Bye Bye To Glamour In Governance, State Governors Resolved

July 23, 2015

Governors of the 36 states in Nigeria have unanimously resolved today to prune down the cost of governance to face the reality of the current economic down-turn.
Rising from the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, held today at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja, the governors resolved to look at so many wasteful spending, especially on overhead, with a view to removing them.
In the meeting, which was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the governors were concerned about the huge wage bill for their workers, for which President Muhammadu Buhari recently announced bailout funds to assuage.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of his colleagues shortly after over six hours meeting, governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos said the governors also resolved to rally round President Buhari’s federal government to tackle the security challenges that have bedeviled the North East and South South, as well as to seriously address the bad situation of the nation’s economy.
Ambode said that there was no template for all the governors on how to reduce the cost of governance, adding that each state would look at some peculiar situation before embarking on such reduction.
Though the governors did not arrive at a uniform method of reducing the cost of governance, it was learnt that the major thing on the agenda would be the reduction in the number of political appointees, the number of vehicles for the governors and other officials of the states as well as the daily running cost of the government, including petty contracts.

“We resolved that all states should find ways to reduce their cost of governance,” governor Ambode emphasized, adding: “we do not have a uniform template on how to reduce the cost of governance but it is very clear that states in the specific situations will find different ways and means of ensuring the cost of running governance is not as huge as it has always been.

“So, it is left for the states in their respective situation to find the different ways of cutting cost but what is important is that we cannot continue with the kind of huge burden or huge cost we apply to run our government.

“A situation where you are having a huge percentage of your budget as recurrent ‎expenditure is obviously not acceptable. And you must look for ways in reducing the cost of administration in the various states.”

Ambode said the committee set up by the council during its last meeting to probe the expenses of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Excess Crude Account under the past administration would submit its report during their next meeting.

According to a council document released at the end of the meeting, the council received a presentation from the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on the update of restructuring of bank loans for the states and payment of salary arrears.

The governor was said to have informed the council that following meetings with banks, it was agreed that existing loans should be restructured for the minimum of 20 years while salary arrears should also be restructured for the minimum of 15 years and not exceed more than 20 years.

He added that states could opt for either the bond option, which would attract market rate, or the debt restructuring option, which would attract single digit rate.

“Council resolved that a four-man team made up of the governors of Bauchi, Rivers, Ondo and Osun States are to follow up with the CBN to ensure that the issues of Excess Crude Collateral for the states are sorted out by next week Tuesday,” the statement added.

The document also indicated that a presentation made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, showed that the Excess Crude Account currently stands at $2.078 billion.

The council directed the Committee on ECA to work with the Accountant-General’s office to resolve the gaps observed in the presentation. [myad]

Anambra Police Investigate Prophet Who Allegedly Raped His Brother’s Wife

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2015

Detectives from Anambra State Police Criminal Investigation Department, Awka are currently investigating the alleged rape of a housewife by a white garment prophet who happens to be the elder brother to the victim’s husband on a farmland in Umuchu town, Aguata Local Government of the State.

The Criminal Investigative arm of the State Police Command embarked on the investigation after receiving a petition from a group known as Human Rights Awareness Initiative and Road Safety on behalf of the victim.

According to the victim, Mrs. Chinasa Okoronkwo, the Prophet identified as Pius Okoronkwo raped the victim while working on her farmland after she escaped several sexual harassment from the suspect.

Okoronkwo, who is the founder of Covenant Sabbath Mission Yaweh church with headquarters in Umuchu, however debunked the allegation saying that it was an attempt to blackmail him after sponsoring the marriage between her and his younger brother.

Chinasa on her part admitted that the suspect sponsored her marriage but stated that the prophet had another motive for sponsoring the traditional wedding.

The victim added that after her traditional marriage, the prophet approached her and told her that it was his responsibility to impregnate her despite being married to his brother.

She stated that despite her husband’s poor economic status, she turned down the offer since he was still alive and fit to get her pregnant.

