Nigeria’s Economy Recovering From Worst Contraction In 25 Years -IMF

July 16, 2018

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rated Nigeria’s economy as having being recovering from what it called ‘the worst contraction in 25 years in 2016.’

In its World Economic Outlook update released today, Monday, according to Bloomberg, the worst contraction of the Nigeria’s economy was caused by lower oil prices and output and shortages of foreign exchange to import raw materials.

It said that the economy of the Sub-Saharan Africa will experience growth prospects in 2019 due to the great improvement in the Nigeria’s economy.

The IMF explained that the region’s economy will probably expand 3.8 percent in 2019. That compares with a 3.7 percent prediction in April.

The upgraded forecast “reflects improved prospects for Nigeria’s economy” and an increase in commodity prices. Gross domestic product in Africa’s most-populous nation will probably rise 2.3 percent, it said, lifting its estimate from 1.9 percent in April.

On the South African economy, the IMF predicted that it will expand by 1.5 percent this year and 1.7 percent the next.

“Despite the weaker-than-expected first-quarter out-turn in South Africa, the economy is expected to recover somewhat over the remainder of 2018 and into 2019 as confidence improvements associated with the new leadership are gradually reflected in strengthening private investment.”

South Africa, the continent’s most-industrialized economy, hasn’t grown at more than 2 percent a year since 2013. GDP shrank the most in almost a decade in the first quarter as former President Jacob Zuma handed the reins to Cyril Ramaphosa.

Zuma spent close to nine years in power, during which time the nation lost its investment-grade credit rating and policy uncertainty and unemployment increased.

Nigeria and South Africa’s economies account for about half of the region’s GDP.

Source: ECONOMIST.

President Buhari Grieves Over Katsina Flood Devastation

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his sadness and concern over the unprecedented devastation caused by floods in Katsina state and other parts of the country.

A statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu said that he had pledged the federal government’s support for the victims of the disaster.

The President emphasized his deep sadness over the devastation and loss of lives in the floods.

The President directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to do everything that will bring succor to the victims wherever they are.

“As rescue and prevention efforts continue, let me express the sincere condolences of my family, the government and people of Nigeria to all the victims of the destruction by the floods. Let me assure that we stand ready to provide, within available resources, every assistant that is needed to bring comfort to those in distress.”

The Katsina Governor, Aminu Masari had today, Monday said that over 44 people had lost their lives while 20 others were still missing following yesterday, Sunday flood disaster in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Masari, who inspected the affected areas in the local government, said more than 500 houses were destroyed while thousands of people rendered homeless.

He said that scores of animals were also killed during the disaster, which occurred on Sunday night and lasted for over three hours.

‘’I can say that I have never seen this kind of disaster in my life. The water level is above 10 feet height and it is a purely a natural disaster as the government had constructed drainages that were emptying into Jibia river.

“The water from the river moved in a reverse order and came back to the town and caused the flooding.

“I have seen a young groom of three days old who loss his bride and still searching for her.”

The governor said that the government had already relocated the victims to a primary school in the area, adding that he had informed the federal government about the disaster stressing that NEMA had already brought 13 trucks loaded with relief materials for distribution to the victims.

The governor said that he had directed the state Ministry of Environment to look into the possibility of diverting the water from direct contact with the river. [myad]

Buhari Gives Marching Order To Ministers To Repatriate Stranded Nigerians In Russia

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

President Buhari and foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to commence the process of repatriating Nigerians who travelled to Russia for the FIFA 2018 World Cup and got stranded after the competition.

The Nigerian football fans got stranded in the country following the activities of some unscrupulous travel agents who cancelled their return tickets and abandoned them to their fate.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Aviation have in compliance with the President’s directive taken the necessary actions to bring the Nigerians back.

The Presidential directive is in line with the policy of the current administration to ensure the welfare of all Nigerians in every part of the world.

It would be recalled that the President Buhari administration has on several occasions ensured the repatriation of Nigerians from foreign countries like Libya and other conflict zones.

2019: Dankwambo Joins Presidential Race, Promises War Against Poverty, Injustice

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo

Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State has formally declared presidential ambition on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections.

In declaring his intention at the weekend, Dankwambo said that if he is elected President in 2019, he would declare war on poverty and injustices in the country.

The Gombe State governor also said with the consultations going on his behalf by prominent Nigerians all over the country, he would get the PDP ticket and defeat the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and candidates of other parties in the February 2019 election.

Dankwambo, a former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) and Ph.D holder in Accounting, said the number one priority of a leader is to ensure the happiness of citizens by removing poverty and injustices from the polity.

Dankwambo said that it is wrong for some people to be spreading rumours that he was no longer in the presidential race.

“I am running. And I will win. Extensive consultations have been done and Nigerians will soon see a wind of genuine renaissance blowing all over their land.

“I have come to the realisation that what Nigeria needs at this time is a man who can take the country on a journey to its best self, a man who can re-energise a people who have been so badly led that they have accepted a certain impotence as the reality of their lives.”

Declaring that he is the best man for the job, Dankwambo said: “Nigeria needs a man who can fire its imagination, release the people from shackles and make them blossom. I am the man. I don’t want to just be President, I want to be the leader of a 180 million-strong army of achievers.

