FIFA Sends Suarez Out Of World Cup, Bans Him For 4 Months

June 26, 2014

The world football ruling body, FIFA has finally sent the Uruguay striker, Luis Suarez out of ongoing world cup tournament in Brazil having been banned from all football activities for four months for biting an opponent at the World Cup. With the ban, Suarez has also been ruled out of the start of the upcoming Premier League season.

The ban also covers Uruguay’s next nine international games, which goes beyond the next four months and rules him out of next year’s Copa America. It will likely carry over to qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup.

FIFA also fined the Liverpool striker 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000).

Uruguay’s football federation said it plans an appeal to FIFA before the team’s round-of-16 game against Colombia on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.

Suarez bit the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 win in the group stage on Tuesday, but escaped unpunished as the referee did not see the incident.

“Such behavior cannot be tolerated on any football pitch and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup, when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field,” Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee, said in a statement.

Uruguay federation president Wilmar Valdez said it was “a severe punishment.”

“It feels like Uruguay has been thrown out of the World Cup,” Valdez said in Rio.

This is the third time Suarez has been banned for biting an opponent after similar incidents with Ajax in the Dutch league and Liverpool. He was given a 10-match ban by the Premier League for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013.

“Hopefully he will realize now that behavior of this type will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said FIFA vice president Jim Boyce of Northern Ireland.

In Uruguay, even fans who agreed Suarez’s action was “stupid” did not agree with the sanction.

“Uruguay is a small country that eliminated two big nations like Italy and England and it’s not for FIFA’s benefit to let Uruguay continue playing,” supporter Juan Jose Monzillo said in Montevideo.

By banning Suarez from all football activities, FIFA also prohibited Suarez from entering a stadium or team hotel at the World Cup. It also stops him from even training with Liverpool until the ban ends in late October.

“He cannot be actively involved” with a club, FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer said.

Suarez and the Uruguay football federation can appeal the sanctions, though Liverpool could not be formally involved in any legal challenge, Fischer said.

The four-month ban includes Liverpool’s first three Champions League group-stage games in the five-time European champion’s return after a five-year absence. Suarez will also miss the first nine matches of the Premier League.

Suarez would still be allowed transfer to a different club during the ban, but would not be able to play for a new club until the sanction ends, Fischer said. He has been linked to a move to Barcelona.

Sports manufacturer adidas, which sponsors both Suarez and the World Cup, said it agreed with the ruling. The company said it will not use Suarez for “additional marketing” during the World Cup but would not immediately drop him as a client.

“We will again be reminding him of the high standards we expect from our players,” adidas said in a statement.

Any appeal by Uruguay must first go to the FIFA appeal committee, Fischer said. If rejected, Suarez and Uruguay could take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

At CAS, Suarez could first appeal to have the sanctions frozen during the process which would clear him to return early for Liverpool.

In a statement, Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre said the club “will wait until we have seen and had time to review the FIFA Disciplinary Committee report before making any further comment.” [myad]

Nigeria’s Federal Capital Minister, Bala, Mourns Editor, Killed In Emab Plaza Bomb Blast

Greenbarge Reporters

June 26, 2014

Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has described the slain Managing Editor, Northern operations, of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Mallam Suleiman Bisalla as an outstanding journalist who practiced the journalism profession in line with its guiding ethics and principles.
Suleiman Bisala was identified as one of the victims of the bomb blast, by suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram, which occured at the Emab Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja yesterday. His elder brother, Mohammed Bisala, who confirmed the death and said that Suleiman’s corpse was found at the Maitama Hospital mortuary.
In a statement by his special assistant on media and publicity, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the minister noted that there are valuable lessons to be learnt from the life of Suleiman Bisalla.
According to him, humility, hard work, honesty and integrity were the guiding principles of the deceased, even as he advised the younger generation of journalists to emulate his sterling qualities by shunning blackmail and sensationalism.
Senator Bala said he was greatly saddened by the news of the death of the Editor who he described as a humble and thorough-bred journalist.
“From the information I gathered about the late Suleiman Bisalla, I can confidently state that he was an exceptional professional journalist who always stood for the truth and objectivity in the discharge of his duties. He certainly left positive imprints, which will make his memory to endure for many years to come.”
He said that the late Editor did not die in vain as his dedication to the unity of the country and peace would triumph over the dark activities of his killers and their collaborators, adding that although those who took away Suleiman Bisalla could kill the flesh, but they cannot kill his spirit.
Earlier, the minister had condemned the bomb blast and said that it was a savagery act even as he directed free medical services for all those injured.
The minister who spoke when he visited the scene of the bombing immediately it occured, as well as the Maitama District Hospital, Abuja where most of the injured were receiving treatment, restated his directive for stricter security in all public places and other soft targets which usually witness large gathering within the FCT.
He said that the security plans of action are being developed to forestall any attack by insurgents, describing the incident as most unfortunate.
He commended the security agencies for their efforts in combating terror in the FCT and pledged more support by the FCT Administration.
Senator Bala also praised the emergency services, especially the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the FCT Hospital and Human Services Secretariat for rising promptly to the occasion.
The Secretary of FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya told the minister that the injured ones were rushed to Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and National Hospital by emergency workers.
He added that the victims of those who died had also been deposited at the various morgues in these hospitals.
The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba said that arrests have been made by the security forces in connection with the bombing.
The FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu, the Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba, the Director of State Security Services (DSSS) in FCT, Mr. John Okojie and other officials were with the minister during the visits.

