How lack of power, money fuels disloyalty in PDP

The unfolding crisis in the PDP was one that had over time been covered up on account of the party’s previous hold of the apparatus of government. Now denied of such, the bubble easily burst given the absence of the mixture of power and money that had until recently kept the workers and the party leaders united. As the crisis in the party national secretariat deepened at the weekend it was not surprising that elements in the party who had issues to grind with the national leaders were observed trying to stoke the crisis for the purpose of undermining the present leadership. Chief Olisa Metuh, arguably the longest serving political operative at the national level of the party has become the object of the attacks against the party. In the weeks leading to the recent national elections the gulf between the national secretariat and the former president had become very visible. The president and his lieutenants for one reason or the other refused to carry the party leaders along. Of the 12 members of the National Working Committee, NWC, only the national youth leader, Abdullahi Hussaini MaiBasira, it seemed, was accommodated in the president’s plans for re-election. Luxury vehicles That was underpinned by the fact that when brand new SUVs were distributed by the president’s campaign team, only him got a pick of the luxury vehicles. The assertion that the NWC could go to hell was not lost on many of the party officials, many of whom instead of going to hell went abroad in the heat of the campaigns. There were also reports that Chief Olisa Metuh particularly felt bad as he was almost always left to manage issues that fell from the mismanagement of the campaign by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the former antagonist of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who the then president shockingly picked to be his campaign spokesman.
However, central to the unfolding crisis in the party was the directive from the national secretariat of the implementation of austerity measures as a reaction to the revenue shortfalls into the party.

In a memo from the national secretary, the party had said:

i.Reduction of the allowances of all NWC members by 50%.

Reduction of the number of personal staff of the NWC members by 50 per cent.

iii. Reduction in the number of security personnel attached to the National Officers by 50 per cent.

The reduction of the salaries and allowances of all staff (Establishment and Staff of NWC members) by 50% effective August, 2015.

Abolition of the Research Directorate and transfer of its functions to the Peoples Democratic Institute.

Research directorate
“Furthermore, Establishment staff who would remain are required to obtain individual letter of revalidation from their State Party Chapter within one month of this circular as to their suitability for service at the National Secretariat.” The proposal for staff to obtain revalidation letters from their state chapters was one seen as a way of sacking them from the party given the fact that some of the national secretariat staff have been on loggerheads with their state chapters. A case in point is a national secretariat staff whose brother, is a prominent member of the APC and had in the past supported the brother’s campaigns at home while supporting the PDP at the national level. Given Metuh’s prominent role in the present leadership of the PDP and the banishment of some national leaders who had in the recent past fallen out with him, it is not surprising that external influence is being inputted for the crisis that is swirling around him. Some have traced the external influence to some PDP leaders in Anambra State who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the recent congresses that saw Metuh in dominant control of the party in the state. Others have also traced the development to the faceoff between the party and the APC over the issue of the appointment of its new director general with the assertion that the DSS may have prompted the action.

Alade Market Concessionaire Bemoans Threat to $50 Million Cash Flow

Master Reality International Concepts Limited, the concessionaire for the redevelopment of Alade Market, Allen, Ikeja Lagos State, on Sunday, August 2 lamented a great threat to $50 million it obtained in 2013 to redevelop the market to an ultra-modern shopping mall. According to the concessionaire, the market redevelopment, valued about N6.5 billion on August 17, 2010 when the concession agreement was signed, was delayed due to refusal of market women to relocate to an alternative market. The Managing Director of the company, Lai Omotola, expressed concern over the delay at a session with journalists in Maryland after he took control of the market, which the Ikeja Local Government ceded to him five years ago.

He disclosed that a foreign cash-inflow of $50 million, which he obtained in 2013, was under grave threat, citing the astronomical increase in the exchange rate. He explained that the exchange rate was the pegged at N175 to a dollar, thereby lamenting that the exchange rate had skyrocketed to N195 to a dollar within the same period. Omotola stressed that the declining value of the naira was “a serious concern to him, adding that the redevelopment posed great threat to the fast-tracked delivery of the project.

