Monday, November 24, 2014
"It is my brother who rapped someone not me"-Stephanie Okereke Linus Appeals To Bloggers To Leave Her Out Of Rape Saga
The story of a relative of popular Nollywood practitioner, Stephanie Linus went viral over the weekend especially after it was discovered that the accused rapist was related to the actress as well as former DG of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Mrs Linus has however come out to state her mind on the incident...
"Rape is Rape, Regardless of Who the Face of the Accused is" – Actress Stephanie Linus
I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent allegation of rape brought against a relative of mine,Daniel Okereke (my brother).
While it is a very difficult time for me, and my family; I feel the need to make clear my position, lest there be any doubt. Rape is rape, regardless of who the face of the accused is.
Indeed, the irony is not lost on me. I have spent my lifelong career
advocating and living my conviction that women around the world should be able to live free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of abuse against their persons. This conviction led me to be involved in numerous initiatives combating violence against women in several countries including the U.S, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The conviction also led me to place much of my energy on my work with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a passion that dates back to my time at the University of Calabar.
As a student, I heard a story about young girls who had been forced into early marriage and were suffering the negative and embarrassing effects of VVF. The story stayed in my consciousness and drove me, for years, to seek ways to raise awareness on the condition; leading to my work with a team of dedicated doctors to carry out repair surgeries for VVF victims across the country; and my self-produced, soon to be released movie, 'DRY.'
So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to receive and deal with news alleging a family member of mine is an alleged perpetrator of sexual violence against a woman. I am devastated.
This case is now in Nigeria's criminal justice system as the accused awaits arraignment. I have also encouraged and assured the alleged victim of my stance against rape and applaud her for her bravery to upset the culture of silence, in Nigeria; even as I accord deference and patiently wait for the criminal justice system to determine the guilt or innocence of my brother.
For Nigerian press and blogs; I call on you to please report this case in an ethical manner. I am a married woman living my life. The alleged transgression of my relative does not make it mine. The focus should be the impact of rape on the alleged victim,and resources for other alleged victims, not me.
Some members of the press and blogs have turned me into the accused; using my name for sensational headlines and putting my images, exclusively, in their stories. This is a form of Victimization of me as a woman, it is unethical and extremely hurtful. I am not the alleged accused.
I therefore please ask all Bloggers and the media who have placed my pictures and name to this story to refrain from further using me to sensationalise this story.
I thank my fans, and all well-wishers for your continued support and ask for your continued prayers.
God bless.
Stephanie Linus
LAGOS,Nigeria (November 24, 2014)
I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent allegation of rape brought against a relative of mine,Daniel Okereke (my brother).
While it is a very difficult time for me, and my family; I feel the need to make clear my position, lest there be any doubt. Rape is rape, regardless of who the face of the accused is.
Indeed, the irony is not lost on me. I have spent my lifelong career
advocating and living my conviction that women around the world should be able to live free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of abuse against their persons. This conviction led me to be involved in numerous initiatives combating violence against women in several countries including the U.S, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The conviction also led me to place much of my energy on my work with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a passion that dates back to my time at the University of Calabar.
As a student, I heard a story about young girls who had been forced into early marriage and were suffering the negative and embarrassing effects of VVF. The story stayed in my consciousness and drove me, for years, to seek ways to raise awareness on the condition; leading to my work with a team of dedicated doctors to carry out repair surgeries for VVF victims across the country; and my self-produced, soon to be released movie, 'DRY.'
So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to receive and deal with news alleging a family member of mine is an alleged perpetrator of sexual violence against a woman. I am devastated.
This case is now in Nigeria's criminal justice system as the accused awaits arraignment. I have also encouraged and assured the alleged victim of my stance against rape and applaud her for her bravery to upset the culture of silence, in Nigeria; even as I accord deference and patiently wait for the criminal justice system to determine the guilt or innocence of my brother.
For Nigerian press and blogs; I call on you to please report this case in an ethical manner. I am a married woman living my life. The alleged transgression of my relative does not make it mine. The focus should be the impact of rape on the alleged victim,and resources for other alleged victims, not me.
Some members of the press and blogs have turned me into the accused; using my name for sensational headlines and putting my images, exclusively, in their stories. This is a form of Victimization of me as a woman, it is unethical and extremely hurtful. I am not the alleged accused.
I therefore please ask all Bloggers and the media who have placed my pictures and name to this story to refrain from further using me to sensationalise this story.
