FCT Minister Confers Honorary Citizenship Of Abuja On Italian Prime Minister

February 1, 2016

Minster of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has conferred honorary citizenship of Abuja on the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr. Matteo Renzi even as he presented him with the key to the City of Abuja.

The Minister made the conferment today at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, while receiving the Italian Prime Minister who is on a one-day state visit to Nigeria. Muahammad Bello said that the key to the City of Abuja confers him the Honorary Citizenship of Abuja, with all the rights and privileges.

He emphasized that this honour has been bestowed on the visiting Prime Minister as mark of respect for the strong friendship and cordial relationship between the people of Nigeria and Italy.

The Minister, who welcomed the Italian visiting Prime Minister to the City, described Abuja as the symbol of national unity of the country.

Responding, the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Matteo Renzi, who led a strong delegation of Italian Government and people to have audience with President Muhammadu Buhari, appreciated the honour done to him.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Nigeria and Italy have long standing diplomatic relationship that ought to be strengthened for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has signed an agreement on intelligence sharing, capacity building and provision of logistics that will enhance the operations of the Nigeria Police.

The signing of agreement, witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and Prime Minister Renzi, in the State House was part of bilateral meeting between the two countries which covered issues on energy, security, agriculture, immigration, human and drug trafficking, infrastructure and education.

The agreement on enhancing cooperation between the Nigerian and Italian Police was signed by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and the Italian National Police Chief, Alessandro Pansa.

Speaking at the bilateral meeting, President Buhari said he was impressed with the relationship between Nigeria and Italy over the years, especially in the areas of security, construction, oil and gas and the exploration of solid minerals.

“I am impressed by the resilience and commitment of the Italian business to Nigeria’s development shown by the Italian construction companies and companies in the oil sector.

‘‘I am happy to hear that an Italian oil company, Eni ltd, is investing 4 billion U S dollars in the coming three years in the economy spite of the downward spiral of oil prices,’’ the President said.

In his remarks, the Italian Prime Minister said his country will support Nigeria in the ongoing fight against corruption, terrorism and also encourage Italian companies to invest more in sectors that will enable growth and create jobs for Nigerians like power, agriculture and solid minerals. [myad]

Lai Mohammed To Jonathan: You Lied About Weapons Acquired To Fight Boko Harm

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2016

The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has made it clear that whatever weapons that were procured by the Goodluck Jonathan Administration for the military to prosecute the war against terrorism were substandard and could not have been responsible for the string of successes recorded against Boko Harm by the military in recent times.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta today the minister described as unfortunate and unsubstantiated the statement credited to former President Goodluck Jonathan attributing the recent successes in the war to the weapons allegedly bought by his Administration that were delivered after he had left office.

He said the present Administration owes it a duty to put the record straight, especially because the issues raised by the former President are of public interest and borders on national security.

”The weapons, munitions and equipment which the former President said he bought were refurbished and lacked the basic components and spare parts. Additionally, the ammunition bought for both high calibre and small weapons have mostly expired, incompatible with weapons and grossly inadequate.

”It is pertinent to state that the ammunition he was referring to were back loaded because they explode within the barrel when fired, thus leading to deaths and injuries among soldiers,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

He explained that the troops also lacked the much-needed lift and operational vehicles and other equipment which they needed for an effective prosecution of the war, until the present Administration ameliorated the situation.

”The situation was so pathetic that soldiers were often transported in Civilian JTF vehicles, civilian vehicles, trailers and water tankers when going to the theatres of operation. The revelations on the sorry state of things in the past, which have emanated from the investigative panel so far, point clearly to the kind of legacy bequeathed to this administration by the past government.

”That explains why troops remained largely static and were unable to effectively deploy to completely rout the Boko Haram terrorists in all their known enclaves. The high level of casualties sustained by our gallant soldiers was most unprecedented and cannot be compared to any known military operations in recent times, all because of the terrible state of affairs suffered by the military under the Jonathan Administration,” the Minister said.

He said apparently because former President Jonathan could not understand how credible and dedicated leadership could impact positively on the morale and performance of troops, he has chosen to denigrate the system for the unprecedented feat that was achieved within the first six months of the Buhari Administration – something that he could not achieve in all of six years!

”It is also clear, as has been shown so far by the outcome of the panel probing past arms deals, that the purchase of substandard weapons apparently resulted from the massive corruption that enveloped the deals, the kind of horrifying graft that saw the purchase of refurbished choppers that lacked rotors, or fighter jets that could not be deployed to the theatre of war because they were not up to par.

