FOR THE RECORD: Nigerian Judiciary Needs Complete Overhaul — Chief Justice

Mahmud Mohammed, Chief Justice of Nigeria

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, has said that the Nigerian judicial system needs a complete overhaul to ensure quick and inexpensive justice delivery. Mr. Mohammed spoke on Friday in Abuja, at the inauguration of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

“There is needed for an overhaul of the Nigerian Judicial System in order to render it fit for the 21st century circumstances; there is need to ensure that justice is quick and inexpensive.

“Litigation has become slow, costly and highly inflating, especially given their complexity, endless interlocutory applications and potential for acrimony,’’ he said.

FG Reviews Petrol Price Template Downward

…says subsidy down to ₦4.52 per litre

The Federal Government has commenced a downward review of the current petroleum products price template, with a view to eliminating inefficiencies in the price regime. The Group General Manager, GGM, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Bello Rabiu disclosed this at interactive session with journalists in Abuja, yesterday.

BOKO HARAM: Soldiers Sentenced To Death Commuted To 10 Years

Gen. Tukur Buratai – Chief Of Army Staff

Military authorities say it has reprieved 66 soldiers sentenced to death for mutiny and trying to kill their commanding officer in the war on Boko Haram. Instead, they will be jailed for 10 years. A statement Saturday says Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai made the decision.

EBOLA OUTBREAK: Gambia's Jammeh Honoured For Ebola Aid To Sierra Leone As Sierra Leone President Honours Ebola Warriors

President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia financially helped Sierra Leone at the height of the Ebola epidemic in August last year ©Issouf Sanogo (AFP)

Sierra Leone honoured the Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh at an awards ceremony on Friday recognizing the outstanding contribution of those at home and abroad who helped the country defeat Ebola.

Gambia's controversial leader, frequently the source of diplomatic spats on the international stage, was awarded a gold medal for his financial support during the outbreak by Sierra Leone's President Ernest Bai Koroma.

US Waiter Turns Over US$32,000 In Cash Left At Applebee's In California

33-year-old Brian Geery found a purse with money in it more than his own salary, but decided to be honest. Image source: www.metronieuws.nl

An Applebee’s waiter in central California, US turned over US$32,000 in cash that a family forgot at a table, an amount that exceeds his annual salary after taxes, because it was the right thing to do, the waiter told Reuters in an exclusive interview on Friday.

Brian Geery, 33, said he found a canvas pouch at a table in the restaurant where he works in Fresno after a family finished eating, and noticed a rectangular shape inside.

FG Sacks 2,000 Varsity Workers

President Muhammadu Buhari

The Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Universities has called for an indefinite strike on December 24, 2015 to protest a recent decision of the Federal Government to sack 2,000 university workers across the country by January, 2016.

The National President of SSANU, Mr. Samson Ugwoke, said during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday that the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, and the National Universities Commission had written letters of termination to 2,000 members of staff of the universities.

FOR THE RECORD: Appeal Court Sacks Akwa Ibom Governor, Emmanuel; Nullifies Entire Election

Udom Emmanuel  

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has nullified the Akwa Ibom State governorship election of April 11, removing the declared winner, Udom Emmanuel, from office. Mr. Emmanuel’s election was challenged by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Umana Umana.

At the election tribunal, Mr. Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party, had secured partial victory, with the election cancelled only in 18 out of the state’s 31 local government areas.

The tribunal had ordered a rerun.

Nigerians Can Sue Shell In The Netherlands; Dutch Ruling On Nigeria Could Prompt More Environmental Cases

Shell oil has a large presence in Nigeria AFP

A court in The Netherlands has said that four Nigerian farmers can take a case against the oil company Shell to a Dutch court. They want to sue the Dutch-based multinational over pollution of their farmland allegedly caused by pipeline leaks.

Environmental activists say that this is a landmark ruling that could pave the way for other cases to be heard in The Netherlands, the Associated Press news agency said.

Buhari’s Aides Surprise Him On 73rd Birthday

Buhari shares the same birthday with Pope Francis and K.N. David-Okafor, the publisher of NAIJAGRAPHITTI BLOG.

The aides of President Muhammadu Buhari took him by surprise when they presented a giant card to him at the presidential villa in Abuja earlier on Thursday. An elated president beamed with smiles as he shook hands with them.

