2019: PDP May Dump Atiku And Pick Dankwambo As Presidential Candidate

May 15, 2018

Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo

There are indications that the top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have decided to turn its back on the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and go for the current Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwanbo, as consensus candidate for the 2019 Presidential contest with President Muhammadu Buhari..

It was learnt that various groups in the party, including past and present governors have thumbed up for Dankwambo at various meetings they held, describing him as the “PDP’s best face so far.”

Sources in the party said that with the crisis of credibility which it faces, arising from its 16-year poor performance in power, there is the need to present a candidate who is not only competent but has the appeal to erase the poor perception from the mind of Nigerians with his impeccable credentials.

The choice of Dankwanbo is said to be supported by many serving and former PDP governors, ministers and other big-wigs who see in him the combination of competence and capacity. Dankwanbo was the nation’s Accountant-General before he contested and won the Gombe State governorship in 2011.

He is reputed to have turned the fortunes of his state around for the better, with little resources. He is also noted for his transparency and honesty.

The 56 year old Dankwambo was born on 4th April 1962 at Herwagana Ward in Gombe, Gombe State.

He attended Central Primary School Gombe and Government Secondary School Billiri in Gombe State. He proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, second class (honours) Upper Division.
Another aspirant eying the Presidential ticket of the PDP is the former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

Forex: CBN Gives Inter-Bank Sector $210 Million

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2018

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has, again, injected the sum of $210 million into the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market to boost liquidity in the system.

The figures released by the Bank in Abuja indicate that it allocated the sum of $100 million to dealers in the wholesale sector, just as the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment and invisibles each received the sum of $55 million.

The Acting Director of Corporate Communications Department (CCD) at the Bank, Isaac Okorafor, said that the continued interventions in the interbank foreign exchange market is mainly to ensure sustained liquidity and stability in the market.

According to him, the interventions by the CBN had impacted the market positively and guaranteed a stable exchange rate for the Naira, which has since stabilized the foreign exchange market.

He reiterated that the Bank’s intervention moves had also seen to a reduction in the country’s import bills and accretion to its foreign reserves.

Meanwhile, the naira, today, Tuesday, exchanged at N362/$1 in the BDC segment of the market.

Herdsmen Killings: Osinbajo Announces N10 Billion For Rebuilding Of Benue Villages

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2018

Nigeria’s Vice-President , Yemi Osinbajo

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N10bn for the renovation of villages ravaged by herdsmen in Benue and other Nigerian states.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has announced the approval of N10 Billion by President Muhammadu Buhari for rebuilding of villages that have been ravaged by herdsmen who have been on killing spree.

Professor Osinbajo, who made the announcement during his visit to Benue State today, Tuesday, said thatPresident Buhari had also promised to do all within his power to put an end to the killing of innocent citizens by the herdsmen in no distant time.

The Vice President commended the state governor, Samuel Ortom for protecting his people despite distractions.

“President Buhari has approved a total of N10 billion for rebuilding of villages and communities including farmlands that were attacked in Benue and other affected States.

“The President asked me to make this my priority, so be ready to be seeing me here more often. The government of Nigeria has a duty to protect you, and we will protect you.

“I want you to have hope and confidence and most importantly to also know that we are not doing you a favour by promising to provide you with security, a place to live and school for our children, it is your right as citizens of this country.”

Shiite Leader, El-Zakzaky Being Led To Court In Kaduna

Greenbarge Reporters

May 15, 2018

Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiite, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, who has been in detention, is being led to a court in Kaduna where he was charged for murder, today, May 15, 2018. [myad]

9 Jewish Arrested At Nnamdi Kanu Home, Charged In Court For Terrorism

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2018

Police have arrested nine members of Jewish worshippers at the country home of one of their leaders and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and charged at magistrate Court 7 sitting in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State for terrorism.

The nine, who have been ordered to be remanded at the Afara prison custody by Magistrate U.O Egwu, were said to have gathered at Nnamdi Kanu’s house to hold their Shabbat Celebration and to pray for Kanu, whom they said has been missing after security agencies stormed his father’s residence in October last year.

