VANGUARD
Boko Haram spokesman fingers senator, ambassador as sponsors
On November 22, 2011 · In News
LAIDE AKINBOADE -ABUJA.
The State Security Service (SSS), yesterday paraded the man who claimed to be the spokesperson of the deadly Boke Haram sect, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga (A.K.A Usman Al-Zawahiri) with the suspect alleging that a serving Senator and an Ambassador were financiers of Boko Haram activities.
The Deputy Director, Public Relations of SSS, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, who paraded the suspect in Abuja, told journalists that Al-Zawahiri was arrested on the 3rd of November, 2011 at Gwange area, Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to Ogar, “The former political thug that was operating under a group widely known as ECOMOG was arrested during a joint security operation by SSS. His arrest further confirms the service position that some of the Boko Haram extremists have political patronage and sponsorship. This is more so as Al-Zawahiri has so far made valuable confessions in this regard”.
“Al-Zawahiri agreed that he was recruited by a political party stalwart in Maiduguri, Borno state. Following the compulsory registration of SIM cards nationwide, he was asked to steal a SIM card which he used in sending threat text messages.”
He confessed “That one of his benefactors (Late Ambassador) promised to pay him Ten Million Naira (N10m), to work for his party but by stint of fate, he died on his way to deliver the part payment of five million Naira (N5m)”.
“That he (Al-Zawhiri) was behind all the threat text messages sent to the Judges of the Election Tribunal in Maiduguri. His objective was to ensure that the tribunal sacks the present Government in Borno”.
“He was behind the threat text messages sent to Governor Sule Lamido, Governor Babaginda Aliyu, and Amb. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Justice Sabo Adamu (Chairman of the election petition tribunal in Borno State).
“That most of the threat messages he sent to Justice Sabo Adamu, were scripted and relayed to him by the National Assembly member.” she said.
She said the suspect alleged “that the telephone number and content of the text message sent to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice were also given to him by the Legislator in order to compel him (AGF), to influence the judgment of the tribunal against the government in Borno state.”
She noted that the SSS have already confirmed from the analysis of Al-Zawahiri’s phone that there was constant communication between him and the legislator.
During interrogation, he informed the SSS that his pseudo name Usman Al-Zawahiri was given to him by the said politician to portray him as an extremist as well as conceal his identity.
While fielding questions from journalists, Zawhiri said the Boko Haram group was against the ANPP and the government of Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff and that after the election they met former Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, a chieftain of the PDP.
The PDP member in their discussion told him that since they have lost the election, his group should identify with all oppositions but not All Nigerian Peoples’ Party (ANPP).
“Because we were in sympathy with all opposition I decided to send threat text messages to the tribunal and which eventually made the tribunal to relocate to Abuja. And it was the Ambassador that asked me to send the text messages”.
“I sent threat text messages to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Minister of National planning, Alhaji Sanusi Dagash, because the Ambassador asked me to send the text messages. He told me that Chief Obasanjo was supporting former Governor Sherriff and that was why we sent those text messages to him.”
The former student of Mohammed Yusuf said he sent threat text messages to Judges of the Election Tribunal in Maiduguri and that the main objective of sending the messages was to ensure the sacking of the present State Government in Borno State by the tribunal.
The suspect also said that due to the Boko Haram sect’s suspicion that he was a stooge for the security, he was suspended from the group.
7 killed in Plateau hostilities
On November 22, 2011 · In News
BY TAYE OBATERU & GRATEFUL DAKAT
Jos—FOUR people were, Sunday night, killed at Razat village in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, throwing the area into fresh anxiety after months of relative calm.
The four people were said to have been gunned down about 7.pm by assailants who waylaid them as they returned to the village on two motorcycles.
However, in a reprisal by the villagers three of the assailants were killed.
Spokesman of the Special Task Force maintaining security in the state, Captain Charles Ekeocha, confirmed the killings to newsmen.
One of the travellers, who survived the attack, is said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
Eye-witnesses said the assailants mounted a roadblock close to the village where they ambushed the victims, and inflicted cuts on them after gunning them down. The deceased were aged between 32 and 25 years.
Reports said two of the assailants were later arrested and are now helping security agencies in their investigations.
