Audu Sule Katagum Is New Bauchi Deputy Governor

June 29, 2018

Arc. Audu Sule Katagum | Photo credit: Daily Nigeria

The immediate past Chief of Staff, Bauchi State Government House, Architect Audu Sule Katagum has become the State Deputy Governor after his appointment was confirmed today, Friday, by the State House of Assembly.

The lawmakers confirmed Katagum during its plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Honourable Kawuwa Shehu Damina

He was nominated by Governor Mohammed Abubakar early in June after wide consultation with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The new deputy governor replaced the former one, Engineer Nuhu Gidado who had earlier resigned his appointment without giving any reason other than that his spirit to served the state had dampened.

Don’t Conduct Congresses Yet, Court Orders Omisore’s SDP Group In Osun

Greenbarge Reporters

June 29, 2018

An Osun State High Court, sitting in Ikirun, today, Friday, granted an order of interim injunction restraining the former Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore and his group within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from conducting proposed congresses.

The presiding judge, Justice Jide Falola, while ruling on the experte-motion said: “in the spirit of reconciliation among parties, I hereby make the following preservative orders:

“Both the Applicants and the Respondents shall uphold the supremacy of the constitution of the party –Social Democratic Party, SDP as contained in S. 2(1) of the constitution.

former Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore | photo by Chennelstv

“Parties, especially the respondents shall maintain status quo ante bellum inter duos, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for injection.

“Also, the rights of the applicants, as part of the State Executive Council inaugurated on 16th February 2016 to discharge the duties, privileges and responsibilities assigned to them by section 12, 6, and 10 of the constitution of the party are hereby preserved in order not to cripple the operations of the party, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

An ally of the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Mr Idowu Afolami had on Wednesday issued a statement saying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has instructed its officers in Osun State to monitor the proposed congresses of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Osun State.

The purported congresses were slated between Saturday, June 30 and Monday, July 2 at different wards across the state and Local governments respectively.

Afolami, who is the former Secretary of the party however went further on Thursday, alongside few of Omisore’s supporters to pronounce the suspension of the State Chairman, Ademola Ishola for daring to denounce Omisore ‘s membership of the party at a press conference in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

In a suite number HIK/M.23/2018, instituted by four member of the party against Dr Iyiola Omisore, Alhaji Shehu Musa, who is the National Secretary of the party, and Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) among two others prayed the court to stop action pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

AVM Alkali Mamu Not Guilty Of Corruption, Court Rules Against EFCC

Greenbarge Reporters

June 29, 2018

Justice Garba Salisu of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has discharged and acquitted a former Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Alkali Mamu on a four count charge of gratification.
Alkali Mamu was was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 21, 2016 in a four-count charge of allegedly collecting a cash gift of $300,000 and N5.9 million for the purchase of a Range Rover Evoque.

He was also alleged to have received two vehicles, Ford Expedition SUV and Jaguar XF Saloon valued at N15million and N12million respectively from Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux (SEI) Nigeria Limited while facilitating a covert assignment of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during the tenure of Sambo Dasuki in the war against terrorism.
Delivering judgment, Justice Garba Salisu held that with the preponderance of evidence before the court, the prosecution failed to establish a case of gratification against the defendant. He added that they also failed to prove that Himma Abubakar of SEI gave the alleged gratification.
The judge held that the fourth prosecution witness confirmed that Abubakar’s statement was not taken by the anti-graft commission and that the witness confirmed that EFCC knew that Abubakar was in Niger Republic as at the time of interrogation but failed to provide him or his statement as a vital witness.
Justice Salisu held that the failure of the prosecution to call Abubakar as a witness put a huge dent on some of the evidence of the prosecution. Also, the court held that while the prosecution told the court that Mamu received the bribe while supervising a contract of NAF, the evidence of the first prosecution witness distanced NAF from any contract with the said contractor.
The judge further held that the prosecution did not comply with the provisions of Sections 15 and 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) as regards the extrajudicial statement of Mamu which was tendered as evidence. “This lack of compliance is fatal to the case of the prosecution. It is thus the view of the court that the purported statements of the defendant tendered by the prosecution are invalid,” the judge held.
“The defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted on the four-count charge.”
In the course of the trial, Mamu, in his evidence in chief reported told the court how foreign mercenary pilots brought in from Ukraine were engaged to combat Boko Haram terrorists in disguised as instructors and how the cause of death of one of the mercenaries was covered from the Ukrainian embassy.
He had told the court that his evidence involved matters that would expose Nigeria’s contravention of the United Nation’s Charter of armed conflicts especially Resolution 44/34.
He told the court that the money EFCC alleged he received as bribe were money refunded to him by Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux Nigeria Limited who was contracted by the Office of the National Security Adviser to bring in the mercenaries. He said the refund was necessary because the contractor was not mobilized on time and he (Mamu) had to use his personal money to finance the contract.
Alkali Mamu was one of the West-Africa intelligence fighter-pilots trained to engage in air-to-air combat while in the cockpit of a fighter aircraft. Apart from flying Presidential Jets for two decades, he was directly involved in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) for military operations at the peak of Boko Haram insurgency.