[myad]

Ekiti Governor-Elect, Fayose, To Appear In Court On July 15 For Alleged Corruption Charges, Says EFCC

Greenbarge Reporters

June 26, 2014

Hearing in a case of corruption against the Ekiti state Governor-elect under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, comes up for hearing at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti on July 15.
The Head of Media and Publicity for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, said that Fayose or his representative is expected to be present in the court.
He explained that the governor-elect, who will be sworn-in in October, has not started to enjoy immunity because the clause in the Constitution only applied to the President, the Vice President, sitting governors and their deputies, and not governors- elect.
He said that the media reports that EFCC had dropped corruption case against Fayose is untrue, explaining that his being elected as governor cannot affect his trial at the Federal High Court.
“The EFCC has not dropped the case against the former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.
“The trial is still going on; it is continuing at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti. In fact, further hearing comes up on July 15, 2014.
“As you know, immunity from prosecution applies only to the President, the Vice President, sitting governors and their deputies.”
Uwujaren added that the case against Fayose has made substantial progress as the commission had called two witnesses to testify in the case.
Uwujaren said that the issue of whether the case against the governor-elect would be withdrawn or not when he takes over as governor is a matter for the court to decide.
“It is the court that would decide whether the case would be discontinued or not; all arguments will be canvassed in court and it is the court that would decide.”

[myad]

Boko Haram Cannot Survive For Long, Vice President Sambo Swears

Greenbarge Reporters

June 26, 2014

Nigeria’s Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has said that Boko Haram whose members have been bombing and killing innocent Nigerians across many parts of the North is only marking time as it cannot survive for long.
The Vice President who visited the site of the bomb blast, Wednesday, at the Emab Plaza Wuse II and also the injured victims who were admitted at the Maitama General Hospital, Abuja today, emphasized that terrorism will never gain ground in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world.
He added that the group cannot also dampen the spirit of Nigerians even as he called on Nigerians to be extra security conscious and vigilant at all times.
“This cowardly and unjust act will be defeated. Evil can never be sustained. Insha Allah, this administration and Mr. President will not leave any stone unturned until we defeat these terrorists. Terrorism cannot survive in Nigeria or in any part of this world.
“We are doing everything possible and exerting every effort to ensure that within the shortest possible time, it will become a thing of the past. I want to assure all Nigerians that the government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians and our visitors.”
Sambo sympathized with families of the victims of the bomb blast and appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies as they tackle crime and criminality in the country.
“I appeal to all Nigerians to be very vigilant and be very observant and report any suspicious act to the security agencies. I want to also urge us to resume our normal duties, our normal services and to cooperate with the administration so that we will jointly succeed in solving this problem.”
The Vice President walk round the site of the bomb blast and visited the injured victims of the bomb blast who are on admition at the Maitama General Hospital.
Vice President Namadi Sambo was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Morro, Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide. Others were the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

[myad]

Nigeria-Argentina World Cup Battle: Musa, Messi At Each Other’s Neck, Argentina Manages A 3 -2 Win

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2014

The battle for the next round of the ongoing World Cup tournament in Brazil between Nigeria and Argentina was fought this evening with Ahmed Musa of the Super Eagles and Lionel Messi of Argentina at each other’s throat, even as Argentina managed a 3-2 win.

The match began with Messi scoring the first goal just within three minutes into the first half, but Musa quickly replied a minute later to net-in the equalizer.

Messi closed the first half, at exactly 45 minutes with a second goal while Musa returned in the second half, at 47^th minute to level up. But the Argentina’s third and winning goal came in the 50^th minute of play by M. Rojo.

