Oando Swells, Acquires Medal Oil Company At N800 Million

July 16, 2014

Oando Energy Resources Inc., a company focused on oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria, has announced the completion of the acquisition of Medal Oil Company Limited for $5 million, (about N800 million).

According to a statement from the company, the purchase price of $5,000,000 was satisfied by the issuance of 3,491,082 units, each unit consisting of one common share of the company and one-half of one warrant to purchase an additional common share at a price of C$ 2.00 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date on which the company closes the acquisition of the Nigerian upstream oil and gas business of ConocoPhillips.

Medal Oil holds a 5 per cent interest in Oil Mining Licence (OML 131). Upon completion of the CoP Acquisition, Oando will own a 100 per cent interest in OML 131, according to the statement.

Oando had recently reached an agreement on complete acquisition of the upstream oil and gas business of ConocoPhillips in Nigeria, after scalling through the hurdle of getting ministerial consent.

The Head Corporate Communications, Oando, Ainoije Alex Irune, earlier said the parties have extended the completion date for the acquisition to July 31, 2014.

He stated: “Having received the consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, both parties have extended the outside closing date for completion of the acquisition to enable them finalise activities required to conclude the transaction.”

[myad]

Jonathan Seeks N165 Billion Loan To Fight Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the House of Representatives to grant approval to his government to borrow an external loan of $1 billion (about N165 billion).

The President’s letter, seeking the lawmakers’ approval to borrow the money, was read today at the House’s plenary in Abuja.

President Jonathan said the money would be used to upgrade the equipment of the Armed Forces in the course of executing the war with Boko Haram.[myad]

Nyako Was Impeached To Satisfy Selfish Elements In Abuja-Rivers APC

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2014

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state has said that Murtala Nyako was impeached as governor of Adamawa state on Tuesday by 18 out of 24 member House of Assembly simply to satisfy

the evil desire of those it called undemocratic elements operating from Abuja, the nation’s federal capital.
In a statement, the chairman of the state chapter of the party, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya said described the impeachment as shocking and retrogressive
“We never thought that Adamawa State lawmakers would allow external forces to cause them to impeach a Governor that was not only duly elected but also enjoyed the overwhelming support of the people of Adamawa State just to satisfy the selfish and evil plots of undemocratic elements operating from Abuja. “To us, this is a retrogressive development aimed at rubbishing a man who has sacrificed so much for the unity and progress of Nigeria as a nation.”
Ikanya expressed regret that Nyako had been paid back in bad coin for spearheading the election of President Jonathan both at the 2011 PDP Presidential Primaries election and the general election proper of the President in 2011.
“This is one of the reasons why also Rivers State is under siege for given the President the highest number of votes during the 2011 Presidential election. “We are not used to crying over spilled milk but we will like to assure Adamawa people that we are solidly behind them, not minding the efforts of some undemocratic forces to put our democracy in danger.” The APC chieftain agreed that Impeachment is a normal exercise in any democracy but that induced impeachment like that of Adamawa State is condemnable. “We wonder why the PDP-led Federal Government should be putting our democracy in danger by luring and forcing some disgruntled and misguided lawmakers to be making efforts to impeach Governors of only APC-controlled states. The cases of Edo and Nasarawa states readily come to mind.”
He said that the world is watching how Nigeria is operating its democracy, even as he said wanted the people to keep watching “where all these rascality acts will lead us to as a nation.”
He cautioned however those he called undemocratic elements to watch out else they collapse the democracy as a result of their desperation to install President Jonathan for a third time against the letters of the Constitution that says that nobody should act as a President for more than eight years. “Should these elements succeed in their evil plot, they will be making President Jonathan to preside over this nation for over ten years and maybe thereafter make him a life President!” [myad]

