Finally, Embattled Buruji Kashamu Arrested, He Threatens To Commit Suicide If…

May 23, 2015

Nigeria Senator-elect for Ogun East, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has finally been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) even as threatened to commit suicide if the NDLEA makes any attempt to extradite him to the United States of America by force.

Men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had in an early morning raid siege at the Lekki, Lagos premises of the embattled PDP chieftain
The NDLEA operatives arrived at the PDP chieftain’s home with the sole aim of extraditing him to the United States of America, to answer drug-related charges proffered against him.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Adoke, while reacting to the development said the arrest was in order and not anti-judicial.
Buruji was initially placed under house arrest pending the time all necessary papers required for his arrest could be obtained.
Buruji Kashamu had in a statement earlier today, accused Chief Olabode George as being the brain behind the polt to abduct him, even as he kicked against the occupation of his Lagos home by men of The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The statement issued by his aide, Austin Oniyokor, said: “this morning (Saturday, 23rd May, 2015) at about 4:30am men of the NDLEA, surrounded the Lekki Phase 1, Lagos residence of Prince Buruji Kashamu to allegedly effect his arrest following a purported extradition request from the US.
“This latest onslaught is a confirmation of the alleged plot to illegally abduct him in spite of the pending suit against this illegality.
“As a matter of fact, the court has ordered parties in the matter including the NDLEA to maintain status quo until judgment is delivered on Wednesday 27th May 2015.”
“We have confirmed that they do not have a warrant of arrest, just as the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has said that it did not give any order to carry out this illegality.
“We have confirmed that this illegality is being designed and executed by Chief Bode George whose wife is the Director General of the NDLEA, all in a bid to score cheap political points.
“We urge all well meaning Nigerians to prevail on NDLEA, Chief George and his wife to toe the path of the rule of law and follow due process. Nigeria is not a Banana republic!”
The United States (US) being the bastion of democracy, the rule of law and due process should not lend itself to this kind of illegality. [myad]

Suicide Bomber Hits Saudi Mosque, Kills 20

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2015

An Islamic State group suicide bomber attacked a Shiite mosque in Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia yesterday, killing and wounding several people in an assault that threatens to fan sectarian tensions.

The bomber struck during the Jum’at prayer in Eastern Province, where assailants, linked to the Sunni extremist IS, killed seven members of the minority Shiite community in November.

The interior ministry said a suicide bomber detonated a bomb at the mosque in Kudeih, in the Shiite-majority city of Qatif, the official SPA news agency reported.

“An individual detonated a bomb he was wearing under his clothes during Friday prayers at Ali Ibn Abi Taleb mosque in Kudeih in Qatif,” the ministry spokesman said in a statement.

He said several people were killed and wounded, without giving a breakdown.

Shiite activists and witnesses gave conflicting tolls, with one saying four worshippers were killed and others speaking of 22 dead.

IS said it was behind the attack, the first time the group has officially claimed an attack in Saudi Arabia, and vowed “dark days ahead” for Shiites until militants “chase them from the Arabian Peninsula”.

IS considers Shiites as heretics.

A statement published online said “soldiers of the Caliphate” were behind the attack by Abu Amer al-Najdi who “detonated an explosives belt” in the mosque.

The United States condemned the bombing, but White House spokesman Josh Earnest said it was not immediately able to confirm it was the work of IS.

Shiite Iran demanded that the perpetrators be found and punished, and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah said it holds the Saudi authorities “totally responsible” for the bombing. [myad]

What Buhari Discussed With David Cameron When They Met In Downing Street, London

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2015

Cameron Meets Buhari — President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari and British Prime Minister, David Cameron

Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, held talks with British Prime Minister, David Cameron today at the Prime Minister’s official residence at 10, Downing Street, London.

It was gathered that Buhari and Cameron discussed the threat posed by militant group Boko Haram ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect on May 29, among other issues.

A statement released by the spokesperson of Downing Street on the official website of the UK government, noted that “the Prime Minister welcomed President-elect Buhari of Nigeria to Downing Street this morning. Both leaders congratulated each other on their recent election victories and discussed the challenges facing Nigeria.

“The Prime Minister stressed the UK’s wish to work for a stable, prosperous and secure Nigeria. The leaders discussed security in the region and the fight against terrorism, particularly the threat posed by Boko Haram. They discussed the need for a regional approach and agreed to continue working together to build the capacity of the Nigerian army, with the UK continuing to provide military training and intelligence support.

“On tackling corruption, they agreed this was a priority to ensure Nigeria’s prosperity and success,” adding that “the Prime Minister agreed to look at what technical assistance and support the UK could provide to the Nigerian government as it looks to undertake its reforms.

“They also discussed the need to tackle organised crime and the links between the UK and Nigeria.