Here is a minute by minute account of the match:

90′ + 4’FULL-TIME!
90′ + 2’Nigeria area being allowed plenty of possession, but Argentina do not look particularly troubled. The match appears to be petering out, while Di Maria tries his luck from near the halfway line. His effort lands on the roof of the goal, though.
90′ + 1’SubstitutionGonzalo HiguaínLucas Biglia
90’There will be four minutes of stoppage time.
88’Sabella looks rather concerned and rightly so. Nigeria go close again as Ambrose shows clever feet to get into the right side of the box before getting a shot away, but a deflection takes it into the side-netting.
86’But Argentina remain very dangerous on the break! Di Maria races through down the left with only Yobo to keep him company and he finally gets a shot away, but Enyeama makes the block.
84’Not far from a Nigeria equaliser there as Emenike is given a lot of space towards the right and he fires a shot towards the far side of the goal, but he sends the effort just wide of the post.
83’Argentina are inviting rather a lot of presure on to themselves at the moment. Nigeria are getting plenty of men forward and you wouldn’t be surprised to see them equalise again here.
81’And now Garay goes close! The centre-back – who was officially announced as a Zenit player earlier today – meets a corner delivery with a good header, but it narrowly misses the top-right corner.
80’SubstitutionPeter OdemwingieUche Nwofor
79’HUGE TACKLE BY ZABALETA! Nigeria spring a counterattack down the left and Musa appears to have beaten Zabaleta, cutting inside him and shaping to shoot. The Manchester City full-back looks stranded, but he pulls off a great last-ditch tackle to block the shot.
78’ENYEAMA DENIES ARGENTINA A FOURTH! Lavezzi and Di Maria stand over a free-kick on the right-hand side and after the former plays it short, the Real Madrid man loops the ball into the area, but Lavezzi’s volley is kept out by the keeper.
76’Good move by Nigeria as they keep possession just outside the Argentina area. Mikel then holds off a couple of challenges before feeding a pass out to the right. Ambrose takes a touch and then crosses, but his delivery is easily dealt with by Romero.
74’Decent chance for Nigeria as the ball is played across the Argentina area for Emenike and the forward meets it with a first-time effort, but it goes over the bar.
72’Great play by Lavezzi. The PSG man breezes past Ambrose like he isn’t even there as he races into the left side of the Nigerian penalty area. He fires a cross into the danger area, but Higuain wasn’t quick enough to get on the end of it.
71’Mikel tries to drive Nigeria forward through the middle, but after skipping past one defender he is easily tackled by Mascherano and Argentine eye a counterattack.
69’This match has lost some of its flow following Messi’s substitution and the injury to Babatunde. Nigeria, though, do look a little more fluid and they are being invited forward more regularly.
67’Nigeria are trying to get men forward as often as they can, but they just are not linking up well in the final third. Emenike comes deep and looks to thread Uchebo through towards the area, but his pass is poor.
66’SubstitutionMichael BabatundeMichael Uchebo
65’Unfortunately it seems Babatunde will be unable to continue. The forward has been taken off on a stretcher after a ball smashed into his arm. On comes Uchebo.
63’SubstitutionLionel MessiRicardo Álvarez
63’Messi will not be scoring a hat-trick today as he is taken off for Ricky Alvarez, with the Barcelona star being given a great reception.
62’Nigeria do look capable to causing some trouble on the attack, but their final ball has left a lot to be desired so far. On this occasion, Emenike controls in a deep position and then tries to beat his man, but he is easily tackled.
60’ALMOST A THIRD FOR MESSI! Rojo does brilliantly to latch on to a pass over the Nigeria defence and after just about escaping the offside trap, he squares into the danger area for Messi. The forward manages to get a shot away while being nudged over and it goes agonisingly wide.
59’The corner comes to nothing, but Nigeria remain encamped in their own penalty area. Can they withstand this pressure and equalise for a third time, or will this be all Argentina from now on?
58’Corner to Argentina now as Lavezzi attacks down the right and is knocked over, but he manages to kick the ball on to the defender and win his side a set-piece.
56’There is quite an atmosphere in Porto Alegre now. The stands are rocking, with the huge Argentina contingent making a great racket. You would have thought this was being played in Buenos Aires!
54’Great run by Higuain as he bursts into the left side of the area, latching on to a perfect pass from Messi. The Napoli forward marches into the danger area and flicks his right foot to direct a shot towards goal, but Enyeama makes a crucial block.
