Names Of 30 Suspected Kidnappers In Kogi, Rounded Up By Police

December 27, 2017

Okene kidnappers — File photo: Some arrested suspected kidnappers in kogi

‎The Nigeria Police have released the names of 30 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cattle rustlers, who are said to be terrorizing innocent citizens along Lokoja-Okene express way.

The suspects are Yahaya Bello a.k.a Halti, Bello Tukur, a.k.a Gwojor, Aminu Adamu a.k.a Kashi, Abubakar Bello a.k.a Babangida, Bello Hassan, a.k.a Nasara, Umar Isiaka a.k.a Baddi, Abdulkadir Abubakar a.k.a Nagari, Sanusi Saleh, Abubakar Hassan a.k.a Kadel and Shede Zekeri.

Others are Adamu Garba, Adamu Bello, Goma Hamza, Isah Usman Abarba, Abdulkareem Idi, Abdulwahab Idi, Umoru Adamu, Daniel Musa, Junior Adams, Sanusi Sufyanu and Usman Musa, Lukman Abdulsalam, Musa Yahaya Bello, Ismalla Momoh, Ochefije Alhaji, Abuh Ali, Obinna Okpai, Lawrence Uchegbu, Chinwale Chima and Chinedu Obi.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include eleven, AK47 raffle, two Beretta English Pistol, two Revolver Pistols, 334 7.56mm AK47 ammunitions six rounds 9mm Beretta ammunitions, one cut to size locally made Revolver gun, two locally made Pistols, 54 rustled cattle and pairs of suspected fake military uniform

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Jimoh Moshood, who paraded the suspects before news men in Lokoja today, Wednesday, said: “in order to add new impetus to the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in Kogi State, the Inspector General of Police has deployed the IGP intelligence Response Team responsible for the arrest of Kidnap for Ransom Kingpin, Evans and his Gang and killing of Vampire during a gun duel between the Police and gang; to team up with the personnel of Kogi State Command to expand the operation and ensure the arrest of all the suspects involved in various kidnap cases in Kogi State. The IGP mandated the joint team to root out kidnappers in kogi State and other contiguous states such Edo, Benue, Kwara, Enugu and FCT.

“The IGP-Intelligence Response Team and Kogi State Police Command, working on actionable intelligence and in compliance with IGP’S directives to clamp down on highway robbers and kidnappers have arrested the gang responsible for the unfortunate Kidnapping and killing of a Portuguese Expatriate attached to Dangote Group and two Mobile Policemen attached to him in Kogi State.

“After a sustained one week surveillance and raid of the criminal hideouts and kidnappers den by the men of Operation Absolute Sanity comprising the Special Tactical Squad (STS), Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) the 29 suspects were arrested.

“All the suspects arrested confessed to the crime and admitted to the various roles they played in the commission of these capital offences. They will be arraigned in Court on completion of investigation.”

He gave assurance that investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects who are at large[myad]

Breaking: Buhari’s Son, Yusuf, Breaks Limb, Sustains Head Injury In Bike Accident

Greenbarge Reporters

December 27, 2017

Son of President Muhammadu Buhari, Yusuf, is reported to have broken a limb and sustained head injury in a bike accident in Abuja, the Nigeria’s Federal Capital.
In a statement today, Wednesday, the senior special assistant to President Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that Yusuf had the accident last night around Gwarimpa.
“He broke a limb and had an injury to the head as a result. He has undergone surgery at a clinic in Abuja. He is in a stable condition.”
The statement said that the President and his wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, are thankful to Nigerians for the good wishes and prayers for their son. [myad]

Kachikwu’s Alleged Memo Described As Another Grand Design To Rubbish Buhari, Kyari

