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Nigeria Will Not Remain Same Should Ekweremadu Be Killed – Says Ohaneze Ndigbo

Mohammed Useni
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Nigeria Will Not Remain Same Should Ekweremadu Be Killed – Says Ohaneze Ndigbo

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase to ensure a thorough investigation into the alleged attack on the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu.

In a press statement issued in Umuahia Wednesday, the Council raised the alarm that “the highest Igbo political office holder is being hunted for elimination”.

Signed by the Council’s National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary, Okwu Nnabuike, the group challenged the Inspector General of Police to fish out those behind the evil plot to kill Ekweremadu.

Warning that killing of the deputy senate president portends danger for the country, OYC said,”should anything happen to Ekweremadu, Nigeria will not remain the same again”.

According to them, any harm on Ekweremadu amounted to a declaration of war against Ndigbo which must be resisted at all cost.

The statement said the Ohaneze Youths were prepared to provide security for the deputy senate president to ensure his safety.

“We are ready to stake our lives to ensure the safety of Ekweremadu. If those who opposed his emergence as Deputy Senate President now want to come after his life they will still fail just as they failed to stop his ascendancy”, the Igbo youths said.

The group also asked the Federal Government to tell Nigerians the real owners of REMITA, the company fingered for the alleged N25 billion fraud in the Treasury Single Account(TSA) controversy.

Former Education Minister, Aja-Nwachukwu Dies At 63

Mohammed Useni
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Former Education Minister, Aja-Nwachukwu Dies At 63

Aja-Nwachukwu, who was Education Minister from July 26, 2007 – December 17, 2008, passed on while receiving treatment at an Israeli hospital.

The former minister’s younger brother, Festus Aja-Nwachukwu, who confirmed the death while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, said his elder brother died on Nov. 17.

He said the former minister, who served during the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua, had been receiving treatment at an Israeli hospital for about four weeks before passing on.

Festus said he could not readily say the cause of his elder brother’s death until the death certificate was issued by the hospital.

He said that details of the burial arrangement would be made public in due course.

Aja-Nwachuku, a native of Okposi in Ebonyi, was born in 1952 and appointed minister of education in 2007. His father was Nigeria’s first minister of education.

He graduated from the University of Ibadan with a Bachelor’s Degree in statistics.

He also had an MBA in Finance, MSc in Statistics and Ph.D in Economics.

Breaking News: Scores Killed As Twin Blast Goes Off At Kano GSM Market

Mohammed Useni
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Breaking News: Scores Killed As Twin Blast Goes Off At Kano GSM Market

Scores were feared dead in Kano Wednesday from twin blast at the heart of GSM market, Nassarawa GRA.

Eyewitness accounts say Improvised Explosive Device was planted close to the generator serving the market, while the second bomb went off at the heart of the market

The blast went off during the late afternoon prayers triggered pandemonium within the vicinity.

Details soon.

“Nemesis’ll Catch Up With You” – Naked Protesting Edo Women Tell Oshiomhole

Mohammed Useni
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“Nemesis’ll Catch Up With You” – Naked Protesting Edo Women Tell Oshiomhole

The war of words between Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Esama of Benin kingdom and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftain, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion took a dramatic turn yesterday as half-clad women in red dresses, protested through major streets in Benin City to express their displeasure and sadness over the development.

The women under the aegis of Concerned Edo Women who shunned press interview, went to the shrine of Emotan, a sacred statue at the city centre, in a meeting with the Priest, described as ‘disrespectful’, utterances by the governor against the Benin chief and father of the erstwhile governor of Edo State.

The priest of the Emotan Statue, while receiving the women said the protest was a welcome one as nobody, regardless of his position in the state, is encouraged to insult Bini chiefs, elders and particularly by way of ridicule, malign and outright disregard for the respected Esama of Benin.

He said that,” whoever insults the Bini’s and its high ranking chiefs is drawing the wrath of the gods and will not go unpunished.”

