President Jonathan Hails Eagles As They Thrash Congo 2-0

November 15, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria who have just sent the Red Devils of Congo packing from the African Nation’s Cup and have therefore generated hope of qualifying for next year’s Finals.

The Super Eagles, in Pointe Noire, beat the Red Devils of Congo 2-0 to put one leg in the 2015 tournament now to be hosted by Equatorial Guinea. The second half of the charged encounter produced all the drama, with Vincent Enyeama saving a penalty to keep the Eagles in the game, while returnee Uche Ikechukwu and Aaron Samuel made it count when it mattered most for Nigeria. The Eagles now need to win against already qualified South Africa Wednesday at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Congolese came out strong hoping to deliver an early low blow to the Eagles. Thierry Bifouma tested Enyeama, but the Lille of France shot-stopper was not in the mood to concede any goal. On the other hand Uche also made his presence felt, his delicate chip was saved by Massa Chancel in goal for Congo. Emanuel Emenike took his turn to ask questions of the Congolese defence; Chancel was on hand to thwart the move. From then on both sides battled to control the midfield and it was John Obi Mikel that dictated the pace.

Keshi introduced Sone Aluko and that ignited some urgency in the Eagles attack. In the 58th minute Mikel put Emenike through on goal, but he was brought down in the box by the Congolese keeper. Uche did not make any mistake from the spot when he was called to duty. Shortly afterwards Congo got a penalty of their own, but Enyeama denied Bifouma and that signaled the beginning of the end for the Red Devils. China-based Aaron Samuel seized the day for the Eagles in the 85th minute after he connected well to a pass from Gbolahon Salami and fired to the top left corner.

In a congratulatory message shortly after the match, President Jonathan described the Eagles as dogged and hard-fighting, adding that their performance has revived Nigeria’s hopes.

The message which was issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati quoted President Jonathan as saying that the Super Eagles’ were patriotic, determined and very courageous.

They display such positive attitude, according to the President “in front of a very vociferous, aggressive and partisan home crowd which earned them an emphatic 2-0 victory and placed Nigeria in a good position once again for qualification to defend the African Nations Cup which it currently holds at the next year’s finals, now scheduled to hold in Equatorial Guinea.

“On behalf of all soccer loving Nigerians, the President heartily commends the Super Eagles for their winning performance in Pointe-Noire which has wiped away the disappointment of their earlier outings in the Nations Cup qualifying series and rekindled the belief of Nigerians in their national soccer team’s ability to bring further glory to the country.”

President Jonathan said that he looked forward to seeing the Super Eagles complete the task of qualifying to defend their title at the 2015 Nations Cup Finals with victory against South Africa in Uyo next week.

He assures the Super Eagles and their handlers that they will have the fullest possible support of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria for that final qualification match.

Meanwhile, there was mayhem at the Ominisports Stadium as the fans resorted to throwing missiles into the pitch. The game was temporarily stopped by the referee. However, by the time the game resumed, the hosts had already resigned to fate. [myad]

Group Worries Over Smuggling Of Dangerous Weapons Into Nigeria Through 6,000 New Illegal Borders

Greenbarge Reporters

November 15, 2014

Ahead of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, the National Taskforce on Illegal Importation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATFORCE), has raised alarm over the increasing number of illegal borders currently being used to smuggle dangerous weapons into the country, which it said has hit 6,000.
This is even as it pledges to partner with security operatives in the country to protect the borders across the country.
The Director-General of NATFORCE and former presidential candidate of African Liberation Party in the 2011 elections, Emmanuel Osita Okereke, expressed this concern during an interview with journalists in Abuja.
He took a look at the current security challenges in the North East, and advised President Goodluck Jonathan to check the allegiance of his service chiefs and advisers following the attacks in the North-East.
He alleged that security chiefs and those advising Jonathan on security matters may have been sabotaging his efforts to wipe out terrorism in the area. [myad]
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PDP Faces ‘Tsunami’ As 11 Of Its Senators Threaten To Defect To APC

Greenbarge Reporters

November 15, 2014

Crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears to be deepening as no fewer than 11 of its senators in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly are now threatening to defect to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) unless the party leadership does something quickly.

The aggrieved senators are believed to have been complaining of what they described as the highhandedness of the leadership of the party.

A source hinted that the aggrieved senators are drawn from the North who were said to have considered as unfortunate inability of the leadership to even appreciate the hard times they have been going through because of their unflinching support and loyalty.

The senators involved in the defection threat are said to have come from the six states of the North West: Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara. Already katsina has no PDP senator going by the 2011 senatorial election and the 11 senators were drawn from the remaining states that make up the zone. [myad]

Obasanjo Romances Atiku, Tinubu, Holds Closed-Door Meetings With Them

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is believed to have held separate close-door meetings today, with the Nigeria’s former vice-president and a presidential aspirant on platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar and a national leader of APC and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu.

The meetings were held at Obasanjo’s Hilltop presidential residence in Abeokuta.