The housewife further disclosed that the prophet kept harassing her until he allegedly raped her on her farm, adding that he threatened to kill her if she refused.

Chinasa affirmed that she had to seek the help of the human rights NGO so that the suspect will be made to face the wrath of the law.

Confirming the matter, Comrade Gilbert Obinwa of the Human Rights Awareness Initiative and Road Safety, said they received a complaint from the woman, adding that they had to petition the State Commissioner of Police.

Obinwa disclosed that what happened to the woman was height of injustice, adding that the police should investigate the allegation and ensure that the suspect be made to face the wrath of the law. [myad]

Scientists Discover Another Earth Planet

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2015

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced the discovery of what the most Earth-like planet yet, called Kepler-452b through its Space telescope science team. Kepler 452-b is believed to be the very first apparently rocky planet that definitively orbits a sun-like star in the habitable zone.

“Today, we’re pleased to announce the discovery of Kepler 452b: the first small planet in the habitable zone of a G type star like our sun,” said Jon Jenkins, Kepler data analyst and lead author on the new discovery.

“The Earth is a little less lonely, because there’s a new kid on the block who moved in right next door.”

Kepler 452-b circles its star—which is the same surface temperature as the sun, 10% brighter and 20% larger—at an orbital radius 5% larger than that of the Earth, and a period of 385 Earth days. With a planetary radius only 50% larger than Earth’s, there’s a very good chance this world is rocky. If it is a rocky world, it’d weigh in at about 5 Earth masses, giving this ‘super-Earth’ a surface gravity of roughly 2g.

It could have a thick, cloudy atmosphere, and surface volcanic activity.

Even more exciting than Kepler 452-b’s Earth-like characteristics is the fact that this world has spent six billion years, give or take two, in the habitable zone of its star. As Jenkins pointed out today, “that’s considerable time for life to arise somewhere on its surface or in its oceans should the conditions for life exist.”

Kepler 452 b is about 1.5 billion years older than the Earth. If it were Earth sized, the planet and its ageing, brightening star might be at a point in their evolution where liquid water would be rapidly evaporating from the surface. But because of its higher mass, astronomers believe Kepler 452-b is protected from losing water for the next 500 million years or so.

The discovery of 452-b dethrones Kepler-438 and Kepler-442b, which, as of January, were the two most Earth-like planets to date. But despite being smaller than 452-b, 438-b and 442-b orbit dimmer, M and K stars respectively.

Kepler 452-b was discovered while mining the trove of Kepler transit data collected between 2009 and 2013. So far, it’s the only known world in its system, which lies some 1,400 light years from Earth. We’re not going to get there anytime soon, but it’s fascinating to think that, off in the distant reaches of space, a world very much like our own might really exist.

Two decades ago, astrophysicist Didier Queloz of Cambridge University, a PhD candidate at the time, shook the astronomy world with the accidental discovery of a planet twice the mass of Jupiter orbiting blisteringly close to the star 51 Pegasi. It was the first exoplanet discovered orbiting a Sun-like star (and only the second exoplanet, period), and became the prototype for a class of planets known today as hot Jupiters. Over the next decade, extrasolar planet discoveries continued to trickle in as astronomers used a variety of detection tools to capture the faint footprint of large planets orbiting close to their parent stars. None of these worlds were good candidates for habitability, but their discovery nonetheless helped to rewrite our understanding of the cosmic landscape.

Then, in 2009, NASA’s exoplanet hunting Kepler mission was launched into heliocentric orbit (orbit around our sun). The mission, designed to take a cosmic ‘census’ of the Cygnus Arm of our Milky Way several hundred light years distant, identifies planets by transit photometry. This entails measuring a faint dip in starlight as an orbiting planet crosses its path in Kepler’s line of sight. Transit events are both rare and incredibly difficult to detect, as the change in starlight caused by a planet is utterly miniscule. But with a photometer a thousand times more precise than anything built before, and outside the cloud of our atmosphere, Kepler was up to the challenge.

