Pirates abduct four policemen, six others in Bayelsa

There was tension along Bayelsa waterways on Saturday after pirates in separate incidents kidnapped four policemen and six other persons in Nembe waters, Nembe Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the gunmen also seized a gunboat belonging to the Nigeria Police in an incident that occurred at about 1.30pm on Friday.

The gunboat was said to be escorting a barge owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) when it came under attack.

The hoodlums, who operated on a speedboat, reportedly laid ambush for the gunboat and opened fire on the policemen.

They were said to have overpowered the police and later took control of the gunboat.

It was learnt that the incident which occurred along Santa Barbara and Nembe waterways caused panic among travelers.

It was said to have delayed the movement of persons traveling to Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, for the funeral of former Governor Tmipre Sylva’s uncle.

Most of the guests for the burial were said to have waited at Ogbia jetty till after the gunmen finished their operation.

A security source who pleaded anonymity said the hoodlums were not interested in the Agip barge and its occupants.

He, however, said three policemen and the gunboat operator were kidnapped after the gunmen hijacked the boat.

He said: “Policemen escorting Agip barge were attacked on Friday. The gunboat and the policemen were all taken away. The policemen were three including the driver of the boat making them four.

“The barge and its occupants escaped because the gunboat was the target of the pirates. This incident happened along Santa Barbara and Nembe route at about 1.30pm. The pirates were after the gunboat and the police arms.”

In a separate incident, the source confirmed that six persons working for a company identified as Icon Xearex were abducted at Oluasiri in Nembe.

He sad the pirates attacked a boat owned by the company in the early hours of Friday and took the workers away.

According to him, the company is suspected to be an oil-servicing firm.

“There was another incident at Oluasiri. As a matter of fact six persons were kidnapped. They were in a boat called Icon Xeareax.

“Six persons were abducted from the boat belonging to that company. The company is suspected to be an oil-servicing company”, he said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said he was in Abuja for a programme.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, who sent a message to our correspondent said he was at meeting.

Boko Haram Spokeperson: Chibok Girls May Soon Regain Freedom

The purported Secretary General of terrorist Boko Haram sect, Danladi Ahmadu, who represented the group and negotiated the recent ceasefire agreement with the Nigerian government, has affirmed that the abducted Chibok schoolgirls would be released soon to Chadian President, Idriss Derby, for onward presentation to the Nigerian government.

Ahmadu, who spoke on the Hausa Service of the Voice of America on Friday, also stated that the ceasefire agreement with the federal government was still valid.

In a swift reaction to the promise of freedom for the Chibok schoolgirls, the Principal Private Secretary to the President, Ambassador Hassan Tukur, who has been leading the federal government team for negotiation, simply said: “We will keep our fingers crossed”.

About 219 schoolgirls are still missing after the terrorists invaded Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State in April and abducted over 270 girls.

Many had been worried when some members of the sect attacked villages in Borno and Adamawa states, less than 24 hours after the said ceasefire was announced.

But Ahmadu disclosed that the final meeting between the group and the federal government to finally seal the ceasefire agreement had been scheduled for next Monday in Ndjamena, Chad, and to be supervised by the Chadian leader.

He added that an enlarged meeting of the group had been fixed for the weekend to prepare ground for the Monday meeting with the federal government and affirmed that the final ceasefire and the release of the Chibok schoolgirls were promises that would be fulfilled by the group.
Ahmadu also disclosed to VOA that the group and the federal government were in close consultations over arrangements for the Monday meeting in Chad.

Commenting on the latest kidnap of over 40 women and girls in the border villages between Adamawa and Borno states, the Secretary General maintained that as far as Boko Haram was concerned, it is not aware of the latest kidnap and attacks.

He added that the group was investigating the latest kidnap and attacks to determine the involvement of its members, admitting that many anti-social groups have infiltrated Boko Haram.

Danladi Ahmadu stated that political thugs, armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins and other anti-social groups now parade themselves as members of the sect, but was quick to add that if the ceasefire agreement is sealed, all the groups would fizzle out.

No fewer than 50 women and girls were abducted by suspected Boko Haram members from Gartu in Michika, Adamawa State and Waga Mongoro, a border village between Madagali in Adamawa State and Gwoza in Borno State after a ceasefire agreement with the insurgents was announced by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh.

The terrorist sect allegedly signed the ceasefire agreement with the federal government in Saudi Arabia on October 17.

