Buhari’s integrity increases power supply - APC

The integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari has led to the seeming stability in power generation and has also ensured an increase in its supply, the All Progressives Congress has said.



It also stated that without adequate improvement in power supply, the President may not be able to fulfil most of his campaign promises.

Before the new government came on board, power generation in Nigeria was between 3,000MW and 3,500MW. But in the past two months, electricity generation has continued to stay above 4,500MW.

The spokesperson for the APC, Mr. Lai Mohammed, stated that the stability in power generation was attributable to the integrity that was brought into governance by Buhari.

Speaking at 2015 Electricity Market Summit in Abuja on Thursday, Mohammed, who represented his party at the event, stated that the cases of pipelines vandalism had decreased significantly since the new administration took over from the Peoples Democratic Party.

He said, “I say it anywhere I go that even though we have not added one single megawatt to power, there has been improvement. My colleagues in the PDP will say no; that’s not true. But I maintain that this improvement is as a result of the kind of integrity that President Buhari has brought to leadership.

“Also, there has been a reduction in the cases of gas pipelines vandalism. Furthermore, the TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria), which used to have about 22 systemic power failures often times, now records about six or seven of such cases. So, what we have today is that we have a leadership that is inspiring Nigerians and making them to believe again in their country. We have a leadership that is promising to reward merit.”

Mohammed observed that the country’s power generation was by far too low, when compared to its population. He said it was time to think outside the box with respect to increasing electricity generation and supply.

He said, “Meanwhile, I will like to state here that a nation with a population of over 170 million people cannot make do with a power generation of under 10,000MW. Even if we achieve 10,000MW, it will not help us in our drive for industrialisation. I have been informed that even if all our power generating plants generate (power) today, we don’t have enough capacity to transmit all that is being generated.

“We need to start thinking out of the box. We can’t afford to think conventionally, because in year 2030, our population will be about the third largest in the world and we cannot just rely on 6,000 to 10,000 megawatts. In the transition committee of President Buhari, we invited many professionals to come and address us on the power sector. The kind of time they gave us to build 20,000MW plant should be between five to seven years. But I don’t think this country can afford that luxury.”

He further noted that the APC promised to create millions of jobs annually, but explained that this would not be possible unless there was improvement in power supply.

The APC spokesperson said, “We must look for radical solutions to this problem, because there is no way a population of 170 million can share 6,000MW and you expect us to be among the top 20 economies in the world. There is very little we can achieve out of our pledges, if the power sector remains the way it is today. We did promise that we are going to create three million jobs a year. This promise is possible and do-able, but it will be much easier for us if the power sector also improves.”

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Lagos orders agencies to obey pension law

The Lagos State Government has ordered government agencies that have not fully complied with the provisions of the Lagos State Pension Reform Law to commence their contributions into the employees’ retirement saving account.

The state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said it was his passion to enhance workers’ welfare and their continued financial empowerment through the payments of outstanding commitments in the state public service.

The governor spoke on Thursday in Alausa, Ikeja, where N2.2bn retirement benefit bond certificates were presented to 658 retirees in the state.

At the event, which was the 18th edition, Ambode said, “All government parastatals that have not fully complied with the provisions of the Lagos State Pension Reform Law by regular remittance must immediately commence their contributions into the employees retirement saving account.

“The payment of the retirees’ pensions is an indication of our passion to enhance workers’ welfare.”

Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, said a total liability of N761.828m was being absorbed by the state government on behalf of the retirees.

The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, assured that retirees who had not been paid their entitlements would soon be attended to, saying the governor had promised not to rest until they all received their retirement benefits.

The LASPEC boss said the governor had earlier in the month approved N11bn to meet the outstanding pension liabilities of retirees, adding that the funds would be disbursed on a monthly basis.

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Bristow crash: AIB releases names of passengers

The Accident Investigation Bureau on Thursday released the official list of passengers and crew members onboard the Bristow Helicopters’ chopper that crashed into a lagoon in Lagos last Wednesday.

The official list, often called passengers’ manifest, contained the names of the 10 passengers and two flight crew members that were aboard the ill-fated Sikosky S76 C+ helicopter that crashed in the Oworonsoki area of Lagos on August 12.



