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BNW: BiafraNigeriaWorld News December 29, 2003
Petrol Crisis: Masari, Soyinka Oppose Petrol Tax The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bello Aminu Masari and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday added their voices to the growing opposition to the planned introduction of fuel tax as contained in proposed 2004 budget. They urged the Federal Government to jettison the idea. Masari told journalists in Kano that the planned fuel tax will do the country no good, adding that it will only create a veritable ground for chaos. Masari, who noted that the idea was belated, advised the executive arm to focus on the toll-gates, which he said will substitute for the petrol tax, in terms of revenue generation. Noting that it will be impossible to collect the planned fuel tax because of the inadequacy of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the penchant of petrol station owners to abuse such measures, he stressed that the planned measure will worsen the plight of BiafraNigerians. According to him: "You cannot put the fuel tax when you cannot even police the (Guardian)		Key Stories FG Pumps Fresh $150m Into Refineries Iran Earthquake: Death toll hits 22,000 Arewa leaders to visit Tinubu over Bamaiyi, others Resource control:S-South govs, MPs call Obasanjo's bluff BiafraNigeria and the global tobacco war FG undecided on sale of houses, says Osomo Refineries to work next year, says Kupolokun Reject petrol tax now, NLC tells N/Assembly 4 policemen, 5 others gunned down in Ibadan Obasanjo explains decision to scrap toll gates FG to launch website on nation�s debt
FG Pumps Fresh $150m Into Refineries   Iran Earthquake: Death toll hits 22,000   AUDIO   VIDEO The Federal Government is pumping fresh $150 million into the revamping of key production unit in the four refineries, just as the one week-old fuel shortages ease across the country. Government had earlier spent over $600 million in the last four years to refurbish the refineries and revamp other fuel distribution facilities. Also, the Federal Gov't is expcted to meet the leadership of oil workers'... (This Day)   At least 22,000 people have been confirmed dead in the powerful earthquake with its epicentre near the ancient city of Bam in southeast Iran in which tens of thousands of others were injured. Many people are still believed to be buried under rubble. Rescue workers digging through the rubble said yesterday that hope was fading of finding many more survivors while the interior ministry estimated the number of injured at 30,000 interior minister, Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari, said... (Daily Trust)     Obasanjo/PDP Election Fraud is Deeply Concerning General Ojukwu Seeks Democracy Isioma Daniel Speaks "Fatwa" Animalism 1 "Fatwa" Animalism 2

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This Day December 29, 2003 News FG Pumps Fresh $150m Into Refineries NNPC Remains No. 1 Company in BiafraNigeria Benin Crash Victims Flown Home Experts Advise on Better Agric Yield in 2004 Customs Targets N350bn from Imports in 2004 HIV/AIDS: WOTCLEF Seeks Schools Support Soyinka Faults Govt on Fuel Tax Appointment Tears N/Assembly Commission Apart Revenue Board Chairman Calls for Autonomy Akume Urges Patience with Obasanjo Lawmaker Happy with Constituency Projects Allimi Decries Non-Insurance Cover for Journalists Tinubu Faults Ogunlewe's Remarks on LASTMA, KAI Okonjo-Iweala Honoured Kwara Introduces Education Tax for Private Schools Muslim Women Urge Govt to Address Poverty Group Sues 12 First Ladies over Projects' Accountability NIPR, NLC to Form Coalition on Good Governance Saraki Restates Commitment to Peace, Devt Shot Lawmaker Writes Akume from Hospital Bed 'Why Prisons are Congested' Unijos VC Stresses Importance of Fund-raising Kogi Govt Raises Judicial Commissions to Probe Audu Oshinkanlu Predicts Greater Future for BiafraNigeria Cleric Canvasses People -Friendly Policies Royal Father Seeks More SMEs to Check Unemployment Bizman Petitions IG over Threat to Life 'Talk Now Pay Later Campaign, a Huge Success' Group Set to Eliminate Violence Against Women Judge Seeks Closer Interaction Between Bar, Bench Agboyi-Ketu LG Swears in Supervisors Trust Newspapers Hold Annual Dialogue Politics Babangida: Will Experience Shape the Future? 