One of the five persons who survived from the accident and currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia claimed that the accident was a result of an illegal road block mounted by the police. He said heavy logs and stones were placed on the road and that the unsuspecting students, who were travelling in a NANS bus rammed into the illegal barrier. The policemen reportedly escaped afterwards.

There are other reports however which say that the NANS bus was hit by an out of control trailer. This was the explanation given by John Meheux, the Abia Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Meheux said the accident, which involved a truck and a mini-bus belonging to NANS, occurred at Ariam-Ndioru Junction in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia.

The NANS leaders were embarking on the urgent trip to Akwa Ibom to help salvage the situation in the University of Uyo before they met their demise. The incident in the University of Uyo was as a result of the new transportation policy of the school in shuttling the students between the old and new campuses of the university.

The death of the NANS leaders has been confirmed by the NANS president, Yinka Gbadebo. Gbadebo blamed the police and surprisingly, the inspector general of police in particular.

“The police under the current IGP killed nine students within one week; the police action is barbaric and we call for the immediate resignation of the IGP, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar,” he said. “We are closing down all campuses in Nigeria and national action will commence immediately.”

Source: The Scoop

The accident scene where NANS leaders died near Owo in Ondo State

The lone survivor for the accident, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, claimed that an illegal road block mounted by the police was responsible for the tragedy.

It would be recalled that yesterday, the police killed several students during a protest organized by students of Engineering at the university. That prompted the decision of the NANS leaders to embark on the urgent trip to Akwa-Ibom.

The Engineering students were protesting against new transport fees and other anti-student policies, including the contentious “No pay, No examination” policy.

Confirming the death of his colleagues this morning, the President of NANS, Yinka Gbadebo, blamed the tragedy on the police. “The police under the current IGP killed nine students within one week; the police action is barbaric and we call for the immediate resignation of the IGP, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar.”

However, it is yet unclear how the incident happened. The survivor of the crash claimed that the police mounted an illegal road block by putting heavy logs and stones on the road and that the unsuspecting students, who were travelling in a NANS bus rammed into the illegal barrier. According to him, the police ran away immediately the accident occurred.

Another source, has, however controverted that account, claiming that a trailer crushed the students’ vehicle.

The Nigerian police have a poor reputation of extra-judicial killings. “We are closing down all campuses in Nigeria and national action will commence immediately,” Mr. Gbadebo threatened.

In a similar occurrence last February, nine students of the Nasarawa State University in Keffi, died in a road accident at Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area as they fled from soldiers who attacked them during a campus protest.
The soldiers ao killed several students on the scene protest .

In July last year, three students’ union leaders were killed on the Owo–Akure Road. They were the Student Union Presidents of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Comrade Awopegba Oluwaseun, Comrade Akintola Abiodun of the Adeyemi College of Education, and Comrade Oyikan Olotu of the Ondo State School of Midwifery, Akure.

Source: Sahara Reporters

From left, Speaker House of Representative, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the Official Launching of Opon Imo: Tablet of Knowledge, at Zenababs Hotel, Ilesa, the State of Osun on Monday 03-06-2013

Opon-Imo is a complete library in a single computer tablet that cannot interface or inter connect with any other system and it provides three major content categories which are: e-library, virtual classroom and integrated test zone.

The virtual classroom category contains 63 e-books covering 17 academic subjects, non-academic life enriching subjects such as history of the Yoruba, sexuality education, civic education, Ifa ethics and morals, hints and tips on passing SSCE and how to live a healthy and happy life.

In his speech, Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said that the newly introduced education device called “Opon-Imo” is a bold statement of the determination of his administration to the provision of qualitative education in the state.

He stated further at the official launch which was held in Ilesa that the tablet is more than a learning device but a revolution that brings about individualistic money and can also bring the school to the child.

The governor explained that different hurdles came the way of the project due to under estimation of the enormity of the challenges involved that were not initially planned for but was eventually overcome through determination, stating that the successful birth and delivery of Opon-Imo has been a difficult experience.

While outlining some of the benefits of the device, Ogbeni Aregbesola noted that “Opon-Imo” is a veritable tablet of knowledge that levels the learning playing field for all students from different social backgrounds.

He added that it allows students to learn at their own pace, wherever and whenever they choose while it also provides robust and uniform learning content for all students, and offers a feedback mechanism for monitoring their performance.

