For the first time since Sanusi Lamido Sanusi became Emir of Kano in what actually was a controversial circumstance, President Goodluck Jonathan, who obviously was a public opponent, hosted him (the new Emir, now called Muhammadu Sanusi II) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, among other top Northern traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III yesterday. It was an occasion of breaking the Muslim Fast with the President.
President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a deeper, stronger and more cooperative partnership between Nigeria and other members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Speaking at separate audiences today with the new ambassadors of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria after receiving their letters of credence, President Jonathan said that such partnerships will improve the decision-making process within OPEC and open up more opportunities for investment and socio-economic collaboration among its members.
The President told the new Ambassador of the UAE, Mahmud Mohammed Mahmud Al-Mahumud and the new Qatari Ambassador, Mr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mubarak Seed Al Muhannadi that the cordial diplomatic and political relationship between Nigeria and other OPEC member-countries ought to be translated into more beneficial engagements.
President Jonathan noted that the ongoing Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government has thrown up more opportunities for investments in agriculture, real estate development, power generation, manufacturing and other areas in Nigeria.
He therefore urged the UAE, Qatar and other OPEC countries to take advantage of the immense potential of Nigeria’s large market and the new investment opportunities in the country which offer quick and high returns.
“We have already seen companies from the UAE investing in telecommunications, and in real estate, and they are doing very well. We want to see them also in agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and other areas’’ President Jonathan told the new ambassadors.
Both Ambassadors assured the President that they will do their utmost best to improve trade and economic relations between their respective countries and Nigeria during their tenures.
President Jonathan also had a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Finland, Mrs. Rita Korpivaara.
The President commended Ambassador Korpivaara’s efforts to enhance bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland. [myad]
A luxury bus scheduled to go to Port Harcourt in Nigeria’s South-South region from Kano, rose up with bomb explosion today, killing a number of passengers
The bomb blast came about 24 hours after a twin suicide bomb attack killed at least 39 persons in neighbouring Kaduna, capital city of Kaduna State.
It was gathered that the explosion took place at the motor park located along New Kano Road in Sabon Gari, the part of the state capital dominated by non-natives.
The number of casualties has not been known yet even as no group has claimed responsibility, although the Boko Haram terrorist group had in the past targeted the area and some other parts of Kano.
Reports said security agents have blocked roads leading to the blast scene while rescue workers have been deployed to the scene. [myad]
National Social Contract Initiative (NSCI) cautioned against linking the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to the twin bomb explosions that rocked the city of Kaduna on Wednesday, allegedly carried out by suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
In a statement today, the group condemned the masterminds of the deadly blasts, but advised opponents of the Jonathan administration to desist from playing politics with the security challenges facing the nation.
“The linking of President Jonathan and his government to the alleged assassination attempt on General Muhammadu Buhari is unwarranted, malicious and a calculated smear campaign by opponents of the President to cast aspersions on President Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general elections.
“Since the President came to power, his government has never been associated with any evil plans against ‘Politically Exposed Persons’ in the country. Rather, he has been a victim of vicious, misguided and unrelenting attacks from certain elements within the country bent on truncating his re-election as President for selfish and sectional interests.”
The group said that if reports that the leader of the terrorist Boko Haram group, AbubakarShekau had in the past threatened to kill some prominent Northern leaders, including General Buhari are anything to go by, it is clear that the Boko Haram sect has a wicked plan to plunge the nation into disaster and chaos.
The group gave gratitude to God for sparing the lives of Gen. Buhari and Sheikh DahiruBauchi, even as it cautioned that the terror attack in Kaduna and other places should not be politicized by Nigerians.
“Instead, all efforts must be geared towards assisting the Federal Government end the insurgency. “ [myad]
Impeachment, which the new political game in Nigeria, has found its way into the nation’s sports administration as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari was flushed out today through the system.
Maigari was impeached by eight votes to five of the 13-man Executive Committee as members reconvened to review Nigeria’s participation at the just concluded World Cup in Brazil.
The embattled NFF President was said to have made spirited effort last night to shift the Executive meeting that he scheduled, citing ministerial directive.
A communiqué issued by the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Muazu Suleyman reads in full:
“The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation met at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Thursday, 24th July, 2014 to review situation after the vacation of Court Injunction as well as the resultant lifting of suspension by FIFA, and resolved as follows:
1) The Committee expressed deep and very sincere appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR as a person, and the Federal Government as a body, for massive and continued support to the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Teams.
