Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 7

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

20 Electrocuted Killed as Cable Falls on Passenger Bus

At least 20 people were killed in Port Harcourt on Saturday when a high tension electricity cable fell onto a bus and electrocuted the passengers along Trans-Amadi road, during a heavy downpour. The state police spokeswoman, Rita Innoma-Abbey, confirmed the deaths, and said the toll could climb higher. An unconfirmed number of persons were also injured and are said to be receiving treatment in the hospital. Most of the dead had been passengers on the bus, while others were passers-by.

Ex-Commissioner Arraigned for Murder, Kidnap in A’Ibom
A former commissioner for youths and sports in Akwa Ibom state, Chris Nyong Ekong has been arraigned before an Uyo High Court for kidnap, conspiracy and murder. The case hanging on him is the murder of a certain Mathias, a man said to have been his ally while he was a commissioner. One Itoro Williams, a suspect, confessed that he was paid N150, 000 after the murder. The ex-commissioner has vehemently emphasized his innocence, insisting that he was in South Africa during the incident. Ekong was remanded in prison custody until the next adjournment date.

N'Delta Leader Tasks Militants on Cease-Fire

A leader of the South-South Assembly has appealed to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and other former militant groups to maintain cease-fire in the interest of peace and stability in the country. Vice chairman of the assembly, Chief Idongesit Nkanga, said there is no strong reason for the ex-militants to go back into restiveness, though the post-amnesty issue had been very slow. He explained that the amnesty programme should be given all the attention required, noting that the programme is the root to bringing about peace and development in the area.

Police Parade 230 Offenders from Anambra Polls

About 230 persons who were allegedly involved in various electoral offences in penultimate Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election have been paraded by the police. Meanwhile Candidate of the Action Congress (AC) in the election, Dr. Chris Ngige, on Thursday, said he would go to court to challenge the result of the election declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because the announced winner and incumbent Governor, Peter Obi, of the All Progressives Peoples Alliance (APGA), did not meet the mandatory constitutional requirement as provided in the constitution. According to him, “the winner must meet this requirement in 14 LGAs in Anambra State, but he met the requirements in only 13.”

Man Killed in Port Harcourt Cult Clash

At least, one person was killed and three others seriously injured on Monday in a clash between two cult groups in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The cause of the fight could not be ascertained, but a resident said the development might be connected with the failure of the amnesty programme, which according to him, had left the former militants idle. Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Rita Innoma-Abbey, confirmed the incident and disclosed that seven suspects have been arrested and were being interrogated over the incident.

Militants Vow to Continue Fight

Some Militant groups in the Niger Delta under the aegis of the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) have faulted the manner Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan was installed as Acting President, arguing that with the alleged gross misconduct of the President Yar’Adua, impeachment ought to have been carried. Spokesman for JRC, Bakabio Walter, said they were not deterred by the Acting President status conferred on Jonathan but would press ahead with liberating their people from the oppressive Nigerian State. To show it seriousness, the JRC said it blew up Shell's Tura manifold connected to the Bonny export terminal in the early hours of Wednesday, and attacked a pipeline in Chanomi Creek belonging to the NNPC. "These actions are continuous and are preparatory to the final war," the JRC said. There has been no confirmation of the attacks from the companies.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Military Laments Resurgence of Illegal Refineries in N’Delta

Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Major-General Sarkin Yaki Bello, has hinted of worries about the resurgence of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta. Bello, however, assured that the JTF had stepped up its surveillance of key oil installations. The JTF Commander gave the hint in Warri on Tuesday while discussing the arrest of a vessel over illegal bunkering off the Warri coast on Monday by men of the JTF. According to him, the vessel was arrested after receiving stolen crude oil brought to her in barges at Parkinson Creek. Seven suspects were paraded.

Five Die as Police, Soldiers Clash in Edo

Five people were killed as Soldiers and mobile policemen clashed in Benin City on Thursday. The dead were believed to include two soldiers and three mobile policemen while about 10 civilians sustained injuries in the pandemonium that followed. The cause of the clash was immediately unknown but it was gathered that the problem started after a heated argument between a mobile policeman and a soldier. The policeman was said to have mobilised his colleagues against the soldier. Residents in the area have fled the locality. But a senior police officer said the leadership of the two forces in the state were meeting on the issue.

