Oodua Peoples Congress Hails Secret Police Over Arrest Of Boko Haram Suspects In Lagos

January 15, 2017

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has hailed the Department of State Services(DSS) for its vigilance, which led to the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members in Lagos State.
The commendation was contained in a statement on Sunday by the National Coordinator of the OPC, Otunba Gani Adams.
Adams however sent out warnings to criminal elements in the South West and other States with OPC presence that they would not be allowed to fester.
He said that his group is on the alert to combat any untoward development or atrocity by Boko Haram members.
“This is also to warn those who are out to cause division within the rank of the Yoruba speaking people of the South West and North Central States that their antics would be resisted.
“We as a group are out to ensure the unity of the Yoruba race as this is the only way to maintain the cohesiveness that exists at present.
“As such, dissidents who feel they can use the opportunity of the dialogue platform being created among the Yoruba race, especially for and by our revered monarchs, to cause disunity will not only have their moves truncated but disgraced and exposed for who they are.”
Adams called for vigilance among Yoruba speaking people so as not to allow “the enemy infiltrate to wreck havoc.”
The DSS had on Tuesday said that it arrested four Boko Haram members in Lagos.
The secret service said the Boko Haram members, who fled from Borno State, were arrested in Oko Oba area of Lagos State. [myad]

You Have Done Well For Africa, But You Need To Do More, Buhari Tells France

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the partnership between the African continent and France has yielded fruits in so many positive ways but that France can do more to help Africa overcome its challenges.

In a statement issued at the 27th Africa-France Summit for Partnership, Peace and Emergence taking place in Bamako, Mali, President Buhari said:”notably, France has been playing important roles in the areas of development as well as peace and security on the African continent. While so many gains have been made, challenges such as terrorism, maritime insecurity, trafficking in persons, trafficking in weapons, drugs, cyber insecurity, illicit financial flows, and infrastructural deficit continue to militate against Africa’s comprehensive infrastructural and economic development which also hinder its emergence as an important player in global affairs.”

He, therefore, called for a strengthening of African Defence mechanisms such that the continent will be able to transform decisions arising from the Partnership into concrete action plans that will help Africa confront and overcome its challenges.

“In particular, our cooperation should strengthen our Defence in the context of African Peace and Security Architecture as well as in the areas of intelligence sharing, capacity building and acquisition of military hardware needed to confront the security challenges of the African continent.”

The Nigerian President also called for intensification of efforts that will stimulate the African economy, address social imbalance and steer its youths away from high risk and unproductive ventures.

“Efforts should also be geared towards the development and emergence of the continent through investments in critical sectors such as Education, Power, Solid Minerals, Agriculture and ICT. This will enable African economies to spur productivity and create employment, thereby addressing some of the socio-economic conditions that contribute to gender inequality, radicalism and youth restiveness, as well as the push factors that make our citizens embark on dangerous illegal migration to Europe in search of ‘greener’ pastures,” the President said.

While declaring that African countries were taking their own destinies in their own hands by mobilizing resources , President Buhari hoped that the Partnership will still do more for Africa: “As we continue to mobilize for our own sustainable, predictable and transparent sources of finance that would help the continent pursue its peace, security and development efforts, and address the infrastructural deficit impeding development on the continent, there is the need for this Partnership to continue to assist Africa on how to finance its development.” [myad]

I Support My Son, Nnamdi Kanu On His Struggle For Biafran Republic – Eze Okwu Kanu

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

Eze Israel Okwu Kanu, who the father of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declared his support for his son in his struggle to actualize the Republic of Biafra, even as he blamed Igbo leaders for not committing themselves to the struggle.

Speaking with The Sun, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu, who holds the traditional title of Afara Ukwu in Ibeku monarch, also frowned at the silence of Igbo leaders over the incarceration of his son, adding that his son was fighting a just cause.

The monarch who expressed surprise that Igbo leaders, especially the Abia state government have abandoned his son, however, commended the former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu for paying Kanu a visit in Kuje prison.

“When I heard that the former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu visited my son in prison in Abuja, I was happy. This projects him as someone who loves his people and development. He is a man of the people. The young man (Kalu) equally surprised me when he came to my palace during the Christmas and New Year break to see me.

