A former Nigerian Minister of Commerce and Tourism, Chief Bola Kuforiji-Olubi has faulted an asset freezing order purportedly issued against her and some members of her family by a London court following a dispute between a company where she was a Chairman – Phoenixtide Offshore Nigeria Limited and its estranged foreign partner, Tidewater Marine International Incorporated. The ex-minister said the order issued ex-parte on March 31 by Justice Eder of the Commercial Court, High Court, Queen’s Bench Division, was intended to coerce her and her family into submission and to stop her from further insisting that Tidewater must settle all outstanding indebtedness and tax liabilities to Nigerian government and tax authorities before the termination of both companies’ relationship. Kuforiji-Olubi, who spoke through her lawyer, Ade Adedeji, said steps had been taken to stay the execution of the wrongly issued order and to have it set aside. Tidewater still operates in the country through a local company, T1 Marine Services Limited. Adedeji said it was strange that a court could grant such order without hearing form the other side. He accused Tidewater of suppressing facts before the English court especially failing to tell the British judge that there were pending cases between parties in Nigerian courts and the fact that Tidewater had appealed an earlier order by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos asking Total to pay its $12.6m debt into an account opened by the court until the determination of pending cases between parties. He said Tidewater did not only hide these facts from the court, it deceived the London court to believe that the Nigerian stakeholders in Phoenixtide, including Kuforiji-Olubi were blocking its access to the $12.6m yet to be paid by Total in view of the appeal it (Tidewater) filed. Adedeji noted that even when all business done was with PhoenixTide in Nigeria, which is a bona fide limited liability company registered in the country, Tidewater is “surreptitiously demanding payment of the outstanding amount from Total from Kuforiji-Olubi and her family when they have never had access individually and severally to those funds. [myad]
Pope Francis has said that he was deeply saddened by the massive earthquake that killed more than a 1,000 people in Nepal and expressed his solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
The pontiff’s feelings were expressed in a telegram sent by his Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Nepalese Catholic authorities.
“He expresses his solidarity with all affected by this disaster and assures those who grieve for deceased family members of his closeness in prayer,” the statement read.
The pontiff also offered encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they continue their rescue efforts and assistance to those touched by this tragedy.
Officials said at least 1,170 people are known to have died in Nepal after the devastating 7.8 magnitude quake, making it the quake-prone Himalayan nation’s worst disaster in more than 80 years.
Dozens more people were reported killed in neighbouring India and China and there are fears the final toll could be much higher. [myad]
The Chief Executive Officer of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, has made it clear that inadequate local local language and culture have been responsible for the failure of the reason Nigerian movies to get much recognition from global film awards and festivals.
Speaking as a panelist at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference alongside Wunmi Obe, Femi Falodun and Theo Lawson, Chioma emphasized that most of the movies do not have as much local language content as required to enter the Foreign Film categories at most of the world’s biggest award shows.
“We need to understand what this category is about and the criteria for entry. Movies in this category are expected to have rich cultural elements which must reflect in the language, story, music and all other elements present in the film. Although, things are getting better now, as Nollywood got an invitation from the Oscars last year, and hopefully will get a slot soon. The right film must have at least 51% local language content to be accepted into the Foreign Language Film category.”
Speaking for the music industry, recording artiste, Wunmi Obe, explained that the same reason was why only the likes of Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti, Angelique Kidjo are the ones who usually get nominated for the Grammys.
“These people are very African in their sounds and lyrics, and that is what is required for that category.” [myad]
President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC) has acknowledged the great role journalists played in actualizing the general elections across the country on March 28 and April 11, reminding them that their job is far from completed.
In a goodwill message to the meeting of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) holding in Lagos, General Buhari said that having played a role in bringing the present change about, “the work of the press is not over. The incoming administration would like the press to continue its role of watchmen and women, aggregating the views and positions of the people on national issues and presenting these as lucidly as possible through publication and other channels to the government to guide it in the onerous task of providing good governance for our people.”
The President-elect observed that Nigeria is a huge country and that no government can be able to know all that is happening across the length and breadth of the country without assistance of the media which has an impressive national reach.
General Buhari said that Nigerians appreciated what he called the moderating role played by the press at all levels, saying: “I want on behalf of our people to say THANK YOU, for a job well done.”
Part of the speech goes thus:
It is with much pleasure that I am sending you this goodwill message to welcome the members of the esteemed Nigerian Guild of Editors to your 2015 Biennial Convention.
