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  • Revolution: Falana kicks as Security operatives take over CDHR, SaharaReporters

    Armed security operatives in their numbers on Wednesday morning blocked the Adeniyi Jones premises of the Committee for the Defence of Human Right (CDHR) and the Lagos office of online site Sahara Reporters to prevent planned meeting of pro-revolutionist.

    Conveners of the #RevolutionNow movement had planned to commence their agitations around 11 am for the release of Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore and other agitators arrested by security agents for alleged treasonable felony.

    But as early as 7am on Wednesday, operatives of the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the military laid siege to the CDHR under the guise of preventing breakdown of law and order.

    Unknown to the security agents, the protesters had another card up their sleeves as the planned protest kicked-off on the streets and not the CDHR office as anticipated.

    The protesters who spotted orange berets and carried banners inscribed “free them all,” “kill insecurity, bad governance”, embarked on a kilometre march from Under Bridge Ikeja to Allen Avenue despite.

    Read Also;  Security operatives besiege SaharaReporters office

    Co-convener of Coalition for Revolution (CORE) Olaseni Ajayi said the invasion was another desperate attempt to forcefully stop the planned peaceful agitation against detention of activists without trial.

    He said the action by the government only confirmed that the civil rights fought for over the years were crudely being removed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

    “The right to speech, association, protest and even to think are no more guaranteed under this neo-regime.

    “However, our agitation for the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore, Agba Jalingo, Abayomi Olawale (Mandate) and all others currently being held in Buhari detention centres, and for the revolutionary transformation of the country continues,” he said.

    Reacting to the invasion rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) said the government should stop harassing law abiding citizens, noting that Sowore has been held for over 45 days in defiance to the court ruling that granted the DSS 45-day remand.

    “In spite of the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression the Police had wanted to disrupt and stop the peaceful meeting of law abiding citizens to discuss the illegal detention of Omoyele Sowore, Agba Jalingo, Abayomi Olawale and scores of others being incarcerated in various detention facilities in the country.

    “Contrary to the order of the Federal High Court that Sowore be detained for 45 days the State Security Service has incarcerated him for 47 days. Last week, the Federal Hogh Court turned down the application for the renewal of its order for the detention of Messrs Agba Jalingo and Ekanem Ekpo for 14 days.

    “In spite of the expiration of the detention order of the two journalists they are being held by the police in Cross River. Mr. Abayomi Olawale who was arrested on August 5, has been detained for 45 days by the State Security Service without any court order whatsoever.

    “These detainees and scores of others languishing in illegal custody ought to be released forthwith.

    “While congratulating the organisers of the symposium for successfully holding the programme at another venue, the harassment of law abiding citizens cannot be tolerated under a regime that is busy negotiating with bandits and terrorists, bribing them with public funds and granting them amnesty,” said Falana.

    Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media also joined in the protest demanding that the government should respect the rule of law.

    They accused the federal government of strangulating dissenting voices, noting that the security agencies should invest their time and energies in pursuing real criminals and enemies of Nigeria.

    But the police denied they sealed Sahara Reporters office, insisting there was no security invasion at the mentioned locations.

    Spokesman for the Police Command Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) said all they did was deploy security to avoid breakdown of law and order.

    He said: “It is not correct to say that police sealed up Sahara Reporters or invaded CDHRA office. No such thing happened. What security did was deploy men for the maintenance of peace and order. We did not stop any protest and we did not touch anyone. We just ensured that enough security was on ground to prevent breakdown of law and order.”

  • JUST IN: Buhari okays 59th Independence activities

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved activities for Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary Celebration.

    This was contained in the schedule of activities released by Director (Information) in the office to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey.

    The activities start on Monday 23/09/19 with Press Conference, Media & Publicity at the National Press Center, Abuja.

    There will be Juma’at Prayer & Special Lecture on Friday 27/09/19 at the National Mosque, Abuja.

    Interdenominational Christian Service comes up on Sunday 29/09/19 at the National Christian Center, Abuja.

