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

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]

Delta’ll Rise Under Me, Obuh Promises As He Submits Governorship Nomination Forms

Greenbarge Reporters

November 9, 2014

A Delta State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Tony Obuh, has said he is poised to take the state to higher glory.
Obuh stated this after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms at the PDP headquarters in Abuja at the weekend.
Obuh said: “I am here to inform our great party, PDP, of my intent to run for the governorship seat of Delta State.
“I am here to also inform our party leadership that we are determined to continue with the development strides that our great party has been providing in Delta State.
“That will enable us to open up all the windows of opportunities across the state to enable the people to benefit from their full potentials, to prove themselves.
“And finally, to present my form that has been endorsed by PDP in my state.
“I am here submitting my forms because I have been able to go round the state to collect the mandatory signatories required to enable me submit the forms.
“It gives me the opportunity to further express my interest to the party and its leadership more importantly to the people of Delta State that I am set to serve them and empower the people of the state through the various projects that we are going to run and transform the state.
“It is difficult for you to have any contest for any position without some little bit of rancour complaints and petitions here and there.
“I recall that at that venue, when the results were collated and presented to the people, virtually all the contestants expressed satisfaction as to how it was conducted except there are changes in the cause of time between that day and today.
“Maybe certain things might have happened.
“Otherwise, I think that people felt fairly represented by what happened last Saturday.
“The party has the channel for resolving all issues and conflicts.
“I expect that they will live by the rules since that is what they want to promote.”
Obuh had earlier said that what stands him apart from the crowd is because of his vast knowledge about the need of his people.
“In the greater part of my life, I have been exposed to serve the people of Delta State, particularly in the last 32 years.
“I have been able to know and understand what I am capable of doing if I have the opportunity to serve my people in a higher office. I have not been distanced from them.
“I have been on ground and I have what is required to provide positive development for the state.”
Obuh said that if he is given chance “it will be an opportunity to create jobs for our people, an opportunity to encourage agriculture, because it remains a very potent force that is yet to be fully explored in terms of economic development.”
He said that he expected the party’s delegates to give him their mandate to fly the party’s flag to enable him lead the state to and continue from where the present administration has progressively taken the oil-rich state to.
In a chat with journalists after submitting his forms, Obuh, who spoke on the face-off between the Senate and the Presidency, said his party will come out of it as a more united family on the rules it has developed for the administration of electioneering processes.
“For me, the party should just live by the rules that it has framed for itself.
“It is not for me to say whether they should sway to one side or the other.
“Everybody within the political party has the right to aspire to any position and I am sure the party has its rules as to how to handle nomination and election into such offices they should live by those rules.” [myad]

Before Boko Haram Reaches Us, Let Us Begin To Talk, Iwuanyanwu Alerts Ibo People

Greenbarge Reporters

November 9, 2014

Nigeria business mogul and member of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has asked the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to summon a meeting of all retired senior security officers, including the Army and police, of South East extraction to discuss the security of the zone against the background of Boko Haram insurgence that has ravaged parts of the North..
according to him, with the 2015 general election around the corner: “we don’t have to wait until we are attacked before we start discussing security problems.”
Iwuanyanwu, who addressed newsmen at his Glass House in Owerri, where he reacted to a number of national issues, advised that a security committee might be set up to work closely with the five governors of the zone in dictating any sign of security breach and advise on the best way to tackle them.
The PDP bigwig, who also bared his mind on the political activities in the country preparatory to the 2015 polls, contended that every patriotic Nigerian should be more concerned with the unity, progress, peace and prosperity of the country, warning that if the 2015 elections are not properly handled, the situations could deteriorate further to a point that it might be difficult to control.
“I therefore, strongly suggest that since the South-South region has gone four years out of the constitutional eight years, it (South-South) should be allowed to complete the eight years.”
Iwuanyanwu appealed to politicians from South East who he admitted are legitimately and rightly demanding the Presidency next year to subjugate their ambition to the unity, peace and stability of the country by supporting the South-South after which the Presidency would naturally go to the North. [myad]

2015: Dooms-Day Predictions For Nigeria Will Not Work – Pastor Oritsejafor, Governor Uduaghan ‪