The ceasefire agreement was announced by Badeh at the end of a two-day Coordinating Conference on Cameroon-Nigeria Trans-Border Military Operations at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Headquarters in Abuja.

A presidency source said consistent losses suffered by the terrorist group and the renewed determination of the military to wipe them out forced the sect to sign the ceasefire deal.
The Boko Haram terrorists have been causing havoc in the North-east through a wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions while fighting to “overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.”

Badeh said that the ceasefire agreement with the terrorists would not affect the accord reached with Cameroon for joint security border operations.

He further directed all the service chiefs to comply with the new ceasefire agreement.

THISDAY

Van Gaal: I want Man Utd to play like Mourinho’s Chelsea

The Dutchman had the Blues boss on his coaching staff at Barcelona and revealed he put him in charge of cup matches at Camp Nou in recognition of his talent

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two sides, stating he would like his team to play like his former protege’s.

Mourinho worked as a coach under Van Gaal at Barcelona in the 1990s, and had earlier thanked the Dutchman for his help in the early days of his career.

But Van Gaal says he had already recognised the potential of the Portuguese, which is why he gave him the responsibility of taking charge of Catalunya Cup matches.

“It is not such a great tactical battle because his team plays how I want to play with my team, so I don’t think there are secrets any more,” Van Gaal told a press conference on Friday.

“He has said that [he learned a lot at Barcelona] and it’s remarkable because not many people talk about that.

“He says it not only about Louis van Gaal but Bobby Robson. I appreciate it but you always do it by yourself.

“I was also an assistant coach and my eyes were also opened and it’s good that his eyes were open when he was my assistant, but you do it by yourself.

“I know Jose already has talent because I let him do cup matches instead of my other coaches. He’s a wonderful coach and to see him as a coach winning trophies in other countries is fantastic.”

When asked what had impressed him most about Mourinho, Van Gaal replied: “That you can never imagine that he is a very modest and emotional human being – and I like that.

“But it’s a surprise, no? He’s one of the best coaches in the world.”

GOAL

Why I quit Jonathan’s govt –Dagogo Jack

The immediate-past chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Engr. Reynolds Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack, has said that he resigned his appointment as the chairman of the presidential task force on power to heed the clarion call of the people of Rivers State.

Dagogo-Jack spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt at a rally organised by his friends and supporters as part of their solidarity to support his governorship aspiration under the banner of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing the crowd of supporters, Dagogo-Jack said Rivers people are at a very crucial cross road in defining the future direction of the state, adding that the past decade has been mostly wasted in playing politics without structured development and social welfare.

He said he resigned his appointment because of genuine solidarity visit from different social and geopolitical groups in the state, which he said means a lot to him.

“Our state is one of the three most blessed economies in Nigeria, with deep seaports, huge untapped tourism potentials, massive wasting gas reserves, arable wet lands best suited for commercial agriculture, geographically well-positioned to serve the market needs of other states.

“Rivers people have shown a lot of genuine solidarity, asking me to run. This confirms that they desire my stewardship, that they have faith in me. It gives me the strength to carry on, knowing that they will stand by me all the way.”

NATION

Cash-for-arms deal: South Africa returns $15m to Nigeria

There are indications that  Nigeria and South Africa have resolved their differences over the cash-for-arm deal that went awry.

An online medium, Cable News, yesterday quoted   South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Lulu Louis Mnguni, as saying that the money had been returned to the Nigerian government.

South African authorities had on September 5 seized $9.3 million cash belonging to the Nigerian government and another  $5.7 million about two weeks later on the ground that the transfer process was against South African financial law.

But  Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, insisted that the transactions were legal.

The issue almost caused a major dispute between both countries as Nigeria moved to sanction South African companies operating in the country.

Indications however emerged that the South African government was willing to return the money after some diplomatic moves early this month.

Confirming the return of the money, Mnguni said: “South Africa’s relations with Nigeria comes a long way. So now, this actually will make us much more closer, to see how we can close some of these gaps that result in such accidents.”

While also reacting to the Synagogue building collapse and its effect on the relationship between the two countries, Mniguni said both countries  had come a long way and the collapse could only make them closer and stronger.

The South African ambassador added that the seizure of the funds by South African government was in no way related to the Synagogue collapse.

“South Africa’s relations with Nigeria is priceless, it cannot be sold for $15m,”

“These are two separate incidents, and of course, the issue of money has already been sorted out. Nigeria has been given the money.”

