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08/16/10
Nigeria: Ibori Will Face Trial in London Soon - Wazir
Abuja — CHAIRMAN of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri expressed optimism that the detained former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori will soon be extradited to United Kingdom, UK, where he is expected to face charges of corruption and money laundering being preferred against him.
Mrs. Waziri who disclosed this while receiving the Central Planning Committee of Nigeria at 50 (Women and Children Special Event) who paid her a working visit in her office, said the London Metropolitan Police has commenced filing necessary papers that would enable the extradition of the former governor to the United Kingdom.
The anti-graft agency boss however, raised alarm that some faceless Nigerians who were not comfortable with the current activities of the Commission are threatening to terminate her.
According to her, "Ibori was in hospital in Dubai and they were talking with our counterparts. The Metro police are trying to file papers. The process is long but they are working on it and we are in cooperation.
"We are exchanging information and some metro police are planning to even come down here to Nigeria as a result of that, but it is confirmed they want to start extradition process to the United Kingdom for him to stand trial".
Mrs. Waziri who also assured Nigerians of the preparedness of the agency to prosecute those indicted in the Siemens bribery scandal, noted, "we are almost through. I can assure you I am not under any pressure as I told you. My God is greater. You know the investigation is not easy but we are going to do some prosecution. Nothing will be swept under the carpet.
"We do what is called discreet investigations. We don't want to embarrass anybody before we really get to the main thing".
"Barely one week of my assumption of duty, then hell was let loose, since then both the corrupt and the wicked have found a common enemy in me, who must be dragged down at all costs, using both spiritual and other diabolical means to smear me and distract the commission"
The obsession to get rid of "that women" by all means is now the preoccupation of a bunch of faceless, devilish and narrow minded cowards for obvious reasons one of which, to disorganise the commission ahead of the 2011 elections. But I will tell them, I will never lose focused or made to compromise even if I have to pay the ultimate prize" she added.
"One thing should be clear to all, that there is a supreme being who alone can do and undo. God alone gives power and takes power, gives position and takes positions and so, my destiny lies in the hands of the Almighty God".
We will continue to fight the scourge of corruption, that is why today in just two years in the saddle, we have a record of over 100 convictions, over $3.5 billion recovered fund and over 60 high profile cases in addition to over 1,200 other cases already instituted in various courts across the country".
In her remark, The chairperson, Central Planning Committee for Nigeria at 50 (Women and Children Special Events) Mrs. Ramatu Usman stated the need for women to demand for their right.
According to her, we must not be left out on the Nigeria at 50 we must be carried along, this is strictly a gender focused mission, award will also be given to children and when I say children I mean children from the poorest of the poor we will not compromise this, no rich man child is going to benefit from the award.
"It is an incontrovertible fact that over the years, you have selflessly and patriotically dedicated your entire life to the service of this great nation, you have brought a new lease of life and soaring of life to this institution, since you assume the mantle of its leadership".
She maintained that "It is precisely these reasons and towards celebrating your meritorious services to humanity that the Central Planning Committee (CPC) at 50 (women and children special events) unanimously endorsed you as the winner of the First ever Nigerian Golden Amazons Award".
07/15/10
Nigeria: UK Court Freezes Akingbola's Assets
Lagos — Intercontinental Bank Plc, one of the banks bailed out by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last year, has won a United Kingdom court order freezing 83 million pounds ($126 million) in assets held by its former chief executive officer, Mr. Erastus Akingbola.
The bank won the global freeze early this year in a lawsuit accusing Akingbola of using the bank's money to help buy apartments in London and enrich entities he controlled. The bank yesterday won permission from a judge to add new claims to the case, alleging that Akingbola wrongfully directed the lender to buy its own shares, resulting in a loss.
The money was "misappropriated by the defendant and is due to the claimant," the bank said in court papers. Akingbola used the money in "breach of fiduciary duty."
The CBN said the country had asked the UK to extradite Akingbola so that he could face charges, which include mismanagement of Intercontinental.
