Buhari Flags Off Oil Drilling In Bauchi

February 2, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to extend its exploration to six basins in the country.

Buhari gave the directive at Barambu town in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the Bauchi state while flagging-off the commencement of drilling activities at Kolmani-II Oil Well, Gongola Basin, Upper Benue Trough.

“Exploration in our frontier basins is imperative to the economy of the country.

“I therefore, have directed NNPC to intensify its campaign in the Chad Basin, to discover new hydrogen to extend the economy of the people within the region and the nation at large.

“Our next level is to ensure that exploration is extended to Chad Basin, Gongola Basin , Anambra Basin, Sokoto Basin, Dahomey Basin, Bida Basin and Benue Trough, for more prosperous Nigeria.

“Gas and oil remain critical to the present economic development of our country and the future,” he said.

According to him, they remain “key to the implementation of our budget at all levels of government.

He commended the NNPC for the exploration into Kalmani River II Well, which he said, will spur socioeconomic activities.

The president said that his association with hydrocarbon research started in Lake Chad as Federal Commissioner of Petroleum and Natural Resources in 1976.

“That era led to the drilling of 23 wells, two of which were gaseous, where NNPC acquired 2,000 square meters of land in the basin,” he said.

The president commended the NNPC and other stakeholders in the Kolmani-II oil well project, just as he paid tribute to some university lecturers abducted while undergoing research work on the project.

Buhari also commended security agents for working tirelessly to ensure that the area was safe to conduct exploration activities.

He reiterated his administration’s determination in pursuing its goal of ensuring adequate security, enhancing the economy of the country, as well as fighting corruption.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru said that the exercise started some years back, but had to be suspended in 2000 as a result of the abduction of experts working on the project.

While commiserating with those who made sacrifices towards ensuring the realization of the set goals, Baru said oil exploration is a capital intensive project that took many years to accomplish.

He however said that with patience and perseverance, success could be attained, and therefore commended all stakeholders, urging them to sustain their commitment.

The Kolmani River Well-II will be drilled by Ikenga Rig 101, a reputable Oil Services consortium, Messrs Etihad Oilfield Services/Drillog Petrodynamics Ltd., under a Turnkey Contract Agreement.

According to the NNPC, the host communities of this Project are already benefitting from the preparation for the drilling operations, in terms of a 14.2km access road built in the area, health facilities, ICT centre and provision of boreholes.

NAN

BREAKING: Vice President Osinbajo In Helicopter Accident

Greenbarge Reporters

February 2, 2019

Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters said that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was involved in a helicopter accident a few minutes ago around Kabba in Kogi State.

A security officer on the entourage of the vice president called his colleague on president Muhammadu Buhari campaign team to Dutse, capital of Jigawa State to break the news.

Information said however that the Vice President and his aides came out of the helicopter unhurt.

Senior Special Assistant to the vice President on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande confirmed that the Vice President has continued with his engagement in Kogi State.

In a statement shortly after the crash, Akande said that Osinbajo had concluded his engagement in Kabba and had moved to the next level.

How Buhari Stopped Highwired Scam, Corruption In Petroleum Products Distribution, IPMAN Narrates

Editorial staff

February 1, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari received Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has narrated how President Muhammadu Buhari successfully stopped what it called Highwired scam and decadent corruption that bedeviled petroleum products distribution in the country for a long time.
“It is on record that before your emergence, petroleum products distribution was a big racket riddled with highwire scam and decadent corruption. The perennial fuel scarcity was the noticeable symptom of this malaise. But when you came on board that evil network of graft in the sector was dismantled and the nation is better for it as there is unhindered products availability year round.”
The leadership of the association, who visited the President today, Friday,at the presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that the new working environment is inspiring more investment by IPMAN members.
The national president of the association, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo said that the new system had emboldened members of the association to establish a refinery in the near future.
“We shall soon furnish your office with detailed presentation of our plans and timelines for the actualisation of this project.
“We will not forget to thank your Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari for his immense support which has made it possible for the challenges confronting the oil sector to be always addressed and surmounted.
“Also we are grateful to the GMD of NNPC Mr. Maikanti Baru and the MD PPMC for their uncanny support and advice at all times With these quality of men around you and the great changes that have occurred in the downstream sector and many other areas of our national life, we have no doubt that your re-election bid will be an overwhelming victory because as it stands, it will be a success for all Nigerians.
“In closing, our dear President, let me request that you kindly approve that we pay you a congratulatory visit after the election and to formally submit our expansion and energy agenda master plan. Mr. President, let me assure you that we are ready to work more closely with you to summount other hurdles in the industry as we have great confidence in your inspirational leadership.”

