New and used tablets on Jiji.ng. Buy from real people

Jiji.ng is a perfect place for those, who are looking for some gadgets. Here you can find both new and used items. Speaking about pre-owned things, they are always in good condition and at really low prices. You will be surprised by the price-quality combination.

Jiji is a market, where people can sell their stuff. Anyone can become a seller really easy. You don’t even need to pay for a counter or anything like that. Just post a free ad, and it will immediately become available all over the country. Just imagine how the audience of potential users is going to increase.

What is interesting, Jiji doesn’t sell anything itself. It only helps other people to sell. It provides a place, where users can post their ads, and it creates appropriate conditions for this. It has become a platform (almost a social network) for easy interaction between sellers and potential buyers. They can communicate with each other directly, without any assistants, buy stuff at low prices and bargain. 

After you open Tablets category, you can notice names of different manufacturers and brands – Samsung, Apple, Lenovo, HTC, Intel, HP, Microsoft and other. There are also some helpful filters with specifications and details, for instance, Wi-Fi, memory characteristics, even colors. As it is better to appoint a personal meeting for buying a tablet, you can indicate a city you live in or can come to. Every ad is followed by the list of similar offers and most frequent searches. It is very convenient for comparing various offers.

The possibility to post ads for free allowed Jiji to become the biggest shopping spot in the country, a place with over 530,000 active offers. As a result, it keeps developing and the number of users keeps increasing. Now, it is over 10,000,000 monthly visitors. Are you ready to join?

Visafone Acquisition: MTN May Recall Sacked Workers

The sacked workers of Visafone, the largest CDMA operator in Nigeria, by MTN Nigeria may be recalled, THISDAY has learnt.

MTN last Friday finalised the acquisition of Visafone, a process it started early last year. It took possession of the company last Monday but had ordered Visafone to sack all its workers.

According to investigations, the sack order was one of the conditions that MTN gave Visafone before it could close the deal, which encountered several hurdles before its conclusion.

Although Visafone was not willing to sack any worker, its new owner insisted the workers must be sacked on the grounds that it would use MTN staff to run the CDMA company since it was reluctant to assume all of Visafone's liabilities.

It was however gathered that MTN has since realised that it cannot rely on its staff to successfully run a CDMA company, which operates a technology different from that of GSM that MTN is already familiar with.

As at yesterday, MTN had started recalling some of the sacked workers for fresh negotiations.

Although all attempts to reach Visafone's Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale, were not successful, as his phone lines were switched off. Some of the recalled workers told newsmen yesterday that they were already discussing with MTN to know whether they would be placed on contract or employed as full time employees of MTN staff.

Confirming the acquisition in a statement it released yesterday, MTN said the acquisition of Visafone was in line with its determination to improve the quality of broadband services for its subscribers.

According to MTN Executive, Amina Oyagbola, the acquisition which seeks to leverage resources for service enhancement, was also reflective of MTN's concerted efforts to deepen the growth and roll out broadband services across the country in support of the National Broadband Plan for the benefit of Nigerians.

Visafone is one of the leading CDMA/ICT companies in Nigeria, offering a number of services including voice, high speed data (3G), internet and other value added services (VAS). Visafone also provides business solutions to small and medium-sized companies and corporate organisations in Nigeria.

Oyagbola said: "We are committed to exploring avenues to meeting our customers' increasing data needs in line with our vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers.

"As we work to maximise our data capabilities towards achieving broadband of international quality, our objective is to ensure that Nigerians experience a boost in the quality of broadband internet services translating to the much needed enhanced data speeds and value to enhance personal and business productivity."

Speaking further, she said: "The acquisition of Visafone highlights MTN's commitment to Nigeria. More capacity will facilitate enhanced product/service offerings and experience in the data space to the delight of our valued customers.

"Voice is still king! However, data is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives and our energies are focused on enhancing data and internet services to the benefit of our customers and the country at large."

Watch your borrowing, IMF advises government

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Government to be careful with its borrowing plans.

A statement issued yesterday by the Managing Director of the IMF, Ms Christine Largarde, at the end of her visit to Nigeria urged the Federal Government to identify ways to broaden the revenue base, particularly to create additional fiscal space to offset the impact of lower oil prices.

Largarde advised the government on the "need for careful decisions on borrowing, public spending, and managing the cost of fuel subsidies – with a view to safeguarding priority social sectors and the most vulnerable groups."

She added that the country "will require a package of measures involving business-friendly monetary policy, flexible exchange rate policy, and disciplined fiscal policy, and the implementation of structural reforms."

