News: Jamb 2013 E-Registration is out !!!

We do hope you will find this site friendly enough to register for the forthcoming examination with ease. Please endeavor to study the Instructions  carefully before filling the form. You may decide to download the UTME Registration Template  and fill before filling the form online. Please keep your Card and Receipt properly and always Logout before quitting the system. All Enquiries should be sent ONLY to  UTME2013.info@jamb.gov.ng or  call 08072522813, 07031283713, 07031283662.
 
The Joint Admissions & Matriculation Board, Jamb has begun e-registration for the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

This has been confirmed via Jamb's official Website and Registration Portal for  2013 is www.jamb.org.ng/Unifiedtme2013/

With the above website link now active, Jamb is now set to launch the purchase of their registration scratch cards at approved selling outlets nationwide.

However we advise candidates to register on the site anytime from now

News: Policeman Loses Four Children In A Fire Incident In Gusau, Zamfara

A police corporal, Jeremiah Yusuf, lost four children in a fire incident  at  Tudun-wada Quarters of Gusau, Zamfara, on Wednesday.
Yusuf said a neighbour’s house where he was receiving sympathisers, that “I watched all my children burn helplessly before me and I could not do anything to save them.”
Yusuf explained that he became aware of the incident at about 1am when his sister-in-law, rushed into his bedroom shouting that the four-bedroom house was on fire.
“When I woke up I noticed that even the mattress that I was lying on had also caught fire and that was when I thought of my children, who were all sleeping in the same room,’’ he said.
The bereaved corporal said that before he could do anything the ceiling had caved in and killed them.
He said that his wife had travelled to Benue with his last son, adding that she been informed of the incident.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Hassan Atto, urged Yusuf during a condolence visit to consider the tragedy as an act of God.
Atto promised that the State Government would assist him to cushion the effects of the loss.
The SSG said the government would reposition the Fire Service to meet eventualities, especially “as we enter into harmattan.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Usman Gwary, and the Divisional Police Officer of Tudun-wada Police Station, Abubakar Shika, had paid their condolence visits on the bereaved corporal

Job Vacancies: Nigerian Navy

About Nigerian Navy : Nigerian Navy is dated to 1914, when the northern and southern marine detachments were merged to form the Nigerian Marine Department

• NNBTS Batches 23 & 24 
• Online Registration Starts on the 29^th of October 2012 
• Closed on the 7^th of December 2012