Community Raises Alarm over NDLEA Invasion

Residents of Abbi community in Delta State have lamented alleged destruction of their properties, looting of shops and razing of the houses by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security operatives, who stormed the community to arrest suspected narcotic dealers. While threatening to sue the NDLEA, the Legal adviser to the victims, Joseph Esiobi, alleged that the perpetrators have threatened to carry out another raid. He implored on the AIG to intervene, and ensure that culprits are brought to book. However, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Charles Muka, who confirmed the raid, said that none of the villagers was arrested. Muka’s statement was corroborated by NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju.

Kidnappers Shoot Students, Target School Heads in Edo

School heads are now the targets of kidnappers in Edo State. The latest victim is the proprietress of a private school located in Igarra, Akoko-Edo LGA, Mrs Glory Eze. Eze was abducted on Monday from the school premises by gunmen who also shot two male students who tried to stop them. A senior police officer at the state headquarters in Benin said the command had not been officially briefed on the incident. About three teachers in various schools in the state have been kidnapped in the past three weeks and this led to a protest by secondary school teachers.

Community Alleges Neglect by NDDC, Threatens Violence

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been accused of neglecting the people of Ndokwa in Delta state. The Ndokwa people have threatened to take to violence to drive home their point if the NDDC does not pay attention to their plight. In a protest letter signed by the former speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Olisa Imegwu and 61 others and presented to NDDC Commissioner, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, the community noted that “the sum of N134 billion was set aside for projects under the Ministry of Works but that only N25 billion was made available for Delta North Senatorial District where Ndokwa–East is the only producer of oil and gas.

Ex-militants Allege Neglect, Lock Up NDDC Office in Edo

Some leaders of former militant groups in Edo State on Tuesday locked up the state office of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over allegations of neglect of their areas in development. They also prevented the state coordinator of the commission, Patrick Iguodalo, from leaving the premises until he contacted the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC, Power Aginighan, who directed that representatives of the protesters should visit him in his office in Port Harcourt for proper briefing. Leader of the protesters, Commander Menjor, said they have lost their patience on the slow pace of development in their areas in Egbema, Ovia South-West Local Council of Edo State.

Man Slumps Dead in Edo Govt House

An Action Congress (AC) leader in Edo State, who was on a visit to the Chief of Staff, Barrister Osariodion Ogie slumped and died on Thursday at the Government House, Benin. The man was later confirmed dead at the Government House clinic few minutes later. A similar incident occurred during the tenure of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, when a Commissioner, Mr. Godwin Ovbiagele slumped and died during a state Executive Council Meeting. The recent death has raised questions about the failure of the state government to provide functional ambulance and well equipped clinic in the Edo State government house.

Edo Govt, Firms Partner against Tuberculosis

To check the menace of tuberculosis, the state government has embarked on a "tuberculosis control programme" with support from the German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association and Chevron. Speaking at the laying of the foundation of a tuberculosis diagnostic centre at the general hospital in Auchi financed by Agbami Partners, a top official of Star Deepwater Petroleum, a subsidiary of Chevron, Femi Odumabo, said the project was part of the company's three-pronged approach to supporting healthcare in the country and Edo State. Other partners in the project include: FAMFA Oil Limited, Statoil Nigeria Limited, Petrobas and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). An average of 2,500 tuberculosis cases is detected yearly in Edo State, according to statistics.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Kidnappers Seize, Release Ondo Commissioner’s Daughter

Suspected kidnappers on Tuesday struck in Akure, Ondo State, and abducted the daughters of the State Commissioner for Works, Pastor Yele Omogunwa. The suspected kidnappers have demanded a N35 million ransom before the girl would be released. The police confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Adeniran Aremu, said the police are working to secure the release of the hostage. She regained freedom after five days in captivity and a ransom of N10million was paid. This was coming as the state government read a riot act to perpetrators of the criminal act in the state, vowing not to take kindly to their activities.

AC Dangles N2.5m Reward on Dina’s Killers

As the late Otunba Dipo Dina, the 2007 Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, who was killed recently, was buried on Friday in Ijebu-Ode; the AC has pledged a reward N2.5 million for anyone or group who could give useful information on his killers. Former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, announced the party’s position on Wednesday, just as the Chairman of the AC in the state, Alhaji Tajudeen Olaotan Bello, insisted that Dina’s killing was an assassination. Bello said the AC was pained that Ogun State Police Command hastily concluded that the assassination of Dina was an armed robbery even before investigations commenced. According to Osoba, the pledged reward would also assist the police in their investigations.

