Jonathan's former aide Dudafa arrested in Lagos, flown to Abuja

The erstwhile Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Waripamowei Dudafa has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.

Waripamowei had hitherto been arraigned in absentia by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over his alleged involvement in the mismanagement of the $2.1b arms procurement fund from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Reports indicate that as at Monday night, Dudafa was being interrogated at EFCC's Abuja headquarters over $47million and 5.6million Euros (N10 billion)  withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and allegedly shared to delegates to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Presidential Primaries on November 27, 2014.

The former presidential aide who had been at large was nabbed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos by operatives of the DSS and handed over to men of the EFCC who immediately flew him to Abuja.

A source confirmed that Dudafa had been on the watch list of security agencies.

“Except for the vigilance of security agents at the airport, Dudafa would have gone through the checks unnoticed. But having been watch-listed, operatives of the DSS intercepted and arrested him.

“After handing him over to EFCC, Dudafa was immediately flown to Abuja for interrogation. He was brought in at about 9.15pm.

“The EFCC is excited by the arrest of Dudafa because he is central to many transactions as the SSA Domestic Affairs to ex-President Jonathan.”

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Mrs Buhari in Cross River (Photos)

Photos: Aisha Buhari arrives Cross River State to flag off the 2016 Maternal and Child Health Week http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/04/photos-aisha-buhari-arrives-cross-river.html

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Wizkid and Linda ikeji meet Commissioner of Police

So Wizkid and I met with the Commissioner of Police today...and here's what happened :-) http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/04/so-wizkid-and-i-met-with-commissioner.html

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Army Invites Applications For Direct Short Service Commission

ADVERTISEMENT FOR DIRECT SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION COURSE 23/2016

