Monday, October 5, 2015

Alleged Oil Sector Fraud: ‘ Why FG Is Not Charging Diezani, Others Now’


*Investigation still on-going, says security source
Ex-NNPC official faces arrest
ABUJA — As anxiety mounts over the identities of suspects arrested alongside former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, indications emerged last night that she and other suspects might not be charged to court in Nigeria soon.
This came as chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), said he was not shocked about the former minister’s arrest, especially as she had earlier been indicted by the Senate, noting, however, that his committee had no role to play in her prosecution.
According to a top security official working with one of the anti-crime agencies, the reason is that investigation into the money laundering case and bribery is yet to be concluded.

Pope Asks Church To Move Forward As Gay Issue Overshadows Synod


Pope Francis said Monday that the Church was “not a museum” but a place for progress, as members of a key synod on the family rolled up their sleeves for the first day of what promises to be a spicy debate.


Francis urged a spirit of ‘solidarity, courage and humility’ as the Catholic Church’s conservative and liberal wings began tackling hot button topics from communion for remarried divorcees to acceptance of homosexuality.

Abuja Bombings: DSS Not In Full Grip Of Nigeria’s Security Intelligence – PDP


Reacting to the last Friday’s multiple suicide bombings in Nyanya and Kuje areas of Abuja which killed at least 15 people, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday blamed the leadership of the Department for State Security (DSS), saying the agency is not in full grip of Nigeria’s security intelligence.
In a statement signed by the party’s acting national chairman, Uche Secondus, the party condemned the resurgence of terrorism and renewed attacks at the FCT.
Read the statement :

Abuja Bombings: PDP Wants SSS Director General, Daura, Fired

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently overhaul Nigeria’s intelligence agencies in the aftermath of Friday’s multiple bombings in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the party’s acting national chairman, Uche Secondus, the party said on Monday that it noted with deep sadness and concern the resurgence of terrorism and renewed attacks on Abuja.


The attack killed at least 15 people.
The statement reads in part:
“That the Abuja coordinated attacks came just as the nation was already celebrating the success of our security forces in their efforts to rout terrorists, indicates either a fact of dereliction of duty or sabotage against the anti-terrorism fight.

African Leadership: Nigeria Stumbles On As South Africa Stalls



President Buhari of Nigeria has finally named his cabinet. He was either slow, or he was very choosy, or he couldn’t find enough honest people. Certainly his 55th national anniversary speech was full of references to “lawless habits”, with particular reference to public officials.
Bold though that speech was, Buhari still has much to do – and he may not have the dependable and powerful army he needs to do it.
The anniversary was followed by bomb attacks on the capital, Abuja. Meanwhile senior military figures were involved both in starting and ending the coup in Burkina Faso. The army sided with the civilian administration and helped deliver the surrender of troops from the mutinous Presidential Guard.

UNESCO centre: Soyinka, Oyinlola suit for hearing Oct 12

A case between the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding and the Attorney-General of Osun State will come up for hearing before the Federal High Court, Osogbo on October 12, 2015.

This is contained in a hearing notice issued by the registrar of the court and dated September 15, 2015.

A photocopy of the hearing notice, signed and stamped by the same registrar, was made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Sunday.

Nigeria has only 39 registered Orthodontists –Perm Sec

Mr Linus Awute, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health says Nigeria has only 39 registered orthodontists that attend to 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population that have poorly arranged teeth.

Mr Awute disclosed this at the opening ceremony for the 9th Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontics and the launching of the dental sensitisation and screening in Abuja on Monday.

I’m not interested in Amaechi’s appointment, Wike insists

RIVERS State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has insisted that he has no interest in the appointment of his predecessor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, as a minister.

Wike was reacting to claims by the All Progressives Congress that he was orchestrating a protest against Amaechi’s expected appointment as a minister.


Today October 5 Happy Teachers Day.

Happy teachers day to all Nigerian teachers,may the oil of divine knowledge continue to dwell in your heart and refine it more than purest gold for you to impart gem knowledge to your students to improve their life and the society. H a p p y Celebration. 1000 shares to all teachers click the like button to say thank you to your past and present teachers. Blessing upon us all(Amen).Long live the teachers Long live nairalanders.

Diezani: EFCC grills ex-NNPC chiefs


Anti-graft investigators with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently interrogating a former managing director of one of the subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and three former executive directors of the oil corporation under ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The four are said to be under investigation by officials of the Subsidy Unit of the EFCC and their counterparts from the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom in relation to the former minister’s case.