I thank my fans, and all well-wishers for your continued support and ask for your continued prayers.
God bless.
Stephanie Linus
LAGOS,Nigeria (November 24, 2014)
BREAKING: Court frees alleged Nyanya bomber
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A federal court in Abuja has freed Aminu Oguche, the suspected mastermind of the Nyanya bomb attack in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria has reported.
The court struck out a two-count terrorism charge against Mr. Ogwuche on Monday, after months of trial for the April 2014 attack which killed more than 70 people.
The court hinged its decision on lack of diligent prosecution by the state.
Mr. Ogwuche, a suspected Boko Haram member, was accused by the Nigerian government of being behind the attack.
The blast at the Nyanya Motor Park occurred during morning peak hours as residents were hurrying to work.
The government said Mr. Ogwuche fled to Sudan after coordinating the attack.
He was later repatriated to Nigeria to face charges.
Details of Monday’s ruling are sketchy and will be brought in our subsequent updates.
Credit: PremiumTimes
CONGRATS! Helen Paul (TATAFO) Delivers Second Child In Lagos
Popular comedian, singer and actress, Helen Paul Bamisile, known as Tatafo and presents “Wetin Dey” on Radio Continental, 102.3FM, has given birth to a bouncing baby boy, BlackBox Nigeria, as reliably confirmed.
The stand-up comedian who has a unique style of delivering her jokes mimicking the voice of a child according to her publicist, Bayo Adetu, gave birth this morning in Lagos.
Helen Paul is married to Oluwafemi Bamisile and the new arrival is the second for the couple.
Pathetic! Reps Loses Teenage Daughter To Hostel Fire
The 14-year-old daughter of a member of the House of Representatives, Rukayya Adamu Hassan Abunabo who was until her death a student of May Excellence Private School, located at Gabari Quarters in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has lost her life in a fire that destroyed the school hostel on Saturday night. According to reports, the inferno started at about 23.30pm Saturday night in one of the female hostels in school.
Though property worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno, the deceased was the only one who died as she was trapped in the hostel, and no other student or staff died or sustained injuries in the fire.
Stay Off Cultism -Police IG Warns Nigerian Youths
The Inspector General of Police (IG), Suleiman Abba, has expressed concern over the recent reports from some states of the federation on the involvement of youths in cult activities and thuggery, which have left many of them wounded and dead.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the police boss, a parent himself, was concerned about the wastage of young human lives in the unworthy exercise and felt the hurts of parents whose children and wards are following the ways of destruction.
Abba enjoined the youths to appropriate the many opportunities of development in the nation, obey the laws of the land, face their academics and vocations, and prepare adequately to lead the nation in the years ahead.
While advising the youths to embrace good virtues, the IG warned that the full weight of the law would be applied on recalcitrant, wayward and delinquent youths.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the police boss, a parent himself, was concerned about the wastage of young human lives in the unworthy exercise and felt the hurts of parents whose children and wards are following the ways of destruction.
Abba enjoined the youths to appropriate the many opportunities of development in the nation, obey the laws of the land, face their academics and vocations, and prepare adequately to lead the nation in the years ahead.
While advising the youths to embrace good virtues, the IG warned that the full weight of the law would be applied on recalcitrant, wayward and delinquent youths.
Police Recover 1,700 Voters Cards In Lagos Bush
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The Lagos State Police Command has recovered no fewer than 1,700 Voter Cards believed to have been hidden by unknown persons inside a bush in the Seme, Badagry area of Lagos.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the VCs, which were concealed in a swampy forest in the area, were recovered by policemen attached to the Area K Command, Morogbo.
Our correspondent gathered that the officers, who were on patrol, stumbled on the hidden election materials on Sunday, November 16.
According to the police, the recovered VCs, which had been handed over to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Lagos State office, are suspected to have been stolen from an INEC worker in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, while confirming the recovery of the VCs, added that INEC had, however, found the recovered materials to be the old Voter Cards.
He said, "The materials were hidden in a swampy area in Seme. The police did not arrest any suspect because the area is not a neighbourhood. It is an abandoned location.
"Also, the INEC have duly been informed. We have shown them the recovered materials, although INEC eventually found them to be the old Voter Cards. However, the case is under investigation at the Area K Command."
When PUNCH Metro contacted the Lagos State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. A.L Ogunmola, on Sunday for comment, he requested that he should be called back as he was having a rest.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the VCs, which were concealed in a swampy forest in the area, were recovered by policemen attached to the Area K Command, Morogbo.