Osogbo Court Remands Armed Robbery Suspects in Prison

Five armed robbery suspects have been remanded in prison custody by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly robbing a deacon, Mr. Olumide Adegboye. The suspects were said to have robbed three different people at different times on January 15, 2010. One of them was accused of unlawfully possession of three locally-made double barrel guns and some stolen properties which included three mobile phones, jewelry and money. The Magistrate, Olalekan Ijiyode, remanded the suspects in prison custody and adjourned the case till February 25, 2010.

Three Adulterated Insecticide Producers Arrested in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three men, who allegedly specialised in faking insecticide products. Police spokesman, Frank Mba, said items recovered from them include: 70 cans of Raid, 140 cans of Mobil, 178 cans of  Baygon, 47 cans of  Killit insecticide, 214 Easyon Spray starch, 11 gas cylinders used for mixing the chemicals and filling the cans, four gallons of Rambo insecticide and 1,750 empty cans, waiting to be filled. Mba said some of the products had been sent to the laboratory to find out the hazards they pose to people’s health.

Fake Naval Officer Nabbed

The Lagos State Police Command has paraded one Michael Ayeyemi, who had allegedly been posing as a naval officer. He was arrested after being sighted by a naval officer who suspected he might be an impostor. But Ayeyemi said he never knew he was a fake because he collected a form to become a naval personnel. According to him, the form was N67, 000 and many unsuspecting men and women also collected it before embarking on a training that had been discovered to be bogus. He gave the name of his Commander as Alabi.

Police Discover N160m Indian Hemp in Ware House
…NDLEA arrests suspect with cocaine in compact disc

Police authorities in Oyo State on Wednesday uncovered an Indian hemp warehouse with 596 bags of goods worth N160 million. But nobody was arrested as the house was empty when policemen swooped on it. The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Adisa Bolanta, confirmed this. In a similar development, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a suspected drug trafficker who allegedly concealed 2.4kg of cocaine in compact discs at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja. Another suspect, who allegedly ingested 50 wraps of cocaine, was also arrested. The NDLEA Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, described the concealment on discs as ‘novel’.

Poly Student Shot Dead on Campus

A student of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, identified as Adeleye Olanrewaju, has been reportedly shot dead on campus by suspected cultists in a bloody clash between rival cult groups. Sources said the slain student had recently completed his National Diploma (ND) programme and was on campus to collect his results when he was killed. He was said to have been pursued and killed by the rival cult group that was having a running battle with him since the last academic session.

Lagos NGO Donates Relief Materials to Victims of Jos Crisis

A Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Shipwreck's Spar of Hope Ministry, last weekend donated relief materials to victims of the recent Jos crisis at Dogon Dutse. Founder/President of the NGO, Pastor Chris Tunji-Ekundayo, gave the relief materials to the Red Cross Nigeria, Plateau State chapter, for distribution. Dogon Dutse community leader, Evangelist Andrew Nyango Dalyop, expressed gratitude to the NGO. Meanwhile, a global NGO, Oxfam, has observed that the poor and the most vulnerable bore the brunt of the Jos crisis. Country Director, Oxfam, Lesley Agams, asked the government to provide social security for the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria, and appealed to humanitarian aid providers to come to the aid of the Jos crisis victims.

GENERAL

Jonathan is Acting President

Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday accepted the resolutions passed by the National Assembly empowering him as Acting President, pending the return of ailing President Yar’Adua. Jonathan said he was deeply humbled and honoured by the call to duty. The political solution came 78 days after the President left the country for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia without transferring power to his deputy. He said the Federal Government would take every step necessary to consolidate the gains of amnesty in the Niger Delta and execute the post-amnesty programme. Meanwhile a delegation of three governors left Abuja for Saudi Arabia to officially brief President Yar’Adua of the development.

Jonathan Appoints Kayode as New Attorney-General
…HURIWA Tasks AGF on Ige's Killers

Acting President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle which saw the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, redeployed to the Special Duties ministry. To replace him is Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), who was the Minister of Labour and Productivity, while Senator Ibrahim Musa Kazaure from Special Duties became Minister of Labour and Productivity. No reason was given for the reshuffle. Prof. Pat Utomi has described this as a step in the right direction, just as he urged him to continue to do more to help the country regain its lost glory. The Human Rights Writers' Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the new AGF to investigate and prosecute killers of erstwhile AGF, Chief Bola Ige (SAN) on December 23, 2001.