We Will Not Stop Amaechi- Rivers Senator


THE lawmaker representing Rivers South-East senatorial district, Senator Olaka Nwogu, has said that senators, especially those from Rivers State, will not antagonise or victimise the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, should he (Amaechi) appear before the Senate for ministerial screening.

There are speculations that the former governor’s name was among the 21 names sent to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the screening expected to begin later this week.
It will be recalled that Amaechi, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and the leader of the party in the state, had come under intense criticism by the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

That Teacher You Can Never Forget!!!!!

Today the 5th day of October is generally marked as a day for teachers in Nigeria. In the spirit of that, let's use this opportunity to remember that remarkable teacher that impacted our lives either positively or the other way round. I'll go first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mr Tofa, once in Ang. Grammar School, somewhere in Delta. Thank you for contributing to what i am today. Infact I'll classify you as a " a teacher without border" lol. There is barely a subject he can't teach you. Thanks also for always tearing my back with those your rafia cane. lol now i know the importance. Happy Teachers Day to you sir!!!!! Let's keep the ball rolling. Share yours!

Those Against Buhari’s Ministerial Position Are Crooks – Presidency


The Presidency on Sunday said President Muhammadu Buhari had not broken any law by his decision to serve as the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Buhari had while granting interview last week during his visit to New York said he would head the ministry, saying he would only appoint a Minister of State to assist him.

The decision has however attracted criticisms from some people who have argued that the nation’s constitution forbids a sitting President from holding another public office.

Photos of the little girl Pres. Buhari paid her medical bills at National Hospital yesterday


While visiting victims of the Abuja bomb blast receiving medical attention at the Trauma center of the National Hospital Abuja, President Buhari met a mother who narrated how she had been in the hospital with her daughter who was shot in the stomach by armed robbers and could not afford the medical bills of N268,790. President Buhari immediately instructed his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari to settle the little girls bill. Her mother was overwhelmed with joy...Another photo after the jump..

NNPC retail sues NNPG, CAC over trademark infringement


The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Retail Limited has dragged the Natural Network Petroleum and Gas Company Limited and two others to Justice I.M. Sanni of a Federal High Court in Akure over alleged infringement on its trademark.

The NNPC had in a suit filed by its counsel, Muyiwa Atoyebi, with case no: FHC/AK/99/15 joined Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Registrar of Trade Marks, Patent and Designs as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
The plaintiff had also in a separate suit sued Flory Mummy Nigeria Limited over the same subject matter.

Wahabis Terrorist ISIL-affiliated Boko Haram sects claim responsibility for Abuja suicide attacks, share photos of the suicide bombers


Nigeria’s Boko Haram militants, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, have claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb blasts in Kuje and Nyanya on Friday October 2nd killing 20 people with over 40 others injured.

Man arrested for beheading man after stealing from him, strangles girlfriend for aborting his pregnancy


A 25-year-old man, Cyril Ojango Etim pictured above, has been arrested by the Cross Rivers state police command for beheading 34 year old Ubong Asuquo, after stealing N4,000 from him at his home in Old Netim, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State on February 27th this year. Sunday Sun reports that Etim had stormed the home of the deceased and stole the money from him.

Photos: Man loses wife in Abuja bomb blast


27 year old Samuel Abolarin who got married only last year, lost his wife, mother in law and brother in law in the Abuja bomb blast. Narrating his ordeal to Channels TV, Samuel said "I started calling their lines. It was saying switched off. I called my wife's line, her line was switched off. With the news I was able to gather, they said my sister in law was able to see my daughter. She was the one that carried my daughter to National hospital. We were looking for my mother in law, my wife and my brother in law. When I saw their bodies, I could not even recognize my wife"he said

The oldest man in the world, Nigerian passes on @125 years old! (Sun re O !)

His relation claimed he was born in 1889, which would make him about 126 years old. Well, Pa Onabor has died according to his grandson's Facebook page. He was the Odionwere of Evbuohen N'ba village in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. Sun re o ! Ase

"We have clues on those involved in recent bombings" - Army


Major General Yusuf Abubakar made the statement on Sunday, October 4, while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri. Reacting to the recent spate of suicide bombings by suspected insurgents in some parts of the country, the Theater Commander, Operation 'Layiya Dole" pointed out that the bombings were aimed at diverting the attention of the military from achieving its target in the ongoing anti-terrorism war.