Greenbarge Reporters

December 27, 2017

Fresh circulation of “July 2017 Memo” purportedly written by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kackiwu, predicting the likely shortage of PMS, popularly known as petrol, has been described in many quarters as another grand design to discredit and embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari and his Chief of Staff, Abbah Kyari.
An industry player who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the “Memo,” which is now being circulated by a section of online media as non-existent.
“There was no such memo let alone it being suppressed by so-called Aso Rock cabal.
“Those of us who are familiar with the workings of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources are aware that since his removal as the GMD of the NNPC for inefficiency and lack of adherence to due process from multiple fronts, Kachikwu has not hidden his disdain for the Government of President Buhari, under which he currently serves as a junior Minister.
“It is therefore not surprising that at every opportunity, he resorts to campaign of calumny and blackmail against the government and those that are saddled with responsibility of managing the oil and gas industry. These have been his trademark.”
However, Kachikwu, who appeared to be disturbed by the circulation of the said memo, has distanced himself from the publications.
A statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Idang Alibi, reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to a message making the rounds on social media of a purported memo by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu to the President on the fuel crisis. The message and its content is false.”
However, another oil and gas industry stakeholders simply described the Minister’s reaction as ” weak and belated.
“This was the same tactics they employed when he came up with the issue of non-existent $25 billion contracts. He and those he represents, are desperate to bring Buhari’s government down for selfish ends.
“This is very sad and Nigerians must not allow people who have vested interests to rubbish the good work the President has initiated in NNPC through Dr. Baru.
“With the current reforms going on in the NNPC, the Federal Government is beginning to reap the benefits of a productive policy. NNPC is making profits in some of its subsidiaries unlike in the past. We know that this is not going down well with people who are used to the old ways of doing business.
“The President had said that business in NNPC and its subsidiaries will no longer be as usual.Those who are no longer profiteering are desperate and wants to frustrate these reforms by all means necessary. But I can assure you that Dr. Baru and his team will not be deterred or intimidated.”
It is on record that few months ago, a memo written by Kachikwu to President Buhari, was leaked to the press.
In the memo, the Minister alleged award of contracts totalling $25 billion by the NNPC without following due process.
The NNPC, in its reaction, described the $25 billion contracts as non-existent. [myad]

Buhari Admires Speaker Dogara’s Humble, Simple Disciplined Leadership

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged the simple, humble and disciplined leadership which the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has provided.
President Buhari, in his birthday message to Dogara as he clocked 50 years today, Tuesday, extolled his “humility, simplicity and discipline in providing exceptional leadership for the lower House for over two years, by diligently bridging the gaps and creating a harmonious atmosphere for debates and exchange of ideas for national development.”
The President described the speaker as erudite and charismatic leader who is celebrating years of remarkable achievements and awards.
According to Buhari, Dogara’s personal attributes of selflessness, maturity and friendliness have substantially eased the relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arms, resulting in the passage of bills that directly impact the livelihood of Nigerians.
President Buhari recalled his personal interactions with the Speaker, saying that having followed his political trajectory in the House of Representatives, “Nigeria’s future would be secured with great leadership by younger Nigerians, who are fired with the zeal to build one great nation that everyone can call a home.”
The President acknowledged that Dogara”s leadership is being fired with the zeal to build one great nation that everyone can call a home, even as he prayed to God to grant the Speaker longer life, good health and wisdom to continue to serve the country and humanity.

[myad]

Pope Francis Suggests 2 States In Israel As Solution To Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2017

Pope Francis has called for a negotiated two states in Israel as a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In his address – “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) during the Christmas celebration, Pope Francis highlighted the “children of the Middle East who continue to suffer because of growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.”
Pope’s suggestion came days after more than 120 countries backed a U.N. resolution urging the U.S. to reverse its decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two States within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders.”
The pope had previously publicly criticized the United State of America President, Donald Trump’s decision on Jerusalem, saying: “he cannot remain silent” about the decision.”
He called for all to respect the “status quo” in conformity with U.N. resolutions even as he noted that Jerusalem is “a unique city sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.
He said that they are Holy Places for the respective religions and are venerated.
“It has a special vocation to peace.”
After calling for prayers for peace in the Middle East, Francis used the rest of his address to call for the end of conflicts across the world, including Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, the Korean peninsula, Venezuela, South Sudan and Somalia.
He also called for the protection of minority groups in Myanmar and Bangladesh, saying’ “Jesus knows well the pain of not being welcomed and how hard it is not to have a place to lay one’s head.”
In his Christmas Eve address, Pope Francis strongly defended immigration, calling for openness to foreigners and refugees.