1. Applications are invited from eligible Nigerians for commission into the Nigerian Army (NA) as Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) officers. The DSSC is open to both civilians and serving military personnel. Only serving military personnel sponsored by any of the Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces to civil institutions shall be considered..
CORPS AND SERVICES
2. Applications should be into any of the following Corps and Services of the NA:
A. Nigerian Army Medical Corps.
(1) Medical and Dental Consultants. Applicants could belong to either of the following fields of specialization such as General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Anaesthesia, Neuro Surgery, Cadiothoracic, ENT Surgeons, Physicians (Cardiologists, Endocrinologist, Nephrologists and Neurologists), Ophthalmologists as well as Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, Paediatricians and Family Physicians. Applicants must also consider the following criteria:
(a) Must be Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria or equivalent Postgraduate Medical College.
(b) Not be more than 40 years of age.
(c) Must have full registration of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for the undergraduate degree and additional qualification registration as appropriate.
(d) Must have current MDCN licence to practice as a specialist.
(2) General Duty Medical/Dental Officers. Applicants must possess MBBS/BDS or equivalent with not more than 5 years post - qualification experience and must be fully registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Note: All applicants for Medical Corps, are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies and current practicing license.
B. Directorate of Army Aviation.
Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc/B Eng (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) with other relevant trade qualification from government - approved institutions for the following fields:
(1) Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering. Minimum of B Eng or HND in Aerospace/
Aeronautical Engineering with not less than 3 years work experience.
(2) Mechanical Engineering. Minimum of B Eng or HND in Mechanical Engineering with not less than 2 years work experience.
(3) Electrical Engineering. Minimum of B Eng or HND in Electrical Electronics (Power option).
(4) Air Traffic Controller. BSc in Geography/Physics/
Mathematics with NCAA approved Air Traffic Control License.
(5) Fire Fighter. BSc in Chemistry/Physics with NCAA approved Fire Fighting License from any reputable organization.
C. Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant).
Applicants must possess minimum of BA (Second Class Lower) degree in Pastoral Psychology, New Testament Theology, Old Testament Theology, Pastoral Counseling and Child Evangelism from any of the Seminaries/Universities recognized by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant). Applicants must belong to one of the 18 major denominations of the protestant faith. Soldier applicants must have served the NA with a minimum of 5 years experience in Chaplaincy work and must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant).
D. Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic).
Applicants must possess a minimum of Bachelor (Second Class Lower) degree in any of the following areas: Philosophy and Theology from a Roman Catholic approved seminary, affiliated to a National Universities Commission accredited University or Urbanian University, Rome. Applicants must have good standing in the church and be also released by a Diocesan Bishop. Applicants must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic).
E. Directorate of Islamic Affairs.
Applicants must possess a minimum of BA, B Ed (Second Class Lower) degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies, LLB Sharia with Diploma in Arabic from recognized Nigerian universities, Azhar University, Cairo or Saudi University. Each applicant would be required to produce testimony of excellent character from a reputable religious organization in Nigeria. Applicants must be able to speak English Language.
F. Directorate of Legal Service.
Applicants must possess LLB BL from a recognized institution. A minimum of 2 years post Law School legal practice is required and applicants must present evidence of this.
G. Directorate of Army Public Relations.
Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in Journalism, Radio and Television Broadcasting, Radio Operation and Performance. Applicants must have evidence of Membership to any Professional body in relation to media operation and journalism.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
3. All applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
a. Be a Nigerian as defined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
b. Be a male or female between the ages of 22 and 35 years, while medical consultants be not more than 40 years of age by October 2016.
c. Be medically, mentally and physically fit according to NA standards.
d. Be recommended by at least 2 recognizable referees who must attest to the applicant character and integrity. These could be by a Local Government Chairman/
Secretary or an officer of the Armed Forces not below the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel and equivalent or an Assistant Commissioner of Police and above who must hail from the state of the applicant. Passport photographs of referees must be affixed to the letter of attestation.
e. Candidates must submit a letter of Attestation from their former institutions.
f. Measure at least 1.68m (for male) and 1.65m (for female) in height.
g. Must not have been convicted by any court of law. Military personnel must be free from any disciplinary case (This is to be endorsed by the Commanding Officer/
Commander).
h. Possess at least a first degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division or HND of not less than Lower Credit from any recognized institution of learning.
i. Possess valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital or Local Government Council or valid age declaration.
j. Possess a valid certificate of state of origin.
k. Applicants (Less serving members of the Armed Forces) must possess NYSC discharge certificate or a valid exemption as the case may be.
l. Graduates with professional qualifications must be duly registered by relevant bodies recognized by Nigerian Laws at the commencement of cadet training.
m. Only academic credentials obtained from 2006 to date will be considered.
n. Candidates must present contact addresses and telephone numbers of parent/
guardians and Next of Kin.
o. Candidates must not have any body inscriptions or tattoos.
p. Candidates must tender all original copies of educational certificates (primary to post secondary).
q. Service personnel must present valid military identity cards and letters of recommendations by their Commanding Officers/
Commanders. They must also present valid letter(s) of NA sponsorship in tertiary academic institutions. Additionally, they must have served for a period of not less than 5 years in the unit.
r. Candidates must not be members of any cult/society/
fraternity.
s. All female applicants are advised to seek for commission into specialist corps e;g Medical, Legal Service or Army Public Relations.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
4. Direct Short Service Commission will be granted for 10 years, for an initial probation period of 3 years, renewable yearly for another period of 7 years. Direct Regular Commission may be granted on conversion after 3 years as a commissioned officer.
a. Conversion to Direct Regular Commission is not automatic. It is based on availability of vacancy and other criteria that are or will be in force from time to time.
b. All graduating officer cadets must sign an acceptance on the terms and conditions governing the Direct Short Service Commission before they are granted commission into the Nigerian Army.
c. The reckonable period of service will be based on the date of commencement of cadet training of both civilian and military personnel entrants.
d. Medical Consultants Officers on successful completion of military training shall be granted the rank of Major and Direct Regular Commission.
e. Officer cadets who successfully complete the military training shall be granted the rank of Lieutenant with no advantage of seniority.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
5. Applications are to be made online free of charge from the 18th of April 2016.
a. How to apply:
(1) Log on to www.nigerianarm
yms.ng to create an account.
(2) Read the Qualification Criteria.
(3) From the Home Page, Select DSSC application.
(4) On successful registration, you will receive an email notification
containing your login details.
(5) Click on 'Login' to complete the application form.
(6) Ensure all required documents are uploaded:
- passport photograph.
- educational certificates.
- evidence of membership of any professional body.
- certificate of state of origin.
- birth certificate or age declaration.
b. Print Out. Applicants must print out their online generated photo-slip on completion of their application. The first page is to be signed by a Court of Law and the second page is to be signed by the Local Government Chairman/
Secretary or any military officer of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent and above who hails from your state. Successful applicants are required to present their printed photo-slip to the selection board during interview.