The latest killings sparked protests from villagers, yesterday as they trooped out to lament the renewed attacks on their people.
Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government, Mr. Emmanuel Loman, who confirmed the incident, lamented the outbreak of fresh hostilities at a time efforts were on to promote peaceful co-existence in the area.
He said a meeting of stakeholders cutting across ethnic and religious groups was held weekend, where the need for peaceful co-existence was discussed, but regretted that those he called enemies of the state had refused to heed all appeals.
He described the fresh hostilities as worrisome adding, “I believe some people are bent on creating havoc and I warn them to stop.”
In another development, Governor Jonah Jang has promised to implement the report of the committee set up to recommend appropriate remuneration for the public service in the state no matter the cost.
He gave the assurance, yesterday while receiving the report of the committee headed by the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, saying, “this one will not be left to gather dust on the shelves; rather we shall vigorously carry out its implementation.”
Boko Haram threat: Bauchi banks now close 2pm
On November 22, 2011 · In News
BY Suzan Edeh
Bauchi— Commercial banks in Bauchi State are now panicking following alleged reports that members of the Boko Haram sect planned to bomb the financial houses in the state to protest the alleged freezing of the accounts of their late founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by the Federal Government.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Mohammed Barau, however, said they were unaware of the development, adding that security had been beefed up in the state to ensure safety of life and property.
Sources said that there had been panic withdrawals even as customers now visit their banks very early for business.
Acclaimed spokesman of the Boko Haram sect and former political thug in Borno State, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga, a.k.a Usman Alzawahiri at a news conference at the SSS office, Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.
However, it was learnt that most traders now keep their sales proceeds in their shops just as others use other unconventional methods to safeguard their money.
Investigations showed that the allegations of the were rife.
According to a source in a bank, members of Boko Haram sect had sent threat letters to five commercial banks. Altogether those who were not threatened had also become wary of the dreaded group.
’’As a result of the threat letter which was sent to some banks here, everybody has become apprehensive, because those who were not threatened feel unsafe.
’’We have now become afraid, but proactive.
That is why we havenow adjusted the closing hours for banking services from 4pm to 2pm.
’’The banks do not want to take anything for granted, that is why the banking authorities have asked the authorities to beef up security around them, because the Boko Haram people could be on a revenge mission, following the alleged freezing of their accounts by the Federal government’’ the source said.
‘Boko Haram bombers killed by own bombs in failed attack on JTF Hq’
On November 22, 2011 · In News
BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI
ABUJA—The Joint Security Information Managers Committee set up in the wake of the Boko Haram terrorist attacks and other security challenges in the country, Monday, confirmed that all three suicide bombers who targeted the headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri on November 4, 2011, were killed by the bombs they carried.
Addressing the media on the security situation in the country, Director of Naval Information, Navy Commodore Aliyu, said: “The suicide bombing targeted at security personnel on that day was aborted as a result of tight security in Maiduguri by JTF and other security agencies and all the suicide bombers died in the failed attempt.”
He said the 13 people responsible for the Damaturu, Yobe State, bombings had been arrested and taken to Maiduguri for further investigation by men of the Joint Task Force.
Acclaimed spokesman of the Boko Haram sect and former political thug in Borno State, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga, a.k.a Usman Alzawahiri at a news conference at the SSS office, Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.
He said: “The mop-up operation of illegally acquired arms, ammunition and improvised explosive device is still ongoing and yielding positive results.”
Aliyu said calm, law and order had been restored in Plateau State, adding that incidences of wanton destruction of lives and property had been brought under firm control by the task force.
He said further: “To further consolidate on its overall mission of bringing about peace and security in the state, the STF under the supervision of the chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal OO Petirin, has within the period, organized several peace meetings with various community leaders and heads.
“The presence of STF on the streets has remained visible and has maintained active patrols throughout its area of responsibility to ensure the sustenance of peace.”
For the Niger Delta area, Commodore Aliyu said the JTF was currently facing challenges which bothered on the economic survival of the country.
He noted that in the last three months, the JTF had intensified its operation against criminals involved in operating illegal refineries as well as illegal bunkering and petroleum pipeline vandalization.
