The Punch Newspaper Archive for March 2008

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Man shot dead in voting queue in Niger

Obasanjo still in charge ––Adamu

Violence mars Kogi election

...Yar’Adua should try Obasanjo now –Shehu Sani

Akunyili blames corruption on lack of reward

Missing aircraft: Airline owners still hopeful

N‘Delta: Henry Okah‘s wife warns FG

Osunbor accuses Edo tribunal of voodoo judgement

$16bn power sector saga: Why we won‘t arrest Nenadi Usman ––Probe panel

ICPC to quiz Grange, Iyabo Obasanjo, others next week

Kogi governorship election: Iwu, INEC topshots relocate to Lokoja

Measles infects 3,000 in Yar’Adua’s home state, kills 165

SAP failed Nigeria, other African countries –Obasanjo

Ex-CJN tried to manipulate election tribunal – Reps

N300m scam: Nobody will be spared -AGF

Newspapers will not go underground again – VP

Police arrest man with six decomposing heads, genitals

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Yar’Adua to decentralise Due Process Unit

N300m scam: Iyabo Obasanjo bars journalists from her office

Obasanjo breached due process – Okonjo-Iweala, Ezekwesili

NDLEA burns 7,400 bags of marijuana

Ogun tribunal: Riot policemen assault court registrar

Critics at Soyinka’s lecture canvass political, human reforms

By-election: FG deploys soldiers in Kogi

ICPC uncovers N3.32bn fraud in UBEC

Senate committee receives documents on N19.5bn aviation fund management

ACF urges Yar’Adua to reverse Obasanjo’s reforms

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Robbers snatch N50m from bullion van in P’Harcourt

By-elections: AC insists on ballot inspection

Reps committee returns share of N300m loot

Only total war will eradicate corruption – Ayoola

How we’ll stop building collapse — Fashola

61% of new HIV/AIDS infections recorded in women – NACA

Kogi poll: Idris calls for deployment of more policemen

We’ll no longer tolerate political assassinations — VP

EFCC commences probe of Obasanjo, others

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Fashola, Ayoola call for true federalism

Kogi election: Police deploy 3,000 men, restrict movement

Collapsed fence kills 13 pupils

Ciroma rejects appointment into PDP BOT

Health ministers resign over N300m scam

Imo debunks Ohakim’s interrogation in London

Senators warn over consequences of budget delay

PDP chief, others arrested after Delta riots

US appoints Nigerian scientist to head research centre

JTF invades militants’ camp, frees lawmaker’s wife

Governors back FG on Fiscal Responsibility Act

FG to reduce military presence in N’Delta – Kingibe

Monday, March 24, 2008

Nigerian, others bag US citizenship for dying in Iraq

Missing aircraft: Sack fever grips aviation agencies

PDP to spend N9bn on new secretariat

Reps reopen probe of PTDF’s missing $4.4bn

NAFDAC raises the alarm over killer mosquito coils

El-Rufai abused due process in revoking 8,510 plots in Abuja – Report

Navy in trouble over disappearance of two barges

Nigeria inaugurates International Scientific committee

NCP directs BPE to begin sale of NITEL

Budget: Opposition Reps back Yar’Adua

Oshiomhole shines at Anenih’s son’s wedding

Presidential Election Tribunal ruling faulty, says PUNCH poll

Sunday, March 23, 2008

NDLEA impounds 3,597kg of drugs, arrests 197 in Abuja

Kaduna refinery resumes kerosene, diesel production

Power probe: Why panel may not invite Obasanjo

HIV threatens TB eradication in Africa – WHO

LG poll: AC alleges plot by PDP to cause trouble

Kure’s probe: Imprisoned governorship aspirant to face panel

Missing plane a national embarassment – Bayelsa AC

Infections account for 57 per cent of deaths in Nigeria

We inherited poor administrative system in PDP – Baraje

Federal Character Commission probes NCC, NBTE over recruitment

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Until banks acquire real bullion vans, it’ll be hard to stop robberies