52’This has not been a bad game so far! Argentina don’t look ready to settle for this score, though, and they are continuously piling men forward in attack to extend their lead. Perhaps this will play into Nigeria’s hands.
51’Yellow Card Juwon Oshaniwa
50’Assist Ezequiel Lavezzi
50’Goal M. Rojo
GOAL!!! ARGENTINA STRIKE BACK! Messi’s corner is driven into the area and Garay meets it with a header. His effort isn’t get, but Rojo is there just behind him and he inadvertently knocks the ball into the net with his knee!
49’Yellow Card Kenneth Omeruo
49’Great stop by Enyeama as he palms Di Maria’s 20-yard effort over the crossbar, but the danger is by no means over. Argentina now have a corner.
47’Assist Emenike
47’Goal Ahmed Firaz Moosa
47’GOAL!!! MUSA EQUALISES AGAIN! The CSKA Moscow winger come in off the left flank and plays a one-two with Emenike, with the return pass playing him into the area. Musa shapes to shoot towards the right-hand corner, but he disguises his shot and finds the opposite corner.
46’We are back underway for the second half as Nigeria get us started.
The referee blows his whistle to end an entertaining first half and Argentina take a deserved 2-1 lead into the break. Messi gave them an early lead in emphatic fashion and although Nigeria immediately struck back through Musa in style, the South Americans were on top throughout. Aguero’s injury leaves a slight blemish on their day, but they have been much better today than they were in either of their first two games. Nigeria, meanwhile, look powerless to resist Messi and Co.
45′ + 2’HALF-TIME!
45′ + 1’Goal Lionel Messi
GOAL!!! MESSI GETS HIS SECOND! The free-kick is a little closer than his previous attempt, but Enyeama is unable to do anything about this one. Messi steps up and curls a brilliant effort over the ball and into the right side of the goal. Argentina will go into the break with the lead.
45′ + 1’Messi wins Argentina another free-kick, in a similar position to the last. The 27-year-old charged through a number of tackles and was brought down by Onazi, giving him another great chance from a set-piece.
44’Great effort by Messi! Messi did decide to go straight for goal and his shot was heading straight for the top-right corner, but Enyeama threw himself across the goal and clawed it away.
43’Free-kick to Argentina about 30 yards from goal. Mikel was caught in possession by Lavezzi and the Chelsea man brings the attacker down cynically. Messi may eye a shot from here, but a cross would be more likely.
42’Here comes another pause, just when Argentina were trying to build up steam. Onazi took a bit of a clattering from Rojo, but he is soon up and walking about again.
40’Well, not on this occasion anyway. Fernandez manages to get a header away from a corner, but his looping effort is dealt with by Enyeama, who palms the effort on to the roof of the goal.
39’Nigeria finally get around to taking the free-kick, but it is ultimately wasted as Romero collects with ease and springs a counterattack. Can Argentina restore their lead before the break?
38’SubstitutionSergio AgüeroEzequiel Lavezzi
38’Bad news for Argentina. While we are awaiting the free-kick to be taken, Aguero is sat on the floor and he looks set to leave the pitch, but at the moment it is difficult to be sure what the injury is.
36’Nigeria’s attacking threat has been limited, but set-pieces could well present a good opportunity and they have a free-kick in a great position now. Emenike was unfairly brought down by Mascherano on the edge of the area towards the right flank.
34’The corner comes to nothing but a Nigeria free-kick. Enyeama appears to have taken an elbow to his genitals, though, after Higuain was nudged into him by a defender.
33’Argentina have themselves another corner. Aguero pounces on a loose ball and smashes it towards goal, but Oshaniwa makes a vital block and it goes behind.
31’Messi whips in the resulting corner and Argentina have tentative penalty claims turned down as Rojo is adamant the ball struck Ambrose on the arm when challenging him in the air. However, resplays suggest there was little substance to his claims.
30’DI MARIA GOES CLOSE! Nigeria are not learning from their previous mistakes and yet again they fail to close Di Maria down. This time his long-range effort looks destined for the bottom-right corner, but Enyeama tips it around the post.
29’Threatening play by Messi as he drifts across the Nigerian defence with the ball seemingly glued to his feet, but his final ball is poor as he passes straight out of play when trying to feed Aguero in to his right.
27’Nigeria have not offered much attacking threat since their goal, to be honest. However, Odemwingie goes fairly close as he cuts in from the right and drives a left-footed effort from distance. The effort flies comfortably over the bar, though.
25’Di Maria has definitely been Argentina’s greatest threat so far. This time he picks up possession just outside the area and he slips an inviting pass in towards the far post, but neither Higuain or Aguero are quite able to reach it.
