Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 38

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF, MEND Disagree Over Attack on Chevron's Facility

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on Sunday, September 15 attacked a Chevron platform at Soku and Kula in Rivers State in retaliation for alleged “unprovoked” hits on its bases around Elom-Tombia by the military, and on Monday, it attacked a Shell flow station at Alakiri, where a local guard was reportedly killed. The Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed both attacks, but stated that the soldiers repelled it before the militants could wreak much damage. Following the hostility, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on the FG to disband the JTF while urging the militants to refrain from further attacks. The attacks come barely 24 hours after MEND warned oil companies in the Niger Delta to evacuate their workers or risk them being hurt in the renewed fighting with the JTF.

Gunmen Abduct Varsity Vice Chancellor

Vice-Chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Prof. Barineme Fakae, was penultimate Sunday abducted by yet-to-be-identified armed men. Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, who confirmed, said Fakae was abducted on his way to his village in Khana Local Council of the state penultimate Sunday. He was, however released on Friday, after five day in captivity.

Defence Chief Visits Rivers as JTF, Militants Continue Clashes

As the ‘oil war’ declared by a militant group in the Niger Delta continued on Wednesday, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, made an official visit to military formations in Port Harcourt to have a complete view of the security situation.

Vigilante Boss Murdered by Colleagues

A local vigilante group leader, Chiejina Onwuora, in Onitsha, was recently Murdered. According to Family sources, he is suspected to have been killed by his colleagues who initially lied that he was murdered by armed robbers. According to sources, about five members of the vigilante have been arrested.

Militants Disrupt Activities in Ports – Customs Agents

The Association of Licensed Customs Agents of Nigeria has claimed that activities of militants in the Niger Delta region had slowed down the work of its members. The chairman added that it was expensive to provide security for the vessels. He urged the government to do something fast to ensure adequate security on the waterways.

Akwa Ibom Raises Alarm Over Planned Nuclear Waste Dump

Akwa-Ibom State government has raised an alarm over plans by some countries to build a nuclear waste facility in Nigeria. The Akwa Ibom State government urged the public to watch out and report any suspicious moves to relevant authorities.

20 Houses Razed In Imo Fire

The Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Jonas Okeke, has requested for the presence of emergency agencies in Amainyi, Ihitte Uboma LGA, where fire burnt over 20 houses. The houses were burnt penultimate Saturday when a tanker driver lost control and the tanker somersaulted in a residential area. The driver died on the spot.

Flush Out Criminals, Amaechi Urges Okrika Indigenes

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has called on the people of Okrika LGA to assist the state government to flush criminals out of the area. The governor said if the current peace could be maintained, his administration would be able to execute more projects that would benefit the people.

7 Robbers, 5 Policemen Feared Dead in Gun-duel

It was a day of horror in Anambra State on Wednesday as about 20 armed robbers dared the police in a gun duel, when they stole from a bullion van belonging to a bank. The robbers who came in a convoy of vehicles intercepted the van, carted away undisclosed amount of money, killed five policemen and injured over 23 persons. The Anambra state police commissioner said seven of the robbers were killed.  The robbers also burnt the police vehicle and went to the nearby Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Office, where they released some of the suspected armed robbers held in their cells.

Ateke Not Declared Wanted by FG, Police –Okiro

The Inspector General of Police has said the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Movement (NDVM), Ateke Tom, has neither been declared wanted by the Federal Government nor the Nigeria Police. Accordingly Ateke is free to move about in any part of the country and is equally free to associate with decent people without being molested by law enforcement agencies.  But Ateke Tom has said he will not appear before the Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as he alleges threats to his life by security agencies.

Calabar May Experience Disaster

Calabar, the Cross River State capital, may soon be hit by one of the terrible environmental disasters if urgent steps are not taken. The envisaged disasters which may include landslides, flood and incessant collapse of buildings are already showing signs of likely occurrence as some roads have been submerged by heavy flooding.

Fake ICPC Officials Arraigned

Three men allegedly parading themselves as staff of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been charged to court in Port Harcourt. They were arrested after they were caught by ICPC officials at Sonny Memorial College, an examination centre, hanging tags with the ICPC logo inscribed on them.