The women said, “We are women and as mothers, sisters and aunts to Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, we say no to any form of disrespectful behaviour for the person of Chief Igbinedion. We as mothers cannot see evil in the land and support it. “We are against the action of the governor, particularly on Chief Igbinedion and his household.

We want the Governor to apologize to the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Igbinedion. All we are asking the governor is to stop insulting elders from Benin Kingdom, so that we do not completely go naked and place curses on him.”

They noted that the insulting language employed by the state governor is worrisome and offends human sensibilities and the Benin nation, who are very ‘respectful people’ and sought to rubbish he sterling lifestyle and qualities of their son and Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Buhari Promises To End Rice Importation, Diversify The Nigerian Economy

Mohammed Useni
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Buhari Promises To End Rice Importation, Diversify The Nigerian Economy

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday flagged off the N20 billion rice farmers programme in Kebbi state with a promise to put an end to importation of rice into the country.

The programme is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, aimed at assisting farmers to increase the production and supply of feedstock to agro-processors.

President Buhari explained that the urgent need of his administration to exploit the huge potentials in the agricultural sector is the gradual collapse of the oil sector and expressed the hope that the CBN-anchored programme will take millions of Nigerians out of poverty and create job opportunities for the mass of the unemployed.

According to the President, the discovery of oil in the country was meant to complement other sectors of the economy but that the reverse has been the case, adding that growing the agricultural sector will help balance the scale of the dwindling oil economy.

He said that his administration’s desire to diversify the economy and boost food production arose out of the need to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported foods, thereby creating millions of jobs for the people and taking farmers out of poverty.

President Buhari further explained that the importance of agriculture in the economy cannot be over emphasized due to huge economic potentials in the sector that is capable of replacing the nation’s crude oil, adding that in the 70s, the economy of the country was built on agriculture before the discovery of oil.

“In the 70s, the nation’s investment and companies were financed by the agricultural proceeds before the discovery of oil,” he said.

I Have Spent Only N2.1Billion In 5 Months Maintaining My Jets, Not N6billion Says Buhari

Mohammed Useni
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I Have Spent Only N2.1Billion In 5 Months Maintaining My Jets, Not N6billion Says Buhari

The Presidency said on Tuesday that a little above N2 billion and not N6 billion has so far been expended on maintenance of the presidential fleet between May 2015 and now and that the amount include salaries and repayment of old debts.

In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity expressed frustration at what he described as a fictional report that has caused the government a lot of negative reviews, especially in the online media.

Shehu said: “The government is focused on solving the many major issues our country faces in the areas of the economy, corruption and security; yet, almost every week, the Presidency has to also deal with the distractions which do nothing but distract from the task of government.”

Based on documents he said he requested from the Operational Office of the Presidential Fleet after his attention was drawn to the speculative report, the Presidential spokesperson pointed out that N2.3 billion was released to the Presidential Air Fleet by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation between May and November 2015.

According to him, this includes releases for personnel cost, overhead and capital expenditure out of the N5,190,381,386.00 appropriated for PAF in the 2015 budget.

The documents also showed that N2,127,103,086.66 had so far been expended, leaving a balance of N172,568,912.34 from the amount released.

“However, the sum of N149,062,791.12 was transferred from the PAG’s operation account to the Treasury Single Account, following the President’s recent directive,” Shehu said.

He added that the sum of N23,801,122.17 remains unutilised out of the funds so far released.

During the period from May 31, 2015 till date, the Fleet expended N1,358,910,962.75 to settle outstanding liabilities carried over from last year till May 2015.

Furthermore, N500 million was refunded to the office of the National Security Adviser for financial support rendered to the Fleet prior to the release of funds from the OAGF.

Thus, the Fleet expended N449,081,037.25 within the last months.

This is made up of N98,500,218.00 for operations, N165,373,176.91 on training and N85,500,116.75 on personnel medicals and overhead.

Additionally, N99,715,493.51 was expended on aircraft maintenance, spares and subscription services required for operations.