And the discoveries began to pour in. Literally, our cosmic veil was lifted as Kepler began to discover dozens, then hundreds of worlds— some of them, rocky and super-Earth-sized worlds in the not-too-hot, not-too-cold habitable zone of their star. The first Kepler mission, which ran from 2009 to 2013, confirmed over 1,000 worlds, including 11 planets less than twice the size of Earth in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. Worlds that could, just maybe, harbor liquid water and life.

Extrapolating from Kepler’s small cosmic census, astronomers now believe there are probably a hundred billion world in our galaxy — at least one for every star. That’s an amazing find, given that fifty years ago, the notion of any extrasolar planets was considered radical.

After four years of monitoring, Kepler had lost two of its critical spacecraft reaction wheels, destabilising the scope and rendering it unable to continue staring at its fixed, distant target. But all other spacecraft hardware remained intact, and so NASA decided that Kepler would continue its mission, after a fashion, on two wheels instead of four.

In June 2014, the K2 mission became fully operational, regaining a photometric precision similar to that of the original mission. Since 2014, Kepler has pointed itself near the ecliptic plane sequentially observing fields across a wide range of latitudes in both the northern and southern skies. Until today’s announcement, K2 had confirmed 22 extrasolar planets. This had included the two most Earth-like planets to date, Kepler-438b and Kepler-442b. [myad]

Ecological Fund Office Details Ecological Intervention Challenges In Nigeria In New Book

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2015

The Ecological Fund Office has formally released a book for the purpose of enlightening the public on the series of Federal Government’s intervention projects towards securing the environment and save lives across the country.
The 212-page compendium titled: “Saving Lives and Securing the Environment: Chronicle of Federal Government’s Ecological Interventions,” documents some of the lifesaving efforts and activities of the Federal Government, aimed at taming our environment and ecosystem.
The six-chapter book, published by Thinkers Communications on behalf of the Ecological Fund Office, recalls Nigeria’s ecological problems which include soil erosion, floods, oil pollution, water and air pollutions, waste mismanagement, drought, desertification and afforestation, and the consequent establishment of Ecological Fund Office under the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and supervised by the National Committee on Ecological Problems (NCEP).
According to a press statement signed by John Moses on behalf of the Publishers, the book also contains a comprehensive list of government’s intervention programmes .
“These include rehabilitation of Kargo and Rijana dams, flood and erosion control at Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki, Ngeloke river flood control, Nri gully erosion control. Nimo gully erosion control, Oruruala Iguduasa erosion and flood control, internal road drainage at Alvan Ikokwu College of Education, remediation of polluted sites at mining impacted areas in Bukuru, Banga soil erosion and flood control and gully erosion control at Abia State University.
Others are Nkisi water works, Umuozu-Ugiri erosion control, Okpolo/Ire erosion contro, Saint Kizito Secondary School erosion control, NekedeUmumhagu gully erosion, Ururuala/Ogudousa erosion control, Kubani dam rehabilitation, concrete drainages and culverts at Eastern Naval Command, Utuoke Phase II project, afforestation programme, solar powered model village Katsina, Daza Machilla erosion and flood control and the medical waste disposal incinerator in Katsina that was replicated in 25 states of the federation, among others.” [myad]

Ex Federal Government Scribe, Aminu Saleh, Dies At 86

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2015

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and elder statesman, Aminu Saleh is dead. he died today at the age of 87.

He died at the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State after a brief illness.

Aminu Saleh served as SGF under the regime of late General Sani Abacha.

A family source, who spoke in confidence, said the remains of Saleh would be buried later this evening according to Islamic rites.

He is survived by one wife, 13 children and many grandchildren, among whom is the immediate past Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Sagir Saleh.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, has described the death of the elder statesman as a great loss to the country considering his wealth of experience.

Yuguda said that the death of the former SGF was a monumental loss not only to his immediate and extended families, Katagum Emirate and Bauchi State, but the entire country, considering the late Saleh’s contributions to the socio-political and economic development of the country over the years.