”The needless loss of lives of many of our gallant troops, resulting from the lack of standard weaponry and low morale in the past, is not a matter to be trivialized under any circumstance,” the Minister said. [myad]

Methodist Church Goes Into Farm Project With Osun State Government

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2016

The Methodist Church of Nigeria has indicated its readiness to go into mechanized farming in partnership with the Osun state government.

The Prelate of the Church‎, Dr. Samuel Emeka Kanu Uche who made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Governor’s office in Osogbo said that the church is strategizing on how to improve the economy of the state through commercial farming that will provide jobs for the youth.

The clergy who pointed out that the state and the nation at large will overcome the present economic hardship like it overcame insurgency in the Northern part of Nigeria.

The Prelate commended the government of Aregbesola for looking inward on how to take the state forward at the face of the dwindling oil revenue in Nigeria, suggesting to government at all levels the need for proper taxation for the growth of the economy.

He encouraged the governor not to be deterred by critics, saying there is little or nothing that any government can do without the necessary funds.

“The Methodist church as a body is strategizing on how to assist government in the employment of people. You can help us in Osun by giving us land for commercial agriculture. When we commence farming activities on a mechanized scale, indigenes of Osun will be able to get employment.

“If you are kind enough to give us the land and an enabling environment, since it is a business venture, we will definitely pay tax, but as religious body, the church and the mosques, will not pay tax.

“Without money, there is less that you can do, I know money will come, I sympathize with you and we believe that oil prices will soon rise, we shall continue to pray for you and Nigeria.

“I want to suggest to Nigeria government to do proper taxation, most people don’t pay tax, if we get people to pay the accurate tax and it goes into government purse, then we will overcome our present situation like we did with the Boko Haram insurgents.”

Governor Aregbesola commended Methodist church for wanting to strengthen the economy of the country and that of Osun through Agriculture.

The Governor held that the only successful nations are those tilling the soil for the purpose of planting and living on the produce of the land, adding that such country will never end up miserable or poor.

“Humanity has not found alternative to consumption of food as a means of survival, it is quite idiotic for any nation to depend on another country for her food. The starting point of our economic recovery is the ability to feed ourselves.

“I want to commend the Methodist for wanting to participate in the production of sufficient food for our people, I am also commending you for your foresight, we will support you all the way by providing you with whatever size of land you need free of charge but it will be strictly for farming.” [myad]

13 Indian Students Drown In Arabian Sea

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2016

At least 13 college students on a beach picnic have been reportedly drowned in the Arabian Sea off the coast of western India, police said today.
The bodies of 10 girls and three boys were found at Murud beach in Raigad district, some150 kilometres south of Mumbai.
“They had gone for a swim but were pulled to the sea by strong currents, the victims are all aged between 17 and 20 years,” Area Police Chief Rajendra Dandale, told newsmen.
Dandale said the deceased were part of a group of 126 students from a college in the nearby city of Pune who had come for a picnic at the popular tourist spot.
He said that six students, who were rescued from the sea, were receiving treatment at a local hospital, while the remaining students were safe and had been taken away from the beach. [myad]

Senator Oluremi Tinubu Showcasing Crack In APC, By Moses Okpogode

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2016

It was like a dissenting voice against the All Progressive Congress and its campaign of change on the floor of the Senate in the National Assembly on Thursday, January 28. It came as a shock, a rude awakening if you like, not because of the message but the bearer of the message.

A voice so at odds with the ‘change’ mantra that we have come to associate with President Muhhamadu Buhari and the APC has been described in some political circles as rebellious.

But the message was loud, clear and simple. Things are not going according to script in the inner caucus and someone has finally decided to tell Nigerians what we, in fact, know and suspect, given how a certain Lion of Bourdillion has been relegated to the backwaters of the affairs of state by his political benefactor. And Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Jagaban, the APC’s national leader, has given us a sneaker preview.
What were her observations? She went vocal on no other subjects than those tied to the 2016 budget. That was the budget that never went missing but got its details revised in the dark of night and switched with an earlier document filled with some of the most outrageous proposals. Ones that proffer anything but change from a government that has made change its cardinal message. The same appropriation bill that was leisurely prepared, never recalled after its submission to the National Assembly but being tidied by the administration as revealed by the Minister of Budget Udo Udoma to the National Economic Council last Thursday.