Ms Largarde "complimented the authorities on their efforts to address corruption, particularly the decision to publish monthly data on the finances and operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)."

She explained that "transparency and the rule of law will be crucial in reducing constraints to the country's growth."

At her meetings with the authorities, Largarde said they discussed how to maintain economic progress while making the transition towards more inclusive and sustainable growth.

Poverty, inequality, and unemployment levels she lamented, "remain too high, in addition to the challenge of the Boko Haram insurgency. Nigeria also has to deal with the difficulties presented by falling oil prices, reduced emerging market demand, and tightening global financial conditions."

This challenges she noted have "led to sharply lower export earnings and government revenues. The non-oil sector has also been affected and financing for investment is hard to come by."

1n 2015, however, growth is expected to slow to about 3 1/4 percent, with a slight recovery in 2016. The IMF she said "remains Nigeria's committed partner as it moves forward to face the challenges of the future."

$2.1b arms cash: Panel invites 241 firms, others

No fewer than 241 companies, individuals and organisations are to appear before the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) over contracts awarded by the office between 2011 and 2015. Those who fail to appear risk being embarrassed, the office warned yesterday.

ONSA, in an advertorial in this newspaper, said the companies and representatives of the organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must appear before its Contracts' Verification Committee between January 12 and 26. It issued the directive following these companies', NGOs' and individuals' failure to heed the earlier call on them to report at the committee.

On the list are aircraft manufacturers, automobile companies and others.

They are to appear with: certificate of incorporation, particulars of directors, company tax clearance certificates and directors' from 2011 to date, letter of award of contracts, evidence of payment so far, outstanding balance and any other documents considered relevant to the contract, such as certified bank statements.

Thirty companies are expected by ONSA Contract Verification Committee on January 12. They are: 2020 Nigeria Limited, 313 BDC Limited, A & Hatman Limited, A A Master Nigeria Limited, A and B Associate, Abbatare Inc., Abraham Telecommunication Limited, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Abusarhard Nigeria Limited, Acacia Holdings Limited, Ace of Wood Working Nigeria Limited and Africair Inc. Also on the list of those expected on January 12 are: Afro-Arab Investment Limited, Agabea Securities Limited, Agbede A. Adesina and Co, AGI Nigeria Limited, Ahjuwa Nigeria Enterprises, Air USA, AI Noor Travels and Tours, Albani Associates, Allaje Motors Limited, Almond Project Limited, AMAC Aerospace, APC Axial, Appledrop Nigeria Limited, Apt Securities Limited, AR Security Solution Limited, Arewa House, ASECNA and Associate Air Centre.

The ONSA committee will interact with 30 companies, individuals and organisations on January 13.

They are: Atlas Capital Sa, Autoforms Integrated Enterprises Limited, Autopoietic Telemetric Solutions Limited, Aviation Techni GMBH, Bam Project and Projecties, Baron Limited, Bell Pottinger LLP, and Belley Corporation.

Also expected on that day are: Belsha Nigeria Limited, Bergons Security Consulting & Supply Limited, Bilal Turnkey Contractors Limited, Biodun & Adekunle Idiagbon, Bluenory Limited, Bob Oshodin Org,Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Brains & Hammers Limited, Bureau Securitas Limited, CAE Flight Training LLC and Cardiff Properties Limited.

Others are: Centre Etiquette Protocal and Social Graces Limited, Centre for Regional Integration and Development, Cert Protection Agency, Circular Automobile Limited, CLD Global Concepts Limited, Clems Eze & Co, Codan Limited, Community Defence Law Foundation, Complus International Service Limited, Conella Services Limited and Coordinating Committee of Traditional Rulers.

To appear before the committee on January 14 are: Core Comm Association of Traditional Rulers, Corart Ventures Limited, Crack Security Service Limited, Crenfact Ventures Limited, Cresco Limited, Damaris Mode Coulture Limited, Dar'Alsalam Travels & Tours, Dassault Falcon Service, Da'Voice Bnetwork Solution Limited, Debanto Consulting Co. Limited, Development Strategy International Limited, Dezign Zentrum Limited and DEX BDC.

Others are: Digital Inspiration Limited, DM Communication Limited, Donpedro Medical Company Limited, Eastwise Trading, E-Force Interservice Limited, Eivor Media Nigeria Limited, Enviromental Engineering and Construction Limited, Enviromental One Global Enterprise and Enviromental, Engineering Construction Limited.

