EFCC Seizes Passport Of National Assembly Clerk, Ataba Omolori

May 15, 2019

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CAN), Alhaji Mohammed Ataba Sani Omolori after being subjected to six hours interrogated yesterday, Tuesday. The interrogation was said to be part of the moves to effect changes on the mode of conducting the election into the leadership of the National Assembly.

It was gathered the EFCC invited the CNA on issues related to records of finances of the Assembly as well as the inauguration of the ninth National Assembly.

It was gathered that Ataba Omolori who was not seen at the National Assembly the whole of yesterday, was interrogated by the officiers of the EFCC from 11am to 5pm.

Apart from initial questions on records of finances of the National Assembly, it was gathered that Ataba Omolori was asked a specific question on the method of election of the presiding officers of the ninth National Assembly, just as he was said to have been asked which of the rules he would use for the election.

The high point of Omolori’s stay at the EFCC was the seizure of his international passport.

Prior to Ataba Omolori’s invitation, the former Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, was equally quizzed.

It was gathered that Clerks, Desk officers and other key officials of the National Assembly including the Clerk of the Senate, Clerk of the House of Representatives as well as their deputies were also invited to the commission today, Wednesday.

When contacted, authorities at the EFCC confirmed Ataba Omolori’s interrogation.
source: NAN.

Police Uncover Plots To Attack Nation’s Oil Facilities, Destroy Economy

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2019

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the discovery of plots by those it called ‘subversive elements masquerading as climate and environmental activists’ to commence massive and coordinated attacks on oil installations across the country, especially in the Niger-Delta region and adjoining States.

The plots which, according to a statement today, Wednesday by the Force’s spokesman, Frank Mba, are politically motivated and are aimed at sabotaging oil installations with intended negative consequences on national security, economic development and global oil market.

The statement said that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed A Adamu, has ordered Commissioners of Police nationwide, and particularly in designated States to intensify their surveillance missions around oil facilities and other critical national infrastructure.

“The Commissioners of Police and other field Commanders have also been directed to put in place proactive measures aimed at neutralizing these subversive threats and bringing the plotters to book.

“The IGP warned of dire consequences for persons or group of persons who may want to resort, to the use of violence or threat of violence, in advancing their political or economic goals.”

The police advised the citizens to remain vigilant and to report all suspicious characters and plots to the law enforcement agents.

The statement quoted the police boss that he is committed to ensuring the adequate security of lives, the protection of national assets and the protection of the sanctity of our political freedom and democracy.

Coup Threat: Federal Government Warns Atiku, PDP Not To Carry Opposition Too Far

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2019

Federal Government of Nigeria has warned the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and it’s Presidential candidate in the last election, Atiku Abubakar not to allow desperation to lead them into playing the game of oppression beyond the acceptable norm and practice.

Speaking to news men today, Wednesday, shortly after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, information minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed described PDP’s brand of opposition politics as posing a great threat to Nigeria’s Democracy.

He stressed that the Federal Government strongly decried the increasingly
unpatriotic and desperate opposition politics being played by the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Lai Mohammed said that “such dead-end opposition could be toxic for the nation’s democracy, if left unchecked.

“Never in the history of politics in Nigeria has an opposition party and its presidential candidate exhibited the kind of desperate tactics being deployed by the duo of the PDP and its flag-bearer, especially since President Muhammadu Buhari overwhelmingly defeated Atiku to win the 2019 presidential election.

“Either by themselves or via their proxies, the PDP and its presidential candidate are doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari Administration, generally overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable, especially through their public utterances and
their poorly thought-out press releases before and after the 2019 general elections. Unless they quickly retrace their steps, they may,
sooner than later, overreach themselves.

“For those who may be quick to accuse the government of crying wolf, the pre-election statement credited to the former Vice President, that unless Nigerians vote out the APC Administration, killings by herdsmen will continue and ultimately spark a series of ethno-religious crises that will be irreversible, is looking more like a Freudian slip than anything else.

“Also, in recent times, the PDP has taken its desperation to a new low by attacking the judiciary, an action many see as indicating a reversal of the party’s hitherto self-assured stance that it has a solid case against the election of the President. And either by coincidence or orchestration, a faceless group emerges from nowhere calling for an overthrow of a democratically-elected government, a totally egregious act of treason.”

The minister wondered how Atiku who prides himself as a democrat can so allow desperation to becloud his sense of propriety to such an extent that he will be associating with anti-democratic forces or making inflammatory statements.

