JAMB Releases First Admission List

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released its first round of admissions into degree-awarding institutions.

In a statement signed by its Head of Public Relations, Mr. Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja, said candidates should check the boards website for their admission status, especially for those who made degree-awarding institution their first choices or most-preferred choice.

"This exercise was decided at a combined institutions for 2013/2014 academic session held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

"The meeting had 109 degree-awarding institutions in attendance and 76 out of these institutions made submissions (list of admitted candidates) to the Board.

"The second round of admissions will be conducted between September 23 and 27, at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State.
"It would be solely for admissions into polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and Innovative Enterprises Institutions. All admissions into the nation's tertiary institutions are expected to close by October," the statement said.

ASUU Strike Continue As Officials Withdraw From Talks With FG

Dr. Nasir Fagge

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced its withdrawal from the negotiations currently ongoing between them and the Federal Government.

The National President of the union,  Dr. Nasir Fagge said on Thursday that the Federal Government has been insincere in the 2009 agreement as well as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties in January 2012.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the University of Lagos, Dr. Nasir Fagge said the 2009 agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding that were signed by both parties must first be honoured, even if ASUU will consider any renegotiation with the government.

"I wish to state clearly our position so far in the whole process of the negotiations with government since the strike commenced.

"We are currently calling on government to meet our demands as presented in the agreements we both signed in 2009 and then we can start talking about any other form of re-negotiation.

"A lot of people are asking us to shift grounds by accepting government's offer of N30 billion and going back to class while we reach an agreement on when the next installments will be paid.

"I do not see that as being acceptable to us for now because we had made that mistake before, whereby only the salary component of the agreement is fully implemented, we are not going to call off this strike.

"Consequently, our members are left with no other choice than to prosecute this strike to it's logical conclusion. ASUU members nationwide are saying this strike will not be suspended until and unless the government respects the 2009 agreement and makes concrete efforts to implement it in the best interest of the country," Dr. Fagge said.

ASUU President added that the meeting which was held on Monday between ASUU and the Federal Government representatives, the government had declared that it neither had any motive to commit fully to the funding of public universities in terms of revitalization, nor was it ready to pay in full the accumulated Earned Allowance owed between 2009 and 2013.

ASUU Strike Should End Immediately - President Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria's President, Goodluck Jonathan has directed the committees meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that an immediate resolution of the issues should ave an end to it, so that the university lecturers could go back to work.

The Chairman of the presidential committee on NEEDS assessment of universities and Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam told State House correspondents on Tuesday that,"we have just risen from a meeting to take some decisions that would end the strike and the president has instructed us as to what to do and he has shown a lot of commitments and kicking off a project worth about N100 billion in all the universities in the country, about 61 of them.

"So, we are hoping that we will be able to see the end of the strike very soon if, at the end of the day, ASUU is satisfied with the measures that have so far taken. The Federal Government will also be meeting with the university councils and vice chancellors within the week, towards updating them on some of the decisions taken."

Governor Suswam also said tat the Federal Government will be meeting the councils and vice chancellors to resolve the N92 billion earned allowance being claimed by the striking lecturers.

He also said the council should verify those that would benefit from the N30 billion that was approved by the Federal Government to assist the university authorities in the payment of the allowance, noting that negotiation with ASUU was ongoing.

Though the Federal Government had shifted grounds, Governor Suswam said, "the Federal Government has opted to also meet with the councils and managements of the universities, because earned allowance is something that can be certified by the management and councils.

"The Federal Government said it is assisting the university councils with the sum of N30 billion for them to go and verify the people who actually earn these allowances and pay them. I think the government had demonstrated so substantial faith.

"Yes, if ASUU said this is the amount of money that the Federal Government is owing them and the government has shifted ground from its initial posture that there was no money and offered N30 billion, it mens we are moving forward and with a N100 billion available now for addressing the physical infrastructure deficit in our universities,  I think the Federal Government has done quite well," he said.

Governor Suswam however remained hopeful that the ongoing strike would be called off soon base on the offers that the Federal Government had given the union.