Companies outside Britain frequently use London courts to secure global freezes, including Glitnir Bank hf's freeze this year on assets of former Baugur Group hf Chairman Jon Asgeir Johannesson.
Akingbola's lawyer, Ed Crosse of Osborne Clarke in London, declined to comment. Akingbola's defence papers, filed March 19, say the alleged transactions were either valid or were mischaracterised in the lawsuit.
"Those claims are false, and have been made by the bank without any sincere belief that they are true," Akingbola said in the filing.
The bank's lawyer, Segun Osuntokun of Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP in London, declined to comment.
Akingbola served as the bank's managing director from 1989 until August 2009, when he was fired by the apex bank under the leadership of Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. He was among leaders of Nigeria's commercial banks that were forced out by the central bank after the lenders gave out non-performing loans totalling 700 billion naira ($4.65 billion).
The UK Home Office didn't immediately have a comment yesterday on Nigeria's request. Akingbola has been living in the UK since last year.
It could be recalled that Akingbola was charged with a 28-count charge for offences of financial misappropriation, money laundering, financial malpractices, corrupt practices and other related offences at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
In a letter of request for the extradition of Akingbola, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) explained, "The request for the extradition is made pursuant to the Extradition Act (Designation of Part 2 Territories) Order 2003 (SI2003 No.3334) of the United Kingdom". The purpose of the request, the AGF explained, was for the extradition to Nigeria of Akingbola for him to stand trial for the offences for which he is charged.
The request was supported with an affidavit deposed to by Ibeakaku Nkechi Rita, a deputy Superintendent of the EFCC and a certification signed by Ahmed T. Almakura, Senior State Counsel of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
07/12/10
Africa: Why Did Ghana Succeed Where Others Failed?
Johannesburg — Ghana built on their good showing at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola earlier this year with a quarterfinal place at the World Cup, confirming their status as arguably Africa's top side at present.
All the pre-World Cup talk had been of whether South Africa could get out of a pool which also included Mexico, Uruguay and France, or whether Cote d'Ivoire could do enough to see their way past Portugal and Brazil in Group D.
Cameroon were given an excellent chance of progressing from their pool, which included the Netherlands but also the lesser lights of Denmark and Japan.
And then there were the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who must still be wondering how they failed to get out of their group after poor displays against Greece and South Korea.
Algeria were pretty much written off before the tournament started, but came within a win over the United States of making the Last 16.
Despite their final showing in the Nations Cup, Ghana were not taking up many column inches amongst scribes ahead of the tournament, especially as they were missing star midfielder Michael Essien, and otherwise had a team of young players who were unproven at this level.
But they ended up, by some margin, the most successful of the African sides, who would have been semifinalists at least had it not been for Asamoah Gyan's last-minute penalty miss against Uruguay in that thrilling quarterfinal.
So to what can we attribute their success?
The Draw
Nigeria had the easiest draw of the African sides, and somehow managed to blow it, but Ghana would have been quietly confident going into the tournament. Germany were always going to be difficult to beat, but the notoriously erratic Serbia and an ageing Australia were very beatable.
The Coach
Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac brings a calming influence to this side, and has shown that he can mend rifts in the squad.
He is not afraid to make a tough call, such as leaving Laryea Kingston out of the 23-man squad for the tournament, or keeping the vastly-experienced UEFA Champions League winner Sulley Muntari on the bench until the quarter-final.
Unlike Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and to some extent South Africa and Cameroon, the coach had time to drill his squad to play exactly how he wanted, having taken over the side after the 2008 Nations Cup. The coaches of the other four sides had been in the job for under a year.
The Tactics
Rajevac never wavered from his decision to play a lone striker up front and deploy players who could provide genuine width on the right and left. The back four was always well protected by two defensive midfielders who stuck to their roles.
This system only works with the right kind of forward and in Asamoah Gyan the Black Stars had the perfect man. Physically strong, he was a willing runner who could last 90 minutes and feed off the scraps of possession he would get.