UN Body to Consider Petition on Extrajudicial Killings in Jos

Mr Luis Moreno Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has decided to consider a petition by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), requesting him "to investigate allegations of unlawful killing of at least 326 people and perpetration of other crimes under international law during the January violence in Jos, Plateau State; and the reports that the military and police used excessive force in responding to the violence." Reacting to the development, SERAP's lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana commended the decision and said they look forward to the ICC getting involved and addressing the subject matter.

Senate to Review Armed Forces Laws

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence (Army), Senator Ibrahim Ida, said on Monday that plans were underway to review existing laws on the management of internal security operations by the Armed Forces. Ida stated this when the Committee met with the Directors of Legal Services of the Ministry of Defence and other armed services in the wake of allegations linking members of the armed services to mayhem during the recent Jos crisis. He said that the Senate would ensure that the allegations of extra judicial killings were thoroughly investigated to invalidate and stop the “unfounded allegations against the Armed Forces.

Mark Urges US to Delist Nigeria from Terror Watch
…Nigeria, US to Partner on Counter Terrorism

Senate President, David Mark, while receiving the US Assistant Secretary of State, Jonnie Carson, on Thursday, called for a review of the classification of Nigeria in the terror watch list. But Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, said the US has given four conditions to remove Nigeria from the list. These are: public condemnation of terrorism anywhere in the world; improvement of security in the nation’s airports; deployment of air marshals on board aircraft and passing legislations aimed at combating terrorism in the country. The US classification came after the Christmas day aborted bombing of a US plane by a Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Foreign ministry spokesman, Ozo Nwobu, disclosed that Nigeria and US have expressed desire to jointly work as strategic partners in bilateral, regional and global issues including counter terrorism.

Reps To Probe Video Footage Of Killings in Borno

The House of Representatives, Wednesday, mandated its committees on Human Rights, Police Affairs and Justice to investigate a video clip that has been airing on Al-Jazeera, an international news station which showed extra judicial killings of defenseless cripples and underage citizens by Policemen during the Boko Haram crisis in Borno State, last year. The extra judicial killings, which were captured as they allegedly took place during the crisis was aired as part of attempts to counter claims by the Police that the report of Amnesty International indicting the police of extra judicial was not true. The House resolved that an investigation should be carried out to ascertain the true situation before any recommendation is made.

Jonathan Receives NASS Leaders, AU Tasks Military on New Leadership

Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday met with the leadership of the National Assembly and pledged to start official correspondence with the Senate immediately. He urged the three arms of government to work together to provide good governance and democratic promises to Nigerians. Jonathan also swore in 17 Permanent Secretaries and charged them to eschew corruption and ensure effective running of government machinery. Meanwhile the African Union (AU) has urged the Nigerian military to respect a decision to hand power to Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President until the recovery of President Yar'Adua. The British Government also commended Nigeria for being able to resolve the political and constitutional crisis created by Yar'Adua's ailment and prolonged absence.

Clark Tasks Jonathan on Graft, Post Amnesty

Former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to resuscitate the war against corruption in Nigeria. He also commended the Senate for solving the seeming intractable constitutional crisis. However, he noted that Jonathan could not achieve anything without an atmosphere of peace and urged him to accelerate action on the amnesty programme for militants of the Niger Delta.

Shell Not Leaving Nigeria – MD

The Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, has said that the company is not divesting its investment from Nigeria. Sunmonu on Wednesday, and said the recent divestment from three oil blocks in North Western Niger Delta was a genuine resolve that his company has come to stay in the country to grow its hydrocarbon potentials. He stated that it is not true that the company relinquished the assets due to insecurity in the Niger Delta or some grey areas in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

17,000 Die in Road Accidents –FRSC

More than 17,000 people died in about 31,000 road accidents across Nigeria between 2007 and 2009, according to official statistics released on Sunday by the federal road safety commission (FRSC), while over 73,000 were injured in the accidents. The FRSC added that it hopes to achieve a 50 percent reduction in road traffic fatality over last year's figure of 5,690. Undisciplined, reckless driving, illiteracy, bad road networks and poor vehicle maintainance are often cited as reasons for road crashes and fatalities in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation

FG Raises Petroleum Assets Management C’ttee

The Federal Government has raised a 17-man Sub-Committee for the administration and protection of oil and gas assets within the Niger Delta as part of the process meant to consolidate the gains of the Amnesty programme. The Committee, being headed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, came as a follow-up to an earlier one established to examine the constitutional, institutional and legal framework for effecting host communities participation in the ownership of equity stakes in the oil and gas companies operating within their area.