“President is just a title. What Nigeria needs is a leader, a warrior on the frontline in the fight against poverty and all kinds of injustices our people are suffering today.”

The 56-year-old politician graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State in 1985 with a degree in Accounting.

He obtained a Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Yaba, in 1992 and a Ph.D in Accounting from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

He worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 1988 to 1999 before he was appointed Accountant-General of Gombe State.

He later became the Accountant–General of the Federation on April 20, 2005 and held this office until he resigned to start his campaign for election as governor of Gombe State in January, 2011.

Fayose Describes Ekiti Gubber Poll As Charade

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

Governor Ayodele Fayose, has described the last Saturday’s governorship election in which Dr. Kayode John Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won as a political charade.

A statement today, Monday, by his media man, Idowu Adelusi in Ado-Ekiti quoted Governor Fayose as complaining that the will of Ekiti people had been subverted through the use of brutal force.

Fayose condemned a situation whereby the police, army, civil defence and INEC were used to snatch the collective mandate freely given to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Professor Kolapo Olusola and delivering it to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate which Ekiti people rejected.

“I am Peter Ayodele Fayose, I hold my head high. I can never be suppressed. I don’t lose battles and I will not lose this. I will laugh last. The president should note what the Bible says which applies to him. ”He that wears the armour should not boast as he that removes it.

“It is only Buhari that will pride himself with the security shooting sporadically at polling centres, scaring people to pave the way for the APC thugs to snatch ballot boxes.

“What Buhari has won as referendum from Ekiti people, Nigerians, and international community is shame. If APC has truly won, why is it that there is no jubilation in Ekiti?.

“The victory of Kayode Fayemi is pyricc. We will reclaim the stolen mandate in the court by the power of God,” he said.

Responding to Mallam Garba Shehu, the governor said that being a fair weather friend, he would soon desert his current pay masters.

“Garba Shehu was in the Presidency courtesy Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for eight years and came back for this current dispensation still courtesy Abubakar. “Now, he has abandoned the person who brought him to the limelight. This is not surprising, when he was the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors during the regime of General Sani Abacha, he wined and dined with the maximum ruler. He would go under the cover of darkness to collect money purportedly for editors, but everybody knew what he did then. Nigerians are waiting to nail him in the end.”

No Soldier, Military Vehicle Was Missing In Encounter With Boko Haram – Army

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

The Nigerian Army has made it clear that none of its soldiers or vehicles was missing in an encounter with members of the Boko Haram in Bama local government of Borno State as reported by some social and traditional media last week.

In a statement today, Monday, by the Director of Army Public Relations Officer, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, the Army said that the report is not only untrue but misleading as it was blown out of proportion by the media.

“Contrary to the report, the Nigerian Army wishes to put the record straight on the issue and assure members of the public particularly residents of the North East to disregard the report as their safety is guaranteed.
“The Nigeria Army wishes to state that there was an attempted attack on troops at Kwakwa and Chingori communities in Bama area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists as a result of difficult terrain where our vehicles bugged down. The terrorists also attempted to cart away troops operational vehicles, but were successfully repelled by our gallant troops with the support of the Nigerian Air Force.
“About 22 members of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Efforts are being intensified by the troops to get the fleeing members of the Boko Haram terrorists.
“Unfortunately, one officer and a soldier sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at the military medical facility.
“While the Nigerian Army would not join issues with the media, certain facts must be reported with caution particularly now that numerous successes have been recorded by the troops in the fight against insurgency.
“Members of the public are hereby advised to disregard the report and go about their legitimate businesses as the Nigerian Army is on top of the situation.
“It is my well-thought-out opinion that in future, media practitioners should endeavour to verify facts from the appropriate military authority before rushing to the press.
“Also, the attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a purported story published in Daily Sun of Friday 13 July 2018 captioned ‘’BOKO HARM KILL 5, HOIST FLAG IN ADAMAWA.’’
“The Nigerian Army wishes to state that the story is not only untrue but also misleading.
“Indeed, the Nigerian Army sees the story as a calculated attempt to drag it into mud despite numerous successes recorded against the Boko Haram Terrorists.
“More so, that the large number of civilians’ populace have returned to their ancestral homes where farming, fishing and other economic activities have commenced.
“While the Nigerian Army would not join issues with the Daily Sun reporter in Yola, certain facts must be reported with dignity.
“It is on record that successes so far achieved in the North East are internationally acknowledged.
“The Daily Sun is please advised to retract the story as it is an attempt to erode all the gains the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have so far achieved.
“Members of the public are hereby advised to disregard this publication and go about their lawful activities.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to advised media practitioners to always cross checked their facts before rushing to the press.”

Dasuki May Soon Enjoy Bail

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

The former National Security Adviser, retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki may soon enjoy the fruit of the bail granted him by the court as a Federal High Court Judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu has formally endorsed the bail application granted him on July 2.

Dasuki has been in detention camp of Department of State Security Service (DSS) since December 29, 2015 when he was rearrested by security operatives.

Justice Ojukwu endorsed the bail application after Dasuki perfected all the conditions imposed on him by the court.