NNPC’s Direct Sale Direct Purchase Blamed For Fuel Scarcity

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2017

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s Direct Sale-Direct Purchase Agreements (DSDP) programme has been blamed for the current fuel scarcity in Nigeria.

A statement by the Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketing Association (DAPPMA), Olufemi A. Adewale, said “”we understand that NNPC meets this demand largely through its DSDP framework. However, due to price challenges on the DSDP platform, some participants in the scheme failed to meet their supply quota of refined petroleum product, especially PMS, to NNPC. This is the main reason for this scarcity.”

“We, Petroleum Products Marketers do empathize with all Nigerians who are going through difficulties at this time, spending hours on fuel queues because of the current fuel scarcity due to no fault of yours.”

The statement recalled that DAPPMA members used to import about 65 percent of the nation’s total fuel consumption, whereas the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) used to import about 15 percent and PPMC/NNPC used to import the balance of 20 percent, but that this scenario changed drastically due to several challenges faced by marketers.

“Sadly, some people have blamed marketers for hoarding fuel unfortunately this is so far from the truth. Hoarding fuel is regarded as economic sabotage and we assure all Nigerians that our members are not involved in such illicit acts.

“While all kinds of allegations have been made in the media, it behooves on us to set the records straight, as Nigerians first, and as responsible business men and women who employ Nigerians.”

DAPPMA said that as it stands today, NNPC has been the sole importer of PMS into the country since October 2017 due to some reasons, including that fact Nigeria presently runs a fixed price regime of N 145 per litre for PMS or petrol without any recourse to subsidy claims.

“We also have no control on the international price of crude.” [myad]

How To Know A Good Christian, By Vice President Osinbajo

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2017

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has given a clue on how to know a good Christian.
He said: “I have always said that if you are a Christian, we must know your salvation experience; we must know your story.
“If you don’t have a salvation experience, you must go get one, but when you know a man or a woman’s salvation experience, then you know where he is coming from and you will understand why he is who he is today.”
Professor Osinbajo spoke today, Tuesday at a Thanksgiving service to mark the 50th birthday of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, at the Living Faith Church, Goshen City in Nasarawa State.
He said that he had always known that the Speaker is an “exceptional person in this funny world of politics.
“As you can imagine, politics is not a picnic, but there are people who stand by their word and you can take them by their word.”
The Vice President admitted that until recently he never knew that Dogara is a Christian, saying: “Over time, I got to know that (he is a Christian). I didn’t even know his antecedents, but I recognized that there was something distinct and special about him.
“I think that, by just hearing the stories and various testimonies of his life, it is evident that he is a good Christian.”
He promised to get the book on the speaker and would tell his (Osinbajo’s) son the story “because I always tell him stories, especially about greatness and about great people.”
He said that he had always underscored to his son that there is something important about redemption and greatness.
“I was so pleased today when I heard Pastor Abioye talk about the relationship between redemption and greatness – the understanding that our lives really must be about service, because the one who saved us died for us and served us till the end.
“So, I’m really so excited to be here and to celebrate with my brother because I have been greatly enriched today and greatly encouraged in my Christian faith. And I want to just bless the name of the Lord for you, your wife and children.
“I pray that, just like the scriptures say, “That the path of the just is like a shining light and it will shine brighter and brighter until that perfect day”, I pray that your light will shine brighter until that perfect day in the mighty name of Jesus. I also pray that as your day, so shall your strength, so shall your wisdom and so shall your favour increase with God.
“Your family, who you see today, you will continue to see and you will have pride and joy in them every day. All your children will be greater than you and all that you desire, the Lord God Almighty will bring to pass in Jesus name. [myad]

Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Libya Others Gather In Abuja February 26 To Save Lake Chad