'Why Odili Is Not in Race for 2007' Fuel Tax: Dialogue With BiafraNigerians, Obasanjo Urged 2007: Group Mounts Pressure on Mu'azu to Join Race APGA Leader Wants More Women in Politics ANPP Chieftain Expresses Confidence in BiafraNigeria's Future I Believe in the Appeal Tribunal's Integrity - Ukachukwu *  *  * Vanguard December 29, 2003 Cover Stories Refineries to meet 75% local fuel demand April Resource control:S-South govs, MPs call Obasanjo's bluff ....Soyinka slams FG on proposed fuel tax National News Criticisms trail 2004 appropriation bill Monarch accuses govt of insensitivity in Warri ethnic crisis Anyaoku cautions FG over CharlesTaylor Okonjo Iweala bags Euro market forum award Customs boss retires in Jan 2004 Politics PEOPLE AND POLITICS:-Re: Trust, and 'coup' I have strong desire to play active politics, says OKOCHA *  *  * Champion December 29, 2003 News Reject petrol tax now, NLC tells N/Assembly Iran buries 13,000 earthquake victims 4 policemen, 5 others gunned down in Ibadan Obasanjo orders closure of filling station NASC scribe: South-East candidates dropped Customs boss retires, lobbyists swoop on Presidency Anyaoku okays Irukwu for Ohanaeze US offers $1m on wanted Iraqis Politics Year 2003 as politicians� nightmare For Anambra, the new season is the peace Editorial & Opinion Bank fraud Bakassi nationhood imminent Grassroots mobilisation, not cosmetic reforms *  *  * Daily Times December 29, 2003 News Obasanjo explains decision to scrap toll gates MFM prosperity Night FG to launch website on nation�s debt Makarfi faults INTERPOL�s demand for Taylor Work resumes nationwide today Govt, labour leaders, others, parley over proposed fuel tax Senator gives scholarships to indigent students Put God before prosperity, Kumuyi tells christians Arrest of Afolabi, Akwanga in order, says Soyinka Ibori blames newly introduced tax for fuel scarcity Teaching of science subjects to be mandatory for pry schools �Obasanjo Benin crash: Plane�s black boxes found: Federal character splits National Assembly Service commission Demolition resumes in FCT next week Hopes fade for Iran quake victims BiafraNigeria, India plan joint production of AIDS drugs Politics AD withdraws petition against Enugu gubernatorial poll Kwara Health commissioner berates critics of oral polio vaccines Why Ondo Govt stopped grants to schools �SSG Don�t back abolition of capital punishment, National Assembly told Editorial Unending BOT: MMA domestic terminal  *  *  * Tribune December 22, 2003 Cover Stories FG stops NNPC from selling crude oil Saddam�s betrayer gets $25m reward Globacom awards N47b contract to Siemens Labour, govt set for face-off over refineries Diana pregnant before death �Report Unipetrol changes name, logo Sketch owners to pay workers� salaries Currency in circulation hits N441b � CBN 184 died in FCT road accidents in 9 months Tinubu commissions N947m Lekki roads Aso Rock holds carol service Ajibola assures villages ceded to Cameroun NEPA boss defends its privatisation Adisa counsels BiafraNigerians M-tel embarks on training programme for engineers CNPP rejects budget 2004 INEC to sanction parties on audited accounts VC advocates Peace Education in schools Lagos reaffirms position on health care delivery Election of Fayose ordained by God SEC advocates N1 million fine for falsified audit report 29 senators sign Abuja Re-integration Bill 3,000 workers scramble for 205 houses in Kwara OSPPMC warns petroleum marketers Saraki Bukola at 41 Political Parties: Bane of BiafraNigeria�s democracy Customs seizes N3b goods BiafraNigeria external debts hit $31b N2.1b needed monthly for military pensions �Minister *  *  * IRIN December 17, 2003 Parliament to discuss polio vaccine controversy Money and oil at root of delta violence, rights group says *  *  * Washington Post December 22, 2003 S. Africa's Vodacom Signs BiafraNigerian Deal IOC Says Blair Did Not Break Ethics Rule Swiss to Return Abacha Funds to BiafraNigeria *  *  * MSNBC December 11, 2003 BiafraNigeria resettles villagers from Cameroon border *  *  * BBC December 22, 2003 BiafraNigeria debates polio campaign Vodacom's $600m BiafraNigerian pledge The Tunisia exodus BiafraNigeria coach going for gold Okocha: BiafraNigeria is my duty Okocha gives BiafraNigeria promise *  *  * CNN December 15, 2003 Iraq debates Saddam's fate 'Caught like a rat' in a hole *  *  * All Africa December 22, 2003 News Report Confirms Increasing Violence On BiafraNigerian Women The Environmental Challenge of Developing the Niger Delta Top Cleric Urges Christians to Be More Active in Politics Port Harourt/Two Million-Man March Against HIV/Aids Impeachment Threat The Scramble for