Reps to Jonathan: beware of Okonjo-Iweala’s advice

Zakari Mohammed

House rejects minister’s stand on Budget 2012

There seems to be no end in sight to the wrangling between the House of Representatives and the Presidency over the poor implementation of the 2012 budget, with the House throwing barbs at the Executive yesterday. 

Nigeria has left the military era behind, House spokesman Zakari Mohammed said at a special media briefing where the House faulted the Executive’s claim that the National Assembly’s input into the budget delayed its implementation. The National Assembly is no longer “a toothless bulldog”,  Mohammed said.

The House also, in a direct reference, warned President Goodluck Jonathan against the kind of advice he gets from Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other “un-elected appointees”, which might put his administration in more trouble.

Mohammed said: “The idea of the National Assembly distorting the budget is incorrect. The National Assembly cannot distort a budget which it has full powers over. There is no law that says the budget must be returned to the President exactly the way it is forwarded to the National Assembly.

“They (Presidency) seem to be suffering from military hangover where budgets were announced after a meeting of the Supreme Military Council (SMC). The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is not the equivalent of the SMC. The National Assembly has replaced the SMC. 

“If the Appropriation Act is to be sent back to the Executive the way it is presented, then, it is better that the National Assembly is abolished.  In a constitutional democracy, in the budgeting process, the National Assembly exercises the constitutional responsibility of taking care of the interests and aspirations of Nigerians from every constituency.

The House spokesman, who read from a prepared text entitled: “2012 Budget, Non-Implementation: Okonjo-Iweala Should Address the Real Issues,” accused the Finance Minister of breaking the law by not adhering to the letters of the 2012 Appropriations Act.

According to the House, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s claim that the executive arm has implemented 56 per cent  of the 2012 budget as widely reported,  “is not true,” as only “about 34per cent of the budget has been implemented.”

The statement said:

“The House of Representatives will like to restate its concern on the poor and selective implementation of the 2012 budget by the executive arm of government and the attitude of officials of government saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Appropriation Acts. For the avoidance of doubt, section 6 and 7 of the 2012 Appropriation Act clearly says what officials of government and in this case the Honourable Minister of finance is permitted to do.

“Section 6 of the Appropriation Act, 2012, states that: “The minister of Finance shall ensure that funds appropriated under this Act are released to the appropriate agencies and or organs of government as and when due, provided that no funds for any quarter of the fiscal year shall be deferred without prior waiver from the National Assembly”. Mark and note the choice of the word “shall” which is mandatory under the circumstance, not discretionary. 

“This is what the minister is expected to do. It is not within her powers to pick and choose projects and programmes to fund as has been the case with the Appropriation Act 2012. Her piece meal and discretionary release of funds for projects contrary to the schedule approved in the Appropriation Act is unlawful. She is, in fact, apparently breaking the law. What the law requires the minister to do is ensure that all funds appropriated for projects within a particular quarter are released to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as at when due without preference. 

“If the revenue target is not achieved in any particular period, it is the responsibility of the Honourable Minister to seek for waiver from the National Assembly. This has not been the case as the Honourable Minister has not told the nation or the National Assembly that the monies for these projects are not available.

“This is not to say that funds should be released and accessed by MDAs without due process and actual execution of projects. In other words, there should be value for money. How released funds are accessed by the various MDAs is stated in Section 7 of the budget Act and further guided by due process law. 

“Section 7 of the 2012 Appropriation Act states as follows: 

‘The department of government charged with the responsibility of certifying that due processes have been complied with in the processing of implementation of projects shall ensure that all processes of approval are completed within the specified period as provided for in the Public Procurement Act”. Again, mark and note the choice of word “shall” and not “will”. If these processes are not satisfied by the MDAs the monies lapse at the end of the financial year and are returned to the treasury. The Honourable Minister has rather chosen to release funds for the implementation of the budget subject only to her whims and caprices. She has no right to do so.

“The House will further like to clarify a few misinterpretations on the Minister’s recent media briefing on the implementation of the 2012 budget as reported by the media on Thursday July 26, 2012.

First of all, it is not true that the executive arm has implemented as at today 56% of the 2012 budget as widely reported. In truth, about 34% of the budget has been implemented. What the minister admitted to as can be confirmed from her own words is that, at best Government has implemented 56% of the N404 Billion released to MDAs.