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Adeyemi, the ex-governor recalled that he enjoyed fatherly advice from the late Saleh during his eight years tenure as the Governor of the State.

He added that the ex-SGF was always frank and straight forward on matters that bordered on good governance and leadership. [myad]

We Have No Excuse Not To Run Good Economy, Says Vice President Osinbajo

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2015

Nigeria Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said that there is no excuse why Nigerian leaders cannot manage with success, the economy of the country just as leaders in other advanced nations have been doing.
Professor Osinbajo who spoke today while receiving the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on a courtesy visit to his office at the Presidential Villa, emphasised: “good economies are run by men not spirits: men and women like you and I, flesh and blood. There is no reason why our country cannot be well run.”
The Vice President stressed that the key towards the attainment of sound economy and prosperous country is the rule of law.
“We insist that the rule of the law be maintained, that no one is above the law. Nobody is above the law. It is the first rule, the President has committed himself to this. He said it yesterday again in the US, that nobody is above the law.”
Professor Osinbajo emphasised that if somebody is held according to law, the country should support it, adding: “Let us support what is good and right for the country
Osinbajo commended the important role the road transporters play in the nation’s economy, adding that the union is one of the truly national organisations that Nigeria can boast of.
He said that members of the union have provided the most accessible form of transportation for the people.
Professor Osinbajo said: “your role comes with a great deal of responsibility and with tremendous opportunity.”
He said that one of the things President Muhammadu Buhari has said consistently is that “our elites must understand that every privilege comes with responsibility, like maintaining the peace and stability of this nation. Without the peace, none of us can function.”
To this end, the Vice President restated the Buhari administration’s resolve to see the end to Boko Haram insurgency, adding: “I believe we would see the end of Boko Haram, because we hold ourselves responsible to ensure that the insurgency does not continue.”
He advised NURTW members to remain vigilant, because “those who are being used for the attacks, the children, are conveyed from place to place.
“These are children who don’t even know what they are doing. We can’t call them suicide bombers. They don’t know they are bombing themselves.”
The Vice President asked the NURTW delegation to educate the people, drivers, people involved in transportation, to spread the message that they should be careful about carrying goods which they cannot identify, and to report suspicious movement of people to the authorities.”
According to him, government will provide access to members of the union in order to pass on useful information.
The President of the union, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, commended the government of Buhari for adopting various strategies aimed at addressing corruption and security challenges facing the country.
The NURTW leader said that the union has implicit confidence in the Buhari Presidency’s ability to meet the challenges ahead, and transform Nigeria. [myad]

