Buhari Represents Integrity, Love – Federal Government Scribe

October 17, 2015

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engineer Babachir David Lawal has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a symbol of integrity and love through whom one could learn the value of loyalty.

The SGF who spoke in his testimony during his thanksgiving service of his appointment at the ECWA Church in Wuse II, Abuja, said that the President could be extremely emotional, especially if people are suffering as he hated the idea of people suffering.

He said that he had been a long time friend of the president, but was not expecting that he would be appointed SGF.

He also described All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as generous to a fault and selfless, saying that both Buhari and Tinubu had similar character as the duo could offer the last thing they had for humanity.

On Tinubu, the SGF said: “Tinubu made an impression on me, he is generous, he will give you what you require and even more.” [myad]

Watch It, Storm Looms, Meteorological Agency Warns

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2015

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), has predicted impending stormy rains mainly around the Southern, Central and the Middle belt zones of the country in December.

The stormy weather, it warned, may cause severe damage to the environment and public infrastructure.

A statement signed by the agency’s Head of Corporate and Public Affairs, Ms. Eva Azinge, in Abuja, said the rains will dominate greater parts of coastal region towards the end of December.

“The general public is advised to avoid outdoor activities during these stormy weather as the strong winds may in some occasions
uproot trees, damage electric poles and affect building rooftops.”

Details later. [myad]

I Am Not Standing In The Way Of Amaechi’s Ministerial Screening, Wike Swears

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2015

Rivers state governor, Chief Nyeson Wike has made it clear that he has no hand whatsoever in the ongoing travail suffered by his predecessor and former governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi, at the ministerial screening by the Senate.

Wike expressed shock that the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, has been pedaling “falsehood” that he was doing everything possible to stop the former governor from becoming a minister in President Mohhamadu Buhari’s cabinet.

The governor, through his media adviser, Simeon Nwakaudu, in a statement, raised an alarm that APC has been disseminating utter lies to the public on his alleged role in Amaechi’s current political travail.

APC had alleged that governor Wike is bribing Senators to stop the clearance of Rotimi Amaechi, whose Ministerial Screening by the Senate had been deferred, asking Nigerians to disregard the report as it was a mere fabrication by a medium built on the foundation of “falsehood and sponsored by the APC to mislead Nigerians and the world.

“While it is the prerogative of Sahara Reporters and other APC sponsored media outfits to support their benefactor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, despite the glaring cases of mass corruption hanging over his head as exemplified by the White Paper on the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Valued Assets of Rivers State and other matters, they should leave Governor Wike and the distinguished Senators out of their desperate propaganda.

“Governor Wike is a law-abiding politician and administrator who abhors impunity.

“He is focused on the development of Rivers State and the recovery of all state resources stolen by former officials of Rivers State.”

It will be recalled that former governor Rotimi Amaechi is one of the few ministerial nominees whose screening has been deferred twice by the senate thereby raising dust that may be more to it. [myad]

I Wasn’t Arrested, But Honoured EFCC Invitation, Ex Governor Akpabio Explains

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2015

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, has debunked the media vibes yesterday that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying that he merely honoured an earlier invitation from the commission.

He said, in a statement that before he had an accident in August, EFCC had summoned him to respond to a petition which a young lawyer from his state forwarded to it against him.

“A young lawyer from my state has been petitioning the EFCC accusing me of corruption. So shortly before I got involved in an accident in August, the EFCC summoned me to come and respond to the allegations.

“But following the accident, I wasn’t well enough to honour the EFCC summon. And I let them know. So today, since I’m now well, and the Senate did not sit, I decided to honour the EFCC so as to answer questions concerning the allegations against me.

“I wasn’t arrested. I walked in there myself and now I’m back at home. The EFCC operatives were professional. They asked questions, and I answered.”

Akpabio insisted the allegations against him were false, saying: “those making the allegations do not understand how government works.”

The former governor, who is now Senate Minority Leader, said the lawyer who dragged him to the EFCC submitted at least four different petitions, and that it would take a while for him to respond to each of the allegations.