“We discussed so many things including moves he wants to make to get my son, Nnamdi released from prison and solicited my assistance in that direction. I told him that Nnamdi is strong-willed; that he would rather die in what he believes in. But all the same, he could go ahead and discuss with the Federal Government as my son will not have much to say while still in detention.

“Orji Uzor kalu I know is a man of the people as I said earlier and he is a go-getter; whatever he’s set to do, that he achieves. Having said that, if there is anything he knows he can do to get Nnamdi released from detention, I will support him. Mine is that my son should be released first and other things can follow, because he cannot be discussing from inside the prison.

“Apart from Kalu visiting me here in my palace, some white men had also visited and the first questions they always asked was whether I am the father of Nnamdi and I would tell them yes. They would also ask me my mind about the agitation my son is spearheading and I would tell them there was nothing wrong with that. Some of them, after explaining things would understand where we are coming from.

“I am surprised that apart from Orji Uzor Kalu, no other Igbo political leader has visited Nnamdi in prison and nobody is talking. I wouldn’t know if this could be attributed to fear. Some months ago, you heard of what happened at Aba where some people holding rally were shot dead and nobody said anything and this is not good.

“Even in their own reasoning, Nnamdi had not done the wrong thing, that shouldn’t have stopped them from visiting him and showing him brotherly love as Kalu did. Igbo leaders have not indeed shown commitment to the Biafra struggle. I do not know the reason for their action except that they are afraid of their investment outside Igboland, which they will not carry to their graves when they die.

“I am also worried to an extent that the Abia State government is also feeling indifferent about Nnamdi’s problem. As an Abian, one would have thought that the state government would have come out openly to say something, not to talk of visiting him in prison, but these things are not forth coming.”

Nnamdi Kanu was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in 2015 in Lagos and has been in detention since then. He is currently facing trial before an Abuja Federal High Court on an 11 count charge, bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism. [myad]

Sokoto To Spend Over N30 Million On Mass Wedding For 100 Couples

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

Sokoto State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Mani Katami Maichinko has announced that the state government would spend over N32 million for a mass wedding involving 100 couples.

The commissioner, who spoke at the official inauguration of the Committee on Islamic Marriage Mediation asked members of the to carry out their assignment with the fear of God by been fair to all, reminded them that they had just two weeks to complete the assignment.

Alhaji Mani Katami said that the beneficiaries of the mass wedding would be drawn from across the 23 local governments of the state, adding that the exercise is part of the state government’s effort at assisting the less privileged.

The committee which is being chaired by Sheikh Aliyu Kofar Rini, has members made up of the representatives of Sultanate Council, Government officials as well as Islamic scholars. [myad]

Vice President Osinbajo Opens Talks With Oil Communities To Resolve Crisis In Niger Delta

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is scheduled to commence talks with oil producing communities with series of visits to such communities across some Niger Delta States, starting from Monday, January 16.

A statement by the senior special assistant to the Vice President on media and publicity, Laolu Akande said that Osinbajo would first go to Delta State while at a later date, he would also visit Bayelsa and Rivers States.

According Akande, the Vice President, who would be accompanied by what he called high-level delegations of the Federal Government, will interact with leaders and representatives of the oil-producing communities in continuation of ongoing outreach efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration towards a long lasting and permanent resolution of the Niger Delta crisis.

He said that the Buhari presidency believes that these visits would further boost the confidence necessary for the attainment of peace and prosperity in the areas and the Nigerian nation in general. [myad]

Authorities Of Tulip Colleges Assure Parents Of Safe Return Of Kidnapped Students In Ogun

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

The authorities of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) in Ogun State have given assurance that everything is being done to ensure the safe return of seven students and a Turkish teacher that were kidnapped yesterday, January 13.
A statement on behalf of the colleges by the Spokesperson, Mr. Cemal Yigit said that the security agencies are currently on the trail of the kidnappers and that the whole area has been cordoned off.
“We wish to assure parents and guardians that the students and teacher will return to safety soon as everything possible has been deployed to ensure that our teachers and students return unhurt by God’s grace.”
Yigit narrated that at about 9.30pm local time on January 13, 2017, a group of people armed with dangerous weapons, gained entrance to the girls’ section through different means and held hostage three female supervisors, a female cook, a female teacher (Turkish) and three students.
“The school security noticed some movement on the CCTV camera at the girls’ section and promptly deployed security personnel and alerted the relevant security agencies in the area as customary. Upon hearing the security alarm activated and sighting our security personnel, the armed invaders opened fire on the security staff and managed to escape through a very dangerous route with the hostages.” [myad]