He guided Military Technical Advisers in covert aerial warfare in the recovery of many towns from Boko Haram, especially in 2015 during the previous administration.

Ghana’s Ex Vice President Dies While Doing Exercise

Greenbarge Reporters

June 29, 2018

Former Vice President of Ghana, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur is dead, local media reported in the early hours of today, Friday. He was the country’s number two-man during the administration of ex-President, John Mahama.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Amissah-Arthur died today, Friday morning at the Air Force Base, where he had gone to do exercise. He was subsequently rushed to a Military hospital where he died shortly after.

The 67-year old had served as Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana between 2009 and 2012 during which time Ghana enjoyed about 30-month-long single digit inflation and a stable foreign exchange environment.

Amissah-Arthur was a lecturer at the Economic Department at the University of Ghana, Legon from 1980 to 1988. Alongside that he became a Special Assistant to the Former Secretary (Minister) for Finance, Kwesi Botchway from 1983 to 1986.

He subsequently rose to become a Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning from 1986 to 1997.

Prior to becoming a politician, Amissah-Arthur had lectured at the Department of Economics, Anambra State College of Education, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria between 1981 and 1983.

He is survived by his wife, Matilda and two children.

Ghana’s current President, Addo Akufo-Addo, in a post on his Facebook page, wrote: “I have learnt with shock and great sadness the sudden death of the former Vice President of the Republic, His Excellency Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur.”

The president described the former vice president as a longstanding public servant, who discharged his duties with dignity.

“The news of his death is unfortunate since he appeared to have a lot to contribute to the public life of our country,” he added.

In Borno, Army Recovers 100 loaves Of Bread, Others From Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

June 29, 2018

Some items recovered by Nigerian Army in Borno

Nigerian Army has announced the elimination of four members of the suspected Boko Haram insurgents at Gawasa village in Guzamala local government area of Borno State, recovering from them, among others, 100 loaves of bread, a bag of rice and a bag of flour.

According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, in a statement today, Friday, the suspected Boko Haram members were captured and killed by soldiers of operation LAFIYA DOLE who were on clearance operation in the area.
He said that other items recovered from them include five motorcycles, 250 litres of premium spirit, 60 Containers of five litre of vegetable oil and some quantity of drugs.

President Buhari, Lagos Govt Saddened By Otedola Bridge Tanker Fire

Greenbarge Reporters

June 29, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the fuel tanker fire which led to the death of no fewer than nine people and burn to ashes of many vehicles in Lagos today, Thursday evening as one of the greatest tragedies witnessed in the country in recent times. This was even as the Lagos State Government commiserated with families of the victims of the tanker explosion.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said that the President expressed shock and sorrow over the fire incidence.

Buhari was quoted as saying that he is saddened by the tragic loss of lives, tens of vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire, even as he expressed his condolences to the government and people of Lagos State on the tragedy.

“Sadly, this seems to be one of the greatest tragedies we have seen in recent times.”

The President urged the emergency services and law enforcement officials to do their best to limit the losses and damage from the incident.

He said that the priority now should be how to save those people who could still be in danger.

Also, a statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, described the incident as a sad development, most unfortunate and regrettable.

“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we extend our deepest commiseration to the families of persons who lost their lives as well as properties to the incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of pain and grief.

“As a government, we would not relent in putting measures in place to ensure safety of lives and property of all residents.”

Bamigbetan said that Governor Ambode had directed all relevant agencies to move into the area to normalise the apprehension that had taken over the area and to also ensure that those in need are adequately taken care of.