Our correspondent gathered that the officers, who were on patrol, stumbled on the hidden election materials on Sunday, November 16.
According to the police, the recovered VCs, which had been handed over to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Lagos State office, are suspected to have been stolen from an INEC worker in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, while confirming the recovery of the VCs, added that INEC had, however, found the recovered materials to be the old Voter Cards.
He said, "The materials were hidden in a swampy area in Seme. The police did not arrest any suspect because the area is not a neighbourhood. It is an abandoned location.
"Also, the INEC have duly been informed. We have shown them the recovered materials, although INEC eventually found them to be the old Voter Cards. However, the case is under investigation at the Area K Command."
When PUNCH Metro contacted the Lagos State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. A.L Ogunmola, on Sunday for comment, he requested that he should be called back as he was having a rest.
Lagos2015: Ganiyu Solomon Gets Ahead As Two Aspirants Steps Down For Him»»»Emerges Ikorodu Candidate
TWO governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, coming out from the Ikorodu Division of Lagos State have voluntarily stepped down for a frontline aspirant from the area, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, popularly called GOS.
As a result, political and eminent leaders in Ikorodu Division have unanimously adopted Solomon as the APC consensus candidate for the Division. Those who stepped down from the race include Architect Taiwo Akintunde Kara and a former Head of Service in the state, Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe.
The decision to step down for Solomon to pave the way for his adoption as the Ikorodu Division consensus candidate was reached at a meeting held at the Ikorodu town hall on November 7 with representatives of the various coalition groups clamouring for 'Ikorodu Division for Governor 2015.' The three major APC aspirants from the division are Ogunlewe, Kara and Solomon.
A communiqué endorsed by the three aspirants dated November 17 said the agitation by Ikorodu Division is justified following the zoning of the party's governorship ticket to Lagos East. According to them, "the indigenes of Ikorodu outvoted their son, Prince Biodun Ogunleye to pave way for an indigene of the Epe/Ibeju-Lekki community to emerge as governorship candidate in 1992. It is expected that the Epe/Ibeju-Lekki community will support 'Ikorodu Division for Governor agenda' on APC platform for the 2015 election."We remain a team and will work together towards ensuring that the Ikorodu Division Agenda becomes a reality."
Following the withdrawal of the two aspirants, Ikorodu leaders and elders under the auspices of Eminent Persons of Ikorodu Division (EPID) adopted the decision of the three aspirants and thereafter adopted Solomon as the APC governorship consensus candidate for Ikorodu Division.
Pitch High Festivity At Teslim Balogun Stadium As Federation Cup Comes To An Exciting End »»Oshoala, Eduok Shines
-Aziz Mustapha
On a Sunday afternoon when crisis stricken Liverpool Fc visited Crystal Palace, Lagosians and indeed Football fans from Aba and Port-harcourt flooded the Teslim Balogun Staduim to witness the Festivity of the Federation Cup finals.
The first match started at exactly 12:00pm as Sunshine Queens filed out against Rivers Angels in the female finals with Lagosians eager to watch a daughter of the Soil and Rivers Angles danger babe Assisat Oshoala, who is an indigene of Ikorodu area of Lagos state in action.
Sunshine Queen of Akure showed that they were no pushover as the first half ended in a barren, but fortune was to change in the second half when the name synonymous to Women football rang again as Assisat Oshoala punished Oil Rich Sunshine Queens with a well executed finish.
Just when Sunshine Queens forward Adenike Adekunle felt they could get an equaliser, experience was to count as veteran Super falcons mid-fielder
Stella Mbachu scored from a simple tap in from close range to deliver the 2014 FA cup Trophy to the Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt.
At exactly 3:00pm the much feared Enyimba support that we all thought was asleep awoke from their slumber, as the Chant of Nzogbu Nzogbu Enyimba Enyi and fire works consumed the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Enyimba's In-form Ufom Udoh and Dolphin's Emem
Eduok renewed their goals scoring Rivalry, with Ufom on two goals and Emem leading the Federation Cup chart with three goals.
Legendary Captain Chinedu Udoji effectively shut-out danger man Emem Eduok and Experienced striker Emeka Nwanna couldn't threaten the Dolphins defence to ensure that the first half ended goalless or the "defenders result" as some would call it.