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2017

Six-member nations surrounded by Lake Chad have concluded arrangements to gather in Abuja, the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory between February 26 and 28 next year to deliberate on how to save Lake Chad from receding.
The six nationa are Nigeria,Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic and Libya.
A statement by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu today, Tuesday, said that the conference will aim at revitalising the basin’s ecosystem for sustainable livelihood, security and development.
The statement said that this is the first time an international conference on Lake Chad is being organised by the six-member countries of the region.
It said that the conference will consist of two days of technical sessions and one day high level meetings, adding that it is expected to have in attendance all of the Presidents and Heads of government of the member-states.
It said that key partners that will also attend the conference are the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and relevant donors including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank and the governments of Germany, China, Canada and the European Union (EU).
“The main objective of the international conference is to create global awareness on the socio-economic and environmental challenges arising from the shrinkage of the Lake Chad, threat to livelihoods including insecurity with a view to developing a comprehensive program for action to save the lake from extinction.
“Specifically, the conference is expected to discuss and develop consensus on the different options to restore Lake Chad, including the Inter-Basin Water Transfer project from the Ubangi River in Central Africa to the Lake Chad.
“Experts, researchers and resource persons are expected to exchange knowledge and share information on water resources development and management in a crisis environment and to garner political and financial support for the restoration option identified for the restoration of the lake.
“Among the expected outcomes of the conference is a roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations of the conference that should lead to the restoration of the lake; restoration of fishing and irrigated farming as a way of alleviating poverty, strengthening climate resilience in the basin, creating employment,leading to reduction of terrorist activities and increasing the revenue of the population and that of the Lake Chad basin countries.
“The lake Chad Basin, which is shared by Algeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Libya, Niger, Nigeria and the Sudan is about eight percent of the size of the African continent, with a population of about 40 million inhabitants.
“Its surface area has shrunk from 25,000 square kilometers to just 2,500 sq.kms, roughly 10 percent of its original size.
This development has adversely affected the economic, social and cultural environment of the area.
“As at today, the lake is a source of insecurity, instability, and the loss of livelihoods.
“Since coming to office, President Muhammadu Buhari has used every available speaking opportunity at the international level to raise awareness of the need for action to save the Lake Chad.”

I’m Comfortable With PDP, Atiku Reassures

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2017

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has reassured the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he is comfortable with the party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I enjoy excellent relationship with Prince Uche Secondus, the Party’s NEC and all serving PDP Governors and stakeholders of the party.”
In a short statement by his media office in Abuja today, the former Vice President, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), denied a statement attributed to him, seeking to pitch him against the national leadership of the party and the governors under the party’s umbrella.
“I wish to state for the records that the purported statement aimed at pitching me against the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, PDP NEC, PDP Governors and stakeholders of the PDP is contrived and baseless.”[myad]

Islamic Scholar Laments Nigeria’s Abandonment Of Refineries, Steel Projects

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2017

An Nigerian Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Musa Onogu is not happy with the way the federal government has abandoned the nation’s refineries and revitalisation of Steel projects.
Sheikh Musa Onogu who spoke to news men in Abuja today, Tuesday, regretted that Nigeria is still importing fuel when there are refineries that government could work hard to revive.
He is sure that if the government is determined to revive the refineries, industries and, especially, Ajaokuta Steel Company, it has the wherewithal to do so.
He recalled that before the coming of Muhammadu Buhari as President, work had almost started on Evbiya refinery around Kogi State and other two refineries in the country, but wondered why the projects were abandoned.
“In some countries which do not have oil, there are mini refineries that are functioning, serving the particular communities in which they operate.
“If Dangote Group can set up refinery, I don’t see reason why government cannot revive the existing ones so that we would be saved from the annual fuel scarcity embarrassment.”
According to Sheikh Musa Onogu, Japan has no oil but has refinery in the sea, adding that Japan never goes through the harrowing experience of scarcity of the product as Nigeria has always goes through.
“It is an irony that Nigeria, one of the top ten oil producing nations, always goes through acute scarcity because of the fact that it relies heavily on importation of the commodity.”
The scholar said that apart from the nation’s refineries that are begging for rehabilitation, Nigeria is also blessed with experts that can easily turn-around such refineries and other sectors of the economy for the benefit of the citizenry.[myad]

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