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Tag: Murray-Bruce

  • Murray-Bruce blasts Atiku, dismisses corruption allegation against Akpabio

    Murray-Bruce blasts Atiku, dismisses corruption allegation against Akpabio

    Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, chairman of Silverbird Group, has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticisms of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Atiku, during a recent interview with journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, alleged that Akpabio was involved in corruption during his tenure as governor and described him as a “serial abuser of women.”

    In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Senator Murray-Bruce dismissed Atiku’s allegations and defended Akpabio’s integrity.

    “I know Senator Godswill Akpabio personally and intimately. He is a man of unimpeachable good character, and both the South-South and Nigeria are fortunate to have him at the helm of affairs at the National Assembly at this delicate stage in our national growth,” the statement read.

    Addressing the corruption accusations, Murray-Bruce asserted that Akpabio had undergone thorough investigations by independent agencies and emerged untainted. 

    Read Also: Police arrest cook over alleged $35,000 theft, rescue kidnapped woman

    “On the issue of corruption, here we have a man who has been investigated in and out by independent investigative agencies and friends and foes alike, yet he has come out clean as a whistle,” he noted.

    The former senator emphasized the importance of national stability and warned against undermining key institutions for political reasons. 

    “Nigeria needs stability and men of ability, and it behoves us as a nation to tread with caution at this critical time of our national life. Institutions such as the Legislature should not be trifled with because of partisan considerations,” he said.

    Murray-Bruce pledged unwavering support for Akpabio and warned against attempts to discredit him or the National Assembly. 

    “I will not stand idly by while some persons try, both home and abroad, to destroy an institution I was once proudly a part of,” he added.

    Concluding his statement, he said: “Innuendo, hearsay, and dog whistles will always come. But they can never be so powerful that they will take preeminence over facts.”

  • Before they hang Murray-Bruce

    SIR: In the 19th century, the luddites in England who were working in cotton mills destroyed the machines because they saw it as a great threat to their jobs. These workers who refused to upgrade their skills went on a massive offensive against the harmless jobs in their morbid fear of being redundant. In the end the machines triumphed as its time had truly come.

    Common sense senator, Ben Murray-Bruce on April 10 presented a bill to phase out cars run on petrol in favour of electric cars by the year 2035.

    It was thrown out during the first reading and never got the chance to make it to the second reading on the grounds that electric cars were impracticable for now and irrelevant.

    Like the luddites in the days of yore, the members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly do not want to face the reality of the changing times. Oil the world over is fast becoming endangered. We are sitting on a keg of gun powder with our sole reliance on it as a revenue exchange earner. The demand for our oil is fast dropping – the United States recently cut its demand for it by 89%; India looked elsewhere for its oil needs. This should be a cause for grave concern by the policy makers which includes the senators.

    Many countries in OPEC are swiftly moving away from oil dependence in order to keep up with the changing times. Saudi Arabia for instance recently established a fund in collaboration with Mckinsey to roll out modalities for the shifting of their economy from its sole dependence on oil to other non-oil sectors. Norway has embraced the electric cars in their bid to move away from oil dependence.

    Critics of Murray-Bruce’s bill contended that the erratic power supply would make nonsense of it. I beg to humbly disagree. The reality of the presence of electric cars will make the policy makers put on their thinking caps and hurriedly fix the ailing sector once and for all.

    What do you have to say of the fact that the Global Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Dutch Shell drives an electric car? Our politicians should hurriedly wake up and smell the coffee. Year 2035 which Murray-Bruce proposed is not far away as it’s less than two decades from now. Time flies by so quickly and it waits for no man sadly. How would we cope when we can no longer sell our oil? If over 20 states are insolvent and cannot meet their monthly obligations to their civil servants, how will it be 50 years from now when the global demand for our crude oil would have plummeted?

    The curse of oil in the nation has seen lots of environmental degradations especially in the Niger Delta area of the country. Rivers are destroyed and the locals can no longer fish; farmers can no longer farm as the oil spillage rendered them economically incapacitated. The shift to electric cars will ensure a clean energy policy and a gargantuan reduction of air pollution. Global warming would be reduced and we will experience cleaner and fresher air to breath.

    Nigerians are by nature rugged, dogged and enterprising. The shift to electric cars will bring out the entrepreneurial spirit in us and will make us stop the entitlement mentality that the curse of oil has plagued us with.

    Why should we wait for the dooms day to come before we do the needful?

    We have an abundant supply of solar energy that could be used to aid the movement of electric cars. This solar source shouldn’t go to waste because of the lackadaisical attitude of our leaders.

    Public affairs pundits and analysts should continually drum the reality of the existence of a non-oil powered economy with a pivotal role of electric cars. The policy makers must be forced to take bold steps to make us relevant so that we don’t end up playing catch up with disastrous consequences for the nation especially the generations yet unborn.