Any meeting of the Guild is always an important national event because of the role which the Press, our very vibrant press has played and continues to play in the overall development of our nation’s democracy. As Editors, members of the Guild play the role of gate-keepers, deciding for good or ill what goes into the media, and what is kept out. Though no Editor is dictatorial or meant to be, but to ensure that there is order and responsibility, those who developed the press over the centuries in their wisdom, invested the Editor with these powers.
There is little need to start rehashing the importance of the media or press in modern democracies. However, it is important to mention that the press in Nigeria, and indeed in many countries influence millions of people daily as most people make it a habit to read a newspaper or listen to newspaper reviews every morning before setting out for the days’ business. And for many people including government officials, the reports contained in newspapers or the editorial opinion of some of the influential newspapers remain at the back of their minds and influence the basis of discussion and debate among government officials.
There is no modern society or government that can neglect the press or can function without a vibrant media. It is for this reason that most government agencies, ministries and departments as well as the Presidency or Office of the Prime Minister have press offices manned by media specialists and communication officers. Also in democracies, we are yet to see a political party that does not employ the services of journalists and media experts nor can any political party or individual seek power or mandate from the people without utilizing the services of media experts and journalists. In fact, it has become the norm, judging from our own 2015 national elections, that committed and knowledgeable media team comprising a seasoned and well-informed journalist under a good leader influences the difference between victory and defeat. This is so because for much of the election period, it is the press that the electorate listens to, and seek out to know the difference between the political parties and form their opinion about which party to vote for.
Thus, the press plays a very important role in all modern states and especially in democracies. And as more and more states strive towards improving popular participation in government, the role of the press can only but expand thereby conferring more influence and responsibility on the Editors and their Guilds or association.
It is instructive and delightful to note that this year’s meeting of the Guild is coming so soon after a major political event in our country and in which the press including the radio and television played a critical role. This was the 2015 elections for which reason all sorts of predictions and doomsday scenarios were bandied about. Thankfully the election has come and gone relatively peacefully and Nigeria for pulling it through is now hailed by the comity of nations as a modern democracy. All Nigerians including politicians are aware of the moderating role played by the press at all levels. I want on behalf of our people to say THANK YOU, for a job well done. Nigerians now have the change of government they desire and for the first time, it was possible for a party in opposition to defeat a party in power following the people’s will!
Welcome once again. I wish you, on behalf of all Nigerians, fruitful deliberations and safe journey as you return to your destinations after what I pray will be a successful Convention. [myad]
Neymar and Lionel Messi were on target as Barcelona eased their way to a 2-0 win at local rivals Espanyol to increase their grip on top spot in the Primera Division.
Brazilian Neymar struck after 16 minutes to put Barcelona on their way to victory, with Messi scoring from a tight angle nine minutes later to double the lead.
The only negative for Luis Enrique’s side was the sending off of Jordi Alba for earning two quick bookings, but the league leaders continued playing as though they had an extra man and could have extended their lead.
Atletico Madrid comfortably beat Elche 3-0 at home to resume normal service after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid in midweek.
The visitors came through the first half unscathed but fell behind to Antoine Griezmann’s header on 55 minutes. Raul Garcia doubled the lead before Griezmann pounced again, scoring a double for a third consecutive league game.
The win sees Atletico tighten their grip on third spot, while Elche remain in 14th place, six points above the relegation zone. [myad]
Nigeria’s government has taken a drastic step against South Africa over the continued attacks on foreigners in that country by recalling its High Commissioner, Martin Cobham, and his deputy, Uche Okeke.
In a statement today, the Minster of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, said that the envoys had been summoned for consultation.
The statement read: “The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, has summoned for consultation, Nigeria’s senior diplomats on tour of duty in South Africa. These are the Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Martin Cobham, and the Deputy High Commissioner in Johannesburg, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke.
“The invitation is in connection with the ongoing xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants.
“It will be recalled that the current spate of attacks began about three weeks ago, and have so far claimed some seven lives, destruction of property and created fear and uncertainty in the minds of African migrants in the former apartheid enclave.
“The South African President, Mr. Jacob Zuma, has condemned the attacks in a statement presented to the South African National Assembly. Ditto for the Zulu Monarch, Goodwill Zwelithini, whose alleged inciting comment provoked the attacks. Well meaning South Africans have also organised peace marches against xenophobia.” [myad]
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents were reported to have forced hundreds of soldiers to flee Marte, a border town along the shores of the Lake Chad.
A local official and witnesses said yesterday that the terrorists, numbering over 2,000, appeared from various directions and engaged the soldiers in Kirenowa town and adjoining communities in Marte.
Imamu Habeeb, a local community leader said: “They (Boko Haram members) fought with soldiers over the night and the fight continued today, forcing hundreds of soldiers to flee.