With each spending not less than one hour with the former president, it was obvious their visits were not unconnected with the 2015 elections.

Tinubu had paid such a visit earlier in October to Obasanjo, where he said he had come to discuss the state of the nation and his advice on the choice of presidential candidate for the party.

However, on this visit, Tinubu did not grant any press interviews as his convoy drove out of the Obasanjo’s residence around 12.30pm.

Two hours after his departure, Atiku, who had earlier paid a visit to the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, arrived in a convoy, and drove into the former president’s compound.

He moved into the inner chamber of the building. After a closed -door meeting which lasted for about 45 minutes, he emerged from the chamber with his host, and went to another wing of the building where they had lunch.

He later emerged after 20 minutes and told journalists that he had come to pay respect to his former boss and also discuss the developments in the country with him.

More details later… [myad]

Chibok Town Falls To Boko Haram, As Explosion Rocks Kano

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

Boko Haram has seized the northeastern Nigerian town of Chibok, from where 276 girls were kidnapped more than six months ago and which the government vowed to secure after the mass abduction. This is even as bomb explosion and sporadic gunshot rocks Kano today evening amidst fear of dozen of casualties.

According to the senator for southern Borno, Ali Ndume, the militants attacked at about 4:00 pm yesterday, destroying communications masts and forcing residents to flee.

Ndume said that he had received calls from fleeing residents about the attack that the town “was now under their (Boko Haram) control”.

“There is no telephone service now in Chibok, which is why it took time before the reports reached me,” he added.

The attack on the town was said to have come after Boko Haram overran the towns of Hong and Gombi in neighbouring Adamawa state following the group’s ouster from the commercial hub of Mubi.

Eye witness said that they came in and engaged soldiers and vigilantes in a gunfight.

“Some of us managed to escape. All the telecom towers in the town were destroyed during the attack with RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades). No-one can say what the situation is in the town in terms of destruction to property.”

Pogo Bitrus, chairman of the elders forum in Chibok, also confirmed the attack but said Boko Haram may have had inside information about security in the town.

“The vigilantes use shotguns and cartridges and have been short in supply, so the leader left yesterday for Maiduguri to procure more in the event of any attack,” he said by telephone from Abuja.

“But Boko Haram launched the attack while he was still in Maiduguri. He was due to come today, so it looks like they knew what was happening.”

Bitrus said the vigilantes were preparing for a counter-attack and troops had been deployed from Damboa, 36.5 kilometres (22.5 miles) away by road to the northwest.

“I can assure you they are going to retake Chibok,” he added

Meanwhile, the explosion in Kano was said to have occurred behind a fuel station opposite NNPC mega station in Hotoro triggered heavy gun duel. Both military and police authorities are keeping sealed lips over the development. [myad]

PDP Ward Congresses: I Don’t Know Where The Opposition Is Coming From, Governor Uduaghan Wonders

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has expressed surprise at the opposition that suddenly emerged in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in the state after the ward congresses of the party about two weeks ago.
The governor, who spoke in Asaba, the state capital, when he swore-in the newly elected Chairmen of Ndokwa East and Ethiope East local government councils of the state, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah and Mrs Faith Majemite respectively, said that he had tried to be fair to all the governorship aspirants before, during and after the congresses.
“Two weeks ago during the Ward congresses, I had meetings with the governorship aspirants, every aspirant and every leader contributed to the emergence of the delegates through a consensus list, which they signed and they all applauded the free and fair nature of the congress that brought up the delegates list.

“This, the panel took to Abuja and some aspirants while collecting or submitting their forms even went on television to commend the process, so, where is this opposition coming from?”
He asked the aspirants to take things easy, saying: “Delta State belongs to all of us. They should stop creating problems and retrace their steps so that they can land safely and get to their destinations.”
Governor Uduaghan frowned at the attitude of some of the aspirants, even as he said that he is not afraid of any gang-up against him. He insisted that in the interest of the state, the aspirants should speak the truth.
The governor emphasized the need for the aspirants to desist from engaging in divisive actions that are capable of breaching the peace of the state and that they should be truthful.
“Those who are aspiring to be governor should stop creating trouble. I have tried to be fair to all in our journey towards 2015.”
Dr. Uduaghan then congratulated the chairmen that were sworn-in for winning in the councils elections and observed that they were successful because they did not create the problem that prolonged their electoral process.
He advised them to concentrate on the area of security, payment of staff salaries and ensure that they engage in progressive projects in their local government areas.
“Your elections have proven that women can be elected into office. Women should be elected and they should put themselves forward to be elected. Today, we have four elected chairmen of councils and so many vice chairmen who are women.
“Any woman who puts herself forward for elective position will get maximum support if she is loyal, dedicated and does not gang-up against the people.”
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn in chairmen, Mrs. Majemite thanked Governor Uduaghan and members of PDP for making it possible for them to be elected and assured that they will not let the people down.
“All that you will hear from us is that we are performing. We will not let you down.” [myad]

PDP Boss Says Jonathan Remains The Sole Candidate, As Sambo Submits Jonathan’s Nomination Form

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu has made it clear that President Jonathan has remained the sole candidate of the party for the presidential race for the 2015 election.

