scored with a header.

With the first half ending even, both teams resumed for the second half seeking another goal that would guarantee the three points in the testy opening encounter.

Both teams had their chances to change the scoreline in the second half but it wasn't until the 82nd minute that the deadlock was broken.

Winning goal

Nwofor again found himself in space on the right flank and looked to be lining up a cross; the ball bobbled up off the pitch, causing the attacker to mis-time his kick, while the ball looped over a helpless Achampong and found its way to the back of the Ghanaian net.

At the end of the game the happier of the coaches, expectedly, was John Obuh who was thrilled by the important opening day win over Ghana. "I am happy to have won the opening game, especially against a strong team like Ghana. We have done well. Congratulations to my boys, and thank God," declared Obuh.

Ghana coach, Orlando Wellington, said he is still optimistic that his side would cruise through the group phase with six points in their next two matches to grab one of the two slots for the semi-finals, and also for the World Cup in Columbia. "My team lost because of tactical indiscipline on the part of my players. We will go home and fix the problem so that we can win the next two games and qualify for the next round.

Nigeria, now atop Group B, will be meeting the Young Lions of Cameroon on Thursday, April 21. The Young Lions had defeated Gambia 1-0. Ghana will be meeting Gambia on the same day.