Mauritanians Vote To Sack Senate

August 7, 2017

Mauritanians have voted to abolish the upper house of their parliament, the Senate, in a controversial referendum that was boycotted by the opposition.
The result is seen as a victory for President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who is accused by his rivals of trying to extend his mandate, which he denies.
He called the referendum after the Senate rejected his proposals to change the constitution.
Turnout was 53.73%, with 85% of voters supporting the change, officials said.
But members of the opposition denounced an “electoral farce which has given way to open-air fraud”.
Mr Abdel Aziz, who described the Senate as “useless and too costly,” said that the move to abolish it would improve governance by introducing more local forms of lawmaking.
He is barred by the constitution from running a third term. He came to power in a coup in 2008, elected president the following year and won a second term in 2014.
The president is a key ally of the West and neighbouring states in countering Islamist extremist groups.
In the same referendum, held on Saturday, voters also supported a change to the national flag.
The current green flag with yellow Islamic crescent and star will also feature red bands to honour the blood spilt by those who fought for freedom from France.[myad]

Fed Govt Withdraws Nomination Of 2 ICPC Board Members Under Probe For Alleged Corruption

Greenbarge Reporters

August 6, 2017

The federal government has removed the names of two persons, Maimuna Aliyu and Sa’ad Alanamu from the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC)
The two persons are believed to currently under probe by the same ICPC for alleged corruption to the tune of about N1 billion.
An investigative website, ICIR, had exposed the alleged fraudulent activities perpetrated by the two individuals whose appointments Acting President Yemi Osinbajo approved last week Tuesday.
The website indicated that while Sa’ad Alanamu is reportedly being investigated on corruption charges allegedly committed when he headed some institutions in Kwara state, Maimuna Aliyu is said to have a long-standing case of abuse of office, misappropriation and diversion of public funds against her.
Senior special assistant to Acting President Osinbajo on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, in a series of tweets today, Sunday, said that the government had confirmed that the individuals were undergoing probe.
“We are stepping down 2 of the new ICPC board nominees who have ongoing investigation issues with the commission as this presents a conflict,” he wrote.
“This case presents a peculiarity as we have confirmed that the agency in which they are to serve is indeed investigating the two of them.
“A basic check showed no court convictions against them. But when weighty petitions come up this administration ‘ll always do the right thing.
Akande acknowledged that existence of allegations or petitions against someone shouldn’t necessarily disqualify them from considerations for appointments.
[myad]

Buhari Calls On Nigerians To Rise Against Evil Men In Their Midst

Greenbarge Reporters

August 6, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari, today, Sunday, reacted to Ozubulu church killing by unidentified gunman in Anambra state, calling on all Nigerians to rise against evil men in their midst.
“All Nigerians must rise up and speak with one voice against these remorseless evil men.”
In a strongly worded statement by the the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said President Buhari condemned the attack, describing the it as an appalling crime against humanity and unspeakable sacrilege.
He said that there was no justification whatsoever to target Church worshipers and kill them in cold blood, adding that this kind of atrocity “plumbs the depth of depravity and extreme cruelty of the kind that words cannot adequately express.”
According to the President, there is no religion that does not lay constant emphasis on the sanctity of life.
The President expressed his deep felt sympathy with the families of the victims, the Church leadership and the government of Anambra State, reassuring Nigerians of his administration’s firm and uncompromising commitment to protect their lives and property at all times.[myad]

Problem Of Nigeria Is Lack Of Management Of Available Resources, Osinbajo Insists