Okada Man killed in Asaba (Graphic Photo)


The dead body of an Okadaman was discovered toward the beginning of today in a road of Amb. Leo Okogwu street, behind the new Asagba of Asaba royal residence, Dla street. Asaba, Delta state. No one knows without a doubt what transpired yet individuals are implying that he was shot in the head by armed men who may have been attempting to rob him and he was battling with them. His body is still at the scene and people in the region want it removed and the case investigated. See the photo bellow. Graphic pic

Photos/Video: Mass murder of cattle after drinking water from Fleeing Boko Haram posioned river in Borno




The Nigerian Army on September 30th released a statement  saying Boko Haram individuals had poisoned a river in Kangallam town along Marte and Abadam hub in Borno state which prompted the passing of numerous dairy cattle after they drank from the poisoned waterway. The dead’s video dairy cattle in the stream have surfaced. Watch bellow.





#CattleRearers

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Pics: Fayose kneels publicly before a Ex-Ondo state governor




The governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose indicated affability to a previous Ondo state senator, Evan. Bamidele Olumilua by kneeling before him openly at the crowning ceremony of Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Agirilala Ogbenuotesoro II as the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti which held on Oct. 3rd. Another pic bellow.



#Fayose

PhotoNews: President Buhari visits Abuja bomb blast victims, pays bill of girl shot by armed robbers


See more pics bellow.

"El-Rufai lied, we never spent billions on Independence Anniversary"- GEJ


In a statement issued on behalf of the former president on Sunday October 4, Abubakar Sulaiman, the immediate past minister/deputy chairman, National Planning Commission, branded the Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir el-rufai a ‘liar’ for alleging that his administration spent N64 billion on October 1 celebrations between 2010 and 2015.

He added that Jonathan administration spent only N332.6 million for the celebration in 3 years - an average of N66m per year. The statement reads:

Presidency confirms Friday arrest of Diezani


The presidency has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Petroleum resources, Diezani Alison Madueke, in London, on Friday October 2nd.
"The government is aware of the arrest and all the government investigative agencies are working very closely with the British law enforcement. Nigerian authorities are saying for the first time that matters are being handled with seriousness and deep commitment.
Nobody wants to give the impression that this government is frivolous and unserious. For this reason, government is only confirming active collaboration. Beyond this, we are not saying more. In due course, Nigerians will be briefed on updates as appropriate.”the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, told Premium Times

Suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber attack police station, kill one police officer

A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber this morning killed a police officer who tried to stop him from attacking a police station in Southeastern Niger republic. The suicide bomber and three others were seen approaching the police station when they were stopped by the deceased police officer.
 "They had their hands on their stomachs, walking in the rain in the direction of the police station. A police officer tried to approach these young men before they arrived at the station but when he came closer one of the men detonated his explosives.
The three others started to flee, and another officer who was there shot and killed one of them at the scene. The two others ran in an effort to reach town. There was a real chase but the officers finally caught them," a resident of the community said.
Niger is one of the countries in the West African region that have suffered major attacks from Boko haram.

Man's leg ravaged by flesh-eating spider bite



Jonathon Hogg, a keen footballer and kickboxer, has required three operations and a skin graft since the brown recluse spider attacked and bit him.
Within hours, the venom began to eat away at the 40-year-old's flesh - doctors say he could have lost his leg had it been left untreated.


Mr Hogg, from north London, said:
"The pain was like nothing I've been through in my life. By the time I got to hospital my leg was bursting open, there was pus, it was black."
The barrister believes he was bitten while travelling on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to South Africa - and is now taking legal action against the airline, alleging it has refused to take responsibility.

US to give Buhari $2.3bn to eradicate poverty in Nigeria


Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the Federal Government has signed a $2.3bn assistance agreement aimed at fighting extreme poverty with the United States Agency for International Development, USAID.

Akande said the agreement would help the Nigerian Government combat extreme poverty in the nation over the next five years.

How Ex-president Arranged Diezani’s Arrest



More facts have emerged on how a Nigeria ex-president initiated the arrest of the country former Minister of Petroleum resources Diezani Alison-Madueke by the British National Crime Agency.


According to report available to popular TV station, Silverbird Television, a particular oil baron who was allegedly fronting for the ex-minister sought advice from the ex-president on what he could do to escape the hammer of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption policy.
In his response, the ex-president frankly told the oil baron to surrender all that he had looted. However, in his explanation, the oil baron said that many prominent Nigerians might be implicated if he disclosed the source of the funds.

