News Desk Monday, June 04, 2007

Ex-governors Dominate Ministerial Nominations

Names of former governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were said to have dominated the list of Ministerial nominations submitted by state governors to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The former state chief executives were also said to be forming a pressure group that would protect their interests in the new government. more>>

Senate Presidency: Anti-Mark Meeting Deadlocked

In what was interpreted yesterday as a defiant move against the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus on the choice of Senator David Mark (Benue South) as Senate President, some Senators-elect have reportedly endorsed former Benue State Governor and Senator-elect, Mr. George Akume as their candidate for the top job. But Akume, according to an interpretation of Rule 97 (1)(f) of the Standing Rules of the Senate, is not qualified to run for the post. more>>

Prices of Goods rise as 10% VAT regime Begins

LAGOS — PRICES of goods and services have started to rise as companies begin the implementation of the recent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 to 10 per cent. As at Friday, June 1, several private sector operators had commenced the implementation of the increase leading to adjustments in the prices of goods and services they offer. more>>

Robbers Steal Car at Enugu Gov's Thanksgiving Service

ENUGU—ARMED bandits on Saturday dispossessed an elderly woman, Mrs. Egbo Unoma of her car during a post-inaugural interdenominational thanksgiving service organized for Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime and his deputy, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu chapter. more>>

Daunting Challenges facing Youths - Udenwa

OWERRI—The immediate past governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, says experience has taught him that “as a father and administrator, there are many daunting tasks and challenges facing Nigerian youths of today”. more>>

Nigeria's Political Problems

In defining the context for the visit, the USAID Team encountered: “gasoline lines in all locations visited, a collapsing economy, extensive poverty, substantial education and health system decay, a populace traumatized by the Abacha regime depredations, all ethnic groups feeling marginalized, and the Niger-Delta in ferment with determined sabotage being committed against oil facilities. more>>

Police Know Ige's Real Killers, say Children

The children of the late Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, have alleged that the police know the real killers of their father.

Speaking with journalists after the 13th Founders’ Day of the Vale College, Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday, the children — Muyiwa Ige and Mrs. Funso Adegbola — said the dummy being sold by the police about the assassination of the former minister was “unfortunate and diversionary.” more>>

Yar'Adua, PDP disagree on Ministers

PRESIDENT Umaru Musa Yar’Adua may be heading for a collision with his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over appointment of ministers and other key government officials.

National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, at the weekend, gave a strong indication to that effect when he publicly expressed his opposition to inclusive government that would embrace opposition parties in power sharing. more>>

New Senate, New Expectations

ABUJA, Nigeria’s seat of power, will again be painted red tomorrow. The capital city last week wore an unmistakably unusual colour as dignatories across the world gathered for the inauguration of President Musa Yar’Adua’s administration.

Though tomorrow event which is the inauguration of this dispensation’s National Assembly may not, for obvious reason, attract such global attention, it will unarguably raise huge dust. Before now, apart from few decision at the Presidency, the dominant issue in the political space has been focused on the formal inauguration of the Assembly, intrigues and drama trailing who would emerge as the Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives as well as other key positions. more>>

OBJ Makes U-turn, says MKO won June 12 Polls

FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday made a U-turn on the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, saying the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, indeed, won the election but was not sworn in because of “bad belle”. more>>

ICPC Dusts files of Corrupt Govs - Set to begin Prosecution

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is now ready to prosecute state governors who served in the last administration and who were found to have soiled their hands. more>>

Coast Clears for Etteh as Speaker - S/West PDP Okays Mark for Senate
President

ALL is now set for Honourable Patricia Etteh to emerge as the Speaker of the House of Representatives following the resolve by all the caucuses in the House to endorse her leadership. more>>

'Elechi' ...Vows To Rehabilitate Nigercem, Nkalagu

Hope has come alive once again for the resuscitation of the moribund Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM), Nkalagu, in Ebonyi State, with Governor Martin Elechi pledging to breathe back life into it. more>>

Court Quashes Ararume's Expulsion

An Imo State High Court has declared that the expulsion of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume by the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not follow due process and was therefore illegal, null and void. more>>

Soldiers Raid Militants' Hide-out, Free Two Expatriates

ONE suspected militant was feared killed and two expatriates freed as government forces yesterday raided a hide-out believed to belong to a band of activist Niger Delta youths. Two expatriates, both Filipino sailors, were freed in the face-off. more>>

Oil Dips; US Gasoline Pipeline, Nigeria Truce Eyed

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices ebbed on Monday after three days of gains as a major U.S. gasoline pipeline resumed pumping and some Nigerian militants called a one-month truce, although analysts saw little to suggest an end to 18 months of violence. London Brent crude, current seen as a better gauge of global oil markets, fell 31 cents to $68.76. U.S. light, sweet crude fell 40 cents to $64.68 a barrel by 0143 GMT, ending a three-day rally that was capped by a $1 surge on Friday. more>>