Students, Community Clash over Teacher’s Death

Students of Federal Polytechnic Afikpo in Ebonyi State and their host community, Thursday, clashed over the murder of a retired head teacher from the community. The retired head teacher was alleged to have been murdered by some students from the polytechnic. The woman, it was learnt, had gone to her farm with her son when some armed men attacked and killed her, but her son escaped and alerted the community. When the youths got to the scene, a student identity card was found at the scene - a development which made them to invade the school.

Mob Set Suspected Mad Man Ablaze For Stabbing Man To Death

A mob on Thursday burnt a man suspected to be mentally deranged to death in Onitsha, Anambra State after he allegedly stabbed a passer-by to death. An eye witnesses said the passerby-by, an old man, was stabbed with a broken bottle.

Militants Threaten To Attack Offshore Oil Fields

Niger Delta militants threatened on Wednesday to extend the "oil war" to offshore oilfields. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) vowed to launch attacks beyond Rivers State. Since the "war" began, it has been restricted to Rivers state.

Militants Allege Killing Of 18 Soldiers

The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria Delta (MEND) on Wednesday claimed it killed 18 Nigerian soldiers guarding two oil facilities suspected to belong to Agip and Shell at Rumuekpe in Rivers state, on Tuesday, in a renewed’ oil war’. But the spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said no soldier was killed in the militant attack at Olobiri flow station, Rivers State.

NLNG ‘Train 7’ FID to be signed in 2009

Final Investment Decision (FID) on the 8.5 million metric ton per annum, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) Train 7, will be signed in 2009, one of the key shareholders in the project, Total, with a 15 percent stake has disclosed. NLNG T7 project is expected to ensure synergy with the existing installations in Bonny for optimal value extraction from the real estate and is planned for a capacity of 8.5 metric tons per annum (Mtpa) of LNG and 2.1 Mtpa of Natural Gas Liquids.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Ijaw, Itsekiri Protest Chevron's Employment Style

The Ijaw-Itsekiri Consultative Forum (IICF) has protested Chevron’s alleged “unholy employment attitude,” to the two nationalities, warning that if the oil giant did not change their attitude, the forum would have no other option than to “come out largely with our women and children to protest against a system that deprives them the source of living.”

Militant Group Invades another's Den, Recovers Stolen Arms

The war against criminality in the Niger Delta recorded a loud success on Wednesday when a militant group stormed another's den in Warri, Delta state and recovered 17 assorted arms and unspecified number of ammunition stolen from the Police. No fewer than 40 militias were overpowered and arrested in the raid by the victorious group at the end of the bloody clash between the two militant factions. Leader of the invading group, popularly known as "Shoot-at-sight", said the arms and ammunition which were said to have been stolen from a coastal Police unit would be handed over to security agents.

Policeman Accused of Raping Detained Teenager

A police man with the Delta state police command has been accused of raping a sixteen-year-old girl who was detained for allegedly stealing firewood. The crime was blown open following severe bleeding occasioned by the rape. The community monarch directed that the victim be taken to a nearby clinic. The suspect, it was learnt, picked the bill of N7, 000. An Asaba-based women advocacy group has called for the urgent dismissal and trial of the corporal.

Clark Assures Oil Workers Of Cease-Fire By Militants

Prominent Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark on Tuesday assured oil workers in the Niger Delta and Nigerians that the Niger Delta militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) will call off the ‘war’ against oil facilities and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the region. He said that the ceasefire was to enable Government carry out its programme geared towards the development of the region. Clark, who disclosed in Delta State, urged the FG to declare a truce in the region to enable dialogue.

PPMC Oil Spills Put Delta Community In Danger

Residents of Oku-Akpalala community in Okpe LGA of Delta State have lamented  oil spills from Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) pipelines, which have put them in a difficult position. According to Mr. Benjamin Akile, chairman, Oku-Akpalala community, the spillage was first noticed in February and the attention of the PPMC was immediately drawn to it but nothing was done. The people have lost most of their sources of livelihood, and they have to walk long distances to get good drinking water.

Police Kill One, Injure Another In Benin

A police officer attached to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Station in Benin-City on Monday shot dead a man who wanted to buy kerosene at the filing station, and injured another man. The deceased, Mr. Ebenezer Aisien, was killed, during an argument with the policeman. Aisien allegedly held the policeman’s gun for fear of being shot, and in the confusion that ensued, the trigger and a bullet went off.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Navy Moves to Check Pirates, Oil Thieves

There seems to be an end in sight to crisis in the Niger Delta region, following the recent establishment of a telecommunication monitoring centre by the Nigerian Navy. The centre in Lagos is to identify and locate all activities of sea pirates and crude oil thieves within and around the nation's waterways, stretching up to the Gulf of Guinea.

