All Progressives Congress To Jonathan: Stop Day-Dream Over PDP Take-Over Of Rivers

September 28, 2014

Chairman of River state APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State Chapter, has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to stop day-dreaming over a statement credited to him that his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would take over the State from APC in the 2015 general elections.
The party dismissed such claim as ridiculous and unattainable.
A statement from the state Chairman of the party, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya today said: “this boast, made on Saturday by President Jonathan, during PDP’s South-South Rally in Benin City, the Edo State capital, is ridiculous because it runs counter to the realities on ground in Rivers state.
“President Jonathan’s boast is obviously based on ignorance about current political realities in Rivers State. He may not have known that the State PDP leader and prospective governorship candidate, Junior Education Minister Nyesome Wike, has polarised PDP in Rivers State to the extent that it cannot even win a councillorship seat in a fair and free election.”
APC said that Chief Wike, on whom the President is building his hopes of PDP reclaiming Rivers State, has lost political relevance since he left the mainstream of the political family that binds Rivers state together under the leadership of the man that made him whatever he is politically today – Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
“Wike is either deluding himself or deliberately feeding Mr. President with lies in a bid to feather his nest.”
Dr. Ikanya cited what he called “Jonathan’s wickedness towards Rivers State as yet another reason why PDP can never recapture power in the State.
“On what basis should the people of Rivers State vote for PDP in 2015? Is it based on the wicked policies of the Jonathan administration against Rivers State and her people? Is it based on the ceding of our oil wells to his home State of Bayelsa and supporting Akwa Ibom and Abia states to take over our oil wells? Or is it because he has ensured that the Federal Government does not site any meaningful project in Rivers State? Or his deliberate refusal to implement the UNEP Report on Ogoni, President Jonathan has left no one in doubt of his deep hatred for Rivers State and her people, so how can we support him or any PDP candidate in 2015?”
The APC leader stressed that the achievements of governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration are enough to give APC victory in future the elections.
He listed such achievements to include turning Port Harcourt into World Book Capital City, eradication of militancy, dogged fight for the oil wells and other rights of Rivers State and its people as well as achievements in Education, Agriculture, Health, etc.
Dr. Ikanya made it clear that Rivers people have since adopted APC as the party of their choice and that there is nothing the PDP or any other party can do about that.

[myad]

I Believe In Stomach Infrastructure, Says President Jonathan

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he believed in stomach infrastructure and that any leader who does not believed in it is not ready to lead.

He stressed that even his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a party, believed in stomach infrastructure because the party must ensure that there is food security and job creation in the country.

President Jonathan who spoke today in Benin city, capital of Edo state, at the South South PDP political rally tagged ‘Unity Mega Rally,’ emphasized that any leader who claimed not to believe in stomach infrastructure was not ready to lead, as “you cannot lead hungry people.’’

He said that his government has so far reduced the poverty rate in the country by 50 per cent, even as he said that it is only PDP that has remained stable since its formation. He said that the party had never changed its name, logo or motto, and that it is the only party that gives its members the freedom to aspire to the highest level.

According to him, all that the nation needed now is unity, assuring the citizenry that although all the roads could not be rehabilitated at once, his administration would continue to improve on all infrastructures in the country.

He also gave the reassurance that since the nation is able to conquer the Ebola Virus Disease, it would also conquer the Boko Haram insurgency.

The president however appealed to the party loyalists to be decent in their variuos electioneering competitions in order not to create enemies among themselves.

Earlier, Vice President Namadi Sambo said the present administration had completed seven power projects with a total of 2,000 mega watts for the South South under the Transformation Agenda.

Similarly, Senate President David Mark described Jonathan as ‘’ a good sell’’ hence his unanimous adoption by the party as its choice candidate for 2015.

The PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, described the president as a bridge builder and unifying factor.

He reassured that all defectors to the party would be reintegrated into it without bias.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Tony Aneneih, said the zone had every reason to be proud of its contribution to national development.

He also said that the zone had made sacrifice to keep the country together as well as contributed to the economic growth.

The president had earlier inaugurated the Benin-Ofusu Dual carriage, where Gov Adams Oshiomhole of Edo described the quality of work as impressive.

Oshiomhole also congratulated the president on the massive road construction and rehabilitation across states in the country. [myad]

Nigeria Eaglets Swallow Gabon 5-0 In U-17 African Championship

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

Nigerian Golden Eaglets, today, Saturday at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, sent Gabon national team packing with 5-0 to qualify for the 2015 Confederation of African Football (CAF) U-17 Championship holding in Niger Republic.

