The United States Embassy in Nigeria urged all the aggrieved parties in the last Saturday polls to seek redress in the law court.
This is as the embassy congratulated the people of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission for an electoral process on April 11, 2015.
US according to the statement also regreted the reports of violence and alleged irregularities in some states.
The statement reads:
“The United States Embassy in Nigeria congratulates the people of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission for an electoral process on April 11, 2015 that generally went well across the country and built on the success of the March 28 polling process.
“We have seen the reports of violence and alleged irregularities, particularly in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, and call on those dissatisfied to pursue their grievances peacefully in the judicial arena. We regret any loss of life and destruction of property. We commend the leadership of Nigeria’s political parties, notably President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, for urging their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. “
Tag: US
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US hails election, urges aggrieved parties to seek redress
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US record crude stocks set to decline
United States (U.S) crude oil stocks have grown over 30 million barrels each month this year, leading to a series of record highs and most recently reaching 471 million barrels of crude on March 27, oil and gas analyst Wood Mackenzie’s latest outlook has shown.
Even so, Wood Mackenzie’s latest outlook estimates that the US has about 200 million barrels of unused crude storage capacity.
The Senior Research Analyst for Americas Refining and Oil Product Markets at Wood Mackenzie, Afolabi Ogunnaike said: “Wood Mackenzie does not expect the US to run out of crude storage. On the contrary, we anticipate that the uptick in refinery crude runs and exports will exceed the growth in supply eventually leading to stock withdrawals.”
Wood Mackenzie forecasts refinery crude runs will rise significantly in April as refineries exit seasonal maintenance and gear up for the summer driving season. “Refinery crude runs could increase over 1.7 million barrels per day (b/d) from the spring lows to the summer high and set new records. The ramp up in crude runs is expected to be the largest factor impacting the trajectory of US crude stocks. As US refineries increase their throughputs, we anticipate they will also increase their imports of crude oil from the March 2015 levels,” said Ogunnaike.
The low crude oil prices have contributed to slower growth of US crude oil supply. Wood Mackenzie expects this growth will be counterbalanced by increasing exports of crude oil and minimally processed condensate. These exports are supported by a wider Brent-WTI differential.
Although the US has ample crude storage capacity available, Cushing is now about 80 per cent full, according to Wood Mackenzie: “The April 2015 start up of the 250,000 b/d Cactus pipeline from the Permian into the Gulf Coast is expected to reduce pressure on Cushing. This pipeline bypasses Cushing, and moves light crude to the Gulf Coast refining and storage hub. Rising Cushing crude stocks could also reach the Gulf Coast by accessing the 1.55 million b/d pipelines connecting the two regions,” Ogunnaike adds.
US crude storage capacity has grown significantly as tight oil supply and takeaway capacity increased. “As storage hubs like Cushing approach capacity, crude may need to be transported further to access available storage sites. These sites could charge higher fees and may be more costly to reach. This logistics factor has a widening impact on Brent-WTI. We anticipate the narrowing impact of the rising crude runs, however, outweighs some of these challenges and compresses the Brent-WTI differential this summer,” noted Ogunnaike.
Wood Mackenzie’s outlook reiterates that despite the rise in crude oil stocks this year, US storage is not close to reaching capacity. “Record high crude stocks will be pulled down this summer as US refinery crude runs rise over 1.5 million barrels per day,” said Ogunnaike.
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Jonathan acted in best interest of Nigeria – Kerry
The United States secretary of state John Kerry has sent a message of congratulation to the Federal Government and entire Nigerians for the peaceful conduct of last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.
In a statement, Kerry said; “The United States congratulates the people of Nigeria and the Nigerian Government on historic and largely peaceful elections the weekend of March 28. We especially applaud all voters who showed patience and demonstrated their commitment to participate in the democratic process.”
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, on the general orderly vote, adding “on the use of technology such as card readers to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, and on prompt communication of the results. While we note reports of logistical problems, such incidents did not undermine the overall outcome of the election.”
