President Jonathan Jumps In, Formally Declares To Contest 2015 Election

November 11, 2014

“I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, have accepted to present myself on the platform of the PDP.” These were the decisive words from President Goodluck Jonathan today at the Eagle Square, Abuja before a large crowd of party supporters.
President Jonathan has been in the saddle of the Nigeria’s affairs since 2010, when he took over following the death of President Umara Yar’Adua. He also won election to continue in 2011.
Here are a few key activities and dates since he became substantive President in 2010:
May 6, 2010 — Interim president Jonathan is sworn in, a day after the death of Umaru Yar’Adua following a long illness. Yar’Adua had disappeared from public life for more than five months, during which Jonathan stood in.
April 9, 2011 — The first of a series of key election dates is marred by deadly bomb blasts.
April 16: Jonathan won the presidential election against his rival, Muhammadu Buhari. More than 800 die in post-electoral violence, according to Human Rights Watch.
November 4: At least 150 were killed in a series of attacks claimed by extremist Islamist group Boko Haram against police stations and churches in its northeastern stronghold.
December 25: A wave of attacks claimed by Boko Haram targeting churches during Christmas services and police leave nearly 50 people dead.
— 2012 —
January 9-16: A nationwide general strike called to protest against a doubling of the price of petrol, which the government had previously set at about $0.40 (0.32 euros) per litre. Jonathan ended the strike by agreeing to a subsidy that fixed the price at $0.60 per litre.
January 20: Coordinated attacks by Boko Haram against the symbols of power in the northern city of Kano leave 185 dead.
— 2013 —
May 16: The army launches an offensive against Boko Haram in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, where Jonathan declares a state of emergency.
— 2014 —
February 2: Nigeria’s ruling party, weakened by mass defections and riven by months of in-fighting, is dealt a fresh blow, when one of its most senior figures, former vice president Atiku Abubakar left to join the main opposition, All Progressives Congress.
April 6: Nigeria becomes Africa’s biggest economy, leap-frogging South Africa, after the government announces a re-basing of the country’s gross domestic product.
April 14: At least 75 people die in a bomb blast in a bus station on the outskirts of Abuja — the deadliest attack yet to strike the city. Boko Haram claims responsibility. Two other attacks, in May and June, leave at least 40 dead in the capital.
– 276 teenage girls were abducted from their school by Boko Haram gunmen in Chibok, a remote corner of Borno state. Fifty-seven of the girls manage to flee, while 219 are still captive.
May 7: Jonathan hosts the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja, an event aimed at highlighting the continent’s growing economic strength, but is overshadowed by the Chibok hostage crisis.
August 24: Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau said in a video that he has created an Islamic caliphate in the northeast town of Gwoza. The group took control of several dozen towns and villages in the states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
October 17: The army and the presidency announce a ceasefire with Boko Haram and an accord for the release of the schoolgirls. Boko Haram denies the accord and says on November 1 that the schoolgirls have converted to Islam and been married off.
November 11: Jonathan announces he is standing for re-election.
He has been heavily criticized for having not stamped out the Boko Haram insurgency which has left more than 10,000 dead over the past five years. [myad]

I’ve Developed A Bond With Nigerians In spite of Difficult Times, Jonathan Says As He Declares To Run In 2015

Greenbarge Reporters

November 11, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has acknowledged that God has made it possible for him to develop a bond with Nigerians even as he expressed gratitude for their support and understanding in the difficult periods the nationa has journeyed through.
He also acknowledged that he has been leading Nigeria through what he described as “uncommon challenges” in its march to progress as a united and democratic country.
Dr. Jonathan was speaking today at the Eagle Square, Abuja where he formally declared his intention to contest the 2015 Presidential election for his second term in office.
The President said that his stewardship has not been without challenges, saying that he had had to deal with the wave of insurgency that has swept through some parts of the country.
“Only yesterday, Government Science Secondary School in Yobe State was bombed by insurgents, killing our promising young children who were seeking education to build the country and support their parents. Many Nigerians have lost their lives and property to these mindless killings.
“Let me crave the indulgence of all present here to stand up to observe a minutes silence in honour of these young lads who lost their lives. Clearly, this has cast a dark cloud on our Nation but we will surely win the war against terror.
“A number of young men and women have been kidnapped by these criminal elements including our daughters from Chibok. We will free our daughters and defeat terror.”
President Jonathan assured that his government is equipping the armed forces and deploying special forces to engage the terrorist and end this senseless war.
“We must protect our country. We must save our people. I will do everything humanly possible to end this criminal violence in our Nation.”
To ensure the long term stability and development of the affected areas, he said, government has launched three programmes: The Presidential Initiative for the North East, the Victim Support Fund and the Safe School Initiative. The Presidential Initiative for the Northeast is focused on improving infrastructure and economic growth in the region.
“The Safe School Initiative is centred on creating a safe environment to encourage our children in the communities to acquire education. The Victim Support Fund, a partnership with the Private Sector, has raised about 60 billion Naira, which will help to empower and rehabilitate victims of terror.
“I promise the victims of these dastardly acts that we will continue to stand with you. I am grateful to all Nigerians for standing with us.”
President Jonathan thanked the leaders and elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the opportunity they have given to him to serve the country.
“I am overwhelmed by the trust, confidence and support of the various organs of our party, the Board of Trustees, the National Caucus, the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, the PDP Governors Forum, members of the PDP Caucuses of the National Assembly, and others.” [myad]

