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Tag: attack

  • APC chief denies leading attack on community

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ebonyi State and National Coordinator of Buhari/Osinbajo Initiative for Demonstrating Change, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, has denied allegations that he was involved in the destruction of property in Item Amagu community of Ikwo Local Government Area.

    Ogah told reporters in Abakaliki, the state capital, the allegation was baseless, spurious and politically motivated.

    The family of the late Boniface Nweke accused the APC chieftain on the state-owned media, EBBC, of leading the squad that destroyed their property.

    But Ogah said on the day of the incident, he was with APC State Chairman Ben Nwobashi, executives of the party, including some reporters at Ekpomaka Ward in Ikwo Local Government Area for a solidarity rally for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He said: “I am an APC member, formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). So many other persons have defected to APC because of me. Nobody should use his position to level unfounded allegation against me as I am not at war with the present administration in the state.

    “On the day of the incident, there was a solidarity rally we organised for President Buhari’s administration and the APC chairman in the state. The following morning, I left for Kaduna. I’m not a ghost and I cannot be in two places at the same time.

    “I cannot fight a community that has benefited from me in job creation, construction of health centres, churches and roads. This is merely an attempt by some desperate politicians to tarnish my image.”

  • Robbers attack Aba residents

    Four  armed men reportedly invaded 63 Erondu by Osusu in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State, stealing valuables and cash.

    The incident, it was gathered occurred at 1am  yesterday.

    Though no life was lost,  residents said  the robbers had a fill day, as they were  unchallenged by security agents.

    A resident, who gave his name as Chima, lamented the absence of neighbourhood vigilance group.

    He said efforts to reach the Aba Central Police Station (CPS)  failed.

    Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna could not be reached for comments but a source at the Aba Area Command said the matter was yet to be reported.

  • Thugs attack Sheriff faction’s secretariat in Ekiti

    Thugs attack Sheriff faction’s secretariat in Ekiti

    The secretariat of the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to the National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, was yesterday attacked by suspected political thugs.

    The building on Nova Road Junction in Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, was vandalised in the morning with some facilities destroyed in the process.

    The invaders scaled the fence, smashed windows, uprooted poles and tore the party flags hoisted on them.

    The secretariat is the operational base of the Williams Ajayi-led faction.

    The other faction, led by Gboyega Oguntuase, is loyal to Senator Ahmed Makarfi and backed by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    An Ado-Ekiti Federal High Court on January 24 declared the Ajayi-led group as the authentic state executive, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do business with it.

    But last week, the Court of Appeal in Ado-Ekiti ordered a stay of execution and held that the two factions maintain status quo, pending the determination of the substantive suit before it.

    Deputy Chairman of the Ajayi faction Olasunkanmi Ogunbiyi alleged that the attack was carried out by the Oguntuase faction.

    He called on security agencies to up their game and prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Ogunbiyi said: “We left the office on Tuesday at  6pm  only to return yesterday about 7am and saw our flags  down.

    “The assailants scaled the fence and destroyed the flags and windows.

    “They tried to enter  the office, but they could not. As we speak now, our lives are being threatened and we want the public to be aware of this.

    “However, we had an inkling of the attack when we were threatened by one of the Oguntuase’s executive.

    “Last week, Governor Fayose went to  a nearby spot within the vicinity of the office and distributed rice to the people.

    “We are sure that the Oguntuase’s people are behind this and we need  prompt action from the security agencies”.

    But the spokesman of the Oguntuase faction, Jackson Adebayo, denied the accusation, claiming that “erosion and rainstorm” might have affected the secretariat

    Adebayo said: “I saw what they are calling the press for and I concluded that they are still in shock how they got to that sorry pass.

    “Storm and erosion affected the building and they are claiming that reasonable people would leave their jobs to dig their fences and destroy blocks.

    “They should be pitied rather than responded to.”

  • Herdsmen attack: Uwazuruike calls for calm

    Founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB) Ralph Uwazuruike has warned against reprisal attacks against herdsmen, who ambushed women and children in Umunze, Anambra State.