23’IRAN UPDATE: Bosnia have taken the lead against Iran, which is of course good news for Nigeria. If Carlos Queiroz’s men lose, Nigeria go through regardless of their result against Argentina.
22’There is a brief pause in play now as Oshaniwa seeks medical attention. The defender clashed with Gago and appeared to be squashed by the Boca midfielder.
20’Enyeama has had a busy 20 minutes and he is called into action again, but by his own team-mate this time. Messi stands over a free-kick about 35 yards from goal and he floats a delivery into the area. Mikel gets a flick on the ball with his head, but thankfully for Nigeria it goes straight to Enyeama.
18’Coolly done by Oshaniwa as he produces a Cruyff turn to get away from the approaching Aguero, but I doubt Enyeama or his coach will have been too happy with that, even though he wasn’t caught out.
16’Argentina are finding so much space in the attacking third. On this occasion Aguero gets into the right side of the area and smashes a low ball into the danger zone, but Enyeama does well to get down and cut it out.
14’Di Maria has been lively so far and he is involved again now as he plays a one-two with Higuain, who lifts the ball into the area for his former Real Madrid team-mate, but Ambrose covers well to halt the opportunity.
12’Nigeria don’t appear to be playing with a great deal of nerves. They are knocking the ball around confidently and they look dangerous when Babatunde and Musa are on the ball. However, will their defence provide a strong foundation?
10’HIGUAIN FINDS THE SIDE-NETTING! Argentina are enjoying themselves at the moment and Messi crafts another great chances as he plays an excellent throughball into the area for Higuain, and after being forced wide by Enyeama, he can only shoot into the side-netting.
8’Di Maria goes close on this occasion. The Real Madrid winger is afforded a lot of space in the attacking third and he opts to try his luck from distance, but Enyeama manages to punch the effort away, albeit a little unconvincingly.
6’Well, what a start we have been treated to. Who saw that coming? Argentina appeared buoyed by their brilliant support in Porto Alegre, but Nigeria showed they will not be giving up without a fight.
4’Assist Michael Babatunde
4’Goal Ahmed Firaz Moosa
GOAL!!! WHAT A FINISH! Nigeria are straight back on level terms in Porto Alegre. The Africans halt Messi in his tracks in their own half and launch a deadly counterattack. Eventually Musa latches on to the ball on the left flank, he cuts into the area and on to his right foot, before lashing an exquisite finish past Romero and into the far side of the goal.
3’Goal Lionel Messi
GOAL!!! ARGENTINA ARE OFF TO A FLYER! Di Maria produces great movement down the left to charge into the danger area and fire in towards the near post and although his effort is knocked on to the post, Messi arrives late to blast in the rebound in emphatic fashion.
2’An injury to Mascherano sees Argentina bring play to a brief halt, but the Barcelona midfielder appears to be fine following his clash with Peter Odemwingie.
1’We’re off in Porto Alegre!
The two teams are now out on the pitch for the national anthems.
The South Americans may well have accumulated six points from their opening two games, they have not been totally convincing. Sabella’s side were bailed out by a piece of magic from Messi against Bosnia-Herzegovina to win 2-1 in their opening match, and then against Iran the Barcelona star struck in second-half stoppage time to secure qualification. Performances have not been up to scratch and Sabella will be hopeful of an improvement.
Although Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina may already be through to the next round, this match still has plenty riding on it as Nigeria target a spot in the knockout phase. Stephen Keshi’s men come into the fixture with four points, three more than Iran. Therefore, the Africans can guarantee qualification with a point, but will Argentina be disappointing once again?
Argentina subs: Orion, Andujar, Campagnaro, Biglia, Perez, Rodriguez, Augusto Fernandez, Demichelis, Palacio, Alvarez, Lavezzi, Basanta.
Argentina (4-2-2-2): Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, FernAndez, Rojo; Mascherano, Gago; Di MarIa, Messi; Aguero, HiguaIn.
Nigeria subs: Uzoenyi, Gabriel, Egwuekwe, Moses, Kunle, Oboabona, Azeez, Ejide, Nwofor, Uchebo, Agbim, Shola Ameobi
Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Enyeama; Ambrose, Yobo, Oshaniwa, Omeruo; Onazi, Mikel; Musa, Babatunde, Odemwingie; Emenike.
CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
Hello and welcome to the LIVE text commentary of the FIFA World Cup Group F meeting between Nigeria and Argentina. Estadio Beira-Rio is the stage today for these two sides’ final group game and I — Ryan Benson — will be describing the action for you. [myad]