Polio Won’t Go, This Is Why, By Garba Shehu

Garba Shehu

July 16, 2014

Hearing the reports of massive inflow of foreign assistance–millions of US Dollars, plane-loads of medicines, building materials, blankets and warm clothing into Japan and 13 other countries along the coasts of those countries bordering the Indian Ocean following the devastating, mega-earthquake, the Tsunami, a poor but calculating and witty Nigerian offered a prayer.
He said to his God: “in view of the chronic poverty and want in these parts, why not, oh God, send this Tsunami to my country, so that here too, we will be recipients of these foodstuff and blankets they are sharing?”
He probably didn’t reckon with the fact that if he had been in that region, he might have been among the 230,000 men, women and children, members of the coastal communities whose lives were lost.
This country is not the only place where people can be happy about misfortune striking others.
Ripley’s film, “Believe It or Not” tells this story.
Reports from Brazil speak of millions in that country who are happy with that country’s humiliating defeat by Germany and Netherlands in the just-ended world cup. Brazilians in their large numbers want to see the back of the country’s leader, Dilma Roussef, so anything that adds to her woes is delightly welcome.
The ironic return of the wild polio strain, the one that the world had assumed had been eradicated in nearly all parts of Nigeria should in the light of the above, surprise no one. Politics aside, there is so much going on in the country to ensure that polio, even it goes, will continue to return again and again like the proverbial Abiku.
Nigeria has one of the world’s worst health sectors.
As I write, doctors have walked off their jobs in the hospitals. Nobody knows how long the strike will last. As a consequence, patients have been thrown out all public hospitals. Those without money to continue their treatment in the costly private medical facilities have in a way been handed early death certificates. The health system on the whole has sunk to the bottom of an abyss that is devoid of the culture of compassion, care and fellow-feeling. Weaknesses in the system are there for everyone to see. Vaccine supplies start and stop, making sustainability, which is a condition for polio eradication a mere pipe dream. Records, especially in the vast Northern parts of the country, show that immunization has nosedived. Without 80-85 percent success rate, in the face of an explosive birth rate, there is no way polio can be cleared out of Nigeria. Add that to the fact that 60-70 percent of the country’s population is living below poverty lines. With all these, polio, which is a disease of poverty and unclean environment, has a perfect setting in which to thrive. Cushioned by corruption, wasteful government spending, high unemployment, crime and insecurity, there is little wonder that the whole country is fast becoming a sick society and the return of polio is therefore a mere symptom of the underlying affliction that affects the polity as a whole. It is not only the health sector that has collapsed. Corruption has equally caused the decay in the school system and social services as a whole. Urban planning has been abandoned. That is why every rainy season comes with accompanying tragedies, occasioned by floods. Building collapse in urban cities is an everyday phenomenon.
In an addition to all these, Nigeria has to contend with the gluttonous global system, which interest is not served by the eradication of epidemics such as polio. Huge grants, such as the USD50 Million in this respect by the Bill Gates Foundation and money, well-meaning business leaders such as Aliko Dangote continue to pour into polio may actually be feeding this greed that we are talking about. First, it is a fact that modern medicines are designed with profit in mind. Drug companies push for sales as do, or even more aggressively than vehicle manufacturers.
It is like there is fun in epidemics for doctors and pharmaceutical companies all over the world. It is a known fact that doctors get cutbacks from drug companies. Even the technical people, there are so many of them whose careers are tied to diseases, without which they will be without job. It is a picture of conspiracy well beyond the control of this country.
The full return of polio should horrify everyone but is inevitable in view of the current conditions in the country. So long as the environment is right for the epidemic to stay here and thrive and with the conmen all over the place eyeing oversea dollars coming in to, supposedly fight polio, there is no way the disease can leave our shores.
That is the reality of the fact.

Read More Articles From This Author: Garba Shehu

[myad]

Lawrence, A Christian, Flying Boko Haram Kite, Nabbed By Security Agents In Abuja

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2014

A man whose name was given as Ugwu Lawlence has been arrested by security operatives in Abuja in connection with Boko Haram activities.
According to the security sources, Lawlence, a Christian from the Southern part of the country is said to specialize in
Sending out text messages to public places posing as Boko Haram member and threatening to bomb such places.
The suspect “was tracked by security operatives after dispatching text messages of impending bombings of some hotels in Abuja,” the source said.
Lawlence was said to have created a lot of panics amongst the residents of the federal capital, even as he reportedly confessed that he employed the gimmick because the management of one of the organizations failed to offer him employment.

[myad]

Suppression Of Political Opponents Bad Omen For Democracy, Atiku Warns PDP

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2014

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that suppression of political opponents by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led federal government is a bad omen for democracy.
He stressed that the excessive use of power by the PDP-led government is a tendency that portends danger to what he called decent democratic practice.
Atiku, who was reacting to the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State today in Abuja that wielding the axe of impeachment against elected public office holders to settle scores by the PDP-led federal government would needlessly build up tension in the country.
The former Vice President described what he called “the reckless use of impeachment to settle scores” antithetical to the intention of the framers of the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, the frequency with which elective officials were being shot down by impeachment would destroy the whole purpose of inserting the impeachment clause in the Constitution even as he regretted that the use of impeachment to harass and humiliate perceived opponents by the PDP-led federal government would ultimately bastardize the spirit in which the constitution provides for the impeachment clause.
Atiku cautioned the PDP-led federal government to take it easy in the way they use power, adding that the constitution is not meant to provide ammo to anybody to harass and humiliate opponents or force them out of office.
He criticized the use of financial inducements to influence the removal of perceived opponents from office, stressing that triumphalism in the suppression of opponents is a bad omen for democracy.

