The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Goodluck Jonathan

  • Insurgency: Military chiefs’ discordant tunes

    The Daily Sun editorial of September 14 2011, P18 captioned “Azazi’s faulty declaration” reads in parts “The National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, struck the wrong chord last week when he said that security agencies in the country were not prepared for the current wave of terrorism in the country. He sounded even more damnable when he declared that terrorism has come to stay in Nigeria.

    “These faulty declarations were made by Azazi while briefing State House correspondents at the end of an Emergency National Council of State meeting called by President Goodluck Jonathan to review the security situation in the country.

    “Following the recent bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja by the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, President Jonathan had scheduled the meeting to address the multifaceted security challenges bedeviling the country. At the meeting, the NSA, while briefing the council, noted that the security agencies in the country were caught unawares by the new level of terrorism introduced by Boko Haram sect. while explaining why the country is in such a quandary, Azazi declared that the security challenges are here to stay and will not go away overnight.

    “We appreciate the open and uninhibited declarations of the NSA. He was forthright when he underlined the fact that we have not improved on the facilities needed to fight and contain criminal activities.

    “However, he made our situation look helpless when he began to sound defeatist. It was clearly impolitic, for instance, for the NSA to have declared that terrorism has come to stay in Nigeria. That declared was an expression of hopelessness. An officer of General Azazi’s standing should not be seen to be making statements that will dampen the hopes and aspirations of the people.

    “The NSA was in order to have drawn attention to the limitations of the security agencies. But the proper follow-up to that should not have been capitulation. Rather, he should have assured the nation about the steps, both short-term and long-term, that would be taken to contain the activities of Boko Haram and other organizations, groups or individuals that have put the nation’s security on edge.

    “The security agencies cannot shy away from the fact that what is going on in the country poses a huge challenge on them. Since they have a job to do, the way to go about it is to face those challenges frontally.

    “In fact, we do not subscribe to Azazi’a view that terrorism has come to stay. Rather, it is a new phenomenon in Nigeria which the security agencies should strive to nip in the bud.”

    Similarly, the Blue Print cartoon of February 4, 2013, P16 carried the caption “Nigeria Military can’t contain insurgency – Agwai” Martin Luther Agwai was the Chief of Army Staff this time. In the cartoon were four Nigerians in their respective traditional dress. They are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and the other from South South. In response to Agawai’s assertion, the Hausa-man asked, “So what do we do?” the man from South South replied “EGBESU boys can contain it.” The Yoruba chap urged “Let us use the OPC boys” while the Igbo pointed out “BAKASSI boys are better.”

    The story captioned “Only God can Police our border” whose source is attributed to the nation’s security chieftains in Daily Trust of May 29, 2019, P3 and written by one Ismail Mudashir is more sour to taste.

    According to the story “Security chiefs yesterday after meeting with President Muhammed Buhari said only God can Police the country’s border. At the end of a security meeting with Buhari at the State House, Abuja, the country’s security chiefs blamed the porous border for the rising insecurity”.

    The chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas who spoke to the State House correspondents on behalf of his colleagues expressed concern over the in flow of arms into the country

    The position of the security chiefs to the effect that only God can police the nation border provoked comments and reactions. Are the security chiefs already overwhelmed or capitulated with the prevailing border security challenges? Do other nations like Nigeria leave their border security to be policed by God and not man? Are the security chiefs aware of the implications of their position on Nigerians especially our brothers living in the border communities? If the security chiefs could collectively admit that only God can police the borders of the nation then the question is what is the role of the military and other security agencies of the nation in protecting, securing the nation, protect its citizens and defend the territorial and sovereignty of Nigeria?

    Before the shout of Jack Robinson came another bomb shell, from the current Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai while speaking at a military function in Abuja recently. According to General Buratai, “It is unfortunate, but the truth is that almost every setback the Nigerian Army has had in our operations in recent times can be traced to insufficient willingness to perform assigned tasks or simply insufficient commitment to a common national and military course by those at the frontlines,” This outburst is a doubling down on his earlier alleged secret memo leaked to the media last August that military commanders and soldier in the Boko Haram war were cowardly.

    No doubt General Buratai might be speaking from the strength of available evidence at his disposal which certainly is and will never be known to us, but to say this for the consumption of the public is unfair to his very self as the head of the army and even to the army institution as a whole. By his public comments on the goings (more so the negative) in the military fold, General Buratai has consciously and unconsciously subjected the army to public ridicule or dissection. Besides, he has damponed the confidence of the members of public especially Nigerians on the war affected zone in the military capacity to deal decisively with the insurgency. Presumably, General Buratai might have been prompted or provoked by the re-insurgence of terror war especially with more attacks on military formations but his response to this is of no interest to members of the public but essential to the military to help in the  in-house clearing of the cobwebs.