The AIB had confirmed that the pilot, co-pilot and four passengers died in the unfortunate incident while six passengers survived.

The six survivors are currently receiving treatment at the hospital, while the bodies of the six dead victims had been deposited in the mortuary.

The names are; Ita Ekpeyong, Joshua Emekeme, Dolu Ebiejuara, Onoriode Onojete, Chukwuma Erise and Solomon Udeh.

Others are Chidi Ukwunta, Iniala Opaimi, Chris Abua, Chukwudi Onah, Joseph Wyatt (Captain), and Peter Kayode Bello (Co-Pilot).

According to the AIB, the survivors are Joshua Emekeme, Dolu Ebiejuara, Onoriode Onojete, Solomon Udeh, Iniala Opaimi and Chukwudi Onah, while others died in the crash.

The AIB in a statement accompanying the passengers’ manifest on Thursday said the Sikosky S76 C+ helicopter crashed into the lagoon in Oworonsoki area of Lagos shortly before landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The statement by the AIB spokesman, Mr. Tunji Oketumbi, recalled that the helicopter marked 5N-BGD and operated by Bristow Helicopters had departed SEDCO oil platform offshore en-route Lagos airport.

Meanwhile, the family of the late co-pilot on Thursday held a funeral mass for the deceased in Calabar without the corpse.

As early as 10am, family members and friends had gathered at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, to receive the corpse but they had to leave around 3.pm for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in the Ikot Ansa axis of the metropolis, when it became obvious that the corpse would not arrive from Lagos.

No reason was given for the delay in bringing the corpse.

At the church funeral service, which commenced at about 3.30pm, tributes poured in for the late Capt. Bello

Delivering his homily at the funeral mass, Rev. Fr. Patrick Corcoran, who took his Bible reading from John 14:1-6, advised Christians not to allow their hearts to be troubled, but to have faith in God.

Corcoran condoled with the family and urged them to be thankful to God that their son died as a Christian.

After the church service, the parents of the co-pilot, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bello, refused to speak with one of our correspondents.

But the father had during the service said, “We thank God that in the last 26 years, we shared wonderful times with you. We thank God for your life and all it meant to us. We can only live with these memories.

“We are confident that God has better plans for us because He is a good God. Lord, help us to know you more. All we wish and pray for is that your death brings others to know who God is. God is sovereign. We love you, we miss you. Rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

The company’s Lagos Base manager, Captain Ayo Oni, in a tribute said, “He was never late for flights, never had an excuse not to fly…it was his passion,” he said.

A relative of the deceased, Mrs. Femi Bello, said that death took the `young pilot’ too early when his services were most needed at Bristol.

She prayed for the repose of the soul of the late pilot.

A family friend, Mrs. Theresa Okon, said that the late Bello was a celebrated pilot who devoted adequate time to his job.

The funeral mass attracted dignitaries including politicians, businessmen, top civil servants, service chiefs, and others.

The deceased was supposed to have been interred at the Hawkins Cemetery in Calabar after the funeral mass.

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Boko Haram will be defeated very soon - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Thursday reaffirmed his conviction that the end of the Boko Haram insurgency is in sight, given the added vigour with which the war against the terrorist sect is now being prosecuted by Nigeria and its allies.

Speaking at an audience with Mr Mousa Faki Mahamat, Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of President Idris Deby of Chad, President Buhari said that with higher morale among troops in the frontline against Boko Haram and their improved logistics, equipment and training, a rapid end to the insurgency could be expected.



The President said however that Nigeria and Chad must be prepared to make more sacrifices to end the scourge of Boko Haram since they were at the “very heart of the insurgency”.

“We will sustain our effort and the insurgents will be defeated soon,” President Buhari vowed.
The Special Envoy of the Chadian President said that President Deby appreciated the leadership being shown by President Buhari in the war against terrorism.

“We also appreciate the diligence shown in appointing a commander for the Multinational Joint Task Force, and President Deby believes that the fight will end in a few months.

“Our people rely on us to end the insurgency, because economic development is being hampered.
This fight has to come to an end. My coming here is to reaffirm our full commitment. Beyond the number of troops earlier announced, Chad is still ready to commit more soldiers.
“The enemy is weakened already. Let’s stand firm, and neutralize them,” he said.