“Within the period, the JTF arrested 85 suspects and 3 vessels namely: MV Victor 1, MV Omiesan and MV Zia. The suspects and vessels were arrested in connection with illegal dealings in crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products. The JTF also destroyed 750 illegal refineries.
“Furthermore, the suspension of operations around Imo river by major oil producing company also drew the attention of the JTF to the area. In the ensuing operation by the JTF, about 100 barges of various sizes and quantities of stolen and illegally refined petroleum products were destroyed on the spot,” Commodore Aliyu said.
Justify N485.2bn budget proposal, PDP tells Fashola
On November 22, 2011 · In News
By DAPO AKINREFON
LAGOS—Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on Governor Raji Fashola to justify the proposed N485.2 bilion budget for next year.
It also called on Lagos State House of Assembly to scrutinise the budget before it is passed into law.
In a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, the party argued that since the takeover of governance in the state by Governor Fashola, the state’s annual budget had increased astronomically, “with no actual social service nor development commensurate with the said huge budgets.”
It also argued that the assumed developments in the state could not be linked directly to the huge budgets, noting that the “said developments are in fact the contributions and investments of cooperate bodies, non-governmental organisations, and millenium development goals, Federal Government and individual philanthropists.”
In addition, it said “if over 60 per cent of primary functions of the state government are either abandoned or taken over by other persons/institutions, then Lagosians demand to know where exactly their taxes and Federal Government allocations are expended.
“Consequently, the Lagos State House of Assembly is encouraged to use this opportunity of budget scrutiny to rebut the allegation that it is easily manipulated by the governor.”
Utomi faults fuel subsidy removal
On November 22, 2011 · In News
By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE
LAGOS—A presidential aspirant in last April’s general election, Professor Pat Utomi, has decried Federal Government’s plans to remove subsidy on petroleum products.
According to Prof. Utomi, Nigeria consume a little less than half the amount of fuel imported.
Utomi, in an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos, yesterday, expressed worry over the way governments spent money. He said: “A few years ago, my anxiety was how governments squandered billions on projects with outcomes so disastrous that Nigeria trails most African countries.
“A politics of care will suggest that it is reckless to talk about removing any such thing as subsidy, that will mean taking money from citizens and handing over to government, without dealing decisively with those scheming off billions of this subsidy.”
On power, Utomi urged the Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, to do more in ensuring that Nigeria joined its counterparts in having constant and reliable power supply, which is the most need of Nigerians.
He said: “A leading Goldman Sachs Executive, while making a few remark about this country said it is amazing that Nigeria is celebrating 4,000 megawatts of power possibility when South Africa is looking past 44,000 megawatts, with a population a fraction of Nigeria.”
Commenting on the orgy of violence in Nigeria, Utomi noted that the despair of young people who, five years after graduation, should bother the political class and Nigerians in general.
According to Utomi, activities of the Nigeria banking regulators have not been favourable to the Nigerian economy.
In his words: “I believe poor superintending of Nigeria’s banking regulators could have resulted, in two decades, for progress of the Nigerian economy.
“When we sum up job losers, lost development from a more sure footed financial sector going wobbly, we may see prolonged unemployment as a consequent of not being more measured in pursuit of reform objectives.”
The new driver’s licence, number plates controversy
On November 22, 2011 · In Editorial
Left to the Osita Chidoka-led Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) the number plates and driver’s licences currently in use would be phased out come 2012. Already, the minds of Nigerians are being prepared by officials of the Commission each time they have the opportunity to speak to the public, especially through the media.
But the plan has run into a firestorm of suspicion and criticism both by the House of Representatives and some members of the public who do not see the rationale for it. The FRSC has, since the past four years, been struggling to achieve harmony with the states on the modalities for establishing a seamless central database for vehicle plate numbers and driver’s licences while at the same time avoiding the frequent frictions that often arise over matters of jurisdiction.
Apparently, having made a breakthrough in negotiations, the FRSC is pushing ahead with a policy that will cost each certified and qualified driver who owns a vehicle to part with the sum of at least N21,000 for both items. The amount goes much higher for higher grades of vehicles.
