Senators yesterday put independent candidacy, autonomy of electoral bodies and prohibition of cross- carpeting at the top of agenda as they commenced debate on President Umaru Yar’Adua’s proposals to review the 1999 Constitution.

The Northern Patriotic Front (NPF), yesterday challenged President Umaru Yar’Adua to set up a high probe panel to unravel the mystery surrounding the controversial petition purportedly written to the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, over the licensing of 2.3 GHz spectrum.

By Daniel Idonor President Umaru Yar’Adua has directed the immediate stoppage of award of further contracts by the Federal Government through the ministries, departments and agencies (MDA).

Former South African president Nelson Mandela met the national team yesterday to wish them luck on the eve of their FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final against Brazil.

Leadtimes African Magazine will confer the prestigious Africa Merit award on prominent Nigerians and Africans who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession.

Most of the 68 Nigerians to be pardoned are former high-ranking military officers. A presidential advisory committee has recommended that the 68 Nigerians, most of whom are no longer in detention, receive a full pardon allowing them to regain property and retirement benefits, the source close to Nigeria’s Council of State said.

The legal battle between Ekiti State Governor, Engr Segun Oni and his arch political rival, Dr Kayode Fayemi of the Action Congress (AC) over the May, 2009 governorship re-run election has snowballed into a new dimension, as the governor yesterday personally appeared in the court to sign his statement on oath, just as he filed a cross appeal challenging the scores recorded by Fayemi in Ado Local Government during the April 14, 2007 governorship election.

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State chapter has expressed its determination to support and collaborate with Lagos State Government in the realisation of its megacity project as well as the on-going development projects.

By Emmanuel Ovuakporie ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Managing Director of National Film Corporation (NFC), Mr Afolabi Adesanya and four directors over an alleged N11.8million fraud bordering on money collected for re-location from Jos to Abuja that was not used but instead it was shared by the directors.

Providence prevented what would have been a major fire disaster at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, yesterday when a petrol tanker laden with fuel lost control and rammed into the perimeter wall of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Training School.