Buhari Confirms Fraudsters Asking For Money For Release Of Chibok Girls

June 3, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed that some fraudsters are all over the place now, asking for money to negotiate the release of over 200 students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno state, who were abducted from their school premises by members of Boko Haram in April 2014.
The President made it clear that he would not fall flat for the antics of such fraudsters even though the rescue and safe return of the girls remains a top priority of his administration.
Buhari, who received the Primate and Archbishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday, said that his administration will continue to insist on a thorough authentication of the identities and bona fides of any persons or groups claiming to have custody of the girls before entering into negotiations with them.
The President assured the Anglican Bishops of his steadfast commitment to the rescue of the Chibok Girls, saying that their safe return will be one of his greatest
fulfillments in office as President.
He also assured the clerics that the Federal Government will give maximum attention to the clean-up of Ogoniland which was launched yesterday.
‘‘We inherited the United Nations Environmental Project report from the previous administration. We decided it needed urgent attention, in spite of the economic crunch, because of our concern for the welfare and environmental comfort of the people of Ogoniland.”
Earlier, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh pledged the support of the church in helping the Federal Government to achieve its objectives of improving security and the welfare of Nigerians. [myad]

Nigerian Air Force Deploys More Aircraft To Troubled Niger Delta Creek

Greenbarge Reporters

June 3, 2016

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional aircraft to the Niger Delta in support of the military operations code named “OPERATION PULO SHIELD” against militancy, economic sabotage and all forms of criminalities in the South-South region of the Country.

The spokesperson of NAF, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa said the deployment was necessitated by the recent spate of attacks on the Nation’s oil and gas installations by the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

The additional platforms, comprising fighter aircraft, helicopter gunship and surveillance aircraft, are intended to enhance the capability of the NAF to undertake offensive air operations and intelligence gathering in support of the surfaces forces.

Since the recent deployment, the NAF has increased air operations around critical infrastructure in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. These include but not limited to Escravos, Forcados in Delta State; Bonga oil field, Agbami offshore and Brass in Bayelsa; Bony in Rivers; Qua Iboe Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, and Opuekeba in Ondo State.

Meanwhile, the NAF advised members of the public not to panic at the sight of low level flying aircraft but to go about their legitimate businesses.

The NAF called on members of the public to avail it or other Security Agencies with useful information about the where about or activities of the militant group. [myad]

War Against Boko Haram: Nigeria Air Force Acquires Honker Scorpion Vehicles

Greenbarge Reporters

June 3, 2016

Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has acquired honker scorpion vehicles as part of the latest move towards coping with the dynamism of emerging security threats, especially, the war against Boko Haram.

NAF said that it is adopting the new concept of base defense to protect its air assets and critical installations, saying that besides reorganizing, retraining and re-equipping the Regiment Specialty to effectively defend NAF Bases against attacks, the Service has also employed the use of Closed Circuit Camera to provide surveillance around perimeter fences of NAF Bases while monitoring the entire Base from the Base Defence Coordination Centre.

Under the new concept, effort is geared towards expanding the Regiment Specialty to be able to take over all ground defence duties with a view to securing NAF Bases and critical assets.

A statement from NAF said that the acquisition of 10 specialized Honker Scorpion Vehicles is in furtherance of this objective by providing guards with the capacity to respond quickly to security breaches.

The vehicles possess armoured capability thus offering additional level of protection to guards. Speaking during Commissioning ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin said that the induction of the Honker vehicles will enhance the capability of NAF Regiment personnel to effectively contribute to the collective efforts at addressing the security challenges facing the nation, adding: “the procurement was a testimony of the importance the NAF attached to the protection of its critical assets and personnel.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar has reiterated that the nation and NAF in particular, cannot afford to lose its critical assets to the activities of insurgents, terrorists and militants.

Air Marshal Abubakar said that NAF is committed to adopt all necessary security measures to forestall occurrence of past mistakes.

He said that the deployment of the Honker vehicles is intended to significantly enhance the NAF Base Defence System as well as security of key and vulnerable points around the nation including the airports.

Another major advantage of the Honker vehicles is that it helps to eliminate the system hitherto in place where guards were made stationary at their guard posts. [myad]

Ecobank Nigeria Sacks 1,040 Employees, As Labour Minister Directs Banks To Stop The Sack

Greenbarge Reporters

June 3, 2016

Ecobank Nigeria has sacked over 1,040 even as the minister of labour and employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has asked banks to stop retrenching their workers.

Top officials of the pan-African Bank confirmed that the initial list of those to be sacked was over 1,400, workers but was later reduced to “a little above 1,000.”

Ecobank spokespersons would not comment on the number of workers who were disengaged.

Ecobank Nigeria is a member of the Ecobank Group, which is present in 36 African countries. The Group employs nearly 19,000 people from 40 different countries in over 1,200 branches and offices.