The match was the second leg qualifying match. Nigeria had lost 1-2 in the first leg played in Libreville a fortnight ago. Nigeria has thus qualified on 6-2 aggregate score line.

Captain Kelechi Nwakali put the Eaglets ahead in the 20th minute through a spot kick after the Gabonese goalkeeper, William Alin, brought down Kingsley Dogo in the 18 yard box.

The goal spurred the Eaglets to action, and this resulted in the second and third goals by Ebere Osinachi in the 35th and 43rd minutes respectively.

The Gabonese came out stronger in the second half putting pressure on the Eaglets but poor finishing robbed them of goals.

Kehinde Ayinde sealed the hope of the Gabonese through a brace in the 65th and 75th minutes to make it a historic 5-0 win for the reigning world champions.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke said, after the match, that the team would proceed on a short break before the tournament proper in Niger Republic.

He expressed satisfaction with the result and promised to work on the lapses noticed in the team before the championship.

“Now that we have qualified, everybody will now go home and meet their loved ones; after that, we will come back and begin the preparations for the championship

“I thank the Cross River Government for its support and Calabar fans for being there for us always.” [myad]

Boko Haram Leaders Never Mentioned Political Party As Sponsor, But Individuals – Stephen Davis

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

Contrary to report by a senior member of the European Parliament, Franz Obermayr that the opposition party in Nigeria, All Progressives Congress (APC) could be sponsoring Boko Haram by channeling European Parliament financial aid to members of the sect, the Australian negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davis, said Boko Haram leaders had never mentioned any political party as sponsoring the sect, but individuals, in this interview:

Do you have any evidence that the opposition political party in Nigeria is the one sponsoring Boko Haram?
“I have never heard any political party mentioned by any Boko Haram leader as funding or being associated with Boko Haram.
The Boko Haram commanders have only mentioned individuals like former Governor Sheriff. I heard Sheriff was APC and now PDP but that is irrelevant to me.
I have never mentioned political parties in my discussions with Boko Haram. The names of individual sponsors were given by Boko Haram leaders, not their political party association.”
What sort of sponsorship has been mentioned by Boko Haram that they have received?
“Former governor (of Borno state, Ali Modu) Sheriff was specifically mentioned many times. Specifically for example, Sheriff was mentioned as sponsoring trips of the boys to the Lesser Hajj. There, the boys are “re-orientated.”
In effect they are recruited to Boko Haram. When they return to Nigeria the recruits are then taken off for further re-orientation by which they mean teaching and for training. Some of the training took place in Mali by Tuareg leaders but now more training is conducted locally.”
Could mere funding for Lesser Hajj by the assumed sponsors have manifested in the high level of sophistication that the sect has assumed today?
“Funds are provided to purchase weapons. This is sometimes transferred through the Central Bank of Nigeria to a person in Cairo who provides the weapons and also provides military uniforms.
At other times, vehicles are purchased in Benin (Republic) for example, and driven into Nigeria where they are sold for cash. They do not mind taking a loss on the sale price as by this method they can obtain cash in Nigeria without a direct link to the sponsor.”
This person in Cairo, is he an Egyptian? Why are you not able to disclose his identity to the security agents for necessary action?
“No, he is a Nigerian. He is a Kanuri who has fought with Boko Haram and now associates with a network of jihadists. I have given all his details to the DG-SSS.”
What sort of vehicles do they purchase?
“VW Golf was mentioned as a favourite. They can sell these very easily in Nigeria. They do keep some to use for suicide bombing. Some time ago they told me one sponsor pledged six Hilux vehicles for the suicide bombers.”
You have heard that a “fake” Shekau was killed last week in Kondunga. Do you believe what the military is claiming that the man killed was Shekau or possibly a “fake” Shekau?
“I continue to believe that Shekau was killed on or about June 19, 2013 when we were deeply engaged in peace discussions. I have had so many senior commanders tell me that Shekau is dead. It was several weeks after that a Shekau video appeared on YouTube. When I viewed that video with JAS leaders they immediately said, “That boy. We have used him before.” They were totally dismissive of any claim that Shekau was still alive. They referred to the person in the video as the “fake Shekau.” Some months later, one of the senior commanders told me the name of the fake Shekau was Abdul Mutallif. The commander who named him was the one who wrote the script that the fake Shekau reads from in the videos.
But I have heard they have used more than one fake Shekau. In July this year I was told the fake Shekau is Isa Damasaka. Earlier in June they referred to him as Bashir.
We had been in communication with him over the release of the Chibok girls. Isa Damasaka is one of the names the military has released when identifying the man killed at Kondunga last week. He has also been identified as Bashir Mohammed so I am confident this man is indeed the fake Shekau.
However, I do not know if Abdul Mutallif is another name he used or there is another fake Shekau named Abdul Mutallif who may still be alive. I have no doubt we will know soon so we await a new video by another fake Shekau.
The man who was captured at Kondunga last week was a great source of information about Boko Haram sponsors. He was captured alive. The military are too quick to execute captured Boko Haram leaders. This man could have revealed so much about Boko Haram and its sponsors that may have brought a quick end to the terrorism.”
There are some reports that many Boko Haram fighters have surrendered in recent days. You want to say something on this?
“This is an indication that Boko Haram commanders now understand that they have been fooled. They have followed a “fake” Shekau. Boko Haram fighters have died following a fake Shekau and fake teaching.
The political sponsors have led these boys to believe that they are purifying Islam, purging the country of corruption by slaughtering people. In fact the political sponsors of Boko Haram are corrupt politicians seeking power and more wealth. The sponsors epitomise all that the Boko Haram fighters are seeking to eliminate from Nigeria.”
So what is next for Boko Haram?
“The death of the fake Shekau shows how the fighters have been duped and totally misled by the sponsors.
The fighters and commanders would be wise to take this opportunity to reach out to the government for a peace dialogue.
If they do not believe they can have a peace dialogue without being captured and executed the alternative message I have for the commanders is this: Your sponsors will use you and sacrifice you so they can gain power. Set the captive girls free and walk away from Boko Haram while you still have the opportunity.” [myad]

