Buhari Not A Democrat, Lacks Moral Rights To Intervene In Gambia – Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has
described President Muhammadu Buhari’s
involvement in the meeting with President
Yahya Jammeh to persuade him to concede
defeat as an aberration, saying; “Aman like
Buhari under whose free, fair and credible elections no longer exist lacks moral rights to
preach obedience to democratic principles to
anyone.” The governor said great Africans like former
President Goodluck Jonathan, President John
Mahama of Ghana and others who have lost
elections and conceded defeat were in the
best position to intervene in Gambia and not
someone like Buhari, who lost election three times
and never conceded defeat. According to his Special Assistant on Public
Communications and New Media, Lere
Olayinka, Governor Fayose wondered what
President Buhari, whose government is
desperately moving Nigeria from a multi-
party democracy to a one party State, would have told President Jammeh in Gambia
yesterday, He said “with what happened in Rivers State
last weekend, it is certain that votes of
Nigerians will no longer be allowed to count
as the APC cabal in the Presidential villa has
now assumed the roles of
INEC, allocating votes to their party and using security agents to force their will on the
people.” Governor Fayose asked; “Did President
Buhari face Jammeh and advised him to
accept defeat the way he (Buhari) conceded
defeat in 2003, 2007 and 2011 when
violence was instigated and several people,
including Youth Corp members were killed? Or did Buhari lecture Jammeh to take to
democracy at gunpoint, which is now the
norm in Nigeria? “How can Buhari, who has destroyed the
legacy of free, fair and credible elections that
was handed over to him, be the one to
prevail on someone else to adhere to
democratic principles?” He said Buhari should first remove the timber
in his eyes before attempting to remove the
toothpicks in other peoples’ eyes, describing
the President as a physician who cannot heal
himself but trying to heal others. The governor said even though President
Jammeh behaved dishonourably by reneging
on his initial promise to accept defeat,
involvement of President Buhari in the
meeting to persuade him to step down was
the height of hypocrisy. The governor said that Nigerians are now
more concerned with how to take back their
country like the Gambians have done. “Nigerians are worried about the possibility
of Buhari behaving like Jammeh in 2019 after
he must have been defeated and that the
international community may need a high-
powered delegation to pilot his rampaging
bull out of Nigerians chinashop,” he said.

Source:

www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/buhari-not-a-democrat-lacks-moral-rights-to-intervene-in-gambia-fayose/

Fayose Takes Father Christmas To The Streets Of Ado Ekiti

The people of Ado Ekiti trooped out in their numbers in excitement as governor Ayo Fayose brought good tidings to the region ahead of the Christmas celebration. The governor who stormed the venue with father Christmas -was seen sharing Christmas items to excited children. See Photos below;

Source; http://www.nationalhelm.net/2016/12/excitement-as-gov-fayose-takes-father.html

Nigeria will not seperate, People suing for Biafra should drop the idea - Buhari

President says those plotting to separate country should have a 'rethink'

Says this during meeting with south-east traditional rulers

South-east leaders pledge support for Buhari

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has again reiterated the essence of the unity of Nigeria, urging those contemplating its break-up to have a rethink.

Speaking at a meeting with the Council of South-East Traditional Rulers at the State House on Thursday, President Buhari warned that the question of having another country out of Nigeria was misplaced.

“The question of having another country out of Nigeria is going to be very difficult. From 1914, we have more than 200 cultures living with one another. God had endowed this country with natural resources and talented people. We should concentrate on these and be very productive,” the President said.

Addressing specific issues raised in the address by the traditional rulers, the President gave assurance that the South-East will also benefit from the new railway architecture being put in place by his administration.

On their request for more representation for the South-East in his government, the President said that he was “very conscious of the sensitivities of the South East”, on account of which, he gave the region's four out of five states Senior ranking Ministers in the Federal Cabinet.

President Buhari used the occasion to appreciate the good work of the Ministers from the region in the federal government, saying that they are doing very well for the country.

He appealed to the traditional rulers from the South East to persuade their people to give his government a chance and to continue to serve as beacons of culture and traditions of their people.

The President assured the delegation that kidnapping and cattle rustling, which he described as "unfortunate" will be the government’s next target, now that “we have managed to calm down the North-East.”

In taking note of the profuse commendation for his administration’s war against corruption and insecurity by the traditional rulers, President Buhari expressed frustration at the endless nature of some ongoing trials, citing some of the cases as going far back to the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“We are asking the judiciary to clean itself. Nigerians are tired of waiting. They want some actions,” he lamented.

The President said he hoped that the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation will come to some form of agreement by which specially designated courts will give accelerated hearing to some corruption cases that are pending, arguing that “we want Nigerians to know we are serious.”

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr) Eberechi N. Dick (JP), had made requests for roads, other projects among other issues, even as he assured the President of their support for his leadership and programmes.

Source:

 http://politicsngr.com/nigeria-will-not-seperate-buhari/

Court Declines To Release Nnamdi Kanu, Others On Bail

ABUJA—–Trial Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, Thursday, declined to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, on bail. Director of Radio Biafra and Leader, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu as he appeared before Justice Ahmed Mohammed Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday, 23/12/2015 Justice Binta equally refused bail applications made by three other pro-Biafra agitators, Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, who are facing trial alongside Kanu. 

The four defendants who are answering to an 11-count charge bordering on treasonable felony and their alleged involvement in acts of terrorism, had through their lawyers, pleaded the court to release them on bail pending the determination of the charge against them. Their separate bail applications were predicated on sections 158, 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, as well as section 35 and 36 of the 1999 constitution, as amended. The defendants contended that charges against them were not only bailable offences, but also not felony punishable with death. Arguing that the presumption of innocence under the Nigerian constitution was in their favour, the defendants said their release from detention would enable them to properly defend the charge against them. Besides, they insisted that their right to self determination was guaranteed both by the Nigeria constitution and Article 20 of the Africa Charter on Peoples and Human Right. They maintained that IPOB which they said has been registered in over 30 countries, has not been proscribed or declared as a dangerous organisation under any law. They defendants expressed their readiness to produce reasonable sureties before the court. However, FG, vehemently opposed release of any of the defendants on bail.