    The time to act is now!

     

    • Tony Ademiluyi,

    Lagos.  

  • Court orders Saraki, Melaye, Murray-Bruce to honour Police invitation

    The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Sen. Dino Melaye and Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce to honour the Police invitation of Oct. 5, 2018 in connection with the protest staged by members of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

    Justice Okon Abang gave the order on Thursday while delivering judgment in a fundamental human rights suit filed by the trio alleging intimidation, harassment and threat by the police.

    “It is my view that the police invitation to the applicants is still valid and subsisting; the applicants shall respond or report to the police invitation without fail.

    “It is how the police treat them upon their having honoured the application that would determine whether their fundamental rights was violated not before they honour the invitation,” the judge said.

    The judge held that even though the applicants were not on trial, where there were allegations against them, they had an obligation to report to the police upon been invited.

    He insisted that the court could not restrain the police from discharging its duties as long as it was done within the confines of the law.

    According to the judge, the suit of the applicants lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed with a cost of N50,000 awarded in favour of the police.

    The trio had filed an application asking the court to nullify the Oct. 6 and 8, 2018 letters of invitation to them by the Police.

    They claimed that the Police invitation was an attempt to harass, intimidate and unlawfully detain them.

    The senators also asked the court to declare that the act of dispersing their procession with tear gas was a violation of their fundamental rights, and asked the court to award N500 million to them as damages.

    The three senators were part of the PDP leaders who led a protest on Oct. 5, 2018 asking the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections.

    Read Also: Promissory Notes: NASS approved figures sent by Executive for Delta, Taraba States, says Saraki

    The protest was sequel to the Osun governorship election which was declared to have been won by the All Progressives Congress.

    They carried placards which read; “Police is an arm of APC, we demand free and fair elections amongst other inscriptions.

    They were on their way to the Force Headquarters when policemen dispersed them with teargas.

    The police stated that the applicants and about 100 hoodlums riotously blocked Shehu Shagari way preventing motorist and other road users going about their lawful duties for several hours.

    They further claimed that they forcefully attempted to enter into the Police Headquarters and became totally hostile.

    They also said that they rushed violently in an attempt to force their way into the force headquarters to cause damage to police equipment and government property.

    The police said they were warned to disperse but they refused and the police had to use the minimal force allowed by law to disperse them.

  • Jonathan, Ben Bruce applaud Wizkid over best win at MOBO Awards

    Jonathan, Ben Bruce applaud Wizkid over best win at MOBO Awards

    Former President, Goodluck Jonathan and Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, have applauded Nigerian music superstar Ayo Balogun, a.k.a Wizkid, for winning the ‘Best International Act’ at the 2017 MOBO awards.

    The 22nd edition of the iconic Music of Black Origin ( MOBO ) Awards was held on Wednesday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom.

    The ‘Star boy’ defeated American rapper Jay-Z, Drake, SZA, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar and other famous international artistes to clinch the highly coveted trophy.

    Jonathan in a post on his Facebook wall congratulated Wizkid for making Nigeria proud.

    He wrote:“When Nigeria does well, I cannot help but feel well.

    “My happiness is tied to the happiness of Nigeria, and when Nigerians break records and take the name of Nigeria to greater heights it exhilarates me.

    “Thank you Wizkid for raising Nigeria’s flag high for the positive, not the negative.

    “Your emergence as the Best International Act at the #MOBOAwards is a proud moment for Nigeria, and the fact that you emerged over JAY-Z and Drake makes it even more celebratory. WELL DONE.”

    Also, Ben Murray- Bruce eulogized Wizkid on his Twitter handle- @ benmurraybruce,describing the feat as ‘one of the proudest moments of his life.’

    He wrote: “Dear @wizkidayo, I‘ve been in the entertainment business as an investor since 1980.

    “One of my proudest moments for Nigerian music is the day you defeated both Jayz and @Drake, two of the biggest stars in the world, to win the Best international Act at the #MOBOAwards, well done.”

    NAN reports that ace singer David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido, also won big at the MOBO Awards.

    He edged out Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry and others to pitch the “Best African Act” award.

    The MOBO Awards, which started in 1996, is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music.

    NAN

  • Be more patriotic, Murray-Bruce urges Nigerians

    Be more patriotic, Murray-Bruce urges Nigerians

    The Chairman of Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, has urged Nigerians to be more patriotic in their utterances, saying this will help in positioning the country in good light among the comity of nations. He stated this while delivering a lecture titled, “Local to Global: Building of Nigeria Brand” at the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Marketing Night held in Lagos.

    On the occasion, Bruce said it had become more apparent for Nigerians to begin to change the old order of dwelling more about negative stories particularly in the midst of the insecurity confronting us.