1.		Candidates should possess any of the following educational and/Professional qualifications (see Guide to Candidates on Educational Requirements for Entry Category): a) West African School Certificate/Senior Secondary School Certificate. b) General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level. c) WAEC City and Guilds or London City and Guild. d) Ordinary National Diploma (OND). e) Any other educational qualification equivalent to those mentioned above. f) All candidates must produce their primary school leaving certificate. g) Candidates are to note that entry requirement into the following categories is SSCE or equivalent: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 C1, D1, D2, D4, D5, D6, E1, E2, E3, E4, F1, G, H. Any other additional qualifications in these categories can only serve as an added advantage for selection into the branch and not for advancement. See the guide for details.
2.		Any candidate possessing higher educational/professional qualification, i.e. HND, BA,/BSC etc other than those stated in paragraph 1 (a-g) should not apply. Candidates are therefore warned that it is an offence to declare false education/professional qualification. This attracts outright withdrawal or dismissal.
3.		Any certificate or qualification not declared or tendered and accepted during the recruitment exercise is not acceptable after recruitment and cannot be tendered for the purpose of change of branch or advancement while in the Naval service. Only qualifications obtained through proper service provisions are tenable after joining.
4.		Applicants must be between the age of 18 - 21 years at the time of entry into the Training school for school certificate holders, while age 24 years of age is the acceptable limit for those with higher qualifications e.g. Nurses, NCE etc.
5.		Applicants must not be married.
6.		Candidate is required to print out Parent/Guardian consent Form and Local Government attestation form.
7.		Applicants must be of Nigerian origin by birth.
8.		Candidates with any of the following problems are NOT to apply: short sight, ear problem, previous orthopedic operation, flat foot, below the required height, fracture, stammering, or any natural disability.
9.		Applicants must be free from any previous conviction by court of law on criminal charges.
10.		Applicants must come to the recruitment centres with the following documents. a) Photocopies of Birth Certificate or Age Declaration. b) Photocopies of Credentials. c) Duly completed identification form to be signed by Chairman or Secretary of the candidate's LGA or by an officer of the rank of Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) or Equivalent from candidate’s State of Origin. d) Duly completed Parent Consent form to be signed by Candidate's Parent or Guardian. e) Four passport photographs duly signed and stamped by (C) above f) Candidates are advised to bring the scratch cards of their NECO AND WAEC results to the recruitment centres.
11.		The completed application form is to be submitted online.
12.		Candidates will be required to produce original of all copies of credentials listed in paragraph 1 before recruitment.
13.		Any candidate suspected to have impersonated, forged or submitted false document(s) shall be disqualified from the recruitment exercise. Such candidate shall also be handed over to the police for prosecution.
14.		The period of recruitment is 4th of February 2013 to 10th of February 2013
15.		COMPUTER LITERACY IS AN ADDED ADVANTAGE FOR ALL CANDIDATES.
Support Lines:
Technical Support:		For Technical Support Please Call: 08104577415, 09-8704817, 09-8708475, 08078406568 or Email navy.support@swglobal.com available between 8:30am and 5:30pm
Application Support:		For Position / Course Requirement Enquires, Please Call Nigerian Navy on: 08104577415, 09-8704817, 09-8708475 , 08078406568

For more Information see : http://service.nigeriannavy.gov.ng/instruction.html

News: Two Chinese Nationals Killed By Gunmen In Borno

Gunmen in an unmarked Golf Volkswagen vehicle, yesterday, killed two Chinese nationals at a road site project in Benishiekh town in Borno State, just as two bomb blasts targeting soldiers rocked Mubi in Adamawa State, killing at least two civilians, according to the military.
The gunmen, who killed the Chinese nationals, also snatched their Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, at 10.45am. Benisheikh is 72 kilometres West of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and an epicenter of the Islamist sect.
According to an eyewitness and resident of Benishiekh, Yinus Abubakar, the gunmen came in two Golf Volkswagen vehicles in the morning and ambushed the Chinese engineers working on the Damaturu-Maiduguri dual carriageway and bridge.
He said: “We were shocked and terrified with the gunmen’s attacks and killings. We had to run into our houses, when we started hearing gunshots on the Damaturu road for 20 minutes, and fled towards Damaturu with the snatched vehicle of the engineers.”
Confirming the incident, yesterday, in a telephone chat in Maiduguri, Police Commissioner, Yuguda Abdullahi, said he heard that two foreign engineers working on the Damaturu-Maiduguri dual carriage way were attacked by unknown gunmen.
He said no arrest had been made, as investigations have commenced.
Meanwhile, in the Adamawa incident, residents said children were hurt in the blast at Kashuwar Sanu (cattle market) in the town of Mubi, which went off as a convoy of military vans drove through.
“There was an explosion that targeted a military patrol team, but the explosion missed the target.” as none of the patrol vans were affected but two civilians were killed,” said Brigadier-General John Nwaogu, the top Military Commander in the area.