Also for January 14 are companies, such as: Eric Ventures Limited, Fara Security Limited,Fimex Gilt Limited,First Aralac Global Limited, Fiz-Hyl Global Investment Limited, Fleetmeig HT W/A Limited, FlightSafety International and Foretech Investment Limited.

The committee is expecting also another 30 companies and NGOs on January 19. They are: Forts and Shields Limited, Forum for Protection of CNI, Forum for Protection of Critical National Infrastructure, GC Electronic Limited, GDP Associate Limited, General Hydrocarbons Limited, Geonel Integrated Service Limited, Gerhard Rothhaupt, Geronimo Middle East & African Limited, Geronimo System Limited, GEW Technologies Limited, Girl Child Concern, Glenair Training Centre Limited, England, Global Industrial and Defence Solution – Pakistan, Global Structures, Gold Reff Industries Nigeria Limited, Goodyear Properties Limited and Gracepeace Ventures Nigeria Limited.

Others on the January 19 list are: GTESC Limited, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Halal Palace Ventures, Hamada Properties and Investment Co. Ltd, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Heintzmann Sicherheitssysteme GmbH, Helpline Organisation, Hypertech (MR) Limited, IB Casa, Image Axis Limited, Imperial College Healthcare and Integrated Navigation Systems.

The committee will also verify the contracts of 30 compnies and orgamisations on January 20. They are: International Res. Management Limited, International Resources Management Co. Ltd, Investment Option Limited, ITSI-Bioscience, LLC, Jabbama Ada Global Nigeria Limited, Jakadiya Picture Company, Jawaz Multipurpose Ventures Limited, JBE Multimedia Investment Limited and Jnzizi Investment Co. Limited.

Others are: Kadawa Agro Products Limited, Kamala Motors Limited, Kampus Suites Limited, Kane Int. Limited, Key Information Service Limited, Kitwood Nigeria Limited, Kola Adejide & Associate, Konet Limited, La Kreem International Limited and Laconso Global Gotechniks Limited.

The list also includes: Lambstar Limited, Law Partner and Associates, Lazer Detct System 2010 Limited, Leaderette Nigeria Limited, Leeman Communication Limited, Lislie Tading Limited, Little Italy Global Service Limited, London Advertising Limited, Loure Global Service Limited, Maimakani Nigeria Limited and Makfab General Enterprises Nigeria Limited.

On January 21, the committee is expecting Manara Development Project Limited, Map Telecommunication Limited, Marshall Aviation Service Ltd, Max Air, MCAF Associates, Mithra – Oil Limited, Moortown Global Investment, MPS Global Services Limited, Murtala Mohammed Foundation, Musim Venture Company Limited, Muteedah Travels & Tours Limited and Muzaq Investment Limited.

Also listed for January 21 are: Mystrose Limited, NARICT, National Agency for Computer Security of Tunisia, Nerris Limited, NIALS Research Fund, Nigeria Guild Editors (NGE), Nigeria in Safe Hands, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Norden Global Resources Limited, Numora Multi-Trade, O O Osuntokun and Co, Obasa Specialty Vehicles, ODELL International LLC, OnePlus Holding Ltd, Onile Nigeria Limited, Ornyx Properties Limited, Patton Boggs LLP and Peoples & Passion Consult Limited.

On the list of those to appear before the committee on January 25 are: PHK International Co. Ltd, Pickel Holdingd and Investment LTD, Pioneer Ventures Limited, Pratt and Whitney, Canada, Pro-Avionics Limited, Proptex Nigeria Limited, Prosedec Inter Global Limited, Proton Security Service Limited, Quarter One Consulting Limited and Rajco Int. Ltd.

Others are: RECN Networks Limited, Real Property Investment Limited, Reliance Reference Hospital, Ripples Ventures Limited, Rolls Royce NA, Romix Technologies Limited, Rothhaupt GMGH, Safety Technologies Limited, Sanisah Communication Limited, Sanmilak Nigeria Limited, Sartoria Ventures, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Seal Cahmbers, Scientel Limited, Secureforces Logistics Limited, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation, Silk Resources Limited, SK Sawki, Sky Expert Nigeria Limited and Slyvan McNamara Limited.