He also linked up well with the midfield and has the "football intelligence" to play this most demanding of roles.
South Africa got their tactics right, but selected the wrong players, persisting with Teko Modise and Kagisho Dikgacoi. Only when they brought in Bernard Parker and MacBeth Sibaya to fill these roles did they find success, against France, and the tactics bear fruit.
Cote d'Ivoire were unlucky with a pre-tournament injury to Didier Drogba that limited his impact for them, and rendered their task nearly impossible before the competition had even begun.
Nigeria played a brand of football that saw them create chances in all their games, but they were let down by an ageing forward line and a general lack of composure.
Cameroon had internal problems and some diabolical selections from coach Paul Le Guen, who picked Samuel Eto'o, one of the most lethal strikers in the world, as a right winger in their opener against Japan. The 1-0 loss there put them on the back foot in the competition and drained their belief from the set-up.
Algeria came to defend and conceded only two goals in their three games, but tellingly scored none. Had coach Rabah Saadane been a little more adventurous, who knows how they may have prospered in a tight group.
Low Expectations
With Ghana arriving at the tournament under the radar, the expectations which weighed on South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire created a poisonous and at times debilitating atmosphere in these camps.
Ghana could play with freedom and the players were able to express themselves fully, within the confines of the coach's tactics. They revelled in this freedom and, especially after the early win over Serbia, confidence shone through in their play.
The Players
All of the above were factors in Ghana's success, but they would not have managed it had they not had very good players.
The Ghana squad is an excellent blend of experienced campaigners, who have been treading the boards of the European leagues for many years now, and brilliant youngsters who are just setting out in the game.
Rajevac found the right blend in matches, and while the old heads brought with them the knowledge of how to win, the youngsters brought the energy to make it happen.
There was good variety and depth in the squad too. Rajevac was able to change the game off the bench if needs be without lowering the standard of the XI on the field.
A new addition such as Kevin-Prince Boateng gave the side an extra dimension to what we saw at the Nations Cup - where they had already played well in getting to the final - taking them another step up at this tournament.
They were able to inject pace into the game when needs be, or slow it down, and Boateng was usually central to that.
The Best in Africa?
The Black Stars were certainly the best African side on show at the World Cup, but are they the best in Africa?
Egypt will lay claim to that title, having won the last three Nations Cup titles, but their continued inability to reach the World Cup finals has to be taken into account in the final reckoning.
Something of which there is no doubt is that this side have the potential to dominate African football for many years to come, and their last two performances at major finals suggest that that time may not be far off.
07/12/10
Uganda: Over 40 Die in Kampala Bomb Blasts
Kampala — WHAT should have been a feisty viewing of the 2010 World Cup finals between Netherlands and Spain turned tragic as three bomb explosions ripped through the city suburbs, killing over 40, leaving scores critically injured.
By this morning (2:00am), 15 bodies had been received at the city mortuary at Mulago as ambulances and Police patrol teams ferried the injured to various hospitals. Most of the deceased were part of the revellers at the popular Kyadondo Rugby Club in Lugogo.
The first bomb went off in Ethiopian Village in Kabalaga. The explosion went off during the half-time of the match between Spain and Netherlands. The other two went off at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Nakawa at 11:18pm – one after the other in close succession.
The Police yesterday suspected that the Al Shabaab militants from Somalia could have been behind the attacks.
"We have been suspecting that these people could be planning something like this. At least I can confirm that 13 people have been killed in the Kabalagala incident and I am still waiting for reports from Kyadondo," the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said on phone last night.
Asked who he meant by "these people", Kayihura said: "Al Shabaab." The Kabalagala bomb, the Police said, could have been targeting foreigners.
The Police could not put a figure on the casualties at Kyadondo though eyewitnesses put the dead at more than 40. There were also unconfirmed reports of other blasts in Ntinda and Bwaise.