    On Monday 30/09/19, there will be National Youth Ent. Emp. Summit (NYEES2) Independence Edition at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

    On the same day, there will be The Republic2 (Ind. Edition) Youth Concert at the Millennium park.

    On Tuesday 01/10/19, there will be Independence Media Broadcast by the President by 7am.

    There will also be Presidential Change of Guards and Public Lecture/Gala Night at the State House the same day.

  • Mission denies collecting 500 rand from Nigerian returnees on Air peace

    Nigerian Mission in South Africa has denied the report making the rounds that its officials were collecting money from Nigerian returnees.

    A video which has gone viral had alleged that consulate officials were collecting 500 rand to process Nigerian passengers on Air Peace flight.

    Air Peace management had offered to airlift Nigeria wishing to return home following the recent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses by the South African youths.

    Reacting to the claim, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mr. Godwin Adama, said there was no truth in the claim.

    Adama described the information as misleading and saying that it was a ploy by some people to frustrate the evacuation process.

    According to him, it is not true.

    He noted that the information is malicious intent by discredited members of Nigerian Union in South Africa who are not on ground, but frustrating the exercise.

    Adama said, “The mission works with Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa.

    “The same people sent notice to Nigerians from across the provinces to park their luggage and go to the consulate to travel the same day.

    “This created serious logistics challenges and I had to accommodate all the women with children.

    “Everything has gone on well so despite attempts by these groups of discredited individuals.”

    The President, Nigeria Citizens Association (NICASA), South Africa, Ben Okoli, who also reacted to the allegation said nothing of such happened.

    Okoli stressed that the allegation came from mischief-makers who do not want to see anything good from Nigerians.

    Read Also; Air Peace boss, Onyema’s masterstroke

    “These crop of diplomats that are working in the Consulate are just great and are the best we have ever seen.

    “There is nothing like money being collected by anyone; not NICASA, not even the Consulate.

    “These services were rendered free of charge, no one has ever said anyone collected money from him.

    “So I am unhappy with this fake news that people are just circulating. It is a lie.

    “We are discountenancing the lie and it is unacceptable.”

    He that the second batch of Nigerian returnees left 12 noon South African time and should be expected to arrive Nigeria between 6 to 7p.m.

    He noted that everybody cleared for evacuation left with the flight and that none of those people was left behind in that country.

  • Malabu Oil Block: Magu releases probe details, says Adoke is liable

    The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu has said a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke(SAN) has a case to answer over the Settlement Agreement on Malabu Oil Block (OPL 25).

    He said Adoke has been offering the reading public in the account of his sojourn in governance a bouquet of half-truths and plain lies.

    He said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo did not discuss, counsel, or direct him in any way on any issue concerning Adoke.

    He said the EFCC is not the battle axe of political figures and could not have been called out to deal with anyone as being insinuated by Adoke.

    He said after satisfying his long desire to titillate the public with some tales by moonlight Adoke should make himself available for trial.

    Magu, who made his position known in a statement through the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission’s investigation has implicated Adoke in the matter of the implementation of the settlement and resolution of agreements on Oil Prospecting License OPL 245 and OPL214.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests Prison’s staff, five others for ATM fraud

    He said the probe of OPL 245 was not a witch-hunt in any form.

    He said: “It is important for the public to know that the investigation of the lucrative Oil Prospecting License 245 Settlement deal, otherwise known as the Malabu Scandal, by EFCC was not an enterprise in witch-hunt or malice.

    “The Magu-led leadership of the commission, in consideration of persistent public demand for closer scrutiny of the transaction, coupled with emerging information suggestive of opacity in the consummation of the deal, acted in national interest to determine that overall public good was not sacrificed on the altar of personal interest of those who perfected the deal.

    “The investigation had been discreet, with no threat of direct physical harm to Adoke or any other person implicated in the deal.

    “The commission’s investigation holds Adoke liable in the matter of the implementation of the settlement and resolution of agreements on Oil Prospecting License OPL 245 and OPL214 between Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, belonging to former Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete and the federal government of Nigeria in 2010.”

    The EFCC chairman released the details of the investigations into Malabu Oil Block scandal.