The governor assured that clearing of the highway of damaged vehicles to establish normal traffic flow would continue throughout the night until the objective is achieved.

He called for the co-operation of all citizens with the officials of the agencies to restore the situation to normalcy.

He also urged motorists to continue to adhere to the safety standard and the State Traffic Laws so as to prevent a reoccurrence of such incidents.

The incident, which occurred at about 5pm today, Thursday, led to the loss of lives and many vehicles burnt.

How President Buhari Revived Mining Sector After Years Of Neglect – Prof Silas

Greenbarge Reporters

June 28, 2018

The President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Professor Silas Dada has revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari revived and rejuvenated the Nigeria mining sector after years of neglect by the previous governments.

Professor Dada, who spoke today, Thursday, when he led his executive members on a courtesy visit to the President, emphasized that the Buhari government “revitalized and rejuvenated” the mining sector in the country, from its “moribund and chaotic state, following years of neglect and abandonment.”

He expressed said that President Buhari is the first Nigerian leader to be conferred with the Society’s Grand Patronship in person, shortly after conferring the laurel on the President who now becomes Grand Patron of the NMGS.

This was even as the President said that the federal government’s key policy objective of rejuvenating the mining sector is being realized, as witnessed by the diversification of the economy and broadening of the country’s revenue base.

The President expressed delight with the ongoing formalization of illegal mining as a way of curbing its implications on national security, revenue generation, the environment, health and safety of the citizens.

He said that his administration has been vindicated in its assumption that the nation’s endowment in mineral resources, the mining and solid minerals sector has the potential to create employment, increase revenue and reduce poverty.

Buhari attributed the successes recorded so far to the Federal Government’s policy of increasing budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development; formalization of illegal mining; approval of funds from the Natural Resources Development Fund to support small miners; enhancing capacity and human capital development.

The President said that the strengthening of the regulatory framework, enhanced transparency in the licensing process, and the ease of doing business played significant roles in the achievements recorded in the mining sector.

He pledged continued government support to the sector.

We’re Determined To Uncover $30 Billion Fraud In Niger Delta Power Holding – Dogara

Greenbarge Reporters

June 28, 2018

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has vowed that the House will not relent until all allegations of misuse of $30 billion (about N10.08 trillion) by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is unraveled.
The Speaker who spoke at the opening of a public hearing by an Ad hoc committee of the House, on the alleged Constitutional breaches, impunity and other infractions of the NDPHC, and the need to ensure probity and statutory oversight functions, said that it is of great concern that about half of the funds were reportedly sourced through the Excess Crude Account, which belong to the nation’s three tiers of government.
“From the information made available to the National Assembly, the NDPHC Ltd. has since 2005 invested over thirty Billion US Dollars (US$30B), over half of which was sourced from the Excess Crude Account belonging to the three tiers of Government, while the balance consists of funds from other investors.
“As a Limited Liability Company, the operations, management and accounting procedures of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited is subject to the overriding provisions of the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in general, and the Companies and Allied Matters Act, (CAMA), in particular. However, the available information is that the Company has failed to comply with very serious and important provisions of the Law, such that the very essence of the company, and by extension the NIPP, is seriously threatened.
“Furthermore, the NDPHC does not submit its annual budget and project plans for appropriation by the National Assembly, while, as alleged, it also generates Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) in trillions of Naira, which cannot be determined because it is neither divulged nor paid into the coffers of the Government, but rather expended by the company without Legislative approval or input from the other tiers of Government.
“Most importantly, information available from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) conveys very disturbing signals that the trillions of Naira purportedly invested into the NIPP by the Federal, the 36 States and the 774 Local Governments have not been securitized as only two billion Naira is said to be registered as shares in the CAC for the three tiers of Government.”
Dogara charged the committee to do a thorough job, even as he emphasized that the House is committed to finding a lasting solution to the challenge in the power sector, which has adversely affected all efforts to transform our economy.

“ In particular, we are concerned about making the NDPHC to work to fulfil its intended objectives as an important agency in our electricity industry.”

Plateau: Violent Protests By Christian Organizations At Govt House Mocked Victims Of Killings – Lalong

Greenbarge Reporters

June 28, 2018

The Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has described the violent protest which led to the destruction of some valuables at the Plateau Government House by hoodlums, hiding under some Christian organizations as a mockery of the grief of the victims of the attack in Gashish District and other areas of the Northern Senatorial District.