Greenbarge Reporters

November 9, 2014

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan have said that dooms day predictions for Nigeria in 2015 by some international people will not succeed.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Jubilee World Festival of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Delta State, which had “Arise 2015” as its theme, Governor Uduaghan said: “No matter the external influence, Nigeria will not break up in 2015.
“There are predictions that Nigeria will break up in 2015, but Nigeria cannot break up in 2015.
“2015 is going to be a challenging year. In 2015, a lot is going to happen, but we shall overcome.”
The governor noted that Nigerians have resolved to remain united as members of a corporate entity, stressing: “We have decided in Nigeria that we shall be one.
“All the parties in Nigeria have agreed that Nigeria will not break up.”
Uduaghan commended Oritsejafor and the Word of Life Bible Church for organizing the Annual Jubilee Festival, which attracts men of God from different parts of the world, stating that the annual festival has brought blessings to Warri, Delta State and Nigeria.
“Papa is the father of all Christians in Nigeria and this fatherhood is one of the most stressful fatherhood.
“The stress of protecting Christianity in Nigeria, protecting Christians in Nigeria against those who do not wish us well is not an easy one.
“There has never been a time in the history of this nation that we are where we are today.
“We should be on our knees and pray fervently for Papa.
“He needs our prayers and for people who can go beyond prayers, please do what you can for him to succeed in what he is doing.”
Pastor Oritsejafor said: “Nothing can break up Nigeria.”
He said that anybody wishing the break up of the country would not have his desires fulfilled.
Pastor Oritsejafor said that the Jubilee Festival would be sustained annually by God’s grace to win souls for Christ and prepare Christians for the years ahead.
Delivering a sermon at the occasion, Bishop Wayne Malcolm from the United Kingdom, admonished Christians to always know that God keeps promises.
Malcolm stated that there are three levels of spiritual maturity: little children, young men and fathers.
“As little children, we ask what can God do for me today.
“Young men will ask: what can God do through me, while fathers ask: what can God do for you?
“It is not about what God can do for me or what God can do through me, fathers are concerned about you.”
Those who accompanied Uduaghan to the service included the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru; member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nicholas Mutu; the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State, Chief Solomon Ogba; the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick; traditional rulers; aspirants for different political offices; and political appointees, among others. [myad]

Fear Of Ebola: Morocco Chickens Out Of Hosting 2015 Africa Cup Of Nation Tournament

Greenbarge Reporters

November 9, 2014

The scare of Ebola disease has made Morocco to cancel itself from hosting the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the country’s Sports ministry has said.
The kingdom’s authorities had expressed their concerns over the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa and requested the Confederation of African Football to postpone the tournament to June 2015 or January 2016.
However, following a meeting of its Executive Committee in Algiers last Sunday, CAF rejected Morocco’s request, confirmed its commitment to keep the tournament as scheduled and asked the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to clarify the country’s position no later than November 8.
However, the Moroccans decided to stick to their positions, maintaining their request for a postponement of the tournament.
The continental body is expected to give its final decision on the matter Tuesday. [myad]

Fall Of Berlin Wall: German Celebrates

Greenbarge Reporters

November 9, 2014

Celebrations are being held in Germany to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Concerts and exhibitions are being staged in the city and Chancellor Angela Merkel will later attend a huge open-air party at the Brandenburg Gate.
White balloons marking a stretch of the wall will be released to symbolise its disappearance.
The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to stop people fleeing from Communist East Germany to the West.
Its fall in 1989 became a powerful symbol of the end of the Cold War.
Chancellor Merkel will be joined for the festivities by former Polish trade union leader, Lech Walesa and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader.
The wall stretched for 155km (96 miles) through Berlin but today only about three kilometres of it still stands.
Within a year of its collapse, Germany – divided after its defeat in World War Two – was reunited.
More than a million visitors have descended on Berlin for the weekend of festivities that will culminate later on Sunday at the Brandenburg Gate.
The monument itself was inaccessible during the partition of Germany and is seen as a symbol of the country’s reunification.
On Saturday, people posed for photos in front of the few remaining graffiti-daubed slabs of the wall, or read information boards about life under Berlin’s 28-year division.
Others admired the art installation of almost 7,000 white balloons, pegged to the ground and winding along a 15km (nine miles) stretch of the wall’s route. [myad]

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