The Punch Newspaper Archive for October 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Cabinet reshuffle: Akunyili, Ekaette, Aminu tipped for ministerial posts

Akande escapes bandits, Bankole’s brother’s house attacked

Reps panel wants EFCC, ICPC to probe N771.9bn contracts

CBN gives N9m loan to UNN graduates

Drug trafficking: Policeman, four others in NDLEA’s net

Civil servants own most houses in Abuja — Rep

N2.3bn cars: Reps refer fresh allegation to probe panel

Court strikes out case against Jimoh Ibrahim

Nigeria earns N30.78tn in eight years

N’Delta Ministry: Minister may come from any state – VP

Global crisis: IMF, World Bank no longer relevant –Soludo

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Reconciliation: Akinjide group insists on dissolution of Oyo exco

Armed robbery: Police kill herdsman

Robbers invade Auchi Poly

7-in-10 Americans say Obama will win – Poll

Ribadu sues PSC, IG over demotion

Yar’Adua drops 20 ministers

EFCC to re-arraign ex-minister of health, others

Falae counsels Yar’Adua on proper economic planning

Accident claims six people in Benin

Supplementary Budget: Senate gives committee ultimatum

Court admits EFCC report on Bode George, others

RMAFC protests sharing of revenue in dollars

Police, JTF foil attempt to snatch bullion van in P’Harcourt

FG proposes N2.68tn budget for 2009

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Non-passage of FOI bill retrogressive – NBA

FG spends N338.8bn on fuel subsidy outside budget

N2.3bn car deal: Integrity Group, CDHR, others demand probe

NPA: Bode George, others now to face 68-count charge

Declare S’East ecological disaster zone – Govs

Warri, Kaduna refineries to resume operations

Reps assure Ibadan state advocates of fairness

‘Cases of men with breast cancer growing’

14 states, FCT to employ over 14,000 teachers

Obasanjo-Bello: Appeal Court orders election tribunal to hear suit

Monday, October 27, 2008

Bankole dismisses Keyamo’s allegations on N2.3bn cars

Reps begin probe of N5tn allocation to N’Delta.

‘FOI bill not only for media’

‘We’re awaiting implementation of Ekwueme panel report’

Dariye loot: Plateau sues Aondoakaa

We won’t withdraw troops now – JTF

‘1.98m females may be infected with HIV by 2010’

I did not use govt’s money to buy house – FCC Chairman

Sunday, October 26, 2008

FAAC allocates N19bn to Lagos LG councils in three months

Lagos airport radar breaks down

Yar’Adua, Obasanjo reconcile

Governorship appeals: TMG, Afenifere flay appeal court

Firms adopt 55 schools in Oyo

Threats to withdraw committee funds jolt Reps to action

N’Assembly may pass bill for additional accountancy body

Gas flaring: Senate threatens to shut oil wells

SERAP wants EFCC to prosecute 31 ex-governors

Why Oshiomhole could not have won — Osunbor

Corruption: Fresh probe of Oyo public officers imminent

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Corrupt former governors: Daboh warns Yar’Adua

107 illegal oil bunkerers in EFCC net

Exposed: Rip-off at LASTMA

Olunloyo picks Adebayo for Yoruba leadership at Alaafin’s birthday

Confusion in Delta over abduction of businessman

Babangida’s son battles CBN, NDIC over security contract

China bars Nigerian businessmen

EFCC may to declare Amechi’s aides wanted

Agbakoba challenges Amaechi to justify S’Court ruling

US election: Embassy stops lawmakers’ trip

Friday, October 24, 2008

I prayed for death daily, it came, but when it saw me, it fled – Badly burnt bedridden victim

Bankole may approve more committees to pacify Reps

Flaws didn’t affect 2007 elections results –Yar’Adua

Scandal rocks EFCC over withdrawal of case against ex-minister, others

Nigerians lose N5.1bn to robbers in 2007 –Report

SEC assures wonder bank depositors of refund

Ekiti shuts school over juju scare

Controversy over rationing of ammunition by police

2008 budget deficit hits N1.2trn, Reps blame Yar’Adua

Militants rape 28 female youth corps members

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I sent recovered arms to police — Alaafin