Greenbarge Reporters

August 6, 2017

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has once again diagnosed the problem that had retarded the progress of Nigeria as being more of lack of management of the nation’s resources than the availability of same.
“The problem is not about the availability of resources, but it is the management.”
The Acting President, who spoke at the Presidential Villa when he received Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, Houston, US-based Nigerian doctor who successfully led a medical team that operated on a foetus, winning US and global acclaim for the feat, justified his postulation by wondering how the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government is able to do more when funds are scarce than in the days when oil was selling at over $100 per barrel.
“When we were making over a $100 per barrel, we were owing oil JVC cash calls, not able to pay salaries and owing contractors. Now that we are down in earnings by 60%, we have sorted out the problem of cash calls and are able to support states to pay salaries.”
According to the Acting President, this country can be well run, adding: “we produce the best in every way, but it will take a lot of doing, by good men and women. This is what i have learnt in the past over two years here. If we do the right things, day by day, we’ll change and improve the Nigerian situation significantly.”
He expressed happiness that Nigeria has been producing the best in every way and that its citizens have been shining in various ways around the world.
“As we continue to do what is right in public service, the country is bound to reach the top, globally, as a people.
Osinbajo said: “our country continues to shine in various ways, your achievement is remakable in every sense. People are bound to wonder. It’s the kind that fables are made of. And this is from someone who is Nigerian-trained.”
Dr. Olutoye who was accompanied to the Presidential Villa by members of his family including his wife and parents had, in a rare medical feat that drew global applause, brought out a foetus from a mother-Margaret Boemer’s womb to remove a tumour from the foetus, and then restored the unborn baby to the womb successfully. The mother then continued to carry the pregnancy to term, and later on, delivered the baby safely and well. She named the baby Lynlee Hope.
Earlier, Dr. Olutoye had attributed his medical successes in the US to his Nigerian training and education up till the university.
“All we have achieved from primary to university is from Nigeria, and I believe that Nigeria will surpass what we have achieved out there.”
Dr. Olutoye is a graduate of Medicine from the then University of Ife, Ile-Ife.
[myad]

Ozubulu Church Killing Carried Out By Igbo Business Partner From Anambra – Police

Greenbarge Reporters

August 6, 2017

Some dead worshipers at the scene of the incident, Ozubulu, in Anambra State

The police in Anambra state has revealed that a man who killed eight worshippers and injured 18 others in Sunday early morning attack on St. Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area targeted his business partner with whom he had misunderstanding overseas.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, who threw more light on the mystery shooting and killing of worshippers in a church did not name the gunman and his business partner, but said that the gunman is an indigene of the area.
“Intelligence report/Preliminary investigation proved that it is a fight between the two sons of the community living outside Nigeria that caused the incident, because one of them built the church where the incident happened.
“We gathered that worshippers for 6 o’clock Sunday mass at St. Philip Ozobulu were in the service when a gunman, dressed in black attire covering his face with a cap, entered the church and moved straight to a particular direction and opened fire.
“The man, after shooting at his targeted victims still went on a shooting spree, killing and wounding other worshippers.”
The commissioner said that information available to police showed that the attacker was speaking undiluted Igbo language at the time he was firing at worshippers.
Garba Umar said that though no arrest had been made, the police already learnt that the attack followed a quarrel between two natives of Ozubulu residing overseas.
Describing the act as sacrilegious, the commissioner of police said it was wrong for the perpetrators of the act to extend their quarrel into the church.
“Such conduct shows the people behind the act do not fear God.”
He said the police had launched a manhunt on those behind the act and gave an assurance that everybody behind the act would be brought to justice.
He said that the police are on top of the situation.’’
*Full statement of the Police:
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Umar has warned that the command will leave no stone unturned in fishing out the shooters at St Philip’s Catholic Church Amakwa Ozubul.
Unknown gunmen had today Sunday, 6th August 2017 entered the church, while the mass was going on and shot at worshipers.
Following a distress call, men of the police force rushed there and are presently rescuing the worshippers.
The hospital authority has confirmed 8 persons dead,and 18 injured. The command assures ndi Anambra that the police is on top of the situation and will fish out the perpetrators soon.
Intelligence report/Preliminary investigation proved that it is a fight between the two sons of the community living outside Nigeria that caused the incident,because one of them built the church where the incident happened. It is sacrilegious but for now,is still premature to disclose the identities, we will brief the public after investigation is concluded.
Commissioner Umar commiserates with all those who lost their loved ones the act and pledges that the command would not rest on its oars until perpetrators are brought to book.
However, citizens are advised to be vigilant and report suspicions movements and actions in their locality.
SIGNED
Asp NWODE NKEIRUKA
PPRO ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND
[myad]

