Warri Monarch Wants Buhari To Investigate Alleged Sponsors Of Avengers

August 8, 2016

A traditional ruler, the Ajuwaoyiboyami of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, has called on President, Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the 22 alleged sponsors, members and sympathizers of the Niger Delta Avengers revealed on Saturday evening by a splinter faction, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers.

In a statement, the Monarch said that icated his earlier position that some corrupt politicians trying to escape justice are the brains behind the militant group responsible for various cases of destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta.

“Nigerians should not take the report with a pinch of salt and President Muhammadu Buhari should ensure that the fresh revelation is properly investigated with a view to bringing all those behind the economic and political sabotage to book.

“I say so emphatically because these failed and corrupt politicians are determined to bring down the economy of Nigeria and rubbish the President Buhari’s administration before gullible Nigerians.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC), stalwart in Delta state, however, cautioned government not to allow any of them to escape justice in the name of peace talks. [myad]

Council For Sharia In Nigeria Says Shi’ites Are Not Muslims

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has said that members of the Shi’ites are not Muslims even as it insisted that those of them who were indicted in the December 12 to 14, 2015, clash with the Nigerian Army in Zaria must face the full wrath of the law.

In a communiqué read to journalists shortly after its meeting in Kaduna, on Sunday, the chairman of SCSN, Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, said the Shiites must be punished for their role in the clash, because according him, their (Shiites) attitude towards the Army was un-Islamic.

The communique read: “From the delivered lectures, it has become obvious that Shi’ism is not Islam and Muslims should acquire the knowledge of their religion, so that they are not derailed from the true teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”

“From the little we heard about the submitted report of the commission of inquiry into the Military/Shi’ites clash last December, the council calls on the government to release the White Paper on the crisis. This will go a long way in curbing the menace of Shi’a in our society.

“The council condemns, in strongest terms, the call by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to its members to take up arms to protect themselves. It’s unbecoming of a body of clergymen to make such unguarded call. Meanwhile, we call on all Muslims to be law-abiding and be vigilant at all times.

“This comment does not only paint a negative picture for the association, but also evince its discomfiture in recent times. This, in part, informs the recent conjecture that the SGF is not a Christian,’’ the statement averred.

“The government of the day, led by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, needs our collective support and prayers to survive these economic turbulent times. We call on all Muslims to be supportive and endure these harsh times which, by Allah’s grace, will be over with time.” [myad]

From Woman To Woman (PHOTO)

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

The Representative of the Director General of Nigerians Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Hajiya Lami Tumaka presenting a souvenir to Hajiya Bola Muse, Governor of Women in Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) when the Association visited the Agency’s Head Quarters in Lagos, recently. [myad]

Avengers: Dokpesi Is Our Sponsor: It Is A Lie – Dokpesi

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

Aspiring national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has denied links with resurgent militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.

This was even as a splinter group of Avengers, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA), had issued a statement claiming that Dokpesi was part of those sponsoring the rampaging group that has claimed responsibility for several attacks on oil installations in the oil rich region.

The group’s confession was contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte on Saturday.

But speaking with the Punch, the DAAR Communications founder insisted that he had no “connection” with the separatist group.

“I don’t know who is giving that report; I don’t have any idea; I have never met any Avenger in my life I have no connection, association and I don’t know who they are. I have been committed to strengthening the unity and stability of the country.

“I don’t k know anything pertaining to any Avenger, I don’t know anything about any militant group. I have no connection, no association with any militant group, either on earth or anywhere in the world.”[myad]

Nigeria Shines In Table Tennis In Rio

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

Aruna Quadri on Sunday restored Nigeria’s hope in the table tennis event in the ongoing Rio Olympic Games after beating Slovakia’s Yang Wang 4-1 in the men’s singles.

An elated Quadri after the match said: “in the Olympic first match to play Wang Yang was really so very difficult. You can never be sure.

“I find it difficult to read the spin on the ball when he defends and I made mistakes; then of course sometimes he will attack. It is difficult to really feel settled against him.

“I made mistakes; then of course sometimes he will attack with his forehand.

“I have played him twice before and both times I lost and I am happy I won the match.”

On Monday, Quadri is expected to battle against world number seven, Chinese Taipei’s Chih-Yuan Chuang, in the third round match of the men’s singles.