Government lawyer, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, told the court that the defendants would constitute “a threat to national security”, once freed from prison custody. Labaran, who further applied to the court for protection of witnesses billed to testify against the defendants, drew attention of the court to the fact that the 1st defendant, Kanu, has dual citizenship. He argued that Kanu who he said has both Nigerian and British passports, would escape out of the country if released on bail. While praying the court to allow the defendants to attend their trial from Kuje prison, FG, stressed that Onwudiwe was a major threat, saying he was the only one facing a particular count of “preparatory to commit an act of terrorism”. Meanwhile, in her ruling, Justice Nyako, held that charge against the defendants “are very serious in nature”, and therefore not ordinarily bailable. “Irrespective of what the charge is, the court has to exercise its discretion on way or the other”, the Judge held, adding that some of the charges against the defendants could attract life imprisonment if proved by FG. Justice Nyako also dismissed contention by the defendants that President Muhammadu Buhari had openly directed that they should not be released on bail.

The Judge held that President Buhari, being a citizen of Nigeria, was at liberty to exercise his freedom of speech. She maintained that the President lacks the capacity to influence the decision of the court, saying the defendants did not place any new fact or law capable of persuading the court to reverse an earlier ruling of the court that denied them bail. “The offences are serious in nature and carries very severe punishment if proven. “I hereby therefore refuse bail of the applicants. But in the alternative, I hereby order accelerated trial of this matter to almost commence immediately, but not later than two months”, the Judge held.

Immediately after the ruling was delivered, FG, applied for all the witnesses to be allowed to testify behind screen. It also prayed the court for identities of the witnesses not to be revealed in any record of the proceeding. The defendants however opposed the application, contending that granting such request would amount to a gross violation of their rights to fair hearing. “We vehemently oppose secret trial of the defendants. They were accused in the open, we also request that they be tried in the open. The defendants need to see those testifying against them eye-ball-to-eye-ball. We are ready for this trial”, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor submitted. Specifically, FG had in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, alleged that the quartet conspired to commit treasonable felony contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP. C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014. FG alleged that they committed the offence along with others now at large, on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015, in Nigeria, London and United Kingdom.

It told the court that the defendant conspired among themselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra which is monitored in Enugu and its environs, preparations they were making for states in the South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states, to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra. Whereas FG identified Kanu as the arrow-head behind the “hate broadcasts”, it fingered Onwudiwe as the National Coordinator of the IPOB movement.

The defendants had on November 8, pleaded not guilty to all the charges against them, even as the court adjourned to hear their bail applications. Kanu was previously facing a six-count treason charge with Madubugwu and Nwawuisi, before FG amended the charges to include Onwudiwe as one of the defendants. Justice Nyako is now the third judge to handle the trial. It will be recalled that the former judge handling the matter, Justice John Tsoho had on September 26, disqualified himself from presiding over trial of the defendants. Justice Tsoho who earlier denied the defendants bail, premised his decision to hands-off the case on a petition pending against him before the National Judicial Council, NJC. Kanu and his co-accused persons had in their joint petition, alleged that Justice Tsoho indulged in act of “judicial rascality”, by delivering conflicting rulings on the same subject matter. They alleged that the judge summarily reversed his previous ruling that barred the Federal Government from masking all the witnesses billed to testify against them. The defendants maintained that the Judge denied them fair hearing on the day he gave FG the nod to produce “masquerades” to testify against them. 

Justice Ahmed Mohammed who was the first judge Kanu was taken to by FG, had in a bench ruling he delivered on December 23, 2015, also distanced himself from the matter. Kanu who was hitherto the Director of Radio Biafra and Television, ‎has been in detention since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his arrival to Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom.

The defendants were alleged to have committed treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. FG alleged that they were the ones managing the affairs of the IPOB which it described as “an unlawful society”. Kanu was alleged to have illegally smuggled radio transmitters into Nigeria, which he used to disseminate “hate broadcasts”, encouraging the “secession of the Republic of Biafra”, from Nigeria. The IPOB leader earlier denied the charges, even as the court, on January 20, ordered remand of the defendants at Kuje prison ‎in Abuja. Count one of the charge against the defendants read: “That you Nnamdi Kanu, ‘M’, Onwudiwe Chidiebere ‘M’, Benjamin Madubugwu ‘M’, David Nwawusi ‘M’ and others now at large, on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in Nigeria and London, United Kingdom, did conspire amongst yourselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, preparations being made by you and others at large, or states in the South East and South South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP.C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2000”.

 Source:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/breaking-court-declines-release-kanu-others-bail/

Army Declares 46 Soldiers Missing

The Nigerian Army has officially declared one officer and 45 soldiers missing in a major Boko Haram attacks five weeks ago, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

Consequently, the Army authorities have formally informed the families of the 46 personnel of the fate of their loved ones and requested that their next of kin forward bank details for onward remittance of accrued payments, military sources told PREMIUM TIMES.

The sources said the declaration and notification were contained in a November 20 notice sent by M. Jimoh, the new commander of the Nigerian Army 145 Task Force Battalion in Damasak, Borno State.

Mr. Jimoh, a lieutenant colonel, sent the signal to the 145 Battalion rear base in Ohafia, Abia State, and copied the Army 7 Division Headquarters in Maiduguri and 82 Division Garrison in Enugu.
Also copied were 5 Battalion in Kano; 20 Battalion in Serti, Taraba State; 103 Battalion in Enugu and 119 Battalion in Malam Fatori, Borno State.

Also in receipt of the signal were 143 Infantry Battalion for special forces in Borno State; 144 Battalion in Asa, Abia State; and 146 Battalion in Calabar.

Each of the battalions copied in the signal had soldiers that were part of the 83 missing, PREMIUM TIMES understands.

Mr. Jimoh recently replaced K. Yusuf, a lieutenant colonel whom PREMIUM TIMES exclusively identified as the commander of the 145 Task Force Battalion who was amongst the missing soldiers.
The admission by the army that 46 personnel are missing came exactly five weeks after the soldiers were dislodged from their base in Gashigar, Borno State, by Boko Haram operatives.

The aftermath of the attack was exclusively reported by PREMIUM TIMES, which included how several soldiers drowned in River Yobe and how at least 83 troops went missing with Mr. Yusuf.

The troops were on deployment in Gashigar, which sits on the northernmost edge of Borno State, as part of the ‘Operation Gama Aiki’ aimed at displacing insurgents hibernating around the Nigerian border with Niger and Chad.