In a Charge no U/435c/2018, the arrested persons, Nkama Agha (30years), Ifeanyichukwu Anukwua (33yrs), Elder Ifeanyi Nwafor (53yrs), Linus Njoku Ede (44yrs), Mzi Donatus Nwadike (75yrs), Chukwuemeka Adaenyi (32yrs), Uche Ikechukwu (45yrs), Akelibo Okurishi (25yrs) and Nwaeke Nehemiah Oguguo (27yrs) were brought before the court by the police under terrorism act of Abia State law 2009.

“That the above persons and others at large on May 13, at Afaraukwu in Umuahia North were arrested while they were carrying out their act of terrorism and with the intent to frighten one ASP Justus Ogar of Nigeria Police, Abia State Command and his team and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 12(a) of the Abia State Prohibition of terrorism, kidnapping, hostage taking, use of Offensive weapons or Explosives and other threatening Behaviour Law 2009,” the charge read.

Magistrate Egwu, after listening to the arguments of the lead counsel Chief Godwin I. Chionye and Alloy Ejimakor, representing accused persons 6 -9 and the prosecuting counsel, O. O. Uche, said that it was wrong for police to arraign the accused persons before a court that he (prosecutor) knows doesn’t have the jurisdiction to try the matter.

He therefore ordered that the matter be transferred to the High Court where the accused have the right to apply for their bail and adjourned the matter for Wednesday May 30 for compliance.

The court room was filled with over 100 members of Jewish worshippers who came to show solidarity with their members standing trail.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the sitting Chionye, counsel to the Jewish worshippers said “They were charged of a terrorist act which the Magistrate has no power to entertain even though I told him he has power to grant them bail but he ruled otherwise. We are going to the High court to get them out on bail; it’s a bail able offence.

“They did not commit any offence at all. I am from Afaraukwu where they were arrested, I passed through where they were on Sunday before their arrest, they were no carrying guns or any dangerous weapons but their Bibles and Bible does not constitute dangerous weapon.

“I even passed them when they were worshipping, they were not terrorizing anybody. How can they be terrorists and they came with their children same of who were arrested by the police?

“The police action in arresting the worshippers was not fair, the Fulani herdsmen that have been terrorizing Nigerians have been allowed to move freely, only for innocent people to be tagged terrorists and are being in turn terrorized.”

Ejimakor, representing accused persons 6 -9 narrating how he rushed down to Umuahia on Sunday after being told of the arrest of the Jewish family said: “I went to the police station on Sunday, hoping to get them released on bail by the police or to have no charged preferred against because they did nothing wrong.

“It is a clear case of religious persecution which is against the African Charter on Human Rights. It’s against UN Charter and it’s against the laws of Federation of Nigeria. I think it is happening because of three reasons, one because they are Igbo mostly. Two, because they are Jews, Jews are being persecuted in this country; that is what we are going to see as the new high of persecution in Nigeria perhaps because the Fulani dominated Federal government is muzzling the Igbo.

“A sensitive Federal Government would not permit it police forces to be pushing religious adherents around like this and making them feels second class citizens. Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of movement, does it mean that anybody that goes to Nnamdi Kanu’s house should be arrested?

“The place is a place of pilgrimage of sorts; Kanu’s father is a royal father. Citizens of Nigeria can visit the palace any time.

“So, if anybody is trying them for some kind of minor offence because of the location where they choose to perform their Jewish prayers and rites, that is wrong.”

Super Eagles Manager Releases Names Of 30 Players For Russia 2018 World Cup

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2018

The Super Eagles’ manager, Gernot Rohr, has released the names of 30 players for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

The list, which he released today, Monday, is made up of the following:

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, Stephen Eze, Bryan Idowu, Olaoluwa Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiiejile, Tyronne Ebuehi and Abdullahi Shehu.

Midfielders: Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Joel Obi, Mikel Agu, Oghenekaro Etebo, Uche Agbo.

Forwards: Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Simeon Nwankwo and Junior Lokosa.