The Endorsement Of “Clueless” Jonathan, By Sufuyan Ojeifo

Sufuyan Ojeifo

September 27, 2014

Just how clueless can President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan be if he has outwitted every other potential aspirant in the presidential candidacy politics of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? Or, how inexperienced, as claimed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, can he be if he has effortlessly eclipsed the opposition within and put the fear in those outside his Party?
These are the pertinent questions to ask as this unassuming politician continues to thwart the orchestrated plans by some forces of darkness to plunge Nigeria into anarchy through terrorism. The critical plot by these wicked forces is simple: make the country ungovernable and consequently weaken the moral basis of Jonathan’s presidency.
The abduction of over 200 school girls in Chibok, agonizing as it is, is part of the schema. The planned bombings across the northern states, especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where there is a state of emergency in place, feed into the overall agenda to intimidate Jonathan from seeking a second term in office.
But in spite of the high jinks that have been woven around the terrorism ravaging parts of the north, Jonathan has remained focused on governance. He is pursuing his transformation agenda with single-minded guts, translating campaign promises into concrete achievements in the nooks and crannies of the nation.
Yet, his opponents are engaged in flights of fancy. They dismiss him as clueless and inexperienced!
I ask once more: how clueless can Jonathan be if he continues to quietly overwhelm all opposition? How inexperienced can he be if he remains unshaken and undistracted by the ranting of the naysayers?
If I choose, for a moment, to be delusional like the members of the opposition gang, I will pass Jonathan off as clueless for failing to throw his weight around or exercise one quarter of the enormous powers that are vested in him and his office by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And, sadly, I will be living in a Fool’s Paradise by so doing!
The truth is, if Jonathan’s “cluelessness” could secure him an unprecedented endorsement by his Party as its sole presidential candidate in 2015 general election, it continues to baffle why some people still view him from that prism.
It also amazes me how a “clue-full” predecessor of his could not perform a similar feat in 2003?
To be sure, Olusegun Obasanjo, the Ebora of Owu and then all conquering Emperor of Aso Rock, was supposedly on top of his game. He deployed the powers of his office to maximum effects because he had every imaginable clue about governance. He was once a military head of state; and, so, he had experience. That was the general notion. But what happened in 2003?
He was a victim of political subterfuge from within his Presidency. His vice president, Atiku Abubakar, perfected a plot to supplant him. So many things were, indeed, wrong with that Presidency that put tension on the polity. Not like the loyal Vice President Namadi Sambo, who has been very supportive of President Jonathan, Atiku, as he is popularly addressed, worked from the outset to undercut his boss.
It took some leaders of the Party to rally support for a harried Obasanjo who was eventually able to survive the plot by a disloyal vice president to upstage him. Securing the ticket of the Party for his second term in office was not an easy task. It was a total war of attrition, which he won at a great price to his ego: retaining Atiku, whom he had profiled as disloyal and corrupt, on the presidential ticket was not Obasanjo’s original idea. Indeed, Obasanjo’s plan was to feed Atiku with his (Atiku’s) proposed Mandela Option (a term in office).
Even though, the deadline for collecting the expression of interest form had gone past, Atiku and his gang of governors threatened to swing their delegates’ votes to Dr Alex Ekwueme who was in the race for the ticket at the presidential primary. Obasanjo and the leadership of the Party did not allow that to happen by keeping Atiku, with his baggage of alleged corruption, on the ticket.
But Obasanjo had to placate the Nigerian people by ensuring that relevant agencies and institutions of government investigated Atiku’s alleged corrupt deals in government. The investigation dwelled on his deal with the United States Congressman William Jefferson, which culminated in the Nigerian angle to the deal gone awry – the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) probe to authenticate Atiku’s complicity.
Obasanjo-Atiku’s second term was thus characterized by stress and strains occasioned by intrigues and vendetta in governance and power relations. In retrospect, did a “clue-full” and “experienced” Obasanjo have to go through all that tension or bring the same on the Party and the nation? Was it that he never really had a clue about how to prosecute a successful presidential succession politics?
Now, why was it difficult for Obasanjo to achieve that feat and not difficult for Jonathan to do it? Yet, Obasanjo is a reference point in the quarters of those who conveniently pass Jonathan off as “clueless” and “inexperienced” in politics and statecraft. Today, a “clueless” and “inexperienced” Jonathan has achieved effortlessly in the PDP his endorsement as the Party’s sole candidate in the 2015 presidential election.
And, from all indications, Jonathan is primed to clinch a second term in office. Perhaps, how he manages his exit trauma (which all second term presidents and governors experience) in 2019 will further distinguish how this “clueless” and “inexperienced” President can seize a great moment to define his eon and secure a place in the pantheon of great Nigerian leaders. It will certainly differentiate him from a predecessor’s misadventure of a Third Term agenda that exposed his desperation to perpetuate himself in power.