He spoke today when Vice President Namadi Sambo submitted President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms to the national leadership of the party in Abuja, the nation’s federal capital.

The PDP Chairman insisted that it was the decision of the party to make the President the sole candidate of the party, adding that the endorsement given to him was a “sign of confidence by men and women in the party and in the country.”

The forms are to enable the President vie for the party’s nomination at the primary scheduled for December 10 and 11 in Abuja.

Friday was the last date for the submission of all nomination forms sold out by the party.

Namadi Sambo told Mu’azu that President Jonathan has moved the country forward by transforming it economically, saying: “it is therefore with great humility that I’m presenting to you these forms.

“You will help us present it to the members of the National Working Committee.”

The Vice President then handed over the forms to Mu’azu, who in turn handed them over to the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha.

Responding, Mustapha said he was happy to be part of history by collecting the forms, and prayed to God to grant the party and the candidate success during the election.

Among those who accompanied Namadi Sambo to the national secretariat included the Senate President, David Mark; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim.

Governors of Akwa Ibom, Gombe and Bayelsa States were also in attendance with some ministers. [myad]

Sorry We Don’t Have N400 Million To Pay Your Arrears, Drug Agency Boss Tells Striking Workers

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii has told the striking workers of the agency that the agency doesn’t have about N400 Million that is needed to pay their outstanding arrears. The workers have embarked on the strike since Wednesday.

The NADAC boss who spoke to journalists today in Abuja said that the agency would need about N400 million to offset such payment “and this we generate from our operations, which has now been shut down.

“As a result of the shutdown, it may not even be possible to pay these outstanding, as no money would come in during the time of shut down.”

Dr. Orhii said that the demand for payment of 2013 13th month arrears by the workers is not statutory but a privilege they had enjoyed in the past, “which we couldn’t meet up in 2013 due to unavailability of funds.

“It wasn’t as if nothing was paid at all; many of the workers had received some percentage and we agreed to pay by instalment because that privilege is not captured by the budget but usually from our internally generated fund so that by the end of December 2014, everyone would have been paid; but they refused,” said Orhii.

He, however, debunked claims of poor condition of service for the staff, saying, “We have made arrangements and discussed with the leaders but they have remained adamant despite the fact that we even have unprecedented trainings for our staff with welfare packages that people even complain they are being over trained.”

And yesterday, the leadership of the Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), picketed the NAFDAC premises at Oshodi, Lagos. Led by the Chairman of MHWUN, Stephen Ibe, their leaders insisted there would be no operations at any of the NAFDAC installations until all the workers’ demands were met.

“We are ready for this strike and it is total, no payment, no going back to work.” [myad]

Nigeria Air Force Loses 3 Officers In Helicopter Crash In Yola

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

Nigeria’s air force has announced that three servicemen have lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in Yola, capital of Adamawa state.

The crash, according to the military authorities, occurred late on Thursday. The military said the aircraft involved was a ground attack helicopter on an armed patrol.

“The crew of three was lost in the ill-fated accident,” a statement said, adding that an investigation will be carried out.

There was no immediate indication that Boko Haram was responsible for the crash, though there has been an increase in Boko Haram activity in the state in recent weeks. Boko Haram has reportedly taken over more than two dozen towns in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. [myad]

If You Have So Much For Campaigns, You Must Pay Us Our Dues, Delta Assembly workers Tell Lawmakers

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

The Parliamentary Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Delta State chapter, has given the Delta State House of Assembly 21 days ultimatum to meet their demands or it will go on strike. Members of the association are worried that the lawmakers have so much money to spend in prosecuting their re-election to the House, National Assembly, governorship position and other elective positions but are pretending that the association members don’t deserve to be well treated.

PASAN had, on October 14, given an ultimatum, which the House was said to have ignored, even as the association regarded the action of the House as deliberate.

Members of the association have insisted that their annual wardrobe allowance should be paid alongside that of the political appointees.

State PASAN Chairman of the association, Comrade McCartney Obrotu, and his Secretary, Emmanuel Osunbor, insisted that disruption of legislative business by the association would have no end until the leadership of the House adjusts and starts maintain the status quo.

They accused the House leadership of paying lip service to the welfare of the association’s members by hoarding their allowances unduly, halting training and retraining, staff promotion and car and housing allowances, regretting that as at Wednesday, only five per cent of their demands have been met.

In a letter dated November 11, 2014, addressed to the Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Committee, and signed by Obrotu and Osumbor, they threatened that seven-day notice would further be given for their demands to be met in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Dispute Act of Nigeria.

“The political class in the House is maltreating the civil servants, treating them as inconsequential beings.” They added that they deliberately refused to see members of the association as complementary part of the system.

“At the expiration of this notice, the union shall embark on a three days warning strike. The congress of PASAN has deliberated on the matters arising from an earlier ultimatum issued on 14th October, 2014 with their demands,’’ Obrotu stated. [myad]

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