NEWS FROM NIGERIA.

ATIKU NOT ON INEC LIST, GOES TO COURT.
The Independent Electoral Commission yesterday March 15th formally released the list of the cleared candidates for the April 21 Presidential elections without the name of Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the flagbearer of the Action Congress. The AC and Atiku Abubakar immediately filed an action at the Federal high Court, Abuja to challenge INEC's action. Altogether the names of twenty four Presidential candidates and their running mates were released by INEC.

SENATE CURBS PRESIDENT'S POWER TO EFCC BOSS, OTHERS.
Drastic changes have been effected in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act by the Senate which yesterday March 15th concluded the bill to amend the law. One of the profound amendment to the act was the removal of the powers of the President to sack the EFCC Chaiman or any member of the commission without the consent of the Senate.

MILITANTS FREE ITALIAN HOSTAGES
Yesterday March 15th, another group of militants, The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) announced the release of two Italian hostages who are on the staff of the Nigerian Agip Oil Comapny. Their names were given as Cosma Russo and Fracio Arena. The two were abducted ninety eight days ago.

ICPC TO PROBE 38 BILLION ABACHA LOOT
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission has promised to investigate allegation that the 38billion recovered from the funds looted by the late head of state General Sani Abacha was missing. The commission also pedged to exediate the matter.