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We are on six weeks working leave, Senators tell Nigerians

Some senators on Thursday said in spite of the current six-week recess by the National Assembly, the lawmakers were engage in legislative activities.

The senators, who spoke to NAN in separate interviews in Abuja, said agitation by Nigerians that lawmakers had sat for only 15 days since inauguration was baseless.



Leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, said that the National Assembly was not unmindful of the desires of Nigerians to reposition the country.

He explained that the recess would not in any way affect their commitment to their duties as lawmakers.

Ndume said that Nigerians needed not to doubt the commitment of members of the assembly, adding that each of the chambers could reconvene to attend to emergency cases while on recess, if need be.
“We have the interest of this country at heart and we are ready to set a record; though we are on recess, we will continue to work behind the scenes,” he said.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP-Abia North) said that though the six weeks recess was statutory, it was a working period for the lawmakers.

He explained that the seven weeks break earlier embarked upon by the lawmakers was to enable the All Progressives Congress (APC) to settle its problems.

Ohuabunwa added that the period was also used to prepare offices for full take-off of legislative activities. “It is unfortunate that we went on that break, and I think that was where the problem came and reason was because we needed to get this place fixed and get our arts together.

“The parliament runs a timetable and you know that parliament world over, including Nigeria, the month of August is normally our annual vacation,” he said.

He dismissed fears that the recess would slow down the process of governance, adding that the National Assembly would not hesitate to reconvene in the event of any matter of national interest. “If there is anything urgent, the Assembly would be recalled to take that emergency.

“We are going to be on working holiday; for instance, I have been called upon to represent the Senate somewhere on August 23, so you can see we are working,” he said.

On his part, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP-Enugu North) said the National Assembly was only on recess from plenary.

According to him, plenary was only an aspect of our job and as such the recess should not be misconstrued.

“The Senate is working. You have come to interview me in the office and you can see I have been having meetings.

“We are on recess for only plenary and not from other activities. Yesterday, I attended the meeting of the Ad hoc Committee on Aviation to prepare a template on issues in the sector.

“If I am on vacation you will not see me here. I am working and I will still be here tomorrow.
“People should not mistake plenary for other activities. It is not only when Senate sits that we work,” he said.

The lawmaker said it was wrong for Nigerians to assume that they were not working enough, and however, assured that the National Assembly would not relent in its effort to deliver the dividends of democracy.

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Why Babatunde Fowler will change the face of taxation in Nigeria

By Daramola Babalola

The Nigerian tax system has faced several challenges in recent times. Under current Nigerian law, taxation is enforced by the 3 tiers of government, i.e. federal, state, and local governments, with each having its sphere clearly spelt out in the Taxes and Levies (approved list for Collection) Decree, 1998.

Several contentious issues have plagued taxation in Nigeria in recent years, among them is the issue of the appropriate tax authority to administer several taxes, also there is the issue of multiple taxes administered by all the three tiers of government which sometimes imposes welfare cost.

 Furthermore, the issue of the paucity of a data base, which contributes to tax avoidance in the country. The issue of corruption is still a perennial issue in the country; this reduces the confidence and trust of the taxpayers in discharging their civic duty. The issue of infrastructural development is also a crucial issue, in Nigeria, the level of infrastructural facilities is in a deplorable state, most of the facilities are often privately sourced, thus a number of people wonder what the taxes collected are used for, hence the tendency to evade tax payment. Furthermore, the problem of the tax language that is legally codified makes it difficult for an average Nigerian to understand.

The tax collector

A tax collector is a person who collects unpaid taxes from other people or corporations. Tax collectors are often portrayed in fiction as being fierce and cruel people who collect taxes by all means, but in the real sense, most people do not like to pay taxes, others need a fierce and cruel tax collector who will compel them to do their civic responsibility.

 For many people living in Lagos, the name Tunde Fowler sends jitters through the spines of individuals and corporate concerns in the State.

But a closer look reveals that Mr Fowler is disarmingly harmless, unassuming and charming. A sharp contrast to the fiercesome look, usually the trademark of tax collectors by the way.