    The separatist leader was reacting to the  raping of women in Umunze ,Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Uwazuruike who spoke through his Director of Information, Sunday Okerafor, in Owerri, maintained that the  herdsmen were only trying to cause anarchy and disaffection in the Southeast.

    He added that the attacks were deliberate provocation and affront against MASSOB members, but asserted that the group will not resort to violence irrespective of the provocation.

  • Senators attack Ali, AGF

    Senators attack Ali, AGF

    ‘Customs CG unfit,  should resign’

    Falana lashes Senate

    Senators yesterday told Customs chief Col. Hameed Ali to resign.

    The upper chamber declared the Customs Comptroller-General unfit to hold public office.

    The lawmakers resolved to ask Col. Ali to immediately throw in the towel in the interest of good governance and rule of law.

    The Senate also came down hard on the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, for allegedly advising Col. Ali to shun its invitation.

    The resolutions were made after about one hour 30 minutes closed session where issues concerning Col. Ali’s appearance in uniform were discussed.

    It was a charged session where senators took turns to criticise Col. Ali for not honouring the Senate’s invitation.

    The lawmakers concluded that Col. Ali deliberately refused to honour the invitation to appear at the Senate using an “orchestrated pending suit as a cover”.

    Briefing by the Comptroller General of Customs and Excise in line with Senate resolution was listed in Order Paper as one of the businesses of the day.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu told the Senate after the closed session that a letter was received on Tuesday from the AGF, asking the Senate to stay action on Col. Ali’s invitation due to a court process on the subject matter of the invitation.

    Ekweremadu asked the Clerk, Nelson Ayewoh, to read the letter.

    The letter reads: “Re: Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/207/2017. Mohammed Ibrahim (ESQ) Versus Col.Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) and four others

    “I wish to formally intimate you that I am in receipt of a letter dated 20th March 2017 wherein I have been served with an originating summons in respect of the above subject matter (copy attached).

    “The originating summons is seeking among other declarations “whether the oversight functions of the National Assembly extends to compelling and/ or giving directive to the first defendant to wear uniform.”

    “In line with the principles of rule of law, Court decisions or most importantly, the declarations sought have been deeply rooted in the constitutional provisions; I hold the view that this matter is sub-judice.

    “In view of the above, it is the interest of justice and rule of law to stay all actions in this case until the constitutional issues raised in the matters are resolved by the law courts. I wish to further intimate you that as a defendant in the said suit, I intend to file processes and pursue it to a logical conclusion.

    “Accept my warm regards. Signed, Abubakar Malami, SAN Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.”

    Ekweremadu threw the matter open for contributions.

    Senator Jude Uwajimogu, (Imo North) who was the first to contribute, noted that Nigeria operates a democracy and no arm of government could not stop another from doing its duty.

    He said that the matter had been laid to rest by the Supreme Court that no arm of government had the authority to stop the other from performing its constitutional duty.

    Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West)  said President Muhammadu Buhari should choose between rule of law and Col. Ali.

    Melaye said: “What we have from the AGF is an insult on the institution of the National assembly, especially on the Senate.  Where did he derive his power to suggest to us or direct us on how we should carry out our function.  This is the first time that any AGF will have the temerity to do so.

    “What we have is not a court order or injunction; it is a mere process.  The integrity and the independence of the legislature is at stake. We have a rule which says that a matter already in court cannot be treated here, but not a matter that we are already treating and somebody went to court.

    “The CG is not even fit to be the CG of Customs. The position of the CG is a rank and anybody holding that office is a public servant.  The compulsory retirement age for the service is 60 years and Hameed Ali is far above 60 and therefore not qualified to hold that office.

    “The President has a choice   to choose between the rule of law and the CG.

    “If we begin to have interference with our rules it will not work and, therefore, no amount of blackmail will deter us from carrying out our duty.”

    Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) said the advice of the AGF to Col. Ali not to honour the Senate invitation showed abysmal understanding of the law.

    Abaribe said: “The fact of the matter was the obnoxious policy which was introduced by the CG; this is what brought us to the matter of asking the CG to come and explain to Nigerians that policy.  I don’t want Nigerians to forget that.  I want to question the knowledge of the AGF on Nigeria law. His action shows an abysmal knowledge and  understanding of the law. I leave it to those who appointed him to tell us why he advised the Customs CG to disobey and disrespect the Senate.