News: New Bill On Kidnapping, Terrorism, Hostage-Taking etc. In Delta

DELTA State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a bill stipulating death sentence for kidnappers and terrorists.
The bill, known as “Law to Prohibit Terrorism, Kidnapping, Hostage-taking, Cultism, Use of Bombs and Explosives and Other Matters thereto”, was unanimously passed by the 28 members of the House after consideration in a committee of the whole, presided over by the speaker, Victor Ochei.
Under the new bill, a traditional ruler in the state in whose domain hostages are held to his knowledge will be deposed or his kingship withdrawn.
Also, a telecommunications company, which refuses to make available to security agencies, within 24 hours of request, information on the communication made by a suspected kidnapper or terrorist, will pay a fine of N20 million for every request not granted.
The Clerk of the House, will, in the next few days, dispatch the bill to the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is opposed to death penalty for such capital offences, for assent.
One of the lawmakers told Vanguard, yesterday: “I do not want to say that the governor will sign the bill or not. But suffice it to say that this is the second time the House is passing such a bill. He refused to sign the earlier one. If he does that again, we will invoke our veto power under the Constitution.”
Highlights of bill
Other highlights of the bill are that the governor, or his authorized representative, shall have power to sign an order authorizing the sealing up of premises used to harbor persons kidnapped or held hostage, with or without the demand of ransom.
The bill states that the sealing of the premises shall remain in place until a competent court decides on the forfeiture.
It is an offence under the Act, for a person, who, not being a member of the armed forces, unlawfully receives or has in his possession, bombs and other explosives with intent to cause harm. Such a person is liable, on conviction, to 14 years imprisonment. The same goes for those that manufacture the explosives.
It also forbids a person or group of persons from threatening the life of anybody through letters, phone calls or other electronic methods and gadgets, as any person found guilty is liable, upon conviction, to 14 years imprisonment.
Four person in authority who receives information on operations of kidnappers and terrorists and fails to take proper action, he is liable on conviction to three years imprisonment.
Community ruling organs, including executives of town, trust members and youth leaders in whose domain people are held hostage with their knowledge are also liable on conviction to be jailed for five years without option of fine.
Besides, those who aid and assist kidnappers to escape will be sentenced to 21 years imprisonment on conviction.

Sports: MANU To Reach The Champions League Knockout Stages

Manchester United became the third club to reach the Champions League knockout stages aft er coming from behind to beat Braga 3-1 and ensure they also top their group on Wednesday.
However, it was the side that beat them to being Britain’s first ever winner of the European Cup, Celtic, that stole the glory as they recorded a deserved 2-1 home win over four-time champions Barcelona just a day after the hosts celebrated their 125th birthday.
Another British winner of European club football’s premier competition – defending champions Chelsea – kept their hopes alive of avoiding the humiliation of becoming the first champions to go out at the group stage with a last gasp 3-2 home win over talented Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
However, while they top the group on goal difference from Shakhtar their fate probably hangs on their trip to Italian champions Juventus in a fortnight as their hosts are just a point behind them having demolished Nordsjaelland 4-0 in Turin.
The biggest winners of the night were last season’s beaten finalists Bayern Munich who humiliated hapless French side Lille 6-1 with Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro scoring a hat-trick in the first-half.
Bayern are battling it out on the same points as Valencia, who also enjoyed an easy night at home beating early pacesetters BATE Borisov 4-2. The Belarus side trail the top two by just three points but appear to have gone off the boil.
United were second best for most of their match with Braga but having resumed after a second-half power cut they scored three times in the last 10 minutes to give the scoreline a rather unfair look about it but still a place in the last 16.
That above all was a relief to Alex Ferguson and his players after they missed out on the knpockout stages last season.
“I think we were all disappointed (we didn’t progress from the group stage last year),” said veteran Ryan Giggs.
“It was not good enough and we knew we had to do something about it and we have. Long may it continue.”
Celtic had been unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Barcelona a fortnight ago having taken the lead but they did not make the same mistake on Wednesday more than holding their own after an early goal by the outstanding Victor Wanyama.
They sealed the points through a superbly-taken late second from 18-year-old Tony Watt – Lionel Messi grabbed a stoppage time consolation goal – prompting wild celebrations.
“I said when I took the job that I wanted to bring the thunder back to the club and I have never heard anything like that at the end of the match,” said manager Neil Lennon.
“This is simply unbelievable. The club has been the in doldrums. This is not the pinnacle, there is more to come from this team, but the progression is great. It gives us a great chance of qualifying.”
His Barcelona counterpart Tito Vilanova was gracious in defeat.
“Congratulations to Celtic and their fans. The credit is theirs,” Vilanova said.
“It was an amazing show. If we had scored first it would have been a more open match. We hit the post twice but their goalkeeper did very well.”
Chelsea showed terrific grit to seal their victory in the fourth minute of stoppage time through Victor Moses, his first goal in the competition, but their opponents deserved a share of the spoils.
“We’ve got a crucial three points. It was crucial for us to win this tough home game,” said Di Matteo.
“They are a very good side. Now it’s probably going to go down to the last kick of the last game in this group.”
Juventus will provide equally tough opposition for di Matteo’s side later in the month and the Italian side’s assistant coach Angelo Alessio admitted it would be crucial as to which of them progressed.
“We must beat Chelsea at home in the next game if we are to earn our place in the next round,” said Alessio.
“We wanted to go out there with the right degree of intensity and the lads got it right for this type of performance.”