Over 40 were injured. By 1:00am, Kyadondo was deserted, save for the injured awaiting evacuation as security operatives sealed off the place.
Witnesses said the two bombs exploded right in front of the giant screen relaying a live telecast from South Africa.
The night was soon after punctured with sirens on racing Police patrol trucks as the Police and counter-terrorism unit moved in.
The explosions took the victims by surprise as many were blown off their chairs and others died in their seats. Many others could have been killed and injured in the pandemonium that ensued.
In Kamwokya, a suburb popularly frequented by expatriates, all was quiet save for the car park which was full of vehicles where the Dutch Community hosted a live telecast of the match at Iguana restaurant.
Ntinda, a suburb that "never sleeps", was deserted as several bars emptied hastily. Public transport was scarce save for a few brave boda boda riders. Most revellers in groups were seen walking home, some still carrying the famous vuvuzela, a trademark of the 2010 World Cup, South Africa.
07/08/10
Nigeria: Thank You And Goodbye, Kanu
Lagos — One of the talking points on the Super Eagles' disastrous outing at the 2010 World Cup is the merits and demerits of including Mr. Nwankwo Kanu in the team. Aside being a non-playing captain, literally, having featured in only one of Nigeria's three first round matches, his role, many Nigerians feel, should have mirrored that of David Beckham, the former England Captain.
Beckham sat on the England bench as part of the technical crew and provided the much needed motivation for the previously over-rated but under-performing England team. Even though his effort, at the end of the day, was to no effect really, but Beckham still did something towards seeing that his team did well, without necessarily denying other players an England chance (given his doubtful form).
Unfortunately, Mr. Nwankwo and the Nigerian technical crew did not see things in this perspective and, therefore, inflicted an unfit, ageing captain on an already old and averagely talented team. Of course, the result is better forgotten. In view of his poor performance and indeed the woeful outing of the team, one had expected that Nwankwo, like the other players, would have shut up and gone on a deserved vacation and subsequently retire, but he rather elected to join issues with reports that he had quit international football. So, I ask: what else does Mr. Nwankwo want from the Super Eagles and Nigerians other than a very big thank you and a resounding goodbye?
Rather than excoriate Mr. Nwankwo for his tactless and inauspicious media outburst, I wish to indulge him one last time and contextualize his very illustrious national team career in the annals of football development in Nigeria. The jury may still be out on his correct age, but suffice it to say that the young (?) man has given a whole 17 years of his life to the service of the country, and deserves a rapturous commendation. From the Japan Under-17 Championship in 1993, he graduated to the Olympics Team, which he captained to victory in Atlanta, USA in 1996. Then, he broke seamlessly into the senior national team, the Super Eagles and has remained a permanent fixture (pardon the pun) ever since.
As a professional, 6ft 6" Kanu can be classified as one of the best to come from Africa. An intelligent striker, he was described by the Scottish football commentator, Archie Macpherson, as "the African boy with his brains in his size 16 boots"! From very humble beginning at the Owerri-based Division One club, Federal Works FC, he moved to Iwuanyanwu Nationale in 1992 from where he got the Under-17 call up. Right after the Under 17 Championship in Japan 1993, he was bought by Ajax FC of Amsterdam, where he played with the likes of Jari Litmanen, Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, the De Boar brothers (Frank and Ronald) and compatriot, George Finidi. He won the Champions League with the Dutch club in 1995 and then moved to Inter Milan in 1996 for $4.7m after playing 54 times and scoring 25 goals for Ajax.
His move to Inter was fortuitous, I should say, because it marked a turning point in his soccer career. During routine medicals, it was discovered Kanu had a weak aorta, which required replacement. The whole world, especially Nigerians, came to a standstill in prayers for the life and career of the skinny, silky attacker. In November 1996, he had surgery in the United States to replace the weak aorta valve and only returned to Inter in April 1997, but by then it was obvious the Italians were done with him. In February 1999, after 12 games and one goal for Inter, Arsene Wenger offered him a life-line in Arsenal FC in the English Premiership, where he dazzled the North London fans and scored several "extravagant goals", according to 123 Football.com.