Annual Premium Flight in Nigeria’s Insurance Industry Reaches N148.5 Billion

Findings have revealed that the annual premium flight in Nigeria’s insurance industry has now reached N148.5 billion ($750 million). Recently, Africa Re, founded by members of the then Organization of African Unity in 1976, stated that despite its efforts, more than 80 per cent of the reinsurance risks in Africa are covered outside the continent. However, experts have expressed optimism that the industry could in the future clinch a larger share of the risk that is placed offshore if the on-going consolidation in the industry succeeds. The immediate past Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, had in July revealed that just three million Nigerians have insurance policies in a population of 175 million. According to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) gross premium income in the industry amounted to N258 billion in 2013, and increased by 24 per cent to N319bn ($1.60bn) last year.

CBN Mulls Restrictions of More Items from Forex Market

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,has said it may increase the list of items excluded for funding from the official foreign exchange (forex) market.
This is coming as the apex bank seeks to reduce pressure on the naira and preserve the country’s external reserves. CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, revealed this during over the weekend.
The CBN recently restricted importers of 41 items from accessing forex at the official foreign exchange market. Some of the items include toothpicks, rice, wheel barrows, head pans, cement, margarine, palm kernel/vegetable oil, meat and processed meat products, vegetable and processed vegetable products, poultry, private airplanes/jet, Indian incense and tinned fish in sauce (Geisha/Sardines), among others.
According to the central bank, the restriction was also designed to facilitate the resuscitation of domestic industries and improve employment generation.
Although some of the affected importers and members of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have continued to kick against the policy, Emefiele said: “The truth is that as long as we find that there are more items that can be produced locally, I can assure you that we would increase the list.
“We are not saying that those 41 items cannot be imported, but we are saying that we don’t have the foreign exchange for you at the banks or at the interbank market for these.
He stressed that before the central bank decided to place the items on the exclusion list, it carefully thought about them, did its research and came to the conclusion that the affected items could be produced in Nigeria.

Dangote Cement Eyes 45m Tonnes Annually With New Zambia Plant

Ahead of the inauguration of its new cement plant in Zambia, on Tuesday, August 3, Dangote Cement Pl'c total output is expected to hit 45 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) on the continent.
An investor relations report on Dangote Cement’s operations showed that with the company’s plant expansion in various African countries including one in Nepal, Dangote Cement’s total projected capacity will stand at 53mmtpa by 2017.
The company’s cement factories in Nigeria lead the way with a combined capacity of 29.25mmtpa from three massive plants in the North-central and South-west regions of the country.
The Obajana cement plant in Kogi State, which is the largest single cement plant in Africa, produces 13.25mmtpa from four lines, dwarfing all other cement plants on the continent. This is closely followed by the Ibese cement plant in Ogun State, which also runs four lines with a combined annual output of 12mmtpa.
Dangote’s smallest plant in Nigeria is the Benue Cement Company (BCC) acquired from the federal government in Gboko, Benue State, with a capacity of 4mmtpa.
The three Dangote plants in Nigeria produce a combined output of 29.25mmtpa, representing about 60 per cent of the total cement produced locally, with smaller producers in the country like Lafarge, BUA and UNICEM accounting for the remaining 40 per cent local production.
Apart from Nigeria, Dangote owns cement plants in other countries in Africa comprising Ghana, Cameroun, Senegal, Ethiopia, Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Niger, Mali and Zambia.
While the company is already producing cement in Zambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroun, Ghana and of course Nigeria, new plants in the other African nations have reached advanced stages of construction, with many to be commissioned before the end of 2017, the report said.

Nigerians Expend N150bn on Power Supply Yearly

A poser industry watcher,Festus Mbisiogu, has revealed that Nigerians expend over N150 billion every year on generating their own electricity for personal and corporate use. Mbisiogu, who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos recently, said Nigerians were losing huge amount to what the government should ordinarily provide, adding that if such money was plowed into the economy, it would bring in more development. He said the federal government must act to prevent the continuous loss of money, as this has also caused intending investors and businesses to move to other countries where constant power supply is guaranteed. He said: “It is very possible to have uninterrupted power supply in the country if the government and the private investors managing the power sector no longer consider it business as usual.” Mbisiogu, who stressed that about 65 million Nigerians still lack access to electricity even with the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to 10 Distribution Companies (Disco) and five Generating Companies (GENCO), called on President Muhammadu Buhari to review government’s relationship with these private investors through improved monitoring, evaluation and setting of targets, which they must meet if they want to continuously be of service to the citizens. According to him, there should be a clear policy that tasks investors on giving Nigerians certain amounts of mega watts, which would form part of their evaluation.

