Thursday, March 3, 2016
The Ese Ororu Story
The abduction of Ese Oruru shocked Nigerians for several reasons. She had been abducted in August 2015 by Yinusa, a longstanding customer of her mother, Rose, a food vendor.
Yinusa, a tricycle rider, had taken Ese, who was 13 at the time, to Kano, had her converted to Islam and forcibly married her.
Her abductors resisted efforts by her parents and a non-governmental organisation, KHAN Initiatives, to secure the release of the 14-year-old and take her home.
Curiously, though her parents knew where she was and whom she was with, it took eight months to free her.
Others are shocked that she was converted into Islam and forcefully married by Yinusa even though she is a minor.
Some others are angered that security operatives, especially the police, failed to free the girl.
Her parents are shocked that some, including those who aided Yinusa to convert her, insist that she was 18 even when they had told them their daughter was a minor.
Many Nigerians, including some government officials, who only heard about it after The PUNCH launched the “Free Ese” campaign, are still puzzled. And they, along with some federal lawmakers, have called for the prosecution of those who contravened the country’s laws in respect of the abduction.
“Ese’s case has brought to the fore the need to protect the rights of children and women in our society,” the Minister of Women Affairs, Sen. Jummai Alhassan, said on Monday while calling for the release of the 14-year-old.
“The Child Rights Act says no person under 18 is capable of contracting a valid marriage, and a marriage so contracted is null and void.
“The Act also clearly states that anyone who marries a child is liable to a fine of N500,000 or five years imprisonment or both.”
Ese Rita OrIn this extant case, Ese Oruru was thirteen when she was taken away from her parental home in August last year to Kano where she was forced into Islam preparatory to her being “married off” to her kidnapper, Yunusa. She was allegedly kept in the palace of the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who as an international figure, quickly denied it. The emir claimed that Ese was brought to his palace by the District Head of Kura last year. Apparently, Yunusa had approached the District Head to wed him and Ese, whom they had now renamed “Aisha Chuwas”. According to Sanusi, he ordered that the underaged girl should be handed over to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 1, Tambari Yabo, for her return to her parents. He did not tell us how come it took seven months, yet the Police did not. However, the story told by the girl’s distraught parents, Charles and Rose Oruru, was dramatically different. According to them, Yunusa was a regular customer to the family’s petty trade. That was obviously how, like a snake, Yinusa gained access to the tender rose. When the parents found out, they reportedly paid several failed visits to Kano to recover their stolen child. There they were told that Ese had now become a Muslim, and her parents not being “believers”, were no longer qualified to have access to her. They changed her age from thirteen to eighteen, and bragged that the parents would never see their child again “forever” because her abduction was allegedly ordered by Emir Sanusi. Now enter the Nigerian Police into the matter, and please, don’t laugh. Peter Babatunde Ogunyawo,the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, said when the case was reported to him he wrote to the palace of the Emir of Kano. He even said he wrote “several letters”, and unless something was done, he would write to the Commissioner of Police in Kano State. An offence that was committed seven months ago! Maybe Ogunyawo, who had barefacedly lied on live television that nobody was killed in Bayelsa during the recently concluded gubernatorial polls, was waiting for Ese, like the escaped Chibok girls, to contract her abductor’s pregnancy or even give him a baby before moving in to rescue a kidnap victim and bring the perpetrator to book. Ogunyawo’s boss, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, appeared hopelessly impotent just like his Bayelsa flunkey. He responded to the outrage with hands thrown up in the air: “I can’t free Ese without Emir (Sanusi’s) help”. Since when did the Nigerian Police need the “help” of a traditional ruler to storm a kidnapper’s den, rescue a citizen and bring the perpetrator to book? Supposed the Emir refused to help, then the Police would drop the