    “I suggest we ignore him….and for the CG we must declare him totally unfit for the office to teach him a lesson.”

    Abaribe who quoted Order 53(5) of the Senate Standing Rules, said: “No other person is important in this matter order than the Senate President.

    “I want to question the understanding of the AGF of the laws of Nigeria. By going ahead to write to the Clerk to the Senate, it shows an abysmal lack of understanding of how things work here.

    “We have an AGF who does not understand the provisions of the law. Finally, there is a decided case by the Supreme Court that no arm of government can stop another arm from doing its work.

    “I am sure that the AGF has not seen the judgment in question. The CG has deliberately refused to come here. Let us declare the CG of Customs unfit to head the agency. We need to send a strong signal.”

    Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East) suggested that the Senate should write the President to urge him to stop the AGF from interfering in the activity of the National Assembly.

    He said that the AGF had formed the habit of unduly interfering in the affairs of the National Assembly.

    Senator Biodun Olujimi described the position of the Customs CG as “gross impunity and arrogant display of ignorance”.

    She said “This is gross impunity. There is arrogant display of the ignorance by the CG who believes that he is bigger than the law and the CG who is ignorant of his duties.

    “There is separation of power and he has refused to understand it, forgetting that he is a mere appointee.”

    Senator Isa Hamma Misau (Bauchi Central) noted that when President Buhari was away on medial ground there was no tension or killings in the country.

    Misau said: “The enemies of this government are within the Presidency.  They are trying as much as possible to distract the President from performing.

    “The people surrounding the President are creating tension to destroy him from concentrating to do good for the people…..It is, therefore, time for Nigerians to pray for the President.  The letter from the AGF is trying to create problem between the President and the National Assembly.

    “For the 59 days the President was away did you hear about any killings, did you hear about any herdsmen attack, did you hear about Niger Delta Avengers. On the return of the President people in government are creating tension every where. The people surrounding the president are his enemies.”

    Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger) said that when they intervened it was on the basis of the outcry by Nigerians over the retrospective payment of duty on vehicles.

    Abaribe moved that the Senate should declare the Customs CG unfit to hold any public office and that he should resign as Customs CG.

    Senator Francis Alimikhena (Edo North) seconded the prayer.

    The two prayers were unanimously adopted.

    Senator George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East) moved that the Senate should resolve to condemn the AGF for attempting to derail the Senate from carrying out its functions and to write President Buhari to restrain the AGF from the unconstitutional interference in the work of the Senate.

    The two prayers were also unanimously adopted.

    payment of customs duty on old vehicle.

    It said that the service should perfect ways and means to collect customs duty on border and entry points “instead of harassing innocent Nigerians on the hinter roads.”

    The Senate resolved to write President Buhari to intimate him about all the resolutions.

    Ekweremadu who summed up the contributions insisted that the integrity of all arms of government should be respected at all times.

    He said that all arms of government are serving the same people.

    Ekweremadu said that Ali was invited because the Senate wanted him to explain a policy majority of Nigerians opposed.

  • Police foil attack on Ondo youths, arrest three armed men

    Police foil attack on Ondo youths, arrest three armed men

    Men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of Ondo State Police Command, have arrested three persons who allegedly planned to attack some youths in Abereke community, Ilaje Local Government Area.

    The suspects, Seun Mafolabomi, Akintokun Soji and Obebe Layemo, were allegedly caught with dangerous weapons including AK 47 rifles, Barreta guns, and others.

    Five others were said to have escaped during the incident.

    Sources said the hoodlums sneaked into the community around 9.00 pm, and went straight to the venue of a meeting organised by youths in the community.

    During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that they had planned to attack some notable youth leaders in the area.

    However, residents in the community were able to overpower them, leading to their arrest by policemen from Igbokoda Division, who subsequently handed them over to SARS.

    It was learnt that a large cache of arms were seized from them, while they confessed to receiving N45,000 each to carry out the act.