Putin: Who created ISIS? (Video)




In 2014, President Obama named the three major threats to US national security; ISIS, Russia and Ebola (because spiraling national debt, unequal distribution of wealth, over-incarceration, climate change etc are less pressing issues.)%)))


It would be fair to say that Russian politicians took much offence to being placed in this list, next to a terror organisation and a disease. In relation to this statement, Putin answers a number of questions from a US journalist at the Valdai International Discussion Club, late 2014.

I’m not affiliated to them but I encourage those interested in Eurasian politics to follow Valdai on Facebook, for truthful insights with leading experts.



#ISIS, #PresidentVladimirPutin, #Syria

Herdsmen should be banned from entire South, not S’West alone - FFK



I support the call by Afenifere that all Fulani herdsmen should be banned from the South-West. Actually I believe that they should be banned from the entire South and not just the South-West. I also stand by every word that I wrote in my widely published essay titled “The Herdsmen From Hell”.
This contribution serves as a follow up to that essay.
The bottom line is this: we do not want those that slaughter innocent people, including women and children, in our midst. Those that say that we must remain silent when aliens and vandals invade our land, rape our women and kill our people are, at best, misinformed and misguided and, at worse, insensitive and wicked.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

The World Disorder

by Ghassan Kadi

The recent speech of President Putin at the UNGA has shown the rest of the world the extent of Western lies and inefficiency. Moreover, the Russian military initiative in Syria that almost immediately followed the speech has left all enemies of Syria in a bind, confused, and not knowing what to do.

Russian Aviation Hits Over 50 ISIL Facilities in Syria With 60 Flights


Russian aviation has conducted over 60 flights hitting more than 50 infrastructure facilities of the Islamic State in Syria, Andrei Kartapolov, the head of the Main Operations Directorate of the Russian General Staff said Saturday.


The Russian jets deployed in Syria carried out over 60 combat missions to destroy more than 50 positions of the Islamic State (ISIL) militants, the head of the Main Operations Directorate of the Russian General Staff said Saturday.  The Russian Air Force has undermined the material base of ISIL and has significantly reduced the militants' combat potential over the three days of the military operation, Lt. Gen. Andrei Kartapolov told reporters.

US Army Bombed Afghan Hospital Despite Doctors’ Calls for

The bombing of a Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) hospital located in the Afghan city of Kunduz took place on Saturday night. The airstrike is reported to have been carried out by US forces, the reason of the attack is still unclear.

As result of the airstrike, at least 16 people (among them medical workers) were killed and about 37 — including 19 doctors — were injured. Many are still missing.

Game Over: ISIL Short on Cash, Russian Planes Back Them Into Corner


ISIL is in serious trouble, as terrorists are being squeezed from all sides by airstrikes, meanwhile their economy is coming apart at the seams. Islamic radicals need to take over new territories to improve their budget, but with Russian planes hovering over the Syrian sky, things aren’t that easy anymore.


Tough times have come to the self-proclaimed Islamic Caliphate with the start of Russian airstrikes: areas under ISIL control are shrinking day after day under the pressure from Russian missiles that are backing the terrorists into a corner, Svetlana Kholodnova of RIA Novosti said. Turns out, ordinary ISIL terrorists are getting significantly poorer as a result of pay cuts. Many of them have started to flee the Caliphate despite the risk of getting their heads chopped off if caught by their former comrades-in-arms.

Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mustafa Tafa Balogun visits Aso Rock


Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mustafa Tafa Balogun, made a surprise appearance at the Presidential Villa yesterday, years after he had gone underground following his unceremonious end as head of the Nigeria Police Force.
Balogun, who was sacked and put through harrowing court trials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over cases of official corruption and diversion of police funds, was guest of President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion marking the 55th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

China’s military advisers ‘heading to Syria to help fight ISIS’ – report


China will be helping out the Syrian government in the fight against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIL/ISIS) by sending “military advisers,” media reports have claimed.

“The Chinese will be arriving in the coming weeks,” a Syrian army official told the Lebanon-based news website Al-Masdar Al-‘Arabi.

The report claims that a Chinese naval vessel is on its way to Syria with dozens of “military advisers” on board. They will reportedly be followed by troops.

The ship is said to have passed the Suez Canal in Egypt and be making its way through the Mediterranean Sea.
Continue..

Friday, October 2, 2015

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, arrested in London


The immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was on Friday arrested in London, PREMIUM TIMES can exclusively and authoritatively report.
The former minister, who was one of the most powerful officials of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, was arrested Friday morning by the UK National Crimes Agency, alongside four other people.