FG recovers N4.8bn meant for ghost workers

Power sector probe: Obasanjo has case to answer –US-based Nigerians

Reps probe moves to petroleum sector, Ajaokuta Steel

...Oshiomhole’s victory can’t stand –S/South PDP

Fashola, Oyinlola task leaders at Easter

Corruption cripples judicial process in Lagos –Report

Former PTDF boss, brother under probe

Three killed in Imo oil-producing communities

Go now, AC tells Osunbor

Adedibu’s era is over — PDP leaders

Friday, March 21, 2008

Ajudua, guards battle EFCC men, escape arrest

3-month-old baby, half eaten by pig, rescued from refuse dump

INEC seeks bank loan to organise Kogi, Adamawa gov elections

Adults to pay N2,500 per annum tax in Lagos

Filipinos mark Good Friday with whips, nails

Nigerian politicians’ lies stall national development – Okogie

Explosion: Five naval men feared dead, three vessels burnt

Two die celebrating Oshiomohole’s victory

Tinubu, Orji hail Edo tribunal’s verdict

PDI Board dissolution: Ali flays Ogbulafor

Panic at ministry, PHCN over $13bn power probe

Missing plane: NEMA scales down search efforts

Power: Obasanjo ordered illegal deductions from Federation Account – RMFAC

Oshiomhole is Edo governor – Tribunal

Ogbuluafor stops inauguration of Enugu PDP executive

NICON: FG backs out of agreement with Ibrahim

Appeal court upholds Akpabio’s election

How we spent N19.5bn aviation intervention fund – Fani-Kayode

Ambassadors-designate get letters

2008 Budget: N/Assembly may override Yar’Adua

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Auto manufacturers seek hike in import duty

Total deregulation of power sector, solution to energy crisis – Uduaghan

Osun explosion: Aregbesola, Oyinlola trade accusations

Ogbulafor moves against Ali, dissolves PDI board

Three governors shun power probe panel

Daggash, Kingibe intervene in Borno PDP crisis

Corruption, ethnicity bane of Police –Tsav

Physiotherapists worry over diseases of civilisation

Mark, Bankole rejoice with Muslims on Eid-el- Maulud

Ministry clears air on Nigeria‘s chairmanship of UN peace committee

Ladoja faults tribunal’s judgment

Oshiomhole vs Osunbor: Police deploy 3,000 in Benin

Two-day nationwide darkness begins today

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

FG, states, LGs share $2bn from excess crude account

Bankole, Belgore, Fashola, others seek restructuring of police

Power: Reps uncover other N10bn inflated contracts

Police train anti-terrorist squad

Wife of Bayelsa lawmaker abducted in Port Harcourt

We’re sunk without Alao-Akala — Alaafin

PDP set to implement Ekwueme panel report

Nwosu canvasses two-party system

Missing aircraft, a national embarrassment – Senate

NDLEA: Drug baron bags 20-year jail term

Today is Eid-el-Maolud

Monday, March 17, 2008

Tribunal dismisses Aregbesola’s application

Three die as tribunal upholds Alao-Akala’s election

34 illegal firms won N6.2bn power contracts – CAC

Aviation, finance ministers disagree on N19.5bn aviation grant

‘Nigerian HIV patients killed in Libya’

Four masquerades, six others in police net over violent clash

Protesters besiege Oba’s palace, market

Health ministry scandal: Time for Obasanjo-Bello to quit – AC

Nigeria ranks 20th on global hunger index

Missing plane not yet found

NICON: FG insists minister must review agreement

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Abuja airport road, a death zone – FRSC