•Ojeifo contributed this piece from Abuja. [myad]

South-South Has Been Close Ally Of The North – Anenih: Says We Have Fought Political Battles Together

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih has delved into the history of Nigeria where he said the people in the South South have, for long, built strong political ally with their Northern counterparts.
“In the political history of Nigeria, the South-south has also been a close ally of the North. We have fought political battles together, contested elections on the same political platforms and formed alliances.
“We have given support to the North when it mattered most.”
Anenih spoke on Saturday in Benin city, capital of Edo state, at the South-south zonal Unity Rally of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and emphasized the need for the North to reciprocate the support the South South had given it in the past by support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015.
“The current situation, therefore, calls for reciprocity and co-operation,” he said, adding that in appealing to the conscience of Nigerians in the prevailing uncommon circumstance, “we would claim our right, with dignity and determination, in the interest of our dear country.
“We have reasons to be proud of the contribution of the South-south to Nigeria’s development. The Zone has over the years, made sacrifices, including supreme sacrifices, not only to keep this country together but also towards its economic development.
“The South-South has, in the past, played a unifying role among the various regions of the country. Our sons and daughters, such as Chief Tony Enahoro, Chief Okotie-Eboh, Mr. Isaac Boro, General David Ejoor, Chief Denis Osadebe, Chief Jereton Mariere, etc., have served this country with great distinction.”
Anenih said that the unity of the South-south is important for peace and progress of the country, stressing: “it is the basis on which other regions will take us seriously.”

[myad]

Kwara Governor Elevates 70 Traditional Rulers

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

ahmed-kwara — Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the grading and upgrading of 70 traditional rulers in the state.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Community Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, which was
made available to journalists in Ilorin on Saturday, the grading and upgrading are with immediate effect.
Umar stated that the upgraded stools are 17 third class that are moved to second class; 22 fourth class who are moved to third class while 31
are newly graded as fourth class chiefs.
According to him, the second class chiefs are those of Eruku, Obbo-Aiyegunle, Obbo-Ile, Arandun, Aran-Orin, Ora, Omupo, Oro-Ago, Babanla, Idofian, Ijara isin, Iwo-Isin, Ayedun, Ojoku, Ijagbo, Ipeee and Ikotun.
He added that the third class chiefs are those of Koro, Isare Opin, Agbonda, Omido, Oko, Ilala, Igbonla, Elerinjare, Amoyo, Owode Ofaro,
Oke-Oyan, Agbeku, Labaka, Shagbe, Yaru, Owa, Onire, Oke-Aba, Oke-Onigbin, Ala-Isin, Iwo-Oduore, Idofin Odo-Ashe and Idofin-Igbana.
The fourth class chiefs are those of Epe-Opin, Aare-Opin, Okesa, Agbamu, Ajengbe, Oko-Ode, Ikosin, Aniran, Ilupeju, Jimba-Oja, Falokun-Oja, Omiaro, Oroki-Oja, Kabba-Owode, Oke-Ayo, Gbegede, Adanla, Isiapa-Araromi, Bayagan, Apakere-Oja, Ita-Olowo, Idoba-Araromi, Pamo-Isin, Oponda, Ilale, Erinmope, Imoji, Kajola, Imode, Inaja Alaro and Bolorunduro.
Umar urged the benefiting traditional rulers to see their upgrade as a call to the service of humanity. He stated that Ahmed had always been interested in the comfort and welfare of traditional institutions in the state.
He added that the traditional chiefs should be dedicated to the welfare and peaceful co-existence of their various communities.