ASUU Strike To Continue

The ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities has no end-in-sight as Federal Government failed to reach an agreement with the union.

After a meeting which was held on Monday at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, both the union's representatives and the Federal Government could not come to an agreement as the lecturers insist on the earned allowance.

Federal Government agreed to release N130 billion for the infrastructural development and pending allowances in various government universities.

After four hours of negotiation, Chairman of te Presidential Universities Needs Implementation Committee and Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, said in Abuja that negotiation would continue.

"The Federal Government has been able to harness about N100 billion, which Mr. President has agreed. That will flag off the project and starting from first week of September in virtually all the universities. The process of achieving that is ongoing at the centre, and due process for it at various universities.

"The infrastructure deficit will be addressed like hostels, labs and libraries. Some will be renovated while others will be brand new. Every university will be affected and each of the hostels will accommodate 1,200 students," Governor Suswam said.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said that all issues have been met by the government except the unpaid allowances and added that the Federal Government had agreed to release N30 billion for that purpose which must be paid according to the verifiable claims by each University Council.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala insisted that the Federal Government has no N92 billion to give the striking lecturers.

ASUU President, Nasir Fagge said the union will not shift grounds, insisting that the Federal Government should honour the 2009 agreement and pay the N92 billion allowance.

"The union is talking about the implementation of 2009 agreement and not renegotiation. If you remember the objective of going on strike is to get government to implement the 2009 ASUU and FG, particularly to implement the provisions of the memorandum of understanding we reached with the government in 2012," ASSU President said.

Boko Haram Leader 'May Be Dead' Of Gunshot Wounds - JTF

Abubakar Shekau

The Joint Task Force of the Nigerian military  in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday said it had killed the leader of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau during a clash with Federal Troops in June this year.

In a statement issued on Monday by the JTF spokesman in Borno State, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said, "Abubakar Shekau, the most dreaded and wanted leader of the Boko Haram sect may have died of gunshots wound received in an encounter with JTF troops in one of their camps at Sambisa Game Reserve Forests on June 30, 2013."

Boko Haram: Army Takes Over Command From JTF

Brig. Gen. Chris Olukolade

The Nigerian Army will today take over military operations from the Joint Task Force who has been battling the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

In a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade said that the Army Headquarters will assume command of troops with immediate effect.

The operation which is code-named 'Operation BOYONA', is said to be an acronym derived from the names of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

"Accordingly, a new Army Division has been created and will take off to continue the counter-insurgency operation with immediate effect.

"Coming three months into the mission to stamp out terrorism in the North East, this development is in line with the plans laid out for the conduct of the operations to execute the mandate spelt out in the State of Emergency declaration by the President, Commander-in-Chief.

"The phase being concluded on Monday was executed by a Joint Task Force composed by troops drawn from the Services of the Armed Forces as well as other security agencies who conducted Operation BOYONA", Brig.-Gen. Olukolade said.

The Nigerian Army will now be in charge of the operations, but still under the guidance of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

In further statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, he said the effort made was to further enhance the operation in the region against insurgency.

"The effort was meant to constitute the first phase of the counter-terrorists operation. The Nigerian Army will now be solely in charge of the operations, but still under the routine guidance of the Defence Headquarters.

"A General Officer Commanding (GOC), in the rank of Major General, is being proposed to command the new Division which will have its Headquarters in Maiduguri. He is due to take over Command and the assets of the Headquaters of the Joint Task Force", the statement added.

Breast Implant Explosives Being Developed By al-Qaeda

Recent intelligence gathering have suggested that terrorist are now developing explosives that can be implanted in female's breasts and may not be detected by the best airport scanners in the world.

After an intelligence interception by the United Kingdom security agency, reports shows that al-Qaeda's chief bomb-maker, Ibrahim al-Asiri, might have developed explosives that could be concealed in implants where airlines flying out of London are said to be at high risk. The report also shows that the chief bomb-maker might have developed an undetectable liquid explosives that could be soaked into clothing.