How America Aids And Abates The Escalation Of Boko Haram War – President Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the United States of America for resorting to what he called “blanket application of the Leahy Law on the grounds of unproven allegations of human rights violation for the escalation of Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.
“The blanket application of the Leahy Law by the United States on the grounds of unproven allegations of human rights violations levelled
against our forces has denied us access to appropriate strategic weapons to prosecute the war against the insurgents.
“In the face of abduction of innocent school girls from their hostels, indiscriminate bombings of civilians in markets and places of worship, our forces have remained largely impotent because they do not possess the appropriate weapons and technology which they could have had, had the so called human rights violations not been an obstacle.”
President Buhari who addressed the United States Institute for Peace, in Washington DC today as he concluded his four-day official visit to the United States said: “unwittingly, and I dare say, unintentionally, the application of the Leahy law amendment by the U. S. Government has aided and abated the Boko Haram terrorist group in the prosecution of its extremist ideology and hate, the indiscriminate killings and maiming of civilians, in raping of women and girls, and in their other heinous crimes. I believe this is not the spirit of the Leahy Laws. I know the American people cannot support any group engaged in these crimes. I therefore strongly appeal to both the Executive Arm and the US Congress to examine how the US Government can provide us with far more substantial counter-terrorism assistance with minimal strings.
“The longer we delay, the deadlier the Boko Haram gets. At all events, we have re-written the rules of engagement protecting the rights of combatants and in particular safeguarding civilians in theatres of conflict.”
Reacting to a question after his address, President Buhari assured that he would work very hard to sustain the current goodwill his government had received at home and abroad, adding that despite his perceived slowness and the reality of lack of resources, he would work very hard “so that people will see and believe that we are trying and can deliver and hopefully become less critical.”
The Nigerian leader acknowledged the huge challenges confronting his administration such as the crash in the price of crude oil, its theft, pipeline vandalisation in the Niger Delta, hostage taking and insecurity in the North East, even as he restated his determination to sustain the goodwill by working very hard.
“And I believe I will succeed,” he declared emphatically.
“Despite our current challenges, Nigeria’s commitment to good governance, anti-corruption, democracy and security of lives and property remains firm. Similarly, I must reaffirm that despite the current challenges that we face domestically, we are ready and willing to face our duties…Fixing Nigeria’s problems as formidable as they are is the responsibility of Nigerians. The international community can only assist, but the hard work belongs to Nigerians and their government. I will as President, lead from the front, but all Nigerians, including the opposition parties, civil society, business and religious leaders, public servants, labour unions, the youth and professional associations all have important roles to play to get our country back on a sound economic footing.” [myad]

INEC To Test-Run Its Improved Processes With Kogi, Bayelsa Governorship Elections – Amina Zakari

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2015

Acting Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Hajiya Amina Bala Zakari, has assured that INEC will use the opportunity presented by forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections to continue to display its improved processes and rigour.
The Acting Chairperson gave the assurance yesterday while delivering a keynote address at the public presentation of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room report on 2015 general elections, with support from British Department for International Development (DFID). It was held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.
Amina Zakari explained that the Commission will apply lessons learnt from previous elections in raising the bar during the Kogi and Bayelsa outings.
“In conducting elections in both states, the Commission will apply lessons learnt from the previous elections beginning with the stand alone governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states, and the General Elections.”
She explained that the Commission will continue to encourage participation in the electoral process, pointing out that INEC will carry out Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in both states, and “those registered will have their cards printed in timely fashion and voters’ transfers will also be supported for those two states.”
She called for continued support from Development Partners and Civil Society Organisations towards improving the electoral process, even as she assured Nigerians that INEC, in partnership with the key stakeholders in the political parties, security and civic organizations will strive to ensure that both elections in Kogi and Bayelsa are transparent and well run.
The Acting Chairperson warned that electoral malpractice will not be tolerated, as the Commission will continue to drive transparency and effectiveness.
“Any INEC official found wanting in the tribunals will be punished to the full extent of the law,” she said.
She disclosed that the Commission’s transitional plans needed to lay the foundation for the future.
The key areas she mentioned include:
· A continued drive for improvement of our internal processes
· Staff re-orientation and Training
· Push for recommendations to the National Assembly (NASS) on electoral reforms such as ballot access restrictions to reduce voter confusion and diaspora voting
· Increased use of technology building on the card reader and e-Track processes introduced in 2015
· Improved internal and external communications to drive improved awareness with the public and staff
· And most importantly, a continued inclusive process with all stakeholders (political parties, civic organizations, security personnel, the NYSC, etc.)
The high point of the event was the presentation of an achievement award to the immediate past chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, by the Situation Room of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).
Professor Jega was full of appreciation for the recognition and called for continued support for the leadership of the Commission to consolidate on its previous success. [myad]

Ndigbo group Writes Buhari, Seeks Probe Of Anyim’s Alleged Possession Of 200 Houses In Abuja, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2015