case? Quite obviously! Ese’s father actually said so. What a vote of confidence for the Police! It was this same Arase who responded to the Agatu killings by armed Fulani invaders, saying the vandals were “not Nigerians”! Was that an excuse for the failure of the Police and security forces to protect Nigerians from these barbarians killing, looting, kidnapping, displacing and destoying in communities all over the Middle Belt and the Southern states of Nigeria! So, “foreign invaders” are free to pillage the land? Much heat has been wasted on the diversionary “interview” in which Ese allegedly said she was “happy” where she was kept. That’s beside the issue. She is a minor (though the kidnappers fraudulently claimed she was 18 to justify their evil deeds and protect themselves from being called pedophiles). Ese, at 14, has no right to either choose a new faith or “marry” without the express consent of her parents. How does she even know she is “happy”? She does not know what many native Northern Muslim women go through at the hands of their male folks who, in most cases, treat them like expendable items. To Yinusa, Ese was merely a trophy snatched from predominantly Christian Bayelsa and presented to the District Head, the Sharia Council and the Emir as a feat of personal herioc accomplishment. If the whole nation had not risen to confront this matter, the Arase-led Nigerian Police would have looked the other way while the constitutional rights of Ese and the Oruru family are brazenly, arrogantly and insolently raped without any consequence to the evil men behind it. After all, it would not be the first time. Miss Charity Uzoechina, daughter of a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was similarly abducted two years ago from her school, Federal Poly Bida, taken to the palace of the emir (Etsu Nupe), Islamised and kept away from her family. We were also told she was “happy” to be a Muslim. Till date, she remains in captivity. No one has rescued or returned her to her family. No one feels outraged! Some disgruntled people say that Nigeria is a “slave camp” for for some Nigerians. Do you blame them?
The Shocker: Ese Ororu is reported to be 5 months pregnant.
The white Hijab she wore when she appeared in front of the press disguised the pregnancy.
The medical team of The Gender and Child Protection Unit carried out a comprehensive medical examination of her at the Police Medical Facility in Area 1, Garki and confirmed her pregnancy.
Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Bayelsa State Police Command to take over investigation in the child violence offense saga because the offense was committed in Bayelsa which is the place of residence of the abductor, Yunusa Dahiru.
Consequently, Vanguard reports that Yunusa will be moved to Yenagoa to face interrogation and prosecution for kidnapping and child abuse as well as violence against a girl-child.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
HAPPY NEW MONTH! 1st March 2016
UPDATES: Boat Mishap: Lagos Warns Against Use Of Fake Life Jackets. Sheriff, Fayose, Apostles Of Political Banditry – APC. Shittu, Others Mull Over $300bn Africa Smart Cities Investments. Beggars, Hawkers Invade Dutse-Bwari Road. Assembly laments gridlock, urges drivers to vacate Apapa. Commotion At Apo Mechanic Village Over Killing Of Trader. Tension mounts over abandoned Delta’s N32.2bn project. Boko Haram: FG to evacuate over 60,000 refugees from Cameroon. We can’t access N2.8bn UBE fund —Ekiti govt. Ooni raises the alarm over looming extinction of Yoruba language. Bayelsa Governor’s Sister Rescued Two Months after Abduction. NNPC, Oil Marketers Join Forces to Stem Fuel Shortages. Auditor-General: N70.4bn Disappeared from NDDC between 2008 and 2012. Anambra Central Senatorial Tussle: Ekwunife, Umeh to Know Fate Thursday. NIS recruitment: Court remands Abba Moro in Kuje Prison. Nigerian, Former US Attorneys General to Head Negotiation on MTN Fine. 14-year-old Girl Allegedly Forced into Marriage in Police Custody. NIMET: High Temperature to Continue Till April. Saraki: 54 Nigerian Laws are Obsolete. NASS to Amend Electoral Act to Accommodate Card Readers – Legislator. INEC Issues Certificate of Return to David Mark. FG, Development Banks to Build 10,000 Health Centres. FG Shifts Appointment of New Post Master General to March 29. NAF Threatens to Sanction Personnel with Banned Uniform, Approves New Camouflage.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.
Good morning..Welcome to the month of March.