Supreme Court reserves judgment on Buhari, Atiku’s case

Reps give condition for passage of 2009 budget

Nigeria’s improvement on corruption index ‘startling’— World Bank

Akinola intervenes in Alake, Daniel face-off

N’Delta committee may end deliberations today

One dead, two hospitalised after multiple accidents

SSS confirms Elendu’s arrest

Omojola’s murder: Pathologist‘s absence stalls trial

Robbers kill seven persons in Ogun

Money laundering: London Court may rule on Ibori, others’ case on Nov 13

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

‘Police had 310,177 officers, men in 2007’

2009 budget ready before Sunday – FG

Council restructures Stock Exchange

Police arrest four suspected armed robbers

Oshiomhole lists criteria for fair elections

Nigeria tops polio cases’ list — GPEI

El-Rufai: Senate throws out bid to stall committee’s report

Mutiny: Senate reverses self on trial of 28 soldiers

EFCC may investigate Obasanjo

EFCC to beam searchlight on contractors, banks

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Slavery: UN urges rich nations to seek forgiveness

EFCC probes NECO registrar over N5bn scam

I don’t know the number of policemen in Nigeria – Okiro

Cabinet change: 40% of ministers may go — Investigation

Niger invests N1bn on tertiary institutions

Poverty: Ibru advises local councils on cottage firms

Three burnt to death in Lagos fire incidents

Niger Bridge: Yar’Adua approves N811.6m contract variation

JAMB, universities may clash over Post-UME

NAFDAC bans 22 Nigerian, Indian companies

Monday, October 20, 2008

Housemaid found hanging on a pole

Crimes: Okiro meets with police commissioners, others today

EFCC rearraigns Ladoja, others for alleged laundering of N4.7bn

Reps, SEC disagree over N600bn capital market intervention

Workers in trouble for diverting N660m ‘Adedibu diesel’

Senate probes PHCN’s N16bn debt to NGC

OPEC may cut output by two million barrels/day

Reps refer purchase of N2.3bn cars to ethics panel

Obama opens six-point lead over McCain – Poll

Stable power supply impossible before 2011 – NEC sub-committee

No bail-out plan for capital market – Bankers’ Committee

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Police fraud unit recovers N435m in 14 months

NSCDC advocates stiffer penalties to curb crime

Adedibu’s supporters beg Alao-Akala for appointments

Atiku challenges Yar’Adua over INEC’ s conflicting results

Product tripping: EFCC probes six oil marketers

Group faults UNESCO’s recognition of Obasanjo library

Why Nigeria’s education is collapsing — Ex-ambassador

N’Delta ministry not the solution — Nzeribe

NAPEP produces millionaire politicians – CD

N’Delta committee: Ijaw group doubts Mitee’s neutrality

Keyamo tasks Bankole over purchase of cars

El-Rufai can’t stop debate of report — Senator

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Apprehension over expired fire extinguishers at N’Assembly

Robbery: Banks hire anti-ballistic vans

Four million applicants denied university admission

‘How to tackle unemployment’

Senator dragged before EFCC over N1.5bn assets

LUTH’s emergency unit deserted, as management begs doctors

Whereabouts of kidnapped senator’s wife still unknown

FG approves 25 additional institutions for technical courses

Policeman kills fresh graduate in Rivers

Planned closure of Apapa Expressway scares truck owners

LG poll: Fashola denies pact with Yar’Adua

Ministerial list: Yar’Adua confused

Gunmen kill Nasarawa broadcaster

Credit managers move to stem spillover of global financial crisis

N12m largesse splits Ijaw youths

IAEA advises Nigeria, 49 others on nuclear power

Daniel backs creation of state police

4,816 Nigerians applied for asylum in 2008 – UN

FG to reduce expenditure in 2009 Budget, NASS to get proposal ‘in a few days’

Friday, October 17, 2008

JTF sinks militants’ boats, arrests seven oil bunkerers

World Food Day: CBN, Delta express fear over food shortage

We’re not aware of plan to close Oshodi-Apapa Expressway – FG

Global financial crisis threatens FG’s road projects – Minister

‘South Africa deports 450 Nigerians in nine months’