At the weekend, editor of Security International, Philip Baum, noted that "body scanners are good at identifying objects outside the body but not inside and the possibility of medically implanted explosives is a concern to the industry."

Explosive expert, Andy Oppenheimer, however said that it was not yet clear what the new body devices could be, but "there is a great fear that al-Qaeda are planning on using internal devices to tr and get through airport scanners. These explosives could be in breast implants."

Another specialist said 'breast bomb' could be triggered by injecting another liquid into the body. "Both are very difficult to pick up with current technology and they are petrified, al-Qaeda are a step ahead hear. It's pretty top secret and potentially very grisly and ghastly."

Paul Beaver, who is an Independent Security Analyst said: "There are currently deeply serious concerns over body cavities and implants of all kinds - including breast implants - being used to hide explosives.

"It is taking longer to get through Heathrow and other airports in Europe and North America because of these fears.

"They are taking longer to screen people and there is definitely some sort of profiling going on."

Staffs at the Hearthrow Airport, London, have been warned that women could conceal dangerous explosives in their breasts, a new development which is now causing series of concern to the security agencies in the United Kingdom and United States.

According to report, a staff member of Hearthrow Airport said there were genuine fear over the report.

"We have been told to pay particular attention to females who may have concealed hidden explosives in their breasts. This is particularly difficult for us to pick up but we are on a very high state of alert. It's led to long queues here at Hearthrow - much longer than usual at this time of the year. But because it's the summer holiday season, no one has complained," the staff said.
 

Two New Political Parties Registered by INEC

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday registered two new political parties.

In a statement signed by the Commission's Secretary, Mrs A.C Ogakwu said the parties were duly registered in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended).

The parties are the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Independent Democrats (ID).

Also approved were the parties Constitution, Logo/Flag, Manifesto and list of National Executive Officers of each party.

ASUU: FG Must Pay Earned Allowance Before Union End Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has vowed to continue the ongoing nationwide strike until the Federal Government gets the N92bn unpaid allowance to meet its demand, an ex-officio member said.

The immediate past chairman of ASUU at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Aloysius Okolie, said on Friday tat the government should not allow a total collapse of tertiary education in the country.

While speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka, Prof. Okolie said that without adequate funding of the education sector, no country in the world could have attained enviable heights both economically and technologically, adding that the education sector remained the engine room of national development.

"The National Assembly and some executive members are paid jumbo salaries but when it comes to education funding the government has no money.

"How will the country be able to achieve its vision 20:20:20 of being among the 20 leading economies if education sector is not well-funded," he asked.

The former chairman however solicited for the understanding of students and their parents/wards, saying the union's demand was to ensure quality teaching and learning in all universities in the country.

"It is unreliable that in some universities, student receive lectures under the tree and in stadium.

"Books, laboratory equipment in our libraries and laboratories are outdated while some politicians and government officials are wasting money in building houses in every state capital and buying fleets of exotic cars.

"The demand will enable the universities to produce quality graduates employable in any part of the world," he concluded.

Capture Boko Haram Leaders, U.S.A Tells Nigeria

Wendy R. Sherman

The United States Government on Thursday urged the Nigerian Government to capture and prosecute Boko Haram leaders for their crimes against humanity.

Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ms Wendy Sherman who spoke in Abuja during a meeting of the United States-Nigeria Bi-national Commission Regional Security Cooperation Working Group.

Ms Wendy Sherman described the activities of Boko Haram as not offering a practical solutions to the Northern problems, but instead capitalizing on their frustration , social difficulties, economic downturn and religious differences to undermine the government and make the country ungovernable.

She said, the United States knows from experience the challenges in confronting a dreadful enemy that respects no boundaries and killing innocent civilians indiscriminately.

"Security efforts are necessary to protect innocent Nigerians, to prevent Boko Haram's acts of violence, and the hearts and minds of northern populations by protecting them and providing timely and commensurate justice to both insurgents and the victims of this unfortunate conflict. Though no easy task, a comprehensive approach that addresses socio-economic problems, articulates clear rules of engagement, and commits to accountability for those who perpetrate violence, both Boko Haram and security forces, will demonstrate to every Nigerian that their future is brighter in a more secure Nigeria.