2) After thorough and exhaustive deliberations on the uncalled-for secrecy surrounding all financial dealings of the Federation and failure to call meeting of the Executive Committee for the past eight (8) months, during which so many weighty decisions on Nigeria football had been taken by a small cabal within the Board, the Executive Committee passed a vote of no confidence on the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.
3) In view of the above, the Committee approved the immediate dismissal of Alhaji Aminu Maigari, from the NFF Executive Committee on grounds of financial misappropriation, misapplication and maladministration.
4) The Committee resolved to mandate the 1st Vice President, Chief Mike Okeke Umeh as Acting President, to preside over the affairs of the Federation, pending the composition of the new NFF Executive Committee after the elections of Tuesday, 26th August, 2014.
5) The Executive Committee commended world football –governing body, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for its keen interest in the development of Nigeria football and pledged that the country will continue to abide by the dictates of FIFA and CAF Statutes and the FIFA –approved NFF Statutes.
6) Executive Committee thanked Nigerians from far and near for their patience and understanding during the crisis period and reiterated that concerted efforts are geared towards the development of football in Nigeria.
IN ATTENDANCE: Alh. Aminu Maigari (President); Chief Mike Umeh (Vice President); Chief Emeka Inyama (Member); Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma (Member); Alh. Ahmad Muazu Kawu (Member); Chief Effiong Johnson (Member); Barr. Christopher Green (Member); Hon. Shehu Adamu (Member); Alh. Muazu Suleyman (Member); Mr. Ayodeji Tinubu (Member); Alh. Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member); Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member). Secretary, Musa Amadu, also in attendance. [myad]
Less than 72 hours after Ebonyi state House of Assembly impeached its speaker, , Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku last Monday, the Assembly’s majority leader, Hon. Sam Nwal has been reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
Information reaching us indicated that Nwali was abducted at about 9:30am today along Nna Street Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital while on his way to meet with his other colleagues for a meeting.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Chris Anyanwu said that some members of the House of Assembly had reported the suspected kidnap to the Commissioner. it was learnt that Nwali’s kidnap may not be unconnected with the crisis rocking the House of Assembly over the impeachment of the speaker. [myad]
President Goodluck Jonathan has thanked God for sparing the lives of former Head of state, General Buhari and a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi after the twin bomb blasts in Kaduna, targeting the two personalities. In a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President expressed utter surprise that the bombers targeted General Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, adding that targeting of the prominent political and religious leaders by terrorists and enemies of the nation is an odious attempt to inflame passions and exacerbate disquiet, fear, insecurity and sectional divisions in the country. President Jonathan denounces what he called “the dastardly act” even as he assured residents of Kaduna and all other Nigerians that his government will continue, and will further intensify its ongoing efforts to effectively curb the menace of terrorism in the country. He has specifically directed the Police and other national security agencies to take all necessary actions to apprehend the perpetrators of the Wednesday’s attacks on Kaduna and urged all residents of the city to give them the fullest possible cooperation and support as they work to bring the terrorists to justice. The President sent his condolences to the families of those who were sadly killed by the bomb blasts even as he sympathized with all those who were injured in the twin bombings “in this Holy Month of Ramadan, which defy the tenets of Islam, and provide further proof that the terrorists are nothing but blood-thirsty extremists bent on undermining the unity and progress of the nation.” While General Buhari escaped unhurt in the bomb explosion around Kawo market as he headed towards his country home in Daura, three of his security aides were said to have injured and were rushed to hospital. A close aide of the General said that the bomber, who drove in a Toyota Sienna vehicle, rammed into the general’s convoy and detonated the explosive-laden vehicle. He said the opposition leader survived the attack, but his vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and another one behind it were badly damaged. “The General survived and he was evacuated from the scene of the bomb blast in a Golf Volkswagen vehicle,” he said. He also said that General Buhari’s damaged vehicle was towed away by emergency workers. The spokesperson of General Buhari’s All Progressive Congress, [APC], Lai Mohammed, said the explosion was targeted at the former head of state. “Yes, his convoy was attacked. He narrowly escaped but some of his aides were hurt. The General is ok, but perhaps traumatized.” A loyalist of General Buhari, Rotimi Fashakin, said the former head of state was on his way to his home town–Daura in neighbouring Katsina state–when he was trailed by the bomber and was attacked. “I’m sure political Boko Haram are behind the attack,” Mr. Fashakin said, adding: “General Buhari was the target of the attack.” The leader of a pro-Buhari pressure group, The Buhari Vanguard, Jasper Azuatalam, said the former Nigerian leader was possibly attacked over his recent criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan. “Recall that two days ago, General Muhammadu Buhari issued a statement warning President Jonathan and his government on their attempt to muscle the opposition and endanger Nigeria. The Presidency raised an eyebrow to the statement.” Meanwhile, the state Governor, Muktar Yero has announced a 24 hour curfew in Kaduna metropolis. [myad]
Nigeria’s Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has decried the high interest rate by commercial banks which he said is hampering access to financing by small and medium scale entrepreneur. The vice President spoke at the Makkah Guest Palace Hotel in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when he received a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank, led by its Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali. Namadi Sambo said that lack of access to financing has been one of the stumbling blocks to the growth and development of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. According to him, a situation where international financial institutions channel funds through local banks for on-lending to SMEs only for the banks to turn around and charge high interest rates is retrogressive. He said that with such situation, SMEs most times, end up supporting the banks by increasing their liquidity, even as he advised the Islamic Development bank to evolve ways through which the small scale entrepreneur could have easy access to cheap funds to finance business The Vice President said that Nigerian has designed what he called “a robust national master plan for small and medium scale enterprises,” and called on IDB to provide direct financing support for the small and medium scale entrepreneurs in Nigeria. He congratulated the chairman for the extension of the bank’s services, saying that the current rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP has shown Nigeria as one of the fastest growing economics.