Police quiz 11 bank workers over fraud

Mutiny: Provost testifies against officers charged with stealing

Militants abduct senator’s wife in A’Ibom

PSF: EFCC report indicts ex-PPPRA boss, others

FG renovates Speaker, deputy’s houses with N200m

Obama seen as winner after feisty final debate with McCain

Yar’Adua stops planned sale of NGC, PPMC

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Financial crisis: No cause for alarm, says FG

Lagos to close Oshodi-Apapa Expressway for four months

Corruption: Clark accuses Yar’Adua of associating with ex-governors

I can’t manufacture evidence against Obasanjo — Waziri

N24.25bn counterfeit drugs destroyed —Akunyili

100,000 policemen on ‘illegal duties’ — PSC

Court strikes out Masaba’s case, still in prison custody

N5bn fraud: EFCC quizzes Rivers’

Sale of PPMC, NGC: Oil workers paralyse activities at NNPC hqtrs

Senate urges EFCC, ICPC to try el-Rufai over alleged economic crimes

Chanomi Creek pipeline: NNPC embarks on fuel rationing

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Deadline: Presidency summons Ledum Mitee committee

Confusion over appointment of market makers

EFCC slams 44 fresh charges against Igbinedion, others

Virgin Nigeria deal not transparent, says FG

Don’t ignore South-South report — Karibi-Whyte

NDLEA: PhD holder charged for cocaine trafficking

Osogbo to host UNESCO centre

ICAN backs FOI bill

Bankole summons Reps committee chairmen

Financial crisis: Nigeria must be prudent – Okonjo-Iweala

Why vision 2020 may fail — Mark

Monday, October 13, 2008

N600bn bail-out: How workable?

Court of Appeal president takes over Osunbor, Oshiomhole’s case

Politicians want Rivers’ N115bn shared, Amaechi alleges

Files on ex-governors missing, says EFCC

Mark promises speedy clearance of ministerial nominees

Unity govt: ANPP governors won’t join PDP — Borno Governor

Court adjourns suit against Obi of Onitsha

Four policemen, civilian feared killed on Lagos Island

I still have confidence in Appeal Court – Okocha

ICPC secures 15 convictions in eight years

Alleged N5bn fraud: EFCC threatens Rivers officials

Sunday, October 12, 2008

N’Delta committee to meet with MEND, others

Protests as AC sweeps Lagos LG election

Soldiers’ riot: Reps may conduct public hearing on 28 demonstrators

Robberies: Fear grips bank customers, officials

Affordable houses for all not realistic — NIA

Lar condemns secrecy oath by Yar’Adua’s aides

‘Leakage of WAEC, NECO exams worries FG’

African finance ministers blame global financial crisis on IMF

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Military rule lowered troops’ competence –Army Artillery boss

Police arrest seven

...Lagos Lg polls dubious –PDP

Falana to receive prestigious Lexis Nexis award

Achebe charges FG on second Niger Bridge

450m people have mental disorders globally –Experts

EFCC: Rivers vows to stand by Amaechi’s chief of staff

AC, PDP trade words over Lagos council polls

Friday, October 10, 2008

Lagos deploys 8,366 policemen for LG poll

Five-year-old boy narrates how his father was tortured and killed in his presence:

FG shielding powerful arms dealers in N’Delta – Okah

Ekiti SIEC fixes Dec 20 for LG election

Why I paid N7.5m for ex-Niger gov’s cars – Former COS

Amaechi’s aide fails to meet bail conditions

Court grants Borishade, others bail

Six feared dead in OPC killings in Abeokuta

How we spent N548.3bn revenue – NPA MD

Robbers raid banks, police station in Ibadan

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Celebration of music, arts as MUSON clocks 25

N210m scam: EFCC raids NAHCO offices, removes documents

Kenyan PM, Odinga, faults rotational presidency

...drags Borisade, others to court

EFCC arraigns Amaechi’s aide over N5bn fraud

Ogun plans to pull out of national grid

NIWA to account for N6.4bn unspent funds — Senate

Road accidents claim 41 in Jigawa, Edo, Niger

‘How Asian countries flood Nigeria with fake drugs’