FG, Kuwait to Partner on Energy

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, has expressed the willingness of the FG to partner with Kuwait on areas of energy and infrastructural development. Maduekwe made the disclosure after a reception of the special envoy of Kuwait, Ambassador Mohammed Abu Hassan, who came to Nigeria to discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral interests. Ambassador Hassan also disclosed that Kuwait was equally desirous of strengthening the existing level of cooperation between Kuwait and Nigeria at various multilateral for a particularly at the UN.

Jang Appeals for Security Gadgets to Monitor Flash Points

Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has requested from the French government, security gadgets to monitor flash points in the state. The governor said though the state government had ordered for similar devices, they did not arrive before the recent crisis. He assured the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean Michel Dummond that the state government would co-operate with the committee set up by Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to find a lasting solution to crisis in the state. Governor Jang further assured the French delegation of the security of foreign nationals in the state.

Six Feared Dead  In Communal Conflict

The communal violence that started penultimate Saturday, between the people of Dadiya and Kaltungo both in Kaltungo LGA of Gombe State, has claimed at least six lives with several others injured. The Secretary of the Red Cross in charge of Kaltungo Division, Mr Jonah Galadima, disclosed that many people were missing in the bush and they had been making frantic phone calls for help. The state Police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kamba, said more than 30 persons had been apprehended in connection with the conflict. Bloody conflict between Kaltungo and Dadiya people over farmlands has become a recurring event.

Gambia Holds Nigerians in Secret Prisons -Amnesty Int’l

Amnesty International and Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) have disclosed that some Nigerians and other Africans are being held without trials in secret maximum security cells in Gambia. It therefore called on Nigeria to demand better human rights record from Gambian government when it comes under review at the United Nations. Amnesty International accused the Gambian government of having secret detention centers which include inside military barracks and some remote police locations. Director of WARDC, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said Nigeria has a role to play in bettering the situation considering its position in continental affairs.

Gov Reiterates Commitment to End Gas Flaring, as FG Meets Producers

The federal government on Monday met with chief executives of oil and gas companies to see how to resolve the gas supply crisis which has led to the shutting down of power generation facilities in Nigeria and a fall in the national generating capacity from 3,700mw to 2,700mw. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, also reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to stop gas flaring through the accelerated Gas Development Projects. Lukman stated that the projects were conceived as windows to stop gas flaring on one hand, and to provide feedstock for improved power generation and other industrial and economic uses on the other hand.

NNPC Pumps 26m Litres to Lagos, Abuja as FG Approves Fuel Importation

The Federal Government has released the First Quarter 2010 Import Permit for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Most major marketers and other independent importers had complained that the current fuel scarcity was caused by delays in payment of subsidies for imported cargoes, non-issuance of import approvals for the third quarter of 2009, late issuance for fourth quarter of 2009 and non-issuance for first quarter of 2010, in addition to credit squeeze. According to NNPC’s the Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, the corporation had supplied a total of 26.2m litres of PMS to Lagos, Abuja and other cities in the last one week. The Department of Petroleum Resources has vowed to clamp down on any filling station selling above the official pump price of N65 per litre.

NCAA Threatens to Withdraw Airlines’ Licenses over Safety Regulations

The Federal Government has said that it would withdraw the operating license of airlines, which do not comply with new security regulations introduced to improve air safety at Nigerian airports and reiterated that the 100 per cent compliance must be maintained. Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, said that the aviation agencies have also been complying with the new regulations on safety and security, noting that they have also met the regulatory requirements according to international standards.

Six-Year-Old Killed as Fire Guts Borno Communities

A mysterious fire has gutted five communities in Hawul Council of Borno State, killing a six year-old child. The inferno was put off by volunteers using palm fronds, water and sand. Confirming the fire outbreak, the member representing Hawul Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdu Musa Mshelizza, said its cause could not be ascertained. However, he added that "the hot, dry harmattan could have triggered the fire to spread to the neighbouring communities". Mshelizza called on Borno State government to intervene and assist the affected communities with relief materials like food items, building materials and blankets.

