Nigerian Bulletin » Thisday online

Killer’ Policeman Dismissed, to Face Trial – Thisday

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:50:13 +0000

The policeman who was alleged to have killed two children in retaliation of the death of his daughter at Oni Memorial Children Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, has been dismissed from the force, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Adisa Bolanta, has said. He will also face trial for misconduct.

But Bolanta, who spoke with THISDAY on the phone yesterday, insisted that no child was killed, contrary to media reports. The policeman attached to Iyaganku Central Police Station, Ibadan, Mr. Raymond Egbongbonwuyi, with service number 303529, was reported to have removed drips from recuperating children on admission in the hospital and thereafter tear gased the ward where children, relatives and medical personnel were, leading to the death of two of the children.

His frustration reportedly stemmed out of the loss of another of his children at the University College Hospital (UCH) in similar circumstances a fortnight ago. The intervention of policemen from the nearby Oluyole Police Division brought the situation under control. Parents of the affected children fought back tears over the development and demanded justice. One of the parent, who gave her name as Mrs. Rukayat Lawal and whose child was in critical condition, said that her child was receiving treatment when the policeman stormed the ward and teargased the children on their beds.

One of the medical personnel decried the insecurity at the hospital and called on the state government to protect the employees and patients in the hospital. The police chief stated: “It was sheer sensationalism. I have been briefed of the development in the hospital.

Failed States Index: Nigeria Ranked 15 out of 177 Nations – Thisday

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:09:58 +0000

Nigeria was yesterday ranked the 15th most failed nation in the world, out of a total of 177 countries that were surveyed. The country moved upwards three places from 18th position in 2008; and 17th in 2007.

The newly released Failed State Index 2009 was published by the United States think-tank and an independent research organisation, the Fund for Peace, and the magazine Foreign Policy. This is the 5th edition, since 2005.

According to the detailed Index, Somalia emerged the most failed state, for the second time running, while Norway emerged the best or most sustainable state.

Group Opposes Sale of NITEL – Thisday

admin — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:42:17 +0000

A coalition of northern politicians and bureaucrats, under the aegis of Unity Forum, has opposed the planned sale or privatisation of NITEL Plc, saying the sale would be a great de-service to the nation.

Unity Forum is an association of former ministers, politicians, and bureaucrats from the north, with a former permanent secretary, M.M. Abdu, as chairman. Other members of the group include Muritala Aliyu, formerly of the Power and Steel Ministry; Umaru Dembo, minister under General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Mr. Buba Galadima, and Hon. Tanko Abari.

In a statement signed by Chairman of the Unity Forum, Abdu, the group said the privatisation or sale of NITEL will expose the nation’s telecommunications to ridicule, as the services of the GSM operators cannot provide