Federal Government Shops For $16 Billion For Eastern Flank Of Railway Modernisation

October 5, 2017

Nigeria minister of transport, Chief Rotimi Amaechi has said that the federal government is shopping for a whooping $16 Billion for the eastern flank of the Nigerian Railway modernisation stretching from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri cutting across Aba, Owerri, Enugu, Umuahia to Markurdi, to Abakiliki, and to Awka, Lafia down to Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and to Damaturu and ends at Borno.
Speaking to newsman shortly after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Amaechi said that the President had approved the project.
“But we have to look for the money. The money is just not there. It is not easy, it is a total of about $16 billion and you don’t pluck $16 billion from the sky.”
Amaechi said that negotiations for loans is ongoing on other railways from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic and on the Lagos/Ibadan axis.
He said that the first line of action was through Public Private Programme (PPP) arrangement, adding: “we will try and see if we can work on PPP, particularly as it pertains to the seaport.
“Don’t forget that two-deep seaports have been approved; Bonny seaport and the Warri seaport. The Port Harcourt Railway Industrial Park will. We should also be able to implement that through PPP. l hope we can but l doubt if it will be easy to get railway as PPP because it is quite expensive.”
On what is happening to the Calabar port dredging project, the minister Nigerian Port Authority is on it.
“They have advertised not contractors, they prefer to do it in a PPP arrangement basically to see how we can dredge the Calabar port.
He said that the total expenditure for the dredging might be about $16 billion, adding that the first step of action is PPP.
“It is after we finish with PPP that we can say the actual total figure of what the loan will look like.”
Amaechi said that President Buhari used to sleep and wake up thinking about railway “and if his BP will not rise, I must see him and tell him how far we have progressed. Once he hears that progress is being made he feels a bit happy.
“He is also pleased with what we have done in terms of the narrow gauge. Between now and December, we should ensure efficiency in the narrow gauge. We are bringing in more locomotives; we are bringing in more coaches and wagons.
“In terms of the narrow gauge, if not for a hitch, we would have commenced trucking cargo from Apapa seaport to Ebute Meta and take away the challenges we are having with that Apapa bridge and the bad road, that will happen before December.”[myad]

How Boko Haram Insurgents Took To Their Heels In Heavy Gun Battle With Soldiers

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2017

The Deputy Director, Public Relations of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sagir Musa, has painted a picture of how Boko Haram insurgents took to their heels in a serious gun battle with the soldiers in Borno State.
He said that during the firing, many of the insurgents ran out of the battle ground and that the soldiers gave them a hot chase, resulting in many of them sustaining gun wounds as many weapons were recovered.
In a statement, Colonel Sagir explained that the soldiers had engaged the terrorists with a heavy fire, “causing the terrorists to abandon their weapons and flee in disarray with gun shot wounds.”
He said that the soldiers had intercept the terrorists that disguising themselves as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
He said that the troops of 151 and 202 Battalions of 21 Brigade Nigerian Army, who are operating under Operation LAFIYA DOLE carried out the well coordinated attacks on the insurgents yesterday, Wednesday.
“In furtherance of clearance and blockade Operation DEEP PUNCH II in separate but well-coordinated attacks simultaneously on Wednesday, 4th October…laid ambush on unsuspecting Boko Haram Terrorists along Firgi-Pulka road in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.”
Colonel Sagir that after the battle, troops recovered from the ambush site one General Multi-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and one motorcycle.
“They also successfully discovered and safely detonated an unexploded ordnance. However, the troops followed with a hot pursuit, neutralized one terrorist and recovered 6 bundles of zinc.”
He said that also, crack troops of 22 Brigade of Operation LAFIYA DOLE intercepted three Boko Haram terrorists disguised as IDPs and trying to infiltrate a barrier.
“The vigilant troops engaged the suicide bombers forcing them to hastily detonate their suicide vest. The troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 magazines with several rounds of ammunition and amongst other items. The troops’ action saved what would have been another evil machination of BHTs ploy to utilize suicide bombing to inflict heavy casualties on soft targets.”
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding(GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General A. B Abubakar has visited 14 Bde Operational Headquarters in Umuahia.
The GOC was reported to have commended the troops for their selfless services to the nation and urged them to continue to respect the rights of others while discharging their duties.
The GOC visited Sub Sector 2, 144 Battalion, location at Ngwa High School, Aba where he was briefed on the state of the exercise.
He and the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Brigadier General A. K Ibrahim were conducted round some hitherto volatile areas in Aba and its environs by the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel A Usman.
He urged the troops to live in peace and harmony with their hosts.
“I am in Aba to oversee the ongoing Exercise and to assure you that law and order has been restored in Aba and the entire Abia State…so, everyone should continue to come in and out of the State to do his legitimate business.”
The Army reported that movement around the city of Aba, the headquarters of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had shown that law and order has been restored and people are carrying out their normal businesses without fear.[myad]