Nigeria Angry With The US For Allegedly Abandoning Her In Fight Against Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

November 11, 2014

Nigeria is obviously not happy with the United States of America which it accused of refusing to sell “lethal weapons” to fight the country’s Islamic uprising, represented by Boko Haram. Nigeria insisted that such attitude had prolonged the battle with Boko Haram.
The country’s position was made known on Monday by the Nigeria’ Ambassador to the US, Ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo to members of the Washington-based council on foreign relations meeting at his embassy.
He was emphatic that the United States has let down Nigeria which has been its old ally, ” in its hour of need. Nigeria’s people and government feel abandoned by America.
“The US government has up till today refused to grant Nigeria’s request to purchase lethal equipment that would have brought down the terrorists within a short time.
“We find it difficult to understand how and why, in spite of the US presence in Nigeria with their sophisticated military technology, Boko Haram should be expanding and becoming more deadly.”
Nigeria’s military chief on 17 October announced that the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group had agreed to an immediate cease-fire, but the militants have responded with more and deadlier attacks and now control an area of some 20, 000km along the border with Cameroon.
Adefuye confirmed that Washington has refused Nigeria’s requests for certain weaponry because of allegations that Nigeria’s defence forces have been violating the human rights of detainees accused of belonging to Boko Haram.
Human rights groups and an Associated Press investigation found Nigerian troops responsible for the deaths of thousands of detainees since a state of military emergency was imposed in May 2014 in the three northeastern states where the insurgency has destroyed any semblance of normal life.
US laws have banned the sales of lethal weapons to countries whose military are accused of gross human rights abuses.
Adefuye said the allegations are based on rumours spread by political opponents and journalists who favour the opposition as Nigeria prepares for February presidential elections. [myad]

School Bombing: Yobe Closes Down Schools

Greenbarge Reporters

November 11, 2014

The Yobe Government has closed down all public and private schools in the state, following Monday’s suicide bomb attack on Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum.
The attack had claimed 48 lives and injured 79 others. The state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Muhammad Lamin, said in a statement in Damaturu today that the closure was with immediate effect.
Lamin said that government decided to close the schools to enable it adopt more security measures to guarantee the safety of students, teachers and the school environment across the state.
This is even ad Senator Alkali Jajere, representing Yobe South Senatorial District in the Senate, has appealed for a change in strategy by security operatives to contain insurgency in the state.
Jajere who spoke with journalists in Damaturu, said that the renewed attacks on innocent people of the state called for a change in strategy in the fight against insurgency.
“The number one responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of the citizenry; government must live up to this basic responsibility.
“We are optimistic that with the necessary support and motivation, the Nigerian security forces can defeat insurgency.”
The senator advised security agents to respect the rules of engagement in their operation, and called for synergy between law enforcement agents and the public to effectively fight insurgency. [myad]

New Media And Kangaroo Journalists, By Femi Davies

Greenbarge Reporters

November 11, 2014

The advent of new media also known as Online gave birth to what can be termed kangaroo journalists who suddenly become mega writers with ability to own a domain site, a laptop and fast fingers.
It is such a shame that the basic training expected before anyone can practice is not on the mind of these commercial writers.
To them, being a journalist is the needed weapon to obtain money from celebrities, opinion leaders, politicians and all attention seeking people.
The ethos of the journalistic profession, of removing judgement from news reporting and giving equal opportunities to all sides, was the first casualty of the kangaroo journalist, he cares neither for objectivity, the fundamental right to reply nor is he interested in the reputation and livelihood of those he is supposedly maligning just for the fun of it.
The role of the press, from time immemorial, is to inform, educate and entertain. These however, do not exclude the press from the economic realities and the cost implication of running a business, hence the resort to advert support for survival.
This delicate relationship between the media and advertisers, in any shape or form, has been on since the dawn of the profession, and over time, a delicate balance was achieved in which advert relationship has little or nothing to do with the direction of editorial policy.
All these rules, developed over time, mean absolute nothing to the kangaroo journalist. his main aim is to use his platform for blackmail, and because until now, he has nothing to lose, he assumed he could get away with it.
It is therefore not surprising, that a blogger of no repute, who has had face offs with the Niger State Government over issues of editorial blackmail, could not differentiate between an advert on a news site and a PR package. While one is a clear cut Above The Line transaction, the other is essentially a public relations function.
So, when such a blogger goes to town, impugning on the integrity of seasoned journalists and insinuating an act of wrongdoing on their part, simply because their news sites were given adverts, which was appropriately placed and visible, the same advert the said blogger lobbied for but did not get, then you know such a person needed to have his head examined.
For the records, Metronews would continue to uphold the tenants of the journalism profession, because unlike our friend, the blackmail blogger, we have a reputation to protect.
To the likes of Tego Oghenedoro or should we add Fejiro Oliver and their likes, if they refuse to get trained and adopt the rules of the game, their blackmail antics will only fetch them visits and clashes with the security agencies.