Court Admits In Evidence How Ex Gov Shekarau, Others Shared N950 Million Bribe From Diezani

Editorial staff

February 1, 2019

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted evidence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) showing how a former governor of Kano state, Ibrahim Shekarau and two Others shared N950million bribe from former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Shekarau is standing trial along with Aminu Bashir Wali and Mansur Ahmed on a six-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N950, 000, 000.
The politicians were alleged to have taken possession of the said sum, which was “part of an unlawful act of Diezani Alison-Madueke”, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, for gratification purpose, in the build-up to the 2015 general election.
Statements made by the three defendants under interrogation were tendered in evidence by the prosecution led by EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime. They were admitted in evidence and marked as Exhibits A, A1, A2, B and C. The court also admitted in evidence a receipt of payment and a letter both from Fidelity Bank as Exhibits D and D1, respectively,” the statement read.
Shekarau was first invited by the commission in May 2016 over this allegations which he has several times denied.
But the prosecution witness, Mahmud Tukur, an operative of the EFCC, told the Court how investigations revealed that Shekarau and other defendants colluded and collected the N950 million from Fidelity Bank and distributed same among members of the oppostion party in Kano.
“After concluding the investigation, it was revealed that N950 million was received by the 2nd and 3rd defendants on the 9th March 2015 at Fidelity Bank Plc Murtala Mohammed Way Branch Kano and was handed over by the 2nd and 3rd defendants to the chief detail of the 1st defendant on the consent of the 1st defendant and the N950,000,000 was transported to the house of the 1st defendant where it was distributed on the 27th of March 2015,” Tukur said.
Tukur maintained that the handling of the cash for the distribution contravened the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, as it was above the threshold permitted by law.
While breaking down how they trio shared the money, Tukur disclosed to the Court that the evidence was obtained from an Intelligence report that Shekarau got N25 million, while Wali received N25 million, with Mansur getting N10 million.
“Having received this report, a case file was opened for the intelligence and we commenced investigation by visiting Fidelity Bank’s Muratala Mohammed Way Branch, Kano and we interviewed the Business Manager, Aliyu Dau Aliyu and the operation manager.
“In the course of the interview, they confirmed to us that they gave the 2nd and 3rd defendants the sum of N950 million and shortly after that, they provided us with the receipt of payment alongside the identification document of the 2nd and 3rd defendants via a letter dated 27th April, 2016,” he added.
After listening to different witness account against the defendants, the court adjourned the case to April 10 and 11.
The former governor is currently a Senatorial candidate under the umbrella of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Death Of 3 Journalists: Minister Visits FCT NUJ To Sympathize With Colleagues