The identities of the four other people arrested along with her could not be immediately ascertained.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt she was arrested for offences related to bribery, corruption and money laundering.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Buhari’s Ministerial Nominees Revealed- Sahara Reporters

SaharaReporters can authoritatively reveal the 21-member President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees submitted to the National Assembly yesterday as follows:

Ministers nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari
1.Dr. Chris Ngige (Anambra)

2. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)

3. Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)

4. Babatunde Fashola (Lagos)

5. Abdurrahman Dambazau (rtd) (Kano)

6. Aisha AlHassan (Taraba)

Western Media Losing Credibility with Reports on Russia Bombing Syria


As Russia launched airstrikes against the self-proclaimed Islamic State terrorist group in Syria, the United States immediately began its disinformation campaign.

On Wednesday, Russian combat jets launched pinpointed strikes against IS targets in Syria. Almost immediately, Western media outlets carried reports of civilian casualties.

Brad Friedman discussed the reporting of western media following the airstrikes that were conducted by Russia in Syria.

Nearly 100,000 People Protest Against US Nuclear Weapons in Germany


They called on German authorities to stop further nuclear armaments on German soil.

Almost 100,000 people signed a petition addressing German Chancellor Angela Merkel, German President Joachim Gauck and the German government not to deploy new nuclear weapons in Germany.

The initiative was launched amid the US’ plans to station up to 20 additional B 61-12 nuclear bombs at Büchel airbase. The activities are being conducted within a NATO sharing program and are raising concerns domestically and internationally.

Amaechi, Fashola , Abike Dabiri, Fayemi reportedly make Buhari's ministerial list


Yesterday the Senate President received the ministerial nominees list from the presidency and there are now speculations as to those Buhari have chosen to work with him in his administration. Among the 21 names speculated to have been sent to the senate for ministerial confirmation includes former governors, Babatunde Fashola, Chris Ngige, Ogbonnaya Onu, Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi.

Also speculated to be on the list are: former house of representatives member Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a one time APC governorship flag bearer in Taraba, Aisha Alhassan,

No herdsman would kidnap Falae - Fulani group says


President of Jamu Nati Fulbe Association, a Fulani socio-cultural group in the South-west, Alhaji Salihu Kadir has denied allegations that Fulani herdsmen were responsible for the kidnap of former presidential aspiant, Olu Falae or even engaged in acts of kidnapping in the South West of Nigeria.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Kadir said no Fulani herder who is preoccupied with feeding and nourishing his herds of cows and sheep would think of kidnapping anyone, not to talk of an elder statesman like Falae.

Independence celebration at the State House currently underway


The independence celebration at the state house is currently on the way. Continue to see photos...

Photos: Buhari, Osinbajo, Saraki, Dogara at Independence Day celebration


President Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara at the 55th independence celebration is currently going on at the presidential villa. Continue to see more photos...

Man charged with the murder of a Nigerian, Moses Fadairo in east London



27-year-old Christopher Erunse was today, October 1, charged with the murder of Moses Fadairo.
Moses Fadairo, 25, was gunned down on a busy market street in Clapton by a gun-wielding mob in a suspected gangland execution in Hackney, east Londonon Saturday, September 26, just after 1pm. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him but he died at the scene.

According to Evening Standard, the father of twin boys born earlier this year  staggered into Mighty Meats  butche's shop in Chatsworth Road, Lower Clapton,then ran 50 yards down the road before collapsing in a pool of blood.

Kwara state cancels Independence parade following security fears


The Kwara State Government has cancelled the state's 55th Independence anniversary parade scheduled to hold at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin, the state capital following some security fears. According to the Secretary to the Government Sola Gold, security reports received by the police in the state suggested that some individuals arrived the state on Wednesday night allegedly with the intention of disrupting the independence day celebration and endangering lives. Recall that the state Eid prayer was disrupted last week after some aggrieved residents in the state stormed the prayer ground to boo the senate president Bukola Saraki.

I can be successfully impeached if I interfere - Pres. Buhari speaks on Saraki's Trial


President Buhari says he will not be interfering in the trial of the senate president Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal as he could be successfully impeached if he does so. According to him, the Nigerian constitution does not permit interference between the three arms of government, that is the Legislature, Judiciary and the Executive.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Judge Withdraws From Saraki’s Case Over Negative Reports

Justice R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja has remitted Senate President Bukola Saraki’s case to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, for reassigning to another judge. The judge, in returning the case file to the CJN on Wednesday, cited “negative reports” on the case as informing his decision. Details later…