    “In the words of a colleague, “Now, more than ever before, the jihadists are attacking more military facilities than markets, motor parks, schools and worship centres. At least two lieutenant colonels and more than 50 other soldiers have been killed in Boko Haram attacks in the last one month, with many more missing in action.

    “Most of these fallen heroes are buried, unsung. The least expected of a commanding officer in the circumstances is to show leadership, not engaging in a blame game. Buratai’s absurd extrapolation is self-serving and can only further demotivate the long-suffering troops, with catastrophic consequences.”

    However, there was cheering news of late same from security chiefs after four hours of meeting held with President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking to State House correspondents in the State House, Abuja after the meeting the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshall Abubakar Sadique who spoke on behalf of his colleagues told the journalists that the meeting with Head the state centered on security. He described the meeting a success.

    According to the Abubakar Sadique, “The meeting is all about the security of Nigerians and Nigeria,” adding that they would continue to put in their best to ensure the country is properly secured.

    “The message coming out of the meeting is that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will continue to work much harder to ensure that every Nigerian is secure and the territorial integrity of Nigeria is not undermined by anybody,” he said.

    On whether a new strategy is being considered, the Air Chief said there was no need for that.

    “I think the strategy has already been changed and from what we are seeing, the current strategy is working.

    “What we are going to do is to ensure that all hands are on deck and every Nigerian equally has a role to play by passing relevant intelligence to us.

    “So far the strategy that we have on ground is really working and that is the one we will continue to pursue,” he added.

    It is an undisputed fact that the Nigerian military has given good account of itself in the war against Boko Haram and other challenges. Some members of the armed forces and other security agencies have paid the supreme price and still doing so. The war is progressively being won. There are however challenges both in human and materials. These must been thoroughly looked into and necessary remedies applied. The issue should be what is right and not who is right. Needless to say the clock is ticking fast and time running out. The military might be running against time in the continued prolongation of the war. There is need for full and total agreement of purpose and direction among all stakeholders in the prosecution of this war.

    Nigerians look forward and soonest for the complete liquidation of Boko Haram that is manifesting in different colours and formations.

    • Victor Izekor, a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes at victorizekor@gmail.com

  • Jonathan’s kinsmen loyal to Dickson, PDP

    Kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Ayama Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have pledged their loyalty to Governor Seriake Dickson and his Restoration Government.

    The kinsmen reached the consensus when critical stakeholders from the community visited the governor yesterday at the Government House in Yenagoa.

    Leaders who spoke during the meeting were Ipigansi Graham (a former member of the House of Representatives); Chief Benson Agadaga (National Chairman, Ogbia Brotherhood Council); Prince Isiki (Commissioner for Federal Projects) and Etozataziba Owede (Coordinator Ogbia Constituency II Women Mobilisation).

    According to them, the governor earned their loyalty and love because of his commitment to developing their area in Ogbia constituency II.

    They added that Dickson also empowered their kinsmen with political positions, even as they lauded him for his purposeful leadership and governance style.

    The kinsmen vowed to mobilise support and deliver all candidates of the PDP in the elections, and assured the governor that Ayama was fully for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    They also called on Ayama indigenes to unite and work for the community’s good.

    Dickson, who thanked them for the visit, promised to support them more until the end of his administration.

    He urged them to ensure victory for the PDP in all the elections to justify the tremendous support base of the party in the constituency.

    Dickson has said PDP will secure not less than ninety per cent of the total votes in Saturday’s elections in the state.

    A statement by his media aide, Fidelis Soriwei, said the governor spoke yesterday at the Government House when he met with party stakeholders and candidates from Bayelsa East and Central.

    Dickson said the people’s support for the PDP during its campaigns further confirms the predominant position it occupies in Bayelsa polity. He noted that the postponed election was just a shift in the doomsday for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor thanked the people for their faith in the PDP, and for maintaining “an enviable sense of unity and singleness of purpose”.

    PDP Chairman Moses Cleopas noted that the campaign train was well received in all communities by their chiefs and people who have vowed to vote out the APC.

  • Amnesty Office steps up peace moves in Niger Delta

    The Presidential Amnesty Office is stepping up efforts to maintain peace in the Niger Delta. It held an enterpreneurial conference to equip beneficiaries with skills to better their lot, writes Southsouth Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI

    The administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, in 2009, initiated the amnesty offer for repentant Niger Delta militants, which was backed by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan and still being supported by President Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.

    Most of the former “Generals” and their “boys” embraced the amnesty offer and surrendered large quantities of arms, other dangerous weapons, ammunition, high-capacity speed boats, dynamites/bombs, gunboats and bullet-proof vests, among others.

    The leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who is a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), and many of his warlords, however, declined to accept the amnesty offer, insisting that they were not criminals, but freedom fighters, who wanted commensurate development in the crude oil and gas-rich Niger Delta region and empowerment of the people.

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), as part of its efforts to empower and showcase the beneficiaries of the amnesty initiative, decided to organise three-day entrepreneurial conference and fair between November 7 and 9, the first of its kind in PAP, at the highbrow Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.