27th February 2016
UPDATES: Wanted ex-EFCC boss, Lamorde, dares Senate, appears in Jos. Fayose sacks revenue boss, two arrested for forgery. NLC issues A’Ibom govt 21 days ultimatum. EFCC releases Jonathan’s ex-ADC to army. Declare Adoke wanted, Sagay tells EFCC. Tears as man allegedly killed by wife is buried in Gbongan. Osun uncovers 71 ghost workers during screening exercise. 1,890 captives rescued from Boko Haram, says Nigerian army. No PVC, no govt. patronage, Fayose warns eligible Ekiti citizens. Fuel scarcity: IPMAN, PTD swoop on depot owners in Edo, Delta •Depot owners are our challenge - DPR. FG to Tackle Poverty Headlong, Says Osinbajo. Reverend King to Die by Hanging, Says Supreme Court. Buhari Behind My Ordeal Says Dasuki. Pension Funds are Safe Under PTAD, Says DG. DSS arrests 3 over N4bn bribery allegation against DG. NSCDC deploys 600 for UTME. NUJ kicks as Oyo sacks BCOS management team. EFCC is not investigating Ooni —Ife royal families. Gianni Infantino succeeds Sepp Blatter as FIFA president. NFF names Siasia, Amunike, Yusuf for AFCON qualifier. 4 men nabbed with narcotics worth N6.1m at Abuja airport. FG Confirms MTN’s N50bn Lodgement As Part Payment. Emefiele moves CBN directors. Curfew in Taraba community as Fulani herdsmen kill 9, injure 10. Glo debunks sacking P-Square as brand ambassadors.
Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.
Good morning
Friday, February 26, 2016
MTN pays $251 million toward record 3.8 billion Nigeria phone penalty
MTN pays $251 million toward record 3.8 billion Nigeria phone penalty 
24 Feb 2016 17:28 Loni Prinsloo
Mobile phone company agreed to withdraw the case over the fine from the High Court in Lagos as part of efforts to reach a settlement
MTN Group Ltd., Africa’s largest mobile-phone company, paid 50 billion naira ($251 million) toward a record $3.9 billion fine in Nigeria for missing a deadline to disconnect subscribers and will continue negotiations with the regulator.
The payment to the Nigerian government was made “on the basis that this will be applied toward a settlement, where one is eventually, hopefully arrived at,” the Johannesburg-based company said in a statement on Wednesday. MTN also agreed to withdraw the matter from the High Court in Lagos as part of efforts to reach a settlement, the company said.
“This is a most encouraging development,” MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Ferdi Moolman said in an e-mailed statement. “It demonstrates a willingness and sincerity by both parties to work together toward a positive outcome.”
MTN was hit with the penalty after failing to comply on time with an order to disconnect 5.1 million customers deemed by the regulator to be unregistered in Africa’s most populous country. Nigeria has sought to cut off service to some users as they fight crime and in a country with poor identity records. The insurgent group Boko Haram’s campaign to establish its version of Islamic law in Nigeria has left thousands of people dead since 2009.
While the payment is about 6t% of the total fine, it’s still “a ton of money,” Sasha Naryshkina, a director of Johannesburg-based money-manager Vestact, said by phone. The outlay represents about 27% of MTN’s annual earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization in Nigeria, the company’s biggest market, he said.
MTN shares erased declines and rose as much 3.2% in Johannesburg, trading 1.7% higher at 130.09 rand as of 3:24 p.m. local time. The stock has declined 3%t since the fine, originally set at $5.2 billion before being reduced later to $3.9 billion, was made public on Oct. 26.
Executive Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko is in Nigeria and continuing to lead the negotiations with the regulator, the company said. MTN is also in talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission over the lifting of sanctions imposed on the company for failing to meet phone-service quality standards.
