Atiku Calls For All Political Parties’ Conference On Boko Haram, Condoles With Victims Of Jos Blasts

May 21, 2014

Former Nigeria Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has called for an all party conference aimed at forging a united approach to dealing with Boko Haram and the spate of insecurity in the country, even as he condoled with victims of the twin bomb blasts in Jos, Plateau state as well as the ones in Kano.

Reacting to the latest bomb blast in Jos, which reportedly killed 118 persons and in Kano where five were killed, the former Vice President said in a press statement in Abuja that the persistent terrorist violence against innocent people is embarrassing and intolerable.

He, however, advised Nigerians not to despair and succumb to terrorists’ blackmail, which is aimed at paralyzing the country with fear and hopelessness, and ultimately turning Nigerians against one another.

According to him, terrorism is an act of “deliberate provocation” intended to throw Nigerians at each other’s jugular thereby destroying every positive gains of the country since independence and amalgamation.

Atiku advised Nigerians not to play into the terrorists’ hands by letting themselves provoked into fighting each other or one another.

The former Vice President also called on politicians to be united in condemning terrorist violence against innocent people, adding that terrorists enjoy dividing public opinion in order to justify their atrocities.

The former Vice President advised Nigerians to be more security conscious by reporting suspicious activities or suspiciously parked and abandoned vehicles at crowded public places even as he enjoined the relevant agencies to put in place machinery for evacuating these and other vehicles that may have been abandoned by their owners.

Pope Francis Visits Middle East With Muslim Leader

Greenbarge Reporters

May 21, 2014

Pope Francis is scheduled to begin a three-day visit to the Middle East on Friday, covering Jordan, the Palestinian Territories and Israel.

Vatican spokesman in Jerusalem, Father David Neuhaus, said that the Pope would be accompanied by his personal friends – a Rabbi and a Muslim leader from Buenos Aires.

He said the Pope would arrive in Jordan on Saturday, where he would celebrate mass in a stadium and visit the site where Jesus is believed to have been baptised.

On Sunday, he would move to Bethlehem, where he is due to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Neuhaus said during the visit, Pope Francis would celebrate the 50th anniversary of a meeting that assuaged historic divisions with the Orthodox Church.

“The meeting 50 years ago put “aside centuries of mutual contempt within the church, and Pope Francis is coming to renew that initiative,” he said.

Neuhaus said on Sunday, Francis was due to embrace the current Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew, in the same room where their predecessors met, and pray with him in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

“This is the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified,’’ he said.
He said Francis would also deliver words of encouragement to Christian minorities in the Middle East.

Neuhaus said he would use his moral authority to call for reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians and support inter-faith dialogue.
He said later in the day, he would arrive in Jerusalem for the ecumenical meeting with Bartholomew.

The spokesman said that Pope Francis would on Monday, meet with Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres, and also visit the Wailing Wall and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Centre.

He said Pope would not celebrate a public Mass in Israel, but in a first for a visiting pontiff, lay flowers at the tomb of Zionist movement founder Theodor Herzl.

Francis was the fourth pope to visit the Holy Land after John Paul II in 2000 and Benedict XVI in 2009.

Trouble Looms In Lagos As ‘Strange Men’ Take Over Traffic Control At Highways

Greenbarge Reporters

May 21, 2014

Lagos appears to be sitting on a keg of powder as people considered by the state government to be strange, have taken over control of traffic on a major highway in the state. The state government actually raised an alarm saying that the ‘strange men,’ dressed in uniform and operating with the name, ‘Federal Taskforce on Sure-P’ are usurping the primary responsibility of the state government.

Reports had it that several of the special taskforce officers dressed in grey and black uniform were sighted on Tuesday around the old toll-gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway controlling traffic.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, in a statement said that the government is not aware of their activities, describing them as faceless.

“These illegal traffic officers currently operating from the old toll gate area with unknown origin and unknown to the Lagos State Government have invaded the roadways with a view to causing public disturbance, as they do not have the backing or the support of the Lagos State Government.”

The commissioner said that their activities are disturbing the operations of the state traffic management personnel already positioned at various traffic points across the state.