The governor however said that the introduction of “Opon-Imo” is a high point in the government’s comprehensive plan to remake the public school system in the state in order to achieve a solid educational foundation for a brighter future for our young ones.

Earlier in her welcome address, the State Deputy Governor, Otunba Titi Laoye Tomori, who highlighted the importance of the device, called on students in the state to avail themselves of the opportunities that “Opon-Imo” has presented to them by maximizing the benefits inherent.

The guest speaker, Director General, UNESCO who was represented by the country representative of UNSECO, Prof. Hassana Alidou congratulated the governor for the successful launch of the device, stating that the device will go a long way in assisting the students in their learning process.

She then urged the students to take full advantage of the device while promising that UNESCO is ready and motivated to partner with the state in improving of teachers and education generally.

Another guest speaker, the renowned Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, who was represented by Prof. Sola Adeyeye, praised the giant strides of the governor especially in the education sector, stressing that he is happy that there is a part of Nigeria where learning has made easy and interesting for students.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuha said that he is sure the device will not only enhance education in the state alone but also in the nation at large, saying that the House of Representatives will continue to support the good government in the state of Osun.

In his goodwill message, former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said the present administration in the state is a demonstration of unique and innovative leadership which is a positive way forward for a state like Osun, saying that he hopes the people in the state will continue to support the administration.

The former Governor of Lagos state and A.C.N National Leader, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, noted that the launch of the device is a product of hard work and the determination to better the lots or the people of the state through qualitative education for the future generations in the state, adding that the introduction of Opon Imo is ground breaking.

In attendance were, the ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, former Minister of the Capital Territory Abuja, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Minority Leader of the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam.

Others include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and other top monarchs.

High points of the event were the unveiling of Opon Imo, drama and music presentation and the presentation of a documentary which gave insights into the composition and use of the device.

The student reportedly on his way to the campus to collect his identity card, sustained serious injuries after a trigger-happy policeman officer attached to a bullion van misfired in an attempt to shoot the tyre of the taxi Dayo was travelling in.

Of course he must have thought that the car contained men of the underworld who had their eyes on the mints in transit; he was obviously guarding the Naira notes with his job on one hand and his life on the other.

Expectedly, the incident shut down activities within the state capital as the victim’s colleagues took to the streets to express their anger. By then, the culprit and the driver of the bullion van had sought refuge at a nearby bank which was lucky not to have been razed.

It is stupid, unfortunate, sickening, demoralizing and questionable that in 2013 A.D., some police officers lack a simple attribute as decorum. In case they have forgotten, some grave blunders they committed in the past earned us international tongue-lashing, with the attendant shame on our collective image as a people.

Already, the madness of one man, who probably is a school drop-out, has left Dayo with a broken bone on his left leg and a crushed tibia which has affected the flat surface of his right foot. Except a miracle and/or urgent medical surgery, one of the affected legs may be amputated.

Kwara state Commissioner of Police, Agboola Glover-Oshodi, says the suspect has been arrested, while his inferior, the command spokesperson, DSP Fabode Olufemi, hours later said he was yet to receive any report on the incident; a statement which confirms prelude to the usual cover ups.

Even though the Nigeria Police often finds itself in such mess, it has never consciously grabbed the bull by the horn. We have said it a million times that any member of its rank and file that uses live bullets on tax payers, especially in unprovoked instances be dismissed after thorough probe. But what do we get: the lunatics get a slap on the wrist and then find their way into the service, thanks to the Baba Isales who are always willing to intercede on their behalf.

We all have our stories. Years ago while in the university, some meters away from the Babcock University junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway, a policeman flagged our vehicle down. The driver obeyed. The man-in-black then asked to be ‘rogered’, maximum is N50. The driver retorted that he had no change, but would ‘do normal’ on his return trip. The officer would have none of that insisting he drops ‘something’ or be ready to burn his time and fuel. It is apposite to recall that his action not only disrespected the passengers but other road users queued up behind. He also acted as if he was blind to the weather condition; at that point the sky was fast gathering thick dark clouds. After five to six minutes of arguments, the officer pointing towards left, shouted at our driver to “park, park there”. The furious man sensing that a larger extortion was about to take place drove ahead.