CLOSING DATE
6. All applications must be submitted not later than 13th June 2016.
Army Headquarters
Department of Military Secretary
Mambilla Barracks
Asokoro - Abuja

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FRSC reaffirms its power to arrest traffic offenders

Following online reports that a Lagos High Court has nullified its right to fine traffic offenders and impound vehicles involved in traffic offences, the Federal Road Safety Commission has reaffirmed its statutory powers to carry out those functions.

The Public Relations Officer of the FRSC, Mr Bisi Kazeem told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Abuja on Monday that the organization is aware of the online reports and the concerns they have raised.

He however said that the said media reports are the handiwork of mischief makers.

``The truth is that there is no recent judgment of the Federal High Court Lagos on the Tope Alabi case as is being circulated.

``What happened was that one Barrister Tope Alabi challenged the powers of the FRSC to arrest him and impound his vehicle and make him pay fines for offences alleged.

``The Federal High Court presided over by Justice Tsoho held that FRSC had no such powers. This was in Sept. 2014.

``However, in a case on all fours with the Tope Alabi case earlier in March, same year, 2014, same Justice Tsoho in the case of Bren Williams & Anor v FRSC, held that FRSC had statutory powers to issue notice of offence, arrest, and detain vehicles suspected to have been used to commit traffic offences.

``This decision was challenged on appeal and the Court of Appeal held, inter alia, in Oct. 2014 that FRSC had statutory powers conferred by its enabling laws made pursuant to the Nigerian Constitution to regulate the use of number plates, design and set deadlines for change over to new ones.

``The Sept. 2014 judgment of Justice Tsoho, which has also been challenged on appeal is the one currently being circulated on the social media by mischief makers.

``Note that in another case by the same Tope Alabi before same Justice Tsoho , the Federal High Court, taking a cue from the Court of Appeal’s decision in Emmanuel Ofoegbu's case, held in FRSC's favour in June 2015.

``For the avoidance of doubt, there are reported Court of Appeal decisions to the effect that FRSC has powers to arrest, issue notice of offence to suspected violators, and impound vehicles used to commit traffic offences.

``And electing to pay the prescribed fines instead of challenging the notice of offence in court does not amount to usurpation of court powers.

``It is the voluntary decision of whoever decides to pay fines instead of challenging the notice of offence in court.’’

NAN

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Don't drag Senate into Saraki's trial - CCT

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar on Monday turned down the request of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki's counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN for the tribunal to skip sitting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays when the Senate holds its sittings.

Umar ruled that Saraki's trial would hold everyday from 10 am to 6pm.

In opposing Saraki's lawyer's request earlier on, the lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs had warned against dragging the Senate into the trial.

“The Senate is not on trial. The person that is on trial is the defendant. The Senate should sit. It’s a disgrace to our nation to be saying that,” he said.

Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar in his ruling agreed with the prosecution.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not on trial. The Senate should sit. The only thing is the personality of the defendant who happens to be the Senate President. The Senate should continue to sit.”

Umar adjourned proceedings till Tuesday for cross-examination of the first  prosecution witness., Mr. Michael Wetkas.

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Saraki's supporters protest at tribunal (Photo)

Supporters of embattled Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki were in Abuja in their numbers on Monday to protest his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Saraki's trial was stalled on Monday as trial judge Danladi Umar stood down the case for an hour because of the absence of the lead prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs SAN who was said to be handling another case at the Court of Appeal.

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