How I Was Detained And My Passport Seized By Nigeria Security Operatives-Ezekwesili

July 23, 2014

Former Nigerian Minister of Education and current champion of the #BringBackOurGirls Campaign, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has given details of how she was detained and her passport seized by the security operatives at the Abuja International Airport on Monday.

Speaking to members of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans, to whom she is a trustee, Ezekwesili was quoted as saying: “I arrived at the airport yesterday (on Monday) to travel to London on British Airline. First, after the luggage screening section, I moved to the Customs people, sitting right next to it and do a more thorough bag search. Rather than they handling my luggage as is the practice, there were three SSS men, who rudely took over before they could do so, and ordered me to open my bag.

“I was travelling light, with just my hand luggage leather roll on and my computer bag. I placed the bag for them (to see) and one was already furiously frisking through it when the Customs advised that a woman be allowed to do it. She was allowed and she did it.

“She finished, zipped up the luggage and they said I could proceed. But I asked that the computer bag be also searched, and they did.

“I went on to do my checking and got my boarding pass, and was swiftly done. I arrived the Departure Immigration Desk at about 7.15am and presented my passport and forms. The Immigration staff did his processing and handed to the SSS official. Usually, their entire process lasts no more than five to 10 minutes on a passport. As a frequent traveller through our Lagos and Abuja airports, I speak based on experience and evidence. Even on the same day, the process for other travellers that I witnessed did not last more than five minutes. But on Monday, it became five, 10, 15 and 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 minutes for the Departure Desk processing for me, with no explanation given except “We act under instruction.”

Ezekwesili said after 10 minutes of waiting, she asked the officer why her passport was not handed over to her.

“He responded, “I am not doing this personally madam. I am simply acting based on instruction, and you of all persons should understand that.”

“When it was 20 minutes into the process, and with BA announcing the final boarding call for the 8am flight, the officer walked out of the cubicle, heading off. I followed him, asking where he was going without giving back my passport nor an explanation on why it was being withheld. His nonchalant response was “just wait. I am trying to help you”.

“It became evident that they withheld the passport to detain me at their departure desk in order to miss the flight. That was when I tweeted @ 7.37am “@obyezeks: Is this a democracy? I am being detained by the SSS @ Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The SSS has refused to give my passport to me.” At 7.41am “@obyezeks: On my way to London this morning for my @BBCHARDtalk appearance billed for tomorrow and the SSS has detained me by withholding my passport.”

“At that point, I brought out my phone to record him even as I asked for the passport. He got angry and charged at me that he would seize my phone. Then his colleague screamed at him a third time to handover the passport. He did,” she said. [myad]

Nigeria Customs Nets In N463.74 Billion For Government

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2014

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the collection a total sum of N463.74 billion as revenue from duties and levies in the first half of 2014.

This is contained in the Service’s “Monthly Revenue Report” which added that N197.73 billion was collected in the first quarter while N265 billion was collected in the second quarter.

It stated that N276.23 billion of the revenue was remitted to the Federation Account while N187.51 billion was transferred to non-federation account.

It said that N246.72 billion was collected from import duty, N16.78 billion from excise duty and N93.10 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT).

The report added that N94.40 billion was collected from levies, N11.52 billion from Common External Tariff (CET) special levy and N1.21 billion from other fees.

A monthly breakdown of the revenue collection during the period showed that N70.58 billion was collected in January, N63.87 billion in February and N63.37 billion in March.

In April, N87.58 billion was realised, N95.04 billion in May and N83.29 in June. [myad]

Top Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Escapes Death, As Suicide Bomber Targets Him

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2014

A prominent Islamic scholar and leader of Darikah sect, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, escaped death today when a suicide bomber, suspected to be Boko Haram member targeted him but missed him by hire’s breathe.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was said to be coming from the venue where he formally ended his annual Ramadan prayers. Thousands of Islamic faithful were said to have gathered for prayers with Sheikh Dahiru at Murtala Muhammed square, and when his convoy pulled up, the bomber lunged at him before being stopped by his private security.

Kaduna state Police Commissioner, Shehu Umar confirmed that “the attack was targeted at the sheikh,” saying that no arrest has been made yet.

The bomb did not injure the cleric even as volunteer who evacuated bodies, said there were 32 confirmed dead so far.

