EDITORIAL: APC, PDP: Our Stand

December 17, 2015

We have, at different times and places, came across people from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its sympathizers and even Journalists who accused us in Greenbarge Reporters of being one-sided in the coverage of the two major political parties in the country – All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP itself.
They said that Greenbarge Reporters has been reporting and analyzing the positive side of APC while hitting PDP negatively. And that we hardly feature the PDP news.
We become more concerned and feel that we have some explanations to make when a top leader of the PDP diplomatically made the same complain to us.
In looking at this matter, we concede that everyone has the right and freedom to form any opinion and air such opinion the way he or she deems fit, even though, there are so many opinions formed out of ignorance of the real situation on the ground and are aired in wrong ways.
To start with, it is the PDP that has decided to discriminate against certain media outfits, including Greenbarge Reporters, by selecting which ones to invite to its functions, which ones to send relevant press statements to and which ones it would generally patronize and which ones to ignore.
In fact, our Editor-In-Chief had made several requests and even pleading to spokesmen of the PDP: the main party’s spokesman, Olisa Metuh; the spokesman of the defunct PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Femi Fani Kayode: spokesman of the Presidency, Dr. Doyin Okupe and other top members of the party as well as Goodluck Jonathan’s government to enlist the medium in the party’s mailing list, for it (Greebarge Reporters) to be getting at least, press statements and may be, invitation to its functions, but all such efforts were roundly rebuffed.
And in spite of such treatment, Greenbarge Reporters has always scrapped news items of the PDP through other means just so that it would escape the accusation of being one-sided. It is a fact that there is no way a news medium worth its salt would manufacture story from just anywhere: if the PDP operatives deliberately refuse or fail to involve Greenbarge Reports in its activities, there is practically no way the medium can begin to conjure up story, just so that it would be seen to be balanced.
Of course, it is not as if we don’t have a few friends in PDP, whose grace the party has been enjoying our news coverage for the party. Such friends, including the former Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan: former information minister, Labaran Maku; former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio; former foreign affairs minister, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, former minister of the FCT, Bala Mohammed; former minister of Justice, Bello Adoke; former special adviser to Vice President Namadi Sambo on political matters, Alhaji Abba Dabo and a few others. Individually, these PDP chieftains related with us based on the worth they attached to Greenbarge Reporters. The relation might not be purely on the basis of monetary gratification, but also inclusive of mere encouragement and acknowledgement of our importance in the miliu of information dissemination.
The same thing about the few ‘good’ people in PDP can also be said of APC, whose operatives in all departments not only patronize Greenbarge Reporters, especially with their bombardment of us with news items daily, but in terms of small advertisement slots, realizing that we are also in business and need to pay staff salaries.
Of course, APC would always say things that are negative about PDP, the same way PDP would never see anything positive about PDP. If therefore APC bombards us with negative stories about PDP and we publish them as they are, we are only mirroring the views of APC. And PDP has all the opportunities to counter APC the way it feels. But if the information handlers of the PDP feel that Greenbarge Reporters is not qualify to be given their stories, the anger and frustration of its members and chieftains who have been our friends should not be directed at us.
The point here is very important because, for one thing, the issue of discrimination or one-sidedness and negative presentation of one side against the other side is the function of the source from where the news items are supposed to emanate. If therefore, PDP would be kind just to oblige us their press statements and invitations to its functions where we would get stories to write, we would be most glad to oblige it, and do it with passion.
We therefore assure our readers, including the supporters of PDP all over the world that, our stand would always remain the same: open, factual, balance, fair and friendly to all, irrespective of creed, class, political, religious, regional, tribal and other differences.
Truth, we dare say, will always remain our source of integrity. [myad]

UNICEF Laments: Over 16 Million Babies’er Born Into Conflict In 2015

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2015

The United Nations Children Education Funds (UNICEF) has revealed that more than 16 million babies were born in conflict zones in 2015 which represents one in eight of all births worldwide this year.
in a statement, UNICEF described the figure as having underscored the vulnerability faced by increasing numbers of children.
“Every two seconds, a newborn takes its first breath in the midst of conflict, often in terrifying circumstances and without access to medical care,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Anthony Lake.