Senator Tinubu veered into that controversial issue that no one else would want to be caught in between. And my God, she did deliver the message very well.
Unfortunately for the senator too, Information Minister Lai Mohammed, who served under her husband and has been under his political tutelage, on the same day, was invoking curses on anyone, and everyone, that criticizes the social, political and economic stance of President Buhari’s administration.

At the communion of Lai Mohammed with heads of media houses in Abuja, he told them that pseudo analysts like Senator Tinubu and some hack writers were on the prowl, informing them that the ilk of the senator who disagree, criticize or condemn some of the current administration’s policies have been paid to disfigure the perfectly captured appropriation bill, a first of its kind for the Nigerian masses and to undermine the ongoing farce that its calls anti-corruption war against those accused of pilfering our commonwealth.
But I can relate with Senator Tinubu. She was venting out the frustrations that comes with being dumped, especially having helped Buhari to win the presidency that has eluded him for so long. She may not be acting or playing the script of anybody but those of the real change agents and of how transitions should look like. How the socio-politico economic metamorphosis should really be, real change.

As President Buhari’s administration progresses, there is need to accommodate and endear the spirit of listening, especially to all discerning voices for or against various steps of government programs to form balances. The dissenting, the critical and those in the king’s pantaloon of old and today’s noise makers.

The same treatment should also play out in the case of the individuals who are non partisan or partisan. They don’t need to be knocked off the bridges of life because of their position for or against the government of the day at any given time. It is unpopular to accuse, intimidate and threaten those who hold opposing views against a government by a supposedly information manager. The pronouncement and actions of such people hired by the government are held as laws by law enforcement agents to detain all opposition voices with impunity and unlawfully because they dare to speak their minds as a result of their observations.
Day in day out political aides paint terrible pictures about leaders, rewriting their interests and concerns towards the growth of the nation as against their personal interests that is geared towards self aggrandizement through self services. President Goodluck Jonathan was often mocked as clueless and was described recently as an “ineffectual buffoon” by the Economist magazine. And that’s due to 99 percent of the time to the actions and inactions of his aides while in office.

Months after the presidential election was won and lost and a new government installed, the name calling has continued with people still turned against themselves on the created divides. Those who seem to study and understand the body language of the president like members of the now ‘directorate of shoe shiners’ make life unbearable for perceived enemies of the government. This is not supposed to be.

Democracy allows the practice of human rights, upholding the principles of rule of law and not holding people captive or denying them certain privileges because they speak their minds or informally advice the government against any of its policies that may be unpopular to the people.
If the president had held staff of the department of states services in contempt over their role during the build up to last year’s presidential elections, such attitude on which he held them in disrepute should not be accommodated while he is in the saddle of leadership. That is what governance is all about. It’s about assessments, stocktaking, accommodation, equity and not intimidation, partiality, eye service, shoe shining and other diminutive role of name calling being carried out by those with bigger assignments of strategizing and drawing up policies with about 40 billion naira in their control and their collaborators who cannot stop harassing writers and analysts on the pretense that the regime has relapsed into a draconian rule.
Twitter: @MOkpogode. [myad]

Lagos Pays N649 Million To 119 Retirees

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2016

The Lagos State Government, through the State Pension Board, has paid N649 million to another batch of 119 retirees from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the State Government.

Speaking at the 23^rd Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation which took place recently, the Director-General (LASPEB), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, said the presentation brings the number of retirees paid between August 2015 to January 2016 to 2,409 while total accrued pension rights paid by the State Government during the same period is N10.652 billion.

She explained that accrued pension rights are gratuity and pension entitlements due to staff that transited to the contributory pension scheme but had served under the “Pay As You Go” Pension scheme dispensation.

While reminding the beneficiaries to take good care of their health and invest the money wisely, Onanuga advised them to be wary of fraudsters and not accept any business proposal they don’t understand.

“If you cannot think of any business at the moment, keep your money in fixed deposit accounts with banks,” she said.

Responding, a representative of the retirees thanked the Management and staff of the Pension Board Office for the warm reception they always accorded them each time they visit the Office and prayed for the success of the present administration of Akinwunmi Ambode.

Meanwhile, the state ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has expressed its readiness to partner investors for the establishment of leisure and tourism facilities in all parts of the State.

The State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, who made the declaration at the official commissioning of the redeveloped Apapa Amusement Park at the weekend, urged investors to take advantage of investment friendly environment provided by the current administration and invest in the state.