On the list of those to appear before the committee on January 26 are: Societe D'Equipment Internationaux, Soject Nigeria Limited, Southerland Associates Limited, ST Aerospace Solutions, Denmark, Starbriid Limited, Starr Concrete Blocks & Properties Limited, Starepoint Integrated Service Limited, Stellavera De. Co. Limited, Tag Aviation S.A., TechDecision Limited, The Honda Place Limited, Tianjin Tianrong International Dev. Limited and Tosins and Co Limited.
Others are: Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Trafiga Limited, Transgurara Nig. Ltd, Trim Communication Nigeria Limited, Tripple Kay Company Nigeria Limited, UCBK Motors, Value Trust Investment, Vibrant Resources Limited, VIG Limited, Wakaso Research and Consultancy Limited, WEHSEC Farms Limited, West Autos Solutions Enterprise, Westan Group Associates Limited, Westwood Motors Limited, White Zebu BDC, Wonder Wheels Automobile Limited, Zamzam Option Limited and Zukhruf Nigeria Limited.

The ONSA also expects companies that have done contracts with the office but are not on the list to appear before its committee between 12 and 26.

The ONSA added that "the general public is pleased to note that companies or organisations that have received payments from ONSA between 2011 to 2015 which have not appeared before the committee and their names are not reflected in the list above, should please endeavour to appear before the committee anytime within the stated period at the office of the National Security Adviser's Complex, 3 Arms Zone, Abuja"

US Donates Used Mine Resistant APCs to Nigeria to Fight Terrorism

The United States Government on Thursday made good its pledge to support Nigeria in defeating the Boko Haram sect by donating 24 used mine resistant armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Nigerian military.

According to the US government, the 24 mine resistant armour protected (MRAP) vehicles were purchased for $11 million.

This is just as Nigeria is in the process of receiving an additional eight more MRAPs valued at approximately $7.4 million through the same Excess Defense Articles Programme from the US government.

While receiving the vehicles at the 9th Brigade cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos, the Minister of Defence, General Dan Ali (rtd), said it would help protect troops against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), thus limiting the number of casualties.

Ali, who was represented by the Chief of Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General Barry Ndiomu, said the donation was timely, especially with the challenges of battling terrorism in the North-east region.

While requesting for more assistance from the US. government, Ali said some of the vehicles were not serviceable and some without spare parts.

He said: "We appreciate what the US has done but like Oliver Twist, we will appreciate if more is done. The vehicles came without spare parts.

"Not all of them are serviceable. The US should provide the necessary spare parts to enable us repair those that need to be serviced."

Handing over the vehicles to the military, the US Defense Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Patrick Doyle, who was represented by Ambassador James Entwistle, said the vehicles are to provide protection from explosives.

He said: "These vehicles provide increased protection from improvised explosive devices, roadside bombs, and small arms fire, while offering more maneuverability and better fuel economy than other types of APCs.

"The Nigerian military arranged for transportation from the port to Lagos. Nigeria is in the process of receiving an additional eight more MRAPs through this programme, valued at approximately $7.4 million.

"The Excess Defense Articles Programme is designed to transfer excess military equipment from the US to foreign governments or international organisations to help with modernisation of partner nation military capabilities.

"Through a similar programme, the U.S. government donated to the Nigerian Navy the NNS Okpabana in 2014 and NNS Thunder in 2012. The two ships have bolstered maritime security in Nigeria.

"Today's equipment donation represents part of the continuing US commitment to Nigeria and its neighbours to counter Boko Haram's senseless acts of terror and promote regional security.

"The US provides advisors, intelligence, training, logistical support, and equipment to our African partners as they work to defeat Boko Haram.

"We also support those affected by Boko Haram's violence through ongoing humanitarian aid and victim support services.
"The US will continue working with our partners in the region to identify new opportunities to restore order in the Lake Chad Basin region."

We Don’t Need Your Apology, Shiites Tell Army

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as the Shiite sect on thursday said it was "not expecting an apology" from the Nigerian Army, seeing that it had remained "arrogant and uncivil" despite "holding" 700 followers of the sect in detention.

Addressing journalists in Kaduna last Wednesday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade, had said the military did not hold the sect any apology over the December 12 clash with soldiers, maintaining that the military could not fold its arms and watch any group or sect threaten the peace and stability of the country.

"They are like any other sect in the land, but as long as they obey the law of the land, no problem, but if any group chooses to challenge the authority of the land, it means they do not value the sanctity of life and the constitution of Nigeria."

"Army has paid heavily with the blood of its officers and men to protect this country, so we have no apology to any group, either Shiites Islamic sect, Christian sect, even pagan sect that is country."

But responding yesterday, the president of the sect's media forum, Ibrahim Musa, said the army was still detaining over 700 of its members in various military facilities in Zaria, Jaji and Kaduna.