“The Minister was clear in saying that, of this amount (N404 billion) only N324 billion has so far been cash backed. In other words, it is only N324 billion that is available to the MDAs for implementation of capital projects and programmes of government out of about N1.5 trillion appropriated for all capital expenditure. The House of Representatives also does not agree with the Honourable Minister that the slow pace of implementation of the 2012 budget is as a result of the constituency projects introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.

“For the avoidance of doubt, constituency projects represent less than 10% of the 2012 capital budget. How can this be the reason for the slow implementation of the budget? This excuse for non-implementation falls flat on its face when a review of the performance of the Executive on even its own preferred projects is made. More evidential is the fact that releases so far made to the MDAs are not enough to pay for on–going projects or projects chosen by the executive. For instance, out of a total appropriation of N145 billion for the Ministry of Works in the budget, only N47 billion has so far been released to the ministry. In the first quarter, N38 billion was released and in the second quarter only N9 billion was released, with a shortfall of about N30 billion for the 2ndquarter. 

“The projects that need these appropriations are core road projects scattered all over the country.  Or are these inter-state highways and other strategic road projects also constituency Projects? Playing to the gallery by the executive arm will not change the facts of the situation.”

The lawmaker said it was important to restate that the constituency projects are managed by the Executive arm of government.

“Members of the National Assembly are not involved in the advertising of these projects, nor are they involved in the short listing of contractors for the projects neither are they part of the process of the actual award of the contracts. It has been their exclusive preserve.

“The security, welfare and prosperity of Nigerians has always been and remains uppermost in the consideration of the House of representatives in raising concerns on the slow implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act. What is the benefit of annual appropriations if projects enunciated in the budgets are not implemented? 

“For us in the 7th Assembly, significant implementation of budgets is our desire. We are not at war with the executive arm on this matter. We shall continue to insist on the implementation of the budget, no matter what is being insinuated as the motivating factor for our intervention.

The lawmaker while faulting the Finance Minister’s claim that a 100 percent implementation of the budget is impossible before the resumption of the House on September 18, said: “If you give your child an examination, when you see the result, you should be able the know if he/she has passed or not.”

According to him, the era when the National Assembly was viewed as a toothless bulldog was over as the House will take stringent action when necessary to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the dividends of democracy.

Mohammed, however, agreed that there has been a slight improvement in the implementation of the budget since the resolution of the House on July 19, adding that lawmakers have been getting updates from their constituencies in that regard.

“We further wish to enjoin all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, to continue with the procurement processes and eventual award of all capital projects within their purview. 

“Finally, we call on Mr. President, as an elected official who is ultimately accountable to Nigerians, to be careful of the type of advice he gets from his unelected appointees on the issue of the implementation of the budget, as its significant implementation is ultimately in the interest of his presidency.”

‘Fashion is a passion for me’

‘Fashion is a passion for me’

DAMILOLA Bode-Ogundipe, Creative Director of Chocolate Clothing and Accessories, is a designer of note. The Urban and Regional Planning graduate from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who also had a stint at the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan African University, launched her outfit in 2007. She spoke to KEHINDE OLATUNJI on her sojourn in the industry.


How did you become a designer?
Though, I've always had love for fashion, I never considered it as a career option until five years ago. When we were growing up, jobs such as fashion designing and event management were not considered as serious career paths, however, things have changed.

Why fashion designing and not something else?
For me, it is instinctive and natural. I don't have to 'work' at it, and I believe that to give your best at your job, you need to be doing something that you can do and love with your whole heart without getting paid! I have other 'loves' such as interior decoration and writing, but fashion is my absolute passion.

Training?
I had worked for one of the top designers in the country and gained quite a bit of experience before I did a three-month course at Valerie Davids School of Design, which was to give a 'formal touch' to the skills I already had. But as in every other profession, keeping abreast of what is happening in the industry is key, so, I make sure I stay current through workshops and short courses.

Motivation
I’m motivated to be the best at what I do and excel at it because I know that's what Christ expects of me. Motivation to keep doing what I do (even when factors like epileptic power supply and other factors rear their heads. It also comes from 'that look' on a client's face when she sees her reflection in the outfit for the first time! That pure look of pleasure makes it all worth it. 

What gives you the cutting edge?
It’s what I call the 'oomph!' factor. It’s that little extra in a design that takes it from being a lovely outfit to a breathtaking one. My designs are for people who truly love fashion and appreciate even those tiny details that you need a magnifying glass to see! I believe a design doesn't always have to be overtly complicated but should always be able to make the statement the wearer wants to without her having to say a word.