He described the new park as another significant step by the present administration to use Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sports (THES) as a tool to stimulate the economy of the State.

The Commissioner said that the park used to be the number one leisure spot for family entertainment, recreation and relaxation in Lagos, but suffered depreciation and as such the value derived from visiting the park diminished.

However, he said the State Government in conjunction with other stakeholders and a new concessionaire took interest and resuscitated the park, noting that the park now offers Lagosians an opportunity for the regeneration of family values and bonding as the facilities provided would go a long way to stimulate the mind through recreation and entertainment.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, said the park “provides picture-perfect moments and memories to last a time and serve as ideal place for family fun, which means that parents have extra time to spend with their children”.

She also commended the vision of the State and Local Governments as well as Messrs Cube Nig. Ltd for the re-investment in the park and for recreating a place of fun for the children.

The event was attended by many dignitaries including Mrs. Olufunmilayo Balogun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, member, House of Representatives; Hon. Babalola Mogaji, Secretary, Apapa Local Government; the Lisa and Ekerin of Ojora Kingdom, Chief Ojora Adejiyan and Brig. General (Rtd) Ayo Vaughan, Chairman, Apapa GRA residents Association, among others.

This was even as the state government has approved the appointment of Mr. Dehinde Tunwashe as the new General Manager of Lagos State Mortgage Board, custodian of Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos H.O.M.S).

Until his appointment, Tunwashe was the Executive Director in charge of Operations at Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC) where he served for nine years rising from the post of Principal Manager.

He holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance. He is also an Associate of both Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

Tunwashe has more than two decades of post graduate experience in the Banking Industry having worked at First Bank Plc before moving to United Bank for Africa Plc.

His appointment takes immediate effect. [myad]

President Buhari Takes Campaign Against Terrorism To France, Britain

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to jet out to France and Britain tomorrow in his campaign for global action against terrorism.

A statement by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu today said that the President would make a first stop in Strasbourg, France, where he would address a special session of the European Union Parliament on Wednesday. The special session is expected to be attended by members of the executive and legislative arms of the Union.

“The President’s address is expected to focus on terrorism, violent extremism, corruption, Nigeria and Africa’s current security, economic and developmental challenges, as well as the need for greater support from the European Union and advanced nations for their rapid resolution.

“President Buhari will also hold talks with the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Martin Schulz and the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker on the same issues before leaving Strasbourg for London to join other world leaders at the Supporting Syria and The Region Conference scheduled to open in the British capital on Thursday, February 4, 2016.”

The statement said that Buhari will use the opportunity of his participation in the conference which is being co-hosted by Britain, Germany, Norway, Kuwait and the United Nations to continue his push for more global understanding, collaboration and support for Nigeria and other countries in the frontlines of the war against terrorism who are striving to overcome its very adverse effects on affected populations.

The President is due back in Nigeria at the weekend. [myad]

More Expo By Ekiti PDP Scribe On How 400 Fake Soldiers Helped To Rig Fayose Into Office

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2016

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary in Ekiti State, Dr. Tope Aluko has shed more lights on how 400 ‘unrecognized’ soldiers were brough from Enugu to Ekiti election on June 21, 2014 to ensure emergence of Governor Ayo Fayose in the gubernatorial election.

Aluko, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, also revealed how the PDP rigged the governorship election, saying: “we went into the election with 1,040 recognized soldiers and another batch of 400 unrecognized soldiers brought from Enugu by Senator Andy Uba.

“In addition, we raised 44 special strike teams brought in Toyota Hilux buses from Abuja and Onitsha. We made special stickers for the vehicles that conveyed members of the strike team and we gave each of them a black hand-band for identification.

“Each strike team was made up of 10 members headed by a soldier and comprising soldiers, policemen, DSS operatives and Civil Defence corps.

“They were detailed to attack and arrest prominent APC chieftains in all the local governments.

“We set up anchorage, mainly in residential houses, in every local government where the strike team members collected their welfare and other allowances.

“To encourage the strike team members, we gave them orders to share money and other valuables they could lay their hands on in the houses of the APC chieftains they raided.

“Then we set up detention camps, mainly in primary schools where most of the APC chieftains were detained.

“Others were detained in police stations where the DPOs were friendly with us. We let them off after the election was over.

“A day to the election, we used the military to block all routes in the local governments and prevented the APC chieftains, including former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, from coming into Ekiti.

“So, we ensured that no APC chieftain was in sight on Election Day.

