Don’t Mismanage Resources Of New North East Commission – Speaker Dogara

October 27, 2017

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has cautioned stakeholders from the North East geo-political zone not to mismanage the resources that would be made available for the newly created North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Dogara advised the people of the region to justify the trust reposed in them by the President and members of the National Assembly from the rest of the country who unanimously supported the passage of the NEDC bill in the two chambers.

The speaker who spoke when receiving in audience, a delegation from Bama Emirate Council, Borno State, led by his royal highness, the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Shehu Kyari Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi, said that the North East has suffered devastation that will take decades to rebuild, hence the need for a precise and confirmed law that can provide the legal backing for its recovery.

The Speaker advised elders and stakeholders to unite in ensuring that the objective of the NEDC Act is fully achieved, even as he also advised that there should be a consciousness among everyone in the region that its purpose cannot be abused so as not to break the trust that Nigerians.

Dogara explained the rationale behind the creation of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), saying that the decision was reached after careful consideration on the best tool to employ for the long run rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding of the North East region.

According to him, the decision to make a law was chosen as the best since it can outlive any administration, unlike in the case of policies or other similar adhoc interventions.

“As true leaders and representatives of the zone, our true focus has been what we can do in order to ensure that we build on the successes that this government is recording in its fight against terrorism and ultimately to ensure that we do not have a relapse in that zone with this kind of situation we have found ourselves. The region is behind in all human development indices and businesses, factories, schools have been destroyed. I think as we speak, perhaps the only productive enterprise that we have in the north east is Ashaka Cement.

“So from day one when we started meeting, our thinking was how we can ensure that whatever policies are developed by government aimed at tackling the myriad of challenges facing us as a zone are those that will survive whoever is President now. It became clear to us that if we leave everything at the level of policy, granted that we have a President now that support and loves our people, he will not continue to be there forever. But the truth is that the level of devastation occasioned by this insurgency is such that it is going to take us decades to recover from. If you were to quantify the infrastructure, wealth and everything that we have lost, we will be talking about trillions. So you can imagine in terms of national budget, where are we going to get these trillions to channel to the north east? In the next 10, 20 years it is not possible. So even to recover what we have lost, we are talking about decades, not even years.

“So that is why as skillful legislators, we decided that we will go for NEDC. A lot of people thought it was not necessary, some even thought we wanted to create a pool, like an oasis of prosperity in the desert so that some few privileged sons and daughters in the region can just mismanage the resources.

“If these interventions are left at the level of policies, any subsequent government that comes that doesn’t love our people that much will with a stroke of pen just strike out the policy and that is the end. So, the thinking was if we take this to the level of a law, then any future government that seeks to reverse this will have to first come and lobby members of the National Assembly for them to repeal that law.” [myad]

Nigerian Open University Gets Prof Joy As First Female Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Greenbarge Reporters

October 27, 2017

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has got Professor Joy Eyisi as its first female Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics),

Professor Joy, who defeated others in an election conducted by the university Senate yesterday, Wednesday, after the seat became vacant at the expiration of the tenure of Professor Patrick Eya, is expected to resume duty in December as the director of the university’s Regional Training for Open and Distance Learning.

The new Deputy Vice Chancellor, who is a professor of English language, was the immediate past director of NOUN’s special study centre located at the National Assembly. She hails from Adazi-Ani, Ani-Ocha local government area of Anambra state.

Her tenure is for two years.

At the brief handover ceremony held NOUN’s headquarters in Abuja, the new DVC thanked her predecessor for his fatherly advice and the university management for the confidence it reposed in her.

The event was witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, who felicitated with both Eya and Eyisi – one for successfully completing his tenure and the other for her victory.

Adamu reiterated his oft-repeated confidence in NOUN’s women community, saying the women in the university are some of the best in Nigerian academia.

He said that Professor Joy’s election has reaffirmed the balancing act in the university whereby every geopolitical zone in the country is represented in NOUN’s management structure. [myad]

I Doubt If Restructure Can Work In Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon Says

Greenbarge Reporters

October 27, 2017

Former Nigerian military Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon has expressed doubt on the workability of the restructuring which some Nigerians are clamouring for.

According to him, carrying out a successful restructuring in a country with over 500 ethnic group, and other divergent socio cultural differences would not be very easy.

“Nigeria is made up of over 500 ethnic groups, languages and dialects and so many various groups called nationalities and they want restructuring.

“This restructuring everybody is asking for, we will have about 500 different ideas of restructuring. There is call for restructuring to reduce the number of states to only a few either back to the old region or to the zones.”

“Those are some of the ideas that I do not know whether it will be possible for any state today to wish to be merged with another state. Let us see whether our politicians will see guidelines to be able to achieve what they want.

“But I have my problem whether the states will be financially capable so they will be able to run their states properly.”

General Gowon spoke yesterday in Minna, the Niger State capital, saying that such diverse ethnic groups would not be able to form a united front for the restructuring.