President Goodluck Jonathan has already put a seal of approval to this scheme since he, on Friday, September 2nd 2011, unveiled the new vehicle security items. He described it as the FRSC’s contribution to his government’s transformational agenda.
But the House of Representatives is not in a similar upbeat mood about the scheme. On Tuesday, November 15th, Hon Sam Tsokwa, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, raised a motion on a matter of urgent public importance when he alerted his colleagues to the dangers of ambarking on the scheme.
According to him, the FRSC’s intention is illegal, as it has no legal backing. Apart from Hon Leo Ogor who supported the policy, many other members who spoke also were of the view that the FRSC under Chidoka seems to see itself as a revenue mobilising agency of government which, according to them, it is not. The number plates and driver’s licences are estimated to bring in about N190 billion. The House has since set up a committee to look into the issue and report back to it.
Many members of the House who spoke against the scheme were concerned over the high cost of the new venture. Indeed, the year 2012 promises to witness prices of government-regulated items such as petroleum products, exchange rates and vehicular documents hitting the roof. Many motorists have also voiced their displeasure at yet another huge expenditure staring them in the face when the measure goes into force next year.
We understand and sympathise with the public over their anxiety as we come closer to the deadline for the implementation of this policy. A very worrisome part is the cumbersome steps that have to be taken to acquire the new driver’s licence. It entails filling the accreditation identification on the web page, paying to a bank, visiting the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for signature on the form, driving tests at the VIO’s office, passing which you go to the FRSC office for physical capture. If you pass you get a temporary licence for 15 to 30 days then you visit the VIO’s office to collect the new licence.
Many have described this rigmarole as an elaborate script for the corrupt enrichment of civil servants working in these government departments without any assurance that we will not be back to square one.
There is obviously too much confusion standing in the way of this otherwise laudable idea. The legislative and executive arms of government are not on the same page. While the federal government has thrown its weight behind the FRSC, the House of Reps is flowing with public sentiments. There is a need for a well-publicised public hearing on this issue after the FRSC has convinced the House and Senate of its legal entitlement to embark on it.
We are in support of any measure that will result in greater sanity on our roads and the promotion of the safety of all road users and their vehicles. The FRSC and its apologists insist that tying vehicle plate numbers to their owners rather than vehicles as currently practised will help in apprehending traffic offences and safeguard vehicles from thieves. According to them it will help in strengthening the process of identification of individuals and prevent terrorism.
However, the fears expressed by the public and the lawmakers have to be addressed. There is a need for the authorities to find ways of creating public acceptance of this scheme. The public will accept it if it is convinced it s not just another way of imposing hardship on people for the selfish gain of public servants.
Oritsejafor tasks Northern elite on Boko Haram
On November 22, 2011 · In News
By Daniel Eteghe & Okebugwu Chinomnso
LAGOS— President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday called on Northern elite to take the bull by the horns in solving the problem ofthe Boko Haram sect which is associated with the numerous bombings in the country.
Speaking to newsmen during an interactive session at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Pastor Oritsejafor argued that the intervention of the northern elite in the security challenge was the key in the restoration of peace in the region, adding that they had a responsibility to ensure that was achieved.
The CAN President noted when there was crisis in the Niger Delta, most of the leaders, including himself, went to the creeks to negotiate with the boys because they knew them.
He said: “As far as I’m concerned, I believe that the Northern elite have a very important role to play in what is happening today in Nigeria. They must take the bull by the horn. When we had situation in the Niger Delta some of us had to go to the creeks because we knew the boys.
“We started talking to them and gradually we are where we are today; we have come a long way. I believe that leaders in the North must wake up to their responsibility. It is a fact that the boys who are doing this thing are not spirits, they are human beings. A lot of them were taught in Quranic schools; there are Sheiks, there are Imams that taught them. Now, I’m very sure that they have gone beyond what they were taught,” he said.
“But some of those Sheiks and Imams still have some influence over some of them. Our Northern elites should make contacts with some of those people who can make contact with some of those boys to find ways, to begin to help them find a balance in the way they are thinking because the things they are thinking are not things that are practical and practicable for Nigeria at this time”
Pastor Oritsejafor further noted that the security agencies in the country had been polarized along religious lines, stressing that the Islamic sec, Boko Haram could not have carried out any bombing in the police headquarters without the help of an insider.
