Ebonyi To Borrow N17 Billion To Augment Income In 2016

December 24, 2015

Ebonyi state government has announced that it would borrow about N17 billion from the capital market and financial houses to augment the income of the state.
This was made known today by the state governor, David Umahi when he signed into law, the 2016 appropriation bill of N101.1 billion.
Governor Umahi lamented the financial resources coming to the state have been dwindling over the year and therefore impeding the rapid development of the state.
“Unfortunately,from the time we proposed this budget to today, the expected inflow from federation account,which stands about N36 billion,at N3 billion per month has gone down by about 33%”
He said that the budget would therefore focus on agriculture and internally generated revenue to make the state buoyant and self-sustaining.
“The chunk of the budget or 20% of it is expected to come from agriculture: N20 billion. We also expect about sixty something billion to come from Internally Generated Revenue.”
Umahi said that the budget assist Ebonyi indigenes hawking on the streets of major cities in the country by engaging in more dignified ventures.
He said that the government would also assist indigent widows, pursue its urban renewal drive, ensure efficient health care services, boost agriculture and address the plight of Ebonyi people.
The governor commended the State House of Assembly for the timely passage of the bill and called for stronger collaboration in the implementation of the budget.
Earlier, the speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Nwifuru, said that the budget went through normal process before its passage.
The 2016 budget proposal was submitted to the Assembly on 10th of December, 2015 by Governor Umahi. [myad]

New Rebels Spring Up In Burundi, Vow To Oust President Nkurunziza

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2015

Burundi appear to be edging closer toward a civil war as a new rebel group has sprang up, threatening to oust President Pierre Nkurunziza.

A former senior officer in Burundi’s army, Lt. Col. Edouard Nshimirimana said today that he and other army officers have formed a rebel movement known as the Republican Forces of Burundi to remove Nkurunziza from power.

According to Lt. Col. Nshimirimana, who was in charge of military transmissions and communications before he defected in September, the new rebel group’s main objective is to protect Burundians who are being killed because they are protesting the violation of the country’s constitution.

Nshimirimana said that the other objective of the rebellion is to protect the Arusha Agreement that limits Burundian presidents to two terms in office, adding that all forces against Nkurunziza are united under the Republican Forces of Burundi..

“We have no choice and the world is not helping Burundians who are being killed. We are calling on all Burundians who believe in the rule of law to join us,” Nshimirimana said, adding that many soldiers of various ranks who are suspected of opposing Nkurunziza’s third term in office, have been harassed, arrested and in some cases killed by members of security services.

The Arusha Agreement ended Burundi’s 13-year civil war 10 years ago and integrated former Hutu rebels into the Tutsi-dominated army to create a more ethnically balanced force.

“The Arusha Agreement was the solution to Burundi’s political problems. Now that it has collapsed, the war is inevitable,” Nshimirimana told AP.

The Arusha Agreement introduced power-sharing quotas in the government institutions and military forces, with the objective of protecting the minority Tutsis by giving them a disproportionately large share of power in government. Tutsis make up about 14 percent of Burundi’s 10 million people, while the Hutu make up about 85 percent.

Burundi has been rocked by turmoil since April when it was announced that Nkurunziza would run for a third term in office. Nkurunziza won elections in July but the violence has since escalated.

The rebel force was behind the recent attacks on three military camps, where they captured enough weapons to fight Burundi’s army, said Nshimirimana, who trained at ISCAM, a military school in Burundi, and was commander of the 17 Battalion.

At least 87 people were killed in Bujumbura in December when rebels attacked two military barracks in Bujumbura and one in Mujejuru in the Bujumbura Rural province.

More than 400 people have been killed in Burundi and some 220,000 have fled to neighboring countries since April .Violent street protests in opposition to Nkurunziza staying in power boiled over into a failed military coup in May. The leader of the coup, Godefroid Niyombare, is at large but a former defense minister is among 28 officials facing trial for the failed overthrow.

Although Burundi’s current unrest has been based on political divisions, there is growing international concern that the country threatens to descend into ethnic violence, such as neighboring Rwanda’s 1994 genocide by majority Hutus against the minority Tutsi.

Burundi’s army, spokesman Col. Gaspard Baratuza, had earlier said after Nshimirimana’s defection that Burundi had a force of 30,000 army capable of defending the country. [myad]

Maiduguri: Vigilantes Intercept Boko Haram With Bombs Concealed In Food Flasks

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2015

Some vigilantes, who are civilian security agents, today in Maiduguri, Borno state, intercepted five food flasks filled with bombs, outside a popular Maiduguri mosque.

Information reaching us indicated that the Mosque was filled with worshipers for the Maulud celebration for which today was declared public holiday by the federal government.

It was learnt that no fewer than five suspected Boko Haram members, accompanying the consignment in a hand-pushed cart and headed for Medinatu Mosques in the heart of Maiduguri, Borno state, were arrested. They were said to have been arrested before they could make their way to the Mosque where members of the Tijjaniya Islamic sect were marking the Maulud Nabiyi.

The arrested bombers, according to witnesses, earlier claimed that the giant food flasks contained hot rice cooked to be delivered to the celebrating Muslims as gifts.