Saying that each of the groups is likely not going to yield to another in terms of concession of certain benefits, the war-time Nigerian leader stressed that there would be various definitions of what restructuring is by the various ethnic groups and that this would make it impossible for the groups to come to general conclusion as to what it really should be.

General Gowon asked Nigerians to, instead be united because some states as components of the federation are not financially capable of going it alone.[myad]

Nigerian Soldiers Cleanse Niger Delta Of Cultists, Pirates, Drug Addicts

Greenbarge Reporters

October 27, 2017

Nigerian soldiers, operating under an acronym Crocodile Smile II have cleansed the Niger Delta of cultists, pirates, drug addicts and other criminals.

A statement today, Friday, by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations 6 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu said that the cleansing was done in the 6 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).

“Specifically, on 13th October 2017, troops of 343 Artillery Regiment carried out a robust patrol within Brass which led to the arrest of nine suspects who were found to be in possession of substances suspected to be cannabis and 33 wraps of substances suspected to be heroine.

“Also, troops of 16 Brigade Garrison on routine patrol intercepted a notorious armed robber who was alleged to have fled from the police at Okaka Estate Junction in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.”

The statement said that on 16th October, troops of 16 Brigade Garrison in conjunction with elements of 130 Battalion, conducted special operations that led to the arrest of one Mr. Dada at Tombia round about. The suspect is known to be a notorious criminal terrorizing the peace loving people of Tombia and adjoining communities.

It recalled also that troops in conjunction with personnel of the DSS raided a criminal hide-out where a notorious cultistist by name, Exodus Kismet aka “Hot Bottle” was arrested at Sand road by Aritalane, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, adding that he has been on the Police wanted list owing to an allegation that he killed some people at Omoku local government of Rivers State and thereafter relocated to Bayelsa to evade arrest.

“On 20th October, troops acting on a tip-off from some patriotic citizens, arrested another suspected criminal, one Mr Aibonuwa Thompson aka Bassambri at Etiema community who was alleged to have participated in several kidnappings and sea piracy around Nembe.

“On 24th October 2017, troops arrested a total of 30 suspected cultists between Ogbolomabiri and Nembe after a shoot-out between rival cult groups in a battle of supremacy.

“Destruction of identified militants/sea pirates camps and shrines continued along Okparatobo creek in Southern Ijaw LGA where, in one of the camps, one AK-47 Magazine, 8 live rounds of 7.62mm special and one fibre speed boat mounted with a 115 HP engine were recovered while suspects fled on sighting troops approach.”

The statement said that all suspects and items recovered have been handed over to relevant security agencies for possible prosecution while the operation continues. [myad]

Time For Executive, Legislative Dinner

Greenbarge Reporters

October 26, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari took time out today, Thursday, to host the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senate President, Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, to a dinner in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. [myad]

Adamawa Gov Appeals For Enough Budget For Take Off Of New North-East Commission

Greenbarge Reporters

October 26, 2017

Governor Muhammad Umar Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State has appealed to members of the National Assembly to make enough budgetary provision for the proper take off of the newly established North East Development Commission whose bill was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governor, in a statement today, Thursday, “appealed to the law makers as a former colleague to consider and approve the provision of generous Budgetary allocation for the eventual take-off of the commission, noting that without adequate funding, the commission will not achieve its mandate or make the desired impact.”
Governor Bindow, pledged to give all necessary support to the Federal Government in order to ensure that both the setting up of the structures of the commission and the combat support requirements of the armed forces are provided at all times.

The governor commended members of the National Assembly for the passage of the Bill which saw to its eventual signing into law by the President.

“The North East Development Commission Bill is intended to trigger development in the Insurgency ravaged Region and also engineer durable solutions as well as improve livelihoods.
He said that by the mandate of the Agency to receive and manage funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donor agencies for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency it will impact positively on the lives of people living in the Region.
Speaking on the need for the commission to coordinate projects and programmes within the Master Plan for the rehabilitation, resettlement, reconciliation, reconstruction of the embattled Region, the governor said that what is paramount is for the commission to ensure due diligence, transparency and accountability in the discharge of its mandate.

He commended the resolve of President Buhari to end the insurgency and create a peaceful atmosphere in the North East, adding that this has resulted in increased productive engagements by the people. It is hoped that the commission will gave further impetus to such engagements particularly in the areas of Agriculture and Commerce.
Governor Bindow observed that there is a huge deficit in the provision of infrastructure, human and social services, including health and nutrition, education and water supply, agriculture, wealth creation and employment opportunities, urban and rural development and poverty alleviation within the North East and he feels elated that the commission will specifically address those concerns.
He commended President Buhari and the gallant fighting forces, particularly the Nigeria Air force for recent successes in degrading the remnants of the Insurgents in recent precise target strikes.