“The government must also look again at the security agencies; they have been polarized along religious lines. We’ve said it before; we’ll continue to say it. It is unfortunate. A lot of the people who are supposed to help solve the problem, unfortunately, are looking first at their religion and when you do that, and then Nigeria as a nation will be in trouble”
“So we must find ways to fish out these kinds of people in the security agencies so that, that aspect can be dealt with. How do you bomb the headquarters of police without the police knowing or without the people working with somebody inside?” He queried..
Commenting on the death of the Chairman and Publisher of The Guardian newspaper, Alexander Uruemu Ibru, Pastor Oritsejafor said, “I was shocked; it is difficult for the mind to comprehend that the man that has contributed so much to the development of this nation and democracy will leave us at this time”
“My heart goes to the family and to his wife in particular. He has played his part; there is nothing we can do now, he is gone. But my prayer is that we should not just spend our time praising him but to learn from some of the stands he had to take, like resigning at a time he had to resign, stepping away from certain governments when he ought to and he did the right thing at the right time.
“We should learn from some of those things and hopefully, we can all contribute our part. I think there is a lesson there also for those in high positions today, in government and wherever you find yourself that one day, if not in this world, the day you die, somebody is going to ask: what did he do to enhance and strengthen Nigeria as a nation, or what did he not do,” he stressed.
NCAA accuses BA of undermining constituted authority
On November 22, 2011 · In News
By Kenneth Ehigiator
LAGOS — The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday, accused British Airways, BA, of undermining constituted authority in the country, even as it said it would be waiting for the airline to prove its innocence in court over allegations of price fixing and unfair fare regime slammed on Nigerian travellers on the London route.
Director-General of the agency, Dr. Harold Demuren, said in a statement in Lagos that the agency was conscious of its regulatory role in the industry, and took a balanced and objective posture to ensure that the rights of investigated airlines were respected as well as the interest of Nigerian passengers.
BA had, weekend, sent the regulatory agency a pre-action notice, notifying it of its intentions to go to court to clear itself of the price fixing allegation.
Demuren said: “It is noteworthy that as has been characteristic of British Airways, their letter needlessly confronts NCAA, stating that it has acted “unlawfully” outside of its powers, without legal basis and usurped the Judiciary.
“While entirely false, these inflammatory statements are needless and do not add anything to any legal points BA seeks to make. The only possible objective of such a confrontational approach is to condescend to and undermine the regulator.
Disregard for Nigerian authority
“It, again, demonstrates the repeated and continuing disregard BA has for Nigerian constituted authority and its exclusive desire to ensure that absolutely nothing interferes with its ability to continue to take advantage of our business without the reciprocal regard and deference required.
“This kind of acrimonious approach to communication and interaction with the regulator neither promotes nor conveys the type of mutual respect required for a mutually beneficial resolution of differences between the Federal Government and British Airways.“
He said the NCAA was not in existence in 2004 and, as such, had no legal basis to investigate conduct that arose before its creation, adding that although the NCAA respected the airlines’ entitlement to disagree with its findings, he, however, remained confident that the NCAA, both in its process and in content, had acted appropriately within the confines of law.
NCAA complies with legal requirements
Demuren insisted that NCAA complied with all legal requirements for fairness during the investigations, adding that its investigation “meets the constitutional standard required of such investigative hearings under Section 36(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that the administering authority provides the person affected by its decision an opportunity to make representations before the decision is made.
He said: “In the circumstances, there is no procedural unfairness in the investigative process.”
He assured the Nigerian travelling public that any enforcement action will be entirely consistent with the letter of the law while being both robust and effective, stressing that the policy of protecting Nigeria and Nigerians would be demonstrated in every step NCAA took over the issue.
NCAA ready for BA in court
Demuren, who had earlier confirmed the agency’s receipt of a pre-action notice from BA to Vanguard on telephone last night, laughed off the airline’s decision to go to court, saying the agency’s lawyers were battle ready with facts.
According to him, BA is just grand-standing as it does not have facts to wriggle its way out of the allegation in court.
