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During a joint press conference with President Vladimir Putin, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that the EU economic war against Russia could lead to a new Cold War, and that Athens will try to become a ‘negotiations bridge’ between Europe and Russia to resolve the issue

Greece disagrees with the anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the West and considers them a form of economic warfare, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said Wednesday.”The Greek economy was greatly harmed due to the response to the sanctions… We understand very well that the retaliatory measures came as a response to the sanctions, the logic of which we do not agree with. We have repeatedly voiced our disagreement,” Tsipras said at a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Tsipras, Greece has raised the issue of anti-Russia sanctions at various EU summits.

“We don’t think that this is a fruitful solution to the economic war. In fact, it will lead to a Cold War relationship between the West and Russia,” Tsipras added.

In turn, Putin stressed that despite the fact that the Greek economy was hard-hit by the counter-sanctions imposed by Russia, Moscow would not make an exception for one EU country, as its goal is to build relationships of mutual trust and transparency with the whole of Europe.

Following the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he discussed with Greek PM Alexis Tsipras bilateral cooperation.

“We agree to pay more attention to investments, we discussed cooperation in energy sector,” Russian president said. “We discussed possibility to supply Russian gas to Greece via Turkish Stream.”

According to president Putin, they also discussed cooperation in tourism.

They also talked about Russian-EU relations.

“We assured our Greek colleagues in Russian intention to implement Minsk agreements to settle conflict in Eastern Ukraine,” President Putin added.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that he is grateful to President Putin for new spring in Russian-Greek relations.”We have spring in Russian-Greek relations,” Alexis Tsipras said. “Greece is a sovereign state and will use its geopolitical role as European country. We will use all opportunities to boost cooperation with Russia.”

According to Greek PM, the countries will promote education and culture ties.

He also expressed hope, that Greece may become an energy hub in the European region.

Speaking about sanctions on Russia, PM Tsipras said that European issue is not Greek one. So regarding the complicated economic situation in the world in the recent years Greece has signed several documents on cooperation with Russia.

“That’s why we come here in the first place, to constract the economic ties with Russia,” Alexis Tsipras said. “We do not entirily share the EU stance on economic sanctions against Russia. We will promote new solution based on the dialog.”

Mr.Tsipras also added that Greece “openly dissaproves” of European anti-Russian sanctions, because the EU economic war against Russia could lead to a new Cold War.

Of course sanctions has hit Russian-Greek agriculture cooperation, President Putin said. “But today we’re tried to establish our cooperation regardless the sanctions,” he added.

PDP Queries President-elect Buhari’s Indifference To Burning National Issues

Check out Press statement from the PDP.
buhari

Read below..

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep concerns over the apparent indifference of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to burning national issues threatening the unity and stability of the country.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Wednesday said “while well-meaning Nigerians and the international community are celebrating the peace fostered by the patriotic action of President Goodluck Jonathan in conceding defeat, General Buhari and his party, the APC have been moving around the country instigating division, engineering crisis and heightening tension in the polity”.

“Whereas General Buhari had assured Nigerians that he would be the President of the entire nation and not of a political party, his actions in the last one week show otherwise as he has continued to display sectionalism and insensitivity to matters inimical to the survival of our democracy and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Instead of settling down to plan a smooth transition and design ways of deepening democracy in appreciation of the mandate given to him, General Buhari has tacitly encouraged his men to foment crisis and cause panic in the bid to muzzle personal freedom and impose a reign of terror in the land.

“For instance, Gen. Buhari has remained indifferent to the crisis in Ekiti where outgoing APC lawmakers who are supposed to be campaigning for the renewal of their mandates on Saturday have been mobilized to Oshogbo in Osun state by the APC to perfect an ignoble plot to remove a democratically elected government in the state.

“APC’s ambition in Ekiti coupled with its odious triumphalism in the aftermath of the Presidential election have led to avoidable confrontations and near breakdown of law and order in the state as the people rise to defend the mandate freely given to the PDP.

“In continuation of this display of arrogance in victory, Buhari’s men in Lagos have dragged the revered traditional institution into the political fray with the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu threatening death to supporters of the PDP, an action that has brought outrage from Nigerians with General Buhari playing the ostrich.

“It is indeed unfortunate that while his men are causing crisis and threating Nigerians, General Buhari, instead of calling them to order displays his insensitivity by jetting around the country campaigning for his party.

“If this sort of insensitivity and arrogance of victory are foretaste of what to expect in a Buhari presidency, then our dear nation and its people are headed for a long trek in the wilderness”, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the PDP in reaction to reports of defection from its fold described the defectors as political Trojans, who from within have ceaselessly worked against the interest of the party and now fear that they would face sanctions for their actions.

Stating that it would not miss such fair weather members, the party commended the courage and steadfastness of all its supporters and members who have remained committed to the course and urged them to go a step further by emulating Senate President David Mark and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in speaking out publicity in favour of the PDP, its ideals and visions of the founding fathers.