    He added: “It could be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had revoked the OPL 245, which the late General Sani Abacha granted to Etete, who was his Petroleum Minister and reassigned it Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company. Etete’s Malabu Oil and Gas, however, reclaimed the oil block in 2006 through the court. While Shell challenged the decision, a fraudulent settlement and resolution was perfected under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government with Shell and Eni buying the oil block from Malabu in the sum of $1.1billion.

    “EFCC’s investigations however revealed crimes, that border on conspiracy, forgery of bank documents, bribery, corruption and money laundering to the tune of over $1.2 billon against Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, Shell Nigeria Ultra deep (SNUD) Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) and their officials. Some of those officials are already facing criminal trials in Switzerland and Italy.

    “The investigations further revealed that Etete and others fraudulently received an aggregate sum of US$ 801,540,000 (Eight Hundred Million, Five Hundred and Forty Thousand United States Dollars) from Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company, Nigeria Agip Exploration Ltd and ENI SPA in relation to the oil prospecting license.

    “Adoke as the then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice allegedly abused his office in respect of the granting of the oil prospecting license OPL 245 to Shell and ENI.

    “A prima facie case, bordering on official corruption was established by the Commission following the investigations, culminating in court charges against Adoke, Etete and others, which is still pending before the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court.”

    He advised Adoke to return home for trial.

    “The arraignment of Adoke SAN, Etete and others could not take place because they along with other defendants have remained at large, refusing to make themselves available for trial.

    “The former chief law officer of the federation prefers to remain in self-exile, and engage the Commission in needless media war.

    “Having now satisfied his long desire to titillate the public with some tales by moonlight in the mould of a semi author-biography, Adoke should now make himself available for trial,” he said.

    Magu however faulted alleged attempts by Adoke to rewrite history.

    He said: “The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Ibrahim Magu is alarmed by the brazen attempt by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), to rewrite history and portray himself as victim of persecution regarding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC’s) investigation of the OPL 245 Settlement Agreement (Malabu).

    “In the last few days the Nigerian media has been awash with previews of Adoke’s book, titled: “Burden of Service: Reminiscences of Nigeria’s former Attorney General,” in which he took aim at the EFCC boss as being part of a deadly triumvirate that had been hounding and persecuting him since he left office in 2015. The other two alleged traducers, mentioned by Adoke are the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and former senate leader, Senator Ali Ndume. Adoke claims that he had been viciously maligned by this threesome to the extent that he contemplated suicide.

    “Specifically, he claimed in Chapter 8 of the book, that Magu was recruited by Prof. Osinbajo to hound and persecute him despite, as he claimed, his role in reinstating Magu to the EFCC from the police “where he had been vegetating.”

    “Adoke attributes his source of information on the alleged Osinbajo instruction to Magu against him to an unnamed governor from the North West, who according to him, claimed Magu told him that he had the instruction of Osinbajo to “deal with Adoke.”

    “Adoke also claims that an unnamed senator also confided in him that Magu nursed a personal grudge against him because he believed that he (Adoke) owned half of the Centenary City in Abuja.

    “That Adoke neither named the North-West governor nor the Senator that provided the weighty intelligence on which he took Magu to the guillotine in his book, could only mean one thing: the claims are tissues of lies, contrived to entertain and attract underserved attention to himself.

    “The acting Chairman of EFCC Ibrahim Magu categorically states that at no time did the Vice President discuss, counsel, or direct him in any way on any issue concerning Mr. Adoke. It is wicked and evil to make such a false allegation against anybody especially where it is based on hearsay.”

    Magu accused Adoke of employing marketing gimmick to wet public appetite for his book.

    He added: “These yarns, being spewed by hirelings of the former AGF are nothing but a marketing gimmick, dubiously orchestrated to wet public appetite and sufficiently stir curiosity ahead of the official release of the book on Monday, September 16, 2019.

    “But it is obvious that what Adoke is offering the reading public in the account of his sojourn in governance is nothing but a bouquet of half-truths and plain lies.

    “The accounts in Chapters 8 and 9 as it relates to the EFCC and its Chairman, Ibrahim Magu are not only inaccurate but self-serving.