Family sources gave the hint today, Monday, that the ex-NSA through his associates and well wishers perfected the bail conditions which were verified by the officials of the Federal High Court in confirming their authenticity since last week.

The endorsement of Justice Ojukwu by signing the bail papers today has cleared the way for Dasuki’s release.

Family members, associates and well wishers of the detained NSA were said to have been arriving Abuja in anticipation of his release by the Federal government in compliance with the court order.

After over two years in the detention, the Court had on July 2, 2018 admitted Dasuki on bail in the fundamental human right suit filed by him.

He had applied to the court to admit him to bail on the ground that his detention since 2015 without trial was a breach of his fundamental right to freedom of liberty.

Although charges were filed against Dasuki by the Federal Government in four different High Courts, he was granted bails by the courts but was not allowed to enjoy the bail.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice had also ordered his release and imposed a fine of N15 million on the Federal Government for his unlawful detention but yet the government did not comply with the verdict.

However, in the latest judgement, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu ordered that Dasuki should be released on bail in the sum of N200 million and two sureties in the like sum.

The court said that one of the sureties must be a federal government employee on not less than grade level 16.

In the event of a private person standing as the surety, the court held that the person must have landed property in Abuja.

Justice Ojukwu said the surety must deposit N100 million with the registrar of the court and that the money would be returned to the surety at the end of the trial of the former NSA.

I’m Left Without Political Party Now, Gov Ortom Complains

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

Governor Ortom of Benue state who came into office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has complained that he is now without political party.

Governor Ortom, who spoke today, Monday shortly after swearing in a new special adviser on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Makurdi, the state capital, said that he had been issued a ‘Red Card’ by the APC.

The governor said that even though he had disagreed with some of the APC’s positions, his affiliation with the party has not been questioned.

The governor, who did give details about who gave him red card and what he did to be so issued the red card said that the strained relationship between him and the party under which he contested the 2015 governorship election in the state has left him without a party now.

You’ve Earned Respect Around The World, Nigerians In Netherlands Tell Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari met with a delegation of Nigerians in the Diaspora living in Kingdom of the Netherlands | Photo credit: Aso Rock Villa

Nigerian professionals in Netherlands have acknowledged that the fight against corruption in Nigeria has earned President Muhammadu Buhari respect around the world.

Speaking today, Monday, when President Buhari met with members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), the Netherlands Chapter, on the sidelines of his Official Visit to The Hague, Netherlands, chairman of NIDO, Nwankpa, commended the President for the war against corruption, “for which you have earned respect around the world.”

He also commended the President for the high improvement in infrastructural development, and for signing into law the Diaspora Commission Bill, which he hoped would “become effective as soon as possible.”

The NIDO Chairman advised the President and security team to accelerate efforts at stopping incessant killings, especially in the North Central even as he called on Nigerians “to play their roles in breaking the cycle of violence, which usually has no winner.”

The professionals presented the gift of an artwork called Light to President Buhari, with Toyin Loyo, the creator of the work saying: “The work is illuminating. You bring light, which will never go out, and which will shine round the clock.”

This was even as President Buhari marvelled at the quality of Nigerian professionals in Netherlands, saying: “you are high quality people. Congratulations on your personal achievements.”

President Buhari said that he is quite pleased with their intellectual and professional achievements.

He lauded them for representing Nigeria well, and for always being in touch with their motherland.

Among those who met President Buhari were Julius Nnamdi Nwankpa, Chairman NIDO, Dr Mustapha Gidado, a specialist in tuberculosis, having oversight over management of the disease in 22 countries, Lola Visser Mabogunje, a performance monitoring expert, Dr Peter Ngene, a research scientist and Assistant Professor at Utrecht University, Engineer Cornelius Obot, a software expert, and Toyin Loyo, an artist and culture enthusiast of international repute.

Ekiti People Voted Freely, According To Their Consciences – British Envoy

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2018

“We have looked around, and the most important thing is that people were able to express their own opinions to vote freely as they wished to vote, and not to be intimidated or induced in any way, to vote according to their consciences for what they think is best for them, for their families and for their communities.”

These are the views of the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, who is a member of the international observers that monitored yesterday, Saturday governorship election in Ekiti State.

In an interview with news men in Isan-Ekiti, he commended both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for proper preparation for the election and for composing themselves very well.

“As observers, we will report back to INEC at the end of the day, giving our reports. We are neutral international observers, watching the process in trying to ensure that the exercise is free, fair, credible and indeed peaceful. We are very pleased to be able to be here.”

Arkwright described the election as a precursor to the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, saying: “This election is an important milestone on the road to 2019. In Ekiti itself, it is important for the process to be free, fair, credible and indeed peaceful.”

He emphasized that the International Bureau for the British Government is not supporting one candidate, saying: “we are not supporting one party. But we are supporting the process.”

Arkwright also emphasized that from what he saw, INEC prepared very well for the Ekiti election.

I spoke to the INEC Chairman in Abuja 10 days ago and he said the commission was well prepared. I spoke to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) yesterday, and as far as I can see, the sensitive materials were sent to the polling units in time.

Source: Sunday Sun.

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