    The entrepreneurial fair, with theme: “Entrepreneurial Revolution: Key to Sustainable Peace in Niger Delta,” was organised in partnership with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and other partners, as part of PAP’s empowerment strategies to showcase its successful entrepreneurs to the business community.

    The Post-Training and Engagement (PTE) Unit of PAP has so far empowered over four thousand delegates/ex-militants, of which sample of 50 delegates were invited to the fair, described as the first phase, in many other planned entrepreneurship fairs for the delegates, while the beneficiaries had earlier been presented with starter packs to support them in their freely-chosen endeavours.

    One of the beneficiaries of the entrepreneurship fair, Lawrence Enoch, from Bonny Island in Rivers State, who is into fashion designing, thanked PAP for empowering the youths of Niger Delta, disclosing that he had a success story to tell and currently having two branches, with ten other youths already trained by him, while assisting four other persons, whose parents he did not know.

    Another beneficiary, Gabriel Amadi, an Ikwerre man, also from Rivers State, described himself as a successful fish farmer, through the PAP, while revealing that he started with 1,000 fingerlings in two tanks, but now an appreciative owner of 15,000 fishes in ten tanks.

    Amadi admonished the beneficiaries of PAP to be very serious and better their lives through the assistance from the Federal Government, while warning the delegates not to sell the equipment and other items given to them by PAP, stressing that if they did their jobs well, they would earn more than the N65,000 monthly stipend to each ex-militant from PAP.

    The fourth Coordinator of PAP, Prof. Charles Dokubo, who was appointed in March this year, also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the development of the Niger Delta and empowerment of the people, especially the youths.

    Dokubo, earlier in his opening remarks, disclosed that the entrepreneurial fair was for delegates empowered in different trade areas, with operational businesses in the Niger Delta.

    He noted that the fair was to showcase goods and services achieved in the private sector through Small and Medium-scaled Enterprises (SMEs) of the PAP delegates, stressing that the fair would improve the businesses of the delegates by providing links for business expansion, with less dependency on the young entrepreneurs fighting for self-elevation into the market all alone, but to give them a formal support that explore potential partners in the business world, for them to seek business opportunities and collaboration.

    The coordinator of PAP said: “With my arrival at the PAP, I felt it very vital to improve on the empowerment project of the office, by initiating the need to showcase the young entrepreneurs of the PAP, through the fair.

    “The value-chain effects of the fair will serve as a motivator to other delegates in taking their businesses seriously. When the businesses are booming, it will offer opportunities for expansion, thus contributing to job creation and wealth generation, which is in line with my vision at the PAP.”

    Dokubo also hailed the continual support of President Buhari to not only the PAP, but also to the good people of the Niger Delta and the overall rural industrialisation policy of his administration, stating that the people of the region were grateful for the President’s unalloyed support for the Niger Delta.

    He also lauded the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, for immense support he had personally given to the affairs, development and stability of the Niger Delta, assuring that PAP would do all it could to bring peace and stability to the region.

    The coordinator commended the entrepreneurs, who against all odds, resolved to actualise the goal of the PAP, while fighting through the challenges in business start-up and were able to be showcased, pointing out that the fair was just a stepping stone to greater heights.

    The governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, in his address, also described the people of the crude oil and gas-rich Niger Delta as peace-loving, hardworking and not lazy, as being insinuated by some persons.

    He noted that the Niger Delta, consisting of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia and Imo States, have potential to transform Nigeria, while urging other Nigerians and people all over the world to disregard the negative narratives about the region.

    Wike, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Amnesty, Ken Chinda, said: “The youths of the Niger Delta are energetic and industrious. My administration will continue to support the youths. N2 billion was recently released to empower Rivers youths. N200 million is also being made available monthly to support SMEs.”

    Rivers governor also assured that his government would always support the PAP, while describing Rivers state as very peaceful and investors’ friendly.

    In his keynote address, the President of PHCCIMA, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, noted that the starting point would be the show of strong political will on the part of the government to develop the Niger Delta, while adopting the carrot-and-stick approach to tame the security challenges.

    Membere-Otaji, who was represented by PHCCIMA’s elected council member, Mrs. Edughom Hanson, said it was pertinent that the government put into action, the call by the Vice-President that oil companies relocate their headquarters to their areas of operation in the Niger Delta, making them to in tandem with the various governments, develop the region.

    He said: “It will be necessary to reorientate and train the people of the Niger Delta, especially the youths and community leaders, to discard the rent-seeking and entitlement mentality, about dignity of labour and to stop being hostile to any form of business activities in their localities, more so private ones that are not related in any way or form to the acquired oilfields.

    “Most of the key oil producing Niger Delta states are coastal, but with moribund seaports, which are in different stages of infrastructural decay, with un-dredged channels, resulting in importers and exporters doing businesses in these areas using the Western ports in Lagos for their cargo. The socioeconomic effects of ports and shipping revival in the Niger Delta cannot be overemphasised. Singapore is today a first world economy by being just a shipping hub.