    “For the records and emphasis, Magu never received any instructions from the Vice President, neither had he communicated verbally or in writing to any governor from the North-West or senator about such a patently false purported instruction from Osinbajo to “deal with Adoke.”

    “The EFCC is not the battle axe of political figures and could not have been called out to deal with anyone. Adoke’s ploy is simple. He wants to create a false narrative that the offenses for which he has been charged are not genuine but are the product of some high level conspiracy against him. But, first of all, there is no discernible reason for such a conspiracy. Secondly, it is an entirely false premise. It is clear that this is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws.

    “Adoke ran well outside the track when he said he was instrumental to reinstating Magu, to the EFCC from the police “where he had been vegetating.”

    “ The Commission is unaware of Adoke’s role in Magu’s return to the Commission in 2012 after being away for a few years. It is well known that the EFCC Acting Chairman is a pioneer staff of the Commission, with many stripes to his sleeves by way of accomplishments that have no link to Adoke.

    “Magu and the EFCC have no interest in any public spat with Adoke who remains a suspect under investigation for criminal offences and against whom a competent court had issued a subsisting warrant for his arrest.

    “ The said warrant has already been executed by the International Police Organization (INTERPOL) which placed him on its wanted list. The option before Adoke is to return home and answer to his charges.

    “It is however gratifying that the former AGF abandoned the idea of committing suicide as taking that route would have amounted to a monumental waste of resources on the part of the EFCC. So much has been spent in diligently investigating the OPL 245 scandal that the Commission needs Adoke to be alive to answer to his charges, and clear his name before the court.

    “It makes no sense to deceive the people with claims that he had been exonerated of any wrong doing by the court. As a senior advocate, he should know that a civil suit cannot exonerate one from criminal liability.”

  • BREAKING: $9.6bn judgement: Reps summon Malami, Sylva, others

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday set up a 17-man ad hoc committee to as a matter of urgency, invite the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Abubakar Malami and his counterpart in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Timpriye Sylva.

    They are to give situational report on the matter and explain the lapse in judgement of time and due diligence in the (miss)handling of the case with a view to finding lasting solutions to the avalanche of extant and future cases.

    The ad hoc committee is headed by Hon. Sada Soli (APC Katsina).

    The lawmakers are also to invite other officials of the ministries, saddled with the responsibility to negotiate the agreement with P&ID and the prosecution of the matter before the tribunal.

    This was sequel to the passage of motion of urgent national importance sponsored by a member, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.

    Ihonvbere, while moving the motion noted that the recent judgement debt of $9.6 billion (with daily interest accruing) by a commercial court in the United Kingdom against Nigeria, in a matter between Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited “leaves a very sour taste in the mouth.”

    He said for a country with a foreign reserve of only $45 billion and a sovereign debt profile of over $80 billion, the judgment debt is not only punitive but would devastatingly affect the Nigerian economy.

    Details shortly…

  • Panic as suspected cultists raid shops in Uyo

    There is panic among residents of Udoette street and other nearby areas close to the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom state following an attack on shop owners by suspected cultists on Monday night.

    The Nation exclusively reported last week that some streets close to the University of Uyo and the Uyo City Polytechnic were under siege by hoodlums suspected to be cultists.

    Our correspondent who carried out a thorough investigation into the situation mentioned Udoette, Ikot Ekang, streets and Itu road among dark spots with the UNIUYO and Uyo City Polytechnic axis.

    The report further stated that some residents of the affected areas in Uyo had vacated their rented apartments while landlords were selling their houses for fear of being killed.

    In a fresh attack which occurred Monday night between 8 and 9pm, our correspondent gathered that shop owners and passers-by were attacked and robbed by some suspected cultists.

    The Nation learnt that the gangsters started their operations from Udoette and proceeded to Itu road collecting money, GSM phones, drinks and other valuable items from their victims.

    Read Also: Gunmen raid UniUyo female hostel

    A source who pleaded anonymity disclosed that Udoette is a secret cults and armed robbers zone, adding that, the hoodlums normally trooped out from Udoette Lane with dangerous weapons such as axes, guns and knives etc.