“The Lagos State Government is therefore using this medium to call on the handlers of this faceless group to withdraw them immediately so as not to breach the peace and tranquillity the state currently enjoys.”

It would be recalled that early this year, over 5,000 youths thronged the former yard of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) at the old toll gate, near 7-Up Bottling Company, where massive recruitment went on for several weeks.

The development drew the ire of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which linked the action to the upcoming 2015 elections, warning: “any attempt to compromise the present security of lives and property being enjoyed by Lagosians will meet with stiff resistance by both the government and people of Lagos State”.

FERMA, however, denied any involvement in the recruitment of the youths.

APC, PDP Battle For The Soul Of Ekiti State As Campaigns Climax

Greenbarge Reporters

May 21, 2014

With the governorship election scheduled for June 21 in Ekiti state getting closer, the two major political parties: All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are squiring up for the soul of the state this week.

While the top shots in APC have already converged on Ado Ekiti, the state capital, campaigning vigorously for the peoples’ votes, the PDP, led by President Goodluck Jonathan, is scheduled to hit the same state capital tomorrow for the same purpose.

The PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose is expected to receive the Presidential blessing tomorrow even as the APC chieftains including ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar; APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, and the party’s National Chairman, Bisi Akande have blessed the candidacy of Kayode Fayemi. Fayemi is seeking a second term while Fayose is campaigning to return to the seat he vacated in 2006.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner in the state, Mr. Felix Uyanna, has said that he had deployed his men and officers to strategic locations to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The two rallies would hold at the popular Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Uyanna, who spoke through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi added that his men had also commenced a stop-and-search operation on all vehicles.

“The command has enough manpower to ensure that the rallies are held under a peaceful atmosphere. Once the protection of lives and property is our utmost duty, we are going to do all within our powers to curb any crisis that could lead to loss of lives.

“We have activated all the police units to be able to deal with any situation because we are not unaware of the personalities that will visit the state within the next two days. Our men from the Explosive and Ordinance Department had already commenced operation at the venue of the two rallies. They are combing everywhere as we speak.

“We are not going to limit our operations to this; we are also going to give adequate protection to all the hotels where some of these personalities will be staying. So, we are on top of the situation and we are monitoring situations very carefully.”

The police boss urged residents to go about their lawful business and to steer clear of trouble.

Boko Haram Does Not Represent Any Religion But Selfish Interest, Says Senator Akume

Greenbarge Reporters

May 21, 2014

A senator from Benue state, George Akume has said that members of the deadly Boko Haram are not fighting for any type of religion but their selfish interest, even as he asked Nigeria to come together to defeat them.
In a statement in Abuja, Senator Akume also made it clear that if the intention of the incessant bomb attacks in many parts of the North is to create religious hatred amongst the citizenry, they have failed.

It is clear from the utterances of those committing these acts of terror that their grievances are not religious, ethnic nor political. They simply want to destroy the democracy which Nigerians have fought for and which we are now trying to build.
Senator Akume reminded members of the Boko Haram that Nigeria has come to stay and that any attempt by them to destroy the country will fail.
“Nigeria has fought a civil war before and survived it. The new attempts to plunge our beloved country into yet another civil war will fail.”
He was pained another spate of bomb blasts in Jos, Plateau state capital on Tuesday, adding that the bombings that had killed many innocent Nigerians showed that the sole aim of Boko Haram is to destroy the country.
Senator Akume is also disturbed by the abduction of young school girls and the announcement by them that the girls would sold into slavery.
He advised the insurgents to drop their arms and embrace the government’s offer of dialogue so that what ever grievances they have against the system will be addressed.
He also called on Nigerians of all religious beliefs and ethnic origins to stand firm against the premeditated attempts to destroy this country.
The Senator prayed to God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the victims of the blasts, even as he asked God to grant the families of the victims of the dastardly acts the fortitude to bear the loss.

World Cup: I’ll Surprise The World, Says Lionel Messi Of Argentina

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2014

Argentina superstar, Lionel Messi has said that he would surprise the world in the forthcoming world cup tournament in Brazil saying that his army of fans will see a different player than the one that underperformed this season with Barcelona.