"This may require a new social contact with Nigerian citizens that encompasses an economic recovery strategy as a complement to the government's security strategy. This approach will be successful to the extent that it can garner the support of northern governors and local officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and a generation of young Nigerians who are connected to their government, locally and federally," Ms Sherman said.

She continued by saying that, "achieving success will not be easy, but we are ready to work with you as one of your strongest and most faithful friends and partners, to discuss new ways of help.

"We stand ready to work together to develop a multi-faceted strategy to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram that also demonstrates to civilians that they will be protected. Nigeria's diverse people, land, ad spirit have already established a foundation for long-term national and regional stability; however, with today's insurgent challenges, strong nations must deepen our commitment to respect human life and dignity, build peace, and prevent future atrocities, even in the midst of a protracted conflict with a violent enemy. We look forward to hearing Nigeria's unique accounts of what steps you are taking to ensure transparency, accountability and justice, including access for civil society organisations and journalists to the North and what steps have been taken to bring to justice those accused of human rights violations," She said.

Ms Sherman added that Boko Haram's threat affect both Nigeria and the United States.

"The United States remains your partner in helping to address this threat that our two nations share. We have designated three individuals as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, demonstrating our resolve in working with you to diminish the capacity of Boko Haram to execute violent attacks. We have provided assistance focused on identifying areas for information-sharing, enhancing security force professionalism and developing tactics to increase public confidence in Nigeria's security response, and improving Nigerian forensics and investigative capacity. The United States has also been working with Nigerian peacekeepers deployed to missions across Africa to make sure they have the training and equipment necessary for global peace and security missions. In fact, since 2004, we have trained over 800 staff officers and more than 41,000 troops through the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) programme.

"Stability, security, and prosperity are long-term goals with no easy fixes for any country, but together we can go further than we can alone. A visible commitment and demonstrated actions to protect civil liberties and ensure civilian security can go a long way toward rebuilding the trust between a government and its people upon whom our shared well-being depends.

"When government commits itself to progress and meaningful reforms, the people benefit and extremists become marginalized. By working together, we can contribute to economic growth, democratic progress, and lasting peace. These objectives are important to the United States, to Nigeria, and to the global community, and I hope that this forum will continue to further our partnership.

"Our bilateral assistance also supports economic growth, education assistance, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and particularly critically to our conversation at this forum, efforts to help Nigeria address emerging threats," Ms Sherman added.

Boko Haram: Shekau's Deputy, Father Killed In JTF Raid

Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade

The Director of Information at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade on Wednesday said that Boko Haram commander, Momudu Bama, who was said to be the second-in-command to the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau and 17 others were killed in a gun duel between Special Forces and the insurgents.

According to the statement, Shekau's deputy was killed along the "Bama Corridor". But it was learnt that the commander's body was dragged away by the insurgents. Momodu Bama was described as an expert in manning anti-craft duns for the sect.

24 members of the sect were said to be arrested by the Military troops.

"As troops intensify pursuit of terrorists, who have been unleashing mayhem in Borno and Yobe communities, the death of Momodu Bama, said to be the second-in-command to the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has been confirmed by other arrested terrorists. This followed encounters with the terrorists around the Bama corridor.

"Momodu Bama has been personally leading the attacks against troops and innocent citizens in communities of Yobe and Adamawa.

"A specialist in manning the anti-aircraft guns of the group, he is known to be vicious and heartless with penchant for personally slaughtering and executing his victims.

"Momodu Bama has been a most wanted terrorist with a N25million bounty already placed on his head.

"Others that died in the operation include Bama's father, Alhaji Abatcha Flatari, who is also one of the spiritual guiding lights of the outlawed terrorists group. 17 other terrorists also lost their lives in the encounter while 24 were arrested.

"The troops are continuing the pursuit of the terrorists while intensifying aggressive aerial and land patrols to ensure better security cover for the communities, especially in two states," Brig.-Gen. Kolade said.