“Too many children are now starting their lives in extreme circumstances – from conflict to natural disasters, poverty, disease or malnutrition. Can there be a worse start in life?”
The statement said that in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, or on perilous journeys to escape fighting, newborn children and their mothers face enormous risks.
“Pregnant mothers are in danger of giving birth without medical help and in unsanitary conditions. Their children are more likely to die before they reach their fifth birthdays and to experience extreme – or “toxic” – stress, which can inhibit their long-term emotional and cognitive development.
“In addition to conflict, poverty, the effects of climate change and lack of opportunity are making children increasingly vulnerable and have pushed millions on dangerous journeys away from their homes.

“More than 200,000 children applied for asylum in European Union countries in the first nine months of 2015, adding to the 30 million children across the globe forced from their homes by 2014 due to war, violence and persecution. More people are displaced now than at any moment since World War II.
“More than a quarter of a billion children – or one in nine – live in countries and areas in conflict and face enormous obstacles to their health, education and well-being.
“More than half a billion children live in areas where floods are extremely common and nearly 160 million live in high or extremely high drought severity zones.
“Children represent almost half of all people living in extreme poverty although they make up roughly a third of the world’s population.
“The final months of 2015 have seen the world come together around tackling climate change and a new global development agenda. These ambitious agreements present a huge opportunity if we can translate our promises into action for the most vulnerable children,” said Lake. “If we address the reasons so many families feel the need to uproot themselves and their children from their homes – by resolving conflict, by addressing climate change, by expanding opportunity, we can make 2016 a year of hope for millions – not a year of despair.” [myad]

Buhari Wants ECOWAS To Accelerate Efforts To Attain Monetary Union

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2015

President Buhari delivering his address at the plenary session of the 3rd summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran Iran on 23rd Nov 2015 — President Buhari delivering

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to accelerate their efforts towards achieving monetary union by meeting the convergence criteria.
He also asked the member–states to strive to key into the Common External Tariff, which came into being this year.
The President spoke today at the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the ECOWAS in Abuja.
Buhari, who paid tribute to the founder fathers of the organisation, reminded members of the enormous challenges that still lye ahead in spite of the outstanding achievements.
“As I observed yesterday, we have a lot more work to do. We need to fast track the integration process, and the most effective way to do so is through accelerated and focused investments in key development sectors, including but not limited to energy, transportation, as well as road and rail networks. We should therefore push existing initiatives and adopt new ones. “Insufficient power supply has been identified as a major obstacle to investments in the region.”
President Buhari said that as members make individual efforts to boost power supply in their respective countries, they should accelerate the implementation of critical infrastructure, such as the West African gas pipeline project, while remaining committed to the promotion of alternative and renewable energy sources.
He wanted urgent steps to be taken to encourage intra – regional trade among member states in order to boost employment generation and trade relations.
On the consequences of climate change, Buhari wanted members to continue to coordinate actions with the other African countries, including through the African Union, in working with the rest of the world to reduce global warming without compromising their industrial development drive.
“Similarly, our region continues to be confronted with the daunting scourge of transnational organized crime including arms trafficking, drug trafficking, as well as piracy and criminality at sea. Equally worrying is the rising scourge of violent extremism and terrorism.
“All these constitute serious threats to peace and security in the region, and therefore require sustained focus and concerted actions.
“We must continue to enhance our system of governance and, working with our partners, accelerate the implementation of our joint initiatives and mechanisms that were created to address these daunting but not insurmountable risks. We must enhance cooperation with other regional and continental organisations such as the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), and the African Union particularly in the fight against violent extremism, terrorism and piracy.
“As we celebrate today, let us not forget that beyond politics, the economic integration of our region must remain the fundamental objective of this Organisation. We need to accelerate our efforts towards achieving monetary union by meeting the convergence criteria while member–states should strive to key into the Common External Tariff, which came into being this year.” [myad]

Professor Jega Takes The Gospel Of Peaceful Elections To Ghana

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2015

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has taken his gospel of peaceful elections to Ghana, saying that elections in African countries need not generate conflicts as they often do.

He insisted that the need for the right mindset by all actors towards elections should help to unify the peoples.

Jega spoke in Ghana during a five-day visit to the country at the instance of the Institute of Economic Affairs, Ghana, which invited him to come and share Nigeria’s experience of the 2015 general election with Ghanaian stakeholders as the country prepares for its presidential and parliamentary elections in 2016. The visit ends tomorrow, Friday.

Professor Jega wanted African countries to work together to promote peace and stability on the continent, adding that each country should work at reforming its electoral system towards deepening democracy and ensuring that the vote of the people truly count.