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim

Ohaneze Ndigbo Christian Youths In Diaspora (UK Chapter) has written a petitioned to President Muhammadu Buhari, asking him to probe the alleged illegal acquisition of wealth of over 200 houses in Abuja, including the 4 Star Barcelona Hotel in the highbrow serene suburb of Wuse 2 by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim.
The group’s petition signed by its President General, Brother Cosmas Elechi alleged that the former SGF acquired all the properties while in Office in direct contravention of extant Civil service rules against the abuse of office and corrupt enrichment by Public Servants.
“We refer Mr. President to the various allegations of fraud in the Office of the Secretary of the Federation when there are multiple instances of fraud and allegations of loss of N12 billion in 4 years namely:
“We also refer Mr. President to the Niger Delta Development Commission where the commission lost over N70 billion in 4 years to the SGF’s office.”
The group raised some posers in the petition allegedly linking the former SGF to the centenary Housing project and other deals.
“we would like Senator Anyim Pius Anyim to answer the following questions truthfully.
:Does Anyim own any shares in Centenary City project? If yes, what was his consideration for procuring the shares? If yes, did he disclose his interest to the government? Non-disclosure is a criminal breach of office which he sworn to as a public servant.
“Did the Board of Directors of NEPZA approve Centenary city as a free trade zone?
“Is the Centenary city part of the Abuja master plan?
“For the Centenary city to be a free trade zone, the C of O should be in the custody of the Federal Government, where is the C of O?
“Is it lawful to use the C of O as collateral in a bank for a loan?
“If the Centenary City is his personal asset (he should please disclose). The CBN and Finance Ministry are yet to trace any financial record of direct foreign investment into the Centenary City Project till date.
“Why should Senator Anyim foist a residential estate in the Federal Capital territory on the Federal Government as a free Trade zone thereby depriving Nigeria of duly earned customs duty revenue and directly killing our local industries and divesting our youths of jobs?”
The petition further claimed that “When Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation in 2013 promised, on behalf of the Federal Government that the Centenary City project will be handed over to investors, people at the Investors Forum never knew he was handing over the project to himself.
“This phantasm project covers an estimated 300,000 hectares of Abuja land (about two kilometers away from the Airport) which is in excess of $4 billion. The project is not a Public Private Enterprises as made to be believed by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.”
The petition also mad further damning claims by saying:”Centenary City is alleged to be a joint venture between the Federal Government and Eagle Hills to create the city of the future in Abuja but investigation shows that the Centenary City PLC project is owned by Company First Limited represented by Esther Onoji as a Director with 16 Emmanuel Onoti Crescent, Olokonla, Ajah, Lagos State as registered address and Basic Start Limited represented by Jennifer Onah as a Director with 49/51 Carter Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos as a registered address.
“Basic Start Limited with Corporate Affairs Commission registration number 845727 was initiated registered on the 18th September, 2009 with 4th Floor, 009 Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi as registered address. Its initial capital was Ten Thousand divided into 5,000 shares respectively, owned by Mr. Paul Oki and 5,000 to Mrs. Boma Ozoba. The company’s share was later bought over by the aides of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Esther Onoji and Jennifer Onah in 2013 and share capital increased to 1 Billion shares for the purpose of defrauding the Federal Government in the Centenary City Projects.
“The company, Centenary City PLC was registered with 17A Wumego Crescent, Off Christ Avenue, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State as her address and had the under listed as Directors and there is no single share allocated to any of the Directors. The Directors includes Mr. George Marks (Julius Berger), Mr. Cletus Ibeto, Alhaji Abduslam Abubakar (Former Head of State), Mr. Olatunde Ayeni (A close associate of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan), Mr. Hani Tanios Saliba, Emmanuel Ochela, Adetokunbo Kayode, Ugochukwu Anamelechi Nkwocha.
“If Eagle Hills claimed that they have appointed Julius Berger Nigeria PLC as a key collaborator and developer of the multi-billion dollar city, why is the Director of Julius Berger, Mr. George Marks named a Director in the Centenary City PLC registration with CAC?
“Esther Onoji and Jennifer Onah who work respectively for Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (have) 125,000,000 shares respectively.