    He stated further that from 6pm the areas are very dangerous for the residents, passes by and shop operators.

    According to him”Udoette is a very dangerous area because of these cultists who are bent on robbing, raping and making life unbearable for us.

    “Government should send in security men to these areas and especially Ebong Essien street.”

    Also speaking,a businessman disclosed that the perpetrators usually hide at Essien inyang street after they are done with their operations.

    He expressed dismay that businesses have been adversely affected due to the high cases of insecurity.

    “We are now leaving here in morbid fear and discomfort whereas it is not supposed to be so. As I speak we don’t have peace and we can’t move freely at night.

    “We want the government to come to our aid by sending security men to this area to protect us.

    ”Cultists are not stronger than the government, so they should take immediate action concerning the menace because nothing have been done positively to curb the situation”, he said.

    Efforts to reach the state police public relations officer, Odiko MacDon proved abortive as he did not respond to phone calls and text message sent to him.

  • Two brothers docked for duping PFN President

    Two brothers, Avan Smart aged 61 and Avan Jerry aged 29, have been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court for allegedly duping President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Rev. Felix Omobude, the sum of N3m.

    The two brothers were arraigned on seven-count charges bothering on forgery, stealing and obtaining under false pretence.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Police Prosecutor, ASP Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the suspects committed the offence on May 31st and June 24, 2019 at the headquarters of the New Covenant Church, Benin City.

    ASP Agbonifo said the suspects presented themselves as contractors to the Edo State Government and bidded to construct road within the Light House Polytechnic, owned by Rev. Omobude.

    Agonifo said the suspects presented forge documents of an unregistered company to Rev Omobude.

    He said they collected the sum of N3m under false pretences.

    The offences, according to Agbonifo, were punishable under sections 516, 390, 467 and 419 of the Criminal Code vol II laws of the defunct Bendel State now applicable to Edo State.

    It was gathered that the brothers were arrested following a petition to the State Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Abubakar.

    Presiding Magistrate, I A Osayande granted the accused bail to the sum of N200,000 each and a surety in like sum.

    Osayande adjourned the case to September 26, 2019.

  • I’ve been unable to serve my wife divorce papers – Obasanjo tells court

    Son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday told an Ikeja High Court that he has been unable to serve his estranged wife, Mrs Temitope, divorce papers

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Temitope nee Adebutu, is the daughter of popular Premier Lotto magnate, Sir Kessington Adebutu alias “Baba Ijebu”.

    The couple were, however absent in court, while there was also no legal representation for Temitope.

    Counsel to Olujonwo, Mr Olayinka Kujembola, informed the court that several fruitless efforts had been made to serve Temitope.

    “We have made several attempts to serve her in Abeokuta, Ogun State, but failed.

    “Even at her residence located within an Estate in Ikoyi, the court Sheriff complained that he was unable to effect service because of the tight security,”Kujembola said.

    Justice Bisi Akinlade noted that proceedings in the divorce suit were always reported in the media and that efforts should be made to serve Temitope in Ogun where she works and resides.

    “The issue between this couple is always reported in the papers.

    “The respondent stays in Ogun State, why do you want me to grant an Order for substituted service for Lagos where she does not stay?.

    “I will adjourn this case to ensure that the bailiff serves her personally so that we can be sure that we have exhausted all options.

    Read Also: Don’t use me to seek media spotlight – Obasanjo’s son tells mother

     

    “This is a very simple matter, it is a very simple divorce. This case is adjourned till Oct. 2 for hearing of pending applications,”Akinlade said.

    NAN reports that during proceedings of May 23, Olujonwo’s counsel, Ms Omo Omofoma also told the court that Olujonwo had made several attempts to serve Temitope to no avail.

    Justice Akinlade had noted during the proceedings that other means of service like an alternative address and courier service should be explored by the petitioner (Olujonwo).

    NAN reports that Olujonwo and Temitope got married on May 11 and 13, 2017 in a grand wedding which attracted the ‘creme de la creme’ of the society. The marriage, however, came to a halt a few months later.