The Corruption Buhari Is Fighting, By John Zibiri

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

I worked and lived in Abuja for 18 years. I ran my own private company from 2001 until 2014.
Two million of the likes of Buhari cannot change Nigeria.
Everything is wrong with Nigeria. The Director won’t give you contract except you pay up front .
The banks won’t give you loan except you concede a certain percentage. .
The man supervising the contract won’t pass the job except you play ball. The clerk won’t pass your file for payment except you rob his palm.
The accounts department won’t raise your payment voucher or cheque unless you see them. I can go on and on.
The worst thing is that it has become a norm that nobody sees anything wrong with. If you think otherwise, they begin to think you are sick and not normal. If you try to stand in their way, you put your life at risk. If you get killed there is no justice system in place to seek redress and bring the perpetrators to book.
The police are corrupt, the Judge is the same. Nobody cares about anybody. No law and order. I looked from my left to right; everybody is only desperate about one thing “money”.
They will kill anybody and anything that stand between them and money. I am an electrical engineer with MNSE and COREN.
The system doesn’t care about my qualifications. Distribution and transmission jobs are given to Alhajis, pastors, friends and relatives without any basic skills. I started asking myself, how do I convince my kids that education and hard work is rewarding? When fools, agberos and touts are running the country, from the National Assembly to the Presidency…
Is this what my four sons will also go through? In 2014 I decided I have had enough. I decided I was leaving. I immigrated to Australia with my family. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way for any reason. The problem of Nigeria is in the hands of Nigerians living in Nigeria.
Try starting a gate house in your village; everybody wants to profiteer from it: the bricklayer, the carpenter, the mason and even your brother who claim to be supervising on your behalf.
They are corrupt, morally bankrupt and selfish. Everybody there thinks about himself and nobody is thinking about Nigeria.
You don’t have to be the one to go there to change anything. Let those under the hammer start the revolution. I beg make you hear word. [myad]

6-Year Old Narrates How Her Uncle Raped Her, Told Her She Would Die If She Tell Her Mum

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

A six-year-old girl, identified only as Mariam has recounted how she was raped seven times by the 21-year-old son of her school’s proprietress, Sirotullahi Abdufatahi.

The minor narrated how ‘uncle’ Sirotulahi would come to her room some nights to pull her out of the bed she shares with other girls who are her mates at a boarding school called Medinat Al Munawarat Islamic Nursery and Primary School located at Iju, Ogun state, to rape her.

The Basic One pupil said Sirotulahi usually instructed her to pull down her pant and eventually have forceful canal knowledge of her.

Narrating her ordeal to The Punch, Mariam, wearing a long hijab, said: “Uncle Sirotullahi usually came to our room where we sleep. When they switch off the light, he would come and pull me from the bed.

“Then, he would pull down my pant and also remove his own trousers. He always brings out his thing and put it in my ‘bum’ here (pointing to her crotch). Sometimes, he would come into the room and take another girl,” she said.

Asked how many times this happened, Mariam counted her fingers as if to remember and said seven times.

Her mother, Sola, said she had to send Mariam, her only child to the boarding school at such a young age because it was run by people in her religion, and she believed she could get the right education and care as she worked to cater for her.

She said: “I did not imagine something like this could ever happen to my daughter in that school.

“I have known the school proprietress, Mrs. Modinat Ashafa, and mother of the suspect since she was younger and she was a student of the woman at a point.

“I didn’t notice anything was wrong with Mariam when I bathed her and neither did she complain about any discomfort, until the week Mariam was supposed to resume school for the year, she was at her big aunty’s house when she decided to share with her cousin, a girl about her age, her “school stories.

“I realized the last abuse might have taken place long before their holiday, maybe that was why I did not notice any physical discomfort at the time she came home.