    “To encourage shipping companies to use the eastern ports, government should commence reduction in its ports and pilotage charges to make up for the extra operational costs of the companies, occasioned by increased piracy and infrastructural deficit.”

    The president of PHCCIMA also stated that with the long stretch of coastline, rivers and creeks in the Niger Delta, industrial and commercial artisanal fishing should be supported.

    Membere-Otaji implored all stakeholders, including the oil companies, federal government, and the various states and local governments to develop and fast-track the general ease of doing business, including the provision of adequate power, security and infrastructure, among others, in the Niger Delta.

    Rivers Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Nancy Chidi-Nwankwo, in her goodwill message, disclosed that the state government was always willing to partner the PAP.

    Chidi-Nwankwo, who was represented by the ministry’s SME Director, Mr. Joseph Akara, described Rivers as business friendly with beautiful opportunities, in view of the state governor’s commitment and giant strides in infrastructural development, while urging the youths to always believe in themselves, adding that with knowledge and open hands, they would succeed.

    Chairman, Rivers House of Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Enemi Alabo-George, a former banker, in his remarks, urged Niger Deltans to always go in the direction of wealth creation, stressing that job creation was not sufficient and urged the youths to adequately equip themselves for tomorrow, adding that it takes painstaking dedication to succeed in life.

    On the second day of the entrepreneurial fair, one of the resource persons, Mr. Uche Onochie, who is the President of Marketplace Apostles, said: “Pride and anger do not go with making money.”

    While also speaking, Chika Chinwo of PHCCIMA, urged the beneficiaries to place emphasis on excellence, hard work and further self-development, while declaring that youth restiveness, militancy and free money would not help the people of the Niger Delta.

    Three resource persons: Emmanuel Echewisi, a retired General Manager, Marketing and Sales of Michelin Nigeria Limited; Mrs. Adesuwa Kagho, the Southsouth Zonal Manager of Bank of Agriculture; and Harrison Osauwagboe, the Deputy Manager, Rivers State Office of Bank of Industry; addressed the delegates on the third day of the fair.

    Echewisi, who spoke on customer care/service, stated that if customer care fails, the business is bound to fail, describing customer care as the soul of every business, thereby producing satisfied customers, who would definitely become ambassadors of the products or services, with more money to be made, leading to retention of customers, for the business not to die, while adding that unhappy customers are like lost opportunities.

    Kagho, in her presentation, urged the beneficiaries to start small and grow the business with patience, endurance, perseverance, commitment and hard work, while telling them not to be afraid of making mistakes, but to learn from them and grow.

    Osauwagboe, a young man, urged the entrepreneurs that while starting small, they should also start in phases, know what they are doing and have basic knowledge of the business, admonishing them to always package their businesses well and continue to improve their quality.

    With Niger Delta youths taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the PAP, they will no longer be involved in violence, thuggery, cultism, militancy, sea piracy and other criminal activities, but to become useful members of the society.

     

  • Presidency indicts Mark, Tambuwal, others over poor oversight

    Presidency indicts Mark, Tambuwal, others over poor oversight

    The Presidency on Tuesday indicted the leadership of the seventh National Assembly over alleged failure to conduct effective oversight on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    The Presidency claimed that the failure of the seventh National Assembly to carry out proper oversight on MDAs was responsible for massive corruption and stealing of public funds which it said was the hallmark of the‎ administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Recall that Senator David Mark was the President of the Seventh Senate, while Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, current governor of Sokoto State, was the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 7th National Assembly.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, told reporters that the failure of the lawmakers to properly oversee was responsible for the alleged syphoning of the security votes in the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other agencies of government under President Jonathan.

    The Presidential aide also said that the former minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison Madueke, allegedly ran the petroleum sector single-handedly because the National Assembly does not do its oversight functions.

    Enang who was also a member of the Seventh Senate served as chairman of Rules and Business committee.

    He “If the committees in the 7th National Assembly were doing their work, by checking what was happening in the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Petroleum Ministry, we will not have had Diezanigate and all the other gates.

    “We will not have had all the probes and investigation. The legislature concentrated less that is why we are having the spill that the 8th Assembly is having. I feel guilty and I want to apologise. If the legislature did its duty like it is doing now, I think we will not have this situation.

    “This year you will have are going to have a robust executive, legislature relationship, you will not have uncommon compromises. You will have an engaging relationship.

    “The Senate has in two years doubled what the 7th Senate passed. The President has said that he will do his work as the president, the legislature will do its work and the judiciary will do its work. There will be no interference.

    “What is prevailing is the best executive, legislature relationship in the last 18 years.”

    On alleged budget padding, Enany dismissed it insisting that it does not exist.

    He explained that the National Assembly has the right to add or remove anything in the budget during budget consideration just like the executive can make amends before the budget is passed.