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| MVP Oshoala addresses Journalists |
Experienced Coach Kadiri Ikhana made two Early substitutions in the second half, withdrawing Long serving striker Emeka Nwanna and introducing wonderkid Nzube Anaezemba to the frame,the game changed instantly as the man who can't stop scoring at the moment Ufom Udoh scored his 3rd FA Cup goal with a well curled left footed shot to put the People's Elephant in the driving seat.
A defensive blunder exposed Dolphins Fc Captain Sunday Rotimi to two Enyimba player and he conceded the Second goal of the game as the support of the Aba millionaires taunted their opposition with an attempted fire works attack.
Experience was to play a key role for this season's Federation Cup Final as Sand Eagles Captain Isiaka Olawale was introduced to the game. It was to be an inspirational substitution as the wonder man Emem Eduok scored his 4th FA cup goal with a well placed left footed effort to silence the Enyimba faithfuls for some minutes as he chased an equalizer.
After four minutes of additional time the centre referee sounded the final whistle and the Peoples Elephant claim their second consecutive Federation Cup Final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, having defeated Warri wolves in the same Venue last year.
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| BlackBox Nigeria sports editor was there too |
Women Federation Cup Breakdown
Winner
Rivers Angels Of Port har-court
Runner up
Sunshine Queens Of Akure
Highest Goal Scorer
Ebere Orji(River angels)
Most valuable Player
Assisat Oshoala(River angels)
Men Federation Cup Breakdown
Winner
Enyimba Fc Of Aba
Runner up
Dolphin Fc Of Port-harcourt
Highest Goal scorer
Emem Eduok(Dolphin Fc)
(Four goals)
Most Valuable Player
Emem Eduok(Dolphins Fc)
"All I want is 8-Years" -Kate Henshaw
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Some are of the opinion that Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw is the number one actress with most endorsement. That, in some sense means she is rich, at least rich enough to have her meal wherever and whenever she wants it. But the aspiring legislator for the Federal House of Representatives, Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency under the PDP isn't ready to share any money.
"There's no money. I can't match the people who have been in the system for 20 to 30 years. I'm going with God and my heart. I'm not sharing money. If you continue sharing money, it will never stop. If you want a change, a true change, then vote for me and you'll see the change. But if you want money, hey, go for money and stay where you are and don't ever complain" she says in an interview.
In the same interview with Sahara TV, the actress cited lengthy stays in politics as reason for much of the problems in Nigeria, on top of corruption on the part of government officials.
"I don't hope to be there forever. I just want to do, make noise, leave when the ovation is loudest. That's the best way. I don't want to be there for 10 years, 12 years, 16 years, that's the best way. I want to do other things. 4- 8 years. That's the limit…you can hold me to my word" she declares.
"There's no money. I can't match the people who have been in the system for 20 to 30 years. I'm going with God and my heart. I'm not sharing money. If you continue sharing money, it will never stop. If you want a change, a true change, then vote for me and you'll see the change. But if you want money, hey, go for money and stay where you are and don't ever complain" she says in an interview.
In the same interview with Sahara TV, the actress cited lengthy stays in politics as reason for much of the problems in Nigeria, on top of corruption on the part of government officials.
"I don't hope to be there forever. I just want to do, make noise, leave when the ovation is loudest. That's the best way. I don't want to be there for 10 years, 12 years, 16 years, that's the best way. I want to do other things. 4- 8 years. That's the limit…you can hold me to my word" she declares.
"I Failed The Country But I Am Still The Best Man For Eagles" -Keshi Appeals
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Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is adamant that he is the right man to lead the Super Eagles into the future.
Disaster struck last week for Nigeria when they failed to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament they won in its most recent edition, 2013.
Keshi, who was relieved of his duties before being recalled for Nigeria's last two qualifying matches, does not feel that firing him again would be the way to go.
"If a team fails, sacking the coach won't solve the problem. The authority should look beyond the coach to find solutions to the problem.
"I can't deny it is a shame that we failed to qualify. On my part, I failed the nation but my players took South Africa for granted, a match they needed to win," Keshi said.
Keshi's agent, Emma Addo, also feels that the former Super Eagles AFCON winning captain is not to blame for the team's current failure.
"No explanation will be acceptable now by Nigerians, but Super Eagles problems go beyond coaching. If some issues are not resolved, no one can succeed for long with the team," Addo told the sl10.ng website.