According to TheCable, the sect said: "We have a list of about 700 of our members who are currently missing some of which are in detention with the army at Basawa Barracks, Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Jaji Cantonment and 1 Mechanised Division in Kaduna." "We categorically refute in strong terms the claims of the GOC that none of our members is currently with the military. The army is desperate to cover up its indefensible crime against humanity, indiscriminate killing of defenceless and unarmed civilians in Zaria."

He accused Oyebade of depicting the movement in bad light, saying: "We challenge the GOC to come up with a single occasion when the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky ever threatened the peace and stability of Nigeria or engaged in any form of violence throughout its 38 years of existence.

"The IMN has never been armed and is not armed and does not operate or support any form of armed struggle. It is rather a movement that believes in extending its message of fairness and justice to all irrespective of sect or religion in a peaceful manner….

"As a matter of policy, the IMN has never and will never engage in any form of violent activities no matter the level of provocation.

"This is evident in the incident of the killing of 34 members of the movement including three biological sons of the leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, by the Nigerian army last year.

"IMN believes that even the Nigerian army was aware that the movement and its members were unarmed and defenceless when they launched their brutal attack of indiscriminate killings of men, women and children, judging by the nature of the attack, which was actually pre-planned.

"It is therefore laughable for the GOC to claim that the army had no issues with the Islamic movement when the army had killed six biological sons of El-Zakzaky, his elder sister and over one thousand of his followers in just 18 months.

"The GOC was actually right in his statement that they 'know the business of violence' which was of course what they displayed in Zaria in contravention with the rule of law and order to which he is now trying to convince the world that they are 'guardians of democracy' in yet another contradictory statement.

"Still on the army's 'guardians of democracy,' the GOC stated in a sense of arrogance and lack of civility, that they have 'no apology' for the killing of over 1,000 unarmed civilians including women and children, we say, in as much as no member of the movement is expecting any apology from the army for its crime in Zaria, he should tell that to God his creator and the creator of those they killed in Zaria."

N’Assembly Set to Reduce Budget Benchmark Far below $38

The National Assembly is set to reduce the proposed oil benchmark by the executive for 2016 budget far below $38 per barrel in view of continuous fall in the prices of crude oil in global market.

This disclosure was made last night by Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Abdullahi.

When the oil benchmark was first proposed in Medium Term and Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the price of crude oil in the international market was $40 per barrel. But a few days after, the price dropped to $36 per barrel.

Today the price is slightly below $33 per barrel, thus implying that the proposed budget is already running at a deficit of$5 per barrel if the $38 per barrel benchmark proposed by the federal government is anything to go by.

According to Sabi, the decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to reduce the benchmark is in observance of the current realities authored by the persistent rate at which oil prices continue to drop in the international market.

"We are going to be as realistic as possible by reviewing it in line with realities on ground as regards its proposed parameters like the oil price benchmark which today, is far lower than the projected figure of $38 per barrel in the international market.

"So what I want to assure you is that when we resume from recess, the budget will be a top priority and we are going to give it an expeditious attention.

"The issue of oil benchmark and exchange rate are issues that are dynamic and I'm sure by the time we come to deal with that, we will look at what the realities are and in tandem with the executive, I am sure we will come up with what we believe is realistic," he said

Furthermore, he said the National Assembly would pay attention to critical issues such as revenue diversification.

He said: "What I want you to do is if you look at the budget, you see that we are giving more emphasis to non oil revenue and by the time we block the leakages and ensure value for money, we should be able to do those things that will add value to the economy.

"Remember the International Monetary Fund (IMF) boss was advising the financial sector to look at borrowing for the real sectors, agriculture, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the likes. These are the areas of growth and I want to assure that if we get it right in these particular sectors, I think our economy will be able to stay afloat."

He noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had been effective in the management of foreign exchange.

"If you look at the forex market, today it will gain, tomorrow it will drop. So, these are dynamics that we are not sure of how they will play out but with the management of the forex, I want to believe that the CBN is doing a very great job.

"We should encourage them and give them the necessary support so that at the end of day, we will continue to do those things that are in the interest of Nigerians."

Stampede: Tambuwal Visits Sokoto’s Last Patient in Saudi Arabia

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State visited Hajiya Fatima Isa, popularly known as Dammu, the last Sokoto's patient in hospital from the September 2015 hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia.