    Enang said: “In all my legislative years, padding is a new word in the legislative lexicon. So we have to define it as a new matter. In my opinion, padding is an illegal or unlawful insertion by a person who is not expected to do it in a legal, legislative document.

    “Therefore, unless a bill has been passed and forwarded to Mr President for assent, there can be no padding. If the bill had been forwarded to the president and something is inserted into that before it is assented to by any person and something is added different from what is in the votes and proceedings of the Senate and House of Representatives, that is what constitutes padding.”

    Enang also dismissed the insinuation that the 2017 budget was poorly implemented.

    For him, the level of implementation of the 2017 budget is “very high”, especially when about N1.3 trillion has been released in two quarters.

  • Court rejects Jonathan’s request for N1b from Metuh

    Court rejects Jonathan’s request for N1b from Metuh

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by former President Goodluck Jonathan seeking to be paid N1billion before he could attend court to testify in favour of ex-spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.

    Medtuh, who is being tried with his company, Destra Investment Ltd for money laundering offences and allegedly receiving N400million unlawfully from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

    In his defence, Metuh, who has consistently claimed that the N400 was paid to him by Jonathan in 2014 for an image laundering project for his (Jonathan’s) government, applied for Jonathan and former NSA to be called as his witnesses.

    Upon learning that a witness summons has been issued against him, Jonathan filed the application, seeking the voiding of the summons on him or that Metuh is asked to pay N1b to facilitate his attendance of court.

    But in a ruling some moments ago, Justice struck out the application by Jonathan on the grounds that it was based on hearsay.

    The judge said his court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the application or make an order in Jonathan’s favour because there is evidence that he has not been served with the subpoena (witness summons) issued against him.

    Justice Abang held that Jonathan cannot base his application on media reports when he has not been served.

    The judge also dismissed a motion by Dasuki, seeking to adjourn the proceedings pending the determination of his appeal.

    Details later…

  • Mainagate: Group accuses Jonathan govt of frame-up

    Mainagate: Group accuses Jonathan govt of frame-up

    President Mohammadu Buhari has been asked to give the embattled former Chairman, Presidential committee on Pension Reform Taskforce Team (PPRT) under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, protection to tell Nigerians the truth about the pension scam.

    The Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, under the umbrella body of Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives, at a press conference in Abuja yesterday on the re-instatement and disengagement of Maina from the civil service,? commended the prompt reaction of President Buhari, whose action in disengaging Mr. Maina doused tension.

    Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, National Coordinator of the coalition, who also spoke on the effort of the President towards eradicating corruption in Nigeria, said as a civil society body in Nigeria, the group would stand with the President to ensure a corruption-free Nigeria.

    Okpokwu said: “We have observed with kin interest the position of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who is the chief law officer of Nigeria. We have equally seen the position of the Nigerian Senate, the People’s Democratic Party, The All Progressive Congress, the League of African Development Students as well as the civil service rule.

    “We urge Nigerians not to panic, and advice actors of blame game to maintain caution as the truth is gradually unfolding.”

    On the recoveries of stolen pension fund by the PRTT, which the pension body gave the figure as N200 billion, the group said: “Where is this fund? Is it in the federation account or where? Mr Maina insisted that the money is in the federation account, which both the past and present administrations have not disputed.

    “We also believe that with the testimony of Sen Kabiru Gaya who said the N195 billion Maina was accused of stealing by the senate joint probe on pension fund is in the federation account. Further accusation of the person of Mr Maina in that light shows that somebody is after Abdulrasheed Maina, especially with the sponsored media war on his person instead of the entire committee.

    “Moreover, the N2.1 billion biometric exercise which Maina was accused of mismanaging alongside Orosanye, the former head of service of the federation, has long be settled as the law court discharged and acquitted the former head of service.

    “This is based on the fact that the biometric captured the 774 Local government Areas in Nigeria.”

  • Maina: Buhari only acted to save his face – Fayose

    Maina: Buhari only acted to save his face – Fayose

    Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State governor has said President Mohammodu Buhari only acted on the reinstatement of wanted former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrashid Maina because of the global embarrassment caused him by the outcry of Nigerians.

    Maina headed the now defunct pension reform team during the administration of  former President Goodluck Jonathan, but fled the country in 2015 after being indicted for alleged diversion of N2 billion public fund.

    The governor in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the president directive on the immediate disengagement of Maina was an afterthought.

    He also demanded the immediate trial of Maina as well as the sack of all those involved in his reinstatement, which he described as fraudulent and shameful.

    The governor earlier on his verified and official twitter handle likened Buhari’s anti-corruption fight to a situation where “Satan is calling Judas Iscariot a sinner”.

    He said, “In the words of APC Senator, Shehu Sani, ‘when it comes to fighting corruption in the National Assembly and the Judiciary and in the larger Nigerian sectors, the President uses insecticide, but when it comes to fighting corruption within the Presidency, they use deodorants”.