The operation was launched in June 2016.
They were manning the Forward Operation Base there when Boko Haram operatives pushed towards them with superior firepower in the evening of October 16, senior military sources familiar with the encounter told PREMIUM TIMES at the time.

After initial resistance, the troops soon abandoned their base and scampered for safety. At dawn on October 17, the leadership of the Nigerian Army was informed that Boko Haram attacked the troops when they jumped into River Yobe, where the sect opened fire and left unknown number of them fatally wounded.
Twenty-two of the fleeing soldiers were rescued by the Nigerien troops and transported to a hospital in Diffa, southern Niger, for treatment, the Army also learnt at the time.

Yet, for several days, the spokesman for the Army, Sani Usman, maintained that the report was false.
But on the same day that he spoke, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in the northeast, Lucky Irabor, a major-general, claimed only 39 soldiers went missing.

The Army also opened a secret inquiry into the attackafter some brigade commanders raised questions about the conduct of the soldiers.
For instance, the commanders said it was difficult to explain how utility trucks were used to dispossess soldiers of their armoured vehicles especially when the soldiers said they were alerted in their various positions.

Senior military officials also found it curious that some of the soldiers were rescued by their Nigerien counterparts with their bullets still largely unspent.

“If they actually came under attack while they were fully at alert, then they should have exhausted their ammunition before taking to their heels,” the source said. “At least that much should be clear."

Source:

 http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/216039-exclusive-nigerian-army-officially-declares-46-soldiers-missing.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Social Media Our Greatest Nightmare- Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has described social media as a nightmare to image makers because of its disinformation through fake and distorted news.
The minister who stated this on Monday in Lagos at the opening of the 4th Commonwealth Public Relations Congress, noted that image makers in both public and private sectors were victims of the trend.

He, therefore, charged PR practitioners to devise innovative ways to ensure a better, charged-way communication network between their employer and the people.

The event organised by the Management School, London and the Business Education Examinations Council, has the theme “Strategic Management of Reputation Risk in an Interdependent World.’’

“Today, anyone with access to a smart phone can put out any information, whether accurate or not, that could go viral in minutes.

“No fact-checking, no accuracy, no fairness, no rules. They just spread whatever information catches their fancy, and they have their own public that believes them.” he said.

The minister however said that the trend is global, affecting international and local affairs including the recent U.S. elections.

“To understand the seriousness of this, there is an on-going debate in the U.S. over the role that disinformation played in the recent presidential election.

“Some even accused the social networking site, Facebook, of helping to swing the election in favour of Mr. Donald Trump, through the fake and distorted news spread by websites belonging to those who call themselves Alt-Right, or Alternative Right.

“Of course Facebook has denied that. But then Facebook and Google have taken concrete action to check this by seeking to cut off the live wire to these fake news websites,” he said.

According to published reports, Google said it will prevent websites that misrepresent content from using its advertising network, while Facebook said its ban on deceptive and misleading content also applies to fake news.

The minister said, locally, the trend has also made the job of government image makers so daunting that it is denying them of sleep.

“Government image makers now sleep with one eye opened, that’s if we sleep at all, because while we are sleeping, the purveyors of distorted and fake news are busy cooking their stuff.

“I cannot count the number of times that I have been removed from the Information and Culture portfolio on the social media in the past year, or that ministers have swapped portfolios,’’ he said.

The minister seized the opportunity to refute the fake report that President Buhari gave $500 million to Hilary Clinton during the U.S. Electioneering Campaign.

“Even when the Presidency has denied this outrageous concoction, the so-called analysts and experts have continued to comment on it as if it is true,” he said.

In tackling the challenge, the minister said that in addition to radio, television, newspapers and the new media, his ministry revived an age-long practice of Town Hall Meeting to engage people directly and get their feedback on topical issues.

Mike Okereke, a public relations practitioners in a welcome address, said the summit afforded the them (PR practitioners from the Commonwealth) opportunity to exchange ideas on best practices.

He urged participants to adopt positive attitude in the 

Source:
www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/215912-social-media-nightmare-pr-managers-lai-mohammed.html

$1.6bn Oil Scam: EFCC Re-Arraigns Diezani's Ally, Omokore & 3 Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, dragged the Chairman of Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited, Jide Omokore, before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, over alleged criminal diversion of over $1.6 billion belonging to the Federal Government under the guise of oil swap.

According to court papers, Mr. Omokore and the others claimed they had the expertise and the wherewithal to procure crude oil from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and process same and deliver the monetary equivalent of 5,652,227 barrels of crude oil to them by the corporation.

However, the prosecution is set to prove to the defendants that they intentionally defrauded the government by taking the crude and not delivering the money or the crude back to the government.

Omokore was arraigned along with Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, David Mbanefo, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited.

They were re-arraigned on a nine-count amended charge of criminal diversion of about $1.6 billion alleged to be proceeds of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.

They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them.

In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial, and to allow the defendants to enjoy the bail earlier granted them by Justice Binta Nyako.

Counsel to the defendants did not object to the request of Jacobs, urging the court to accede to his request.

Justice Dimgba, thereafter, fixed December 8 for hearing in the case, adding, “I, hereby, adopt the bail terms as mine.”

It would be recalled that Omokore and his co-defendants were first arraigned before Justice Nyako, on July 4, but the case file was afterwards transferred to Justice Dimgba by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

Count one reads: “That you Olajide Jones Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Kolawole Akanni Aluko (now at large) between May and October 2013, within the jurisdiction of this court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the Federal Government of Nigeria to deliver to you 5,652,227 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) amounting to the sum of US$616,013,615.27 through the medium of contract, which delivery was induced by the false pretence.”

Source:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/11/alleged-1-6bn-oil-scam-efcc-re-arraigns-diezanis-ally-omokore-3-others/

Abu Ali’s Death: "Why Boko Haram Is Killing More Nigerian Soldiers" - Premium Times

Nigeria has been in mourning since Saturday when news broke that Muhammad Abu-Ali, a lieutenant colonel, and Nigerian Army’s most efficient fighter died in battle alongside five soldiers during an exchange of battle with the terrorist Boko Haram.

Military insiders said the Army has launched an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of the country’s bravest commander and five of his troops.

