Against All Odds, Amaechi Sails Through Senate Screening: Says It Is Honour Whether Or Not He Becomes Minister

October 22, 2015

In spite of all the odds placed on his way, Ex-Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has finally sailed through senate screening, thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating him and considering it as a rare honour to address the Senators whether or not he is approved to serve as minister.
Amaechi was screened alongside five other ministerial nominees listed on the Order Paper issued for the day.
Speaking before questions began to come from the Senator, the former Governor said he was humbled to have been nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari to serve as a minister if confirmed.
He also said it was a rare privilege to address the Senators whether or not he becomes Minister.
Amaechi highlighted few of the achievements recorded during his tenure as Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and as Governor.
However, it was not a smooth sail for the embattled Amaechi as attempt by the Minority Leader, PDP Senator Godswil Akpabio and Majority Leader, APC’s Alli Ndume, to allow him ‘to take a bow and go’ was resisted by Senators who were aggrieved by the manner Senator Ndume presented it, referring to them as “You People.”
Senator Akpabio had said on behalf of PDP Senators that they would not have any question for the nominee.
To settle the uproar caused by Ndume’s presentation, Senate president, Bukola Saraki, apologized on behalf of the Majority Leader and thereafter allowed that nominees be asked questions.
Amaechi nomination for Senatorial screening has been dogged by controversies, occasioned by petition sent to the Senate by Integrity Group in Rivers State. The petitioner relied on the report of a Panel of Inquiry that purportedly indicted Mr. Amaechi of corruption while serving as Rivers Governor, the petitioner had asked the Senate not screen him.
Despite the fact that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, chaired by Senator Sam Anyanwu, had dismissed the petition on the basis that it is still in court, the Senate kept postponing his screening. [myad]

Tribunal Throws Akwa Ibom Into Confusion, Orders Guber Re-Run Poll In 18 Local Councils

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2015

Governor Udom Emmanue of Akwa Ibom state

Akwa Ibom state seems to have been thrown into confusion and panic as the electoral tribunal in Abuja, today, ordered a re-run of gubernatorial election in 18 out the state’s 31 local government areas. With such directive, Governor Udom Emmanuel who was declared the winner under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of the April 28 governorship election, may have been rattled.
The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Umana Okon Umana went ahead to challeng the outcome.
Governor Emmanuel took over from Godswill Akpabio who also ruled the state under PDP.
No date has been set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the re-run poll. [myad]

Abuja Villages Where Twins Are Seen As Evil And Killed

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2015

Facts have emerged to show that some villages in the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are still engaged in an old tradition of regarding twins and multiple babies as evil and killing them as they are being born.
The villages, according to information reaching Greenbarge Reporters are Yaba, Gulida, Gomani, Tepase, Dawaki, Warambi, Kiyi and Shetuko.
This was even as FCT Administration has risen to discourage such practices with the setting up of an Administration Ad-hoc Committee on what is called “Infanticide” and Twin-killing to launch a campaign to four Area Councils of the Territory where these villages are located. The Councils are Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Kuje
The FCT Director of Information and Communications, Stella Ojeme, today, led the three-week advocacy campaign against the scourge to the villages.
Ojeme, who was represented at the campaign by the Assistant Director of Information, Muktar Ibrahim, berated the residents of the Territory still practicing such inhuman cultural practice.
Ojeme used the occasion to stress the need for parents and guardians to respect human lives. [myad]