However, you will let down your guard at your own peril if you underrate him.

Dr. William Babatunde Fowler who was the Tax Collector- in- Chief for Lagos State Government was on on Thursday, August 20, 2015, appointed by President Buhari as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Dr. Fowler was the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue from 2005 to 2014.

Fowler is taking over as chairman with an enviable Resume. Under his leadership, the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue reportedly achieved a sharp increase in internally generated revenue from an average of N3.6. billion per month in January 2006, to an average of about N20.5 billion per month in 2013.



How Fowler changed the game

An average Nigerians does not believe in taxation, he/she thinks the government will not put their money to good use, so they find it difficult to part with their money in the name of taxes.

But with the Lagos example, Fowler changed the game, Lagosians have since seen what their taxes have delivered in terms of development and are more encouraged to pay taxes.

Lagos State have also gotten to the point whereby even the pepper seller or bus conductor paying taxes understand and see what the taxes are doing for them, through the several infrastructural developments under the Fashola administration.

 Lagos State currently receives an average of N8billion from the Federation Account on a monthly basis. Out of this, N6billion is spent on the payment of salaries, After salaries are paid, Lagos State will be left with only N2billion, but through Fowler Lagos state was able to generate an average of  N20.5 billion per month, just imagine what Lagos will be without these taxes.

Imagine the recent Ebola outbreak in Lagos and the way the Lagos State Government sucessfully dealt with it. Imagine a Lagos State without the financial might to curtail the virus?

Imagine a Lagos state being listed among the states that owed salaries of workers?

Imagine the effect it will have on the socio-economic development of Lagos.

Lagos State's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N384.25 billion in 2013 exceeded the total sum generated by 19 states put together, analysis of data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown.

A recent updated data released by the NBS on IGR at State level showed that a total of 20 states generated about N671.32 billion in 2013 out of which Lagos State had the lion's share.

The analysis showed that the total IGRs of Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara states was N287.07 billion. Lagos is about N97.18 billion ahead of the total IGRs of the19 States combined, followed at a distance by Rivers States with a total of N87.91 billion.

The data released showed that Abia, Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, Oyo and Sokoto states were yet to supply their data on IGR for 2013.

Further analysis showed that Lagos generated a total of N722.62 billion from 2008 to 2011. Comparatively, Kano generated a total of N23.11 billion over the same period.

So, every government needs funds through taxes, the fall of oil prices is affecting the economy of Nigeria, so, the only way to sustain development is to depend on taxation, which the government can plan with.

Fowler was able to serve Lagos state by generating revenue for the state and empowering  the government as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue from 2005 to 2014.

Considering the fact that many people don’t want to pay taxes, Fowler developed a tough skin and no friends and tormented the 'Big Men' in Lagos by making sure they paid their taxes.

He was despised by many, just like many tax collectors, but it was indeed very rare to see a tax man being liked by so many people.

 If you a tax man is well liked then it means there is something wrong somewhere

Today, Lagos is held up as a model in tax administration, Fowler indeed changed the game.




What should we expect from Fowler?

In these trying times for Nigeria, where the fall in world oil prices has reduced Nigeria to a broke nation, we therefore need to look inwards and generate revenue.

With the success from The Lagos Internal Revenue Service, Babatunde Fowler is no doubt the most experienced man for the job.

Fowler will also ensure mutual cooperation among different government agencies and parastatals, this collaboration should enhance exchange of information, and reduce the incidence of tax evasion as well as fraudulent tax practices.

To elicit voluntary compliance, the government should be more responsive to the welfare needs of the citizens. The Nigerian tax system can effectively generate more revenue when the citizens have trust and confidence in the authority. Lagos state in recent times is generating huge revenue due to the fact that many corporate bodies and individuals feel that they can visibly feel the development impact of their contributions

 In most developed countries, tax payment is considered a moral and civic responsibility, thus tax avoidance is frowned upon. This implies that once the new government starts to give citizens dividends of democracy, they will in-turn demonstrate patriotism through timely payment of their taxes and discharging other civic duties.

