Edwin Clark Congratulates General Buhari, Says Nigeria Must Move Forward

April 7, 2015

Ijaw leader and former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark on Tuesday congratulated president -elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on his victory in the just concluded March 28 presidential election.

In a letter dated April 3 2015,which he personally signed, Clark said: “I am pleased to join our other compatriots in this country and friends from the international community to convey my words of congratulations to you and your party, the All Progressives Congress.

“I note that the election was keenly contested but the outcome has been determined by INEC, in the exercise of its statutory duties. We must therefore move forward in the interest of peace, unity and progress of our country.

“I have noted that this is equally the position which you so well stated during your acceptance speech at the collection of your Certificate of Return.”
‎The Ijaw leader further said, “I am glad that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was so gracious to beat the gun in congratulating you, both by a historic telephone call and a national broadcast, underlined the need for the spirit of placing our national interest above individual or group ambition.

“This was an uncommon display of purposeful leadership and patriotism which I believe sets a propitious cue for the new government.

“This act of statesmanship and honesty of purpose no doubt went a long way to disappoint our detractors both within and outside our country who thought that the result of the elections will not be accepted by any of the two major contestants and thereby create a chaotic situation in the country and satisfying those prophets of doom who felt there will be no more Nigeria after the 2015 General elections.

[myad]

Jonathan Threatens To Crush Anybody Intimidating Nigerians on Who To Vote For In April 11 Governorship Election

Greenbarge Reporters

April 7, 2015

Ahead of Saturday, April 11 governorship and State Assembly elections, President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against intimidation of electorate by anybody anywhere in Nigeria, saying that his government will not condone such act.
The President, who called on all Nigerians to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding, condemned what he called “the very unseemly attempt by some politicians, groups and individuals to intimidate others, heat up the polity and cause public disorder and disaffection in the aftermath of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.”
Speaking to newsmen today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Jonathan felt particularly concerned over what he described as “negative triumphalism” that has been put on display by certain elements since March 31, which he said, flies in the face of his personal commitment to post-election peace, unity and national stability.
He called on all those, who through their actions and utterances, have been promoting divisiveness, sectionalism and ethnic hatred in the country following the outcome of the March 28 elections, to cease and desist from actions that detract from the true spirit and culture of democracy envisioned by patriotic men and women of goodwill in Nigeria.
This is even as he condemned “the undue harassment of public officials serving under his administration and urges all affected persons to continue to perform their lawful duties without fear.”
The President cautioned that “this should be a time for the healing of political wounds in the overriding interest of national unity, stability and progress, not a time for ethnic jingoism and the settling of scores.
“The Federal Government will not condone any attempt to instigate a crisis in any part of the country in furtherance of personal political ambitions.”
President Jonathan assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to national progress and the entrenchment of the best values of democracy for the good of all Nigerians.
He asked Nigerians to go out en-masse once again on April 11 to vote for candidates of their choice in the Governorship and State Assembly elections with the confidence that his administration will do all within its powers to ensure that they do so in peace, without threats, intimidation or violence from any quarters.

[myad]

How The Presidential Campaign Threatened My Life – APC Information Strategist, Garba Shehu

Greenbarge Reporters

April 6, 2015

Director of media and publicity to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu has opened up, saying that the 2015 Presidential campaign was the most fearful he had ever witnessed.

Speaking with Sunday Vanguard, Garba Shehu, who was central to the election of Buhari by way of information dissemination and management, emphasized that the campaign was the fiercest he had ever witnessed since he debuted into partisan politics.

“I can say that the President acted with grace. He surprised us because we never expected that they would accept defeat. In fact, the sense everyone had was that they probably had plan A, B, C or D. And in any case, with the kind of thing that Mr. Orubebe did at the collation center, you knew that even when the President had grace, given the chance with the community of people around him, they could have threatened this democracy.