The PDP said adequate machinery is already in motion to reorganize and to reposition itself to regain power in the next four years since it is obvious that the APC lacks what it takes to effectively lead the nation.

It therefore called on Nigerians to use the Saturday’s election to demonstrate their commitment to democracy by voting enmasse for the PDP bearing in mind that a vote the party is a vote for the unity and stability of the country.

Signed:

Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary

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Stop the unbecoming comments directed at Oba of Lagos, Akiolu. - OPC warns

The initiative of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, has dripped an announcement cautioning Nigerians to stop the uncomplimentary comments being coordinated at the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, taking after his comments he made to Ibo occupants in Lagos last Sunday.
Gani-Adams

As per OPC, the Yoruba customary legacy must be regarded by all and as a group, they will ‘not tolerate anyone independent of their spots of conception of conviction stigmatize what their hosts (Yorubas) hold sacred’.

See his statement bellow.

The attention of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has been drawn to some unruly and unbecoming comments purportedly in reaction to alleged comments by the paramount ruler of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and warn all those involved to desist from such unbecoming acts forthwith.

The institution of the oba is one the Yoruba race hold in high esteem, and the OPC as irredentist defenders of Yoruba culture and heritage would therefore not tolerate anybody -irrespective of their places of birth of conviction- to denigrate what their hosts (Yorubas) hold sacred. While we accept that that institution should remain non-partisan, it must also be acknowledged that the Palace of the Oba of Lagos has already claimed that the royal father was misrepresented in the press and pleaded for understanding.

Be that as it may, the Yoruba’s accommodating and loving nature should not be misconstrued as timidity. As hosts, we have given all our visitors enough space and opportunity to bloom and flourish without molestations, and of all the tribes and visitors in Lagos, none has enjoyed the benevolence of Lagos and indeed all of Yorubaland as much as the Igboman and nation.

The evidence of the claim above can be found in the fact that Yorubaland as a whole is the most cosmopolitan area in Nigeria. We Yoruba have allowed other tribes to own businesses, properties and even contest and hold political positions on Yoruba soil in a manner unreciprocated anywhere else in Nigeria.

Using the same Lagos as an example, the fact that the likes of Pastor Ben. Akabueze and Joe Igbokwe have become an integral part of the political frame work of Lagos State for years now is proof enough that Lagos and indeed the Yoruba are excellent hosts. Akabueze has for the last ten years been directing and coordinating the economic direction of the state from his enviable position as the honorable commissioner for budget and planning while Igbokwe has held sways general manager at LASIMRA and head, UFRU.

Others such as Ngozi Nwosu the popular actress from Imo State who got N6million for overseas surgery, the late comrade Chima Ubani whose family got cash and a gift of 3bedroom accommodation at Marwa Gardens as well as First Consultant Hospital that got N50 million as compensation for involvement in the Ebola case are evidence that the Igbos are not despised in Lagos.

Nowhere in Nigeria -east of the Niger- is the Yoruba or any other tribe accorded the kind of gesture the Igbos have been enjoying in Lagos in the last 12 or so years since these bonafide Igbo men entered into the Lagos political scene. As for the likes of Bode George, Fani-Kayode, Musiliu Obanikoro and their party the PDP, their outcry is the reaction of a person or group without shame and critical thinking (arojinle).

Is it that they have a case of memory dysfunction or are they just plain mischievous. Have they so quickly forgotten that it is their party that started the politicization of the institution and monarchy with the president’s visit to the same Oba of Lagos earlier this January as the forerunner to visits to many other obas in Yorubaland. None of the PDP members complaining now saw any thing wrong with the attempts to involve our obas in partisan politics until it backfired against them and their party.

This brings us to the warning we issued earlier, when Gani Adams in his treacherous, sycophantic and reactionary move turned on the good people of Lagos unleashing violence and threat of violence against the perceived enemies of his paymasters. If Adams had not behaved like an omo ojuorolari, he should by now be defending the sacredness of the stool of the Oba of Lagos or any other one in Yorubaland for that matter. If Adams had not collected the billions he did, along with MASSOB and other ethnic groups, his co-travellers would now be degenerating and abusing our hospitality the way no one can replicate in their homelands.

In closing, we enjoin all members of the OPC and indeed the Yoruba nation to beware of the enemies within like Gani Adams and with one voice condemn all fifth columnist within our fold. And with the foregoing it is abundantly clear that Gani Adams who brought this odium upon us must quit the OPC.

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Moscow & Athens Forge New Alliance – Greek Media

The Greek prime minister’s visit to Moscow aimed at improving relations with Russia angers many in Europe – this is what reports in Greek media, covering the visit, boil down to.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is on a two-day visit to Moscow, making headlines in Greek media.