Buhari Thanks Nigerians For Understanding Unpleasant Realities He Inherited

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari waving his supporters in Dutse, Jigawa State

President Muhammadu Buhari has thanked Nigerians for their understanding of the unpleasant realities his government inherited from the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking today, Monday, at the palace of the Emir of Dutse, the Jigawa State Capital, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, during a two-day visit, Buhari said that his government is focused on delivering on promises with clear-cut targets, prudent management of resources and a deliberate policy to plug wastage and pilfering of government resources.

President Buhari said that the odds of initial dwindling oil prices did not discourage the government from setting targets for lofty developmental projects and achieving more in three yearsthan the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party’s misrule.

The President said the growing support the administration currently enjoys can be attributed to the understanding of Nigerians of the unpleasant realities it inherited, and the efforts to reposition the economy in spite of “what the opposition keeps sponsoring in the press.”

He directed the minister of Water Resources, Engineer Sulaiman Adamu, to work with the Jigawa State Government to alleviate the challenge of water scarcity in the state capital, following a complaint by the Emir of Dutse.

On arrival in Jigawa State, the President began his engagements at Auyo, near Hadejia, where he inaugurated the expansion of an irrigation scheme and paid a visit to the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje.

The President, who was received by a tumultuous crowd, thanked the Emir of Hadejia and his people for always supporting him, even when he was an opposition candidate.

He said that his visit to Hadejia was more of homecoming, promising to give more attention to the needs of the people in the Emirate.

In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse commended the Federal Government for its efforts in addressing the challenges of corruption, terrorism and drug abuse in the country.

The Emir requested that the Date Palm Research Centre in Dutse, currently under the National Oil Palm Research Institute, be moved to the Federal University, explaining that the research centre would be more relevant and functional in the university.

Both Emirs held special prayers for the President and his administration.

How Corruption Threatens Survival Of Societies, Osinbajo Narrates

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2018

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has listed the danger which corruption is capable of causing societies, describing it as a crime against humanity, because of the implications on the lives and livelihoods of all, especially the poorest.

Corruption, he swore, undermined democracy and the rule of law, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life, allows organized crime and terrorism to flourish, and triggers needless wars and bloodshed. And indeed, much has been lost and is still being lost.

Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today, Monday, at the 8^th Commonwealth Conference of Heads of Anti Corruption Agencies in Abuja, the Nigeria’s federal capital, stressed that corruption had continued to be one of the greatest challenges of our time and that it is a problem that threatens the very existence, and continued survival of societies.
The Vice President cited the 2014 report by the One Campaign, titled the “One Trillion Dollar Scandal” which said that developing countries lose $1 trillion annually to corporate transgressions, most of it traceable to the activities of companies with secret ownership.
“Another report that may enjoy a major mention here is the 2015 report of the High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa. Chaired by our guest of honour, former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, the panel concluded in its report that Africa had lost over $1 trillion over a 50-year period and that Africa loses more than $50 billion annually to illicit financial flows. Most of these illicit flows are perpetrated in the extractive sector and many through companies with hidden ownerships.”
Vice President Osinbajo said that the cost of corruption had imposed on all African countries and governments a moral obligation to fight it with vigour and political will, by strengthening all institutions and systems involved in law enforcement, as well as in promoting a culture of transparency and accountability.
According to him, while public sector corruption is the usual focus, the private sector’s complicity is significant, especially with large multinational corporations engage in tax evasion or transfer pricing.
“But it is the complex web of public-private collusion and connivance that results in proceeds of corruption ending up in foreign countries and, especially, in their financial institutions and systems. Dismantling the conspiracies that facilitate export of stolen assets is probably as important as the theme of this conference which is “Partnering towards Assets Recovery and Return.”
“It underscores the fact that fighting corruption is futile if we do not ensure that the proceeds of corruption find no safe haven. And that such proceeds are fully recovered and promptly repatriated. Recovering stolen assets not only accomplishes the goal of restitution, it also serves as a potential deterrent to future corruption.

“Article 51 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption states unequivocally, that return of assets is a fundamental principle of the Convention, and mandates States Parties to afford one another the widest measure of cooperation and assistance in this regard. Similarly, Article 16(1) (c) of the African Union Convention for Preventing and Combating Corruption, obligates States Parties to adopt such legislative measures as to enable repatriation of proceeds of corruption.”

