ACN Not Part of Government of National Unity

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said it would not partake in the Government of National Unity as being proposed by Goodluck Jonathan-led government.

This was contained in a statement made public in Abuja and endorsed by the ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed.

The statement said the ACN was not in any way negotiating for ministerial slots contrary to wide-spread speculations that the party was seeking for fat appointments for her members.

The statement further reiterated the party’s resolve to maintain its dominance as the major opposition party in the country.

Census of Farmers for Fertilizer Distribution in Anambra

Chief Godson Ezenagu, the Commissioner for Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has disclosed that 75 per cent of people who applied for fertilizers through the Ministry were businessmen.

Ezenagu made the disclosure while briefing news men in Awka.

In view of the ugly development, the Ministry has constituted a committee to conduct a census of farmers in the State to enhance the distribution of fertilizers during this farming season.

Ezenagu said that the census was aimed at determining the number of genuine farmers in the state.

He decried the nefarious activities of some businessmen who purchase and sell the fertilizers at exorbitant prices beyond the reach of genuine farmers.

Obi Calls for Increased Revenue Allocation for States

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has called for increased revenue allocation for prompt implementation of the 18,000.00 naira minimum wage for civil servants.

The Governor in an interview with journalists at the Governor's lodge, Amawbia, said no state was against the minimum wage but the cry over low resources by some states has compelled the Governors' Forum to set up a committee headed by the Lagos state governor, Raji Fashola to look into some of the issues.

Obi restated his commitment to develop the Anambra by tackling the energy problem and has written a letter to the federal government requesting permission to embark on an independent power project.

On Agriculture, the governor said he has asked Micro Finance Companies to inject money into farming this season by giving out loans to farmers on low interest rates.  

Obama: Bin Laden’s Photos Will Jeopardize US Security

United States President Barack Obama has decided that photos of the dead al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama Bin Laden should not be made public.

He said publishing photos of the dead Osama Bin Laden would jeopardize US national security as it could inflame sensitivities.

US officials had been discussing whether to publish photographs of Bin Laden's lifeless body to counter wide-spread speculation that he did not die.

It could be recalled that al-Qaeda leader was shot dead in a raid on Monday by US special forces in Northern Pakistan.