News: Israel Is Expected In Ghana for rescued

A team from Israel is expected in Ghana on Thursday to help search for survivors or victims after the collapse of a six-storey mall, with three deaths confirmed and 51 people rescued alive so far.
Ghana’s presidency announced the arrival of the 18-strong team from Israel in a statement following Wednesday’s collapse of the Melcom shopping centre in the capital Accra, which sparked desperate rescue attempts.
“The team will make an initial assessment of the site using special equipment and sniffer dogs that will help identify the locations of possible survivors or corpses,” the statement from President John Dramani Mahama’s office said.
“An additional team of about 150 with additional equipment including field hospitals, concrete cutters, among others, are on standby to move to Ghana should the initial assessment deem it necessary.”
The statement said that at least 51 people had so far been rescued alive from the rubble.
Police had said some 50 employees worked at the building, but it has not been determined how many people were inside at the time of the collapse, which was said to have occurred ahead of opening time.
Mahama has suspended his campaign for the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections in the West African nation and ordered a probe into the collapse, with the cause yet to be determined.

Job Vacancies: NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY- NDA 2012/2013 APPLICATION FORMS IS OUT!! APPLY NOW

This is to inform the general public that application into the 65th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna will be available online from 1st November 2012 – 28th February 2013 . Access codes are to be purchased at the cost of Two Thousand Five hundred Naira (N2,500.00) only, excluding bank charges of N500 for an online application. Applicants applying for admission into NDA MUST also apply to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board and carefully select Nigerian Defence Academy as their choice of university. Such applicants are expected to sit for the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) .
EXAMINATION CONDITIONS
Only candidates who meet the JAMB national cut-off markwill be eligible to sit for the examination at the Examination Centre of choice.
The examination will be conducted as a Selection Examination (similar to Post–UTME examination), and is scheduled to hold on Saturday 18 May 2013 . Therefore, alleligible candidates are to please bring along their Acknowledgement Form , JAMB result slip and TWO (2) postcard size (3.5 x 5 inches) photographs to the Examination Centre on the examination date. The photographs should show only from the chest upwards and should contain candidate’s Name, State, Centre and Signature at the back. Only successful candidates at the NDA Selection Exams will subsequently be invited for the Armed Forces Selection Board following which the list of admitted candidates will be published.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION
Applications should be submitted online. On completion of the online application, candidates are to download an Acknowledgement Form. Upon release of the JAMB results,candidates should return to the applications portal and download their Examination Admission Card . Only candidates who make the JAMB national cut-off marks willhave access to print out the Examination Admission Card.
The Application is open to both male and female applicants
Interested candidates are advised to purchase access codes for the NDA 65th Regular Course Application from any of the branches of ZENITH BANK Plc nationwide, and start application process online at: http://www.ndaapplications.org/
Requirements For Admission Into The Regular Course Of NDA
To be eligible for admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy a candidate (Males and Females are eligible) musthave the following:
*. Minimum of 5 credit passes at SSCE (WAEC or NECO) orGCE O Level or Grade II Teachers Certificate obtained in not more than 2 sittings, relevant to the Faculty of their choice.