The bank had earlier posted over N40 billion declines in its profit for the 2015 financial year owing to high impairment charges.

This was even as Dr. Ngige asked banks, insurance and financial institutions to stop the on-going retrenchment in the sector.

In a statement on Friday, Dr. Ngige said: “following spate of petitions and complaints from stakeholders in the banking, insurance and financial institutions, I hereby direct the suspension of the on-going retrenchment pending the outcome of the conciliatory meetings in the industry.

“This is as a result of the apprehension by my office of the various disputes in the sector in accordance and in compliance with the provisions of the labour laws of Nigeria.”

The statement said that the decision was further predicated on the fact that the continued retrenchment and redundancy by the sector were jeopardising the outcome of the reconciliatory and mediatory processes undertaken by the ministry.

“In this wise, all the retrenchments and redundancies done in the last four months and all proposed ones should be put on hold, pending the outcome of the proposed stakeholders’ summit for the banking, insurance and financial institutions’ employers and employees, slated for the first week of July 2.”

Dr. Ngige advised all parties in the interest of industrial peace and harmony to maintain the status-quo. [myad]

High Court Judge Sacked For Alleged Violation Of Code Of Conduct

Greenbarge Reporters

June 3, 2016

A judge of Cross River State High Court, Justice B. T. Ebuta‎, has been sent on compulsory retirement for what the National Judicial Council described as violation of the Code of Conduct for judicial officers.

A statement announcing Ebuta’s retirement from the bench was issued in Abuja on Friday and signed by NJC’s Acting Director of ‎Information, Mr. Soji Oye.

The statement said that the decision to retire the judge was taken at the NJC meeting held on 1st and 2nd June, 2016.

Pending the time the Cross River State Governor will approve the NJC’s recommendation, the council said that it has, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, “suspended Hon. Justice B. T. Ebuta from office with immediate effect.”

The statement said: “Justice Ebuta was recommended for compulsory retirement from office to the Governor of Cross River State, sequel to the findings by the council on the allegations of abuse of judicial power, suppression and illegal/forceful takeover of a property in Calabar as contained in the petition written against him by Dr. (Mrs.) Ekanem Cobham.

“The petitioner had alleged: That Ebuta made an order based on ex-parte application without sitting in court.

“That Ebuta granted the said ex-parte application to unseal her property which was sealed on the order of a Magistrate Court when her tenant, Mr. Ugochukwu Chijioke failed to pay rent for two years.

“She stated that she filed Suit No MC/RT/12/6/14 at the Magistrate Court, Calabar against her tenant for failing to pay her rent and judgement was delivered in her favour on 10th November, 2014.” [myad]

2016 Hajj: Muslim Pilgrim From South To Pay N1Million, North N998,000 – Official

Greenbarge Reporters

June 3, 2016

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has announced the 2016 Hajj fares for all intending pilgrims.

In a statement on Friday by the NAHCON’s spokesman, Uba Mana, the minimum fare with $750 BTA for pilgrims from the north is fixed for N998, 248.9, while pilgrims from the southern part of the country would pay N1,008,197.42.

For the medium fare, with a BTA of $1,000, northern pilgrims would pay, N1,047,498.92, while those from the south would pay N1,057,447.42.

The statement also said that northern pilgrims wishing to use the maximum fare with $1,500 BTA would pay N1,145,998.92 while southern pilgrims would pay N1, 155,947.42.

The statement requested States Boards, Agencies and Commissions to speed up the process of collecting the balance of the Hajj Fares from intending pilgrims and remit same to NAHCON to facilitate early conclusion of necessary arrangements.

It added that other Hajj Fare components which include suitcases and uniform are to be determined by the State Pilgrims Boards, Agencies and Commissions. [myad]

Militants Threaten To Launch Missiles June 7 If Army Does Not Vacate Niger Delta

Greenbarge Reporters

June 2, 2016

Another militant group, Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the military to vacate the creeks before June 7, threatening that after that day, they would launch missiles in a total war.

The group which claimed affiliation to the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) vowed to launch six missiles in the Niger Delta region, warning the military against deployment of helicopters to the South-South as it will bring them down.

In a statement, the group fixed June 7 for the commencement of launching of it missiles, saying that once the deployment of the six missiles commences, no flight operations should take place within the country’s airspace.

The statement which was signed by four of its members, said that the President (Muhammadu Buhari) is bent on breaking up the country and that it is set for the proposal,adding: “We have seen and noted that President Muhammadu Buhari (a.k.a. Pharaoh) is set for the final breakup of the country.” [myad]

Most Of The Foods Nigerians Eat Daily Are Poisonous, Says Agric Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

June 2, 2016

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has alerted Nigerians that most of the foods which they eat daily, including sachet (pure) water are poisonous.