    One of the youth leaders alleged to have been marked for attack, Job Omosunwa, attributed the arrest of the hoodlums to special grace of God.

    Spokesman of Ondo Police Command, Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspects would be charged to court at the end of investigation.

  • Four dead, seven injured in Maiduguri attack

    •’Insurgents attacking soft targets to remain relevant’

    Four persons died and seven were injured in yesterday’s suicide attempt on Maiduguri, it was learnt.

    Deputy Director Army Public Relation Col. Onyema Nwanchukwu confirmed this in a statement yesterday.

    According to him, three female suicide bombers killed themselves and a civilian after their attempt to enter Maiduguri was foiled by observant residents.

    His words: “About 1.30am yesterday, three suicide bombers attempted to infiltrate Maiduguri through  Usmanti, but were intercepted by vigilant civilians.

    “Realising they had been busted, the suicide bombers detonated their suicide vests. Regrettably, one civilian died in the explosion and seven others were injured.

    “Troops were immediately deployed to cordon off the area. The injured are being treated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).”

    Col. Nwanchukwu added that the insurgents are trying to remain relevant by attacking soft targets.

    “These attacks on soft targets show a drowned Boko Haram. They have lost ground and focus and the only way to remain relevant is to callously attack soft targets, using person-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other forms of IEDs.”

    He promised the Army will continue to protect the public. “We are countering this development with constant patrols and monitoring of the metropolis and other populated areas. We are equally sensitising the public on the need to remain vigilant and report any suspicious moves and persons to security agencies.”

  • Protesters attack, vandalise MTN office

    Protesters attack, vandalise MTN office

    • Mobile giant expresses faith in economy

    Youths protesting the xenophobic attack on some Nigerians in South Africa, yesterday attacked and vandalised the head office of MTN in Abuja. According to Reuters, an spokesman was quoted as saying; “They vandalised equipment, stole customer phones and I-Pads. Some customers too were attacked.

    “They are protesting against the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. It’s our regional head office in Abuja. That’s where we have our customer care centre.”

    Reacting, MTN Group, in a terse statement, said it was concerned over the violence against its property in Nigeria, where protesters attacked and vandalised its head office. The telco enjoined people to exercise restraint and remain calm.

    The carrier said it has absolute confidence in its Nigerian operations in spite of all its trivails over the N330 billion fine over SIM card registration rules infractions.

    Its Group Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko who spoke when he led a high level delegation to the Abuja Headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said the Group will be willing to invest more in the sector in years to come.

    “We had challenges in the past, during the period of the fine, and we are grateful for the role, the Commission played towards an amicable resolution,” Nhleko said.

    He said the Group has injected over $16 billion into the country’s operations. “We have a very long way to go and so (we) ask for spectrum which is the oxygen and life blood to navigate this long and tedious investment journey. Without spectrum, the sector will suffocate,” he said.

    Nhleko specifically asked for more spectrum and the release of Visafone spectrum which equity MTN Nigeria acquired in 2015.

    He said MTN has made its mark in voice and data services and that more services such as mobile financial services are underway.

    Responding,  NCC CEO, Prof. Garba Danbatta assured the delegation that the Commission will always play by the rules and support every operator within the ambits of the law.

    “I like to state that our word is our covenant.  When we take decisions, we are concerned about the stability of the industry and there is no way we can guarantee it without considering the dominant status of MTN and its obligations and if the dominant status is becoming stringent, we are open to engagement, we will be guided by what is happening in the market, to ensure the growth and development of the sector.

    “The sector has contributed very well to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has shown remarkable resilience in this recession,” a statement endorsed by Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Tony Ojobo, quoted Danbatta as saying.

    Some 20 shops believed to belong to immigrants were looted in the country’s capital, Pretoria in a fresh round of xenophobic attacks, although police refused to say if the attackers were specifically targeting foreigners.