*. Credit in English Language and Mathematics
*. At least one supporting relevant credit to the compulsory credits in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Faculty of Science. However, only one supporting relevant credit is required in the Faculty of Engineering.
*. Be at least 17 years old and not more than 21 years old at the time of entry into the Academy. Note that Nigerian Airforce candidates must be between 17 and 18years old at entry.
*. Must not be less than 1.68 metres tall for male and 1.50 metres for female.
*. Must be medically and physically fit and must be of good moral character.
*. Must be single male or female without legal obligation tosupport any child or other individuals.
*. Present a Certificate of Origin obtained from a Local Government and a Certificate of State Indigeneship from the Office of the State Governor is desirable.
*. Furthermore, candidates are to note the following:
1. Awaiting results are not qualified. Results not submitted with application form will not be accepted.
2. Only examination results of 5 years from date taken will be accepted.
3. Admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy is for both MALE and FEMALE NIGERIANS only.
COURSES AVAILABLE FOR ADMISSION AND THEIR REQUIREMENTS.
Course General Requirements Compulsory Credits Relevant Credits
Faculty of Science
• BSc Mathematics
5 credit passesin not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, Mathematics and Physics Chemistry, Additional/ Further Mathematics, Biology and Geography
• BSc Computer Science
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language,Mathematics andPhysics Chemistry, Additional/ Further Mathematics, Biology and Geography
• BEng Physics
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, Mathematics and Physics Chemistry, Biology, Technical Drawing and Geography
• BSc BiologicalSciences
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry Physics, AgricScience, Geography and Health Science
• BSc Chemistry
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology Physics, Health Science, Agric Science and Geography

Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• BSc History
5 credit passes innot more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, History and Mathematics History, Economics, Government, Accounts, Commerce, French and Arabic
• BSc Political Science and Defence Studies
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including EnglishLanguage and Mathematics English Language, Government and Mathematics History, Economics, French, Geography, Accounts and Commerce
• BSc Psychology
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, Biology and Mathematics Economic, Health Science, Government and Agric Science
• BSc Economics
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including EnglishLanguage and Mathematics English Language,Economics and Mathematics Accounts, Commerce, Government, Geography, History, French and Arabic
• BSc Accounting
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language,Accounting and Mathematics Accounts, Commerce, Government, Geography, History, French and Arabic
• BSc Geography
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language,Geography and Mathematics History, Economics, Government, Accounts, Commerce, French and Arabic
Faculty of Engineering
• BEng Civil
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry Technical Drawing, Further Mathematics, Biology and Geography
• BEng Electrical andElectronics
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry andPhysics Technical Drawing, Further Mathematics, Biology and Geography
• BEng Mechanical
5 credit passes in not more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics English Language,Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics Technical Drawing, Further Mathematics, Biology and Geography
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Written Entrance Examination for 65th Regular Course
General Instructions:
The following instructions apply to candidates seeking admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy for the 65th Regular Course.