“Finally, they talked about the challenges posed by migration from Africa to Europe and the President-elect said he would do all he could to secure Nigeria’s borders,” the statement said.

General Buhari left the country for Britain yesterday on a private visit. It is his first such trip outside the country since winning the March 28 Presidential election.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the head of the Media Team of the President-elect, Garba Shehu, said General Buhari would use the opportunity of the visit to take a much deserved rest ahead of his inauguration on Friday.

“He is expected back in the country a few days before the inauguration, refreshed and ready to hit the ground running once he is sworn into office,” the statement read. [myad]

Fuel Scarcity Grounds Nigerian Airline’s Flights

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2015

A months-long fuel shortage has led to gradual grounding of flights, starting from today, of the Nigerian Airlines.

Reports reaching us showed that many flights were cancelled today at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos, even as a passenger Twitted: “all flights suspended or canceled. No fuel. Been sitting here since 6 a.m.”

Aero Contractors airline spokesman, Simon Tunde said he did not know how many flights were canceled. The airline’s website carried an apology saying “Due to the current scarcity of Jet-A1 fuel … all our flights will not operate regularly as scheduled.”

Last week, passengers said that Air France and Kenya Airways flights diverted to Dakar, Senegal and Cotonou, Benin, to refuel on their way to Paris and Nairobi because no fuel was available in Lagos.

Nigeria produces more than 2 million barrels of petroleum a day but must import the refined fuel because it does not have enough functioning refineries. It regularly suffers fuel shortages but nothing as severe as the current countrywide crisis.

The crisis started weeks before the March 28 elections, with oil suppliers hit by tightened credit lines amid halved international oil prices, a slump in the naira currency, and unpaid government debts the suppliers claim amount to nearly $1 billion.

President Goodluck Jonathan lost the elections and suppliers fear the debt will not be honored by the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari, who pledged to fight endemic corruption.

Some of the alleged debt involves fuel subsidies that opponents say are a scam that benefited oil suppliers and corrupt government officials with no reduced costs passed on to ordinary Nigerians. [myad]

The Battle Of Sambisa Forest: Soldiers Mow Down Boko Haram, Rescue 20 Women, Children

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2015

The raging battle by the Nigerian soldiers to dislodge Boko Haram militants from the dreaded sambisa forest is reported to have yielded some positive result, with soldiers killing several militants, rescuing no fewer than 20 women and children and recovering several arms and other materials.

According to the Director of Defence Information in the Defence Headquarters, Major-Gen Chris Olukolade during the military operation in Sambisa Forest in Borno State, over 10 soldiers were, however, wounded, while one died, following explosions of land mines along the routes of advance.

”Despite continuous encounter with large number of land mines, which still litter the Sambisa Forest, troops have forged ahead with the ongoing offensive operations as scores of the terrorists died in the assault on their bases on Friday,” Olukolade said.

He said in a statement today that several of the terrorists’ weapons and equipment were destroyed during the encounter, adding that some equipment were also damaged or affected by the detonation of land mines in several points in the forest.

”A total of 20 women and children were rescued at the end of the Friday operation.They have all been airlifted out of the forest. The wounded soldiers have also been moved out for necessary treatment.

”Two major ammunition dumps, maintained by the terrorists in the forest were also destroyed, along with the four additional terrorists camps that were smashed in the operation of Friday.”

He said that an armoured tank and over 10 vehicles, of various types, being used for terrorists operations as well as 70 motorcycles and 15 tricycles had also perished during the operation.

The Defence spokesman said air and artillery bombardment of identified terrorists camps and locations in various parts of the forest, including the Alafa aspect, were still ongoing as troops continued the offensive against the terrorists.

Olukolade said that a cordon-and-search operation around Bitta, Borno State, had been intensified following an incident, where two young boys were wounded after picking up a grenade from a refuse dump. [myad]

Rev. Father Kukah Not Comfortable With Military Still Controlling Nigeria’s Democracy

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2015

The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev Father Hassan Kukah, has a serous grouse with the military people, either retired or still in service, that have refused to allow civilians to rule Nigeria in the democratic form of government the nation is running.

He said: “You know that the military has already taken away most of our years in this democracy, and as you have seen, they are still not yet through with us. After General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Muhammadu Buhari, how many more generals do you want to have as Presidents? Will civilians grow this democracy or will it be the duty of soldiers?

“My people, we must make progress and our democracy will grow. This is not anti-military rally but please soldiers, retired and serving, give us civilians, the chance to rule.

“Let those soldiers, who have retired, enjoy the benefit of their retirement and let the soldiers, who are serving, remain in the military and do very well what they set out to do when they joined the military.

Kukah spoke today at the formal presentation of a biography of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, titled Destiny Calling My Name, in Abuja..