The governor, who reacted to the protest organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Zone of Plateau State, the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Plateau State and Bazata Gospel Team, said that the protest represented one of the saddest commentaries in the States collective resolve to stand as a people united against evil.

He regretted that while Government is making concerted efforts in sustaining the tempo of arrest and prosecution of those who have over the years, threatened the peace, and worked so hard to turn the State into the sad era of bloodletting, unpatriotic elements are choosing to frustrate this good intention. “What is more worrisome about the protest is that protesters were not willing to listen to the voice of reason in allowing the Governor attend to visiting Senate President, Distinguish Senator Bukola Saraki and the Former President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR who were on a condolence visit to the State ahead of his addressing them.”
The Governor said that he found it regrettable that while Government has chosen to recognize the right of its citizens to peacefully assemble and protest within the confines of the law, “the conveners of the protest under the joint auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Zone of Plateau State, the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Plateau State and Bazata Gospel Team allowed the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums who took advantage of the procession led by these Organizations, to destroy Government properties and vehicles of Civil Servants and visitors to the Government House running into millions of naira.”
Governor Lalong said that the attack on the seat of government is a serious affront on the authority of the State which should not be taken lightly because of the very clear and obvious unpatriotic self serving interest of a few who have chosen to make
He said that the name of the Church as a moral rectitude should not have been associated in any way with any person or group of persons who would contemplate violence as a show of discontent especially in this period that all Godly and peace loving citizens are sharing in the grief of the bereaved, and calling on God in prayers and sober reflection for healing in the Land.
“While Government mourns the loss of innocent lives and has extended deep commiseration to victims of the unfortunate attacks, with assurances that it will not rest on its oars in fishing out the perpetrators, it would not fold its hands and watch disgruntled citizens throw the State into a state of anarchy and chaos under the guise of mourning.”
The Governor insisted that this should be the time for a united effort, prayers and vigilance as the People of Plateau State collectively seek to find a solution to the resurgence of the vicious circle of violence after the State had made considerable effort in restoring relative peace.

“ In this regard, Government has identified the sponsors of this protest which resulted in the destruction of properties and will certainly bring them to account for their unpatriotic conduct.”
The Governor assured the people in the state that government will not relent in ensuring that the safety of citizens in guaranteed and peace restored in the affected areas and the whole of the State.

Group Suggests Solutions To Plateau Killings, Says Conflicts Criminally Motivated

Greenbarge Reporters

June 28, 2018

A group made up of academics, practitioners and selected policymakers with peace building mandate, under the umbrella of Forum on Farmer-Herder Relations in Nigeria (FFARN), has suggested some measures that should be taken by the federal and state government to resolve the lingering crisis that had led to killings of many people.

The group, which Condemned in strongest term, the recent attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa and Jos South local government areas of the state, insisted that the crisis is criminally motivated, adding that since such criminality had gone unpunished for a long time, the impunity had become a major defining feature of their operations.

“FFARN recognizes that the recent attacks is beyond farmer-herder conflict, however, embedded in this conflict is the question of criminality which is manifesting in form of attacks on communities, killing and stealing of cattle, destruction of farmlands and similar criminal activities.”

The group recommended the following measures for the resolution of the crisis and killings:
• That Plateau state government work with the federal government to put in place sustainable structures that address the underlying factors and drivers of the lingering conflict between farmers and herders in the state. An inclusive, all-people approach should be used to engage stakeholders to holistically address the drivers of the conflict.
• The Plateau State government in concert with the federal government, development partners, civil society, traditional and religious leaders among others should invest more resources in prevention of violent conflicts, conflict transformation and peacebuilding as well as humanitarian response, post-conflict rehabilitation and recovery targeted at rebuilding the lives and livelihoods of the affected populations.
• Noting that the security of citizens is the primary purpose and responsibility of the government, we hereby call on the federal government to in the short term deploy appropriate security measures to address the growing trend of criminality in rural communities which is challenging state’s capacity to secure its citizens. Security and governance structure should be strengthened at the local level to address some of the push and pull factors of criminality embedded in the farmer-herder conflicts.
• There is the need to arrest and prosecute of persons from all sides involved in these criminal acts of violence to serve as deterrence and break the culture of impunity that has continued to embolden the attackers.

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