But a top military officer with deep knowledge of the North-East operation has granted PREMIUM TIMES an exclusive interview detailing how the officer and his soldiers fell and why more and more soldiers were being killed by Boko Haram in recent times. The officer requested anonymity because he had no permission to discuss operational matters with the media.

EXCERPT: 

Thank you very much officer for agreeing to talk to us. We are sorry to hear of the death of Lt. Col. Abu Ali, a gallant and brave officer who gave his all to his country. We also learnt that he was killed alongside some soldiers. What really happened?

What happened was that Boko Haram terrorists ambushed our troops on Friday night at Mallam Fatori. Lt Col Abu Ali was killed on his way to reinforce troops there.

Information available reveals that one officer and 49 soldiers were withdrawn from Mallam Fatori on Friday morning and Boko Haram attacked at night indicating they possibly had advance information of the troops reduction in number.

Six soldiers and 14 Boko Haram terrorists were killed alongside Lt Col Abu-Ali, who was granted special promotion in 2014 for his gallantry in the fight against Boko Haram.

There is great mourning across the theatre of operations. Everyone is in mourning mood. May God grant the senior officer Aljanat Firdaus.

But why are attacks and killing of Nigerian troops becoming rampant in the past weeks?

It is sad that the Nigerian Army is announcing that the attacks are being carried out by remnants of Boko Haram terrorists when all reasonable persons can see that Boko Haram is still a formidable force. The Nigerian Army is more concerned with pleasing the political class while the grassroots people are still suffering.

It is the duty of the Nigerian Army public relations department to make the Nigerian Army look good but it is also necessary for the Nigerian Army to take practical steps to end this insurgency by improving the equipment state of the Nigerian Army and telling the government the true state of affairs.

What is the true state of affairs?

The truth is that from September to November this year, we have lost so many troops that can’t even be accounted for.

Prominent amongst those lost are Maj DS Erasmus and 8 soldiers – 25 Sep 2016 due to IED / ambush along Bama – Banki road. Lt Col K Yusuf and 83 soldiers missing in action on 16 Oct 2016 when Boko Haram attacked troops location at Gashigar. Lt Col M Abu-Ali and five soldiers were killed on 4 November 2016 on their way to reinforce troops at Mallam Fatori during Boko Haram attack.

On 5 November 2016, two soldiers were killed at Kwada during Boko Haram attack on troops location. One soldier was wounded while another two were declared missing in action.

In another attack in Kangarwa on 6 November, one soldier was killed while four other soldiers were wounded in action. Thirteen Boko Haram terrorists were killed and unconfirmed number of them was wounded.

Why are attacks on troops becoming more and more regular?

It’s dry season here and the ground allows smooth movement of vehicles. Boko Haram terrorists have a better knowledge of the local terrain so they can easily access troops location and escape.

Furthermore, there’s pressure on Boko Haram terrorists around Sambisa general area hence they seem to have pooled forces together to concentrate on the northern Borno axis.

So what can Nigerian authorities do to reduce casualties on the side of Nigerian troops?

The major cause of casualties on troops at the moment is poor equipment state. At the moment, the equipment in the theatre are mostly worn out and almost obsolete. Provision of adequate equipment is the only answer for now. Troops confidence is a function of sound and functional equipment.

Remember that man without equipment is at best inefficient and machines without man are almost useless. This points to the need for adequate equipment in the theatre to minimize casualty rate in the theatre.

What kinds of equipment are obsolete, and what kinds are needed at this time?

The tanks (especially Vickers MBT) in the theatre are so worn out that they often do not get to action most times troops are under attack. This is why the semi-serviceable T-72 tanks are being moved everywhere in the theatre. This explains why Lt Col Abu-Ali was almost everywhere there was threat as he commanded the T-72 tank Battalion.

The artillery Shilka guns are even the worst. Boko Haram terrorists fear the effect of Shilka guns but I still wonder why almost all Shilkas are not serviceable in the theatre.

Even more worrisome is the fact that the Nigerian Army has not procured more Shilka guns because they are Russian made and the bottleneck to buy them is not too much like those of Western countries.

But the impression being created is that troops are better off now in terms of equipment than under Jonathan

Unfortunately, for every battle we engage in, the equipment keep wearing and to worsen issues, these equipment were not procured with their fast-moving spare parts. The big question is, how many equipment has the present government procured and where are they deployed for use?

So does it mean troops are using just AK 47 to fight Boko Haram?

That’s our personal assault rifle, which is needed after long range weapons have done much of the job but unfortunately the long range support weapons are inadequate. Eg AA GUNS, mortar tubes, artillery weapons like shilka guns etc.

So how did we achieve the initial upper hand, cutting down Boko Haram down and capturing territories from the terrorists?

The upper hand started in February 2015 due to the arrival of T-72 tanks in the theatre. Chadian troops also assisted in mounting pressure on Boko Haram terrorists at the same time. This resulted in Boko Haram splitting their forces to several places at the same time.

So how did we lose the plot?

Recall that there were mercenaries that fought with Nigerian Army troops in the first and second quarters of 2015.

Yes

Boko Haram seems to have good strategist who study our modus operandi and cause them to adjust accordingly. The Nigerian military may need to reappraise its approach to counter insurgency operations.

Those mercenaries really assisted us and their withdrawal signalled the gradual regrouping of Boko Haram terrorists. This is because their withdrawal was sudden and not in phases.

But why was their withdrawal sudden?

The new government terminated their contract.

What did the mercenaries bring to the table that our troops lack?

They came with armoured fighting equipment. Above all, they had night fighting capabilities.

Do you have any further information on the attack that killed Lt. Col. Abu Ali? Especially about attack coming after withdrawal of some personnel.

There is a plan by the authorities to carry out an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. He’s to be buried by 5pm today (Monday) at the national cemetery.

But why were the men withdrawn?

They were to carry out attack elsewhere in the theatre. The only controversy is why they were suddenly forced to withdraw that fateful day.

Is it not standard practice to have replacement on location before pushing men elsewhere?

It is, but exigencies of duty make us to do things haphazardly at times.

Thank you very much for talking to us.

Thank you too.