-Bloomberg
Nigeria’s Football Chief Coach Sunday Oliseh Resigns
UPDATES 26th February 2016
UPDATES: At 91, Shagari preaches peace, unity of Nigeria. Buhari welcomes IDB financing offer. APC petitions IG over alleged rigging of Ekiti governorship election. Ambode promises to rebuild National Museum, FG facilities. Reps summon FRSC boss over speed limiters. LASG backs Deeper Life multi-million naira flyover. Reps to pass 2016 budget in March - Dogara. Akpobolokemi gave me N230 million to change to dollar - Witness. Aisha Buhari unveils NLNG vessel in South Korea. Attacks on Agatu community out of control - Ortom. FAAN admits operating faulty scanners at airports. Buhari to Convene National Economic Conference in March. Fuel Scarcity Looms as FG Seeks to Swap More Oil. Court Strikes out Etisalat’s Suit against MTN over Visafone Acquisition. NUC Says UI is Best University in Nigeria. I.5m Students to Sit for 2016 UTME. CJN Replies NBA, Says Lawyers Seeking to Be Justices Not Assessed on Judgments Delivered. Court to Rule on Metuh’s No Case Submission March 9. Dismissed Soldiers Protest their Non-reinstatement. Third Republic Lawmakers Seek Payment of Entitlements. INEC Fixes Edo, Ondo Governorship Polls for Sept 10, Nov 26. Nigeria’s Crude Oil Languishes, Awaits Buyers. One dead, another hospitalised as Lassa fever hits Kogi. Troops foil attack at Dikwa IDP camps, kill 26 Boko Haram members. 343 inmates, 201 visually-impaired to write UTME, as exams begin tomorrow. Pipeline vandalism: FG to provide 50 more gunboats —CNS. UI Rusticates 97 Students Over Poor Performance. Padded 2016 budget: Reps invite Adeosun, Udoma, Emefiele, others. Alleged N1trn fraud: Senate moves to arrest Lamorde, ex-EFCC boss. EFCC arrests Diezani’s cousin over oil deals.
Guard your hear with due diligence because out of it flows the issues of your life.
Good morning =) TGIF
Thursday, February 25, 2016
25th February 2016
UPDATES: EFCC plans to arrest Ekweremadu, Akpabio - PDP. WAEC registrar never insulted Kemi Adeosun -- WAEC. Volatility: Foreigners reject Naira as means of trade --Investigations. Southeast Pensioners call for setting up of Special Unit to monitor bailout funds. Supreme Court rejects INEC's application on Anambra PDP crisis. Don't lose your cultural values, Ooni charges Nigerian youths. Falana asks court to ban dollar as legal tender. Nigeria's indigenous languages facing threat of extinction --Minister. Jonathan’s ex-ADC files N100m suit against EFCC. Death toll rises to 18 in Rivers shootings. Rickey Tarfa withdraws N5bn suit against EFCC, others. Psychology graduate breaks UNILAG record, scores 5.00 CGPA. Nigeria, Qatar Push for Oil Output Cuts to Raise Prices. Buhari Vows to Punish Officials Who Padded Budget. Senate Slashes N7.6bn TSA Charges to N656.5m. Death Toll Increases in Fulani, Agatu Crises. NACA: 1.8m Nigerians Urgently Need N57.6m for HIV Treatment. House to Investigate $260m Usan Deep Water Contract Award. NBA Accuses Leadership of Judiciary of Deliberately Excluding Senior Advocates as Justice of Supreme Court. Family of Electrocuted Eight-year Old Gets N18m Compensation from Abuja Disco. EFCC Arrests PDP Deputy National Chairman, Uche Secondus. MTN Shares Rise on Move to Reach Amicable Resolution on N1.04tn Fine. Senate Moves to Curb DSTV’s Sharp Practices, Summons Trade Minister, NBC, CPC. Jonathan Congratulates Shagari at 91. MTN Drops Lawsuit Against Nigeria, Pays $250m Toward Possible Settlement. FG Seeks Abolition Of Visa Requirement Among D-8 Member Countries. Ecobank Disengages 35, Promotes 300. Borno govt evacuates 9,000 IDPs in schools. Troops rescue another 150 from B/Haram. Military invasion of Rivers community: Casualty figure rises to 18.Mancity defeated Dynamo Kiev away in the UEFA Championship league
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