    According to him, every Nigerian must strive to ensure that the perception, which Western nations have concerning us as a country, is erased. Speaking further, the former governorship aspirant attributed the negative press being enjoyed by Nigeria as fallout of the inability of government at all levels to manage information as well as government under-estimation of the power the media wields. He said: “Each time we run into a crisis, it takes a long time before government responds to it. That to me, is not the best way to go. When there is a problem, it is expected that government provides a swift response. You need to issue a statement once you are familiar with the issues.”

    We must begin to appreciate the power of the media. Lack of information is admission of guilt. When something happens, we must work to protect the Nigeria brand. The world is changing and we cannot afford to be left behind. We cannot continue in that old way.”

    Citing the Miss World Experience as his personal encounter on the damaging effect of negative press, Ben said government should endeavor to rise to the occasion whenever the need arises, saying this will go a long way in building a good image and confidence among the populace.

  • Murray-Bruce, Asoluka, Mustapha, others get board jobs

    Murray-Bruce, Asoluka, Mustapha, others get board jobs

    Board members of nine government agencies were named yesterday by the Federal Government.

    Former Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce tops the list with his appointment as chair of the board of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

    Murray-Bruce is also the chairman of Silverbird group – a privately-owned media outfit which controls radio and television stations.

    Apart from the FRCN, boards of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Port Harcourt, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Voice of Nigeria (VON) and Agricultural Research Development Council of Nigeria, were also constituted.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim said the boards would be inaugurated later.

    Notable names include the National Organising Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha; National Auditor of PDP, Chief Olabode Mustapha; Editor of SUNDAY SUN Mrs. Funke Egbemode and Col. Edward Mark, younger brother of Senate President David Mark.

    Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria: Chief Bisi Ogunjobi (chair). The board members are: Dr. Godwin Duru, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Works, Two Representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, The Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and three executive Directors of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

    Federal Capital Development Authority: Senator Bala Mohammed (chair), Former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salimot Badru, Ayekeme Whisky Kashim Bukar Shettima, Col. Edward Mark, Aliyu Musa Dagoggo, Dr. Uche Uzochukwu and Mrs. Mather Onwuzurumba are memebrs.

    Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce (chair). Mrs. Bola Doherty, Farouk Dalhatu, Mrs. J. N. Chinedu, Hajia Hauwa Kida, Chief Elvis Agukwe, Abubakar Sarkin Fawa Damboh, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Information, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Director General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (members).

    National Examinations Council Dr. Paddy K. Njoku (Chair). Members are: Senator Umar Ibrahim Tsavri, Hajiya Aishatu J. Dukku, Hon. Terlumun Akputu, Chief Yemi Oluyemi, Chief Mrs. Cheryl Amonu, Hon. Paschal Ugbome, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, two Representatives of All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, three Representatives of Universities in

    Nigeria, the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, the Registrar of the National Examination Council, Representative of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association, Representative of the National Parents Teachers Association and Representative of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council,

    Nigerian Export Promotions Council Mrs. Grace Clark (chair). Members are: Alhaji Mohammed Soli Jibia, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Tourism. Culture and National Orientation, Representative of the Nigerian Customs Service, Representative of the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industries. Mines and Agriculture, Representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Representative of the Association of Nigerian Exporters, Representative of Farmers Association and the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

    Onne oil and Gas Free Zone, Port Harcourt: Mr. Chris Asoluka (chair). Members are: Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga (Rtd), Kelly Azike,

    Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice, The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Plc, The comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Representative of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Representative of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Representative of the Rivers State Government, The Managing Director of the llnna Oil and Gas Free Zone, Port Harcourt.

    Standard Organisation of Nigeria: Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha (Chair). Members are: Mrs. Roseline Ekum, Suleiman Kogun, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Representative of the Ministry of Defence, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Representative of the Federal Ministry of Works are members.

    Voice of Nigeria: Andy Aghaji (Chair). Members are Mr. George Korgba, Hassan Ahmed, Prof. Fred Onyeoziri, Mr. Oruruo Steve, Mr. Bature Umar Sambo, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Information, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria.

    Agricultural Research Development Council of Nigeria: Chief Olabode Mustapha (Chair). Members are Gen. P. C. Taja (Rtd), Bawa Magaji, Yerima Kitaf, Emeka Nwakpa, The Vice-Chancellor of one of the Universities of Agriculture, The Chairman, Committee of Deans of the Faculties of Agriculture of the Universities in Nigeria, Chairman committee of Deans of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine of the Universities in Nigeria, The Chairmen of the Governing Boards of Research Institutes established Under Section; the Director of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, The Director of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, The Director of Forestry and lives-Stock, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.