The statement added, “In January, I traveled personally to Nigeria and met with both President Jonathan and now President-Elect Buhari. At that time, I emphasized that for the United States, Nigeria is an increasingly important strategic partner and that Nigeria has a critical role to play in the security and prosperity of this continent and beyond.
“I also said that it was imperative that these elections are an improvement over past elections and that they need to set a new standard for this democracy. That means that Nigerians needed to not only reject violence but actually promote peace.
“We laud both President Jonathan and General Buhari for their public commitments to the Abuja Accord signed in January and reaffirmed March 26, respecting the official results, and encouraging their supporters to do the same. We commend President Jonathan for his years of service and for having acted in the best interest of his country. We welcome President Jonathan’s calls for unity and calm during this transition period.
“We extend our congratulations to President-elect Buhari. The United States reiterates its commitment to working with the newly elected government that emerges from this democratic process.”
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Election: US, UK warn against interference in collation
The Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom have warned against any attempt to distort the will of Nigerians as expressed at the polls.
While noting that there are no evidence of systemic manipulation of the electoral process for now, both countries however said there are disturbing indications that the collation process—here the votes are finally counted—may be subject to deliberate political interference.
According to a joint press statement signed by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.K. foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said any interference contravenes the letter and spirit of the Abuja Accord, to which both major parties committed themselves.
The statement reads; “Our governments welcome the largely peaceful vote on March 28. The Nigerian people have shown a commendable determination to register their vote and choose their leaders.
“So far, we have seen no evidence of systemic manipulation of the process. But there are disturbing indications that the collation process—where the votes are finally counted—may be subject to deliberate political interference.This would contravene the letter and spirit of the Abuja Accord, to which both major parties committed themselves.
“The Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom would be very concerned by any attempts to undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission (INEC), or its Chairman, Professor Jega; or in any way distort the expressed will of the Nigerian people.”
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US, Nigeria partner to combat bird flu
In response to the bird flu (avian influenza) outbreak in Nigeria, the United States (US) Agency for International Development (USAID) supported a workshop for poultry industry officials.
Over 160 participants from the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Health and the poultry sector participated in the training in Ibadan on how to control avian influenza.
Last week, a similar workshop took place in Kano for northern-based authorities in the sector.
Speaking during the opening session of the workshop, the U.S Consul General in Lagos, Jeffery J. Hawkins said: “The United States is bringing supplies and training as part of our contribution to fight bird flu; but we cannot do it alone.
“The ability of Nigeria to quickly detect and respond to avian influenza will be enhanced by the partnerships, platforms, and knowledge built over the past decade.”
In addition to the training, USAID/Nigeria will contribute personal protective equipment, surveillance gear and disinfectants to relevant authorities.
Bird flu is a viral disease that largely infects birds but rarely infects man. In 2007, there was one human case in Nigeria. However, there are no known human cases in Nigeria so far in the current outbreak. Globally, the majority of human cases of infection are associated with contact with infected live or dead poultry. Controlling the disease in poultry is the first step in decreasing risks to humans.
Since 2006, the U.S government, through USAID, the U.S Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S Department of Agriculture, has contributed approximately $1,750,000 in response to the bird flu outbreak in Nigeria. USAID contributes $473 million a year to improve health and education, create jobs and improve public administration in Nigeria. USAID also has humanitarian programmes providing emergency response in Nigeria’s northeast.
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UK support for China-backed Asia bank prompts US concern
The United States has expressed concern over Britain’s effort to become a founding member of a Chinese-backed bank that could rival the likes of the World Bank.
The UK is the first big Western economy to apply for membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The AIIB will fund Asian energy, transport and infrastructure projects.
However, the US has raised questions over the bank’s commitment to international standards on governance.
In a statement, UK Chancellor George Osborne said the UK had “actively promoted closer political and economic engagement with the Asia-Pacific region” and that joining the AIIB at the founding stage would create “an unrivalled opportunity for the UK and Asia to invest and grow together”.