“This is particularly evident with the recent destruction of remote hiding locations and indeed the killing of key commanders which include Shekau’s wife and close lieutenants.” [myad]

Malabu Oil Deal: Nigeria Recovers $85 Million From UK

Greenbarge Reporters

October 26, 2017

Nigerian Government has announced the recovery of $85 million, which is part of stolen funds from the controversial Malabu Oil deal, from the United Kingdom.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami made this announcement today, Thursday, at the ongoing consultative meeting on assets recovery in Abuja.
Abubakar Malami expressed regrets over what he called ‘the negative attitude’ of some countries that are still holding on to stolen assets, despite several treaties signed with the Federal Government to facilitate the return of loot.
Details later… [myad]

Failed Coup In Turkey: Activists Condemn Political Prosecution, As 10 Gain Temporary Freedom

Greenbarge Reporters

October 26, 2017

No fewer than ten human rights activists who were given conditional release today, Thursday, from detention by a court in Istanbul, Turkey, have condemned what they called ‘politically motivated prosecution,’ in the aftermath of the attempted coup in that country last year.

The detainees, who were given conditionally release said: “these politically motivated prosecutions are an attempt to silence critical voices within Turkey but have only served to highlight the importance of human rights and those who dedicate their lives to defending them.
“We take a brief moment to celebrate, but we will continue our struggle to ensure that Taner, Dil and their colleagues are acquitted of these baseless charges. We will not stop until the charges are dropped and all of them are free.”

One of those who were released is the Amnesty International Turkey’s Director, Idil Eser.
In a statement today, the Amnesty International’s Secretary General said: “today, finally, we celebrate that our friends and colleagues can go back with their loved ones and can sleep in their own beds for the first time in almost four months.
“But any joy is tainted by the ongoing detention of Amnesty International’s chair, Taner K. whose separate trial iwa due to start today, Thursday

Shekarau, Ex Kano Governor, Throws Hat Into The Ring For 2019 Presidency

Greenbarge Reporters

October 26, 2017

Former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has turned in his paper to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), indicating that he is set to run for the office of the President in the 2019 elections.

His spokesperson, Sule Ya’u Sule, who made this known today, Thursday in Kano, said that Shekarau, who was a minister of education under President Goodluck Jonathan, had already submitted a notification letter to the PDP of his intention to run.
Sule said that Shekarau has also communicated his political ambition to various elders, community leaders, opinion leaders, political associates and religious leaders regardless of their ethnic and party affiliations.
“Malam Shekarau deliberately refused to make his ambition public because he does not want the relevant stakeholders to read it for the first time on the pages of newspapers. He first notified them before making it public. He is now making necessary consultations.”
In a letter which he was said to have personally signed and sent to one of his political associates, Hassan Indabawa, dated August 22, 2017, Shekarau said that after the 2015 general elections, there had been requests by individuals and groups from different quarters urging him to contest for the presidency in 2019.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s spokesperson Dayo Adeyeye, has since confirmed that the party received Shekarau’s letter of interest.[myad]

Man Allegedly Forged Letterhead, Signature Of Pastor To Defraud Church Of N47 Million

Greenbarge Reporters

October 26, 2017

A man, said to be a deacon of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), identified as Cyril Idakwoji, is alleged to have forged the letterhead paper of the church and signature of the pastor with which he defrauded the church of about N37 Million, landing him in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The suspect was said to have handed over two cheques covering N11.9 million to the church, even as the anti-graft agency also recovered N36 million that was said to belong to one Jephthah International School. The amount was said to have been stolen by Idakwoji, who is a former Port Harcourt-based employee of Access Bank.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wednesday, the South-South Zonal Head of the EFCC, Ishaq Salihu, said that Idakwoji, a former account officer of the church for the bank, was diverting the funds handed to him by the church for his private use instead of transferring them to the church’s bank account.

Ishaq Salihu said that the suspect had forged letterheads of the church and the signature of the pastor in charge of the region to carry out his criminal activities.

Handing over the cheques to the Pastor of Province 4 of the church, the EFCC chief said that the suspect had forged the letterhead of the church’s Region 5 and the signatures of the pastor in charge of the region, adding that he also forged the signature of the church’s accountant to execute his criminal schemes in RCCG.

The stolen funds were paid back by the bank, which had since sacked the fraudulent employee.

Speaking after receiving the cheques from the anti-graft agency, the Pastor of Province 4 of RCCG, Port Harcourt, Mark Barango, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for ensuring that the money was recovered.

He expressed surprise that Idakwoji, who was a deacon in the church, could involve himself in such a criminal act.

“He (the suspect) was the account officer assigned by the bank to us. He was also a member of the church. EFCC is an agent of transformation. I thank the EFCC for helping us recover the money. What they have done is perfect.”

The EFCC chief recalled that the anti graft agency had earlier recovered the sum of N36 million, which belonged to Jephthah International School stolen by Idakwoji with his position as a marketer in Access Bank, Port Harcourt.

Idakwoji, according to the EFCC zonal head, had also served as an account officer to the private school.

Ishaq Salihu said that the stolen fund was recently paid back in bonds by the bank to the affected private school through the EFCC, adding that the management of the bank had reported to the commission immediately it found out that the suspect was fraudulent. [myad]

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