. Femi Davies is the Publisher of MetroNews Online. [myad]

Falling Oil Price Worries President Jonathan, Wants Oil Producing Countries To Sit Up

Greenbarge Reporters

November 10, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed worries over the current challenge of falling crude oil prices and called on oil producing countries to cooperate more and work together to overcome the challenge.
Speaking today at an audience with Angola’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Eustaquio Janeiero Quibato, President Jonathan said that African oil producing countries in particular needed to come together and strategize on the best ways of protecting their domestic economies from the vagaries of fluctuating oil prices.
“We are blessed with oil and we must continue to do all that we possibly can to maximize its benefits for our countries and the African continent.” President Jonathan said that Nigeria and Angola have always had cordial bilateral relations and called for the expansion of trade, economic, cultural and political cooperation between the two countries.
“For years, we have had a solid relationship. Historically, we have been together. So Nigeria and Angola should also work with greater synergy at continental and global fora.”
At another audience with Hungary’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ternak Gabor, the President called for greater international support and assistance for the West African countries that continue to be plagued by the Ebola Virus Disease.
President Jonathan also received Letters of Credence from the new ambassador of Burundi, Mr. Mathias Haranungarawe and the new ambassador of Serbia, Prof. Jovan Maric.
He wished all the new ambassadors very successful tenures in Nigeria and assured them that they will receive the full cooperation of the Federal Government as they work to enhance bilateral relations between their countries and Nigeria.

[myad]

Jonathan Knocks Off From Government List, Contractors Not On BPP Data Base

Greenbarge Reporters

November 10, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) that from the 2015 financial year, any contractor that is not in its database should not be allowed to do contract business of any sort with the Federal Government.
The President gave this directive today in Abuja, when he declared open the first National Conference on Public Procurement (NACOPP), with the theme “Public Procurement: A tool for Good Governance.”
The President’s directive followed the BPP’s categorization and classification of Federal Contractors and service providers into equal competences and capacity for bidding purposes.
Jonathan whose speech was delivered by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, said that any company debarred by the World Bank, Africa Development Bank and UNDP, as well as other development partners stands automatically debarred from contracting processes in Nigeria.
“This action is intended to eliminate distortions in bidding costs that tend to create the impression that project costs in Nigeria are higher than in other countries.”
President Jonathan noted that reforms in the procurement process has yielded positive results on the economy, adding: “being a good governance tool, procurement reform has enhanced the activities of other agencies of government.”
He said that as a first in the World, Nigeria is setting up the first International Procurement Platform to facilitate an interface between a regulatory authority and procuring entities and service providers.
President Jonathan reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthen the BPP, commended the 24 states that have passed procurement laws, even as he charged the remaining 12 states to urgently follow suit. He also asked all the States to give adequate protection to the regulatory agencies to effectively discharge their duties.
“It is important to reiterate that Nigeria runs one economy and therefore the need for one set of rules governing our contracting processes cannot be over emphasized.
“All States that are yet to pass the law are urged to pass them while those that have passed the law are urged to strengthen them in order to ensure delivery of services at best cost to the people.”
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that the BPP is a tool for fiscal saving and transparency even as she called on stakeholders to support the Bureau in the discharge of its mandate.
In his own address, the Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Emeka Eze, said the Conference is intended to bring all states of the federation to subscribe to one set of National procedure in public procurement.
Dr. Eze said that as part of its mandate to reduce the scope of corruption and improve efficiency in the system, the Bureau from year 2009 to date had saved the country over N528 billion in project reviews. He also disclosed that the BPP had recommended over 180 companies to the ICPC and the EFCC for investigation on fraudulent activities.
The Public Procurement Act was enacted in 2007, establishing the BPP. The BPP is charged with the responsibility to amongst others provide legal and institutional framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria.
The 1st National Conference on Public Procurement is holding in Abuja from November, 10-11, 2014. The conference is hosted by the National Public Procurement Forum (NPPF) and being implemented by the National Planning Committee and supported by the BPP.