    “Also, President Buhari has refused to act on the report of the committee that investigated the $43 million discovered in an apartment at Osbourne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, despite that Nigerians have been asking him to act on it”.

    “When the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu raised allegation of award of $25 billion contracts without following due process against the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Dr. Maikanti Baru, the Presidency was the one that defended him (Baru)”.

    “Even the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was indicted of corruption by the Department of State Service (DSS) and all that was done by President Buhari was to ask the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to investigate the DSS report. Up till today, nothing has been heard about it and Magu, despite his rejection by the Senate, Magu is still acting as the EFCC chairman”.

    “It was also under this government of Buhari that Ahmed Gambo Saleh; the Supreme Court Registrar was indicted and put on trial for alleged over N2 billion fraud. The case against Gambo Saleh was withdrawn almost immediately, and he has been appointed the Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC). Not only that, he was made the Secretary of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee, headed by Retired Justice Isa Ayo Salami”.

    “Like I have said several times, as far as President Buhari is concerned, corruption involving his men is family affair, and one won’t be surprised if Maina is rewarded with bigger office very soon, just like others before him”.

  • Biafra: ‘Can Kanu lead Igbos to war?’

    Biafra: ‘Can Kanu lead Igbos to war?’

    Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu came under fire from many quarters yesterday for his belligerency, particularly his call for the boycott of the November governorship election in Anambra State.

    He has also been threatening that unless a referendum is organised to enable the Igbo determine whether they should have Biafra, the Southeast will boycott the 2019 elections.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and politicians chided the separatist advocate.

    The Ijaw Youth Council also threatened action should Kanu disparage former President Goodluck Jonathan again.

    Okorocha who spoke at the State House in Abuja said Kanu does not represent or speak for the Igbo, describing him as a young man seeking relevance.

    “Kanu, a young man seeking relevance, agitating for whatever he believes in, what he stands for must be treated separately from the entire Igbo nation.

    “He should be treated as a young man agitating and seeking for relevance, these are two different issues. And he can ride on the back of supposed Igbo marginalization which has been said is not right, and ride on that sentiments and push his agenda but that does not mean that the entire Igbos are speaking with him.

    The question is does Nnamdi Kanu have the capacity to lead Igbo to war? Or lead me and the governors to war? So I will stand now and Nnamdi Kanu will tell me stand up let’s go to war? So, sometimes we over dramatised the issue just to make a big deal out of it and that has been the big challenge.

    “Like the gentleman that spoke for the Arewa youths, and these are not more than 17 young men speaking for millions of Arewa youths and it doesn’t make sense because if you ask any Arewa youth now if he is part of this he will tell you no.

    “I was in Chatham House and I remember how I was attacked by the IPOB boys when I was delivering my lecture. They walked up to me and they were shouting and I said calm down and the young man has never visited Nigeria. So it is our duty to call our younger ones to order but I want to assure Nigerians that they should not see that as a break but agitation given what they perceived that the South East has been neglected over time politically, economically, socially and all that.

    “Their roads are impassable, you cannot pass Port Harcourt road, Enugu road, Aba Road, Bayelsa road and all the roads. You can hardly see federal government presence in the South East, all the things you see are self-made things. Even the Onitsha bridge has been a theoretical talk, fabrications which does not represent reality.

    “So, he speaks his own and joins it to our issues and it now looks like a nationwide thing. That is not the issue.

    “We have called for unity and have agreed that we will remain united. Very soon, some of us have taken it upon ourselves to reach out to this young men talk to them. We must understand that our young men are frustrated, if they are as comfortable as we are, they will not be able to say those.

    Ohaneze Ndigbo said Kanu has no right to stop the Anambra governorship election.

    Its president, Dr John Nwodo, described the IPOB leader’s statement as provocative, misleading and unproductive.

    He said Kanu’s statement was against the agreement he reached with Ohaneze Ndigbo when he visited him, adding that the IPOB leader had breached the agreement with Ohaneze without consultation.

    Nwodo and his executive council members spoke during a visit to the Anambra State House of Assembly yesterday as part of its sensitisation in the South East. Speaker Rita Maduagwu, lawmakers and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, attended.

    Nwodo said:  “News that reached us in the past few days that Nnamdi Kami, had declared that there will be no election in Anambra in November is shocking and disturbing. I hereby countermand that declaration as President General of Ohaneze

    “Whereas Ohaneze understands the marginalisation and unfair treatment of Igbos which have given rise to self-determination movements in Igboland, leaders of these movements must not arrogate to themselves the supreme leadership of Igboland. Statements of the kind credited to Nnamdi Kanu are provocative, misleading and unproductive”

    “Why should Anambra people be denied the opportunity to choose their own leader? Why should any of us not from Anambra, no matter how highly placed, descend to the arena and dictate for Anambra people when to vote, whether to vote or who to vote for?