Emab Plaza, In Heart Of Abuja, Bombed, As President Jonathan Flies To Equatorial Guinea

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2014

One of the busiest Plazas, Emab plaza in Wuse II, the heart of Abuja, Nigeria Federal Capital Territory has just gone up in smokes as suspected Boko Haram bombed it. The bomb went off in a taxi cab at the time many people were shopping in the Plaza at about 4.02pm.

Only last week, a Directorate of Security Service (DSS) had warned that Boko Haram planned an attack in Abuja, using a fuel tanker.

Our correspondent reports a few minutes ago that the bomb went off about 500 metres from where he stood but could not say whether there was casualty.

The bomb went off just a few minutes after President Goodluck Jonathan took off from Abuja, heading to Equatorial Guinea where he will participate in the 23^rd Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The President who is expected back in the country on Friday, was accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina , the Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.

Meanwhile, no official security report has been made yet.

But there is a report this afternoon that Military officers and men have been placed on red alert in view of the increasingly daring moves of the deadly Boko Haram sect.

Sources said that the military hierarchy has recalled those on leave even as other personnel have been stopped from taking annual leave or travelling out of their official postings.

“A red alert” is issued when there are reasons to believe there will be a major security risk,” a military source said even as officers and men are said to have been cautioned to separate their personalities from official calling.

The military opted for these measures as part of the ongoing “re-strategising plan” against the insurgents, who are trying to extend their operation areas beyond the Northeast.

“The security challenges in the country require a state of alertness on the part of officers and men in the Armed Forces. This is why everyone has been placed on what I may describe as ‘red alert’.

“We are at a stage in the fight against insurgents that we cannot take things for granted. It is just a way of re-strategising.

“Do not forget that if all options fail, we may move heavily against the insurgents and make the battle a decisive one. But, the military is looking forward to options being explored by the government.

“So, the alertness is to ensure that all officers and men are within reach and accessible in case of any task,” a top military source said.

He added: “We want everyone restricted to his or her duty post and barracks to avert infiltration by the insurgents. Some of these insurgents have been trying to induce military men but they have never succeeded. We need to be proactive.

“Do not forget several attempts made by the insurgents to strike in some military/ police barracks and formations in Abuja, Jaji, Bama, Maiduguri, Gombe, and other places.

“After screening of all these places and beefing up security, the next stage is to prevent officers and men from inducement by these insurgents.” [myad]

EkitiDecides: A Forerunner To NigeriaDecides 2015, By Josephine Babatunde

Greenbarge Reporters

June 25, 2014

Not even the most politically naïve Nigerian can fail to appreciate that the recent governorship election in Ekiti State is a forerunner to the 2015 presidential elections. The two major candidates in Ekiti: incumbent Governor John Kayode Fayemi and Governor-elect Ayodele Fayose, represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) respectively. Taking this into consideration, the outcome of the Ekiti election was always going to be more than just a reflection of what the people think of these individuals. It was also a referendum on the political parties they represent. #EkitiDecides, the social media hash tag created by the Independent National Electoral Commission for Nigerians and the world at large to follow the election online in real time, has been hailed as a universal success. Even die-hard critics of electoral processes in Nigeria, especially those in the civil society sector, have all conceded that the results announced, with Fayose as the winner, reflect the true will of the people. An example worth mentioning here is that of Jibrin Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the civil society organization which Governor Fayemi led before his foray into politics. Ibrahim declared, “Having spent a week observing the run up to and the election in Ekiti, it appeared clear to me that Fayemi was not rigged out; he was simply voted out by the people…” Also, the National Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group, Alhaji Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said: “the Ekiti election was generally conducted properly with most polling units opening on time and polling officials following the prescribed procedure. Voters and contestants can have confidence that the INEC result is a true reflection of the will of the voters of Ekiti State.” It is important to reflect the views of these civil society leaders on #EkitiDecides because when #NigeriaDecides in 2015, they are the same people that Nigerians and the international community will look to before concluding if the poll has been conducted freely and fairly. Their verdict on #EkitiDecides is therefore a validation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s longstanding commitment to always ensure that all contestants have a level play-field at all elections in the country. Indeed, let the truth be said: the success of #EkitiDecides, which is being celebrated today, would not have been possible without the commendable leadership shown by the very liberal and exceedingly tolerant President Jonathan. It is Jonathan’s leadership and statesmanship that has consistently allowed the will of the people to hold sway at every election conducted under his watch since he came into office. Besides Ekiti, the list includes Ondo State governorship election, where the Labour Party won; Edo State governorship election, where the APC won, and Anambra State governorship election, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won. Without taking anything away from President Jonathan, it must be said though that perhaps the most significant outcome of #EkitiDecides is that, after the people of Ekiti had expressed themselves at the polls and the results were announced, incumbent Governor Fayemi immediately bowed to their wishes by conceding defeat. This is a first in the annals of Nigerian politics. The rejection of Governor Fayemi and the APC at #EkitiDecides is a clear indication that the party is no match for the PDP. Even in the State of Osun, which is next in line in the elections timetable, the likelihood is that the PDP will trounce incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola. This is because he is a governor who has never been tested at the polls, having won his seat through a legal technicality in court. When Osun people go to the polls in August 2014, there is every possibility that the candidate of the PDP may triumph in a free and fair election devoid of violence. In the same vein, in 2015 when #NigeriaDecides will take place, there is little doubt that the PDP will have an easy ride to victory at the presidential polls. The reason for this is not rocket science. Any politically-aware Nigerian knows that President Jonathan, on the basis of his transformational programmes, will have no difficulty in re-emerging as the flag bearer of the PDP. Also, on the side of the APC, former Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari will have little difficulty trouncing anybody who contests for the APC presidential ticket with him. Therefore, with Jonathan and Buhari almost certain to square off again, there is no discerning Nigerian who cannot appreciate that what happened in 2011 will surely repeat itself in 2015. [myad]‪