At last, Bankole names committee chairmen

SEC queries NSE over N600bn bail-out plan

SAN: Falana, Ozekhome, Jacobs, 54 others shortlisted

Yar’Adua names Ume-Ezeoke’s son, others special advisers

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

N100m bribe: Reps clear Elumelu, power probe members

MEND threatens violence over Rivers’ cash gift scandal

FG won’t be involved in capital market bail-out – Minister

Robbers on the rampage on Lagos Island, kill two

Court okays separate trial for Akunyili’s attackers

EFCC arrests NAHCO’s MD over N210m scam

N19bn aviation scam: EFCC rearrests Borisade, Iyayi, two others

N’Delta committee: MEND’s leader, Okah, 5,000 others submit memoranda

Contempt: Martins, Dumuje ask court to jail IG

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Yar’Adua orders NBC to extend Nigeria’s borders

Protesters disrupt Delta Assembly’s sitting, Shell’s operations

EFCC raises panel to question Amaechi

Yar’Adua trapped — Utomi

PDP crisis: Edo election tribunal chairman’s house torched

Senate resumes, yet to receive ministerial nominees’ list

Bankole to release list of committee chairmen on Thursday

Mark seeks libel clause in FOI bill

ICPC probes Nyako, three others over alleged N1bn loot

Monday, October 06, 2008

World Teachers’ Day: Posterity will judge bad leaders — Pupils

Money laundering: EFCC detains Rivers Chief of Staff, SSG

Soldiers’ riot: Four officers face trial for stealing, cheating

Cabinet change: Mark, Bankole meet Yar’Adua

Failure to find Ige‘s killers, great injustice —Cleric

Contamination: PSN directs members to withdraw Chinese milk

ECOWAS moves against proliferation of small arms

Judge transfers Masaba’s case to magistrate’s court

Impose stiffer bail conditions on robbery suspects – Jang

Senate orders audit of Federation Account

CTO warns Nigeria against wholesale privatisation

Sunday, October 05, 2008

FG nets N60.74bn from sale of oil companies

Yar’Adua okays repair of Chanomi pipeline for N700m

Ministers, presidential aides panic over bugging

Masaba appears in court today as travail divides emirate

Taking bribes, a sin – Waziri

Malu flown abroad for treatment

CBN okays restructuring of margins facilities

FOI bill: NGE wants N’Assembly to expunge obnoxious clause

US firm to manage Ibadan refuse with N9.3bn

TUC gives conditions for petroleum subsidy removal

Don’t make Mbadinuju minister, Igwe’s family tells Yar’Adua

Saturday, October 04, 2008

PHCN breaks electricity generation record

Yar’Adua cautions military again

Ehindero shuns ICPC over N557m police fund

Fresh call for Okah’s release

Pirates abduct Six Filipinos from oil vessel in Rivers

FOI Bill: ‘Only the Senate can decide the fate of any report’ –Eze

Bandits raid LUTH, harass female doctors

$180m LNG bribe: US ready to reveal identities of Nigerian leaders

Oyo PDP crisis: Mixed feelings trail Akala, Ladoja’s reconciliation

Friday, October 03, 2008

Court insists on Henry Okah’s trial

Foreign investors’ exit caused stock market crisis –Soludo

Lagos rehabilitation centre tortures inmates for confessions

PDP sets up disciplinary committee, Ogbulafor warns LG bosses

Delineation: Lagos, Kano, Ebonyi may lose House of Representatives seats

Bush signs $700bn financial bailout package

Malu’s family prepares to fly him abroad for treatment

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Court okays SEC’s sanctions against Bunmi Oni, others.

Chanomi Creek pipeline: Warri refinery shut, fuel crisis looms

Yar’Adua fires back at Buhari

Nine-year-old kidnap victim recounts ordeal

N359m recovery: Police promote 21 in Rivers

New Ministers: Senate insists on federal character

FOI bill delay contradicts democracy — CD

Aggrieved prisons staff threaten protest

Niger Delta Ministry: Ijaw should give others a chance – Princewill

EFCC, national institution — FG

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

How FG spent N308.3bn debt relief funds

Yar’Adua ignores me – Buhari

A’Ibom, police disagree over land

Sick President can’t lead a dying nation – Tunde Bakare

Senators that will determine fate of bill

CLO protests delay in FOI bill

Rivers urges militants to surrender arms

‘Nigeria’s education requires total revolution’