IBB Encourages Buhari To Go After Politicians Who Stole Nigeria’s Money

August 16, 2015

Former Nigeria military President, retired General Ibrahim Babangida has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to go ahead and recover the looted treasury from politicians and leaders, and even to prosecute them.

Babangida, who spoke to newsmen today at his Hilltop mansion in Minna, Niger State to mark his 74^th birthday, also asked Nigerians to support the President in his mission to fight corruption.

“I urged Nigerians to support the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari in order to tackle the challenges of the country. I also support the move by the Federal Government to recover the country’s stolen fund as way to wipe out corruption.

“I call on the general public to support President Buhari’s fight against corruption and insecurity in the country,” he added.

The former military President recalled how some officers and men loyal to his regime assisted him to escape late Major Gideon Orkar’s coup against his administration on April 22, 1999.

“Some officers and men loyal to me insisted and took me out of Dodan Barracks to a safe house where we met other officers and men,’’ he said.

Babangida said that the officers again moved him to the house of late former Head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha, while soldiers fought the coup plotters and eventually defeated them.

The former leader commended the conduct of the last election which resulted in the triumph of the people’s aspiration for change, adding that Buhari was a winner of people’s popular mandate.

He said that the media and youths in the country contributed their quota in immeasurable ways towards the realization of this change. [myad]

New National Assembly Members Guzzle N12 Billion In 2 Months; No Bill Passed Yet

Greenbarge Reporters

August 16, 2015

Information reaching us has indicated that the national law makers in the Senate and House of Representatives may have guzzled about N13 Billion within two months after they were inaugurated on June 9 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

It was gathered that since their inauguration in June, the two chambers have gone on recess three times even as they have not yet passed a bill.

It was gathered that the 109 senators have each got N36.4 million even as each of the 360 members of the House of Representatives carted home the sum of N25 Million.

The Senators and the representatives were said to have been first paid N10 Million each in June to ‘cushion’ the difficulty of settling down in Abuja. The amount, which was to cover their expenses on housing, transport and furniture, cost about N4.6 billion.

It was learnt that in July, under a pro-rata arrangement for quarterly allowance covering June, Senators were paid N13. 4 Million each, while members of the House of Reps received N7 million each.

Before going on break last Thursday, Senators were said to have received N13 million each while Reps members got N8 million each.

Last Wednesday, senators disagreed on the recommendation by the Finance Committee to cut their salary and allowances.

The James Manager-led committee had recommended a 30 percent cut which, if accepted, would have saved tax payers about N2 billion annually. This would have translated to N2 million reductions from the N51 million quarterly allowances enjoyed under the 7th Senate or about N874 million saved from each year’s four quarterly allowances alone.

The Representatives’ reduction of their quarterly allowances from N39 million to N33 million will save the nation about N2. 1 billion, made up of N6 million reduction in each member’s allowances over four quarters. [myad]

‘I De Kamkpe,’ Boko Haram Leader, Shekau, Dares

Greenbarge Reporters

August 16, 2015

The leader of Nigeria’s Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has come out to say that he has not been killed or ousted as the leader of the group.

In an eight-minute Hausa-language message released today, Shekau refuted the claims by Chadian leader, Idriss Deby that he had been replaced even as he referred to the President as a “hypocrite” and a “tyrant.”

“It is indeed all over the global media of infidels that I am dead or that I am sick and incapacitated and have lost influence in the affairs of religion,” he said in the recording released on social media.

“It should be understood that this is false. This is indeed a lie. If it were true, my voice wouldn’t have been heard, now that I am speaking.”

Deby declared on August 12 that efforts to combat neighbouring Nigeria’s Boko Haram jihadists had succeeded in “decapitating” the group and would be wrapped up “by the end of the year”.

Deby told reporters in the capital N’Djamena that Boko Haram was no longer led by the fearsome Shekau and that his successor, whom he named as Mahamat Daoud, was open to talks.

“Gratitude be to Allah and with his help, I have not disappeared. I am still alive and I am not dead. And I will not die until my time appointed by Allah is up,” Shekau said in the message.

The SITE Intelligence Group verified the authenticity of the message, and said that it exactly resembled Shekau’s voice in previous recordings.

Shekau’s absence from Boko Haram videos in recent months has fuelled speculation that he might have been killed or wounded.

He has not spoken publicly since he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group in an audio recording released on March 7.

The Boko Haram commander refers to himself in the new recording for the first time as “leader of the west Africa wing” of IS and pays homage to its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, referring to him as the “Caliph of Muslims.” [myad]

It Is A Lie, $600 Million Foreign Loan For Rail Not Missing – Okonjo-Iweala

Greenbarge Reporters

August 16, 2015

Former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has put to lie, the allegation that $600 Million out of the $1bn Chinese loan obtained for railway projects was diverted.

in a statement issued TODAY by her Media Adviser, Paul Nwabuikwu, the former minister said that contrary to the allegation, the Kano-Lagos rail project was not part of the project listed for funding from the Chinese loan.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had last Monday, queried the Ministry of Finance over alleged diversion of foreign loans obtained for rail projects by the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari, specifically sought clarification on alleged diversion of a substantial part of a $1.005bn loan obtained from the Chinese Exim Bank for the construction of a standard gauge rail
line, linking Lagos to Kano.