PART ONE – USE OF ENGLISH. The use of English is compulsory for ALL candidates
PART TWO – CHOICE OF SUBJECTS
>A.) CANDIDATES FOR ENGINEERING.
Candidates for Engineering are to answer ALL questions inthe following subjects:
*. Mathematics
*. Physics
*. Chemistry
B.) CANDIDATES FOR ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Candidates for Arts and Social Sciences are to answer questions in any THREE of the following subjects, which must include the candidate’s chosen course.
*. Mathematics
*. Economics
*. Geography
*. History
*. Government
C.) CANDIDATES FOR THE SCIENCES.
Candidates for the Sciences are to answer all questions in any THREE of the following subjects, which must includethe candidates chosen course of study.
*. Mathematics
*. Physics
*. Chemistry
*. Biology
EXAMINATION CENTRES
Serial State Examination Centre
1 Adamawa Government Day Secondary School Opposite HQ 23 Armd Bde, Yola
2 Bauchi Army Children School, Bauchi
3 Benue Command Secondary School, Makurdi
4 Cross River Army Children School, Akim Barracks, Calabar
5 Ebonyi Command Secondary School, Abakaliki
6 Edo Nigerian Air Force Primary School, Benin
7 Enugu Army Day Secondary School, Abakpa Barracks, Enugu
8 FCT Command Day Secondary School, Lungi Barracks, Abuja
9 Gombe Govt Science Secondary School, Jeka Da Fari, Gombe
10 Imo Holy Ghost College, Owerri
11 Kaduna Command Secondary School, Kaduna South
12 Kaduna Nigerian Defence Academy, Permanent Site, Kaduna
13 Kaduna Nigerian Defence Academy, Old Site, Kaduna
14 Kano Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano
15 Lagos Command Children’s School/Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos
16 Lagos Navy Secondary School, Ojo Town, Lagos
17 Ondo Army Day Secondary School, Akure
18 Oyo Command Day Secondary School Odogbo, Ibadan
19 Plateau Command Day Secondary School Rukuba Barracks, Jos
20 Rivers Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt
21 Sokoto Army Day Secondary School, Sokoto
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is the Frequently Asked Questions page which answers all the questions you need to know as a guide tofilling out the online application form.
1. QUESTION:
What should be downloaded on completion of the online registration form?
ANSWER:
The acknowledgement form should be downloaded on submission of the online registration form by all applicants.
2. QUESTION:
Can i come along with my credentials to the examination center?
ANSWER:
No, you are to come to the examination center with the downloaded Aknowledgement/Examination card,Bank slip issued on purchase of Access code and your 2 postcard size photographs.
3. QUESTION:
Do i need to scan and upload my passport photograph?
ANSWER:
You are not required to scan and upload passport online,come along with two (2) (3.5 inches x 5 inches) postcard size photograph (showing from your chest upward) to the examination center with your name,center,state and signature written at the back of the photo.
4. QUESTION:
Can both Male and Female candidates apply?
ANSWER:
MALE & FEMALE Applicants of Nigerian descent are eligible to apply.
5. QUESTION:
I will be 22 years by March/April, 2012 when the examination will be held,can i apply?
ANSWER:
Candidates above the age of 21 at the period of examination are not eligible to apply.
Helpline:
08036129701
08036182877
07041722877
Email: info@ndakadunaonline.org

News: Can Nigeria Tackle Boko Haram By US Strategic?

Nigeria and other African countries facing Islamic militancy have been offered four options for tackling the conflict under an overarching objective of preventing further radicalisation of Muslim population.
The Washington- based African Centre for Strategic Studies, in its latest African Security brief made available to the Nigerian Tribune, identified better information on insurgents, local engagement, open dialogue with militants and targeted use of force as potent options in solving the insurgency
The brief, entitled: “Islamic Militancy in Africa`` noted that “there is a need to gather in-depth knowledge and credible information on Islamic militant movements and the contexts in which they appear covering rhetorics of Islamic militants and local issues on which they are mobilising support.
“It should entail analysis that captures more than the immediate security dimensions but integrates historical, political, economic, and sociocultural perspectives with the goal of gaining nuanced and differentiated knowledge,” the report noted.
The report, put together by Professor Terje Ostebo of the University of Florida, advised that rather than “branding all emerging demands as part of the radicalisation of Islam, a range of voices needs to be heard while grievances borne from under-representation, marginalisation, and alienation need to be acknowledged.
“This will often entail careful processes of confidence-building between governments and Muslim groups—across religious divides and among different ethnicities with a view to properly recognise such grievances and adopt more inclusive policies to enhance political participation and broaden citizens’ affinity with the state,’’ the report declared.
On dialogue with Boko Haram and others, the report advised that the goal should be to identify moderate elements and seek out avenues for negotiations that duly recognise the complexity of each context.
It, however, advocated targeted use of force against hardcore insurgents.