You Did Your Work Well, Past Nigerian Leaders Write Professor Jega

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2015

Former INEC Boss, Attahiru Muhammadu Jega

All living former and present Nigerian leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari, ex Presidents and Heads of State; President of the Senate; Speaker of the House of Representatives; all living former Chief Justices of Nigeria and all state governors have collectively thumbed up for the immediate chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega for doing a neat job of the 2015 general elections in the country.
The leaders, at the first National Council of State meeting under the leadership if President Buhari, resolved to write a formal letter commending Professor Jega.
Speaking to news men shortly after the meeting, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the Council commended Professor Jega for his excellent performance in office.
Mallam Shehu said the council was full of praise for Jega for presiding over elections that were generally accepted as free and fair worldwide.
He said the President directed the council secretariat to take note of the commendations.
“The council noted and commended Professor Jega for his laudable activities as the chairman of INEC.
“The President directed that the secretariat should note the commendations. A letter of commendation may later be sent to the former INEC boss.”
Present at today’s maiden meeting were former Heads of state General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.); General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.); General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd.); and Chief Ernest Shonekan as well as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Absent were former Presidents Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who earlier in the day appeared at the Code of Conduct Tribunal was also absent. [myad]

Buhari Hails Akintola Williams At 96, Says His Role In National Development Legendary

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed Mr. Akintola Williams, a doyen of the accounting profession in Nigeria for clocking 96 recently, even as he still continues to play prominent roles in the nation development.
In a message on the occasion of this year’s Akintola Williams Distinguished Lecture Series, wondered with joy that the nonagenarian is still strong at such a grand old age of 96, to be relevant through the lecture series which were established to promote integrity, professionalism and sound corporate governance in Nigeria.
The President commended Williams and the organisers of the annual lecture series on their choice of this year’s theme: “Leadership Factors And Good Corporate Governance – Key to National Growth and Development.”
The President described the theme as very apt and topical as he prepares to inaugurate a new Federal Executive Council (FEC) to drive the implementation of his administration’s agenda for national renaissance with the support and cooperation of all patriots and stakeholders in the well-being of Nigeria.
President Buhari congratulated Akintola Williams on his 96th birthday anniversary which was marked recently.
He prayed to God, who has blessed Mr. Williams with such extraordinary longevity in the service of his nation and humanity, to grant him many more years of good health and worthy contributions to the development of his fatherland. [myad]

Buhari Appoints Professor Yakubu As Chairman Of National Electoral Commission

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a professor of political history, Mahmood Yakubu as new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC.
The appointment of Professor was announced today by the governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal shortly after the meeting of the Council of State,
The new INEC’s helsman was a former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. He was also the Assistant Secretary in charge of Finance and Administration at the 2014 National Conference.
Tambuwal said that Professor Yakubu’s appointment was approved by the Council of State.
He said that other principal officers of the electoral body were also approved but did not give details.
The Sokoto governor said that the appointment of Yakubu was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and after consultation with the Council of State by the President.
He said that Amina Zakari, who has been the chairman of INEC in acting capacity would now assume the position of Commissioner representing the North West. [myad]

Golden Eaglets Wallop Chile 5-1, Advance To Knock Out Stage In U-17 World Cup Tourney

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2015

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets thrash the host, Chile, in the early hours of today at the Estadio Sausalito Vina Del Mar, with 5 goals to 1 to advance to the knock-out stage in the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Eaglets’ midfielder, Samuel Chukwueze, opened the flood of scores just 15 seconds after the kick off, recording Nigeria’s third fastest goal in the history of Under-17 World Cup.
Chukwueze performed the feat of Wilson Oruma and Kanu Nwankwo in the 1993 edition of the tournament.
Both former players scored in the 9th and 39th seconds respectively.
Brazil’s Sadilo and Relso were the holders of the fastest goal records, who had scored in the 9th and 14th seconds since 1985 when the tournament kicked off.
Kelechi Nwakali made it two from the spot in the 17th minute of the tie.
The Chileans attempted to redeem their image in the second half by controlling play but their efforts were checked by the resolute Nigerians with the Nigerian goalkeeper, Udoh, making brilliant saves.
Chukwueze again hit the Chile’s net in the 61st minute to put the game away from the opponent’s reach, just as Victor Osimhen’s double strikes in the 66th and 86th minutes sealed victory for Nigeria.
Marcelo Allende grabbed a consolatory goal for the hosts in the 81st minute, which was too little, too late to pacify the 18 million home fans.
What could have been the sixth goal was blown away by Nwakali, who shot wide from the penalty spot.
This would have equaled France’s 6-1 win over New Zealand in one of the opening group games of the tournament.
Nigeria’s Funsho Bamgboye was sent off few minutes from the final whistle as the four-time World Champions were reduced to 10 men.
Nigeria will play its final group game against Croatia on Friday, which is a mere formality, as the Eaglets have won the group ahead of the Round of 16 stage of the competition.
The Eaglets lead the group with unassailable six points.
Croatia has two points, while USA and Chile have one point each. [myad]