But Okonjo-Iweala, who spearheaded the negotiation for the loan during her time as finance minister, said that the China-Exim Bank kept and disbursed funds for approved projects to contractors based on milestones, adding that the funds were not domiciled in the Finance Ministry.

She gave a breakdown of the loan and how it was utilised, saying that $500m was used for the expansion of four International Airport Terminals in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt; $500m for the Abuja Light Rail project; $984m for the Zungeru Hydro-electric power project and $100m for the Galaxy Backbone project.

According to Okono-Iweala, even if the alleged project was on the list of China-Exim Bank funded projects, diversion of any Chinese funds would have been extremely difficult because the terms of the contract and the processes would simply not have permitted such action.

“We have continued to receive media inquiries regarding an allegation reportedly made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar, that a substantial part of a $1bn loan obtained from the China-EximBank by the Jonathan administration for a Kano-Lagos rail project was diverted to other projects.

“I want to state categorically that there is no truth in the reported allegation. Anyone who is interested can cross-check with the China-EximBank or the Chinese
Embassy.

“It is noteworthy that even though President Buhari, in his reported comments on the allegation, made no reference to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala but rightly stressed the need for due process and transparency in the execution of public projects, a sponsored media campaign has once again been launched by political elements to make the former Minister the culprit in a non-existent
scandal.

“The alleged diversion has no substance for the simple reason that the Kano-Lagos project was not even among the projects presented for funding by the China EximBank for
several strategic infrastructural projects across the country.

“In fact, it was the Lagos–Ibadan rail project, not Lagos-Kano rail project that was proposed in the original application to the China-EximBank. But in the end, no funds were assigned for the Lagos-Ibadan rail project by the China-EximBank.” [myad]

Air Force Launches Offensive On Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest, Pushes Them Out From Fortified Bunkers

Greenbarge Reporters

August 16, 2015

Nigerian Air Force pilots are said to have launched what looks to be a final offensive on members of Boko Haram with the current bombardment of their strong hold in Sambisa Forest.

The Boko Haram members were said to have been pushed out from their fortified bunkers, deep inside Sambisa Forests at the weekend.

Competent security sources said that the raids were part of efforts aimed at ensuring that the marching orders issued by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military to flush out the deadly terrorists and their activities in the next three months is complied with.

In a series of videos, Alpha jets and attack helicopters were seen raining explosives on some targeted locations hidden under trees and open warehouses.

Unlike the standard bunkers that are fortified chambers built below the ground with reinforced concrete, some of the fortifications destroyed by Nigerian Air Force were not set below the surface of the ground but were mostly covered by logs and tree trunks.

The mission is being accomplished by the recent deployments of fighter jets and attack helicopters in the North-East.

A senior fighter pilot said: “the Nigerian Air Force pilots are in high spirit as they even compete to fly the aircrafts to defend their fatherland in their aggressive and patriotic determinations to end the Boko Haram ‘rubbish’ as soon as possible.”

It was further gathered that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar had challenged NAF pilots to prove their worth by displaying their skills and expertise in combating enemies from the air.

While addressing the pilots recently, Abubakar said the raid would be sustained consistently and aggressively until the insurgency was brought to an end in Nigeria.

The Air Force raids commenced after weeks of reconnaissance by surveillance aircraft in the mission area. The deployed F-7NI, Alpha jets and attack helicopters are intended to degrade the fighting capacity of the terrorists. [myad]

Indonesian Airline With 54 Passengers Disappears

Greenbarge Reporters

August 16, 2015

An Indonesian airline with 54 people on board is reported missing in Papua region.
Agency report said contact was lost with the Trigana Air ATR 42 turboprop just before after take-off from Sentani airport in the regional capital Jayapura.
The plane was said to be flying to the town of Oksibil in the south of the region.
There are indications that the plane crashed due to bad weather.
Those on board the aircraft included 44 adult passengers, five children and infants, and five crew members.
Spokesman of the Transport ministry, Julius Barata confirmed the disappearance. [myad]

Ahead Of December Gubber Poll: Bayelsa PDP Loses Chairman, 1,000 Others To APC

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2015

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, retired Colonel Sam Inokoba; former director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe and over 1,100 Party leaders have left the PDP for All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing a political rally today at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Inokoba said that they were crossing over to APC because the PDP-led state government has derailed from its original objectives.