DPR Seals 5 Petroleum Depots In Calabar

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has shutdown five petroleum depots in Calabar for selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) above the ex-depot price of N77.66 per litre.
Mr Asuquo Antai, DPR’s Controller of Operations in charge of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket on Sunday.
“The depots have been suspended from loading products to marketers, for selling above the ex-depots price of N77.66 as stipulated by government.
“We are selling off the product to the marketers at the official price of N77.66 per litre at those depots that still have it,’’ he said.
Antai cautioned other depots in Calabar against dispensing the product above the official price or the wrath of the law would catch up with them.
He added that marketers were expected to be selling PMS known as petrol at the official pump price of N87 per a litre.
He further said that DPR would sanction and prosecute erring marketers caught selling PMS above approved pump price of N87 per litre. (NAN)

Nigeria Army reviews cases of soldiers sentenced to death, life imprisonment, others

The Nigerian Army on Sunday announced that it is reviewing the cases of all soldiers who were disciplined for various offences.

Dozens of soldiers have been sentenced to death, life imprisonment and other punishment for various offences including mutiny, desertion, and disobedience of lawful orders. Majority of the sentences, carried out in various military courts, have been appealed by counsel to the affected officials and condemned by local and international rights groups.

However, on Sunday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, said the army was itself already reviewing the punishments.

“For the avoidance of doubt it should be noted that the Nigerian Army is reviewing all recent disciplinary cases due to the wave of litigations and petitions by some aggrieved personnel,” Mr. Usman said.

The spokesperson, however, added that the “public should not misconstrue the recent directive to mean total recall of dismissed and deserter soldiers.”

Among the soldiers whose cases would be reviewed are the 54 sentenced to death on December 17, 2014. They were convicted for conspiracy to commit mutiny, and mutiny, and sentenced to death by firing squad.
In a trial that began in October, the soldiers, from the 111 Special Forces, were charged for disobeying a direct order from their commanding officer, Timothy Opurum, a Lieutenant Colonel, to take part in an operation to recapture Delwa, Bulabulin and Damboa in Borno State from Boko Haram terrorists on August 4.
Some of the accused soldiers testified that they refused to take part in the operation following the failure of the army to provide them with the necessary support equipment.
They explained that owing to a lack of equipment, they lost three officers, 23 soldiers plus 83 others suffering various degrees of injuries after their units were ambushed by Boko Haram fighters during an operation to retake the town of Bulabulin in Borno on July 9.
Some of the accused soldiers said they did not attend the briefing where the operation was announced, while others said they did not join the mission because they were ill and there was no medical personal attached to their unit to give medical assistance. Two other soldiers said they were given leave to attend to some administrative problems as at the time of the briefing.
Much of the trial was conducted in secret as journalists were barred mid-way into the deliberations.

Wedding:- One killed, others injured as robbers attack couple on their way to reception.

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpufklniojpojmojmo

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

OWERRI – A gang of masked dare devil armed robbers at the weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, killing the video camera man and badly wounded others, including the photographer in the process.
Vanguard gathered that the newly wed couple (names withheld) were in Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnization of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception, when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.
A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, identified the dead video camera man as Mr. Isaac Ezirim, while the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.
“The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video camera man and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off”, the villager recounted.
It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.
“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets”, the villager said.
A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was taken to the home of the groom, was eventful until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.
“This ugly incident took place at the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes”, a female villager lamented.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community, demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to not only complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.
The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that helped them home.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/wedding-one-killed-others-injured-as-robbers-attack-couple-on-way-to-reception/#sthash.7sc9acSV.dpuf

Premier League Clubs Earn Far More Than Other European League Teams.

The wealth of the English Premier League (EPL)  is having an increasing effect on other European leagues.  Often highly priced transfers bring a welcome stream of income, but the standard is getting worse.