Perhaps, Kanu's sojourn at the Arsenal FC marked the glory days of his football career. He won the Double with Arsenal in 2002, an FA Cup in 2003 and the Premier League title in 2004. In all, he played 197 games for Arsenal (nearly half of them as a substitute), scoring 44 goals. In the 2004 off season after failing to get his contract with Arsenal extended, he moved to West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer. From West Brom, he moved to Portmouth, where he scored in both semi-final and the final, earning him a third FA cup winner's medal. Portsmouth, sadly, had to go down to the English Championship following a financial crisis that forced it into administration mid-season. It remains to be seen what Kanu wants to do next, with his professional career.
Coming back home, in the national team, Kanu has played for Nigeria since 1994, making his debut against Sweden in a friendly. He has over 60 caps and has scored more than 20 goals for Nigeria. Aside playing in the 1996 Olympics, Kanu participated in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. His contributions to the Super Eagles during the qualification to South Africa 2010 were few and far between and even more so at the mundial proper, where Nigeria, like five other African countries, were kicked out during the first round.
For me, that was a fantastic career record, especially as he is regularly mentioned alongside other African football legends like George Weah and Abedi Pele. He won the African Footballer of the Year twice in addition to several other awards, making him one of the most decorated players to come from Nigeria and indeed Africa. With all these accomplishments and recognitions, methinks it's about time Kanu retired from international football. As a matter of fact, God has been so kind to him that one would have expect him to have signed off by now, having come from the down under (with the heart problem) to rise to the highest levels in football-for clubs and country.
Off the pitch, Kanu is known as someone with a heart of gold. His Kanu Heart Foundation spends a fortune helping people, especially children, with heart defects. Understandably. At the last count, over 45 children have benefited from his genial disposition having received treatment at Israeli and US hospitals at his expense. He is also reputed to be an accomplished entrepreneur with investments in hospitality, property and manufacturing. So, he truly has found fame and fortune through the game of football. And now, it is time up! Time to go!
As they say in Igboland, "when a man goes for moonlight games and meets his daughter's age mates, it means it's time to go home". Kanu has paid his dues and done well for Nigeria. He doesn't need to return from vacation to announce his retirement. Nigerians will understand and appreciate his contributions. He must not continue to take the place of younger, if not more talented, Nigerian footballers in the Super Eagles. He should not allow himself to be demystified by holding tight on to jersey number 4. In fact, he can go with it. Also, such other spent forces, as Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Joseph Yobo, should join Kanu and quit now, while there's still any iota of ovation left for them in the senior national team.
It's time to go, Kanu. And for all you have done for Nigeria, I say thank you and goodbye!
07/05/10
Africa: Obama Administration Planning 50th Anniversary Festivities to Honor 'Significant Gains'
Washington, D.C. — President Barack Obama will host a town hall meeting next month with African youth leaders as part of a U.S. celebration of 50 years of independence being marked this year by 17 African countries.
"In honor of Africa's significant gains since 1960, its increasingly important voice on the world stage and in anticipation of the next 50 years of progress toward peace and prosperity, the United States will host a series of events focusing on the Future of Africa in Washington, D.C., in early August," Benjamin Chang, spokesman for the National Security Council, told AllAfrica.
Reports from last week's G20 meetings in Toronto that African heads of state had been invited to Washington for anniversary celebrations were inaccurate, Chang said, adding: "The focus is on youth."
High-profile activities include the annual U.S.-Africa economic forum. It opens August 2 and includes high-level American officials and Cabinet ministers from the 38 African countries eligible to take part in the provisions of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The legislation, adopted in 2000 and revised and extended by Congress in 2006, provides preferential access to U.S. markets for a broad range of goods from countries in sub-Saharan Africa that meet eligibility requirements.