He said that they were disenchanted with the leadership style of Governor Seriake Dickson, which he said had abandoned the tenets of good governances, as well as bemoaned the lack of internal democracy in the PDP. Mr. Inokoba also mentioned that PDP was bedeviled by endless intra-party squabbles and manipulation by the PDP governor.

He said that he was moving into APC with his followers from 105 wards in the state and urged the Bayelsa people to shun their qualms and embrace change.

In his remarks, Alaibe said that he was not changing for the sake of change but to steer the state from poverty to prosperity.

He said that a state as endowed as Bayelsa had no business with poverty. Mr. Alaibe regretted that the state had not benefitted from its natural endowments and pledged to work to install an APC government.

During the ceremony to receive the APC’s new members, brooms were handed over to Inokoba, Alaibe, Heineken Lokpobiri, Jonathan Omu, Nestor Binabo, Gideon Okiwe, Major Andrew Oputa (rtd.), and Charity Bolaragbo, amongst others. [myad]

Over 40, Including African Migrants Perish In Mediterranean Sea, North Of Libya

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2015

At least 40 migrants, including some African trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea north of Libya to Europe perished today in an overcrowded smuggling boat. They were said to have died apparently from fuel fumes.

The rescue ship’s commander, Massimo Tosi reported that the bodies of dead ones were “lying in water, fuel, human excrement” in the Ship’s hold.

Migrants are braving the perilous journey across the Mediterranean this year, hoping to reach Europe and be granted asylum. They are fleeing war, persecution and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Commander Tosi, who spoke from the navy ship Cigala Fulgosi while the rescue was still ongoing said: “it appears to be from inhaling exhaust fumes,” adding that the survivors included 45 women and three children.

Tosi said that among the survivors, “women were crying for their husbands (and) their children who died in the crossing.”

Prior to today’s disaster, at least 2,100 migrants died at sea this year trying to make the crossing from the shores of Libya, where human traffickers are based, to Italy. Migration organizations say the Libya-to-Italy crossing is by far the deadliest. The exact toll of dead will never be known, as some boats are believed by authorities to have gone down at sea without rescuers being aware of them.

The number of migrants trying to reach Europe by sea is on track to hit a record this year, according to the Geneva-based International Organization for Migration.

Greece has reported 134,988 arrivals from Turkey this year, the group said, while Italy recorded more than 100,000 migrants rescued at sea by mid-August. Along with other migrants landing in Spain and Malta that makes over 243,000 people crossing so far this year – compared to 219,000 for all of 2014. [myad]

Nigerian Navy Destroys 28 Illegal Refineries, 2,700 Tons Of Crude Oil In Niger Delta

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2015

Nigerian Navy has announced that within three months, it has destroyed 28 illegal refineries and over 2,700 metric tones of crude oil in the Niger Delta region of the country, even as it laments that slow pace in adjudication of cases of oil theft.

The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Aliyu Sule, who spoke to newsmen today in Warri, on Saturday, said that the destruction of the illegal refineries and crude oil was carried out in three separate operations between June and August in Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta.

Sule said that in the recent operation in Kantu forest on August13 in Warri South-West, nine illegal refineries and over 700 metric tons of crude oil were also destroyed.

He said three generating sets and five portable pumping machines were recovered in the raid.

This is the second time Kantu forest would be invaded by naval personnel to destroy illegal refineries in three weeks.

“Again, my men raided Kantu forest and destroyed nine illegal refineries and about 700 metric tons of crude oil over a large expanse of land,’’ he said.

The Commander said the determination of the navy to combat illegal oil deal was in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s zero tolerance for crude oil theft and other illegalities on waterways.

The commander also warned the perpetrators of the consequences of their actions, warning that whoever is caught would face the law. [myad]

I’m Shocked By Death Of Borno Deputy Governor – President Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock over the death, today, of the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.
The deputy governor was said to have died in the early hours of today, Saturday, in Yola, Adamawa State, in his sleep. He was to represent Borno State Government at the convocation ceremony of Modibbo Adama University of Science and Technology, Yola.

A statement by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa, said that Mustapha was also scheduled to follow up on his earlier visit to Yola, in connection with the welfare of Borno State citizens internally displaced as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency.

In a condolence message to the immediate family of the late deputy governor, Governor Kashim Shettima and the people of Borno State, President Buhari said his death saddened him.
He recalled the patriotism shown by late Alhaji Zannah who died even as he was on an official assignment in Yola, Adamawa State.
President Buhari joins Governor Shettima, members of Alhaji Zannah’s family, his friends, political associates, and colleagues in the Borno State Government, constituents and supporters in praying that Almighty Allah will receive his soul and grant him eternal rest.

Governor Shettima has also expresses his heartfelt condolence to the family of the Deputy Governor and the entire people of Borno State for the irreparable loss and appealed for prayers for the repose of the soul of our late Deputy Governor. [myad]

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