He said: “I will say they have zero confidence of winning in court; we are ready for them. They have written us a letter, an appeal procedure, which is normal, but we are ready with facts, all our facts are there, our lawyers are ready.”
Asked if he was not disappointed by the airline’s defiant stance on the issue, Demuren said he was not the least surprised, saying “it shows you the kind of people they are, but we will not shy away from our responsibility to our people.
“They think we don’t have courts here, let them go to court. They were charged by the US government for unfair practices and they paid; therefore, they must pay here because the situations are the same.”
Report indicts BA, Virgin Atlantic
A report from an investigation conducted by the NCAA, covering a period of six months, had indicted British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways of fleecing Nigerians through unfair pricing of their tickets, and slammed a $235 million fine on both airlines.
The report stated partly: “After a long painstaking, thorough and comprehensive investigation spanning approximately half a year of some conduct by British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic Airways (VAA), the NCAA has concluded that both airlines violated Nigerian law, exploited Nigerian consumers and have remained adamant about whether those consumers should be compensated even when confronted with the fact that they are already compensating similar consumers in Britain, their home country and the United States.
“This investigation over a period of six months gathered information from other authorities, different courts in the United States and Canada, BA, VAA, travel agents, NCAA database and other sources, interviewed over a dozen witnesses including officials of both airlines and their service providers.
“After reviewing over well over 10,000 pages of documents, over 650 pages of transcribed witness testimonies and representations made by and on behalf of BA and VAA, the NCAA concludes that BA and VAA have engaged in unfair and deceptive practices against Nigerian consumers, the downstream aviation sector in Nigeria and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Unfair methods of competition
“In addition, both airlines engaged in unfair methods of competition. Starting sometime in 2004 and continuing to 2006, BA and VAA colluded and started a conspiracy to fix, periodically increase and maintain Passenger Fuel Surcharges (PFS) as a component of the fare passengers pay to travel.
“This collusion and conspiracy was ultimately discovered and became the subject of investigation in the U.S. and U.K and several class actions to protect consumers. BA has since pledged guilty to the criminal conduct in the U.S and paid a criminal penalty of $300 million and a fine of £121 million in he UK based on investigations by the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) and UK Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
“In addition, both airlines have settled consumers in the US and UK approximately $204 million in compensation of the anti-competitive method of setting and conspiring to increase the PFS.
“Pursuant to statutory authority, the NCAA commenced its own investigation and discovered that BA and VAA did in fact collude and in furtherance of that collusion periodically increased PFS including against Nigerians.
“BA and VAA operate approximately 90 per cent of the direct flights between Nigeria and the UK.”
Being a duopoly, the effect of this collusion was and continues to be devastating on Nigerian travellers who have limited choices and have had to and continue to pay indiscriminately high fares.
“The increases in PFS had no linear correlation with the changing price of crude oil or the cost at which BA and VAA were buying Jet A-1 fuel in Nigeria.”
Coscharis completes BMW X family with X3
On November 22, 2011 · In Motoring
BY THEODORE OPARA
COSCHARIS Motors, representatives of BMW in Nigeria has finally unveiled the new BMW X3 into the market. The official unveiling which was held in Abuja recently was attended by BMW customers who thumbed up for the new X3 for its technological advancements.
The X3 is in its second generation, having sold over 600,000 units and also regarded as the best in-class in its segment. With more powerful engines, comfort amenities, spacious interior and fuel efficiency the all-new BMW X3 has left no one in doubt that is has been built to surpass the achievement of the first generation X3.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the president of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka helighted the unique qualities of the X3 which has made it a class leader.
According to him, the arrival of the BMW X3 marks the introduction of complete range of BMW models in Nigeria.
Story of joy
“The BMW X family is now complete and we celebrate the on-going “Story of Joy” by welcoming the new BMW X3 which delivers the ultimate versatility to suit every life-style,”he said.
“The BMW X3 is the perfect car for absolutely any occasion, as no competitor currently offers more features and functions than the X3,” he stated. He noted that it is active, sporty, flexible and agile which means joy and empowerment for all BMW X3 drivers.
The Group Managing Director, Mr. Josia Samuel who presented the president’s speech stated that “the X3 answers to the demands of an active, modern lifestyle so it has something for everyone.”With the state-of-the-art technologies the new BMW X3 delivers a level of driving dynamics that makes every trip a pure pleasure.