NURTW, Police Clamp Down On Robbers

Some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the police on Wednesday closed in on a gang of suspected armed robbers, arresting four of them. On interrogation the suspects took the officers of the Ogun State Police Command to their hide-out, where eight expended cartridges, knives and other lethal weapons and charms, including a military uniform were recovered.

Fleeing Robbers Knock Down Tinubu’s Escort
••• Cart away arms, ammunition

Suspected armed robbers on Sunday in Lagos knocked down a Police Inspector attached to the former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and carted away his gun. Tinubu, angry, has complained to the police authority about the carelessness of officers attached to him.  Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba said he was yet to be briefed about the incident.

Soldiers’ Protest: Court Berates Nigerian Army

An Akure High Court has berated the Nigerian Army for flouting an order granting bail for the release of 28 soldiers being detained over protest against their unpaid foreign mission allowances. The court had granted bail to the soldiers and also ordered that they be brought to court on the agreed date, but was surprised, Monday, when rather than bringing the soldiers to the court, The counsel to the Army brought two applications seeking stay of proceeding. While the lawyers insist that the case should be solely determined by the High Court because it rests on the violation of the fundamental human rights, the military averred that under the Military Act, the constitution vests power on the court martial to try them.

GENERAL

Group Cautions Ajumogobia On Oil Subsidy Removal

Human Rights Writers' Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr. Henry Odein Ajumogobia, for "his persistent anti-people crusade" to convince the Federal Government to remove subsidies on all petroleum products. The group advised the minister to focus on resuscitating the nation's ailing refineries and recovering all looted funds earmarked for their Turn-Around Maintenance (TAM).  Reports quoted Ajumogobia as saying that fuel subsidy hurts Nigeria's economy.

Ministry Will Not  End Niger-Delta crisis, says Akinola

The Primate of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola has said the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta is not the panacea to the problems in the Niger Delta. He maintained that the political will on the part of the country’s leadership on the implementation of recommendations of the decisions and outcomes of the various commissions that had earlier been set up in the oil rich region remained the only way to end festering unrest there.

NSCDC to Carry Arms

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (SCDC) have been endorsed by the Senate to carry arms in the course of carrying out their job. This was disclosed by the Senate President, David Mark.

18 States Lack Disaster Response Bodies —NEMA

The response of states of the federation towards disaster management still leaves much to be desired as only about half of them have set up emergency management agencies so far. This was disclosed by AVM M. Audu-Bida (rtd), Director-General of the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA).  He added that when all states have their agencies in place, the local governments are expected to follow suit, so that all partner with each other in disaster management.

Chevron sales: Labour petitions Presidency, N’Assembly

The Chevron Corporation has been accused of misleading its workers and investors in its bid to divest 60 per cent of its holding in Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc. Chevron Nigeria workers accused the corporation of not only using its assets, but also its total workforce as an attractive package for prospective buyers. These were contained in a petition by the branch unions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, to the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and other stakeholders.

Energy Firm, Kotco, Targets N3 Billion Capital Base

Kotco Energy Limited has unveiled it plans to increase its capital base to N3 billion. The firm, involved in the manufacturing, servicing and supply of transformers, plans to expand its clientele in the electricity market. Kotco has placed a private offer of N649, 028, 000 ordinary shares of N1.00 each at N3.00 per share.

Abuja Police Parade 352 Robbery Suspects
…Recover 105 stolen vehicles, N40m

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Thursday paraded about 352 suspects arrested between July and August in connection with various crimes, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, drugs and homicide, among others. The police boss explained that in the period under review, a total of 105 vehicles recovered, while over N90 million cash was recovered from armed robbers.

Nigeria Loses N360m Daily To Oil War

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced on Thursday that the country lost 280,000 barrels of its crude output daily to attacks launched by armed militants in the Niger Delta region in the past week, bringing current shut-in to about one million barrels a day. This loss translates to N360 million daily based on the current price of oil at $103 per barrel in the international market.