Momodu Bama was one of the 19 leaders of Boko Haram declared wanted by the Military Joint Task Force in Borno State on November 23, 2012 and a N25million ransom was placed on him by the JTF.

Boko Haram Shurra Community of the sect still-at-large are;
Abubakar Shekau - N50million
Habibu Yusuf (a.k.a Asalafi) - N25million
Khalid Albarnawai - N25million
Mohammed Zangina - N25million

Other Field Commanders are;
Abu Saad - N10million
Abu Kaka - N10million
Abdulmalik Bama - N10million
Umar Fulata - N10million
Alhaji Mustapha (Massa) Ibrahim - N10million
Abubakar Suleiman-Habu (a.k.a Khalid)- N10million
Hassan Jazair - N10million
Ali Jalingo - N10million
Alhaji Musa Modu - N10million
Bashir Aketa - N10million
Abba Goroma - N10million
Ibrahim Bashir - N10million
Abubakar Zakariya - N10million
Tukur Ahmed Mohammed- N10million

ASUU UPDATE: N92bn Can't Be Wasted On Lecturers, FG Insist

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The week long Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike seem not to be having a solution.

The union is insisting that the Federal Government should release the requested N92b in extra allowance into it's possession, but Nigeria's Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said yesterday that Government has no such cash to spare.

At the yearly National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) with the theme: "Restructuring Nigeria's Finances". the minister explained that the demand by ASUU was coming when government was making efforts at reducing the structure of public expenditures.

"At present, ASUU wants the government to pay N92b in extra allowances when resources are not there and when we are working to integrate past increase in pensions. We need to make choices in this country as we are getting to the stage where recurrent expenditures take the bulk of our resources and people get paid but can do no work."

"If the demands of the university lecturers are met and we continue to pay them salaries and allowances, we will not be able to provide infrastructure in the universities", Finance Minister said.

The minister maintained that when she resumed office, "the share of recurrent expenditure in our total budgets had increased astronomically".

"In fact, recurrent expenditures accounted for about 77.2 percent of the federal budjet and we are now working to re-balance this ration," She argued.

She further said that Nigeria is still suffering from the effects of the 2010 increase in wages and then asked, "Do we want to get to a stage in this country that all the money we earn is used to pay salaries and allowances?"

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala however argued that Nigeria's over dependence on crude oil has led to the decay of non-oil tax revenue, noting that in 1970 non-oil taxes accounted for 74 percent of Nigeria's revenue, but by 2012 it had declined to only 30 percent of governments revenues.

"Many states and local governments are also dependent on minthly revenue alocation from the central government. On average, only 11 percent of sub-national revenue was obtained from internally generated sources.

"In fact in August 2006 when I left office, we had a total of $17.3bn, comprised $3.5bn in foreign debt and $13.8bn in domestic debt.

"By 2011 when I returned to office, the total debt stood at $47.9bn and the domestic debt had grown to about $42.3bn." The minister said.

The minister, however, said the Federal Government had taken proactive steps to revamp the country's economy, adding that these measures had started yielding fruitful dividends in direct capital investment in Nigeria and establishment of industries and agro-based firms.

The Federal Government committee on the NEEDS assessment report in Nigerian Universities led by Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam in a long meeting with ASUU yesterday declared that an agreement have been reached to inject N100 billion for provision of infrastructure in 61 universities.

Based on the agreement therefore, the major issue now is the N92 billion earned allowances which Governor Suswam assured would be dealt with on Monday next week in another meeting with ASUU.

"I am confident that very soon the students will resume. As a leader in this country, I am worried about the strike, Mr President (Goodluck Jonathan) is absolutely worried and everybody is concerned that the students should not stay at home more than necessary," Governor Suswam said.

Boko Haram Hideout Raided In Sokoto - Nigerian Army

Nigerian Army on Saturday raided the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram hideout at Gidan-Igwai area of Sokoto. This is an effort made by the Nigerian Army to curb the migration of the sect members who are currently on the run from the three states where state of emergency had been declared; Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

Spokesman of 1 Brigade, Captain Yahaya Musa said that the operation was carried out following a tip-off from local residents.