Available in two powerful models and engines for the Nigerian market, the XDrive 35i six cylinder-in-line engine with an output of 225kw (306 horsepower) hits 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. The other model XDrive 28i six-cylinder in-line engine generates 190kw (258 horsepower) and can accelerate from zero to 100kw/h in just 6.9 seconds. These powerplants are equipped with eight-speed automatic transmission steptronic which makes it a delight to drive.
As the best in class in efficiency and dynamics, the BMW X3 offers array of feature like never before in its class. For instance, the BMW Efficiency Dynamics makes driving an even greater joy. Improved driving dynamics are tuned to deliver lower fuel consumption.
According to Dr. Maduka “no other carmaker worldwide is able to match BMW’s comprehensive technology package for the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Some features that stands the X3 out include the Driving dynamic control, which enables you to choose between the settings like normal, sport and sport plus to change the responsiveness of the accelerator and the power steering.
Others include variable sports steering which continously adjusts the steering ratio and steering force to suit the changing driving situation. XDrive performance control works together with the XDrive BMW’s intelligent four drive system, to improve handling in bends by dynamically intervening in specific engine and braking processes. The Dynamic Damper control adjusts the damper characteristics to suit the driving conditions and road quality.
The X3 functionality is second to none. Featuring a spacious interior for up to 5 passengers – or highly-flexible loading options — the new BMW X3 is as versatile as you need it to be. And it’s the most flexible in its class.
AFN demands N315m for 2012 activities
On November 22, 2011 · In Sports
By OKEY NDIRIBE, Abuja
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has requested for the provision of N315 million naira to execute its programmes for 2012.
President of the AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba who made the request yesterday in Abuja while unveiling the 2012 Programme of Events of the federation said a number of decisions have been reached by the board of the AFN to ensure that Nigerian athletes were adequately catered for like their counterparts from other parts of the world.
According to him, from January, 2011 it will be mandatory for every athlete practicing in Nigeria to be registered with a club to avoid the unnecessary cross carpeting by athletes with the attendant squabbles between either states or clubs who always lay claims to the same athlete at the same time. He said transfer fees are now to be paid on athletes moving from one club to another to enhance the profile of the athletes.
The former Commissioner for Sports in Deltas State regretted the dwindling fortune of sports in Nigeria over the years even as he argued that the country has all what it takes to be one of the power houses in athletics including the distance races which have been dominated by such countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.
Other contents of the programme as unveiled by the AFN includes the IAAF Level iii Coaching Course which will take place in February, 2012 in Warri Delta State. Ogba said the issue of training of coaches has become problematic because a lot of Nigerian coaches have not been able to upgrade themselves.
“Already you must agree with me that we have started the training programme with the Level 1 Course where 25 persons took part in Abuja about two weeks ago. Also all the instructions will be from the IAAF who will be equally inspecting our high capacity training grounds” stated Ogba who added that the IAAF has already put in place modalities to select the participants that will take place in the coaching course.
Another land mark report of the programme is the time table for the AFN Golden League which will take place in Port Harcourt in March. Ogba said the Golden League will attract some monetary reward which will see the winner smile to the bank with the sum of $10,000 dollars.
On the efforts of the AFN to return the past glory of Nigeria in athletics, Ogba revealed that former international, Innocent Egbunike has been selected as the Chief Coach of the AFN wand will be assisted by 12 other ex-internationals who will be operating from the zones ostensibly to fish out young talents who could be nurtured to stardom.
Milo plans Under- 13 soccer academy
On November 22, 2011 · In Sports
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Calabar
Milo, a brand of Nestle Nigeria Plc, is to establish football Academy for the U-13 that will be representing Nigeria in the African U-13 championship to be hosted by Ghana next year.
Mr. Femi Akintola, Category Business Manager, Beverages, Nestle Nigeria Plc who disclosed this in Calabar on Sunday said that the company has decided to extend the frontiers of sponsorship of sporting activities to football in order to develop the game.