Buhari’s Govt. Plans A Crisis Communication Centre For Counter Terrorism – Osinbajo

Greenbarge Reporters

October 20, 2015

A crisis communication centre that provides information countering violent extremist ideology, especially in the North-East will be set up by the Buhari Administration, according to Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

He gave the hint yesterday while receiving the US Special Envoy on Counter Terrorism Communication, Rashad Hussain, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said it is critical to define and disseminate positive narratives that expose the evil of terrorism, asserting the ultimate victory of good over evil.

“For some strange reasons something that appears so completely mindless and almost insane gains currency in a way that gets regular recruits. Why the completely mindless ideology gains the kind of currency that it gains.”

Professor Osinbajo said it would have been understandable if the campaign of the terrorists preaches better life, equity and such other lofty ideas, but when the narratives of the insurgents have no such hope, it is intriguing that the message gains any currency.

He noted that there have been those who were lured into participating in terrorist acts for money, he stated nonetheless that “I have seen people who are well-to-do being recruited into terrorism.’’

He disclosed that government is going to put up a campaign involving civil societies, young people and Non-Governmental Organizations, coming together and interacting to provide positive counter narratives against those of violent groups like Boko Haram.

The Vice President welcomed the US Envoy for coming to show interest and support for Nigeria in the fight against terrorism in the country.

Earlier, the US Envoy Hussain said based on the American experience and the happenings in other parts of the world, Boko Haram has a strong propaganda in the media that has to be countered. He observed that the majority of the people have already rejected Boko Haram but the voices of the minority is being played and re-played in the media causing content imbalance. According to him, Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Barack Obama had discussed this issue during their White House meeting earlier this year in July.

He said there is the need in Nigeria to develop and disseminate content that educates and informs audience about efforts to counter Boko Haram insurgency, and projects Nigerian democratic processes as well. To achieve this, he suggested that the social and traditional media should be engaged in addition to satellite television among others in a credible way.

Also, at the Special Envoy’s meeting with the Vice President were all the three principal members of the Buhari Presidential Communication team: Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser; Mallam Garba Shehu and Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistants.

The Special Envoy was accompanied by other US officials including Ms Maria E. Bruwer, Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria and Stevie Hamilton, Deputy Coordinator, Center for Strategic Counter-terrorism Communication at the US Department of State. [myad]

We Are Sorry, The Source Magazine Apologizes To PREMIUM TIMES

Greenbarge Reporters

October 20, 2015

The Source magazine has apologized to PREMIUM TIMES over allegations that an article published by the latter was responsible for the death of Diepreye Alamiesyeseigha, ‎the former Bayelsa State governor.

In a letter dated October, 20, 2015, the magazine admitted “error of facts” in its Vol. 38 No. 02 of October 26th edition which had as its cover story an article entitled ‘Alamieyeseigha: How False Story Killed Him, His Regrets.’

In the said publication, the magazine had specifically stated: “‎An online portal, PREMIUM TIMES had recently rehashed its March 28, 2013 story and presented it to unsuspecting readers as fresh. A section of the traditional media also strangely keyed into the PREMIUM TIMES stale story and published it as fresh. Quoting the immediate past British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pocock, PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the UK government was interested in extraditing Alamieyeseigha to stand trial and that a request had already been made to the federal government to that effect.”