Shortly after, a second bomb blast killed 50 people in the crowded Kawo market claiming the lives of about 40 people, bringing the total of those who lost their lives in the two blasts to about 72.
However, Kaduna State Police Commissioner confirmed that about 25 people died in the two separate blasts. [myad]

Chidoka Becomes Aviation Minister, As Abubakar Takes Over Ministry Of National Planning

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2014

Former Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Osita Chidoka (Anambra) has been sworn-in as the new Minister of Aviation by President Goodluck Jonathan. This was even as Abubakar Suleiman (Kwara) was deployed as the Minister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman National Planning Commission (NPC).

The President also announced the former Deputy Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi as the new Corp Marshal of the FRSC to replace Chidoka.

Swearing them in at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, President Jonathan tasked them to bring in their wealth of experiences to impact positively on their new assignment.

“We expect that as you join the team at this time, this is an injury time like in a soccer match, when you are brought in at that time you are expected to score goals or to give very solid defence.”

“So Nigerians are expecting much from you…the issues facing us, of course most of African countries, is the issue of governance.”

“We expect you to bring to bear your wealth of experience so that wherever you are deployed, you will make impact.” He said.

On the new head for FRSC, the President said that he decided to appoint Deputy Corp Marshal, Oyeyemi as the Corp Marshal, because he was sure that he will measure up to expectations.

“I believe you will work with your colleagues and make sure that you don’t just maintain what Osita has done but that you will also improve on that.” [myad]

I Will Visit You When Your Daughters Are Freed, Jonathan Promises Chibok Parents

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured people in the Chibok community, in Borno state that he will personally visit them as soon as the over 200 female students of the Government Girls Secondary School are freed from their abductors, Members of Boko Haram.
President Jonathan told some of the girls that escaped from Boko Haram and parents of the girls abducted at a meeting with them at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tusday that he initially wanted to visit Chibok immediately after the abductions but decided to stay action, even though his heart was constantly with the traumatized parents and people of the area.
Jonathan made it clear that his desire is to visit them when their daughters have been freed and they can receive him “with smiling faces of joy, rather than with tears of anguish.”
He reassured them that his administration is doing everything humanly possible to rescue the girls even as he appealed for their patience, understanding and cooperation.
“Anyone who gives you the impression that we are aloof and that we are not doing what we are supposed to do to get the girls out is not being truthful.
“Our commitment is not just to get the girls out, it is also to rout Boko Haram completely from Nigeria. But we are very, very mindful of the safety of the girls. We want to return them all alive to their parents. If they are killed in any rescue effort, then we have achieved nothing,” President Jonathan told the parents and community leaders at the meeting which was also attended by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and the Senate President, Senator David Mark.
He added: “Our duty now is to take all relevant steps to recover our girls alive and our primary interest is getting them out as safely as possible. I will not want to say much, but we are doing everything humanly possible to get the girls out.
“This not the time for talking much. This is the time for action. We will get to the time that we will tell stories. We will get to the time that we will celebrate and I assure you that, by God’s grace, that time will come soon.”
Responding to appeals from the community leaders for more help in overcoming some of the challenges imposed on Chibok and neighbouring communities by the Boko Haram insurgency, the President said that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Federal Medical Agencies will intensify their efforts to provide them with additional relief aid and assistance.
He also assured them that Chibok and other communities in the three North-Eastern States most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency will be the first beneficiaries of the Victims’ Support Fund, which is the Presidential Initiative for the North-East, the Safe Schools Initiative and other developmental programmes.
He said that the Federal Government initiated the programme to address the damage, losses, setbacks, economic and social dislocations occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency.
“We solicit your maximum cooperation. Let us work together. Evil can never overcome good. We will surely overcome Boko Haram.”
In his remarks at the meeting, Governor Shettima called for more sobriety, reflection and unity of purpose in the fight against terrorism in the country.
He pledged that his state will give President Jonathan the fullest possible support for his efforts to address the problems caused by terrorism and the Boko Haram insurgency.
Dr. Pogu Bitrus presented the Chibok community’s address to the President.
Other speakers at the meeting included a district head, Mr. Zannamadu Usman, a member of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Foni Chibok, parents of the abducted girls and three of the girls who escaped from their captors, Godia Simon, Dorcas Musa and Joy Bishara.
National Security Chiefs, Ministers and other senior government officials were also present at the meeting. [myad]