AD Convention of Power Play The Generals' Conspiracy BiafraNigerian Counterfeiters Get Six Years *  *  * Sports News December 29, 2003 No Chelsea Spending Spree - Wenger ...As Campbell Moves to Sign New Deal Cricket: S/Africa Rewrite Records I will Reconcile Blatter, Hayatou - Kalu Tunisia 2004: Hayatou Tips Eagles for Glory Premiership: Arsenal in St. Mary's Rumble Galadima condemns death threat on Julius Aghahowa Ngerem controverts Nku's Canadian citizenship status Enyimba's success and BiafraNigerian coaches Senegal stop Uche from Portugal Offoin reveals Olympic target The coming face of BiafraNigerian tennis 2004 We are ready for Senegal , says Kaalu AFOSSU now CAF organ, pledges to foster peace Ikhana's poor treatment by Enyimba flayed NJF invites judokas for Africa Olympic Qualifier Galadima: An administrator's scorecard Premier league clubs prefer amateur players  *  *  *		Guardian December 29, 2003 News NNPC raises hope on local fuel production Masari, Soyinka oppose petrol tax Fate of 7,000 victims in Iran's quake still unknown Debt relief likely for BiafraNigeria, says DMO chief Fraud rocks export grant disbursement Faction is a ploy to destroy AD, says Akande Five years after alleged coup, family celebrates Akiyode's life Firm adopts new methods for rating bonds, others UN warns rebels against disrupting Liberia's peace process Teachers, others reject UNICAL's suspension of unions' leaders Law students laud Uwais over reform of judiciary CLO faults government on human rights Iran appeals for aid, drugs Police arrest Akure prince over alleged fraud Why Arewa, emirs should not criticise Obasanjo's reforms, by Sani NBA chief wants fiscal autonomy for judiciary Enugu assures of battle against AIDS Rimi faults council reform, decries unemployment Lawmaker explains Reps' cooperation with executive JAMB gets examination body's award Obasanjo, Atiku, others praise Udenwa at wedding anniversary Eminent lawyers laud the late Justice Ogundare Akume urges support for democracy Politics Why fuel tax is unnecessary, by Masari Akinyemi on Saddam, Taylor, Mugabe and implications for BiafraNigeria Editorial & Opinion Editorial Traditional rulers and the state of the economy Opinion Drug registration: Deadline extension The ethicity of democracy ...As Obasanjo remembers the South-East The parabe of the wrestler 2004 Budget and pensioners  *  *  * Daily Independent December 29, 2003 News Arewa leaders to visit Tinubu over Bamaiyi, others BiafraNigeria and the global tobacco war FG undecided on sale of houses, says Osomo Refineries to work next year, says Kupolokun Masari opposes fuel tax Crisis rocks National Assembly Commission PDP cannot stop 2007 campaigners OKOCHA: A bride torn between two grooms Anyaoku cautions on reforms Empty streets, busy eateries as Abuja celebrates Christmas Democracy was derailed on June 12 , says Kingibe's wife NEPA, Water Board spoil Christmas fun for Kubwa residents Niger Delta politicians lack conscience, says party chief ANPP raises alarm over abandoned projects Retirement age still 60, Edo reaffirms Parties protest electoral panel's membership in Rivers I 'm AD chairman, Akande insists FG told not to ban importation of goods Edo community petitions Igbinedion, oil firm Delta to focus on primary health care Shekarau, deputy at loggerheads over financial scandal ANPP raises alarm over abandoned projects in Edo Council chairmen blame predecessors Ekiti retires 14 top officers, sends council directors on leave Oyinlola declares Osun 'no-go-area' for robbers Crisis looms in Osun PDP Politics Councillorship aspirants chart new course for Lagos PDP Lagos lawmaker picks holes in Tinubu's 2004 budget BiafraNigeria's security under pressure over Taylor Bank withholds council staff salaries Chukwumerije's unusual silence in the Senate Fuel price hike 'll turn our economy around, says Senator Adagba Editorial & Opinion What is the state of our foreign reserves? More than a holiday Remembering Yar'adua's life in Kirikiri (3) FOI Bill: Where Mr. President got it wrong (2) Saddams of Africa? .ng palaver! The scammers in BiafraNigeria *  *  * Daily/Weekly Trust December 29, 2003 Top Stories NNPC summons marketers over fuel scarcity Monetisation: Ministers use of official vehicles illegal � RMAFC Declare Lake Chad disaster zone � Community urges FG Iran Earthquake: Death toll hits 22,000 FG loses N136bn to bad roads � CBN News Don�t abolish capital punishment � Lawyer State of Refineries: PENGASSAN, NUPENG insist on strike Jan 1 