However, Egypt’s Omar Assar met his waterloo as the former African champion surrendered a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 to Ukraine’s Lei Kou in the second round match of the men’s singles.[myad]

Buhari Goes To Chad Monday For Inauguration Of President Deby

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to fly to N’Djamena, the Chadian Federal Capital to witness the swearing-in of President Idriss Deby Itno who won the presidential elections in his country in April this year.

A statement by the special adviser to the President Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that President Buhari will be accompanied on the one-day trip by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.

He said that others who would accompany the President are Senator Baba Kaka Garba, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Monguno.

He said that the President will return to Abuja after the inauguration.[myad]

Editors Lament Neglect Of Agriculture In Nation’s Economy, Say It Is A Viable Option

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have lamented the long neglect of agriculture in the nation’s economic development even as they acknowledged that it is a viable option for the diversification of the economy.

In a communique emanating from the end of the 12^th All Nigerian Editors’ Conference (ANEC) held in Port Harcourt from August 3 to 7 with the theme: “Economic Diversification: Agriculture As Option For A Prosperous Nigeria,” the editors said that the problem with the economy has been as a result of over-reliance on oil and gas as the source of revenue for the country

The communiqué, which was signed by the NGE President, Funke Egbemode, and Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, noted that agriculture has suffered serious neglect as a result of negative mind set, reliance on outdated methods and gross underfunding.

The conference therefore resolved, “That agriculture is the most viable option to adopt to revive the nation’s economy, create employment for the army of unemployed youths, and usher in prosperity for the country and its peoples.”[myad]

Not-So-Fit Venus Williams Falls In Rio

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

Four-time gold medalist, Venus Williams, has slumped to her first ever opening round loss at an Olympic Games, joining jet-lagged Agnieszka Radwanska at the exit door.

But, a US captain, Mary Jo Fernandez told news men after the encounter that Venus Williams “had been ill for a few days with a bad virus. She had an upset stomach and she was coughing up a lot, you could see she was really struggling.”
American fifth seed Williams, the singles champion in 2000 and, at 36, the oldest woman in the draw, lost to Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) in a three-hour centre court marathon.
Williams, who has also captured three doubles gold with sister Serena, had her opportunities, leading 3-1 in the second set and 4-1 in the decider.
But despite the encouragement of watching US Secretary of State John Kerry, she ran out of steam at the crucial moments, noisily coughing throughout the closing exchanges.
Williams now faces a battle to be fit for Sunday’s opening doubles with Serena.
“Fingers crossed, she’ll be OK. I would be highly surprised if she didn’t play. It’s been her goal to play in her fifth Olympics and she wants to win a medal so badly.”
Flipkens was just two points away from defeat in the ninth game of the decider and rated her win as “in the top two” of her career after her victory over Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon in 2013.
“To beat Venus, one of the biggest champions, gives me goosebumps,” said the 30-year-old, playing in her first Olympics.
Fourth seeded Radwanska was also a high-profile casualty, slumping to a 6-4, 7-5 loss against China’s world number 63 Zheng Saisai.
The Pole only arrived in Rio on Wednesday night after having to fly from Montreal, where she competed last week, to New York to Lisbon and then to Rio.
In all, she was on the move for 55 hours and covered around 14,000 kilometres.[myad]

Anti Corruption Group Wants EFCC To Probe Hajj Commission Boss Over N1.8 Billion Wristband Contract

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), has written a petition to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), asking it to investigate the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammed over N1.8 Billion E-wristband contract for the 2016 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The petition, which was signed by the chairman of the anti corruption network and addressed to the chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, said that the NAHCON Chairman singlehandedly spearheaded the production of the wristbands for the pilgrims even when the management of the Commission rejected it.

The group said that other members of the NAHCON management rejected the wristband contract because the Saudi Arabian government had already undertaken to implement the same E- wristbands for all pilgrims starting from 2016 Hajj.