Trial Of Suspected Killers Of Former Côte d'Ivoire Leader Opens

After his killing, Robert Guei was first accused of attempting to lead a coup AFP

Thirteen years after Côte d'Ivoire's former leader, General Robert Guei, was murdered, a trial has opened to try his alleged killers. The general was the country's military ruler for a year in 1999. He was shot dead, along with his wife and children in 2002, the first night of the armed rebellion that divided the country in two for a decade.

EPL: Chelsea Part Company With Jose Mourinho

Chelsea have parted company with Jose Mourinho

Chelsea have parted company with Jose Mourinho after two days of crisis board meetings. 

Chelsea FC confirmed Mourinho's departure in an official statement:

EPL: Cesc Fabregas Calls For Chelsea Stars To Earn Their Money

Cesc Fabregas and Chelsea are experiencing a miserable season

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas says the club's players must justify their hefty wages and pick up their dismal form in the Barclays Premier League. Last season's champions are just one point outside the relegation zone this term, with prospects of a top-four finish already looking slim. A 2-1 defeat at Leicester on Monday night was the latest blow to the Blues and manager Jose Mourinho.

Niger Arrests At Least Four Senior Military Officers, Reasons Unknown

Brigadier General Salou Souleymane

Gendarmes in Niger have arrested at least four senior military officers in a troubling sign of potential unrest in the West African nation just two months before elections, military sources and family members of those detained said on Thursday. The arrests were made on Tuesday. Among those taken into custody were the former military chief of staff General Souleymane Salou and Lieutenant-Colonel Dan Haoua, the head of the air force base in the capital Niamey.

I Remain The ‘Duly Elected Governor’, Says Wike As Appeal Court Backs Fresh Poll

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike lifting aloft the "Certificate of Return" INEC presented to him. (Image source: TheCable)

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, has opposed the ruling of the appeal court which ordered his removal from office, insisting that he was duly elected. Wike called on his supporters to remain calm, disclosing that he has instructed his lawyers to appeal the judgment at Supreme Court.

CAR Protest Against 'Enemies Of Peace'

Both religious groups welcomed the pontiff in Bangui AFP

A crowd of hundreds have protested at the headquarters of the UN peace keeping force in Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, to demand the expulsion of the "enemies of peace" from the city's mainly Muslim area, AFP news agency reports. The protest came after five people were killed and 20 hurt in an attack in the PK-5 district on Sunday, when a constitutional referendum aimed at ending two years of Christian-Muslim conflict was held.

Pope Francis visited Bangui last month to appeal for peace, saying "Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters".  

Pep Guardiola Set To Announce Decision To Leave Bayern Munich

Pep Guardiola could be on the move in the new year

Pep Guardiola is set to announce his decision to leave Bayern Munich, according to reports in Spain. The 44-year-old former Barcelona coach has been strongly linked with Barclays Premier League club Manchester City, whose interest will be piqued by the anticipated announcement from Bavaria.

Tanzania Anti-Corruption Chief Fired

Mr Magufuli has a reputation of being hard-working AFP

The head of Tanzania's anti-corruption body, Edward Hoseah, has been sacked by President John Magufuli for negligence, the government says in a statement.  The president expresses his dissatisfaction at the body's conduct in fighting corruption in the country, it added. 

US Worried About Shia Conflict In Nigeria As Female Bombers Blow Themselves Up In Maiduguri

Shias protested against the military in six cities yesterday (Image credits: Ahmed Musa)

The United States says it is deeply concerned about the violent clashes between Nigerian government troops and the main Shia sect in Africa's most populous state.  While many details of the clashes which began on 12 December remain unclear, “we are dismayed to learn of multiple civilian deaths", said James Entwistle, the US ambassador to Nigeria. 

Nigeria Shias Reject Government Probe As Boko Haram 'Slaughters' Villagers

Sheikh Zakzaky, leader of the IMN, is inspired by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini BBC

Shia Muslims in Nigeria have rejected a panel set up by the government to investigate a military crackdown in which they say hundreds of their members were killed in northern Zaria city. The military accuses the pro-Iranian sect, known as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), of trying to assassinate army chief Gen Tukur Buratai.

N. Korea Sentences Canadian Pastor To Life Behind Bars

Korean-Canadian pastor Hyeon Soo Lim. © Kyodo / Reuters

North Korea’s highest court has sentenced a South Korea-born pastor from Canada to life for his religious activities, the North's official KCNA news agency has reported. Hyeon Soo-Lim, a pastor at a Toronto church, has visited North Korea more than 100 times in the last 18 years, helping to set up an orphanage and a nursing home.