Crocodile Smile Moves To Rivers State

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2017

The Headquarters 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has moved Crocodile Smile II Port Harcourt metropolis in Rivers State of Nigeria.
An announcement by the spokesman of the Division said that the exercise will commence from tomorrow, Friday and will be carried out in conjunction with all sister security agencies. It is aimed at building confidence in the soldiers.
The statement by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director Army Public Relations said that the exercise is also aimed at reassuring the general public of the resolve of the Nigerian Army and other sister Services and security agencies to work in synergy and complete collaboration to discharge their common constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property, eliminating all forms of prevalent crimes within the society and flushing out criminals from their hide-outs in order to guarantee a peaceful and enabling environment for all citizens to pursue their daily living without let or hindrance.
“To this end, residents and commuters in Port Harcourt and its environs are hereby informed of this exercise as they will witness troops movement along major routes of the city. We wish to also thank the general public for their continued understanding and support towards our collective efforts in ensuring peace and security in the Niger Delta.
“You are kindly requested to disseminate this information to the general public for awareness. Thank you for your usual cooperation.”

Unknown Gunmen Kill University Of Benin Professor: Authorities Investigate

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2017

Unidentified gunmen have killed a senior staff of the University of Benin, Edo State capital, Professor Paul Otasowie.
Professor Otasowie was said to have been shot dead by the armed men in front of his residence on Ekehuan road in Oredo Local Government Area of the state yesterday, Wednesday evening.
The professor who worked in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of the university was allegedly shot during an attempted kidnap.
He had formerly served as director of the university’s Industrial Training and Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme,
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, confirmed the incident, saying: “We lost him (Otasowie) yesterday. We are trying to gather the right information now because we are getting different versions.
“The first version said that it was an assassination while the second version said that it was armed robbery; that he was inside a car and they shot him.”
The university’s spokesman described the death of the professor as a huge loss to the university community, adding the deceased was a hardworking and dedicated staff.
“For now, the university cannot ascertain what has transpired. But we are sending delegates now to the house to meet with the family.
“We commiserate with the family and it is a big blow to the university. He was one of the persons who have ensured that work is done and done well.”
He, however, noted that the institution was concerned about the level of insecurity in the state.
“The vice-chancellor, Prof. Orunmwense is saddened with this development. We just wish that this insecurity in Edo State is looked into. Just recently, (Joseph) Osayomore was kidnapped.
“The level of insecurity now is becoming something else. The vice-chancellor commiserates with the family and the school is mourning.”
Source: PUNCH

Buhari Appoints Niger State Born Chartered Financial Analyst, Aisha Ahmad, As CBN Deputy Governor

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed 41 year old Chartered Financial Analyst, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, from Niger State, as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Aisha Ahmad, whose name has been forwarded to the Senate for confirmation, is to replace a former Deputy Governor, who retired early this year.
A statement by the Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina said that the appointment was carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(1) (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007. President Buhari called on the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to consider the expeditious confirmation of Mrs Ahmad, who would then resume work immediately.
Aishah Ahmad, who was born on October 26, 1976, and hails from Niger State, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Abuja; an MBA (Finance) from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc, Finance and
Management from the Cranﬁeld School of Management (UK). She is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
She was the Head of Consumer and Privilege Banking at Diamond Bank and, previously she headed the Retail Banking Directorate in the same bank.
She joined Diamond Bank in June 2014 as a Deputy General Manager and the Head, Retail Financial Services Division, overseeing Privilege Banking, Consumer Banking Group, Retail Assets, Cards and Customer Engagement & Insight.
Prior to joining Diamond Bank, Aishah worked with Stanbic IBTC Holdings where she served in various capacities as Head, High Net-worth Individuals; Head, Private Client Services and Deputy Head, Private Client Services between 2009 – 2014.
She had also worked with other companies such as Zenith Capital Limited as Head, Business Development, Bank of New York Mellon (UK), Synesix Financial Limited (UK), Zenith Bank Plc as Head, Retail Banking Unit, and NAL Bank Plc as Head, Private Banking.
She also worked with First Interstate Bank Plc as Executive Assistant, Treasury Group, Manstructs Group Nigeria Limited as Group Accountant and Z. O. Ososanya & Co.
Ms Ahmad is currently an Executive Director at Diamond Bank Plc, an appointment we understand may have been made ahead of this announcement.
Aishah Ahmad is currently the Chairperson of Women in Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and a board member of the SOS Children’s hospital.
Aishah is renowned for her experience in the private banking space having managed many High Net-worth Individuals (HNI’s) throughout her career.
Aishah is married to Brigadier General Abdallah A Ahmad (rtd) and has two kids.
Also today, the President wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of appointment of members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN.
They are to replace four members whose tenure expires at the end of this year.
The nominees are Professor Adeola Festus Adenikinju, Dr. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi, Dr. Robert Chikwendu Asogwa and Dr Asheikh A. Maidugu.
After Senate clearance, the new members of the Monetary Policy Committee are to resume duties in January next year.[myad]