    “Anambra, nay Igbos, are still part and parcel of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yes, we are not happy with our treatment in Nigeria”

    “Yes, some of us want Biafra. Yes, some of us prefer a restructured Federal Republic of Nigeria. But the fact remains that we are still part and parcel of the present Federal Republic of Nigeria, bound by its laws, no matter how repressive or unjust”

    Umeh said it was only the people who do not have Igbo blood in them that would allow anybody to tell them what goes on in the society today, adding that the current Ohaneze was making Ndigbo proud.

    Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on legislative matters, Chief Chidozie Ezeugwa, condemned Kanu’s statement saying the government of Anambra state under Obiano was committed to the Igbo cause and would continue to do everything to support Ohaneze’s interest in anything in protecting Ndigbo in the country.

    Some politicians have also condemned Kanu’s call for a boycott of the Anambrapoll.

    They said the call was capable of derailing democracy in the state and expose the people to anarchy.

    Chief Sam Oraegbunam, Chairman of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Anambra chapter, said although Kanu’s call for repositioning of Nigeria was popular, he must not use it to cause confusion in Anambra.

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has declared that further attack on former President Jonathan by Kanu, would be met with appropriate sanctions from Ijaw youths.

    IYC through its Spokesman Daniel Dasimaka, described as uncharitable and disrespectful, Kanu’s comments on ex-President Jonathan.

    The umbrella organisation of Ijaw youths said: “It is quite ironic and appalling that anyone will say ex-President Jonathan did nothing for the Southeast, when it is common knowledge in both informed and not-so-informed circles in Nigeria that the Southeast benefited even more than the Southsouth under Dr. Jonathan. It is on record that under the then President Jonathan, rehabilitation and expansion works were done on the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Imo State, which he granted an international airport status.

    “In terms of appointment, Dr. Jonathan appointed the first female Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma (an Igbo). He also appointed the first Southeast Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and first Southeast Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ogbonnaya Onovo, among others.

    “We are calling on the true Igbo leaders to caution Nnamdi Kanu and to bridle his tongue, lest his unguarded rhetoric may strain the good relationship the Igbo and the Ijaw nation, and by extrapolation, the Southsouth and Southeast geopolitical zones, have enjoyed over the years.”

  • EFCC: Jonathan’s wife paid N2.1b into account in two years

    EFCC: Jonathan’s wife paid N2.1b into account in two years

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told the Federal High Court in Lagos Wednesday that wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, allegedly paid $6,791,599.64 (about N2,150,378,386.32) into her account between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015.

    It said the money, which she allegedly directed her aides to pay into her account while her husband was President, was suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    EFCC said Mrs Jonathan had earlier spent $949,282.98 (about N296,141,911) from the money.

    The commission said she also withdrew another N100,000 from the account this month, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

    It prayed the court to order the temporary forfeiture of the remaining sum to prevent her from further dissipating it.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun granted the order as prayed based on an ex-parte application by the EFCC.

    The commission said it found the money in an account numbered 2110001712 with Skye Bank Plc in Mrs Jonathan’s name.

    The judge also ordered the forfeiture N2,421,953,522.78 found in an Ecobank Nigeria Ltd account numbered 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd.

    The commission said the money is also linked to Mrs Jonathan.

    EFCC said the sums were “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”.

    Justice Olatoregun directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in a newspaper.

    It is for the respondents or anyone who is interested in the property sought to be forfeited to appear before the court within 14 days to “show cause” as to why a final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.

    EFCC’s counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said the application was based on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act 2006.

    In an affidavit in support of the ex parte originating summons, an EFCC operative, Musbahu Yahaha Abubakar, said he was a member of a Special Task Force Team assigned to investigate the case.

    He said the commission received an intelligence report that funds suspected to proceeds of crime were “warehoused” in the accounts.

    “The intelligence was analysed and found worthy of investigation,” Abubakar said.

    He said Mrs Jonathan opened the Skye Bank account on February 7, 2013.

    “Upon the opening of the account, several huge cash deposits in dollars were made to the account.

    “One Dudafa Waripamo Owei who was the Senior Special Assistant to the former President was one of the frequent depositors in the account.

    “Another frequent cash depositor of funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities into the account is one Festus Iyoha, a steward at the State House, Abuja,” the deponent said.

    The EFCC investigator said Iyoha also made deposits with fictitious names.

    Abubakar said between February 8, 2013 and January 30, 2015, $6,791,599.64 suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities was deposited into the account in cash.

    He said Mrs Jonathan had dissipated part of the funds, leaving a balance of $5,731,173.55.

    “If this fund is not forfeited in the interim, the operator of the account, Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan, will fully dissipate it.

    “She made cash withdrawal of $100,000 on the 7th of April, 2017 from the account after obtaining court order in suit No FHC/L/CS/1343/16 on the ground that she was not made a party to the suit,” the investigator said.