Even in top leagues such as that of Spain it is becoming more and more difficult in terms of salaries to compete with almost all the Premier League clubs and even some in the Championship.
The last team in the Premiership earned almost twice as much as the champions of France last season. Anderlecht in Belgium has a budget for the season of around €45m (£32m).   The bottom team in the Premier League gets €100m just from television rights.  The Belgian television deal splits just €70m across 16 teams.
With the new TV rights deal bringing unimaginable fortunes to the 20 teams in the EPL, other big clubs from Europe’s top leagues are beginning to worry.
Revenue from broadcasters forms a huge chunk of money for a football franchise. The 20 English clubs will share 2.3 billion Euros in television rights for 3 years from the 2016-2017 season. Add the 900m Euros per year for international rights and the increase comes to a staggering 70 percent!
In France, the winner of Ligue1 will get 45 million Euros from broadcasters Canal+ and BeIn Sports. At the same time, the champions of England will pocket 210 million Euros!
At present eight English clubs are among the 20 richest in the world; in about two years time, that is expected to make up half the list. EPL’s revenue distribution is in stark contrast to how deals are cut in Europe’s other big leagues.
Usually considered as the EPL’s closest rival, the La Liga, spent a total of £550 m on Tv sponsorship deal in the 2013/14 season with Real Madrid and Barcelona carting away with almost half the money – £204million, leaving the rest to be shared among other clubs.
A breakdown of the rights deal showed that Real Madrid, Barcelona both received £103.74 m, while the other teams making up the top 5 got 35.57m (Valencia), 31.12m (Atletico Madrid) and 23.71m (Sevilla) respectively.
In La Liga, top clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, negotiate personal TV deals with the sponsors, as a result of which there is a huge gap between the money earned by them & other clubs. It prevents other club from buying top players unlike the big-two, therefore dilute the competition and leaves a negative impact on the league.
This is very unlike the EPL, where the revenue on TV rights/Commercials are shared among all the 20 clubs in equal proportion. Thereby, reducing the huge disparity in earnings.
Earlier, La Liga Clubs threaten to go on strike, asking the Spanish government to take more serious steps with proposed statutes in the new Sports Law that will ensure that TV revenues of Barcelona and Real Madrid slashed and split more rationally among clubs.

Police Seize Money From Snoop Dogg At Italian Airport.

Snoop Dogg left Italy $205,000 lighter on Saturday after police seized money from him at an airport in Calabria.

During a normal check at Lamezia Terme, the rapper was found with $422,820 in U.S. cash, a police source told CNN. The maximum amount of cash that passengers traveling through Italy can carry without declaring it is €10,000 ($11,010.25). The rules were put in place to prevent money laundering.

To be exact, Italian Finance Police seized $205,933, the source said.

The rapper arrived in the country's southern region earlier this week in his private jet for a performance in the village of Montepaone. He told police that the cash was to pay his band for concerts in Italy and elsewhere, the source said.

Snoop Dogg then left for London. The finance police will open an investigation into the Italian concert and how the rapper was paid.

It was not clear whether the rapper can appeal to get the money back. Representatives for Snoop did not respond to calls and emails requesting comment.

Nigeria wins 11 medals in powerlifting championships

Nigerian male and female powerlifters won 11 medals and broke three world records at the just-concluded Powerlifting World Open Asian Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The Almaty 2015 IPC Powerlifting Asian Open championships, which began on July 26, ended on July 30.
Feyisetan Are, the coach of the Nigeria Powerlifting Federation, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria via an online message on Thursday from Kazakhstan.

He said the medals comprised of seven gold and four silver.

The coach said  the female powerlifters were the biggest winners in the competition, raking in five gold medals and three silver medals.

Are said, “Omolayo Bose is the biggest winner at the championships, after breaking the senior world record in the 79kg female category.

“Ben Nsini won a gold medal in the 41kg junior category and a silver medal in the senior category, breaking the junior 41kg world record.

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“On the other hand, Precious Orji won gold at the 86kg event, also breaking the world record in the 86kg category.”

He added that Nwakanma Blessing took gold in the 86kg, while Oyema Esther and Nwosu Ndidi won silver medals in the 55kg and the 123kg events, respectively.

The championship featured more than 220 athletes from 32 countries.

On the male powerlifters, the coach said that they won two gold medals and a silver medal.

“Ezurike Roland won gold in the 54kg category, Kehinde Paul also won gold in the 65kg category and Yakubu Adesokan won silver in the 49kg category,” he said.

Are also said the Nigerian team, is scheduled to depart Almaty on July 31, to arrive the country on Aug. 1, however, learnt that China had 16 medals and are at the number one position of the medals’ table, while Nigeria came second with 11 medals.

A Fresh Start: Microsoft’s Windows 10 Wins Plaudits

 Microsoft Corp’s (MSFT.O) launch of its first new operating system in almost three years, designed to work across laptops, desktop and smartphones, has won mostly positive reviews for its user-friendly and feature-packed interface.

The launch was seen critical for the company, particularly after the poor response to Windows 8, an ambitious redesign that confused many users by ditching the start button menu and introducing a new layout.