“Look, I have been involved in presidential campaigns about three or four times in the past, the difference is that this is the most fearful campaign that I have ever experienced. This is the most life threatening campaign because we were dealing with opponents we thought would stop at nothing because they were throwing everything into it.

“So, we were not taking anything for granted. It affected our lives. Would you see me in a night club? You couldn’t risk it because you didn’t even know who was trailing you. And it came as a huge relief.

“Again, we were getting security reports from our own sources. Until the President said ‘I concede’ and congratulated Buhari, we felt every minute that something wrong would happen. There was a clear and discernible threat to democracy as a system of government.

“Look, everyone felt concerned because, what if, God forbid, he declared a coup? These scenarios had been laid before Nigerians. Mr. Okupe, the Special Adviser to the President, was he not on Youtube, recorded on video, saying that Buhari will never become President? What do you take that for? It means that Buhari would win and they will take it away from him.

“This careless talk, arrogant display of power, it had come from the Villa. Many sources with linkages to power: Asari-Dokubo, Chief E.K. Clark and all of them, were they not sounding words to the President? They had said it that they would take away their part of the country from Nigeria if Buhari won.

“But for the President to have come and say ‘I accept defeat as the leader of the country’; that had an effect of really calming things down. And that’s why, whether they like it or not, President Jonathan has written his name in gold in so far as this is concerned.”

Shehu assured that the president-elect would not avenge the attacks on his person by the allies of Jonathan, saying there was enough work to do to meet the aspirations of Nigerians than pursuing mundane things.

[myad]

General Gowon Gives General Buhari Assignments

Greenbarge Reporters

April 6, 2015

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has asked the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC) to move fast to address the immediate challenges facing Nigeria.

“Nigerians wanted a change, so Buhari must offer that change. They complained of corruption, insecurity and a slow economy. The new helmsman must address these issues.’’

General Gowon, who spoke in Jos today, wished Buhari divine wisdom, even as he challenged him to strive to do better than his predecessor so that Nigerians would see and feel the difference.

The former Head of State said that the peaceful conduct of March 28 Presidential poll has shamed doom-day sayers who predicted that Nigeria would break up in 2015.

“No one will ever repeat that wild and arrogant prediction that Nigeria will go under; those doomsayers have been shamed and Nigeria will grow from strength to strength’’, Gowon said in Jos.

Gowon said that those that made the prediction did not reckon with Nigeria’s ability to solve its problems, adding: “the nation has always had the mechanism to tackle its concerns and this election and its peaceful outcome have proved that a united and focused nation would always survive and move toward greatness.”

The former Head of State expressed happiness that the polls were adjudged free and fair by local and international observers, and commended the patience and resilience of the voters, who defied rain and the scorching to cast their votes.

“During the elections, I visited polling units in Asokoro, Karu, Nyanya, Maitama and Wuse; the people came early and in many cases waited for INEC officials that came late. I was touched by such commitment.

“I was also touched by the good spirit and camaraderie amongst the voters as they waited to vote; I was also happy that they were very friendly and did not allow their political differences to tamper with the fact that they all had one destiny’’, he said.

Gowon also commended INEC officials, especially the NYSC members, for insisting on doing the right thing, and urged Nigerians to keep that spirit so that democratic governance would come of age.

He specially praised President Goodluck Jonathan for quickly calling to congratulate the winner, and described that step a “very soothing balm that ended all fears and anxieties.’’

“The President’s gracious congratulation saved Nigeria from violence. That good wish was very timely and saved Nigeria’s democracy.

“There is no doubt that it set the tone for peace because the situation would have been otherwise if he had remained silent and allowed his supporters to interpret that silence their own way.

“It is something that has never happened in Africa, and definitely not in Nigeria, so we must respect that spirit and challenge other politicians to emulate it,’’ he said. [myad]

Fayose Dares Lawmakers: You’ll Have To First impeach God Before Removing Me

Greenbarge Reporters

April 6, 2015

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has dismissed the impeachment notice served on him by the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, saying that he is yet to be served any impeachment notice.