First thing that comes to mind when designing

The purpose of the outfit! Even the bible says 'where purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable'. Knowing what the client wants the outfit for, serves as a foundation of the whole design before even thinking of her personal style and other factors.

What messages are you passing with your designs?
That style can be infused into every area of your life be it at play or work. That even in the ever-changing fast paced world of fashion you can look stylish, fashionable and current without being a slave to trends. That fashion is individual and you should be proud of your uniqueness and not try to look like someone else

My style
My style is what I term 'easy cosmo'. Stylish yet comfortable — laid-back enough to catch a movie and dressed up enough to eat out at a nice restaurant. Of course, I dress to suit occasions that demand a certain look, but I don't lose style of comfort and style whatever the outfit is.

What materials do you use?
I'm not really restrained in my use of fabric. I use materials ranging from flowing fabrics such as chiffon, silk, silk satin to ones of a more structured nature like raw silk, cotton and ankara. I get a lot of my fabrics from places like Dubai and India. I have vendors who supply me with whatever specifications I give them. So, I don't necessarily have to travel to shop for fabrics. Our local markets are also a great source of quality materials and I enjoy making 'finds' in them.

Why I prefer the materials I use?
My choice of materials depends on the design of the outfit and the form and fit it would take, but I must say I have a love for raw silk and Chantilly lace when used properly. There's a richness about the that makes the simplest design luxurious

Do you design for celebrities?
Yes and one of them is Nikki Laoye

Role models
Locally, I'm inspired by Deola Sagoe and internationally, Diana Von Furstenberg and Donna Karan. The three ladies have built their business alongside their brand and are the epitome of what I envisage for Chocolate — Longetivity, continued relevance and a pioneering spirit

Russian Forces Kill Eight Suspected Militants In Dagestan

Russian Forces Kill Eight Suspected Militants In Dagestan

RUSSIAN security forces killed eight suspected militants in the North Caucasus province of Dagestan after storming a house where they were hiding with women and children, Russian anti-terrorism officials and law enforcement sources said yesterday.
More than a decade after federal forces toppled a separatist government in a war in Chechnya, Russia is still struggling to contain an Islamic insurgency across its mainly Muslim Caucasus mountains region.
The ranks of militants fighting to carve an Islamic state out of Russia’s southern fringe are swelled by anger over joblessness and allegations of police brutality and pervasive corruption.
The special forces surrounded the house in Alburikent, on the outskirts of the provincial capital of Makhachkala, in an overnight raid, Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK) said.
All-night negotiations failed, the committee said, and after the rebels opened fire, the special forces let the children out and stormed the house.
“The rebels responded to an invitation to surrender with intensive shooting,” NAK said in a statement.
One of the victims was a woman who, pretending to turn herself in, approached the special forces and detonated an explosive belt strapped to her body, the committee said. She was killed, but no officers were hurt, it added.
Two law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said eight bodies had been found so far in the house.
On Thursday, federal security forces killed two rebels in another Caucasus Mountain province, Kabardino-Balkaria, NAK said. Nearly daily shootouts and suicide bombings have taken place in Dagestan, and insurgents have also launched deadly attacks on the Russian heartland.
Doku Umarov, the leader of the Islamist insurgency, claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport that killed 37 people in January 2011 and twin bombings that killed 40 people in the Moscow metro in 2010.
Fears that violence may be spreading beyond North Caucasus arose last week when a car bomb and shooting rocked the largely peaceful province of Tatarstan, long seen as a model of religious tolerance, east of Moscow in central Russia.