BREAKING: Unidentified Gunmen Storm Church In Anambra, Kill Score

Greenbarge Reporters

August 6, 2017

Unidentified gunmen were said to have stormed St. Philips Catholic Church in Ozubulu, in Anambra State today, shooting at worshippers sporadically.
The invaders, who were said to have forcefully entered the church while service was in full swing, succeeded in killing many worshippers while others sustained various degree of injuries from the panicky run-for-dear-life.
The incidence, according to eye witness accounts, occurred at about 7.30am today, Sunday, when the church was jam packed by worshippers.
As at the time of publishing, no official statement was issued and no group claimed responsibility for the early morning tragic shooting. More details later.
[myad]

`Kano Gov To Igbos In North: We Will Not Allow You To Leave Even If You Wish To

Greenbarge Reporters

August 5, 2017

Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has assured Igbos in Kano and other parts of the North that they don’t need to leave as a result of the recent quit notice issued by Arewa Youths.

The governor, who made spoke at a meeting with the Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA) and Igbo Traditional rulers in the 19 northern states, led by IDA President-General, Chief Chi Nwogu, at the Government House in Kano, said: “even if you want to go on your own, we will not allow you to leave.

“There is a difference between I will not go and there is no where I can go. You don’t have anywhere to go, this place is your home.

“Those advocating ethnic agitation from the East are not speaking for all Igbos. Those of us, who as youth witnessed the Civil war, will never advocate secession.”

Governor Ganduje said that the Northern youths who issued quit notice to Igbos in the region have also been called to order by elders, including governors and the Sultan of Sokoto.

“When you have youths who have no elders, they are similar to riding a horse without a bridle. It can behave anyhow and anything can happen. This is what is happening.”

[myad]

Even Mad Ones Won’t Do This, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

August 5, 2017

The statement credited to the leadership of the self-serving Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) asking the United States of America not to sell high-tech aircraft to Nigeria to execute the lingering Boko Haram war in the North East looks childish and trite.

The administration of President Donald Trump announced yesterday, the move to sell the 12 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft with sophisticated targeting gear for nearly $600 million to Nigeria for which the US Congress is expected to receive formal notification within weeks.

The negotiations for the sale of the high-tech aircraft started during the regime of Barak Obama. As a matter of fact, the US had similarly sold war arsenals to other countries troubled by terrorism and or other life threatening situations, including the $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

And in a statement signed by its spokespersons, Emma Nmezuand and Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya, IPOB alleged that the aircraft will be used (by the government) for aerial bombardment and mass-murder of Biafrans. IPOB said: “apart from the genocidal intents of the Nigerian government as the overarching reason for the procurement of the attack aircraft, the IPOB is appealing to the US Congress to deny approval of the sale of these attack aircraft because of three reasons, namely; Mis-use of Technical capabilities, Legal (violation of Leahy Law), and Commercial (procurement fraud).”

The group said the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano (A-29) is a turboprop light attack aircraft which is designed to operate in extremely rugged terrain with aerial reconnaissance missions’ capability, especially in low-threat environments.

The fact that some human beings, in modern world and with modern technology, could take an act of hatred for certain part of the country to such a mad height beats one’s imagination.

The IPOB leaders, in their myopic struggle for an imagined Republic, for purely selfish reason, forgot that even if they have a Biafra Republic today, they would need to operate in a world free of terrorism and, of course, kidnapping and smuggling and other inhuman transnational crimes. And that the sale of…to Nigeria by the US government is part of the move to free not only Nigeria, not only Africa, but the world and, even the dream Biafra Republic from terrorism which had hit major countries of the world.