This is even as he made it clear that whoever wants to impeach him should first impeach God, describing himself as an Israelite.

“I’m like Israel that is in the midst of enemies but will always prevail. Whoever wants to remove me will first have to impeach God.”

He said the APC people were trying to get at him because he wholeheartedly supported President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid. They are doing all these just to get at me because of my support for President Jonathan and I have no regret for supporting the president.

“Let me say it again, I have not been served any impeachment notice. The House of Assembly is also on recess and Dr Adewale Omirin is not the speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Fayose, who spoke at a participatory programme; “Meet Your Governor” aired on the State Television, EKTV, Ekiti Radio, Progress FM and NTA, Ado Ekiti today, described those plotting his impeachment as the same enemies of Ekiti State that plotted his exit from office in 2006.

“Nobody served me any impeachment notice. I only saw the notice online like every other person.”

While urging the APC to accept defeat as done by President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP, Governor Fayose said: “by the power of God, they lost 16 – 0 on June 21, 2014, they lost 16 – 0 again on March 28, they will lose 26 – 0 on Saturday, April 11.” [myad]

How To Move Mining Sector Of Nigeria Economy Forward, By Ibrahim Biu

Greenbarge Reporters

April 6, 2015

The Nigeria mining sector is a formidable one with a very bright prospect, but needs government intervention in the areas of infrastructures and effective mobilization of its operators so as to achieve maximum results.
One of the ways to achieve good results in this area is through bringing identified illiterate miners close to the government so as to utilize them and their expertise to secure a lot of revenue. It is said that government generates reasonable revenue from that sector through the joint effort of some of the professionals who are educated but fewer in number than their uneducated counterparts.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-sciences, Jos Engr. Umar Saidu Bamalli has consistently spoken on how illiterate miners who are involved in mining activities throughout the
country can be helped. Bamalli says that by giving a little bit of training to these illiterate miners the country could benefit from what they know. This action will also reduce if not eliminate the activities of the artisanal miners.
The Chief Executive Officer suggests that government should bring all the miners into organized groups capable of accessing bank loans and assistance. This writer absolutely believes that such a measure if
sustained is the panacea for the illegal mining.
No doubt the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Jos has been doing its best to improve the lot of miners both in formal and informal sectors through rigorous training like giving them lectures, workshops and providing them with some necessary assistance which will help them in their
mining efforts.
It must be noted that most of the miners are not educated but they know where the mines are located and are conversant with the mining processes. Therefore, for Nigeria to benefit from the sector, especially as regards to achieving set objectives, Bamalli’s agency decided that the best thing to
do is to train and re-train these group of illiterate miners spread across the country.

It is believed that when they are trained and given a little bit of assistance, the mining sector will blossom and then the government as well as the miners will now start to get the revenue envisaged from the mining sector.
Bamalli said it was in realization of the fact that his agency found it necessary to be interacting with them both formally and informally as well as providing them with basic training on how to successfully carryout their jobs in such a way that it will be helpful not only to them individually but to the whole country since according to him the more educated and trained the miners are the more useful they will be to all of us.
It could even be argued that not much has been achieved in this sector because of some of the problems already highlighted which the agency is tackling now.
Almost all the actions taken or about to be taken by his agency concerning the activities of the miners are all in-line with the vision and mission of the agency which among others include the development of the mining sector, mobilization of miners into effective groups and proper implementation of
policies of government.
However, Engr. Bamalli argued that no matter what any person can do, there is need for individual miners and their respective associations to comply and fully obey all the by-laws and other regulations enacted by the government for operators in the mining sector. The CEO argued that nothing
or little will be achieved if the operators do not abide with such laws and regulations which were essentially put in place to guide them.