Senate Upholds Oando's Claims On Oil Block

Senate Thursday upheld Oando's petition on the Divestment of SNEPCO's 48.81% participatory Interest in OML 125 and OML 134 contained in the sale and purchase Agreement executed between Oando and SNEPCO on the 22nd of February 2008 as validly executed and as such sustained . It further directed Petroleum Minister of state to issue an order and supervise the transfer of the said participating interest to Oando.

Four in Court for Attacking Gov’s Convoy

Four persons were on Thursday arraigned at a Minna Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly attacking the entourage of Governor Babangida Aliyu and killing three of his aides. The aides, Datti Mu’azu, Usman Bahago-Nasko and Isa Lapai, died in a boat mishap at Bangi on Aug. 28 during the attack. The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Indigenous Oil and Gas Company Acquires Jumbo Vessel

An indigenous shipping company has made plans to acquire a N9.4 billion Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). The ship will be acquired by MRS GROUP and it is said to be the first of its kind and the largest in the West Africa sub-region. The vessel will help to reduce the number of days foreign vessels stay on Nigerian waters, and offer space to Petroleum Product Marketing Companies (PPMC) to reduce demurrage cost. Meanwhile, Mr. Dapo Adejuwo, an official of the Local Content Department of NNPC, has advised indigenous ship owners to diversify their interest from the narrow perspective of crude oil lifting to other areas of oil and gas sector.

NNPC Develops Petroleum Fiscal Regime

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is developing a petroleum fiscal regime to help deepen its income and contract agreements with stakeholders in the nation’s oil and gas industry.  Already, Desk Officers of the NNPC Crude Oil Marketing Division and officials from other stakeholder-agencies who would drive the regime have commenced their training. The Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Abubakar Yar’Adua, said that the capacity building would make for greater efficiency and effectiveness in NNPC operations.

1995 Phantom Coup: Retired Military Officers Demand Compensation

Thirteen years after they were imprisoned in connection with a phantom coup, some retired military officers, penultimate Sunday visited the Senate, demanding compensation for their wrongful imprisonment. Led by Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba, the victims of the coup, including a civilian, Mr. Awoluyi, told their host, Senator Chris Anyanwu, who was also a victim of the trumped-up coup that the demand for compensation also stemmed from their sacrifice in laying the foundation for democracy in the country.

PPMC Initiates Strategies To End Kerosene Scarcity

Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) has introduced new strategies to curb scarcity of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) in the country. Among other measures put in place by the company to stop artificial scarcity of kerosene created by logistic problems was the commitment to 50 days sufficiency in its stock of kerosene. They maintained that they have adequate stock to meet the domestic requirement of the entire country.

Refineries: Nigeria Seeks Japan’s Involvement in Repairs

The Federal Government has sought the involvement of the government of Japan in the repair of existing refineries and construction of new ones even as it lamented that despite the 50 years of bi-lateral relations between Nigeria and Japan, the latter's investment portfolio in Nigeria has ebbed. The Vice President, Dr. Goodluck noted, however, that with the 50-member Japanese delegation led by Vice Foreign Affairs Minister, Yasutoshi Nishimura, Nigeria is opening its borders to investors because it has the biggest investment opportunities for foreign investors.

Man with 86 Wives in Prison Custody

The man with 86 wives and 190 children, Malam Muhammed Abubakar Bello Masaba, was, last Monday, arrested by the Police in Niger State and arraigned before the Upper Shariah Court, Minna on a three-count charge of insulting or attempting a contempt of religious creed, deceitfully inducing belief of lawful marriage and marriage ceremony without lawful marriage contrary to section 210, 383 and 386 of the penal code respectively. The accused had been ordered to be remanded in Minna Prison and the case adjourned till 6th of October for further hearing.

China’s Investments in Nigeria Hit $3bn

China's current investment in Nigeria stands at $3 billion while bilateral trade as at the end of 2007 amounted to $4.3 billion, making Nigeria the third largest trading partner of China in Africa. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the visit of a  Chinese delegation to the Ministry.

Britain Urges Accountability in Nigeria

The British Government has urged all tiers of government to ensure the judicious and prudent use of revenues allocated to address development issues in the Niger Delta region. It also sought the support of the Federal Government in the ongoing trial of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, who is facing money laundering charges in UK.

PTDF Compels Oil Majors to Employ Nigerians

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), over the weekend, in Abuja, has proposed legislation to compel foreign oil majors in the country to employ a percentage of the Nigerian school leavers. The fund’s Executive Secretary, Kabir Mohammed, also observed that the development of indigenous capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry by PTDF will facilitate increased local participation and human value addition in the sector.