The new OS, launched on Wednesday, will be available as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1.
Wall Street Journal’s Geoffrey Fowler said Windows 10 fixes most of the issues with Windows 8 and improves on Windows 7, Microsoft’s most popular OS in recent years.
For one, the start button is back.
“Three months of testing Windows 10 determined that this familiar yet fresh overhaul far outweighs any problems,’’ Fowler wrote in his review.
By offering free upgrades, Microsoft aims to put the system on as many devices as possible.

The company would then make up for any lost revenue by selling services such as Office over the Internet, or cloud.
FBR Capital Markets analyst Daniel Ives said the cloud strategy could generate a new revenue stream.
“It’s a step in the right direction. They went back to their core DNA around software and a cloud-centric model and ultimately Windows as a service, a subscription model,’’ Ives told Reuters.

Microsoft, which unveiled Windows 10 in September, skipped Windows 9 altogether, to put some distance between the new system and Windows 8.
At least one prominent reviewer was skeptical, saying the new OS was unlikely to boost PC sales or salvage Microsoft’s Windows phone business.
Re/code’s Walt Mossberg said some features were promising but the new OS was “surprisingly buggy’’.

“I doubt it will convert many Mac owners, spur a shopping spree in new PCs, bring in droves of new developers, or save the Windows Phone,’’ Mossberg wrote.
Almost all critics lauded the return of the Start button.

“I can’t start a review of Windows 10 without heralding the return of the Start menu,’’ USA Today’s Edward Baig wrote
“The newly revamped Start menu in Windows 10 is a useful combination of Windows past and present and a metaphor for the entire direction of Windows 10.’’
Windows 10 also comes equipped with `Cortana’, a digital assistant similar to Apple Inc’s (AAPL.O) Siri and Google Inc’s (GOOG.O) Now.

Army rescues 30 abducted persons from Boko Haram in Borno

The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that it had rescued 30 persons forcefully abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists as a follow up to its operations in Dikwa, headquarters of Dikwa local government area, Borno.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the army had last week librated the town from the terrorists after a successful operation.

Col. Tukur Gusau, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, stated this in a statement in Maiduguri.

“As a result of the ongoing operation under the aegies of Operation Lafiya Dole to clear Dikwa and its environs from Boko Haram terrorists, the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday rescued 30 women and children from the hands of the terrorists in Kwayabe and Wufe wards of Dikwa LGA,” Gusau said.

He said that the rescued persons included 21 children and seven women.

“The rescued persons include 21 children, a six-day-old infant and seven women.

“Three of the women are nursing mothers,” Gusau said.

He said that the rescued persons also included two elderly male adults.

“Our troops also discovered a training shed inside the vandalised and looted palace of the Shehu of Dikwa where weapons handling and engagement of aircraft were being taught to new Boko Haram recruits,” Gusau added.

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Police arraign fake doctor

The police on Tuesday arraigned fake doctor, Martins Okpe, who had served in that capacity in the Federal Ministry of Health for nine years before he was caught June this year.

‎Justice Gabriel Kolawole has fixed ruling on the accused person’s bail application till later today (Tuesday).

The 44 years old was arraigned before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court in Abuja, where the accused pleaded not guilty to the five counts of impersonation and stealing of certificates belonging to Mr. Daniel Davidson George‎.

Okpe was accused of stealing certificates ‎of exemption of the National Youth Service Corps, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level), all belonging to George.

‎The accused allegedly claimed ownership of the certificates ‎and tendered them before the Federal Civil Service Commission in Ebonyi State upon which he was offered a temporary letter of appointment dated August 30, 2006.

A recent verification exercise of professional skills of residence doctors conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria on June 4, 2015 was said to have revealed the accused person’s true identity.

The bearded Okpe stood ram rod in the dock throughout the 30 minutes period the proceedings lasted on Tuesday.

He wore a white T-shirt embossed with ‘Africa Against Ebola’, a theme which relates to the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Health’s ad hoc committee on Ebola Virus Disease  in which he served during the outbreak of the disease in the country last year.

‎One of the counts against him read, “That you Martins Ugwu Okpe, male, aged 44 years, of the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on or about March 13, 2006 at unspecified hour in Karu Abuja of the Abuja Division committed stealing; and did steal Certificate of Bachelor of Medicine of Surgery and National Youth Service Corps certificate of exemption dated February 8, 2005 with serial number 000027400 all property of Mr. Daniel Davidson George, being the certificate awarded to him by Academic’s Senate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State dated August 29, 2002 and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under section 390 of the Criminal Code Law.”