  • I’m not a thief, says Diezani, faults EFCC

    I’m not a thief, says Diezani, faults EFCC

    •Anti graft agency ‘taking advantage of my silence to try me by media’
    •Denies withdrawal of $153m from NNPC accounts
    •Yenagoa estate is family compound built in 2011

     

    Embattled former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, is not taking allegations of massive corruption leveled against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lightly.
    She rose in her own stout defence yesterday, denying the allegations.
    She accused the EFCC of taking advantage of her silence all this while to put her on media trial and declared in a lengthy statement from her London home.
    She said given the “level of deliberate inaccuracies”, she had now been forced to break her silence and respond to some issues.
    She specifically denied ever withdrawing $153million from the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) while in office and said the Yenagoa estate, which the EFCC ascribed to her is her family’s compound built in 2011.
    The EFCC, according to her, is only out to convict her in the court if public opinion based on “false reports.”
    She said: “I have up till now chosen to maintain my silence and not to respond to inaccurate press reporting.
    “However, given the level of deliberate inaccuracies, I am now forced to respond because it is clear that the EFCC is taking advantage of my silence to try me by media and to convict me in the eyes of the public on false reports.
    “I am deeply disturbed and bewildered by recent media reports (Premium Times Thursday 12 January, 2017 and other dailies about the same time) claiming that by virtue of an order of the Federal High Court, I have forfeited to the Federal Government, the sum of $153.3m which I purportedly stole from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.
    “First and foremost, whilst the reasons for my being out of the country are public knowledge, the principle of fair hearing demands that I should have been notified of formal charges if truly there was a prima facie evidence or indictment against my person linking me with the said issue, so as to ensure that I had adequate legal representation. This was never done.
    “I wish to state that I cannot forfeit what was never mine. I do not know the basis on which the EFCC have chosen to say that I am the owner of these funds as no evidence was provided to me before the order was obtained and they have not in fact served me with the order or, any evidence since they obtained it.”
    She went on: “As at the time of my writing this rebuttal (Thursday 19th January, 2017) the EFCC have still not furnished me or my Lawyers, with a copy of the order.
    “I am also informed by my lawyers that the legislation under which the EFCC obtained this order is for situations where the funds are believed to be the proceeds of crime and the owner is not known.
    “I do not therefore understand how the EFCC can in the same breath say that the monies in question are mine.
    “If they had evidence that the monies were mine then they would not /should not have used the procedure which applies only to funds of unknown ownership.
    “If indeed they used this particular legal procedure because they did not know who owned the monies, then how can they now be falsely attributing the ownership to me.
    “Let me re-state categorically as I have always maintained for the record, I have not and will never steal money from or defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria.
    “I am willing to respond to any charges brought against me that follow duly laid down procedures.
    “However, in their typical manner and style, the EFCC have gone to the media to attempt to prosecute their case as trial by TV and other media, rather than go through the onerous but tried and tested means of the Judicial Court process.
    “In the face of the obvious falsification of facts and misinformation, it is only right and proper that the EFCC should publish the details of the $153.3M lodgements, the bank account numbers and the account beneficiaries, showing proof of my link to them.
    “Having also alleged that the said $153.3M was ‘wired’ from NNPC, the EFCC should also publish details of the NNPC accounts from where the said $153.3 million was taken from with proof that I authorized such a transaction/transactions acting either in my private capacity or, as The Honourable Minister of Petroleum.
    “Let me state for the record that as Minister of Petroleum, the operation and management of NNPC finances were outside my purview as outlined in both the Petroleum Act and the NNPC Act.