Shehu said further in the statement: “Any of these documents could have been made available had the newspaper reached out to me or to any one of my colleagues. The damage to the image of government and the good management of the Presidential Air Fleet could have been avoided.”

The Senior Special Assistant also put the number of aircraft in the presidential fleet at 10 and not 14 as cited by that report.

He listed the aircraft in the inventory in the spirit of openness as transparency instituted by the Buahri administration as made up of:
1. 1× 737 BBJ
2. 1× G550
3. 1×G500
4. 2× Falcon 7X
5. 1× HS 4000
6. 2× Agusta139
7. 2× Agusta 101.

Kachikwu Orders DPR To Sanction Errant Fuel Stations, Sell- off Their Petrol For free

Mohammed Useni
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Kachikwu Orders DPR To Sanction Errant Fuel Stations, Sell- off Their Petrol For free

In a spirited effort to end the noticeable fuel queues in major cities across the country, the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu on Tuesday gave the marching orders to the Department of Petroleum Resources to ensure strict compliance by visiting of adequate sanctions on defaulting fuel stations across the country.

Speaking after a working visit to some retail outlets in Abuja, Dr. Kachikwu directed the DPR to ensure that any petrol station caught in the nefarious act of product hoarding, should have such concealed products sold off to members of the public gratis.

“I have instructed DPR that if they discover any fuel station involved in hoarding, they should sell the products for free to customers around there. It is not just sealing the station that is the answer. It is penalizing them when they do these things and I hope the message goes out loud and clear,” he said.

The Minister who is billed to host strategy session with the Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) as well as Jetty and Tank Farm Owners Associations as well as all other relevant stakeholders in Abuja on Wednesday, charged oil marketers across the country to cooperate with government to ensure speedy clearance of the fuel queues.

“I am getting all the Majors to get involved and they must take charge of the situation and they must take responsibility for all their filling stations. Currently, there is enough supply and we are moving trucks massively to address the situation. I have instructed the DPR and the Petroleum Equalization Fund and all the other agencies to work towards the Fast track movement of petrol bearing trucks and vessels,’’ Dr. Kachikwu stated.

On the approved payment of N413 billion subsidy claims to marketers, he reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted a letter to the National Assembly for the legislative approval of the subsidy claims, noting that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will make the funds available to the marketers once appropriated by the National Assembly.

The Minister also said there is no price reduction of petrol in the horizon and that marketers should desist from hoarding by making the products available to the motorists.

 

“I Served Nigeria With The Best Of Intention” – Ex-NSA Dasuki Replies Buhari’s Arrest Order

Mohammed Useni
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“I Served Nigeria With The Best Of Intention” – Ex-NSA Dasuki Replies Buhari’s Arrest Order

The immediate National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki has denied ever receiving any formal or informal invitation to appear before an Investigative Panel on the Procurement of hardware and munitions in the armed forces.

In Case You Missed Our Earlier Report, Buhari Orders Sambo Dasuki’s Arrest….

Ex-NSA Dasuki, who is responding to a statement that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered for his arrest over arms deal, told PRNigeria in a reaction made available to NewsWireNGR that: “I have never been invited formally or informally to appear before the panel. I am therefore not only surprised but embarrassed by seeming indictment by the panel purportedly operating from Office of the National Security Adviser that never contacted me.

“For the record I am proud to serve my nation with the best of intention and ensuring the recovery of more than 22 local government councils from Boko Haram terrorists.

“Because of the pride on how we tackled terrorism and defeated Boko Haram terrorists through our gallant troops and partners in the twilight of the previous administration, that is the reason I have insisted on open and public trial of my stewardship rather than secret trial in the court as being canvassed by my prosecutors.”

“I wish Nigerians will go back and reflect on what we did with even little or no supports from some countries, we performed miracles before the emergence of this administration. Even though the committee was to investigate procurement from 2007 to 2015. Yet only my name is always being mentioned even when some of the issues were before I came into the government.