Only seconds later, we heard a big bang and accelerating on a bursted tyre, we skid off the road. The driver really struggled, but safely scrambled us to a point. We had been shot at. Once the bus stopped, every one rushed out. While some went straight to prayers, the rest of us – mainly young men – charged towards the checkpoint in protest. As we headed back, the would-be killer and his crew dashed into their black unmarked Ford truck and sped off. Driving against traffic, they escaped via the road leading to Ilishan town just in front of the private university.

There are countless stories of same incident which do not get reported in the media. Only heaven can correctly provide the number of deaths and permanent disability that people paid to protect the citizens have caused.

I used to think that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, made it compulsory for banks to convey cash in armored vehicles. Is that order non-existent? Are Police commanders making more money by endangering the lives of junior officers? Is there a case of disloyalty going on?

The IGP should without delay try some senior officers for insubordination as it appears that some of his directives fall on deaf ears. There is still a deficit of discipline under his leadership and a weak oversight will only do more damage.

What amazes me is that our officers shine superbly outside the shores of the country, while they continue to mess up back home. As it stands, the good health and future of an innocent youth is in jeopardy owing to misjudgment of a simple situation, not warfront! The unprofessionalism of the jittery gun-handler has brought shame to himself, his family and the institution he works for.

Taking another look at the scenario and assuming that he needed to use his weapon, was he too dumb to shoot with precision? Against the backdrop of this latest incident, is the call by Nigerians that regular re-training be carried out not justified?

To Mr. IGP, is this one of the kind of men you deploy to face the ruthless Boko Haram? Let’s stop deceiving ourselves abeg.

This information was gotten from someone on the flight was surprised that it’s not in the news.

According to him, he was on the flight that faithful day..it was a night flight and he was listening to music from his Ipod when he perceived a foul burning odor, he thought the white man sitting next to him had farted but he knew it something more serious when he noticed people panicking.

He pulled his headphones and asked the white guy sitting next to him why people where panicking, all the white man was saying was ’’this plane is going to crash! This plane s going to crash!..all of a sudden the lighting system in the aircraft went off…everyone was mad with fear.. some started praying others brought out their blackberries and started pinging, some started calling loved ones and telling them their last wishes.

The captain then announced that the plane had developed an electrical fault and they were going to have an emergency landing. The pilot then turned the plane around and headed back to South Africa. It was also revealed that it was then he saw 2face Idibia walk past him and when he looked back he saw the popstar talking and calming his crew down, telling them not to panic.

After 45 minutes, the captain announced that they were going to ‘dump the fuel’ i.e remove all the jet fuel on the plane, this is a precautionary step taken by pilots whenever a plane is going to crash or whenever there is a risk of fire. As they were about to land, another problem came up. The captain announced that the tires of the plane could not come out, by then everyone on the plane had given up.

Miraculously, the tires came out and the plane successfully landed and the passengers were evacuated. Other passengers were taken to the arrival lounge, that was when he met Tony Anenih’s wife, Josephine, they talked and exchanged cards.

After much investigation, it was a kettle that sparked in the kitchen that affected the whole electrical system of the plane.

Source: Naij News

‘I have just been in an accident in Nashville. I was crossing an intersection going for a walk. A car turning didn’t see me and boom! Sent me flying. Thank God I landed on my padded butt. The only thing that got crushed was my water bottle.’ Asa also twitted that paramedics came to her rescue and gave her first aid. However she added that aside feeling woozy she was okay.

The singer stated that she was not pressing charges but gave the driver a stern warning.

Source: The Sun

About 16 others sustained various injuries during the incident, which was caused by rainstorm on Thursday night.

A resident of the community, Nnaemeka Emenyonu, said that the tree fell on the affected persons around 8:00 p.m. He said the tree also destroyed the Village Hall.

“The big tree fell suddenly on 31 people, who died at the spot and injured 16 others. Those injured were taken to hospital.

“The victims include two sisters, who sell tomatoes. Honestly, this is a saddest event in the history of our community,” he said.

The traditional ruler of the community, Godwin Duru, lamented that such a tragic incident had never occurred in the community.

“I do not know what to say. God, what can we call this? My people were destroyed within a twinkle of an eye. What a pity,” he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Joy Elemoko, declined comment on the incident after several efforts to get the command’s reaction to the issue.

(NAN)

Mr. Peter Anionwe, who managed a barber’s shop in Alagbole, a Lagos suburb, went to work as a labourer to make extra cash but never lived to tell the story.