The hope is that investment in the bank will give British companies an opportunity to invest in the world’s fastest growing markets.
But the US sees the Chinese effort as a ploy to dilute US control of the banking system, and has persuaded regional allies such as Australia, South Korea and Japan to stay out of the bank.
In response to the move, US National Security Council spokesman Patrick Ventrell said: “We believe any new multilateral institution should incorporate the high standards of the World Bank and the regional development banks.”
“Based on many discussions, we have concerns about whether the AIIB will meet these high standards, particularly related to governance, and environmental and social safeguards,” he added.
Osborne Joining the AIIB would help the UK and Asia invest and grow together, UK Chancellor George Osborne said.
Some 21 nations came together last year to sign a memorandum for the bank’s establishment, including Singapore, India and Thailand.
But in November, last year, Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered lukewarm support to the AIIB and said its actions must be transparent.
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Boko Haram: U.S. tighten Embassy security in Nigeria
Officials of the United States (U.S.) of America are currently in the country to review its Embassy security following the recent bombings in Maiduguri and the pledge by Boko Haram to join forces with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Congressman Stephen Lynch disclosed this in Abuja when he led a delegation of US counterterrorism personnel on separate visits to the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba and Chairman Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment, Senator Bukola Saraki.
Lynch said the visit was in continuation delegation’s nearly three year investigation of Embassy and diplomatic security at high-risk overseas U.S. State Department facilities in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. Consulate and Classified Annex in Benghazi, Libya in September of 2012.
He stated that the group was enroute to Nigeria before the latest bombing occurred, adding that the visit was originally to focus on Embassy security and the plight of over 275 school girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram almost one year ago.
“This is a critical time for Nigeria and this region,” Lynch said. “Nigeria’s national elections are scheduled in just over two weeks, while Boko Haram controls an area in the north about the size of New Jersey. The bombings and other Boko Haram activities are sure to further destabilize some areas in the run up to the elections. It’s is precarious situation.”
He added that the U.S. has committed $40 million in over three years for equipment and training assistance to Nigeria, Chad and other African nations in their efforts to combat Boko Haram.
Lynch said the U.S. Special Forces are also training African counterterrorism troops.
“The situation can change quickly and we have to continue to find ways to collaborate with our African partners as they battle against regional terrorists organizations,” he said.
The U.S. Congressman told newsmen in an interview that he was in Nigeria to seek advice on how the United States could be more helpful in working together on a number of issues and for some great opportunity for us to work together in facing the threat of Boko Haram.
He insisted that there was need for coordination to bring a sense of urgency in the fight against insurgency in view of the one year anniversary of the abduction over 275 Chibok girls.
He added: “Right now we are using US and French Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), to show from an aerial view the activities of Boko Haram and that information is given to the Nigerian armed forces, so that use that information to know the strength, the deployment and the strategy of Boko Haram.
“I think that part of the recent victories of last few weeks, have been the result of that coordination between our technical support and the excellent military skill of the Nigerian forces.”
Chairman Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment, Senator Bukola Saraki said the visit underscores the interest that world and particularly the United States have in Nigeria.
Saraki who is a chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) appreciated the U.S. for their support in the area of security and electoral process in Nigeria.
He said: “I think the key thing is that we must see that the world is looking at us and that we have a key role to play.
“We must ensure that we have live to that standard. For us it is just to emphasize that they are interested in Nigeria and we appreciate that and I think that is the point of their visit here.”
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US imposes sanctions on Hezbollah’s Nigeria-based ‘Foreign Relations Department’
The United States of America (USA) has imposed sanctions on the Abuja based Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort as part of a wider move against Hezbollah members and assets.
The supermarket and park/resort are owned by Mustapha Fawaz, Fouzi Fawaz and Abdallah Tahini, who were all born in Lebanon, and accused of being part of Hezbollah’s “Foreign Relations Department” in the Abuja.
Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist group by the U.S., while the European Union and the United Nations consider only the group’s armed wing, not its political branch, a terrorist organization.
Hezbollah is believed to be operating in at least 45 nations, 11 of them in Africa.
Its financial assets are estimated at $500 million.
Acting undersecretary Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Adam J. Szubin vowed that the US “ will track Hezbollah’s illicit activities to all corners of the earth.”
“Together with our international partners, we are tirelessly working to dismantle Hezbollah’s financial apparatus. Wherever this terrorist group may seek to raise funds, we will target and expose its activity,” he said.
In 2013, security agents arrested four Lebanese said to be of working with Hezbollah after they uncovered an armoury in Kano which they claimed belonged to the organization.
Mustapha Fawaz was among the men detained and reportedly confirmed that Hezbollah had a cell in the country.
The Fawaz brothers have citizenship in Lebanon, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
The statement announcing U.S. sanctions said the Fawaz brothers are really running a Hezbollah front.
“The FRD [Foreign Relations Department of Hezbollah] claims to be in charge of “community relations;” but the primary goal of the FRD in Nigeria is to scout recruits for Hezbollah’s military units, as well as to create and support Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure for its operational units in Africa and globally.”
All three men were accused of working with the FRD. Tahini’s responsibilities included, according to the U.S. Treasury, recruiting and supporting Hezbollah’s African networks.
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NANS alleges foul play in student’s death in US
HOW did a Nigerian student, Matthew Ajibade die in police custody in the United States (US)? This is the poser the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) wants the US to answer. The 22-year-old Nigerian studying in the US died, last week, in an isolation cell of the Savannah Police Station in Georgia.
According to reports, the late Matthew was said to be suffering from bipolar disorder (mood swing) and died after being locked up by two Sheriff’s deputies with whom he had a scuffle.
NANS alleged foul play on the student’s death, demanding explanation from the US. In a statement signed by NANS’ Vice President (External Affairs), Comrade Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, the students’ body condemned the circumstance that led to Matthew’s death, accusing the US police of maltreating the Nigerian.
NANS said reports by American media showed the US police were aware of the deceased’s health condition as at the time he was arrested. The body insisted that the late Matthew should have been taken to the hospital for attention, rather than being locked up by two Sheriff’s deputies with whom he had a scuffle.
Ogunkuade said: “The attitude of United States police was totally condemnable as the late Matthew was reported to have been placed in an isolated cell, not minding his medical condition. From the reports by American media, we can deduce that the late student was a subject of maltreatment.”
He said NANS demanded a thorough investigation and comprehensive report from the US on the cause of the death of the Nigerian. Ogunkuade threatened to mobilise students to picket the United States Embassy in Nigeria if the American government did not investigate the matter.
The NANS leader said it would negate natural justice if the outcome of the investigation is not fair. He called on Nigerian government to rise to the challenge of Nigerian students being maltreated in foreign countries in their quest to get quality education. Ogunkuade said Matthew’s death presented the tragic picture of what many Nigerians face abroad.
The late Matthew was reported to have been arrested for battery, after the police were informed of a domestic violence against the deceased’s girlfriend.
When officers arrived at the scene, the late Matthew was said to be holding his girlfriend tightly, covering themselves with a blanket.
It was alleged that the girlfriend had a bruise on her face and her nose bleeding. The police reports stated that when an officer tried to separate them, the deceased “started to resist apprehension in a violent manner, and was taken to the ground, so that he could be handcuffed.”
The late Matthew’s girlfriend reportedly informed police of his medical condition, handing them a container labeled Divalproex, which contained pills for bipolar disorder or seizure.
Authorities say the deceased was placed in an isolation cell because “he became combative with deputies while being booked and his behaviour was deemed dangerous.”
The late Matthew was born in Lagos but moved to the US to study Computer Science at Savannah Technical College.