A statement signed by Tambuwal's spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said Dammu, who had been on admission at the East Jedda hospital in Saudi Arabia since the tragedy, is from Sokoto South Local Government Area of Sokoto State.


She survived the unfortunate incidence that claimed over 2,000 lives globally. 274 Nigerians died from the incident, with Dammu's home state of Sokoto witnessing the death of 114 of its pilgrims.


While thanking God for her recovery from the injuries she sustained during the stampede, Tambuwal announced that the state government would provide her with needed medical care as soon as arrives home.


He also gave her a donation of N500,000 which his administration earlier announced to all the families of the victims of the stampede.


While narrating her story, Dammu said she's a trader in Sokoto, and had saved enough funds to enable her undertake her first hajj last year.


According to doctors, she suffered from loss of memory and it took a while before Nigerian officials identified her among the victims at the hospital, and was eventually identified by her deep Sokoto Hausa accent.


While with her at the hospital, Tambuwal called her family members and she burst into tears from hearing their voices.

International Satellite Providers Shun Biafra Television

International Satellite, Providers of Free-to-Air and Ppay television platform, which include HISPASAT, EUTELSAT and NileSat worldwide, have rejected the proposed Biafra Television Free-to-Air, scheduled to start transmission on January 15, 2016.


Sources at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and High Frequency Coordinating Conference (HFCC), have reportedly confirmed the development.


The rejection and cancellation of the contract for which no reason was given, is said to have created major problems for pro Biafra groups, whose media and propaganda structure was severely crippled by an earlier takeover of the 15560KHz -19 metre band shortwave by the federal government about two months ago.


Following the rejection, IPOB Media Manager in Australia, Mr. Austin Ofomah, expressed regret at the action of the satellite providers.


"The spirit of Biafra cannot be defeated," he said in a statement. What the federal government is doing is against international broadcasting convention on the right of free expression, he added.


The success of the federal government effort is largely due to the role of the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Babagana Monguno, whose discrete contacts and reach, have shut the pro-Biafra groups in international scene.

Rivers CP: Police Killed 145 Suspected Kidnappers, 98 Robbers

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Kimo, has said men of the command killed a total of 145 suspected kidnappers and 98 suspected armed robbers in the state in the year 2015 in the fight to rid the state of crime.

He also said the command arrested 329 suspected kidnappers and another 187 suspected armed robbers within the last one year, while a total of 337 kidnap victims were rescued by men of the command within the period.
Kimo spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday while journalists on the performance of the command.

While displaying assorted arms and ammunition recovered from hoodlums, the police commissioner said a total of 375 suspected cultists were arrested in various parts of the state in the past one year.

The police commissioner also said men of the command foiled a total of 105 robberies, including seven bank robbery operations command in 2015, while no fewer than 13 persons were arrested for rape and defilement within the period.

He said the arms and ammunition recovered from hoodlums in the state in 2015, include, 80 AK-47 rifles, 123 pump action guns, 4, 251 locally made pistols, 56 assault rifles, one general purpose machine gun (GPMG), and 11,917 assorted ammunition, among others.

Kimo expressed happiness over the high level of maturity, and security consciousness displayed by the people by way of divulging timely and actionable information to the police.

The police chief said: "Let me start by applauding the good people of Rivers State for their enviable and uncommon understanding, support and cooperation in our collective drive to stem the tide of criminal activities in the state.

"I am particularly thrilled by the very high level of maturity, and security consciousness displayed by the people by the way of divulging timely and actionable information to the police."

The police commissioner, who appealed to members of the public to improve partnership with the police to stamp out criminals from the state, said the doors of the command would continue to be open to all.

Senate demands flexibile forex policy from CBN

Worried by growing concerns over the biting foreign exchange (forex) policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Senate has urged the apex bank to introduce a flexible regime. The Upper Chamber said the current policy is damaging the economy, saying it was doing the economy more harm than good.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki at a meeting with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms Christine Lagarde in Abuja, said small businesses especially are suffering unnecessarily.

He called on the CBN to introduce a more flexible foreign exchange regime and reduce the present restrictions on the autonomous market which does not allow industrialists bring in foreign exchange or utilise what they have in their accounts.

He also canvassed a similar view at a private meeting with CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele when he urged him to consider the effects of the present forex regime on small businesses which are dying following evaporating crude oil revenue.

Saraki also told Lagarde that "the IMF should support our CBN to bring in low interest loans to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). We need to encourage entrepreneurs and make most of our new graduates job-creators rather than job-seekers.

This is an area where we need the financial support and technical assistance of the IMF."