“Elections do not have to create conflicts, and our countries need not be so conflict-prone because of elections. Democracy should promote good governance, and elections, which are essential to democracy, should help to unify our people,” he said.

IEA Ghana, a frontline think-tank, invited the former INEC Chairman to the country as part of its 25th Anniversary celebrations.

During the visit, Jega gave two public lectures – one in the national capital, Accra, and another in the capital of Ashanti Region, Kumasi – and he met with key stakeholders including presiding officers of the Ghanaian Parliament led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho; and the Chief Justice, Lady Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.

He also met with Ghanaian political party leaders and candidates, traditional rulers and religious leaders, the civil society as well as international development partners and donors, among others.

At the various points of encounter with Jega, Ghanaians were fulsome with praise for Nigeria’s 2015 general election and celebrated the former INEC Chairman for leading the electoral commission to conduct the applauded poll.

Enthusiastic crowds attended the public lectures, which Jega used to rally his hosts for cooperation and peaceful conduct as they approach the forthcoming general election. He reminded them that Nigeria and Ghana are noted for healthy sub-regional rivalry, hence they should put all hands on board to ensure that they surpass Nigeria’s celebrated 2015 record in their impending elections – not just for the good of their country, but for the good and stability of the entire African continent.

The former INEC Chairman, in his public lectures, shared the experiences, successes and challenges of Nigeria’s electoral system leading to the 2015 general election.

He drew lessons for Africa, saying: “There is no doubt that Africa is making tremendous progress with elections. Clearly, the number of Africans living in countries that routinely conduct elections has grown tremendously since the 1990s. We are glad that Nigeria is now being counted among such countries…The 2015 Nigerian general election may have set a new standard for democracy across the African continent. All countries with elections slated for next year, like Ghana, are now challenged to make theirs at least as free, fair and peaceful as Nigeria’s. Specifically for Ghana and Ghanaians, we now pose you a big challenge: make your next elections better than ours! Learn from our mistakes and don’t repeat them. See if you can adapt some of our innovative reform measures and do them better. I must say that we ourselves learnt a lot and adapted good things from the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Ghana. We can, and should learn from one another as we consolidate and deepen our democracy.”

At his meeting with presiding officers of the Ghanaian Parliament led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adjaho, Prof. Jega canvassed close collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria to advance the cause of democracy in the sub-region.

He told the parliament leaders: “We share quite a lot in common, and there is no area that we need to keep on partnering and working together more than in the area of democratic development and deepening democracy in our countries.

“The conduct of elections is central to all that. How can we get our elections right? How can we ensure that elections are conducted with integrity, so that the vote of the people will truly count in the choice of elected representatives? Nigeria had a long history of poorly conducted elections until 2011 when things began to turn around. And we were fortunate that in 2015, we were able to conduct general elections that were better than the 2011 elections, and which are now generally recognized as a turning point in terms of the conduct of elections in our country. So, I was delighted that the IEA invited me to come and share these experiences, and also to learn more from the Ghanaian experience. As I said in my lecture, there was a time in Nigeria that we were frustrated by elections in our country, and we were looking for examples of how to conduct elections. We looked towards Ghana to see what we could learn, and we did learn quite a lot. Of course, as we learnt, we tried to refine or improve upon them, and that is how we got to where we are. There is no doubt that we have a lot to share by way of knowledge and experiences to consolidate and deepen our democracies.”

During her meeting with the former INEC Chairman, the Ghanaian Chief Justice, Lady Justice Theodora Wood, mooted the idea that election management bodies in Africa should consider taking polling officers across national borders on ad hoc basis to participate in conducting other countries’ elections.

This, in her view, could redress challenges associated with perception of polling officials in their native countries and enhance the integrity of elections across the continent.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the IEA Ghana, Dr. Charles Mensa, said Jega was invited to Ghana because of the sudden transformation of Nigeria from an electoral pariah into a shining role model in the comity of nations.

Mensa noted that until some few years back, many foreign observers, including those in Ghana, wrote off Nigerian elections as always predetermined and lacking in integrity, but now the country is being highly regarded and celebrated as a good example in the conduct of elections, from which other countries should learn some lessons.