Senate Debates Anti-terrorism Bill

The global war against terrorism on Tuesday recorded a boost as the Anti-terrorism Bill passed the second reading on the floor of the Senate. The bill seeks to make provisions for the enhancement of Nigeria’s national security, prevention and prohibition of sabotage and any action liable to constitute danger to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Oil Output Drops

Unending attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta is taking a toll on Nigeria’s crude production, which has dropped by a 100,000 barrel. Output is now around 2.1 million barrels per day, down from last week after a fresh wave of militant attacks. Nigeria has capacity to pump three million barrels a day in a peaceful atmosphere in the Niger Delta.

DPR to Ban Defaulting Marketers from Depots

Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has declared it would no longer only seal the dispensing facilities of fuel marketing companies that defy regulatory injunctions but also bar them from storage depots in the country. The warning is one of the several notices served the marketers during its annual meeting with marketers in the nation’s downstream petroleum industry.

NEMA: Military Yet to Release Black Box

Authorities of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have expressed concern over delay in release of the black box, recovered from site of crashed wing Aviation aircraft, to the Accident Investigation Bureau. NEMA Director-General, AVM Muhammed Audu-Bida (rtd), said that the military was still holding on to the box, and this is hampering investigations into the cause of the crash.

FG Moves to Fast-track Criminal Suits

The Attorney-General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has said that his ministry is collaborating with other arms of judicial sector to ensure quick trial of criminal cases in line with the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. Part of the efforts was the decongestion of prisons, which would ensure that persons unduly remanded in prisons receive adequate attention.

Reps Declare N1 Trillion Oil Subsidy Illegal

For disbursing N1 trillion as subsidy on oil without budgetary provision, the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), last Wednesday, got a query from the House of Representatives Committee on Finance. The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. John Enoh expressed disappointment that such amount of money was spent without it being budgeted for just as he declared the expenditure illegal.

Russian Firm, Gazprom Battles EU over Nigerian Gas

Nigeria may soon become a battle field for the European Union (EU) and Russia. The bone of contention is the country’s huge gas resources. Nigeria has suddenly become the darling of the EU due to the uncertainty over gas supply from Russia. On the other hand, Gazprom, Russian biggest oil group, had earlier signed an agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The pact centred on the exploitation of the oil and gas resources in the country. Meanwhile, President Yar’adua has expressed joy over the development as their interest should amount to improved income for Nigeria.

Eritrean Bags Life Jail for Murder of Nigerian

A music promoter who stabbed a young father to death with a broken champagne bottle has been jailed for life. Olu Olagbaju, 26, collapsed and died after being attacked by five men in Shadan’s nightclub in the City of London in December 2006. The Eritrean-born 23-year-old, Dashem Tesfamichael, pleaded guilty to murder and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 13 years. His four accomplices got two years jail terms each.

Nigerian Firm Acquires 7000MT Capacity Vessel

First Deepwater Discovery Limited, a Nigerian company operating in the oil and gas sector, has acquired M/T Deepwater vessel of 7,000 metric tonnes capacity in order to optimise outputs in the sector. The firm has already concluded plans to acquire yet another vessel with 10,000 metric tonnes capacity in the near future. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, First Deepwater Discovery, Engineer Babatunde Babalola, further revealed that arrangement is in place for the company to go upstream soon in order to boost production capacity in the sector.

Man Beats Wife To Coma

A brewing family feud has eventually degenerated into the battering and assaulting of a Lagos house wife who is now lying critically ill in the hospital. According to Mrs. Celina Ubanagu, her husband has continually subjected her to series of life threatening, battering in the last few years, simply because she is from another tribe. After allegedly beating her to stupor, he was said to have strangled her so as to begin an uninterrupted honey moon with his new wife.

FG Criticised over Closure of Channels TV

The Federal Government on Wednesday came under heavy criticism for the closure of a broadcast station, Channels Television, by the State Security Service. Reactions came just as the National Broadcasting Commission said it had suspended the television station for allegedly giving information it (NBC) considered detrimental to national interest. The SSS had on Tuesday sealed Channels for relaying a story that President Yar’Adua might resign after a planned cabinet reshuffle.