"We shouldn't forget where Keshi picked this team from in 2012, almost same place like they are now, but nobody cared about how they got there, that is why it happened again," Adoo added.
Disaster struck last week for Nigeria when they failed to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament they won in its most recent edition, 2013.
Keshi, who was relieved of his duties before being recalled for Nigeria's last two qualifying matches, does not feel that firing him again would be the way to go.
"If a team fails, sacking the coach won't solve the problem. The authority should look beyond the coach to find solutions to the problem.
"I can't deny it is a shame that we failed to qualify. On my part, I failed the nation but my players took South Africa for granted, a match they needed to win," Keshi said.
Keshi's agent, Emma Addo, also feels that the former Super Eagles AFCON winning captain is not to blame for the team's current failure.
"No explanation will be acceptable now by Nigerians, but Super Eagles problems go beyond coaching. If some issues are not resolved, no one can succeed for long with the team," Addo told the sl10.ng website.
"We shouldn't forget where Keshi picked this team from in 2012, almost same place like they are now, but nobody cared about how they got there, that is why it happened again," Adoo added.
"I am a better President than you" -Jonathan Replies Obasanjo
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President Goodluck Jonathan has described himself as the best leader to be produced by Nigeria.
The President said no leader since the country gained independence in 1960 had done better than himself for the country.
He, therefore, said the comment made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which the ex-President described Jonathan's performance as below average, was untrue.
Jonathan said this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, in Abuja on Sunday.
Okupe's statement read, "Our attention has been drawn to comments made by a former President of this country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, regarding the performance of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
"Obasanjo had at an event over the weekend declared that he rated the President Goodluck Jonathan administration 'below average'.
"We aver that Obasanjo's comments are untrue, misleading and clearly do not tally with the facts on the ground.
"We therefore wish to assert without equivocation that in terms of performance and achievements, no administration since 1960 when Nigeria gained independence from Britain, has done as much as that of President Jonathan."
He said that every discerning and unbiased Nigerian would definitely attest to this "as the evidence stare all of us in the face."
Okupe, who had also worked with the former President while in office, added that contrary to Obasanjo's position, the Federal Government under Jonathan had performed excellently given the prevailing circumstances and resources available to it.
He said while it was true that Nigeria had been faced with incidents of insurgency and terrorism, especially in the last few years, the Jonathan administration had successfully contained the initial widespread activities of the insurgents, which he said were prevalent in 12 states of the North, including the Federal Capital Territory.
He added, "While it is true that the present activities of the terrorists in the three north-eastern states have become more deadly in mindless killings, kidnappings and supposed territorial seizures, government has made giant diplomatic strides with our neighbouring countries in order to checkmate the crisscrossing of the insurgents.
"The military and other security agents, which have engaged the insurgents since inception, have done a great job in spite of recent challenges.
"The truth of the matter which we must know and accept is that we have an internal enemy supported by internal and external resources waging a major warfare against our nation."
The President said no leader since the country gained independence in 1960 had done better than himself for the country.
He, therefore, said the comment made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which the ex-President described Jonathan's performance as below average, was untrue.
Jonathan said this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, in Abuja on Sunday.
Okupe's statement read, "Our attention has been drawn to comments made by a former President of this country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, regarding the performance of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
"Obasanjo had at an event over the weekend declared that he rated the President Goodluck Jonathan administration 'below average'.
"We aver that Obasanjo's comments are untrue, misleading and clearly do not tally with the facts on the ground.
"We therefore wish to assert without equivocation that in terms of performance and achievements, no administration since 1960 when Nigeria gained independence from Britain, has done as much as that of President Jonathan."
He said that every discerning and unbiased Nigerian would definitely attest to this "as the evidence stare all of us in the face."
Okupe, who had also worked with the former President while in office, added that contrary to Obasanjo's position, the Federal Government under Jonathan had performed excellently given the prevailing circumstances and resources available to it.
He said while it was true that Nigeria had been faced with incidents of insurgency and terrorism, especially in the last few years, the Jonathan administration had successfully contained the initial widespread activities of the insurgents, which he said were prevalent in 12 states of the North, including the Federal Capital Territory.
He added, "While it is true that the present activities of the terrorists in the three north-eastern states have become more deadly in mindless killings, kidnappings and supposed territorial seizures, government has made giant diplomatic strides with our neighbouring countries in order to checkmate the crisscrossing of the insurgents.
"The military and other security agents, which have engaged the insurgents since inception, have done a great job in spite of recent challenges.