In Nigeria, most of the citizens are religious and faithful people. Thus, with religious provisions that explicitly support fulfilling religious obligations, tax payment could be enhanced. For instance, the Biblical saying of “Give unto Caesar, what is for Caesar and to God what is for God” is apt and relevant to the Christians while the Qur’an calls on the Muslims thus: “O you who believe, fulfil all obligations” (Q5:1).

Not many people know that there is much more to the new  Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler‘s life or daily activities beyond tax or revenue collection.

Fowler divulges the secret that stands him out amongst others as a unique being in a recent interview to a Christian-based magazine, Harp Applause.

Fowler spent 21 years in the banking profession, holding various managerial post before leaving the banking hall as a general manager to take up the challenge being thrust at his feet by former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive the tax revenue of the state, having being a specialist in revenue generation.

The silent philanthropist does not embark on any mission or accept any challenges without consulting and hearing from God. It is his believe according to his words “The truth is that when God changes your direction, he changes it for a purpose. I have found myself in the position where I could directly impact positively into the lives of people, because when you collect revenue for government, you are empowering the government to do more for the people. Today, I can tell you that I am fulfilled in what I am doing. I can feel and see the impact of what I am doing in the lives of the people than when I was a banker.

The once upon a time wannabe teenage chorister, who later became an usher at the Redeemed Christian Church of God before being ordained pastor, traced the secret of his success to a special request he made for the wisdom of Solomon. Not only did God grant his request while still a boy in the secondary school, he has remained his Consultant.

Daramola Babalola writes from Lagos, Nigeria

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Chelsea sign Pedro from Barcelona

Chelsea today completed the signing of Barcelona forward Pedro in a deal worth €30 million, both clubs have confirmed.

The Spain international was allowed to miss training on Thursday to finalise the move, flying into London to undergo a medical after Chelsea hijacked Manchester United's bid to sign him at the 11th hour.



"I am very happy to be here," Pedro told the Blues' official website. "I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles.
"Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on."

A Barcelona statement read: "FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Pedro Rodriguez for 30 million euros, of which 3 million are dependent on performance.
Very happy, I’m already Blue! Thank U all and specially @FCBarcelona for make possible to reach this point @ChelseaFC

"The club wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Pedro Rodriguez for his professionalism and dedication while with the club, as well as to wish him all the best in the future."

The 28-year-old remains well liked at Camp Nou but the big-money arrivals of Neymar and Luis Suarez in the past two seasons relegated him to the fringes of the team, and he started just 15 league games last season.

Disillusionment at his situation prompted Pedro to seek a move away from Catalonia and United came tantalisingly close to striking an agreement to sign the Spain international.

But the Red Devils' unwillingness to match Barca's asking price - coupled with conversations Pedro held with countrymen Victor Valdes and Cesc Fabregas - steered him towards Stamford Bridge once Chelsea made their late approach.

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Buhari orders IG to reduce policemen attached to dignitaries across the country

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday directed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to prune down the number of policemen attached to dignitaries across the country.



He also directed the police boss to redeploy all policemen withdrawn from that role to regular police duties.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, quoted the President as speaking during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Service Commission in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adesina also said the President warned that that he would not tolerate any irregularities or extortion of money from unemployed Nigerians in the coming recruitment into the police.

He said applicants having to pay bribes before being accepted into the police in the past was totally unacceptable.

The President told the officials that those in charge of recruitment and training in the Police must be above board and eschew every form of extortion and underhand dealing.

“You must ensure that the recruitment process is transparent. Those who will conduct the recruitment must be above board. It should not be heard that they receive gratification or extort money from those who want to enlist in the police,” the President was quoted as saying.

On the stagnation of policemen on a rank for many years, the President counselled the PSC to review the current structure of the police, and make recommendations on how the problem could be solved to boost the morale of serving policemen.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. James Obiegbu, had, in his briefing of the President, listed inadequate police personnel, dwindling finances and non-rehabilitation of police training schools as some of the challenges facing the police.

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Mike Okiro, said the country needed to have more than the 305,579 policemen and women which it had for effective policing.

He thanked Buhari for approving the recruitment of 10,000 additional policemen and women earlier this week.

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Jimmy Carter says cancer has spread to brain

Jimmy Carter, the former US president turned Nobel peace laureate and global humanitarian, revealed Thursday he has cancer on his brain but said he feels at peace and grateful for having lived a full life.