“As I join up with the national team, the atmosphere is completely different. Lots of times in the past when I have gone back to Barcelona I have played well. Now I am hoping that the opposite happens.”

He told journalists on arrival at Buenos Aires airport: “with maximum energy in order to give his best like always.

“When I return to the training ground with my teammates, with my friends, it’s going to change my mentality and it’s going to be another story.”

Messi took his time to transcend his talent with Barcelona onto the international stage and it was only at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that he started to perform well.

The 26-year-old returned to his native city of Rosario on arrival before linking up with coach Alejandro Sabella and the rest of the squad next Monday at Ezeiza, the team’s training camp.

He revealed that along with the rest of the Barcelona team this season, they were suffering from a “lack of energy”.

Argentina will play friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago on June 4 before taking on Slovenia three days later.

Their opening Group F match will be against Bosnia on June 16 which proceeds Iran on June 21 and finally Nigeria on June 25.

Jonathan Floors Sanusi Lamido As Court Throws His Suit On Suspension Out

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan may have had the last laugh, as a Federal High Court in Abuja, today, threw out a suit filed by Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi challenging his suspension as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria. The President suspended the former CBN governore on February 20 this year.

The court ruled that it had no jurisdiction to entertain Sanusi’s suit even as it held that the matter is labour and employment –related.

The judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole therefore, ordered the case to be transferred to the National Industrial Court.

The judge also said that the plaintiff is at liberty to challenge his decision at the Court of Appeal, even as he said that he deliberately refrained from deciding the case on its merit so as not to make any prejudicial pronouncements before the matter gets to the Industrial Court.

The judge held that, in line with Sections 251(1) and 254(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the proper court, where Sanusi ought to have instituted the suit, was the NIC.

Sanusi had through his counsel, Mr. Kola Awodein (SAN), sued Jonathan and the Attorney-General of the Federation and the police, asking the court to declare his suspension by the President null and void.

But the court upheld the objection of the President and the AGF to the suit, declaring that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit.

Senate Approves Emergency Rule Extension, Wants Full Military Operation

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2014

Senate has approved the request by President Goodluck Jonathan for an extension of emergency rule in three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe where Boko Haram is still holding sway. The extension is for another six months.

The Senate which gave the node of head for the emergency rule extension today also wants full military operation in the affected states to flush out the insurgents.

House of Representatives had last week, also approved the President’s request for the extension of emergency rule in the three states.

Details of the approval by the Senate will be brought to you shortly.

Jos Twin Explosions: Jonathan Directs Releif Measures For Victims, Says It’s Evil