IEA Ghana is a leading public policy think-tank, with a mission to promote good governance, democracy and fair market economy in Ghana and across the whole of Africa. [myad]

Selective Probe Theory, By Abdulmaleek Yusuf

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2015

Top members of the Peoples Democratic Part (PDP) in particular and some sympathizers of Goodluck Jonathan government in general, are still mumbling that President Muhammadu Buhari government has been selective in the current probe of the alleged financial recklessness preferred against a few agents of that (Jonathan) regime.
This issue of selective theory was first floated by Jonathan himself shortly before he bowed out of office. Dr. Jonathan it was who insisted that if Buhari must probe his government, he should extend such probe to other governments before his.
Ever since Buhari mounted the leadership of the country, this theory has been emphasized and drummed up by the National Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, the governor of Ekiti state, Fayose and many others. Most of the proponents of selective probe theory have not been so vocal like a few of the party’s functionaries.
The major probe that has caught the nation in frenzy currently is that of the $2.1 Billion (over N400 Billion) which was meant solely to procure arms and ammunition for soldiers fighting members of Boko Haram mainly in the North East, and across the North in general. The huge sum of money was allegedly diverted for other purposes by the former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki.
There have been other cases, like the Abacha loot that runs into billion which was also diverted.
It is not clear if the issue of $2.1 Billion for arms procurement has anything to do with the past governments, and for which the probe must extend. As a matter of fact, the probe that is ongoing has a clear focus and definition. It is not about abandoned projects or corruption or stealing that has a history from the government before that of Jonathan.
The magnitude of the nation’s money that a few people have allegedly stolen and distributed amongst themselves is enough to collapse the economy of a nation. The luck we have is that our economy is large and resilience enough to absorb the shocks. But Buhari cannot achieve any meaningful development if such monies are not traced and recovered.
In any case, the President has been very clear that no one, not even members of All Progressives Congress (APC) would be spared in his fight against corruption.
Besides, the President has never referred to Jonathan’s government in isolation when he spoke about the past government: he has always referred to it as PDP government, which include the Presidents which the party had produced and who ruled the country since 1999.
So, those who subscribe to the selective theory may have deliberately misunderstood the concept they are espousing or are just been plain mischief. [myad]

Court Restores Balarabe Musa’s PRP, Others Too

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2015

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore the three political parties that it deregistered in 2012. The parties are the Peoples Redemption Party PRP), the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) and the Better Nigeria Progressive Party (bnpp).

Justice Adeniyi Ademola who gave the order said that the parties were deregistered without being given fair hearing from INEC.

He said that it is unconstitutional, invalid, null and void the provisions of section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2010, which INEC relied on to deregister the parties. [myad]

Poor March Results Earns Chelsea Coach, Mourinho A Sack

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2015

Chelsea Football Club has parted ways with its Coach, Jose Mourinho, because of what the club described as poor runs in recent times.

The club in a statement today, said that the parting of ways was based on mutual consent.

The club also said that Mourinho would be welcome anytime in the future.

The statement reads in full: “Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.

“All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

“His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history. But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

“The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.

“The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.

“There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made.” [myad]

Senate Confirms That 3 Million Nigerians Live Illegally In UK

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2015

The Senate has confirmed that no fewer than three million Nigerians are currently living illegally in the United Kingdom.

It also debunk the news making the rounds that the British government had planned to deport 29, 000 Nigerians.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, speaking after a meeting with officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service at the National Assembly, explained that the Assistant Deputy Comptroller –General, Investigations, Intelligence and Enforcement, of the NIS, Mr. T. A Hundeyin, also confirmed that the 48 Nigerians recently deported from the United Kingdom committed various types of crimes and had served prison terms.

“The Asst. Deputy Comptroller just confirmed to us now that it is not true that 29, 000 Nigerians are being deported from the United Kingdom or that the UK government intends to deport 29, 000 Nigerians.

“He (however) said that only 48 Nigerians were deported and he had shown us their names and records that actually confirmed that they had all served their prison sentences so that is why they are being deported”

The senator added: “about three million Nigerians are illegally living in the United Kingdom and that if three million Nigerians are living there illegally, and they are only removing just 48 people confirmed to have committed crime and jailed, then the situation is not too bad.