[myad]

Finally, Adamawa Assembly Impeaches Governor Nyako, Declares Speaker Ag. Governor

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2014

Adamawa state House of Assembly has finally sent State Governor, Murtala Nyako packing, even as his deputy Bala Ngilari resigned just in time before the impeachment hammer fell. 18 out of 25 members signed the final impeach note.

The House has declared the Speaker, Hon. Umaru Fintiri as acting governor of the state and will be sworn shortly.
The governor was removed from office today after the state Assembly deliberated on the report of an investigative panel that probed allegations of financial misconducts against him.
The deputy governor’s resignation letter had earlier been read at plenary by the speaker of the Assembly, Umaru Fintiri and approved.
The House is sat today to consider the report of the seven-member investigative panel, appointed to probe allegations of financial impropriety against the governor and his deputy.
The committee submitted its report to the House on Monday.
Reports from the state capital said there is high security presence on the road leading to the Assembly and inside the complex.
A source, who works with the Assembly said that only staff of the Assembly and journalists are being allowed access into the complex. [myad]

I’m Not In Politics To Serve Interest Of President Jonathan, Says Governor Amaechi

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2014

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state has made it clear that he is not in politics to serve the interest of his brother, President Goodluck Jonathan or even his father.
“For me,” he stressed, “politics is not about my brother or my father. Politics is about me and my interest. So, it is about you and your interest.”
Governor Amaechi who spoke at the thanksgiving celebration of former Council Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of the state, Gregory Nwidam, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Bane said he no longer fear federal government-controlled police because there was nothing they have not done to him in the past.
“There is nothing new that the federal government has not done to me.
“There is no cell that they have not locked me up as a student leader. There is no amount of slapping and beating I have not passed through in those days.”
He urged the people in the state to fight for themselves with their vote in 2015, adding: “when you vote, you are not fighting for me, you are fighting for yourselves because, I have served as a Speaker for 8 years and also Governor for 8 years. What I need from God is long life. “You need to fight for yourselves and save Rivers State as well.”
He told the people that he defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the failure of the PDP led federal government to implement the United Nations Environmental Protection Agency (UNEP) report on Ogoniland.
Amaechi said the PDP led federal government lacks the political will to implement the UNEP report to make the environment habitable for the people of Ogoni, including the provision of water and other infrastructural development.
“After the verification and recommendation by the Agency to the Federal Government, they have refused to release the sum of One million dollars for the clean-up and development of the area. As I am talking to you today, the Federal Government is doing nothing about the UNEP report. One million dollars is about 160 billion naira, but the Federal Government has been spending billions in other places. “But, you need to ask yourselves one question, what did Ogoni do against the federal government that they cannot release 160 billion naira to save your environment. That is the reason I left PDP for APC, because, our interest is not protected in PDP. So, when they cannot give the people of Ogoni 160 billion naira, which is not even enough for their kids to travel around America and London, if they cannot give to Ogoni people, why should you vote them?
“What you should do is to punish them with your votes by voting them out in 2015.
The governor urged the people of Khana and all Rivers people to register and identify with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in order to vote out the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.
“Let me assure you that APC will win in 2015 in Rivers State. You owe me a duty to get registered with APC. “Go and register during the voters’ registration and get your voters card. I want to thank the people of Bane community and Khana people for their support, especially the celebrant, Hon. Gregory Nwidam for his promise that the people of Khana LGA will ensure APC wins in Rivers State in 2015.”
The governor also advised supporters of the APC in the State to resist any attempt by the PDP to use police and the military to intimidate and manipulate the 2015 elections against the will of the electorates.
“The PDP said they will bring Police and Army. Let them bring them, but, you should know that they are also human beings. On that day of the election, I will be at the front.
“When you vote, seat down at the polling unit and let them count the votes and announce the results, so that they won’t rig us out. Don’t vote for PDP.