Another Local fighter, Shehu Dan Baiwa said the more than 2,000 fighters had been armed with bombs and tanks, adding: “they used the weapons without restraint and succeeded in killing several people.”
This is the third time Boko Haram has seized control of Marte in restive Borno state, a key battleground of their six-year insurgency, which has killed more than 13,000 and left 1.5 million homeless.
The city is among several retaken in recent weeks by Nigeria’s military, which has launched an offensive against the Islamists as part of a regional operation supported by Chad, Cameroon and Niger. But Boko Haram have been fighting back, and Nigerian troops were also forced to retreat from Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest stronghold this week after a landmine blast killed one soldier and three vigilantes.
A senior local politician confirmed, on condition of anonymity, that the insurgents had retaken Marte.
“We lost many (people) because some of our people that fled to Chad and Cameroon have return after Nigerian troops recovered the town recently,” he added. A senior military official confirmed the attack on Marte, but refused to say whether Boko Haram had retaken the town, describing the army’s retreat as “strategic.” [myad]
“Jonathan was the one who contested election, I didn’t. So, why should I die?”
These were the words of the former Nigeria Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, who campaigned vigorously for President Goodluck Jonathan for his second term bid as President of the country under Peoples Democratic Party.
President Jonathan lost to opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, General Muhammadu Buari in the March 28 presidential election.
Clark, who spoke to airport correspondents in Abuja yesterday on his way out of the country made it clear that his destiny was not tied to Jonathan’s government.
“I am alive. Today, I won’t talk about what happened before, during and after the election. That will come another day.
“I am talking to you now because I am travelling tomorrow and some people will go into the streets and say I was carried into air ambulance.
Clark was reacting to the rumour that he collapsed when he heard that General Buhari had won the presidential election, adding that he was on his way to London and had to address newsmen before another rumour crops up.
The Ijaw National leader said he was still in shock why some people could be thinking he would die when he was not the one that contested election, saying: “I am here today to tell you that I am not dead. Or am I dead? In every election, there would be winners and losers. The same thing happened during the last presidential election.
“President Jonathan that contested election had congratulated the winner and the whole world acclaimed him for conceding defeat.” [myad]
South Africa and Israel are set for diplomatic crisis over what the government of South Africa described as an outrageous decision of Israeli government to deny a visa to Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.
Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director General of Department of International Relations and Cooperation said yesterday that the Israeli government needed to offer a reason for the snubbing, adding: “we are taking it up through the proper channels.
“We need to receive a proper explanation for the denial of a visa to a sitting cabinet minister,” Monyela said.
The minister was scheduled to travel to the occupied Palestinian territories from April 25-29. He was scheduled to secure further collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and institutions in Palestine.
Nzimande’s spokesperson told local media that the denial of the visa had caused a “serious diplomatic problem.”
Naeem Jeenah, Director of Afro-Middle East Centre, based in Johannesburg, described the snubbing as “surprising” considering the two countries’ growing trade relations.
Jeenah said the Palestinian solidarity movement in South Africa “would be thrilled” with Israel’s decision “because South Africa now has to respond to this matter.”
Arthur Lenk, the Israeli ambassador in Pretoria said that South African officials routinely visit the West Bank through Israel.
Lenk would not be drawn into discussing why specifically Nzimande’s visa application was denied, though he described the minister as being “very vocal on a range of issues connected to Israel, South Africa and my region.”
The ambassador said the decision to deny the visa was made in Israel.
“The decision came from Jerusalem,” Lenk said.
But Jeenah said anything the Israelis say on the matter “could really only make the situation worse.” [myad]
Oil majors in Nigeria, under the aegis of Oil Producer Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned that Nigeria is at risk of losing $10 billion (about N2 Trillion) of its revenue from oil and gas in 2015, unless a significant improvement is recorded in the prices of crude oil in the international market.
“We estimate that if crude oil prices average $53 per barrel in 2015, compared to $77.5 per barrel in 2014, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s oil and gas revenue will decline by an equivalent of $10 billion this year, or a gut-wrenching equivalent of 30 per cent,” said Elisabeth Proust, Chairperson of the OPTS.
Proust, who was speaking at the Society for Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) 2015 Oloibiri Lecture Series in Abuja, noted that the country has already started feeling the impact of the low oil price, as evident in the slowing down or outright cancellation of a number of infrastructure projects across the country.
For the oil and gas industry to unlock its potentials and help position Nigeria to be able to attract the required investment, Proust maintained that the Federal Government has to create a conducive business environment, provide the necessary funding of joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and ensure globally competitive fiscals and domestic gas process. [myad]
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