“Search at the Corporate Affairs Commission indicates that Centenary City PLC (owned by Company First Limited and Basic Start Limited) had registration number 1109159 but the date of incorporation cannot be ascertained since there is no Certificate of Incorporation in the file but was registered in 2013 from the documents available in the file at the Corporate Affairs Commission [CAC].
“The Centenary City was not registered as a Free Trade Zone and there is no indication with the Corporate Affairs Commission that the Centenary city is free trade zone. Also, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority [NEPZA] has confirmed that it did not receive any application from the Centenary City applying for Free Trade Zone; moreover, the Centenary City is not qualified as a Free Trade Zone.”
According to the petitioners,”The scheme of declaring the Centenary City as a Free Trade Zone is to give waiver to the owner which has been robbing Nigerian Government of Revenue; running into trillion of Naira and industrial growth. No single dollar through Foreign Investment has been received from the Centenary City project since 2013, rather the owners; Esther Onoji and Jennifer Onah who work for Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been using the Certificate of Occupancy as collateral to borrow money within the country.
“Although a Board member of Eagle Hills, Mohamed Alabbar claimed that Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has been appointed as a key collaborator and developer of the multi-billion dollar city yet Julius Berger PLC has been using the assumed Free Trade Zone status to evade import duties for technicians, labour, machines, cement etc. Nigeria has lost over 300,000 jobs through this fraudulent act!
“The earlier the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari withdraw the purported Free Trade Zone status, cancel the Certificate of Occupancy and investigate the whole deal behind the Centenary City project; the better for the country. This will save the country economy over N100 trillion for the administration.”
In the petition, the group said: “it is trite to mention that at an auspicious reception organized in honour of Senator Pius Anyim, the former Secretary to the Federal Government by Ndi Igbo Community recently by eminent sons and daughters of Ibo land e.g. Chief Jim Nwobodo, Chief Festus Odimegwu etc. The Guest were surprised by the disparaging remarks the revered Guest of Honour Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim made about former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
“We would like to advice Sen. Anyim to please leave President Jonathan alone and not join issues with him over his untoward ambition to be the Nigerian President in 2019.”
Apparently , the petition is a fall out of a media war between Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and alleged supporters of Anyim. The group which fired a petition to Buhari however defended Ojougboh thus :”For the avoidance of doubt a brief history of Dr. C .Ojougboh is necessary. He is from Agbor in Ike South LGA in Delta North. He is a medical doctor by profession. He is also known as a man who speaks the truth courageously and says it fearlessly.
“He has a reputation for being uncompromising with the truth. This is why Nigerians applauded him over his famous press conference on why PDP lost at the just concluded elections.
“Dr. Cairo Ojougboh is not in possession of any property belonging to NEPZA or the Federal Government. He has since returned the project vehicle which he was given as the Chairman of NEPZA.
“Dr. Cairo Ojougboh is not a political jobber, he stands by the Christian ethics of “if ye know the truth, the truth shall set you free”.
“Allegations that Dr. Cairo Ojougboh tried to kill Hon. Nduka Irabo are untrue and unfounded.
Ndigbo Ohaneze however told Buhari in its petition that it “ is aware of the animosity and the war between Sen. Pius Anyim and former Governors of Ebonyi State, Sam Egwu and also Governor Elechi because they refused to pay Senator Anyim ‘Protection Money’”.
The group also accused Anyim of plotting for 2019 presidency through unprintable ways. [myad]

Buhari To Obama: Same Sex Marriage In Nigeria – Over My Dead Body

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2015

Report is just reaching us that the American President, Barak Obama whispered the issue of legalization of same sex marriage in Nigeria to the visiting President Muhammadu Buhari, but that the guest quickly dismissed the proposal.

According to the special adviser to President Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the issue of gay marriage was discussed during Buhari meeting in the US but that he outrightly rejected the offer.

“The issue of gay marriage came up here yesterday. PMB was point blank. Sodomy is against the law in Nigeria, and abhorrent to our culture,” he posted on his Twitter handle.

Details soon. [myad]

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