His agency is responsible for enlightening and sensitizing these miners on the laws explained above and will not hesitate to continue doing so since according to him the overall success of operators in the mining sector depended mostly on how they obey the laws and co-operate with government agencies
charged with the responsibility of putting in place variables that will help to develop the mining sector.
Though the federal government is on the right direction on achieving its mining objectives, it is important for the government to ensure adequate provision of basic and critical infrastructure like good roads and electricity.

The chief executive officer of the Jos mining institute, engr. Bamalli was in full support of what the government has being doing on the actualization of its mining policy, however emphasized that providing a conducive atmosphere will encourage investors to patronize the activities
of miners in Nigeria.
He is also of the view that provision of such critical infrastructure will lay the solid foundation required for the expansion of mining operations all over the country. Another issue which engr.
Bamalli is a member of the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (United Kingdom) – IOM, European Association of Geosciences and Engineers (EAGE), and other
mining societies in Nigeria.

Israel Pledges To Support General Buhari To Fight Against Corruption, Terrorism

Greenbarge Reporters

April 6, 2015

The State of Israel has expressed its willingness to assist Nigeria in the fight against corruption, terrorism and in the development of agriculture sector. This was contained in a congratulatory letter, signed by President Reuven Rivlin and delivered to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari today in Abuja.
The Israeli leader noted that the two countries are facing similar dangers and challenges in their daily struggle against those who want to terrorize the citizens.
“The latest news regarding the Boko Haram-ISIS alliance underscores the need for like-minded countries to unite in the fight against such radical terrorist organizations. I assure you that in this important campaign, Israel stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria.
“I wish you every success in the challenging task ahead and trust that under your presidency, the relations of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Israel will continue to expand and strengthen.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Responding, General Buhari expressed his warm appreciation of the Israeli gesture and pledged to work with all countries to attain mutual benefits amongst them.
The congratulatory letter was delivered by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Uri Palti. [myad]

Jonathan Loss To General Buhari Is A Source Of Pride To Nigeria, Says Tony Anenih

Greenbarge Reporters

April 6, 2015

“The 2015 Presidential Election, in which the incumbent President lost to the opposition, has become a source of pride to Nigeria. It has portrayed to the world that democracy in Nigeria compares to the best anywhere.”
These were the words of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih in a two-page statement he issued today to congratulate the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC).
Chief Anenih who advised those who may still be aggrieved by the outcome of the March 28 Presidential Election to emulate the selflessness and magnanimity of President Jonathan who conceded victory to General Buhari, said that Nigeria needs all such sacrifices to enable it enjoy peace, and march to greatness and prosperity.
Anenih who commended President Jonathan’s statesmanship in conceding defeat, added that, by so doing, he had made an indelible mark on the sand of time.
“A keenly contested Presidential Election, which many predicted would spell doom for Nigeria, has ended, gloriously, with everyone a winner.
“I congratulate the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on his victory. Nigerians are expecting great things from him; it is my hope that he will take this great country to greater heights in the journey towards our manifest destiny.
“I salute the statesmanship of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, in conceding defeat, even before the official declaration of results was done. By this noble act, President Jonathan has made an indelible mark on the sands of time. History will be very kind to him.
“President Jonathan has worked, selflessly, to deepen democracy in Nigeria. His consistent advocacy of the rights of the people to freely choose their leaders had earlier yielded free, fair and credible elections in some States of the Federation. Now, a peaceful transition is expected to follow after the general elections.

“The 2015 Presidential Election, in which the incumbent President lost to the opposition, has become a source of pride to Nigeria. It has portrayed to the world that democracy in Nigeria compares to the best anywhere.
“I commend the General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led Peace Committee for its moral advocacy that culminated in the non-violent reception of the outcome of the Presidential Election.
“I am, also, happy that the Presidential Election has put a lie to the doomsday sayers. We have gone through the most critical of the elections and our country is at peace. Glory be to God!
“I congratulate all Nigerians on the success of the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and urge all and sundry to participate in the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, with the same zeal and patriotism.
“More importantly, while there are genuine reasons to disagree with certain aspects of the conduct and outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, I urge all those who may still be aggrieved, to emulate the magnanimity and selflessness of President Goodluck Jonathan, so that our country may enjoy peace, which is a prerequisite of our march to greatness and prosperity.”