 

UPDATED: 32 Killed, 80 Injured In Adamawa Blast, Says Red Cross

Mohammed Useni
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UPDATED: 32 Killed, 80 Injured In Adamawa Blast, Says Red Cross

About 32 people were killed and 80 injured on Tuesday evening when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive devise at a motor park in the Jimeta area of Yola in Adamawa State.

The Red Cross which was at the scene of the incident disclosed to Reuters that so far, 32 bodies had been counted as of 10.00 p.m. on Tuesday, while more than 80 wounded had been taken to the hospital.

 

Former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde Flown Abroad For Medical Treatment

Mohammed Useni
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Former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde Flown Abroad For Medical Treatment

The immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, has been flown out of the country for medical attention.

His lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, at a meeting with members of the Senate Committee on Ethics, said that Lamorde had gone abroad for medical treatment.

Mr Lamorde was scheduled to appear before the committee over allegations of mismanagement of funds recovered from suspects in cases handled by the EFCC under him.

Mr Keyamo asked the committee on ethics to give Lamorde one month to recover from his medical treatment before appearing before the committee.

However, the committee members disagreed, saying Lamorde must appear before the committee next Tuesday, November 24.

Breaking: Buhari Orders Sambo Dasuki’s Arrest

Mohammed Useni
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Breaking: Buhari Orders Sambo Dasuki’s Arrest

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the arrest of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, and other persons indicted by the investigative committee set up to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the armed forces and defence sector from 2007 to date.
This was contained in a statement released by Femi Adesina, Buhari’s special adviser on media and publicity, after the president received the report of the committee’s findings.

“On the authority of Mr President, a 13-man committee was set up by the Office of the National Security Adviser to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date,” Adesina said in the statement.

“While the committee, which was inaugurated on 31 August 2015 is yet to complete its work, its interim report has unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions.

“As part of the findings, the committee has analyzed interventions from some organizations that provided funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, both in local and foreign currencies.

“So far the total extra budgetary interventions articulated by the committee is Six Hundred and Forty Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Hundred Naira and Eighteen Kobo (N643,817,955,885.18).

“The foreign currency component is to the tune of Two Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand US Dollars and Eighty Three Cents ($2,193,815,000.83). These amounts exclude grants from the State Governments and funds collected by the DSS and Police.

“It was observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defense procurement.
“The committee also observed that of 513 contracts awarded at $8,356,525,184.32; N2,189,265,724,404.55 and €54,000.00; Fifty Three (53) were failed contracts amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively.

“Interestingly, it was noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the $1bn loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight the insurgency in the North East.

“The committee also discovered that payments to the tune of Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N3,850,000,000.00) were made to a single company by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfilment of tax obligations to the FGN.

“Further findings revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, the erstwhile NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and €9,905,477.00. The contracts, which were said to be for the purchase of 4 Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition, were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory.

“Even more disturbing was the discovery that out of these figures, 2 companies were awarded contracts to the tune of N350,000,000.00, $1,661,670,469.71 and €9,905,477.00 alone. This was without prejudice to the consistent non-performance of the companies in the previous contracts awarded.

“Additionally, it was discovered that the former NSA directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer the sum of $132,050,486.97 and €9,905,473.55 to the accounts of Societe D’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America for un-ascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions.

“The findings made so far are extremely worrying considering that the interventions were granted within the same period that our troops fighting the insurgency in the North East were in desperate need of platforms, military equipment and ammunition. Had the funds siphoned to these non performing companies been properly used for the purpose they were meant for, thousands of needless Nigerian deaths would have been avoided.

“Furthermore, the ridicule Nigeria has faced in the international community would have been avoided. It is worrisome and disappointing that those entrusted with the security of this great nation were busy using proxies to siphon the national treasury, while innocent lives were wasted daily.

“In light of these findings, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the relevant organizations arrest and bring to book, all individuals who have been found complicit in these illegal and fraudulent acts.”

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