"The operation was conducted as part of te ongoing efforts to rid Sokoto State of the fleeing insurgents from the volatile states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

"The raid is part of the routine operations of the Army to cleanse Nigeria of insurgency and other criminal activities," Capt. Musa said.

"Sokoto is peaceful, unfortunately, insurgents from other parts of the country are fast making it a safe haven and we are battle-ready to dislodge them. The operation by the army would be sustained and intensified just like our sister security organisations are also doing theirs, nationwide.

"I cannot however confirm any fatalities as at now but scores of arrests have been made whose details would be made available later," the spokesman added.

Captain Musa however thanked residents of the community for their support and cooperating, noting that the responsibility of ensuring a secured society is a collective one.

Girl Frozen For 500 Years Unearthed In South America

The Inca Ice maiden, Mummy Juanita, who was killed as an offering to the Inca gods sometimes between 1440 and 1450 in Inca empire was discovered on Mount Ampato in Southern Peru in 1995 by anthropologist Johan Reinhard and Miguel Zarate. Her father was said to have presented her to the emperor as a gift of sacrifice to the empire to uphold the tradition of the sacrifices being made to god of the mountain in Inca empire.

Fresh frozen body of Juanita as it was discovered

During and expedition to Mount Ampato (about 200,800 ft), Reinhard and Zarate discovered a bundle inside the crater containing a frozen body of a young girl between the ages of 13 and 15 years.

Studies carried out on the body by means of a virtual autopsy at the John Hopkins Hospital in U.S.A revealed however that prior to her death, she was 1.40meters tall. She had suffered a lung infection before the sacrifice and analysis of her stomach contents revealed that she ate a meal of vegetables 6-8 hours before she died. Her internal organs remained as it were before she died with blood still present in her heart.

Equally, she was wrapped in a brightly coloured burial tapestry before the sacrificial ceremony. Her colourful garments were from the finest textiles in the Inca capital of Cuzco. She was said to have come from the noble Cuzco family.

Juanita's body is currently on display at in the Museum of Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria in Peru.

Nigeria Will Not Break Up - President Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan while receiving his vice , Namadi Sambo on Thursday, who led the Muslim community on the annual Sallah homage said that Nigeria will not break up.

He however fault the United States report that predicted that Nigeria will break up on or before 2015 assuring Nigerians that the country's diversity is a great strength yet to be tapped.

Speaking with the delegation led by the Vice President, he congratulated the Muslim brothers and sisters for successfully observing the Ramadan, urging them to continue in prayer for peace to duel in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

President Jonathan said, "For us, we cannot imagine a Nigeria without Muslims and Christians; you can call it another name, but not Nigeria. So it is a blessing that this is one country that you have significant population of Muslims and Christians and this religious diversity will enhance our development because we can get across the whole world, wherever we go we are accepted. That helps us in so many ways.

"We are not even exploiting our diversity because of the myopic views about situations. Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters and we must live together, those who are predicting that this country will separate based on our frontline as at the time of amalgamation, by 2015 they will know that these predictions will not be true.

"Today is a unique day, and I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters that they should continue to pray for peace not just in Nigeria but all over the world. If you watch television these days, more than 60 percent of the time is spent on showing crisis all over the world and for the world to move ahead and for Nigeria to move ahead. For us to develop first and foremost, there must be peace and security. Nobody will come and invest in an environment where you are not sure of the safety of your workers and investment." He added.

ASUU Not Under Pressure To End Strike - President

Dr. Nasir Fagge

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Nasir Fagge, has debunked the rumor going round the media that the union is under intense pressure to end its over a month old strike.

Meanwhile, the meeting that was to hold on Tuesday with the Federal Government Needs Assessment to Nigerian Universities Implementation Committee and the union was stalled as a result of the sub-committee on infrastructure to submit its report because that would guide the meeting on its deliberations.