News: PDP, ACN And Others Teared Apart By US Election

The quick resolution of Tuesday’s presidential election in the United States, last night, sparked off quarel among the three leading parties in Nigeria, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and opposition parties accusing one another of bad manners.
Reacting to the quick acceptance of defeat by Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, the PDP in a statement congratulating the victorious Barack Obama, had advised opposition parties in Nigeria to learn to accept defeat, accusing them of being bad losers.
The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC in separate reactions, tongue-lashed the PDP for being the major obstacle to democracy in the country. The ACN said the joke was on the PDP and charged the party to ask why its candidate in the recent Ondo State gubernatorial election, Olusola Oke was in the courts if really there was a level playing ground in the country.
President Obama’s victory was, nevertheless, hailed across the country with President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate and the House of Representatives sending their respective congratulations to the victorious US Democratic Party candidate, Obama who was returned for a second term.

Opposition parties are bad losers — PDP

Urging Nigerians especially, the opposition and those who lose elections to emulate the action of the Republican candidate in his swift acceptance of defeat, the PDP said it was a good element of patriotism which opposition parties should learn to make Nigeria a greater nation.
“The swift manner of congratulations and the graceful conduct of the defeated candidate is a shining example of patriotism and submission to the overall will of the people,” the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
This act, according to the PDP, is one of the elements that have made America’s democracy the envy of all nations.
“The greatest threat to the stability of our democracy is the reckless bickering that happens after elections in Nigeria,” Metuh added.
“A lot of time and energy is decimated on frivolous legal suits and the pursuit of bitterness which indeed affects valuable time for the delivery of electoral promises.”
According to Metuh, the PDP was particularly delighted at the conciliatory posture of President Obama and his emphasis on the values that unite America rather than the divisions that manifested during the campaign, adding, “President Obama’s constant reference to patriotism and a sense of duty to America by Americans in his acceptance speech is another lesson we must imbibe in our quest to build our democracy. Also noteworthy is the charge by the re-elected President for Americans to always uphold the philosophy of “not expecting what can be done for us but what can be done by us to move our nation forward.
‘With this election, America has once more blazed the trail in overcoming its internal stratification for the overall benefit of their country”.
The joke is on PDP —ACN
The ACN and CPC in two separate reactions were unsparing in their denunciation of the PDP, accusing the dominant party of hamstringing the democratic process through devious schemes.
The ACN speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed told Vanguard yesterday:
“They are very daft with due respect. You see, it is a process and the only reason the loser was able to concede defeat was because there was a free and fair election.
“The joke is on them. Why is their own candidate for instance, in Ondo State challenging the outcome of the election? So, they should heal themselves first. They should ask, ‘why is their candidate, Oke, saying that the election is not free and fair that he is not going to congratulate Mimiko? Why? So the joke is on them.
“There is no lesson to learn except that if elections are free and fair, the losers will be willing to congratulate the winner. Romney immediately conceded defeat because he could not say there was ballot stuffing here or that a commissioner was arrested with AK-47,” the ACN spokesman said.

PDP should be ashamed — CPC

In his own reaction to the charge from the PDP, the CPC’s national publicity secretary, Engr. Rotimi Fashakin said:
“The ruling PDP leaders should be ashamed of themselves. The electoral process in the US – that is devoid of the do-or-die philosophy of the forebears of the PDP- is another pointer to the worthlessness of PDP rule in the country.
“Ordinarily, electoral contest, having been conducted with scrupulous adherence to governing rules, should be devoid of acrimony and bitterness as was seen in the recent US presidential elections. But the salient variable that is missing is the corruptive superimposition of the ruling PDP that removes the fairness, free-ness and credibility from our elections. Owing to the President’s indulgent use of executive powers in militarizing the polity for the purpose of election rigging, the inexorable consequence is rejection of results. Indeed, if elections are fair, we shall imbibe the culture of congratulating winners immediately. The question is, can the PDP really learn from this,” he asked.