Events based on themes of youth, governance and opportunity, Chang said, "will bring together young Africans, the Diaspora community, U.S. government officials, civil society organizations and the private sector to focus." He cited youth empowerment, good governance and economic opportunity as "key themes of America's partnership with African nations."
Youth leaders have been invited to Washington to discuss how a U.S.-African partnership "can ensure that all Africans, 60 percent of whom are under 30, are prepared to face the challenges of the coming decade," Chang said.
The economic conference, formally called the ninth annual U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, will take place in two parts. The two days in Washington will involve government officials, with expected participation by the U.S. secretaries of State, Commerce and Agriculture, and the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. "Agoa at 10, New Strategies for a Changing World" is the conference theme.
On August 5 and 6, the second two-day portion of the forum will convene in Kansas City, Missouri, where the focus will be agri-business, and participation will broaden to include U.S. companies and private sector representatives from a number of the 38 Agoa-eligible countries.
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Lagos — Cameroon's superstar Samuel Eto'o has spent R10-million (about $1.3m) buying each of his Indomitable Lions' teammates a personalised watch.
The Inter Milan star was making good on a promise he made earlier to Cameroon players and technical staff that he would buy them designer time pieces if they qualified for the World Cup.
Reports said that the gift of the watches may have been inspired out of spite for the comments made Cameroonian soccer legend Roger Milla, who recently said Eto'o did "nothing" for his country.
The paper adds that Milla probably wasn't referring to the fact that Eto'o never bought extravagant jewellery for his fellow countrymen, but that's the way it was interpreted.
Unfortunately, Eto'o's gift hasn't proved a lucky charm as the Lions lost 4-3 to Serbia shortly after he handed them out.
06/11/10
South Africa: Nelson's Great Grand Daughter Killed
Nelson Mandela will not appear at the opening ceremony of the world cup this afternoon after the death of his great granddaughter in a car accident this morning.
Thirteen-year old Zenani Mandela was one of the former South African president’s nine great grandchildren.
She died in a crash on her way back from a pre-tournament concert in Johannesburg. Just one car was involved and no-one else was injured. South African police say the driver was drunk and has been arrested on suspicion of culpable homicide, or causing death by negligence.
It had been reported that Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie was also in the car at the time, but it later emerged that she was not. Mandela’s absence at the world cup opening ceremony was confirmed by the Nelson Mandela foundation.
06/07/10
Nigeria: I'm Happy to Be Home, Says Ribadu
Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, arrived the country Friday, declaring he was happy to be back home.
Ribadu had been in self-exile in the United States in the past 18 months, having fled the country during the administration of the late President Umaru Yar'Adua.
Clad in white Kaftan, Ribadu's Delta Airlines flight DL053 touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 4:30pm.
It just wasn't possible for press men to interview him, as he was swarmed by a horde of security men, who shielded him from everyone.
All he could say in the midst of security men who sandwiched him was simply this: " "I feel wonderful, very wonderful, I am very happy to be back home. I feel very great to be back home. I am just coming in now, I cannot say much but I'm very happy to be back home."
He had barely said the last word when he was ushered into a waiting Mercedes 6.3 AMG Jeep, marked TJ 63 ABJ.
In a jiffy, he was driven out of the airport in a convoy of six vehicles, made up of mainly sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Also at the airport were scores of family members who waited for hours to receive the former anti-corruption crusader back home.
Prior to the arrival of the aircraft, reporters and security operatives had waited in different locations around the terminal building, as the cars brought in to take him home were positioned at the diplomatic car park of the airport.
The large presence of security operatives at the airport kept passengers and other airport users wondering what was amiss.
Besides, scores of Immigration and Custom officials were seen waiting to facilitate his arrival, as heavily armed policemen escorted him out of the terminal building into the waiting jeep that was used as a decoy .
Talks of Ribadu returning to Nigeria had been in the air soon after President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office as Acting President, in the aftermath of the ill-health of the late President Yar'Adua.
The speculations got stronger following the role he played during the president's visit to the United States, even before he was sworn-in as substantive President of Nigeria.
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