NBC’s Worrisome Fatwas, By Garba Shehu

Garba Shehu

July 23, 2014

One of the greatest achievements of the military in Nigeria, the liberalization of the airwaves through the issuance of licenses to independent broadcasters is under threat. The threat is from the increasing politicization of the regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Tragically, for Nigeria, it is an elected “democratic” government that is engendering the demise of independent broadcasting.
NBC has today transformed from a regulator of a vibrant broadcast industry into a prefect, serving to secure and protect regime interests and nothing more.
Every three years, they statutorily called broadcast station owners to a roundtable to review its code.
A democratic engagement for the renewal of the code under professional industry managers such as Dr. Tom Adaba, as DG has, under this era of transformation, become something akin to the issuance of Fatwas.
Industry operators lament that these consultative meetings have become a hush up. After going through the motions, the “all-Powerful” NBC rams down the throats of the broadcasters a “pocket communiqué” prepared before hand with serious consequences that everyone has to live with.
Without a law backing their promulgation, these codes or Fatwas assume the force of law and are used to levy fines, suspend programs and issue threats of the withdrawal of licenses.
The independent broadcasters who are relatively new to an industry that government has managed and controlled since the coming of the radio are openly crying out that they are getting the short end of the stick.
There is an industry saying that meeting terrorists is a journalistic duty, not sedition. I recently found myself at a recent meeting of independent radio and TV stations in the North. All three hours, at which I was present, were dominated by tales of woe in the hands of an increasingly “killer” NBC, harshly treating stations that air a word that President Jonathan would not like to hear. The unspoken new rule is: say nothing, do nothing to cause the President constipation.
One of the nine radio stations in Kano reported that they had been queried between 25-30 times in the last six months on flimsy matters using these unilateral Codes. The recent change to the code states for instance, that no station is allowed to do a “Live” political event, the unspoken rule being that such a politician has to be a Dr. Jonathan to escape this rule. When you are dealing with the President, the government-owned Nigerian Television Authority,
NTA will be the first to blaze the trail. There are parallels here with the Aviation Ministry, which has banned all crowd receptions – political, burial, labour, welcome etc at the country’s airports, except where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is involved.
Another independent radio owner also from Kano said they had been forced to create a redundant post of a General Manager whose only responsibility is to make repeated trips to Abuja. “We get their summons every week. Our GM is busy. He can’t be on the road answering NBC summons all the time.”
The one in Kaduna reported that they were fined Two Million Naira by the NBC. What did they do? The Minister of Information was leading journalists to their city on a projects inspection tour and in the course of a phone-in program, a listener asked this important question: wouldn’t it make sense for his state government to use the N150 Million voted for the hosting of the Minister’s group for the provision of water in some communities that are direly in need? The fine was to punish the station for airing the question.
From all the stations, the story was of one fine or another or of the suspension or outright ban on programs, clearly signifying a new regime of intolerance. An FM station in Abuja had its enormously popular weekly matters review program in the vernacular under suspension simply because the government is “constantly getting a bashing.”
The conclusion of the Northern Independent broadcasters, at the end of this summit was that government wants to run them out of business ahead of the 2015 election in which Dr. Jonathan is expected to be a candidate.
Regulation for the sake of ensuring sanity in an industry that can cause irredeemable injury in a matter of seconds can be, and is indeed justified. It is wrong however where politics and regime protection are the motives.
The constitution left no ambiguity on the issue of the freedom to hold and express opinions where it said “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference,” and (2) adds, “without prejudice to the generosity of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions.” (Chapter 4, Section 39).
A government agency with a track record of partisan and unjust decisions cannot be trusted to manage the burst of new licenses for TV and radio stations coming on the heels of the digitalization, hopefully before the end of the year. Already, there are hints that the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which is being transformed (oh God!) into the official neighbor-to-neighbor campaign for Dr. Jonathan’s re-election in 2015 is bidding for a license in every local government area. So is the News Agency of Nigeria, which is the signatory to the scandalous Levick PR contract for which the NAN is paying USD100,000 every month. The contract is to launder Dr. Jonathan’s image in the face of the regime’s failure to #BringBackOurGirls.
Going by their past reputation, NBC required you to know the President before your license was processed and issued. Given the large number involved in this round, perhaps as many as 100 TV and another 100 radio licenses for each of Lagos and Abuja, the National Assembly needs to step in with clear rules and guidelines for an open and transparent process. This is to ensure that only investors with genuine intention to grow independent broadcasting are favored.
At the rate the NBC is issuing indiscriminate Fatwas, fines and suspending programs amongst independent radio and TV stations especially in the North where opposition to Dr. Jonathan is at its highest, it is not far-fetched to say that the broadcast industry is just one inch from paralysis.