    Weeks leading to the May 2017 wedding, Olujonwo’s mother, Mrs Taiwo Obasanjo had filed a suit at an Ikeja High Court seeking the postponement of the wedding of her son to Temitope.

    According to her, she had received various warnings and prophecies from men of God that her son should not be involved in any elaborate celebration before his 34th birthday which was June 1, 2017.

    Justice Lateefa Okunnu in a ruling on April 10, 2017 had dismissed the suit on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear it because Olujonwo, then 33, was an adult.

     

    (NAN)

  • Buhari presides over FEC as NEMA, EFCC, others make presentations

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja presided over Federal Executive Council (FEC) with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, in attendance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies expected to make presentations at the meeting include the newly established Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and National Boundary Commission.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) would also make presentations during the meeting.

    Others attending the meeting included the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, cabinet Ministers and some presidential aides.

  • Nigeria to seek global support to combat terrorism, increased FDI – Onyeama

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama has said that the Nigerian Government would use the Forum of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to seek global support fighting terrorism and increasing Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).

    Onyeama made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a Pre-UNGA briefing with newsmen stating the expectations of the Nigerian government during the high level summit from Sept. 17 to Sept. 30.

    According to Onyeama, Nigeria would take advantage of its position as President of the 74th UN General Assembly to project the country and articulate priorities of the country, what t seeks to achieve and areas for global support.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari will be lead the Nigerian delegation which would include Members of his cabinet and some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure Nigeria have the best technical resources.

    Onyeama listed other priority issues of the country to be discussed at the summit to include: issues of Peace and Security, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG ) which covers socio-economic, education, humanitarian issues regarding child’s right.

    Other issues are: poverty eradication, illicit financial flows, recovery of stolen assets,

    “More strategically as a country, it is an opportunity to project our country as an important member of the international community.

    Read Also: FG not aware South Africa closed down Mission in Nigeria, says Onyeama

    “And having the Presidency of the General Assembly is something that also gives us that higher visibility and great influence.

    “We would also want to use that to push agenda of importance to us as a country, our fight against corruption, repatriation of foreign loots, engaging with other countries.

    “In our quest to successfully deliver on SDG objectives that cover our social economic challenges, terrorism, and countering violent extremism.

    “Is also something we would want to maintain at the highest levels of global priorities because it is our major challenges.

    “Mr President has just come back from a summit of ECOWAS Heads of States on Peace and Security in the West Africa Sub-region so this is still a challenge that we are facing.

    “And it is important to use that opportunity to keep the global community engaged and supportive of what we are doing, our fight.

    “And also taking the opportunity to a greater United Nations for support in that fight against terrorism but also in the global conflicts taking place in Africa,” Onyeama said.

    Onyeama said tha Nigeria has been very present in Peace Keeping interventions across the continent under the framework of the African Union.

    He added that with such large troops from Nigeria it was important to have financial and other support from the UN peace keeping division.

    The Minister said that President Buhari would also be having bilateral meetings with some Heads of States and engaging with different personalities like Bill Gates to discuss attracting FDI.

    Onyeama explained that the Foreign revenue streams of the Country expected hence, the need to diversify to attract more Foreign Direct Investment into our country.

    He said that Nigeria would also be soliciting support of the UN to recharge the Lake Chad which has shrunk by 90 per cent and has affected the source of livelihood of people living across the region.

    Onyeama added that Nigeria will use the opportunity to canvass support for a number of Nigerians and the country itself vying for certain international position, engage with countries to try to get their support so that the nation can deliver on the positions.

    “For instance, Nigeria is keen to be elected into a category of the International Maritime Organisation.

    “We didn’t make it the last time round, so we are persisting this time and with the challenges that we have, maritime challenges, we feel that it is important that we be on the governing bodies for regulating maritime issues.

    “We are also vying for a position on the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, we are vying for a seat under part two on the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council.

    “We have a candidate that we are pushing to be on the Committee Against Torture, we also have a candidate that we are pushing for election to the United Nations Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

    “So, we will be taking advantage of our presence there during the General Assembly to also lobby for these positions,” Onyeama said. (NAN)