[myad]

Governor Wada Loses 100 Year Old Father, Jonathan Says It’s Fulfilled Life

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2014

Father of governor Idris Wada of Kogi state, Pa Wada Ejiga is dead. He died after a brief illness on Monday at the age of 100 years.
In a condolence message, President Goodluck Jonathan described Pa Ejiga as having lived a fulfilled life.
The President commiserated with governor Wada, the government and people of Kogi State over the passing away of the father, saying that the late centenarian was a worthy son of Kogi State.
President Jonathan said that Pa Ejiga contributed in no small measure to the educational development of Igalaland in particular and the state in general.
He enjoined the bereaved family and the people of Kogi State to take solace in the knowledge that “late Pa Ejiga lived a very happy and fulfilled life as a community leader and a devoted father.
“As a family man, he succeeded in nurturing his children among whom is Governor Idris Wada, to prominent positions that had given them the opportunity to make lasting impact in society.”
The President prayed to God to comfort the bereaved family members, their friends and well-wishers and grant the soul of the departed peaceful rest.

Miss Malala To Boko Haram: Stop Misusing Name Of Islam

Greenbarge Reporters

July 14, 2014

A teenage Pakistani activist, Malala Yousafzai has called on Boko Haram terrorists to stop misusing the name of Islam which is not against young girls going to school to acquire knowledge.

In a message she delivered in Abuja to mark Malala Day, a day to advocate for the education of every child in the world, Malala said that indiscriminate killing of innocent people,including Muslims can never be in line with Islam or any known religion, even as she appealed to the terrorists to release the Nigerian school girls abducted since April 14.

“I ask Boko Haram to stop misusing the name of Islam; Islam is a religion of peace; Islam allows every girl and every boy to get education, to go to school and education is compulsory in Islam. The word ‘Islam’ means peace, and the first word that was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was Iqra (read). Islam gives the message of tolerance, patience, harmony and humanity.’’

Malala advised Boko Haram members to lay down their weapons, release the abducted girls and respect the language and culture of other people.

“I ask Boko Haram to think about their own sisters; if they suffer in the same brutal and harsh situation how would you feel? If your sisters are homeless, if they are under the captivity of someone who is so violent and cruel how would you feel?

“Those who are under your imprisonment are like your sisters; Islam preaches a message of brotherhood; we are all sisters and brothers. Release the daughters of this nation; let them be free; they have committed know no crime. ’’

The 17-year-old Pakistani girl dedicated the 2^nd Malala Day to her “Nigerian sisters” kidnapped by Boko Haram, whom she said have become victims of terrorists like her, after she survived a Taliban gun shot to her head.

She recalled that the maiden edition of Malala Day was celebrated in 2013 at the UN headquarters in New York and she used the occasion to demand world leaders to ensure free and compulsory education for every child.

Malala said she had been inspired by story of one of the Chibok girls whom she called “my sister” and they met on Sunday in Abuja.

“My Sister comes from the Nigerian village of Chibok. She is 16 years old and one day, when my sister was in school, some armed terrorists known as Boko Haram came and tried to steal her dreams.

“They kidnapped her but she was one of those luckiest ones who escaped from the abduction; before that, her father got killed and her mother and sister got injured in the unstable situation in the North of Nigeria.

Because of insecurity and poverty, she can no longer go to school and her favourite subject is Biology and she wants to become a doctor.

“Every Day, Boko Haram terrorises the local people and over 200 girls were kidnapped and still have not returned; next week, it will be 100 days.

“Hundred days since they were taken; 100 days in captivity; 100 days out of school without parents and 100 days under fear.’’

The education advocate noted that the situation of insecurity was not peculiar to Nigeria, noting that similar conditions exist in the Middle East, Pakistan and African countries.

She said the insecurity in different parts of the globe such as Syria, Gaza, Ukraine and Afghanistan had forced many school age children out of school.

“Around 57 million children are out of school; 10.5 million children in Nigeria do not have access to education.”

According to her, in her native country, Pakistan, seven million children are deprived of basic education.

“In Pakistan children have to leave their homes for their safety because there is a military operation going on against the terrorists and many children do not have access to education and they are out of school.’’

She accused world leaders of keeping silent on the plight of children in Syria, Gaza and Palestine.

Malala said on her 17^th birthday, her wish was for the world to listen to the voice of the escaped Chibok school girls and their parents.

She announced the Malala Fund donation of 200,000 dollars to two Nigerian organisations working on education of the girl-child.

Malala also said she had earlier met with President Goodluck Jonathan who assured her that the government would use the best option to secure the release of the girls alive.

According to her, Jonathan also promised to meet the parents of the abducted school girls.

Malala also described Nigeria as a rich country not because of its oil deposits but because of its rich human capital.

She asked Nigerians to be united and not to “judge each other on the basis of religion, colour, creed or the languages that you speak.” [myad]

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