Waziri may replace Ribadu as EFCC boss

Alao-Akala:Live telecast for judgment on Ajimobi’s petition

Opposition warns PDP on $16bn power probe

April poll: Onu takes case to Appeal Court

Appeal Court ruling: Lawmakers, LG chairmen in emergency meeting

Lagos govt, DPA disagree over BRT project

Why they want me dead – Obat boss

AC commends Reps on probe of power sector

Missing aircraft wreckage found, three crew members dead

Fire guts Gateway Hotel

Energy probe: Imoke faces Reps on Monday

BRT takes off on Monday as Task Force clamps down on traders

Probe panel undecided over Obasanjo

Akala/Ajimobi: Police douse tension ahead of tribunal judgment

ICPC probes WEMA bank, summons officials

Anniversary: Yar‘Adua brings Obasanjo, Atiku together

Obudu-bound aircraft missing

Why I support Danjuma’s call for Obasanjo’s probe –Jemibewon

I remain unshaken ––Obasanjo

Friday, March 14, 2008

…I’m not prepared to take issue with Alaafin – Olubadan

Obas council: Alaafin asks Olubadan, Soun to accept his chairmanship

Obasanjo’s school shut over four-year-old pupil’s death

...Reps comments unfair –Wabara, Nnamani

Blame ex-lawmakers for power sector scandal – Reps

Tribunal determines Akala’s fate on Monday

Atiku files appeal against Yar’Adua’s election at Supreme Court

EFCC quizzes lawmakers over N20m offer, demands refund

US to partner Nigeria on post-conflict issues

I wasn’t summoned by Reps – Okonjo-Iweala

How Obasanjo approved N88bn contracts to one firm

Thursday, March 13, 2008

...PDP continues with celebrations despite court’s verdict

Appeal Court orders tribunal to hear Amosun’s petition

NIPP: Abdulsalami’s firm got N13.2bn contract

14 killed in police, robbers gun duels

Adedeji, Enahoro seek new constitution before 2011 elections

Govs explain choice of Ogbulafor

Prevalence of fake drugs hampers war against malaria — Akunyili

Nigeria lags behind in kidney transplant – Grange

‘Why Obasanjo starved Adamawa of federal projects’

NHRC blames security agencies for rise in rape cases

Reinstated judge: I’m vindicated says Ladoja

Controversy stalls ballot recount in Ondo

Mark faults abuse of motions by executive

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

INEC redeploys resident electoral commissioners

Reps order PHCN to refund phoney contract payments

Presidential library: Obasanjo lied to UNESCO – Soyinka

Reps move to recover $100bn NDDC fund from NLNG

Diabetes fuels high cases of kidney disease — Experts

FCT properties: Mark overrules Iyabo-Obasanjo

UK student visa: 17,444 applications refused in 2007

NASS cuts 2008 budget by N150.8bn

Nigerians denied right to change govt in 2007 – US human rights report

Bandits seize Julius Berger’s ship

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

FG, Ijaw youth leaders resume peace talks

I will be 101% loyal to Mr. President – Ogbulafor

Obasanjo awarded contract to blacklisted firm – House

Money laundering: Judge accuses Kalu of delay tactics

Nigeria needs policy shift in primary health care system – German consultant

Senate orders probe of Kogi massacre

Police hierarchy undecided on new uniform

FG moves to check abandoned projects syndrome

S’Court: Senate confirms Ogebe, Coomasie

Gunmen kill Lebanese in Port Harcourt

Monday, March 10, 2008

NITEL: FG, Transcorp open talks with Vodacom

Yar’Adua sets up committee to verify N58bn judgment debts

EFCC, ICPC recover N600bn stolen funds

How elections were rigged — Forensic expert

Accounting graduate, four others arrested for cocaine trafficking

TRACE to go tough on erring motorists

MFB depositors get N0.1m cover from NDIC

Rousing welcome for Ogbulafor at PDP secretariat

Gunmen kill pastor in Owerri

JTF uncovers Ateke Tom’s secret arms depot

Police rescue girl locked up for 10 years

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Girl, 15, locked up for 10 years

Controversy trails PDP convention

Reps track $13bn energy funds

We won’t negotiate with militants – Amaechi

Crisis brews in Delta over NPA’s property

Case transfer: Ibori knows fate today

Nigeria spends N6bn annually on wheat importation

How I escaped assasination – Ajimobi’s wife

Buhari files more grounds of appeal at S’Court

Shell recovers 170,000 bpd from production shut-in

Contaminated drinks: NAFDAC vows to close down erring firms

Yar’Adua orders return of NICON to Jimoh Ibrahim

Suspension of power sector emergency plan unacceptable, says PUNCH poll

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Bankole protests Ogbulafor‘s election

The man Ogbulafor

How Ogbulafor beat Anyim, Egwu

Former NIPSS DG, two others to face ICPC probe

AC, ANPP team up against Idris

Airforce warns officers against external influence

Fashola tasks Lagosians on social vices

Tribunal verdict vindicates me ––Ohakim

N’Delta: Security chiefs summoned to Abuja

Friday, March 07, 2008

Police detain 30 Reps over death of policeman

Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s emergency meeting deadlocked

Fraud: Police recall ASP from peace mission

Nine Nigerians jailed for forging Ghanaian president’s letterhead

Yar’Adua’s legal victory symbolic – Makinde

Group urges Yar’Adua to hasten health sector restructuring

Court dismisses suit to stop PDP’s convention

Oyo storm renders 1000 families homeless, removes Adedibu’s roof

Tribunal returns Ohakim as elected governor of Imo State

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Fashola asks FG to prosecute election riggers