Source:
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/214716-exclusive-lt-col-abu-alis-death-boko-haram-killing-nigerian-soldiers-top-military-officer.html

Halliburton: Four Ex-heads Of State, 89 Others Indicted

by Yusuf Alli,

Despite the payment of fines by some companies, fresh facts emerged yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may soon bring prominent Nigerians implicated in the $180m Halliburton bribe to justice.

About four former Heads of State and 89 prominent Nigerians were allegedly linked with the scandal.

In all, 76 prominent Nigerians are listed in the five notebooks submitted by the Halliburton Group to the EFCC.

There were indications yesterday that the anti-graft agency may quiz some of those listed.
A former Minister of Petroleum Resources has admitted collecting inducement from the bribery agent, Jeffrey Tesler/TSKJ.

It was learnt that about $2.5million was paid into the ex-minister’s account in Switzerland in 1998.
A top source in EFCC said: “We are looking into all aspects of the Halliburton scandal, including the bribe takers. This latest probe of the scandal is comprehensive.”

According to a document obtained by our correspondent, those implicated in the Halliburton Notebooks are: Four ex-Heads of State; two former Chiefs of General Staff, two ex-First Ladies; ex-CBN Governor; three former Military Governors/ Administrators; a former Deputy Governor of CBN, 11 former ministers(including two ex-Ministers of Petroleum Resources); two retired permanent secretaries and three ex-NNPC GMDs.

Others are ex-secretaries to the Government of the Federation; a former civilian governor in the South-East; a former Ambassador to Italy, an ex-envoy to Brazil, three ex-NNPC secretaries, a former Chief Security Officer to a former Head of State; former MD, NLNG/Shell; former Chief of Army Staff; a former Field Commandant of ECOMOG in Liberia; ex-MD of NAFCON; and more than 13 former NNPC top shots.

However, some of the ex-Heads of State were claiming that they received gifts and not bribes, sources said.

The report said in part: Following the submission made by Halliburton Group of Companies a 500-page document in five notebooks on 2nd September, 2004 which was allegedly found in the archives of the London Office of KBR by Halliburton’s Attorneys investigating this matter, a thorough examination of the said notebooks was done.

“Although the information contained in these Notebooks are not specific in terms of amount allegedly collected by named Nigerian officials from officials of TSKJ as an inducement for favours in the award of contract, it shed light on this scam and confirmed the existence of some sort of inducements shared by both officials of TSKJ and Nigerian Government who were in position to influence the award of the contract.

“A former Minister was a key player in this scam and had already admitted to collecting money as inducement from Jeffrey Tesler/TSKJ to the investigating magistrate in Paris.

“That the agreement between Tri-Star Investment Ltd/Jeffrey Tesler/TSKJ for the executions of the alleged bribery scandal making way for TSKJ as favoured contractor for the award of the building and expansion of NLNG was signed and sealed on 22nd March 1995.

“The mandate of Tri-Star Investments was among others to secure the award of the building and expansion project on negotiated basis as opposed to participating in a competitive bidding process. It was also to assist in maintaining of favourable relationships with the client and any other government authorities;
“Based on the extensive analysis of the Five Notebooks submitted by the Halliburton Group and extensive investigations carried out so far, the following facts are clearly established:-

(a.) That Jeffrey Tesler was and is actually involved with several Nigerian Generals and with people in authority in the past and present;

(b.) That Jeffrey Tesler’s Tri-Star Investment Ltd entered into Consulting and Commercial Promotion Services for the Nigeria LNG Project.

(c.) That Jeffrey Tesler and others working in pursuance of the above mentioned agreements did meet several Nigerian Government officials and did pay gratifications/inducements/retro commissions/bribes to them in the process.

These bribes were given to secure the NLNG contract and maintaining favourable relationships with client and any other governmental authorities;

(d.) That analysis of the Notebooks submitted by Halliburton Group of Companies mentioned several prominent Nigerians.”

The $180million bribery scandal involved the former Halliburton’s subsidiary, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) in respect of the nation’s Liquefied Natural Gas plant in Bonny.

Albert J. Stanley admitted before a Houston Court in the US on September 4, 2008 that he orchestrated more than $180million in bribe to senior government officials.

Stanley alleged that the bribe was channeled through a UK based lawyer, Mr. Jeffery Tesler, in four installments of $60million; $32.5million; $51million and $23million.

The bribe was allegedly facilitated between 1995 and 2005 in London.

The countries where the bribe money was allegedly stashed by some top government officials and their accomplices are France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Portugal and Seychelles.

Tesler, 63, was in February, 2012 sentenced to 21 months in Prison in the US after pleading guilty to the offer of princely bribe sums to some Nigerian Government officials with $132 million dollars between 1994 and 2004.

He also forfeited $149 million to US authorities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
About five companies indicted for the Halliburton scam have paid about $200million fines.

The breakdown of the $200m remittances by the five companies was as follows: Julius Berger ($35m); Siemens (Euros 30m); Snamprogetti ($30m); Halliburton Energy Services ($32,500,000); and Japan Gasoline Corporation ($26, 500,000).

The whereabouts of about $32.5million of the fines has led to the interrogation of some senior lawyers.

Those who had been interrogated by the EFCC are a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, J.B Daudu (SAN), Mr. E.C Ukala (SAN) Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), D.D. Dodo (SAN) and a top shot of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Roland Ewubare.

Also, an Abuja High Court on March 27, 2013 struck out the case against six Nigerian suspects arraigned over the Halliburton scandal.

Those set free were a former Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Aliyu, Mohammed Gidado Bakari and four companies.

The four companies are Urban Shelter Ltd, Intercellular Nigeria Ltd, Sherwood Petroleum Ltd and Tri-Star Investment Ltd.

The six accused persons had stood trial for allegedly serving as conduits and receiving bribes in hard currency to facilitate natural gas contracts between 1994 and 2005.

The trial judge, Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar, said the prosecution had failed to diligently prosecute the case.

On his part, Mr. Adeyanju Bodunde (a former Personal Assistant to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo) was still battling in the court to prove his innocence over alleged $5million payments made to him between 2002 and 2003.

A former EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu , who spoke in Germany on the Halliburton scandal in February, expressed regrets that the Halliburton scandal was frustrated in the country.

He said “a gang of foreigners stole from Nigeria” from a $6 billion natural gas contract won by a consortium of four international companies.