“Immediately my aunty told me what my daughter told her own daughter, I examined my daughter and was shocked by what I saw. It was obvious the hole I saw there did not come there during one encounter.

“I rushed to the school and confronted the proprietress. Rather than invite his son to ask him questions, she picked up her phone, called and asked him if it was true he was raping the girls he taught. Of course, he denied it.

“I then took my daughter to a hospital where some doctors examined her and confirmed what I already knew. She was only examined; they did not test her for diseases. The doctors said she had indeed been defiled,” Sola added, sobbing.

Continuing, she said: “Sirotullahi had also warned Mariam never to tell anybody, in fact threatening her that she was going to die if she told me, her mother.”

Sola said that they contacted Ashafa (suspect’s mother) and she begged for the case not to be reported.

At a point, she sobbed, asking that she would do whatever was needed to appeal to the family of the girl.

Ashafa was quoted as saying: “when I was informed about the case, I called my son and he denied it. He is currently in Sokoto where he is schooling.

“He is not 21; he is just a 15-year-old secondary school student. I was confused when he denied the accusation because I did not think my son would lie.

“He was at home for holiday at the time he allegedly raped the girl. When he came, because we do not have enough teachers, I told him to help out by teaching the lower classes. I have been operating this kind of school for over 27 years.

“My son swore that he knew nothing about it. I don’t know what to do. Truly, the mother has told me about her visit to the hospital and about how much she needs to pay for treatment and tests on the girl but I have no money. I have been very broke.

“I told her that she should be patient with me and that I would find the money. I can only beg her. If it is about money, I will find money.”

But Sola refuted Ashafa’s claim that her son was ‘just 15 years old.’

She said: “I’m very sure the boy is 21, not 15. Even if he is 15, so what?” Sola asked and begged that the case should be handled and properly investigated.

The Punch noted that the case has not been officially reported at the Ogun Police Command where the incident happened. [myad]

Buhari Describes Adebanwi, Just Appointed Professor At Oxford University, As African Gem

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Nigerian author and scholar, Wale Adebanwi, who has just been appointed as Rhodes Professor in Race Relations in the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, as an African gem and role model who has brought honour and respect to the continent.
“As the first black African scholar to be appointed to the endowed Chair since it was created more than 60 years ago, President Buhari affirms that Prof. Adebanwi’s sharp intellect and distinguished learning is worthy of emulation by other young Nigerians.”
Buhari, in a statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said that he had maintained a keen interest in the soaring profile of the scholar right from his early years in journalism in Nigeria to a lecturer in the University of Ibadan, and that he is delighted to see him achieve this much very early in his life.
President Buhari said that at just 47 years of age, the young African like Adebanwi is showing the wit, steadfastness, creative energy and astuteness of renowned African writer and intellectual, in the mould of Professor Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, John Pepper Clark and Abubakar Imam who put the continent on the world’s knowledge map.
“He is a source of pride and inspiration to Black Africa as a whole,” the President even as he wished the distinguished scholar more successes as he clinches laurel upon laurel on his steady rise as a scholar of international distinction. [myad]

I Forgive You, I Love You – Mercy Johnson Assures Tonto Dike

Greenbarge Reporters

January 13, 2017

Star actress of the Nollywood fame, Mercy Johnson has told her colleague, Tonto Dike that she had forgiven her and that she loved her too.

“Please, I forgave you immediately King came because I knew that u would have understood how it hurt me.
“I Love you and I am short of words now but thank you and trust me I wish so much happiness and peace. am already hugging you so tightly. it is well and Purity is Blowing you a kiss too.”

Tonto Dikeh had earlier this month, apologized to Mercy Johnson for insulting her and her child in 2013.

In a post on her Instagram, Mercy Johnson stressed that she forgave Dike immediately she (Tonto) had her son.

“@tontolet am shaking and in tears as I read your post. I have learnt the more this morning that the holyspirit is true, cus by him you were in my prayers last night and this morning. am in shock.
I always heard of what an Angel you are.

My God Will Bless You and Keep you Ahead always. MAMAPURITY” [myad]

1...1,6341,6351,636...2,488 Page 1,635 of 2,488