Read More Articles From This Author: Garba Shehu

[myad]

Airtel Nigeria Appoints Gbenga Rotimi Legal Director

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2014

One of the leading telecommunication service providers, Airtel Nigeria has appointed a reknown legal practitioner, Gbenga Rotimi as its Director of Legal Affairs and Company Secretary.
Rotimi will be responsible for the company secretariat, board and legal matters.
The legal giant is expected to bring to the Airtel board, over 20 years professional experience, covering legal and commercial roles across the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia with extensive Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT) industry knowledge. [myad]

General Buhari’s Problem, By Benjamin Obiajulu Aduba

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2014

General Muhammadu Buhari was quoted as saying: “…Yes, I am a politician. Yes, I am in the opposition. Yes, there is the tendency for my statement to be misconstrued as that of a politician rather than a statesman. But I owe it as matter of duty and honor, and in the interest of our nation, to speak out on the dangerous trajectory that our nation is heading…”
General Buhari’s problems are contradictory words in politics. One is either a politician or a statesman but not both at once, especially when one is almost a candidate for office.
If one is about to run for office, it is hard to distinguish when he speaks as a candidate for office and when he is telling it as it is.
Among the living Nigerian statesmen such as Shehu Shagari, Alex Ekwueme, Jim Nwobodo, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammed Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo, to some extent, as well as Wole Soyinka, et al: we listen to them when they speak.
Although they might still retain their political affiliations, they have each made it clear that they would no longer run for office. So we have to assume that they are speaking for the love of country. Not to gain any advantage. This cannot apply to Buhari who is trying to live in Aso Rock. What Buhari should do now is to either chose to be a politician and his words would be considered as political statement or retire from politics and his words would automatically be assumed to be statesmanlike.
One cannot have it both ways. Each word that President Goodluck Jonathan utters is considered as an effort to position himself better for 2015. When he serves out his term and has no more aspirations for Aso Rock, I will change my perspectives.
I wrote earlier that OBJ positions would be seen as statesmanlike only to some extent because he was quite recently itching to be the chairman of PDP BOT, a political position.
As for the rest of Buhari’s statements, I have no position one way or the other. But I would not accept them as coming from anybody but a politician vying for office. And I hope nobody is lured into believing that they were made for any reason other than to place him or his party in a better position come 2015.
As they say around here: “they are all the same.”

Benjamin Obiajulu Aduba wrote in from Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [myad]

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo In Makkah To Pray For Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2014

Nigeria Vice President Namadi Sambo (M), on his way to perform the lesser Hajj (Umrah), at the Al-Masjid –Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia today, Monday. With him are his personal physician, Dr. Salifu Ibrahim Kwaifa; a Nigerian business man, Alhaji Ibrahim Nasidi (2^NDL); Senior Special Assitant on media, Umar Sani ( R), and another person. [myad]

Jonathan Rubs Minds With Chibok Girls, Parents In Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2014

At last, President Goodluck Jonathan, today, held a close-door meeting with parents of female students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno state who were kidnapped by members of Boko Haram on April 14.
Those who were at the meeting, held in the Banquete Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, were some of the female students that escaped from their captors in Sambisa forest. Others at the meeting were the Senate President, David Mark, Governors Isa Yuguda and Ibrahim Geidam of Bauchi and Borno states respectively, as well as some Chibok traditional rulers and Principal of the affected school.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the meeting, where newsmen were carefully kept away, special adviser to President Jonathan, Dr. Reuben Abati said the President assured the victims that when Boko Haram is eventually defeated, his government would rebuild Chibok and other structures which its members destroyed.
Dr. Abati said that the President also assured the affected students that their education would not be truncated, saying that everything would be done to ensure they complete their education.
The special adviser said that over 200 people, representing various interest groups travelled all the way from Chibok to Abuja to attend the meeting, adding that after the meeting, “everybody’s spirit was high because the President gave them something practical to hope for.” [myad]

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