"The truth of the matter which we must know and accept is that we have an internal enemy supported by internal and external resources waging a major warfare against our nation."
100 Lawmakers Vows To Go To Prison With Tambuwal If He is Arrested
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The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Justice, Dr. Ali Ahmad, on Sunday warned the police against any attempt to arrest the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal.
Ahmad said 100 members of the House would be ready to be arrested alongside Tambuwal.
He said, "If anybody is planning to arrest Mr. Speaker, they should be ready to arrest over 100 legislators. We would follow him to the prison. If they won't open the prison door, we would break it and go inside.
"If they are arresting the Speaker, they should be prepared; we would all go in there. If they have shackles, they should go and buy more.
The lawmaker representing Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency said the invasion of the National Assembly complex by the police last Thursday was illegal and urged the police to follow the Constitution in the discharge of their functions and avoid being manipulated by the executive.
He spoke in an interview with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, while inaugurating the vocational centre of the University of Ilorin Students' Union, equipped by him.
He also said the police should be careful and avoid being used to perpetrate unconstitutional acts in the crisis in the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
He said the rating of President Goodluck Jonathan had dipped as a result of the victimisation of Tambuwal, the police onslaught on the National Assembly and the crisis in the Ekiti legislature.
He stressed, "We would do anything for Nigeria's democracy not to be sacrificed on the altar of somebody's personal ego. Nigeria is a constitutional country and is a government that is being governed by constitution.
"It's not a kingdom; you cannot just wake up and say you want somebody to disappear. No, you are there because of the constitution; you will continue to be there because of the constitution and when you leave, you leave because of the constitution.
Ahmad said 100 members of the House would be ready to be arrested alongside Tambuwal.
He said, "If anybody is planning to arrest Mr. Speaker, they should be ready to arrest over 100 legislators. We would follow him to the prison. If they won't open the prison door, we would break it and go inside.
"If they are arresting the Speaker, they should be prepared; we would all go in there. If they have shackles, they should go and buy more.
The lawmaker representing Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency said the invasion of the National Assembly complex by the police last Thursday was illegal and urged the police to follow the Constitution in the discharge of their functions and avoid being manipulated by the executive.
He spoke in an interview with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, while inaugurating the vocational centre of the University of Ilorin Students' Union, equipped by him.
He also said the police should be careful and avoid being used to perpetrate unconstitutional acts in the crisis in the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
He said the rating of President Goodluck Jonathan had dipped as a result of the victimisation of Tambuwal, the police onslaught on the National Assembly and the crisis in the Ekiti legislature.
He stressed, "We would do anything for Nigeria's democracy not to be sacrificed on the altar of somebody's personal ego. Nigeria is a constitutional country and is a government that is being governed by constitution.
"It's not a kingdom; you cannot just wake up and say you want somebody to disappear. No, you are there because of the constitution; you will continue to be there because of the constitution and when you leave, you leave because of the constitution.
Scores Of Traders Killed By Boko Haram In Gruesome Fish Market Attack
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Suspected Boko Haram extremists ambushed and slaughtered 48 fish vendors near Nigeria's border with Chad, the head of their association said, the latest violence to hit the country's volatile northeast.
"Scores of Boko Haram fighters blocked a route linking Nigeria with Chad near the fishing village of Doron Baga on the shores of Lake Chad on Thursday and killed a group of 48 fish traders? on their way to Chad to buy fish," Abubakar Gamandi, head of the fish traders association, told AFP.
Gamandi said that after setting up a barricade at Dogon Fili, 15 kilometres (nine miles) from Doron Baga in Borno state, the attackers stopped a convoy of fish vendors around midday, silently slaughtering some and drowning others in the lake.
"The Boko Haram gunmen slit the throats of some of the men and tied the hands and legs of the others before throwing them into the lake to drown," Gamandi told AFP by telephone from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
It was unclear if the motive for the gruesome attack was robbery or if there were other reasons for the killings. Boko Haram has at times targeted residents seemingly indiscriminately in its deadly insurgency.
Doron Baga, 180 kilometres from Maiduguri, is the base of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), comprising troops from Nigeria, Chad and Niger fighting the Islamist group.
The MNJTF was formed in 1998 to fight trans-border crime but its mandate has been expanded as part of efforts to tame the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
Gamandi claimed the assailants killed all of their victims without using their guns.