Nestle which is sponsoring U-12 football competition in the ongoing national school festival taking place in Calabar, Cross River State, said team that emerges champion in the completion will be the beneficiary of the academy as the players will be camped for several months so that they will understand themselves before the Ghana 2012 U-13 championship.
“The winners of this competition will be put together in an academy where they will play together for a while and become exposed. We want to give a platform to Nigerian Students to see that their ambitions are realized”, he said.
Akintola who advised the pupils to do their best in the competition, said it was the intention of Milo to build the champion in them before they leave for Accra next year.
Also speaking at the occasion, President of Nigerian School Sports Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammad commended Milo for taking up another challenge to sponsor U-13 championships apart from its sponsorship of Basketball in the country.
He said that the gesture was to make sure that Nigerian children get to the pick and enjoy what other children in other countries enjoy. He called on other corporate organizations and philanthropists to emulate what the company was doing as they are contributing their quota in the development of children in the country.
He regretted that the game of football was dying and going away from the country, adding that Milo has taken the bull by the horn by taking charge right from primary school.
As at Sunday evening out of the 22 states competing in the U-12 football tournament, seven states had qualified for the quarter finals. The states include, Anambra, Lagos, Cross River, Oyo, Niger, Ekiti and Jigawa while the match between Rivers and Benue was to be decided latter in the day.
Nwankwo replaces Lukman
On November 22, 2011 · In Sports
Obiora Nwankwo has been named as the captain of Nigeria’s Olympic team, replacing Haruna Lukman.
Parma midfielder Nwankwo joined the squad at the Hotel Anfa Port Casablaca in Morocco on Saturday night. He was part of the team’s general meeting where coach Austin Eguavoen reminded the boys of the task ahead.
“I want to welcome you all to Casablanca. As you already know; we are in early to acclimatize to the weather, perfect our tactics and do our country proud,” Eguavoen said.
Nigeria has suffered what can pass for a black year, with nearly all the national teams failing to qualify for major tournaments, and Eguavoen reminded the players that they had the expectations of the entire country behind them.“We started this journey way back in the early part of this year. Now is the time to reap the fruits of our hard work and to do that we must stay focused on the task ahead? You must write you names in history books because our country is depending on us,” he charged.
AFN demands N315m for 2012 activities
On November 22, 2011 · In Sports
By OKEY NDIRIBE, Abuja
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has requested for the provision of N315 million naira to execute its programmes for 2012.
President of the AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba who made the request yesterday in Abuja while unveiling the 2012 Programme of Events of the federation said a number of decisions have been reached by the board of the AFN to ensure that Nigerian athletes were adequately catered for like their counterparts from other parts of the world.
According to him, from January, 2011 it will be mandatory for every athlete practicing in Nigeria to be registered with a club to avoid the unnecessary cross carpeting by athletes with the attendant squabbles between either states or clubs who always lay claims to the same athlete at the same time. He said transfer fees are now to be paid on athletes moving from one club to another to enhance the profile of the athletes.
The former Commissioner for Sports in Deltas State regretted the dwindling fortune of sports in Nigeria over the years even as he argued that the country has all what it takes to be one of the power houses in athletics including the distance races which have been dominated by such countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.
Other contents of the programme as unveiled by the AFN includes the IAAF Level iii Coaching Course which will take place in February, 2012 in Warri Delta State. Ogba said the issue of training of coaches has become problematic because a lot of Nigerian coaches have not been able to upgrade themselves.
“Already you must agree with me that we have started the training programme with the Level 1 Course where 25 persons took part in Abuja about two weeks ago. Also all the instructions will be from the IAAF who will be equally inspecting our high capacity training grounds” stated Ogba who added that the IAAF has already put in place modalities to select the participants that will take place in the coaching course.
Another land mark report of the programme is the time table for the AFN Golden League which will take place in Port Harcourt in March. Ogba said the Golden League will attract some monetary reward which will see the winner smile to the bank with the sum of $10,000 dollars.
On the efforts of the AFN to return the past glory of Nigeria in athletics, Ogba revealed that former international, Innocent Egbunike has been selected as the Chief Coach of the AFN wand will be assisted by 12 other ex-internationals who will be operating from the zones ostensibly to fish out young talents who could be nurtured to stardom.
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