MTN Had Paid Me N500,000 Damages For Unlawful Deduction, Client Tells Court

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2018

A client of the Nigerian Telecommunications giant, MTN, Oluwole Aluko has confirmed that he had been paid N500,000 following the ruling of a Federal High Court judgment in the case he instituted against the MTN’s unlawful deduction from his call credit.

Aluko, who is a legal practitioner, had in 2016 sued MTN, instituted a legal suit against MTN alleging unlawful deduction of his call credit.

The judge, Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, had in 2017, entered judgment in favour of the claimant when there was no representation for MTN throughout the hearing period until the judgment day.

But Abiola Olagunju and Fatiullah Tiamiyu later announced their representation for MTN, with an application asking the court to set aside its judgment against their client.

They had argued that the company’s legal department was never aware of the suit against the company before the court.

Aluko, however, presented before the court evidence of court summons served on the defendants with proof of receipt in a criminal contempt suit he instituted against the duo.

He had argued that the duo were trying to pervert the course of justice.

At the resumed hearing today, Monday, Aluko informed the court that MTN had paid him N500,000 in compliance with the court’s earlier order.

The judge, consequently, struck out the claimant’s suit of criminal contempt against MTN’s lawyers.

Source: NAN.

World Bank Thumbs Up For Nigerian Economic Performance

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2018

File photo: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun

The World Bank Group has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian economy as it continues on the path to growth.

The commendation was contained in a statement by the bank today, Monday, after the conclusion of a visit to Nigeria by 10 Executive Directors of the bank from May 9 to 12.

According to the statement, the visit was to enable the bank’s management team get a better understanding of Nigeria’s development priorities with a special focus on the energy sector.

The Executive Directors held discussions with the Vice President of Nigeria, the Minister of Finance and Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Edo, Lagos, Taraba and Yobe, other senior government officials.

The Directors discussed the security challenges in the Northeast and Middle belt regions and how to achieve development in these challenging environments.

“Our visit to Nigeria was to get a better understanding of the country, assess the World Bank’s interventions on the ground, and support opportunities that will keep the country on a path of sustained development,” said

“We commend Nigeria’s implementation of its new Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP) and the Power Sector Recovery Plan (PSRP), both of which are important for regional integration.

“It will also ensure trade and capital flows, which will ultimately lead to greater growth,” says World Bank.

According to the statement, the Executive Directors also met with beneficiaries of the World Bank Group supported projects in agriculture, education, health, youth employment, community development, soil erosion and public financial management.

Similarly, they met with representatives of the private sector, civil society organisations, diplomatic missions and development partners.

The group also visited the newly commissioned Edo Power Plant in Benin City, which was a key project in the government’s power sector reform agenda and is supported by three arms of the World Bank Group,

The three arms are; the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the World Bank.

In Lagos, the delegation visited microfinance clients, mostly women, to gain an understanding of how the funds they had received impacted their livelihoods.

“They also had an interactive meeting with private sector executives, which highlighted the need to sustain business reforms and provide affordable and reliable power to improve the living standards of all Nigerians.

“The Executive Directors observed that Nigeria continues to implement institutional policy reforms for restoring macroeconomic resilience and growth across sectors with support from the World Bank Group.

“They reiterated the World Bank Group’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s growth in a way that is inclusive, job enhancing, and reduces poverty and inequality.

“Critical to this inclusive growth objective is reforming the power sector, boosting critical investments in human development, and mobilising finance for development by creating a conducive environment for private sector participation,” the bank said.

The bank also emphasised the importance of Nigeria to the sub-region and therefore the country’s central role in its regional strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa.

It will be recalled that Nigeria has been one of IFC’s fastest growing portfolios and represents IFC’s fifth largest global country exposure, with a committed volume of 1.6 billion dollars.

Also, Nigeria is MIGA’s fifth largest country exposure in Sub-Saharan Africa, with current exposure of 334 million dollars.

The Nigeria Country Partnership Strategy extending to 2019 has an investment of 8.8 billion dollars through the International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

Source: NAN

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