Fuel Import Criteria: We Were Kept In The Dark, By PPPRA Ex-Board Member

Fuel Import Criteria: We Were Kept In The Dark, By PPPRA Ex-Board Member

WHILE the former National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmadu Ali, was Board Chairman of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), it has been alleged, no member of the board knew the criteria used to determine firms licensed to import petroleum products.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a former board member, who served under Ali’s chairmanship, told The Guardian in Abuja yesterday that the criteria set to determined those who should import fuel into the country was shrouded in secrecy.
He said: “As a Board member, I did not know what criteria were used to determined the suitability or otherwise of those that moored fuel into the country.
“Each time we raised the issue, Ali would dismiss us with a wave of the hand, saying we did not know how the country operates.
“Apart from that, each time we brought the issue up with the management, they informed us that we could not understand the technicalities that were involved in determining the criteria.
“They eventually decided to send members of the board abroad for training on the technicalities. By that time, I had left the board. ”
But speaking from the PPPRA perspective, an official, who craved anonymity, said the requirements for fuel importation are well known to the minister, the Presidency and all that are supposed to know.
“Those who should know knew what we did. The minister knows and the Presidency knows all the requirements that are needed for anybody to import fuel into the country.
“We did our job within what the law provides,” he stated.
Indeed, it was the agitations of the labour movement over constant upward adjustment of the pump prices that prompted the government of the President Olusegun Obasanjo to establish the PPPRA to meet from time to time to determine how much petroleum should be sold, considering the vagaries prevailing in the international oil arena.
Consequently, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have members on the Board of the agency.   But the assurances by President Jonathan Goodluck that no one would be spared if indicted in the oil import sleaze is enough to convince the NLC that indeed those that have been accused of shady deals in the importation regime would be brought to book.
Speaking in a telephone conversation with The Guardian yesterday, the TUC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, said the congress believes in the integrity of the judiciary to ensure justice is done irrespective of the personalities involved.   He said: “We believe that the judiciary is credible enough to ensure justice is done. The President has come out to tell the nation that anybody found wanting after the trial will face the wrath of the law, and we believe in what he has said.”

The Games of the XXX Olympiad begin!

The Games of the XXX Olympiad begin

AS is the ritual every four years, the world’s attention will focus on London, where the best athletes are gathered to compete against one another for medals in the XXX Olympiad.
This year’s event promises spectacular battles with compelling match-ups across the board in nearly every sport. Having also hosted the Games in 1908 and 1948, London is now the first city to officially host the modern Olympics three times, and the city says it will surpass the achievements of the city of Beijing four years ago.
The opening ceremony is often the most memorable event on the Olympic calendar, and four years ago, the Beijing Olympics took the opening ceremony to another level, creating arguably the most jaw-dropping show of all time. This has put so much pressure on London as it plans to top what Beijing did in 2008.
Handling the events of the opening day are Oscar-winning director, Danny Boyle, and Oscar-nominated director, Stephen Daldry. They are directing the largest-ever live show in London, with nearly a billion people watching, when TV audience is considered.
According to officials of the Local Organising Committee, the opening ceremony’s main theme will be called “Isle of Wonder,” which the committee said was inspired by The Tempest and is about a land recovering from its industrial legacy.
“The ceremony itself will begin with the ringing of the world’s largest harmonically tuned bell. At 27 tons, this bell was created at London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which was also where Big Ben was made” Boyle said.
Also set to make marquee appearances are such personalities as Agent 007, better known as James Bond, and footballer David Beckham, among other stars from Britain. According to the official programme for the opening ceremony, “Bond will appear first in a short film created by the BBC, called The Arrival.
“In this film, Daniel Craig will depict Bond being knighted at Buckingham Palace. The action will then move to Olympic Stadium where Craig, or a look-alike stuntman, will either parachute down or ride a rope ladder attached to a helicopter into the stadium, to bring in the Olympic torch.
“With the torch lit, the attention will then shift to the opening scene. Called “Green and Pleasant,” this scene will be set in a meadow that includes such famous landmarks as Glastonbury Tor. Animal lovers should make a point to watch this part of the ceremony as it will include real farm animals such as horses, sheep, ducks, geese and cows.”
Another star billed to thrill the world audience is former Beetle, Paul McCartney, who is expected to end the show with a three-song performance featuring his songs, with 50 dancers performing in Sgt. Pepper style costumes.
Then the familiar parade of athletes will take place. Every country will come by in alphabetical order with the exception of Greece, which goes first, and the host country, Great Britain, which will enter last.
Speeches will then be given by two important people. The first will be given by the head of London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sebastian Coe. The second will be given by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge.
Finally, Queen Elizabeth will declare the Olympics opened. The torch will be lit, signifying the beginning of the XXX Olympiad. The ceremony will end with a spectacular fireworks show and attention will then shift to the first official day of competition tomorrow.
Team Nigeria will be led during the march past by wrestler Boltic Sinivie, who was picked to replace weightlifter Maryam Usman. The team will be in white attires sprinkled with green, which make up the national colours.
Nigeria is presenting a 116-man contingent comprising 55 athletes, 12 coaches, 29 administrative officials and nine medical personnel, and would take part in eight sports. The eight sports are athletics, basketball, boxing canoeing, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting and wrestling.