Ribadu added: “I first got hint of the case in France. I got back home and tried to investigate the case but it was very difficult or probably impossible because the companies were not there in Nigeria, they didn’t have account there, the people were not there. They had left.

“I rushed back to Paris. I was in Paris many times. I put in a request letter but after a year of trying to get French authorities to help us, the investigation magistrate told me that they could not get anyone to translate my letter from English to French. I knew it was a hopeless case.”

He said after failing to get France, Italy and Japan to help, he opted to go to the United States even though Dick Cheney, the then US vice president, was on the board of Halliburton.

“The Department of Justice in the United States took up the case. They investigated and prosecuted the case. They placed a fine of over $1.5 billion on the company, the biggest in the world for corporate corruption.”

He said some of the cases which the EFCC under his watch referred to US Department of Justice, including those of Siemens and Julius Berger, the US made over $3 billion in fines.

“But the sad aspect is this, in my own country, where the criminal activity took place, not a single person was made to face justice, especially after I was asked to leave my position. Sadly Nigeria did not make a dollar out of it,” he added.

Source:
http://thenationonlineng.net/halliburton-four-ex-heads-state-89-others-indicted/

Nigerains Are Suffering, Poverty Is The Reason Behind Kidnapping- Dangote

Alhaji Aliko Dngote says a lot of Nigerians are living below the poverty line – He noted that this has led to increase in crime and vice – The richest man in Africa blamed the drop in the country’s revenue for government slow performance Alhaji Aliko Dangote has lamented that more than 100 million Nigerians are poor and that this will lead to increased crime. The Punch reports that Africa’s richest man said at the Executive Course No. 38, 2016 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State.

Dangote said that it was ironical that in spite of the abundant resources, Nigeria was still dealing with serious poverty.

He said:

“It is a curious paradox that Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, and the largest economy on the continent, also has one of the highest levels of poverty. “It is estimated that more than 100 million out of a population of 187 million Nigerians live below the poverty line.”

He noted that “youth unemployment had risen to 42 per cent this year, with many graduates roaming the streets of major cities such as Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt in search of elusive white-collar jobs, while for some who were employed, their situation could best be described as under-employment, as they were being underutilised and poorly paid.”

“The spate of kidnappings, intermittent vandalism of petroleum pipelines in the Niger Delta, and the protracted insurgency in the North-East are all fuelled, to a large extent, by the high level of endemic poverty in the country.”

Dangote noted that the dwindling economic had made things more difficult as the government was finding it increasingly difficult to fulfil its obligations. “Coupled with this, the activities of insurgents in the North-East have also affected the level of poverty in that part of the country.

It is estimated that there are over 2.4 million Internally Displaced Persons in the region. It will take billions of naira to rebuild the North-East and fully re-settle the victims of the insurgency.
 

Source:
http://www.aksmedias.com.ng/2016/10/nigerains-are-suffering-poverty-is.html?m=1

Orji Uzor Kalu Re-arraigned By EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday re-arraigned a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, before a Federal High Court in Lagos for an alleged fraud of N2.7bn.

Kalu was re-arraigned along with two others on 34 counts of money laundering before Justice Mohammed Idris.

His co-defendants were Udeh Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limited.

The re-arraignment of the accused on Monday followed the transfer of their case from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to the Lagos division.

The accused had earlier been arraigned on September 27, 2016 before Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Abuja division of the court.

But the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, subsequently transferred the case to Lagos, leading to the re-arraignment of the accused on Monday.

The 34 counts pressed against Kalu and others border on money laundering.

The EFCC, in the charges, alleged that while he was governor of Abia State, Kalu siphoned funds running into over N2.7bn from the state’s treasury.

The ex-governor was accused of diverting state funds into the account of Slok Nigeria Limited, a company, the EFCC claimed was owned by Kalu and his family members.

Kalu was said to have allegedly diverted the funds in tranches of N200m, N50m, N200m, N300.8m, N545m, N429m, N288.4m, N190m, N157m, N152.8m, N100m, N84m and N50m between August 13, 2003 and January 12, 2005.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 17 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2003 and punishable under Section 16 of the same Act.

The EFCC accused Slok Nigeria Limited of conniving with one Emeka Abone, said to be at large, to help Kalu retain the allegedly stolen funds in its accounts, when Slok Nigeria Limited “knew or at least suspected the said Orji Uzor Kalu to have engaged in a criminal conduct.”

The EFCC said the company is liable to punishment under Section 16 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.

The 2nd defendant, Udeogu, was accused of helping Kalu to pay part of the allegedly stolen funds into the account of Slok Nigeria Limited with the defunct FinBank Plc.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 427 of the Criminal Code Cap 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Consequently, the prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Mr. Adebisi Adeniyi, asked the court for a trial date.

However, Kalu’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), informed the court that his client had earlier been arraigned and granted bail and urged Justice Idris to allow him continue on the existing bail.

Ozekhome said, “We are seeking the court’s discretion for the first defendant to continue on the existing bail granted to him on April 20, 2008 by Justice Adamu Bello.

“Since this matter has started, he has not jumped bail. He is an employer of labour; therefore, he will not undermine this court.”

On the his part, counsel for the 2nd defendant, Mr. Solo Akuma (SAN), also urged Justice Idris to allow his client to continue on the existing bail granted to him, assuring the court that his client would make himself available for his trial.

“The second accused person is a retired permanent secretary and his wife is a judge of the Federal High Court,” Akuma added.

In response, the prosecutor said he was not opposed to the application to allow the defendants to continue on their existing bail.

Consequently, Justice Idris ordered the defendants to continue on their existing bail.
Kalu had earlier vehemently opposed the transfer of his case from Abuja to Lagos.

Source:
http://punchng.com/updated-n2-7bn-fraud-efcc-re-arraigns-orji-kalu-lagos/

Wike Blasts Amaechi In Church: We're Starting Projects Afresh Because You Looted

WE STARTED INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AFRESH BECAUSE AMAECHI SQUANDERED RIVERS FUNDS SAYS GOVERNOR WIKE

Rivers State Governor , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the administration started the process of infrastructural development afresh because the immediate past administration of Rotimi Amaechi squandered resources that accrued to the state under his eight years of misrule.

He said it was Amaechi’s eight years of misrule that made it impossible for the former governor to construct a road to the hometown of his political mentor , Chief Godspower Ake of the APC .