[myad]

No Matter How Long It Takes, We’ll Defeat Boko Haram, Jonathan Vows As Atiku Decries Potiskum School Bombing

Greenbarge Reporters

November 10, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has vowed again that no matter how long it takes, his government is determined to defeat Boko Haram insurgence, even as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed outrage at today’s bombing of the Government Technical Science College, Potiskum by a yet unidentified suicide bomber dressed as a student of the school.
In a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan condemned the dastardly murder of the students on their school’s assembly ground.
He assured the grieving parents and people of Yobe state that no matter how long it takes, his government will ensure that all those responsible for the senseless murder of so many promising youngsters and the continuing acts of terrorism across the country are brought to justice and made to pay for their atrocious crimes.
The President similarly assured all Nigerians that in spite of seeming setbacks, his administration remains fully committed to winning the war against insurgency and terrorism.
He made it clear that his government will ultimately overcome the current security challenges imposed by domestic terrorists and their foreign allies, with the dedication of its Armed Forces and national security agencies, as well as the continued support and cooperation of all patriotic citizens.
President Jonathan expressed his deepest sympathies to all parents who lost their children in the heinous attack on the Government Science Secondary School which appears to have been carried out by a suicide bomber.
This is as Atiku President described the latest bombing which claimed the lives of 47 young and promising Nigerian school children as one too many “and once again underscores the need for the government at all levels, including our elders and opinion leaders to find a permanent solution to the problem of insurgency which has ravaged our country for the past five years.”
Atiku noted that the tragic incident in Potiskum is not the first time in Yobe State and indeed in the troubled North-East region that innocent young people are subjected to violence and untimely death for the simple reason that they want an education.
“One expects that knowing the anti-education mind-set of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, the relevant authorities should have done their bit to ensure that at least, our educational institutions are provided with additional security.”
Atiku appealed to the perpetrators of this crime and similar ones in the past to have a rethink and refrain from taking life which none of us can create.
He expressed his condolences to the government and people of Yobe State, the management, staff and students of Government Technical Science College, Potiskum, the parents and guardians of the affected students and all those who may have been adversely affected by the murder of the innocent students.

[myad]

Few Months To Go: Governor Uduaghan Still Runs, Injects New Hands In Running Government

Greenbarge Reporters

November 10, 2014

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that the injection of new commissioners into the State Executive council is aimed at ensuring the success of his administration as he prepares to end his second and last time tenure next year.

The governor challenged the 10 commissioners whom he swore-in today to bring fresh ideas to the running of the government as his administration remained committed to delivering projects and programmes that will impact meaningfully on the lives of the people of the state.

“It is our expectations that you will provide fresh impetus, ideas and insights to support government in consolidating our legacy projects, building a sustainable foundation of our economy and moving the politics of Delta State to a higher level if humility, justice and harmony even as we strive to satisfy the yearnings of our people.

He stressed the need for loyalty from the commissioners explaining that they should join hands with him in shaping the political future of the state.

“It is important that we do not only replace those who have left the council but, also inject fresh blood to reinvigorate our activities. You (the appointees) have come at a time when this administration is not only taking stock of what it has accomplished so far in meeting the desires and aspiration of the people but also, accelerating actions and increasing articulation of those things still outstanding in the development of the state.”

While congratulating the appointees, Dr. Uduaghan said: “I urge all those sworn-in today to bring with them, the desirable winning attitude, ingenuity and deep insight in the handling of their various assignments as that is the only way you can assist government leave a desirable legacy of service in Delta State, while also endearing yourself to the people.”

He charged the appointees to expand the frontiers of efficient service delivery for the benefits of our people and the state, reiterating: “your decisions must be equitable, fair and just at all times, you should understand that government is a continuum and there should be value for every public fund in your care.”

Speaking on behalf of the new commissioners, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata thanked the State Governor for the opportunity given them to serve, assuring that they will be dutiful and loyal to the government as well as offer quality service to the people.

The Commissioners include Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, Joel Bisina, Powell Ojogho, David Anuku, David Ekerekosu, Chris Ekiyor, Omoluabi Newumi, Austin Ayemidejor, Mathew Opuoru and Benjamin Iwezu.

The governor has also announced the appointment of the Commissioner for Housing, Chief Paulinus Akpeki as the new Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba. He replaces Dr Festus Okubor who resigned recently to pursue his political ambitions. [myad]

Atiku Abubakar Becomes Aare Of Ekiti Land

Greenbarge Reporters

November 9, 2014

Former Vice President and presidential aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar being installed as Aare of Ire-Ekiti land, by Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Adeleke Bobade in Ire-Ekiti, Ekiti State over the weekend.

R-L Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Adeleke Bobade, former Vice President and presidential aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola and Olori Gbemisola Bobade after the former Vice President was installed as Aare of Ire-Ekiti land in Ekiti State over the weekend. [myad]

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