Their bra, hair wig as ‘hideout for drugs’

Their bra, hair wig as ‘hideout for drugs’

NDLEA officers nab three women attempting to smuggle drugs overseas
ANOTHER dream of getting rich quick by trafficking in illicit drugs, this time, by three young women, has come crashing.
They were arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to smuggle 4.5 kilogrammes of narcotics, carefully hidden in their brassieres and hair wigs.
All three suspects were apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Two of the suspects, who were to board an Egypt airline flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, through Cairo were caught with 3.6 kilogrammes of methamphetamines neatly hidden in customized underwears and hair wigs.
Another female suspect, who claimed to be three months pregnant, was found to have ingested 900 grammes of substance that tested positive for cocaine.
The NDLEA Commander at the Abuja Airport, Mr. Hamisu Lawan gave the names of the suspects as Miss Anene Blessing Iruoma, 26, Miss Obiakor Maryann Okwudili, 34 and Miss Mbechi Obiageli Susan, 38 years old.
The suspects’ interception was sequel to an alert from the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The NDLEA boss commended FAAN for alerting the NDLEA of possible drug concealment following a body frisk on one of the suspects.
According to Hamisu: “Anene Blessing Iruoma and Miss Obiakor Maryann Okwudili concealed 1.7kilogrammes and 1.90kilogrammes of methamphetamine in underwears and hair wigs while Mbechi Obiageli Susan ingested 900 grammes of substance that tested positive for cocaine.
“The drugs were detected during routine screening of passengers. The suspects are helping narcotic officials in our investigation. I commend the level of cooperation among security agencies at the airport. I also thank the management of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its significant role in these arrests”.
A native of Igbariam in Anambra State, Miss Anene Blessing Iruoma with Passport Number A03660604 was found to be wearing a pair of customized brassieres, pants and hair wig, all stuffed with substances, which tested positive for methamphetamine weighing 1.7kilogrammes while Miss Obiakor Maryann Okwudili, who hails from Nando in Anambra State with passport number A01444553 was apprehended on same flight with Anene.
She too concealed 1.90 kilogrammes of methamphetamine in underwears.
The third suspect, Mbechi Obiageli Susan, with passport number A00288396, hails from Oduma Village in Enugu State. She ingested 900 grammes of cocaine and was arrested on her way from Sao-Paulo, Brazil with the aid of scanning machines.
Mbechi who claimed to be three months pregnant later excreted 51 pellets of cocaine weighing 900 grammes.
The Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said that the agency would provide the enabling environment for a strong and sustainable drug control institution in the country.
“Drug trafficking is criminal and as security managers we have a responsibility to provide the enabling environment for officers and stakeholders to give their best in addressing the drug problem. These and subsequent arrests and drug seizures will further discourage potential drug traffickers as they must now know that they will caught and prosecuted,” Giade stated.
The suspects who will soon be charged to court could be sentenced to 15 years under the NDLEA Act.

Breaking News:------Week-old baby found dead

Week-old baby found dead in canal near UNILAG Main-Gate

IF curses could kill, the mother who abandoned her baby boy, thought to about a week-old in the canal near University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, would have died severally by now.
Such was the shock, pity, and anger from passers-by, even as many cried, when the baby, still with the placenta, was found dead about 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday.
An eyewitness said the baby was discovered by a student, who “raised alarm at the shocking sight of the baby swaddled in a lace wrapper and abandoned in the canal.
“A Good Samaritan in the neighbourhood, Abdulbalai Hambali, lowered himself into the canal with a ladder and brought out the body.
“Men and women shed tears at the sight of the beautiful baby, many cursing the mother for being so heartless”, the eyewitness told The Guardian.
Even yesterday, people milled around First Gate, still talking about the baby, who the mother could be and why, after carrying the pregnancy for nine months and successfully delivering the child, abandoned him in the canal to die.
“She could have left the baby where people would see him and take him to safety in the many Motherless Babies’ Homes.
“She had an alternative to killing her baby,” one angry man said.
A lady, Juliet Okoli said: “A woman gave birth and threw the baby into a canal with the placenta uncut. She must be wicked and heartless after carrying a pregnancy for nine months.
“I wish I could lay my hands on her and squeeze the life out of her. What happened to the motherless baby’s home, why couldn’t she take the baby there?”
Another woman said, “Oh my God! After nine good months?  Why?”
Trying to explain what happened, a woman Mrs. Titilayo said: “It could only be the handiwork of teenagers, who are not yet ripe for motherhood.
“This is what we get in a society where no one cares about morals, where cohabitation and fornication are becoming the norm.”