He noted that his office has received numerous complaints from small business owners, over threat induced by the huge bottlenecks.

"As legislators, we play an important role in making our people understand IMF's advice, policy trade-offs, consultations and other engagements, so that ownership, transparency and accountability are brought to bear on economic policy choices.

"The Nigerian legislature strongly believes that having a collaborative working relationship with the executive arm of government brings development closer to the people.

"Since the advent of the new administration, we have worked closely to stabilise the economy and steady the fiscal environment. This, we have indeed demonstrated by the speedy passage of the Medium Term Expenditure Frame Work (MTEF) and recently in the postponement of our recess in order to receive President Muhammadu Buhari to present the 2016 Appropriation Bill.

"The purpose of our Legislative Agenda is to enable us focus our lawmaking in areas that will help create jobs, expand our infrastructure base and make our economy work for the benefit and happiness of the majority of our people.

"Pivotal to the attainment of this overarching objective is the state of the Nigerian business environment. In collaboration with major stakeholders, the Eighth Senate is presently signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Nigerian Advocacy for Better Business Environment Project, a National Assembly business and investment roundtable initiative, with developmental organizations," the Senate President said.

Judges handling Kashamu’s, Stella Oduah’s, ex-NIMASA chief’s cases transferred

Litigants with cases at the Federal High Court in Lagos have to wait as the Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, has approved the transfer of some judges to other divisions.

Among those leaving the Lagos Division are Justice Okon Abang, Justice Mohammed Yunusa, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke and Justice Musa Kurya.

Justice Abang, who barred the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from arresting Senator Buruji Kashamu for illicit drug dealing allegations, was transferred to Abuja.

His pending cases are: Former Presidential Adviser Kingsley Kuku Vs. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Honeywell Group Vs. Ecobank Plc.

Justice Yunusa, who granted the order restraining anti-graft agencies from arresting former Aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah, was transfered to Enugu State.

Justice Aneke was transfered to Benue, while Justice Kurya to Plateau.

Justice Ibrahim Buba, expected to be moved to the North, will remain in Lagos.

Among cases before Justice Buba is: Former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi, on trial for fraud.

With the transfers, cases before the judges would begin afresh (de novo).

It was learnt that some litigants were unhappy that their cases would be further delayed.

A human rights group, Access to Justice (A2Justice) decried the transfers, saying such "arbitrary and routine" transfers of judges affect the speedy dispensation of justice.

A2J lamented that the transfer of judges, who have commenced but not completed trials, could have drastic and traumatising effects on litigants and escalate the cost of litigation.

"Such transfers of judges often times occur after the case has spent years on the docket of the court of the transferred judge," it said.

According to A2J, to re-start cases that have spent years on a cause-list afresh is painful, agonising and hard on litigants.

"This would entail recalling witnesses and re-tendering evidence. Some of the cases affected may also be fundamental rights cases, where issues of constitutional rights – including liberty or movement – may also be in question.

"These administrative transfers force litigants to outspend themselves to resolve disputes or find remedies, in view of additional expenses involved in re-litigating a matter.

"Transfers take their toll on, and burden witnesses too, some of whom may be unable, on health or other grounds, to return to court to give evidence again.

"When witnesses are unable to reappear to give evidence and a case is thereby prejudiced, this perpetuates, replicates and amplifies negative public impressions about our court system and its ability to uphold the rule of law and dispense justice freely and efficiently.

"No person affected by these transfers would have a positive impression of the court or how the courts take their responsibility to dispense justice," A2J said.

The group urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to "adopt and issue a clear, enforceable policy that prevents any judge from being transferred or relocated from his or her court or division without an impact assessment of the effect of such transfers on cases."

FRSC, airport managers meet to avert security breaches at MMIA

Airport managers, top security and road safety chiefs yesterday met in Lagos in a fresh move to stem possibility of safety and security breaches by petrol tankers parked indiscriminately along the highway leading to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.


In recent months, the presence of the tankers has been highly criticised by security experts within and outside the country as well as other stakeholders in the aviation sector given their proximity to the airport and the fact that they could be harnessed for the wrong purpose by terrorists, like setting the airport ablaze.


Those present at yesterday's meeting included members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Salleh Dunomah, FAAN Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Henry Omeogu, Action Director of Cargo and Business Development, Director of Maintenance and Engineering, Femi Ogunode, Acting Director of Security Service, Mr. Omaghomi J. J. and General Manager, Business Development, Abubakar Achimugu.