    On the N2.4billion, the operative said the commission also traced the money to the Ecobank account following suspicions that it was a proceed of crime.

    He said the “purported” signatory to the account was one Ada Ifegbu, with a telephone number belonging to one Esther Oba.

    The EFCC operative said the N2.4billion “were substantially the naira equivalent of the United States Dollars given to one Chima Nwafor John of Ecobank Nigeria Ltd by one Esther Oba at the Aso Rock Villa.”

    He said it was John who contracted bureau de change operators to convert the money to naira and deposit it to La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd’s account.

    Abubakar said the dollars which were subsequently converted to naira and deposited in the firm’s account were all received in cash by John.

    The operative added: “The various deposits by Chima Nwafor John through the bureau de change operators were placed on fixed deposit.

    “The sum of N2,033,196,721.31 reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities is currently on fixed deposit in La Wari Furniture’s account.

    “Apart from the fixed amount, the sum of N388,751,801.47 reasonably suspected to be proceed of unlawful activities is currently standing to the credit of La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd’s account.

    “It is in the interest of justice to, in the interim, make an order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria and allow any person who has interest in the properties sought to be forfeited to appear before this Honourable Court within 14 days to show cause why the properties reasonably suspected by the applicant to be proceeds of unlawful activities should not be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application.”

    Ruling, Justice Olatoregun said: “Application is granted as prayed.”

    This is coming a day EFCC withdrew its application for a stay of execution of a judgment which unfreezed the account.

    The EFCC freezed the account last year.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on April 6 unfreezed the account after Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), argued that her client was not a party to suit.

    Dissatisfied with the order, EFCC filed an application for stay of execution but withdrew it on Monday.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until May 15.

     

  • PDP: Wike, Fayose not sponsors of Jonathan’s peace meeting – Committee

    PDP: Wike, Fayose not sponsors of Jonathan’s peace meeting – Committee

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was untrue that Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike and his Ekiti counterpart, Ayodele Fayose, sponsored the party’s April 6 stakeholders’ meeting.

    The Publicity Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee of the party, Mr Dayo Adeyeye stated this at the news conference on Friday in Abuja.

    Deputy National Chairman of the party, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, had at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday alleged that the stakeholders’ meeting convened and chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan was sponsored by both governors.

    Ojougboh, who claimed to be speaking for PDP National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, alleged that Wike spent N50 million to host the meeting.

    Adeyeye said that the committee would have ignored the allegations since Ojougboh was not an officer of PDP, but stated that doing so may send wrong signals to unsuspecting members of the public.

    He said that the PDP was not surprised that Ojougboh would hallucinate and found pleasure in castigating the two governors at every turn.

    He said that it was unfortunate that Ojougboh had never been able to utter a single word of criticism against his “paymaster, the ruling party”.

    Adeyeye recalled that the meeting was agreed at the residence of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Aliyu Gusau, in the presence of Sheriff, Prof. Wale Oladipo, Sen. David Mark, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi and Sen. Ben Obi.

    “In the light of the above, therefore, it is uncharitable for Ojougboh to allege that the stakeholders meeting was organised and sponsored by Wike and Fayose.

    “Indeed, it is the height of indecency for Sheriff and Ojougboh to allege that a person of Jonathan’s standing could be induced by anyone, not the least a governor, to organise the meeting,’’ he said.

    Adeyeye said that indecency was the nature of Ojougboh and his sponsors, adding that it was the reason they had no qualms in dragging decent people into the mud.

    He also denied Ojougboh’s allegation that Wike bribed the Judiciary with five million dollars to get justice on the Rivers Governorship Election at the Supreme Court.

    “We have been reliably informed that the latest accusation against the judiciary is part of their calculated and clandestine plot to blackmail the Justices of the Supreme Court.

    “That was what they did to the Justices of the Special Appeal Panel during the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election case.’’

    He requested the Supreme Court to find out from Ojougboh who among its officers that Wike disbursed the five million dollars to as he alleged.

    “Let Ojougboh be informed that he cannot pitch the good people of Rivers against their loving and performing governor over his childish and mindless allegation of financial impropriety,’’

    Adeyeye advised all PDP chapters in the states to ignore any directive regarding national convention by Sheriff.

    He also described the purported National Executive Council (NEC) meeting being summoned by Sheriff on May 3 as “total fraud, politically and legally’’.

    He urged chairmen of the states’ chapters of the party to disregard Sheriff’s request for the submission of delegates’ lists on or before April 27.

    Adeyeye said that PDP would announce meetings of its various organs at an appropriate time after due consultation with all stakeholders.

    On ongoing campaign by Sheriff in the South-East and South-South zones, he commended PDP stakeholders in the regions “for not partaking in such illegality.

    “The presence of the two deputy governors was solely on grounds of hospitality.

    “The PDP is not organising any campaign or rally around the country at the moment.

    “We urge our members to remain steadfast and continue to ignore any meeting called by Sheriff.’’