PREMIUM TIMES had responded swiftly, threatening a legal action against the magazine if it fails to provide unassailable proof that it indeed rehashed the story on the late former governor.

“PREMIUM TIMES is a medium built on impregnable tradition of objectivity, courage, professionalism and globally-acclaimed penchant for excellence and diligence,” Musikilu Mojeed, the newspaper’s Managing Editor, had said.

“It leaves much to be desired that a national magazine like The Source would hit the newsstands with a story that is neither true nor researched in line with ethos and ethics of journalism.”

Mr. Alamieyeseigha, 62, who governed oil rich Bayelsa State between 1999 to 2005 when he was impeached, died of complications arising from high blood pressure and diabetes in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.

“The correct story is that on March 28, 2013, PREMIUM TIMES, quoting a former British High Commissioner to Nigeria reported that the British government had not foreclosed its interest in having former Governor Alamieyeseigha extradited to the UK to face money laundering charges,” The Source magazine wrote in its letter signed by Igho Akeregha, the magazine’seditor.

”Premium Times in the 2013 report also gave a background of events culminating in how Alamieyeseigha fled the UK after he was charged to a British court for alleged money laundering.

“Curiously, some Nigerian dailies went to town penultimate week, insinuating that the UK government had made a ‘fresh’ extradition request on Alamieyeseigha. And this, naturally created panic for Alamieyeseigha, who was at the time, in the United Arab Emirates for medical check-up.”

The magazine said that the development led to a considerable interest by the media, adding that they were on the verge of going to press when they discovered that most of the mainstream newspapers that carried the report attributed their source to PREMIUM TIMES.

“But when we checked, we found that PREMIUM TIMES did not publish any fresh report different from that of 2013.

“Regrettably, our reporter erroneously wrote that PREMIUM TIMES rehashed the story. It was some national dailies rather than PREMIUM TIMES, that rehashed the 2013 story and presented it to unsuspecting readers as ‘fresh.’

“We deeply and honestly regret the embarrassment and inconvenience this mix-up has caused the management and staff of PREMIUM TIMES who we hold in very high esteem. We have also taken steps to correct the mistake in this week’s edition of the magazine.” [myad]

My Enemies Are At Work, Kogi APC Guber Candidate, Audu Alleges Attempt To Bomb His House

Greenbarge Reporters

October 20, 2015

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, has raised an alarm over what he alleged to be an attempt to bomb his house and other property.

According to the head of the media of the Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organisation, Dr. Tom Ohikere, who spoke on behalf of Audu, attempt on Audu’s house was made over the weekend.

He said in Lokoja today that hired hoodlums attempted to bomb a house and petrol station belonging to the former governor, adding that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was also planning to eliminate the leaders of the APC in the state ahead of the November 21 gubernatorial poll.

Ohikere said that the hoodlums were apprehended at Ejule in the eastern axis of the state by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

This was even as the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, had on Friday paraded about eight suspects, whom he said were planning to disrupt the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Ohikere, however, revealed that investigations showed that Prince Audu and his property were the major targets, even as he queried the true identities of those paraded by the police.

He alleged that they were not the same suspects who were arrested at Ejule with dangerous weapons and charms.

He alleged that Ojukwu never gave the complete details concerning the mission of the suspects.

The Abubakar Audu campaign spokesman therefore warned the PDP in the state to forget using any undemocratic means of remaining in power, stressing that the electorates are tired of being deceived for so long and have decided to vote for positive change in the coming governorship election.

Ohikere, a one-time Commissioner for Information in the state, enjoined law enforcement agents to be vigilant and proactive as the state moves towards the next dispensation, insisting that anti-democratic forces are hell bent on destabilising the state.

He also called on the supporters of the APC in the state to remain calm and law abiding, even as he expressed confidence that the PDP-led administration in the state would be sent packing in the forthcoming governorship poll. [myad]

1...2,0702,0712,072...2,490 Page 2,071 of 2,490