Maiduguri has always been a home to thousands of Muslims from different parts of the country and from other Islamic countries, for the Maulud observance at the popular Sheikh Abdulfathi mosque, located in Medinatu neighbourhood of old Maiduguri. During the celebration, individuals usually make charity donations in form of foods and other consumables to help make visitors comfortable.

One of the civilian security agents who participated in intercepting the dangerous food flasks, Aminu Abdullahi said: “when we saw them coming with hand-push-cart filled with food flasks. We thought they were normal people that usually come here.

“We almost passed them on when one of our members instinctively asked what the content of the large food flasks were, and they said ‘hot rice to be delivered to the Sheik’s guests.’

“All of us were almost deceived but when we insisted on seeing the flasks opened for proper inspection, the conveyors became jittery, and by the time we forced them to open the flasks, we were shocked to find coupled bombs in all the flasks.” [myad]

Somali Government Bans Christmas, New Year Celebrations

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2015

The government of Somalia has issued a ban on Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, saying that the festivities “have nothing to do with Islam.”

The director of Somalia’s ministry of religion, Sheikh Mohamed Kheyrow, speaking on state radio today said: “we warn against celebration of Christmas, which is only for Christians. This is a matter of faith. The Christmas holiday and its drum beatings have nothing to do with Islam.”

He said that the ministry has sent letters to the police, national security intelligence and officials in the capital Mogadishu instructing them to “prevent Christmas celebrations.”

The announcement had echoes of Islamist militants al Shabaab, which controlled the capital Mogadishu until 2011. Among their edicts was to ban Christmas celebrations.

It was not immediately clear what prompted the government announcement. Somalia is almost entirely Muslim, but it hosts thousands of African Union (AU) peacekeepers, including from the majority-Christian countries Burundi, Uganda and Kenya.

The country, which is struggling to emerge from two decades of fighting and chaos, has also seen a growing number of Somalis returning from Europe and North America, sometimes bringing foreign traditions and attitudes with them.

Officials also said that Christmas celebrations may attract attacks from the Islamist militants al Shabaab.

Spokesman for Mogadishu mayor, Abdifatah Halane, told Reuters: “Christmas will not be celebrated in Somalia for two reasons; all Somalis are Muslims and there is no Christian community here. Christmas is for Christians. Not for Muslims.”

He said that the other reason is for security, saying that on December 25 last year al Shabaab claimed responsibility for an attack on the main AU base in Mogadishu, which lasted several hours and left three peacekeepers and a civilian contractor dead. [myad]

18 Year-Old Allegedly Kills His Mum, As Pastor Kills Church Member

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2015

Emmanuel, similarly killed his mother

An 18-year-old Akwa-Ibom state indigene, one Endurance Akpan has been arrested for allegedly killing his mother. Akpan, who hails from Idio Nung Iba village, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state, is said to be the last child of the family of eight children.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),, Ms. Cordelia Nwawe who spoke to news men today in the state capital as she paraded three suspects, said that Akpan had tricked his mother out of her room into his room with a promise of surprising her with a gift from Port Harcourt and that instead of presenting a gift to the woman, he allegedly strangulated her to death.

Akpan was said to have killed his mother, Mrs. Lovina Akpan, after he arrived the village from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he used to live with his father.

The PPRO said that after killing his mother, Akpan pulled her out of the room and took her close to a pit toilet within the compound and dumped her there in the morning of November 25. Thereafter, he left for Port Harcourt, where he was arrested.

On why he killed his mother, Akpan confessed: “I killed her because she tried to poison me so I would not understand myself any more.”

The Police spokeswoman hinted that another suspect, one Anietie Obong who was said to have killed his 16-year-old housemaid on allegation of witchcraft are presently in the cell at the state command headquarters, Uyo..

Nwawe also paraded one Pastor Gideon Idio for allegedly killing his female church member.

Pastor Gideon Idio, is of God’s Power City, from Nkwa in Ibiono Local Government Area, and is residing at 14 Fine Face Street, Off Enen Afaha Street, Uyo. He was said to have called the deceased, his church member, one Joanna Okon, to come over to his office.

On arrival, both of them engaged in a scuffle, the cause of which still remained unknown to the police. However, the PPRO said the issue degenerated to a point that the suspect attacked the deceased and she collapsed and died in his office.

“The so-called pastor locked the deceased inside his office and used the deceased’s phone to call her close relation claiming to be a tricycle operator who picked up the girl from Udotung Ubo Street enroute Itam and she slumped inside the tricycle and that he was taking her to an undisclosed hospital.

“As if that was not enough, the suspect later informed the relations of the girl that he saw her corpse at IBB Road, Uyo and removed the corpse to his office, after which the suspect and relations of the deceased conveyed the corpse to a mortuary at Ibiono Ibom.”

The third murder suspect, Anietie Obong, was said to have taken custody of the deceased, Happiness Isaiah, with a promise of sponsoring her secondary education, but early this month, the suspect’s wife lost her three months pregnancy and the suspect was unhappy about the incident. He blamed Happiness for his wife’s ordeal, accusing her of witchcraft.