Arriving earlier today in Moscow ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Russian President, V. Putin. @PutinRF_Eng #Greece pic.twitter.com/HyW5FoPZ6R

— Alexis Tsipras (@tsipras_eu) April 7, 2015

“Alexis Tsipras’ upcoming visit to Moscow and meeting with Putin has generated much talk, analysis and warnings,” iefimerida.gr wrote in a piece titled Tsipras-Putin: Smiles in Moscow, Annoyance in Brussels. “Both sides underline that Moscow and Athens will discuss many issues and there is no shortage of speculations on what Tsipras will ask and what Putin will offer.”

The visit could help return Greek produce to the Russian market, according to the media outlet. “Exports are worth 125 million Euros and are of primary importance to the agriculture in northern Greece,” iefimerida.gr said.EU sanctions and the Russian food ban, investments, privatization, energy cooperation and the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, tourism, the Ukrainian crisis and Greece-Turkey relations are the main topics on the agenda. “Putin is preparing a ‘gift’ for Tsipras,” newsit.gr said, adding that it is the first visit of a Greek prime minister to Moscow in five years. According to the media outlet, Tsipras’ visit “caused outrage in Brussels” that “thinks the Russian president is trying to undermine the European stance on sanctions against Moscow.”

In Moscow, honoring those who stood up to, and defeated fascism–a true victory of the people. #Greece pic.twitter.com/35V5OSqwBS

— Alexis Tsipras (@tsipras_eu) April 8, 2015

“Europe is threatened by ‘the Russian bear,'” said cretalive.gr, adding that the visit sent partners and creditors, especially in Berlin, into turmoil. Some “on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean also worry that Greece would throw itself into Russia’s arms to come up with ‘alternative plans’ to solve the Greek problem,” the Crete media outlet pointed out.

“Tsipras and Putin are forging a new alliance,” according to protothema.gr. “All eyes in Europe are on Tsipras and Putin. ‘The spring’ in Greek-Russian relations gets on Europe’s nerves. The visit has created an atmosphere of enthusiasm in Moscow. … It is seen as a breakthrough in the bilateral relations that would revive and strengthen cooperation in a number of areas,” the media outlet said.

“The visit also sends important political signals: both countries are discontent with the West. In this context Tsipras wants to develop a diverse foreign policy and alliances, while Putin wants to show that he has power and influence to attract the attention of European leaders and countries,” protothema.gr said.”If Europe and Washington wanted to turn Tsipras visit into a landmark political event, then they achieved this,” tvxs.gr said, adding that the Greek prime minister is fully aware of the political and economic risks and is comfortable with them.

According to the Etnos newspaper, Russia and Greece are opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, which are likely to improve following the visit.

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Court clears Ambode for Lagos gov race

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed a suit seeking to stop the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress in Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, from contesting the April 11 poll.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa declared that the plaintiffs had no locus standi to institute the action. The judge also held that the plaintiffs failed to establish any reasonable cause of action to sustain their prayers. “None of the plaintiffs in the instant suit is an aspirant to be conferred with locus standi,” Yunusa held as he dismissed the suit.

The plaintiffs, Olorunfemi Oluwatosin and Dada Joseph, who are members of the APC, had approached the court seeking an order to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from allowing APC to field any candidate for the coming Saturday’s governorship election in Lagos.

In the originating summons filed through their lawyer, Samuel Adeniyi, the plaintiffs were challenging their alleged disenfranchisement in the party primary that produced Ambode in December last year. They claimed that the primary was fraught with and predicated on irregularities.

They alleged that the party’s ward congresses, which were supposed to be conducted only in the 20 recognised local government areas of Lagos State, were also extended to the 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

They also alleged that secret ballot rather than open ballot system was used during the congresses, arguing that same had rendered the process illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. The defendants in the suit were APC, the INEC and Ambode.

Also joined as defendants were the other aspirants who vied for the party’s governorship ticket with Ambode: Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Dr. Leke Pitan, Tayo Ayinde, Olasupo Shasore, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Mrs. Tokunbo Agbesanwa, Dr. Tola Kasali, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Lanre Ope, Tokunbo Wahab, Adekunle Disu and Abayomi Sutton.

But APC in its preliminary objection, contended that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, being an intra-party affair. Besides, the party claimed that since the plaintiffs were neither delegates nor aspirants, they had no legal basis to complain.

It added,
“The conduct of the ward congresses for Lagos State governorship primary nomination was done in the constitutionally recognised 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State and not in the 37 Local Council Development Areas as alleged by the plaintiffs.

“The plaintiffs have not disclosed any injury that the conduct of the ward congresses in the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas have caused them either individually or collectively.”

APC described the plaintiffs’ case as academic, malafide, an abuse of court processes and one that was targeted at embarrassing the party. It therefore asked the court to immediately dismiss it and award cost of damages against the plaintiffs for instituting the action.

Yunusa, while dismissing the suit, upheld APC’s submission that the subject matter of the case was an intra-party affair and that the plaintiffs failed to show that they had sufficient interest to warrant the reliefs sought. He, however, did not award any cost against the plaintiffs.