The 90-year-old Carter told a press conference that the finding of the four melanoma spots stemmed from a procedure in which a tumor was removed from his liver earlier this month.



“They did an MRI and found that there were four spots of melanoma on my brain,” Carter told reporters in Atlanta. “I get my first radiation treatment for the melanoma in my brain this afternoon.”
Carter said that as his treatment continues, it is likely doctors will find cancer elsewhere in his body.
Melanoma usually shows up in the skin, but a small percentage of cases are internal, Carter said his doctors had told him. It is a very aggressive form of cancer.

The 39th president sounded quite serene and in high spirits as he discussed his illness. He joked with reporters and smiled often, his Georgia drawl still pronounced.

Carter, a former peanut farmer who only served one term in office from 1977 to 1981, is arguably better known for his decades of humanitarian work around the world since leaving the White House.
“I feel good. I haven’t felt any weakness or debility,” Carter said, adding he said he plans to carry on teaching Sunday school and hopes doctors will allow him to travel to Nepal with Habitat for Humanity.

Carter said he has received well-wishing phone calls from a host of powerful people, including President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, former president Bill Clinton and his wife and presidential hopeful Hillary, and both former presidents Bush.

“First time they’ve called me in a long time,” Carter joked, drawing guffaws at a news conference that seemed almost light-hearted — not an unusually frank explanation by a former president of cancer that could spread.

– Still at ease –

Carter said that after doctors diagnosed the melanoma in his brain, he initially thought he was quickly nearing the end of his life, but was still at ease.

“You know, I have had a wonderful life. I have got thousands of friends and I have had an exciting and adventurous and gratifying existence,” Carter said.

“So I was surprisingly at ease, much more so than my wife was, but now I feel, you know, it’s in the hands of God… and I’ll be prepared for it when it comes,” Carter said.

Carter explained that in May he had gone to Guyana in South America to monitor elections but fell ill with a bad cold and cut his trip short.

Doctors did a complete physical and detected a growth on his liver that might be cancer. In August, doctors removed a tenth of the organ — the growth did turn out to be malignant — and, suspecting it might have originated elsewhere, did an MRI and found melanoma on his brain.

When Carter first learned of the growth in late May, he did not tell his wife Rosalynn right away.
“I think I put in my diary that I didn’t tell Rosalynn until about the 15th of June,” Carter said.
Several of Carter’s relatives died of pancreatic cancer, but that tends to show up earlier in life. His melanoma is probably related to his light complexion and lots of time spent outdoors, said Jeffrey Schneider, an oncologist at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, New York.

Carter’s term in office is perhaps best known for the Iran hostage crisis, which saw 52 Americans held in Tehran for 444 days following the Islamic Revolution.

Carter’s failure to secure their release, compounded by a failed military rescue attempt, would dog his presidency and scuttle his bid for a second term.

Carter was asked Thursday about the highs and lows of his life.

He said the best thing he ever did was marry Rosalynn, and that it was also an honor to have served as president.

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Jealous lover sets family ablaze in Osun

A man, said to be one of the lovers of a married woman, has set ablaze the woman, his rival and three of the woman’s children in Ede, Osun State.



It was gathered on Thursday that the suspect, whose identity had yet to be made public, stormed the house of the woman, Hadijat Adegoke, and found another lover, Lawal Munirudeen, there.

Enraged by this, he was said to have bought some petrol and allegedly poured it inside the room where the lovers were said to have slept and set everybody inside the room ablaze, apart from one if the woman’s children, who was not asleep as of the time of attack.

Out of the four kids, only 12-year-old Ishwat escaped unhurt.

Fawas (13), Sodiq (eight), and Fathia (six), who live with their mother in her newly built house, were seriously burnt.

Hadijat and Lawal were alleged to have died at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where they were rushed to while the three kids are said to be responding to treatment at the Muslim Hospital, Ede, where doctors were said to be battling to safe their lives.


The woman was said to have been separated from her husband and moved to the new house, believed to have been built for her by some of her friends.

Head, Public Relations and Protocol of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, Mr. Wale Folarin, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with our correspondent.

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