“For acclaimed democrats, there are acceptable channels of seeking redress after an election defeat. Even President Buhari himself went to court three times to challenge election results.

“What is not acceptable is to either resort to self help after an election defeat, or to embark on a journey of subterfuge and sabotage
while also mounting a legal challenge or pretending to do so. Worst still, painting the judiciary bad for whatever reason is anti-democratic and unconscionable.

“We want to urge the main opposition party to stop beating the drums of war, concentrate on the legal challenge by its candidate against the
election of President Buhari if indeed they have any faith in the country’s judiciary, and
desist from unnecessarily overheating the polity.”

Court Suspends 4 Ganduje Emirs

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2019

Kano State High Court has suspended the appointment of four new Emirs by ordering Governor Abdullahi Ganduje who appointed them, and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, to maintain status quo in respect of the interim order issued against the governor on May 10.

Justice Nasiru Saminu ordered all the parties in the suit to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of motion on notice stressing that the appointment end installations were invalid,

Ganduje had over the weekend installed the emirs after a quick passage of the bill creating four new emirates by the Kano State House of Assembly.

The governor on Tuesday presented staff of office to the emirs and charged them to work for the good of the public.

Ganduje has been accused of executing a personal vendetta against the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, in order to reduce the emir’s influence.

Ganduje is also facing another suit brought against him and the state government by four kingmakers over the same matter.

Buhari Goes To Saudi Arabia Tomorrow On Invitation Of King Salman

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari leaves Nigeria tomorrow, Thursday for Saudi Arabia on invitation of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the ruler of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

A statement today, Wednesday, by a presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu said that the President, accompanied by close personal aides, will seize the opportunity of the visit to perform the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) in the Kingdom.

Garba Shehu said that Buhari is expected back in the country next week Tuesday, May 21.

Umrah is an optional but recommended pilgrimage to Makkah that can be made at any time of the year.

President General Of Saudi Arabia’s Holy Mosques Condemn Terrorist Attack On Country’s Oil Facilities

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2019

The President General for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman ibn Abdul Aziz Al Sudais has condemned what he called malicious aggression on the two pumping stations of Aramco in the two provinces of Dawadmi and Afif in Riyadh.

In a statement today, Wednesday, the President General said that the blatant aggression, the targeting and the despicable terrorist act by the terrorists was a failed attempt to undermine the security grace enjoyed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a futile attempt to undermine the country’s capabilities.

“The timing of the miserable attack in the holy month of Ramadan, the month of good and blessing, the month of fasting and performance of night prayers, the month of the Holy Quran, the month of submissiveness, is a clear indication of the misguided and misleading approach of this group which does not take into account the sanctity of time, rights and interests and flouts Islam.

“Allah Almighty says: ‘And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation.” They disregard the sacred and international covenants and conventions that criminalize such acts.”

Sheikh Sudais commended the country’s security personnel for their constant vigilance, adding that their instinct, alert and good readiness, dedication to protecting the homeland and the citizens, and caring for the interests of religion and their confronting all those who attempt to cause harm to the security and safety of our country are highly appreciated.

He stressed that these acts of sabotage will only increase the Saudi people’s strength, cohesion, solidarity and cooperation with their leaders.

“Moreover, this heinous behavior will not diminish the will of our soldiers, but will increase their determination to defend religion against those who dare to attack our homeland and its citizens.

Sheikh Al Sudais that Allah Almighty should protect the country, the lands of the Two Holy Mosques from evils and strengthen its safety, peace and stability and provide it with prosperity.

He also prayed for Allah Almighty to protect its leadership and grant success to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman in the service of Islam, Muslims and the holy lands and to support our soldiers and security personnel with victory.

Nigerian Army Search For Authors Of Document Calling For Coup Again Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2019

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai

Armed Forces of Nigeria have swung into action, mobilising all relevant law enforcement agencies to search for authors of what they called seditious document calling for a military coup against the civilian government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement, the Defense Headquarters of the Armed Forces vowed to take appropriate actions on the authors when they are fished out, saying that the army had no hand in it.

The statement which was issued by the Navy Capt. Muhammed Wabi, Deputy Director of Defence Information named the group behind the document as Nigerian Continuity and Progress (NCP).