    “The only involvement I had in NNPC Finances was in terms of statutory matters where the Petroleum Act prescribed that as Minister, there were certain duties or actions which I had to perform or take in relation to NNPC.
    On alleged $700million found in her house and some mansions traced to her, Diezani accused EFCC of witch-hunt.
    She added: “On the 13th of June 2016, the EFCC once again took their well-trodden path to the media. This time claiming that they had ‘discovered’ a mansion in Asokoro, Abuja, worth $18million (approx. N9billion) which they purported to belong to me.
    “The EFCC went to the extent of bringing in Aljazeera, an International TV Station, to air a damaging documentary against me in this regard, showing a particular residential building in Asokoro, Abuja, which they told Aljazeera belonged to me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIQdZfz_JdA.
    “The EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu, personally took the Aljazeera reporter to the building, alleging that it belonged to me.
    “It has since become apparent that the house belongs to a company owned by Mr Kola Aluko.
    “If this is not a witch-hunt or a personal vendetta against me, how is it that one of our Country’s premier investigative agencies were unable to avail themselves of facts that are freely available in the public domain?
    “Since the EFCC claims that the alleged $18million Asokoro property belongs to me, then they should kindly produce the ‘Authentic’ Certificate of Occupancy and Land Registry information and any other relevant information, as proof of my ownership of the property.
    “On the 9th November 2016, the EFCC visited our family home in Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) as pre-agreed and they were escorted around the premises.
    “I was therefore completely shocked to once again see my name sensationally splashed across the Front Pages of Newspapers and widely circulated on the internet, with blaring Headlines such as “EFCC UNCOVERS DIEZANI’S MULTI-BILLION NAIRA ESTATE” – Nation Newspaper, January 8, 2017 (Annex- 4A). There was absolutely nothing ‘Hidden’ or ‘Concealed’ about the home.
    “I had declared it openly as required by Law, in my Asset declaration forms (Annex-4B). Yet the EFCC have announced that they ‘Just Discovered’ my ‘Hidden Estate’! And labelled it a ‘Multi-Billion Naira Estate’! Even though they had been given the Bill of Quantities, showing actual amount spent.
    “It is accepted tradition across the length and breadth of Nigeria, for people to own Country/Village homes. Given the size of the land and the location of the compound, the buildings thereon cannot by any stretch of the imagination be a “Multi-Billion Naira” palatial estate, as the news mongers would want to portray.
    “The EFCC were taken on a tour of the compound which consisted of a Main house, and two outhouses – An Obi (meeting bungalow) and a staff quarters(BQ) building – above which we built 3 guest rooms and a parlour.
    “The only other two structures are the gate and generator houses. Construction began in late 2011 and was handled in phases.
    “During the visit the EFCC was given the bill of quantities, which up until the time construction stopped in early 2015, due to my illness, was at approximately N394million which was declared in the code of conduct documentation, attached (the costs were partially funded by a loan – see code of conduct – Annex4B, the work is still uncompleted and the contractor is still being owed).
    “Building costs escalated as a result of delays in construction and external factors such as the extreme flooding of late 2012 that covered most of our areas in the Niger Delta.
    “It is the accepted norm when building in the Niger Delta, that due to the topography of the land and the heavily waterlogged and marshy terrain, construction is infinitely more expensive than in other parts of the country, as by its nature it requires the building of extensive piling/raft foundations before any structural work can commence.
    “The flooding of 2012 compounded the problem and further increased the cost of construction.
    “Stories were circulated by unscrupulous agents of calumny that the EFCC found a mind boggling $700million in cash in my home in Abuja.
    “Would the videos of this $700 million cash discovery not have made good viewing? Or should those who recovered this money not tell the public where exactly the money has been kept?