PDP Demands Immediate Suspension Of NNPC Group MD Over Alleged 25 Billion Dollar Scandal

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2017

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately suspend the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru over what the party called 25 billion dollar scandal.
“In this light, we demand an immediate suspension of the NNPC GMD so that proper investigation can be carried out by the relevant anti-corruption agencies.”
In a statement today, Thursday by the party’s national Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, PDP expressed shock at the loud silence of President President Muhammadu Buhari on what it called “the humongous corruption scandal and other illegalities currently being exposed at the nation’s cash cow, the NNPC in which two of his henchmen, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru are the dramatis personae.”
The party said it expected the President, who prides himself as an indefatigable corruption fighter, would have genuinely allowed the NNPC boss to be properly investigated and prosecuted as a show of his impartiality in the war against corruption.
PDP said that it viewed the allegations against as too grave to be swept under the carpet and that the NNPC boss should be treated like an accused who should not have the opportunity to influence investigation into his alleged misdeeds.
“Ordinarily, if there was sincerity in the anti-corruption war , President Muhammadu Buhari should not have waited for any prompting before he takes a decisive action on this matter, but as customary with his administration, we suspect that he’s trying to shield Baru as he did for Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) whom he merely suspended to allow the hullabaloo generated by the fraud perpetrated in the management of the emergency fund for the IDPs, die down. Also up till now, we have never heard anything again about the millions of dollars and billions of Naira discovered at an Ikoyi apartment.
“Nigerians have not forgotten the acts of illegality and double standard perpetrated by the president in refusing to hand over Babachir Lawal to the EFCC for proper investigation and possible prosecution for graft, but rather, preferring to give the task of investigation of the open sleaze to the Vice President, in a move not known to any law of this nation.
“Even at that, the report of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo led committee is gathering dust on the shelf of the President because he probably could not bear to see one of his closest allies punished by the laws of the land, even when all facts show that blatant and unbridled theft was perpetrated by the president’s man.
“The sum involved in the NNPC scandal is $25 Billion. Less than 10% percent of that ($2 billion) is involved in the so called arms fund allegedly converted by the former NSA for which hundreds of Nigerians have been arrested and hounded.
“Nigerians can now see the hypocrisy in the so called anti-corruption fight. We may as well say that the privileged class of APC members enjoys total immunity from the anti-corruption campaign.”
The party stressed that it is tired of this double-faced corruptions fight and cover ups, even as it demanded an immediate commencement of investigation into this latest exposed sleaze by another of President Buhari’s men.
“We have been saying this for months that the looting of the nation’s resources under this administration is record setting in the history of this nation and we are being proven right on daily basis by the little revelations that are being made by even those working under the administration.
“We wonder what the stench will be when the real and hidden atrocities being perpetrated under the watch of President Buhari are finally exposed when Nigerians throw the APC government out of power in 2019.
“The sum of $25 Billion said to have been the subject of the latest controversy, when converted to Naira is about N9 Trillion, a sum that is bigger than the nation’s annual budget.
“This we find, is one of the very many reasons, the nation’s economy has nosedived under the inept administration of the APC.
“The allegations raised by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources is a confirmation of our earlier stance that the APC administration is in tatters, an administration without coordination, but one planted firmly in the hands of a few cabal who are stealing the nation dry while the President continues to feign ignorance of the sickening stench.
“If not, how on earth can President Muhammadu Buhari justify a situation where a minister he appointed to serve under him, presiding over an important sector like the oil sector be turned to a mere house-help who must get clearance from some “outsiders ” before accessing the president? How on earth will a mere MD of a corporation have the temerity to sideline a minister under whom he works and take decisions without consultation with the appropriate authority. How on earth could the NNPC GMD have been bold enough to sideline the entire board of NNPC and take such far reaching decisions that have grave implications on the nation’s economy alone?”[myad]

