The Ohinoyi (first class chief) of Ebiraland in Kogi State, Alhaji Dr. Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim seems whispering prayer to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo over his survival of helicopter crash at Kabba, Kogi State. Osinbajo was in the palace of Ohinoyi as he arrived Okene to continue his town hall meeting with stakeholders in the area.
President Muhammadu Buhari SpeakingPresident Muhammadu Buhari says fighting corruption needs God’s guidance and prayers as he pledged to redouble his administration’s efforts toward promoting peace and prosperity, and to fight corruption to a standstill.
The president made the pledge when he met with members of Jigawa State Council of Traditional Rulers at the government house, Dutse.
Buhari, who spoke in Hausa language, said his first attempt to fight corruptionwhen he was Head of State was unsuccessful because corruption fought back and he ended in jail for over three years.
He, however, stated that as a civilian president he had studied the system and hence the ongoing crusade against corruption would continue to yield fruitful results as property and monies recovered from looters would be deposited into the nation’s treasury.
“When I was fighting corruption as head of state, they said I was in a hurry to wipe out corruption in the society, and I ended up in jail for over three years. “Now, that due process is being followed in the fight against corruption they are complaining that I’m too slow. “Before, they said I was in a haste, now they are saying I’m slow – even calling me “Baba Go Slow’’.
“You can see, governing Nigeria needs God’s guidance and payers.
“Let me assure that I will not relent in the fight against corruption and I want to use this opportunity to thank you for your continuous prayers,’’ he said.
Buhari thanked the traditional rulers for their support and prayers for the government and Nigeria, and promised that the APC-led government would continue to implement policies and programmes aimed at uplifting the standard of living of all citizens.
On agriculture, the president commended the governors of Lagos, Kebbi, Ebonyi and Jigawa states for embarking on various agricultural programmes aimed at making the country self-sufficient in food production.
He pledged that the federal government would continue to provide agricultural loans as well as inputs to farmers at lower rates to boost food production.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Jigawa Council of Traditional Rulers and Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, expressed satisfaction over the achievements of the Buhari administration in the last three and half years.
He pledged that members of the state traditional council would continue to pray for the government and for peace and stability in the country.
The Emir, however, enjoined the government to create more job opportunities for unemployed youths as a way of addressing social unrest in the society.
Gov. Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, who also spoke at the event, lauded the president for making Jigawa one of the best performing states in agricultural activities in the country.(NAN)
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
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.
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.”
Ibrahim ShekarauA 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.
FCT MInister, Muhammad Musa BelloThe 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.
Natasha Hadiza AkpotiSenatorial 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.
Alhaji Bala Bello Tinka (alias Tinka Point) met with President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, on ThursdayThe Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign organisation in Gombe State has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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.