    “Perhaps the Central Bank should corroborate that it is in custody of these monies allegedly found in my house
    “But then, it is now patently apparent that Nigerians are no longer easily led to believe fables and sensational untruths.”
    The ex-Minister said despite the criticism of her tenure, she left $5.6billion LNG dividends for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
    She said: “I would like to state for the record that I performed my duty as Minister of Petroleum Resources with the utmost sincerity and sense of responsibility, ensuring that all Nigerians irrespective of creed, gender or tribe enjoyed their rightful benefits from the Oil and Gas Sector.
    “It is pertinent to note that at the end of my tenure, I left behind in the LNG dividend fund, for the incoming Administration, the sum of $5.6billion (five billion six hundred million US Dollars)(Annex-6A).
    “I did this to ensure continuity in the crucial gas sector development which underpins the entire Power and Energy Sector and which was and still is, absolutely imperative for the Country’s current and future economic development.”
    Regarding Malabu oil block (OPL 245) , the ex-Minister said her was a “purely statutory one as required by Law in the Petroleum Act.”
    She said she did not benefit in any way from the transactions or negotiations on the oil block.
    She said: “With regards to the various news reports published in both the online and print media, insidiously inferring that I was indicted by Italian prosecutors for, as they put it, ‘ sharing in the Loot’ of the $1.3bn OPL 245 oil block deal that involved Malabu and the Joint Venture Multinational partners, ENI(AGIP) and Royal Dutch Shell.
    “Let me once again state for the record that this is another figment of the author’s imagination, which given the persistent bid to ensure my destruction and stick all of the sins of the Corruption plagued Oil and Gas Sector of over the last 30years upon my head, probably emanated from the EFCC itself!
    “Let me clarify the position are the history of OPL 245, otherwise known as Malabu. You will find a full chronology in the attached report that I made to the House of Representatives in late 2011 (Annex 2A/Annex-2B).
    “In 2010, shortly after I was appointed as Minister of Petroleum Resources, the issue of OPL 245 was brought to my attention.
    “I looked into the case and immediately became aware of the inherent and long standing sensitivities around this issue.
    “It became clear from the onset that this case was not within the direct purview of the Minister of Petroleum Resources but in the main was centered around issues of Law.
    “By this time there was already an ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) investigation and claims against the FGN running into billions of dollars.
    “Therefore, we took directives from the Chief Legal Officer of the nation; the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. In all of these matters due process was followed to the letter at all times.
    “I wish to categorically state that I have never held any discussions on this matter with any individuals or entities outside of official channels.
    “As Minister of Petroleum Resources, I did not participate in any activity relating to financial payments on the Malabu matter, other than those statutorily mandated to the Minister of Petroleum Resources by the Petroleum Act.
    “My role in this matter was a purely statutory one as required by Law in the Petroleum Act.”
    In an emotional tone, Diezani expressed confidence that she will be vindicated at the end of the ongoing investigations at home and in the UK.
    She added: “It is saddening that after eight years of serving my country, my experience as a public servant has been fraught with continuous malicious castigation and character assassination, all in the name of ‘personal vendettas’ or political horse trading.
    “It has become apparent to many that these untruths told were at best well-crafted fables.
    “The most dramatic and damning accusation was the infamous missing $49.8 Billion Dollars, that went from to $12billion and then up to $20 billion and which was alleged missing from NNPC.
    “Today, we all know that the PWC report that was published cleared me of any wrong doing and no one up till now has been able to controvert the PWC report nor has anyone found the “missing” 20 billion, or who took it.
    “In addition, the Makarfi-led committee in the Senate of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, in a series of publicly-held hearings, also vindicated me on the matter of the purportedly missing funds.