News Express learnt that Mr. Anionwe, 39, became friends with a man who recently bought an old house at No. 8, Adeola Street (almost opposite his shop) and decided to demolish and rebuild it.

“He was the one to whom the buyer of the house gave the keys to keep. He would open the place for the workers each day and collect the keys for safe-keeping at the end of the day’s work,” a source close to the late Mr. Anionwe told News Express.

The source said that Mr. Anionwe later approached the contractor handling the demolition job and requested to be hired as one of the labourers.

“He was demolishing a portion of the house last week Tuesday (May 7) when it fell on him and crushed him. He was rushed to a hospital in nearby Ojodu but was pronounced dead,” the source said.

Work has since stopped on the house and the gates were securely locked when News Express visited.

News Express learnt that the body of Mr. Anionwe, who is survived by a son, has been taken to his hometown in Enugu, South-East Nigeria, for burial in keeping with the Igbo tradition of not burying their people in a foreign land.

His brother, Mr. Uche Anionwe, told News Express: “I have lost my brother – the only one. It is a sad day for all of us.”

Source: News Express

The circumstances that may have led to the explosion inside the Spider Helicopter were not clear. While some eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred while the helicopter was taking off, others claimed the explosion occurred at the point of landing.

P.M.NEWS also learnt that although fire-fighters arrived promptly at the scene of the crash, there was little that could be salvaged from the helicopter as it was burnt to ashes.

A statement by the Nigerian Airforce made available to P.M.NEWS in Port Harcourt, said: “a Mi-24B Helicopter on a training exercise made an emergency landing today at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt at about 10:00am”.

The statement signed by Group Captain Alonge said there was no casualty as all the crew members came out unhurt.

The statement also said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh on receipt of the report has immediately constituted a team of experts to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident and further details of the crash will be made known after investigation is concluded.

A source at the Airforce base claimed that the two Airforce pilots on board were unhurt.

However it was not also certain how much collateral damage the crash may have caused to people within the vicinity of the crash.

It was learnt that the deafening sound from the explosion caused panic within the immediate vicinity.

The Airforce officials prevented journalists from getting close to the scene of the crash. However, smoke was seen billowing from afar from the Airforce Bridge.

A Nigerian Air Force Alpha jet deployed to operations in Mali on Monday crashed in Niger Republic, resulting in the death of the two pilots, a statement by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said.

The jet was said to have crashed at 1.05 p.m. 60 kilometres west of Niamey, the Nigerien capital.

The fighter jet was part of Nigeria’s air fleet engaged with an African force fighting hardline Islamists in Mali.

Source: PM News

Senator Ngige made the declaration in Awka on the occasion of Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), and Democratic People’s Party (DPP).

Speaking on the occasion, convener of the meeting and coordinator of Rainbow Coalition, Chief Ben Oranusi, explained that after due investigations and understanding of the personalities aspiring for the 2014 gubernatorial election, they found that Ngige was the person good enough and better experienced to take up the task of piloting the affairs of Anambra State.

Oranusi said: “We are urging him to come and contest this election and continue from where he stopped. We have been holding this meeting for months now and now is the time to call him up and say ‘go for us and become our governor again.’”

Former lawmaker in the House of representatives for Anambra East and West Federal Constituency Chief Ralph Okeke, later moved a motion for Senator Ngige to contest 2014 gubernatorial election.

The motion was seconded by Ezike Nwosu, an APGA member from Ezinifite Aguata in Anambra South and supported by Chidi Abasilim of Idemili South and Paul Obianaso who do not belong to any political party.

Speaking on the occasion, Ngige said: “While I was there as governor, I worked with about N80 billion as total budget and executed about N69 billion and if we go by this data and figure, you will discover that the four budget which I prosecuted I had about N150 billion, including the Internally Generated Revenue.

“Yet we delivered services and built roads and lifted the embargo on employments and promotion which the then governor placed while in office.

“But when you compare my administration with that of the incumbent, Governor Peter Obi, you will see the difference.

“He had received N1.2 trillion in total as allocation from Federal Account and about N800 billion as local government allocation which makes it up to roughly N2 trillion in the last seven years, yet we have nothing to show for it.

“I wish to ask, what do we have in Anambra State in terms of infrastructure to show for the N2 trillion received by the governor?

“Even if you allow for inflation by doubling the N150 billion to N300 billion, does the situation in Anambra State justify the huge resources that has come into the state since then?”

Source: Vanguard