INTERNATIONAL

Zimbabwe: US, EU Retain Sanctions

The United States and European Union (EU) have said there will be no immediate end to sanctions on Zimbabwe, despite a historic power-sharing deal signed in Harare last Monday.  EU foreign ministers said the measures would continue until the new government took steps to restore democracy.  The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which suspended financial and technical assistance in 2006, said it stood ready for talks with the new government about stabilising the economy.

92 Die In Russian, Australian Air Mishaps

Another Boeing 737 crashed on Sunday in Russia killing all 88 passengers, and crew on board. It was the second crash of that plane type in a month in the former Soviet Union. The plane was travelling from Moscow to the Ural Mountains City of Perm. And in what proved a bad day for travellers in the air, another helicopter fell from the heights in Western Australia killing all four persons on board.

Mugabe, Tsvangirai Sign Power-Sharing Deal

After more than 28 years of unbroken power, Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, signed an agreement with the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, last Monday, to divide the responsibilities for running the country. Mugabe is expected to serve as president, Tsvangirai, prime minister and Mutambara serves as deputy prime minister. But Mugabe, in a development on Thursday, described the deal as a humiliation and intends to remain "in the driving seat". The remark came as rival leaders failed to agree on who would get key ministries. The matter has referred the matter back to negotiators.

35 Die In Ramadan Stampede, Car Bombings

In what was meant to be a godly gesture in the holy month of Ramadan turned sour last Monday in Indonesia as 23 persons, all women, lost their lives in the scramble to receive a cash gift of 30,000 rupiah (3.30 dollars) each from a rich family, police and news reports said. And in Baghdad, 12 persons died in a double car bombing in which several others were also wounded.

Russia Warns NATO On Air Space To Afghanistan

Russia has threatened to block the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) from using its air space for operations in Afghanistan if member states did not stop "hostile" policies toward Russia. The 26-member alliance upset Russia by saying its use of force in a brief war with Georgia last month was disproportionate. NATO has also said Georgia will eventually be allowed to join the alliance. Russia is fiercely opposed to further NATO expansion.

Gambia Accused of Killing 54 Migrants

West African Bar Association (WABA) has accused the Gambian Government of murdering 54 West African immigrants in cold blood. The immigrants, who were attempting to enter Europe, were arrested by the Gambian Navy. They were allegedly taken to the Naval headquarters in Banjul and accused of plotting to overthrow the Yaya Jameh regime. "Without any trial whatsoever, they migrants were earmarked for killed. One of them managed to escape to Ghana.

Chad, Sudan to Renew Ties, Create Joint Peace Force

Sudan and Chad are to restore diplomatic relations, which broke off in May, according to mediators, paving the way to create a peacekeeping and security force on their common border.  The contact group, issued a statement confirming the breakthrough, five months after Khartoum severed ties accusing Ndjamena of backing rebels in its Darfur region. The group also decided to finalise preparations for a security force of 1,000 Sudanese and 1,000 Chadian soldiers to protect observers who would monitor the border.

Russia Pledges Military Support For Georgian Rebels

President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia has signed friendship treaties with Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and promised them the backing of Russia's armed forces. The treaties formalise military, diplomatic and economic co-operation between Russia and the separatist regions, which Russia recognised as independent states after its brief war with Georgia last month. Russia’s action drew widespread international condemnation.

6,200 Babies Hospitalised as China's Tainted Milk Spreads

China on Wednesday admitted that more than 6,200 babies had fallen ill and three died after drinking milk powder laced with a toxic chemical, as it vowed massive efforts to contain a widening food scandal. Authorities admitted two of 22 companies found to have melamine in their milk powder were exporting abroad, and that tainted yoghurt had been found in Hong Kong. Melamine, a chemical used to make plastics and glues, appeared to have been added to make the products seem richer in protein, and China's two biggest dairy companies were among those found to have contaminated products.

Tsvangirai Demands Punishment For Perpetrators Of Zimbabwe's Violence

Zimbabwe's Prime Minister-elect, Morgan Tsvangirai, has said President Robert Mugabe would not face prosecution but others could be punished over political violence that rocked the country recently. Tsvangirai also acknowledged that some figures close to Mugabe might bid to sabotage his leadership. The remark came as the Red Cross said it had begun distributing emergency food supplies across Zimbabwe to reach around 24,000 vulnerable people in the poverty-stricken country.