Editorial staff

February 1, 2019

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has commiserated with members of FCT council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the death of their three colleagues, describing the deaths as a loss to the journalism profession.
Malam Muhammad Musa Bello who was at the council secretariat in Utako, Abuja, today, Friday, on a condolence visit said the three fallen journalists were friends of the administration which was why he personally wanted to condole with council members.
The Minister presented letters of condolence on behalf of the FCT Administration, to the council chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, for onward transmission to the families of the deceased journalists: Grace Nwodo, aka Madam Waka of Love FM; Olajide Fashikun of Gong News and Chris Edoga of FRCN, all of the FCT council, who died between late December 2018 and January 2019.
Malam Bello, who was accompanied to the event by the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Engr. Umar Gambo Jibrin, expressed disappointment at the state of the secretariat, used the occasion to also assure the Council that all hindrances to the completion of the secretariat have been cleared and that the contractor would mobilize to site for the speedy completion of the secretariat complex in a couple of weeks.
“I am surprised that the building is still like this because I thought that by now it would have progressed more than this. But, I assure you that in the next two weeks, the contractor will be mobilized to site to complete at least the first phase because we agreed that the complex will be completed in phases. I can also assure you that when the first phase is completed, the building will be more benefitting than any other in the country.”
Earlier while welcoming the Minister, the Council Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche thanked the Minister for his continued support to the council, especially in his efforts to ensure the speedy completion of the Council’s secretariat. He lamented the lack of a befitting secretariat for the council and the slow pace of work at the site, calling on the Minister to make good his promised to complete the secretariat complex.
Ogbeche also called on the Minister to provide the Council with buses for conveying members to and from union events as well as for sustainable investments that would take the union to the next level.
In a vote of thanks, one time Chairman of Council, Comrade Jacob Edi, commended the Minister for his accessibility and purposefulness. He expressed confidence that the minister will make good his promise of ensuring the completion of the FCT NUJ Complex which, according to him, should be befitting of the status of the Federal Capital Territory.
Highlight of the occasion was a tour of the uncompleted secretariat complex by the Minister, accompanied by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka C. Ohaa and other management staff of the FCTA, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr U.G Jibrin and members of the FCT NUJ.

Kogi Senatorial Candidate, Natasha Alleges Plan By Gov Yahaya Bello To Kill Her

Editorial staff

February 1, 2019

Senatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi Central, Natasha Hadiza Akpoti accused Kogi governor Yahaya Bello of ordering his thugs to kill her and blame the death on someone else.

Natasha Akpoti who made the statement on her twitter page today, Friday also released a video showing an alleged Yahaya Bello’s thugs confessing to the police that he knew everything about the killing of one of her supporters, Ojo Enesi.

Ojo Enesi was killed weeks ago by unknown gunmen.

Natasha also alleged that Kogi State commissioner of police ordered the release of the alleged suspect despite confessing to the crime.

PDP Campaign Director General In Gombe Defects To APC

Editorial staff

February 1, 2019

Alhaji Bala Bello Tinka (alias Tinka Point) met with President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, on Thursday

The Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign organisation in Gombe State has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Alhaji Bala Bello Tinka (alias Tinka Point) met with President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, today, Thursday night, where he pledged allegiance to the APC, and also vowed to bring his political weight to bear on the election of the President for a second term in office.

Coming exactly a fortnight to the presidential election, the defection of Alhaji Tinka deals a massive blow to the PDP in Gombe. PDP currently governs the state, and has done so since 2003.

President Buhari’s campaigns train zoomed to Gombe Saturday, and Alhaji Tinka is expected to formally join the APC, alongside others, during the event.

Nigeria Joins China’s Belt And Road Initiative

Editorial staff

January 31, 2019

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian said Nigeria has formally joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Zhou revealed this on Thursday at a Spring Festival reception for the media in Abuja.

The Belt and Road Initiative has been described as an ambitious development programme, through which China would boost trade and promote economic growth across Asia and beyond.

The initiative, introduced by the Chinese government in 2013, seeks to connect more than 65 countries globally through infrastructure with participation of more than 70 countries from Asia, Africa and Europe.,

“The year of 2019, Nigeria formally joins the big family of the BRI. China will actively promote international cooperation through the BRI.

“In doing so, we hope to achieve infrastruture, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity and thus build a new platform for international cooperation to create new drivers of shared development.”

The envoy said the second Belt and Road for International Cooperation would be held in Beijing in April to implement the outcomes of 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.

He added that the forum in April would also be an opportunity to implement the eight major initiatives identified by President Xi Jinping as the focus of China-Africa cooperation in the next three years and beyond.