The President said that the meeting with the government could not hold because there was no basis for deliberations.

Fagge added that ASUU was not under pressure from any quoter to call off the strike, saying the strike will continue as long as "government refuses to do the right thing."

Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam,who is the chairman on NEEDS implementation committee told newsmen that the Federal Government had made useful progress towards meeting the demands of ASUU.

He however hoped that the next meeting which is scheduled to hold next week would be productive.

The governor said his committee would ensure that a holistic approach to funding universities is adopted to forestall future crisis over funding.

JTF Factions Clash In Borno Killing 5

About 5 persons were killed following clashes between two factions of youths popularly called 'Civilian Joint Tax Force' in Biu, 185 kilometres away from Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

An eye witness, Abdullahi Mohammed, who sustained gunshot during the incident and currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Gombe said that the trouble which began after a group of 'civilian JTF' from Maiduguri, accompanied by soldiers, invaded Biu town, in search of Boko Haram terrorist suspects.

"Allhadulillahi. I am still alive. I was shot on my chest by soldiers, but Allhadulillahi, the medical doctors here have removed the bullet from my body.

"The civilian JTF in Biu asked those that came from Maidguri to leave the town, because their presence in the town is likely to cause more harm than good to residents," Mohammed said.

According to him, it was the process that led to a fight between the two youth groups, leading to the death five persons.

"I saw five dead bodies before Iwas rushed to FMC in Gombe. It is possible the casualty figure may be more than five, because only two of us survived. I can't tell where other dead bodies were deposited," he added.

Efforts to communicate with the Military JTF failed as GSM telecommunications in Borno State remain grounded.

ASUU Strike May Be Called Off Next Week - Suswam

Governor Gabriel Suswam

The ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Nigeria (ASUU) may be called off next week. Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam disclosed this when addressing journalists after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

The governor who is the chairman of National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS) assessment implementation committee for universities said his committee recommended projects worth an initial N1 billion in the universities which the President will flag off between now and September.

"I want to say that we are having negotiation with ASUU. In the next one or two weeks, we should be able to arrive at something that will necessitate them calling off the strike, once we are able to agree with them on all issues that they have raised.

"So far, there are only two outstanding issues, the NEEDS assessment and the earned allowances. The NEEDS assessment which I'm handling, we have virtually concluded. I think by next week, it will be definite.

"The earned allowance, the SGF is still holding meeting (with them), I believe that in the next one week, given the seriousness of the issue, we will be able to come to some level of agreement with ASUU, which will probably lead to calling off the strike. I am not saying they are calling off the strike, we have to agree on these two remaining issues."

According to the governor, the committee will still have to meet on Tuesday next week and that a sub-committee with ASUU inclusive had been enacted to look into the NEEDS assessment records and introduce some projects that the President will inaugurate immediately within two months from now.

"Already, we have called all funding agencies and we have been holding meetings with them.

"What we are trying to do is that all the monies of agencies and individual capacities be harnessed so that it will be well coordinated. Then we know that this is how much the Federal Government is spending on our institutions on a yearly basis, as it is now. But as things are now, nobody knows apart from the budgetary money, which is passed by the National Assembly. Nobody actually captures what is being expended by TETFund, NITDA, CBN amongst others." He added.

Nigerian Army Foils Terrorists Regrouping

Plans by group of terrorists who recently relocated to Niger Republic to rearm and remobilise with the aim of carrying out fresh attacks on some Nigerian cities has been foiled.

Also, the leader of the group, Abubakar Shekau who was said to have fled Nigeria when their camps were 'swept' by the military was reportedly recruiting fresh hands for renewed terrorist insurgency in Nigeria.

Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Olukolade said on Thursday in Abuja that the group's focus is on attacking Nigeria-Niger Republic border towns.

"Intelligence operatives of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) had been on the trail of the leader until he was eventually arrested in Karanga, Niger Republic on Saturday with the cooperation of Nigerian Forces. His other accomplices were later picked up in other villages in Nigeria.

They are currently being interrogated," Olukolade said.