Jonathan congratulates Obama

Meanwhile, President Jonathan, yesterday, congratulated Obama on his re-election, promising to sustain the cordial relations between the two countries.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, he said:
”On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan heartily congratulates President Barrack Obama on his success in winning re-election in yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) presidential elections in the United States.
“President Jonathan welcomes President Obama’s victory in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security.
“Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term.
“President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria’s and Africa’s developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years.
“The President looks forward in particular to the further strengthening of US-Nigeria bilateral relations and the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission which was established in President Obama’s first term as the primary platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between both countries as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.
“President Jonathan also hopes that the millions of people across the world, especially those in developing nations who watched the beauty and strength of democracy unfold in the United States presidential elections yesterday will come to a greater and better appreciation of democracy as the key to building peaceful, stable and progressive societies.
“The President wishes President Obama continued good health and God’s blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term in office as the President of the United States of America.”

Senate, Reps hail Obama, Americans

Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, said that the election of the United States of America would serve as an inspiration to Nigerian politicians.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Publicity, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, noted that the will and wishes of the people prevailed, just as he stressed that there was no imposition of candidates during the primary election.
The Senate also congratulated the people of America and President Obama over his victory and expressed confidence in President Obama‘s ability to lead America out of the current economic challenges bedeviling the entire world.
Also yesterday, the House of Representatives congratulated Obama on his re-election.
This was sequel to a motion moved by Rep. Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo State) who in his motion said that the election had lessons for Nigeria to learn from.
Seconding the motion, Rep. Abike Dabri-Erewa said thatthe outcome of the election should be a source of inspiration for the Nigerian electorate and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Contributing to the debate on the motion, Rep. Samson Osagie appealed to INEC to learn from the experience of the US presidential election.
The motion was also supported by Rep. Nnenna Ukeje, Andrew Uchendu and Bimbo Daramola among others.

News: Okoli Arraigned Over Alleged Terrorism

Factional leader of Aguiyi Ironsi International Market Ladipo market, in Mushin area of Lagos, Chief Jonathan Okoli, 49, who was arrested by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, has been arraigned before an Ebute Metta magistrate’s court for alleged terrorism.
Okoli, an indigene of Ndiowu in Anambra State, was also accused of being in possession of illegal arms, attempted murder and extortion. The accused and others at large were said to have on March 5, 2012, at Ladipo market in Lagos, armed themselves with dangerous arms, such as gun, matchet, bottle, iron rod etc in public places without lawful authority and caused terror to traders in Ladipo market and the neighbourhood and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 51 of the criminal laws of Lagos State Nigeria 2011.
Refusing to take Okoli’s plea, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M. O. Olajuwon, ordered that the accused file be duplicated for DPP advice and he (accused) should be remanded at Ikoyi prisons, pending the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, advice on the matter.
The charge read in part: “That you Jonathan Okoli and others at large on the 5th of March 2012 at about 1100hrs at Ladipo market Lagos in the Lagos magisterial district did demand money with menace from one Ejike, Nnamdi Chigozie, Mike Osagi and other traders at Ladipo market Lagos with threat of injury or detriment of any kind to be caused on them.”
According to Police the arrest and arraignment of Okoli followed his importation of arms, such as guns, machetes and thugs from the Southeast popularly called Bakassi boys, who have been terrorizing traders and residents at Papa Ajao and its environs.
It was gathered that Okoli assumed leadership in the Aguiyi Ironsi market and after five years which his tenure elapsed, he refused to conduct election and hand over. Traders in the market were divided into several factions. Okoli allegedly went to the east and brought Bakassi boys and started causing terror in the area.
Okoli is facing a seven-count charge ranging from terrorism, illegal arms, attempted murder and extortion among others, while the matter was adjourned till 3 December 2012.