The governor also urged the people of Rivers State to rise up and pray to God to handle those working with outsiders to disrupt the political process and deny the Rivers people representation at the Senate

Governor Wike spoke on Sunday during the 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the Omega Power Ministry in Port Harcourt and the Harvest Thanksgiving of Saint Luke Anglican Church , Rumuadaolu.

At the Saint Luke Anglican Church , Governor Wike said :

"Amaechi squandered the money of our people, using state resources to sponsor elections in other places.

"Because of the funds squandered by Amaechi, we are starting the development of sstatewide infrastructure afresh. For eight years, at a time that the state got approximately N20billion monthly, that administration failed to develop critical infrastructure.

"G..U Ake was Amaechi’s political mentor. Yet for eight years, he denied his community the required access road. For us, we will continue to ensure the development of infrastructure in all communities of Rivers State , irrespective of the political leaning of the people ".

Speaking at the Omega Power Ministry , Governor Wike , Governor Wike said he has presented the political problem of the state before God, urging all Christians to pray fervently for the sustenance of the state 

.

He said: "The same God who ensured that we overcame them in 2015, will answer our prayers".

The governor commended the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry , Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere for his commitment to the welfare of the less privileged .

In his remarks , General Overseer of the Omega Power Ministry , Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere lauded Governor Wike for living up to his promise of approving the building permit of the church and also granting it certificate of occupancy .

He said all members of Omega Power Ministry , irrespective of their political party , love Governor Wike for his commitment to development and the welfare of the people.

Highpoint of the 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Omega Power Ministry was the handing over of the symbolic Government House key to Governor Wike by Apostle Chinyere .

Simeon Nwakaudu ,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor , Electronic Media .
30th October , 2016.

Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2016/10/we-started-infrastructural-development.html?m=1

Police Recover 19 Cars From Arase

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered an investigation into the purchase and distribution of vehicles by his predecessors.

It was gathered that the probe was informed by the discovery that retiring officers, including former IGs and Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, were in the habit of appropriating police vehicles for their personal use.

Findings by our correspondent on Sunday show that the probe, which is being handled by the Special Investigation Panel, had identified and recovered 19 police vehicles from former IG, Solomon Arase.
Some of the vehicles include assorted sedans, Sports Utility Vehicles and pick-up vans.

The vehicles, it was learnt, were apart from the four vehicles he was entitled to take away with him on retirement.

A senior officer, who is familiar with the investigation, said the SIP was still working to recover five additional vehicles from the former police boss.

It was learnt that the SIP, headed by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, (retd.), had also recovered a number of police vehicles from other retired DIGs.

The recovered vehicles were said to have been distributed to newly promoted Commissioners of Police and AIGs.

The source said, “We are making progress in our investigations. We were able to trace 24 vehicles to the former IG and we have recovered 19 already. He has yet to release the remaining five, but we won’t let up until we recover all the vehicles. We have pictures of the vehicles and they have been documented, so he can’t deny it, the recovery is a fact.”

Arase had earlier denied taking away 24 vehicles when his successor, Idris, made the allegation during an interview with journalists on July 18, 2016, shortly after he assumed office.

Idris had further alleged that the seven DIGs, who retired alongside Arase, also carted away between seven and eight cars each.

Arase, however, denied the allegations of his successor, saying he did not go away with any police vehicle.

He said, “What am I going to do with 24 cars? Do I want to open a car shop? This is a malicious accusation. There are ways of verifying issues rather than engaging in media propaganda.”

Arase said all vehicles bought by the police under him were distributed to the state commands and other appropriate units of the Nigeria Police Force.

Source:
http://punchng.com/police-recover-19-cars-suvs-ex-ig-arase/

Obanikoro Offers To Refund N785m Slush Fund

Embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro may soon be let out of custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following indications that he has agreed to make refunds of the money he allegedly collected from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The anti-graft agency accused the ex-minister of collecting N785 million from ONSA while in office.

His friends and associates are understood to be rallying around him to raise the funds as a first step to secure his bail.

Obanikoro is understood to be targeting  N100 million as first installment  of the refund.

From ONSA, about N4.685 billon was transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited, a company allegedly linked to the ex-Minister.

Obanikoro told EFCC interrogators  that N3.880 billion of the N4.685 billion was allocated to Governor Ayodele Fayose  of Ekiti State  and  Senator Iyiola Omisore.

He also said he handed over $5.377 million (about N60 million then) cash to Fayose at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti in the presence of the former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Dr. Tope Aluko and other party stalwarts.

He said the balance of N785 million was expended on alleged anti-Boko Haram campaign in Lagos and the South-West.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The ex-minister has been cooperating with detectives and he appears willing to refund some cash out of the N785 million traced to Sylvan McNamara.

“I think his associates and friends have rallied around him, having discovered that the bulk of the cash from ONSA went to Fayose and Omisore.

“I think he might initially refund N100 million to get bail reprieve in order to prevail on others who benefited from the N785 million to repay the slush funds.

“The refund is one of the issues delaying the granting of bail to the ex-minister.”

Obanikoro had said:  “The balance of N785 milion were used to prosecute the following: 1. procurement of souvenirs for the promotion of anti-Boko Haram insurgency in Lagos; 2. N200million for surveillance activities; 3. N200 million and other remaining funds were for operations managed by Taiwo Kareem.

“Taiwo Kareem impressed the former NSA with his management of pre and post-election funds. To God be the glory, the two elections were carried out without any loss of life

“When bomb blast occurred in Lagos on the 25th of June 2014, the NSA was disturbed and told me of his commitment to ensure that such doesn’t reoccur.

“He expressed the grave consequence that the reoccurrence will have not only on Lagos but the economy of the entire country.

“He emphasised the need for local input to complement the activities of security agencies. This is how Sylvan McNamara was introduced.”

The EFCC had discovered that Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, allegedly owned by Obanikoro and his sons,   was used to launder the N4.745 billion.

The company, which was incorporated in November 2011 had the following as its directors: a close aide of the ex-minister, Ikenna Ezekwe (700,000 shares) of 51 Simpson Street, Ebute-Metta; Idowu Oshodi (299,000 shares) of 8, Prince Tayo Adesanya Street, Park View Estate, Ikoyi; and Elizabeth Adebiyi (1,000 shares) of 3, Adedoyin Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere.