The North Grabs Its Fate With Both Hands, By Garba Shehu

Garba Shehu

June 25, 2014

A common narrative among lazy commentators and the apologists of our often criticized government is one that accuses “Northern leadership” and their (Islamic) apex religious leadership of not doing much more than criticize, comment or condemn the executive leadership, without being proactive” to end the “senseless menace that has plagued Nigeria’s North, largely unabated for four years (please read “Why We Failed To BringBackOurGirls,” Dr. Prigirino Brimah, Saharareporters). In addition to politicians, there are activists and rights groups that have bought into this erroneous thinking. But contrary to this type of thinking, there are many groups and societies that are involved, in the nation’s interest, going beyond the criticism of the lack of government action, to identify real solutions to the problems of violence, banditry, criminality and terrorism but because they don’t have the state power to enforce their point of view, all they can do is to write and talk, which is itself an activity protected by the constitution. One such group that has been active in meetings, seminars and workshops in search of peace in the North and Nigeria as a whole is the Arewa Research and Development Project, ARDP (ardpng.org). At a recent workshop in Kaduna, the group brought together an array of active and not-so-active security personnel, journalists, academics, politicians and businessmen to brainstorm on the issue of “Security and Human Rights in Northern Nigeria.” It turned out to be a big opportunity for some of this country’s forgotten heroes, men who had played important roles in keeping the country as one, but who, regrettably today, are sidelined, and are therefore helplessly watching as a set of selfish and greedy political elite tries to undo all of that good work. The interesting aspect of this get-together was the common thread of strong optimism, almost echoed to a fault about the future of Nigeria that ran through the entire conversations. General Emmanuel Abisoye went down the memory lane discussing his role as the General officer commanding the 3rd Infantry Brigade, with overall responsibility for the entire eastern borders of the country, spanning from Maiduguri to Calabar, the entire length of which he said he literally walked on his foot. He spoke with nostalgic confidence and competence about how things are now different, considering especially our seeming helplessness and such question as a so-called mystery of the Boko Haram insurgency in that region. It was an equally good opportunity for such veterans as General Paul Tarfa, General Joshua Shagaya, General Maina, General Temlong, Colonel Hamid Ali, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police Albasu and Lawal Idris (both retired) Col. Aminu, Col. Bello Fadile, Col. Ubah, the Secretary of the ACF and A.A. Gadzama the immediate past Director-General of SSS, among many others to bring their thoughts together on how the North can be cured of these problems. As to be expected, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki made a presentation. The Convener of the ARDP, Dr. Usman Bugaje who called this meeting in collaboration with others, including the Centre for Democratic Research and Documentation of the Bayero University, Kano, and the Centre for Peace Studies of the Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, outlined the objective for this workshop as an attempt “to bring Northern leadership and expertise together to brainstorm on these important, nay compelling security problems facing the country, with a view to proffering solutions that will complement and reinforce what government and non-government actors are doing.” Among the many recommendations they issued at the end of the workshop, they called on the movers and shakers of the North and their citizens to work for mutually rewarding ties with government, to complement each others’ efforts in combating the terror ravaging the region. They appealed to Northerners to unify themselves as a step to securing the unity of Nigeria although, the unity of Nigeria they warned, “will not be at all costs.” They called for a marshal plan and recovery program for the North, taking note of the fact that poverty and neglect account for the crises facing the region to a large extent, although these themselves cannot explain, let alone justify violence in any form. They made the far-reaching recommendation of extending the NYSC to two years, so as to include one year of military service and asked for the setting up of committee to monitor human rights of the civil population, and to audit the conduct of the military in regard to the observance of the rules of engagement. Knowing that the North has its own problems, the meeting called for measures to address issues of corruption and the lack of will. They also asked that the North be treated fairly in the affairs of Nigeria, “like any other region of the country in terms of employment opportunities, appointment and scholarship grants like the Niger Delta.” The communique also strongly disagreed with the malicious linkages of Islam with the bandits who merrily kill, kidnap and trample on innocent persons and businesses, as well as the psychological war against the North and the country as a whole using the social media. A popular local proverb says it takes two hands to clap and only one to slap. The conclusion from here is that Northerners are taking their destiny in their own hands by first uniting themselves, and then working with federal government to bring peace and settlement in the region. But where this partnership and support are not forthcoming on the part of government, the communique gave clear indication that the region will think up other alternatives. What are these alternatives? This workshop did not elaborate.