[myad]

Ekiti APC Lawmakers To Governor Fayose: Violence Can’t Save You From Impeachment

Greenbarge Reporters

April 6, 2015

File photo: Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose standing at the court premises in Ekiti state

The 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in Ekiti State House of Assembly have advised Governor Ayodele Fayose to stop stoking violence in the state over his impeachment notice.
They said that instigating crisis is not the way to go in defending the removal notice served him by the Assembly.
Reacting to violent attacks on residents and passersby in the premises of the House of Assembly by suspected PDP thugs today, the lawmakers said resorting to violence against Ekiti people is compounding his problems.
In a statement by Special Adviser on Media to Speaker ‎Adewale Omirin, Wole Olujobi, the lawmakers said violence would not solve the burden of constitutional breaches that the governor had placed on himself.
They frowned at the invasion of the Assembly by suspected PDP thugs, wondering why a governor that had questions to answer on legal matters would get himself involved in other illegal matters such as the invasion of the Assembly by thugs to cause public disorder.
The statement said: “It is shocking that the governor would start any act of illegality bordering on public disorder when he is having a load of illegal acts on his head upon which he is facing removal from office.
“‎Ekiti people were shocked when news spread that the governor had asked his thugs to invade the Assembly and occupy the place to prevent the lawmakers from performing their legal duties.
“These PDP members were holding their meeting in their secretariat when instruction reached them that they must relocate to the Assembly premises where thugs were beating passersby and molesting motorists and residents. All these illegal acts ‎cannot save the governor.
“This is the way he invaded the court with thugs to beat up the judges. They tore court records in the Chief Judge’s office and beat up his secretary. Now is the turn of the House of Assembly. What the governor is doing is a confirmation that he does not believe and cannot tolerate democratic practice. But democracy is what Ekiti people want and so we expect people of conscience and good will to support efforts to allow Ekiti people enjoy democratic governance.”
The Assembly members advised the governor to defend the allegations against him in the impeachment notice instead of resorting to self-help that offers nothing but unnecessary venting of anger on the peaceful people of Ekiti State. [myad]

Pope Francis Decries Arm Dealers Who Live On The Blood Of Fellow Human Being

Greenbarge Reporters

April 5, 2015

Pope Francis has decried the plentitude of weapons in the world in general, saying: “and we ask for peace for this world subjected to arms dealers, who earn their living with the blood of men and women.”
In a Mass today at Vatican City to celebrate Easter, the Pope denounced what he called: “absurd bloodshed and all barbarous acts of violence” in Libya, convulsed by fighting fueled by tribal and militia rivalries and hoped “a common desire for peace” would prevail in Yemen, wracked by civil warfare.
He also prayed that the “roar of arms may cease” in Syria and Iraq, and that peace would come in Africa for Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan and Congo.
He praised the framework nuclear agreement with Iran as an opportunity to make the world safer, while expressing deep worry about bloodshed in Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa.
Pope Francis who delivered his sermon from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Square to tens of thousands of people, made his first public comments about the recent framework for an accord, reached in Lausanne, Switzerland, and aimed at ensuring Iran doesn’t develop a nuclear weapon.
“In hope, we entrust to the merciful Lord the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world.”
On Good Friday, Pope Francis chastised the international community for what he called the complicit silence about the killing of Christians and prayed that God would alleviate “the suffering of so many of our brothers persecuted because of his name.”
During Mass, the Pope was shielded from pelting rain by a canopy erected outside St. Peter’s Basilica, while prelates carried umbrellas in the yellow and white colors of the Vatican. [myad]

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