[myad]

Aminu Maigari Drags State Security Service To Court For Alleged Illegal Arrest

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

Outgoing President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari has gone to court to challenge his illegal arrest by the State Security Service(SSS). The NFF President was picked up on Tuesday as he arrived in Abuja from Zurich.
Before Tuesday’s arrest, Maigari along with board member, Chris Green, general secretary, Musa Amadu and NFF presidential aspirant, Shehu Dikko have frequently been invited by the security operatives since Nigeria’s ouster from the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The football chiefs are now demanding for justice as an end to the harrassment and have gone ahead to hire Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo.
“We are counsel to Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Barrister Christopher Green, Barrister Musa Amadu and Alhaji Shehu Dikko (hereinafter referred to as ‘our client’) and on whose instructions we write to you.
“Our client informed us that upon their arrival from the FIFA World Cup Competition in Brazil on July 4, 2014, they were arrested by your men and operatives and detained at the SSS headquarters. Our clients further briefed us that subsequently, they have been receiving series of invitations from both the State Security Service and the Nigeria Police and that when they honour those invitations despite their busy schedules, they are detained for hours without any information as to the reason for their invitation, read the letter which was addressed to the acting Inspector-General of Police and Director of the State Security service on Friday.
According to Keyamo, the arrests were aimed at scuttling the forthcoming NFF election scheduled for Warri, Delta State on September 30
“We are by this letter giving you notice of the pendency of this suit and respectfully urging you to desist from carrying out any action that will undermine the authority and jurisdiction of the court.
“We understand that these various harassments are designed to scuttle the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF) Congress slated for September 30, 2014 in Warri, Delta State, and your actions are at the behest of those who intend to scuttle the congress as they do not mean well for Nigerian football.

[myad]

Sultan Describes Politics Of Hatred As Obnoxious, As He Turbans Speaker Tambuwal, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

tambuwal-turban — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, today, conferred on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, the traditional title of Matawallen Sokoto even as he advised him and others who were similarly honoured with titles to eschew politics of personalities, bitterness and hatred.
The Sultan said: “You should eschew politics of personalities, bitterness and hatred; these obnoxious acts should not feature during the 2015 general elections.”
Others who were turbaned today are the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Lawalli Zayanna, as the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa (District Head) and the state’s Accountant-General, Alhaji Kabiru Tafida, as the Sarkin Fadan Sokoto, Alhaji Aminu Iya as the Iyan Sokoto and Alhaji Fodio kyari as the Wamban Sokoto.
Sultan Abubakar used the occasion to call on the politicians in the country to close ranks and work together for the peace and unity of Nigeria, saying that the politicians and leaders need to work for the people and not for themselves.
“The ongoing war against insurgency and terrorism is succeeding but more can be achieved with a united Nigeria.’’
The Sultan said that the celebrators were bestowed with titles for their honesty, loyalty and dedication to the service of the people of the state and Nigerians.
The monarch urged them not to relent in doing good, saying “to whom much is given, much more is expected.’’
Responding on behalf of the honoured, Tambuwal commended the Sultan for finding them worthy of the titles and for his commitment to the peace and unity of Nigeria.
“we will continue to emulate our fore-bearers and support the Sultanate Council of Sokoto to ensure the success of its laudable activities.’’
The event was attended by former Head of State, Retired Gen.Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Duputy Senate President Ike Ekweramadu and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Emeka Ihedioha.
Others were Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, serving and former governors, National Assembly members, emirs, obas and chiefs from across Nigeria.

[myad]

University Of Abuja Matriculates Students

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2014

From left are Mrs. Mariam Yusuf, wife of the Editor-In-Chief/Chief Executive Officer of Greenbarge Reporters: the husband, Yusuf Ozi-Usman and a friend, Miss Fati Salawudeen at the matriculation of the students of the University of Abuja which took place today, September 27 at the institution’s main campus, permanent site Abuja. The multiple matriculation involved students who were admitted to various disciplines from 2009 to date. [myad]

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