“We will not relent in our efforts on checking and doing our oversight functions. If it requires for us to go there and visit them, and to ask questions, we won’t mind to go there and to give Nigerians and to give them the history and the records of what we find out.” [myad[

Governor Udom Assures Agric Entrepreneurs Of Adequate Funding

Greenbarge Reporters

December 16, 2015

Governor Udom Emmanue of Akwa Ibom state

Akwa Ibom state governor, Dr. Udom Emmanuel has assured agricultural entrepreneurs of adequate funding of their small holdings to make them to be self reliant.
The governor said that agric sector development would also create more jobs for the teaming populace.
The governor, who spoke at the First Ekid Economic and Enterprise Summit (FEEES) organized by Ekid People Progressive League at Eket, said that the problem of this generation is not ideas but funding.
Udom, who spoke through the state Commissioner for Economic Development, Dr. Emmanuel Ating Owuoduokit, noted that innovative ideas will attract funding either from the government or the private sector in State.
He challenged the people to look beyond the ordinary to uncover numerous opportunities that abound in the agricultural sector, even as the government had created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
According to him, any small holders group that exceled in their agricultural entrepreneurship will be recognized as a Dakkada ambassador and assisted financially.
He said that the First Ekid Economic and Enterprise Summit (FEEES) is one such fora to generate ideas and attract corporate funding in the agricultural business.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Matthew Ekaette, stressed the need to think beyond oil and to diversify our economy to agriculture which had sustained the economy of different countries for decades.
Dr. Ekaette noted, the theme of the summit “Industrialization: Existing and Emerging Opportunities in Agric Business in Akwa Ibom State” is apt and should be given centerstage if we must achieve economic growth of our state.
He regretted that agriculture had been abandoned for decades in preference for oil revenue and sued for a paradigm shift.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Ekid People Progressive League, Rev. Daniel Akwatang disclosed the purpose of the summit was to draw attention of the people to the vast opportunities in agric business.
The league intends to use the summit to draw attention and enlighten the people on the vast opportunities in agric business.
“we aim to draw attention of our people to the vast opportunities in agric business as a bold step to enlighten our people to pursue agricultural industrialization and support the food sufficiency focus of this administration.” his words
Papers were presented at the one day summit by experts in agric business amongst them Prof. Edet Udo, Chairman Akwa Ibom State Food Sufficiency Committee and Prof. Funsho Sonaiya, Co-chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Projects for Asia, America and Africa. [myad]

Governor Aregbesola Pays N302 Million Compensation For Road Construction

Greenbarge Reporters

December 16, 2015

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has paid compensation worth over N302 million to people whose property will be acquired for the ongoing road construction of Olaiya/Ita Olokan in Osogbo.
Aregbesola who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Grace Titi-Laoye gave the reassurance while distributing cheques worth
N302,966,974.02 to the affected families in the state capital.
He said that his administration will leave no stone unturned at making life more pleasant, comfortable, meaningful and prosperous for the
citizenry in spite of the current dwindling allocation to the state from the Federation Account.
Aregbesola disclosed that his administration has so far spent over N2 billion as compensation for people whose property was acquired for road projects.
The Governor said that all his administrative policies and
programmes are aimed at promoting the general wellbeing of the citizenry, and that all the ongoing projects would be completed before the expiration of his administration.
Aregbesola stressed that the only panacea to the negative effects of current economic hardship was for government at all levels to see the need to improve their state Internally Generated Revenue through tax payment.
He enjoined all and sundry to assist government by paying their taxes.
He advised the beneficiaries of the compensation to use the money judiciously by getting a more comfortable shelter.
“It is important to explain the funding of this project. In the history of Osun, no government has surpassed our record in term of welfare of the workers.
The records are there. Despite the financial challenges, we are struggling hard to meet our obligations regarding the payment of workers salaries.
‎“When we came to office in 2010, we enacted a law which will allow us save10 percent of the total revenue of the state for the incoming generations and when things appeared difficult, we approached the State House of Assembly to amend the law in other to access the savings to fund this road project which is critical to the economic development of the state.
‎“Since inception, we have paid over N1 Billion to the people affected by separation within and outside the state capital. The disbursement is not in any way easy but as a government, we have responsibilities to pay compensation to those who have genuine claims to reduce their suffering.”
‎Speaking earlier, the Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji commended the state governor for the rapid development of the state capital which he described as unprecedented since the creation of the state and urged the affected people to cooperate with government.
‎He said those who lost property have paid utmost sacrifice for development adding that their family will be remembered for life in the history of Osogbo land.
‎Adepoju Almorruf commended the transparent process of the compensation and assured the government of maximum cooperation of the resident in the process of the construction. [myad]

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