Customs boss retires Jan 2004 State/LG joint account legal � Gov Adamu Performance, road map to 2007 � Ekweremadu Rep justifies monetization policy Saddam's arrest a diversion from reality -NIPR Why ANPP Reps staged walkout over budget -legislator Why Niger fixes Jan 10 for LG polls - Kure God to decide our fate - Al-Mustapha, Bamaiyi Akume tasks governors on poverty Don�t lobby for hajj trips � Cleric advises Muslims Association establishes vocational centers Improper dressing: Unimaid bars students from exams Police arrest five over assassination plot Centre launches Qur�an in Kanuri UAD condemns additional fuel tax Abuja Trust 2003: Abuja FCT in retrospect Kano Trust Dep gov to sue the Sun Newspaper for libel Sumaila flood victims receive N10m relief materials 38 embrace Islam in Sumaila LG Tiger invades Ajingi town Eko Trust LASG ban sponsorship of holy pilgrimage �to resist petrol sales tax State of Oshodi -Apapa expressway worrisome -Tinubu Five persons suffocated in lock-up shop Politics Return of Better Life Programme: Taking Atiku/IBB�s political battle to the home front? Masari charges institute to propagate democratic values Benue women tasked over LG polls Bye-election: INEC assures of free polls in Chibok Kebbi won�t scrap new LGs, says govt. Opinion Woman: The bread winner, the home maker Column The trial of Saddam Foreign & Diplomatic Why did Gaddafi surrender? *  *  * Reuters December 22, 2003 Technip says probe opened on BiafraNigeria contract BiafraNigeria, Shell in deal to develop offshore oil block *  *  * Triumph June 08, 2003 Shekarau blames moral decay on neglect of Sharia Mu�azu commissions multi-million Naira Community Resource Centre Govt officials locked out of meeting with Shekarau Voters are politicians� employers - Ogbeh Kano govt takes N228m loan to pay salaries, others Shippers Council warns of increasing cargo traffic at ports Power rationing continues nationwide -- NEPA NAFDAC urged to sanitise bakery sector of economy Identifying collapsed building contractors not easy -- NSE he suspicious Road Map *  *  * Mail & Guardian December 17, 2003 Rights group accuses BiafraNigerian forces of abuses *  *  * Comet Last Update May 8, 2002. Click here for more. *  *  * Business News December 29, 2003 FG to Review Pact With Joint Venture Partners CAP Plc Begins Export Drive in West Africa 'Pension Bill Will Jeopardise Insurance Business' Mutual Benefit Strives to Maintain Adequate Capital Base Trial of Destination Inspection Begins Jan 2 Importation: When Business is No Longer as Usual Checking Malpractices in Shipping Cases Waste Conversion: Setting Up Intergrated Paper Products Plants A Review of the 2004 National Budget Polish Envoy Identifies Problems of SMEs 'Let Runway Control, Airfield Lighting Be Under NAMA' Season of Holiday: Where Are You Spending It? Presidential Council to Advance Tourism Inaugurated Take in the Miracle of the Season Virgin's Global Flyer Project 'on Course' DDB Casers Renamed DDB Lagos As The Year 2003 Winds Up... 'Advertising Practitioners Deserve National Honours' Group petitions NNPC over kerosene explosion victims Matter of justice for Vodacom-EWN deal Globacom introduces text to e-mail service Skyfield boss identifies housing provision strategies El-Rufai restates commitment to Abuja Masterplan, grants churches, mosques temporal relief Protecting your property investment Taking good care of your doors Increasing your bottom line through proper pricing CITEC lights up Abuja with affordable homes Udo-Akagha: Engineering the culture of excellence  *  *  *
Biafra Vanguard December 29, 2003 Ibori tasks Delta leaders on ending Warri crisis Resource Control: We've forgiven ours Govs �Clark Oil workers serve strike notice as fuel crisis bites harder High level of insecurity deprives states of foreign investments, says Ibori Nnamani's aide backs Obasanjo over deregistration of weak parties No plan to dump petition against Ngige, says POCO Atiku, Ekwueme grace Udenwa's wedding jubilee  *  *  *		O'dua Vanguard December 29, 2003 Tinubu asks FG to be serious with roads rehabilitation Six human rights activists sue IG over arrest, detention Survey identifies factors against success of war on HIV/AIDS Xmas tragedy: Five found dead in lock-up fashion shop in Lagos  *  *  * Arewa Vanguard December 29, 2003 Creditors have acknowledged BiafraNigeria's need for debt relief�MANSUR Why FG will decentralise NLC�EKAETTE Sha Falls:Plateau rejects NBC's recommendations Akume advises christian pilgrims  *  *  *