    She said: “I would like to state for the record that I performed my duty as Minister of Petroleum Resources with the utmost sincerity and sense of responsibility, ensuring that all Nigerians irrespective of creed, gender or tribe enjoyed their rightful benefits from the Oil and Gas Sector.
    “It is pertinent to note that at the end of my tenure, I left behind in the LNG dividend fund, for the incoming Administration, the sum of $5.6billion (five billion six hundred million US Dollars)(Annex-6A).
    “I did this to ensure continuity in the crucial gas sector development which underpins the entire Power and Energy Sector and which was and still is, absolutely imperative for the Country’s current and future economic development.”
    Regarding Malabu oil block (OPL 245) , the ex-Minister said her was a “purely statutory one as required by Law in the Petroleum Act.”
    She said she did not benefit in any way from the transactions or negotiations on the oil block.
    She said: “With regards to the various news reports published in both the online and print media, insidiously inferring that I was indicted by Italian prosecutors for, as they put it, ‘ sharing in the Loot’ of the $1.3bn OPL 245 oil block deal that involved Malabu and the Joint Venture Multinational partners, ENI(AGIP) and Royal Dutch Shell.
    “Let me once again state for the record that this is another figment of the author’s imagination, which given the persistent bid to ensure my destruction and stick all of the sins of the Corruption plagued Oil and Gas Sector of over the last 30years upon my head, probably emanated from the EFCC itself!
    “Let me clarify the position are the history of OPL 245, otherwise known as Malabu. You will find a full chronology in the attached report that I made to the House of Representatives in late 2011 (Annex 2A/Annex-2B).
    “In 2010, shortly after I was appointed as Minister of Petroleum Resources, the issue of OPL 245 was brought to my attention.
    “I looked into the case and immediately became aware of the inherent and long standing sensitivities around this issue.
    “It became clear from the onset that this case was not within the direct purview of the Minister of Petroleum Resources but in the main was centered around issues of Law.
    “By this time there was already an ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) investigation and claims against the FGN running into billions of dollars.
    “Therefore, we took directives from the Chief Legal Officer of the nation; the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. In all of these matters due process was followed to the letter at all times.
    “I wish to categorically state that I have never held any discussions on this matter with any individuals or entities outside of official channels.
    “As Minister of Petroleum Resources, I did not participate in any activity relating to financial payments on the Malabu matter, other than those statutorily mandated to the Minister of Petroleum Resources by the Petroleum Act.
    “My role in this matter was a purely statutory one as required by Law in the Petroleum Act.”
    In an emotional tone, Diezani expressed confidence that she will be vindicated at the end of the ongoing investigations at home and in the UK.
    She added: “It is saddening that after eight years of serving my country, my experience as a public servant has been fraught with continuous malicious castigation and character assassination, all in the name of ‘personal vendettas’ or political horse trading.
    “It has become apparent to many that these untruths told were at best well-crafted fables.
    “The most dramatic and damning accusation was the infamous missing $49.8 Billion Dollars, that went from to $12billion and then up to $20 billion and which was alleged missing from NNPC.
    “Today, we all know that the PWC report that was published cleared me of any wrong doing and no one up till now has been able to controvert the PWC report nor has anyone found the “missing” 20 billion, or who took it.
    “In addition, the Makarfi-led committee in the Senate of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, in a series of publicly-held hearings, also vindicated me on the matter of the purportedly missing funds.
    “Yet, we are all silent as if these events never occurred! The allegations that I have addressed above are no different, the character assassination continues, this time with a new set of hirelings.
    “One of the basic tenets of the human trait is that we all have shortcomings and we all make our fair share of mistakes, whether we are in positions of leadership, or not.
    “However, one error that cannot be ascribed to me is stealing from Nigeria and defrauding my country!
    “It is therefore sad and distressing that in spite of all that I tried to do in the best interest of our nation, I continue to be faced with constant demonisation, unproven accusations and deeply personal insults.
    “In response I have chosen not to insult, accuse or demonise anyone, any person or persons. In spite of all the allegations that have been made against me, not one has been factually proven.
    “I remain very proud of the fact that all the policies, tenets and plans that I initiated in the Oil & Gas sector are still underpinning the entire structure.
    “This is because they were put in place with the good of the entire nation and its people in mind. They were not factional, or tribal, neither were they based on religious bias.
    “I can therefore, no longer sit back and allow the fabricated accusations against my person designed by unscrupulous persons with a vengeful agenda go unchallenged.
    “As a Christian, it is my sincerely held belief that in the coming months, history will be the judge of exactly who lied and who told the truth. By the Grace of God, I shall be here to see the day when truth prevails.
    “The fight against corruption in Nigeria will be far better served if the EFCC focuses on incontrovertible facts, as opposed to media sensationalism and completely distorted stories, in their bid to demonize and destroy a few specially chosen Nigerians.”

  • 9ice escapes armed robbery attack

    9ice escapes armed robbery attack

    Gongo Aso crooner, Abolore Akande, aka 9ice has escaped armed robbers attack along Town Planning Way, Anthony, Lagos.

    An impeccable source said the attack happened on Sunday night, 6th November 2016 when the multiple awards winner was heading to a show.

    While coming from Coker road, an ash coloured vehicle conveying four armed men crossed 9ice Benz red car. But the artiste had insinuated that had they evil plans when he was driving behind the robbers’ car.

    However, he was able to turn back on the motion to Coker road from Town Planning way and escape.

    In his opinion, their intention was to rid him of the vehicle and possibly, other valuables.

    “I thank God for the narrow escape. I can’t even imagine what I experienced on Sunday night. The robbers intention was to collect the car,” 9ice said.