The petition reads: “The executive chairman is alleged to have also spearheaded the NAHCON E- project after the unfortunate incident of stampede at the 2015 Hajj. The Chairman is accused of initiating the project to fleece the commission and pilgrims of hundreds of millions of Naira.
“The Project was allegedly implemented In spite of opposition to and rejection of the project by his management team. The rejection is said to be based on the commitment of Saudi Arabia government in implementing E- wristbands for all pilgrims starting from 2016 Hajj.”
The petitioner alleged that the contracts for E-wristbands were awarded to four companies as follows: Lot 1 (Northwest) and Lot 3 (South South/West/East) with a total of 39,931 pilgrims awarded to two companies allegedly fronting for the Executive Chairman and Lot 2 (North East and Central) with a total of 25,061 pilgrims awarded to another company allegedly fronting for the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal (His office oversees NAHCON) while Lot 4 (International Pilgrims) with a total of 10,000 pilgrims went to a company allegedly fronting for the Director of Procurement at NAHCON.
“On this wristband project, each pilgrim is charged N25,000 and a total of 74,992 pilgrims for 2016 Hajj, amounting to N1,874,800,000 (one billion, eight hundred and seventy four million, eight hundred million Naira). Meanwhile, the actual quoted cost for the job was N14,350 which amounted to N1,076,135,200.”
The petition noted further that an agreement was allegedly reached on the payment of differential in the amount charged pilgrims and that it would be paid to the companies and be remitted to the leadership of NAHCON.
“Please note, the Saudi government did announced on the 29th of June, 2016 its readiness to give all pilgrims E-wristbands with a better version starting from this year Hajj. In view of this, it is important to know:
(a) why NAHCON insisted on charging Nigerian pilgrims for the wristband if Saudi Arabia is providing a much better version
(b) Why NAHCON is still going on with the wristband project in spite of official confirmation from Saudi Arabia on its readiness to provide wristbands?
(c) Who are the promoters of the companies awarded the wristband contract and at what cost?
(d) How much is NAHCON charging the pilgrims for the wristband?
“CSNAC is therefore with this petition, demanding your prompt and urgent investigation of this matter,” the anti-corruption network stated.

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption is a coalition of over 150 anti-corruption organizations whose primary aim is to constructively combat corruption vigorously.[myad]

We Release Lagos Oba After Collecting N15.1 Million Ransom

Greenbarge Reporters

August 8, 2016

One of the suspected nine kidnappers of the rescued Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni, Isaiah Ododem, has confessed that the kidnappers received a N15.1 million ransom in two batches before they released him.

Ododem, who spoke in Lagos on Sunday when he was paraded before news men said that they received an initial ransom of N12 million and a subsequent ransom of N3.1 million. He, however, failed to mention who gave them the amount, where and when.

Ododem said that he and others were into illegal bunkering before they kidnapped Oba Oseni.

“We had to stop the business because of the renewed onslaught of government’s security agencies against us.”

The Oniba of Iba land was abducted on July 16 from his palace, and was released on Saturday after a crack team of security operatives from Lagos State Police Command intervened. Two suspects were arrested and narrated how they collected N15.1 million ransoms from the monarch’s family.

The suspects – Toba Forejo and Isaiah Ododomu – gave accounts of how they broke into the palace of the monarch and kidnapped him on July 16 after they were paraded at the State House, Alausa on Sunday.

The suspects, who claimed to be indigenes of Ondo State, said a gang of nine armed men broke into the palace and kidnapped the monarch on that fateful day, noting that the king spent three weeks in the creeks with them.

In his account, Ododomu named others in the armed gang to include Toba, Igodo, Mighty, Folly and Sam, saying one Micah, who is a leader in the group, did not go with them because he was with his girlfriend at home.

The kidnappers had asked the Oba’s family members to pay them a N500-million ransom after almost a week of their kidnapping him.

Earlier during the news conference, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State had told newsmen that the abduction of any traditional ruler in Yoruba land was a sacrilege.

“It was a complete desecration of the cultural values of the Yoruba people and the perpetrators of such a sacrilege would not go unpunished.”

Ambode, who was represented by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said that Oba Oseni was rescued alive on Saturday.

The governor said that the arrest was a clear warning to criminal elements that the Yoruba tradition was valued and cherished.

“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the tradition is protected from violation by those who have desecrated our values,” he said.

He commended the police and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the traditional ruler as well as arresting the kidnappers.

“I want to thank our security services for the ongoing `Operation Awatse’ designed to flush out militants and criminals who have been terrorising our riverine communities,” said Ambode.

He said that the operation was yielding desirable results and that it would continue until all criminal activities were completely stamped out.[myad]

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