UNICEF Commends Federal Government For Release Of 752 Women, Children, Elderly Men By Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2017

The United Nation Children Education Fund (UNICEF) has commended the federal government over the release by Boko Haram insurgents, 752 women, children and elderly Men. They were let off the hook
from Giwa military barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday.
UNICEF statement said that those who have been so released, have been held for screening after previously having been under the control of Boko Haram militants.
“The release is a demonstration of the Nigerian authorities’ commitment to better protecting children and helping families to rebuild their lives.
“These 527 children are first and foremost victims of this horrific conflict.
“UNICEF is working closely with the Borno State Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development and other partners to support the children in their recovery and return to their communities.
“Medical personnel are assessing the condition of the women and children. Counselling services are on hand and social workers are helping to trace parents or guardians, so that they can reunite children who have been separated from their families. Children will also have an opportunity to start learning and playing again.”
The UN body working for the welfare and interest of children across the word, said that the release of the vulnerable mumbers of the public is the first important step on a long road to recovery and normalcy for those “who will require ongoing support to reintegrate with their families and communities.”[myad]

Mukhtar Mohammed Was A Colleague In War And Peace, President Buhari Confirms

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, retired Air Vice Marshal Mukhtar Mohammed as a colleague both in war and peace time.
In a letter he wrote to the the governments of Jigawa and Kano States, handed to the Jigawa Governor Badaru Abubakar by a Federal Government delegation today, Thursday, the President Buhari acknowledged the intimate relationship between him and the deceased military top brass.
He emphasised that he had lost a friend in peace and in war.
“Late Mukhtar was my friend in war and in peace. He was a brilliant Air Force officer, a good administrator and a patriot. All those who came in contact with him have recognized him as a brave man of vision and energy. These qualities he brought to bear in his service to Nigeria.
“ In politics, he was dogged and determined to enthrone a good government, to clean up government business and establish democracy and rule of law. The late Waziri was a highly intelligent person and very brave in the face of challenges. He was prepared, and did leave his post on a point of honor and principle. He was a worthy and a true son of.”
The delegation that delivered the letters in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, was led by the Chief of Staff in the Presidency, Abba Kyari, who led four ministers and three presidential aides
Similar letter of condolence signed by the President was handed over to the Emir, Dr Muhammadu Sunusi.
From Dutse, they went to Kano where they met both the Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Emir Muhammadu Sunusi 11,before participating in the funeral prayers which took place at night due to the late arrival of the body from United Kingdom.
The two state Governors and the Emirs praised the the exemplary qualities of the late military officer and thanked the President for standing by their people in their hour of trial.
The government delegation included the Ministers of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Defence, Brig. Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, Education, Adamu Adamu, State Aviation Hadi Sirika and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq.
Others were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, that of Special Duties, Ya’u Darazo, Sha’aban Sharada and Musa Daura, a nephew of the President.

It’s A Lie, No CBN Deputy Governor Was Arrested By EFCC – Spokesman

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2017

The spokesman of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Olalekan J. Ajayi has put a lie to a newspaper report claiming that one of the apex bank’s Deputy Governors was arrested and made to forfeit some amount of money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr. Ajayi, in a statement today, Wednesday, stressed that there is no iota of truth in the said report.
He described the report as “a mere figment of the writer’s imagination,” even as he vowed that the bank and its officials will not be distracted from the onerous task of ensuring stability in the financial system, “and indeed the economy, at this critical time.
“However, such persons bent on disparaging the Bank and its officials should note that legal options would be explored to protect its reputation from being tarnished in any manner.
“We therefore, implore members of the media to always exercise caution and endeavor to verify their stories before rushing to the press.”[myad]

Rice Farmers Give Hope Of Price Crashing To N6,000 Per Bag Soon

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2017

Rice farmers, millers and processors have given hope to Nigerians, announcing that the price of a 50 kilogram bag of rice will soon crash to N6,000.
According to them, the current market price of rice, which is about N15,000 per 50kg bag, will drop to between N6,000 and N7,000 in a couple of months, as a result of bumper wet season harvest.
Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between rice farmers/processors and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, at the ministry’s headquarters, in Abuja, the National President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RFAN), Mr. Aminu Goronyo, said that operators had resolved to reduce price of rice to N13,000 per 50kg now.
He stressed that the price would further drop to N6,000 in a few months.
“This is just the beginning, the actual price of rice will come down because we are expecting a bumper harvest this year. We have sat down with the millers and have agreed that we are going to work together for the interest of Nigerians. I think you have been buying a bag of rice at the cost of N18,000, but today the price is between N13,000 to N15,000, meaning that the price is coming down.”

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