“So I will return to the EFCC again as necessary. I am a law-abiding citizen, and whenever I’m summoned to answer questions about how I served my people, I will always respond.

“I urge everyone who has served in public office not to be afraid to explain what they did and how they served.” [myad]

Falana Defends Brig. Gen. Enitan Ransome-Kuti, Says He Will Appeal His Conviction On Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2015

A Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana has taken up the matter of Brigadier General Enitan Ransome-Kuti that was jailed for six months in Abuja on Thursday for “loss of equipment” during the attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Baga, Borno state, in January this year.

Falana said that an appeal would be lodged against the judgment by the military panel, saying that it was “contradictory” to convict his client of losing equipment but clear him of cowardly behaviour.

“Boko Haram outnumbered his men. They had more superior weapons than the unserviceable equipment of the Nigerian Army” which prompted the withdrawal, Falana added.

Brigadier General Enitan Ransome-Kuti, a nephew of Afrobeat legend, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was convicted at a five-member court martial for, among others, for failure to discharge his duties but was cleared of a third count of “cowardly behavior.”

The attack on Baga, on the shores of Lake Chad, saw the town and surrounding villages, overrun and destroyed by hundreds of Boko Haram fighters, including a military base.

Militants were later seen in a propaganda video picking through the armoury at the base, which was used by troops from Nigeria, Niger and Chad.

Hundreds of people were said to have been killed in what was seen as the Boko Haram worst atrocity in the six-year insurgency, although there was no exact death toll. [myad]

Jonathan Sets To Float Foundation To Advance Human Development

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2015

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is planning to set up a Foundation in the first quarter on next year for the purpose of advancing human development.
In a letter he personally wrote and sent to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Jonathan made it clear that after a deserved rest since handing over the Presidency to Muhammadu Buhari, he is now out to engage in public service, especially to humanity.
He said that the ‘Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’ would also enable him to spend the rest of his life making the world better place.
The foundation, he added, would also advance the course of world peace and security.
He explained following his handing-over of power to President Buhari, he proceeded on a “long deserved break,” saying: “now well-rested, I am back to work to continue to serve and dedicate my life to promoting peace and prosperity for all.”
Jonathan said that he has set up an office in Bayelsa State where he can be reached, and that his staff are prepared to serve Chief Obasanjo and respond to his enquiries at any time.
“Furthermore, I will be devoting the rest of my life and energy to making the world a better place. I am currently finalizing efforts to set up The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. More details on the work of the Foundation will be available at the launch, which I believe should take place by the 3rd quarter of 2016.”
He then formally sought for the continuous support, counsel and cooperation of Obasanjo. [myad]

Kogi Labour Party Inaugurates Governorship Campaign Council, Vows To Win Nov. Poll

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2015

Labour Party has inaugurated the Dr. Phillips Omezia Salawu Governorship campaign organization committee for Kogi state, with a vow to win the November governorship election in the state.
The inauguration took place yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, at the Campaign Tower of the Labour Party and was performed by the State party Chairman, Mallam Ibrahim Usman, who made it clear that the party was set to take over Lugard House come 2016.
The chairman called on the members and the people of the state to ensure victory for the party, which he described as Workers Movement.
Those that were inaugurated included, Alhaji Musa Bin Usman as the Director General; Alhaji Sidi-Ali Bello, Deputy Director General (Central); Mr. Olorunmaiye, Deputy Director General (West); Mr. Mohammed Akowe, Deputy Director General (East); Mr. Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Director Unions and religious groups; Mr. J S. Tolorunleke, Director Contacts and mobilization (West), Prince Emman Omadivi, Media and Publicity Consultant; Mr. Jethro Babatola; Deputy Director, media and publicity (West); Mr. Conelius Onimisi, Deputy Director, media and publicity (Central): Mallam Abdusamad Usman, Deputy Director, media and publicity (East); Mr. D S. Sani, Deputy Director, strategy, security and intelligence central); Mr. Siaka Joseph, Deputy Director, contacts and mobilization, (West); Hajia Halimat Atta, Deputy Director, Women and Youth (Central) and Mallam Nuhu Ogirima, Deputy Director, Unions and religious groups, (Central).
The campaign Chief of Staff, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba said that LP is poised to spring surprises during the coming election even as he urged the members to be committed to ensure total success.
He assured that the campaign schedule would be followed to the letter.
The governorship running mate, Alhaji Yusuf Dabo Mamman Dantalle called on the people of the state to ensure victory of the party, even as he assured that as a man of the soil and manager of poverty, he would mobilize the people for the “real change.”
Alhaji Dantalle told his audience that as a running mate, he was not imported.
The governorship candidate, Dr. Phillips O. Salawu summarized his speech by saying: “Captain Idris Wada has history, Prince Abubakar Audu has history and I, Dr. Phillips Salawu, have history. It is left for the citizens to make the right choice.”
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Director-General of the campaign organization, Alhaji. Musa Bin Usman, pledged to work hard to ensure the victory of the party at the poll.
A statement by the director of media and publicity, Prince Emman Omadivi, said that the campaign flag off would take place soon. [myad]