“Guided by the principle of consultation and collaboration for shared benefits, China-Nigeria cooperation can become a model for China-Africa cooperation.”

He also said 2019 marked the 48th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries and the 70th anniversary of the founding of China.

He assured of his government’s readiness to work with Nigeria to “elevate our strategic partnership to a new level and bring greater benefits to our two countries.”

Speaking on the forthcoming Spring Festival, Zhou said the festival was the start of the Lunar New Year in China and an occasion for family reunion.

Chinese New Year, referred to as the Spring Festival, celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar.

The first day of the Lunar New Year will be on Feb. 5, initiating the year of pig.

CCT Fixes Feb 4 For Continuation Of Justice Onnoghen’s Trial

Editorial staff

January 31, 2019

The Code of Conduct Tribunal has fixed February 4 for the resumption of alleged non-asset declaration trial against Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Ibraheem Al-Hassan, the Heads, (Press & Public Relations), Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Below is the full statement.

Conduct Tribunal Fixes 4th February for resumption of alleged Non asset declaration trial against Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Following Court of Appeal ruling yesterday on the trial against Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Onnoghen Nkanu Walter, on alleged non declaration of asset before Code of Conduct Tribunal is hereby fixed for Monday, 4th of February, 2019.

The decision was reached today sequel to a correspondent from Code of Conduct Bureau, applying for the resumption of trial of the case captioned; Application for resumption of trial of the case of FRN V. Hon. Justice Onnoghen Nkanu Walter Samuel case No: CCT/ABJ/01/19, addressed to Hon. Chairman Code of Conduct Tribunal, dated 30th January, 2019, jointly signed by Musa Ibrahim Usman (Esq) and Fatima Danjuma Ali (Esq).

The request reads in part; “The above subject refers. This case came up for hearing of preliminary objection to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal on the 28th of January, 2019 but the Tribunal could not proceed due to the tendency of the case at the Court of Appeal.

“However, in the wake of this afternoon, 30th January, 2019 the Court of Appeal has thrown out the appeal.

“Consequently on the above, we urge the Honourable Tribunal to give us a date for resumption of the trial subject to the convenience of the Tribunal, Most obliged my Lord.

Ibraheem Al-Hassan,
Heads, (Press & Public Relations),
Code of Conduct Tribunal Headquarters,
Abuja.
January 31st, 2019.”

The CCT’s latest step comes barely a day after an Appeal Court in Abuja dismissed a suit filed by the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, seeking a stay of execution on his on-going trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Atiku Promises To Pardon Treasury Looters

Editorial staff

January 31, 2019

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said that he would consider pardon for corruption suspects in order to help recover billions of dollars stashed abroad by the country’s politicians and government officials.

Abubakar unfolded the amnesty programme at a town hall meeting tagged: ‘’The Candidates”, organised by the MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with NTA and DARIA media on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nigerian treasury had been the target of rapacious public officials who looted it with reckless abandon, such that the Buhari administration has made fighting corruption one of its main pillars.

Buhari launched a whistleblower scheme that netted billions of Naira and millions of dollars stashed in bank accounts or as government found out, in private homes.

In Abubakar’s view, his amnesty programme would encourage looters to voluntarily return some of the stolen funds badly needed to fund infrastructure investment and recommended sanctions for election rigging.

Atiku also said that his government would be willing to investigate the military top commanders as a way of tackling the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, if elected.

He said that his government would not hesitate to deal with any senior officer who failed in his duty after being adequately funded by his government.

“We cannot continue to accept that kind of situation whereby commanders lose lives, lose equipment to terrorists and then nothing happens to them,’’ he said.

The PDP presidential candidate also said that he would be willing to investigate the report of Amnesty International indicting the military on allegations of genocide.

He stressed the need for government to invest more in education and health sectors as well as to bring in more private investors to compliment governments programmes in the health sector.

NAN

1...1,1171,1181,119...2,499 Page 1,118 of 2,499