‎Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Malik Taiwo, did not oppose the accused person’s bail application after the arraignment on Tuesday.

Justice Kolawole therefore directed his lawyer, Mr. O.O Otemu and the prosecution to meet and draw up a unanimous bail terms which the court would adopt in granting bail to the accused person.

The court is to reconvene later today.

Obama chode African leaders

President Barack Obama has scolded African leaders who refuse to give up power in his first speech at the African Union headquarters by a US President.

The scolding came in the course of his address on Tuesday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to the 54-member continental bloc.

“Africa’s democratic progress is also at risk when leaders refuse to step aside when their terms end,” Obama said. “No one should be president for life.”

Obama said he himself was looking forward to handing over to his successor.

The US President said, “I have to be honest with you: I just don’t understand this.

“Under our constitution, I cannot run again. There’s still so much I want to get done to keep America moving forward. But the law is the law and no one is above it, not even presidents.

“And, frankly, I’m looking forward to life after being president. It will mean more time with my family, new ways to serve, and more visits to Africa.”

Obama singled out Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza – whose re-election to a third term provoked weeks of unrest in the small central African nation – as an example of the dangers of trying to stay put.

“When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, he risks instability and strife, as we’ve seen in Burundi,” he added.

Obama said clinging to power was “often just a first step down a perilous path”.

“If a leader thinks they’re the only person who can hold their nation together, then that leader has failed to truly build his or her country,” he said.

He cited Nelson Mandela, the late South African statesman, as an example for the continent.

Obama also called on Africa to end “the cancer of corruption” and embrace democracy to ensure continued progress.

He warned African governments against cracking down on opposition groups and dissent.

He said Ethiopia “cannot unleash the full potential of its people” if it jails journalists and restricts legitimate opposition groups.

Ethiopia claims that journalists have been detained because of crimes.

16 Killed, 35 Injured In Triple Blast In Iraq Agency Report

Police in Baghdad said on Tuesday that not less than 16 people were killed and 35 wounded in a triple blast Monday evening in Iraq’s Diyala province.
The police said the death toll was expected to rise.

It said three explosive devices set off near a football pitch in Baquba.
Police authorities said ambulances rushed the injured to the nearest hospitals, while the site of the explosion was cordoned off.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Atheel al’Najafi, Nineveh Provincial Governor, said earlier that Islamic State militants have executed no fewer than 120 people and captured 350 others in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

“With the people’s rising rejection of the Islamic State (IS) group, executions and detentions are mounting in different parts of the city”, the governor said.
Al-Najafi said the victims, some of whom had been held hostage by the Islamic State for months in Mosul, capital of Nineveh province, were killed by gunshots to the head.

He said those abducted by IS forces were mainly police officers, current and former army officials, electoral commission employees, former parliamentary candidates and religious scholars.

2 Men Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Cell Phone

Two men arrested for allegedly stealing a cell phone valued at N40,000 were on Tuesday arraigned in an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The accused, Sheriff Sodiq, 22, and Damilola Oladeinde, 20, were charged with conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Inedu, told the court that the duo conspired to commit the act on July 22, 2014 at Ligali St., Ajegunle, Lagos.
The prosecutor said that the stealing took place at their resident on Sept. 28, 2014 at Oyedeji St., Ajegunle.

Inedu said that the accused persons also stole N20, 000 along with the Techno cell phone, which belong to their co-tenant, Miss Onyinye Odueme. He said that both offences were punishable under Section 409 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

They pleaded not guilty to the offences, while Magistrate Mr M. Etti granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned further hearing of the case till Aug. 27.
The accused persons might face a three-year jail term if found guilty. 

Let’s achieve real change by working together, Saraki beg.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki  begged his fellow lawmakers on Tuesday  for the need to deliver good governance to the people while stressing that the real change desired by all can only be achieved if lawmakers  of the 8th assembly worked together.

Saraki who made the remarks on his Twitter account, @bukolasaraki while addressing his colleagues as the senate resumes said  “it is time we remind ourselves of the solemn promise to deliver real change, which can’t be achieved in atmosphere distracted politics”
He added that the recess had in no small measure helped in consolidating stability of the National Assembly.