Nwawe saidd that when the deceased had served dinner to the suspect and his wife, Obong summoned the deceased to his sitting room, poured hot water on the deceased’s thoracic cavity and the back.

“These injuries led to the death of the 16-year-old-victim,” the PPRO stated.

The PPRO said that the trio would be charged to court soon. [myad]

Arik Air Escapes Crash As Desperate Rat Hunters Burn Bush Near Ibadan Airport

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2015

Arik Air escaped air crash yesterday when some hunters of rats and squirrels set fire near the field of the airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The fire was said to have spread far into the fields of the airport lose to the runway, engulfing the whole environment.
It was learnt that the overbearing smoke led to the diversion of the Arik aircraft, having earlier been diverted from Abuja to Ibadan to Lagos.
The pilot of the aircraft, which schedule was to leave Abuja at 9:40am and arrive Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, an hour later, was said to have announced descent into Ibadan when he suddenly took off again.
The pilot was to later tell passengers that there was a radio message of a fire outbreak at the Ibadan airport, hence the advice that the flight should head to Lagos.
After landing in Lagos and waiting for some time, the pilot was then advised again to head to Ibadan as the fire had been put off. The aircraft landed in Ibadan at about 2pm, according to the sources. [myad]

Never Again Will Any Group Hold Nigeria To Ransom – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2015

President Muhammdu Buhari has made it clear that never again would any group be allowed to hold Nigeria to ransom under any guise.
He asked Nigerians that: “We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise.”
In a message at the eve of Christmas today, to commiserate with Christians, the President asked Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which Jesus taught.
The President said that the greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in the lives of the citizens would immensely help to build a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation.
“Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history.”
President Buhari appealed to Nigerians not to allow the current socio-economic and security challenges to dampen their expectations for a better Nigeria, adding that his government has taken a number of measures to restore hope to the people.
He said that the 2016 Budget had defined his commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life.
“Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people.
“In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability.
Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards.”
The President rejoiced with all Nigerians, “especially our Christian brothers and sisters,” on the occasion of this year’s Christmas, which he described as an “occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.”
He asked those who are travelling to their homes for the celebration to “please drive carefully.” [myad]

Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Others Take The Stage At ‘Hear Word’

Greenbarge Reporters

December 23, 2015

A show, based on a collection of true life stories of a heartbreaking examination of female self-discovery and challenges facing Nigerian women is back on stage.
The show is scheduled to be featured from December 24 – 27 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
According to the organizers, the play will examine the cultural and social behaviour as well as beliefs that oppress, reject and limit a woman’s potential.
HEAR WORD! inspires women to break barriers, realise their full potential and contribute to nation building.
The show, produced and directed by IfeomaFafunwa, will feature powerful performances from a cast of extraordinary Nigerian actresses which include, TaiwoAjai-Lycett,Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, ElvinaIbru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia, Deborah Ohiri, Rita Edward and Odenike. [myad]

Pope Francis Wins German’s Prize

Greenbarge Reporters

December 23, 2015

Pope Francis on Wednesday was announced the winner of Germany’s 2016 Charlemagne Prize, which is offered for services to promoting unity in Europe.
“In these times, in which many citizens in Europe seek orientation, His Holiness Pope Francis sends a message of love and encouragement,” the awarding board said in a statement.
It lauded the Pope for being a voice of conscience that urged Europe to place people at the centre of its politics.
In a break from tradition, the prize-giving ceremony is to take place in Rome, rather than the German city of Aachen, where the Charlemagne Prize Society is based.
The board did not give a date for the ceremony.
Previously winners of the prize include European Parliament President, Martin Schulz; EU President, Donald Tusk; and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. [myad]

President Buhari Greets Muslims At Maulud – Gov. Ambode Too

Greenbarge Reporters

December 23, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with the Islamic community in Nigeria as they celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. This was even as the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode called on Muslims in the country to offer special prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria as they join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Maulud.
The President calls on all Muslims to use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet, who lived a life of piety, prayer and service to God and humanity.

As they join the rest of the Islamic world in commemorating the prophet’s birthday, President Buhari urges the adherents of the Islamic faith to rededicate themselves to upholding the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their personal life and in their relationship with others.

He wishes all Nigerians Happy Eid-el-Maulud celebrations.

Governor Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful co-existence among the various segments of the society.
While imploring Nigerians to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Nigeria, Ambode said the celebration of the birth of the Prophet should renew the faith and bond of unity among Nigerians as one people and one nation irrespective of diversity.
“On the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of the holy Prophet, it is imperative to reflect on his teachings and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbour, which are indispensable in our quest for meaningful development and the profitable management of our diversity.”
Governor Ambode also urged Muslim to internalize the virtues of honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance, good neighbourliness, justice, equity and fairness, which Prophet Mohammad preached; saying such will go a long way to engender national development.
He said: “I want to seize this occasion to urge all Nigerians to commit and rededicate themselves to making greater effort to imbibe these qualities and values as they celebrate the Prophet’s birth.
“I therefore wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in Nigeria and Lagos in particular a happy Eid-el-Maulud.” [myad]

1...2,0162,0172,018...2,498 Page 2,017 of 2,498