"The attackers killed their victims silently without the use of the gun to avoid attracting attention from the multi-national troops," he said.
News of the attack was slow to emerge due to the destruction of mobile phone towers in the area by Boko Haram in previous attacks.
A military officer in Maiduguri confirmed it but said details were sketchy.
"We heard of the attack near Doron Baga but we don't have any details because the area falls under the operational jurisdiction of the MNJTF," the military officer said.
'Barbaric act' –
In nearby Niger, visiting French Prime Minister Manuel Walls condemned "a new barbaric act" by what he called "a terrorist organisation".
"This is a new illustration of the threat posed by this group, this sect, on the people of Nigeria as well as those of neighbouring countries," he said.
Incessant Boko Haram attacks have disrupted fishing and farming along the shores of Lake Chad. Fishermen from Doron Baga have been forced to abandon fishing and have turned to importing dried fish from neighbouring Chad.
Gamandi said the Dogon Fili route provided the safest passage for traders from Doron Baga to Chad as other routes are infested with Boko Haram gunmen who rob and kill travellers.
Last December at least seven fishermen were killed when Boko Haram Islamists attacked Doron Baga in a nighttime raid that left many homes burnt.
In August, the Islamists raided Dogon Baga and kidnapped 97 people after killing 28 villagers.
The hostages, including women and children, were loaded on speed boats and ferried across the lake into Chad.
Chadian troops rescued 85 of the hostages when they intercepted a convoy of buses transporting them from the shores.
More than 13,000 people have been killed since the insurgency began in 2009 and Boko Haram is now said to be in control of more than two dozen towns in Nigeria's northeast in its quest for a hardline Islamic state.
The Islamists have made major gains over the past 18 months and violence has continued at a relentless pace in three northeastern states that had long been under a state of emergency.
The emergency measures expired this week and President Goodluck Jonathan, who is running for re-election in February, has yet to get a parliamentary approval for an extension.
In Lagos, Nigeria's main opposition party claimed Sunday that security agents had ransacked its office in Lagos, arresting workers and seizing documents, in the latest flareup ahead of February election.
"Scores of Boko Haram fighters blocked a route linking Nigeria with Chad near the fishing village of Doron Baga on the shores of Lake Chad on Thursday and killed a group of 48 fish traders? on their way to Chad to buy fish," Abubakar Gamandi, head of the fish traders association, told AFP.
Gamandi said that after setting up a barricade at Dogon Fili, 15 kilometres (nine miles) from Doron Baga in Borno state, the attackers stopped a convoy of fish vendors around midday, silently slaughtering some and drowning others in the lake.
"The Boko Haram gunmen slit the throats of some of the men and tied the hands and legs of the others before throwing them into the lake to drown," Gamandi told AFP by telephone from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
It was unclear if the motive for the gruesome attack was robbery or if there were other reasons for the killings. Boko Haram has at times targeted residents seemingly indiscriminately in its deadly insurgency.
Doron Baga, 180 kilometres from Maiduguri, is the base of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), comprising troops from Nigeria, Chad and Niger fighting the Islamist group.
The MNJTF was formed in 1998 to fight trans-border crime but its mandate has been expanded as part of efforts to tame the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
Gamandi claimed the assailants killed all of their victims without using their guns.
"The attackers killed their victims silently without the use of the gun to avoid attracting attention from the multi-national troops," he said.
News of the attack was slow to emerge due to the destruction of mobile phone towers in the area by Boko Haram in previous attacks.
A military officer in Maiduguri confirmed it but said details were sketchy.
"We heard of the attack near Doron Baga but we don't have any details because the area falls under the operational jurisdiction of the MNJTF," the military officer said.
'Barbaric act' –
In nearby Niger, visiting French Prime Minister Manuel Walls condemned "a new barbaric act" by what he called "a terrorist organisation".
"This is a new illustration of the threat posed by this group, this sect, on the people of Nigeria as well as those of neighbouring countries," he said.
Incessant Boko Haram attacks have disrupted fishing and farming along the shores of Lake Chad. Fishermen from Doron Baga have been forced to abandon fishing and have turned to importing dried fish from neighbouring Chad.
Gamandi said the Dogon Fili route provided the safest passage for traders from Doron Baga to Chad as other routes are infested with Boko Haram gunmen who rob and kill travellers.
Last December at least seven fishermen were killed when Boko Haram Islamists attacked Doron Baga in a nighttime raid that left many homes burnt.