He stressed the need for the bank to take advantage of this favourable economic climate to further support the nation in her quest towards rapid socio-economic growth and development. The Vice President said that with the successful completion of 10 new thermal power plants in the country, there is also the need for adequate Gas infrastructure to support the industries.
In his welcome remarks, the President of IDB, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali thanked the Nigerian Vice President for his commitment to IDB, and for extending an invitation to him whenever he visits the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He called on the Nigerian Vice President to use his influence in ensuring the take-off of the bilingual education programme in Nigeria which can help in addressing some of the concerns of Nigeria affecting the youth. Dr Ahmad Ali called on the Vice President to work with IDB in starting a crash programme on the bilingual education programme in order to maximize its benefit.
The President of IDB was accompanied by representatives from the entities of the IDB Group, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), International Islamic Trade Corporation (ITFC) and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC). [myad]
Minister of State for the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide has made it clear that Nigerian government has the will, the resources and the strategies to win the war against Boko Haram and terrorism in the country. Speaking on behalf of the federal government to the women and youth who had staged a three-day protest against Boko Haram and terrorism at the Unity Fountain, Abuja to mark the 100 days of the abduction of over 200 girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state, Olajumoke said that the government has procured new equipment and technology towards strengthening the capability and support for Nigerian military and security forces. She added that a recent delivery of such military equipment include highly sophisticated fighter helicopters with in-built night vision technology. She said that the government has a clear edge in weapons and reconnaissance capabilities, adding that the major breakthroughs recorded by the Nigerian Military in the war against Boko and terrorism have been numerous. They include, according to her, the capturing of many senior Boko Haram commanders who were used as spies and treasury officials by the Nigerian military and security operatives. She said that the achievements of the government also include the arrest of Sadiq Aminu Ogwuche, one of the masterminds of the April 14, 2014 bombing of Nyanya Bus Stop, located in an Abuja suburb, where several people were killed and others injured. Ogwuche who was also accused of leading recruitment efforts of Boko Haram, was recently extradited from Sudan where he ran to and is now in Nigerian custody preparatory to facing prosecution later. Olajumoke recalled that Boko Haram Chief of Intelligence was picked up and is now helping investigation while one Mohammed Zakari, a Boko Haram leader known as the ‘Chief Butcher’ was captured during the Nigerian Forces raid on Balmo forest, from where Boko Haram insurgents were expelled. [myad]
One of the aircrafts belonging to Algeria national airline, Air Algerie, has been declared missing. The plane, carrying 110 passengers and six crew members was flying from Burkina Faso to Algiers across the Sahara.
The airline authorities in Algeria said that they lost contact with the plane about 50 minutes after take-off from Ouagadougou.
The passenger airliner was last seen at 0155 GMT and should have landed at 0510.
Flight AH 5017 had 110 passengers and six crew on board, Spanish airline Swiftair, which owns the plane, said.
Air Algerie officials were quoted as saying: “in keeping with procedures, Air Algerie has launched its emergency plan.”
In a statement (in Spanish), Swiftair said that the aircraft was an MD83 and that they were unable to establish contact with the plane.
An unnamed Air Algerie company source said: “The plane was not far from the Algerian frontier when the crew was asked to make a detour because of poor visibility and to prevent the risk of collision with another aircraft on the Algiers-Bamako route. Contact was lost after the change of course.”
Flight AH 5017 flies the Ouagadougou-Algiers route four times a week. [myad]
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