Sokoto Police Arrest 11 Suspects

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested 11 persons for various offences in the state. Five of them were arrested in connection with last December's armed robbery attack on the Grand Khadi of Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Saeed. In the attack, the judge's orderly, Gambo Danga and a former Commissioner, Alhaji Zaki Amale, were killed. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Umar Dakingari, said the gang was responsible for the earlier attack and killing of two mobile policemen in the state. Six of those arrested were in connection with the recent burning of some residential houses in the metropolis that led to a man’s death.

INTERNATIONAL

Ahmadinejad Steps Up Nuclear Program

Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, penultimate Sunday, ordered his atomic agency to significantly enrich Iran's stockpile of uranium. Ahmadinejad maintained, however, that Iran was also willing to follow a United Nation’s (UN) plan to export its uranium for further enrichment, adding that refining uranium produces nuclear fuel for a power plant but if carried out far enough can create material for a weapon. The mixed messages have infuriated the U.S. and its European allies, who claim Iran is only stalling for time as it attempts to build a nuclear weapon. U.S. Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, has called on the international community to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear program. The UN is working on a compromise to defuse international tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

Lebanon Recovers Crashed Ethiopian Airline Data Box
…as Three Die in Colorado Plane Collision

Search teams have retrieved a flight recorder belonging to the Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed off the coast of Lebanon in January, killing all 90 people aboard.
Lebanese Transport Minister, Ghazi Aridi, disclosed that the teams also located the fuselage of the plane, where most of the bodies of the victims are believed trapped. Aridi said the search teams found only one data recorder and they were looking for the second. The plane crashed minutes after taking off in stormy weather. In another incident, three people were, penultimate Saturday, killed in Colorado after a small plane clipped the towline of another plane pulling a glider. Boulder County sheriff's office Spokesman, Rick Brough said the three dead came from the crashed planes. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.

First Woman President Elected in Costa Rica

Costa Ricans, for the first time, have elected a woman president as the ruling party candidate, Laura Chinchilla, won in a landslide. With most of the votes from Sunday's election counted, she held a 22-point lead over her closest rival. Her 47 per cent share of the votes was well beyond the 40 per cent needed to avoid a run-off. The closest contender, Otton Solis of the Citizens Action Party, got 25 per cent of the votes. He and the other main rival, Libertarian Otto Guevara, quickly conceded defeat.

More Tainted Milk in China

Authorities in China have found another 170 tons of tainted milk powder in an emergency crackdown that has made it increasingly clear that many products discovered in the country's 2008 milk scandal were repackaged for sale instead of it to be destroyed. The government had promised to overhaul its approach to food safety after hundreds of thousands of children were sickened by milk products tainted with an industrial chemical. At least six children died. Dairy suppliers in the past have been accused of adding melamine, which is high in nitrogen, to watered-down milk to make it appear protein-rich in quality tests that measure nitrogen. China also issued a new food safety law last summer that places more responsibility on food producers to ensure their products are safe.

Body Found in Plane's Landing Gear Bay

A body was found in the landing gear bay of an airplane that arrived at Tokyo's Narita Airport from New York penultimate Sunday, according to airport officials. The dead man, who was dark complexioned, was not carrying a passport or personal belongings. Police said he possibly froze to death and suffered a shortage of oxygen at high altitude, but did not provide a definite cause of death pending an autopsy. A mechanic found the body in the landing gear bay, which was impossible to enter from the cabin, the airport said.

Dubai Discovers New Oil Wells

The government of Dubai, penultimate Thursday, announced the discovery of a new offshore oil field located east of Rashid field. UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, said the discovery would strengthen the economy and boost UAE’s oil output. Sheikh Mohammed has instructed the emirate’s oil department to “begin exploration work and conduct needed research to specify the size of the reserve, and its production capacity in the short and long term.”

Police, Soldiers Clash in Somalia

Fighting between police and soldiers at the Mogadishu police academy has killed no fewer than eight people as thousands of civilians fled the capital, fearing a government offensive against rebels. One policeman said the fighting began after an argument between the forces there. Hardline Islamist insurgents were also reported to have fired mortar shells at the presidential palace, prompting African Union (AU) guards to respond with artillery. Somalis has had no effective central government for 19 years and the UN-backed administration of President Sheikh Ahmed Sharif controls just parts of the city. Ahmed's administration has promised to launch an offensive against al Shabaab and another rebel group, Hizbul Islam, which both want to impose a harsh version of sharia law.