Assad’s days numbered, says Arab League chief

Assad’s days numbered, says Arab League chief

Russia accuses U.S. of ‘justifying terror’ in Syria

THE head of the Arab League has said the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad cannot last for long, saying its days were numbered in an interview published in the pan-Arab newspaper al-Hayat.

Speaking after an Arab League meeting which called on Assad to step down, Secretary General Nabil Elaraby, also said the time for talking about political reform was over.

“There is now no talk about political reform, but a transfer of power,” he said.

But Russia yesterday lashed out at the United States for backing the armed opposition to the Syrian regime, saying Washington’s failure to condemn the July 18 blast that killed top security officials meant it was justifying terror.

“This is quite an awful position, I cannot even find the words to make clear how we feel,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters.   “This is directly justifying terrorism. How can this be understood?”

Lavrov, according to Agence France Presse (AFP) yesterday expressed bewilderment at calls on Russia to clarify its position on Syria, saying Moscow’s policy was crystal-clear and it was the West whose actions were contradictory.

He criticised the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, saying she had argued that the attacks in Damascus meant the UN Security Council had to agree a sanctions resolution against Syria last week that Russia later vetoed.

“In other words, to say it in plain Russian, this means ‘we (the United States) will continue to support such terrorist acts for as long as the UN Security Council has not done what we want’,” Lavrov said.

Russia has repeatedly rejected accusations Moscow is backing the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in the crisis, claiming it has an even-handed approach while rebuking the West for siding with the rebels.

Meanwhile, Turkey has sealed its border with Syria to trucks, effectively cutting off a trade relationship once worth almost $3 billion with the embattled nation, as regime forces fought to evict rebels from the country’s largest city.

Two more Syrian diplomats, the envoy to Cyprus and her husband, the former ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, have also defected, according to the opposition Syrian National Council, in the latest sign of fraying support for the regime among its own elites. The announcement followed the televised appearance on Tuesday night of a defected regime general calling for a new Syria.

Amid the escalating conflict, the United Nations’ (UN) chief peacekeeper Herve Ladsous told reporters yesterday that half of the members of the UN observer mission in Syria had left the country, as it started its “final” 30-day mandate.

Fed Govt plans satellite network for broadband

Broadband penetration, especially in the rural areas, is set to get a boost with the Federal Government’s plans to deploy a universal satellite hub evolution platform.
The government, through the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), is partnering iDirect, a US-based satellite communications technology company, on the project.
The companies said the move would enhance NIGCOMSAT’s existing Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solutions for affordable Internet services to the military, government, education and enterprise markets.
NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director Mr Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai said: “High-speed Internet has the potential to transform the Nigerian economy, hence our partnership with iDirect to deploy a satellite network that affordably supports increasing broadband penetration in Nigeria and the African region.
“iDirect’s solutions enable us to offer a broadband service that meets the diverse requirement of multiple end users, and can grow to meet further connectivity challenges.”
Regional Vice President for iDirect in Europe, Mr Majdi Atout, said: “There is tremendous potential for growth in Africa, but much of that potential hinges on developing an infrastructure that can support high-speed data sharing and broadband Internet access. The iDirect platform offers NIGCOMSAT a high-performing and flexible solution that supports the company’s goal of building a more open and connected Africa.”
The flexibility of the iDirect Evolution platform enables NIGCOMSAT to deliver affordable and easily deployable Internet service across Nigeria and the West African sub-region for a range of applications to end users.
Additionally, iDirect’s seamless integration with fibre networks allows NIGCOMSAT to deliver broadband connectivity to remote communities, ensuring that rural users gain the economic and social benefits of broadband access.
iDirect’s Evolution platform provides NIGCOMSAT with a scalable platform that can keep pace with rapid broadband growth in Nigeria.
Furthermore, NIGCOMSAT will take advantage of the performance and efficiencies of iDirect’s iDX3.0 software, which allows the company to switch between TDMA and SCPC Return channels to adjust service levels based on dynamic applications and changing traffic patterns.

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