These Biafra desperadoes are pursuing their ambition with such blindness and deafness that, they hardly give a thought to the fact that, for now, and before their dreamt Republic manifests, they still owe allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria…and that, by denying such allegiance, they have simply made themselves rebels.

They may not have known that with such stand, as rebels, they are already building the dream Biafra Republic on the foundation of quick sand that will collapse as quickly as it is made to stand. [myad]

Previous Government Was Lousy, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce Blows Out

Greenbarge Reporters

August 5, 2017

The Senator representing Bayelsa East, Ben Murray-Bruce has described the previous government as lousy in the implementation of policies that would have benefited the citizenry.
The Senator, who did not mention the particular ‘previous government,’ lamented that because of the lousy nature of the previous government, Nigeria is still living in stone age.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who spoke with Vanguard in an interview, lamented the continued hardship in Nigeria and how the country is lagging behind in its development.
“I don’t want to accuse anybody but previous government did a lousy job. You have an educational policy set up by the colonial masters, have you changed that? Do you have a policy on Power, Health? Name one rich man who does not send his child, or himself to be treated abroad. You spend millions of Naira in Ghana every year on education. You have the health stories in India.
“So, what is going right?
“Everything agitates my mind. The economy is in trouble, there is inflation, unemployment, schools, every year, a million kids cannot go to school. Automobile policy of Nigeria is 1922 policy. Mass transit policy is 1825. Our educational policy is 1942 policy. Are you kidding? We are in the stone age. These are not caused by him (President Buhari).”
Senator Murray-Bruce said that there will be a high-powered meeting between the Senate and the President when he returns to address the issues posing danger to the survival of Nigerians.
“Nigeria has not really made any progress in the last 2 years. I think we are in big trouble right now.
“When the President gets back, we would need to sit down with him and have a conversation. There is no point having a conversation with anybody who is not a president.
“I am thinking (of) the Senate: We will have a conversation. A bipartisan team will go and meet with Mr. President and have a conversation with him. “Not APC senators meeting the president but the Senate meeting him and have a conversation on the future of Nigeria.
“That’s what I am gonna propose. That we sit down with him and discuss the issues. He’s the president and you can’t change that and I respect constitutional authority. He is the President of Nigeria and we will sit down with him and discuss the problems facing the country.
“In 2019 when there is another president, that will be another issue. But right now, he is the president and we need to sit down with him and discuss the issues. I understand he will be here next week.
“Let’s talk to the President directly. I think it is important to speak with the President Buhari.” On the issues to confront Buhari with, Senator Murray-Bruce said it was all encompassing.
“All the issues affecting the country. This is my proposal. I am going to sit down with the Senate President and say, look, let’s sit down with the President.
“He’s not an APC President. He’s president of Nigeria. So, I don’t want to say APC governors, senators seeing him. He should see Nigeria not APC. This is what I am gonna request, hopefully it will be granted and we are gonna have a conversation.
The Senator swore that he has a solution to “our problem.”
[myad]

National Security Council Advises Against Re-Arrest Of Nnamdi Kanu – Police Boss

Greenbarge Reporters

August 5, 2017

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has said that the National Security Council (NSC), headed by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo advised the police not to re-arrest the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The police boss, who spoke during a working visit to The Nation’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, said that the Arewa Youths were also not arrested as a result of advise from the same body.

“We have the National Security Council in place chaired by the Acting President. We have been meeting and analysing each of these threat messages from separatist groups.

“We have to analyse the pros and cons. As you are aware, the police are on top of the situation. As an organisation, what we take as paramount is the maintenance of law and order.

“There was a time we ordered the arrest of the leaders of groups making threat messages. Then, leaders of various ethnic nationalities came to the villa for a meeting with the Acting President.The agreements reached at the meeting made the police to relax on the arrest order.

“We believe there are certain situations needed to be managed very carefully so that you don’t bring up tension. We believe the security and safety of Nigerians is paramount. We are assuring Nigerians that there is no person or group of persons that can deny them their rights to free movement in any part of the country.” [myad]

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