“We provided polling agents for the APC in most of the polling units so we had no problem getting them to sign election results in the units.

“All these local and foreign observers that described the election as free and fair only witnessed the voting exercise on election day without knowing what transpired before the voting.”

Aluko, who was the Chief Returning Officer that signed the results of the election, said he was fully involved in the plot with Fayose from the very beginning. [myad]

Fayose To Aluko: You Are Political Parasite

Greenbarge Reporters

January 31, 2016

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has described former Ekiti State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Temitope K. Aluko as a political parasite whose allegation against him would not need his response.

In a statement today by the governor’s special adviser on public communications and new media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: “therefore, we won’t bother ourselves, responding to what a political parasite chooses to say because he wouldn’t have said what he is now saying today if he had been made Chief of Staff to Governor Fayose and it is sure that if he called today, and given the right offer, he will begin to sing another song.
He said that Aluko is already beclouded by his desperation to seek revenge against him because of his refusal to make him his Chief of Staff, such that he (Aluko) was not mindful of committing the criminal offence of perjury.

“For Aluko to be taken seriously, he must first have to report himself to the police to be tried for perjury and committed to prison for three years, since what he is now saying is different from what he said under oath at the Election Tribunal being the only witness called by the PDP and Governor Fayose.
“If after giving evidence under oath at the tribunal that the Election was free, fair and credible and that security agents, including soldiers performed their duties creditably well, saying something else more than one year after is an admittance by Aluko himself that he is not a stable character.
“It is also a demonstration of the fact that giving the right offer tomorrow, the same Aluko can also address the press tomorrow to deny all what he said today. He can even deny his own existence since he can deny what he said under oath just because he was not made Chief of Staff.
“Also, the APC bad losers in Ekiti State should know that it will take more than recruiting and paying a disgruntled TKO Aluko to discredit an election adjudged by both local and international observers, including the United States government as free, fair and credible. They will probably need to pay INEC to tell Nigerians that an election it conducted, in which an incumbent governor lost in his own local government was not credible.
“As per his claim that $37 million was given to the governor for the election,
the governor got financial support from various sources as it is usual of anyone contesting election and it is not for to begin to advertise in the media the level of support the governor received from individuals, corporate organizations or groups.
“However, if money belonging to the APC is missing and they suspect that the money was stolen by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to fund Ekiti State governorship election, they can approach the EFCC.”

Dr. Aluko had alleged that a former minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, brought $35 million out of the money in cash to Fayose in Ado-Ekiti, even as he claimed the remaining $2 million was collected from the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in Abuja. [myad]

How We Will Make 2016 Budget Work, Budget Minister Explains

Greenbarge Reporters

January 31, 2016

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, has said that steps have been taken to make sure that the 2016 budget work positively for the development of the country in spite of falling oil price in global market.
In a statement today by the Director of Information in the ministry, Charles Dafe, in Abujan the minister said that the ongoing reform targeted at diversifying the revenue base of the country would guarantee the achievement of the budget.
The minister who spoke when a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) visited him said: “Our budget is achievable. We have ongoing reforms targeted at diversifying our revenue base away from single oil commodity economy. Our Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, is assiduously applying innovative financing in the oil sector to address any likely revenue gap from our projected oil revenue.
“Plugging leakages through zero tolerance to corruption, application of sound public financial management and improved revenue collection system are reforms targeted to achieve the budget.”
Udoma said that the ministry would proactively plan, advice and monitor all matters relating to national development, adding that it would also ensure that vital development policies were properly implemented by all stakeholders.
It explained that 30 per cent of the budget allocated to capital projects was critical for the stimulation of economic development.
That is even as the minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, said that naira depreciation, falling oil prices and infrastructure decay were challenges facing the country.
“Substantial monies from recoveries of looted funds were not factored in as sources of revenue and as such would also be utilized for our development projects.
“We are counting on assistance from other developmental partners like the African Development Bank to access N1.8 trillion loans needed for Nigeria infrastructural development.
“Assistance is also required in our 2016-2020 medium Term Expenditure Frameworks and the Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal.”
The statement said that the AfDB delegation commended the 2016 budget, describing it as “good and ambitious.”
According to the statement, the Country Director of AfDB, Ousmane Dore, said the bank would assist Nigeria to achieve its efforts in poverty reduction.
“Nigeria is having an impressive and a better economic direction that would attract foreign investors,” Dore was quoted as saying. [myad]

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