Captain Muhammed Wabi dissociated the Armed Forces of Nigeria “from the rascality and intentions as espoused in a document being circulated by a faceless group named Nigerian Continuity and Progress (NCP) calling for support of a revolution to oust the current democratically elected government and in its place establish an illegitimate interim government.

“The AFN outrightly condemns the undemocratic and demonic actions of the author of the document.

“Accordingly, members of the public are enjoined to discountenance the content of the documents being circulated by NCP and equally condemned in totality, the call to derail our hard earned democracy.”

Captain Muhammed Wabi said that Nigerian Army are very mindful of its constitutional responsibilities and would not be misled into any act that would undermine democracy as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“The AFN remains unflinchingly loyal to the Constitution, as well as President Muhammadu Buhari and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Source: NAN.

Varsity Student Commits Suicide After Series Of Warning Poems And 2 Failed Attempts

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2019

A 400-level student of the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), Chukwuemeka Akachi has committed suicide after two previous attempts that failed.

A senior security personnel in UNN Security Department, who pleaded anonymity, said this was not the first time Akachi wanted to commit suicide, adding that on two occasions, he had drunk kerosene and petrol to kill himself but was rescued.

“But on Monday he drank Sniper and was rushed to UNN Medical Centre first, but was later moved to UNTH Enugu, where he was confirmed dead.

It was gathered that the deceased carried out the suicide in the solitude of an uncompleted building located at Sullivan Road, Nsukka where he allegedly slipped into coma after taking two bottles of ‘Sniper’ an insecticide.

His unconscious body was however discovered by passersby.

A close friend of Akachi who preferred anonymity said that the deceased had posted a suicide note on his Facebook wall shortly before he committed suicide, which read: “Forgive me. In case you are the one who found the body, I am really sorry. It had to be someone you know.

“I have chosen Jo Nketaih’s poem as my suicide note: “They said you came looking for me. I don’t drown, I was the water,

“Where do atheists go when they die! Lol. Amen.”

Akachi was said to have also posted on his Facebook on May 12 that “My mental health has been on life support for a while now. Thanks to those who call. Text. Visit.

“Speak to me. May we always remember. May we never forget. You May have added a few hours, months or days to my time here. But you know life support is expensive right?

“Thank you for trying. Amen.”

Akachi was said to be a budding poet.

WAFU: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Wallop Mali 2 Goals To Zero, Hit Semi Final

Editorial staff

May 14, 2019

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have defeated Mali by 2 goals to nothing in their final Group B math of the ongoing 2019 Women’s WAFU Cup of Nations at the Stade Robert Champroux Abidjan. The Nigerian side had earlier bashed female national team of Niger by 15 goals to nothing.

It was the Nigerian team’s third win in the tournament following wins over Niger and Burkina Faso.

Second half goals from Rafiat Sule and Uchenna Kanu sealed the Super Falcons top spot in Group B.

Thomas Dennerby’s side will face Ghana in the semi final in their next game.

The Super Falcon have now scored 22 goals in three games with Uchenna Kanu scoring nine of them.

Osinbajo Blames Pastors, Others For Acceptance Of Corruption As Norm

Editorial staff

May 14, 2019

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has blamed the widespread corruption which has been accepted by many as a norm on those he called natural custodians of societal morality, including Pastors on pulpits.

He said: “the most enduring solutions to ending corruption are those that take into account the fact the most potent weapon that corruption has, is its acceptance as the norm in any society. A situation where even the natural custodians of societal morality and values acquiesce in it; a situation where, in particular, religious pulpits, are silent about it.

Professor Osinbajo who spoke today, Tuesday at a Summit on corruption, organized by the Presidential Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), stressed that an enemy configured in such complexity cannot be defeated by solely a law and order approach.

“It requires whole new national and individual re- orientation, a focus on attitudinal change. It must involve the collaboration of government, civil society, especially the leadership of faith communities, school teachers and professional and other interest groups. This is why this meeting’s objectives are of great importance.”
Full text of the Vice President speech is reproduced here:

The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) certainly deserves our commendation, not just for their sterling, innovative contributions to the fight against corruption but for regularly setting the agenda for important conversations on the subject. This meeting, called to discuss “A collaborative approach to eradicating the evils of Corruption” is notably one of such.
For years, corruption has been by far, Nigeria’s most devastating problem. A recent PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS (PwC) study titled the Impact of Corruption on the Nigerian Economy made the following general findings and conclusions on the effects of corruption.
1. Corruption has a dynamic impact, which is felt more by poorer households and smaller companies.
2. Countries with higher corruption are associated with lower tax revenues and lower expenditures as a percentage of GDP in the most important indicators of human development namely; health and education.
3. Corruption is associated with erosion of talent in public institutions and therefore, government’s effectiveness is eroded.
4. Corruption usually needs the creation of unnecessary bureaucracy, to enable further opportunities for bribes. This means that enforcement of contracts and property rights are hindered and weakened by corruption.
5. Corruption is associated with lower investment; and higher prices and barriers to entry for businesses.
6. Corruption is associated with lower average standard of living, education levels and greater inequality in society.
7. Nigeria’s 2030 GDP can be up by at least USD 534bn if we reduce corruption. And they said that if we reduce corruption by about 20%, we can actually have higher GDP. So, it really doesn’t matter how much revenue a country makes or how transformative its plans are. If it allows corruption to thrive; if it ensures that the majority of the people do not benefit from all of the revenues or all that the country is able to produce; or simply truncates the plans of the nation. Which is why despite the highest oil revenues in our history (the period between 2010 and 2014) debt doubled and poverty figures rose.
It is for these reasons that President Muhammadu Buhari famously warned that if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us. Which is why a major pillar of our government’s socio-economic agenda is the fight against corruption. And which is why perhaps one of first bodies to be set up in 2015 by the President was PACAC.
And since 2015 much has been done in this battle against corruption. But we are not even slightly deluded into thinking that we have won the battle, certainly not. We are still very far away but we must admit that we are much closer to finding solutions than when we began.
Our policy was to tackle grand corruption first. By this i mean the stealing of huge public resources directly from the treasury, usually at the behest of the highest levels of executive authority. And the stealing of budgeted funds through various schemes.
How did we go about this – the enforcement of TSA, the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit, and even ensuring that most civil servants are on the IPPIS electronic platform (which simply is our way of ensuring that there are no ghost workers by putting all public officials including those in the Armed Forces and the police on the electronic payment platform) and this has greatly reduced ghost workers and ensured that all of our human resources are accounted for electronically.
The judiciary also moved a little in recent times. The Supreme Court in a lead judgment of Akaahs JSC, recently held that forfeiture under Section 17 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act is a civil matter. So, it neither requires the criminal conviction of the property owner nor his innocence. This opens the door for forfeiture of assets that the purported owner cannot explain, whether or not there is an allegation of corruption.
We are now poised to deal with the wider problem of systemic corruption, especially where the average person interacts with government. It is that level of corruption that affects our people the most – where the average person is doing some business or is seeking some favour or some discretion from government. Corruption for example in the issuance of contracts, licenses and other government approvals. There is no reason why any Nigerian should have to pay bribes to law enforcement agents for obtaining drivers licenses or passports, or to clear goods at our ports.
All of the relevant government agencies have shown a serious commitment to eradicating these forms of corruption, our next level is to create the environment for collaboration between our agencies, civil society and other stakeholders.
But the most enduring solutions to ending corruption are those that take into account the fact the most potent weapon that corruption has, is its acceptance as the norm in any society. A situation where even the natural custodians of societal morality and values acquiesce in it, a situation where, in particular, religious pulpits, are silent about it.
An enemy configured in such complexity cannot be defeated by solely a law and order approach. It requires whole new national and individual re- orientation, a focus on attitudinal change. It must involve the collaboration of government, civil society especially the leadership of faith communities, school teachers and professional and other interest groups. This is why this meeting’s objectives are of great importance.
Finally, let me again congratulate PACAC on their landmark achievements in the past four years. Establishing PACAC was the first major action President Buhari took in the anti-corruption fight.
Since then, under the courageous and uncompromising leadership of one of the enduring sages in the legal profession and civil society, Professor Itse Sagay, PACAC has moved from strength to strength. Professor Sagay’s interventions on various critical issues of governance, the rule of law and corruption have definitively pointed opinion in the morally and legally just direction.
We must also congratulate PACAC on the recent Senate confirmation of your former Executive Secretary Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye as Chairman of the ICPC.
Our struggle against corruption is one for the soul and substance of our Nation. The battle must be a collective one, corruption fights back with venom, guile and force, it is relentless and unashamed we who fight it must meet it with greater resolve and force. We can only win by working together with a common vision.
While thanking you for listening it is now my pleasure and privilege to formally declare this meeting open.

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