According to the Minister, who spoke at a one day Public Hearing on Food security bills organized by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, ‘moi moi’ which is being prepared in cellophane, locally known as nylon, is poisonous, because according to him, it contained a large dosage of dioxins that are naturally impotent in leaves when used to package the delicacy.

Audu Ogbe said that consumption of sachet (pure) water which has been exposed to sun at over 28degree centigrade is poisonous and that it can result to kidney and liver failure.

“if not for our practice of over boiling meat, many Nigerians would have been infected by Tuberculosis from consumption of cow meat. Many of the cows being moved from one place to the other by herdsmen are already infected with tuberculosis but our practice of boiling meat very well here has been the saving grace from people being infected with the deadly disease.”

Smuggled frozen chicken preserved with formalin which is also used for preservation of dead bodies, according to the minister, had been potent poison being consumed by Nigerians with attendant serious health challenges.

He also cited example of beans and grains preservation with over dosage of pesticides by farmers and sellers as another dangerous food poison that had killed many Nigerians and still killing unsuspecting buyers and consumers.

Wrong application of fertilizer by farmers on their farm land, the minister noted, has also led to poisonous consumption of food items.

“Unknowingly to many of the farmers, there is specific fertilizer for specific crops in specific state in line with soil texture.”

Audu Ogbe commended the Senate committee for working on the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service Bill 2016, Food Security Bill 2016 and Nigerian Institute of Soil Science Bill 2016, which according to him, would help in food security in the country and curbing production of poisonous foods.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his speech at the occasion, said the need for food security in the country and vibrant agricultural sector for the needed diversification of the Nation’s economy, moved the Senate into introducing the bills and working on them. [myad]

Alere Healthcare Organization Donates Health Kits To Mrs. Buhari’s ‘Future Assured’

Greenbarge Reporters

June 2, 2016

Alere healthcare organization has donated ten thousand dual rapid test kits to Mrs. Aisha Buhari’s pet programme, Future Assured, for the diagnosis of HIV and Syphilis.

The kits which aim at mitigating complexities associated with the ailments were presented as part of the assistance to the President’s wife who has continued with intervention in Health and women related concerns.

The test kits will be used to screen pregnant women to know their status for appropriate therapies that will eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV ,syphilis and infant mortality .

While receiving the kits, Mrs. Buhari said that the kits will reduce the associated burden of search for cure of those ailments that pose a threat to the lives of women and children who are most vulnerable in the society .

She said that her programme, Future Assured initiative, will ensure appropriate utilization among beneficiaries while implementing agencies will be monitored and articulated for further action to improve the well being of women and children in the society .

The wife of the President commended the organization for donating the facility which will help In various ways to enhance the health status of Nigerians.

This was even as the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole said that the donation of the kits was timely considering the passion of the Wife of the President for good Health of Mothers and children in the country.

Professor Adewole said that government is making efforts to scale up the momentum of dual elimination of HIV and Syphilis even as he expressed appreciation to the office of African first ladies for paying attention to the plight of mothers and children in conjunction with other stakeholders.

In her remarks, the Alere Healthcare Regional Director for west Africa, Mrs. Josephine Chukwuemeka said that their mission was to reach an additional 500,000 pregnant women, infants, adolescents and other vulnerable groups with screening and prevention services. [myad]

Education Minister Scraps Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination To Universities

Greenbarge Reporters

June 2, 2016

Minister of education, Malam Adamu Adamu has announced the scrapping of Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (Post UTME) for candidates seeking admission into universities and other higher institutions.

Adamu Adamu, who spoke on Thursday when he declared open the 2016 Combined Policy Meeting on Admissions to Universities, Polytechnics and other higher institutions in Nigeria, said that all tertiary institutions should have the liberty to conduct screening for candidates seeking admission.

The minister insisted that examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is sufficient for students to gain admissions, adding that there is no need for other examination to be conducted by universities after JAMB.
“As far as I am concerned the nation has confidence in what JAMB is doing. The universities should not be holding another examination and if the universities have any complain against JAMB let them bring it and then we address it.
“If JAMB is qualified enough to conduct tests and they have conducted test then there will be no need to conduct another test for students to gain admission.”
The Minister also asked the JAMB to stop extra charges on several categories of changes on admissions such as the change of course, change of school and others.
Meanwhile, the JAMB has pegged the cut-off mark for admission for 2016 at 180.
The 180 benchmark, applies to all universities and higher institutions in the country, including polytechnics, colleges of education, and others.
JAMB’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, after a long debate with delegates from various institutions, told journalists that no institution would go below the 180 cut-off set by the board.
“180 is given, no institution will go below 180 this year, And some universities can go above it, I know University of Ife will not go below 200 and University of Lagos will not go below 200 and also UI. All these ones stand but 180 as bench mark for others.
“This year we have more than enough candidates, we have over 1.5 million candidates so we will get enough candidates to take in all the schools if they are serious. Re-distribution is already ongoing, because it is embedded in the registration procedure.” [myad]

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