Japan Apologises to Korea over Colonial Rule

Japanese Foreign Minister, Katsuya Okada, on Thursday apologised to South Korea for the more than three decades when Japan ruled over Korea. Okada made the apology during a joint news conference with South Korean Foreign Minister, Yu Myung-hwan. Japan controlled Korea from 1910 to 1945. During that time, Japan's military is accused of forcing about 200,000 Korean and Chinese women to serve as sex slaves, called "comfort women". There have been protests and lawsuits in that past in South Korea over the sufferings of the comfort women. In another development, Thailand has dropped charges against the five-member crew of a plane suspected of carrying weapons from North Korea. A spokesman for Thailand's attorney general said the five would be deported to face prosecution in their own countries. The movement of weapons from North Korea is subject to UN sanctions.

165 Afghans Killed in Attacks, Haiti Death Toll Hits 230,000

At least 165 people have been killed in a series of attacks in Afghanistan, just as about 300 families fled a southern Afghan town ahead of a major United States (U.S.)-Afghan offensive planned on a key Taliban stronghold, officials said. Also, Haiti's government says around 230,000 people died in the January earthquake, while about 300,000 were injured. This latest figure does not include bodies buried by families. President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan has called for a halt to military raids on the country's villages by the international coalition forces and a complete end to civilian casualties. Civilian deaths and injuries inflicted during operations by international forces have caused deep anger among Afghans.

Rioters Burn Govt Building over Delay Election in Cote d’Ivoire

Rioters in western Cote d’Ivoire on Tuesday burned down an LG building during a demonstration against the government's handling of voters' registration in a much delayed election. More than a thousand demonstrators marched through the city of Vavoua. Vavoua is in the half of Cote d'Ivoire that has been administered by the rebel New Forces since a 2002 war split the nation. A former rebel group on Monday demanded the dismantling of militias loyal to President Laurent Gbagbo. Gbagbo has promised that the country would hold elections this year but after years of missed deadlines, rows and political turmoil, many of his war-weary citizens no longer believe him. Ivoirian authorities have suspended its voters' registration process indefinitely because of rising tensions.

Ex-President of CAR Dies at 73

Former President Andre Kolingba of Central African Republic (CAR) is dead. He died penultimate Sunday at the age of 73 in Paris. Kolingba came to power in a bloodless coup that deposed independence leader, David Dacko in 1981, and ruled the country until 1993. His death is confirmed by Gabriel Goloumo, a senior official for the Central African Democratic Rally. He did not give the cause of death.

Ukrainian PM Rejects Quit Call after Defeat in Polls

Amid rising tension, Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, has refused to concede defeat in a presidential election, and has attacked rival Viktor Yanukovich. Yanukovich, winner of penultimate Sunday's presidential poll, has called on her to quit as premier. Tymoshenko has accused Yanukovich of electoral fraud and is contesting the results. Tymoshenko’s first deputy and close aide Oleksander Turchynov has said that the government does not plan to resign voluntarily.

Sudan, Chad Leaders’ Agree to End Proxy Wars

President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir of Sudan and his Chadian counterpart, Idriss Deby, have agreed to end their proxy wars and engage in direct talks and joint development projects to rebuild their war-affected border areas. Deby made a surprise visit to Khartoum for talks with Al-Bashir on Monday after relations between the African oil producers had hit rock bottom with each capital supporting rebels fighting the other's governments. He called on the armed Chadian opposition groups, who have camps in Sudan's Darfur region, to take part in Chad's elections and win power through the ballot box not with bullets. Al-Bashir's adviser, Ghazi Salaheddin, confirmed this.

Student Shoots Classmate Dead

A ninth-grade student was in custody Saturday and charged with murder after he allegedly shot a classmate at their northern Alabama middle school, authorities said. Ninth-grade student, Todd Brown, 14, died after being shot in the head, Madison Police Chief, Larry Muncey said. No one else was hurt, though the motive was still unclear.

Egypt Arrests Opposition Leaders

Top members of the Islamist opposition movement in Egypt, the Moslem Brotherhood, have been detained in a crackdown on the group, ahead of parliamentary elections this year. The newly elected deputy leader, Mahmoud Ezzat, and 12 others were arrested by police across five provinces. The group, the country's largest and best organised opposition, had just elected a new supreme guide and deputy. A police official said they were arrested for engaging in banned political activity. The Brotherhood was banned in 1954 but is somewhat tolerated by the state. The organisation's new leader, Mohammed Badie, had said upon his inauguration that he would try to avoid confrontation with the government and would not respond to the periodic arrest campaigns.