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed relevant agencies to work out urgent releif measures for the victims of twin bomb explosions in Jos, Capital of Plateau state today, even as he described the explosions as cruel and evil.
In a swift reaction to the. Blasts through his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan condemned the act, saying that the perpetrators of what he called this tragic assault on human freedom are cruel and evil.
He directed all relevant agencies to mobilise support and relief efforts in aid of the victims.
The President extends his heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and persons even as he assured Nigerians that government remains fully committed to winning the war against terror.
“This administration will not be cowed by the atrocities of enemies of human progress and civilization.”
The President expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the international community on the success of the recent Summit in Paris on the security situation in Nigeria hosted by the President of France, Francois Hollande.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of the resolutions reached by the Summit, in addition to existing measures already being taken by the administration to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of lives.
President Jonathan stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria is prepared to strengthen existing mechanisms to ensure the immediate implementation of the resolutions of The Summit, among which are:
‪
i. That every necessary measure should be taken to find the school girls abducted by
Boko Haram terrorists from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State on 14th April 2014;
ii. That Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region will continue to co-operate and coordinate efforts to combat the
Boko Haram menace.
iii. That the Heads of State have agreed that each country will contribute one battalion of troops to the international force set up to patrol the border areas, in line with the Resolution of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. France, United States of America and the United Kingdom will extend technical assistance to achieve this objective;
iv. That the countries will come together to put in place an effective border management regime;
v. That no effort will be spared to stop the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the supply of arms and equipment made available to terrorists.
President Jonathan said that he considered these measures very useful aspects of the concerted international effort to combat terrorism and put an end to the Boko Haram menace.
“In addition, the President, in Abuja, today, directed relevant government agencies to ensure enhanced implementation of the following programmes in the areas affected by
Boko Haram atrocities:
(i) Emergency relief assistance:
The intensification of on-going relief assistance programmes by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)) in partnership with donor agencies.
The programme will ensure rapid deployment of relief assistance to the affected local government areas and communities.
This will include provision of food supplies, medical supplies, basic relief commodities, and conditional cash transfer programmes for affected households;
(ii) Rapid needs assessment:
To support additional intervention programmes in the region, the President has also directed that on-going rapid needs assessment by government agencies should be accelerated to identify affected communities and households and assess the extent of damage to public and private infrastructure, amongst others.
(iii) Safety of schools: President Jonathan has also reiterated Nigeria’s determination to ensure the safety and security of schools in Borno and other parts of the country and also provide counseling services to any affected students to enable them return to school and continue with their academic work.
The federal government, President Jonathan said, has undertaken to rebuild the Chibok School and fortify security in schools, adding that in collaboration with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Education, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the private sector, the government will launch the “Safe Schools Initiative” which will address security issues; re-build the destroyed schools; and provide equipment and materials.

$16 Billion Gas City Project: Uduaghan Inaugurates 21-Man Peace Committee In Ugborodo

Greenbarge Reporters

May 20, 2014

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has inaugurated a 21-man peace committee charged with mediating between the host community, Ugborodo and the Federal Government on the 16 billion dollars Delta Gas City project located at Ogidigben.
Governor Uduaghan, said at the inauguration in Asaba today that it will work for peace between the parties.
The governor said that by the new move, he has finally handed over the peace process to the offices of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) to enable him maintain his neutrality and give credibility to the process and its outcome.
According to the governor, President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to the successful completion and take off of the Ugborodo Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and would be flagging it off soon.
“With the setting up of this committee, the peace process in Ugborodo has to continue for the community to be at peace and for the community to get maximum benefit from the project which is over 16 billion dollars. “In the next few days, the President will come and flag off the project.”
Dr. Uduaghan said that the project was initially to have been sited at Koko but had to be relocated to Ogidigben due to the shallow nature of the waterways at the initial location.
He commended President Jonathan and other Nigerians for allowing the project to remain in Delta State, noting that a lot of interests were on the project to be moved to other states of the country.
While congratulating the different warring factions in Ugborodo for agreeing to toe the line of peace, governor Uduaghan observed that the reconciliation of the warring factions that culminated in the setting up of the EPZ Interface Committee was a good development that would be beneficial to the Ugborodo Community, Itsekiri nation, Delta State and Nigeria at large.
Mr Austin Oborogbeyi of the State Board of Internal Revenue is the chairman of the committee with each of the two parties nominating 10 members, one of whom would serve as secretary.
Members of the committee are: Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Alex Eyengho, Prince Perry Atete, Ayiri Emami, Pullen Esimimajemite, Isaac Botosan,
Sunday Omadeli-Uvwoh, John Edah, Mercy Olowu, Julius Atete, Dr Alex Ideh, David Tonwe, Dr Ayo Ayomike, Maxwell Egbele Okoro, Moses Ajijala, Betty Igbene, Mike Lodge, Tuoyor Ojogor, Elliot Totuoma Ukutse and Femi Wawah.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, (SAN) had, before the inauguration, given a report of the series of meetings called by IGP and the CNS, where the decision on the composition of the committee was reached.
Mr Oborogbeyi, chairman of the Committee in his response said the issue of factions in Ugborodo was over as everybody in the community had resolved to live in peace and work for the progress of the community, the state and the country.
He thanked President Jonathan and Governor Uduaghan for their determination and commitment towards ensuring that the project went on unhindered during the period of the communal crisis, assuring that the committee would work assiduously towards restoring lasting peace in the area.

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