Spokesman for FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, who briefed journalists after the meeting quoted Salleh, the FAAN boss, as "assuring that the authority would continue to do its best to ensure safety and security on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) access road, Lagos.


"The meeting centred on providing a safe and secure driveway along MMIA access road, Lagos, by permanently vacating the petroleum tankers positioned along that road," Dati said.


"Dunoma stated that it is the primary duty of the petroleum marketers to provide a permanent parking space for their tankers. However, due to the authority's concern for safety and security for airport users, it would do its best in assisting the petroleum marketers in ensuring that the tankers are parked and positioned appropriately," he added.

Boko Haram: US donates $11m mine resistant vehicles to Nigerian Army

In fulfillment of its promise to assist Nigeria fight the Boko Haram insurgency, the United States will today, (Thursday) donate 24 mine-resistant and armor-protected vehicles to the Nigerian Army.


The vehicles, which are valued at $11m, would be handed over to the military authorities at the Nigerian Army, 9th Brigade Parade Ground, Ikeja Army Cantonment in Lagos.


A statement sent to DAILY POST, by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General Lagos, said: "The US is pleased to donate 24 Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected (MRAP) vehicles valued at $11m to Nigeria's military authorities.


"The equipment donation represents part of the continuing US commitment to Nigeria and its neighbours to counter Boko Haram's senseless acts of terror and promote regional security."


The vehicles are expected to be deployed to troubled areas later this month.

How I was paid N150,000 to install Radio Biafra transmitter on MTN mast – Suspect

A telecommunication maintenance engineer, David Nwawuisi, has disclosed how he was paid a sum of N150,000 to install a Radio Biafra transmitter on an MTN mast in Ngwo, Enugu State.

Nwawuisi, 29, who was on the payroll of Ericsson, the firm managing mast sites for MTN, revealed this in a statement which he made to the Department of State Services on July 27, 2015.

The suspect said he was managing 45 MTN sites for Ericsson, adding that the Radio Biafra transmitter had operated for three months on MTN mast before it was discovered and his subsequent arrest by the DSS on July 15, 2015.

Nwawuisi, who obtained a B.Sc degree in Biochemistry from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 2010, said he was being paid N73,000 plus per month by Ericsson.

Nwawuisi stated, "I came to know about Chidiebere and Obioma one day the security woman called me to tell me that they will like to install a radio (transmitter) on one of my sites at Ngwo in Enugu State and I told them that I don't know who they are that if they can make out time so that we can see face to face because I don't know them and that was in May.

"So the next day, they called me. I was working in one of my sites at St. Michael Catholic Church Asata in Enugu State. I asked them to come down to that site and that was the place I saw them for the first time and they introduced themselves as Chidiebere and Obioma. They also asked for my name and I said David. They also asked for my native name and I said Chukwugozie and from there Chidiebere started saying that the radio (transmitter) they are asking for my permission to install in my site is to help them educate our people (Igbo) and let them know their brothers and where they come from.

"They called me again to remind me of that and that was when I told them ok and we agreed that they are going to be paying N25,000 only per month which they paid six months upfront. N75,000 cash was given to me that day they came for the installation and out of that I gave N5,000 to the security woman. The balance was paid into my account at Ecobank after the First Bank (account) I gave to Obioma failed to accept the payment.

"The payment of the balance was done two weeks after the installation of the radio (transmitter). On three different occasions, Chidiebere and Obioma called me to do some maintenance on the radio (transmitter). I gave them access into the site and left and when they finished, the security woman informed me that they are through and I came and locked the site.

"The items Chidiebere came (with) were an electronic that looks like a decoder and a DSTV dish which was installed on the fence. The other items were installed inside the MTN site shelter. The equipment has been there for three months and on July 15 the MTN staff went to the site and called me from the site and asked me what the equipment is. The name of the MTN staff is Mr. John Ibekwe. When he was calling, I couldn't get what he was asking due to the environment because I was driving and when I parked, I called the security woman to ask her and she told me that is the equipment that Chidiebere and Obioma installed that he is asking of.

"I called back the MTN man to tell him what the equipment is for, that is a Radio Biafra (transmitter) that was installed by Chidiebere and Obioma. I told him that I will like to see him which he asked me to come to Shoprite and I came and after I was taken to the MTN office by the MTN security patrol team. From the office, after telling them how the equipment came about and how I got to know about Chidiebere, I was taken to Enugu DSS office."

He stated that the MTN thereafter uninstalled the Radio Biafra transmitter