I Can’t Change Nigerian Constitution To Introduce Sharia – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he has no intention of changing the constitution to introduce Sharia law in the country.

“Nigerian law does not allow for so-called sharia punishments, such as stoning and amputations. I cannot change it. I haven’t been voted by a majority of Nigerians to change Nigerian constitution.”

President Buhari spoke today in a wide-ranging and exclusive interview with Al Jazeera English’s flagship current affairs show, UpFront, denied the fact that he was in supports of the total implementation of the sharia in the country.

Answering question, President Buhari restated his pledge to defeat Boko Haram by December, saying that if the insurgents are not defeated by December, he would remain in office to defeat them.

“I will be determined to stay and fight it out. As soon as the rainy season comes, which is by the end of the year, Boko Haram will virtually be out of their main stronghold and that will be the end of it. Attacks by Boko Haram on townships, on military installations, will certainly stop.” [myad]

Alamieyeseigha Made Me What I Am, Jonathan Confesses

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2015

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has admitted that former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who died recently made him what he is today. He stressed that he is indebted to Alamieyeseigha without which nobody would have known him in the world.

The former president who spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the family of Alamieyeseigha at his residence in Opolo, Yenagoa, lamented the sudden death of his political mentor.

Jonathan, who started his political journey by serving as Alamieyeseigha’s deputy from 1999 to 2005, said he was saddened by the unexpected death of his former boss.

He said that his relationship with Alamieyeseigha was not that of a governor and a deputy governor but that of an elder brother and a younger brother, saying: “It is sad. I directly worked as a deputy governor to Alamieyeseigha. I knew Alamieyeseigha during the UNCP days when we were working for him.

“I never knew I was going to be his deputy because that was not my interest then. From that time, the political evolution in the country and the state brought me to work with him.

“And from 1999, we have been together. He always took me as his younger brother. Our relationship was not that of a governor and a deputy but it was that of a younger brother and an elder brother.”

Those who accompanied Jonathan during his visit were the Governor of the state, Mr. Seriake Dickson, his deputy, John Jonah, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Edmund Allison-Oguru, other officials of government and elder statesmen.

Alamieyeseigha’s widow, Margaret, on sighting Jonathan broke down in tears and wept uncontrollably. [myad]

Army Chief To Soldiers: Our Ability To Defeat Boko Haram Will Determine Future Of Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2015

“Our ability to stand and defeat the Boko Haram terrorists in the next few weeks will determine the future of our country. The Nigerian Army and indeed the military as the symbol of our nationhood is being challenged.”

These were the words of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Tukur Buratai, in a message to the troops engaged in Operation Lafiya Dole today.

General Burtai stressed: “the next few days will be crucial to Operation Lafiya Dole. It is also crucial to our country Nigeria. Our sovereignty as a nation is threatened.

He sounded a serious warning of what it called the impending all-out war against the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east in a matter, saying: “we cannot afford to lose the fight. We are better trained and better equipped. The whole nation is behind us. Mr President is with us. Let us remain steadfast in this noble cause. Be courageous. We must degrade and defeat the terrorists. This job must be done. We must make our country men and women proud.” [myad]

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