In August, the Islamists raided Dogon Baga and kidnapped 97 people after killing 28 villagers.
The hostages, including women and children, were loaded on speed boats and ferried across the lake into Chad.
Chadian troops rescued 85 of the hostages when they intercepted a convoy of buses transporting them from the shores.
More than 13,000 people have been killed since the insurgency began in 2009 and Boko Haram is now said to be in control of more than two dozen towns in Nigeria's northeast in its quest for a hardline Islamic state.
The Islamists have made major gains over the past 18 months and violence has continued at a relentless pace in three northeastern states that had long been under a state of emergency.
The emergency measures expired this week and President Goodluck Jonathan, who is running for re-election in February, has yet to get a parliamentary approval for an extension.
In Lagos, Nigeria's main opposition party claimed Sunday that security agents had ransacked its office in Lagos, arresting workers and seizing documents, in the latest flareup ahead of February election.
Many Dead, Property Destroyed In Ibadan As APC Thugs Wages War On Community
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At least three people were killed and 10 houses destroyed by armed youths who invaded Born Photo, Isale Osi, Idi Arere and Popoyemoja in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The youth who operated freely for about two hours before policemen arrived at the scenes, also burnt or vandalised about 200 shops, several vehicles and a tricycle.
Eyewitnesses said the thugs partly burnt a petrol station at Popoyemoja junction.
Our correspondent gathered that the mayhem started at 9am at Born Photo before it spread to Isale Osi, Idi Arere and Popoyemoja.
Residents linked the violence to last Friday's attack in which a policeman was shot dead at a rally by the All Progressives Congress.
One of them said, "Youths hired by politicians released several shots at Born Photo junction. This is a fall-out of Friday's violence at the APC rally. This may not be over soon because there could be reprisal. Government must intervene quickly."
Mr. Okunola Asimiyu, whose family house on SW9/263 was burnt on Sunday, wondered why his house was a target.
He said, "I am not a politician. My father built this house many decades ago. The fight in Oke-Ado three days ago may have led to today's (Sunday) attack on our community. I have no friends among the politicians. I was in the building when the thugs set it on fire . I tried to put off the fire but when I realised that it was spreading, I had to escape."
About five shops in the house were vandalised.
Folake Oladipo, who operated one of the shops, said she lost over N1m.
She added, "I received a call this(Sunday) morning that my shop was burning. I rushed there but I saw people with guns shooting and burning houses. They burnt my refrigerators, generators and looted everything in the shop. I am devastated."
Also destroyed in the building was a football viewing centre. Its operator, Adepoju Owolabi, said football fans were lucky to have escaped.
At Popoyemoja junction, a BP petrol station was vandalised and partly burnt. Policemen at the scene said calamity would have happened if the fire had reached the fuel dump.
However, the Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan South-West Council Area, Taoreed Adeleke, blamed the opposition for the attack.
Adeleke said, "Clearly, this is the work of the opposition. They want to scare people during elections and place the blame on the government of the day. We appeal that people should return to their homes. People are not ready to talk; they are scared of mentioning the perpetrators for fear of being attacked.
"I will also blame hoodlums or area boys that are bent on disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state for the attack. We heard that the people would come up before the election to make the state ungovernable.
"It started on Friday in Oke Ado and its spreading now. I was called early this (Sunday) morning that the problem had started again so I mobilised security men to stop them."
However, an Accord Party chieftain, Lanre Ogundipe, said the fight was between APC members.
"APC started it among rival groups within the party on Friday. They should not point accusing fingers at any other political party," he said.
The APC Chairman in the state, Akin Oke, in a statement after the violence, called on the police to investigate the attack thoroughly.
Like Adeleke, Oke blamed the mayhem on the opposition.
His statement read in part, "All evidences at APC disposal pointed at a high-level gang-up by some politicians currently at large to embarrass government and to destroy the three and half years of peace in the state.
"We still insist that the persons behind that violence were carrying out a high-level assignment which has to do with the 2015 elections. The violence betrays logic. Why would APC 'thugs', if the allegation of the opposition is to be believed, be involved in shooting the police and not their rival groups? Why did the fomenters of the violence choose the governor's local government and the last day of his meet-the-people tour, as their target?"
The Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command, Olabisi Ilobanefor, said the police had yet to make any arrest.
He said the state Commissioner of Police, Kola Sodipo, would address the media over the spate of attacks in the state on Monday (today).
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