Ikenna Ezekwe’s account  has been  de-frozen by the EFCC since the slush funds were not traced to him.

Ezekwe has also been removed as the director of the slush company.

A document said: “To set the stage for the use of the company for money laundering, the board of directors on May 7, 2012  passed a resolution that the company should open an account and appointed Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro, Ikenna Ezekwe, Ms. Theresa Matuluko (Secretary) and Mr. Babajide Obanikoro as the signatories to the account.

“The board added that the signing combination be that any of the signatories can sign alone.”

EFCC claimed that  when it was time to illegally draw the N4.745 billion from ONSA as war chest for Ekiti Governorship poll, ex-minister Obanikoro made the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited available and coordinated the disbursement.

Contacted, Obanikoro’s spokesperson, Jonathan Eze, said he was not aware of the development.

Another source close to him, however, said “it is true.”

 

Source:

http://thenationonlineng.net/obanikoro-offers-refund-n785m-slush-fund/

Benin Kingdom has a New Oba.

Vice President; Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was welcomed warmly after his arrival in Benin, to witness the coronation of Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the 39th Oba of the Kingdom. He was received by Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole, Edo Governor -Elect; Mr Godwin Obaseki, incoming 1st Lady of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki and Alhaji Aliko Dangote amongst others at the airport..See pictures below;

Source; http://www.nationalhelm.net/2016/10/oshiomhole-others-don-traditional.html

Aso Rock Policemen Protest "Discriminatory Allowance"- The Punch

Some policemen attached to the Police Mobile Force 24, State House, are not happy over their alleged exclusion from the payment of the outstanding allowance to security men attached to the Presidential Villa, Abuja recently, The PUNCH has learnt.

The PUNCH had reported exclusively that President Muhammadu Buhari had cleared the backlog of allowance of security agents, thereby dousing the tension that was brewing among the operatives.

It was reported that the President, through the Office of the National Security Adviser, also effected over 50 per cent increase in the security agents’ allowance popularly referred to as the Risk Cautious Allowance.

Multiple sources among the policemen told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity on Thursday that about 288 personnel were exempted from the payment of the allowance.

The soqurces claimed that those who were exempted from the payment were allegedly tagged “Peoples Democratic Party policemen.”

One of them claimed that the only problem authorities had with them was because they worked in the Presidential Villa under the last administration.

He said the “discriminatory payment” was already causing disaffection among the policemen who were supposed to be working in unity.

He said, “We are calling on the NSA to come to our aid and ensure that this injustice is redressed.

“We all suffered together and we are supposed to smile together. The discrimination is not necessary.

“If our services are no longer needed, we should be paid our entitlement and then they can transfer us.

“Why will some people be smiling, while others are not? We deserve to be treated better.”

When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, denied the allegation.

Shehu said as far as the government was concerned, everyone entitled to the allowance had been paid.

He noted that there were some officers who were used to free money and would do anything to inflate the list of beneficiaries.

“There is no free money anywhere. Those who are entitled to the payment have been paid. Only security men around the President are entitled to it. Government won’t allow officers who will inflate the list for their selfish purposes,” the presidential spokesman said.

Source:
http://www.punchng.com/aso-rock-policemen-protest-discriminatory-allowance/

And the Boko Haram Menace Continues!

Today BBC got reporting how Boko Haram Overwhelmed and ran riot killing Over 8 People and Hoisting their flags in three Villages in Maiduguri Despite claims by the Nigerian Armed forces oF discipating them. Last week also I saw on BBC Television a Video Footage showing the Much dreaded Leader of the sect Claiming Contrary to reports of him being injured in an Air Raid carried out by the Air-Force, he was in good Form, Speaking Hausa, Kanuri and English. BBC suggested they couldn't ascertain or verify when the Video with Shekau was made but suggested it to be a rescent video..

We can only pray and hope the Military's efforts in contineous bombardment of the sects Enclave in the North-east yeilds required results soonest.

Written By OMA for Oma's Blog.
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2016.

Powere Outage as Minister Of Power Mounts Podium to Talk Power Issues.

Hilarious, Comical and Ironic.
So, Earlier Today the Minister OF Power, Works and Housing was at the Eko Hotel to talk Stakeholders on Measures the Government of the day was putting in Place to Address The Electricity deficiency and inadequate Power supply in the country and just when he Mounted the Podium and was about to commence with his speech! Guess What! The Usual or do I say the Unthinkable Happened. :D

Fashola visibly looked embarrassed as he had to wait For a while for power to be restored. When Power was finally restored, the super minister had a sheepish smile on his face and Embarrasment written all over.

Naija we Hail the!

Written By OMA for Oma's Blog.
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2016.

Sule Lamido Joins the Band-Wagon Accusing Buhari Of "incompetence" Oweing To Recession.

Former Governor oF Jigawa State and PDP Stalwart has Joined the Band-wagon of People That Opins President Muhammadu Buhari is Incompetent and has not been able to Keep to His Promises, Talking to DailyTrust newspaper Corresponce, he made His stance known and drew this Analogy...... “President Buhari is simply incompetent on the provision of the welfare of the citizens because he was never ready for the job, and so, he lacks the capacity to source for the wherewithal to do it well to the satisfaction of Nigerians,” Lamido said.
According to him, “If he (Buhari) cannot ensure the provision of basic needs of Nigerians, tell him to hand over to me and see how I will source for the wherewithal to do it.”

The opposition party chieftain drew an analogy: “Imagine a husband who, before marrying his wife, promised her that he would provide all her legal and legitimate needs according to the obligations of matrimony, only to confront the wife shortly after the wedding and tell her that he didn’t know that he would have to provide her ‘this’, and he has now realized that he cannot, and she should please bear with him; and the wife, because of the love she has for him, overlooks that limitation.

“The following day, he confronts her again, explaining his inability to provide another basic need, pleading with her to overlook it, and she does so; again he comes to her another day to say he didn’t know that he also has to provide so and so to her, and now he has realized he cannot; it should dawn on the wife that he simply cannot discharge the obligations of matrimony to her, and it is legal and legitimate for her to seek divorce,” he said.  

Written By OMA for Oma's Blog.
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2016.