2-IN-1 STORY: ₦31b Loot: Jonathan’s Camp To Seek Talks With Buhari; I Got No Cash For Attack, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari

*Suspects opt to refund cash for freedom *North’s leaders may intervene

President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, may soon meet over the mind- boggling revelations from the arms cash probe. Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, who is standing trial for alleged misapplication and fraudulent disbursement of over ₦31b meant for purchase of arms, has alleged in his statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that all his disbursements were approved by the ex-President.

Millionaire Cleared Of Rape After Claiming He ‘Accidentally Penetrated’ Teenager

Image source: RealPengy on Twitter

A London court has cleared property developer Ehsan Abdulaziz, 46, of raping an 18-year-old girl after just 30 minutes of deliberation. The London-based Saudi millionaire claimed he may have accidentally penetrated the teenager after he fell on her.

Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday cleared Abdulaziz of one count of rape.

Seychelles Votes In Presidential Run-Off

AFP

Voting is taking place in Seychelles in the second round of a presidential election in which incumbent James Michel is seeking a third term. It is the first time a run-off ballot is being held in the island which is home to 93,000 people. 

'Sharp Rise' In DR Congo Kidnappings

Eastern DR Congo has been unstable for more than two decades AFP

Kidnappings have "sky-rocketed" in mostly lawless eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with at least 175 people taken hostage so far this year, leading campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said. 

Armed groups tortured and whipped hostages, and demanded ransoms of between US$200 and US$30,000, although most were freed after relatives and employers made lower payments, HRW added in a statement. 

Protests Spread Over Sheikh El-Zakzaky Arrest

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria call for the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, during processions in Kano yesterday.

*Presidency: It is military affair *Dambazau, IG visit Zaria *N/Assembly silent

*Iranian president calls Buhari *61 bodies in hospital

Peaceful protests yesterday spread to some northern states including Kaduna and Kano over the arrest of the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. At least three people were said to have been killed in Kaduna when police tried to disperse a procession of Shi’ite members who were protesting the arrest of their leader.

Sect members said some of their members were killed but the police disputed the claims.

'Hacked ANC Twitter Account' Announces Zuma Removal; Anti-Zuma Protest In Company Gardens

Image source: ANC on Twitter

The Johannesburg office of South Africa's ruling ANC party says its Twitter account fell victim to a hack this morning, with someone using it to announce the removal of President Jacob Zuma.  In Tweets that were subsequently deleted, the account said: 

"We took the painful decision to recall the ANC Pres from his position as head of State and the President of the Republic of South Africa" 

Investigators Expect Sepp Blatter And Michel Platini To Face Lengthy Bans

Investigators expect Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini to face lengthy bans as a result of their FIFA ethics committee disciplinary hearings

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are likely to escape lifetime bans for corruption but investigators expect the pair to receive lengthy suspensions of at least seven years when their hearings take place this week, according to insiders. Blatter and Platini will have disciplinary hearings before FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert in Zurich on Thursday and Friday, over a £1.3million payment made to Platini by FIFA in 2011 and signed off by Blatter.

2-IN-1 STORY: Alleged ₦13bn Land Deal: Tompolo’s Real Transaction With Jonathan’s Govt; Ex-NIMASA DG Re-Arrested Over ₦11.7b Paid To Tompolo

The Federal Government, under former President Goodluck Jonathan, actually approved the payment of ₦11 billion to ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, out of which he collected 90 per cent of the money, but it was not for land deal as claimed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Chief Government Ekpemupolo

A reliable source told Vanguard, yesterday, that the money paid to Tompolo was for purchase of the buildings and other facilities at the International Diving School he built at Kurutie, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government, Delta State, allegedly valued at ₦15 billion, which the Federal Government acquired for the Maritime University, Okerenkoko.

Petrol May Sell For ₦97/Litre

NNPC Towers, Abuja

•Govt to spend money on capital projects

Nigerians were yesterday told to prepare for some tough decisions next year. Petrol subsidy will go to save cash for capital projects. This will likely push up price from ₦87 a litre to the former ₦97.

“Price of refined products today is ₦87. It was ₦97 before it was reduced and we really have to go back to that because we don’t really have the finance to remove it,” Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu said.