NATION

Tension as Lagos doctors demand unpaid salaries

Medical doctors under the aegis of Medical Guild, Lagos State chapter, yesterday urged the state government to pay their withheld salaries.

Its Lagos State Chairman, Dr Biyi Kufo said the salaries in question were withheld because they were involved in a nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Medical Association, which is the parent body for all doctors associations in the country.

Kufo, who spoke to journalists in Lagos, said: “The state government should pay doctors’ salaries for three days it joined the Nigerian Medical Association’s declared national strike between April and May in 2012. Also, the salaries of doctors for August were withheld because of another nationwide strike which was held from July 1 to August 25. This is despite sending necessary letters to notify the government concerning the commencement of strike,” he said.

He alleged that the state government was out to victimise doctors, stressing that it was only doctors in Lagos State that was not paid salaries for the period of strike.

“All 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja received their salaries. When we complained to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, he directed us to the state Health Service Commission (HSC), which employed us,” he noted.

Besides, state government cited a “no work, no pay” policy for its action but this rule was applicable to doctors alone, as other professionals were never made to suffer similar fate.

He said efforts by the association to resolve the matter did not yield any result. “We sent letter to the governor and meetings were held with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris but the matter still persists. A delegation of medical elders, led by Prof Michael Bankole of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) was pointless,” he said.

Vice chairman, Medical Guild, Dr Salau Oseni said there is more to the issue than meets the eyes because it appeared the government hated doctors, as such wanted to victimise them.

“The military implemented “no work, no pay” but never did anybody suffer such. But under a democratic setting, this is happening,” he said.

Oseni said other professionals go on strike without being sacked, adding that a different fate awaits doctors as “they are either sacked or threatened with sack.”

NATION

Sudanese Ambassador dies in Abuja

ABUJA – The Ambassador of Sudan to Nigeria, Dr Tagelsir Ali, died in Abuja yesterday.

According to the Media Advisor to the embassy, Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman, Ali, 66, died at about 1 am yesterday at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Ali, who was posted to Nigeria in February, 2012, the advisor said, was down with malaria.

He said: “He had malaria, there were some complications and he passed away around 1 am early this morning.

“There is a presidential jet coming by 5 pm (yesterday) to take the remains to Sudan for burial. He was 66 years old.

“He loved working in Nigeria and had zeal to develop the bilateral relationship between Sudan and Nigeria and was able to stretch himself very well.”

When contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, said the ministry was aware of the ambassador’s death.

NATION

GOV DICKSON SWEARS IN NEW POLITICAL ADVISER, WARNS AGAINST POLITICAL INSTABILITY

YENAGOA – As political activities gather momentum across the Country, Governor Seriake Dickson on Friday admonished politicians to be cautious in pursuing their ambitions, since political instability is capable of stagnating economic growth.

He gave the advice at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Fyneman Wilson at Government House, Yenagoa.

According to Governor Dickson, “one cannot fathom the cost of political instability, as some sacred institutions have now been violated and desecrated.

“Some institutions have closed down; some cannot function, brothers can’t talk to brothers, friends have turned against friends. This is one thing we have avoided in the restoration government.

“So in this government, not only are we building roads, bridges, hospitals and schools; not only have we ensured safety and security of our people, but we have also unfolded a comprehensive programme of reconciliation and consensus building such that, all our people no matter the differences, are together and we want to keep it so.”

Charging the new Special Adviser to facilitate the process of consensus building towards promoting peace and stability in the state, Governor Dickson said, in view of Chief Wilson’s antecedents as a one time assembly member in the old Rivers State, commissioner and Director General in the Green Movement, he should bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment to achieve success for the party and the state.

The appointment of Hon. Wilson was necessitated, following the resignation of Chief Fred Agbedi to enable him to pursue his political career. In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn in Special Adviser, Hon. Fyneman Wilson, commended the
governor for giving him the opportunity to serve the state, noting that, he would do his best to re-position the political situation, especially now that, the nation is warming up for the conduct of the 2015 general elections.

Hon. Wilson, who had served in various capacities in the past, said he would work hand in hand with the
leadership of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) at ensuring the success of President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson in the 2015 and 2016 elections respectively.

Calling on the members of the party to put aside their differences, Hon. Wilson enjoined politicians to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, adding that, this is the only way to promote unity among party faithfuls.

SAYELBA