He however acknowledged the fact that the nation’s democracy had made tremendous progress in the past years, adding: “I believe that most Nigerians must be very pleased that when it mattered, our military displayed a high sense of responsibility.”

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the courage to accept defeat in the last election to put to rest speculations that he had put some options in place as a strategy in the event that the PDP lost the election.

He also commended Badeh for assuring Nigerians of the standard of professionalism and democratic credentials of the military. [myad]

Oil Community In Bayelsa Rises Against Shell Company, Protests Over Alleged Neglect

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2015

Some youths and women inNembe communities in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have taken to the streets, protesting over alleged neglect by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and shutting down its two flow stations..

The two facilities, located along the Nembe creek 1 and 2 and said to produce over 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day, were invaded by the aggrieved youths and women.

The protesting Nembe indigenes, armed with placards with various inscriptions portraying their grievances, accused the SPDC of neglect and disregard for a signed Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).

They alleged that despite the peaceful disposition of the Nembe people to the company’s exploration activities for over 50 years, the SPDC, according to them, has failed to provide the promised electricity, water and good health facilities for the community.

The protesters were, however, dispersed with the intervention of security personnel and after officials of the SPDC met with some of the community leaders.

They agreed to meet again next week at the SPDC office in the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt to iron out the areas of disagreement. [myad]

Buhari Goes On Short Vacation In Britain

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2015

President Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari

President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari has left for Britain on a private visit, his first such trip outside the country since winning the March 28th presidential election.

A statement issued in Abuja today by the head of the President-elect media team, Malam Garba Shehu said that Buhari will use the opportunity of the visit to take a much-deserved rest
ahead of his inauguration on May 29th.

”He is expected back in the country a few days before the inauguration, refreshed and ready to hit the ground running once he is sworn into office,” he said. [myad]

Lingering Fuel Scarcity: Senate Summons Okonjo-Iweala, Diezani, NNPC Boss, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2015

Senate Joint Committees on Petroleum Resources (the Upstream Committee and the Downstream Committee) statement on Friday summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the Minister of Petroleum Diezani Allison-Madueke, to appear on Monday to discuss the biting fuel scarcity in the country.

The Joint Committee also extended a summons to the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the Managing Director Petroleum Pricing, the Regulatory Agency; and the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources to appear before them to contribute to the discussion.

Okonjo-Iweala and Madueke are expected to speak to the Committee addressing the causes behind lingering fuel scarcity, which has brought on untold hardship for many Nigerians.

The Joint Committee statement issued in Abuja, by Committee Chairmen, Senators Emmanuel Paulker (Upstream) and Magnus Abe (Downstream), explained that the invitation to Okonjo-Iweala and Madueke was as a result of the assignment given to them by the Senate to investigate the fuel crisis thoroughly.

It will be recalled that the Senate, on Thursday, directed its Committees on Petroleum Resources, Upstream and Downstream to investigate the fuel scarcity in the country and report back within two weeks.

The Senate Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi, has recently demanded the attention of the Senate over the persistent fuel scarcity crisis, and its consequences.

The statement by the Joint Committees said that it was in view of the Senate Committees on Downstream Petroleum sector and Petroleum Resources (Upstream), to investigate the matter and brief the Upper Chamber about their findings next Tuesday.

The statement further said that the Joint Committees have extended an invitation to the affected individuals, agencies, and groups was therefore necessary in order to obtain adequate information that would be needed to write their report for submission to the whole Assembly. [myad]

Don’t Betray The Trust Nigerians Repose In You, Cleric Admonishes Buhari, Other Leaders

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2015

The Deputy Chief Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja, Dr. Mohammed Kabir has advised the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to rule Nigeria from May 29 with the fear of Allah and trust, which majority of Nigerians reposed on him.
In a special sermon delivered at a special Friday prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja today to usher in the Buhari administration, Dr. Kabir called on the incoming President and other leaders at all levels not to betray the trust reposed in them by the people, adding that they would be asked to give account of all their actions by Allah on the day of judgment.
The Special Juma’at prayer was attended by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on behalf of President-elect, Buhari; the Zamfara State Governor AbdulAziz Yari; minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed; Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as well as members of the diplomat corps, military officers, royal fathers and other top government officials.
The Deputy Chief Imam quoted Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as having admonished Muslims to always remember that everything entrusted in their care as leaders; be it as family head, community leader, state governors and the President, must be accounted for before Allah.
Speaking shortly after the prayer, Vice President Namadi Sambo prayed for guidance to the incoming administration to continue with the progress and development of Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians to support the administration of Muhammadu Buhari to succeed.
Also speaking, Atiku Abubakar expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and cooperation to the President-elect, even as he asked Nigerians to pray for a successful inauguration on May 29.

[myad]

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