Imo tribunal rules on Araraume’s case against Ohakim today

Energy funds: Reps committee summons Yar’Adua, Bankole

Ex-commissioner hides in court to evade arrest

Bayelsa PDP crisis: Role of state caucus purely advisory – Gov’s aide

Lagos, S’Africa to collaborate on tourism, socio-economic development

‘US won’t interfere in Nigeria’s democracy’

Alleged certificate forgery: Idris produces proprietor, principal of school

Military damns critics, restates loyalty to Yar‘Adua

Senate orders probe of Ajaokuta Steel concession agreement

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Contaminated fuel: DPR gives conditions for payment of damages

FG lists treason offences against MEND leader

PDP convention: Yar’Adua opposes screening

Election tribunal okays forensic expert

‘Removal of immunity clause won’t stop corruption’

Nyako won’t return to Adamawa govt house – Atiku

Removal of immunity clause will be disastrous –Ogebe

FEC approves $37.9m agricultural development facility

We are ready for Buhari, Atiku at the Supreme Court – INEC

Bankole stops bid to override Yar’Adua on 2008 budget

Two Army generals, four others face court martial

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Obasanjo, Bankole shun PDP S’West congress

Atiku, Buhari are deepening democracy in Nigeria – Senator

Contaminated fuel: Oando ordered to pay damages

Obasanjo sold steel mills to economic terrorist, says Danjuma

Gunmen shoot soldier, kidnap two children in PH

US, UN body indict Nigeria for drug trafficking, money laundering

NICON: FG backs out of settlement with Ibrahim

Obsolete equipment, neglect, poor morale cripple fire service

ICPC arrests federal deputy director for corruption

VP’s, Kutigi’s images cloned as voters in Ondo

PHCN an albatross, says Yar’Adua

Monday, March 03, 2008

Juju scare in Akwa Ibom Assembly

419 lawmakers: Reps panel under pressure to stop Aliyu’s probe

Yar’Adua, PDP governors meet over convention

Health minister denies arrest

‘316 juveniles in prisons’

Ogebe appears before Senate committee on Wednesday

Senate flays FG for no-work-no-pay

Uncertainty in Enugu, Ibadan as PDP holds zonal congresses

NMA calls for emergency in health sector

Court okays criminal charge against sacked Kogi governor

Sunday, March 02, 2008

We’re not deterred by FG’s order — ASUU

Mob burns LG secretariat, eight cars over PDP convention

Contaminated fuel had alcohol – Test

Buhari defies governors, files appeal at S’Court

LP alleges threat to Mimiko’s life

Negative oral habits growing among children – Study

JTF explains increased kidnapping in Port Harcourt

Speakers demand overhaul of NDDC

Ibori wants new judge to handle case

Ladoja: NJC may retire two judges

MTN, Celtel to refund N4.7bn to subscribers

Lagos, Ogun on war path over land encroachment

Saturday, March 01, 2008

I can’t handle marriage again

US faults Ribadu‘s removal

... as kidnappers free two toddlers

Gunmen destroy police station, monarch’s home

Unilorin 49: Yar‘Adua orders Vice Chancellors to withhold striking lecturers’ salaries

Why we cannot stop Buhari, Atiku – Ali, Balarabe

PDP congress: Anambra lawmakers protest

Why we cannot dictate to Yar’Adua on appointments –Federal Character Commission

Yar‘Adua promises metrolines for Abuja, Lagos, others

Nyako in trouble as Zwingina, others demand fresh primary

Okah’s detention: FG not sincere ––Falana

Gunmen attack lawmaker

Yar’Adua’s victory: Army, Police disagree over security threat

500 dropouts go back to school in A/Ibom

Friday, February 29, 2008

FG bars family, lawyers from seeing Okah

Why Adedibu, Oyo dep gov clashed

Niger Delta militant groups in secret meeting, disagree over peace talks

Scarcity looms as DPR recalls contaminated fuel

Ibru: Bamaiyi concludes testimony as court adjourns for final addresses

Yar’Adua, Fashola, others praise TOS Benson

APGA’s leadership tussle: Supreme Court dismisses Umeh’s appeal

NAFDAC impounds 10 truckloads

Power supply will double by Mar 2009 –Yar’Adua