Read More Articles From This Author: Garba Shehu

[myad]

Abuja Centenary City To Gulp N2.976 Trillion-FCT Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

June 24, 2014

The Minister of Nigeria Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed has said that the sum of N2.976 Trillion (18.6 billion US Dollars) has been mopped up to develop the 1,200 hectares of land for the Centinary City.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the city by President Goodluck Jonathan at Gosa, airport road on Tuesday, Senator Bala said that a total of N1.2 billion had been paid as 100 percent compensation for economic trees of the original inhabitants as well as structures of some Non natives situated on the site.
According to him, 20 percent of the plot for the project has been earmarked for residential houses while 80 percent is for mixed use and commercial purposes.
The city, he said, will have Free Trade Zone, Duty Free Regime, Tax Holidays and Pioneer Status among other things, to facilitate recovery of the investment in the city.
“This will also facilitate the creation of 55, 000 well paying jobs for Nigerians.”
Former Nigerian Head of State and Chairman of the Board of the Centenary City PLC, General Abdulsalami Abubakar had disclosed that the city will have 250,000 construction workers and over half a million visitors daily.
According to him, the city development is in three phases, even as the company’s Executive Director, Mohammed Al-Abbar said that Major the cities will grow about 18% while developing cities will grow at a bigger rate.
He said that the city will deploy the best technology, create a Movement in all economic sectors.
He said that Eagle Hills is committed to the development of the centenary city with about $80B, adding that a similar project, the Down Town Dubai which the company developed attracts 80 million visitors.
Al-Abbar said that at about 1300 hectors, the city is one of the largest such cities to be built in the world, adding that the technology will be deployed while education and health facilities will be emphasized with the city being 50 percent green.
“We will have wonderful amusement parks, golf course, while also emphasizing local cultural entertainment integrated into the city’s development.”
He said that the Eagle Hills is very passionate about the project and that it will ensure high quality in the maintenance of all assets in the city.
He said that the city will host about 500,000 visitors daily and ensure human development of all sorts, saying that the project is being promoted by the Centenary City PLC, with Eagle Hills developing the city at no cost to the federal government.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, President Jonathan said the Centenary City is a symbol of hope and national unity.
He assured investors that they will not be disappointed for patronizing the project.
President Jonathan said that the centenary city remains Nigeria’s dream as the country move into its limitless opportunity
“It is city of hope and elegance” as well as “a symbol of our unity” President Jonathan said that there is no greater show of resolve by Nigeria than to preserve its legacies.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, confirmed to the President that 22 prospective investors among them, Mohammed Al Abbar, Chairman of EMAAR Group, under the name of Centenary City Plc. He said that they formed a coalition to ensure that the city becomes a reality in record time, adding that EMAAR Properties is the largest construction and development company in the United Arab Emirate which is responsible for the development of Burj Khalifa, the tallest artificial structure in the world.
[myad]

Abuja Centenary Photo

Greenbarge Reporters

June 24, 2014

From left Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo PDP National Chairman Alh Adamu Muazu Etiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn President Goodluck Jonathan and the Executive Director of Eagle Hills Mohammed Abbar Showing up the Prototype of the Centinary City at the Braking of the Grand of the Centenary City in Abuja Tuesday 24th June 2014 — From left Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo PDP National Chairman Alh Adamu Muazu Etiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn President Goodluck Jonathan and the Executive Director of Eagle Hills Mohammed Abbar Showing up the Prototype of the Centinary City at the Braking of the Grand of the Centenary City in Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan left and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Wife of Ethiopian Prime Minister Mrs Roman Desalegn and the First lady Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan,right back row left is the SGF Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Chairman of the Centinary City and Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the Braking of Grand of the Centenary City in Abuja

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